Blame It on the Mistletoe

Sugarplum Falls #1

by Samantha Baca

Being a single mom was hard, but celebrating our first Christmas without my girl’s father, in the Christmas-obsessed town of Sugarplum Falls, was even harder. I knew they needed me to be there with them, but I was sinking quickly, barely keeping my head above water.

That was until a handsome man came into the salon I worked at, needing my help.

Jackson Mason was as handsome as he was charming, and his five-year-old niece was just as adorable. She melted my heart instantly, and soon, I looked forward to our nightly hair appointments as I taught him how to care for her hair. Losing her mother a few weeks ago was hard, but her uncle seemed to have everything handled.

That was until he came in one night, extremely grumpy and in need of help again. But this time, it wasn’t her hair that he needed assistance with. When he offered me a job as his new administrative assistant, I couldn’t believe it.

But being in such close proximity to him on a daily basis proved challenging. Neither of us was in a position to act on the chemistry that flowed so easily between us, but our bodies didn’t seem to get that message.

With three little girls looking to us to make this Christmas merry and bright, we couldn’t afford to let our feelings get in the way. Even if we got caught under the mistletoe and everyone encouraged us to kiss.

There was too much on the line, and one little mistake could easily ruin everything.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2022

About the author

Samantha lives in the southwest with her husband and two children, where she enjoys writing, drinking iced coffee, and watching the greatest show of all time—Friends. With over 30 books published, Samantha enjoys writing across several different genres, from steamy romantic suspense to laugh-out-loud spicy romantic comedies. She also has a sweet spot for holiday stories, so grab a blanket and get ready to binge some of the sweetest—yet spicy—holiday romance your heart can handle!

Samantha loves connecting with her readers, so here’s a list of where you can find her:

Facebook Reader Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/29457...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamant...

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/author_samantha...

Webpage:
www.samanthabaca.com

Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/authorsamant...

Books2Read:
https://books2read.com/ap/RQAYK9/Sama...

Reviews

[Mary Breeggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute! As someone who lost my own father 8 days before Christmas in 2021, it struck a chord. Each Christmas since his passing there is an ornament on my tree that is always placed last and front and center. That made my heart swell. I cried. I laughed. I had “oh goodness!” moments. It probably could’ve been a full novel. If you’re looking for a quick read this holiday season, this will do you well! Just enough spice even.

[Gwen|| Bookish Blondie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a really hard time giving this a rating, because while it's not "bad", I just really didn't like it. I especially didn't like Emily.

This story is supposed to be a sweet blending of two families with three little girls who have all lost parents and how the adults in their lives come together. I'm all for second loves, especially after the death of the spouse, but I really, really, really didn't like many of Emily's choices and the author chose to write her in this way, which to me is confusing, but also makes me believe the author doesn't actually know what parental death does to a child, especially of Penelope's age and thinks that Penelope would act like a saint after one conversation with someone, which is just simply not the case.
The thing that turned me off the most was Emily basically just being horny and having full on PDA in front of the entire town but doing it in front of Penelope who is fully aware of what's going on and old enough to remember her dad and oh by the way the dad hadn't died that long before this happened. It's one thing for Emily to do this if the girls were much order and way too young to remember their dad, but to do this without thinking at all of Penelope's feelings and then having to make things right later is just selfish as hell. I was pretty much NO on Emily from that point on, then she knowingly chooses to comfort a man instead of her own child and doesn't GAF was my final straw.

I like other novellas by this author, but it's clear she doesn't know what that kind of loss is like and I left feeling grossed out by Emily's need for dick over being a good mother. So this was a hard pass.

[Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jackson showed up at the salon to get help for his young niece’s tangled hair, he had no idea how all of their lives were about to change once again.

Having nowhere else to turn, Jackson views Emily as a lifeline. He’s struggling with the death of his sister and becoming a single parent to his niece, who is struggling with the loss of her mom. When his assistant at work quit unexpectedly leaving tons of work projects unfinished with short deadlines, he’s reached the end of his rope.

Emily is struggling as well. She and her two young daughters are getting ready to spend their first Christmas without her husband and their father. She’s working hard to make ends meet, but it never seems like enough. When Jakson offers her a job as his assistant, she can’t say no.

But now that they are working closely together daily, their attraction can no longer be denied. The lines between work and home, friends and lovers, quickly begin to blur. It’s only too easy to see how easily their families coil blend together . . . But with three little hearts at risk along with their own, can they afford to take that leap of faith or are things better left as they are . . .

Blame it on the Mistletoe is heart achingly sweet. A time for family love and fun, both families are trying to figure out how to have a happy holiday while missing a loved one. Emily is the best mom and can’t help but want to give Sophie and Jackson what they need this holiday. And, while Jackson is new to the parenting role, he is all in, and that includes trying to bring happiness to Emily’s daughters as well, even if it means fighting his feelings and attraction for their mother.

There are some extremely heartwarming and emotional moments as everyone struggles with loss and learning to live again while navigating a new world without their loved one . . . especially with all of the girls who are just incredibly sweet and adorable on so many levels! There are also plenty of tender moments between Emily and Jackson as well as some off the charts definitely not safe for work thrills as well.

Blame it on the Mistletoe was a real treat of a holiday romance and is easily bingeable. It ticks all of the boxes for a small town romance. Jackson, Emily and their three little angels will leave you feeling wrapped up in the holiday spirit. 4.5 stars!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advertising firm CEO Jackson is struggling to manage all of his new responsibilities after unexpectedly becoming his 5-year-old niece Sophie's guardian. He's particularly hopeless at styling her hair, so he decides to take Sophie to a local salon for professional help. Hair stylist Emily understands the struggles of single parenthood all too well after losing her husband to cancer 9 months earlier, so she agrees to give Jackson some pointers. She can't help being drawn to the sad little girl and the man she assumes at first to be her father, even though she knows she shouldn't get involved. When Jackson's assistant quits without notice a few weeks before Christmas, he impulsively decides to offer the job to Emily, believing that her quiet competence and organizational skills developed as a mom would make her a perfect fit. Secretly, he's also hoping for the chance to get to know her better after witnessing her kindness and compassion towards his grieving niece. Emily thinks he's crazy at first but can't turn down the opportunity when he offers to double her current salary. Being around each other all day, every day makes fighting their growing attraction difficult, but neither Sophie nor Emily's two young daughters are ready for them to start dating. Besides, as one of Jackson's employees, Emily is technically off-limits. Can a little mistletoe magic help them overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of blending their two families?

This super sweet, heartwarming story is sure to put readers in the holiday spirit. Even though the relationship between Emily and Jackson moved quickly, I could tell that their feelings for each other were genuine. In addition to their intense chemistry, the similar struggles they faced as single parents of grieving young girls created a strong bond between them. I loved that Jackson's niece Sophie and Emily's daughters Penelope and Gracelyn also bonded so quickly. They really did come together as a family, which was something I think they all needed to heal after their respective losses.

I highly recommend "Blame It on the Mistletoe" for all contemporary romance fans and look forward to the next book in the series.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Heather Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really into insta-love, but I enjoyed this and it was a good change of pace from the slow burns. I did have to over look a few plot points though. I just felt like Penelope acted a bit too mature for being only like 9, and moved on from her problems a bit too fast for me. I feel like if we had made the book a bit longer and added a bit more heart to heart interactions between her and Jackson it would have felt a bit more natural with her sudden attitude change.

Over all though I enjoyed it, and it was entertaining and had you in the feels in some parts! Definitely give it a try!

[Karrie Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson is the brother you hope you have. The one who comes in clutch to do anything for you like raising your child if you pass. Jackson finds himself now parenting his niece Sophie after losing his sister and is clueless. He meets Emily at the salon getting Sophie's hair done and decides to keep seeing her for hair help. Emily is a single mom of 2 girls working to the bone to provide when the opportunity to become the assistant to Jackson becomes too good to pass up. Navigating 3 girls who are all in very emotional and vulnerable places means putting romantic feelings aside no matter how strong. What ensues is a beautiful story about healing and blending families with a side of slow burn and heat. The kids are adorable and Jackson is the kind of man you bring home to your parents. He is charming, patient, caring and compassionate. A fantastic read full of holiday cheer.

[Jessica Dorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Christmas town
-Office Romance
-Love after loss

This Christmas themed Novella is just what you need to put you into a festive mood. It’s a quick read which is nice because you won’t want to put it down. Jackson is incredibly swoony but also kind of clueless. He’s constantly just offering to pay someone to do everything in his life. But that’s just how he is. It’s not an arrogance. I love how Emily sees him for who he is and is often the person who brings him down to earth. The kids make the book for me! Those girls love their parents so much it’s so sweet. It’s just a great family story.

[Suzi G · Rating 1 out of 5]

What started out as a 4/5 star heartwarming read with children's hearts mending from the loss of a parent devolved into graphic sexual needs of the uncle of one child and the mom of two others. Very disappointing. I skipped pages, then just quit reading.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it

[Alisha Carderella · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

Would have been a 3-3.25 if not for the completely out of place epilogue. I’m always here for the spice - but to only have it as the epilogue just makes no sense.

[Malissa Wildes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This in the first book in Samantha’s new holiday series. It may be a short one but there is a lot wrapped up into it. Emily and Jackson’s story tugs on your heartstrings as it unfolds. The chemistry between the two is 🥵. This was a fun and entertaining book. Great holiday read💕

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samantha Baca never misses and she hasn’t with the first book in the Sugarplum Falls series either! Blame it on the Mistletoe was a heart breaking, sweet, emotional romance. Christmas is a time for family and loved ones, but the two families in this book must figure out how to have a happy holiday after the loss of a loved one.

This book was so emotional seeing the characters struggle with the loss of their loved ones, but the kids as well as Emily and Jackson’s romance was so sweet and adorable. Those two had a slow burn romance and they not only helped each other heal, but became a uniquely blended family. This was a beautifully written small town novella and I look forward to the other novellas in the series!

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Sugar Plum Falls where the whole town just loves Christmas.
This is such a sweet story and emotional too as it deals with loss experienced by both characters.
Jackson unexpetedly becomes a full time guardian to his Niece when his sister passes away suddenly in an accident.
He is thrown into the deep end and has no idea how to take care of her,especially since she has lost her mother and so she is deep in grief.
Emily works in a hair salon and this is were she meets Jackson and his Niece when he comes into the salon to help with his Nieces unruly hair.
Emily agrees to show him how to take care of his Nieces hair for her,and so he visits the salon for a week.
During the week of hair lessons Jackson notices how wonderful Emily is with his Niece,and when his assisstant quits just before Christmas,he impulsively offers the job to Emily.
Emily is overwhelmed but agrees to work for Jackson as she is a single mum and needs the money he is offering as her salary.
Emily has 2 daughters and she was widowed a year ago when her husband passed away with cancer..She finds herself attracted to Jackson and feels guilty for doing so,as it has only been a year since she lost her husband.
Working together Jackson is also attracted to Emily she is everything he could want in a woman,and they become friends.
Involving their families in their friendship they spend more and more time together outside of work and his Niece gets on wonderfully with Emily's 2 children.
This story is so adorable it is a gentle slow burn romance between Jackson and Emily they are both grieving and find comfort in one another,healing their broken hearts.
It is an emotional story and the audiobook is fantastic,narrated by Louise Cooksey and I enjoyed listening to her voice performing the characters in this book.
This is a quick listen and a great seasonal story to enjoy at anytime of the year.
Loved it.
5 Stars.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson and his niece Sophie entered the Sugarplum Cuts with a hairy situation. Emily was working that night and knew how to talk little girl. Something Jackson was having a hard time doing. Partly due to lack of experience and partly due to not being able to grieve his sister because he is trying to hold it together for Sophie. She wanted her hair done the way her mommy did it, but Jackson just wanted to know how to get the rat's nest that it turned into worked out. Then, how to braid it in different styles, and how her mommy did it.

I give him credit because he scheduled an appointment, for every day for a week, and he bought the products needed to maintain the styles. Not to mention he tipped Emily well. Poor Sophie is more or less a ticking time bomb, anything can set her off, making her cry at a drop of a hat. You see Cammy, Jackson’s sister and the mother of Sophie, was killed in a car accident. Since Sophie’s dad had bailed when he found out Cammy was pregnant. Therefore, Jackson was her only living relative.

At forty-two he had become a sudo-dad to a five-year-old mourning her mother. Jackson owns an advertising company worth billions. At the time Jackson, Cammy, and Sophie all lived in NY, but it was too hard being there. So, he opted for a quieter place, to raise Sophie, and a place to open a second office. When he found out that Emily’s husband had passed away she was fairly new to the community, too. He felt better. He was impressed with her when he heard that she had two daughters and also worked two jobs to make ends meet.

Then when his PA quit he decided to ask, Emily so she could spend more timRe with her daughters. With that he could go a day without her in his life. So much for them being just friends, however, Jackson started running hot and cold. That is until she gives him the no more wishy washy. There are a lot of emotions brought into relationships and this book is not one to shy away.

[Book Nerdy 2020 · Rating 4 out of 5]

BLAME IT ON THE MISTLETOE By Samantha Baca


Emily is a widow with two small girls and working two jobs to keep afloat. Jackson has become his niece's guardian after his sister's untimely death. Jackson offers Emily a job as his assistant after their chance meeting.


😊What i liked -


✔ Christmas Romance/Small Town/Office Romance.
✔ I loved Emily's character. She is so strong after experiencing a huge loss. She is sweet and compassionate.
✔ It was hilarious and also sad and heartwarming to see Jackson find his footing with his niece and a few other tasks he has never done in his life.
✔ I cried Buckets during the Christmas Ornament scene.
✔ I loved their chemistry and ease.
✔ It's very sweet, swoony, christmassy, steamy with lots of love and a few cries.(i just couldn't put the book down).


🤔What could have been better -

✔ I wish I could go into the book and give those little girls a hug. 

 


 📚Who Should read :

👶Beginners
💝Romance Lovers
❄Christmas Romance Lovers
🏡Small Town


📈My Rating : 4.5/5

P.s- I have totally become a Samantha Baca fan. 

Thank you Samantha Baca for a copy.

[Kelly Barnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were so many things I loved about this book, but so many things i wish had been different to make this story even better. I loved the idea of the two MCs both dealing with loss, finding the light within each other and blending their families together. My one issue is the timeline of it all. I feel like the entire story took place over 2ish weeks which made it truly unbelievable for me. The thing that made me the most upset was the ending. They literally went to bed and then it ended. Why did it have to end so abruptly? I know there was an epilogue but I feel like it was an after thought and didn’t really do much to tie up any loose ends or just give an actual ending to the story. I feel like the ending was so abrupt I actually got a bit angry at the end because I was so invested in the blending of the families and the build up, then it was over in an instant. If I could change anything about this book, the #1 thing would be to add more length to it; give us more with the two families as a whole. End things in a way that make this feel good read actual end with you feeling good, not wanting more and wondering if the author just forgot to end the book.

[Alexandria Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on an emotional journey for sure; first as a reader then as a writer. As a writer, it was hard not to pick at this author for some of the things she chose to tell in the beginning that would have left a bigger impression had she done more showing. However, as the story went on I started getting emotional, especially as she described the bouts of grief that come with adults and children during the holidays after losing a loved one.

As a reader and bonafide lover girl, I loved the way Samantha Baca eased into the romance Jackson and Emily had for each other. I loved that it wasn’t overt in the beginning because that is how real life is when you just get started: we’re all awkward and shy! It’s especially poignant because you feel what we all feel when we’re deciding whether it’s okay to trust your heart to love someone again.

I for sure want to read the rest of the Sugarplum Falls Series!!!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson and Emily are both finding their way through grief - Emily lost her husband, Jackson lost his sister, making him the legal guardian for his young niece Sophie. When Jackson walks into the salon Emily works at to get help with Sophie’s hair, he is incredibly grateful for the help. The more time he spends with Emily, the more he likes her. Emily is working hard in their small Christmas-obsessed town to support her two daughters. When Jackson offers her a job as his assistant with terrific pay, she jumps at the chance, even if it means they have to fight their attraction. Can they be co-workers and more?

This is a short holiday story - they fall in love fast and break a lot of HR rules! But the story centers around their girls, and how to move forward in the face of loss to build a new future. I liked the characters a lot.

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[ELC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blame It On The Mistletoe by Samantha Baca
This was a cute and sweet romance. It is filled with so much Christmas spirit it is perfect timing to start getting us started with the holidays spirit. Both Emily and Jackson are both grieving. Emily is grieving the loss of her husband and trying to raise her two girls as well as she can on her own. While Jackson is grieving the death of his sister and now suddenly having the responsibility of raising his niece on his own. Seeking help for Sophie Jackson meets Emily and their attraction and chemistry is automatic and the pull to a Sophie for Emily is instantly too. When they start getting to know each other and the two get the kids involved things get a bit complicated. It so heartbreaking that they are all grieving but I love that they all find their way to each other. It was sweet and heartwarming. Highly recommend this book.

[Debbie Readsalotl Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily is a widow with two daughters. Jackson is uncle to 5 year old Sophie, after his sister passed away.

Jackson is rich, but incredibly kind and generous. He's struggling with how to deal with a little girl when he's spent most of his adult life working on his business and never really had time for relationships. When he meets Emily, everything changes. She shows him how to take care of Sophie's hair first. He keeps going back to the hair salon but when their appointments are coming to an end, he offers her a job at his company - partially because he needs a PA desperately, partly because he knows Emily needs more security in her work.

Really cute family dynamic going on between all the characters practically from the first page. A little steamy, but a slow burn getting there.

[Kate Biery · Rating 1 out of 5]

a lot of opinions honestly.
1. the first seven chapters set it up to be a cute hallmark book. after that the author decided she didn’t want that and then it was very graphic
2. the characters act like they are 16 year olds trying to come up with as many “that’s what she said” jokes as they can. you’re 40 years old - grow up
3. i swear they didn’t eat anything besides pizza every. single. night. be more creative than that
4. the concept was good, but jackson was such a douchebag. “don’t worry about how much it costs it’s never been an issue” “i’ve never had to do my laundry before i just get someone to do it for me” etc. you’re so immature and should not be in charge of a child
all in all, no real character development except for the 9 year old, and too teenage-y to be about 40 year olds

[Elizabeth Allan Lzzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooo sweet and warming for winter! I am so glad I picked this up. It has all the cosy vibes! Emily is a single mum of two after her husband passed away. They moved to Sugar Plum for a fresh start. Jackson is an uncle, but after his sister passed away he has had to step up in the father department in short notice to his niece Sophie. He's still trying to figure it all out and after a hair disaster he needs reinforcements. So he takes Sophie to the local hairdressers where he meets Emily who puts a smile on Sophie's face fore the first time since her mother passed away. These 2 little family's have a lot of grief they are dealing with... but together they have the chance at happiness again. This was a beautiful book. Plenty of chemistry and heat. This was such a good read.

[Ashley Schounard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun Christmas read. Jackson finds himself unexpectedly guardian of his 5yr old niece and is having trouble with her hair. He brings her to the salon where he meets single mom Emily and there’s an instant spark. Emily takes time to help Jackson with his nieces hair.. by the end of the appointment he’s offered her an assistant job at his company.

Emily has two cute girls and is navigating being a single mom after suddenly loosing her husband. This is the first Christmas for all three little girls without a parent but it was precious to see them bond quickly and get along.

Heartwarming, fun holiday story with a little spice and lots of holiday family fun!



Christmas/Holiday theme
Workplace romance
Single parent/single guardian
Cutest kids!
Medium spice

Ebook

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and sweet Christmas Novella. I loved the way this story was written and the slow burn 🔥

From the very beginning I was hooked. Jackson is the absolute perfect uncle. He’s trying his best and doing everything he can to help his niece when tragedy hits their family and he gains custody of his niece. Emily is navigating becoming a widower and a single mother. Neither one expected the chemistry they had come so quickly.

The heartbreak throughout this book was so real and raw. Every single person was healing and I loved seeing this story unfold. I loved all these kids and I can not wait to read about Sunny.

[Kristen Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a heart-warming holiday novella! What a great time of year for this new release from Samantha Baca! Her holiday romances are so sweet and this one falls right in line! The story is of two families experiencing their first holiday after a loss and how they navigate their days through that. This brings Jackson and Emily together, with their sweet little girls, to create their own beautiful Christmas season for all of them. It's such a great story of overcoming adversities and moving on through togetherness. I can't wait to see what happens next in Sugarplum Falls!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet small town workplace Christmas novella!
This book had me in tears within 5 minutes of listening. Emily has been dealing with the death of her husband while being there for her two daughters. Jackson just got custody of his neice after the death of his sister. Jackson is in a bind and needs a new assistant and talks Emily into the job so she can provide for her family without needing two jobs. This is a beautiful love story of 5 broken people coming together to heal eachother at Christmas. Even though this novella is light on the spice it makes up for it with huge emotions. Highly recommended! Narration by Louise Cooksey and she drew me in with her sweet voice.

[Cassie O · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay this was a really cute single-parent novella where both parties had kids for once. Jackson recently became the guardian of his niece after his sister died and he seeks out a hair salon to help him tame the little girl's mane. Emily becomes a lifeline to help him and he soon learns that she lost her husband to cancer and has two little girls, works two jobs to support them as best she can. In a twist of fate, he needs a new assistant and hires Emily on the spot, the two grow close planning events for the company and assisting with the kids and it's adorable to see. For a novella, I felt good about the time spent and the interactions, nothing felt overly rushed or forced and the story was cute.

[Stavi Dim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love around Christmas 🎄

A heartwarming story about second chances, finding happiness, and creating a beautiful blended family.

Although the pacing was fast, it felt fitting, considering the magical and time-sensitive nature of a Christmas story.

I appreciated the strength of the characters, shaped by their heavy and tragic pasts. While there was some focus on grief, it didn’t overshadow the entire story, allowing moments of joy, healing, and love to shine through.

Ultimately, we cannot judge how someone processes or reconciles with loss, and this story handled that aspect with grace.

Overall, a wonderfully told and touching holiday romance.

[Linda V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional rollercoaster!! Blame it on the Mistletoe is the first book in the Sugarplum Falls series. Emily is a widow with 2 children, 2 jobs and barely making ends meet. Jackson has just lost his sister and has guardianship of his 5 yo niece, Sophia. Jackson meets Emily at the hair salon where she works and ends up offering her a job to be his assistant. Their chemistry is off the charts, but blending work and families isn't easy. The author brought comedy, heartfelt family connections, and sweet holiday romance in this little jewel. I can't wait for the second book!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly was amazing. Jackson and Emily are both dealing with loss and holidays for their children. Jackson just lost his sister and appointed guardian to his niece. Emily lost her husband and is barely getting by. After a series of events, Jackson’s assistant leaves him high and dry. After seeing how Emily interacted with his niece, he decides to offer her the job.
Their attraction is growing as they work together. Both families just want the other to be happy. This was a sweet book!