Mistletoe Melody

by Indy Valentine, Erin MacKenzie

Maddox McCoy had his life mapped out. Attend college, study music, and move to Nashville, Tennessee.

None of those plans included meeting the doe-eyed Tatum Shaw. She’s magic on the piano and sings Christmas classics from her soul.

But when a holiday frat party takes an unexpected turn, Maddox learns it’s not just Tatum’s career she wants, but also Maddox’s brother, Lincoln.

Ten years, one breakup, and a new season of life later, a Christmas open mic night in Nashville crosses their paths, leading them to strike a deal they deem “mutually beneficial.”

Fake date at a family holiday party? Easy enough. One weekend of faking it together is nothing after years of distance.

Except Maddox’s feelings aren’t pretend. They never have been. So, what happens when Tatum starts to wonder if she’s pretending or not, too?

Mistletoe Melody is a co-written Christmas novella from romance authors Indy Valentine and Erin Mackenzie!

Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
Fake Dating
Pining MMC
Musician x Musician
Right Person, Wrong Time

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Novella, Fake Dating, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2026

About the author

Indy Valentine is a contemporary romance author who resides off the East Coast of Florida. Indy thrives on writing off-the-charts banter and spice; You can expect some lethal slow burn to exist between her pages.

When she's not writing, Indy can be found at the beach, attending baseball games, spending time with her family, and with a romance book in her hands.

Reviews

[Texa]

FINALLY a pining man that actually stayed celibate for 10 years 😍😍jk there’s no such thing

…“No Bethany tonight?”
I cut Wayne a sharp look. “She wasn’t anything serious. You know that.”…

…”There’s just one problem—I have yet to meet a woman who gets me excited to try. Over the past ten years, I’ve met handfuls of wonderful women. They’ve been incredible—truly. But none that made my heart thunder in my chest just by the near proximity of her. None that I missed while they were gone. None that understood me.
Sadly, Bethany scratched an itch, then the itch came back.”

…“Yeah, but at what point do I become the thing standing in the way of my own happiness? Because that’s what it feels like at times. I’ve been with other women, Tate. I’ve done all the arrangements, flings, and fucking to forget. But none of them have given me a sliver of what love feels like. Or at least the potential of it. What does that say about me?”

And to no one’s surprise the fmc has been in a ‘dry spell’ for the past few years

…“How long has it been since you’ve been properly fucked, Tatum baby?”
“Too long,” she pants.
“That’s a damn shame,” I admit, holding back how pleased I am by that…

Im also pleased that free will exists and i can dnf this shit bye

[what.jordan.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Your voice has always been my favorite sound.” 🎶

Okay, this was the cutest holiday novella and Erin + Indy knocked it out of the park! Maddox and Tatum were perfection and now I’m excited for the holiday season (and I’m going to be hanging up more mistletoe moving forward 😉)

I loved their meet cute. I thought the flow of the book was so well done and it felt like such a fully formed story even though it is a novella — nothing felt like it was rushed or missing at ALL. The way that these two came together was so satisfying and I wish I could go listen to Tatum play in Nashville. Also, I LOVEEEEE me a “talk her through it without even touching her” moment. Is this becoming a microtrope that I’m obsessed with? I think so 😮‍💨

If you’re in the mood for a holiday novella then this is my recommendation. You get everything you want with the Christmas vibes but also a beautiful love story that I know you’d love too! 🎄❤️💚

[lucialeelibros · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I really read this book in one sitting. I started it, and before I knew it, I’d finished it. How lovely, how beautiful, long live love!
It was exactly what I needed to get ready for the upcoming holiday season.

Many thanks to Indy and Erin for the ARC!

[LeAnn · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Tatum and Maddox were meant for one another! I just ate this novella right up! Maddox was a YEARNER!! Mans even said so himself 😩!! The fact that he has been in love with Tatum for 10 years?? Ugh my heart went out right to him.

Their meet cute in class was so cute! I loved their banter and that even when they hadn't seen each other for years it was like nothing changed. And the fake dating?! I loved that they both secretly had feelings for the other. Maddox was the best, supporting Tatum's dreams and encouraging her to reach for the stars. Just a perfect man all around.

This was such a sweet little Christmas novella and you need to add it to your tbr! It was the perfect mix of second chances, a swoony mmc and some holiday magic!

Thank you Indy Valentine and Erin MacKenzie for the ARC!

[Apryl (inmybookishgirlera) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so freaking cute and I loved every second of it! I needed more of them omg😭I will read anything Indy writes. Absolutely love her books. This was my first time reading Erin Mackenzie and I adored her writing. The writing flowed so well and they did a great job blending their chapters.

Maddox and Tatum are both musicians who meet in college. They form an instant connection with music. Maddox ends up falling for Tatum but never had the nerve to say anything. But when a holiday frat party takes an unexpected turn, Maddox learns she wants his brother Lincoln. Ten years later at an open mic night in Nashville their paths cross leading them to strike a deal to fake date.

This gave all the Christmas vibes. I loved Maddox and Tatum so much. Their chemistry was so freaking good. Maddox was perfection and when I tell you this man yearned for this girl for 10 years he freaking yearned😮‍💨🫠This man had me in a puddle with his mouth😮‍💨

Def add this holiday novella to your tbr! It will for sure get you in the holiday spirit. Thank you to team Indy and Erin for this gifted advanced copy! This releases on 11/6.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

🎸musician x musician
🎄holiday novella
🎸fake dating
🎄ex boyfriends brother
🎸secret tattoo
🎄right person wrong time
🎸pining MMC

[ashley 🎀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to fall so hard for Tatum and Maddox. I was expecting a short and sweet little novella but oh my gosh.. I think they are embedded in my heart now 😭

This gave all the Christmas vibes- especially if you live in or have experienced a Christmas in the south. It’s hot and snowless 😂 but we still decorate and bring the holiday cheer and their story captured that so well! I could picture myself there.. like I was at the Christmas party with them!

This is an ex’s brother - should’ve been lovers to begin with vibe and the chemistry between the main characters was freaking off the charts! I was giggling and kicking my feet and also emotionally distressed right along side them.

If you read a Christmas book this year, let it be this one!! It’s seriously so good, you’ll be so happy you did!!

[madmanreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️

If you’re looking for the sweetest holiday romance with enough yearning to overfill your stocking, I can’t recommend this one enough!

I adored the angst that came along with Tatum dating Maddox’s brother and the way their relationship evolved over time. And the first time they see each other again 😭. Loved!

🎵 Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
🎄 Fake Dating
🎵 Pining MMC
🎄 Musician x Musician
🎵 Right Person, Wrong Time

Now if only Maddox’s family were real so I could crash their holiday celebrations 🥹.

Thank you to @indyvalentineauthor and @erinmackenzie.author for the e-arc of Mistletoe Melody!

[thatbeccagirl_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Maddox and Tatum’s story. They had the sweetest meet cute, and I loved the banter between them.
Maddox was simply the king of yearn and I loved that he took his shot 10 years later.
This was a great holiday romance when you want something with a great story, spice, and low angst.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jordan Grilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

This is EXACTLY the kind of holiday novella I’ve been searching for. This is EVERYTNINGGGGGGG.
Absolutely ate up Maddox & Tatum

If there’s one thing I love, it’s brothers ex girlfriend 🥵
BUT. This was so freaking special because it was ALWAYS MEANT TO BE THEM.

Maddox is literally such a golden retriever puppy cutie boy and I love him SO MUCH. And we must protect him at all costs. He was the man who was yearning and pining after his brother’s girlfriend/best friend FOR YEARS. And he finally got what he DESERVED.

Tatum, sweet, sweet Tatum. I literally love her. She’s my muse and I don’t even freaking play music. She just needed to believe in herself and find her true person and her true muse.

I absolutely LOVED the chemistry between these two
The friends dynamic they shared in college and working on music together
The way they find their way back to each other years later
The fake dating of it all!? I’m a sucker for it
I absolutely loved them so much.
The freaking tattoo he had for her!? DECEASED.

This book is something I will recommend a thousand times over, it is actually the perfect holiday novella. I was laughing, I was crying, I was cheering them on. I absolutely loved the work that Indy and Erin put into this

🎄🎄🎄❤️ merry freaking Christmas

[Kristina A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok but wait this was so dang cute and i loved every single second of these two! 🎄

I absolutely love Indy and Erin oh so much and i was so dang excited for this holiday write! They did such a good job blending their chapters, it flowed so easily!

Tatum and Maddox were oh so sweet and i was definitely kicking my feet most of this novella. I loved their meet cute and then the time jump was perfect for a short novella. I’m a sucker for a fake dating trope and these two were oh so fun during their “fake” relationship to go home for the holidays. 🤭

Maddox was oh so sweet and i loved watching how much he yearned for Tatum. This man has been in love with his “friend” for TEN DANG YEARS. The second Maddox tells her everything i melted into a whole dang puddle! 🥹

If you’re looking for a sweet holiday novella with some yearning and fake dating look no further! This one is oh so perfect to get you into the holiday spirit! 🎄

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

🎸 Musician x Musician
🎄 Ex Boyfriend’s Brother
🎸 Fake Dating
🎄 Right Person Wrong Time
🎸 Secret Tattoo
🎄 Holiday Novella

Thank you oh so much to Indy and Erin for allowing me to be part of the ARC team! I loved every second of this one!

[Gabby Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I absolutely loved this holiday novella! I am obsessed and can't stop thinking about Maddox and Tatum. These two will have you hooked and not being able to put their book down. Maddox and Tatum both have dreams of making it bit in the music world and will do anything to make those dreams come true. They form a connection while playing together that secretly leads to more. I was rooting for them from the very beginning but especially when they were finally getting their second chance. These two are seriously perfect for each other! They have a feel good, happy romance. My gosh and the pining is so freaking good. Not only is he obsessed with her but she is obsessed with him too! If you are looking for a holiday romance with ex boyfriend's brother, pining mmc, fake dating, musician mcs and right person wrong time this novella is most definitely for you!!

[Liz Martinek · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute (and spicy!!) little holiday novella to get you into the Christmas spirit!!

I am OBSESSED with Maddox and Tatum, and my only complaint is WHY WAS IT SO SHORT?! Because I seriously need so much more of these two!! I absolutely loved their chemistry and could have happily kept reading about them forever.

This was such a fun, sweet, and spicy little Christmas read, and definitely one you need to add to your holiday TBR!!

Thank you so much to Indy & Erin for the eARC!!

[Danielle Hooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC review✨
ahhh Tatum and Maddox are everything! Indy and Erin really nailed it with this one 😭 especially for two best friends from college, but he also happens to be her ex boyfriend’s brother 🤭

T & M meet in college in music class and become fast friends as Maddox takes her under her wing to teach her guitar. they meet up later at a party but M’s brother has already moved in on Tatum so he settles for being just her friend. as they graduate from college and move on to the next phases of their lives they lose touch, but only to serendipitously come back together 9 years later and realize they are each the ones that got away 🥹

they end up spending the holidays together with a splash of fake dating but it doesn’t take them long to realize, there is nothing fake about them 🙂‍↔️ the chemistry between these two is literal perfection and the mouth on Maddox… 🫦

this was the perfect holiday novella to get you in the Christmas spirit and to fall in love with the cutest couple 🤭

[Megan Coggins · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I loved this take on a Christmas novella.
No cookie cutter here.

Maddox & Tatum
Musician and musician
She dated his brother way back when
A surprise second chance meeting
Fake dating situation

This was fun.
Fast paced.
Mistletoe galore.

I’d add this to your holiday reads TBR for sure.

[Chelsea Mansell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe Melody by Indy Valentine and Erin Mackenzie eARC Review 🎄

First holiday novella of the season and I am so here for it. Tatum and Maddox are the epitome of right person x wrong time and I adored watching them find one another again.

This one is so cute full of all the holiday vibes. Fake dating is definitely becoming a new favorite of mine and it’s even better when the couple has been secreting pining for eachother for years. 🤭

What to expect:
Christmas novella
Ex boyfriend’s brother
Fake dating
Musician x musician
Pining MMC
Right person x wrong time

Thank you so much Indy and Erin for the arc!

[Elizabeth Keeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddox McCoy has always dreamed of making music and building a career in the music industry. When he meets Tatum Shaw in college, he is instantly drawn to her. But when Tatum starts dating his brother, Maddox is heartbroken. After college, he leaves and moves to Nashville to pursue his career, hoping to put the past behind him. Ten years later, he is working in the music industry when the woman who has always held his heart unexpectedly walks back into his life. Tatum Shaw has finally taken the leap and moved to Nashville to get serious about her dream of becoming a musician. When she comes face-to-face with Maddox, all the memories and feelings they shared come rushing back. When Maddox comes up with a scheme to take Tatum home and pretend they are dating, she agrees to play along. But as they spend more time together, the lines between what is fake and what is real begin to blur. Soon, they both realize that their feelings are anything but pretend. Now, if they can find the courage to be honest with each other, they might finally have the chance to build the life together they have always wanted.

Maddox is a relatable hero who has spent years carrying the heartbreak of watching the woman of his dreams fall in love with his brother. Losing Tatum left a piece of him broken, and even though he moved to Nashville to pursue his dreams, he never truly let her go. His heartbreak even affected his music career. Instead of creating and writing music, he shifted his focus to finding talent and helping others succeed in the industry. However, spending a weekend with Tatum brings something back to life in him that he thought he had lost. He finds himself playing guitar and writing music again, realizing that she has always been his muse. Maddox must finally confront his feelings and find the courage to be honest with Tatum. He knows that if he wants a future with her, he cannot keep hiding behind his fears. Tatum is a relatable heroine who finally finds the courage to move to Nashville and pursue her dream of becoming a musician. She realizes that if she does not take the chance now, she may never do it. When she reconnects with Maddox, she is thrilled to see him, but their reunion also brings back all the feelings she has carried for him over the years. Tatum is no longer the young woman she was a decade ago. She has grown into someone who is more confident, self-assured, and willing to fight for what she wants. She is determined to make a name for herself in the music industry, but she is also ready to take a chance on the man she has always wanted. Tatum’s journey shows that sometimes we need to believe in ourselves, take a leap of faith, and trust that we deserve both the career we dream of and the love we have always hoped for.

In conclusion, I gave this book 5 stars because Mistletoe Melody is a cute holiday novella about lost love, second chances, and finding your way back to the person who has always held your heart. Maddox and Tatum’s story reminds us that sometimes life takes us in unexpected directions, but the right person has a way of finding their way back to us when the time is right. If you can find your way back to the person you have always loved, that could be exactly what you need to rediscover yourself and the dreams you once had. With a little holiday magic, music, and the courage to be honest about their feelings, these two discover that some love stories are worth waiting for.

[Tara · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I knew the second I heard Indy Valentine and Erin Mackenzie were teaming up for a Christmas novella that I needed to get my hands on it. And OH MY GOSH, this was EVERYTHING I wanted in a holiday romance! The only complaint I have? I needed MORE of Maddox and Tatum! Seriously, this could have easily been a full-length novel, and I would have happily read every single page.

Maddox McCoy and Tatum Shaw first meet in college, where their shared love of music creates an instant connection. Maddox has his future mapped out, but falling for Tatum wasn't part of the plan. Unfortunately, while he's quietly falling for his best friend, she's falling for his brother, Lincoln. Fast-forward ten years, and a chance encounter at a Nashville open mic night brings them back into each other's lives. One mutually beneficial fake-dating arrangement later, and all those feelings Maddox buried years ago are suddenly impossible to ignore.

And can we PLEASE talk about Maddox McCoy?! Because this man spent TEN YEARS yearning for a woman he thought he couldn't have. TEN. YEARS. He's sweet, protective, a little bit of a golden retriever, and has a mouth on him that had me melting. But what I loved most about Maddox was how deeply he believed in Tatum. He never wanted to stand in the way of her dreams. He wanted to help her chase them, even if that meant putting his own feelings aside. All those years of loving her never turned into resentment or selfishness. He simply wanted her to have the life she deserved, whether that included him or not. And that made me love him even more.

And sweet Tatum! I loved watching her find her confidence and begin believing in herself and her talent. Music had always been the foundation of their friendship, and seeing them reconnect through something they both loved made their relationship feel that much more meaningful. There's something so special about two people who inspire each other to become the best versions of themselves.

The chemistry between these two was SO GOOD. Their history gave every interaction an extra layer of tension, and the fake dating, family Christmas party, and one-bed situation certainly didn't help matters! I loved their banter, their friendship, and the way their connection had never really disappeared despite all the years between them. And that tattoo?! I was DONE. This novella delivered all the sweetness and holiday magic I wanted, with plenty of heat to go along with it.

What made this story so special to me was the feeling that Maddox and Tatum were always meant to find their way back to each other. Their timing wasn't right ten years ago, but that didn't make what they shared any less real. Sometimes love just needs a little time, a second chance, and apparently a fake relationship at Christmas to finally get things right.

[Nikki Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a cute little Christmas read, but Tatum and Maddox completely stole the show. Between the chemistry, the history, the longing, and all the holiday feels, I was hooked!

There’s something about a right-person-wrong-time romance that gets me every single time, and these two delivered. Their story starts years ago with a missed chance and a whole lot of complicated feelings. Fast-forward ten years, and fate gives them another shot. Let’s just say the sparks didn’t disappear with time!

Maddox had me absolutely melting. Give me a man who has loved one woman all along, never quite moved on, and is finally getting his chance. The way he looks at Tatum, the way he supports her dreams, and all that built-up yearning? YES, PLEASE! And Tatum was such a fun character to root for as she chased what she wanted.

Of course, throw in a fake relationship, a family Christmas party, and ONE BED, and you know I’m going to be kicking my feet! 😂 The banter, tension, and chemistry made this such a fun ride. And don’t let the holiday novella label fool you. There’s plenty of spice mixed in with the sweetness!

I also loved how Indy and Erin brought their writing together. The story flowed beautifully, and I never felt like I was reading two different voices. They created a Christmas romance that gave me all the warm fuzzies while still delivering the heat.

If you’re building your holiday TBR, MOVE THIS ONE TO THE TOP! It’s got everything I love in a romance: a swoony MMC, years of yearning, second chances, fake dating, and enough Christmas magic to put you in the holiday spirit. 🎄❤️

🎸 Musician x Musician
🎄 Holiday Romance
💋 Fake Dating
❤️ Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
⏳ Right Person, Wrong Time
🔥 One Bed
🤫 Secret Tattoo
🌶️ Sweet with a spicy side

Indy Valentine and Erin MacKenzie, y’all knocked this one out of the park! I absolutely loved it! ❤️

Thanks to the authors and VPR for allowing me to be in this ARC team and share my honest opinion!

[Emma · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

“She holds my heart in her hands. What a dream it would be to be the protector of hers.”

✔️novella
✔️holiday romance
✔️fake dating
✔️second chance vibes (right person, wrong time)
✔️ex boyfriend’s brother

3.75⭐️

This is a cute holiday novella. Maddox (MMC) and Tatum (FMC) met in college and became close friends instantly. He was interested in her romantically but didn’t speak up fast enough and his brother started dating her. He had to take a step back because it was too painful to remain her close friend when he always wanted more. Now, ten years later (several years after she broke up with the brother on good terms), he needs a date to his family’s Christmas party and she agrees to go as his fake girlfriend. Of course, it was never and will never be fake for him, but she needs time to wrap her mind around everything that’s happening in such a short timeline (including the fact that he is a talent recruiter for a major label and they reconnect when he is watching her perform with his boss).

In the end they both get their dreams—he gets the girl and his muse back, and she gets the guy, the career and her muse back. This is one of those stories where the blurb is the plot because it’s a novella, but that isn’t a bad thing. I wouldn’t call this a favorite but it’s not a bad read by any means. I like that they are both musicians, but I wish I knew even a couple more small details about each of them to make them feel a little less two-dimensional. I love a good novella and understand the page count limitations, I don’t need anything added to the plot just more understanding of the little things that make these characters who they are would be nice.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Review of Advance Copy ✨

This Christmas novella felt like a warm hug.
Easy to read, characters you directly feel for and a story that gets you captivated - couldn’t put this down.

A great start to the story by explaining how the two main characters met for the first time by giving some flashbacks, but still focusing on the present time, a perfect balance. That music is what breathes through them both, that they found each other and created a best friend bond through music, notes and melodies.

I love how we get a ”right person, wrong time”, a fake dating and one bed situation. I love all of the tropes, and to combine them in one book… sign me up.

The MMC is just a big golden retriever, but also a pathetic yearner… and the mix of the two is just PERFECT, he’s just so perfect.

The fact that Maddox (the MMC) family - and Tatum’s (the FMC) earlier parents in law through her relationship with her ex Lincoln, Maddox brother - invite Tatum again into the family explains how lovable the brothers parents are. Love that!


Quotes:

”Being single is better than having a partner who isn’t right for you.”

”Only way to keep the ones you love is to make them feel that love every single day.”

”That’s what soulmates look like. Excitement to be together. Two halves of a whole. The way they cherish one another, the mutual respect and the love that seeps out of them is so evident.”


Thank you so much Indy and Erin for this ARC! 💖

[Angie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Indy Valentine brings the sweet and the spicy in this Christmas novella she co wrote with Erin Mackenzie.

When Maddox McCoy introduces himself to the new transfer student, he never expected what would happen. He invites her to a frat party in hopes of getting to know her more but turns out, his brother Link met her first and now he has to sit back and watch his brother fall for the girl he wanted. UGH! Already breaking my heart! 💔

Now it’s ten years later. Maddox has been in Nashville scouting talent for a big name record label. While attending an open mic night before Christmas a familiar face takes the stage.

From the beginning, you can feel the connection these two have. While Tate might have been dating his brother she definitely has feelings for Maddox.

Christmas is coming and with it is the McCoy Family Christmas party. Every year Maddox’s mom throws a big party and she has been wanting Maddox to bring someone home with him for the last few years. So he asks Tate to come with him as his “fake” girlfriend. He can make sure she gets her meeting with his boss who is the CEO of Red Lyric and one of the biggest country music producers.

Let me tell you, there is NOTHING fake about this relationship. Especially when these two have to share a bed. So if you like “fake dating” and “one bed” this for you. This has some great troupes! You have right person/wrong time, ex-boyfriend’s brother and pinning MMC.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This holiday novella co-written by Indy Valentine and Erin MacKenzie was a fun, quick read that I managed to finish within a couple of hours. The book follows Maddox and Tatum, two musicians who first met in college where they bonded deeply over their shared love of music. However, while Maddox was quietly falling for his best friend, Tatum ended up falling for his brother, Lincoln, instead. Ten years after their eventual breakup and a decade of separation, a chance meeting at a Nashville open mic night brings them back together, leading to a fake-dating arrangement at a family holiday party.

The plot does a great job balancing the present-day timeline with flashbacks that explain exactly how their history started. The "right person, wrong time" setup mixed with the fake-dating and only-one-bed elements creates some really solid slow-burn tension. Maddox is an excellent hero; he plays the golden retriever but is also a massive yearner who has spent a decade holding onto his feelings without turning bitter. Tatum’s journey is also good to see as she slowly reconnects with her music and reclaims her confidence. The family dynamics add a sweet layer to the story, especially with the awkwardness of her ex-boyfriend's parents welcoming her back into the fold. It's a sweet, fast-paced festive romance that wraps up with a very satisfying conclusion. My review is my thoughts and my thoughts alone!

[Minnie · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

ARC review

4.5⭐|2🌶️|12%🌶️frequency

As an ARC reader, you obviously get to read the books earlier. And because Christmas time is coming soon, there are Christmas books coming, too. It's sometimes a bit crazy to read Christmas books that early, but we want to spread the word so readers can find the books right on time 😁

And this book is definitely a book you should pick if you like Christmas books!
It's a wonderful story. With so many emotions, so much heartache, and a great HEA 🩷

I felt so sorry for Maddox. I still don't know if I should hate his brother, or if it was just "bad luck" 🤔 And oh yes, the "ex-boyfriend's brother" trope had me in a huge cock hold. How would Lincoln react when he found out that Maddox and Tatum are together!? I'll definitely not tell you 🤐 Also not how their parents reacted 😱

I loved the music setting, and Nashville is definitely the perfect place for it. But I also loved the Florida setting for the Christmas party. It's still a bit crazy for my imagination that you don't have a cold and white Christmas 🙈 But maybe that's what makes it so fascinating 😁

I'm soooo happy that Maddox and Tatum got their HEA. Maddox suffered long enough 🥹

Thanks to the authors for providing me with an ARC 🩷


Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...

[Joan | We Read Past Our Bedtime · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

⭐️: 4.5
🌶️: 2

💭: Can we PLEASE have more Erin and Indy collabs?! Because I am officially a BIG fan!! 😍

Obviously, we know I adore both of these authors, but the two of them coming together to write a holiday novella?! An absolute DREAM. And I don’t know what it is about musicians lately, but I am sooooooooo here for it.

Maddox and Tatum have history. The best of friends in college, bonded by their shared love of music and a friendship that ran deep. But despite their undeniable connection, life takes them down different paths, and an entire decade passes.

Enter a little Christmas magic, a perfectly timed reunion, and Erin and Indy taking us on the BEST little journey.

First of all, can we PLEASE talk about Tatum’s nickname for Maddox?! OBSESSED.

And how down bad this man was for her? Correction—how down bad he has ALWAYS been for her?! EVEN MORE OBSESSED.

And their brilliant idea to fake date their way through a family Christmas party?! Absolutely brilliant. No notes. 😂

But Maddox?! Oh, this man. He might genuinely be one of the sweetest, most gentle men, but the SECOND that switch flipped? He was commanding, confident, and knew exactly what he wanted. THE DUALITY. 🥵

And underneath all of that chemistry was something even sweeter—Tatum realizing that Maddox truly saw her. That he understood her in a way few people ever had. And that, my friends, was absolute perfection.

I genuinely did not want this story to end. In fact, I’d like to formally request another 200 pages, please and thank you. 😂😂

If holiday novellas are your thing, do yourself a favor and add this one to your list. The chemistry, the history, the longing, the Christmas magic—it’s all there, and I absolutely LOVED it. ❤️🎄

[Briana smith · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Arc review

YEAH BUDDYYYYY. This was short. Sweet. And oh so hot.

This was the perfect example of "the other brother was better" and a man that YEARNSSSS🙂‍↕️

I absolutely loved Tatum. She was instantly drawn to Maddox but sadly didnt know what he wanted and didn't make a fast move. When his brother slipped in and became the charmer that stole her away, Maddox was the silent watcher. Watching his girl with his brother was one of the hardest things to imagine. Knowing youre so deeply in love with someone but cant so anything HURTS😭😭😭 The way he helped her with her music and stepped up to be there for her was beautiful.
Years later and one breakup led to these two getting in close proximity again🤪

Maddox was instantly down bad again. The way he did everything for her and to be close to her! WHAT A MANNNN.
I loved the vibes. The gigs at the bar. The sweet moments and the spicy ones.
Maddox was timid when he was younger but he grew into a man that showed what he wanted 🤭😏

Thank you Indy and Erin for the earc 🥹

[Leahspinkpages · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Mistletoe Melody truly was such a special and beautiful novella you had the right amount of banter with Tatumn and Maddox and I truly fell in love with them🤍 having them both being musicians and having the most beautiful connection with music made it undeniable ❤️ they meet in college and with Maddox having feelings for her that quickly became a non existent when she finds an attraction for non other than. His brother .

Years later they ended up crossing paths again and this time they strike up a deal not just any deal but a deal to Fake Date one another . But after all this time have Maddox feeling for her been gone or has he been yearning for her for 10 years 👀? This was a beautiful book and the way they reconnected made my heart really feel so many beautiful memories and emotions for them ❤️

This is a Christmas novella that you all must add to your TBR I truly loved everywhere moment 🤍

What to expect 🎄❤️
musician x musician 🎄
holiday novella 🎄
fake dating 🎄
ex boyfriends brother 🎄
secret tattoo🎄
right person wrong time 🎄
pining MMC🎄

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was SO cute! 🥹🎄

My only real complaint? I wish we’d gotten more of Tatum and Maddox’s story!

These two were so obviously meant for each other, and that was clear from the very beginning. After nearly a decade apart, the way they fell right back into rhythm was absolutely adorable! And Maddox?! This man was so completely gone for Tatum that even after all those years, he couldn’t imagine a future with anyone else. UGH🥹

And can we talk about how much I loved the music woven throughout this story?! Add in the holiday vibes, a second-chance romance, and a man who’s been down bad for literal YEARS, and honestly, what more could I ask for?!

I also loved how his family didn’t question a damn thing when these two found their way back to each other. They just knew!

This was such a sweet, heartwarming holiday read, and I genuinely wasn’t ready for it to end. If you’re looking for a quick romance to get you into the Christmas spirit, I definitely recommend picking this one up!

Although… I wouldn’t have complained about a little more spice either. 😉

[Tia · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This was so cute!!!

Tatum and Maddox meet in college and bond over their shared love of music. Maddox instantly falls for her but Tatum ends up dating his brother. 10 years later they have a chance meeting at a bar in Nashville where they are reconnected. Now Maddox asks Tatum to fake date him for his annual family Christmas party which is a mutually beneficial relationship but the only problem is...Maddox has never stopped loving Tatum.

OMG honestly this had me giggling and kicking my feet. I just knew as soon as I met quiet, dark, broody Maddox that I was going to love him. AND THE MOUTH ON THIS MAN??? Sir. Get me a glass of water because I am parched.

I have been reading so many second chance romances lately (after previously not thinking they were my jam) but they are like crack honestly I inhale them up every time.

*christmas novella
*second chance
*ex's brother
*it's always been you
*music lovers

[Ashley Merwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

“Your voice has always been my favorite sound.” <3

This was SUCH a cute holiday novella!! Erin + Indy did such an amazing job collaborating together for this!

Maddox and Tatum were so perfect together. I loved their banter and their meet cute so much! Maddox and Tatum are both musicians who meet in college. They form an instant connection with music. Maddox ends up falling for Tatum but never gets the chance to say anything before he finds out that his brother Lincoln and Tatum know eachother. He ends up taking a step back and pines for Tatum in secret. Ten years later fate brings them back together in Nashville and all Maddox’s feelings come rushing back!

This gave all the Christmas vibes so if you’re in the mood for a quick cutesy holiday novella with a side of spice(he talks her “through it” in one scene) then definitely check this out!

Thank you to Indy and Erin for this gifted advanced copy!

[Valeria ❀⋆୭ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe Melody 🎄🎸❄️🎶

OMG, how cute was this!! This novella was perfect for kicking off the holiday season and getting me in the Christmas spirit already!! Honestly, I love that November comes around and gives me an excuse to read all these novellas!!

Maddox and Tatum stole my heart. They are just so incredibly sweet and made for each other!! They've always been the person in each other's lives who inspires and motivates them to do what they love!!

Their reunion was genuinely one of the sweetest things. All those feelings they'd always had for each other, and after so many years apart, their chemistry and connection were still right there. I thought their friendship and the way they made each other feel were so beautiful!! 🥹

Also, their family was just the sweetest!! Everyone's reaction was so beautiful!! 😭🩷

I absolutely loved how cozy and festive this book is!!

Thank you so much to Indy Valentine and Erin Mackenzie for the advance reader copy!! 💘