Mr. Right Under the Mistletoe

by Kara Kendrick

I’ve always been a player.
A football player, that is. In the dating game, though, I only have eyes for one girl.
Sydney Porter, team publicist MVP, all-around hottie…and my ex-girlfriend.

But Christmas comes early for me and I’m traded back to my home team mid-season. Of course, I run straight into Sydney—and a big problem. See, I never actually told my family we broke up. Now my mom wants the happy couple home for the holidays.

After saving Sydney from a work snafu, she owes me. I sweet talk her into going along with my fake dating plan, but I only have until Christmas. Can I convince her we belong together or will the magic between us disappear forever once the mistletoe comes down?

Genres: Christmas, Sports, Holiday, Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Fiction

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2021

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It is a second chance love story between Nick, a professional football player, and Sydney, a PR rep for his team. Nick and Sydney broke up due to distance when Nick was traded. Once Nick is traded back, he sees this as an opportunity to rekindle their relationship. Nick never told his family that they broke up so he somehow convinces Sydney to spend Christmas with his family all the while pretending to be his girlfriend. The lines quickly blur.
Both have feelings for each other but are unsure how to have a relationship and work together - which is against the rules. They have their work cut out for them. There is a HEA though!
I would definitely recommend this book!

[Jennifer Cogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be the first to admit I'm not a huge fan of second chance romances. But this one was honest really good. Second chance. fake relationship, Christmas, it had it all blended perfectly. Oh, and football! Nick and Sydney were such a cute couple. They really did love each other despite a few 'hiccups' From Sydney ending things because of distance, to Nick's little white Christmas lie to his family, to a gorgeous lighthouse tour and a Meowy Christmas sweater, it's most definitely a book worth getting.

[Catarina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this book. Second chance romance. Fake relationship. Forced proximity and "there's only one bed" trope. Strong, convincing backstory that makes you root for the MCs to get back together.

Here's why it tanked for me.

– For someone who was so set on not falling for Nick again, Sydney caved too easily. All it took was a kiss. She emphasized their working situation. Nick reminded her that they weren't working. Somehow, that was the most logic statement ever said to her ever. BOOM. [throws caution to the wind]

– You walk into a red flag the second you declare your feeling for someone and they tell you you're not meant to be. And when you give a whole speech about overcoming obstacles because you love them, they accuse you of making everything about yourself.

Things get even more ridiculous when the main conflict gets fixed with a phone call to the HR. If she was one of the best publicists in that team, HOW TF DID SHE NOT KNOW THAT ALL THEY HAD TO DO WAS SIGN SOME PAPERWORK AND AGREE TO FAIRNESS REGARDING OTHER PLAYERS????


Also, wanna know what's worse than baby announcements during epilogues? Said epilogue taking place AS the heroine is GIVING BIRTH to said baby.

[Karrie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick and Sydney have a history as in they dated and recently called things off because he moved across the country. Sydney has taken on a new PR job with the football team in town and she is loving her job, enter Nick who has been traded back to the team she is now working for. Things get complicated when she is asked to work on his endorsement deal and he convinces her to come home with him for the holidays. He never told his family that they broke up and he needs her to spend the holidays with them so they don't know. After agreeing to go they head to his hometown and start their week of pretend. Feelings come back and they both soon realize they broke up due to distance and not a broken heart. Sydney is afraid of losing her job since relationships in the workplace are not allowed. Will the magic of Christmas and Nick help Sydney realize that they are meant to be or will she end up heartbroken again? I loved the banter with these two and love the world they live in. I want more of them!

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick has only ever had eyes for Sydney, but he’s run into a huge problem. Now that he’s back on his home team, it should be easier to make Sydney his - except for a teensy little problem. Sydney is the team’s publicist, and that means they’re not allowed to date.

Another problem: Nick never actually told his parents that they broke up, and now his mom wants them both home for the holidays. After Nick saves Sydney from something work related, she owes him, and he convinces her to go along with his fake dating plan. Now Nick has one week to convince Sydney to be his.

Oh my gosh!!! This little holiday novella was everything I was looking for and more. I loved Nick and Sydney, especially their banter and the way they danced around each other. Nick is such a sweetheart, and he’s not stuck up at all despite being a professional sports player. And Sydney!!! I love how confident she is, and the way she knows what she wants. 5 steamy stars!!!

[Melli Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect quick read for the holidays! I enjoyed how the story flowed and it definitely had me invested from the beginning and wanting to keep reading. If you’re a lover of holiday novellas and hallmark movies I think this is one you will really enjoy. Nick might even give your stomach butterflies. 😉

Melli’s Book Breakdown
🤍Sports Romance
🤍Novella (under 100 pages)
🤍Holiday Romance
🤍Football Romance
🤍Second Chance romance
🤍Fake Relationship
🤍Small Town
🤍Steamy

Thanks to Kara for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney worked for a PR firm and Vick was a NFL player who dated until he was traded and a long distant relationship did not work for her so she broke up with him. Two months later she works for the team that he was on and now he is back and schemes to get her back by spending the holidays with his family to get a sponsor. They still love each other but she does not want to lose her job and she will if the team finds out they are dating. Will Nick and Sydney be able to work out a relationship?

[Kirstie Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a good fake, second chance romance?
I immediately loved this story, as with all of Kara’s books it was well written & had great characters.
It was back in Starlight Bay, one of my favourite fictional places to read about! And it didn’t disappoint especially being back at Christmas time. Nick was a real sweetheart with Sydney. Loved that Jackson & harper made an appearance too!

I’d love a story for Nick’s brother.. Can we get on that please!?😂

[Nicki Melton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I am a huge Kara Kendrick fan y’all and I become more of one with each book of hers that I read. This little Christmas book was no exception. It was great and put me in the Christmas spirit. She has several other Christmas books and I will definitely be reading them too.

[Kristina Pernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the I am going to get her back no if ands or butts attitude. What a wonderfully cute couple, perfect for a little Christmas read. Happy readings.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!! This was a nice quick, short read.

Nick and Sydney dated until he was traded to another team on the opposite coast. So Sydney broke up with Nick because they didn’t have time for a relationship. Nick gets an early Christmas gift and gets to come back to his home team. Now his mom wants him to come home for Christmas and bring Sydney with him. Nick gets Sydney out of a gala so he asks her to do him a favor and be his fake girlfriend. As they drive to his parents house he tells her that he never told anyone they broke up, everyone assumes they are still dating. When they pull up to his parents house, Nick leans over and give Sydney a kiss. He tells her his mother is probably watching them. They go inside and find out they are in the guest bedroom with one bed. Later they head out to Starlight Bay and visit the shops. They eat dinner with the family then clean up for his parents. They get ready and head to bed, climbing in Nick grabs Sydney’s face and kisses her. She tells him they can’t they work together. They get physical both wanting to. They both agree the next morning not to regret what happened last night. Sydney learn about an Ugly Sweater Party they go to every year, she borrows a sweater from one of Nick’s friends girlfriends. They enjoy themselves, finding mistletoe spread around the house. They head back home and go to bed and get physical once again. Nick tells her he loves her and she questions him. He tells her he really does, that it gutted him when they broke up. She tells him she is sorry, but their relationship is complicated. She doesn’t want to loose her job because she is dating one of the players. They apologies to each other the next morning. The next day they take a tour of the lighthouse with Jackson and Harper. Someone recognize Nick and asks to have his picture taken with him. The tour guide ask if they could get a few pictures of Nick for the Historical Society with Sydney. Nick tells her it will be alright it’s just for the brochure. The next morning Nick and Sydney’s pictures are all over social media saying she is his girlfriend. They try to come up with a plan but can’t so Nick goes to talk to Jackson. He tells Nick to just tell HR that they are dating. Nick’s mom comes to see if Sydney needs anything and then she confesses they can’t be dating. When Nick gets back home his mom tells him Sydney went to clear her head out on the beach. Nick goes to find her, and they both agree they need to talk to HR. Nick tells her he loves her and she tells him she loves him too. They contact HR and they both need to sign paperwork. They just need to agree to be fair and sign an addendum to keep their behavior at work professional. They go to sleep in each other arms.

[Suelen · Rating 3 out of 5]

O Cara Certo Sob o Visco

Eu geralmente evito ler histórias envolvendo segundas chances, quando os protagonistas já foram um casal no passado, mas não resisti a capa fofa da edição Kindle atual e a essa sinopse, então resolvi arriscar. Até que achei uma boa história, no geral. Mas algumas coisas me incomodaram, principalmente em relação a Sydney. Não gostei da forma como ela terminou o relacionamento. Em contrapartida, entendi totalmente o ponto de vista dela de não querer abrir mão da carreira. Ela lutou pra conquistar o que conquistou. Só a achei inconsistente. Se não queria se envolver com Nick, optando por permanecer em seu emprego, que não se envolvesse com ele, oras. Mantenha-se firme no seu propósito, nem que seja por um tempo. Mas ela se entregava fácil e depois ficava dando para trás, e isso foi bem chato. E como é que, sendo uma profissional tão boa na área dela, Sydney não sabia da solução simples para resolver o problema de namorar um colega de trabalho? Achei pouco convincente. No final das contas, ficou parecendo que ela fez uma tempestade num copo d'água, um dramalhão por nada. Ela nem cogitou em encontrar uma solução. Para ela, era sempre mais fácil cair fora, e para um relacionamento funcionar você precisa se esforçar mais do que isso. Só lá pro final da história é que ela começou a pensar melhor e enxergar opções simples para resolver tudo. Mas aí o meu estresse já tinha vindo com força, e nem deu pra curtir muito. Não que a história tenha sido ruim, mas definitivamente segundas chances e mocinhas que dificultam o romance não são meus estilo. Muito tempo desperdiçado à toa. Mas se isso não for um problema pra você, então essa será uma boa pedida. Leia e tire suas próprias conclusões.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a Thoughtless Guy . . .

Sydney Porter, team publicist, and Nick, a football player, had been dating until he was traded to a team far away. They never told his family they broke up over this. Now Sydney is doing PR for the local football team when Nick is traded back. His family wants the couple to spend Christmas week together with them. Nick wants Sydney back in his life. So he asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend for that week, hoping it will be enough time to convince her to take him back for real.

Some thoughts immediately popped into my head: why would they risk her job, which she could lose for dating a team member? All they had to do was tell the family the truth that they split up when he was traded too far away to make dating feasible. There was no shame in that. Rather, he chooses to lie and risk her job. And even if she takes him back, again she is putting her job on the line. Then again, he did kind of blackmail her into the fake dating since he saved her from a work snafu and she owed him a favor. But lying to his family and the team is not in the “spirit of Christmas” handbook! And Sydney is weak if she goes along with it under those circumstances.

[Kia B · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVERALL RATING –5 stars
RECOMMENDED FOR: those that like second chance

First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was new to me.

BOOK:
- Contemporary romance
- 1st person alternating POV

Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK)
· Writing Quality: 5 stars
· Story ingredient: 5 stars
· Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars; although it took me longer to connect with the characters (this was personal to me as real life interfered with my reading time)
· Plot strength: 5 stars
· Steam Level: 3-4 stars - No open door graphic scenes but high on the romance

Notes/Opinion (personal):
Look at that cover. That was what snagged my attention and I loved it. I also wanted a fun holiday read that was pretty short and light on the drama. This was perfect. I’m not so sure it is a definite second chance since the main characters never actually dated during their time apart. That said, I loved the lightness and joy of a relationship that is revived.

[Samantha (WLABB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sydney broke up with Nick when he was traded, and during their months apart, she got a great PR job with his old team. But Nick was back! AND it seems he never told his family about the breakup. He helps Sydney out and in return asks her to be his fake girlfriend for the holidays. But some feelings never fade and being back together, even fake back together, feels right.

This was a fun one. Nick cracked me up, and I thought he and Sydney had some good energy. I loved visiting his family and all the festivities that followed. The book was short, so the workplace drama wrapped up quite quickly which was fine with me. I rather enjoyed just celebrating the holidays with these two.

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[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first time I read this author. I enjoyed the book but honestly I felt it had too little drama. It was sort of a forbidden romance and I did not feel that issue was a big deal at all. especially with the ending the story had.

This is the story of Sydney who is doing PR for a football team, until her ex, a fottball player on the team, Nick, pops up as a new player. He wants her back and she wants to keep her new job. He then talks her into spending Christmas week with his family and he hopes to rekindle her feelings so she takes him back.

This was a fun holiday romance and I loved the Bad Sweater Party. I just felt the story had no drama and no plot unless its to convince Syd to take Nick back. Then it ends kinda suddenly and I didn't feel like it tied eveything up well especially with the whole job thing and Sydney.

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

[Rachel (Rrbookreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Review: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Steam: 3/5 🔥

#mrrightunderthemistletoe by @authorkarakendrick is my first book by this author.

Nick is traded back to his hometown football team. While home, he’s trying to get back the girl that broke up with him. He needs to convince her they are meant to be together. Even if he has to trick her into it. Sydney didn’t want to break up with her long distance boyfriend but it wasn’t realistic to stay together. So she threw herself into work. Until he’s back. With a little quid pro quo from the man of the hour, she’s now on her way to her ex’s family house for the holidays. Can she survive the deception or will her heart win out?

If you want a quick, fun and some steam in your next holiday novella this is it. I really liked this book. There’s some funny banter, but really I love their chemistry. Also loved it being in my hometown state! Totally worth the read!

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick was dating Sydney up to two months ago when he was traded to Arizona, she broke off the relationship. He has been traded back to Boston and she now is the publicist for the team. He wants to get back together but he does not want to jeopardize her job, plus he has to convince her. He never told his family they broke up, when he is her out of a work event, he convinces her to go home with him for the holidays as his "girlfriend".

Can Nick convince her to give them a second chance? Will the lines blur between real and fake? I really liked this story, Nick is really likeable even with his underhanded way of getting Sydney.

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

[C Exley Books (Cassandra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed this book! What I love about this book is its a Sports Romance, Holiday Romance, Second Chance romance, Fake Relationship, Small Town, Steamy.

Nick and Sydney have a history, they dated until he moved across the country when he got traded to Arizona and a long distant relationship did not work for her so she broke up with him. Two months later she works for the team that he was on and now he is back and schemes to get her back by spending the holidays with his family to get a sponsor.

I would love a story for Nick’s brother.

I received an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily giving my honest review, and I plan to buy this book when it becomes available.

[Marianne W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun, steamy, and relatable read. It’s about old friends working together, feeling awkward but also bold. Nick the football player, is a bit of a player but only has eyes for Sydney, his ex and the team’s publicist. Their chemistry is strong, and the holiday setting adds to the tension.

The fake relationship at Christmas was a cute twist, keeping me guessing if it would stay fake or turn real. The characters are imperfect but likable, with a mix of sweet and steamy moments. If you enjoy stories about second chances, playful banter, and festive romance, this is a great holiday read. Expect some awkwardness, but overall, it’s a charming story about love, honesty, and holiday magic!

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love second chance love stories and holiday romances look no further that professional football player Nick and his ex girlfriend Sydney’s journey in Mr Right Under The Mistletoe ( Starlight Bay #7).
Nick is home after being traded but that’s only the start of his problems because he has never admitted to his family that he and Sydney are no longer an item…. So what does he do when his mother insists on a family Christmas including Sydney. Can he convince Sydney to give him another chance.
This book ticked all my boxes, I smiled, I swooned and loved being in Starlight Bay for Christmas. Great addition to the series

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a spicy quick read! I adored this second chance holiday romance between Nick & Sydney.

Nick is a professional football player who got traded back to his old team who his ex-girlfriend Sydney now works for. Nick is charming, a little bit cocky, but so thoughtful when it comes to Sydney. Then we have our FMC Sydney who is a bit of a workaholic and tends to keep to herself.

These two had some undeniable attraction, and chemistry with one another. I loved their cute little holiday dates, and all of the festive fun in this one!

Read if you like
🎄 Holiday Romance
🎄 Second Chance
🎄 Fake Dating
🎄 One Bed
🎄 Forced Proximity
🎄 Football
🎄 Small Town

[Anna M_82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and steamy second chance for Nick and Sydney. They broke up because of distance but now they are back together and Nick wants a second chance for Christmas. Nick uses every opportunity he can to remind her how good they can be together if she’ll give them a chance. One major problem, they work together, and workplace romances are not allowed. Will love win out over careers? Will Nick get the second chance he wants for Christmas? Read their story and find out!

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

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 Star Review of Mr.Right Under The Mistletoe (Starlight Bay #7) by Kara Kendrick

I love second chance at love stories, add in that it’s around the holidays and for me it is a win/win. Sydney is the one who got away for professional football player Nick.
Returning to his hometown after being traded, Nick runs into Sydney who happens to be his ex-girlfriend. The only problem is that Nick never admitted to his family that they had broken up and now his mother wants them all to celebrate Christmas together.
Can Nick convince Sydney to take another chance on love? One click and find out.

[Diana Whiteman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and steamy, quick and quirky romance

full of fun tropes. Nick Milton is an NFL player who just got traded back to his old team. Sydney Porter is a publicist with the team and Nick's ex- girlfriend, though not by his doing. In order to get out of an obligation for the team, Nick rescues Sydney and their arrangement for payback is in place.

Most of the romance on page takes place in Starlight Bay. This is where the quirky makes an appearance. Its a great holiday romance featuring a second chance, one bed, football player and pretend dating. Its an enjoyable read.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute novella - I love Kara Kendrick's books. This is a sports romance but she doesn't focus on that at all. Nick is the football player whose relationship with Sydney ended b/c he was traded across the country. Now that he's back, he convinces her to "fake date" for his family Christmas celebration, in hopes that he can win her back before the end of the week. Complicating factors are that they now both work for the same professional football team. This was a super quick read - but very fun and spicy - which all of Kara's books are. Highly recommend to add to your December TBR.

[Denice Leong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story about Nick, football player, being traded to the team his ex Sydney is now a PR rep for. The thing I thought was a little too quick for me / unbelievable was the day he's traded and they see each other, he saves her and convinces her to come home for a week for the holidays. Too fast. Their time back at his hometown was so fun, winter wonderland stuff, but then even the resolution, too fast. Liked the novella, but just a few more details to solving the conflict would have been great.

[Tammy - · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second chance holiday romance. Sydney is Nick's ex and the one that got away. Problem is that he never told his family that they broke up, and now they expect her to come home with him for Christmas. Pretending to be a couple for a week shouldn't be too hard, especially when Nick wants to make it the real thing. They have some obstacles in the way, but Nick is hoping for a Christmas miracle.

This is a short and sweet novella, and Nick and Sydney are really cute together. Second chances are my favorite and I definitely recommend this one for your holiday TBR.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Squee! A second chance and a sports romance? Yes please! When the long-distance relationship they ended isn’t long distance anymore, will Sydney and Nick be able to put the pieces back together or have they landed in a whole new mess of problems? I loved this pair so much. It’s easy to see how much they still care for one another, and the sparks crackle from the page. This was a couple I was really cheering for to make it work.
I read this story as part of the Holiday Fakeout anthology.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick and Sydney were together ,but as soon as Nick was traded away Sydney kind of set him free. Now he is back and now he wants his woman back ..... No matter what. He never was interested in another and he kind of never mentioned he broke up with her. Now he needs her as his fake girlfriend for a family gathering. Lines blur and they finally get their second chance at a HEA😍😍😍 Sweet, romantic , romantic and safe with a sweet HEA and fun to read ❤️❤️❤️❤️