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Who Needs Mistletoe?: an Advent Romance
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 19:09:15
5 copies available
U.S. only
Full of sparkling wit, swoon-worthy romance, and toe-curling heat, Who Needs Mistletoe? is a small-town, girl-next-door romance that will wrap your holiday season in big fun and bigger heart.
Ivy Weaver learned the hard way that some confessions are better left unsaid―like the one meant for her longtime crush, Austin, that was accidentally delivered to his older brother, Grant, instead. His brutal reaction made leaving town easy. Staying away for ten years? Even easier.
Until now.
When Ivy’s parents announce they’re leaving Coeur-de-Lac for good, Ivy can’t avoid the inevitable. She’ll return just long enough to celebrate the Christmas season while packing up her parents’ house, and her past, for good.
Grant Underwood has spent his life doing exactly what was expected of him―taking over the family business, keeping everything running smoothly, never making the same mistake twice. But when Ivy comes back to town, he sees a second chance he didn’t think he’d get.
The problem? Ivy has spent the past decade thinking she was in love with the wrong brother.
Between a chaotic family holiday, Austin’s sudden interest in Ivy, and one extremely mischievous orange cat, Grant is running out of time before the Christmas season ends and he loses his chance to prove the boy Ivy once loved isn’t the man she was meant to end up with.
It’s going to take more than mistletoe to seal this love story with a kiss.
Don’t miss out on the stunning DELUXE ADVENT EDITION while supplies last. Unwrap one of twelve beautifully embellished, sealed sections each day, and let the holiday countdown commence! This fun, festive, limited printing will be available in the U.S. and Canada only.
Ivy Weaver learned the hard way that some confessions are better left unsaid―like the one meant for her longtime crush, Austin, that was accidentally delivered to his older brother, Grant, instead. His brutal reaction made leaving town easy. Staying away for ten years? Even easier.
Until now.
When Ivy’s parents announce they’re leaving Coeur-de-Lac for good, Ivy can’t avoid the inevitable. She’ll return just long enough to celebrate the Christmas season while packing up her parents’ house, and her past, for good.
Grant Underwood has spent his life doing exactly what was expected of him―taking over the family business, keeping everything running smoothly, never making the same mistake twice. But when Ivy comes back to town, he sees a second chance he didn’t think he’d get.
The problem? Ivy has spent the past decade thinking she was in love with the wrong brother.
Between a chaotic family holiday, Austin’s sudden interest in Ivy, and one extremely mischievous orange cat, Grant is running out of time before the Christmas season ends and he loses his chance to prove the boy Ivy once loved isn’t the man she was meant to end up with.
It’s going to take more than mistletoe to seal this love story with a kiss.
Don’t miss out on the stunning DELUXE ADVENT EDITION while supplies last. Unwrap one of twelve beautifully embellished, sealed sections each day, and let the holiday countdown commence! This fun, festive, limited printing will be available in the U.S. and Canada only.
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Sarah Estep
6 books171 followersSarah Estep is a romance author who loves small towns, romantic comedies, and nice pop culture references. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, and two cats--they're all very obsessed with her. Sarah would describe herself as "indoorsy" and has never lost a game of Disney trivia. When she isn't watching Bob's Burgers or British murder mysteries, she's probably taking a nap. A flight attendant for over a decade, the last place Sarah wants to be is the airport.l
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 22, 2026
Who Needs A Mistletoe was a charming, cozy holiday read with a great mix romance and all the Christmas vibes.
It was sweet and just the kind of book I want to curl up with during the holiday season. The chemistry, the festive atmosphere, and the little moments all came together perfectly.
The characters were easy to root for from the very beginning. I loved watching Ivy’s relationship unfold it gave that warm and happy feeling you want from a Christmas romance. And grant, what a gentleman waiting so long for her to come back!!
If you’re looking for a cozy, holiday read you should add Who Needs A Mistletoe to your TBR. 🎄
Thank You Entangled’s Publishing for approving me this ARC. I enjoyed it and gave me all the festive feels!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5/5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶️
*ARC review, thank you Entangled for the chance to read this early!*
This will be so hard to read as an advent book, because once I picked this up, I couldn’t put it down! The prologue sucked me right in from the get go, and the story just flowed seamlessly from there. This book was so relatable and effortlessly funny. It felt like friends telling me a story. It was witty, fresh, and heartwarming. Warning: you will want to curl up with a cup of cocoa, cuddle an orange cat, and watch A Muppet’s Christmas Carol if you read this.
Imagine your childhood crush, you know, the one you doodled Ms. in front of on all your notebooks but you are so shy and awkward he never knows you exist “that way”. Now imagine that you get the nerve to confess your feelings the night before you leave for college, so that even if he rejects you, you don’t have to stick around. But you get too scared, and when you see him, you tell him not to turn around because you can’t say it to his face. But when you get it all out, you realized you poured your soul out to the wrong brother. Your crush’s older brother you were working with all summer. The one who you thought was just being a nice neighbor and was way too out of your league to notice you. But he humiliates you and you are so mad you don’t go home for 10 years. I KNOW, RIGHT?!?!
The book was captivating from start to finish, I loved every minute. It was funny to watch the MCs figure out their feelings after 10 years, and all the emotions that brings up. All the character’s insecurities and tension points from the past were so valid and well executed. Everything that happened felt so real and relatable. There was no 3rd act breakup, but they had an argument that was quickly squashed and they talked like adults (after he begged on his knees, of course). It very much felt like they got to revert back to their teenage selves (in a good way) to get a second chance to do what never happened 10 years ago; movie theatre double dates, making out, tree house secrets, and dry humping in his truck. You can’t help but cheer them on, and hope that this time, Ivy notices the right brother for her. The one that notices her and what she needs and would do anything for her without being asked.
The side characters get a shout out too, because the best friend side kicks were really pulling their weight! They had to spell out what was happening for our MCs at times so they could finally figure out they had feelings for each other, and how to admit it! Poor Grant thinks he is being obvious, but he is not, and Ivy is not good at picking up subtle cues. Brad and Tony were so cute together you’ll see. The whole cast of side characters were honestly so good!
Add this to your TBR!!! Comes out in September 29th 2026!
Tropes:
- small town in the Midwest
- boy next door
- she never wants to see him again
- home for the holidays
- it’s always been her
- queer rep (side characters)
- love triangle adjacent
- flight attendant x construction worker
- open door spice
- dual POV
*ARC review, thank you Entangled for the chance to read this early!*
This will be so hard to read as an advent book, because once I picked this up, I couldn’t put it down! The prologue sucked me right in from the get go, and the story just flowed seamlessly from there. This book was so relatable and effortlessly funny. It felt like friends telling me a story. It was witty, fresh, and heartwarming. Warning: you will want to curl up with a cup of cocoa, cuddle an orange cat, and watch A Muppet’s Christmas Carol if you read this.
Imagine your childhood crush, you know, the one you doodled Ms. in front of on all your notebooks but you are so shy and awkward he never knows you exist “that way”. Now imagine that you get the nerve to confess your feelings the night before you leave for college, so that even if he rejects you, you don’t have to stick around. But you get too scared, and when you see him, you tell him not to turn around because you can’t say it to his face. But when you get it all out, you realized you poured your soul out to the wrong brother. Your crush’s older brother you were working with all summer. The one who you thought was just being a nice neighbor and was way too out of your league to notice you. But he humiliates you and you are so mad you don’t go home for 10 years. I KNOW, RIGHT?!?!
The book was captivating from start to finish, I loved every minute. It was funny to watch the MCs figure out their feelings after 10 years, and all the emotions that brings up. All the character’s insecurities and tension points from the past were so valid and well executed. Everything that happened felt so real and relatable. There was no 3rd act breakup, but they had an argument that was quickly squashed and they talked like adults (after he begged on his knees, of course). It very much felt like they got to revert back to their teenage selves (in a good way) to get a second chance to do what never happened 10 years ago; movie theatre double dates, making out, tree house secrets, and dry humping in his truck. You can’t help but cheer them on, and hope that this time, Ivy notices the right brother for her. The one that notices her and what she needs and would do anything for her without being asked.
The side characters get a shout out too, because the best friend side kicks were really pulling their weight! They had to spell out what was happening for our MCs at times so they could finally figure out they had feelings for each other, and how to admit it! Poor Grant thinks he is being obvious, but he is not, and Ivy is not good at picking up subtle cues. Brad and Tony were so cute together you’ll see. The whole cast of side characters were honestly so good!
Add this to your TBR!!! Comes out in September 29th 2026!
Tropes:
- small town in the Midwest
- boy next door
- she never wants to see him again
- home for the holidays
- it’s always been her
- queer rep (side characters)
- love triangle adjacent
- flight attendant x construction worker
- open door spice
- dual POV
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ivy Weaver left her hometown of Coeur-de-Lac with the hope that she'd never have to return. But now with her parents in the process of selling the family home and prepping for a move they need her help and of course the only way she can help is go back to the place that holds all the haunting memories that she'd rather forget. Not to mention possibly seeing the boy next door who was the cause of all those haunting memories...
Who Needs Mistletoe? is a story of second chances, healing old wounds, facing fears, taking chances and unexpectedly finding love. When Ivy set foot back in Coeur-de-Lac she hoped that she could avoid the Underwood boys all together, but that hope is dashed when she bumps into both of them... and learns that they both are interested in her, after all these years.
Are you serious? Austin was the one who starred in all her teenage dreams and made her heart skip a beat and his brother Grant is the one who dashed all of them. But little does she know Grant had ulterior motives for that, he has liked her for years and now he wants his shot with her, but so does someone else... his brother Austin! No good can come from this... or can it?
This festive page-turner had me smiling all the way through, it was such a sweet and heartfelt romance. Watching Ivy try to unpack all this unexpected news and fight her feelings for both brothers was quite entertaining. Both wanted a shot, but only one could claim her heart and I think the right guy captured it! Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it's pages hold a story that should not be missed- pages that will leave your heart quite happy!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Who Needs Mistletoe? is a story of second chances, healing old wounds, facing fears, taking chances and unexpectedly finding love. When Ivy set foot back in Coeur-de-Lac she hoped that she could avoid the Underwood boys all together, but that hope is dashed when she bumps into both of them... and learns that they both are interested in her, after all these years.
Are you serious? Austin was the one who starred in all her teenage dreams and made her heart skip a beat and his brother Grant is the one who dashed all of them. But little does she know Grant had ulterior motives for that, he has liked her for years and now he wants his shot with her, but so does someone else... his brother Austin! No good can come from this... or can it?
This festive page-turner had me smiling all the way through, it was such a sweet and heartfelt romance. Watching Ivy try to unpack all this unexpected news and fight her feelings for both brothers was quite entertaining. Both wanted a shot, but only one could claim her heart and I think the right guy captured it! Highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it's pages hold a story that should not be missed- pages that will leave your heart quite happy!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A holiday romance that goes down for the books!!
First of all, all of the 90s movie references in this story had me smiling for days. So many of them are movies I still love and watch to this day, and that alone immediately set the nostalgic, cozy vibe of this story.
This story opens with Ivy returning home for Christmas after years of keeping her distance, and what starts as a holiday visit quickly becomes a lot more emotional than she expected.
Ivy has harbored feelings for Austin..the literal heartthrob next door neighbor since they were teenagers. As an adult, those feelings don’t necessarily go away… but she does eventually start seeing him in a different light. All thanks to his brother, Grant.
Meanwhile, Grant has been secretly pining over Ivy for years, all while watching her fawn over Austin. It takes him some time to finally get there, but when he does start acting on those feelings… the more we learned about just how long and how deeply Grant had cared for Ivy, the more I absolutely melted. 🥹
This one comes packed with all the feels… from smiling at the sweet moments, laughing out loud at the funny ones, yelling at both Ivy and Grant when they were taking too long to get there, and melting over Grant because he is what book boyfriends are made of. 💗
The Christmas atmosphere was exactly what I expect from a holiday romance. It genuinely felt like Christmas without the holiday setting overpowering the actual story.
This is what I long for in a holiday romance!! 🥰
5⭐
Thank you in entangled publishing and NetGalley for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review
First of all, all of the 90s movie references in this story had me smiling for days. So many of them are movies I still love and watch to this day, and that alone immediately set the nostalgic, cozy vibe of this story.
This story opens with Ivy returning home for Christmas after years of keeping her distance, and what starts as a holiday visit quickly becomes a lot more emotional than she expected.
Ivy has harbored feelings for Austin..the literal heartthrob next door neighbor since they were teenagers. As an adult, those feelings don’t necessarily go away… but she does eventually start seeing him in a different light. All thanks to his brother, Grant.
Meanwhile, Grant has been secretly pining over Ivy for years, all while watching her fawn over Austin. It takes him some time to finally get there, but when he does start acting on those feelings… the more we learned about just how long and how deeply Grant had cared for Ivy, the more I absolutely melted. 🥹
This one comes packed with all the feels… from smiling at the sweet moments, laughing out loud at the funny ones, yelling at both Ivy and Grant when they were taking too long to get there, and melting over Grant because he is what book boyfriends are made of. 💗
The Christmas atmosphere was exactly what I expect from a holiday romance. It genuinely felt like Christmas without the holiday setting overpowering the actual story.
This is what I long for in a holiday romance!! 🥰
5⭐
Thank you in entangled publishing and NetGalley for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ivy learned the hard way that some things are better left unsaid: like confessing her feelings to her longtime crush, Austin, only to realize she confessed them to the wrong brother. His brutal reaction made leaving town easy. It will be 10 years before Ivy and Grant are reunited....
Overall, I thought this book was a really cute read. It definitely gets you into the holiday spirit and makes you believe in second chances. Ivy is easy to relate to. I admired her courage in telling her crush how she felt. I understood her reservations about returning home and not wanting to face the boys next door. And Grant, well, he wasn't what I expected at all. He knew he messed up and was determined to win Ivy over. Together, these two pull you into their story with their undeniable chemistry and have you rooting for them to find their happily ever after.
Who Needs Mistletoe is an easily devourable, sweet, and steamy holiday romance. It's well-written, entertaining, and will definitely leave readers with all the feels. If you're looking for a cozy, small-town, holiday romance to spend your day getting lost in, Who Needs Mistletoe needs to be on your TBR!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Overall, I thought this book was a really cute read. It definitely gets you into the holiday spirit and makes you believe in second chances. Ivy is easy to relate to. I admired her courage in telling her crush how she felt. I understood her reservations about returning home and not wanting to face the boys next door. And Grant, well, he wasn't what I expected at all. He knew he messed up and was determined to win Ivy over. Together, these two pull you into their story with their undeniable chemistry and have you rooting for them to find their happily ever after.
Who Needs Mistletoe is an easily devourable, sweet, and steamy holiday romance. It's well-written, entertaining, and will definitely leave readers with all the feels. If you're looking for a cozy, small-town, holiday romance to spend your day getting lost in, Who Needs Mistletoe needs to be on your TBR!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was the perfect, hallmark meets early 2000s romcom.
The way I CACKLED reading this entire book. The humor, the banter, all of it was top tier.
The plot and premise is very fun, festive, and relatable. From the stress of jobs and careers, to navigating family dynamics, the story felt entirely familiar and relatable.
I adored the characters. Ivy was hilarious and fun. Her inner monologue had me rolling. Grant was the perfect mix of grumpy and obsessive. Watching him put his foot in his mouth constantly was endearing. Their relationship developed slowly, and was full of so many adorable moments. I was swooning at the effort and care Grant put in.
This book is perfect for the holiday season. A super fun, romantic, and SPICY holiday romance that will give you all the warm fuzzies.
The way I CACKLED reading this entire book. The humor, the banter, all of it was top tier.
The plot and premise is very fun, festive, and relatable. From the stress of jobs and careers, to navigating family dynamics, the story felt entirely familiar and relatable.
I adored the characters. Ivy was hilarious and fun. Her inner monologue had me rolling. Grant was the perfect mix of grumpy and obsessive. Watching him put his foot in his mouth constantly was endearing. Their relationship developed slowly, and was full of so many adorable moments. I was swooning at the effort and care Grant put in.
This book is perfect for the holiday season. A super fun, romantic, and SPICY holiday romance that will give you all the warm fuzzies.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ivy has avoided coming back to her small hometown for 10 years after mistakenly confessing her love for her neighbor Austin to his older brother Grant. Now Ivy is back to help her parents pack up her childhood home and deal with her past. Complications arise when she runs into the brothers who both seem interested in her.
I really enjoyed the plot of this small town romance. The book moved along at a great pace and I found myself finishing the book in one sitting. I quickly fell in love with Ivy and Grant may be my new favorite book boyfriend. This is the perfect read if you're looking for a feel good small town romance with a happy ending I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the plot of this small town romance. The book moved along at a great pace and I found myself finishing the book in one sitting. I quickly fell in love with Ivy and Grant may be my new favorite book boyfriend. This is the perfect read if you're looking for a feel good small town romance with a happy ending I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was the sweetest story, with some excellent spice! I loved Grant so much - a man who yearns for 10 years is my kryptonite. I also adored Ivy - I like how we saw her go from insecure teen to a strong woman. This whole story felt like getting a warm hug - it’s the perfect book for the holidays (or anytime!!). I loved the communication in this, especially the third act - this is how adults should handle a relationship!!
I also thought the sibling dynamics between Grant and all his siblings in this were great - I especially loved how the relationship between Grant and Austin was handled.
Sarah Estep’s books always make me smile and this was no exception!
I also thought the sibling dynamics between Grant and all his siblings in this were great - I especially loved how the relationship between Grant and Austin was handled.
Sarah Estep’s books always make me smile and this was no exception!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is about the ultimate fantasy, which is that your partner and your best friend's partner are best friends with each other. I loved it! The romance was fun and sexy and the characters were all very well developed.
I loved Grant and his siblings so much. Are they really siblings if they don't push each other to the point of physical harm?
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
I loved Grant and his siblings so much. Are they really siblings if they don't push each other to the point of physical harm?
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨ What a great holiday rom-com romance! This should be on everyone's TBR this year for the holiday season. Slow-burn, yearning, which brother do I choose, gay best friend, laugh out loud banter and yummy spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
This is the first book I've read by Sarah Estep and it will not be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this eARC
This is the first book I've read by Sarah Estep and it will not be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this eARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved this book! Ivy and Grant have a second chance romance that's filled with humor, healing and a whole lot of heart. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and change as the story went on. If you like holiday romance, this book is for you. I highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
My best friend's trad debut and it is funny and heartwarming and a perfect accompaniment for a cosy night in!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was absolutely delightful. It was a bit predictable but I really enjoyed it and read it within 2 days. A really lovely feel good book with likable characters set in America.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews