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Mistletoe Miscommunication
Not yet published
Expected 3 Nov 26Holly
For the last year, every day had been spent slowly rebuilding my shattered self-esteem after discovering the man–who’d promised me forever–had been using the bookstore I’d dedicated my life to as a front to commit fraud. My now ex-husband had left me with nothing but debt, heartbreak, and a lingering sense of failure. I’d learned the hard way that trusting the wrong man sometimes led down a path of destruction.
Starting over as the children’s librarian in my tiny Colorado hometown brought me contentment, but there was still something missing. Could that something be the entirely too sexy tattoo artist who visited the library several times a week?
Grayson
Since returning to Sage Springs eighteen months ago, I’d kept my heart carefully tucked away, where it belonged. Having spent half my childhood in this small town, my name was overshadowed by the man who shared it. My infamous father taught me early on that love never lasted through his entirely too frequent bouts of infidelity that bruised my mother’s heart. The only lasting reminders I left behind were in ink on other people’s skin, since I’d devoted myself to creating art instead of breaking promises.
Stolen glances between the shelves in the library where I went to sketch had me questioning my decision to avoid romance as I watched the woman I’d had a childhood crush on settle into her role as the new librarian. With the holiday season approaching, keeping my distance from her proved harder than I’d expected. An impulsive decision on her part late one snowy night brought us together in a way that left permanent marks, and not only the ones I’d inked on her flawless skin.
Bring on the Ho, Ho, Ho, Coming November 3, 2026
For the last year, every day had been spent slowly rebuilding my shattered self-esteem after discovering the man–who’d promised me forever–had been using the bookstore I’d dedicated my life to as a front to commit fraud. My now ex-husband had left me with nothing but debt, heartbreak, and a lingering sense of failure. I’d learned the hard way that trusting the wrong man sometimes led down a path of destruction.
Starting over as the children’s librarian in my tiny Colorado hometown brought me contentment, but there was still something missing. Could that something be the entirely too sexy tattoo artist who visited the library several times a week?
Grayson
Since returning to Sage Springs eighteen months ago, I’d kept my heart carefully tucked away, where it belonged. Having spent half my childhood in this small town, my name was overshadowed by the man who shared it. My infamous father taught me early on that love never lasted through his entirely too frequent bouts of infidelity that bruised my mother’s heart. The only lasting reminders I left behind were in ink on other people’s skin, since I’d devoted myself to creating art instead of breaking promises.
Stolen glances between the shelves in the library where I went to sketch had me questioning my decision to avoid romance as I watched the woman I’d had a childhood crush on settle into her role as the new librarian. With the holiday season approaching, keeping my distance from her proved harder than I’d expected. An impulsive decision on her part late one snowy night brought us together in a way that left permanent marks, and not only the ones I’d inked on her flawless skin.
Bring on the Ho, Ho, Ho, Coming November 3, 2026
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 3, 2026
About the author
E.L. Koslo
19 books448 followersFind the funny in your life.
That’s what EL Koslo strives to do in her life every day. She spent her youth with her nose in a book, often conjuring up storylines in a composition notebook she hid under her mattress. Her love of writing continued on through high school as she served on the school paper and wrote poetry for the literary magazine.
At University, she studied Art and Art History where she met her own prince charming after kissing a few frogs, of course.
Her love of reading and writing have been a constant in her life with her nose always buried in a book, tablet, or computer—both writing and reading.
She resides in the Midwest United States with her husband and four rambunctious children. Her days are filled with driving kids to school, activities, and sports; frequently squeezing writing time in while waiting in the carpool line.
Koslo’s characters are often developed while running on the treadmill at the gym, and she has a DVR full of Hallmark movies.
Her debut novel, Foreplay on Words, combines her love of steamy romance, awkward but loveable leading males, and headstrong heroines with a dash of humor and a little bit of kink.
Follow her at: https://linktr.ee/elkoslo
Instagram: @elkoslo_writes
Tiktok: @elkoslowrites
Facebook Page: EL Koslo Romance Writer
Facebook Reader Group: Dirty Words Brigade
ELKoslo.com
**** Please do not add any freely published works to my account that you have not asked for permission to add. They will be deleted and you will be reported. Draft work on serial reading apps is not fair game for you to add to an author’s goodreads account. ****
That’s what EL Koslo strives to do in her life every day. She spent her youth with her nose in a book, often conjuring up storylines in a composition notebook she hid under her mattress. Her love of writing continued on through high school as she served on the school paper and wrote poetry for the literary magazine.
At University, she studied Art and Art History where she met her own prince charming after kissing a few frogs, of course.
Her love of reading and writing have been a constant in her life with her nose always buried in a book, tablet, or computer—both writing and reading.
She resides in the Midwest United States with her husband and four rambunctious children. Her days are filled with driving kids to school, activities, and sports; frequently squeezing writing time in while waiting in the carpool line.
Koslo’s characters are often developed while running on the treadmill at the gym, and she has a DVR full of Hallmark movies.
Her debut novel, Foreplay on Words, combines her love of steamy romance, awkward but loveable leading males, and headstrong heroines with a dash of humor and a little bit of kink.
Follow her at: https://linktr.ee/elkoslo
Instagram: @elkoslo_writes
Tiktok: @elkoslowrites
Facebook Page: EL Koslo Romance Writer
Facebook Reader Group: Dirty Words Brigade
ELKoslo.com
**** Please do not add any freely published works to my account that you have not asked for permission to add. They will be deleted and you will be reported. Draft work on serial reading apps is not fair game for you to add to an author’s goodreads account. ****
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 stars.
"Mistletoe Miscommunication" by E.L. Koslo is a funny, fast-paced, easy-to-read holiday-themed romantic comedy that made me laugh (and honestly, cringe). Holly (FMC) is a children's librarian in her small hometown of Sage Springs. She has recently returned to town after her ex-husband was found guilty of using her bookstore as a money laundering front. Grayson (MMC) is a wild, tattooed bad boy body piercer/tattoo artist who has harbored a secret crush on Holly since they were younger. They are both outsiders who feel out of place in their small town. He is living in the shadow of his father's infidelities and improprieties, and she is lonely and heartbroken after what she thought was true love slipped from her fingers because of his ex's lies and deceit. Holly has always wanted a tattoo, so late one night on the eve of a snowstorm, and on a total whim, she asks Grayson to mark her permanently. This thrusts the two of them together in a forced proximity situation. Holly has a habit of word-vomiting when she's around Grayson (MMC), and the two of them flirt, unload their mutual baggage, banter, and get to know each other while he gives her her first tattoo. As the snowstorm gets worse, she offers to let him stay with her until the weather dies down... and the two of them have a holly jolly Christmas indeed! The best part of this book is when Holly absolutely fumbles and bumbles her way around speaking to Grayson. There are many unintended funny moments in her innuendo-laced slip-ups that made me cackle out loud! There is a ton of underlying tension between the two of them that grows and grows until it comes to a head in a spicy, delicious way. I like how each of them has their own trauma and fresh grief to overcome, but they wind up helping each other work through it together. The two of them have an effortless way of opening up to each other, and their communication, once they (read: she) stop jabbering, is actually pretty good despite the title! Can Holly and Grayson learn to trust each other despite their scars? He never wants to turn into his father, and she never wants to be hurt or betrayed again, so will his "secret" compromise everything they are quickly building? Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis narrate this audiobook, and while I enjoyed their performances, I have to admit, I found Francis's Southern twang a little distracting at times. Still, I enjoyed this one!
Thank you to E.L. Koslo and Luna Literary for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Mistletoe Miscommunication" by E.L. Koslo is a funny, fast-paced, easy-to-read holiday-themed romantic comedy that made me laugh (and honestly, cringe). Holly (FMC) is a children's librarian in her small hometown of Sage Springs. She has recently returned to town after her ex-husband was found guilty of using her bookstore as a money laundering front. Grayson (MMC) is a wild, tattooed bad boy body piercer/tattoo artist who has harbored a secret crush on Holly since they were younger. They are both outsiders who feel out of place in their small town. He is living in the shadow of his father's infidelities and improprieties, and she is lonely and heartbroken after what she thought was true love slipped from her fingers because of his ex's lies and deceit. Holly has always wanted a tattoo, so late one night on the eve of a snowstorm, and on a total whim, she asks Grayson to mark her permanently. This thrusts the two of them together in a forced proximity situation. Holly has a habit of word-vomiting when she's around Grayson (MMC), and the two of them flirt, unload their mutual baggage, banter, and get to know each other while he gives her her first tattoo. As the snowstorm gets worse, she offers to let him stay with her until the weather dies down... and the two of them have a holly jolly Christmas indeed! The best part of this book is when Holly absolutely fumbles and bumbles her way around speaking to Grayson. There are many unintended funny moments in her innuendo-laced slip-ups that made me cackle out loud! There is a ton of underlying tension between the two of them that grows and grows until it comes to a head in a spicy, delicious way. I like how each of them has their own trauma and fresh grief to overcome, but they wind up helping each other work through it together. The two of them have an effortless way of opening up to each other, and their communication, once they (read: she) stop jabbering, is actually pretty good despite the title! Can Holly and Grayson learn to trust each other despite their scars? He never wants to turn into his father, and she never wants to be hurt or betrayed again, so will his "secret" compromise everything they are quickly building? Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis narrate this audiobook, and while I enjoyed their performances, I have to admit, I found Francis's Southern twang a little distracting at times. Still, I enjoyed this one!
Thank you to E.L. Koslo and Luna Literary for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
****ARC READER REVIEW****
This book was adorable, chaotic, festive, and had me physically recoiling from the amount of embarrassing things that came out of Holly's mouth.
And I loved every second of it.
Holly returns to her hometown after her entire life basically implodes, and honestly? The woman cannot be left unsupervised around Grayson for even five minutes.
Every interaction between them felt like watching someone repeatedly step on a rake.
The second Grayson appeared, Holly's brain packed its bags and left town.
This woman would start a normal conversation and somehow end up accidentally saying the most suggestive thing possible.
Over.
And over.
And OVER.
The amount of innuendo she stumbled into completely by accident had me laughing like an idiot. I was reading thinking, "Surely she can't make this worse."
And then she would.
Immediately.
I suffered.
I thrived.
It was glorious.
And then there's Grayson.
A tattooed bad boy with a secret crush?
Your Honor, I am looking respectfully.
This man has been carrying a torch for Holly for YEARS and the patience he displayed deserves financial compensation. Watching him deal with her nonstop verbal disasters while somehow finding them endearing was honestly one of the most impressive feats in the entire book.
The chemistry between these two was ridiculous.
Put them in a room together and suddenly the air has its own pulse.
Add forced proximity during a snowstorm?
Add Holly getting her first tattoo?
Add only one house?
Add years of unresolved feelings?
I knew I was done for.
The tension just keeps building and building until you're practically screaming, "PLEASE KISS ALREADY, I'M TIRED."
And when everything finally comes together?
Worth it.
Absolutely worth it.
What I really appreciated, though, was that beneath all the holiday rom-com chaos, both characters were carrying their own emotional baggage. Holly is still recovering from betrayal and heartbreak, while Grayson is terrified of becoming the kind of man his father was.
They're both a little broken.
They're both a little lost.
And somehow they become the safe place the other person needs.
Cue me aggressively clutching my chest.
I also loved that once Holly's brain stopped actively sabotaging her, these two actually communicated surprisingly well. For a book called Mistletoe Miscommunication, there was significantly less frustrating miscommunication than I expected, and I was very grateful for that.
Because I can only survive so much secondhand embarrassment before I need medical attention.
The only thing that didn't completely work for me was the audiobook narration at times. I enjoyed both narrators overall, but there were a few moments where the Southern accent pulled me out of the story.
Not enough to ruin it.
Just enough for me to notice.
Overall, this was a cozy, funny, tension-filled holiday romance with a heroine whose mouth operates without adult supervision and a tattooed hero who somehow found that charming instead of concerning.
This book was adorable, chaotic, festive, and had me physically recoiling from the amount of embarrassing things that came out of Holly's mouth.
And I loved every second of it.
Holly returns to her hometown after her entire life basically implodes, and honestly? The woman cannot be left unsupervised around Grayson for even five minutes.
Every interaction between them felt like watching someone repeatedly step on a rake.
The second Grayson appeared, Holly's brain packed its bags and left town.
This woman would start a normal conversation and somehow end up accidentally saying the most suggestive thing possible.
Over.
And over.
And OVER.
The amount of innuendo she stumbled into completely by accident had me laughing like an idiot. I was reading thinking, "Surely she can't make this worse."
And then she would.
Immediately.
I suffered.
I thrived.
It was glorious.
And then there's Grayson.
A tattooed bad boy with a secret crush?
Your Honor, I am looking respectfully.
This man has been carrying a torch for Holly for YEARS and the patience he displayed deserves financial compensation. Watching him deal with her nonstop verbal disasters while somehow finding them endearing was honestly one of the most impressive feats in the entire book.
The chemistry between these two was ridiculous.
Put them in a room together and suddenly the air has its own pulse.
Add forced proximity during a snowstorm?
Add Holly getting her first tattoo?
Add only one house?
Add years of unresolved feelings?
I knew I was done for.
The tension just keeps building and building until you're practically screaming, "PLEASE KISS ALREADY, I'M TIRED."
And when everything finally comes together?
Worth it.
Absolutely worth it.
What I really appreciated, though, was that beneath all the holiday rom-com chaos, both characters were carrying their own emotional baggage. Holly is still recovering from betrayal and heartbreak, while Grayson is terrified of becoming the kind of man his father was.
They're both a little broken.
They're both a little lost.
And somehow they become the safe place the other person needs.
Cue me aggressively clutching my chest.
I also loved that once Holly's brain stopped actively sabotaging her, these two actually communicated surprisingly well. For a book called Mistletoe Miscommunication, there was significantly less frustrating miscommunication than I expected, and I was very grateful for that.
Because I can only survive so much secondhand embarrassment before I need medical attention.
The only thing that didn't completely work for me was the audiobook narration at times. I enjoyed both narrators overall, but there were a few moments where the Southern accent pulled me out of the story.
Not enough to ruin it.
Just enough for me to notice.
Overall, this was a cozy, funny, tension-filled holiday romance with a heroine whose mouth operates without adult supervision and a tattooed hero who somehow found that charming instead of concerning.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story may not have completely swept me off my feet, but the narration? ABSOLUTE PERFECTION! 🔥🎧
While "Mistletoe Miscommunication" didn't pull me in quite as much as I'd hoped, there was still plenty to enjoy, especially when it came to the chemistry between Holly and Grayson!
I absolutely loved the opening of this story, which forced Holly and Grayson into close proximity and gave them the perfect opportunity to more or less publicly ogle each other. 😂 Their love story was packed with fire, tension, and plenty of spice! So much spice, in fact, that I had to mute a few scenes because my kid was in the car with me. Whoops!
One thing I particularly appreciated was how naturally Grayson's sister revealed his secret. To her, it was simply a childhood memory, not some massive revelation she knew she needed to keep hidden. Granted, the revelation definitely gave Grayson a bit of a creeper vibe, but I was glad Holly was able to move past it.
Now, let's talk about the REAL stars of this audiobook: Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis! I'm already a HUGE Savannah Thomas fan, and thanks to my love of Autumn Mercer's voice, I discovered Brandon Francis. Together? THEY ABSOLUTELY BROUGHT IT! Their performances were full of personality, chemistry, and emotion, elevating a story that otherwise didn't completely hook me. I could have listened to these two all day!
Overall, this was a fun, fiery, spicy romance with an audiobook performance that truly stole the show!
📖 Mistletoe Miscommunication
✍️ E.L. Koslo
📚 Masked Men of Sage Springs, Book 4
🎙️ Savannah Thomas & Brandon Francis
🎁 Provided by Luna Literary
📅 11/03/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
While "Mistletoe Miscommunication" didn't pull me in quite as much as I'd hoped, there was still plenty to enjoy, especially when it came to the chemistry between Holly and Grayson!
I absolutely loved the opening of this story, which forced Holly and Grayson into close proximity and gave them the perfect opportunity to more or less publicly ogle each other. 😂 Their love story was packed with fire, tension, and plenty of spice! So much spice, in fact, that I had to mute a few scenes because my kid was in the car with me. Whoops!
One thing I particularly appreciated was how naturally Grayson's sister revealed his secret. To her, it was simply a childhood memory, not some massive revelation she knew she needed to keep hidden. Granted, the revelation definitely gave Grayson a bit of a creeper vibe, but I was glad Holly was able to move past it.
Now, let's talk about the REAL stars of this audiobook: Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis! I'm already a HUGE Savannah Thomas fan, and thanks to my love of Autumn Mercer's voice, I discovered Brandon Francis. Together? THEY ABSOLUTELY BROUGHT IT! Their performances were full of personality, chemistry, and emotion, elevating a story that otherwise didn't completely hook me. I could have listened to these two all day!
Overall, this was a fun, fiery, spicy romance with an audiobook performance that truly stole the show!
📖 Mistletoe Miscommunication
✍️ E.L. Koslo
📚 Masked Men of Sage Springs, Book 4
🎙️ Savannah Thomas & Brandon Francis
🎁 Provided by Luna Literary
📅 11/03/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 21, 2026
Holiday Novella
Children's Librarian FMC
Tattoo Artist/Piercer MMC
Mutual Longing
Childhood Crush
Forced Proximity
Holiday Fling that turns into more
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Brandon Francis & Savannah Thomas
Love both Brandon & Savannah and together they make a great pair.
Book #4 Masked Men of Sage Springs series
This series is fun, flirty, and SPICY E.L. Koslo writes wonderful characters and spice. This is a holiday Novella that is sure to spice up your holiday season and warm you up on a cold winter day.
Holly is a sweet, divorced librarian that is in need of some shaking up in her life. Grayson is younger than Holly, but he is basically obsessed with her but in such a sweet & adorable way.. Well, he also wants to F*** her so there is that. These two have chemistry and are just so cute together. When Grayson's dirty mouth kicks in I was sweating! E.L. Koslo never lets me down with her spicy scenes.
Overall, a cute holiday novella for all romance lovers.
Thank you E.L. Koslo & Luna Literary for this eARC & ALC.
Children's Librarian FMC
Tattoo Artist/Piercer MMC
Mutual Longing
Childhood Crush
Forced Proximity
Holiday Fling that turns into more
Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Brandon Francis & Savannah Thomas
Love both Brandon & Savannah and together they make a great pair.
Book #4 Masked Men of Sage Springs series
This series is fun, flirty, and SPICY E.L. Koslo writes wonderful characters and spice. This is a holiday Novella that is sure to spice up your holiday season and warm you up on a cold winter day.
Holly is a sweet, divorced librarian that is in need of some shaking up in her life. Grayson is younger than Holly, but he is basically obsessed with her but in such a sweet & adorable way.. Well, he also wants to F*** her so there is that. These two have chemistry and are just so cute together. When Grayson's dirty mouth kicks in I was sweating! E.L. Koslo never lets me down with her spicy scenes.
Overall, a cute holiday novella for all romance lovers.
Thank you E.L. Koslo & Luna Literary for this eARC & ALC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
2.5⭐️
This was like a cheesy hallmark movie you couldn’t look away from. Conceptually it was cute, with it being set in a small town and having the bad boy x good girl dynamic. It was really short and bingeable which I enjoyed but I think the pacing could’ve done with a little bit of work. The conflict was ridiculous and came so late into the story that it made no sense, and the resolution of said conflict pissed me off. I thought that the writing style was a bit clunky in the sense that the dialogue and the characters thoughts didn’t flow together. I also thought that the side characters felt plopped in randomly and were a bit hard to keep track of. So, definitely not a book I was obsessed with, however it’s a fun holiday romance that is a quick read to get you in the holiday spirit.
Thank you to E.L Kosolo for this arc!!
This was like a cheesy hallmark movie you couldn’t look away from. Conceptually it was cute, with it being set in a small town and having the bad boy x good girl dynamic. It was really short and bingeable which I enjoyed but I think the pacing could’ve done with a little bit of work. The conflict was ridiculous and came so late into the story that it made no sense, and the resolution of said conflict pissed me off. I thought that the writing style was a bit clunky in the sense that the dialogue and the characters thoughts didn’t flow together. I also thought that the side characters felt plopped in randomly and were a bit hard to keep track of. So, definitely not a book I was obsessed with, however it’s a fun holiday romance that is a quick read to get you in the holiday spirit.
Thank you to E.L Kosolo for this arc!!
October 26, 2026
This was such a fun and spicy good time!
I really enjoyed Holly and Grayson’s story. After Holly’s marriage leaves her picking up the pieces and rebuilding her life, she finds herself drawn to Grayson, a tattoo artist with a guarded heart and a history of his own. The chemistry between these two was so good. I loved the small-town setting and watching these two find their way toward each other!
This was a quick, entertaining read with great chemistry and just the right amount of spice. Sometimes you just need a book that’s fun, flirty, and easy to get lost in, and this one delivered!
The audiobook was excellent, too! Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. 🎧
If you’re looking for a quick, spicy romance with small-town charm and great narration, add this one to your TBR!
I really enjoyed Holly and Grayson’s story. After Holly’s marriage leaves her picking up the pieces and rebuilding her life, she finds herself drawn to Grayson, a tattoo artist with a guarded heart and a history of his own. The chemistry between these two was so good. I loved the small-town setting and watching these two find their way toward each other!
This was a quick, entertaining read with great chemistry and just the right amount of spice. Sometimes you just need a book that’s fun, flirty, and easy to get lost in, and this one delivered!
The audiobook was excellent, too! Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. 🎧
If you’re looking for a quick, spicy romance with small-town charm and great narration, add this one to your TBR!
October 22, 2026
Holly and Grayson’s holiday novella romance was such a good time! And fit perfectly into this series, which I am absolutely LOVING!
🩵Forced proximity
🩵Holiday novella
🩵Secret naughty librarian
🩵Sexy tattoo artist
🩵Childhood crush
Holly and Grayson’s journey is fun and sexy, and my favorite part was the end scene with the piercing. Oh my goddddd. That was SO HOT!! 🥵
Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas do an amazing job narrating these characters! Brandon’s voice was the star of the show with his accent, and then his Santa voice. Savannah was a superstar as well, as always!
🩵Forced proximity
🩵Holiday novella
🩵Secret naughty librarian
🩵Sexy tattoo artist
🩵Childhood crush
Holly and Grayson’s journey is fun and sexy, and my favorite part was the end scene with the piercing. Oh my goddddd. That was SO HOT!! 🥵
Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas do an amazing job narrating these characters! Brandon’s voice was the star of the show with his accent, and then his Santa voice. Savannah was a superstar as well, as always!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such an adorable & sweet holiday romcom. It's got the cozy, small town vibes we love from a Hallmark movie. Except this story is leveled up & I don't just mean because of the spice. The circumstances that brought our FMC back to her hometown of Sage Springs are WILD! Typically, we read stories where people want a fresh start for a simple reason: lost their job, their marriage fell apart, be closer to family, etc. Now, take all of those reasons & mix in the ex-husband's embezzlement charge to the mix & you'll have Molly's current crisis which required a fresh start. Like, what? 😬 And then Grayson's reasons for returning home too? We're really hit with soap opera-level drama in this novella & I am so here for it.
Maybe Holly and I were more alike than I realized. Both feeling out of place. Lonely. Desperate for a connection, but terrified of it as well. We were both guarded. Me because I didn’t want to repeat the mistakes of the past, and her because a person who was supposed to love and cherish her had abused the privilege.Plus, the characters are easy to root for. I think the thing I loved most about Holly is her nervous babbling. When she feels uncomfortable, the secondhand embarrassment is so real with her. (And Maggie doesn't help matters, haha. In fact, neither does Emi.)
“The cabin is too small to have a guest bedroom, and the couch is super tiny, but I do have a king-sized bed. I’m kind of wild in bed and like to have space. Sleep… I’m kind of wild when I sleep. I’m not that kind of wild in bed. I’m not boring or anything, but it’s been a while, and even though I was married, I never really knew how to ask for what I really wanted. Not that what I wanted was all that weird, but Dillon could be kind of judgmental. Elias said he had a stick up his ass, but trust me, before prison, nothing was going near that man’s ass. Anyway, it’s been a long time since I didn’t have to take care of things myself because I didn’t want him to think I was a freak or something—”But it's fine because Gray loves her rambles & not just because he's been secretly crushing on the girl since he was a tween. He's a tattoo artist & piercer & they... bond over his job. 😏 Those scenes were great. He's definitely a smooth talker.
Gray’s deep chuckle broke through the absolutely mortifying stream of words that had escaped my mouth in the last thirty seconds before he gently squeezed my hand. “Breathe, Holly.”
“How sweet do you like it?” ...Basically, if anyone is looking to sit back & read something short & entertaining & hella funny, you've gotta read this.
“Nothing about the way I like it is sweet. But I do want it warm. And wet. And creamy against my tongue.”
We both knew he wasn’t talking about hot chocolate...
“Can I kiss you?” he whispered, hot breath coasting across my lips. “Please. I don’t think I can resist this pull you have on me any longer. I know you aren’t looking for a relationship right now, but I need to touch you.”
“But the hot chocolate,” I whimpered, bracing myself against the edge of the counter.
“Fuck the hot chocolate, bookworm...”
“If I wanted to get something custom, would you have time for that?” I’ve got all the time in the world for you, bookworm.What a great audiobook! It wasn't my first time listening to Brandon, but I officially have a new fave performance of his.
I’d been calling her that in my head for weeks. But my blushing little bookworm was finally giving me the time of day, so I wouldn’t go divulging my nickname for her yet.
"... Maybe I want to start by getting to know you as a friend, but I’m not gonna lie to you, Hol. I’m more than a little attracted to you. And that almost kiss the other night has been fucking with my head a bit.”And this was my first project from Savannah, so I'm her fan now! Both of them played with the duet style in great ways that made it such a fun listen. They added little sounds & special inflections to really enhance the reader's experience, which is the mark of a great narrator, as far as I'm concerned, haha. And Savannah's voice for the nosy, meddling, lovable old lady Maggie as well as her defiant, highly observant 5-year-old niece Emi voice, were hilarious. Like laugh out loud funny.
“Gray, I wouldn’t be good for more. I’m too damag…”
“Bullshit, Holly. You’re not damaged or whatever bullshit line you’re about to feed me. If that man didn’t treat you well, that was not a reflection of who you are. That was him being a fucking coward. He had you, and he clearly didn’t appreciate how amazing you are.”
“Shouldn’t you be telling me what else you want for Christmas?”This is the first book I've read from this author, so I can't really tell you how much it overlapped with other stories they've published. However, since this is tied to her Masked Men of Sage Springs series, there were a couple of cameos from some of those characters in previous books & E.L. made sure to fill in the reader with any pertinent backstory. Aside from those quick interactions, this story is wholly their own & as someone who suffers from bookish FOMO, I felt super comfortable reading this book before diving into the whole series. I have a feeling Maggie is a fun character from the series & she has a big role here as a meddling side character. So while I didn't feel like I was missing things, per se, I definitely wouldn't say no to more Maggie, haha.
“Shouldn’t you be answering my question instead of defecating?”
I chuckled, entirely charmed—and a little disgusted until I deduced her meaning. “You mean deflecting?”
“Whatever, I’m almost six, my vocabuary is still developing.” It seemed pretty developed to me, though a bit gross... “Daddy says I can’t say bad words at school because I’ll get in trouble like my friend Hardy, but we’re not at school, and we already have a secret, so I know you won’t tell on me.”
“That we do.” Holly’s niece was a pretty smart little girl.
“But I should go, Daddy looks grumpy again. Grandma says it’s because he doesn’t like to people because he has ‘xiety.”
“Fuck,” I exhaled into her hair, scared of how intensely she made me feel with the barest of touches. If I let her in, she’d be the one to destroy me, not the other way around. But I didn’t give a fuck anymore. I was tired of fighting the draw to her.
October 26, 2026
A childhood crush, a tattooed hottie with a filthy mouth, and a little holiday miscommunication that leads to some very un-Christmassy thoughts. 🎄🔥
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️☆☆☆ (2/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Duet
Series: Masked Men of Sage Springs, Book 4
HEA: Yes
Mistletoe Miscommunication is a fun, flirty, and spicy holiday novella that delivers exactly what I want from a festive rom-com! E.L. Koslo knows how to write entertaining characters, witty banter, and seriously good spice. Holly and Grayson were such a fun couple, and I loved their awkward flirting, mutual pining, and the way their childhood crush slowly turned into something more. The chemistry between them was fantastic, and Grayson? This man is OBSESSED with Holly, and I was absolutely here for it!
One of my favorite things was the reverse age gap, with Holly being 32 and Grayson 27. I loved seeing a younger MMC completely gone for an older woman, especially when he has absolutely no problem showing how much he wants her. Their banter was sweet and hilarious, the flirtation was adorably awkward, and Grayson’s filthy mouth definitely added to the fun. Even though both characters have difficult pasts that affect how they approach love and relationships, the story keeps things lighthearted without ignoring their emotional struggles.
As a holiday novella, this is a quick, easy, and entertaining read that doesn't waste time getting to the good stuff. The third-act conflict is brief, and I appreciated that the characters actually communicate instead of dragging out a misunderstanding for unnecessary drama. Sometimes, a little honest communication really is all you need! Overall, this was a lovely festive romance with plenty of humor, chemistry, and spice.
What I Loved
✔️ Grayson being completely and utterly obsessed with Holly
✔️ The reverse age gap (27-year-old MMC × 32-year-old FMC)
✔️ A tattooed artist with a filthy mouth
✔️ Childhood crush and mutual pining
✔️ Sweet, funny, and sometimes awkward flirting
✔️ Witty banter and great chemistry
✔️ A quick resolution to the third-act conflict
✔️ A fun, spicy holiday novella that's easy to binge
✔️ Characters with emotional depth despite the lighter tone
🎧 Narration
Performed in duet narration by Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas.
Listening to this audiobook was a delight! Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis did a great job bringing Holly and Grayson to life. They captured the attraction, teasing, awkward flirting, and emotional moments really well, making this exactly the kind of fun, flirty, and spicy holiday romance that works wonderfully in audio.
I did have a little trouble with the accent Brandon used for Grayson, though. It didn't always feel consistent, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. That said, I still enjoyed the overall performance, and Savannah was lovely as Holly. Together, they brought plenty of personality and chemistry to this festive little romance.
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Holiday Romance
✔️ Children's Librarian FMC
✔️ Tattoo Artist / Piercer MMC
✔️ Childhood Crush
✔️ Mutual Pining
✔️ Reverse Age Gap
✔️ Small-Town Romance
✔️ Awkward Flirting & Funny Banter
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Holiday Fling Turns Into More
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ Spicy Romance
Final Thoughts
Mistletoe Miscommunication is a cute, funny, and spicy holiday romance that doesn't take itself too seriously. Holly and Grayson have great chemistry, their banter is adorable, and Grayson's obsession with Holly makes him an incredibly entertaining MMC. I also appreciated how quickly the characters dealt with their miscommunication instead of letting it turn into unnecessary drama.
While the audiobook accent wasn't entirely my cup of tea, the overall narration was enjoyable, and the story itself delivered exactly what I wanted from a holiday novella. It's lighthearted, steamy, and perfect when you're in the mood for something festive without committing to a full-length novel.
If you love tattooed men with filthy mouths, younger men who are completely gone for older women, awkward flirting, and a little Christmas spice, Grayson might just be the gift you didn't know you needed.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️☆☆☆ (2/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Duet
Series: Masked Men of Sage Springs, Book 4
HEA: Yes
Mistletoe Miscommunication is a fun, flirty, and spicy holiday novella that delivers exactly what I want from a festive rom-com! E.L. Koslo knows how to write entertaining characters, witty banter, and seriously good spice. Holly and Grayson were such a fun couple, and I loved their awkward flirting, mutual pining, and the way their childhood crush slowly turned into something more. The chemistry between them was fantastic, and Grayson? This man is OBSESSED with Holly, and I was absolutely here for it!
One of my favorite things was the reverse age gap, with Holly being 32 and Grayson 27. I loved seeing a younger MMC completely gone for an older woman, especially when he has absolutely no problem showing how much he wants her. Their banter was sweet and hilarious, the flirtation was adorably awkward, and Grayson’s filthy mouth definitely added to the fun. Even though both characters have difficult pasts that affect how they approach love and relationships, the story keeps things lighthearted without ignoring their emotional struggles.
As a holiday novella, this is a quick, easy, and entertaining read that doesn't waste time getting to the good stuff. The third-act conflict is brief, and I appreciated that the characters actually communicate instead of dragging out a misunderstanding for unnecessary drama. Sometimes, a little honest communication really is all you need! Overall, this was a lovely festive romance with plenty of humor, chemistry, and spice.
What I Loved
✔️ Grayson being completely and utterly obsessed with Holly
✔️ The reverse age gap (27-year-old MMC × 32-year-old FMC)
✔️ A tattooed artist with a filthy mouth
✔️ Childhood crush and mutual pining
✔️ Sweet, funny, and sometimes awkward flirting
✔️ Witty banter and great chemistry
✔️ A quick resolution to the third-act conflict
✔️ A fun, spicy holiday novella that's easy to binge
✔️ Characters with emotional depth despite the lighter tone
🎧 Narration
Performed in duet narration by Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas.
Listening to this audiobook was a delight! Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis did a great job bringing Holly and Grayson to life. They captured the attraction, teasing, awkward flirting, and emotional moments really well, making this exactly the kind of fun, flirty, and spicy holiday romance that works wonderfully in audio.
I did have a little trouble with the accent Brandon used for Grayson, though. It didn't always feel consistent, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. That said, I still enjoyed the overall performance, and Savannah was lovely as Holly. Together, they brought plenty of personality and chemistry to this festive little romance.
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Holiday Romance
✔️ Children's Librarian FMC
✔️ Tattoo Artist / Piercer MMC
✔️ Childhood Crush
✔️ Mutual Pining
✔️ Reverse Age Gap
✔️ Small-Town Romance
✔️ Awkward Flirting & Funny Banter
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Holiday Fling Turns Into More
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ Spicy Romance
Final Thoughts
Mistletoe Miscommunication is a cute, funny, and spicy holiday romance that doesn't take itself too seriously. Holly and Grayson have great chemistry, their banter is adorable, and Grayson's obsession with Holly makes him an incredibly entertaining MMC. I also appreciated how quickly the characters dealt with their miscommunication instead of letting it turn into unnecessary drama.
While the audiobook accent wasn't entirely my cup of tea, the overall narration was enjoyable, and the story itself delivered exactly what I wanted from a holiday novella. It's lighthearted, steamy, and perfect when you're in the mood for something festive without committing to a full-length novel.
If you love tattooed men with filthy mouths, younger men who are completely gone for older women, awkward flirting, and a little Christmas spice, Grayson might just be the gift you didn't know you needed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you E.L Koslo for this amazing ARC/ALC!
In "Mistletoe Miscommunication" this is book 4 of The Masked Men of Sage Springs book 4!
Holly works at Sage Springs Library, where her co-worker Maggie is determined to set her up with Grayson, a guy who has been visiting the library regularly for six months. Holly is a divorcee, cautious about risking her heart on someone like Grayson, who seems to have a “bad boy” reputation. She knows his name is Grayson, and he works as a piercer at the tattoo shop owned by Maggie's nephew, Reid.
Holly has a twin brother named Elias, and her ex-husband's fraudulent activities left her in a financial bind. He used her bookstore as a front for laundering money, leading the FBI to seize it, leaving her to deal with the fallout while he served time for tax evasion. That's why she moved to Sage Springs, to be close to her brother and his daughter who had lost his wife and mother to his daughter.
I loved the mentions of Hazel and Reid from previous books and also Charley made an appearance.
Gray has his own issues; his father was a womanizer, which affected his outlook on relationships. In a festive twist, Gray dresses as Santa for the library's children's event, with Holly as his elf partner. Their chemistry shines during a moment under the mistletoe, interrupted comically by a child declaring, “That isn’t Mrs. Klaus!”
Holly visits Gray for a tattoo of mistletoe on her hip, revealing that she’s never been kissed under mistletoe, which is why she wants the tattoo. Gray admits he likes her, but she hesitates due to her past. One snowy night, as a blizzard hits, Gray drives her home, and they share a cozy evening with hot cocoa. Overwhelmed by their attraction, he asks to kiss her and it’s magical, the best kiss she’s ever had. However, Holly expresses her fear of trusting him and holds back.
The following day, they need to find a Christmas tree. Gray helps Holly and while they’re out, he pulls her under the mistletoe for a kiss, only to be interrupted by his sister, who tells Holly that Gray is Asher her brother who had a crush on her when she had babysat for her. Upset by Gray's earlier omission about his feelings, Holly decides to leave. Gray chases after her, determined to win her heart, while she confesses that she wants him, too.
Grayson's voice is captivating, and his accent adds charm to his character. Their meet-cute was adorable. I enjoyed the dual audiobook format, which brought the story to life.
The ending is perfect! I absolutely loved this book and the audio version. Gray and Holly's relationship is beautifully crafted! My only complaint is that it felt too short!
In "Mistletoe Miscommunication" this is book 4 of The Masked Men of Sage Springs book 4!
Holly works at Sage Springs Library, where her co-worker Maggie is determined to set her up with Grayson, a guy who has been visiting the library regularly for six months. Holly is a divorcee, cautious about risking her heart on someone like Grayson, who seems to have a “bad boy” reputation. She knows his name is Grayson, and he works as a piercer at the tattoo shop owned by Maggie's nephew, Reid.
Holly has a twin brother named Elias, and her ex-husband's fraudulent activities left her in a financial bind. He used her bookstore as a front for laundering money, leading the FBI to seize it, leaving her to deal with the fallout while he served time for tax evasion. That's why she moved to Sage Springs, to be close to her brother and his daughter who had lost his wife and mother to his daughter.
I loved the mentions of Hazel and Reid from previous books and also Charley made an appearance.
Gray has his own issues; his father was a womanizer, which affected his outlook on relationships. In a festive twist, Gray dresses as Santa for the library's children's event, with Holly as his elf partner. Their chemistry shines during a moment under the mistletoe, interrupted comically by a child declaring, “That isn’t Mrs. Klaus!”
Holly visits Gray for a tattoo of mistletoe on her hip, revealing that she’s never been kissed under mistletoe, which is why she wants the tattoo. Gray admits he likes her, but she hesitates due to her past. One snowy night, as a blizzard hits, Gray drives her home, and they share a cozy evening with hot cocoa. Overwhelmed by their attraction, he asks to kiss her and it’s magical, the best kiss she’s ever had. However, Holly expresses her fear of trusting him and holds back.
The following day, they need to find a Christmas tree. Gray helps Holly and while they’re out, he pulls her under the mistletoe for a kiss, only to be interrupted by his sister, who tells Holly that Gray is Asher her brother who had a crush on her when she had babysat for her. Upset by Gray's earlier omission about his feelings, Holly decides to leave. Gray chases after her, determined to win her heart, while she confesses that she wants him, too.
Grayson's voice is captivating, and his accent adds charm to his character. Their meet-cute was adorable. I enjoyed the dual audiobook format, which brought the story to life.
The ending is perfect! I absolutely loved this book and the audio version. Gray and Holly's relationship is beautifully crafted! My only complaint is that it felt too short!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
ARC/ALC review
Rounded up from 3.5 stars
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m chasing you.”
The story follows Holly, a librarian who has recently escaped a marriage and is trying to put her life back together. She’s been secretly admiring Grayson, the tall, tattooed, pierced, bearded man who regularly comes into the library. She has no intention of getting involved with another man anytime soon. Grayson, however, has been crushing on Holly for much longer than she realizes. When they end up working together at the library’s Christmas event and later reconnect at his tattoo shop, all the stolen looks quickly turn into something much harder to ignore.
This was a fun, spicy holiday romance with plenty of Christmas vibes, flirting, and two people who have been quietly watching each other from afar finally giving in to the attraction. I really liked the chemistry between Holly and Gray. There’s a lot of attraction between them, but there’s also a sweetness underneath all the spice. Holly is still carrying the scars from her marriage, while Gray has his own complicated history and fears about love and becoming like his father.
The Christmas setting was a lot of fun, too. Between the Santa costume, the mistletoe, the snow, the Christmas market and the tattoo connection, it definitely gave me the festive romance feeling I was looking for.
That said, I think the novella format was both a strength and a weakness for me. I enjoyed the story, but I would have loved a little more time with Holly and Gray. Some of the emotional developments happened quite quickly and I think a bit more buildup and depth would have made their relationship even more satisfying for me. I also would have liked to see a little more of the conflict surrounding Gray’s past play out before everything was resolved.
Still, this was a cute, steamy, easy to read holiday romance with a satisfying ending.
audio book - 5 stars
Listening to this book was a delight. Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis did such a great job bringing Holly and Grayson to life. I really enjoyed the difference between their characters and how the attraction, teasing, awkwardness, and emotional moments came across in the narration.
This is exactly the kind of holiday romance that works well in audio. It’s fun, flirty and spicy. For me, the audio book definitely added something extra to the experience, and I really enjoyed listening to it.
Rounded up from 3.5 stars
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m chasing you.”
The story follows Holly, a librarian who has recently escaped a marriage and is trying to put her life back together. She’s been secretly admiring Grayson, the tall, tattooed, pierced, bearded man who regularly comes into the library. She has no intention of getting involved with another man anytime soon. Grayson, however, has been crushing on Holly for much longer than she realizes. When they end up working together at the library’s Christmas event and later reconnect at his tattoo shop, all the stolen looks quickly turn into something much harder to ignore.
This was a fun, spicy holiday romance with plenty of Christmas vibes, flirting, and two people who have been quietly watching each other from afar finally giving in to the attraction. I really liked the chemistry between Holly and Gray. There’s a lot of attraction between them, but there’s also a sweetness underneath all the spice. Holly is still carrying the scars from her marriage, while Gray has his own complicated history and fears about love and becoming like his father.
The Christmas setting was a lot of fun, too. Between the Santa costume, the mistletoe, the snow, the Christmas market and the tattoo connection, it definitely gave me the festive romance feeling I was looking for.
That said, I think the novella format was both a strength and a weakness for me. I enjoyed the story, but I would have loved a little more time with Holly and Gray. Some of the emotional developments happened quite quickly and I think a bit more buildup and depth would have made their relationship even more satisfying for me. I also would have liked to see a little more of the conflict surrounding Gray’s past play out before everything was resolved.
Still, this was a cute, steamy, easy to read holiday romance with a satisfying ending.
audio book - 5 stars
Listening to this book was a delight. Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis did such a great job bringing Holly and Grayson to life. I really enjoyed the difference between their characters and how the attraction, teasing, awkwardness, and emotional moments came across in the narration.
This is exactly the kind of holiday romance that works well in audio. It’s fun, flirty and spicy. For me, the audio book definitely added something extra to the experience, and I really enjoyed listening to it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a spicy and fun short read or listen in my case. It's funny and hot. The chemistry and banter between the characters is delicious.
The audio was amazing. Duet style with Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis... I didn't know I needed Brandon Francis with a Southern accent until this book 🔥🥵
Thanks go to the author and Luna Literary Management for my ALC
Blurb
Holly -
For the last year, every day had been spent slowly rebuilding my shattered self-esteem after
discovering the man–who’d promised me forever–had been using the bookstore I’d dedicated
my life to as a front to commit fraud. My now ex-husband had left me with nothing but debt,
heartbreak, and a lingering sense of failure. I’d learned the hard way that trusting the wrong
man sometimes led down a path of destruction.
Starting over as the children’s librarian in my tiny Colorado hometown brought me contentment,
but there was still something missing. Could that something be the entirely too sexy tattoo artist
who visited the library several times a week?
Grayson -
Since returning to Sage Springs eighteen months ago, I’d kept my heart carefully tucked away,
where it belonged. Having spent half my childhood in this small town, my name was
overshadowed by the man who shared it. My infamous father taught me early on that love never
lasted through his entirely too frequent bouts of infidelity. The only lasting reminders I left behind
were carefully inked on other people’s skin.
Stolen glances between the shelves in the library where I went to sketch had me questioning my
decision to avoid romance as I watched the woman I’d had a childhood crush on settle into her
role as the new librarian. With the holiday season approaching, keeping my distance from her
proved harder than I’d expected. An impulsive decision on her part late one snowy night brought
us together in a way that left permanent marks, and not only the ones I’d inked on her flawless
skin.
The audio was amazing. Duet style with Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis... I didn't know I needed Brandon Francis with a Southern accent until this book 🔥🥵
Thanks go to the author and Luna Literary Management for my ALC
Blurb
Holly -
For the last year, every day had been spent slowly rebuilding my shattered self-esteem after
discovering the man–who’d promised me forever–had been using the bookstore I’d dedicated
my life to as a front to commit fraud. My now ex-husband had left me with nothing but debt,
heartbreak, and a lingering sense of failure. I’d learned the hard way that trusting the wrong
man sometimes led down a path of destruction.
Starting over as the children’s librarian in my tiny Colorado hometown brought me contentment,
but there was still something missing. Could that something be the entirely too sexy tattoo artist
who visited the library several times a week?
Grayson -
Since returning to Sage Springs eighteen months ago, I’d kept my heart carefully tucked away,
where it belonged. Having spent half my childhood in this small town, my name was
overshadowed by the man who shared it. My infamous father taught me early on that love never
lasted through his entirely too frequent bouts of infidelity. The only lasting reminders I left behind
were carefully inked on other people’s skin.
Stolen glances between the shelves in the library where I went to sketch had me questioning my
decision to avoid romance as I watched the woman I’d had a childhood crush on settle into her
role as the new librarian. With the holiday season approaching, keeping my distance from her
proved harder than I’d expected. An impulsive decision on her part late one snowy night brought
us together in a way that left permanent marks, and not only the ones I’d inked on her flawless
skin.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The perfect holiday novella - it's got the fraught history (he had a crush on her when they were kids - she babysat for his much-younger sister, and she's 5-6 years older - the book takes place when he's 27 and she's 33ish) and they've both been damaged by love (him = parents' divorce, her = her own divorce), but they've both moved back to their hometown and are drawn to one another.
She's the children's librarian, and he's a tattoo-artist who is voluntold to play Santa at the library and after months of giving each other sneaky secret looks and him leaving sketches out for her to find, they finallllllly connect (it's a novella, but you feel the longer time-frame - which is awesome in a novella because the time frame can seem smooshed). And once they start talking, they start taaaaalllllllkkkkking, if you know what I mean.
The banter is so sweet and funny, the flirtation is so awkward but also hilarious, and the third act break-ish is quick but they communicate even more quickly, and the spice is just tart enough to raise a few eyebrows before hopping right on in! I raced through this one and immediately went to go find the author's other books (this is Sage Springs book 4, and I immediately needed book one's characters' story because they were so fun as side characters in this book...and I'm definitely going to need the fmc's twin's story too!)
Definitely a holiday romance on the lighter side, even though the characters have some tough histories to overcome.
The audio is also wonderful! Savannah Thomas is the BEST in the business at delivering an awkwardly flirtatious ramble where the FMC sticks her foot in her own mouth adorably (where you're embarrassed as heck but also she's so cute that you can stick with her through it), and Brandon Francis did a delicious grumbly southern accent that was so fun!
*Opinions are my own. Thanks to Luna Literary Management and the author for an eARC of this book.
She's the children's librarian, and he's a tattoo-artist who is voluntold to play Santa at the library and after months of giving each other sneaky secret looks and him leaving sketches out for her to find, they finallllllly connect (it's a novella, but you feel the longer time-frame - which is awesome in a novella because the time frame can seem smooshed). And once they start talking, they start taaaaalllllllkkkkking, if you know what I mean.
The banter is so sweet and funny, the flirtation is so awkward but also hilarious, and the third act break-ish is quick but they communicate even more quickly, and the spice is just tart enough to raise a few eyebrows before hopping right on in! I raced through this one and immediately went to go find the author's other books (this is Sage Springs book 4, and I immediately needed book one's characters' story because they were so fun as side characters in this book...and I'm definitely going to need the fmc's twin's story too!)
Definitely a holiday romance on the lighter side, even though the characters have some tough histories to overcome.
The audio is also wonderful! Savannah Thomas is the BEST in the business at delivering an awkwardly flirtatious ramble where the FMC sticks her foot in her own mouth adorably (where you're embarrassed as heck but also she's so cute that you can stick with her through it), and Brandon Francis did a delicious grumbly southern accent that was so fun!
*Opinions are my own. Thanks to Luna Literary Management and the author for an eARC of this book.
October 21, 2026
Mistletoe Miscommunication by E.L. Koslo
Masked Men of Sage Springs #4
135 pages/4:16 narrated by Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis
Holly moved back to her hometown 6 months ago, after an embarrassing divorce and now works as a children's librarian. Grayson moved back to his hometown 18 months ago, after getting the opportunity to apprentice with a great tattoo artist. Grayson knew Holly when she babysat his little sister when she was in high school. He had a massive crush, and it never went away. A snow storm makes them face their feelings, but she is weary after being blindsided by her ex and he doesn't want her to know how long he's really pined for her.
I really enjoyed this book. Holly is finding her new normal and while she doesn't think she can give in to a full relationship, she is willing to have fun with Grayson. Grayson is such a golden retriever. It's always the tatted, bad boys who have it bad. I really wish he would have just owned up to him knowing her years ago, because that was a stupid miscommunication, but then the book wouldn't have its name.
The narrators do an amazing job and I love the duet narration Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis perform together. They both gave a sexy performance while also showing depth and range. I listened to this in just over 2 hours. Its quick and easy. Definitely worth the listen.
Thank you Luna Literary Management and E.L. Koslo for the ALC. All opinions my own.
Masked Men of Sage Springs #4
135 pages/4:16 narrated by Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis
Holly moved back to her hometown 6 months ago, after an embarrassing divorce and now works as a children's librarian. Grayson moved back to his hometown 18 months ago, after getting the opportunity to apprentice with a great tattoo artist. Grayson knew Holly when she babysat his little sister when she was in high school. He had a massive crush, and it never went away. A snow storm makes them face their feelings, but she is weary after being blindsided by her ex and he doesn't want her to know how long he's really pined for her.
I really enjoyed this book. Holly is finding her new normal and while she doesn't think she can give in to a full relationship, she is willing to have fun with Grayson. Grayson is such a golden retriever. It's always the tatted, bad boys who have it bad. I really wish he would have just owned up to him knowing her years ago, because that was a stupid miscommunication, but then the book wouldn't have its name.
The narrators do an amazing job and I love the duet narration Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis perform together. They both gave a sexy performance while also showing depth and range. I listened to this in just over 2 hours. Its quick and easy. Definitely worth the listen.
Thank you Luna Literary Management and E.L. Koslo for the ALC. All opinions my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75⭐️, 1.5🌶️
Tropes/Microtropes:
📚 Childhood crush
🎄 Holiday novella
📚 Mutual pinning
🎄 Forced proximity
📚 Size difference
🎄 Fling that turns into more
I was especially lucky to have been given the ALC of this book. It is dual narration and both narrators were great!!! The narration was definitely the highlight for me. Novellas are really hard, since they’re so short. However, the author did a fabulous job including backstory, depth, a little spice, and a fleshed-out story arch. My favorite aspect was the depiction of grief and depression.
I always love mutual pinning and this was great! Both characters were interested in the other, but nervous to approach. With the help of the side characters, they were pushed together to do a Santa/elf reading to children in the library. From there, the story took off! Reading how Holly took a leap of faith and how Grey stayed a steady presence, was entertaining. It was a fast-paced and funny read!
Admittedly, this story didn’t lure me in as much as I had hoped. It was solidly good okay. It felt like a story that’s been told many times before. Despite that, I did enjoy myself. Plus, it definitely got me into the upcoming winter season! If you’re looking for a heart-felt, cozy, holiday read, this one is perfect! Not to much spice, but what we got was definitely hot!🥵
*Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for this title in exchange for a honest review.”
Tropes/Microtropes:
📚 Childhood crush
🎄 Holiday novella
📚 Mutual pinning
🎄 Forced proximity
📚 Size difference
🎄 Fling that turns into more
I was especially lucky to have been given the ALC of this book. It is dual narration and both narrators were great!!! The narration was definitely the highlight for me. Novellas are really hard, since they’re so short. However, the author did a fabulous job including backstory, depth, a little spice, and a fleshed-out story arch. My favorite aspect was the depiction of grief and depression.
I always love mutual pinning and this was great! Both characters were interested in the other, but nervous to approach. With the help of the side characters, they were pushed together to do a Santa/elf reading to children in the library. From there, the story took off! Reading how Holly took a leap of faith and how Grey stayed a steady presence, was entertaining. It was a fast-paced and funny read!
Admittedly, this story didn’t lure me in as much as I had hoped. It was solidly good okay. It felt like a story that’s been told many times before. Despite that, I did enjoy myself. Plus, it definitely got me into the upcoming winter season! If you’re looking for a heart-felt, cozy, holiday read, this one is perfect! Not to much spice, but what we got was definitely hot!🥵
*Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for this title in exchange for a honest review.”
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was such a cute holiday read! I seriously flew through this book, it keept me hooked the whole time. Very well paced and still had enough back story to understand the characters.
Holly is our cute shy Children's Librarian trying to rebuild her life in her home town after a horrible divorce. Which has caused her to have some bad self-esteem and trust issues (and rightfully so after what she went through).
Grayson, our MMC, is a tattoo artist/piercer. He had also moved back to their home town after being gone for yrs to work at his best friend's tattoo shop. Gray has learned its best to keep his heart tucked away. But when Holly comes back to town he decides she is worth putting his heart out there. Holly was his childhood crush after all.
Holly has been watching Gray, who comes into the library every so often and draws while he is there. Not having the courage to make that first move due to being afraid of getting hurt again, her wonderful coworker/landlord, Maggie, decides she is going to play match-maker. But little did Holly know Gray was coming in there to see her as well lol
Maggie works her magic and Grayson ends up being Santa and Holly his Elf for story time at a library event, sparks fly from there and that pull becomes harder to ignore!
Again I really enjoyed this book, it had enough plot and spice for a Novella!!
Holly is our cute shy Children's Librarian trying to rebuild her life in her home town after a horrible divorce. Which has caused her to have some bad self-esteem and trust issues (and rightfully so after what she went through).
Grayson, our MMC, is a tattoo artist/piercer. He had also moved back to their home town after being gone for yrs to work at his best friend's tattoo shop. Gray has learned its best to keep his heart tucked away. But when Holly comes back to town he decides she is worth putting his heart out there. Holly was his childhood crush after all.
Holly has been watching Gray, who comes into the library every so often and draws while he is there. Not having the courage to make that first move due to being afraid of getting hurt again, her wonderful coworker/landlord, Maggie, decides she is going to play match-maker. But little did Holly know Gray was coming in there to see her as well lol
Maggie works her magic and Grayson ends up being Santa and Holly his Elf for story time at a library event, sparks fly from there and that pull becomes harder to ignore!
Again I really enjoyed this book, it had enough plot and spice for a Novella!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kindly received an ARC/ALC copy in exchange for an honest review
Mistletoe Miscommunication by E.L. Koslo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🎄 Holiday Novella
🎄 Children's Librarian FMC
🎄 Tattoo Artist/Piercer MMC
🎄 Mutual Longing
🎄 Childhood Crush
🎄 Forced Proximity
🎄 Holiday Fling that turns into more
"How about we try one of those tropes? I hear forced proximity is a good one"
"Pathetic is the last word I would use to describe you Holly"
Ever since Holly came back to her small Colorado town she has been trying to rebuild her confidence and joy for life. When Grayson walks into her library I instantly felt the tension and admiration between Holly and him. They have such a great dynamic and I enjoyed how Grayson let Holly spill out her feelings with no judgement. He always reassures Holly!
Grayson is also a lover of books and doesn't make Holly feel small or anything for reading if anything he encourages her! I love how he is proud of all that she is doing for the kiddos in Sage Springs. With a literacy crisis going on today it is so important that we encourage reading!
The tension and steam between these two, the mutual longing is everything!! I highly recommend adding this holiday novella to your TBR!
Savanah Thomas and Brandon Francis did such a lovely job in the duet ALC! I really enjoyed the way they narrarated the book! Thank you E.L. Koslo for such a lovely read!
Mistletoe Miscommunication by E.L. Koslo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🎄 Holiday Novella
🎄 Children's Librarian FMC
🎄 Tattoo Artist/Piercer MMC
🎄 Mutual Longing
🎄 Childhood Crush
🎄 Forced Proximity
🎄 Holiday Fling that turns into more
"How about we try one of those tropes? I hear forced proximity is a good one"
"Pathetic is the last word I would use to describe you Holly"
Ever since Holly came back to her small Colorado town she has been trying to rebuild her confidence and joy for life. When Grayson walks into her library I instantly felt the tension and admiration between Holly and him. They have such a great dynamic and I enjoyed how Grayson let Holly spill out her feelings with no judgement. He always reassures Holly!
Grayson is also a lover of books and doesn't make Holly feel small or anything for reading if anything he encourages her! I love how he is proud of all that she is doing for the kiddos in Sage Springs. With a literacy crisis going on today it is so important that we encourage reading!
The tension and steam between these two, the mutual longing is everything!! I highly recommend adding this holiday novella to your TBR!
Savanah Thomas and Brandon Francis did such a lovely job in the duet ALC! I really enjoyed the way they narrarated the book! Thank you E.L. Koslo for such a lovely read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Luna Literary for the ALC of this book!
Holly, a children’s librarian who has had terrible luck in love falls for Grayson, the Tattoo Artist who has had a crush on Holly since childhood.
When they find themselves snowed in, they make their feelings known and begin a very passionate (and explicit) love affair!
This one was very spicy and while I do like that to a degree, I personally found it to be a bit too much and wanted more depth between the characters.
I really liked Holly’s friend Maggie who kept pushing her to put herself out there and shoot her shot. We love a supportive best friend!
Emmy, Holly’s younger niece was also so funny and I liked the banter and building relationship between her and Grayson.
I think I’m realizing that audio is not the way for me to experience the spicier books.
That being said, if you are into more explicit language and scenes, you will probably really enjoy this one!
I think the voice actors did a great job!
If you like High spice, forced proximity, childhood crush and mutual longing then you might want to give this holiday novella a read!
Holly, a children’s librarian who has had terrible luck in love falls for Grayson, the Tattoo Artist who has had a crush on Holly since childhood.
When they find themselves snowed in, they make their feelings known and begin a very passionate (and explicit) love affair!
This one was very spicy and while I do like that to a degree, I personally found it to be a bit too much and wanted more depth between the characters.
I really liked Holly’s friend Maggie who kept pushing her to put herself out there and shoot her shot. We love a supportive best friend!
Emmy, Holly’s younger niece was also so funny and I liked the banter and building relationship between her and Grayson.
I think I’m realizing that audio is not the way for me to experience the spicier books.
That being said, if you are into more explicit language and scenes, you will probably really enjoy this one!
I think the voice actors did a great job!
If you like High spice, forced proximity, childhood crush and mutual longing then you might want to give this holiday novella a read!
October 24, 2026
A spicy Christmas novella packed with innuendo, laugh-out-loud moments, and delicious chemistry! Add a pierced MMC, an almost-kiss under the mistletoe, and amazing duet narration, and you’ve got yourself a festive 4-star read! ❤️🔥🎙️
WHAT I LOVED:
🎄 their almost kiss under the mistletoe 🫠
🎄 her foot-to-mouth moment 🤣
🎄 all the innuendo, OH. MY. GOD.
🎄 when her friend/landlord livestreams him chopping down a tree
🎄 the amazing duet narration 🎙️
🎄 he took her tattoo virginity 👀
🎄 their conversation about people falling asleep during — I felt seen, because I fell asleep myself during 👀
🎄 the epilogue, where he takes something else 😉
🎄 the end credits, where I first learnt that this book was in support of Sloane St. James 🫶
WHAT I STRUGGLED WITH:
🤔 the explicit book references were a bit too on the nose: one bed trope, forced proximity,… granted, she is a librarian, but still 🤷🏼♀️
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• novella
• interconnected standalone
• dual POV, 1st person
• duet narration
• Christmas
• former football player turned piercing/tattoo artist
• pierced MMC 👀
• former business owner turned librarian
• both have been hurt in the past
• he glazes her glasses 👀
• HEA
WHAT I LOVED:
🎄 their almost kiss under the mistletoe 🫠
🎄 her foot-to-mouth moment 🤣
🎄 all the innuendo, OH. MY. GOD.
🎄 when her friend/landlord livestreams him chopping down a tree
🎄 the amazing duet narration 🎙️
🎄 he took her tattoo virginity 👀
🎄 their conversation about people falling asleep during — I felt seen, because I fell asleep myself during 👀
🎄 the epilogue, where he takes something else 😉
🎄 the end credits, where I first learnt that this book was in support of Sloane St. James 🫶
WHAT I STRUGGLED WITH:
🤔 the explicit book references were a bit too on the nose: one bed trope, forced proximity,… granted, she is a librarian, but still 🤷🏼♀️
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• novella
• interconnected standalone
• dual POV, 1st person
• duet narration
• Christmas
• former football player turned piercing/tattoo artist
• pierced MMC 👀
• former business owner turned librarian
• both have been hurt in the past
• he glazes her glasses 👀
• HEA
Review of advance copy
ALC Review:
Duet Narration by Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis
Tropes:
Children's Librarian FMC
Tattoo Artist/Piercer MMC
Mutual Longing
Childhood Crush
Forced Proximity
Holiday Fling that turns into more
This cozy yet spicy novella follows Holly as she pieces her life back together following her ex-husband's betrayal and fraud. Returning to her roots as a children's librarian, she notices Grayson, a local tattoo artist with trust issues of his own, frequenting her library. Grayson has held a childhood crush on Holly for years, and when forced proximity on a snowy evening pushes them together, mutual pining turns into a passionate holiday fling. Their playful dynamic over random trivia facts and the sweet support of Holly's niece Amelia make this a heartwarming listen.
Savannah Thomas infuses Holly with charming brightness and convincing emotional subtlety. Brandon Francis plays Grayson with a smooth, deep voice that commands attention while highlighting his intense devotion to Holly. Their style makes the dialogue flow naturally and enhances every emotional beats.
A huge thank you to E.L. Koslo and Luna Literary for this ALC!
Duet Narration by Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis
Tropes:
Children's Librarian FMC
Tattoo Artist/Piercer MMC
Mutual Longing
Childhood Crush
Forced Proximity
Holiday Fling that turns into more
This cozy yet spicy novella follows Holly as she pieces her life back together following her ex-husband's betrayal and fraud. Returning to her roots as a children's librarian, she notices Grayson, a local tattoo artist with trust issues of his own, frequenting her library. Grayson has held a childhood crush on Holly for years, and when forced proximity on a snowy evening pushes them together, mutual pining turns into a passionate holiday fling. Their playful dynamic over random trivia facts and the sweet support of Holly's niece Amelia make this a heartwarming listen.
Savannah Thomas infuses Holly with charming brightness and convincing emotional subtlety. Brandon Francis plays Grayson with a smooth, deep voice that commands attention while highlighting his intense devotion to Holly. Their style makes the dialogue flow naturally and enhances every emotional beats.
A huge thank you to E.L. Koslo and Luna Literary for this ALC!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Holly is back in town, trying to rebuild her life after her ex-husband ruined her bookstore business. She’s now working as a librarian, while Grayson has been back in town for over a year, covered in tattoos and piercings, and working to build his clientele as a tattoo artist.
When Grayson stops by the library, he catches Holly’s eye. Things heat up when they end up playing Santa and his elf for a day at the library. They hit it off, and the next day, Holly surprises him by asking for her first tattoo.
A snowstorm rolls in, and when Grayson offers to drive her home, the weather gets so bad that she invites him to stay. One thing leads to another, and BAM! These two are together!
Holly is still wounded from her divorce, but as she gets to know Grayson and sees what a genuinely great guy he is, she starts letting her walls down. That is, until she discovers Grayson’s true identity and begins questioning whether she jumped into things too quickly.
Tropes:
Tattoo Artist/Librarian
Hidden Identity
Holiday novella
Snow Storm ONS
When Grayson stops by the library, he catches Holly’s eye. Things heat up when they end up playing Santa and his elf for a day at the library. They hit it off, and the next day, Holly surprises him by asking for her first tattoo.
A snowstorm rolls in, and when Grayson offers to drive her home, the weather gets so bad that she invites him to stay. One thing leads to another, and BAM! These two are together!
Holly is still wounded from her divorce, but as she gets to know Grayson and sees what a genuinely great guy he is, she starts letting her walls down. That is, until she discovers Grayson’s true identity and begins questioning whether she jumped into things too quickly.
Tropes:
Tattoo Artist/Librarian
Hidden Identity
Holiday novella
Snow Storm ONS
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🎄Holiday novella
🎄Children's librarian FMC
🎄Tattoo artist/piercer MMC
🎄Forced proximity
🎄Childhood crush
🎄Mutual longing
🎄Dual POV
🎄Age gap
📖 5/5 🌟
🎧 5/5 🌟
🌶️ 2/5
Book four of Masked Men of Sage Springs series
📖 145 pages
Can absolutely be read as a standalone. I actually read it as a standalone.
This is a super cute and spicy holiday novella. Holly and Gray had lots of chemistry and banter between them that made this book extremely entertaining and fun to read. This book had excellent pacing that didn't feel rushed considering the fact that it's in a novella.
🎧 4 hours 16 minutes
Duet narration. Narrated by Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis. These two always do a terrific job. I loved hearing Brandon's accent this time and Savannah's voice for Emme. As always the differentiation between characters was terrific. The pacing was spot on as well.
Thank you E.L. Koslo and Luna Literary for this very entertaining ALC.
🎄Children's librarian FMC
🎄Tattoo artist/piercer MMC
🎄Forced proximity
🎄Childhood crush
🎄Mutual longing
🎄Dual POV
🎄Age gap
📖 5/5 🌟
🎧 5/5 🌟
🌶️ 2/5
Book four of Masked Men of Sage Springs series
📖 145 pages
Can absolutely be read as a standalone. I actually read it as a standalone.
This is a super cute and spicy holiday novella. Holly and Gray had lots of chemistry and banter between them that made this book extremely entertaining and fun to read. This book had excellent pacing that didn't feel rushed considering the fact that it's in a novella.
🎧 4 hours 16 minutes
Duet narration. Narrated by Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis. These two always do a terrific job. I loved hearing Brandon's accent this time and Savannah's voice for Emme. As always the differentiation between characters was terrific. The pacing was spot on as well.
Thank you E.L. Koslo and Luna Literary for this very entertaining ALC.
Review of advance copy
So good! Loved it!
Another wonderful story in the Masked Men of Sage Springs series.
This is Grayson and Holly’s story.
It was sweet at times, very spicy others and brings together two opposites, a librarian and a tattoo artist.
She is slightly older, divorced and returns to Sage Springs feeling like a failure.
Where he feels he has his father’s horrible reputation following him everywhere.
Can they each put the past behind them and move forward with their lives?
Both have crazy chemistry and feelings for each other, can they be honest and reveal how they feel?
Loved this novella and my time spent in Sage Springs.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated in duet by Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas, loving their performances.
They were the perfect choice for their roles, playing their parts to perfection.
I loved the story, characters and narration.
Thank you EL Koslo and Luna Literary for the opportunity to listen to this wonderful audiobook.
Another wonderful story in the Masked Men of Sage Springs series.
This is Grayson and Holly’s story.
It was sweet at times, very spicy others and brings together two opposites, a librarian and a tattoo artist.
She is slightly older, divorced and returns to Sage Springs feeling like a failure.
Where he feels he has his father’s horrible reputation following him everywhere.
Can they each put the past behind them and move forward with their lives?
Both have crazy chemistry and feelings for each other, can they be honest and reveal how they feel?
Loved this novella and my time spent in Sage Springs.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated in duet by Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas, loving their performances.
They were the perfect choice for their roles, playing their parts to perfection.
I loved the story, characters and narration.
Thank you EL Koslo and Luna Literary for the opportunity to listen to this wonderful audiobook.
Review of advance copy
Thank you Luna Literary for the arc :)
This novella was cute! While I didn't exactly see the love through Holly's eyes (mostly because this is a novella and I didn't get a lot of background info), I did see it for Grayson. Probably because we knew his background info more.
The trope for this small town romance, always loved her, is absolutely adorable. I feel like all of us want that 😆
The smut scenes were very nice and detailed, though there a surprise! For some reason I was expecting this book to have almost none. And by detailed, I mean, pretty much only oral, and no actual scene between the deed for real.
Overall, this was a cute novella, and great for anyone wanting a short Christmas-y read!
And while I missed a few things, that does not mean that anyone would absolutely LOVE this book!
This novella was cute! While I didn't exactly see the love through Holly's eyes (mostly because this is a novella and I didn't get a lot of background info), I did see it for Grayson. Probably because we knew his background info more.
The trope for this small town romance, always loved her, is absolutely adorable. I feel like all of us want that 😆
The smut scenes were very nice and detailed, though there a surprise! For some reason I was expecting this book to have almost none. And by detailed, I mean, pretty much only oral, and no actual scene between the deed for real.
Overall, this was a cute novella, and great for anyone wanting a short Christmas-y read!
And while I missed a few things, that does not mean that anyone would absolutely LOVE this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mistletoe Miscommunication was such a cute holiday novella! A small town romance with a childhood crush that transcends to adulthood. Grayson was a filthy mouth MMC who didn’t hide his feelings for Holly which I loved. This felt like a true adult romance with the MMC being in his late 20s and FMC being early 30s. Although the title hints at miscommunication there was absolutely not between the main characters. Holly knew what she wanted to protect her heart and had no issue communicating her needs. She came off shy and mousy but she just needed Grayson to open her up! I also love Maggie the older nosey friend and Holly’s niece Emi who was so quick witted. Such a perfect read to get you into the holiday spirit! Thank you to E.L. Koslo and Luna Literacy for the opportunity to ARC read this title.
October 23, 2026
Thank you E.L. Koslo and the team at Luna Literary for this ARC, all opinions are my own.
If you are looking for a spicy Christmas novella look no further. This was a quick ad easy read but I loved this story so friken much. It was awkward innuendos from front to back and I was laughing out loud the entire time. Aside from the jokes and the spice, this MMC has a FILTHY mouth 🤤, there is a great plot to it as well. I love the second chance element, I loved all the side characters, and I loved that the Gray was so obsessed with Holly. The way they are healing each other so quietly and without even trying was actually really beautiful. a book doesn't have to be 400 pages to be great and this novella was the perfect example of that.
If you are looking for a spicy Christmas novella look no further. This was a quick ad easy read but I loved this story so friken much. It was awkward innuendos from front to back and I was laughing out loud the entire time. Aside from the jokes and the spice, this MMC has a FILTHY mouth 🤤, there is a great plot to it as well. I love the second chance element, I loved all the side characters, and I loved that the Gray was so obsessed with Holly. The way they are healing each other so quietly and without even trying was actually really beautiful. a book doesn't have to be 400 pages to be great and this novella was the perfect example of that.
Review of advance copy
5 ⭐ 3 🌶️ 5 🎧
I'm absolutely loving this series and Holly and Grayson were no exception. They were so sweet and hot with their mutual pining and I just adored watching them fall in love. Grayson's secret had me a little nervous... But all's well that ends well and this one ended perfectly.
The spice was so fun and hot. I loved Grayson's take charge attitude and while Holly was a little shy, her interests were not and getting to see him help her open up was just so freaking good.
The audio was absolutely fantastic too. Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis are faves of mine and they were incredible in this DUET narration. I love love loved this listen. Thank you so much to Luna Literary for the advanced copies!
I'm absolutely loving this series and Holly and Grayson were no exception. They were so sweet and hot with their mutual pining and I just adored watching them fall in love. Grayson's secret had me a little nervous... But all's well that ends well and this one ended perfectly.
The spice was so fun and hot. I loved Grayson's take charge attitude and while Holly was a little shy, her interests were not and getting to see him help her open up was just so freaking good.
The audio was absolutely fantastic too. Savannah Thomas and Brandon Francis are faves of mine and they were incredible in this DUET narration. I love love loved this listen. Thank you so much to Luna Literary for the advanced copies!
Read
October 26, 2026Mistletoe Miscommunication ❤️❤️❤️😍 5/5
This book is so friggin' pretty!!!
E.L. Koslo uses her incredible talent and beautiful words to brings this sweet and hot story to life.
I love Christmas movies and books, and this was no exception.
The characters have chemistry from the get go, and despite their own histories, Gray and Holly's attraction toward one another had pushed any fears they had aside.
I've read the books in the Masked Men of Sage Spring series and highly recommend reading all of them, though this book can be read as a stand alone (as can they all)
Short, Hot, and sweet! Plus I laughed out loud a few times reading the banter between them. I especially love Holly's nervous ramblings.
Well worth the read and highly recommend.
This book is so friggin' pretty!!!
E.L. Koslo uses her incredible talent and beautiful words to brings this sweet and hot story to life.
I love Christmas movies and books, and this was no exception.
The characters have chemistry from the get go, and despite their own histories, Gray and Holly's attraction toward one another had pushed any fears they had aside.
I've read the books in the Masked Men of Sage Spring series and highly recommend reading all of them, though this book can be read as a stand alone (as can they all)
Short, Hot, and sweet! Plus I laughed out loud a few times reading the banter between them. I especially love Holly's nervous ramblings.
Well worth the read and highly recommend.
Did Not Finish
October 27, 2026DNF 60%. Unfortunately just never grabbed my attention. 😢
And, unfortunately, the second interconnected read that made me feel like I was missing a lot by not reading the previous books in the series.
I do think this would be a fun (and I believe it might’ve been about to become spicy) and quick holiday read/listen, if you have enjoyed the other books in the series. I just think it was too short for me, who just jumped in, to really get invested in their story.
Audiobook notes: It is in Duet, which is nice. The female narrator was amazing, but the accent the male narrator was using just wasn’t working for me? I usually enjoy this narrator’s work, too, so I’m not sure what happened here, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite of his.
And, unfortunately, the second interconnected read that made me feel like I was missing a lot by not reading the previous books in the series.
I do think this would be a fun (and I believe it might’ve been about to become spicy) and quick holiday read/listen, if you have enjoyed the other books in the series. I just think it was too short for me, who just jumped in, to really get invested in their story.
Audiobook notes: It is in Duet, which is nice. The female narrator was amazing, but the accent the male narrator was using just wasn’t working for me? I usually enjoy this narrator’s work, too, so I’m not sure what happened here, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite of his.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a cute and spicy Christmas novella! It's a quick story, but I really enjoyed it! Sometimes a fun holiday romance is exactly what you need!
Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas were SO good! Brandon nailed that South Carolina accent! Savannah is one of my favourite narrators, and I swear I never get tired of listening to her! I love her voice, how natural her delivery sounds, and she's especially good when it comes to those steamy scenes! 🥵
Can't forget to mention the spice, because when things get spicy… they get SPICY! 🔥
A huge thank you to E.L. Koslo and Luna Literary Management for the ALC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Brandon Francis and Savannah Thomas were SO good! Brandon nailed that South Carolina accent! Savannah is one of my favourite narrators, and I swear I never get tired of listening to her! I love her voice, how natural her delivery sounds, and she's especially good when it comes to those steamy scenes! 🥵
Can't forget to mention the spice, because when things get spicy… they get SPICY! 🔥
A huge thank you to E.L. Koslo and Luna Literary Management for the ALC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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