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Mistletoe Wishes & Hookups

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CEO Nathan James is newly divorced and needs a distraction. When his sister asks Nathan to come home for the holidays, and help out at her B&B, he realizes a White Christmas might be exactly what he needs.

Nathan doesn't need to fall for the tall and beautiful younger man who comes to his rescue, even if his shy smile reawakens Nathan’s heart.

Working part-time at the ice rink, Elijah Hall knows almost everyone in small-town Skystead, Maine. Everyone except the handsome and muscular man who is flailing around like a newborn faun on the ice. Elijah is more than happy to rescue the sexy stranger, even though it's Elijah who truly wishes to be cherished.

What starts as a sweet meet-cute quickly leads to an awkward misunderstanding and eventually turns into one hot hookup.

When Nathan and Elijah collide they try to fight it, but their chemistry is undeniable. They can't seem to keep their hands to themselves, and fate, or something like it, keeps pushing them together. Also, who in the freaking sugar cookies keeps hanging mistletoe everywhere?

Mistletoe Wishes & Hookups is a standalone small-town Christmas MM romance filled with letters, holiday cheer, DIY projects, steamy nights, and all the winter-themed drinks.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2022

27 people are currently reading
130 people want to read

About the author

Kota Quinn

37 books130 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
1,299 reviews694 followers
December 18, 2022
3.5*** stars


* :•☆ *:・゚

This was adorable. It honestly felt a bit like a star-crossed lovers as how well they clicked as soon as they met. I loved their friendship as anonymous pen-pals and their chemistry irl when they agreed to a holiday fling. I loved their dynamic and that Nathan encouraged Elijah to be himself - a tall man who liked wearing femme, silky clothes and a little bit of makeup one day and more masculine stuff on another.

I was a bit disappointed when their letters and chats as anonymous pen-pals didn’t continue through most of the second half. I’m not sure if it was my current mood or the book but around around the same time I got a bit bored and started skimming. At 80% we get the mandatory misunderstanding and heartbreak but at least I got a bit thrilled again - while simultaneously rolling my eyes hard because it was all because of miscommunication, one of absolute favorites in a romance. Not.

And while the happy ending was kind of cute it bordered hard on too cheesy for my liking. So overall I enjoyed reading the first half very much but struggled with the second to really like or recommend it.

* :•☆ *:・゚
Profile Image for Kirsten.
1,913 reviews90 followers
December 23, 2023
Appallingly bad
grammar, plotting, characters.
So disappointing.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
462 reviews179 followers
December 2, 2022
"To me, Elijah was like the sun, my whole focus orbited around him."

Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual
HEA: HEA
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

"It's something about you, Sunshine. You're irresistible."

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

Overall Opinion
This was so darn cute and honestly one of the few Christmas books I've enjoyed! It wasn't too sickly sweet and had a wonderful depth to it. The MCs were so adorable, both with baggage they needed to overcome, and the connection between them was HOT!

Not only do Elijah and Nathan get given the chance to grow as a couple, but also individually, and the author did wonderfully at the character building to create complex rich characters. Throughout the book is building on the concepts of self-acceptance and unconditional love, with both the main and side characters.

Overall this was a perfect Christmas read with tons of steam and sweetness and a story that will stick with you long after you finish!

Read if you like:
❣️ M/M Romance
❣️ Size Difference
❣️ Opposites Attract
❣️ Holiday Fling
❣️ Secret Penpals
❣️ Light D/s Elements
Profile Image for S.M. LANYON.
343 reviews13 followers
December 3, 2022
Loved it❤️

This book is absolutely adorable. The perfect feel-good, sweet, romantic read to get me into the holiday spirit of Christmas.❤️ Nathan and Elijah are the epitome of Naughty and Nice, with a solid dash of Spice.❤️
These two love birds went through a lot of miscommunication, hilarious blunders, and sweet accidental encounters before they finally gave up fighting their attraction and let that unmistakable feeling of deep infatuation lead the way.❤️
Elijah is planning an important new stage of his life when he collides with Nathan. Figuratively and literally🥰❤️ these two are drawn to each other instantly. Their connection was lovely, and the way the author described the feelings of physical attraction growing into an emotional, loving relationship was absolutely beautiful. ❤️
Nathan had completely lost hope that he'd ever meet anyone who genuinely liked him rather than be interested in his wealth. When he meets the gorgeous Elijah, his jaded heart tells him right away that the beautiful young man is all about getting to know him. Elijah's gentle demeanour woke up a tender side in Nathan, spurring him on to show his affection openly, giving Elijah the confidence to be himself.❤️
Together, they find love and acceptance within their budding relationship and from family and friends, making this new beginning feel just right.❤️
This book totally gave me the warm and fuzzy feelings of a festive, wholesome time with the family whilst being wildly in love.❤️ it was sweet, romantic, and incredibly sexy.❤️
I absolutely loved it!❤️
Profile Image for Tosha.
225 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2022
Sweet Hallmark Holiday vibes with steam! That’s precisely what I would call this book and is exactly what I want in a holiday romance.

I sometimes shy away from romance novellas because they often have that instant love feel to them but I think this book does a wonderful job at towing the line. The characters absolutely have Insta lust, and do fall fairly quickly but it is done in such a way and with the characters acknowledging it that I found made it more natural.

Nate & Elijah are just two cinnamon rolls, with injured hearts and with a little magic (and meddling families) they find each other. I adore Nate in particular so much. He really is perfect to me. Elijah breaks my heart though, he has been through so much and has so many internal battles to deal with to overcome past emotional damage.

This book has all your favourite holiday tropes; small town, picking out the best tree, clumsy ice skating, hurt comfort and too sweet holiday beverages you can practically taste! Honestly it makes me want to take a trip to Maine! I hope we see more books in this world; I can think of 3 characters right off that deserve HEA!
Profile Image for Amy Voce.
417 reviews29 followers
December 14, 2022
Mistletoe Wishes & Hookups By Kota Quinn is an adorably cute, festive & swoon worthy read. Nathan is new to the dating pool after an amicable divorce from his wife Katie. Nathan is coming to terms with the finality of his sexless marriage. After some not so subtle prompting from his sister. Nathan decides a no strings attached hookup is exactly what he needs. With slim pickings and disastrous first dates under his belt. Nathan decides to return to his hometown of Skystead, Maine. To help his sister out with her B&B in the run up to Christmas.

Skystead sounds like my type of town. With the super funny fanny pack crew. A group of old lady's that help run this sleepy town. I can only hope to be as cool & wise as them at their age. Sweet Elijah that works at the local Ice rink and sidelines as a talented cover artist to a MM author that writes about Fae princes with tentacles, sound familiar? He also ends up being the one to catch Nathan's eye for some no-strings fun & hook-ups.

Elijah and Nathan have a group of top dollar friends that might seem familiar too. It was awesome getting to hear/see some characters from previous books and experience Kismet cafe again.

I absolutely adored this story and honestly if Nathan rode up horse back in full knights armour, I wouldn't even bat an eyelash! he brought all the swoony, chivalry goodness to this book. I loved Elijah's dynamic character. He brought some real vulnerability to the story. As well as some rivalry drama too with his asshat manager. It was lovely seeing him experience acceptance from Nathan. Helped Elijah with his own acceptance and flourishing him & his gender fluidity.

I 100% recommend this winter-themed romance with all the Christmas feels.
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,856 reviews38 followers
January 1, 2023
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Kota Quinn’s first solo novel, a small-town Christmas story with all the holiday feels. Including a lovely age gap, a taller femme guy, and a whole lot of ‘you should talk about it’!

Is it possible to fall in love twice? Because these two manage it. After of course, a series of misunderstandings and missed moments to communicate and overcome some past relationships. Mixed of course with a hot connection and some sweet dates. The story has it all.

The small town of Skystead, Maine makes for a lovely backdrop of the romance, complete with a meddling (but loving) seniors squad, quaint stores, and some fun side characters (that maybe we’ll see their own stories for!).

Nathan and Elijah are wonderful guys, and you’ll love curling up with these two for some holiday goodness and a sweet happy ever after.
Profile Image for N.M. Lambert.
Author 9 books95 followers
January 1, 2023
Before I say anything else about this book, I need everyone to stop Alberting me. Please. He was a bully, and I wanted to do so many Saw-esc things to him I can't mention here. Yeah, he started having somewhat of a redemption towards the end, but still...he needs to PAY for his SINS!!!!!!

Can you tell yet that I'm a horror junkie? So imagine my surprise when I actually fell in love with this book. I know, right? Horror junkie falls head-over-heels for a cute MM Christmas romance with a tall dude who breaks the masculine boundary by liking feminine things and a not-as-tall dude who absolutely sucks at ice skating. As a grey-ace, the steam for me only added to the romance, and I thought the letters were a nice touch. I would definitely read more by this author, especially if they ever decide to write something sapphic (because my curious mind craves it), and I fell in love with all the characters, each with their own potential stories to tell.

Except Albert. He can go die in a ditch for all I care.
Profile Image for Morgan Lysand.
Author 25 books91 followers
November 22, 2022
Y'all this is phenomenal. Nathan and Elijah are perfect for each other. Elijah's got some insecurities and trust issues from past very bad relationships and Nathan swoops in and makes him feel cherished. The chemistry was off the charts. The smexy times delicious. But the way they cared for each other 😭 I legit cried (like tears streaming down my friggin' face) at the end, it was just so perfect for these two. And I loved watching all the dominoes set up from the beginning fall into place. Seriously, this is an excellent read.
Profile Image for Patty Ventola Donoso .
470 reviews77 followers
April 15, 2024
Una historia fresca, un tórrido romance entre dos seres. Un huracán de pasiones entre dos hombres. Porque el amor es amor, no importa el genero.

A fresh story, a torrid romance between two beings. A hurricane of passions between two men. Because love is love, no matter the gender.
Profile Image for Iz.
987 reviews19 followers
December 30, 2022
3.25

Another sweet-as-hell, ridiculously heartwarming novel to end this year in the best way possible!

I had quite a few niggles with this holiday romance, and I did end up skimming a bit of it, especially near the end, but all in all, it left me with sappy, happy feelings, so this is a solid three star (and plus!) rating for me.

So, starting with the good... I really enjoyed the small-town setting and the very Hallmark-y atmosphere of Elijah and Nathan's romance! I also adored the whole cast of side characters, and I'm now very much intrigued by a few of them and the possibility of them getting their well-deserved HEA.

I also loved Nathan and Elijah, individually and together, but... Some of the misunderstandings between them got tiring after a bit. I shouldn't judge Elijah too harshly, since I'm a serial paranoid-insecure dater as well, but ugh, I just wanted to scream at him at times. Nathan too.

I was also a biiiiit disappointed that their dynamic wasn't explored more: I'm a sucker for D/s dynamics in my romances, especially ones involving inexperienced submissive-types that have never gotten the opportunity to explore that side of themselves in their previous relationships, but sigh. Some of their scenes, like when Nathan discovers Elijah's more subby personality and in general, their first times together, were really explosive, but I kind of wish their dynamic was portrayed a bit more thoroughly.

One thing I DID love was the way Elijah slowly but surely started getting more confident about his femme side, by wearing make-up and feminine clothes in public. I was so proud of him!

The writing wasn't precisely my cup of tea, because it was a tad too sugary and, I don't know, a bit green, for my liking, but I'd definitely give this author another go, especially considering how much I loved Kota Quinn's work with Avery Tu in their "Baton Blue Daddy" series.

All in all, this was a cute read, but I wish I'd loved it just a tiny bit more!


Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,442 reviews33 followers
December 5, 2022
OMG!!! This story is everything!!!

My little holiday loving heart is going all pitter-patter and has grown glitter wings that have taken off with all the love that Nathan and Elijah throw each other… eventually.

This book has so much awesome contained within its pages. The secret pen pal letters, misunderstandings galore, fast burn but not instalove, secret pen pal letters, romantic gestures, oh and secret pen pal letters. Did I mention those? Even though there is an app for instant communication with with your secret pal, there is nothing I love more than old fashioned letter writing. There’s something about holding a letter in your hand that makes the sentiment more meaningful in this day of instant contact.

I loved seeing Elijah bloom the more he spent time with Nathan. He grabbed my heart from the beginning and had me wanting to smother him in hugs and acceptance. I was so happy that Nathan found his person. He had a long road to get there, but the wait was so worth it.

I urge you to grab a copy and join Nathan and Elijah as they fumble their way to a HEA.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
Read
December 3, 2022
Mistletoe Wishes & Hookups is part of the Home for the Holidays series. Nathan comes home to help his sister at her B&B. While there his sister talks him into joining the town’s Christmas Letter Exchange, a secret pen pal, The Fanny Pack Crew, a group of ladies put on each Christmas. He meets, literally trips over Elijah. Elijah has lost his grandmother and plans to move away from the town. He’s bullied by his boss/co-worker and is ready to move on. They have immediate and instant chemistry, but miscommunication and misunderstandings get in the way. I freakin loved Nathan and Elijah!! Age-gap, best friend’s brother, small town, secret pen pals and femme are just a few of the troupes you’ll find in this charming story! Overall, a fantastic Holiday story. Well written with addicting pacing. I literally stayed up all night reading, I could not put it down.
1,008 reviews10 followers
December 3, 2022
Absolutely wonderful!

I can't believe that this is the first solo book by this new to me author. Amazing! It feels like this is Kota Quinn's 50th book, it is that well written. I fell in love with Elijah and Nathan! Both are so nerdy and dorky and just a perfect match for each other. I loved that Elijah is tall and femme, and then Nathan is shorter but muscular and dominant. I loved the Pen Pal program, the scarves, the characters, the small town and. . . I just loved everything about this story. Oh and the New Year's Masquerade!! An absolutely wonderful holiday story that I will read again and again. I definitely want more of this world as many of the side characters could definitely have their own books.
Profile Image for Duckie Mack.
Author 30 books212 followers
December 8, 2022
I loved Kota's co-authored books, and was so excited to get to read her solo debut. This book was a great debut too! I loved Nathan and Elijah. They were so good together.
Nathan is successful and well known in his home town, which makes it hard to date when people look at him and see dollar signs. So when his sister calls and asks for help, it's a great opportunity for him to get away and maybe a chance for him to play the fields without people knowing who he is.
Elijah is a friend of Nathan's sister who wants to get out there again but has some past hurts that make him hesitant.
When Nathan and Elijah meet, they decide to hookup, but each time they do, their feelings grow stronger. But they both have things they haven't told the other.
Mistletoe Wishes & Hookups has pen pal letters, meddling grannies, friends who love chaos and watch as Nathan and Elijah bumble their way through their relationship, hot cocoa, mistletoe, and lots of cuteness. This was a great holiday romance and I can't wait to see more from this author.
Profile Image for Heather MMRomanceReviewed.
1,733 reviews86 followers
December 2, 2022
Kota Quinn's first solo writing project hits you right in the holiday feels - and it hits a lot of my hot buttons - age gap, secret pen pals, small town, best friend's brother, femme guy, and the typical guy lack of communication on big topics...

I absolutely adore these two men together and I love that they build each other up instead of bringing each other down. There is a side character with some strong homophobic tendencies and bullying, but otherwise you'll want to mull a cup of cider or make a hot cup of tea and settle in for a sweet and steamy holiday story that will make you laugh, make you smile and make your holiday season bright!
Profile Image for REKH.
393 reviews9 followers
December 21, 2022
I was shocked to learn this was Kota’s first book. What makes this book excellent is the dual POV writing that really, truly captures both POV. It’s smooth and gives a depth to the story we don’t always get. The cast of characters is delightful and the tension keeps the book intriguing without rising to the level of artificial angst. The story uses miscommunication in a way that is almost silly, not in a way that makes me want to throat punch a character for being obtuse. And the side character of Natalie (sister/bff) is a fantastic pivot point for both main characters. So much breadth and depth to a light hearted, home-for-the-holidays, insta-love that it really pushes it beyond expectations.
Profile Image for Lacey Devane.
336 reviews20 followers
December 18, 2022
Sunshine and Christmas!!

Omg I loved this. It was so cute, and steamy, deliciously sweet!!! Nathan and Elijah are absolutely adorable. Nathan encourages Eli to be himself and he loves him in all the ways he is. The way he calls him Sunshine is *chefs kiss*! Anonymous Christmas letter exchange and texts were a nice add. The banter was funny. I really loved this one!
1,719 reviews14 followers
December 27, 2022
A fun holiday treat. These two are made for each other. The entire reading you just cheer them on. The secrets, the misunderstandings and even the insults from some all make this story special. Very strong m/c’s, excellent friends and a great story that’s easy and enjoyable to read. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Jenn ReadsBooks.
310 reviews16 followers
January 2, 2023
Mistletoe Wishes & Hookups is a cute story of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, beautiful boys wearing makeup and finding the person who understands who you are and accepts you wholly. Some help from the holiday pen pal program in the tiny town doesn’t hurt, either.

Nathan is rich, a CEO, bi and divorced from his high school sweetheart. He loved his wife, but he married her to protect her from her parents who were homophobic jerks. Nathan is used to being used for his money and clout, but he isn’t used to Elijah.
Elijah is in his hometown because his grandmother (his biggest champion and the woman who raised him) was dying. The call from her came just as it came to light that his boyfriend had been cheating on him with a big, bad alpha male. Now Elijah’s just squirreling away money before he moves to California. Elijah is also bi, but he loves to wear makeup and lacy undergarments. He also collects scarves, a tradition started with his grandmother.

Nathan and Elijah each have a pen pal that they connect with on a deep level, while they are also busy connecting with one another in real life – without knowing that they’re each other’s pen pal. It takes a lot of misunderstanding, homophobia (some perceived and some real). Nathan is so beyond ok with being shorter than Elijah, that Elijah wants to cede control to Nathan in bed regardless of their height difference, that Elijah wears makeup (insisting that he wants him to feel comfortable wearing more of it because it turns him on) and especially that Elijah doesn’t know who Nathan is or what he does. The two men fall in love regardless of the secrets they keep and, while the misunderstandings they experience are because of them, their story is sweet, spicy and full of the hope that one day everyone will be accepted regardless of who they love, what they wear on their faces or under their clothes and what they do behind closed doors.

There is a lot that happens in this book, so I had to pick and choose which pieces to review so that I didn’t post a 12 page essay!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Mistletoe Wishes & Hookups
Kota Quinn
Profile Image for LGO.
460 reviews
January 1, 2024
3 estrellas

⚪ M/M Romance
⚪ Age Gap
⚪ Christmas Holiday Romance

Nathan es un CEO exitoso, millonario y famoso que vive en California y acaba de divorciarse. Durante años, tuvo un matrimonio abierto sin sexo con una mujer que es su mejor amiga y de la que creía estar enamorado pero que no le correspondía ya que era lesbiana. Los motivos para casarse con ella fueron protegerla de sus padres homófobos y mantener la esperanza de que si permanecía a su lado quizás sus sentimientos serían recíprocos. Ahora le ha costado volver al mundo de las citas, porque todo el mundo parece estar interesado en su dinero.
La hermana de Nathan necesita ayuda con el B&B que regenta por lo que vuelve a casa, un pequeño pueblo de Maine, por navidad para echarle una mano. En la pista de hielo del pueblo, patinando como un pato mareado, conoce a Elijah, un atractivo joven que trabaja ahí y le salva de caerse. Rápidamente, surge la chispa entre ellos, pero ninguno busca nada serio y, por un tiempo, lo mantienen casual. Es evidente que pronto desarrollan sentimientos el uno por el otro, pero Elijah tiene muchas inseguridades por culpa de parejas anteriores que le hacían avergonzarse porque le gustaba explorar su lado femenino con ropa de mujer y maquillaje. Además, su jefe le intimida y le insulta con su homofobia lo que le hace sentirse muy vulnerable. Ha perdido a su abuela recientemente y planea mudarse pronto del pueblo donde vive para buscar su verdadero hogar. Todo esto complica la relación incipiente entre Elijah y Nathan.

En mi opinión, hay demasiados malentendidos y faltas de comunicación. Unas pocas están bien y son adorables; sin embargo, en esta historia se van acumulando y te llevan a un estado de desesperación ya que no solo involucran a la pareja de protagonistas, sino a muchos de los que les rodean. Hay algo de dinámica D/s en las escenas sexuales que no es de mis kinks favoritos. Por eso, le he dado 3 estrellas.
75 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2022
Nathan James has it all… a great job, a loving family, and lots of money. Except, perhaps, that his ex-wife was his best friend, and their marriage was of a platonic nature only. Being recently divorced, Nate is begged by his sister to come to Skystead, Maine to help her run her B&B over the holiday.. - and, given his circumstances, how can he refuse? While there, he crashes into a gorgeous tall, black-haired, blue-eyed man while ice skating with his niece and nephew. Elijah Hall is only working at the ice rink for the time being, as he will be moving to the west coast to live near his best friend. The crash on ice doesn't do either man any harm, but the meeting makes both acutely aware of the other, and an intimate fling ensues. But Elijah will be moving soon, so what's the point in aiming for a lasting relationship, right?

This novel is absolutely wonderful!! I especially loved the way the main characters seem to fit together so perfectly, although each is so different from the other. The author is exceptionally gifted in writing so precisely and descriptively, so that it was pure joy imagining being in the main characters' shoes - experiencing all the emotions shared and the heartwarming time Nate and Elijah spend together!

The plot of this book is mesmerizing and entertaining, and the character development is just fabulous! I especially enjoyed the uplifting theme of family and 'not being alone during the holidays' in this book. The secondary characters are all priceless, as well - they help to ground Nate and Elijah and supply them with the love and support they need to find happiness in their lives.

An exceptionally fun and entertaining romance, not to be missed!! 5 stars, most definitely!!
Profile Image for Desaray Gomes.
101 reviews5 followers
December 10, 2022
Initially, I was going to give this book a 3.75 - my non-existent love life's role in this. However, when I read the author's note, I realized that wasn't right. I had never actually experienced the weird cringy moments in relationships, the ones that make you fall in love with them. Hence, I had to give this book a higher rating for being realistically romantic.

It was so cute, and very weirdly, adorably cringy (in a good way obviously). In a way, you look at old childhood romance movies and wonder why you ever loved them but feel a spark of nostalgia. That's what this book brought me, a sense of comfort. It reminded me of the Hallmark movies my sister used to put on for us when Christmas rolled around.

I won't lie, it reminded me a bit of the Wattpad books I read in middle school (the types that were actually very adorable and easy to love) but I ignored the thoughts that tied to Wattpad because it was much more than that. The book was very wholesome and very realistic because I do sometimes see the cringe in the people's relationships around me. What might have gotten me laughing so much was the use of "pop of color" in every few chapters, only I started to love that phrase the deeper into the book I got.

I loved the humor, the romance, the heartbreak, everything. So yes, it much a weird romance take (one I will never experience), but also very much a 4 stars read.

So. if you're okay with a bit of loveable cringe, a bit of Hallmark, or even Wattpad vibes this is a book for you.
1,910 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2023
Too many miscommunications and too implausible at times

First off, I liked the premise behind the story with Nathan and Elijah's romance and the town's secret penpal scheme running parallel throughout. I liked Nathan and Elijah as characters and there were other characters that I liked too. Brian and Jude and Elliott need their own stories.
I did enjoy the story but I wish there weren't so many miscommunications between the two men. If there was a chance to throw in another opportunity for Elijah to get the wrong idea or let his insecurities get the better of him, Kota took that route every time and it drove me nuts.
I also couldn't understand why two intelligent men were so stupid to not to work out who the other was. Nathan didn't put together that Elijah, Uncle Eli and the artist were one and the same person and Elijah forgot his best friend had a brother. Never mind that Elijah and Natalie had been friends for years, both men grew up in the same town, Nathan was staying with his sister in her B&B, and Natalie kept talking to Elijah about Nathan with far more knowledge and understanding than she would have had about a guest and it was just so impossible and implausible.
I liked the mentions of other characters from Kota and Avery Tu's Baton Blue Daddy series and Avery's Kismet Cafe, and seeing Yu Jin again, firmly setting all these books in the same universe and I will keep reading both authors.
495 reviews9 followers
September 14, 2023
Mistletoe Wishes & Hookups (Home for the Holidays)

I read Kota Quinn's entire series backwards. I have loved each and every story! I have found that Kota Quinn is an amazing writer. How did I miss this gem of an author?
These two characters I really fell in love with and after reading the end I understand why. Kota Quinn used his own life experience with his husband to help write this. So it was extremely personal. Stories like that bleed out into the characters. Nathan was a huge big CEO of his own custom surfboard company. Elijah had moved back from New York to take care of his Nana. She had recently passed when Nathan came to town and they both did the Penpal thing for Christmas. They met as penpals and Nathan came to apologize after Albert rudely did something to Elijah. But Elijah thought that they were friends.
There is so many different times of miscommunication or a misconception of what was actually going on. But usually in the case of Elijah, he ran because he was used to being mistreated.
Nathan tries so hard to pull Elijah from that.
Does it work?
You absolutely MUST READ the first in the series!
Also, there are intros to other authors to find out more about those characters. For example, Cody & Emmett can be found in Wish Me Home. The restaurant in the story Kismet Cafe is written by Avery Tu.

Kota Quinn has some of the best writing I have read.
10/10++
3,549 reviews38 followers
January 5, 2023
This is the first book I've read by Kota, but I'm definitely going to read more!

The characters are complex and the dialogue is snappy. The plot moves you through a small town in Maine where there is some conflict, lots of mistletoe and plenty of romance.

Nathan has returned to Maine to help his sister, Natalie, with her bed and breakfast. He is a CEO of a surfboard company in California but has turned the reins over so he can take a much needed break.

Natalie has two children who Nathan is close to. This provides extra incentive for him to return to Maine; he enjoys their company and they help him feel needed.

Elijah is employed part-time at the ice skating rink in town, which was his 'safe place' growing up, but not now. The owner, Nona, has turned over the running of it to Arthur, who seems to have it in for Elijah...he has for years! When he's not working at the rink he's busy with his graphic design orders...book covers for authors. While dressing 'pretty' and wearing makeup.

As it gets closer to Christmas, Nathan and Elijah find themselves surrounded by mistletoe and busy with the town's Christmas Cupid Letter Exchange.

You'll enjoy the letters that circulate, the mechanisms that ensure they get to the right people, as well as the festivities planned for the holiday season.

A sweet romance with enough mixups to make life interesting!
Profile Image for LC.
775 reviews8 followers
July 4, 2023
I thought I had read this before as I’ve read a few books in this multi-author series and yet I was shocked to find out I hadn’t. I decided to circle back to the goodness that is Eli and Nathan before I read Foxy and Flirty. You really don’t need to, but I wanted to as there are connected characters and they all live in the same city of Olivia Cove.

Elijah is a creative genius with a healing heart. He’s been hurt many times from being hidden away or told ugly things about being femme. Now he’s just ready to leave it all behind and move to Olivia Cove to start anew. Nathan is a big time CEO just out of a marriage of convenience with his bestie. He caught feelings though and now trying to date is a trial with sugar babies all around. When Nathan decides to go back to his hometown to spend the holidays with his sister, and her kids, he’s not expecting anything exciting to happen. Then his sister convinces him to sign up for the Christmas Cupid Letter Exchange. What happens when the lovable Fanny Pack Crew decides to pair these two strangers together?

First off, disclaimer, I love, love, love holiday books! In one shot, Kota Quinn combined two holidays, Christmas is my favorite, and wrote an absolutely sweet story. Is there sadness? Only a little bit. Is it spicy? Yes, yes it is. I love that we saw some characters from Kota Quinn’s other books. I enjoyed that we got a little sneak peek at Cody from Joelle’s Christmas book Wish Me Home. I really like that these books all take place in Olivia Cove, because that enjoy that type of world building continuity even when the books are not a series. I even thought that Kota did a really good job *almost* redeeming Albert. I’m hoping he will get a story one day soon, so that we can see him find his way. Now I’m off to find my next book to read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,044 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2022
Mistletoe Wishes & Hookups is part of the multi-author Home for the Holidays series. I love these kinds of series. It's a good way to find new authors to enjoy. I love this wonderfully written small town holiday story about Nathan and Elijah. Nathan has come home to help his sister at her B&B. Elijah is Nathan's sister's best friend and in need of someone who will love him just as he is. Nathan and Elijah are perfect for each other. They have amazing chemistry and a sweet meet-cute when Elijah, who worked at the ice-skating rink, tried to save Nathan from falling only to have Nathan fall on top of him. This is such an enjoyable book. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end. This book is full of smiles, laughter, sweet steamy moments, scarves, mistletoe, all the holiday feels, and a happily ever after. Many of the side characters need their own stories, especially Dante and Brian. This is the first solo book from this new to me author and it's absolutely wonderful. A book to enjoy again and again, and not just for the holidays. I definitely recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Courtney Dixon.
Author 39 books1,076 followers
December 8, 2022
This was a perfect little holiday book full of sweet, small-town romance. The meet-cute was exactly that, and I loved the idea of having holiday pen-pals to bring people together.

Nathan and Elijah were very good together and their romance was believable. Elijah had quite a bit of insecurities due to previously bad relationships, so he struggled, but I like that he did his best to not jump to conclusions but couldn't help but react sometimes.

Nathan was an all-around good guy. THOUGH, I do wish had a little more of an interpersonal conflict. He came across as a little too perfect. But I loved how accepting he was of Elijah and his need to be himself. The whole story was a sweet holiday ride.

There's some homophobia in this and Elijah takes the brunt of it, and I enjoy when he finally stands up for himself.

Profile Image for R. C..
56 reviews5 followers
December 10, 2022
So magical!

This was such a sweet holiday romance about two men who have been hurt in the past learning to open up and trust again to find love. Kota did an amazing job at building the world and making each character feel like they were your friends as well. Each character has a role in the story and I couldn’t help but wish I lived in the world they shared.

I really enjoyed the storytelling as it wasn’t overly complicated yet delivered a beautiful story. I loved how Kota gave us a glimpse of characters from her other book. I loved how sweet and silly the mcs are with each other. And I LOVED the ending. Without giving too many spoilers, the event at the end seemed to have come straight from a fairytale movie. It was soooo adorable. I also love the touch of magic that was hinted in the story.

Overall really enjoyed the book and I’m excited for the spin off novels Kota has for the side characters!
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