Once Upon a Mistletoe Kiss

by Sammi Cee

There’s no place like home for the holidays…

Especially if you hate them and want to pretend they don’t exist.

When the older man moves in next door with his two loud children and irritating pets, I ignore them. I don’t want my life to change.

Except it does. Between him and his kids, someone’s always knocking on my door needing something.

Or wanting to share delicious baked goods or a meal. I don’t need nice neighbors. I don’t want people in my space—especially ones with small, dirty fingers and a million questions.

But there’s something about his smile. The twinkle in his eyes and his merry laugh when it comes to all things festive…

He’s making me wish and dream and hope for holiday magic and mistletoe kisses. He’s making me believe in family.

Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old

Genres: Christmas, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Holiday, LGBT, LGBT Romance

95 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2024

About the author

Sammi Cee was raised in a family of readers. Summer vacations consisted of a good book while sitting lakeside from as far back as she could remember. After growing up and having her own children, her appreciation of how the written word could transport you on an adventure, bring you to tears, or give you hope, took on a whole new meaning.

These days Sammi is watching her children develop into fine young ladies while doing the things she enjoys most: drinking coffee, eating chocolate, and writing her own stories.

Reviews

[Astrid Inge · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kort, saai, cliché.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect Christmas romance with an adorable grumpy neighbour, sexy single dad and Sammi Cee's low angst feels.
What I found fun about this is Adrian's grumpiness and his obliviousness in regards to Victor and his subtle dating charms. Victor has always been drawn to a grumpy person and Adrian definitely ticks that box. It's entertaining to read their getting to know you moments with Adrian being unaware of what's really going on. Marissa and Jeremy bring the personality that only young children can, even when one is eight going on eighteen. Goldie is also a fabulous addition to the family and just as important in getting Adrian included in feeling the love.
It's a perfect family romance, with everyone involved being on great terms, no angst included, apart from Adrian's mum. We just don't like her.
Cannot recommend enough!!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Christmas !

Merry Christmas !
Victoria and his two kids moved, Jeremy 6 and Marissa was 8, as they settled into the new home before Christmas.

They meet the grumpy neighbor, Adrian, and hope he’ll learn to relax and be friendly.

Victor started with a walk everyday, which lead to talking a friendly truce.

We learn of Adrian’s childhood, and they have him over for Christmas fun.
The romance moves slowly, and deep feelings turn to more.

The epilogue is a terrific update.
ENJOY!

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[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sammi Cee. Her books are always so incredibly sweet without becoming sickening. I love a grumpy/ sunshine story. It’s usually the big older guy who’s the grump, but in this case it’s the younger character. I just wish this had been longer.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Showarst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Mistletoe Kiss by Sammi Cee was a sweet low-angst Christmas story about a single dad who moves in next to a grumpy neighbor. Adrian was so adorable and grumpy that Victor could not help but be attracted to him. I loved how Victor and the kids tricked Adrian into going on dates until Adrian was a part of their lives. And how they finally gave Adrian the Christmas and love that he so desperately needed and wanted. So stinkin’ sweet. The kids were great and so was Goldie. The epilogue just cemented this as a great Christmas story.


I received an ARC from the author for my honest review

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect quick feel good holiday read. Adrian has accepted his life for what it is simple and isolated until his new neighbors move in. Victor, along with his dog and two kids take a shine to the grumpy neighbor and slowly add him to their lives. Adored that Adrian had separate relationships with each of the kids to show how different and special each of them are to him. With Victor's love, he's learns to accept he is loved and cherished even though his mother failed him on this at all sides.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Mistletoe Kiss by Sammi Cee is part of the Once Upon a Holiday Story series by multiple authors. This is the story of Adrian and Victor. I really loved their story. Their story was sexy, beautiful, full of emotions and so very well written.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sammi does such great found family festive reads. This was no different, loved the grumpy Adrian and how Victor and his little family wiggled their way through his defences.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Was given a copy of this book for an honest review **

Oh this novella really got me all tingly for the holiday season. In fact the weekend after reading this I brought up the Christmas decor and got to decoration. It was the perfect Grumpy/Sunshine trope and I was absolutely enamoured with the characters and storyline. I wanted to stay in this book for an eternity! It was just a bundle of Christmas fluff and it will leave you smiling ear to ear at the end! So let's get to it!

Dislikes:

It was too short!! lol! Only about 95 pages.. blissful pages, but only 95 none the less. I wanted more of it!!! But that isn't really a complaint because it's a fully fleshed story. And while it is insta-love, I never mind so much in a novella because there are only so many pages you can give to develop romance!

Likes:

Grumpy/Sunshine trope is literally one of my favourites!!! This also combined with hurt/comfort and I was all in my feels while reading. The 2 lead interests were a Dad (sunshine) of 2 kids who amicably separated (divorced) from is wife and was moving into a new home where he can properly split custody so his kids had some stability when staying with him. And an IT tech (Grump) with a sordid family past, who thought he just wanted a quiet life of solitude and to be left to his own devices. Unfortunately, his new neighbours have other plans.. well more like fortunately!!

Who I would recommend this to:

Everyone... and I mean EVERYONE who likes a good fluff romance! It was just so deliciously sweet of a quick read I hope a lot of people pick this up and read it to give themselves some good holiday cheer. Bonus for those who like the hurt/comfort or grumpy sunshine!

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author Once Upon A Holiday Story series. Each book is a standalone read. This holiday story is sure to put you into the holiday spirit. It is a fun and cute book. This is the story of Adrian and Victor. Adrian is a grumpy young man who would rather avoid peopling at all costs. He has his one and best friend Josh. As he works from home he prefers solitude, hence the reason he lives on the edge of town. His peace and quiet is shattered when Victor buys the house next door. Victor is divorced and has part time custody of his two adorable children. He and his ex-wife parted friends. When they first go next door to meet the new neighbor, Adrian panics and shuts the door in their face. Undaunted, the family keeps visiting Adrian and inviting him along. When their newly acquired dog falls completely for Adrian, his fate is sealed. Adrian just doesn't know it yet. Victor is a friendly and outgoing man. He is not put off by Adrian's grumpy demeanor in the least. Especially when he sees the hurt in Adrian's eyes that he tries to hide from everyone. He knows that Adrian uses grumpy for protection. Victor and his kids don't plan to stop until Adrian is theirs. This is their story. The book is very well written and easy to read. Each interaction between families entrenched me in the story more and more. I loved this book. This is a quick and heartwarming read.

I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cee’s got a lovely story and warmhearted ending. A win for the season.

Rating: 4🌈

Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss by Sammi Cee is another story in the Christmas series, Once Upon a Holiday, a 8-novel multi author holiday offering.

Cee’s story is low angst, sweet, full of found family and holiday romance, wrapped up in about 95 pages.

Grumpy work from home IT guy gets new neighbors, divorced dad with adorable kids, great ex wife, and cute dog. A reluctant relationship develops between them and it turns into a happy family, finally at Christmas.

The connection to all the books in this series is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library or bookstore ,depending on the book , on wheels owned by Jane and Cybil, two old ladies in love. It’s a brief element here. Didn’t need it except that’s it’s part of the series theme.

Cee’s got a lovely story and warmhearted ending. A win for the season.

Cover design by Kelly York

Once Upon a Holiday series - 8 books:
Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King
Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss by Sammi Cee
Once Upon a Holiday Vacation by Annabella Michaels
Once Upon a Lullaby Lane by K York
Once Upon a Christmas Con by Skylar M Cates
Once Upon A Christmas Song by Mary Calmes
Once Upon a Yuletide Romance by RJ Peterson
Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice by R L Merrill

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the older man moves in next door with his two loud children and irritating pets, Adrian ignores them. He doesn’t want his life to change. Except it does. Between Victor and his kids, someone’s always knocking on his door needing something. Or wanting to share delicious baked goods or a meal. He doesn’t need nice neighbours. He doesn’t want people in his space - especially ones with small, dirty fingers and a million questions. But there’s something about Victor's smile. The twinkle in his eyes and his merry laugh when it comes to all things festive… He’s making Adrian wish and dream and hope for holiday magic and mistletoe kisses. He’s making him believe in family.

This was a really sweet story as Victor and his kids broke down all of Adrian's walls and gave him the family he didn't know he needed. I loved Adrian's relationship with the kids and that it was individual to each child. Victor was a gentle man but very determined to win Adrian over. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy/Sunshine, Single Dad who co- parents with his ex, Found Family, Hurt/Comfort.

This story was absolutely adorable! I loved reading about Adrian and Victor, and how Victor was determined to learn more about his grumpy neighbor. I found this story to be so sweet and full of found family goodness, along with holiday cheer. The Traveling Book Nook's appearance added an extra touch of Christmas magic to the story which helped give Adrian perspective on just how much he truly cares for Victor, Jeremy, and Marissa.

Even though Adrian was a grump in the beginning towards the kids and towards Victor, gradually overtime he let his guard down and let himself get to know the adorable family that moved next door. As Victor and Adrian spent more time together, these two men got to learn more about each other and form a solid connection with one another. And Adrian's relationship with both of the kids was just adorable!

All in all this is an excellent short Holiday story full of new beginnings.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable

Adrian is a grumpy introvert.
He doesn't enjoy people, pets or children.
Well, he hits the trifecta when his hot new neighbor Victor moves in with his two children, Jeremy and Marissa.
The dog, Goldie shows up a few days later and immediately falls in live with him.
Victor thinks Adrian is the cutest thing ever and he and his family slowly insert themselves into his life.
Suddenly, Adrian is talking walks with the dog and getting involved with children.
Bewildered, because no one has ever truly wanted to be with him, he has to call his best friend Josh to talk things over.
While explaining the strange situation, he comes to the realization that he's been roped into a relationship without his knowledge.
These two were so cute, and the children and dog were absolutely essential to tricking Adrian.
Victor also got to the root of Adrian pushing people away.
His mother was a very selfish woman who never had time for him or ever truly saw him.
Thankfully he's able to begin healing because he's surrounded by love.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
A delightful holiday read, this was so fun and sweet. I love grumpy characters and Adrian is an amazing grump. I loved that he is just so surly about pretty much everything. His new neighbor Victor also loves grumps and is absolutely charmed by Adrian. Adrian, the grump, is really lonely and has allowed himself to become nearly invisible in his life. I adored how Victor sweetly and sneakily coaxed Adrian out of his isolation, it was really so lovely. This book is also a bit of a unicorn, for me anyway. First, it has kids in it that aren’t obnoxiously precocious- Jeremy and Marissa embracing their dad and Adrian’s relationship was a personal highlight. I also loved that Victor and his ex have so much love and kindness still between them - Mary was a great ex wife character - a real rarity. A perfect quick holiday read, loved it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this one crept up on me

I've read quite a lot of Christmas romances already these last few weeks and, to be honest, they've been a mixed bag so my expectations have been massively lowered, sadly.
After this, I'm full of Christmas cheer, thanks to Sammi. At just shy of a hundred pages, this is such a heartwarming story. With no angst between the two men, nor with the neighbour's ex, nor with his two kids, Adrian and Victor's was just a big hug full of warmth and love.
Adrian had reason to be grumpy, bless him, and I loved how Victor and the kids sneaked under his radar until he was a part of their family without even realising it. Adrian's relationship with the two kids was special and individual to each of them, which was a really important part of the story. He truly bonded with them both and with the family dog too, despite himself.
An absolutely lovely story to curl up with and fall in love with all the characters, and the epilogue was the icing on the Christmas cake.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of Adrian and Victor is so sweet and lovable, it just made me feel good the whole time I was reading it. Adrian was so grumpy and withdrawn, protecting himself from being hurt, but Victor and his children didn’t give up, and wormed their way into his heart. He had so much love to give, and he found a family that accepted him and loved him back, wholeheartedly.

This is the second book I have read in this Once Upon A Holiday Story series, tied together by The Hook’s Traveling Book Nook and the proprietors Cybil and Jane. I noticed, too, that there is a cat associated with the two women showing up for the couples in both stories. This series is a really feel good introduction to the holiday season, with entertaining and engaging stories and characters, sure to keep you smiling as you immerse yourself in each book.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standalone novella. Grumpy/sunshine. Age gap. Single dad. Found family. Dual POV.

Adrian is happy with his solitary existence, working from home and having a house a little farther removed from its neighbors, until the only house next to his has a new family and they just won’t leave him alone. At first Victor and his two children are just being friendly, but the more time Victor spends with Adrian he knows he wants to woo the younger man, even if Adrian has no clue.

I really enjoyed that there was an equal portion of time spent with just Adrian and Victor as there was with Adrian’s interactions with Victor’s children. Adrian doesn’t change in his grumpiness and doesn’t need to, Victor sees him underneath all the gruffness. Such a lovely story for a quick read and it really brought the romance and holidays while bringing together two men and a found family. 4.5 rounded up

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and sweet grumpy/sunshine story

This is a really fun grumpy/sunshine story where the holiday spirit helps a divorced father woo his grumpy people hating next door neighbor and return him to life after the years he’s spent protecting himself from the hurt and rejection caused by his mother.

Adrian is less than thrilled when he spots new neighbors moving in next door. He’s even more annoyed when he discovers there are children and when they then come knocking on his door. He just wants to be left alone in his fairly isolated house. He doesn’t people. But Victor and his children, with the help of their dog Goldie decide that’s just not going to happen. What follows is the tale of a gradual breaking down of barriers and the re-introduction into society of a grumpy young man who really just doesn’t “want to be alone.” Sweet and fun.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming holiday romance, Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss tells the story of Adrian, a grumpy recluse whose quiet life is upended when Victor, a widowed father of two, moves in next door with his lovable dog, Goldie.

Despite Adrian’s efforts to keep his distance, Victor’s charm, his kids’ infectious energy, and Goldie’s unwavering affection slowly melt his icy exterior. Through brownies, snowy walks, and shared laughter, Adrian finds himself drawn into their world—and to Victor.

With tender romance, delightful humor, and a dash of Christmas magic, this feel-good story is a perfect holiday treat.

I received an advanced review copy from the author for free and leaving this review voluntarily.

Monica

[Jennifer Laber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful Christmas novella! I loved the whole thing, the story, the pets, each and every character. For a grump/sunshine trope, Adrian was a whole new level of grumpy. I adored that this was the very reason he was perfect for Victor. And Victor and his kids were everything Adrian never knew he needed.

Jeremy and Marissa were their own little grump/sunshine combo, and their own little “love story” with Adrian was too perfect.

I was thrilled this was a novella because I don’t think I could have waited any longer for the build-up to Adrian’s realization that Victor was worth it. I couldn’t have said it better than Victor did when he thought, “Was this what happened when kissing under the mistletoe? If so, then I’d been missing out.”

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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A shorty but oh so good. I love the cheery dad and the grumpy younger neighbour. It made for some adorable interactions.

I can totally picture Adrian, slightly bewildered, trying to figure out how he’s gotten himself into this situation!

Victor is a wonderful man, with some awesome kids who are so warm and thoughtful. And their journey to a lovely blended family is superb.

If you are looking for a quick holiday read to make you warm and fuzzy, this is it.

[Becky A · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Once Upon a Mistletoe" received THREE stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrian and Victor story was sweet and endearing with a bit of magic cheer and holiday spirit.
I liked how grumpy Adrian came out of his shell as he spent more time with Victor, his kids, and their dog.
Their interactions were endearing, with a bit of caution from Adrian thanks to his trauma of being neglected.
I adored how Adrian was accepted as part of the family, the friends they made, and the growth that happened thanks to attention, love, and care.
It was a sweet, slow burn story that brings happiness for those that seek it.

[Kathy Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sammi Cee’s contribution to the Once Upon a Holiday story is absolutely precious. This grumpy-sunshine, single dad, next-door neighbor, holiday tale has all the warmth and comfort of hot chocolate on a cold winter night. I adored Victor and Adrian and their crew, and I especially love the element of successful co-parenting. I don’t know what that’s always a bright spot for me, but it is. I am usually not a big fan of multi-author series, but this one makes it tempting to read the rest of the books in this series.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

If you're looking for a quick holiday read to warm your heart and make the grumpy neighbor believe in holiday magic, look no further than Sammi Cee's Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss, part of the Once Upon a Holiday multi-author series. It balanced humour, holidays, the relationship between Adrian & Victor, but also with Victor's kids and of course a new family pup. There was just enough resistance between Adrian and the neighbors to be believable without it overwhelming the story, which I liked because it
veers away from so many insta-love holiday stories.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet read. Adrian doesn’t like peopling and works at home doing IT. One day he notices that a family was moving in next door. When Victor and his kids came to Adrian’s door to introduce themselves, he basically slammed the door in their face. As time went on, Victor got Adrian to come for walks with them to take their dog for walks. This is the start of the book where they went from friends to loves and more. Loved how Victor accepted Adrian as is and how his kids loved Adrian too. Great sweet Christmas read.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful sweet story! I absolutely adored how Victor and the kids just incorporated grumpy Adrian right into their little family without him really knowing! Adrian just thought everyone and everything was weird which was so funny! I felt so bad for Adrian though and I’m glad Victor and the kids showed him how a true family was! This was just such a sweet and heartwarming story! I very much enjoyed from beginning to end and I very highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Mistletoe Kiss is Sammi Cee's contribution to the multiauthor Once Upon a Holiday Story series. It's a sweet, quick read about a sunshiny single dad and his kids moving in next door to a grumpy, anti Christmas guy. Victor and his kids and the family dog slowly bond with Adrian, and he's drawn into the family before he realizes it. A fun bit of Christmas fluff. Low angst. A short read, but Cee fills it with sunshine and good cheer.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.