Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
"All I want for Christmas is you."

As the youngest son of a Christmas-obsessed family, Micah Winters knows he can't show up to the holiday festivities without a date. So when his long-time crush volunteers to be his fake boyfriend for a week, it's nothing short of a miracle.

Brandon Harris just wants to give his daughter the best Christmas possible, even if it means borrowing his friend's family for a week of holiday zaniness. He just has to find some way to not fall for his sweet, perfect pretend boyfriend.

One fateful kiss under the mistletoe is all it takes to turn Micah and Brandon's fake relationship into something real. But when the holidays are over and their secret is revealed, they'll need more than a little Christmas magic to make it work.

Welcome to Hidden Creek, Texas, where the heart knows what it wants, and where true love lives happily ever after. Every Men of Hidden Creek novel can be read on its own, but keep an eye out for familiar faces around town! This book contains an all-up-in-your-business Southern mama, a Santa with plenty of dad jokes, and a pinch of holiday magic under the mistletoe.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2018

74 people are currently reading
144 people want to read

About the author

Alison Hendricks

26 books519 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
139 (40%)
4 stars
116 (34%)
3 stars
79 (23%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Fabi NEEDS Email Notifications.
1,038 reviews153 followers
December 21, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this uber sweet Christmas romance. It was impossible not to given kids, a big family, and loving shenanigans. I couldn't have asked for two better, big hearted MCs. I think I fell in love with every character in this book.

My only sticking point is that I thought the "I love you" came a little abruptly. Maybe not enough build up to that. I'm also not entirely sure I agree with "the big upset". But really, those were minor blips in my enjoyment of this sugar filled story.

If you're looking for sweet to get you in the holiday spirit, this is the one.


A huge thank you to the author for this ARC.
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,416 reviews400 followers
December 11, 2018

Always love the idea of fake boyfriend become a real one, and added Christmas. And family. And a whole Hallmark story is in the picture. Though I felt like there's snow, because the family name is Winters, it's a Texas Christmas. So yeah, it was a bit confusing in my part.

But overall, I liked this story, easy to digest, sweet and an adorable family time got me there.
Though Brandon and Micah has to talk to reveal what they need to do after Christmas, because this one is an easy low angst read, they're finally made the decision. It squeezed my heart a bit thinking about Brandon's daughter, Katie for her much needed more family member, I felt a rush of happiness in the end.
I enjoyed this sweet story!

ARC provided by LesCourt ARC service
Profile Image for Angie.
982 reviews6 followers
December 3, 2018
3 stars

"Holiday- fake boyfriend MM Romance"

*I received an ARC of this book*

This is one book of the 3rd Season of the Men of Hidden Creek series. I’ve not read all of the other books but I am told this can be read as a standalone.

Here we have Micah, who has a loud and Christmas obsessed family, and Brandon, who has a 9-year-old daughter and they are on their own for the holidays. These two are coworkers who, after venting about what is missing from their upcoming holiday season, decide to pretend to fake date so that Micah’s family lays off on all the setups and Brandon’s daughter can get the full holiday experience. What could possibly go wrong?

What I liked was the fake boyfriend story line. I love a good fake boyfriend story. I also loved the Nog-fessions holiday game. So funny! What I felt was missing was just communication. I didn’t feel like the MCs communicated much at all. I am assuming that most of the conversation happened off “screen” but I can’t prove it. I felt like I wanted a lot more clarification on what went down with Brandon’s ex-wife. We only find a tiny piece here or there but I felt like it was relevant to the story because the way she was effects Brandon’s actions throughout the book. I also felt like the whole “Bi for you” thing was confusing to me. I wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be written that way to reflect the MCs confusion or if it just needed a bit more detail to make it clear.

Overall, this was a solid holiday book with a cutesy fake boyfriend theme.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,245 reviews489 followers
December 7, 2018
3.5 stars

While I LOVE the fake-boyfriend trope and honestly, Micah Winters family is A GEM -- I mean the Nog-fession session alone, that one is brilliant!! -- but in its entirety I feel this one is lacking, uhm, believable conflict?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not prone to drama. I can enjoy stories that lack of angst. But in this book I feel that the way Brandon suddenly messes up near the end is a little taking it out of proportion, just to make a "conflict" you know? So I was annoyed with it.

Other than that, it was pretty nice read. Like I said, Micah's family is precious. I think Micah and Brandon have chemistry, and I think their relationship is good.


PS: I notice a discrepancy of Katie's age -- in the previous book, Brandon's daughter is 10-years old, in this one she's 9 years old. Not such a big deal for me, but still, a more detailed reader might feel bothered by the inconsistency.
Profile Image for Emily Seelye.
726 reviews25 followers
December 8, 2018
Cute fake relationship turns real Christmas story.

Micah is tired of his well meaning family (mom) meddling in his life and doesn’t want to show up for the weeklong festivities alone.

Brandon, a single father, whose only relative is taking off to CO for a Christmas, offers to help Micah out. He also gives his daughter a chance to experience the holiday with a big family.

It doesn’t take long for these two to admit to and act on a mutual attraction. Will they be able to keep up the ruse without hurting anyone?

I liked this. I do like that they let Brandon’s daughter in on the ruse, so she wouldn’t inadvertently spill the beans. She was mature enough to understand, and acted her age.

Since it takes place in Texas, which is not known for snow, I did have to suspend disbelief a little for some of the holiday activities. Otherwise, it really was a lovely story of two coworkers falling in love during the Christmas season.

*ARC provided by LesCourt Services
503 reviews
January 10, 2019
3.5/5 Stars

So I liked the characters, for the most part. And the fake-boyfriend plot in general. But I had several problems with major plot points.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

Firstly - Brandon's bisexuality.

I was...confused. So early on it is indicated that Brandon is aware of his bisexuality and embraces it. He said it was "nice having another queer man in the office" - in reference to Micah being gay. I'm also fairly certain - though I do admit to not remembering as much about Kyle's book as I would like - that he and Kyle go to Phoenix in Kyle's book expressly because of Brandon's bi-ness. And then there are the implications that Brandon's ex-wife didn't like his bisexuality, and that Brandon had explained his sexuality to his daughter before he had to explain Kyle and Wes. But then, about half-way through the book - there Brandon is having a "gay freak out", talking about exploring his sexuality even though there was "no doubt" after his experience in college. Why was his attraction to Micah such a surprise to him? Why is it "good to know" he is "very very bi" even though he already knew that fact years ago? I was so confused as to what was happening. It was like the author both wanted Brandon to acknowledge and know he was attracted to men and identify as queer, and at the same time be repressed and unsure about his attraction to Micah. For some reason they wanted to have their GFY cake and eat it too. The lame explanation that he assumed it was "only a little bit queer and only in college" was weak at best.

Secondly - the grand gesture finale.

I had a huge problem with Isaac's idea of a grand gesture at the New Year's Eve party solving everything. When Issac proposes it he claims that Micah's problem is with his exes hiding him away. That a public gesture in front of the family with solve everything. Except that isn't the problem that needs to be solved at all. Brandon clearly has no problem with showing his affection for Micah in public - it had already been proven during the Family Retreat and then again on their horse-drawn carriage date. The problem in this case was Brandon's baggage about being a single father, and trusting Micah with his daughter. Which, since it was only a week that they'd been together, was reasonable in my opinion. What wasn't reasonable was his reaction. Instead of acting like a rational adult, he let his paranoia get the best of him and said some harsh things to Micah. He needed to apologize for them, and he had tried. But it was Micah that was avoiding him, and that was calling things off. Not because Brandon needed to prove his feelings, but because Brandon had acted like an asshole. The resolution to this wasn't showing up and announcing his feelings with a grand gesture to show he wasn't going to hide Micah. The problem and solution were totally unsuited. The problem wasn't Brandon not wanting to be with Micah, or get Micah back. He'd tried to talk to him. It was that Micah didn't want to take Brandon back. How did what happened solve that?

Also, the love declaration for Brandon came without any real exploration of his feelings - separating the ones he felt for Micah from the ones he felt for the Winter's clan. He says he loves Micah's family because Micah does but that really doesn't compute. There was no evidence that Brandon had feelings for Micah separate from his family, really. I mean there were some. But not many. I wish this had been explored way more..

All in all...a decent effort. But the plot was too...wonky to deserve a straight 4 stars.
20 reviews
December 12, 2018
Mistletoe by Alison Hendricks is part of season 3 of the Hidden Creek Series. The Hidden Creek series is not your typical series. Hidden Creek is different because there is a group of authors writing different stories about different couples that are set in the same universe. Mistletoe is part of the Christmas season. It is not necessary to read other books (from the same season or the other seasons) to fully enjoy this book, but I would recommend it just so you can get the full experience of this series. I also like how there are brief appearances of previous characters in this book.
The main characters in this series are Micah Winters and Brandon Harris. Brandon and Micah are co-workers and acquaintances at the beginning of the book. Micah does not want to be alone with his family for Christmas and he told his family that he is bringing his boyfriend to celebrate with them. The thing is he does not have a boyfriend. Brandon finds out about Micah’s situation and volunteers to be his fake boyfriend because he is a single dad and he wants his daughter to have a memorable and fun Christmas. Throughout the week of celebrating Christmas, Brandon and Micah become closer than they thought possible and start to fall in love. Eventually though their secret is revealed and other drama happens and everything seems to go wrong.
I really like this type of Christmas love story and this book was pretty entertaining to read. There was a good amount of comedy and drama and I was hooked from the very beginning. I read this book in pretty much in one sitting. I also thought Brandon and Micah were great for each other, and they are able to help each other to overcome their fears and insecurities. I also love Micah’s family and all of their Christmas holiday festivities. I wish my family was more like them! Micah's family is fun and ridiculous and they are all obsessed with Christmas.
I recommend this story for you to read, and if you had not had the chance yet you should go and read all of the other Hidden Creek books as well.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
December 21, 2018
Micah and Brandon dance around their chemistry in a way that's actually quite sweet. We know the predicament they're in and know where they'll end up, but the journey to that point is one of a lot of complicated feels, more feels than I expected. I liked Brandon's honesty at the outset of the change in their dynamic as well as his concern for his daughter. Micah's yearning for love was endearing as well. What didn't work for them was what frustrated me the most and that was the complete lack of communication. And then Micah's refusal to apologize enough for his actions, no matter how much Brandon overreacted, was disappointing to say the least. This couple had the potential to be one of my favorites and the side cast was both overwhelming and wonderful as well. The superstars were actually the brothers who gave the words of wisdom, the support, and the kicks in the bums both men needed to get their heads on straight. I was set up for such greatness in the beginning and while the ending was full of tenderness and vulnerable honesty, the apology wasn't two-sided and the individuals' indignation soured all those wonderful warm things I felt prior to those moments.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,534 reviews46 followers
December 12, 2018
An enjoyable way to wrap up another wonderful season at Hidden Creek.
A colleague to lovers/fake relationship with an adorable little girl and a family that goes so far past overboard for Christmas but it's perfect for two men to discover more than they bargained for.
I loved reading this book by Alison. We have well developed characters in a world that has been created by several fantastic authors. She has put her own stamp on this outing with an array of emotion, relationships and situations that the MC's find thenselves in. The festive week, yes week, at the Winter's household is like no other I've heard of and such a great read with all of the different family members involved as well as Brendon and Katie.
Pacing worked well with the amount of time that we spend with the men and the story had my attention from the start with Brendon's focus on his daughter.
I thought a bit more history of Katie's mum could have been given to the readers and Micah.
A must read for those who love the series and enjoy a good romance.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
1,017 reviews
December 5, 2018
I absolutely adored this story in the Men of Hidden Creek series. Micah is desperate...he is looking for a fake boyfriend to attend the Winters' Family Christmas Extravaganza to have his well meaning but slightly meddling mom to leave him alone. Brandon is wanting to give his daughter the ultimate Christmas experience. When Micah tells him all about what he told his mom....he jumps at the chance to play the fake boyfriend. What started out as pretend....suddenly turns very real and more than either of them expected. Do they take that chance and see if they have what it takes to make it real....it might take a bit of Christmas magic!! Their story was so cute, sweet, sexy as all get out, and amazing. I loved the Winters' family and all of the antics that went on. I laughed a lot reading this story!! I would recommend it to all. Well done!!!
1,384 reviews6 followers
December 13, 2018
Micah doesn't want another year or his mother's meddling in his love life so he invents a boyfriend and of course he has to now bring the boyfriend to the Christmas gathering.

Brandon wants to give his daughter a Christmas to remember, full of family and fun. When He hears about Micah's problem; he offers up himself and his daughter.

Secrets come out, feelings evolve, and memories are made. The guys connect and while they have some concerns, they want to be together. Things are good until they aren't and when Brandon thinks his greatest fear has happened, they might never recover.

I looked this book. I might have wanted to smack their heads together a couple times, but Micah's family isn't shy to speak their mind.

This is a cute holiday story with lots of feelings.

I received an ARC of this from LesCourt Author Services. This is my honest opinion and review.
Profile Image for Patti.
989 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2018
Loved it, sad to see the end of this series.

This is the final book in the Men of Hidden Creek. It will be sad to let them go. I really enjoyed this one, the fake boyfriend trope is always a good one, especially the moment when the characters have that light bulb moment of realizing attraction. Micah had crushed on Brandon for a while and when Brandon offered to help him out by pretending to be his boyfriend for the holidays so his daughter could experience a big family Christmas, Micah wasn't sure how he would get through the week. Add in a crazy family, nog - fessions which were hilarious and had me laughing out loud, and some serious chemistry, Christmas became everything Micah ever wanted. But will it continue? This was a sweet story with some angst over past issues, mistrust and miscommunication.
Profile Image for Sheridan.
582 reviews15 followers
December 6, 2018
Another fantastic instalment from the MEN OF HIDDEN CREEK.
❤️
Micah is in a bit of a pickle trying to get out of his mama setting him up with someone for Christmas.
So he takes matters in his own hands when he tells his Mama a little white lie...
That he is already seeing someone.
❤️
But when his work friend and year long crush proposes to be his Fake Boyfriend for the week, can they keep focused and pull off the fake or will hearts come into play and things heat up...
❤️
I love a great fake relationship story and this one was sweet, funny and full of love!
I loved Micah and Brandon, and his little girl Katie! She was such a fabulous character for a child!
Micah’s family was a hoot and definitely the kind you would love to be around during the holidays!
❤️
Profile Image for K.R. Phoenix.
665 reviews29 followers
December 9, 2018
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3

Sweet, Heartwarming, Christmas fun! A wonderful story!

This book was different to the others of the series in that it is less intense or physically dangerous and simply warms your heart and gives you all the feels while rooting for Brandon and Micah to get together! There’s a bit of miscommunication here and there and some heightened emotions almost derail them before they even have a chance to start. Thankfully they fight for each other every step of the way, and have a chance at a family and a future they both deserve. Add in some Winters’ family antics and an adorable 9 year old girl and you have a wonderful Christmas treat with a very happily ever after!

Thanks for reading 📚!
Profile Image for avid reader 1.
819 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2018
Mistletoe is not predictable even though it is based on a popular trope. The author draws richly developed characters that give this work a freshness that allows those characters to take the trope and run with it.
Micah and Brandon’s characters are lovely men. There is just enough of the past mentioned to give the reader a sense of where they have been in their life. There is no big drama to contend with, just two men (and a little girl) learning each other and rejoicing in the fellowship and fun of family and the Christmas season.
There is some discord, but the author handles it with a light touch. The spicy scenes are very well done, and the HEA is satisfying.
I like this author and look forward to more.
Profile Image for FairyG.
401 reviews
January 26, 2019
Needed an edit

I rated all the books in Hidden creek's season a four star or above but this story lost a star for some editing /continuity errors. I usually can overlook one error, but this book just tipped over the line of my tolerance for it.

At one point there is talk of proposing on Christmas Eve whilst the ball drops in the background ( I presume that refers to new years) at another point the names get switched during an intimate scene then back again. There are lots of dialogue sections where it feels like it someone has replied to a different sentence.

If you can overlook these without altering your enjoyment then consider this a 4 star book, but having rated all the others as 4 without these errors, I just couldn't justify it. Sorry 😕
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
December 7, 2018
Alison Hendricks' contribution to the third season of the Men Of Hidden Creek series is the fun and romantic Mistletoe.

Micah and Brandon spent Christmas together as fake boyfriends. I love that trope and this one is well done.


Micah's family is so damn fun and lead to a whole lot of laughs. The family is crazy about Christmas, and as embarrassing as they are, they are certainly full of love.


Mistletoe contains great, strong characters, a wonderful family and a fun plot. You'll also enjoy a little bit of heat between the two.

Overall, Mistletoe's a cute, feel-good Christmas romance that I enjoyed a lot!
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
December 19, 2018
Mistletoe, by Alison Hendricks, is a wonderful fake boyfriend turns real boyfriend love story about Micah Winters and Brandon Harris set in Hidden Creek, TX.


Cute sweet, and funny. this book keeps your interest. I love the characters and the holiday energy of the family... seems like a family you would love to have even though its embarrassing at times. The interactions between the two men is adorable and at times sexy. Definitely a satisfying read.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation
1,550 reviews11 followers
December 9, 2018
The last book in the Hidden Creek series no 3, closes the set wit a sweet aftertaste and a cuteness hangover.
Micah and Brandon seem a little clueless in the beginning, and at times throughout the book, but it's actually their own deep-seeted insecurities holding them back from really taking chances and going for what they want. Once they shed those fears, they can get the family they both long for.
Christmas craziness, over-the-top family and hilarious traditions, all combined to make this book super cute and funny to read.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
December 9, 2018
Delightful fake-boyfriend story with Christmas festivities and mistletoe. This is a fun romp of a story that takes two co-workers and a mad-cap idea for Christmas. I enjoyed both MC's and found the craziness of the holiday lots of fun.

Micah and Brandon are both great characters and you can feel their connection. I wanted them to talk more and become better friends. i love how both Brandon and Micah grow and learn to choose love. This story has a delightful ending and i thoroughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Tanya.
854 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2018
This is the last book in the Final Season and it was a nice story.

Getting to know the Winters family after all the new books this season was awesome. Getting a catch up with Wes and Kyle while learning seeing Brandon fall in love and grow after his failed marriage.

I love Mama Winters and her competitiveness. They really remind me of my big family Christmas that we have every 2 years, previously it was held every year. I like to think that these 2 will expand their family and Katie will have lots and lots of siblings to come because these 2 just spill over with joy around Katie.
Profile Image for Rachel .
2,250 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2018
Another great add to the series. Micah and Brandon's story is a friends to lovers/fake boyfriend read that will leave you smiling the whole time. I loved this family and these two coming together because of other people (Micah because of his family and Brandon because of his daughter) but realizing that somethings are meant to be and they just work. This definitely got me into the Holiday mood and I can't wait for the next. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
396 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2018
Enjoyable read!

This is rather sweet and gorgeous holiday book, that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!
Mistletoe is part of a series but I read this as a standalone.
I loved the premise of Brandon and Micah pretending to be boyfriends to help the other through the holidays. I did like both characters but totally had a soft spot for the adorable Micah.
I enjoyed the humour in this book and reading it out me in the festive mood!
Profile Image for Alex.
49 reviews
January 3, 2019
Brandon and Micah are HOT!!!
I love that they both have strong beliefs in family. Micah’s family is hilarious and loving. Brandon has been through serious changes and is raising his daughter as a single parent.

Their relationship was supposed to be fake with both of them getting something out of it being platonic. That quickly changed and things briefly go off the rails.

I love that Mary Ann, Isaiah and Katie all step in to save them from themselves.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,259 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2019
Perfect!!!

The best way to end the series. Every time Micah came up in any of the Hidden Creek books all I could think was of how much I wanted his story. Having him paired with Brandon was as perfect as it was having the last story be about one of the Winters. After all that Dani out Brandon through, he more than earned this. I'm going to miss Hidden Creek and all the amazing people in it.
Profile Image for Kristine .
1,803 reviews12 followers
December 4, 2018
I enjoyed this story and thought it was fun, and entertaining. The characters are interesting, believable, and people Iwould not mind hanging out with. This book certainly helped put me in the holiday spirit.

Each book in this series may be read as a stand-alone. There may be appearances from familiar faces and mentions of events that may have occurred in another book.
5,704 reviews39 followers
December 4, 2018
this was a good fluffy piece.. my only issue is i felt as if the characters should have communicated more.. or maybe better? im not sure exactly i just felt like something was a bit off about our mcs.. but overall the plot was good and the writing was enjoyable and i am glad i read this series.. it is a fun series.
2,321 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2018
A great story in this wonderful series. I really like Mikah and Brandon together and it was great seeing them transition from fake to real little by little. I really love the Winters family and how they welcome everyone. After a few self made obstacles, it was wonderful to see Brandon and Mikah get their HEA and truly bond as a family. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
437 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2018
Mistletoe (Men of Hidden Creek Season 3 Book 6)

Absolutely wonderful, I could not put it down. This was the last book of the series and season 3. Definitely a must read, lots of excitement, fun, family and friends. It was a awesome and a beautiful love story, so many thanks, Honey Bee 🐝📚💙🎶
Profile Image for Cara.
1,751 reviews
December 18, 2021
In general, it was a sweet Christmas story with a cute little girl and a holiday- crazed family. It was a lengthy book that drug a little, and yet I didn’t really feel like I knew the characters too well or understood their connection. The angst was a little bit annoying, but overall I did enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.