Kissing Mr. Mistletoe

Thank you Literally Yours PR and Angela Casella for gifting me an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

I just finished Kissing Mr. Mistletoe by Angela Casella, and it is the ultimate cozy holiday romance! Angela Casella absolutely nailed it with this one—it's a quick, delightful small-town read that hits all the best festive tropes like frenemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and a hero who falls first and hard.

I loved the dynamic between Emily and Miles. The tension, the banter, and watching Miles win over Emily by doing things like joining a retirement home book club was so heartwarming. Between the snowy atmosphere, the bookstore setting, and the hilarious side characters, it truly feels like a warm holiday hug. Plus, bonus points to the author for releasing both a sweet and a spicy version so you can choose your preference. If you need a feel-good, festive book to escape into, definitely add this to your winter TBR!

HeyGirl_Whatcha_Reading

175 reviews6 followers

Thank you to Angela Casella for the advanced reader copy of Kissing Mr. Mistletoe, book two in the Apple Ridge series.

I really just love the way Angela Casella writes! Her characters alwaya have the best banter and so much heart. This series is so fun and full of quirky characters too.

In the first book, Falling for Mr. October, we got a little bit of Emily and Miles, but in this book I absolutely fell in love with them both. Emily has secrets and a mysterious past, Miles has a lot of past trauma and a bad reputation to contend with. Their banter and chemistry is so great. And the spice is fantastic.

I love the residents of the retirement home and their love for spicy books and meddling in love lives. Loves getting more of Giovanni and Bianca too. This series is so fun. Can’t wait for the next one.

Ashley Cano

53 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

If you are looking for a Christmas romance that gives you all the warm, fuzzy holiday feelings alongside top tier banter, Kissing Mr. Mistletoe completely hits the mark. Angela serves up a festive, delightfully witty story that balances swoon worthy romance with genuine heart. Beyond the romance, the characters feel grounded. Their personal growth, family dynamics, and relatable flaws make you want to keep reading. Add this to your TBR. I read the spicy version and it was perfect.

Amy Carducci

161 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

I thought I was getting a cute little Christmas rom-com. What I got was an absolutely adorable, surprisingly emotional romance that completely stole my heart!

Oh my gosh, I LOVED this book!

Kissing Mr. Mistletoe is so much more than your typical cozy, Hallmark-style Christmas romance. Yes, it has all the small-town holiday charm, wonderful characters, and sweet romantic moments you could want, but Angela Casella gives us a story with genuine emotional depth, healing, secrets, and a love worth waiting for.

Miles is a bit of a mystery when we first meet him. There's a tragic accident in his past, unanswered questions, and a town that hasn't exactly welcomed him with open arms. Emily has secrets of her own, and you don't immediately understand everything she's hiding either. I loved how the story slowly revealed these layers without losing its warmth or charm.

And these two together? SO SWEET!

Emily and Miles share a kiss beneath the mistletoe five years earlier, and the chemistry is instant. But their romance is a true slow burn, one that takes five years to finally find its way back. And trust me, when that slow burn finally catches fire, it CATCHES FIRE!

What made this book extra special for me was the wonderful community of Apple Ridge. The supporting characters add so much heart and humor to the story. And can we PLEASE talk about the spicy retirement home book club? Those ladies are an absolute delight!

I also loved getting to revisit Giovanni and Bianca from Falling for Mr. October. Their story continues alongside this one, and seeing familiar characters and relationships develop makes Apple Ridge feel like a real community you want to return to.

What surprised me most was how emotionally layered this story was. It manages to be funny, romantic, incredibly sweet, and genuinely touching without ever feeling overly heavy.

And here's something I absolutely LOVE about this author!

Angela Casella offers TWO versions of this book! You can choose the spicy edition or a closed-door version if spice isn't your thing. How wonderful is that? I love that readers can enjoy the same beautiful romance while choosing the level of heat they're comfortable with.

I read the spicy edition, and I'd rate the spice around 2.5/5. The romance is definitely a slow burn, but once things heat up, they really heat up!

I don't want to give away too much because I really think readers should experience this one for themselves.

This book is an absolute GEM of a Christmas romance. It's charming, heartfelt, unexpectedly emotional, and filled with characters you'll adore.

Five big, beautiful stars from me! I cannot recommend this one enough!

Jo Cooper

403 reviews8 followers

Review of advance copy

KISSING MR. MISTLETOE (SWEET VERSION) by ANGELA CASELLA ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kissing Mr. Mistletoe is book two (#2) of three (#3) in the APPLE RIDGE series.

After a hard childhood Emily has finally found her forever home in Apple Ridge, but she is hiding her past, convinced that the town would alienate her if they knew the truth.

When she witnesses town outcast Miles being publicly shunned whilst bringing a peace offering to her boss (who blames Miles for his granddaughter’s death), she can’t help but feel for him.

Chasing him outside to sympathise she can’t help but kiss him and when he tells her he’s leaving Apple Ridge for good she gifts him a book she believes will help him heal.

Years later, Miles has reluctantly returned to Apple Ridge for his uncle’s funeral. Following a tragic accident some years ago, the entire town blamed Miles and now he’s back and the glares are still there. Except that is for town newcomer Emily. He hasn’t forgotten her kindness two years ago and is reluctantly drawn to her, but how could they possibly have a future?
——————————

I thoroughly enjoyed Kissing Mr Mistletoe, it’s not a cuddly, joyful Christmas book, it has heart, it has feelings, it has pain. The MCs HEA is hard fought for.

The two MCs are a perfect match, both with their own painful past, their own guilt, their own insecurities and their own secrets. Yet together they help each other find peace and acceptance.

I also really liked the side characters, the elderly ladies with their smutty bookclub were hilarious and I particularly liked Whit, the young, mischievous ragamuffin with a protective heart. The inhabitants of Apple Ridge are interesting and humorous and I know the rest of this series is going to be great.

Delightfully there are two versions of this book, a spicy one and a sweet one with just kissing and light petting. I chose to read the sweet version as I’ve read lots of spicy books recently and I fancied a change. I really appreciated the chance to choose and I hope that more authors offer this in the future.

I read an ebook version of this book, With around 380 pages (paperback edition), a stunning illustrated cover and good editing. This book releases on November 12th 2026.

With thanks to Angela Casella and Hambright PR for an early read of this book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.

🌲Two Versions Available - Sweet x Spicy
🌲 Small Town Romance
🌲 Enemies To Lovers
🌲 Forced Proximity
🌲 Best Friends Brother
🌲 Seasonal RomCom
🌲 Secret Identity
🌲Slow Burn

onlyhereforthehea

168 reviews2 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

November 4, 2026

🌶️🌶️/5

Kissing Mr. Mistletoe is the second book in the Apple Ridge series, and I really loved this one! I think I might have even liked it more than the first, and I really enjoyed that one too!

This one follows Miles, the brother of the FMC from the first book. We know him as the distant brother who left town years ago, but we never really knew why. Well, this book gives us the whole story. After experiencing something tragic and essentially having an entire town turn against him, Miles leaves and distances himself for years before eventually finding his way back.

But before he leaves, he shares a really sweet and meaningful moment with the FMC Emily, and I absolutely loved how that connection started. Emily sees what Miles has been through and how the town has treated him, and she feels this pull toward him. She wants to protect him in some way, to make sure he knows he’s not completely alone. I loved that about her, and I loved that this one small moment became the foundation for something so much bigger.

When we meet them again years later, that connection is still very much there. They’re both fighting it for different reasons, which I won’t get into, but it’s so obvious how they feel about each other. These are two characters carrying different kinds of trauma that they’ve dealt with in very different ways. But those experiences have shaped who they are, how they see themselves, and how they approach relationships. I thought that was really well done, and I absolutely loved watching their relationship develop.

I loved the small town setting, the tension, the chemistry, and the spice was great too! This was such a cozy holiday romance, but with a little more depth than you might initially expect, and I really appreciated that.

The only thing keeping this from five stars for me was Emily’s secret. I wish it had come out a little sooner because I would’ve liked to explore that part of her story a bit more, especially when it came to the connection she later built with Graham. But honestly, that’s a pretty minor complaint in an otherwise really great read.

Highly recommend! I’m really loving this series and can’t wait for more Apple Ridge!

🌟 Thank you to Angela Casella and Hambright PR for the ARC and the opporunity to provide my honest review

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Tammy Moldovan

2,200 reviews32 followers

Being ready to live big by finding your way home

Oh boy. I love all of Angela Casella’s love stories and characters but this one is my new favorite. The story packs quite an emotional punch as it unfolds and the connection and love deepens between Emily and Miles all while their painful pasts are revealed. After reading their story, the characters have now camped out in my heart making a permanent home. This reformed bad boy, girl next door, best friend’s twin brother with a side of healing scars is the best kind of Christmas romance story. It has all the swoony swoons and the spicy spice but also all the deep emotions that will pull at your heart strings. Emily works in and lives above the bookstore in small town Apple Ridge. She feels like she’s finally found her place though she’s nervous she won’t be able to keep it. Miles grew up in Apple Ridge but after being the only survivor of a car accident that claimed two of his friends and the resulting backlash, he left town. On the evening he left five years ago, Emily kissed Miles under the mistletoe and gave him a book. The book gave him a reason to heal, a new tattoo, and the strength to return to Apple Ridge. But the road to their HEA is anything but a straight line. Despite all the reasons not to be together, their chemistry sizzled off the page and it pulled them together no matter how hard they tried to resist. But there’s trauma, interfering and opinionated townspeople, and painful pasts that they’ll have to deal with first. I love when similar scars help characters let down their high walls enough to form a deeper connection like Miles and Emily were able to do - that’s where the best romance moments live. I love this little town and am ready for more Murphy and Cafiero love stories.

Ruth Brici

512 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Author

Thank you, Angela, for this amazing ARC! This is Book 2 of the Apple Ridge Series, and I’m thrilled to be back!
"Kissing Mr. Mistletoe" was a delightful adventure filled with humor, romance, and even some sadness. It had all the feels, making me cry for Miles, Emily, and, of course, Whit. Miles and Emily's meet-cute under the mistletoe was unforgettable!
As they navigate their personal growth, we learn about Miles, who survived an accident involving his ex and her boyfriend. After the incident, Miles couldn't face the town, especially Mr. Campbell, his ex's relative who couldn’t forgive him for what happened to his niece. Mr. Campbell also owns the bookshop where Emily works.
Miles returns for his uncle's funeral, grappling with old feelings for Emily, a foster kid from Florida who didn’t realize how much she needed him. In the meantime, Emily befriends Miles’ twin sister, Bianca, and they become best friends. After the funeral, Miles promises to return to help his family and, of course, to reconnect with Emily, but he needs to tie up loose ends from where he had run away.
Throughout the story, Miles can’t shake the memory of that kiss from long ago. As Emily lets her guard down, they both realize their connection runs deep. With Emily’s ties to the Gallagher family and their love enduring the challenges they face, the story captivates from start to finish.
Overall, it was an amazing book, and I can’t wait to return to Apple Ridge for Theo and Aria’s story next!

Melinda

596 reviews37 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

November 4, 2026

I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have received an advanced copy and an advanced list we copy of Kissing Mr. Mistletoe from the author and Hambright PR! 🫶

Kissing Mr. Mistletoe made me giddy and squeal with so much excitement because it was adorable beyond words and it put me in the holiday spirit! 🥰❄️☃️ This book is officially my favorite Angela Casella story and I love it with all my heart and soul! 🫶

Something I love so much with Angela Casella is the fact that she has two versions of all of her books: the sweet version and the spicy version. It’s amazing because it gives every single reader the choice to choose the version of the story that they want to read. My review is based off the sweet version of the story. Kissing Mr. Mistletoe pulled at my heartstrings and got me so emotional because I loved all of these characters and I was rooting them on so much. Do not even begin to get me started with Emily and Miles because the meet-cute they had gave me goosebumps and their banter and chemistry is *chef’s kiss* 🤭🔥 I additionally love how this beautifully deals with Emily and Miles’ pasts and the trauma that they have both experienced. This book truly came to me at the right time and I can’t wait to reread this story and again! 🫶

If you want a book that will immediately put you in the holiday spirit make sure to read this when it comes out because it’s an absolute must-read! 🫶

P.J.

510 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Kissing Mr. Mistletoe is the 2nd book in the Apple Ridge series. Five years ago, Emily kissed Miles under the mistletoe after he was kicked out of the bookstore where she works when he tried to bring a gift to her boss, who lost his granddaughter in an accident when Miles was in the car. He left town after that and Emily became best friends with his twin sister. When Miles returns, he has guessed one of Emily's secrets and she can't risk him learning more. So she tries to ignore her attraction to him and stay away, but he keeps popping up.

As always, I adore Angela's portrayal of the elderly and young kids as side characters. And for those who know, there is a brief Dottie appearance! I feel like she's Stan Lee in Angela's books and honestly, I scream "DOTTIE!" in my head every single time. Miles and Emily are both hurting, for very different reasons, and I love how they help each other heal even when they don't truly know the other's whole story. I'm not sure what I expected Emily's secret to be but it was definitely not what was unveiled. Nor was I expecting the truth that Miles shared with Emily's boss about the accident. I'm excited for the next one with Theo and really hope the Nonnas get up to more of their (well intended) meddling.

Thanks to Angela Casella for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ashtyn Stovall

52 reviews

Thank You so much Angela Casella and Literally yours PR for my EARC!!

I absolutely loved Kissing Mr. Mistletoe by Angela Casella! Miles and Emily’s story had my whole heart. Watching them both heal throughout the story and finally get the happy endings they deserved made me so happy. I was rooting for them the entire time!

The found family was one of my favorite parts. I loved watching these characters show up for each other, grow together, and build those relationships throughout the story. It made me feel even more attached to everyone in Apple Ridge!

There’s something so special about a story that makes you care just as much about the friendships as the romance, and this one did exactly that. Now Speaking of Romance, I picked the spicy edition of this book and the spice didn’t disappoint! There were a few times I caught myself grinning and kicking my feet because Miles what a man you are!!

I have absolutely loved spending time with these characters, and saying goodbye wasn’t easy. Such a wonderful holiday read!

I am soooo excited for the next book in this series! Theo and Aria already have me on the Edge of my seat in anticipation!!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Barbara Hackel

3,246 reviews51 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

October 30, 2026

Small towns seem to keep secrets and hold grudges, and sometimes there is enough love to straighten things out.
This second book in the series dovetails into the first book in so many ways. I highly recommend you read the books in order, with book number one being "Falling For Mr. October." This is where book number two actually starts.
Miles Murphy has had a troubled past, and in trying to make things better ends up leaving because things are worse. But before he leaves, he kisses Emily and accepts a book she insists he needs to read. Five years later he returns and tries for redemption and understanding. Along the way he falls in love with Emily, and he also mentors a foster child, Whit.
A story that includes struggles and pain, as well as hope and love. Beautifully honest and told with conviction that with hope and hard work the past can release its pain and healing will happen. As for love? It grows stronger and in many unexpected ways. An incredible book that will make you laugh, swoon, nearly cry, and root for Emily and Miles.

Jennifer

219 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

I was so excited to read the next installment in this series! Emily came to Apple Ridge with a secret. Miles leaves with one. Their relationship is one that I enjoyed watching grow. They had history, both with one another, and individual trauma that they had to work through. The chemistry from their first meeting was intriguing, and after Miles came back to Apple Ridge, it was absolutely undeniable.

I wish that the reveal of Emily’s secret had come a little sooner in the story, but I’m glad that we got it at all — it makes her story so much more compelling. See also: I knew Rhett was a jerk, but I didn’t know how much of one he actually was. I’m so glad Bianca didn’t marry him.

The resolution of Emily and Miles’s story was a tearjerker — including Whit was exactly what they all needed!

Thanks to LiterallyYours PR and the author for an advance copy of this book!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

2026 arc reviewed

Lisa Benison

655 reviews17 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

November 4, 2026

Warm, Fuzzy Holiday Story with Amazing Banter, Wonderful Characters and All the Feels

Miles and Emily are each dealing with their own past traumas and emotions yet are drawn to each other from their first meeting. They live in a small town with multiple intersections that complicate their way but hopefully somehow they will find it and I really enjoyed their journey. It was filled with amazing characters from young (Whit) to old (Luanne) and even feline (Phoenix). And his warm family who embraced her as their own. I also loved all of the holiday banter, trees and of course mistletoe! The author offers both an "open" or "closed" door version - reader's choice. I read the closed door and do not feel I missed a thing - still loved it from cover to cover and can't wait for Theo's story - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Lou Li Reads

789 reviews14 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

November 5, 2026

I knew it, I knew it! I knew Miles and Emily had a thing, we met them both in book 1 of the Apple Ridge Series (Falling for Mr October) Our wandering MMC has finally returned home, he left after a tragic accident years ago and from his POV, wasn't welcome in his hometown, but he's back now and drawn to his sisters best friend Emily. Once upon a time, they shared a kiss and now Emily is doing all she can to avoid him - spoiler alert - its a small town Emily!
Gosh I loved these two, both with a traumatic emotional past, they were just meant to be, healing each other slowly but surely, exactly what they needed and then to have it all set around the holidays - perfect! Another brilliant read from Angela

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

arc_reads

Getlitwithashleyz

491 reviews7 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

November 6, 2026

I was SO excited to read Miles and Emily’s story, and it did NOT disappoint! 😍
Miles left town years ago, right around the time Emily moved to Apple Ridge. They shared a kiss under the mistletoe, and neither of them ever forgot that moment.
Five years later, Miles is back in town and ready to see if there's something more between them. There's just one problem: Emily is now best friends with his twin sister, and her boss (who is basically a grandfather figure) absolutely hates him. In fact, he's made it very clear that Miles needs to stay far away from Emily!
I loved getting to go back to Apple Ridge! We got to catch up with the whole book club gang, which is always such a fun time. 🤣 I'm seriously obsessed with the small towns Angela has created and the characters who make them feel like home. I never want to leave! ❤️

Lynda Custer

373 reviews7 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Kissing Mr. Mistletoe is the second book in the APPLE RIDGE series.
The story, a romcom, explores the secretive and personal struggles that Emily Benton and Miles Murphy are facing. Will the pain and guilt of Mile’s past stop him from finding acceptance and love? Will Emily find the love and acceptance she is seeking? And will they open theirselves up to find their happily ever after?
Using her unique writing skills with humor and realistic emotions, Angela Casella creates a heartfelt Christmas love story.
I received an advance review copy from BookSprout and am leaving a voluntary review.

Eve

306 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

I loved the return to Apple Ridge. I always feel like it's a little town I would love to live in. And Angela's characters are always well written.
Here comes the 'but'; I wasn't really invested in Miles and Emily's happily ever after. I didn't really connect with them that much. I sometimes felt like their story was meant to fill in some gaps from Bianca and Giovanni's from the previous book. Which made me sad.
Overall, it's a great read. Definitely worth it. I just personally needed a little bit more.
Big thanks to the author and her PR team for the complimentary copy of the book. My review thoughts are given voluntarily.

Lisa

193 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

October 27, 2026

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

I knew from Falling for Mr. October that Miles and Emily’s story was going to be good. The chemistry between them from that first meeting on was very believable. I loved revisiting the book club and all the other side characters in Apple Ridge, the Murphy and the Cafiero families. There was an interesting twist to the story that I did not see coming and it did have a good resolution in the end.

I was given the spicy version in the book and the scenes between Emily and Miles were hot. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

chicklit romance

Nichole Martin

185 reviews3 followers

Review of advance copy

This book...this book is flipping amazing. I absolutely love this story! Miles and Emily are amazing and perfect together. I was brought to tears so many times during this story. It still has all the humor and steamy rom-com vibes, but also moments that were beautiful and also heartbreaking. I say this every time, but this is my favorite Angela Casella book now. Like how can this be topped?? The book hangover is strong and I can't stop thinking about it!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

KDRBCK

7,888 reviews75 followers

Read

Kissing Mr. Mistletoe by Angela Casella is the second book i the Apple Ridge Series. The previous book is Falling For Mr. October. Every book can easily be read as a stand alone.
Kissing Mr. Mistletoe is a small town fall romance.
I loved the chracters, the writing and the story. I read the author's books for a few years now and I can wholeheartedly say, this is one of her best work.
Emilie and Miles' story is an enemies-to-lovers, snowed in romance that gives all the feels, deserves all the stars.

Mandy Edwards

210 reviews469 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

I love a good Christmas romance and Angela hit it out of the park with Kissing Mr. Mistletoe! Book 2 in her Apple Ridge series follows bookstore worker Emily and “reformed bad boy” Miles.

This is a story of forgiveness, moving on, and uncovering truths. You will laugh with the nonnas, cry, and swoon all at the same time!

If you are looking for a good Christmas romance as we head into the holiday season, pick this one up!

Many thanks to the author for the ARC to read and review!!

Ashley A

38 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy received from Publisher

November 1, 2026

A novel that will warm your heart even on the coldest of days.

I absolutely adored this book and would recommend anybody who is looking for a heartfelt, found family romance novel.

The spicy version was just the right amount of spice and really enjoyed that the ladies (of all ages) of Apple Ridge enjoy a little spice and I life too.

Definitely plan on reading the rest of the Apple Ridge series stories!

Brittany Selken

313 reviews6 followers

If I could give this book 6 stars, I would. I fell in with all these characters this book was a love story waiting to between these two characters like it was so perfectly written with all the emotions that both of these characters were having with the secrets that kept them away from being in love. My heart broken for miles like he went away because he though it was better but then Emily gave him a book that change the way he looks at thing and oh my heart broken because he just want to come home to family that love and miss him. I love everything about this story.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Alyssa J

417 reviews18 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

I enjoyed the early mistletoe magic BUT I did feel the MMC was pushy at first or just… idk. How do you go from grieving and feeling that way to immediately obsessed with another woman? I couldn’t get over that in the beginning but he grew on me. It was a cute story & festive. The main characters vibed very well together. I loved the growth the MMC showed through out, he was pretty much shunned and over came that. It meant something.

Isha Coleman

9,913 reviews178 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

November 1, 2026

Emotion with no filter. Casella holds nothing back. Sweet and spicy collide with a boldness that sets it's sights on claiming your heart. One spark of hope delivers a soulful enduring, legacy. The secret of life finds solace in the spirit of love.

Emilyevii

11 reviews

Review of advance copy