Gotta Have Mistletoe

by Portia Blake

I wasn't planning to get fake-engaged to a king. Cowboys and royals don't usually mix.

Christmas was supposed to be me, my kid, and as many holiday decorations that I can fit in our house.

Then I walked into the wrong room for a contracting job interview, and now the tabloids think I'm His Majesty's new fiancé. Apparently, he was looking for a scandalous fake relationship to keep from getting matchmaked, and when he saw me, he assumed I was the scandal.

One look in his desperate eyes, and I know I can’t leave him hanging. The man just came out. I can’t let him lose face in front of the world.

Next thing I know, me and my son are flying to his snowy Scandinavian kingdom.

He's a widower and single dad just like me, but he's also polished, proper, and wears suits that cost more than my truck.

Still, when he looks at me under the mistletoe, this doesn't feel like pretend.

Genres: Christmas, M M Romance, Contemporary, Royalty, Romance

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2025

Reviews

[Meags · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Gotta Have Mistletoe is a light-hearted, low-angst M/M holiday novella, following the whirlwind romance that sparks between an American cowboy named Glen and a European king named Erik.

Both men are widowers and single fathers, which made for an interesting dynamic I can’t say I’ve read before. Although there’s some appropriate sadness surrounding their lost spouses, the tone of the story is very warm and uplifting, with insta-love vibes and a playful fake relationship trope that helps fast track the relationship progression nicely.

The opposites attract nature of Glen and Erik’s relationship was also good fun, with lots of easy banter and just a dash of on-page steam to cement their physical connection as well as their emotional one.

I especially liked the presence of the men’s two sons (one eight and the other a teenager) and how the four characters got along so smoothly, like unexpected found family fatefully finding each another during the magic of Christmas.

Although fairly shallow on the character depth and relationship growth, this was a very easy, feel-good Christmastime romance, and quite a lovely way for me to kick off the 2025 holiday reading season.


***A special thanks to the author and publishers (via Book Sirens) for providing an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute Christmas story. I didn’t mind the instant love. However, I found the way Glen talked to be insulting. He obviously was intelligent so why did he sound like an ignorant hick. I took off a star for that because it pulled me out of the story. After all he knew how to waltz. Other than that I enjoyed.

[Pia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 ⭐️

This should have been longer. The writing felt rushed and unfinished. It read like a prompt or just some ideas thrown together.
The story could have been so cute and wholesome, both of them finding love again after loss. It had so much potential but lacked details and could have used about 100 more pages.

[Robert Fontenot · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hope this was written by AI. I hate to think a human did this.

[Darius Rovere · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book it has many tropes I look forward to. But the characters just seemed so one note and lacked depth. Maybe if it wasnt a novella the characters could have been explored more but that would not fix the overly stereotypical vocabulary Glen uses.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta Have Mistletoe by Portia Blake is a cute Christmas story of how a somewhat bumbling cowboy finds love with a Scandinavian prince. Glen Garland is a cowboy contractor who owns Garland Contracting in Mistletoe Springs, Nevada. His husband had been killed in bad accident, and he had no desire to be in another romance. He was busy with his 8 year old son, Max, and his business and that was enough for him. He was full of Christmas spirit and was helping to remodel the VIP lounge at the local airport when he decided that the travelers needed to enjoy Christmas there so he hauled in a Christmas tree, put it up near the unfinished glass wall, and was in the process of decorating it and adding some mistletoe because Garland Contracting always leaves sparkle behind. At the same time King Eric of Solberg has just arrived at the airport along with his 16 year old son Anders, to meet a Countess’s daughter who is a professor at Mistletoe University and have a few photo ops, return home, and have his people believing the long distance relationship didn’t work out. He, too, had lost his wife to an illness and everyone was saying he should date and get involved again, which is something he has no desire to do. When the crowd at the airport sees him, they inadvertently knock into Glen’s ladder which sends him and the tree flying through the unfinished glass wall to land at the King’s feet. Erik thinks Glen is devastatingly attractive and wants to kiss him which is very out of the normal for him. Then Glen gets fired and goes home and Erik is sad for him. Glen can’t get Erik out of his mind when he gets a call for an interview to renovate the Mistletoe Springs Restaurant. When he gets there, he gets sent to the wrong room where the King is waiting for the Countess’s daughter and of course, everything goes off course when he tells Glen to go out on the balcony with him and agree to everything he says. He wanted him to be his fake date for a while but somehow he ends up being his fake fiancé. So Glen and Max fly with Erik, Anders, and Olav, Erik’s head advisor, and the security team to Solberg where they will stay for a week over Christmas and then break it off because they miss Mistletoe Springs too much which will solve Erik’s problem. Solberg is beautiful and the Paparazzi are ever present there and following everything they do. They have an awkward dinner where everyone leaves but Erik seeks out Max for an interesting conversation and then finds Glen trying to learn Norwegian. They talk and decide to visit the Christmas Market which Erik has never done since he thinks it is not something he should do as King. He also takes Glen to see his private greenhouse and the mistletoe he is growing. The market turns out to be something Erik should have been going to and the photographers want them to kiss which they do. After dinner Erik goes back to the greenhouse and finds Glen there which leads to a hot love scene and they talk about the future. But then some news comes out that causes Glen and Max to immediately leave to go back to Mistletoe Springs, even though they don’t want to, and Anders talks sense into Erik and makes him realize he loves Glen and he makes a grand gesture to get him to stay. They both declare their love and you know they are going to have a great future together. I really enjoyed this short story. Glen is all cowboy yet naive which seems to get him into trouble. Eric is stoic and takes his duties very seriously but Glen gets to him and helps break down his walls and have some fun. Both men had an instant attraction to each other and it just took some time to have it become real. Max and Anders add to the fun and have an instant liking for each other and play a secret part in getting their fathers together. Olav, the guards, and Gunnhild the housekeeper also important to the story as is the reporter that calls them out. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like fake relationship stories about a prince and a commoner who find each other at Christmas and with the help of those around them are able to find real love under the mistletoe.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy and the King . . .

Glen Garland, a cowboy contractor, is delivering a pine tree to the Mistletoe Lounge at the airport to share a bit of Christmas with the passengers. Moving it from his truck to his shoulder, he carries it through the slushy snow through the airport parking lot. Casey spotted him, walking up beside him, and told him she heard some important folks are flying in today and the airport staff are acting oddly. Then she tried to fix him up with dating her cousin, which he politely refused. He set up the tree and began to decorate it. The TV Anchor announced that King Erik of Solberg and his son, Crown Prince Anders, had arrived in Nevada... then they start speculating whether the king will start dating now that his wife has passed away. Glen continues decorating the tree. Everyone needs joy in their life, even if it’s just the garland around the Christmas tree. The man who hired him, grumpy Mr. Brenner, is not happy that Glen is hanging mistletoe as well and grumbles about it. Mr. Brenner wants it taken down, but just then everyone in the lounge stood up and stared at a blond man walking in with a number of other people. The man glances at Glen and actually blushes! But when the other passengers in the lounge hear someone shout that it was the king, everyone rushed to the window and someone knocks Glen's ladder over as he flies through the air into the tree which then topples through the unfinished glass wall in the direction of the King! The bodyguards throw the King and his son to the floor and Sven lands on the King as ornaments roll around them. The cowboy apologizes to the King. The bodyguard ushers the King away as Mr. Brenner arrives and fires him for the accident he hadn't caused. But at home, he got a text that a Vegas guy wants to renovate Mistletoe Springs Restaurant, and he wants to interview Glen! So at least he will have more work!

King Erik, his son Anders, and his royal advisor Olav are at a restaurant to meet a countess' daughter so the reporter for Solberg National Media, Lena Haugeland, can report the King is now dating. But the woman has still not shown up. This will be an embarrassment. But Olav types something into his phone and the King is sure he will fix matters so the King is not embarrassed. He again thinks about the cowboy, but no king has ever dated a man. Could he? At least he will be flying home tomorrow and this will be over. Apparently Glen's interview will also be occurring at this restaurant as he hurries inside. He didn't expect multiple private rooms, but the maître d’ steps out, tells him he is late, and rushes him inside... to the King's table! The King then takes him out to the balcony and tells him to agree with everything he says out there. He introduces everyone and announces he is in love as he takes Glen Garland's hand -- and the King asks him to agree out loud to be his date. The King asked him so Glen knows he can't refuse. When the reporter asks Glen if they are engaged, he says "yes" without thinking. So the tabloids now believe Glen is King Erik's new fiancé and Glen and Anders are on their way to a new life in another country. Is this truly going to work? Or will a brief visit be enough, and then they can return "home"?

[Mark F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Gotta Have Mistletoe, by Portia Blake. I was fortunate enough to be given an ARC of this book, but this review is given voluntarily. This is a story about Glen Garland, a man who lost his husband three years prior, and King Erik of Solberg, who lost his wife three years prior. An accidental meeting, followed by a misunderstanding, leads them on a royal path to romance, not without its hiccups along the way.

This book was somewhat difficult to review because it was almost a DNF for me. I found the writing to be a bit choppy, not flowing smoothly at all. Add to that lines that seem to be repeated, with only slightly different wording, and frustration grew inside me. To be honest, I felt like this book would have benefitted from a good editor. However, things improved as the story moved on, becoming a bit more enjoyable. Yeah, there was the typical fake-dating scenario that made it a little predictable, but yet still enjoyable as many rom-coms turn out to be. I didn’t fully understand the premise of the story, as to why the king MUST date someone, with enough pressure for him to create a fake-dating scheme, with someone from the U.S., no less. And though the story felt a bit far-fetched at times, I simply reminded myself that it’s a rom-com, then just went with the flow and eventually wound up enjoying it.

In the end, it was a moderately entertaining story, light on the spice, and with interesting characters. You’ve got Glen and his son, Max, King Erik and his son, Prince Anders, along with the King’s Royal Advisor, Olav, his bodyguard, Sven, and housekeeper (more like castlekeeper), Gunnhild, all who love and support the king, just wanting him to be happy. True fairy-tale feelings happening here. And the HEA was icing on the cake.

Overall, I did enjoy this book the further I got into the story. That said, I rate it a 3.5 out of 5, rounded up to a 4 out of 5 since the rating system works in whole numbers.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Story Worth Reading at Any Time of the Year

Erik is the sovereign of Solbergia. Glen is a contractor who excels more in raising his son than in completing his contractual obligations. Both men are widowers and have a deep affection for their sons.

Despite their loneliness, when King Erik visits the charming town of Mistletoe Springs, where cattle outnumber cattle and the atmosphere is quaint, Glen becomes captivated by the King. Coincidentally, he is at the airport when the King and his entourage arrive. During an incident involving the placement of a Christmas tree, the tree topples, causing Glen to fall from a ladder.

There exists a palpable 'chemistry' between the two men. King Erik and his staff seek to craft a narrative suggesting that the King is seeking a potential partner. They have previously arranged fictitious dating activities to divert attention from the appearance of a solitary, widowed monarch. Glen's presence at the airport leads the media to speculate that he is the King's new companion. Subsequently, both men travel to Scandinavia with Glen's son, Max.

At the castle, Glen performs according to expectations to further the relationship narrative. His son and the King's son quickly develop a close friendship, while Glen and his son remain aware that their relationship is staged, knowing they will return to America before Christmas.

However, genuine love develops. Glen falls in love with the King, and it is evident that the King reciprocates his feelings. A dramatic and cinematic run through the airport serves as proof that their relationship is authentic. Ultimately, the King and his consort live happily ever after.

Author Portia Blake demonstrates expertise in this genre and in the dynamics of male-male relationships. The writing is concise, with minimal superfluous language, and the pacing of the book is well-maintained. It offers a quick yet rewarding reading experience.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Ain’t left Mistletoe Springs since my husband died,” I explain. “Guess it took a king to drag me out.”

I enjoyed this book. A cowboy and a Scandinavian king? Yes, please! How did that happen?? Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Glen and Erik. Their first meeting was definitely unique, very public, and led to poor Glen getting fired. But the connection and mutual attraction between Erik and Glenn was immediate. The pacing of the story was brisk- which I did like. It added a layer of tension, and Erik's anxiety and deliberations felt relatable. I also liked that they were both single dads to spouses who had passed away. Usually in romances that involve a single parent, the other person of the couple doesn't have their own kids. That both men have a son of their own adds another element to what began as a fake (and public) relationship. There was also a contrast between the relationships between Erik and Anders and Glen and Max.

I also liked that Erik and Glenn both had their own insecurities to fight. Erik's in particular surprised me (since he's a king). I liked a number of the supporting characters, though it took me a little while to wrap my head around who was who by name.

A fun read. 4 stars

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm familiar with this authors hockey series which I love so I was happy to read this story which is a sweet rom-com.

I wasn't sure what to expect. The first thing that hit me is that it is funny! Really laugh out loud hilarious from the very start with Glen's and King Erik's meet-cute. Then there is their budding romance while they are both plagued with doubts because although they were wildly attracted to each other from the start, they have agreed to pretend to date. There are misunderstandings and miscommunications but it is still a low angst story.

There is family involved. Each man has a son from their previous marriages and it's refreshing to see how Max and Anders get along.

There are some serious themes in the book. Both Erik and Glen have lost their spouses and grieved them deeply. Some details are given for background.

I definitely would describe this story as a happy, low angst, cheerful, holiday themed, rom-com, love story of hope. And I highly recommend it.

[Dillon Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single dads? Royalty? Fluffy cozy reads? Sign me up.

With this novella being short and sweet, it’s really easy to get lost in it and refresh yourself with a good comfort read for the holiday season. Is it the most adventurous and plot oriented story, not really. But that’s not the point. Did I have a good time reading it and would re-read it? Absolutely. It was a breeze to get through and left me wanting a little bit lore of them of the author decides to write a follow-up.

This story is meant to be enjoyed with a nice cup of hot chocolate and snuggled up by the fireplace. It plays heavily into the instalove trope with minimal conflict. A lot of which is due to its short and straightforward premise, but it has several aspects that I enjoy reading about, and I went into it knowing what to expect so I didn’t mind.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice Christmas story. It wasn’t too long, and while there was a slight misunderstanding, it didn’t drag out. There was a little humor thrown in, and some pretty smart kids. Olav got to be a bit annoying, but the rest of the cast of characters were pretty much okay. A few times Glen got annoying with his okie dokie, reckon, don't instead of doesn't…. typical southern speak that I’ve always said is fine in the real world, but it doesn’t carry over in print. Thankfully, the author didn’t go too crazy with it.

A nice story by an author I don’t think I’ve ever read before.

Full review can be found at -

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and cute

If you just need a quick feel good Christmas novella that's low angst, low spice and low on the building of the character or relationship this was perfect. It made for an easy palate cleanser.

We have a good old cowboy that seems smart and educational in some places and pure country hick in others. Then we have the king of the tiniest kingdom. Both men lost their partners and have a son.

These two fall all over each other in an airport in Mistletoe Springs. While there was an immediate attraction the unfortunate meeting in the airport doesn't bode well.

Well until they are suddenly fake engaged but catching feelings very quickly. The cowboy is out of depth when he arrives in the castle.

I do really love the relationship we see between their kids though. Also, the effort the King goes through to get his man in the end was absolutely adorable.

[LGO · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 estrellas

⚪ M/M Romance
⚪ Christmas Romance
⚪ Fake Dating

Glen es un vaquero de Nevada que perdió a su marido hace 3 años. Erik es el rey de un pequeño país europeo que acude a Nevada a fingir un compromiso con una mujer, harto de que todo su entorno y la prensa intenten emparejarle después de que perdiese a su mujer 3 años antes tras una larga enfermedad. Por un malentendido, acaba fingiendo que Glen es su prometido ante la prensa. Erik es bisexual pero nunca ha estado con un hombre y tiene un flechazo instantáneo con Glen que, sin duda, es recíproco. Ambos tienen miedo tras haber superado un duelo pero la excusa de tener que fingir su relación les acerca.

Es el primer romance navideño que leo esta temporada y me ha gustado. Es ligero y dulce. Lo recomiendo. Me ha parecido un poco corto y el amor demasiado instantáneo pero lo recomiendo.

[Karen T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lighthearted holiday romance is a cozy, feel-good read that leans fully into warmth, humor, and charm. The unlikely pairing of Glen, an American cowboy, and Erik, a European king, makes for a delightful contrast, with their unexpected first meeting quickly blossoming into a playful, fast-moving romance. The story embraces a cheerful tone throughout, using banter, instant chemistry, and a faux-relationship setup to keep things fun and engaging without drifting into heavy conflict.

What adds heart is the emphasis on family and second chances. Both men are single fathers, and watching their small circle come together during the holiday season gives the story an uplifting, found-family feel. Sweet, easy to read, and full of festive comfort, this novella is great for when you’re in the mood for a joyful, low-stress love story.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
This was very charming, I’m glad I had a chance to read Erik and Glen’s story. I was pulled in by the super cute cover and took a chance as I rarely enjoyed royalty romances. This was so fun and one of the more unique takes on a royalty trope, and avoids the usual stifling politics of the genre. I also don’t typically seek out a single dad romance but here it works so well. Both lost their spouse and are trying to help their sons through the grief really grounded this and makes it feel more relatable by putting Glen and Erik on common ground. This book is filled with tropes I normally avoid but I had a good time reading this. The author writes with humor and charm, and the characters were lovely together.

[Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like: queer romance, holiday novellas, single dad romance, fake dating

CW: death of a spouse via illness, death of a spouse via violent crime

Closeted bisexual King Erik of Solberg is travels to Mistletoe Springs Nevada and through a series of follies, meets and ends up in a fake engagement with gay contractor Glen Garland. To help convince the people of Solberg that their relationship is real, Glen and his son travel to Solberg for Christmas.

The story was a quick read and was cute with a little bit of spice. HEA with an instant blended family.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elysha Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gotta Have Mistletoe is a cute and quick novella about a pretend engagement between a cowboy and Scandinavian king.

This is a cute little Christmas read that is perfect if you’re looking for a quick and joyful read around the holidays.

It hits a lot of the holiday rom-com tropes as well, including meet-cute, insta-love, falling for royalty and fake relationship.

I did find the insta-love to be unrealistic, but this is also not my favourite trope. I did find the characters to be written a bit immaturely too, as in they felt a lot younger than the 30-40s I would guess they are based on the story.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Hira Chaudhary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need more double single dad romance, because this was so adorable and sweet, and I fell in love with Glen and Erik and how their sons became friends and how cute this whole thing was! I died over the way Glen and Erik were both immediately attracted to each other and how they couldn't get the other out of their heads. I loved how a miscommunication led to Erik announcing his fake dating scheme with Glen. I loved how Glen went along with everything and how he and Max went back home with Erik and Anders and how they got to know one another, and how even though they knew it was all supposed to be fake, they fell in love anyways.

Erik and Glen were so sweet and cute, and it killed me how they had both lost their partners and neither of them really thought they would ever fall in love again. And then they met each other and they knew they were going to get a second chance at love. I loved Max and Anders and how they became friends and how you can already see how great the four of them will be as a little family. I loved everything about this cute little holiday romance!

[Valerie E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute short Christmas love story between a King and a cowboy. It felt like a hallmark movie, which was good. While I enjoyed it, I found it hard to believe that they had their "meet cute" and within a week were declaring love. I tend to only enjoy insta love when it is fated mates. So, I wish it took place over a longer period to show why they loved each other. But, it was a nice read to get you in the holiday spirit.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light hearted Christmas story. Glen is setting up a Christmas tree in the airport. While doing this, King Erik comes to the US through said airport. Paparazzi & passengers trying to get a glimpse of the King, knock Glen off his ladder right into the arms of King Erik. Both are widowed single fathers, not planning on dating or falling in love just yet feel a sudden attraction. Do they open their hearts to each other or do they separate to their own countries, Glen in US & King Erik in Norway? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta Have Mistletoe is about Glen who's deliver a Christmas tree to the airport when King Erik arrives and then he falls with the tree and lands on the king. King Erik need a fake relationship, and now Glen and his son is flying to Solberg to be a king's fake fiancé.

This was a very good Christmas story, I liked it. It was quick read and the ending was very romantic.

-----------------------------------------
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a very sweet romance. I like how Erik and Glen meet for the first time and shortly after accidentally become engaged. Time spent together has them falling in love. I liked how Erik made the grand gesture to keep Glen.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erik and Glen were an adorable, sweet, lighthearted insta-love romance. Both men have been through so much and more than deserved their happiness with each other.
Who cares if they were from two different worlds? When they collide, expect all the joy that comes with it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Deadman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and lighthearted. I felt the writing was almost childish at times and that was distracting in a romance novel. With the read for sure. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Buzzy Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed these characters

Although story is certainly important, for me the characters have to come first- And I really want to have these people in my life. I wouldn't mind some Scandinavian castle time either.

[Kathy Seabrease · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by this author. Was a fun, quick read. 2 Dads with sons, mourning the loss of their spouses, thrown together mistakenly into a fake romance. What could be more fun? Fake, quickly turned to real... not only creating their HEA, but helping their sons to heal... doesn't hurt when one of the men is King... Erik and Glen are cute together.

[D. Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be a Hallmark movie next year!

I LOVED this fun and heartfelt holiday M/M romance! And I want more Glen & Erik! Feel free to keep the sequels coming, Portia. And I am jumping into the Hockey Rules series as a result of reading Gotta Have Mistletoe.

[Eric Weimar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and effortlessly enjoyable

Glen and Erin's story is great for an afternoon full of hot tea and warm fire while reading
Leaves you with a fuzzy happy feeling.
Especially the interaction with the Paparazzo