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Evergreen Falls #3
Mistletoe All the Way
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, a small-town spicy, holiday romance about a guarded cowboy veterinarian and a Christmas-loving optimist who team up for a town holiday pageant.
Dr. Noah Lennox has three Christmas rules—avoid his hometown, avoid being mistaken for his internet-famous twin, and definitely avoid his smug cousin, Stephen. But when his beloved grandfather announces he’s retiring and leaving the family’s beloved sleigh-ride horse farm to either Noah or Stephen, Noah finds himself snowed in back home in Evergreen Falls and determined to fight for the place that means everything to him. The problem is, the town doesn’t exactly welcome its resident Scrooge with open arms.
Eloise Langston, a sunny Tourism Bureau hopeful, needs a win to land her dream job—and health insurance. Her Hail Mary plan? Turn Noah into Mr. Christmas to help the town’s Mr. Holiday Pageant draw record crowds. Transforming a camera-shy cowboy vet into a small-town sweetheart isn’t exactly in her job description—but neither is falling for him.
As sleigh bells ring and sparks fly, Noah and Eloise find themselves tangled in twinkle lights, fake pageants, and one very real attraction. But with the farm’s future at stake, Stephen's scheming, and Eloise’s own career on the line, there’s a blizzard of reasons to put their growing feelings on ice. Then again, if you can’t fight for love at the most wonderful time of the year, you don’t deserve the kiss waiting under the mistletoe.
Dr. Noah Lennox has three Christmas rules—avoid his hometown, avoid being mistaken for his internet-famous twin, and definitely avoid his smug cousin, Stephen. But when his beloved grandfather announces he’s retiring and leaving the family’s beloved sleigh-ride horse farm to either Noah or Stephen, Noah finds himself snowed in back home in Evergreen Falls and determined to fight for the place that means everything to him. The problem is, the town doesn’t exactly welcome its resident Scrooge with open arms.
Eloise Langston, a sunny Tourism Bureau hopeful, needs a win to land her dream job—and health insurance. Her Hail Mary plan? Turn Noah into Mr. Christmas to help the town’s Mr. Holiday Pageant draw record crowds. Transforming a camera-shy cowboy vet into a small-town sweetheart isn’t exactly in her job description—but neither is falling for him.
As sleigh bells ring and sparks fly, Noah and Eloise find themselves tangled in twinkle lights, fake pageants, and one very real attraction. But with the farm’s future at stake, Stephen's scheming, and Eloise’s own career on the line, there’s a blizzard of reasons to put their growing feelings on ice. Then again, if you can’t fight for love at the most wonderful time of the year, you don’t deserve the kiss waiting under the mistletoe.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Lauren Blakely
254 books25.5k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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July 5, 2026🎄❤️ Mistletoe All the Way ❤️🎄
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Holiday Romance
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Small Town Romance
• Fake Kisses
• Christmas Competition
• Forced Proximity
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 6, 2026
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Holiday Romance
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Small Town Romance
• Fake Kisses
• Christmas Competition
• Forced Proximity
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 6, 2026
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
June 15, 2026
It’s never too early to read a Christmas book, especially by Lauren Blakely! I loved this book, it was fun, romantic and the characters had a fun mystery. This is definitely a grumpy/sunshine spicy romance. Eloise is trying to make it in PR with her own firm and is trying to win over the Mayor by convincing Noah to compete in the towns Mr. holiday competition. Noah left their small town after his mom passed and has rarely looked back and after her passing he doesn’t like to partake in anything holiday related. Noah’s grandfather is retiring and looking to keep their family farm in the family by having Noah or his cousin Stephen inherit the farm. Eloise and Noah try to make him a jolly to win the competition, but are always trying to uncover Stephen’s plans for the farm because he always seems a bit shady.
I loved this book so much thank you NetGalley, Atria, and Lauren Blakely for letting me read it early!
I loved this book so much thank you NetGalley, Atria, and Lauren Blakely for letting me read it early!
May 14, 2026
This is such a fun holiday romcom. I loved getting perspectives from both main characters, Noah and Eloise. I enjoyed the dynamic between the grumpy cowboy veterinarian and the Christmas-loving PR agent. It was fun watching them team up for a holiday competition in this christmasy small town. If you are looking for a cozy romance full of holiday spirit and a touch of spice you should love this one.
Read this if you like:
🎄Small town
🎄Grumpy/sunshine
🎄Opposites attract
🎄Forced proximity
Thank you @atriabooks for sending me a gifted copy of the book.
Read this if you like:
🎄Small town
🎄Grumpy/sunshine
🎄Opposites attract
🎄Forced proximity
Thank you @atriabooks for sending me a gifted copy of the book.
August 1, 2026
Review of advance copy
🎄 grumpy/sunshine
🎄 small town romance
🎄 Christmas competition
I love small town holiday romance and this book had all of my favorites. Eloise and Noah were such sweet characters you rooted for them the whole time. And man Eloise’s Grandma was seriously the best side character. She was hilarious.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc
🎄 grumpy/sunshine
🎄 small town romance
🎄 Christmas competition
I love small town holiday romance and this book had all of my favorites. Eloise and Noah were such sweet characters you rooted for them the whole time. And man Eloise’s Grandma was seriously the best side character. She was hilarious.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc
Review of advance copy
3.75⭐️ 1.5-2🌶️ ARC REVIEW: 📖 MISTLETOE ALL THE WAY 📖 by Lauren Blakely ✨ I was getting the holiday-read craving, so Merry Christmas (in July) to me! ☺️ This is a festive and steamy standalone holiday romance. It’s giving warm, fuzzy, magical holiday energy without being cheesy. The holiday vibes? Immaculate. I wanted to transport myself to Evergreen Falls and drink hot cocoa at the Candy Cane diner. I loved the dynamic between Noah Lennox, the grumpy cowboy veterinarian, and Eloise Langston, the Christmas-loving social media manager. Noah avoids his hometown of Evergreen Falls, and is a grinch—he prefers animals to people and hates Christmas. Eloise Langston, on the other hand, is a Christmas enthusiast. He needs to enter the town’s Mr. Holiday competition to save his grandfather’s sleigh-ride farm, and she needs to help him win so she can land her dream tourism job. Turn Mr. Anti-Christmas into small-town hero? Easy-peasy. 🤣
During the time they spend together doing the Mr. Holiday challenges, he starts to like Christmas thanks to Eloise, and he becomes obsessed with her happiness. We also learn why he hates Christmas (I wanted to hug him), and Eloise really sees through his smug, cocky holiday-hating personality to the sad, shy, emotional man underneath. Their relationship is a slow burn but we get a whipped cream moment, he has a dirty mouth and likes to use it, he is dedicated to her satisfaction, and I won’t look at silky Christmas ribbon the same way again. 🤭 If you’re looking for a charming small town, cute and cozy holiday romance with heart, heat, and humor, this book is for you. 🎄❄️🎅🏻
The dedication:
For anyone who's ever wanted to do it under the mistletoe
My thoughts:
Undeniable chemistry ✔️
Flirty banter ✔️
Drawn-out tension ✔️ (a bit long - like get to the point already but I still was invested).
A lot of buildup ✔️ but I needed a bit more intensity and emotional payoff.
Favorite quotes:
"It's sort of like a pageant."
“Pageant? You want to enter me in a
pageant? Have you met me?"
“I have, Noah. I have. And that's why you'd be great."
"Have you lost your mind? What about me
screams pageant?"
"Nothing, but I like a challenge."
We need to make the town love you, Mr. Holiday.”
"We'd better decorate the f-ck out of that tree, then. Let's get you some content for Mr.
Holiday."
“Ooh, I love it when you say words like content and brand."
"I'm not naming my tree."
"I named mine. She's Betty."
"I'm not naming a tree."
"Fine. I'll call it Bah Humbug."
“There's so much negativity out there, and I thought, why not focus on what's uplifting? It probably sounds silly to you, I bet."
"No. I get it. Is that why you like Christmas? Because you want to bring joy and stuff."
"Hands and knees, sweetheart. I need to touch you everywhere."
"Here's a Christmas challenge for you, cowboy. Can you give this woman multiple 0rgasms?
“I think I might like Christmas after all."
"Yes, please, like that. More, just like that.”
That tracks—I expected nothing less than specific directions from Ms. Bossy.
"That farm is where I fell in love with animals. But it can't just be when they're shiny and young and fun. They deserve a soft landing. And what if I could make that happen? Besides, my mom would have wanted that."
"I want the whole thing. Snow, fireplace, hot cocoa, snuggles, and 0rgasms."
“Snuggles and 0rgasms? I'm in."
"There you go. You're so good at riding, aren't you?"
Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Holiday romance
*Grumpy x sunshine
*Veterinarian x PR manager
*Banter
*Opposites attract
*Forced proximity
*Fake kisses/real attraction
*Workplace/competition stakes
*Slow burn
*Angst/tension
Content warning: death of a parent
Thank you to Lauren, Atria Books, and NetGalley for letting me read/review. All opinions are my own.
During the time they spend together doing the Mr. Holiday challenges, he starts to like Christmas thanks to Eloise, and he becomes obsessed with her happiness. We also learn why he hates Christmas (I wanted to hug him), and Eloise really sees through his smug, cocky holiday-hating personality to the sad, shy, emotional man underneath. Their relationship is a slow burn but we get a whipped cream moment, he has a dirty mouth and likes to use it, he is dedicated to her satisfaction, and I won’t look at silky Christmas ribbon the same way again. 🤭 If you’re looking for a charming small town, cute and cozy holiday romance with heart, heat, and humor, this book is for you. 🎄❄️🎅🏻
The dedication:
For anyone who's ever wanted to do it under the mistletoe
My thoughts:
Undeniable chemistry ✔️
Flirty banter ✔️
Drawn-out tension ✔️ (a bit long - like get to the point already but I still was invested).
A lot of buildup ✔️ but I needed a bit more intensity and emotional payoff.
Favorite quotes:
"It's sort of like a pageant."
“Pageant? You want to enter me in a
pageant? Have you met me?"
“I have, Noah. I have. And that's why you'd be great."
"Have you lost your mind? What about me
screams pageant?"
"Nothing, but I like a challenge."
We need to make the town love you, Mr. Holiday.”
"We'd better decorate the f-ck out of that tree, then. Let's get you some content for Mr.
Holiday."
“Ooh, I love it when you say words like content and brand."
"I'm not naming my tree."
"I named mine. She's Betty."
"I'm not naming a tree."
"Fine. I'll call it Bah Humbug."
“There's so much negativity out there, and I thought, why not focus on what's uplifting? It probably sounds silly to you, I bet."
"No. I get it. Is that why you like Christmas? Because you want to bring joy and stuff."
"Hands and knees, sweetheart. I need to touch you everywhere."
"Here's a Christmas challenge for you, cowboy. Can you give this woman multiple 0rgasms?
“I think I might like Christmas after all."
"Yes, please, like that. More, just like that.”
That tracks—I expected nothing less than specific directions from Ms. Bossy.
"That farm is where I fell in love with animals. But it can't just be when they're shiny and young and fun. They deserve a soft landing. And what if I could make that happen? Besides, my mom would have wanted that."
"I want the whole thing. Snow, fireplace, hot cocoa, snuggles, and 0rgasms."
“Snuggles and 0rgasms? I'm in."
"There you go. You're so good at riding, aren't you?"
Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Holiday romance
*Grumpy x sunshine
*Veterinarian x PR manager
*Banter
*Opposites attract
*Forced proximity
*Fake kisses/real attraction
*Workplace/competition stakes
*Slow burn
*Angst/tension
Content warning: death of a parent
Thank you to Lauren, Atria Books, and NetGalley for letting me read/review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There are a few authors out there that can do no wrong Lauren Blakely is one of them! Every book from her that I’ve read so far has left me feeling happy inside and I do think about the characters later. I loved book 3 of the Evergreen Falls series. I loved how she brought back characters from previous books to give you another glimpse at their Happily Ever After. This book had just the right amount of spice and I may never look at fruitcake the same way again!
Noah a shy, quiet, socially awkward, vegetarian veterinarian meets Eloise an outgoing, holiday loving Christmas Elf/ PR Social Media Manager on his way home for Thanksgiving and his Grandfather’s Retirement Party. At the party his Grandfather announces that not only is he retiring but he is moving to California to learn how to surf. And he will leave the farm to his family. Stephen his sleazy, slime ball of a cousin automatically volunteers to take over the farm but something about his eagerness rubs Noah the wrong way and he also volunteers to run the farm. And what’s the best way to decide but a Christmas themed competition.
The Mr. Holiday competition is a perfect way to show holiday spirit and show who can take over the farm. Needing all the help he can get Eloise volunteers to make him the best Mr Holiday and turns him into the newest social media thirst trap Cowboy Vet.
Eloise not only helps Noah not only with his Social media and the Mr Holiday community but becomes a secret holiday spy to try to figure out Stephen’s plan. While also promoting herself and her new PR firm to the town and the mayor in hopes to expand her business.
What happens when you put a brooding Cowboy in a Red Cowboy hat, tight white t-shirt, red jeans, cowboy boots and a full length red duster jacket with white trim? You fall in love because damn if I don’t want that under my tree this year! But the only problem is come Christmas Eve Noah has to head back home to Colorado 800 miles away and Eloise already burned once with a long distance relationship refuses to put herself through that again.
Will the Grinches heart grown 3 sizes this holiday season. Will Eloise get her Hallmark Christmas Movie Happy Ending? Who will win the farm and the Mr Holiday competition? Guess you’re going to have to read and find out. But again. Such a good book!
Noah a shy, quiet, socially awkward, vegetarian veterinarian meets Eloise an outgoing, holiday loving Christmas Elf/ PR Social Media Manager on his way home for Thanksgiving and his Grandfather’s Retirement Party. At the party his Grandfather announces that not only is he retiring but he is moving to California to learn how to surf. And he will leave the farm to his family. Stephen his sleazy, slime ball of a cousin automatically volunteers to take over the farm but something about his eagerness rubs Noah the wrong way and he also volunteers to run the farm. And what’s the best way to decide but a Christmas themed competition.
The Mr. Holiday competition is a perfect way to show holiday spirit and show who can take over the farm. Needing all the help he can get Eloise volunteers to make him the best Mr Holiday and turns him into the newest social media thirst trap Cowboy Vet.
Eloise not only helps Noah not only with his Social media and the Mr Holiday community but becomes a secret holiday spy to try to figure out Stephen’s plan. While also promoting herself and her new PR firm to the town and the mayor in hopes to expand her business.
What happens when you put a brooding Cowboy in a Red Cowboy hat, tight white t-shirt, red jeans, cowboy boots and a full length red duster jacket with white trim? You fall in love because damn if I don’t want that under my tree this year! But the only problem is come Christmas Eve Noah has to head back home to Colorado 800 miles away and Eloise already burned once with a long distance relationship refuses to put herself through that again.
Will the Grinches heart grown 3 sizes this holiday season. Will Eloise get her Hallmark Christmas Movie Happy Ending? Who will win the farm and the Mr Holiday competition? Guess you’re going to have to read and find out. But again. Such a good book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I always love a small town cute romance Christmas Story. Eloise is having some car trouble when Noah comes up to her pretending to be his twin brother that everyone likes more. He doesn't help her but suggests someone to call to get her car fixed but she refused to listen to him and went to a different place. She finds out he was not Henry but Noah the Grumpy Vet. She wants to be a publicist bigger than she already is, her parents are not the greatest parents keep talking her into being a lawyer like them but she not happy and wants to do what she loves. She talks to the mayor on being a publicist for the town but they mayor doesn't need her unless she can help with the Mr. Holiday Pageant. She knows the perfect grumpy vet that can help her. Noah's grandpa is selling the Christmas Farm and Noah wants it badly and make it better, his cousin Stephen also wants it but will do anything to get it. Eloise thinks Noah doing the pageant is perfect that plus it will help win his Grandpa on how much he cares about Christmas. Eloise will not give up on getting everything they both want. She helps bring in the crowds plus does a little detective work when she finds out how shady Stephen is and what he is actually gonna do when he gets the farm. The only bad thing is Noah lives in a different state and plans on going back home once everything is done but will hire better help when he gets the farm. Both Noah and Eloise start getting a little closer and it all starts with mistletoe on one snowy night in his home in Colorado. They both can not stop thinking about that Mistletoe kiss and think if they want more. Eloise gets Noah to do the most random things including wearing a ugly outfit to selling Fruitcakes. They make a great team and keep getting closer but they both know it will end at Christmas when they both go their own ways. By Christmas they have fallen for eachother but are afraid to tell. Who will win the Mr. Holiday Pageant? Who will get the Farm? Will Eloise get her dream job with the city and will Noah come back?
This can be read as a stand alone but it is a cute story between Eloise and Noah. There are cute banter between the two and love messing with people. Excited to see what happens in the future with the two.
Thank you Netgalley for the E-ARC
This can be read as a stand alone but it is a cute story between Eloise and Noah. There are cute banter between the two and love messing with people. Excited to see what happens in the future with the two.
Thank you Netgalley for the E-ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📖📖📖📖📖
Series: Kissmas (3)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Noah Lennox is a grumpy, Christmas hating veterinarian who returns to his hometown of Evergreen Falls but only briefly. His grandfather is retiring from the family sleigh ride farm and ends up announcing a contest to choose between Noah and his super shady cousin Stephen to take over. Eloise Langston is a Jolly, through and through. She sees the positive despite her murder board brain. She also senses a PR masterpiece that will get her new PR firm noticed by the mayor but also give Noah a fighting chance at the farm. Eloise enters the camera shy, cowboy vet into the “Mr. Holiday” competition. What follows is absolute festive chaos: Eloise dressing Noah in ridiculous holiday outfits, hilariously creative uses for fruitcake and turning him into a social media thirst trap. All while the two play amateur Christmas spies to figure out what suspicious cousin Stephen really wants the family farm for.
This was such a blast to read! The grumpy x sunshine banter between Noah and Eloise is hilariously delightful and I loved how their dynamic evolved. Underneath Noah’s constant grumbling about, well, everything Christmas is a man dealing with grief and Eloise doesn’t force him out of it but instead she just gently shows him a way forward. He supports her career ambitions without treating them like a cute side hobby. Best of all, they actually talk to each other instead of relying on misunderstanding or perceived feelings! Stephen definitely behaved like a snake oil salesman but the espionage hijinx just enhanced the storyline and the falling. This is a festive romance that balances a delightful Christmas contests with genuine emotional depth, romance and family drama with ease. I highly recommend this one and I am going back to read the first in the series ‘My Favorite Holidate‘ right now!
#MistletoeAllTheWay #NetGalley #HolidayRomance
Series: Kissmas (3)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Noah Lennox is a grumpy, Christmas hating veterinarian who returns to his hometown of Evergreen Falls but only briefly. His grandfather is retiring from the family sleigh ride farm and ends up announcing a contest to choose between Noah and his super shady cousin Stephen to take over. Eloise Langston is a Jolly, through and through. She sees the positive despite her murder board brain. She also senses a PR masterpiece that will get her new PR firm noticed by the mayor but also give Noah a fighting chance at the farm. Eloise enters the camera shy, cowboy vet into the “Mr. Holiday” competition. What follows is absolute festive chaos: Eloise dressing Noah in ridiculous holiday outfits, hilariously creative uses for fruitcake and turning him into a social media thirst trap. All while the two play amateur Christmas spies to figure out what suspicious cousin Stephen really wants the family farm for.
This was such a blast to read! The grumpy x sunshine banter between Noah and Eloise is hilariously delightful and I loved how their dynamic evolved. Underneath Noah’s constant grumbling about, well, everything Christmas is a man dealing with grief and Eloise doesn’t force him out of it but instead she just gently shows him a way forward. He supports her career ambitions without treating them like a cute side hobby. Best of all, they actually talk to each other instead of relying on misunderstanding or perceived feelings! Stephen definitely behaved like a snake oil salesman but the espionage hijinx just enhanced the storyline and the falling. This is a festive romance that balances a delightful Christmas contests with genuine emotional depth, romance and family drama with ease. I highly recommend this one and I am going back to read the first in the series ‘My Favorite Holidate‘ right now!
#MistletoeAllTheWay #NetGalley #HolidayRomance
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Who does not love a good Lauren, blakely book- to me, she writes it all romance spice, sometimes a little bit of mystery. She's got humor- and this one was no different- our main girl Eloise lives in Christmas, central everybody loves Christmas and Christmas is their bread-and-butter at Christmas time. She is trying to get her PR firm off the ground and just having a little bit of luck. But she wants to have the contract for the town. So she comes up with a plan to make the town famous for their Mr. Holiday contest- she has a one off encounter with Noah who is a very anti Christmas. He is only home for his grandfather's retirement from running the town sleigh ride horse farm- one's there he finds out that his Grandpa is going to move to sunny San Diego and leave the farm behind
It looks like it's going to go to his cousin Stephen by default until Noah speaks up and says he wants it. He can't see his cousin running the farm. He just doesn't trust him- so grandpa says he will think about it and make a decision, he runs back into Eloise who says that maybe he should run for Mr Holiday to show his grandpa that he really has christmas spirit and she will be his advisor- a lot of hyjinks begin there is a little bit of of mystery. A lot of romance between Eloise and Noah. It is a really fun book- great for the holidays, or for people like me who can read a Christmas story. Anytime of the year there was a little bit of her other books in here too. I like when an author sprinkles in from other books.I could definitely see another book with noah's.Identical twin. So, hopefully that's coming next. But if you like a good spicy Ram com, this is the book for you plus there's awesome animals in there too. I'm definitely recommend
Thank you.Netgalley or the arc in exchange for an honest review
It looks like it's going to go to his cousin Stephen by default until Noah speaks up and says he wants it. He can't see his cousin running the farm. He just doesn't trust him- so grandpa says he will think about it and make a decision, he runs back into Eloise who says that maybe he should run for Mr Holiday to show his grandpa that he really has christmas spirit and she will be his advisor- a lot of hyjinks begin there is a little bit of of mystery. A lot of romance between Eloise and Noah. It is a really fun book- great for the holidays, or for people like me who can read a Christmas story. Anytime of the year there was a little bit of her other books in here too. I like when an author sprinkles in from other books.I could definitely see another book with noah's.Identical twin. So, hopefully that's coming next. But if you like a good spicy Ram com, this is the book for you plus there's awesome animals in there too. I'm definitely recommend
Thank you.Netgalley or the arc in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up for GR
This will be an all star this holiday season!
Lauren Blakely said: what if we take undeniable chemistry, flirty banter, forced proximity energy, AND holiday magic… and make it impossible to resist—and honestly?? She succeeded.
The banter? Elite as always
The chemistry? Immediate. Like… they breathe near each other and I’m like “oh this is going to ruin me.”
The tension?? STRETCHED. OUT. in that “just kiss already but also don’t because I’m enjoying the torture” kind of way.
This is definitely a right person, wrong time / slow-burn-but-make-it-ache situation, and I was EATING IT UP… until I wasn’t 😅
Because listen—
the push and pull? A little long for me
The angst? Delicious… but borderline testing my patience. Like, come on get. To. The. Point!
But did that stop me from being fully invested? Absolutely not.
The holiday vibes are immaculate. It’s cozy, festive, slightly magical without being cheesy. It’s giving snow, longing looks, emotional damage, and “we shouldn’t… but we absolutely will.”
My only real complaint: I wanted a bigger emotional payoff at the end. After ALL that buildup, I needed just a little more grovel, a little more intensity, a little more something to match the tension we suffered through.
Still… I finished this with a smile and that warm, fuzzy, slightly emotionally wrecked feeling—which, let’s be honest, is exactly what I signed up for.
If you love:
✨ banter that hits every time
✨ instant chemistry with drawn-out tension
✨ “this is a bad idea” energy
✨ cozy holiday romance with angst
you’re going to have a great time with this one. Add it to the December TBR now.
3.5 stars rounded up for GR
This will be an all star this holiday season!
Lauren Blakely said: what if we take undeniable chemistry, flirty banter, forced proximity energy, AND holiday magic… and make it impossible to resist—and honestly?? She succeeded.
The banter? Elite as always
The chemistry? Immediate. Like… they breathe near each other and I’m like “oh this is going to ruin me.”
The tension?? STRETCHED. OUT. in that “just kiss already but also don’t because I’m enjoying the torture” kind of way.
This is definitely a right person, wrong time / slow-burn-but-make-it-ache situation, and I was EATING IT UP… until I wasn’t 😅
Because listen—
the push and pull? A little long for me
The angst? Delicious… but borderline testing my patience. Like, come on get. To. The. Point!
But did that stop me from being fully invested? Absolutely not.
The holiday vibes are immaculate. It’s cozy, festive, slightly magical without being cheesy. It’s giving snow, longing looks, emotional damage, and “we shouldn’t… but we absolutely will.”
My only real complaint: I wanted a bigger emotional payoff at the end. After ALL that buildup, I needed just a little more grovel, a little more intensity, a little more something to match the tension we suffered through.
Still… I finished this with a smile and that warm, fuzzy, slightly emotionally wrecked feeling—which, let’s be honest, is exactly what I signed up for.
If you love:
✨ banter that hits every time
✨ instant chemistry with drawn-out tension
✨ “this is a bad idea” energy
✨ cozy holiday romance with angst
you’re going to have a great time with this one. Add it to the December TBR now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
Mistletoe All The Way
– Lauren Blakely**
Okay but why am I fully obsessed with a Christmas book… in April?? Only for Lauren Blakely.😭🎄
Noah is the ultimate holiday grinch — a veterinarian who’s seen the worst side of Christmas (looking at you, people who return pets 💔). He keeps his circle small, his heart guarded, and his only consistent companion is his dog, Rusty… and his murder podcasts.
Then enters Eloise — PR queen, chaotic in the best way, secretly a badass (Krav Maga?? CAN fixing her own tire??), and unapologetically a jolly.
Their meet-cute? Him pretending to be his famous twin while fixing her tire.
Their chemistry? Immediate.
Their banter? Top tier.
What starts as a fake-it-for-the-Mr-Holiday-competition situation turns into something so soft, so real, and so unexpectedly emotional.
This story had EVERYTHING:
– grumpy x sunshine done perfectly
– small town holiday chaos
– twin swap shenanigans
– a grandma who absolutely stole the show (icon behaviour only)
– slow burn tension that builds so naturally
– and honestly… some *very* fun festive spice 🌶️🎁
But underneath all the cozy Christmas vibes, there’s real depth. Noah’s grief tied to the holidays broke my heart, and Eloise’s struggle to be taken seriously by her family felt so real. Watching them see* each other and show up in the ways that mattered?? Yeah… I was gone.
And that ending???
THE MISTLETOE???
HIM SHOWING UP??? 😭😭
Lauren Blakely really said “you will feel EVERYTHING” and I absolutely did.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — no notes, just love.
Tropes:
🎄 Grumpy x Sunshine (grinch x jolly)
🎄 Small Town Romance
🎄 Slow Burn
🎄 Holiday Romance
🎄 Animal Lovers
🎄 Opposites Attract
Mistletoe All The Way
– Lauren Blakely**
Okay but why am I fully obsessed with a Christmas book… in April?? Only for Lauren Blakely.😭🎄
Noah is the ultimate holiday grinch — a veterinarian who’s seen the worst side of Christmas (looking at you, people who return pets 💔). He keeps his circle small, his heart guarded, and his only consistent companion is his dog, Rusty… and his murder podcasts.
Then enters Eloise — PR queen, chaotic in the best way, secretly a badass (Krav Maga?? CAN fixing her own tire??), and unapologetically a jolly.
Their meet-cute? Him pretending to be his famous twin while fixing her tire.
Their chemistry? Immediate.
Their banter? Top tier.
What starts as a fake-it-for-the-Mr-Holiday-competition situation turns into something so soft, so real, and so unexpectedly emotional.
This story had EVERYTHING:
– grumpy x sunshine done perfectly
– small town holiday chaos
– twin swap shenanigans
– a grandma who absolutely stole the show (icon behaviour only)
– slow burn tension that builds so naturally
– and honestly… some *very* fun festive spice 🌶️🎁
But underneath all the cozy Christmas vibes, there’s real depth. Noah’s grief tied to the holidays broke my heart, and Eloise’s struggle to be taken seriously by her family felt so real. Watching them see* each other and show up in the ways that mattered?? Yeah… I was gone.
And that ending???
THE MISTLETOE???
HIM SHOWING UP??? 😭😭
Lauren Blakely really said “you will feel EVERYTHING” and I absolutely did.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — no notes, just love.
Tropes:
🎄 Grumpy x Sunshine (grinch x jolly)
🎄 Small Town Romance
🎄 Slow Burn
🎄 Holiday Romance
🎄 Animal Lovers
🎄 Opposites Attract
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a cozy, feel-good holiday romance and exactly the kind of book I want to curl up with during winter. From the first few chapters, I knew I was going to love the small-town atmosphere. Evergreen Falls felt charming and festive without being over-the-top, and the snowy setting made everything feel warm and comforting.
Noah ended up being my favorite kind of romance hero — grumpy, guarded, and secretly soft underneath all the sarcasm and avoidance. I really loved watching him slowly reconnect with both the town and the people he tried so hard to distance himself from. Eloise balanced him perfectly. Her optimism and determination never felt forced, and I found myself rooting for her immediately, especially because she’s trying so hard to prove herself.
What I enjoyed most was how natural the relationship felt. The chemistry between Noah and Eloise builds in such a sweet and believable way, and their banter genuinely made me smile. The story has all the things I love in a holiday romance: small-town chaos, family drama, festive events, snowed-in moments, and plenty of emotional heart underneath the humor.
I also appreciated that the story wasn’t just romance. The themes of home, family expectations, and figuring out what truly matters gave the book more emotional depth than I expected. It felt comforting, funny, and heartfelt all at once.
If you love grumpy/sunshine romances, Christmas magic, charming small towns, and Hallmark-movie vibes with extra heart, this is definitely one to add to your holiday reading list. It completely put me in the Christmas spirit and left me smiling by the end.
Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
Noah ended up being my favorite kind of romance hero — grumpy, guarded, and secretly soft underneath all the sarcasm and avoidance. I really loved watching him slowly reconnect with both the town and the people he tried so hard to distance himself from. Eloise balanced him perfectly. Her optimism and determination never felt forced, and I found myself rooting for her immediately, especially because she’s trying so hard to prove herself.
What I enjoyed most was how natural the relationship felt. The chemistry between Noah and Eloise builds in such a sweet and believable way, and their banter genuinely made me smile. The story has all the things I love in a holiday romance: small-town chaos, family drama, festive events, snowed-in moments, and plenty of emotional heart underneath the humor.
I also appreciated that the story wasn’t just romance. The themes of home, family expectations, and figuring out what truly matters gave the book more emotional depth than I expected. It felt comforting, funny, and heartfelt all at once.
If you love grumpy/sunshine romances, Christmas magic, charming small towns, and Hallmark-movie vibes with extra heart, this is definitely one to add to your holiday reading list. It completely put me in the Christmas spirit and left me smiling by the end.
Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun, cozy holiday romance with just the right amount of spice and heart. I flew through this one—it’s definitely one of those “just one more chapter” kind of reads.
Noah is very much in his grumpy era, avoiding Christmas and anything that comes with it, and Eloise is the complete opposite. She’s optimistic, driven, and determined to make something happen for herself. I really liked how different they were without it feeling forced. Their dynamic felt natural, and the chemistry between them was there right from the beginning.
The banter was one of my favorite parts. It felt easy and playful, and it made their connection believable even when they were both trying to keep things from going too far. There’s definitely that push and pull throughout, and while it leans a little into the slow-burn/right person wrong time vibe, it worked for the most part. There were a few moments where it felt a little drawn out, but I understood why they held back.
I loved the small-town setting and the whole Mr. Holiday competition storyline. It added something fun and a little chaotic without taking away from the romance. It gave the story that cozy, festive feel without being overdone.
If I had one critique, I did want a little more from the ending. The buildup between them was strong, so I was expecting a slightly bigger emotional moment at the end. It was still satisfying, just not as impactful as I thought it would be.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable, feel-good holiday read. Easy to get into, easy to finish, and exactly what I wanted it to be.
Noah is very much in his grumpy era, avoiding Christmas and anything that comes with it, and Eloise is the complete opposite. She’s optimistic, driven, and determined to make something happen for herself. I really liked how different they were without it feeling forced. Their dynamic felt natural, and the chemistry between them was there right from the beginning.
The banter was one of my favorite parts. It felt easy and playful, and it made their connection believable even when they were both trying to keep things from going too far. There’s definitely that push and pull throughout, and while it leans a little into the slow-burn/right person wrong time vibe, it worked for the most part. There were a few moments where it felt a little drawn out, but I understood why they held back.
I loved the small-town setting and the whole Mr. Holiday competition storyline. It added something fun and a little chaotic without taking away from the romance. It gave the story that cozy, festive feel without being overdone.
If I had one critique, I did want a little more from the ending. The buildup between them was strong, so I was expecting a slightly bigger emotional moment at the end. It was still satisfying, just not as impactful as I thought it would be.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable, feel-good holiday read. Easy to get into, easy to finish, and exactly what I wanted it to be.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mistletoe All the Way is a funny, romantic and festive holiday book. Dr. Noah Lennox, a quiet, anti-Christmas, and anti-social veterinarian returns home for a visit and learns his grandfather is going to retire and handing over the family farm to Noah or his cousin. Noah would do anything to get the farm, and to not have his cousin receive it. After he meets Eloise, a woman after the PR position for the town tourism, she decides to make it her mission to make Noah win the town’s newest contest, Mr. Holiday, in hopes it shows his grandpa that he does in fact deserve the farm that is rooted in the holiday of Christmas. She has to make Noah find his Christmas spirit, and for the town to believe he is not the grump they all think he is. Noah even plans to try to use his twin brother to win the contest. Eloise and Noah also have to prove how shady his cousin actually is so that he does not win the farm, and to convince his grandfather of everything.
There are ups and downs to this plan, especially with Noah living in Colorado full time, and falling for each other. There are so many hilarious moments, and of course, spice, dogs, and some cameos from characters from other Lauren Blakely books!
I truly enjoy Lauren Blakely’s holiday books, and this was no exception. I love how there were characters from The Holidate and mention of Hockey Ever After characters, bringing in all of the worlds together! The book definitely had me in my feels and I loved the growth of Noah as a whole, but also how these two people who are inherently so different, coming together and making a life together. Also seeing Eloise as a spy is excuse enough to read this book! If you love small town romance with a grumpy/sunshine duo and all the holiday spirit and spice, this one is for you!
There are ups and downs to this plan, especially with Noah living in Colorado full time, and falling for each other. There are so many hilarious moments, and of course, spice, dogs, and some cameos from characters from other Lauren Blakely books!
I truly enjoy Lauren Blakely’s holiday books, and this was no exception. I love how there were characters from The Holidate and mention of Hockey Ever After characters, bringing in all of the worlds together! The book definitely had me in my feels and I loved the growth of Noah as a whole, but also how these two people who are inherently so different, coming together and making a life together. Also seeing Eloise as a spy is excuse enough to read this book! If you love small town romance with a grumpy/sunshine duo and all the holiday spirit and spice, this one is for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve read Lauren Blakely before and enjoyed her work. ‘Mistletoe All the Way’ was no exception. Some might find it hard to immerse themselves in a holiday book in the middle of summer, but I didn’t have that issue with this book. It had me wishing for a cup of hot cocoa, a warm fireplace, and for a snowfall outside my window while enjoying the previous two.
I really enjoyed our MCs. Eloise, our FMC, was a relatable external optimist. She projects sunshine and roses, but her inner thoughts show her emotional depth. She’s not without her insecurities and longing for more. But she has an ambitious and stop-at-nothing attitude.
Noah, our MMC, is true book boyfriend material. Grumpy with a Golden Retriever heart. Fitting since he’s our Cowboy Vet. I was sold on him from Chapter 1 when puts booties on his trusty canine companion, Rusty. Like Eloise, Noah’s inner thoughts show his true depth of character. He’s a flannel wearing, beard having, veterinarian with a heart of gold. He prefers the company of animals to humans (so relatable).
The story gives us just enough of its secondary characters for them to memorable and give more depth to the story, but not so much that you feel like it’s taking away from our MCs (something that can be a bit of a pet peeve of mine).
The story is a feel good holiday romance. Predictable in the best way. Who doesn’t love a fluffy happy ending with a Christmas setting?!
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed our MCs. Eloise, our FMC, was a relatable external optimist. She projects sunshine and roses, but her inner thoughts show her emotional depth. She’s not without her insecurities and longing for more. But she has an ambitious and stop-at-nothing attitude.
Noah, our MMC, is true book boyfriend material. Grumpy with a Golden Retriever heart. Fitting since he’s our Cowboy Vet. I was sold on him from Chapter 1 when puts booties on his trusty canine companion, Rusty. Like Eloise, Noah’s inner thoughts show his true depth of character. He’s a flannel wearing, beard having, veterinarian with a heart of gold. He prefers the company of animals to humans (so relatable).
The story gives us just enough of its secondary characters for them to memorable and give more depth to the story, but not so much that you feel like it’s taking away from our MCs (something that can be a bit of a pet peeve of mine).
The story is a feel good holiday romance. Predictable in the best way. Who doesn’t love a fluffy happy ending with a Christmas setting?!
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This charming Christmas romance is set in the Christmas town of Evergreen Falls. Even though it’s the third book in the series, it’s perfectly enjoyable as a standalone novel. While some characters from previous books make brief appearances, they don’t significantly impact the story.
The main focus of this book is Eloise, a resident of Evergreen Falls who’s recently started her own public relations company after working for the SF Sea Dogs hockey team. She takes on a challenging project involving Noah, a veterinarian who grew up in the area but now resides in Colorado. Noah’s grandfather is contemplating retirement and wants to preserve the family farm, but he’s torn between giving it to Noah, who’s not a local, or to his cousin Stephen, who’s a local but not everyone’s favorite.
Eloise persuades Noah to participate in the town’s first annual Mr. Christmas competition, hoping to demonstrate his ability to embrace the holiday spirit despite his grumpy demeanor. Throughout the story, Eloise and Noah’s relationship develops, and the reader is drawn into their journey. While the ending may be somewhat predictable, the overall experience is still enjoyable and engaging. Like many of the author’s other books, this one features spicy open door scenes that may not be suitable for everyone.
Thank you, Atria Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
The main focus of this book is Eloise, a resident of Evergreen Falls who’s recently started her own public relations company after working for the SF Sea Dogs hockey team. She takes on a challenging project involving Noah, a veterinarian who grew up in the area but now resides in Colorado. Noah’s grandfather is contemplating retirement and wants to preserve the family farm, but he’s torn between giving it to Noah, who’s not a local, or to his cousin Stephen, who’s a local but not everyone’s favorite.
Eloise persuades Noah to participate in the town’s first annual Mr. Christmas competition, hoping to demonstrate his ability to embrace the holiday spirit despite his grumpy demeanor. Throughout the story, Eloise and Noah’s relationship develops, and the reader is drawn into their journey. While the ending may be somewhat predictable, the overall experience is still enjoyable and engaging. Like many of the author’s other books, this one features spicy open door scenes that may not be suitable for everyone.
Thank you, Atria Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I requested this book by an author I’d never read before, I thought it might be a cutesy, schmaltzy Christmas romcom.
And in a way…it was.
But it was so much more. So much more!
Mistletoe all the way is a grumpy/sunshine/cowboy/steamy/Christmas romcom that pulled me in from page one and didn’t let go of my heart even after I finished it.
Eloise is a PR maven and wants to be successful enough to run her own business.
Noah is a twin and a veterinarian ( I mean, come on!! Can you spell S-W-O-O-N?) who doesn’t get with the whole Jolly Christmas vibe. The reason is explained in his revealed backstory, so I don’t want to give anything away, but it rings so true, you can’t help but understand why he feels the way he does.
These two have two divergent goals. Hers, to run her own company; him to ensure his shifty cousin doesn’t inherit their beloved grandfather’s Christmas farm.
Together, they form an alliance to accomplish both by entering Noah in the first Mr. Holiday contest in their town. What this sunshine “Jolly” will teach this shy, grump of a cowboy is the stuff of romcom perfection.
It may be April, but reading this holiday romance was a wonderful way to spend the off-holiday time. 5 stars to a story that warmed by heart ( and got my pulse racing – Did I mention COWBOY/VETERINARIAN??)
And in a way…it was.
But it was so much more. So much more!
Mistletoe all the way is a grumpy/sunshine/cowboy/steamy/Christmas romcom that pulled me in from page one and didn’t let go of my heart even after I finished it.
Eloise is a PR maven and wants to be successful enough to run her own business.
Noah is a twin and a veterinarian ( I mean, come on!! Can you spell S-W-O-O-N?) who doesn’t get with the whole Jolly Christmas vibe. The reason is explained in his revealed backstory, so I don’t want to give anything away, but it rings so true, you can’t help but understand why he feels the way he does.
These two have two divergent goals. Hers, to run her own company; him to ensure his shifty cousin doesn’t inherit their beloved grandfather’s Christmas farm.
Together, they form an alliance to accomplish both by entering Noah in the first Mr. Holiday contest in their town. What this sunshine “Jolly” will teach this shy, grump of a cowboy is the stuff of romcom perfection.
It may be April, but reading this holiday romance was a wonderful way to spend the off-holiday time. 5 stars to a story that warmed by heart ( and got my pulse racing – Did I mention COWBOY/VETERINARIAN??)
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Eloise is trying to start up her own PR agency in her small town of Evergreen Falls in northern California. Noah left Evergreen Falls to go to college and veterinary school in Colorado, and only returns to town when he has to. When Noah's grandfather announces he's retiring from the farm and wants to leave the farm to one of his grandsons, Noah returns only to realize that he wants to keep his grandparent's legacy alive.
Eloise loves Christmas and is always trying to create the Christmas joy she didn't have growing up in a home with her two lawyer parents who seem to love their job and country club more than they love her. Noah lost his mother a few days before Christmas when he was a teenager, and struggles to find the Christmas spirit anymore. When the two cross paths, Eloise decides that the best way to win the PR contract for her local town is to turn Noah into "Mr. Holiday".
If you love the Hallmark Christmas movies, you'll love this one. The story is sweet and the romance is spicey. Both Eloise and Noah are lovable characters and you want to root for them to work out. Nothing especially out of the ordinary from the typical rom com formula, but a fun read. This book is due to be published on October 6, 2026, so perfect timing for a holiday read.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Eloise loves Christmas and is always trying to create the Christmas joy she didn't have growing up in a home with her two lawyer parents who seem to love their job and country club more than they love her. Noah lost his mother a few days before Christmas when he was a teenager, and struggles to find the Christmas spirit anymore. When the two cross paths, Eloise decides that the best way to win the PR contract for her local town is to turn Noah into "Mr. Holiday".
If you love the Hallmark Christmas movies, you'll love this one. The story is sweet and the romance is spicey. Both Eloise and Noah are lovable characters and you want to root for them to work out. Nothing especially out of the ordinary from the typical rom com formula, but a fun read. This book is due to be published on October 6, 2026, so perfect timing for a holiday read.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Reminiscent of a Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie
This is a charming contemporary rom-com featuring a grumpy bah humbug MMC Veterinarian that is not the biggest fan of Christmas, cheerful people , nor his hometown. It so happens that he must make a trip back home to save his family’s horse farm from the fate of his cousin when his grandfather announces his retirement. Enter the FMC who is a little too cheerful, Christmas loving tourism bureau wannabe hell-bent on re-igniting the towns image and increasing the tourism to their fair town by turning “ Mr. Grumpy” into Mr Christmas in hopes of drawing in a bigger crowd to their holiday pageant.
While rom-coms are normally not my genre of choice, this one sounded cute so I thought I would give it a try. It did not disappoint. The banter hit the mark perfectly and the chemistry between the FMC and MMC was evident from the very beginning. This was a slow burn romance and as anticipated by this reader, they ended up falling for each other.
While some may find this a bit cheesy, I really enjoyed this one and the cute storyline. I gave this a 3.5 rounded to a 4.0.
Great Job Lauren Blakely. Thank you to Ms. Blakely and Netgalley for allowing me to read this advance readers copy. This review was given freely.
This is a charming contemporary rom-com featuring a grumpy bah humbug MMC Veterinarian that is not the biggest fan of Christmas, cheerful people , nor his hometown. It so happens that he must make a trip back home to save his family’s horse farm from the fate of his cousin when his grandfather announces his retirement. Enter the FMC who is a little too cheerful, Christmas loving tourism bureau wannabe hell-bent on re-igniting the towns image and increasing the tourism to their fair town by turning “ Mr. Grumpy” into Mr Christmas in hopes of drawing in a bigger crowd to their holiday pageant.
While rom-coms are normally not my genre of choice, this one sounded cute so I thought I would give it a try. It did not disappoint. The banter hit the mark perfectly and the chemistry between the FMC and MMC was evident from the very beginning. This was a slow burn romance and as anticipated by this reader, they ended up falling for each other.
While some may find this a bit cheesy, I really enjoyed this one and the cute storyline. I gave this a 3.5 rounded to a 4.0.
Great Job Lauren Blakely. Thank you to Ms. Blakely and Netgalley for allowing me to read this advance readers copy. This review was given freely.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ⭐️
Lauren Blakely really knows how to write the kind of holiday romance that feels cozy, funny, emotional, and ridiculously bingeable all at once.
Noah was SUCH a good grumpy MMC. A veterinarian who basically hates Christmas because he’s seen the worst side of people during the holidays?? Yeah that immediately made my heart hurt for him 🥺 Add in the murder podcast obsession and his dog Rusty and I was already sold.
And Eloise was the perfect sunshine counterpart. She’s ambitious, chaotic in the best way, endlessly festive, and way more capable than people give her credit for. Their dynamic felt effortless from the start and the banter between them genuinely carried the entire book.
The fake holiday competition setup, the twin confusion, the small-town chaos… it all made this so fun while still giving the romance emotional depth underneath everything.
✨ what to expect ✨
🎄 Grumpy x sunshine
☀️ Holiday romance
🏡 Small-town setting
🎁 Fake dating vibes
🐶 Animal lovers
🔥 Slow burn chemistry
✨ Festive chaos
I especially loved how the story balanced all the cozy Christmas vibes with heavier emotional moments about grief, family expectations, and learning to let people in again.
This was sweet, funny, romantic, festive, and exactly the kind of comfort read I needed 🤍
Lauren Blakely really knows how to write the kind of holiday romance that feels cozy, funny, emotional, and ridiculously bingeable all at once.
Noah was SUCH a good grumpy MMC. A veterinarian who basically hates Christmas because he’s seen the worst side of people during the holidays?? Yeah that immediately made my heart hurt for him 🥺 Add in the murder podcast obsession and his dog Rusty and I was already sold.
And Eloise was the perfect sunshine counterpart. She’s ambitious, chaotic in the best way, endlessly festive, and way more capable than people give her credit for. Their dynamic felt effortless from the start and the banter between them genuinely carried the entire book.
The fake holiday competition setup, the twin confusion, the small-town chaos… it all made this so fun while still giving the romance emotional depth underneath everything.
✨ what to expect ✨
🎄 Grumpy x sunshine
☀️ Holiday romance
🏡 Small-town setting
🎁 Fake dating vibes
🐶 Animal lovers
🔥 Slow burn chemistry
✨ Festive chaos
I especially loved how the story balanced all the cozy Christmas vibes with heavier emotional moments about grief, family expectations, and learning to let people in again.
This was sweet, funny, romantic, festive, and exactly the kind of comfort read I needed 🤍
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another new Lauren Blakely Christmas romance? Sign me up! Thank you NetGalley for this advanced e book copy of Mistletoe All the Way. This is the third book in the Evergreen Falls series. In a one trope sentence, this is a grumpy to sunshine love story. But it also has a lot more to offer. Dr. Noah has come back to his hometown at his grandfather's request. He is selling his Silver Bells farm and wants either Noah, his twin brother, or his cousin Stephen to take over. Although Noah does not want to stay in this festive Christmasy town, he does not want this cousin ruing the family farm. Enter cherry and holiday loving Eloise. She owns her own small PR firm and wants to work for the town. The mayor wants Eloise to prove her skills at this year's Mr. Christmas pageant. Eloise convinces Noah that he needs to become more festive and involved with the town. She wants to help him win over his grandfather and maybe it will help win over the mayor for her benefit as well. All of the Christmas antics in this story are so fun and really help you get those Christmas feels. And the romance, because of course there is a romance here is spicy yet down to earth, and not over the top. This book really left me hoping for a 4th in the series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a cozy, feel-good holiday read with just the right amount of spice. Cue the Holiday music! (Insert favorite Holiday tune here).
Mistletoe All the Way hits all the best tropes! Grumpy, sunshine, small-town charm, fake dating, and it actually works. Noah is peak broody grinch energy, and Eloise is that kind of sunshine character that doesn’t feel over-the-top or annoying, she just honestly is that nice. Their dynamic just clicks.
I loved the whole Mr. Holiday competition setup—it was fun, a little chaotic, and gave the story that classic small-town Hallmark holiday magic. And the chemistry?? Yeah… it’s there.
It’s definitely on the lighter side plot-wise, but that’s kind of the point. These stories have a habit of all going the same way, the guy and girl end up together, but it’s the HOW that we all buy into and hold onto every word.
It’s cozy, romantic, and easy to get lost in—perfect for when you just want something festive with heart (and a little heat).
I will say reading a Christmas book in early April with a threat of late snow (I live in Maine), I was almost ready to set my Christmas tree back up!
Mistletoe All the Way hits all the best tropes! Grumpy, sunshine, small-town charm, fake dating, and it actually works. Noah is peak broody grinch energy, and Eloise is that kind of sunshine character that doesn’t feel over-the-top or annoying, she just honestly is that nice. Their dynamic just clicks.
I loved the whole Mr. Holiday competition setup—it was fun, a little chaotic, and gave the story that classic small-town Hallmark holiday magic. And the chemistry?? Yeah… it’s there.
It’s definitely on the lighter side plot-wise, but that’s kind of the point. These stories have a habit of all going the same way, the guy and girl end up together, but it’s the HOW that we all buy into and hold onto every word.
It’s cozy, romantic, and easy to get lost in—perfect for when you just want something festive with heart (and a little heat).
I will say reading a Christmas book in early April with a threat of late snow (I live in Maine), I was almost ready to set my Christmas tree back up!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Forced proximity
Grumpy x sunshine
“Enemies to lovers”
Slow burn Banter tension
Dual pov
Small town romance
Holiday vibes
Romcom
Noah is a veterinarian and does not like Christmas, to the point where he avoids Christmas. He even avoids going home to his hometown, which is a Christmas town full of festivities, but he has to return to his hometown to fight/save his grandfather‘s farm from his rotten cousin Stefan. Because his grandfather is retiring. But Noe’s known for being a Scrooge in the town doesn’t exactly welcome him home with open arms. Eloise is a local tourist who loves Christmas and wants to land her dream job and to do that she’ll need to help pull crowds for the Mr. Holiday pageant. But with the obstacles with the farms future at stake and Stefan scheming ways, can she help save the farm and her career and resist Noah, who she’s insanely attracted to and as they grow closer, they fall for each other.
I love Lauren Blakely‘s books and devoured this! I absolutely love the banter and their chemistry between these two. I have 100% easily recommend this Reed! Especially for the holidays such a fun read.
Grumpy x sunshine
“Enemies to lovers”
Slow burn Banter tension
Dual pov
Small town romance
Holiday vibes
Romcom
Noah is a veterinarian and does not like Christmas, to the point where he avoids Christmas. He even avoids going home to his hometown, which is a Christmas town full of festivities, but he has to return to his hometown to fight/save his grandfather‘s farm from his rotten cousin Stefan. Because his grandfather is retiring. But Noe’s known for being a Scrooge in the town doesn’t exactly welcome him home with open arms. Eloise is a local tourist who loves Christmas and wants to land her dream job and to do that she’ll need to help pull crowds for the Mr. Holiday pageant. But with the obstacles with the farms future at stake and Stefan scheming ways, can she help save the farm and her career and resist Noah, who she’s insanely attracted to and as they grow closer, they fall for each other.
I love Lauren Blakely‘s books and devoured this! I absolutely love the banter and their chemistry between these two. I have 100% easily recommend this Reed! Especially for the holidays such a fun read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THANK YOU NET GALLEY FOR THE ADVANCED COPY.
3.5⭐️ I enjoyed this cute small town grumpy sunshine Christmas story although I feel like it is basically the same story I read over and over in Christmas books. There’s always some kind of Christmas competition where someone’s trying to win a title on best Christmas spirit. This one starts with Eloise having a flat tire and Noah helping her change it. Noah is a grumpy humbug who is a vet and loves animals more than people and doesn’t like the holiday season. They eventually team up together to help each other. Noah is trying to gain favor with his grandpa for the sleigh riding farm and Eloise is trying to get her PR firm going. She enters Noah in the Mr. Holiday competition to help both of them. There is also Noah’s cousin Stephen who is also competing for the Sleigh farm for nefarious reasons. I enjoyed the mystery of what Stephen was up to and how Noah and Eloise became spies to figure it out.
I loved the relationship between Noah and Eloise and how they helped each other and slowly fell in love. I loved the ending and how Noah discovers where he belongs. It was a cute Hallmark Christmas story.
3.5⭐️ I enjoyed this cute small town grumpy sunshine Christmas story although I feel like it is basically the same story I read over and over in Christmas books. There’s always some kind of Christmas competition where someone’s trying to win a title on best Christmas spirit. This one starts with Eloise having a flat tire and Noah helping her change it. Noah is a grumpy humbug who is a vet and loves animals more than people and doesn’t like the holiday season. They eventually team up together to help each other. Noah is trying to gain favor with his grandpa for the sleigh riding farm and Eloise is trying to get her PR firm going. She enters Noah in the Mr. Holiday competition to help both of them. There is also Noah’s cousin Stephen who is also competing for the Sleigh farm for nefarious reasons. I enjoyed the mystery of what Stephen was up to and how Noah and Eloise became spies to figure it out.
I loved the relationship between Noah and Eloise and how they helped each other and slowly fell in love. I loved the ending and how Noah discovers where he belongs. It was a cute Hallmark Christmas story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an incredibly cute holiday romance. It's divided into 24 sections, so you can read throughout the month of December!
Eloise and Noah are great. I enjoyed their banter and the Nancy Drew mystery they were trying to solve. Eloise is the spirit of Christmas and Noah is a Grinch (to humans, at least). All the love for animals and this town were magical. I related to Noah and his anxiety about "peopling"; I appreciate that the author went deeper into him having anxiety around speaking in front of others, rather than just that he's grumpy for no reason.
Despite the recipe for success, I did find this read to be a bit bland. I felt as though I had read this book a million times before and, because of that, I never wanted to pick it up. I understand that holiday romances are what they are, but this didn't have much heart - I can't pinpoint it it was the writing style, but it felt like it was missing something.
I think if you are in the Christmas mood, it is worth picking up and you will get exactly what you are promised. I guess I just wish it was one of those books where you get... more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for this eARC.
Eloise and Noah are great. I enjoyed their banter and the Nancy Drew mystery they were trying to solve. Eloise is the spirit of Christmas and Noah is a Grinch (to humans, at least). All the love for animals and this town were magical. I related to Noah and his anxiety about "peopling"; I appreciate that the author went deeper into him having anxiety around speaking in front of others, rather than just that he's grumpy for no reason.
Despite the recipe for success, I did find this read to be a bit bland. I felt as though I had read this book a million times before and, because of that, I never wanted to pick it up. I understand that holiday romances are what they are, but this didn't have much heart - I can't pinpoint it it was the writing style, but it felt like it was missing something.
I think if you are in the Christmas mood, it is worth picking up and you will get exactly what you are promised. I guess I just wish it was one of those books where you get... more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Advanced Readers Copy
Mistletoe All the Way is the third book of the Evergreen Falls Series by Lauren Blakely. This was my first Lauren Blakely book, and it did not disappoint. This book is about Eloise, a driven, energetic woman, who loves Christmas that is trying to set herself apart in the PR world in a small town of Evergreen Falls. And the MMC is Noah, is a grumpy man who is a vet who lives in the shadows of his twin brother. Noah left Evergreen Falls to due to a tragedy and never looked back until now. His grandfather wanted to retire and give away the family farm to either Noah or his slick cousin Stephen. Noah has to figure out how to win his grandfather over that he is the right man for the job...... so he enters the Mr. Holiday competition with the help from Eloise. However, Noah and Eloise find themselves not only competing for themselves and their aspirations but potentially finding love.
This book was a cute Christmas story to give you the warm, fuzzy feeling for the holidays, and I would recommend reading.
Thank you to Net Galley, the author Lauren Blakey, and Atria Paperback for the advanced copy and honest review.
Mistletoe All the Way is the third book of the Evergreen Falls Series by Lauren Blakely. This was my first Lauren Blakely book, and it did not disappoint. This book is about Eloise, a driven, energetic woman, who loves Christmas that is trying to set herself apart in the PR world in a small town of Evergreen Falls. And the MMC is Noah, is a grumpy man who is a vet who lives in the shadows of his twin brother. Noah left Evergreen Falls to due to a tragedy and never looked back until now. His grandfather wanted to retire and give away the family farm to either Noah or his slick cousin Stephen. Noah has to figure out how to win his grandfather over that he is the right man for the job...... so he enters the Mr. Holiday competition with the help from Eloise. However, Noah and Eloise find themselves not only competing for themselves and their aspirations but potentially finding love.
This book was a cute Christmas story to give you the warm, fuzzy feeling for the holidays, and I would recommend reading.
Thank you to Net Galley, the author Lauren Blakey, and Atria Paperback for the advanced copy and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley, Lauren Blakely and Atria Books for approving me to read Mistletoe all the way prior to its publication date. I really dislike spring and summer because of the heat, I adore the cold so I was feeling the need to read something with a winter theme.
I was hooked from page one, I loved it! Be warned though, it does slow down in the middle for a little bit but you HAVE to push through because the rest of the book is actually amazing so do not give up on this book!!
I love a grumpy x sunshine trope and oh boy was Noah a grumpus!! But as a typical Christmas story, we see Noahs heart grow three sizes and thaw while he spends time with Eloise. No matter how many Christmas themed books I read with this plot, I will never get over it!
The banter was bantering and I LOVE banter in romance novels, snarky comments fuel the plot and keep the tension going. This tension is the type of tension that feels like when you’re in a bathroom with the shower running on full heat with steam so thick you can hardly see of breathe without breathing in water you could cut through it with a butter knife!
Long story short, don’t DNF, keep reading!!
I was hooked from page one, I loved it! Be warned though, it does slow down in the middle for a little bit but you HAVE to push through because the rest of the book is actually amazing so do not give up on this book!!
I love a grumpy x sunshine trope and oh boy was Noah a grumpus!! But as a typical Christmas story, we see Noahs heart grow three sizes and thaw while he spends time with Eloise. No matter how many Christmas themed books I read with this plot, I will never get over it!
The banter was bantering and I LOVE banter in romance novels, snarky comments fuel the plot and keep the tension going. This tension is the type of tension that feels like when you’re in a bathroom with the shower running on full heat with steam so thick you can hardly see of breathe without breathing in water you could cut through it with a butter knife!
Long story short, don’t DNF, keep reading!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely devoured this book in a single day! ❤️🎄
I loved getting both Noah’s and Elise’s POVs. Noah is a grumpy cowboy veterinarian, while Elise is an over-the-top, Christmas-loving PR agent. She agrees to help him convince his grandfather that he’s the right person to take over the family farm by transforming him into the perfect holiday ambassador…which is basically his worst nightmare.
Watching Noah slowly embrace the Christmas spirit—and fall for Elise along the way—was so much fun. Their chemistry was adorable, the banter was fantastic, and the romance had me smiling the entire time.
And if you know about the ribbon…you know exactly what I’m talking about. 🎀
This story was like the sweetest Christmas gift wrapped up in the cutest little bow. It completely put me in the holiday spirit, and now I’m just sad it’s only July because Christmas suddenly feels way too far away!
If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming holiday rom-com with a grumpy cowboy, festive vibes, plenty of laughs, and a swoony romance, add this one to your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
I loved getting both Noah’s and Elise’s POVs. Noah is a grumpy cowboy veterinarian, while Elise is an over-the-top, Christmas-loving PR agent. She agrees to help him convince his grandfather that he’s the right person to take over the family farm by transforming him into the perfect holiday ambassador…which is basically his worst nightmare.
Watching Noah slowly embrace the Christmas spirit—and fall for Elise along the way—was so much fun. Their chemistry was adorable, the banter was fantastic, and the romance had me smiling the entire time.
And if you know about the ribbon…you know exactly what I’m talking about. 🎀
This story was like the sweetest Christmas gift wrapped up in the cutest little bow. It completely put me in the holiday spirit, and now I’m just sad it’s only July because Christmas suddenly feels way too far away!
If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming holiday rom-com with a grumpy cowboy, festive vibes, plenty of laughs, and a swoony romance, add this one to your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Like, this is just solid, feel-good Christmas romance. The vibes? Immaculate. The chemistry? There. The characters? Loved them.
You’ve got grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, and a veterinarian trying to save his family farm and win his grandfather’s approval by proving he has any Christmas spirit… which he absolutely does not. Enter: very Christmassy PR woman who is basically the embodiment of holiday cheer, and she’s determined to help him fake it till he makes it.
And obviously… they’re extremely attracted to each other while doing it.
It’s sweet, it’s fun, it’s a little spicy 👀 and it’s one of those books where you’re just smiling while reading. He slowly gets converted into loving Christmas (as he should), and they have to figure out if there’s actually a future there beyond the setup.
Also… listen. If you were having your world rocked in a literal Christmas booth, you’d probably start loving Christmas too. Just saying.
Highly recommend if you want something cozy, romantic, and just a really good time.
You’ve got grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, and a veterinarian trying to save his family farm and win his grandfather’s approval by proving he has any Christmas spirit… which he absolutely does not. Enter: very Christmassy PR woman who is basically the embodiment of holiday cheer, and she’s determined to help him fake it till he makes it.
And obviously… they’re extremely attracted to each other while doing it.
It’s sweet, it’s fun, it’s a little spicy 👀 and it’s one of those books where you’re just smiling while reading. He slowly gets converted into loving Christmas (as he should), and they have to figure out if there’s actually a future there beyond the setup.
Also… listen. If you were having your world rocked in a literal Christmas booth, you’d probably start loving Christmas too. Just saying.
Highly recommend if you want something cozy, romantic, and just a really good time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well friends, I read a Christmas book in April. It took me a minute to get to it because well, it's April. Once I got over that fact, I read it and enjoyed it. We're back in Evergreen Falls and we have a new grumpy grinch being pulled into the holiday spirit. Meanwhile we have Ms. Christmas who's doing her darndest to spread holiday cheer. She needs to show her grit to prove she can do PR for the town - and Noah becomes her project. He agrees because he wants the family farm to go to someone better than his slimy cousin Stephen.
They fall in love, there are animals, there are Christmas shenanigans, and a fun grandma. All components to a good Christmas story. Noah's growth in this book from Grinch to hero by the end of the story. He started living rather than just working. It was a nice story. I definitely read it at the wrong time, but Lauren really does a good job drawing you in. She's comedic and her stories are sweet. Her men are swoony and her ladies are very sweet and driven. I think this is a perfect story for the holidays. Give it a read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
They fall in love, there are animals, there are Christmas shenanigans, and a fun grandma. All components to a good Christmas story. Noah's growth in this book from Grinch to hero by the end of the story. He started living rather than just working. It was a nice story. I definitely read it at the wrong time, but Lauren really does a good job drawing you in. She's comedic and her stories are sweet. Her men are swoony and her ladies are very sweet and driven. I think this is a perfect story for the holidays. Give it a read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
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