Mistletoe & Markets

by Linda G. Hill, Alexa Santi, Renée Dahlia

‘Tis the season to find trinkets, treats, and love at your favorite Christmas Market.

Will you meet someone special under the mistletoe? Is that a candy cane in Santa’s pocket or is he just happy to see you? Whether it’s the traditional markets of Europe or a small-town winter festival out of a television movie, the holiday market is the place to come together to shop, drink, and make merry. Will you find the perfect gift or the love of your life?

Grab your eggnog and cookies and join USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors curated by The New Romance Café as we celebrate all the things that make this a holly jolly season.

Authors:

Linda G. Hill
Alexa Santi
Renee Dahlia
Sharon Michalove
Bella Paige
Jill Brashear
Lily Kindall
H. D’Agostino
Sera Taino
Harper Michaels
L.A. Remenicky
K McEvern Lestrade
Jackie Paxson
Sofia Aves
Gabbi Grey
Jewelz Baxter
Juliet Martini
Élodie Garroway
Chele MacCabe
Annee Jones
Hannah McKee

Genres: Romance

961 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2023

About the author

Linda G. Hill was born and raised an only child in Southern Ontario, Canada. She credits the time she spent alone when she was growing up, reading books and building worlds and characters of her own to keep her company, as the reason she became a writer.

A stay-at-home mom of three beautiful boys, Linda is a graduate of the Writing Program at St. Lawrence College in Brockville, Ontario. Aside from caring for her family, she enjoys traveling the world, eating trout cooked on the barbecue, and, of course, reading.

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic Christmas Collection . . .

You will want to grab this fun Christmas collection the authors have brought together for our enjoyment. It contains authors you may recognize as well as new ones you may come to love! Regardless of what order you read them in, you will have a huge Christmas smile on your face as the authors entertain you! Below is a review for one of the stories to give you an idea of what you might find inside.

*** Reviewing “THE REAL MS. SCROOGE” by Jackie Paxson ***
Holiday Romance ?? . . .

This was a fun and well-paced story, with easily recognized characters and a crazy plot to pull the reader right into the story line. Ophelia Scrooge really does hate Christmas, not just because of her name, although her great, great, great, etc grandfather is the one we all think of when that name is brought up. But now on Christmas Eve, she finds herself in a gutter, clutching the broken heel of her shoe, praying her ripped dress won’t fall off in pieces, and concerned that her injured ankle will soon be swelling and no longer usable. From this point, we are taken back to what led up to the gutter incident which started 2 days earlier. And from there, the story jumps all over the place as it moves back to a one-night-stand before Thanksgiving. (Confused yet? I was.) As Mitchell Scrape, the CEO who has a business meeting with Ophelia and her goofy partner Bobby Crutchit (not a typo, just another familiar-sounding character), is explaining how he wants Ophelia back in his life after their one-night-stand. Just then, his sister, who happens to be her best friend from school days, bangs on the door to threaten him for accosting her bestie. I’m not sure if they make it to a happy ending, or maybe they did and I didn’t recognize it as the end of the story. I suggest taking notes just so you can figure it out later.

I might have enjoyed this story a little more if the needless cursing didn’t keep popping up. Also, Ophelia was actually not a character I could relate to in any way, so it was difficult to sympathize about her hard luck situations, which may be self-generated. And this is also my favorite holiday she is trashing, so I was a little grouchy as I read it. But by the last chapter, it looked like things were working out for Ophelia and Mitch, so “all’s well that ends… well”?

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book of Christmas stories. Each one made me feel so many emotions. I curled up on my couch and loved each story so much. So many great authors in one book.

[mmreads430 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Christmas Courtship” by Gabbi Grey is a sweet m/m story with all the seasonal feels, about two vendors meeting at the Christmas market. Johnson, a recent transplant to Mission City, is selling the cider from his orchard, which he’s running by himself since his partner left him. Henry, an artist, makes beautiful fairy figurines, and seems as silent as his wares. I love romances that focus on the mundane, the everyday and uncomplicated ways we fall in love. Simple declarations, acts of caring and kindness, and meddlesome neighbors who want to see love bloom are the fabric of this tale. Even Zeus the border collie has a vested interest in this love, since having two loving humans to pet you and feed you treats is better than only one.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for The Real Ms. Scrooge by Jackie Paxson

Ophelia and Mitchell are at opposite ends on Christmas. The author takes you into their lives as he sets out to change her mind. She brings humor, romance and love and delivers an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed Cream by Linda G, Great festive treat. I would have liked it to be longer.

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The following review is specific to The Real Ms. Scrooge by Jackie Paxson That said several of the other stories look really interesting and I hope to return for them soon!

Christmas Mayhem

Ophelia Scrooge's life seems to be filled with mayhem. Despite that, Mitchell “Mitch” Scrape wants to be right in the thick of it with her.

"The idea of a life with you is a Christmas wish I've wanted to come true for a long time."
-- Mitch Scrape

I really like Mitch. He's a kind, protective, growly guy who finally loses his patience and goes all alpha after Ophelia. The fact that he lets his sister get him into trouble along the way is almost comical, but I like their relationship.

I like Ophelia most of the time, but she's undoubtedly a hot mess. She needs to execute her backbone on her own life. That said, I love how she stepped up for Winnie, her sister. Goose and all!

I hope this is made into a longer story when it's released solo down the road.


Here are my individual reviews for each book. Happy reading! 📚💋

Fairy Lights & Winter Nights by 🌟 TBD -



It’s The Most Sweltering Time of The Year by K McEvern Lestrade 🌟 TBD -



Mr. Mistletoe by Jill Brashear 🌟 TBD -



Sweet Spot by Renée Dahlia 🌟 TBD -



The Sweetest Expressions by Sera Taíno 🌟 TBD -



Christmas Grump by L.A. Remenicky 🌟 TBD -



Rockin’ Around the Mistletoe: A Hull’s Heroes Novella by Élodie Garroway 🌟 TBD -



The Secret Santa’s Crush by Juliet Martini 🌟 TBD -



Partridges and Gold Rings by Sharon Michalove 🌟 TBD -



The Gift of You by Harper Michaels 🌟 TBD -



The Real Ms. Scrooge by Jackie Paxson 🌟🌟🌟🌟 - read 11/20-21/23
Christmas Mayhem

Ophelia Scrooge's life seems to be filled with mayhem. Despite that, Mitchell “Mitch” Scrape wants to be right in the thick of it with her.

"The idea of a life with you is a Christmas wish I've wanted to come true for a long time."
-- Mitch Scrape

I really like Mitch. He's a kind, protective, growly guy who finally loses his patience and goes all alpha after Ophelia. The fact that he lets his sister get him into trouble along the way is almost comical, but I like their relationship.

I like Ophelia most of the time, but she's undoubtedly a hot mess. She needs to execute her backbone on her own life. That said, I love how she stepped up for Winnie, her sister. Goose and all!

I hope this is made into a longer story when it's released solo down the road.


Christmas Stalkings by Lily Kindall 🌟 TBD -



Christmas Courtship by Gabbi Grey 🌟 TBD -



My Mistletoe Kiss by Annee Jones 🌟 TBD -



The Beginning of Something Wonderful by Chele MacCabe 🌟 TBD -



Christmas at the Bay by Bella Paige 🌟 TBD -



A Child’s Wish by Jewelz Baxter 🌟 TBD -



Mistletoe Kisses & Christmas Jam by H. D’Agostino 🌟 TBD -



Creamed by Linda G. Hill 🌟 TBD -



My Sexy Paddling Santa by Hannah McKee 🌟 TBD -



It’s Only Christmas by Alexa Santi 🌟 TBD -



I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this collection.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Real Ms. Scrooge - by Jackie Paxson

Olivia and Mitchell's story is a best friend's brother romance with the Christmas Carol's twist that make you smile, and you follow them on a holiday journey.

Olivia was not a fan of Christmas, especially since her last name was Scrooge and her ancestor was that one. She is working on an assignment for Mitchell, her best friend's brother, while trying to avoid him, since they hooked up around Thanksgiving.

Mitchell has had feeling for Olivia for some time but stayed away when his sister threatens him. But when Olivia made a move on him, he was not going to let it or her go.

This is a fun story with a few amazing twist and turns / revenge that heats up the story. Mitchell and Olivia have great chemistry and banter I could not help but smile.

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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just one story in this anthology of short Christmas stories. In this story we meet Ophelia who considers herself to be the modern Scrooge. She has not loved Christmas for ages and feels as if nothing could ever change that. Except of course her brother's best friend Mitchell, who has different ideas. He certainly doesn't hide his attraction and although she denies it she knows its true. Can he change her mind and will this change her ideas on christmas. Settle down with a lovely hot chocolate and maybe a mince pie then enjoy this story. Although I haven't read the other stories yet I certainly think I will. I received this as an ARC copy and this is my own opinion and review of the book.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe & Market by A Christmas Market Romance Collection.
Romance Café Collection Book 27.
Will you meet someone special under the mistletoe? Is that a candy cane in Santa’s pocket or is he just happy to see you?
Includes Authors:
Linda G. Hill
Alexa Santi
Renee Dahlia
Sharon Michalove
Bella Paige
Jill Brashear
Lily Kindall
H. D’Agostino
Sera Taino
Harper Michaels
L.A. Remenicky
K McEvern Lestrade
Jackie Paxson
Sofia Aves
Gabbi Grey
Jewelz Baxter
Juliet Martini
Élodie Garroway
Chele MacCabe
Annee Jones
Hannah McKee
I read creamed by Linda g Hill. I did enjoy this book. I liked Mary and Tom. 4*.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sofia Aves 
Mistletoe & Markets: A Christmas Market Romance Collection (Romance Café Collection Book 27)
Lots of romantic stories in this collection, from
Linda G. Hill
Alexa Santi
Renee Dahlia
Sharon Michalove
Bella Paige
Jill Brashear
Lily Kindall
H. D’Agostino
Sera Taino
Harper Michaels
L.A. Remenicky
K McEvern Lestrade
Jackie Paxson
Sofia Aves
Gabbi Grey
Jewelz Baxter
Juliet Martini
Élodie Garroway
Chele MacCabe
Annee Jones
Hannah McKee

A nice bunch of stories, some from favorite authors, some from new to me authors, all of which I will be reading again.

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

[Barbara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of short, sweet holiday reads. This review is for the Real Ms. Scrooge by Jacki Paxton. What a great short story to put you in the holiday spirit.
What if your last name was Scrooge? How would you feel at Christmas. Ophelia has been teased since childhood about her name. Is this only reason she is such a grinch at Christmas?
Mitchell is her best friend’s brother and is attracted to Ophelia. After they hookup around Thanksgiving, he is determined to change Ophelia’s mind about him and Christmas. Expect humor, sexual tension, romance, flying sparks and a HEA.

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

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic collection of quick reads all with a Christmas theme which makes this gal a very happy reader!

The Real Ms. Scrooge by Jackie Paxson
Ophelia really is a bit of a hot mess leading up to Christmas and a lot of it is due to not wanting to admit to her feelings for Mitch who happens to be her besties brother. There are some great laughs, some awkward moments ie the grey glob that went flying as well as friends and family who you love or loath especially due to growing up with the surname Scrooge! I really want Ophelia's sister to get a HEA now too!.

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

[chesirern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Grump by L.A. Remenicky is apart of the anthology book Mistletoe and Markets. I have only read this one currently.
Tis the Season for light hearted holiday Romance books. Another read where i grabbed a hot cocoa, a blanket and sat in front of the fire.
This was a sweet and light hearted read about two opposite people (one friendly and one grumpy) being put into a forced proximity situation and falling in love. It was a typical sweet romance story set around the holidays.
If you are looking for a simple romantic holiday read with limited spice then i definitely recommend this book.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

determination
I just loved Jackie Paxson´s novella " The Real Ms. Scrooge": poor Ophelia had to face a string of awful christmases in her life, no wonder she lost her christmas spirit and turned into a grinch. Fortunately Mitchell is a determined man on a mission, his eyes set on conquering Ophelia forever and bringing joy into her life. It´s an uphill fight but worth the effort so the reader is entertained by heads butting and sparks flying, a perfect read to get into the right mood for christmas.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about Ophelia a why she don’t like Christmas. She always has bad thing happen to her at Christmas. When she best friend brother Michell asked her to work with him on a project between his company and hers. She must work also with her co-worker that is not the best. Bobby things on;y of his self and can that work out or not. What happen as Mitchell and Ophelia get together, can he show her how to love Christmas?.

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

[Caitlin Loggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for "Fairy Lights & Winter nights by Sofia Aves. I will write reviews for the rest of the stories as I read them and will post a complete review here once I'm finished with the book. 🙂

It's a good story but I'm giving it four ⭐ instead of five as there's a lot of typos that were missed. Overall, I enjoyed reading it, it's a cute enemies to lovers story and I love that Trinity is a sports journalist like me 🙂

*I received an ARC from DS Book Promotions and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories whose theme is Christmas.
Markets Fairy Lights & Winter Nights by Sofia Aves 3.5 stars
A lacrosse player was rejected for the first time.
The Real Ms. Scrooge by Jackie Paxson 4 stars
A woman whose surname made her life miserable mostly at Christmas. A humorous story.
Christmas Stalking by Lily Kindall 5 stars
A very beautiful story about a woman who is a bodyguard and a man who is a photographer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is for The Real Ms. Scrooge by Jackie Paxson. It's a cute story about a girl with the last name Scrooge and how she has had to live through all the jokes she's had to put up with during her childhood. She has a hook-up with her best friend's brother before Thanksgiving, and he wants to continue seeing her. She is hesitant at first but finally learns that Christmas isn't so bad after all. I enjoyed it. Now to read some of the other stories.

[kelly freaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creamed by Linda Hill

Having read all the previous woody series I knew I'd enjoy this one. What's not to love about strippers and chocolate.
Tom is the new boy in town and not only can he bake but he can strip as well, but Mary doesn't want his baked goods to put her out of business even if she does oogle his buns!

With it being a short story we didn't really get to know the characters but hopefully they will appear in series more. I just wish it was longer as I read it far too quickly

[Daisy Nijs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holiday short stories: this is the one you need.
I’ve read The Real Ms. Scrooge by Jackie Paxson.
Can you just imaging having the name Scrooge and all the jokes and pranks that come along?
But now, her best friend’s brother makes her see that the holidays can be good and that this can be one that’s the beginning of forever.
I still have many more to read, and just thinking about that, makes me want to snuggle under a blanket with some hot cocoa.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

From humorous to heartbreaking to unforgettable, Mistletoe & Markets is a collection of irresistible romance. Great authors and emotional stories, make for captivating romance.

Paxson pulls at the heartstrings with humor and romance. Ophelia Scrooge is Christmas at it's most endearing. An entertaining look at love, life and just maybe happily ever after. The Real Ms. Scrooge is classic.

[Amanda Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Grump

This is a review for Christmas Grump by L.A. Remenicky only. This is a sweet non-spicy short holiday story. Bryce and Noelle are trapped in a tiny house during a blizzard. Bryce is acts a grumpy butt head and they part ways angry. Bryce apologizes a few weeks later and they have a HEA.

[DS Book Promotions · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lose yourself in this holiday romance collection!
‘Tis the season to find trinkets, treats, and love at your favorite Christmas Market.

Loved this collection, some were new to me authors and some I have read previously. Together in this collection they have truly nailed the holiday spirit!
Awesome read!

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy lighthearted Christmas short stories. My Mistletoe Kiss by Annee Jones is just that. Her injection of humor into serious situations is amazing. The Real Ms. Scrooge by Jackie Paxson is a humorous look at a Christmas week gone bad, again, for Ebenezer's modern relative, who hates her name and the season. This is a collection of stories worth reading.

[Kalexreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for Christmas Grump by L.A. Remenicky. This was a cute and fun, sunshine/grump Christmas romance with a little forced proximity thrown in. It was low spice, but I still enjoyed it. It is written in 3rd person, though, which isn't my favorite to read.

[julie young · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the stories in this festive anthology is 'Creamed' by Linda G Hill. The antics of bakers Tom and Mary as they battle each other for the Christmas trade, had me laughing , especially with Tom's second job. A wonderfully festive , funny romance.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed so many of the stories in this bundle! Hot, entertaining and oh so Christmassy!
I absolutely loved the Real Ms. Scrooge by Jackie Paxon. The story had her usual humour, awkward situations and sexual tension that I just can't get enough of!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review for Rockin around the Mistletoe : -Christmas romance with bells on . Good romance , easy reading, perfect for the holidays
I also purchased the whole anthology and it’s an awesome Christmas collection

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and all of the stories that were in it. These short Christmas stories are just what you need to put you in the holiday spirit. If you enjoy Anthologies, this would be perfect for you to check out.

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic collection of short christmas stories. Ophelia Scrooge's story was a great read as we her find happiness.

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