Madeleine’s Mistletoe Meet Cute

by Ellie Hall

View All Books
I RECOMMEND!

Summary

I’m a ghostbaker—covertly making Christmas cookies for the dough-challenged—and a virtual assistant on the side. When an impossibly attractive guy in flannel kisses me under the mistletoe, sparks fly, then fizzle. He’s my boss.

Maddie
You know the saying, “Things are coming up roses”? More like they’re last year’s wilted and withered poinsettias. To cap off a series of unfortunate events, I accidentally sent my boss another client’s content. He didn’t find the first kiss quote social media graphic amusing. Despite never meeting face-to-face, I doubt anything could make the grumbler smile.

However, when I get a cookie baking contract in a charming small town, I can’t help but think this is my big chance to pay off Gran’s medical bills. Then I realize I’m competing with the Stone’s Coal Co., my boss’s business.

Duffy
My mother fancies herself Mrs. Claus. She and her merry band of matchmaking elves are determined to find me “The One.” Home for the holidays, the “Not-The-One” who single-handedly ruined me for romance, is at the company holiday party. Acting rashly, I kiss a cute woman under the mistletoe. When our lips touch, it’s nothing short of a Christmas miracle. But it turns out she’s my virtual assistant.

Instead of stomping on the brakes, we go on a fake dating spree, resulting in entering the Annual Christmas Charity Bake & Bazaar Auction. I tell myself that after the oven timer dings, it’ll be over. But I’m tangled in tinsel as secrets and lies pile up.

Even if we leave Santa cookies, I have a feeling if we keep up the charade, we’ll end up with coal in our stockings. But can we somehow make it work and land on the “Good List?”

[summary provided by GoodReads]
Published:
Genre:
Subgenre:
Format:
Series:#4 in Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs Collection
GoodReads:4.05
My Score:
Spice:None

My Review

This adorable, clean, closed-door romcom short story is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! Set in the charming town of North Pole, Alaska, it’s brimming with wintery vibes, holiday cheer, and festive descriptions that beautifully capture the magic of the season.

With grumpy/sunshine and fake dating—two of my favorite romance tropes—this story delivered plenty of fun. Maddie and Duffy’s banter was sharp and playful, their tender moments tugged at my heartstrings, and the chemistry between them sizzled without venturing into graphic territory, which I appreciated. Plus, Maddie’s Chorkie, Pop Tart, was the sweetest little companion.

If you’re a fan of holiday puns, cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, and fast-paced stories, this quick read will be right up your alley. While it felt a bit too condensed at times, I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it—the engaging plot, cozy setting, lovable characters, heartwarming romance, and festive charm. I only wish it had been a full-length novel!

This story is part of the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series, a collection of 13 sweet, closed-door romance novellas, each featuring its own cookie recipe. Best of all, they’re all available on Kindle Unlimited!

**This book is part of a holiday romance real-time reaction episode, which you can listen to here.