Winter Wishlist

by Elliott Rose

A librarian, a former pro rugby player, and a cowboy walk into a bar at Christmas…

What’s a girl to do when stuck at a mountain ranch for the holidays, unexpectedly flying solo? Festive activities don’t quite sound so jolly when my best friend isn’t able to make it at the last minute, and I can’t retreat home to stuff my nose in a book.

To make matters worse, that guy I’d been seeing? Yeah, he just proposed to his girlfriend of five minutes… and they’re getting cozy in the cabin next to mine.

One chance encounter in a bookstore sends a miracle drifting my way, with kind eyes and massive… hands. When he swoops in pretending to be my boyfriend, I should be saying no, yet find myself agreeing to a harmless little ruse for Christmas.

He’s taken, and I’m leaving town in a couple of days. No harm could come of it, right?

I didn’t expect it to be anything more than a bit of fun.

I certainly didn’t expect two men to open their home and their bed to me as part of this game.

Suddenly, a little merriment turns from fake to living out my every fantasy.

The last thing I intended on adding to my winter wishlist this year is these two men, who might do more than just make my wishes come true… they might just steal my heart in the process.


Winter Wishlist is a stand-alone holiday fake dating romance, filled with low-stakes, high-heat MMF swoon and spice.

Genres: Christmas, Why Choose, Holiday, Romance, M M F, Fake Dating, Westerns

278 pages, Paperback

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

Elliott Rose is a bestselling author of romance on the forbidden and deliciously dark side. She lives in a teeny tiny beachside community in the south of Aotearoa, New Zealand with her partner and three rescue dogs.

Find her with a witchy brew in hand, a notebook overflowing with book ideas, or wandering along the beach.

Join her reader group The Cauldron for exclusive giveaways, BTS details, first looks at character art/inspo, and intimate chats about new and ongoing projects.


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Reviews

[itsjessamess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me some Cowboys on Christmassssss🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪

[cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay… so I genuinely don’t know whether to fan myself or squint at the ceiling in confusion. It was a lot—fun, spicy, sweet—and I’m still trying to decide which parts I loved and which parts I’m side-eyeing 💀

Right from the start, the book leans hard into the heat. I knew it would be spicy, but this was the kind of spicy that makes you pause and blink at your Kindle like, ”Okay… so we’re doing that already.”The whole setup has this snowy, trapped-for-the-holidays charm to it, and I actually loved seeing Mia finally get treated with the softness she deserved.

But here’s where I struggled: everything happens SO fast. Like… unbelievably fast. Feelings, confessions, declarations—all within a couple days. The insta-love was a bit much for me, and it pulled me out of the moment more than I wanted it to. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Still, I can’t pretend the dynamic between the three of them wasn’t addictive. There’s something about the way their connection switches from playful to tender to downright scorching that kept me turning pages. And make no mistake LOL… this book is basically built on smut. The plot is there, but it’s more like a backdrop for the spice to run wild.

But even with my complaints, there’s this sweetness that sneaks in. These little moments of care and attention that make you root for Mia getting everything she’s been denied that gave the story just enough heart to keep me invested.

AND… Mrs. Rose, you cannot convince me this is meant to be a standalone. Because the moment Reid’s brothers showed up, my brain immediately started casting them in their own books. I’m just saying… don’t tease us with those men and then leave us hanging like that. 👀🤚🏼

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

”Everything this man seems to do makes me want to reach out and run my fingers over him in careful strokes, like he's some sort of special edition I just want to slowly and gently turn the pages of, in order to fully appreciate him from all angles.”

“Before coming here, I was simply existing. Now it feels like I'm soaring beyond the clouds.”

"You deserve to be loved out loud. To be adored in front of anyone and everyone. Let us be the ones who get to do that."

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

things to know about the book ↓

🏉 strangers→lovers
🤠 fake dating
🏉 MMF dynamic
🤠 french mmc
🏉 insta-love
🤠 tri-POV

spice rating:【🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥】
language: yes

⸻⸻⸻

・❥・⁀➷ pre-read

here we go… time for some Christmas vibes

[Shaz ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Christmas Quickie - no foreplay, no plot. Just pure festive smut 🤠🏉🎄❄️

[Sandy (Sandy.Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Star Review

I have to start this review by saying this book was scorching hot. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite this spicy, and I swear I was blushing through the entire thing.

That being said, I genuinely enjoyed the plot and the three main characters. I loved watching Mia come out of her shell and finally get treated the way she deserves by a hot cowboy named Reid and a retired rugby player named Henri.

Their first meeting was absolutely adorable, and I loved how the whole fake dating setup slowly shifted into something so much deeper and sweeter. The three of them complement each other so well, and I really enjoyed their dynamic from beginning to end.

Definitely check the content warnings before diving in. This one pushed me outside my comfort zone, but I still ended up really enjoying it.

[Rayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters were great, I loved the Christmas spirit, but the spice to plot ratio was off. More sex scenes than plot isn’t for me but if that’s what you’re looking for, this book could be great!

[Kimberlylovesreadingbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect holiday novella. 🤭💁🏾‍♀️ If you want a book with a shy cowboy and a retired French rugby player with a scandalous mouth on him this is for you. This also has brief fake dating with the fmc and is spicy as hell 🤭.

[April Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho.Ly.Shit. Elliott has done it again. Got this ARC at 8am this morning and finished in half a day. To be honest, I will read anything Elliott writes. She is like my fairy godauthor. She writes the best characters, great plot and immaculate smut! Problem is now I need books about all of Reids brothers... (hint hint Mrs. Rose!!!) Do yourself a favor and give yourself the gift of Winter Wishlist ASAP.

[Amanda Belcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was both doing too much and not enough and I’m realizing that the “no plot just vibes” books just aren’t for me.

[Amanda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cowboy, a rugby player, and a cute librarian… yep. This was GOOD.

Winter Wishlist was an unexpected delight - I normally don’t go for Christmas Hallmark-esque type books, but if Elliott writes it, I’m reading it.

This was a good mix between a novella and a novel. Just enough to have a beautiful story and background, with some YUMMY scenes, and short enough to read quickly in one sitting.

I absolutely love Reid and Henri, and their love for each other. Their dynamic in and out of the bedroom was *chef’s kiss*.

I also really loved Mia. She was a good mix of shy and inexperienced but willing to learn and love and I just ate this UP !

Also can’t forget Stella. Love Stella. HATE DALE. F DALE. 💀🤣

Thank you so much to Elliott and team for an advanced copy of Winter Wishlist!

[Larareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliott Rose never disappoints!

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboy and French Ex Rugby Professional with a Stashe who are willing to fake date you when your dumb ass ex turns up with his new fiancée. SOLD!!! Also Henri’s mouth 🫠🫠🫠

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite bad

[Silvy · Rating 4 out of 5]

apparently i don’t mind insta love if there’s pegging an older cowboy while his french rugby player boyfriend watches

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good MMF holiday romance. I loved every second of it.

[Shan Cavalo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes ya just need a smutty slump buster

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sure there was supposed to be a plot in there somewhere

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book… what can I even say about this book? It might be just what I needed.. a Christmas miracle. Everything I’ve ever asked for? This book has it. In spades. Twice over. I love them. I’ll never get over them. And I’m utterly obsessed with them.

Anything you could ask for in a spicy holiday romance.. this has it. Slutty glasses, he pushes it back in, boyfriends who are boyfriends, a sweet dog, a perfect meet cute, public displays of affection (and orgasms), a mustached, tattooed, ex-rugby player who speaks French. Who’s also stupid rich. Role play.. you get it ALL. I could go on and on.

This one will play on repeat in every one of my fantasy’s for the rest of ever. GOD THANK YOU ELLIOTT for this one. I’m forever indebted to you.

P.s- fuck that Douchebag Dale. The worst human scum to ever exist.

[ellora · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

no plot just sex (this was so slutty)

[Kelsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full RTC later but initial thoughts… it’s a batshit, festive fever dream that’s about 70% smut, 30% charm, and somehow still a Christmas good time.

[elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

that was definitely something

[mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

pro pegging
anti french
rugby neutral

[Tatiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're looking for plot? Keep walking.
If you're ovulating and want to read three hot people banging under twinkle lights? You’re in the right place.

Winter Wishlist is one of those books that tells you exactly what it is: low-stakes, high-heat holiday MMF smut. And that’s exactly what you get. There is a vague premise about fake dating and an evil ex staying at the same hotel, but honestly, it’s just an excuse to get a sweet, lonely librarian into bed with a hot cowboy and his hot rugby player boyfriend who are very ready to make her every fantasy come true.

There’s a sprinkle of backstory (she’s an orphan, never felt loved, been burned by bad men), a little emotional fluff (the guys are surprisingly soft), and a ton of steam. Like, SO much steam. It’s relentless in a way that will absolutely work for some readers—and be too much for others.

For me:
🧠 1 star for plot
🔥 4 stars for spice
🎄 2.5 stars overall

This book knows its audience—and if you're in the mood for a steamy holiday escape with a spicy snow-globe threesome vibe, this is it. Just don’t expect character development or a story arc.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been in the book slump to end all book slumps. I haven’t finished a single physical book since APRIL. Only audio or kindle. But I have stayed up until midnight for the last 2 nights because I couldn’t put this book down.

Look, if there’s one thing my friends know about me, it’s that I love a bisexual man. And even more than that? Boyfriends who are boyfriends. I have found the new roadmap to how I want… no, need, my next relationship to me.

I will be handing this book out on second dates as homework. This is a new Christmas reread every. Single. Year.

It was smutty, filthy, sexy, funny, had me even tearing up????

Elliott Rose you are my new favorite person. On a very serious note. This book seriously was such a fun read. Yes the plot line is smut, I don’t care? The tiny little reveal towards the end was fun and that whole scene had me foaming at the mouth. My very minor French skills came in handy for this book, and reminded me just how badly I need a man with an accent… and a cowboy… pourquoi pas les deux?

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5
Spice rating: 5/5

Winter Wishlist is the perfect spicy Christmas novella you are looking for! Lots of spice and delicious men. Perfect for a short spicy time filled with funny moments, a cowboy, a former rugby player and a cute dog. I felt like I was cuddled on my couch with hot chocolate and a blanket watching a level 5 spice hallmark Christmas movie.

Mia goes to Mistwood Falls for a couples retreat solo since her friend and her wife can't go. She runs into Reid in true meet cute fashion in a bookstore after finding out her ex boyfriend is there with his new fiancée. Reid volunteers to be her fake boyfriend for the Christmas holiday to show her ex she’s fine without him and she accepts.

Now this is a MMF so Reid loops his partner Henri into the plan. But both of them are hoping for more because they've been searching for the right girl to add to their unique relationship. A Christmas dream holiday and all 3 are falling hard and fast for each other.

I loved the way this book was written! Reid and Henri are an absolute dream boyfriend. The way they made Mia feel so safe and cared for after only just meeting her made me swoon so hard for these 2 mountain men. They showed her that she was worthy of love and to accept herself. The 3 of them fit so well together! And the spice? Top tier🥵

I always love an Elliott Rose book. All the men she writes are so perfect to their women and you can't help but fall in love with them. One of my favorite reads by Elliott for sure!

[Britt; footnotes+whimsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I had a grand ole time! Elliott has a gift when it comes to writing a why choose relationship. It always comes (ha, no pun intended) together so naturally + beautifully. I enjoyed how she showed everyone being loved + getting their needs met without anyone feeling left out, which is one of my biggest pet peeves as a self-proclaimed why choose girlie.

There were a couple of times where I had to pause and re-read about 5x to make sure I was following the scene correctly... I think there was some disconnect in both that could’ve been smoothed out and it did take me out of the story both times unfortunately. Also, I’m sorry, but Mia’s self-loathing at the end, literally - at freaking 90%, got annoying REAL FAST.

And this didn’t play any effect in my rating, but if your setting is in the states then you should use states lingo ie a kitchen counter (not bench).

[Libraryat44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ this was such a spicy good time and I binged it in one sitting

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A handsome cowboy, a former pro rugby player, and a smut loving librarian... say less. I was instantly drawn in when I saw the list of tropes for this book and dropped everything to read this as my first holiday romance of the season. It had everything I needed in a holiday romance and everything I didn't even know I needed. Not to give too much away, but when he's teaching her how to do it *wink wink* IYKYK, dare I say one of the absolute hottest spicey scenes I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

I can't describe how much I enjoyed this book. Its smutty, filthy, loving, and so much more. I completely devoured it in a little over a day. Reid and Henri are the perfect pair and the absolute best humans for Mia to have found. Easily one of my favorite holiday romances I've ever read. My only regret is not having more of these three. It's delicious and everyone needs to be reading this book for the holidays. This was my first book from Elliott, but it will absolutely not be my last. *Chef's kiss*

[Catherine M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Elliott Rose serves us some Christmas spice and everything nice with Winter Wishlist.

Reid, Henri and Mia brought the Christmas vibes, the fun and went full steam ahead. They definitely deliver plenty of Christmas cheer with high intensity, scorching hot chemistry and a very special connection between all of them. This trio made for a fun and steamy read that I completely devoured.

Now be good boys and girls and put this book on your wishlist!

I would like to thank Elliott Rose for the opportunity to read and review Winter Wishlist.

[Vic (novelsandnoodles) · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to have a great Christmas I hear you ask?? Well, Invite the green eyed, gorgeous brunette you met at the bookstore to join you and your ex pro rugby player boyfriend with tattoos and a moustache to come home with your for the holiday.. and don’t forget to mention you are a blonde Adonis looking hulk of a cowboy who blushes, wears glasses and has felt an instant connection to you…. your Welcome! Have yourself a holy jolly Christmas indeed!!! This book was a whole of fun time! Mia is in Mistwood Falls for the holidays when her plans go south, where she meets Reid - said cowboy in a bookstore. He helps her out when she runs into her newly engaged ex boyfriend and says he’ll play the part of her fake new BF when he’s around as he happens to be staying at the same Inn as Mia. Little does she realise that the next 3 days are going to change her life… Reid takes her back to his cabin, introduces her to Henri his boyfriend- who also speaks french…did I forget to mention that?? Swoon! And before you know it the chemistry shared between Mia and Reid is extending to Henri too and these three are well on their way to spending Christmas have a jolly old time between the sheets. It’s instalove and swoony with truly beautiful heart felt moments. It’ll get you all in the feels for the festive period with these two boyfriends ultimately wanting to show Mia how to be treated and loved well, and boy do they do it! She’s never felt so wanted and cared for and Henri and Reid feel like they’ve finally found their missing piece. Let me also pre-warn you that chapter 16 will have you sweating like you’ve been deserted in the Sahara in mid August with not an ounce of water in sight! It will go down as one of the hottest chapters I’ve ever read! The spice is spicing and will blow your socks off! Reid and Henri will have you sweating with delight with the way they tend to Mia, but also at how in love they are with each other too. Mia’s presence just serves to enhance what they already have. It was beautiful!
Another epic read from Elliot Rose, you will not be disappointed by this one, have a fun time with this one this holiday season x

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Cait Ireen | caitireenreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️
4.5/5🌶️

Listen... Elliott writes it, and Cait is going to snag it, unhinge her jaw and demolish it. This was no different! What an absolute blast of a holiday story. As Elliott stated, this isn't quite a full-length novel, but also not as short as a novella, but I read it just as quick as I would a novella! Super loving, adorable and, above all, super duper hawt, this had all of the delicious poly love and spice that my smutty little heart could hope for. We get a little insta-love, a little dommy daddy, some Christmas and winter time cutesie activities, and a whole lot of the magic which is Elliott's writing. I love our three characters! I wish we could get a whole world that they're in, needing our girl Mia to join the group of our Crimson Ridge ladies to read smutty books and talk about their cowboy and tattoo'ed hotties. While they're at it, can they invite me too??? PLEASE OH PLEASE!!!! This was perfection; I absolutely recommend.

Thank you, Elliott, for the early copy of this book!