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MistleFoe
‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, cookies, joy, and a little sprinkle of mom guilt on the side. Did I say little? I mean an entire sleigh full. Which is exactly why I’m on my way home to Winterbury for the holidays, something my parents have been pleading for since I left the small-town life for a view of the city nearly ten years ago.
It’s not that I don’t come home to visit. I do.
Just not at Christmas.
The last time I was there, I got wrapped up in the romantasy of the town’s mistletoe legend, and it ruined my entire life. Okay, maybe not my entire life, but it did turn my best friend into my biggest enemy.
And maybe gave me a raging case of mistletoe PTSD.
Don’t laugh. It’s a thing.
Which is exactly why I’m going to do everything possible to avoid the raising of the mistletoe, Archer Hodge, and his Christmas tree farm. I’m just going to help my father out with the family animal clinic and mind my own business.
So of course Archer walks right into the clinic and nearly runs me over with his clompy boots, pine-scented flannel, and trademark scowl. Turns out, even after ten years, he still plucks every last nerve in my body. It doesn’t matter that he looks better than I remember and he’s cradling a beautiful dog who steals my heart.
Archer is my sworn frenemy, and no amount of forced proximity, small-town tradition, or mistletoe magic will ever change that.
Or so I thought…
MistleFoe is a frenemies-to-lovers male/male romance that includes meddling moms, a gingerbread debacle, and holiday romance all set in a snowy, small town in Vermont. This is a classic feel-good romance with an optional mistletoe-after-dark scene at the end for those who like a little spice in their eggnog.
Not-so-secret ingredients in this MM holiday
Frenemies to Lovers
Small-Town Holiday Romance
Forced Proximity (gingerbread will be harmed)
Opposites Attract
Mistletoe Magic
Holiday Traditions
Bi-Awakening
Fluffy Feel-Good Romance—Low Heat
Optional “Mistletoe After Dark” Spicy Bonus Scene
It’s not that I don’t come home to visit. I do.
Just not at Christmas.
The last time I was there, I got wrapped up in the romantasy of the town’s mistletoe legend, and it ruined my entire life. Okay, maybe not my entire life, but it did turn my best friend into my biggest enemy.
And maybe gave me a raging case of mistletoe PTSD.
Don’t laugh. It’s a thing.
Which is exactly why I’m going to do everything possible to avoid the raising of the mistletoe, Archer Hodge, and his Christmas tree farm. I’m just going to help my father out with the family animal clinic and mind my own business.
So of course Archer walks right into the clinic and nearly runs me over with his clompy boots, pine-scented flannel, and trademark scowl. Turns out, even after ten years, he still plucks every last nerve in my body. It doesn’t matter that he looks better than I remember and he’s cradling a beautiful dog who steals my heart.
Archer is my sworn frenemy, and no amount of forced proximity, small-town tradition, or mistletoe magic will ever change that.
Or so I thought…
MistleFoe is a frenemies-to-lovers male/male romance that includes meddling moms, a gingerbread debacle, and holiday romance all set in a snowy, small town in Vermont. This is a classic feel-good romance with an optional mistletoe-after-dark scene at the end for those who like a little spice in their eggnog.
Not-so-secret ingredients in this MM holiday
Frenemies to Lovers
Small-Town Holiday Romance
Forced Proximity (gingerbread will be harmed)
Opposites Attract
Mistletoe Magic
Holiday Traditions
Bi-Awakening
Fluffy Feel-Good Romance—Low Heat
Optional “Mistletoe After Dark” Spicy Bonus Scene
282 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2025
69 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Cambria Hebert
99 books5,617 followersCambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than fifty titles. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.
Awards Cambria has received include:
Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com
Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/p...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambriahebert
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/amazoncambria
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/bUL5_5
Share Squad sign up: http://bit.ly/sharesquad
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.
Awards Cambria has received include:
Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com
Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/p...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambriahebert
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/amazoncambria
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/bUL5_5
Share Squad sign up: http://bit.ly/sharesquad
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
December 26, 2025
This started off strong and I was enjoying it so much but it fell apart about halfway through.
Archer is not a likable character even if he did try to make up for lost time. He was so rude to Brett and just kind of bullied those he didn’t like.
When both moms become involved both Toby and Archer are like little kids again. There’s respect and then there’s grown men being pushed into things by their mothers. Then both men started acting like children. The entire book shifted in that moment.
What killed this book for me though was Archer saying he’s “gay for you” to Toby. Maybe he’s never been attracted to another man before but I thought we were past the whole gfy trend. Why put a label on anything at all if you can’t label a character as maybe bi or pan or something else? Why gfy?
That was it for me. I barely skimmed the last couple chapters.
Archer is not a likable character even if he did try to make up for lost time. He was so rude to Brett and just kind of bullied those he didn’t like.
When both moms become involved both Toby and Archer are like little kids again. There’s respect and then there’s grown men being pushed into things by their mothers. Then both men started acting like children. The entire book shifted in that moment.
What killed this book for me though was Archer saying he’s “gay for you” to Toby. Maybe he’s never been attracted to another man before but I thought we were past the whole gfy trend. Why put a label on anything at all if you can’t label a character as maybe bi or pan or something else? Why gfy?
That was it for me. I barely skimmed the last couple chapters.
December 7, 2025
3 ⭐️
I wanted to love this but it was just okay. Mostly, I was annoyed by the moms and felt a little grossed out by the unnecessary line where Archer literally says “I guess I’m only gay for you.” Was that really necessary? Is bisexual a bad word?
I wanted to love this but it was just okay. Mostly, I was annoyed by the moms and felt a little grossed out by the unnecessary line where Archer literally says “I guess I’m only gay for you.” Was that really necessary? Is bisexual a bad word?
November 18, 2025
For the last ten years Toby has been dodging going back to Winterbury for Christmas thanks to a mistletoe mixup that ruined his friendship with his best friend Archer.
While back in town, Toby plans to do his best to avoid Archer at all costs. Only fate has other plans and Toby and Archer get thrown together again and again.
A & T’s story is full of festive shenanigans, snarky banter, and delicious tension. Perfect for those looking for a queer holiday romance that gives Hallmark vibes.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- small town holiday romance
- christmas tree farmer + veterinarian
- frenemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- opposites attract
- queer awakening
- some mistletoe magic + meddling mamas
While back in town, Toby plans to do his best to avoid Archer at all costs. Only fate has other plans and Toby and Archer get thrown together again and again.
A & T’s story is full of festive shenanigans, snarky banter, and delicious tension. Perfect for those looking for a queer holiday romance that gives Hallmark vibes.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- small town holiday romance
- christmas tree farmer + veterinarian
- frenemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- opposites attract
- queer awakening
- some mistletoe magic + meddling mamas
December 26, 2025
DNF at 60%
This is not a good book. 60% in, and Archer has barely decided to treat Toby like a person. Toby is a victim of romantic nostalgia. A man treats you like dog shit he stepped in, and one word (NOT sorry) is enough for you to get in your feelings? Archer needs therapy, not a boyfriend. Toby needs to go back to Boston and find a man who actually likes him. There's 40% left of this book, and I just don't think the groveling will be good enough.
The writing is subpar: "...I gasped. Gasped so hard my lungs felt a draft." This is the sentence that broke me. I can't read anymore of this. This book needs a good editor and some honest beta readers. If I wrote a note every time something made me want to give up on this book, I'd have a few pages written. I don't know how I powered through this much of it.
This is not a good book. 60% in, and Archer has barely decided to treat Toby like a person. Toby is a victim of romantic nostalgia. A man treats you like dog shit he stepped in, and one word (NOT sorry) is enough for you to get in your feelings? Archer needs therapy, not a boyfriend. Toby needs to go back to Boston and find a man who actually likes him. There's 40% left of this book, and I just don't think the groveling will be good enough.
The writing is subpar: "...I gasped. Gasped so hard my lungs felt a draft." This is the sentence that broke me. I can't read anymore of this. This book needs a good editor and some honest beta readers. If I wrote a note every time something made me want to give up on this book, I'd have a few pages written. I don't know how I powered through this much of it.
December 4, 2025
im sorry, but this book was unbereable to read
December 27, 2025
Almost YA til the bonus chapter
KU Read
256 Pages
MM Holiday Romance
Frenemies to Lovers
Childhood Friends
Small Town
Second Chance
Always Been You
Gay for him
Low Spice
Not a bad shift Xmas story, I devoured it in less than a day. The small town, the festive season and tight family connections made it cosy despite the tension between both MMC's. Archer and Toby letter ways when at 18 Toby tried to kiss his straight best frirnd and was rejected. What he didn't realise was that Archer regretted that day ever since. Now Toby is home for the first time in years and their rivalry that sparked from that day is in full swing and threatening to ruin Xmas unless they be civil.
But how can they be civil when they bother secretly still love each other?
I really enjoyed this book, it packed a lot in and the dual pov and timeline going from then to now gave depth and context to their fued. It was really YA I too the one spicy bonus chapter at the end so very sweet over all.
KU Read
256 Pages
MM Holiday Romance
Frenemies to Lovers
Childhood Friends
Small Town
Second Chance
Always Been You
Gay for him
Low Spice
Not a bad shift Xmas story, I devoured it in less than a day. The small town, the festive season and tight family connections made it cosy despite the tension between both MMC's. Archer and Toby letter ways when at 18 Toby tried to kiss his straight best frirnd and was rejected. What he didn't realise was that Archer regretted that day ever since. Now Toby is home for the first time in years and their rivalry that sparked from that day is in full swing and threatening to ruin Xmas unless they be civil.
But how can they be civil when they bother secretly still love each other?
I really enjoyed this book, it packed a lot in and the dual pov and timeline going from then to now gave depth and context to their fued. It was really YA I too the one spicy bonus chapter at the end so very sweet over all.
November 19, 2025
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
I liked this story but I didn't love it. Every year when October rolls around, I start binging any and all holiday romances I can get my hands on, especially those of the LGBTQ+ variety. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to dive into MistleFoe.
So what I loved, Toby and Archer as characters are fantastic. The contrast between their personalities, their childhood history together, and the meddlesome 'everyone knows everyone business' that can honestly only occur in a small town. I adored Archer's dog, Marlowe, and which the pup had more book time than they did.
But the story reads like a Hallmark movie, and while that isn't a bad thing, it's almost script-like in its writing. I was missing those little details and stolen moments that are usually left out in the movies. I also could have used more of a build-up, Archer and Toby as adults are practically strangers, I would have liked them to get to know the adult versions of each other a little better before they lived happily-ever-after. As a result, they came off as a little insta-love.
Overall, the story gave me the holiday escape read I wanted. Would I re-read it again next year? No, probably not. But if you're looking to escape into a quick little enemies-to-loves Christmas time read, this is the book.
I liked this story but I didn't love it. Every year when October rolls around, I start binging any and all holiday romances I can get my hands on, especially those of the LGBTQ+ variety. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to dive into MistleFoe.
So what I loved, Toby and Archer as characters are fantastic. The contrast between their personalities, their childhood history together, and the meddlesome 'everyone knows everyone business' that can honestly only occur in a small town. I adored Archer's dog, Marlowe, and which the pup had more book time than they did.
But the story reads like a Hallmark movie, and while that isn't a bad thing, it's almost script-like in its writing. I was missing those little details and stolen moments that are usually left out in the movies. I also could have used more of a build-up, Archer and Toby as adults are practically strangers, I would have liked them to get to know the adult versions of each other a little better before they lived happily-ever-after. As a result, they came off as a little insta-love.
Overall, the story gave me the holiday escape read I wanted. Would I re-read it again next year? No, probably not. But if you're looking to escape into a quick little enemies-to-loves Christmas time read, this is the book.
December 7, 2025
This book is a sweet, angsty, adorable Christmas love story of best friends to enemies to lovers, and spans over a decade. The boys, Archer and Toby, grew up best friends in a small town. Archer was a star football player and had some girls waiting for him to notice them. His best friend Toby was not interested in girls. Toby was interested in Archer.
When Toby decides it's time to share his feelings with Archer, it doesn't go at all like he had hoped. The two quickly become enemies as Archer pushes him away.
Toby moves on and out of his small town to become a Veterinarian in Boston. Archer stays back and helps to run the Christmas tree farm his family owns. The two don't share or.talk much for the next decade.
When Toby is told by his mother that he IS coming home for Christmas this year, he begrudgingly goes. Running into Archer isn't what he wants.
As the two men interact again and the pain of that night and the last ten years unfolds, they take a very twisty, always interrupted path to get to the HEA. And it's a tremendous HEA.
This book was a fun, happy, feel good Christmas story with Hallmark vibes. I really enjoyed it. And stay for the "after dark" scene because it's a WIN.
Story: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: 5/5 🫂 🫂 🫂 🫂 🫂
Spice: 0/5 in story but 3/5 in the after dark
Christmas magic: 5/5 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
I received this book as an ARC and the review is my opinion only.
When Toby decides it's time to share his feelings with Archer, it doesn't go at all like he had hoped. The two quickly become enemies as Archer pushes him away.
Toby moves on and out of his small town to become a Veterinarian in Boston. Archer stays back and helps to run the Christmas tree farm his family owns. The two don't share or.talk much for the next decade.
When Toby is told by his mother that he IS coming home for Christmas this year, he begrudgingly goes. Running into Archer isn't what he wants.
As the two men interact again and the pain of that night and the last ten years unfolds, they take a very twisty, always interrupted path to get to the HEA. And it's a tremendous HEA.
This book was a fun, happy, feel good Christmas story with Hallmark vibes. I really enjoyed it. And stay for the "after dark" scene because it's a WIN.
Story: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: 5/5 🫂 🫂 🫂 🫂 🫂
Spice: 0/5 in story but 3/5 in the after dark
Christmas magic: 5/5 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
I received this book as an ARC and the review is my opinion only.
December 13, 2025
The holiday aspects of MistleFoe I really enjoyed. All the Winterbury traditions, Toby and Archer rebuilding the gingerbread, the huge amount of snow. And Marlowe was such a mischievous, cute dog.
What I struggled with in this book was Archer. I understand that he was going through a lot when Toby told him about his feelings when they were younger. What I don’t get is later, after he realized his own feelings, is that he still treated Toby the way he did. All the thinking of him as an enemy and calling him Toby the Terrible in his mind was a bit much. Especially because he knows he loves Toby and he’s an adult now. I think I would’ve enjoyed Archer more if he took the route of apologizing earlier and him and Toby getting to know each other better again as adults. I was still happy when they got together because Toby was so thrilled and Archer was acting better but his earlier behavior kept me from being more invested in their happy ending.
Oh and this is a small complaint but I thought it was a bit odd that Marlowe basically disappeared for the last 4ish chapters of the book. He was such a big part of the story and it seemed like he just wasn’t there towards the end.
I’m sad this was a miss for me because I typically love all of Cambria Hebert’s books but I’ll of course be reading more from her in the future.
What I struggled with in this book was Archer. I understand that he was going through a lot when Toby told him about his feelings when they were younger. What I don’t get is later, after he realized his own feelings, is that he still treated Toby the way he did. All the thinking of him as an enemy and calling him Toby the Terrible in his mind was a bit much. Especially because he knows he loves Toby and he’s an adult now. I think I would’ve enjoyed Archer more if he took the route of apologizing earlier and him and Toby getting to know each other better again as adults. I was still happy when they got together because Toby was so thrilled and Archer was acting better but his earlier behavior kept me from being more invested in their happy ending.
Oh and this is a small complaint but I thought it was a bit odd that Marlowe basically disappeared for the last 4ish chapters of the book. He was such a big part of the story and it seemed like he just wasn’t there towards the end.
I’m sad this was a miss for me because I typically love all of Cambria Hebert’s books but I’ll of course be reading more from her in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
MistleFoe
Cambria Herbert
Archer & Toby
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Frenemies to lovers
Small town
Holiday romance
Forced Proximity
Opposites attract
Second chance
This was a perfect holiday romance.
These two start out as best friends.
In a beautiful town that just loves Christmas.
Honestly what a perfect town.
Only to have a falling out and these two have not spoken for 10 years. For Toby, it had ruined his Christmas cheer all these years. Moving away from their perfect town to distance himself from the hurt.
10 years later Toby is back to help his father out at the family veterinary clinic.
There he runs into Archer. These two clash initially. Butting heads the townspeople get involved making these two work together in holiday events.
These two were so cute. Once they finally got over their issues lol
“Because after that kiss? Forever was the only option.”
The townspeople were fantastic.
What a beautiful town and the found vibe was so lovely.
I'm so glad these two got their hea
This was a sweet romantic rom com holiday romance.
“I know it took me a long time to get here. Way longer than you deserved, but I mean it. Every word. I want to be with you.”
Wonderful book
So thankful for this arc
Cambria Herbert
Archer & Toby
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Frenemies to lovers
Small town
Holiday romance
Forced Proximity
Opposites attract
Second chance
This was a perfect holiday romance.
These two start out as best friends.
In a beautiful town that just loves Christmas.
Honestly what a perfect town.
Only to have a falling out and these two have not spoken for 10 years. For Toby, it had ruined his Christmas cheer all these years. Moving away from their perfect town to distance himself from the hurt.
10 years later Toby is back to help his father out at the family veterinary clinic.
There he runs into Archer. These two clash initially. Butting heads the townspeople get involved making these two work together in holiday events.
These two were so cute. Once they finally got over their issues lol
“Because after that kiss? Forever was the only option.”
The townspeople were fantastic.
What a beautiful town and the found vibe was so lovely.
I'm so glad these two got their hea
This was a sweet romantic rom com holiday romance.
“I know it took me a long time to get here. Way longer than you deserved, but I mean it. Every word. I want to be with you.”
Wonderful book
So thankful for this arc
December 3, 2025
A super cute & fluffy read! If you love cheesy tv Christmas movies then this is absolutely the perfect book for you!
*I received an arc copy of this book, all opinions are my own*
It’s a great blend of friends to enemies to lovers, with the small town that’s obsessed with Christmas charm. Add in some meddling friends & moms, a bunch of town traditions, and cute animals and you’ve got a very hallmark vibes Christmas romance book.
The only things I wish we’d gotten as part of the story were a few moments of Toby & Archer getting to know each other again as adults (considering they haven’t spoken in ten years), and since the bonus chapter has the only spice in the story, it also briefly mentions their first time being intimate together and I wish we’d gotten even a closed door version of that on page in the main book, as I feel it is an important moment of character development for Archer, and an important moment in the re-ignition of their romantic relationship.
*I received an arc copy of this book, all opinions are my own*
It’s a great blend of friends to enemies to lovers, with the small town that’s obsessed with Christmas charm. Add in some meddling friends & moms, a bunch of town traditions, and cute animals and you’ve got a very hallmark vibes Christmas romance book.
The only things I wish we’d gotten as part of the story were a few moments of Toby & Archer getting to know each other again as adults (considering they haven’t spoken in ten years), and since the bonus chapter has the only spice in the story, it also briefly mentions their first time being intimate together and I wish we’d gotten even a closed door version of that on page in the main book, as I feel it is an important moment of character development for Archer, and an important moment in the re-ignition of their romantic relationship.
January 18, 2026
literally between a 2 and a 3. like it started off well, but halfway through it was alllll getting repeated and boring and the plot was basically at some point just bending itself to keep them together so they can talk. and the BIG confrontation scene about their feelings was lack luster, to quote wendy williams "The Hallmark of it all" is the best way I can explain this book. it wasn't really funny, the characters don't have much depth, the story about the FUCKASS MISTLETOE IS MENTIONED IN EVERY CHAPTER AND WE HONESTLY GET IT MOVE ON LIKE WE KNOW, WE KNOW. WERENT REALLY ENEMIES EITHER AND WE COULDVE HAD AN AMAZING CHASING ARC BUT IT WAS ALLLL JUST SO MID. I mean I enjoyed it? it was a light read and not something to think about ever again, it is not life changing but it's still a good book to pass time with.
December 13, 2025
I super loved this one!
It was sweet and wholesome and I was rooting for the male leads the whole way.
I loved their banter, all the christmasy events around the small town, the DOG!and especially the moms!
And just when I thought this was going to be a kissing only book (which I didn't mind at all because it was just that swoony) the author hit us with some spice in the epilogue!
There's just something so lovely about a christmas romance that hits me differently than a regular romance, and this one I know I'll be rereading next year.
It was sweet and wholesome and I was rooting for the male leads the whole way.
I loved their banter, all the christmasy events around the small town, the DOG!and especially the moms!
And just when I thought this was going to be a kissing only book (which I didn't mind at all because it was just that swoony) the author hit us with some spice in the epilogue!
There's just something so lovely about a christmas romance that hits me differently than a regular romance, and this one I know I'll be rereading next year.
November 23, 2025
As always Cambria KILLED it with this one!! From best friends, to enemies to lovers!
This was such a fun, adorable, cozy Christmas read. !
In this book we meet Toby and Archer, where they try there best to stay away from each other but yet they just cant.
This was on the shorter size, but still very good.
This was such a fun, adorable, cozy Christmas read. !
In this book we meet Toby and Archer, where they try there best to stay away from each other but yet they just cant.
This was on the shorter size, but still very good.
November 24, 2025
This was so cute!! Very different from Cambria's other books for sure. This read a lot like a Hallmark movie. You're going to get very low spice but all the cute Christmas vibes!
-friends to enemies to lovers
-second chances
-small town romance
-meddling moms
-veterinarian / tree farmer
If you're looking for a sweet holiday read this is what you're looking for!
-friends to enemies to lovers
-second chances
-small town romance
-meddling moms
-veterinarian / tree farmer
If you're looking for a sweet holiday read this is what you're looking for!
November 28, 2025
This was such an endearing holiday read—light, fun, and full of Hallmark spirit , and the Christmas romance gives you all the feels.
It’s a small-town second-chance story featuring two men who can’t stop sniping at each other, a town that fully believes in mistletoe magic, and a dog who might be the smartest of them all.
All of that adds up to a cozy, relaxing read that’s perfect for boosting your holiday spirit.
See you in Winterbury, Vermont.
December 17, 2025
Honestly, I didn't like Archer for most of this book. So that heavily impacted my enjoyment of the story. It was still cute and Christmassy so it's still worth the read but not my favorite holiday read, personally.
December 1, 2025
5⭐️ ✨ARC Review ✨
This was everything I love about a classic Hallmark Christmas movie… but MM, and honestly even better. 🎄☃️
Small-town charm? ✅
Coming home after years away? ✅
Second-chance feelings that never really faded? ✅
Tree lighting, Christmas tree farms, and pure holiday magic? DOUBLE ✅
Archer and Toby were perfection. Their chemistry felt so natural…equal parts sweet, nostalgic, and swoony. It gave me full warm-and-fuzzy Christmas-movie heart flutters. I smiled through basically the whole book.
This hit all the cozy holiday beats and wrapped them up in the kind of holiday romance that makes you want to reread with hot cocoa in hand. I loved every single page.
✨ ARC provided, and this is my honest, voluntary review. ✨
This was everything I love about a classic Hallmark Christmas movie… but MM, and honestly even better. 🎄☃️
Small-town charm? ✅
Coming home after years away? ✅
Second-chance feelings that never really faded? ✅
Tree lighting, Christmas tree farms, and pure holiday magic? DOUBLE ✅
Archer and Toby were perfection. Their chemistry felt so natural…equal parts sweet, nostalgic, and swoony. It gave me full warm-and-fuzzy Christmas-movie heart flutters. I smiled through basically the whole book.
This hit all the cozy holiday beats and wrapped them up in the kind of holiday romance that makes you want to reread with hot cocoa in hand. I loved every single page.
✨ ARC provided, and this is my honest, voluntary review. ✨
November 30, 2025
If there is one thing Cambria Hebert does flawlessly, it’s giving us characters who burrow straight into our hearts and set up permanent residency — and MistleFoe is no exception. This charming, snowy, small-town MM holiday romance was exactly the cozy, feel-good escape I needed. Warm lights, meddling moms, gingerbread disasters, a town obsessed with Christmas, and a decade-long grudge? Yes, please. Wrap me up in Winterbury and never let me go.
Even though MistleFoe is a standalone, it delivers the full Cambria Hebert experience: lovable characters, hilarious chaos, and heart-squeezing sweetness all in one perfectly wrapped holiday package.
We follow Toby, a Boston vet who avoids Christmas at home like it’s a sport, all thanks to one legendary mistletoe incident that blew up his friendship — and maybe his heart — ten years ago. Enter Archer Hodge: grumpy tree-farm king, walking pine-scented temptation, and Toby’s sworn frenemy… who shows up on page one holding a dog so adorable I wanted to reach into the book and steal Marlowe myself.
From the second Toby and Archer collide again (literally) in the animal clinic, the tension is instant — the snappy banter, the flustered nerves, the lingering hurt, and that delicious spark beneath all the prickliness. Winterbury itself basically conspires to shove them together: holiday events, traditions, moms who KNOW, gingerbread “accidents,” and… well… a bit of mistletoe magic. You can fight a lot of things, but you cannot fight a determined small town in December.
What I adored most?
This isn’t just a cute holiday romance. It’s a story about two men who have loved each other far longer than they’ve admitted. It’s about miscommunication, timing, forgiveness, and finding your way back to someone even when you tried so hard not to look over your shoulder. Toby is an anxious, sweet, slightly clumsy cinnamon roll. Archer is the rough-around-the-edges grump who feels everything deeply but says very little. Together… swoon. Their chemistry practically glows like a strand of Christmas lights.
The whole book honestly reads like a Hallmark movie — but with better banter, more queer joy, and a side of bonus spice for those who want it. It’s soft, it’s tender, it’s snarky, and it’s filled with that signature Cambria humor (gingerbread will be harmed… consider yourself warned). And as someone who loves her MM romances the most? Cambria absolutely shines here. She gets the dynamic, the emotions, the vulnerability so right.
MistleFoe is light, fun, heartfelt, and absolutely perfect for kicking off holiday reading season — or for disappearing into a snow-covered small town when real life gets too loud. I genuinely enjoyed every minute.
And honestly? When it comes to MM romance, Cambria is simply the best.
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Probably.
Would I read future books by this author: 100%.
Even though MistleFoe is a standalone, it delivers the full Cambria Hebert experience: lovable characters, hilarious chaos, and heart-squeezing sweetness all in one perfectly wrapped holiday package.
We follow Toby, a Boston vet who avoids Christmas at home like it’s a sport, all thanks to one legendary mistletoe incident that blew up his friendship — and maybe his heart — ten years ago. Enter Archer Hodge: grumpy tree-farm king, walking pine-scented temptation, and Toby’s sworn frenemy… who shows up on page one holding a dog so adorable I wanted to reach into the book and steal Marlowe myself.
From the second Toby and Archer collide again (literally) in the animal clinic, the tension is instant — the snappy banter, the flustered nerves, the lingering hurt, and that delicious spark beneath all the prickliness. Winterbury itself basically conspires to shove them together: holiday events, traditions, moms who KNOW, gingerbread “accidents,” and… well… a bit of mistletoe magic. You can fight a lot of things, but you cannot fight a determined small town in December.
What I adored most?
This isn’t just a cute holiday romance. It’s a story about two men who have loved each other far longer than they’ve admitted. It’s about miscommunication, timing, forgiveness, and finding your way back to someone even when you tried so hard not to look over your shoulder. Toby is an anxious, sweet, slightly clumsy cinnamon roll. Archer is the rough-around-the-edges grump who feels everything deeply but says very little. Together… swoon. Their chemistry practically glows like a strand of Christmas lights.
The whole book honestly reads like a Hallmark movie — but with better banter, more queer joy, and a side of bonus spice for those who want it. It’s soft, it’s tender, it’s snarky, and it’s filled with that signature Cambria humor (gingerbread will be harmed… consider yourself warned). And as someone who loves her MM romances the most? Cambria absolutely shines here. She gets the dynamic, the emotions, the vulnerability so right.
MistleFoe is light, fun, heartfelt, and absolutely perfect for kicking off holiday reading season — or for disappearing into a snow-covered small town when real life gets too loud. I genuinely enjoyed every minute.
And honestly? When it comes to MM romance, Cambria is simply the best.
Would I recommend this book: Yes.
Would I re-read this book: Probably.
Would I read future books by this author: 100%.
December 9, 2025
Toby wasn’t new. He was inevitable.
-ˏˋ⋆⋆ˊˎ-
Story: 2/5
Spice: None (There is a spicy chapter at the end, as like an additional, I skipped this)
Characters: 2/5
-ˏˋ⋆⋆ˊˎ-
Overall reco:
First, I would like to say Team Brett.
Early on in the book it was clear that the author was trying to paint the reader into a corner, then do the whole, 'but see?: it was just a misunderstanding!' rug pull. Sometimes those work out just fine, this one felt very forced and flat.
Archer is an asshole. He stays an asshole and sure, that can be fun. The MC who is an asshole to everyone but the other MC. It's a trope. Except here it just kind of felt very.. annoying and very out of place. We are shown/given reasons for why Archer is the way he is but it doesn't really make sense to me. .
I liked Toby. His actions made sense (up to a point). His actions made sense for what happened to him and honestly, if I were Toby'd cut contact and run far away, like he did for a number of years. I felt a lot more for Toby and honestly, I thought Brett was a better match.
The moms and the town in general annoyed the shit out of me. Early on in the book they were mildly meddling, like the normal amount and that was fine. I became increasingly annoyed with them over time and by the end I really didn't like either of them. Archer's mom was a little better but JFC these ladies need lives.
(Other Notes)
The author's notes at the end indicate that this story was originally going to be a movie script, and when I read that a lot of things made sense. There are things that work in movies that just don't in novels and the whole book felt like it was playing out to a camera and not to a reader. It was missing a lot of the things that made the world feel whole.
In the end? I finished it, and it was readable. It deffinately made me feel things. Am I going to read this again? Nope. Will I recommend it? Eh, there are others that are better, but I wouldn't warn people away from it.
January 9, 2026
DNF @ 55%
Toby's mom was funny at the start, but she just came across as manipulative later on with the fake conversations leading to Toby doing something he didn't want to.
How did Toby's dad manage to be a workaholic when a regular day at his office was over before sun down? Toby explicitly says that there wasn't a lot of work around so what exactly was his dad doing to be a workaholic?
Finding out that both Toby and Archer had been immature was interesting. I thought it was weird how they still interacted after the , but them actively getting on each other's nerves was justified by their youth. Them still being prickly years later was good, but it was too inconsistently applied to be believable. If I truly disliked someone as much as Toby and Archer did each other, I'd literally do everything in my power to avoid interaction and yet both of them willingly initiated contact when none was needed.
I get Archer was jealous about Toby and Brett being around each other, but his very explicit actions were too incongruous with his thoughts. I couldn't reconcile things like pulling Toby closer and feeling explicit jealousy with his supposed dislike of Toby. It almost felt like two separate characters (one who was childish and combative and one who wanted to be with Toby) rather than a single character being pulled two different directions. Same with Toby being the guy to initiate contact at the Christmas tree decoration hanging. Like why did he even talk to Archer unprompted if he supposedly disliked him so much?
I couldn't buy into the "You two boys are going to make a replacement gingerbread house because we told you to be nice and didn't" as if 1. The people at the auction would be heartless enough to withdraw their bids because of an accident, 2. People would bid on a gingerbread house made by two amateurs, and 3. Their respective mothers somehow believing that telling two people who clearly don't like each other to stop not liking each other and forcing them to work together was going to be reasonable.
I had to DNF at that moment because these two characters felt more like actual children rather than adults. I understand having animosity, and I could even excuse both of them being kind of childish but when the story adds in their mothers treating them like literal children (and for very silly reasons) it makes me want to tap out. Maybe I'd have stuck it out if the animosity between the two was more consistent.
Toby's mom was funny at the start, but she just came across as manipulative later on with the fake conversations leading to Toby doing something he didn't want to.
How did Toby's dad manage to be a workaholic when a regular day at his office was over before sun down? Toby explicitly says that there wasn't a lot of work around so what exactly was his dad doing to be a workaholic?
Finding out that both Toby and Archer had been immature was interesting. I thought it was weird how they still interacted after the , but them actively getting on each other's nerves was justified by their youth. Them still being prickly years later was good, but it was too inconsistently applied to be believable. If I truly disliked someone as much as Toby and Archer did each other, I'd literally do everything in my power to avoid interaction and yet both of them willingly initiated contact when none was needed.
I get Archer was jealous about Toby and Brett being around each other, but his very explicit actions were too incongruous with his thoughts. I couldn't reconcile things like pulling Toby closer and feeling explicit jealousy with his supposed dislike of Toby. It almost felt like two separate characters (one who was childish and combative and one who wanted to be with Toby) rather than a single character being pulled two different directions. Same with Toby being the guy to initiate contact at the Christmas tree decoration hanging. Like why did he even talk to Archer unprompted if he supposedly disliked him so much?
I couldn't buy into the "You two boys are going to make a replacement gingerbread house because we told you to be nice and didn't" as if 1. The people at the auction would be heartless enough to withdraw their bids because of an accident, 2. People would bid on a gingerbread house made by two amateurs, and 3. Their respective mothers somehow believing that telling two people who clearly don't like each other to stop not liking each other and forcing them to work together was going to be reasonable.
I had to DNF at that moment because these two characters felt more like actual children rather than adults. I understand having animosity, and I could even excuse both of them being kind of childish but when the story adds in their mothers treating them like literal children (and for very silly reasons) it makes me want to tap out. Maybe I'd have stuck it out if the animosity between the two was more consistent.
December 1, 2025
Mistletoe magic
Cambria Hebert's Christmas story MISTLEFOE was an enjoyable, fun, and heartwarming frenemies to lovers, small town romance. There is plenty of small town traditions included, the most important being th Christmas tree lighting and the raising of the mistletoe. It is just the story to get you into the Christmas spirit, just like a Hallmark movie except it's in a book.
Toby Thomas and Archer Hodge were once best friends, but one Christmas ten years ago all that changed, and they've not spoken since. Tobey left Westbury to become a veterinarian in Boston, while Archer remained in town and took over his family's Christmas tree farm. Christmas has never been the same sonce for either of them. Toby has returned to town to give his dad some time off from the Veterinary clinic, and the last person he wants to see is Archer.
I adored Toby and Archer. These men really know how to hold a grudge. They simply don't get along, constantly clashing, muttering insults, and grunting instead of acknowledging each other. Ten years is a long time to remain "enemies", it's also a long time to miss the person who made you whole, the person who you can only love from afar. Subtle touches, furtive glances, snarky banter, and sizzling chemistry, Toby and Archer have and do them all. They are totally swoon worthy, even when they're arguing. It's time to put aside the past, but are they finally ready to forgive and forget?
Cambria's storytelling absolutely sparkles. Hr humour, spice, emotions, and characters all shine. I love that she includes th meddling mums, relatable town residents, and a dog who is definitely smarter than his owner! MISTLEFOE was a fabulous read which left me smiling for a long time after finishing.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
Cambria Hebert's Christmas story MISTLEFOE was an enjoyable, fun, and heartwarming frenemies to lovers, small town romance. There is plenty of small town traditions included, the most important being th Christmas tree lighting and the raising of the mistletoe. It is just the story to get you into the Christmas spirit, just like a Hallmark movie except it's in a book.
Toby Thomas and Archer Hodge were once best friends, but one Christmas ten years ago all that changed, and they've not spoken since. Tobey left Westbury to become a veterinarian in Boston, while Archer remained in town and took over his family's Christmas tree farm. Christmas has never been the same sonce for either of them. Toby has returned to town to give his dad some time off from the Veterinary clinic, and the last person he wants to see is Archer.
I adored Toby and Archer. These men really know how to hold a grudge. They simply don't get along, constantly clashing, muttering insults, and grunting instead of acknowledging each other. Ten years is a long time to remain "enemies", it's also a long time to miss the person who made you whole, the person who you can only love from afar. Subtle touches, furtive glances, snarky banter, and sizzling chemistry, Toby and Archer have and do them all. They are totally swoon worthy, even when they're arguing. It's time to put aside the past, but are they finally ready to forgive and forget?
Cambria's storytelling absolutely sparkles. Hr humour, spice, emotions, and characters all shine. I love that she includes th meddling mums, relatable town residents, and a dog who is definitely smarter than his owner! MISTLEFOE was a fabulous read which left me smiling for a long time after finishing.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
November 26, 2025
This is my first Cambria Hebert book and definitely won't be the last. You can bet I checked my Kindle and I have a few that waited for a long time to be read . MistleFoe is the perfect holiday frenemies to lovers MM romance that I've read so far and I started my holiday reading quite early. MistleFoe is a sweet and swoony holiday romance with the feel good vibes of a Hallmark holiday movie. It has all the banter, witty remarks and sarcastic comments to cover for all the angst, tension and that decade long mutual pinning . Almost as good as Pride and Prejudice. Now you know what I mean. Toby and Archer were perfect together with that right guy wrong time vibes around them . Toby is back for Christmas after the Mistletoe fiasco ten years ago. His mum guilt tripped him and he is like a fish out of water. Awkward and clumsy. A recipe for disaster. And when all the small holiday messes happen they bring Toby and Archer together . So these two first argue then have to confront their past to clear the air between them. And its so sweet when finally they confessed to each other. That Mistletoe moment was so swoony the second time. Their first Christmas together was Hallmark worthy and so sweet . MistleFoe is definitely a real feel good holiday novella. Now if you missed the heat of that insane chemistry between Archer and Toby there is a little something steaming hot to read after The End. And Archer really is the dotting kind of boyfriend and Toby was so loving it.
Thanks to the author and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Thanks to the author and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
December 1, 2025
If you are looking for a book to read for this holiday season, this book is an ideal choice.
It's a low-heat, feel-good holiday, friends - enemies - lovers MM romance set in a small town.
Add one sweet dog, many Christmas traditions, and mistletoe magic and everything is ready for perfect Christmas story.
Sounds a bit like Hallmark movie? Yes it does. But better. And I was so ready for it.
✨
After avoiding his hometown for 10 years, Toby returns to briefly take over his dad's vet clinic for the holidays.
His former best friend Archer still lives there and runs a Christmas tree farm in town.
Toby's plan is simple: work and avoid Archer for as long as possible.
Of course, nothing ever goes according to plan. Especially in a small town where everyone knows everyone.
"𝑾𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒛𝒆, 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒖𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒖𝒍𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒅𝒖𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒊𝒙𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒍."
After their reunion, we can feel the chemistry, connection, longing, and pull between our characters. After one gingerbread debacle, they are forced to work together and resolve their problems.
""𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒚, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒐 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒈𝒂𝒛𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅, 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒕, 𝒄𝒐-𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓, 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉, 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒚, 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒚…"
I just enjoyed book so much. Toby and Archer were everything I hoped for and more. They were both stubborn but also sweet and funny.
Now grab your copy and enjoy the ride.
-----
I did receive an ARC for my honest review.
It's a low-heat, feel-good holiday, friends - enemies - lovers MM romance set in a small town.
Add one sweet dog, many Christmas traditions, and mistletoe magic and everything is ready for perfect Christmas story.
Sounds a bit like Hallmark movie? Yes it does. But better. And I was so ready for it.
✨
After avoiding his hometown for 10 years, Toby returns to briefly take over his dad's vet clinic for the holidays.
His former best friend Archer still lives there and runs a Christmas tree farm in town.
Toby's plan is simple: work and avoid Archer for as long as possible.
Of course, nothing ever goes according to plan. Especially in a small town where everyone knows everyone.
"𝑾𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒛𝒆, 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒖𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒖𝒍𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒅𝒖𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒊𝒙𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒍."
After their reunion, we can feel the chemistry, connection, longing, and pull between our characters. After one gingerbread debacle, they are forced to work together and resolve their problems.
""𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒚, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒐 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒈𝒂𝒛𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅, 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒕, 𝒄𝒐-𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓, 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉, 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒚, 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒚…"
I just enjoyed book so much. Toby and Archer were everything I hoped for and more. They were both stubborn but also sweet and funny.
Now grab your copy and enjoy the ride.
-----
I did receive an ARC for my honest review.
December 2, 2025
This is a standalone.
What to expect:
🎄Frenemies to Lovers
🎄Small-Town Holiday Romance
🎄Forced Proximity (gingerbread will be harmed)
🎄Opposites Attract
🎄Mistletoe Magic
🎄Holiday Traditions
🎄Bi-Awakening
🎄Fluffy Feel-Good Romance—Low Heat
🎄Optional “Mistletoe After Dark” Spicy Bonus Scene
Toby and Archer used to be joined at the hip, until a stolen kiss and abject rejection cause a chasm between them. To get away from the embarassment Toby escapes to Boston and a decade passes.
Toby does come back home to visit from time to time, but never at Chrismas and never to see Archer. This year is different, Toby's mother has guilt tripped him into coming home to cover his father's vet practice so he can take a break. Christmas holds many, many memories for Toby and they all involve Archer and the closeness they used to share.
When he comes home will he be able to avoid Archer or will the perfect little hallmark town and the Christmas spirit wave their magic around and finally force these two to face what they have always wanted?
I adored this story and read it so fast. The author compares it to a movie you would see on the Hallmark channel and it really is. It has all the feels and the gooeyness that you associate with them. Toby and Archer just need a little shove to see what has been in front of them, they both just needed a little encouragement and learn to communicate with each other.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: This book only has spice in the epilogue, if you do not like spice you can completely skip it.
What to expect:
🎄Frenemies to Lovers
🎄Small-Town Holiday Romance
🎄Forced Proximity (gingerbread will be harmed)
🎄Opposites Attract
🎄Mistletoe Magic
🎄Holiday Traditions
🎄Bi-Awakening
🎄Fluffy Feel-Good Romance—Low Heat
🎄Optional “Mistletoe After Dark” Spicy Bonus Scene
Toby and Archer used to be joined at the hip, until a stolen kiss and abject rejection cause a chasm between them. To get away from the embarassment Toby escapes to Boston and a decade passes.
Toby does come back home to visit from time to time, but never at Chrismas and never to see Archer. This year is different, Toby's mother has guilt tripped him into coming home to cover his father's vet practice so he can take a break. Christmas holds many, many memories for Toby and they all involve Archer and the closeness they used to share.
When he comes home will he be able to avoid Archer or will the perfect little hallmark town and the Christmas spirit wave their magic around and finally force these two to face what they have always wanted?
I adored this story and read it so fast. The author compares it to a movie you would see on the Hallmark channel and it really is. It has all the feels and the gooeyness that you associate with them. Toby and Archer just need a little shove to see what has been in front of them, they both just needed a little encouragement and learn to communicate with each other.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: This book only has spice in the epilogue, if you do not like spice you can completely skip it.
December 24, 2025
Toby returns to his hometown of Winterbury for Christmas for the first time in nearly a decade, weighed down by guilt and determined to avoid the town’s infamous mistletoe tradition — the same one that once turned his best friend Archer into his sworn enemy. He plans to keep his head down, help out at his family’s animal clinic, and steer clear of both mistletoe and Archer’s Christmas tree farm. But Winterbury has other plans. Archer storms back into Toby’s life — boots, flannel, scowl and all — and the old sparks between them flare instantly. Forced proximity, meddling families, small‑town holiday chaos, and a very charming dog slowly chip away at Toby’s resolve. What begins as long‑standing friction starts to feel suspiciously like chemistry. As the season unfolds, Toby discovers that maybe the mistletoe legend wasn’t a curse after all… and that his frenemy might just be the person he’s been avoiding — and wanting — all along.
I loved this story where their friction is really unresolved affection, miscommunication, and the sting of a friendship that fell apart. I also enjoyed that the story made the suggestion that traditions can carry trauma — but they can also offer a path to healing when revisited with new understanding. This was a story full of emotions and feelings as they worked through everything between themselves to conclude that love sometimes hides behind the loudest emotions — anger, frustration, longing — until the truth finally breaks through. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story where their friction is really unresolved affection, miscommunication, and the sting of a friendship that fell apart. I also enjoyed that the story made the suggestion that traditions can carry trauma — but they can also offer a path to healing when revisited with new understanding. This was a story full of emotions and feelings as they worked through everything between themselves to conclude that love sometimes hides behind the loudest emotions — anger, frustration, longing — until the truth finally breaks through. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
November 30, 2025
🎄 Tis the season for Holiday Mistlefoe 🎄
A holiday romance wrapped in a small-town and two ex-best friends that turn lovers, what better way to throw together a romance. MistleFoe is a second chance, enemies to lovers, MM romance.
What’s a little mistletoe between friends. Toby has avoided returning home to the small-town of Winterbury for nearly a decade. The last time he was home, the sleepy town's Mistletoe legend consumed him, and cost him his best friend, who has now become more of a frienemy than anything. Now back in town to help his father at their families vet clinic, Toby wants nothing more than to avoid the holiday cheer and his ex-best friend Archer. Too bad fate and the citizens of Winterbury have other plans in store for them.
As soon as Halloween is over, I hit the holiday books pretty quickly, and when I saw this one, it was a yes for me. While it checks all the boxes for a cute, cozy holiday read, it lacks the little moments for me. Nothing wrong with that, the story is fun and entertaining, it reads like a Hallmark movie, just a little sappy in all the right spots. Toby and Archer clash when they reunite, they argue, they fight, but underneath all of that there is a burning desire and chemistry between them. This book is sure to get readers into the holiday spirit!
3.75 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Tropes:
🎄 MM Romance
✨ Small-Town Holiday Romance
💕Frenemies to lovers
🎄 Bi-Awakening
✨ Holiday Magic
A holiday romance wrapped in a small-town and two ex-best friends that turn lovers, what better way to throw together a romance. MistleFoe is a second chance, enemies to lovers, MM romance.
What’s a little mistletoe between friends. Toby has avoided returning home to the small-town of Winterbury for nearly a decade. The last time he was home, the sleepy town's Mistletoe legend consumed him, and cost him his best friend, who has now become more of a frienemy than anything. Now back in town to help his father at their families vet clinic, Toby wants nothing more than to avoid the holiday cheer and his ex-best friend Archer. Too bad fate and the citizens of Winterbury have other plans in store for them.
As soon as Halloween is over, I hit the holiday books pretty quickly, and when I saw this one, it was a yes for me. While it checks all the boxes for a cute, cozy holiday read, it lacks the little moments for me. Nothing wrong with that, the story is fun and entertaining, it reads like a Hallmark movie, just a little sappy in all the right spots. Toby and Archer clash when they reunite, they argue, they fight, but underneath all of that there is a burning desire and chemistry between them. This book is sure to get readers into the holiday spirit!
3.75 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Tropes:
🎄 MM Romance
✨ Small-Town Holiday Romance
💕Frenemies to lovers
🎄 Bi-Awakening
✨ Holiday Magic
December 1, 2025
MistleFoe is a new holiday romance from author, Cambria Hebert. Cambria is one of my go-to authors, so this was an insta-read for me. Add in that it’s holiday season and I’m trying to binge read all of the holiday novels I can find to get me in the spirit. If you are a fan of holiday romance, MM romance, frenemies to lovers, and small-town romance, I would highly recommend giving this book a shot!
MistleFoe made me feel like I was reading the script for a Hallmark Christmas Movie. As cheesy and predictable as those movies can be, I’m a sucker for every single one this time of year. MistleFoe is set in the charming and mistletoe obsessed town of Winterbury, Vermont. Toby and Archer are our leading men who grew up thick as thieves in the small town before a misunderstanding drove them apart and Toby out of town for school/work. Thanks to some meddling family members, Toby is convinced to come back home for the first time at Christmas in years and the mistletoe does its magic once again.
MistleFoe is a low angst, sweet, holiday feel good romance that I enjoyed reading. I loved everything from the snark to the town, to the supporting characters, and of course our main men coming to grips with how they’ve grown and changed over the years. This was an easy read that I finished in a day. I can see myself revisiting the story each year at Christmastime. Overall, fun read that I would recommend.
MistleFoe made me feel like I was reading the script for a Hallmark Christmas Movie. As cheesy and predictable as those movies can be, I’m a sucker for every single one this time of year. MistleFoe is set in the charming and mistletoe obsessed town of Winterbury, Vermont. Toby and Archer are our leading men who grew up thick as thieves in the small town before a misunderstanding drove them apart and Toby out of town for school/work. Thanks to some meddling family members, Toby is convinced to come back home for the first time at Christmas in years and the mistletoe does its magic once again.
MistleFoe is a low angst, sweet, holiday feel good romance that I enjoyed reading. I loved everything from the snark to the town, to the supporting characters, and of course our main men coming to grips with how they’ve grown and changed over the years. This was an easy read that I finished in a day. I can see myself revisiting the story each year at Christmastime. Overall, fun read that I would recommend.
November 20, 2025
I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own.
If you're a fan of Hallmark movies, here you go in book form! Toby & Archer are former friends turned enemies....turned lovers?!
Archer runs the local tree farm (because there has to be a tree farm), and Toby left his small town behind to become a big city veterinarian. It's been 10 years and with the holidays approaching, Toby heads back home to help cover his father's vet practice. His plan is to avoid Archer at all costs, but thanks to their childish behavior and meddling mom's, that doesn't happen.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a huge fan of the author and I love that she gave us a Christmas story! I love the traditions that the town has, centered around mistletoe and a love story from the past. There were a few flashbacks to when the MMC's were teens, and it flowed really well with the story. Sometimes scenes like that can take me out of the story, but not here. This is a spice optional book too which is nice for readers not looking for chili peppers. There's a spicy bonus chapter at the end, but you don't need to read it to get the full story.
I really enjoyed watching these two figure out their love story and how the entire town was just waiting for them to get out of their own way. This was a pretty quick read too, perfect for this time of the year.
If you're a fan of Hallmark movies, here you go in book form! Toby & Archer are former friends turned enemies....turned lovers?!
Archer runs the local tree farm (because there has to be a tree farm), and Toby left his small town behind to become a big city veterinarian. It's been 10 years and with the holidays approaching, Toby heads back home to help cover his father's vet practice. His plan is to avoid Archer at all costs, but thanks to their childish behavior and meddling mom's, that doesn't happen.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a huge fan of the author and I love that she gave us a Christmas story! I love the traditions that the town has, centered around mistletoe and a love story from the past. There were a few flashbacks to when the MMC's were teens, and it flowed really well with the story. Sometimes scenes like that can take me out of the story, but not here. This is a spice optional book too which is nice for readers not looking for chili peppers. There's a spicy bonus chapter at the end, but you don't need to read it to get the full story.
I really enjoyed watching these two figure out their love story and how the entire town was just waiting for them to get out of their own way. This was a pretty quick read too, perfect for this time of the year.
December 1, 2025
4 – 4.5 Stars
This was a really fun enemies to lovers holiday romance – I loved Toby and Archer but man do these two have to earn it! These once best friends had a mishap with mistletoe that has seemingly ruined their friendship. Toby now doesn’t go home for the holidays and Archer turns into a bit of a grump during the holiday season, but when Toby’s mom finally guilts him into coming home for the holidays these two are pushed back together and maybe, just maybe have a chance at fixing things between them.
And that’s a big maybe, these two clash and butt heads like there’s no tomorrow and I will say it’s pretty amusing. It seemed like no matter what these two were doing they’d find a way to just drive each other nuts. But, what’s really happening is the undeniable connection they have and finally acting on it instead of avoiding it. Plus they get some good help from the town as well as that mistletoe.
It really is a fun read, even though these two butt heads for most of it, it’s fun and endearing and you can definitely feel what’s really happening. There are such sweet moments thrown in that bring that magic of the holiday season and once these two do finally figure things out they are adorable and sweet and so perfect. I had fun with this book and it’s heartfelt and a great way to start the holiday season, it will definitely leave you with a sweet smile!
This was a really fun enemies to lovers holiday romance – I loved Toby and Archer but man do these two have to earn it! These once best friends had a mishap with mistletoe that has seemingly ruined their friendship. Toby now doesn’t go home for the holidays and Archer turns into a bit of a grump during the holiday season, but when Toby’s mom finally guilts him into coming home for the holidays these two are pushed back together and maybe, just maybe have a chance at fixing things between them.
And that’s a big maybe, these two clash and butt heads like there’s no tomorrow and I will say it’s pretty amusing. It seemed like no matter what these two were doing they’d find a way to just drive each other nuts. But, what’s really happening is the undeniable connection they have and finally acting on it instead of avoiding it. Plus they get some good help from the town as well as that mistletoe.
It really is a fun read, even though these two butt heads for most of it, it’s fun and endearing and you can definitely feel what’s really happening. There are such sweet moments thrown in that bring that magic of the holiday season and once these two do finally figure things out they are adorable and sweet and so perfect. I had fun with this book and it’s heartfelt and a great way to start the holiday season, it will definitely leave you with a sweet smile!
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