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Mistletoe Mistress

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Banished to the country for wayward behavior, house maid Miss Rachel Lindsay is near-penniless and desperate. A cruel trick left her abandoned at an isolated country inn on a snowy Christmas Eve, and her only hope is a wealthy, stern, and sinfully handsome stranger—masquerading as her husband.

The new and reluctant Marquess of Kyle, Arran Elliott’s journey to London has been halted by a broken carriage. His bid for lodgings is failing—until a mysterious beauty boldly announces they are wed to secure the last remaining room. But when their friendly bargain turns into nights of scorching hot passion and sensual discipline, Arran knows he can’t let the spirited and deliciously curvy Rachel go. His—and her—secrets be damned…

Mistletoe Mistress previously appeared in the anthology Seduced Under the Mistletoe. Please note it contains explicit language and sexual content.

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2019

55 people are currently reading
301 people want to read

About the author

Nicola Davidson

38 books726 followers
USA Today bestselling author Nicola Davidson worked for many years in media and government communications, but hasn't looked back since she decided writing erotic historical romance was infinitely more fun. When not chained to a computer, she can be found ambling along one of New Zealand’s beautiful beaches, cheering on the All Blacks rugby team, history geeking on the internet, or daydreaming. If this includes dessert—even better!
Her books have appeared in USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly.
Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson – Author) Instagram (nicoladauthor) or her website www.nicola-davidson.com

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5 stars
119 (26%)
4 stars
171 (38%)
3 stars
109 (24%)
2 stars
31 (7%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
Profile Image for Samantha.
527 reviews135 followers
January 30, 2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
4½ stars.




➕ What I liked :

A confident curvy/full-figured heroine.👏👍

Curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍

Dominant Hero/Submissive heroine.
(Light Dom/Sub.)


Some cute/sweet moments.


The steam.

Christmas vibes/Holiday romance.





➖ What I disliked:

Even for a novella/short story some parts were rather rushed and lacked some depth.
(It would really have been great with a longer story.)

A little too much insta-lust/insta-love.

Somewhat anachronistic/too modern.

The heroine is only 20 years old but seems a little younger than that.
(Would have been great if she was a little older.)
Profile Image for Hannah B..
1,176 reviews2,157 followers
November 24, 2023
It was cute but the relationship could’ve used for depth for the length it was. Spanking isn’t really my thing so the sex scenes weren’t my favorite. I think they were also pretty tame for what we were promised?
Profile Image for T’Lynn.
157 reviews26 followers
December 10, 2021
3 stars

The story: Rachel is traveling North for her new position when she gets tricked into missing the stagecoach and stranded at an inn. Arran (Lord Kyle) finds himself stranded while his carriage is repaired. Rachel pretends to be his wife in order for them both to get the final room. They find that they are very compatible in that room. Of course, this all takes place on Christmas Eve.

This book was fine. The setup is a little shaky, the heroine a bit too bold for her station. The innkeeper denies a room to a man of obvious wealth because he's not married but readily accepts that he's married to a woman who is in ill-fitting, well worn garments? Seems unlikely.

The couple shares a love of sexual discipline so the sex scenes revolve around that. If BDSM doesn't ring your bell then this might not be for you. Although, I will say that the author does a very good job of portraying the consent and giving the couple a safe signal and showing the care and tenderness of the acts they do.
Profile Image for Lady Nilambari Reads HR.
492 reviews197 followers
December 7, 2021
4 Stars

I read this book as a part of the BOTM challenge for HRBC.

Just for fun, I am summarizing the plot using lyrics of a very famous song -

"Strangers in the night
Exchanging glances
Wandering in the night
What were the chances
We'd be sharing love
Before the night was through?"


Quick Review
- At the outset, Nicola Davidson books are not for everyone. She writes explicit steamy content and writes it well. This one was no exception.
- This Regency Romp of a Christmas novella gave Frank Sinatra's "Strangers in the Night" a whole new and quite a dirty meaning.
- This little story had everything you could possibly imagine wrapped up in a tight little erotic package - Instalust, Instalove, Social Divide, Drama, Fun, Sex (lots of it), Misunderstanding, Family Reunion, and Romance. What more could you possibly want in a 6 chapter book?
- I liked Arran and Rachel. Cute, quirky characters. Perfect for each other, what with their proclivities. Weirdly, I was rooting for them, and their instalove was believable.
- The prose was well written, witty, humorous and oh, so sexy, with the bawdy talk. The story was well rounded despite being tiny, not an easy feat to achieve.
- The only thing I am not a fan of is the BDSM element. Nothing wrong with it, but it's not a personal preference.

My Recommendation
I've always been a Ms Davidson fan since I read the London Lords series. She writes exceedingly well, and her books are always unapologetically steamy. This was an erotic romance and not just a sweet romance. I liked this quick and fun novella.
Profile Image for Christi (christireadsalot).
2,798 reviews1,440 followers
December 8, 2021
This was such a delight! A short Christmasy novella featuring class difference (he was a second son who just became a marquess, she’s a maid at a foundling home), a plus size heroine (who loves her own curves), a fake marriage (they both get stuck at an inn and there’s only 1 room/bed left but they only rent to married couples), and kinky times (playful spanking, dom/sub in the bedroom, and toys). It brought the steam, the sweetness, I just adored this couple. A little miscommunication thing at the end but it’s resolved quickly.
1,180 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2019
More of the same

This was erotica, for some reason, passed off as a historic romance. But so very incorrect in the language, situations, and thoughts that it was ridiculous if you gave any thought to anything, outside the erotica side of it.
1811...a strange man and woman share a room, pretending to be married.
Erotica follows.
Would have made a sensible contemporary erotic story. Just wasn’t sensible nor believable when situated in 1811.
I will never understand writers who choose to write ‘historic romances’ yet do no research as to the customs or language thereof. Why not just write a contemporary romance? It takes more than dressing your characters in period clothing, to write historic romance. You really should know SOMETHING of the times you are writing about.
Profile Image for Missy.
1,107 reviews
December 10, 2021
2.5 stars

I probably would have avoided reading this novella if I had known there was going to be (I never knew the full name for BDSM till I Googled it just now. 😅 )

The other reason for the 2.5 stars is when the heroine The ending was a little too convenient and I can't help but wonder if this novella would do better as a longer novella (at least 12 chapters instead of 6) or even a full-length novel. It wasn't too bad for my first Nicola Davidson book.
Profile Image for Lydia Lloyd.
Author 8 books125 followers
March 29, 2023
I love this author but I don’t usually seek out holiday novellas. But, this year, to get in the spirit of the season, I decided to read Mistletoe Mistress because I loved Davidson’s His Virgin Duke and Duke in Darkness so much. She writes amazing historical romance and they are all erotic romances so if you are looking for spicier historical reads, she delivers 👌🏼👌🏼 .

And I thought Mistletoe Mistress was so fun!! To me, it was the perfect historical holiday novella. Arran and Rachel have amazing chemistry and a lot of great sex, but their romance is also very soft and sweet. If you are a fan of cross-class romances (and what historical reader isn’t?!), this book also scratches that itch really well because Rachel is a maid and Arran is a peer. But it’s also a very gentle read for the holiday season. All and all, 10/10, I recommend.
Profile Image for Susan in Perthshire.
2,208 reviews115 followers
November 24, 2021
Well I’m clearly looking for different things - because I truly don’t understand the 5 star reviews.

I don’t understand why folk write so called historical romance and then ignore historical authenticity. Why not just write erotic contemporary novels?

I like my erotica to be sensual, sexy and romantic. Sorry, but none of the sex scenes in this book met those criteria. It was about as erotic as reading an IKEA instruction manual and as arousing as watching paint dry. The descriptions were pedestrian and crude without an iota of eroticism imho.

I’m sorry to be so harsh because the author can clearly write and I just wonder what she would produce if she settled herself to create engaging and credible characters participating in an interesting and credible plot line.

If you’re going to set a story in Regency England, then I think it should bear some relationship to the context in which it is set. This story ignored almost everything about the period apart from the clothes. I found the language errors particularly jarring. I guess for people who simply want a basic story with lots of straightforward sex, this fits the niche admirably - but it’s not my cup of tea I’m afraid, and I will know in future what to avoid.

For folk who like Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, Stella Riley, Julie Anne Long, Eloisa James, Emma V Leech etc - and admire the way they handle a sex scene - I think they’ll find this writer doesn’t write in the same way at all.
Profile Image for Amanda books_ergo_sum.
658 reviews84 followers
November 29, 2022
Me: thinking I’m about to read a Christmassy mistress-turned-HEA story (you know I never read a synopsis 😅).

Page 7 of this book: the heroine is turned on thinking about being spanked with a wooden spoon.

Okay, book! Go off! 😆 Not a mistress story, this was actually a super fun version of a one bed trope. Our hero and heroine were strangers stranded on Christmas Eve with only one room left in the inn. So our heroine impulsively announced that they were a married couple. Also, that she wouldn’t be opposed to sharing said bed and ~acting~ like a married couple 😉

The way that Rachel and Arran had very specific and compatible kinks? Very. Thoroughly. Demonstrated. 🔥

If only the compatibility between their personalities had been as throughly demonstrated. I don’t doubt that they were compatible, I just wished we lingered a bit more during their heart-to-heart moments where they were getting to know each other.

Especially because I really loved the plot drama, the secret identity shenanigans, and the miscommunication overreactions. Trust me, it was delicious!
1,353 reviews38 followers
April 15, 2019
I read it first in the Seduced under the Mistletoe anthology.

Miss Rachel Lindsay, who previously had worked as a maid in an orphanage, has been politely sent to occupy the same position in a posh household. The coach trip had not been the most pleasant, but a stop at a small inn is a welcome respite for Rachel. And so, Rachel finds herself stranded in the middle of nowhere on December 24, with little hope of some transportation for the time being. Arran Elliot, the new Marquess of Kyle, was forced to stop at the same inn, his carriage having experienced some problems. Arran couldn’t help but notice the fetchingly curvy miss, but his future awaits him in London, so now is not the time for sensual musings. When Arran is told that the inn only accepts married couples and families, he never expected the offer that dropped in his lap.

Nicola Davidson’s erotic Regency romances are always delightful, and this naughty Regency Christmas story is no exception. Rachel is a lusty miss, and she knows that she entertains wicked thoughts, as thwacks on the bottom by her teachers did not feel like the punishment, but left her hot and bothered. Lucky for her that it’s the sort of bed play Arran prefers, and lucky for us that Ms. Davidson knows how kink should be treated and experienced. Novellas are an art form that few master, but Nicola Davidson certainly does, as she demonstrates again that a few well-chosen words can bring a character to life, that backgrounds can be established swiftly, and that misunderstandings need not clutter the narrative.

Nicola Davidson’s prose is irreproachable, so light and eloquent, and the dialogues playful and flirty. Christmas at the country inn was lovely and so beautifully described, that I felt I was celebrating along with the guests. The secondary characters were also well fleshed out, and I loved Harry; what a delightful plot twist! As with every one of her novella, the end always come too quickly, I always want more, but maybe it’s what makes them so perfect: Nicola Davidson has the ability to tell a whole story in a hundred pages and leave the reader satisfied, if begging for more – a notion that Arran would certainly appreciate
Profile Image for ChasingLeslie.
470 reviews108 followers
September 27, 2020
Servant Rachel Lindsey and Marquess of Kyle Arran Elliot are stranded at the same isolated country inn. There is one room remaining and the proprietor only rents to married couples. Rachel boldly announces they are wed, and they agree to share the room and enjoy its bed.

This is a short, super sexy novella. Arran is trying to avoid an arranged marriage. Rachel is considered naughty, having been sent away from her previous position when another servant caught her pleasuring herself. Arran promises to show her pleasure, and Rachel has a specific request: she wants to be spanked.

Notable sex:
- consensual sexual discipline
- bound and gagged with cravats
- references to anal play
Profile Image for b.andherbooks.
2,356 reviews1,273 followers
August 17, 2019
Delightfully spanky holiday novella! Ooops one bed, fat heroine, and domineering aristocrat. Delicious.
Profile Image for Paige.
1,315 reviews114 followers
December 15, 2021
3 stars

Contains: impact play (“punishment” — spanking, crop), D/s, gag, bondage, anal dildo (ftb), impregnation, maid heroine, illegitimate heroine, curvy heroine, marquess hero, reluctantly engaged hero, only one bed, fake marriage, only one room at the inn, they only rent to married couples!, Christmas, parlor games

5+/5🔥 (erotic romance)
Profile Image for Sadie Hope.
679 reviews41 followers
November 30, 2021
I am very lucky and have quite a few authors that I know will never disappoint me. Nicola Davidson is one who doesn't get nearly credit or attention. She was a part of the awesome team that brought us both DILF and RILF!

Stars: five stars
Steam: multiple scenes, very kinky - mention of regency sex toys, spanking, some dominance play
Tropes: fake relationship, curvy heroine, snowed in, hook up to HEA, opposites attract, interclass romance
For Fans Of: Katee Robert but historical
Theme Song: Dick in a Box by The Lonely Island
Subgenre: historic romance - novella
CW/ TW: mentions of food and money insecurity, some miscommunication, references to parental abandonment
Profile Image for Sara .
1,541 reviews154 followers
Read
November 29, 2021
An honest review...

This was more silly than sexy.
There were some extremely over the top moments that had me hiding behind my hands with embarrassment.

I love Christmas novellas.
I love Regency Romance.
I love a curvy heroine.
I love spanking.
But this wasn't something I loved.
Oh well.
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
April 16, 2019
I read first this novella in the Seduced Under The Mistletoe bundle.
It was a short and sexy read about two alone persons finding themselves estranged in an unknown place and giving free reign to their deepest needs.
It was sad Rachel had been shunned because of her sensual personality, she did nothing wrong and did not hurt anybody but these times were harsh with women, especially regarding sexuality.
Luckily for her, with Arran, she has met an equal soul in the bedroom. They have an instant connection and they instantly feel there is more to expect for them.
It was sweet and naughty to read their time together outside of society expectations. But when it catches up with them, how will they face it.
4,5 stars.
Profile Image for jakira.
1,233 reviews101 followers
December 13, 2022
3.75 🌟's!

📝 tropes: class diff, age gap, holiday rom, fake relationship, only one bed, marquess x maid, holiday novella, plus size rep
🌶 spice: 3/5 (bdsm - bondage, spanking, D/s)

nothing beats a good smutty holiday novella and nicola davidson sure delivers it 🤌🏽🥵🎅🏽

really enjoyed this one but definitely lacked the emotional part of it.. the ending conflict was rushed and felt so wacky but it's a novella so i shall let it slide ig
Profile Image for EDB18.
295 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2021
*four starts for a novella* A four star novella read doesn't equate to a four star full length novel - they have to be in different categories. It's a lot to fit a full length story into 90 pages and often leaves lack of character development etc but all of that is to be expected.

This was quite steamy and I really liked the ended.
Profile Image for Melissa Polk.
Author 11 books70 followers
December 24, 2021
Well, that happened!
Enjoyable. But here's my problem. These short erotica pieces? They often have plots that could have (often maybe *should have*) been novel-length to do them justice. But because the text is short and the characters are so busy boning, the plot gets rushed. This would have made a great novel, is what I'm saying. But it still made an enjoyable novella. Want some historical romance smut with sub/dom play? Look no further.
Profile Image for Morgan.
423 reviews156 followers
November 6, 2021
This was a fun, steamy, Christmas novella. There was a little bit of a misunderstanding, and then things seemed to be resolved a little too easily towards the end. It is a novella though, so that's not too much of a surprise.
Profile Image for Lisa C.
1,099 reviews22 followers
December 10, 2021
Very enjoyable Christmas story of Miss Rachel Lindsay, a house maid and Arran Elliott, the Marquess of Kyle who meet at an Inn during a storm. Having to pretend to be married to get the last room available leads to a very exciting night, one neither will forget. This is an erotic tale of two people opposites in circumstances but perfect for each other. Loved it.
Profile Image for Beverly Diehl.
Author 5 books76 followers
December 13, 2021
Rachel is very sensual, bold, and stranded. This Regency novella is a delightful holiday truffle if you like super sexy BDSM and Kyle is a yummy Dom who delivers all the things.

Makes me want to spend a long weekend in a country inn with a hot man.
Profile Image for Catherine Stein.
Author 28 books169 followers
December 23, 2021
This was a cute novella. I'm not much into the spanking/discipline, but if you like it, you'll probably love this for a quick holiday read. My favorite thing about it is how sweet the couple is together. Davidson's writing really hits that perfect combination of sweetness and erotica. (Just like the pleasure-pain, thing, I guess? How fitting!)
Profile Image for Sara (onourshelves).
786 reviews16 followers
December 9, 2022
Historical BDSM Christmas novella. It was sexy and delightful, and I didn't even get too mad at the which if you've read any of my reviews, you know I hate with a passion
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews

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