Cruel Winter With You - 4
What a fun little novella. Ali did a great job at helping the reader really get to know the characters and their history in such a short amount of time. There was tension and longing, and I could feel their chemistry.

- Forced proximity
- Snowed in
- Best friends brother
- Women in stem

Merry Ever After - dnf

Much too much. Skipped to the epilogue, and don’t think I was missing out on anything.

All by my Elf - 3

Definitely some funny/quirky moments in this, but also don’t recommend “recreational activities” in the back of an Oscar Meyer Weenie while stuck in traffic.

- Laugh out loud
- Secret crushes
- Communication

Merriment and Mistletoe - 4

Probably my favorite short story in this series. Firefighter saving a not burning kitchen, then being there for all the random mishaps in between. We got to organically see them run into each other and slowly fall.

- Gingerbread cookies
- Firefighters
- Damsel in distress

Only Santas in the Building - 3.5

Okay, this one was sweet. The spice wasn’t too overpowering, and Theo was so sweet! I liked that he offered to help her with problems in her apartment no questions asked, and even offered his nicer kitchen to her. The neighbors pushing them together was also sweet. Not super memorable, but overall a cute story.

- Secret Santa
- Neighbors
- Insta-Love
- Apartment building parties

I was interested to read a holiday book this year and this seemed like a fun choice. Under the Mistletoe was a fun quick read and perfect for this time of year. I love short stories but I’ve never read romance short stories or any of these authors before. This anthology featured some stories that I enjoyed more than others but all five were quick reads. I liked the varied characters from doctor to farmer to single Mom to firefighter and the various settings from Texas to the Seattle area. By the fifth story it was not surprising to encounter another male giant. I’m curious if these author’s novels are better than these short stories.

Seriously this was a hilarious good time. All of the stories had a spicy tale of attraction during Christmas Time. I enjoyed the laughs and cutesiness from each storyteller's unique perspective. Each novella gave something different each time. Some authors I've read before and some I'll be adding to my near future tbr's. Great way to introduce multiple authors in this genre.

Thanks again Tandem Collective, Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

A wonderful collection for this time of year! The stories are different enough to never get bored. The narrators are very engaging. Definitely recommend the audiobook over the ebook. I discovered this collection as a fan of Ali Hazelwood, but I stayed for the rest of the authors I wasn’t familiar with.

This was a quick, fun listen. I've never read anything from Ali Hazelwood, but I've wanted to. This book has convinced me to read more from her!

Okay so I enjoyed book 1 & 4 the most, rated them 4.5 stars! Absolutely loved them so much!!

I didn’t enjoy Tessa Baileys book 2 ⭐️

Book 1 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Absolutely adored this book!! It had everything I wanted from Christmas to the banter, the smut, the everything. Swooning, second chance, childhood friends to lovers, filled with love and laughter which is exactly what I wanted in a Christmas book!

Book 2 - ⭐️⭐️
Book 3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨

Cruel Winter With You:
Oh my gosh this was my favorite of the whole collection! I adored these two characters and I would have loved a whole book about them. The pining was top-tier and the angst was absolutely delicious. The prose was also very funny. I found it cute and heartfelt. Definitely recommend checking this one out if you're looking for something quick and festive!

Merry Every After:
This was too instalovey for me. These characters needed more time to develop a satisfying connection. As it was the main things we know are that Evie is a single mom and Luke is so huge he can't fit into any pants. That would have been fine if the ending was a HFN but instead the author tried to shoot for a full HEA that just wasn't believable. I will say it was dual pov and the male narrator was absolutely delightful. His narration added some tension to the story for me which was very much appreciated.

All By My Elf:
This was so cute! I absolutely loved watching two coworkers get snowed in together and be forced to face their mutual pining. It was absolutely adorable and the narrator really brought out the silliness of the predicament of the situation they were in. It can be tricky to pace a short story but since these two were already close there was just enough room for some satisfying romantic admissions and some sexy times. I had a great time with this story!

Merriment and Mayhem:
This was a cute, steamy story. I wasn't as invested in these characters as I was for some of the other stories though. If you love a fireman story this one might be for you though. The narrator pulled me into a story I was otherwise just so-so on so props to them.

Only Santa's In the Building:
This was another one that didn’t quite hit the mark for me. There were too many Christmas puns for my personal taste and once again, not enough development for a satisfying story. The pining was fun and it was very cute and steamy. If you're looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit this could definitely be a quick way to achieve that. The narrator brought the quirky main character to life so I'd definitely recommend the audio for this one.

Ali Hazelwood’s short story is the only one of any note or proper substance. Fabulous character build, full of heart, and smart as always. An excellent romance in bite size form.

The rest of the short romances had great beginnings, with excellent ideas, but devolved into an orgy-like mess. There has to be something solid to back-up the sex! And if you’re looking for 80% sex and 20% plot and otherwise all boring, then this is the collection for you. But even I, a lover of naughty, thought it was totally unbalanced. Tessa Bailey’s was so OTT that I was snorting at the horrible dirty talk, which is unfortunate because I loved the characters in the beginning.

Basically, I’d happily recommend Hazelwood’s part in this but give the rest a miss. Then go check out the other author’s full length novels instead, where they shine better.

This is such a fantastic collection of holiday romance stories by a few of my favorite authors. I enjoyed them all and especially the way they drew me in. Though they are novellas, the emotion felt like full length novels and I loved the humor mixed with charming characters and of course love.

These were cute, quick reads. Some I liked more than other but they were all 3-4 stars for me. I found a few new authors to read which is great

This was a fun collection of short holiday stories by different authors. I did enjoy each of these reads but the first was my favorite!

𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐢 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★★

This was such a sweet story and the only one in the series that I was wishing was longer! I loved the forced proximity, best friends brother and childhood friends themes that made this such a fun read. I loved that the two characters were snowed in and had to face their reality with on another.

𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★

This cute story of a single mom who stumbles across a big burly man who is in need of some pants that fit and she just happens to be able to make him the perfect pair. I thought the way they met and the story line was sweet, I enjoyed the desire each character had for each other but the characters and some of the things that occurred made the story a little hard to feel believable.

𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐲 𝐄𝐥𝐟 𝐛𝐲 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐝𝐞
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★

This was a fun story of two colleagues who are stranded in a blizzard together. I did enjoy this novella overall but unfortunately the miscommunication and rush to wrap all the story cut things a bit short for me. It wasn’t my favorite of the series.

𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐮𝐫
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★

I love the overall theme of this story. A damsel in distress and a hot firefighter at her rescue for each instance. I enjoyed the characters connection and chemistry. Many of the stories events that took place and things that happened again were just so far fetched so it was hard to really connect with the story.

𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★★★

This novella was a great way to end this series. I loved that the relationship took place between two neighbors. I also enjoyed the fun between the other neighbors. I found some of the moments that were meant to be funny a bit awkward and landed a bit wrong. But overall this was a sweet holiday read to wrap up this series.

This was such a fun Christmas short story anthology!

I loved all of the different short stories. I'm excited that I listened to some new to me authors that I will now regularly check out.

Even though each audiobook was different, they all had a running theme of holiday cheer and left me laughing, smiling and really looking forward to Christmas.

My favorite was probably Tessa Bailey's story. I love all of her dirty talking heroes with their everyman appeal.

I enjoyed the narration for all of the audiobooks and felt the narrators tone matched the characters quite well.

All and all this is a wonderful little collection of Christmas love that I would listen to every year.

Oh my gosh all of these were just absolutely adorable! I loved every single one of them, and what a way to get in the holiday spirit!

These are all quick and spicy stories with a sprinkle of festive fun for the holidays. It’s a fun way to get a little sample of 5 different authors. Because these are short just know they don’t have a lot of story to them, so I think if expectations are right going in they will be enjoyed.

Listed below ⬇️ in order of my preference:

𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠: Merriment and Mayhem
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: Alexandria Bellefleur
𝘼𝘽 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Amelie Griffin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This Christmas, a hot fireman makes a holiday rescue and sparks fly in this funny, sexy holiday short story.
______
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠: Only Santas in the Building
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: Alexis Daria
𝘼𝘽 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Ruby Corazon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially for a comic book illustrator whose late-night fantasies become real in a festive and flirty short story
______
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠: Cruel Winter with You
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: Ali Hazelwood
𝘼𝘽 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Vivienne LaRue
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For two former childhood friends, a blustery winter storm stirs some frosty—and scorching—memories.
______
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠: Allison By My Elf
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: Olivia Dade
𝘼𝘽 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Andi Arndt
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Secret crushes, spicy Christmas treats, heinous holiday traffic, and a fateful snowstorm bring good friends together in a funny, heartfelt short story.
______
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠: Merry Ever After
𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: Tessa Bailey
𝘼𝘽 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨: Summer Morton & Connor Crais
⭐️⭐️💫

A single mother working in a thrift store. A gentle giant farmer who can’t find jeans that fit. When opposites attract, they find themselves making alterations in more ways than one.

⭐️🎄⛄️🎅⭐️🎄⛄️🎅⭐️🎄⛄️🎅⭐️🎄⛄️🎅⭐️

This is a fantastic collection of holiday romance shorts from some of my favorite authors. I especially enjoyed the stories from Ali Hazelwood and Olivia Dade. I hadn’t read any Alexis Daria yet and plan to now because her short story was such a delight!

I love all this stories so much! They were cozy and fun and spicy, some more than others of course and some ideas were better developed during the short space they had than others but every single one was a great Christmas read!!! My favorite though are probably Ali’s or Alexandra’s but I truly enjoyed them all!

This was not the best collection, I only truly enjoyed book 1 from Ali and book 4 from Alexandria, the others were truly not it. Tessa was absolutely horrible, there was nothing good about it. Thank god for those 2 authors that actually had good stories and characters.

The *Under the Mistletoe* collection is a holiday treat for romance fans, bringing together stories by some of today's hottest authors with charming seasonal backdrops. I love that Amazon has created these seasonal collections—it started with the Valentine's Day Meet Cute Collection, and now they’re gifting us with this festive holiday set. It’s a brilliant way to sample each author’s style to see if it works for you. I listened to all the audiobooks and thoroughly enjoyed the immersive narration and cozy holiday vibes throughout. And yes, I definitely have a favorite!

Individual Story Highlights:

1. Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
Narrated by Vivienne LaRue

Ali Hazelwood delivers a sweet and sexy story of unrequited love finally blossoming between childhood friends. Marc, now a successful tech millionaire, has held a torch for Jamie, his older sister's best friend, since they were kids. Jamie, a pediatrician, lets her guard down to admit her feelings have grown too. The chemistry is genuine, making for a swoon-worthy winter romance.

2. Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
Narrated by Summer Morton & Connor Crais

True to Tessa Bailey’s style, this one is packed with her classic pairing: a smol, single-mom heroine and a tall, gentle giant of a hero. Evie and Luke make an endearing duo, with Luke’s caretaking nature shining through. The only downside? The frequent mentions of Luke’s impressive stature were a bit repetitive, but their warmth and chemistry made it a cozy read.

3. All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
Narrated by Andi Arndt

Olivia Dade brings her humor and heart to this quirky forced-proximity story between two adjunct college professors working on a holiday side gig—aboard a “mincemeat mobile.” William, the soft-hearted hero, has quietly pined for Nina, who happens to feel the same way. Dade’s knack for balancing humor with emotional depth makes this one a standout.

4. Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
Narrated by Amelie Griffin

With a touch of Christmas chaos, Everleigh tries to keep her grandmother’s traditions alive while selling the family home. From kitchen fires to rescue missions, her plans unravel hilariously until firefighter Griffin Brantley steps in. This story is super fun, delightfully sexy, and captures a cozy holiday spirit. If only it had been a few pages longer!

5. Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
Narrated by Ruby Corazon*

Evie, a comic book illustrator, is on deadline but finds herself navigating an adorable crush on her upstairs neighbor, Theo. This sweet and slow-burn romance is filled with mutual pining and respect. Both dealing with the loss of their grandmothers, they connect over shared grief, making for a heartfelt and festive love story.

Overall Thoughts:
Each story in Under the Mistletoe brought its own holiday magic and swoon-worthy moments, offering readers a delightful escape into the season of joy, second chances, and love. Whether you’re a longtime fan of these authors or trying them for the first time, this collection is a perfect holiday treat! I did not love the Tessa Bailey offering it was so-so. I do think Olivia Dade and Alexia Daria steal the show. Both of those books were outstanding!

Short, sweet, and spicy ! If you are looking for a holiday audiobook that’s going to make you happy and blush, this is the book for you. All the stories keep you entertained and the jollyness of Christmas just tied everything together.

Under the Mistletoe was a cute collection of holiday novellas. I enjoyed the narration of each story. I will recommend this audiobook to my bookstagram account so people will listen to it this holiday season.

Thank you for the advance listening copy!