Never Mind the Mistletoe: A Drake Family Novella

Drake Family

by Louisa Darling

It’s going to take more than mistletoe

Nothing should be sweeter than going home for Christmas—yet Arabella Drake, Countess of March, dreads the journey every December. This year’s trip threatens to be the worst yet. From broken carriage wheels to a sudden snowstorm, overcrowded inns to a run-in with thieves, everything is conspiring to throw her together with the man she hates above all her husband.

To save this marriage in trouble

Theo, Earl of March, is in holiday hell. It was one thing to be forced into marriage with Arabella, whose shy kisses and innocent passion ruined him for all others—it’s quite another to be forced to share a carriage with the maddening woman all the way from London to Yorkshire. But with every fiery argument and heated glance, it is becoming harder for Theo to resist the temptation to do something incredibly stupid—like falling in love with his own wife.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Audiobook, Adult, Christmas

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Nicole (Happily_After_HEAs)]

Another Perfect Read by Louisa Darling

Once again an excellent piece from LD. I laughed. I cried at least twice. I felt for these two hurt people! Wonderfully crafted. Please don't pass on this one! Loved it.

[Stephanie Fournet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Louisa Darling, but I'm delighted to say it won't be my last. I don't usually gravitate to a reconciliation romance, but this one delivered promise and delicious tension right from the start. Adventure, character growth, and heat all make this a great read.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m such a sucker for “our marriage went wrong on day 1”, and this was a well done version of that. A lot packed into this novella, and I especially like the two step coming together of the MCs, which felt authentic to me.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

She should've killed him 🤷🏻‍♀️

(2.5)

[Caitie’s Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo really made me angry at the beginning but thankfully he redeemed himself.