A very lovely collection of holiday novellas that I would recommend to my colleagues at school or the oldest students. It would not be part of the education but very well a part of our school library and the holiday themed section of the library. It was good and I enjoyed Ali Hazelwoods specifically. Thank you for the opportunity to read this!

Loved this short series of novellas! Each author brought something so cute and unique to the table. What a cosy and perfect read just in time for the holiday season!

Say yes to the Mistletoe.

I can highly recommend this five book collection by five highly talented authors.
It totally got me in the mistletoe mood.
Highly recommend.

As soon as I saw Ali Hazelwood and Tessa Bailey I knew that I had to have these. The other three were new to me authors, and while I still enjoyed them, they didn't come close to the first two for me. These novellas are the perfect short stories to get you in the mood for the holiday season. Also really appreciated that these were spicy!!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own.

Overall, this collection of novellas was super fun, easy to read, and moderately paced! I think there’s a good variety of different stories and protagonists here, so at least one of these short stories is bound to appeal to someone. I also loved that I was able to read something from a few authors I had never tried before, and in doing so I got a glimpse into their writing style all wrapped in a Christmas themed plot. It was a great way to start the holidays. Below are my brief reviews for every individual novella:

Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood - 4 stars
Such a strong start for the collection! I loved these characters and thought their story was engaging from beginning to end. Marc did seem a bit strange to me during some parts, but nothing to steer me completely away from his relationship with Jamie. I felt like the Christmas element was the least at the forefront in this novella, but it still captured the winter spirit.

Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey - 5 stars
I absolutely loved this! Tessa is one of my favorite authors for her fun, flirty, and out-of-pocket-but-still-hilarious dialogue, and none of that was spared here. Both Luke and Evie were likable protagonists with great chemistry and a story that really encapsulated the holiday spirit.

All by My Elf by Olivia Dade - 2 stars
Unfortunately, I didn’t love this novella as much as I hoped I would. The beginning of the story is extremely confusing, because the thought of them driving in a wiener mobile was never going to cross my mind. From then on I was hopeful that the characters would pick up the story for me, but I didn’t find myself connecting or loving either of them. Nina, specifically, had me more frustrated than amused. The ending was also unsatisfying for me as I felt we got a trauma dump of William hating his job and feeling totally stuck, but didn’t find a solution to that problem. I will say that this is the most unique premise in the entire collection, and I think for the right person they could appreciate that enough to overlook some of its flaws.

Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur - 5 stars
Wow, I can’t say enough good things about this novella! This is the first piece I’ve ever read from Alexandria and it’s totally convinced me to pick up their other books. Everything was so enjoyable - the premise, characters, setting, use of the holidays. I loved it all. I laughed so hard while reading this and truly had the time of my life. Griffin also became one of my top book boyfriends of the year. Crazy, considering he only got 58 pages to shine (I want more!). Seriously, I loved this novella so much and wish it was an entire novel because I couldn’t get enough.

Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria - 2 stars
I think my review here might come down to personal preference, because the very long use of internal monologue at the beginning of this novella is what really took me out of its story. It was a while before we got any REAL chunk of dialogue, and by that time I was bit bored because I couldn’t connect to any of the characters. Personally I didn’t feel they had much chemistry, although I can admit that there were a few cute moments. Overall, I just don’t think this one was for me.

All things considered, I did have fun reading these novellas, and would give the entire collection 3.75 stars (rounded to four).

The Under the Mistletoe Collection features holiday novellas from romance authors Ali Hazelwood, Tessa Bailey, Olivia Dade, Alexandria Bellefleur, and Alexis Daria. They are all under 75 pages long and that's really the sweet spot for novellas like these. We are not getting deep here; this are an easy, good time. HEA with some spice!

Cruel Winter with You - Ali Hazelwood

Cruel Winter with You is about Jamie and Marc. Marc is Jamie's best friend's younger brother, and he has been in love with her for forever. He's tried to shoot his shot a few times without success. We learn through some time jumps why she is hesitant and what he thinks he needs to do to get her to take a chance. A winter storm knocks out the 5 they end up in a forced proximity situation that will make them finally communicate. Part of the conflict felt a little silly (check your voicemail!), but it's resolved.

Merry Ever After - Tessa Bailey

This novella is so very Tessa. If you follow her on socials, you know that she occasionally will mention a plot bunny and explain how that insanity would continue. This feels like one of those bunnies. A farmer who is so big he rips pants in the thrift shop, and the employee makes him special pants? I think I actually snorted. Just go for the ride. Also, shout out to a down bad man who isn't afraid of a single mom.

All by My Elf - Olivia Dade

Why are they essentially in a holiday themed repurposed weenie mobile? 🧐 Co-workers, forced proximity, and explicit conversations about consent. Just go with it; it's under 60 pages.

Merriment and Mayhem - Alexandria Bellefleur

Everleigh is legitimately a safety hazard. Griffin literally and figuratively comes to save the day. Shenanigans ensue. Quick and easy!

Only Santas in the Building - Alexis Daria

Only Santas in the Building is about Theo and Evie, who both live in the same building. Someone keeps leaving Evie handmade ornaments, but she doesn't know who. A Santa themed party brings them together. It's another one you kind of have to just go with. We are talking about a holiday romp under 75 pages here. Quick and easy!


Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit with your reading and don’t want to jump into a big novel, try any of these 5 novellas!!!

This collect on Amazon has 5 amazing stories from 5 incredible authors! I can’t pick a favorite out of these because I loved each one so much!

If you haven’t read these authors, I think this collection is a great place to start! These stories are short and sweet with some spice!

Grab your coziest blanket, cuddle up on the couch with your kindle (and your pets!) and read these 5 holiday novellas!

Five sexy & sweet short stories set around Christmas…say less. These were all fun, quick reads and I enjoyed all of them. Perfect little snippets to get in the holiday spirit!

A very cute and heartwarming collection of holiday short stories that definitely made my days brighter. I honestly can’t even choose which one was my favorite!

CRUEL WINTER WITH YOU:

3.00!

I mean it was fine 🙁 nothing special. There was like one cute scene that's why this is a two. Usually when I read Ali Hazelwoods books I enjoy them so much but that feeling wasn't here. Maybe short stories aren't for her. :(

MERRY EVER AFTER:

0.50!

And then Tessa goes and spoils it all by saying something stupid like:

• "I tell him he's daddy and my pussy needs his come."

• "what's this little dress called" "Get the straps down and show me them tits" (its so bad it hurts)

• "Why was I so turned on watching him eat his fourth grilled cheese?" (This isn't acomaf 🙏🏻)

• " 'How hard are you going to make me pump.'

Hard as you want.
Wreck me forever.
Daddy." (Pls stop 👹)

• "They don't make jeans that fit me and they don't make women that fit me" ( 😟)

• "I've never had pants that fit me." (Bitch bffr 😭)

•"Can he see me clenching through this denim. Good gravy, am I attracted to him" (ok Geraldine and second interaction btw)

• "And the fact that she already has a man should make me ashamed that I fucked my fist to the thoughts of her bent over. Yet in my fantasies, I've had her all over town since the first time I saw her."

ALL BY MY ELF:

2.45!

it was like 40 pages and the basic summary would be: The girl thinks the guy is dating her best friend (how she doesn't know that he's not actually the best friends bf I will never know because like?? She's your bestie. So she finds out that he isn't and then they have sex 😭 that's it)

I honestly liked the valentine novellas better 😭 this one was better than the last one but not as cute as the first one. I liked the nerdy MMC but I honestly didn't feel anything 😝 a tad bit cute, I feel it could've been like the Abby Jimenez one without the spice because again just 40 pages.

MERRIMENT AND MAYHEM:

3.75!

This is what I was looking for in these novellas. This was so cute and also steamy at the same time, it's very short but the banter and the chemistry comes to the two main characters so naturally and I overall enjoyed it so much!! I'm happy that after two disappointments this one was better!!

ONLY SANTAS IN THE BUILDING:

2.75!

It was mid ☹️ it could have been wayy better but it wasn't. There were like one or two cute scenes but that was it. This collection was a miss mostly 😔 so yeah not happy.

Rating for the series
• Cruel winter with you: 3.00
• Merry ever after: 0.50
• All by my elf: 2.45
• Merriment and mayhem: 3.75
• Only Santa's in the building: 2.75

Overall rating: 2.49

Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood

I won't share my real thoughts about this one because I'll be too mean. I don't like Ali Hazelwoods writing.

Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey

Classic Tessa Bailey. That's all I'll say. This book is classic Tessa Bailey.

All by Elf by Olivia Dade

This one had all the Christmas spirit that I love. I thought it was a lovely quick rid novella with all the christmas cheer.

Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

It was there, it was something. I did not like it and I hated how it ended. It was too quick for me.

Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Perfection. I loved this passionately. The tension was there since the moment we meet him. I thought it was so cute and I can't wait for Christmas.

Pub date Nov 12.

Great collection of holidays novella. This was a fun, quick, and cute stories. My favorite is Ali and Tessa's book. Overall rating was 3.5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the eARC.

Under the Mistletoe is exactly what you need to get in the mood for the holiday season. These stories are all written by assured romance writers, and their comfort in their craft shows.

They’re also all short stories, so you don’t always get a full HEA (and an HFN is often more believable in these cases). Some are comforting, some are humorous, and some are heartwarming. But there isn’t a bad story in the bunch.

Hazelwood uses the trapped-in-a-storm trope to build a charming romance with—of course—the heroine’s best friend’s brother. I really enjoyed Bailey’s story of a single mom and the huge man who makes her feel safe. All by My Elf has lots of Dade’s trademark humor along with pointed commentary on the role of adjunct professors in education today. Bellefleur creates a grieving heroine who attracts all kinds of trouble, which keeps her running into a very helpful and considerate fireman. And Alexis Daria plays with a New York classic, the apartment building where the neighbors all know what’s happening between a couple before they do.

You can’t lose no matter what story you pick, so go ahead and get ready with these holiday delights!

I love these authors, and the holiday novellas they have written are so great!! All bringing their usual flair to their story, it’s a fun way to try new authors if you haven’t read any of their books before.

Arc review
Under the Mistletoe Collection
Cruel Winter With You @alihazelwood
Merry Ever After @tessabaileyisanauthor
All By My Elf @oliviadade
Merri-ment and Mayhem @a.m.bellefleur
Only Santas in the Building @alexisdaria

These novellas were so fun and cute! All of the MMCs of all sizes and occupations had me absolutely swooning. This was the perfect cozy read to start the holiday season.

You can read and listen to this collection for free on Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited on November 12th.

Thank you @netgalley and @amazonpublishing for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 Stars overall. I personally found them each a bit quick to the super spicy, which isn’t 100% my style. I like a little more build up to the moment, but this makes sense for the shorter medium.

Only Santas in The Building was my favourite story in the mix.

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.

Cruel Winter with You:
I just know this man took care of her med school debt and it didn't even make a dent in his bank account.
✧ 5 golden rings

Merry Ever After:
I don't need the christ in christmas but I do need there to be some semblance of christmas in a christmas novella.
✧ 3 French hens, the dirty talk was so uncouth and not in a good way

All By My Elf:
why was there a giant phallus and why wasn't it attached to the male love interest?
✧ 2 turtle doves, grown adults don't play never have I ever for fun with their colleagues

Merriment and Mayhem:
ladies, apparently all it takes is baking cookies and hand delivering them to your local fire department. go forth and prosper with this information.
✧ 4 calling birds

Only Santas in the Building:
the jon snow fan fiction I didnt know I needed
✧ 4 (and a half) calling birds

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for the eARC.

Under the Mistletoe is a short anthology containing five stories from Ali Hazelwood, Tessa Bailey, Olivia Dade, Alexandria Bellefleur, and Alexis Daria.

Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood: Cruel Winter With You had the trademarked Ali Hazelwood MMC, the one that is so in love with the FMC and it’s evident to literally everyone in the world but her. That is one of the many facets of my kryptonite. I loved that Marc was basically in love with Jamie from birth and that his feelings never wavered. I listened to this one as an audiobook as well, and I loved the cadence the narrator gave to the characters. I felt their emotions while listening.

Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey: A giant farmer that can’t find jeans that fit was kind of a weird plot IMO, and his dirty talk felt slightly out of character. But hey, still had a fun time.

All by My Elf by Olivia Dade: This might have been my favorite of the novellas. I loved the shy, professor William who is obviously crushing on his coworker, Nina. Forced proximity works in this story to make the characters communicate and confess their respective crushes…while stuck in a van in full stop traffic.

Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur: The most humorous of the novellas, Merriment and Mayhem was very low stakes. Who wouldn’t want a hot fireman to come save them from a disastrous cookie baking incident?

Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria: This one had some focus on grief, as Evie is struggling with wanting to decorate her tree after her grandmother’s passing. Her upstairs neighbor Theo, is there to help mitigate the holiday sadness and support her. Another sweet story featuring mutual crushes, so sweet for the holidays.

ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED. Thank you NetGalley, authors, and the publisher. I adored parts of every story!! Initially the interest came from Ali and Tessa but oh my god I like them all. Short, sweet, and steamy!

Overall this was a really fun and steamy collection of Christmas novellas! They're all super quick reads, and I think the entire anthology would be the perfect cozy book to pick up on a lazy afternoon. This collection of novellas includes:

Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood (4.5/5 stars)
Cruel Winter is a second chance romance between childhood friends, and by far my favorite novella in this anthology. Despite being shorter in length, it was so well-rounded that it read like a full-length novel...and I easily WOULD have read a full-length novel about these achingly sweet friends.

Read if you like:
- second chance romance
- childhood friends
- forced proximity (snow storm)
- miscommunication

Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey (4/5 stars)
Merry Ever After was like an absolutely over the top Lifetime holiday movie in the very best way. You know--as in "If this happened in real life I would file a restraining order, but since it's fiction it's a *chef's kiss*". A giant rugged farmer meets a single-mom who recently moved to a small town! She makes him jeans because he is TOO BIG for regular denim pants!

Read if you like:
- farmer MMC
- single mom FMC
- small town romance

All by My Elf by Olivia Dade (3/5 stars)
All by My Elf begs the question: What if the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile was actually a phallic mincemeat roll of phyllo dough driven by hot professors dressed like elves? That sentence was a rollercoaster, right?

Read if you like:
- coworkers (adjunct professors)
- forced proximity
- mutual pining

Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur (3/5)
An accident prone woman keeps having Christmas Vacation-esque holiday mishaps that require the assistance of a very hunky firefighter. You'll want to burn your cookies more frequently...

Read if you like:
- firefighter mmc
- rescue romance

Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria (4/5)
Someone has been leaving Christmas ornaments on Evie's doorknob like a sexy crow. A Christmas themed party in her apartment building, two meddling neighbors, and some mistletoe help her discover her secret Santa.

Read if you like:
- neighbors
- miscommunication
- mutual longing

I received an advanced copy of this e-book from NetGalley and Amazon. All opinions are my own.