Dared Under the Mistletoe

by Brynn Hale

She’s over a bad breakup and sworn off men. He’s her boss and ready to make his move. An unexpected dare will change everything.

Baylee
It took me a while—and a lot of ice cream—to get over my ex.
I thought he was the one. I was wrong and I don’t like being wrong.
My job kept me focused and my boss pretended not to notice me crying at my desk.
When the holiday party I planned is a huge success, he gives me kudos, and then he proposes a dare: a kiss under the mistletoe.
Taron is honest, eye-candy striking, and makes me feel appreciated. Everything the ex never was or did.
I dreamed of this moment once or twice, but he’s my boss and I’m just not ready.
Plus, that dare had to have been a joke. Or was it?

Taron
For two months I watched her with him, and I did everything I could to show her what a real man does for his woman.
And now she’s single and hopefully ready to mingle, and under the mistletoe is the perfect place to let her know my intentions.
Baylee is sweet, adorably innocent, and she rocks my jingle bells.
I promise she’ll never cry again.
But can she give me chance to be everything she’s ever wanted?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday Romance

70 pages, ebook

Published November 11, 2020

About the author

Brynn Hale is a Midwest girl who can spot--and swoon over--a hard-working guy a mile away. She believes in winks across a crowded room, guys who do the dishes, a blue-collar alpha will always win a heroine's heart, and a martini or craft beer is the perfect accompaniment to her stories. You can visit her at https://www.facebook.com/Brynn-Hale-A...

Reviews

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Baylee has been working non stop to make the staff Christmas Party a success so when she decides to rest just for a minute only to be woken by her boss, a man that she secretly lusts after. But her past with men has been nothing to write about in fact he has been witness to her recent meltdown. Realising how far behind her nap has left her she has no choice but to accept when Taron offers to help. She has had a crush on him since he walked through the door to take over from his sister but a man like him would never look at a curvy girl like her but when he dares her to meet him under the mistletoe that had to have been a joke or was it?

Taron arrived two months ago taking over from his sister and running the family business, only to see the woman of his dreams, but she was with a man that didn’t deserve her. Now she is single he is determined to show her how she should have been treated. But when his father offers him the job that he has always wanted will he choose to stay and show Baylee that he wants her more than anything else or leave her behind leaving them over before they have started?
Very cute read with a perfect holiday vibe. Easily one of my favourites so far this year. 4* read.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dared Under the Mistletoe by Brynn Hale is the First book in The Sweater series. Each book in this series is wrote by a different author..

Baylee is sweet, kind, good at her job, caring, plans christmas party at her workplace and starts liking her boss.. She does not want to show her feeling because he is her boss but also because she does not want to get hurt again..

Taron is funny, sassy, caring, kind, looks out for others and works hard at his job.. I think its cute that he looks out for Baylee even when she gets her heart broken and i think its also sweet that he has been trying to show Baylee what a real man looks like and how they should care for a woman..

This book was:
Sweet
Fun to read
Steamy
Workplace Romance
Christmas themed
Short story
Friends to Lovers
Over 18+

I really like Baylee and Taron in this book because there relationship was kool to read about.. The books was a fun cozy read and i am glad they got their happy ending

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and quick holiday romance its a cute read where assistant and boss fall in love. Enjoyable and light hearted.

I love epilogues and hate it when im told to download one i dont get why its just not in the book in first place.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonight is the Christmas Party, and Baylee Karell was assigned the task of getting it all ready. The rest of the office staff went home at noon and she just needed to rest her eyes for a moment. She woke up moaning as her dream man massaged her neck, shoulders, and… she heard a chuckle as her boss told her to wake up. She had drooled on her desk and he handed her a tissue. How embarrassing! She quickly stood up and almost fell as he steadied her with his hands on her waist. How could she have slept so long! She would never get the preparations done for the party! He told her to relax, he was there to help, and asked what she needed him to do.

As Baylee shows him how to arrange the balloons at different heights and a mixture of color, he thanks her and says tonight he wants to meet under the mistletoe for one kiss. She thinks he’s joking, so he adds a dare to encourage her to rise to the challenge. At the party, she goes out to the patio and moves to a dark corner for privacy. She hears Taron’s father tell him he is giving him his dream – Taron will be opening their office in Vegas next month! And Baylee realizes he will be leaving and what they almost started will never happen.

This story line is so good with characters who are real and personable. The author’s descriptions and handling of dialog further brings the reader into the strong emotions going on with these two. But Baylee’s insecurities, brought on by her jerk ex-boyfriend, keep her from reaching out for what she wants and needs in her life. And with Taron leaving before they even had a chance to explore what they feel, she knows it’s now a dead end. Will his responsibilities take him out of her reach? Or is there something she doesn’t realize yet that will take her to her HEA?

[A-reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baylee is an admin assistant to Taron a lawyer at his families firm, he has come to town to fill in for his sister who is on maternity leave. He has noticed Baylee from the start but she was with someone so Taron waited. When Baylee breaks up with her ex and is crying at work, Taron comforts her and tries to show her how a real man treats the woman he loves. Baylee thinks Taron is handsome and wonderful, but he’s her boss and she has see the skinny girls he’s with, she’s curvy, he wouldn’t go for her. At the office Christmas party he tells her he dares her to kiss him under the mistletoe. Having had her confidence beat down by the last guy she dated, she thinks he’s joking. Taron tries to tell her he’s not joking and they almost have a moment in his office but are interrupted by his mom who is unkind to Baylee. Later his dad announces that he will head up his own office in Vegas. Baylee is crushed, she thinks she lost him before she had him. He comes again to comfort her in the copy room and they have sex in there. Unfortunately his parents hear them and his mom warns Baylee against pursuing him. But he’s not going to give her up, his sister is in his corner and they decide he’ll stay in town and she will head up Vegas office. The two confess their love and epilogue has him proposing.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brynn Hale kicks off the brand-new multi-author Christmas-themed The Sweater Series with Dared Under the Mistletoe. It is a fabulously steamy and sweet romance that is can't-put-it-downable. Taron took over running the Kildare branch of his family's law firm from his sister three months ago and has been lusting after his beautiful, curvy admin assistant ever since. Baylee has had rotten luck in love, and her last ex took the cake; naturally, she is gun-shy and does not quite believe that a man such as Taron Darby could ever be interested. However, as the annual Christmas party arrives, Taron is intent on proving to Baylee that he is very much interested - and not just for a quick, forbidden fling. No, he offers a dare: to meet him under the mistletoe for a kiss!

Baylee and Taron are so freaking sweet together - with a steamy chemistry that is undeniable.

Brynn Hale has crafted wonderful Christmas romance that is a fabulous way to introduce this incredible multi-author holiday series!

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's a holiday surprise unicorn who knows what to do with his horn

Dared Under the Mistletoe by Brynn Hale is the first book in multi-author The Sweater series. This is the story of Kaylee Karrell and Taron Darby. This is a very deliciously sweet and dirty sexy office romance story. Add in the office Christmas party with an ugly sweater theme and you get some fun also.

I really loved this nicely written story as it had a fun story-line that has lite drama and a lot of sizzling hot chemistry. The characters are nicely developed and the office copy room scene will make you never look at your office copy room the same way again!!! My only issue is that it needs another visit to a proofreader as there were a number of errors which were easily spotted. This annoyed me but I still loved the story.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in a new multi author Christmas series and is a fast fun read that was just sheer good fun as it takes less than thirty minutes to read it is perfect for this busy time of the year

Baylee had her heart broken by her ex but the only thing that kept her going was her job and ice-cream Luckily her boss Talon ignored her when she was in tears at her desk But now he has asked her to organise that Christmas party and when she pulls it off without a hitch he heaps praise on her The thing she doesn't know is that he has been attracted to her all along and was just waiting for a chance and a kiss under the mistletoe finally allows him to make his move Will he win her heart you will have to read to see

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baylee is working on the office Christmas party and wants to get everything done in time. Taron is her boss and he catches her when she is taking a quick nap. Instead of being upset he wants to help her finish everything up. Sparks fly between them as they work together. Taron admits to Baylee how he feels for her but she isn't secure because of her past relationships. When his mother confronts her she pulls back from Taron so she doesn't cause trouble. Will Taron be able to convince her that she is what he wants?

This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

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

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holiday Office Romance...Sweet!

Brynn is starting the Sweater Series with a nice start. I absolutely love office romances and this one didn't disappoint. Taron from the start was a good guy. Not at all that cocky arrogant guy you will normally read about...especially a man in his position...the boss. He adores/cherishes Baylee and you feel that in a big way. Baylee is skeptical of his feelings but she soon realizes this man is the real deal. So happy for the couple and I really enjoyed reading this lovely romance. Look forward in reading the other authors in the Sweater series.

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

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first; I really like the cover of this book!
Dared under the mistletoe is the first book in the ‘’sweater’’ series. This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Taron is Baylee’s boss. He has wanted Baylee since he met her but will he take his chance?
The chemistry between Baylee and Taron is clear to see and I liked them together.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baylee is Taron’s personal assistant and while putting the final touches to the decoration for the annual party in the office, they have the opportunity to approach each other and confess what they feel for each other.
I liked Taron’s sister; she knew her brother so well, she knew what was better for him. And the other way round went as well; Taron knew her sister so well, he knew she was not happy. I like how sweet Taron is to Baylee and how he stands for her. And I did like the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us characters we can care about. Baylee is personal assistant to Taron and is in the middle of setting up the annual Christmas party when Taron offers to help her. He is trying to show that he cares about her but she questions why he is being so nice to her. We keep reading, just hoping that they can have what they deserve.

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

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baylee has had her fill of bad relationships. She concentrates on work and tries to forget about men. There is one problem she is intrigued by her boss but does not feel she is his type. Taron runsa the firm and Baylee is his assistant. How does he show her he is who she needs, someone who will take care of her and cherish her for who she is? Will they end up together or pass on by? HEA. I received this book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adalle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare Accepted

This is what is called a WONDERFUL start to the Holiday Season.
You can almost smell the crisp woodsy scent of pine and cinnamon.

Just wishing all who read this a safe and enjoyable season.

Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review. I originally voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via bsprout.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grammatical Errors Galore

The story was cute but all the errors just ruined it for me. I don't like to be negative but you're asking us to spend our money and time on your product the least that you can do is make sure that you have it edited and proofread properly. There were too many grammatical errors for it to have been checked and that's not fair to the readers it's distracting and takes you out of the story. I hope that the other stories in this series are better.

[Barbara Van Zandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Showing her

Finally she's single and the jerk out of her life.and he's been showing her little things on how a lady should be treated. She not use to any man being nice to her. The attraction is strong between them they act on it till ....a mother telling her off and a father moving him to a new place. He step up and she would go where he goes, which is there where he's at now no moving.

[CM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like a Christmas office party to bring about drama - unfortunately, Baylee is accustomed to drama and doesn’t want to get to attached to Taron before another one erupts. I really enjoyed reading how Baylee and Taron has to evade parents and friends in order to see what was always right in front of them.

I read an advanced copy of this novel and am leaving an honest review voluntarily.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute and I liked Taron’s need to prove that good guys exist to Baylee. It was funny as well. I had a problem with his mom and how he didn’t really stand up to her or his dad until the end. Baylee also let her stomp all over her. It's a sweet story with some heat and the best HEA for them.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was burned before, he is determined to prove not all men are the same. Will they let other obstacles get in the way?

I loved the fact that he knew what he wanted and wasn't willing to back down or give it up without a fight. I didn't blame her for being scared because once burned, twice shy, but loved how she was willing to take that chance. Cute read!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Taron has noticed Baylee from the beginning but Baylee doesn't thing he sees her that way. At the company Christmas party, Taron proves he does. Baylee thinks he's leaving Taron turns it down so he can stay with her. They were quick to say they love each other.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dared Under the Mistletoe was such a fun and enjoyable story. It is the first in The Sweater series by multiple authors. It was steamy and both characters were likable. The chemistry between Taron and Baylee was intense and undeniable. Baylee was Taron's assistant but Taron saw her as so much more. Can he convince her to take his dare? Can't wait for more in this series.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Love

Baylee is all out of sorts trying to fi ish prep for the office Christmas party. When he hot boss offers to help with a look she's puzzled by can she ger herself together? That look resembles love, but Taron can't love her, Can he? Love at Christmas makesls the Holiday joyful.

[Felicia Whited · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book
Taron knew he wanted Baylee he was tired of guys treating her bad. She was planning the Christmas party feel asleep at her desk he woke her up and he ended up helping with the arrangements for the party.
His mother did not approve of her and he didnt care his sister stood up for her and they had their happy ever after

[BobaFett114 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book, needs editing

A really great feel good story! I loved how Taron treated Baylee. He was so sweet and kind. Baylee is a hard working admin assistant that was burned in the past by a guy. Unfortunately, this book needs some serious editing!!!!!

[Andrea Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s over a bad breakup and sworn off men. He’s her boss and ready to make his move. An unexpected dare will change everything. Loved this story. Quick, steamy, sweet, and great characters. Has a wonderful HEA.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is a wonderful well-written novella in The Sweater Series, fast-paced and quick to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this office holiday romance, Taron and Baylee are wonderful characters, really glad that they got their HEA.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and enjoyable holiday themed story. This is the first book in this series and I will can't wait for more to read. A quick and fun read. The chemistry between these characters is sizzling. I enjoyed this book.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

A very lovely Christmas story. I enjoyed this sweet and passionate quick read; it had good characters and moved at a good pace. The bonus epilogue was exactly right and wonderfully satisfying.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dared Under the Mistletoe is the first book in Brynn Hale’s The Sweater series. In this short office holiday romance, readers meet Baylee and Taron. Taron comes from a prominent family and is an attorney running one of the family’s many law offices around the country. Baylee is his assistant. Baylee is dealing with a broken heart and trust issues after her cheated on her. Taron recognizes her vulnerability and takes things slowly ensuring that he show Baylee the way a “real man” treats a woman. Fighting their attraction Destiny decides to work her magic. Will Destiny bring them together? Can Baylee resolve her trust issues? Does Taron have the patience required? You must read this book to find out how their romantic journey ends.

Ms. Hale does a remarkable job with crafting dynamic dialog and vivid descriptive scenes. Ms. Hale masterfully creates multi-faceted lead characters. Readers witness their evolution as they come to terms with their vulnerabilities. I enjoyed Ms. Hale’s use of dialog and descriptive language. Through the characters conversations and their internal dialogs, readers get a perspective of their backstories. Readers cannot help but like these two lead characters. This was an enjoyable read. Well done, Ms. Hale.