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Married Under the Mistletoe
A fake wedding, a nosy magazine reporter, and an inn full of fake wedding guests… What could possibly go wrong?
I’ve never been a fan of chaos. I pride myself on being organized, professional, and honestly a little boring. Running my family’s inn is the best part of my day, and I look forward to the routine that comes with managing Deer Valley Inn.
Everything is going according to plan until the wedding of the holiday season cancels just days before the event. And if that wasn’t bad enough, it’s also days before the reporter for the biggest wedding magazine in the country is set to arrive in Springside. I know I have to do something. And that something turns out to be arranging my fake wedding to the inn’s chef in just three days.
Would it be easier to call the reporter and let her know the wedding is off? Definitely. But this magazine is our chance to find brides from across the country, and I can’t let the opportunity get away. Now, I have myself a pretend husband to be and a major secret to keep. So what if I’ve had a minor crush on him for months, and he’s quite possibly the hottest man alive?
Can we pull off the deception of the decade and convince everyone that we’re really getting married under the mistletoe?
I’ve never been a fan of chaos. I pride myself on being organized, professional, and honestly a little boring. Running my family’s inn is the best part of my day, and I look forward to the routine that comes with managing Deer Valley Inn.
Everything is going according to plan until the wedding of the holiday season cancels just days before the event. And if that wasn’t bad enough, it’s also days before the reporter for the biggest wedding magazine in the country is set to arrive in Springside. I know I have to do something. And that something turns out to be arranging my fake wedding to the inn’s chef in just three days.
Would it be easier to call the reporter and let her know the wedding is off? Definitely. But this magazine is our chance to find brides from across the country, and I can’t let the opportunity get away. Now, I have myself a pretend husband to be and a major secret to keep. So what if I’ve had a minor crush on him for months, and he’s quite possibly the hottest man alive?
Can we pull off the deception of the decade and convince everyone that we’re really getting married under the mistletoe?
95 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2025
14 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
December 28, 2025
Thank you to House of Hearts Lit for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating 3.75 ⭐️
This was my first read from Hollie Luckie and I had such a fun time with it! It's an adorable, quick and spicy novella, between two MCs who have known each other for some time and have crushes on each other so it was all sooo cute. It was a little rushed, but it's less than 100 pages so it's understandable.
Actual rating 3.75 ⭐️
This was my first read from Hollie Luckie and I had such a fun time with it! It's an adorable, quick and spicy novella, between two MCs who have known each other for some time and have crushes on each other so it was all sooo cute. It was a little rushed, but it's less than 100 pages so it's understandable.
November 30, 2025
I loved this book! It was a short and sweet, cute holiday novella. I loved the small town vibes and I’m a sucker for fake dating/ fake wedding, combining that with Christmas makes for a great book!
❄️Small town
❄️Fake wedding
❄️Found family
❄️Forced proximity
❄️Hallmark with spice
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
This released on 11/28 and is available on KU. Add this one to your holiday TBR!
Thank you to Hollie Luckie and house of hearts for this early reader copy!
❄️Small town
❄️Fake wedding
❄️Found family
❄️Forced proximity
❄️Hallmark with spice
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
This released on 11/28 and is available on KU. Add this one to your holiday TBR!
Thank you to Hollie Luckie and house of hearts for this early reader copy!
December 29, 2025
જ⁀➴ ♡ 3 Stars
Thank you Hollie Luckie and House of hearts for this arc.
I really enjoyed this actually!! I do wish it was a bit longer but the romance, storytelling and character arcs were really great.
The story was so cute, i love when they have this little crush on each other but think the other doesn’t feel the same way.😝😝
Thank you Hollie Luckie and House of hearts for this arc.
I really enjoyed this actually!! I do wish it was a bit longer but the romance, storytelling and character arcs were really great.
The story was so cute, i love when they have this little crush on each other but think the other doesn’t feel the same way.😝😝
December 28, 2025
3.5 stars.
"Married Under the Mistletoe" by Hollie Luckie is a fast-paced, short, forced-proximity fake marriage Christmas novella. It takes place at a small town inn where two characters, Easton and Bridget, work together and have spent the last few months becoming friends. Meteorological circumstances prompt them to step in and save a wedding (and the day) by pretending to get married to each other after a massive blizzard threatens to ruin a real wedding set to take place at the inn where they work in Alabama. I enjoyed this novella! It's quick, spicy, and teeming with chemistry between the main characters. Throw in some meddling neighbors, some Christmas competitions (sweaters, cookies, etc), and some kitchen "eating," and you've got a recipe for success. There's not a lot going on here, so everything feels necessary to tell this short story. Sure, Bridget and Easton's coupling happens really quickly, but such is the nature of the fake marriage! Their friendly feelings deepen after only a week or two, but when you know, you know, right?? Since they were friends before the "wedding," their actual feelings got to come out quicker than normal, and I dug it! This is a fun holiday book!
Thank you to Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts Lit for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Married Under the Mistletoe" by Hollie Luckie is a fast-paced, short, forced-proximity fake marriage Christmas novella. It takes place at a small town inn where two characters, Easton and Bridget, work together and have spent the last few months becoming friends. Meteorological circumstances prompt them to step in and save a wedding (and the day) by pretending to get married to each other after a massive blizzard threatens to ruin a real wedding set to take place at the inn where they work in Alabama. I enjoyed this novella! It's quick, spicy, and teeming with chemistry between the main characters. Throw in some meddling neighbors, some Christmas competitions (sweaters, cookies, etc), and some kitchen "eating," and you've got a recipe for success. There's not a lot going on here, so everything feels necessary to tell this short story. Sure, Bridget and Easton's coupling happens really quickly, but such is the nature of the fake marriage! Their friendly feelings deepen after only a week or two, but when you know, you know, right?? Since they were friends before the "wedding," their actual feelings got to come out quicker than normal, and I dug it! This is a fun holiday book!
Thank you to Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts Lit for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
December 29, 2025
A short, sweet, and spicy holiday novella. A nice quick read for the Christmas season!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
December 20, 2025
I suppose it's my fault, for knowing how to read.
Read
November 26, 2025Thank you Hollie Luckie & House of Hearts for the ARC of Married Under the Mistletoe!
🎄 Tropes
•Small town
•Fake wedding
•Forced proximity
•Meddling townspeople
•Hallmark with spice
This was a short and sweet, cute holiday novella. I love the small town and fake marriage tropes and combining them with Christmas makes for a perfect book!
It will be available 11/28 on Kindle Unlimited. Check @authorhollieluckie 's IG for her signed paperback store!
🎄 Tropes
•Small town
•Fake wedding
•Forced proximity
•Meddling townspeople
•Hallmark with spice
This was a short and sweet, cute holiday novella. I love the small town and fake marriage tropes and combining them with Christmas makes for a perfect book!
It will be available 11/28 on Kindle Unlimited. Check @authorhollieluckie 's IG for her signed paperback store!
November 29, 2025
Bridget and Easton’s story is so sweet and all the hallmark feels (with some spice 🤭)!
I loved the different take on the fake part of their story with the town being involved and the old ladies gossip group is too much fun!
This is a short read but has ALL the holiday feels to get you in the spirit!
What to expect:
Fake wedding
One bed
Small town
Hallmark with spice
Thank you House of Heart Lit for this ARC copy for my honest review!
I loved the different take on the fake part of their story with the town being involved and the old ladies gossip group is too much fun!
This is a short read but has ALL the holiday feels to get you in the spirit!
What to expect:
Fake wedding
One bed
Small town
Hallmark with spice
Thank you House of Heart Lit for this ARC copy for my honest review!
December 26, 2025
Thank you to Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.💖
For a spicy little Christmas novella I thought this was a ton of fun! I’ve always been a huge fan of fake marriage tropes and this one got right to it! I definitely could’ve read a longer version of this 👏♥️♥️
I haven’t read other books by this author but I really enjoyed the writing style and plan to read more in the future!! ☺️❄️💍🎄
For a spicy little Christmas novella I thought this was a ton of fun! I’ve always been a huge fan of fake marriage tropes and this one got right to it! I definitely could’ve read a longer version of this 👏♥️♥️
I haven’t read other books by this author but I really enjoyed the writing style and plan to read more in the future!! ☺️❄️💍🎄
December 11, 2025
A very face past cute holiday story. Bridget and Easton have a fake marriage for reporters but the need to fake it a little longer than they planned. During the week of them faking real feelings start to developed. I would love to find a hotel just like the one here to visit around the holiday and really want to try eggnog French toast now. Thank you for the ARC.
December 29, 2025
This was such a cute holiday Novella. It was cozy with your busy inn keeper and your charming new to town chef. There was tension and sparks and fun holiday contests. The fake marriage was perfectly done and it totally satisfied my holiday romance read cravings. Definitely recommend if you love a cute and short holiday romance!
December 2, 2025
This book was so cute!
I really wish we would’ve gotten a full book with these two, I loved their story.
It did feel a little rushed and I know it’s a novella. But, all in all, it was so sweet. I loved their dynamic together🖤
I really wish we would’ve gotten a full book with these two, I loved their story.
It did feel a little rushed and I know it’s a novella. But, all in all, it was so sweet. I loved their dynamic together🖤
December 9, 2025
Great Christmas book
This is a great short Christmas book. What starts as a fake marriage finds two people falling in love. If you want a short Christmas book then this is for you. It has all the feels for Christmas.
This is a great short Christmas book. What starts as a fake marriage finds two people falling in love. If you want a short Christmas book then this is for you. It has all the feels for Christmas.
December 13, 2025
This was a short and sweet holiday romance! Nothing like a fake wedding to make a real relationship! This also seems like such a fun town to be in for the holiday season. So festive!
December 1, 2025
This was an ARC read for me. I typically like Christmas novellas but this just didn’t do it for me. It felt rushed. There wasn’t a whole lot of character building before the two main characters were thrown together with explicit sex scenes. I loved the idea of a small town Christmas romance with the fake marriage trope but I think the author could have made this into a full length novel easily. What it was missing… I have no idea what the characters looked like except the main characters dogs… because it said golden retrievers. I didn’t feel the build up to the fake marriage. One chapter the MMC agreed to fake marry the FMC and then the next they were quickly married. It was briefly mentioned how the MMC kind of had a crush on the FMC and the FMC had a crush on the MMC but there wasn’t any interactions that really showed that except a chapter about the FMC dreamt about the MMC. I don’t mind smut in books but this was over cheesy. It felt like they were friends one minute and then the next second there’s an erotic scene. I also hate leaving bad reviews because I know how much time and effort goes into writing these books so someone please read and prove me wrong.
December 15, 2025
Thanks to the Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own!
If you want a Hallmark movie easy-going spice type of book this is for you.
If you want a Hallmark movie easy-going spice type of book this is for you.
Currently reading
October 20, 2025I'm so excited that Bridget and Easton's story is coming SOON! If you're a fan of these tropes, make sure to add this lil Christmas romance to your TBR!
💍 Fake Wedding
✨ Meddling Townspeople
🩷 A Nosy Reporter
🎅 Forced Proximity
🎄 Christmas Romance
🩵 Found Family
👰♀️ Small Town
ARC Signups: https://www.houseofheartslit.com/marr...
Ebook Preorder: https://a.co/d/eTuzBTl
💍 Fake Wedding
✨ Meddling Townspeople
🩷 A Nosy Reporter
🎅 Forced Proximity
🎄 Christmas Romance
🩵 Found Family
👰♀️ Small Town
ARC Signups: https://www.houseofheartslit.com/marr...
Ebook Preorder: https://a.co/d/eTuzBTl
December 10, 2025
Married Under the Mistletoe
~Hollie Luckie
If you're craving a Christmas read that delivers all the twinkle-light charm and a guaranteed HEA, then Hollie Luckie’s Married Under the Mistletoe needs to be the next gift you unwrap.
Bridget and her cousin Brian (and his new wife Millie) run their family’s cozy inn tucked in the snowy heart of Deer Valley. With Brian and Millie whisking off on their honeymoon, Bridget is left to juggle one of the most important weeks the inn has ever seen: the wedding of the season, a flock of magazine reporters, and the town’s ever-growing lineup of festive holiday traditions. But when a winter storm traps the happy newlywed couple hours away - and then promptly snow-locks the entire wedding party for the upcoming wedding - Bridget finds herself staring down a Christmas catastrophe. No ceremony. No bride. No groom. And a lobby full of journalists expecting a picture-perfect event.
What follows is a charming scramble of sleigh-bell chaos as Bridget tries to save the day with a last-minute local couple. Will she manage to pull off a holiday miracle? Or will the inn’s big chance at the spotlight melt away like a snowflake on a warm window?
Luckie gives us a cast of characters who feel instantly familiar - like walking into a room full of people you swear you’ve met at last year’s tree-lighting ceremony. Even with the novella’s short length, the personalities shine through with just enough depth to make you feel invested, rooting for them like neighbors in your own snowy small town.
The pacing glides swiftly, the kind of read that keeps you turning pages long after you meant to go to sleep. And while the atmosphere doesn’t drown you in detail, the wintery touches - the sparkling lights, the warmth of the inn, the holiday event line-up - settle in perfectly, giving the story that comfortable, cinnamon-spiced backdrop.
If you’re aiming to bump up your end-of-year reading count, need a festive pick for a holiday challenge, or just want a quick, heartwarming story before bed, Married Under the Mistletoe deserves a place at the top of your list. Available now on Kindle!
I would like to thank Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts PR for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for Married Under the Mistletoe. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
~Hollie Luckie
If you're craving a Christmas read that delivers all the twinkle-light charm and a guaranteed HEA, then Hollie Luckie’s Married Under the Mistletoe needs to be the next gift you unwrap.
Bridget and her cousin Brian (and his new wife Millie) run their family’s cozy inn tucked in the snowy heart of Deer Valley. With Brian and Millie whisking off on their honeymoon, Bridget is left to juggle one of the most important weeks the inn has ever seen: the wedding of the season, a flock of magazine reporters, and the town’s ever-growing lineup of festive holiday traditions. But when a winter storm traps the happy newlywed couple hours away - and then promptly snow-locks the entire wedding party for the upcoming wedding - Bridget finds herself staring down a Christmas catastrophe. No ceremony. No bride. No groom. And a lobby full of journalists expecting a picture-perfect event.
What follows is a charming scramble of sleigh-bell chaos as Bridget tries to save the day with a last-minute local couple. Will she manage to pull off a holiday miracle? Or will the inn’s big chance at the spotlight melt away like a snowflake on a warm window?
Luckie gives us a cast of characters who feel instantly familiar - like walking into a room full of people you swear you’ve met at last year’s tree-lighting ceremony. Even with the novella’s short length, the personalities shine through with just enough depth to make you feel invested, rooting for them like neighbors in your own snowy small town.
The pacing glides swiftly, the kind of read that keeps you turning pages long after you meant to go to sleep. And while the atmosphere doesn’t drown you in detail, the wintery touches - the sparkling lights, the warmth of the inn, the holiday event line-up - settle in perfectly, giving the story that comfortable, cinnamon-spiced backdrop.
If you’re aiming to bump up your end-of-year reading count, need a festive pick for a holiday challenge, or just want a quick, heartwarming story before bed, Married Under the Mistletoe deserves a place at the top of your list. Available now on Kindle!
I would like to thank Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts PR for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for Married Under the Mistletoe. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
December 29, 2025
I devoured this book! This is the 2nd Hollie Luckie book I have read, and I have absolutely devoured both of them! I loved Bridget & Easton’s story. This was a quick, low/no angst romance. Bridget & Easton have great chemistry, and I loved the whole premise of the story. There are a few spicy/open door scenes in the book, but not enough that it detracts from the plot.
I would highly recommend this if you’re looking for a quick, heartwarming holiday read!
What You’ll Love:
~ Holiday Novella
~ Fake Wedding but Real Feelings
~ Friends to Lovers
~ Meddling small town
~ Plot + Spice
This is Book 2 in the series, but can absolutely be read as a standalone!
**SUMMARY**
Bridget runs Deer Valley Inn with her cousin Brian and his wife Millie. Brian & Millie are off on their honeymoon, leaving Bridget to run things. The Inn is preparing for their biggest wedding of the season, hoping to be featured in a national bridal/wedding magazine, and at the same time preparing for “Seven Days of Springside Christmas.”
When a massive snow storm strands Brian & Millie in New York, and the entire wedding party gets stuck in Atlanta, Millie convinces the reporter to report on a “newly engaged local couple.” Knowing how big the article could be for the Inn, Millie convinces Briget to get pretend married…she just needs to find a fake groom. The Inn’s chef, Easton, immediately volunteers. Bridget & Easton enlist the local busy-bodies/gossip queens to make sure the entire town is on board with the fake dating backstory, so that it is believable to the reporters.
Easton & Bridget plan on having their wedding, and then going back to normal the next day after the reporters leave. But when one of the reporters falls in love with the inn and the town, and decides to stay through Christmas, Bridget and Easton are forced to keep up the charade - including having Easton stay at Bridget’s house.
Playing the happily married couple, and attending all of the holiday events together has both Bridget & Easton leaning into the feelings they have for each other, and they decide to see where things go between them.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Hollie Luckie & House of Hearts, but am voluntarily leaving an honest review!
I would highly recommend this if you’re looking for a quick, heartwarming holiday read!
What You’ll Love:
~ Holiday Novella
~ Fake Wedding but Real Feelings
~ Friends to Lovers
~ Meddling small town
~ Plot + Spice
This is Book 2 in the series, but can absolutely be read as a standalone!
**SUMMARY**
Bridget runs Deer Valley Inn with her cousin Brian and his wife Millie. Brian & Millie are off on their honeymoon, leaving Bridget to run things. The Inn is preparing for their biggest wedding of the season, hoping to be featured in a national bridal/wedding magazine, and at the same time preparing for “Seven Days of Springside Christmas.”
When a massive snow storm strands Brian & Millie in New York, and the entire wedding party gets stuck in Atlanta, Millie convinces the reporter to report on a “newly engaged local couple.” Knowing how big the article could be for the Inn, Millie convinces Briget to get pretend married…she just needs to find a fake groom. The Inn’s chef, Easton, immediately volunteers. Bridget & Easton enlist the local busy-bodies/gossip queens to make sure the entire town is on board with the fake dating backstory, so that it is believable to the reporters.
Easton & Bridget plan on having their wedding, and then going back to normal the next day after the reporters leave. But when one of the reporters falls in love with the inn and the town, and decides to stay through Christmas, Bridget and Easton are forced to keep up the charade - including having Easton stay at Bridget’s house.
Playing the happily married couple, and attending all of the holiday events together has both Bridget & Easton leaning into the feelings they have for each other, and they decide to see where things go between them.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Hollie Luckie & House of Hearts, but am voluntarily leaving an honest review!
November 28, 2025
“Just a few more hours, I remind myself. Otherwise I might get way too comfortable playing the role of Easton Morgan’s wife.”
✔️holiday novella
✔️fake wedding
✔️friends to lovers
✔️small town
✔️found family
✔️meddling townspeople
✔️no 3rd act breakup
This is such a cute, quick read with a ton of holiday vibes. When the wedding of the year for the inn is canceled at the last minute, Bridget (FMC) and Easton (MMC) step in and pretend to be the happy couple so the journalists who are coming to report on the wedding for their magazines have something to write about. They have been friends for a year since he was hired as the chef for the inn’s restaurant, and though they both have a crush on each other they are scared to take the leap and say something. Thankfully, this fake marriage is just the push they need to spend extra time together and admit their true feelings.
Though this can definitely be read as a standalone, Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe is book one in the series and will give you more insight into the town and side characters. This couple is really cute together, and I love the meddling townsfolk, though I think they are more important as side characters in the first book of the series compared to this one. This is the perfect book to read in one sitting with a cup of hot chocolate on a winter day. It isn’t deep, and there isn’t a ton of character growth because there is such limited page space, but it was a cute way to spend the afternoon. The spice is spicy, but the plot is more important than the spice and if you wanted to skip it you’d still have a complete story (I never skip the spice but I know there are readers who prefer closed door).
*Thank you so much to the author (Hollie Luckie) and House of Hearts PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
✔️holiday novella
✔️fake wedding
✔️friends to lovers
✔️small town
✔️found family
✔️meddling townspeople
✔️no 3rd act breakup
This is such a cute, quick read with a ton of holiday vibes. When the wedding of the year for the inn is canceled at the last minute, Bridget (FMC) and Easton (MMC) step in and pretend to be the happy couple so the journalists who are coming to report on the wedding for their magazines have something to write about. They have been friends for a year since he was hired as the chef for the inn’s restaurant, and though they both have a crush on each other they are scared to take the leap and say something. Thankfully, this fake marriage is just the push they need to spend extra time together and admit their true feelings.
Though this can definitely be read as a standalone, Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe is book one in the series and will give you more insight into the town and side characters. This couple is really cute together, and I love the meddling townsfolk, though I think they are more important as side characters in the first book of the series compared to this one. This is the perfect book to read in one sitting with a cup of hot chocolate on a winter day. It isn’t deep, and there isn’t a ton of character growth because there is such limited page space, but it was a cute way to spend the afternoon. The spice is spicy, but the plot is more important than the spice and if you wanted to skip it you’d still have a complete story (I never skip the spice but I know there are readers who prefer closed door).
*Thank you so much to the author (Hollie Luckie) and House of Hearts PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
December 7, 2025
Mistletoe Magic & Marriage Mayhem
Bridget (FMC): 29 • Receptionist & Manager of Deer Valley Inn • Loves all Things Christmas • Dog Mom •
Easton (MMC): 32 • Chef • Harbors a Secret Crush on His Fake Wife • Adores Sweets •
Tropes:
🌨️ Chef MMC + Innkeeper FMC
💍 Fake Wedding
🌨️ Found Family
💍 Small Town Holiday Charm
🌨️ Meddling Townspeople
💍 Forced Proximity
🌨️ Friends to Lovers
💍 Hallmark Vibes with Spice
🌨️ 2 Chaotic Fluffy Sidekicks (🐕🐕)
💍 Novella (under 100 pages)
🌨️ Kitchen “Tasting” Fun
💍 Snowstorm Chaos
Rating: 🥞🍝🥘🍪 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🫑🫑(dirty talk, praise, 👅, tied up in ribbons)
T/W: alcohol consumption (on page), snowstorm (referenced)
If a Hallmark movie snuck cinnamon and cayenne into its hot cocoa, it would taste exactly like Married Under the Mistletoe. This novella is pure holiday joy: fast paced, charming, and the perfect bite-sized escape for anyone who loves fake weddings, small town chaos, and a chef who knows exactly how to sweet talk in a kitchen.
A cozy, chemistry-filled cascade of mistletoe moments, meddling townspeople, cookie baking “activities,” festive competitions, and a fake marriage that becomes very real, very fast. Bridget and Easton’s crushes have been simmering for months, and the snowstorm finally cranks the heat to a rolling boil. It’s adorable, it’s spicy, and it’s exactly the kind of novella you devour in one sitting and immediately wish you had a sequel for.
This book is peppermint hot cocoa perfection—sweet, cozy, a little decadent, and the kind of read that makes you want to check back into Deer Valley Inn ASAP. I loved every minute of it.
Married Under the Mistletoe is the exact festive treat you need.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Bridget (FMC): 29 • Receptionist & Manager of Deer Valley Inn • Loves all Things Christmas • Dog Mom •
Easton (MMC): 32 • Chef • Harbors a Secret Crush on His Fake Wife • Adores Sweets •
Tropes:
🌨️ Chef MMC + Innkeeper FMC
💍 Fake Wedding
🌨️ Found Family
💍 Small Town Holiday Charm
🌨️ Meddling Townspeople
💍 Forced Proximity
🌨️ Friends to Lovers
💍 Hallmark Vibes with Spice
🌨️ 2 Chaotic Fluffy Sidekicks (🐕🐕)
💍 Novella (under 100 pages)
🌨️ Kitchen “Tasting” Fun
💍 Snowstorm Chaos
Rating: 🥞🍝🥘🍪 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🫑🫑(dirty talk, praise, 👅, tied up in ribbons)
T/W: alcohol consumption (on page), snowstorm (referenced)
If a Hallmark movie snuck cinnamon and cayenne into its hot cocoa, it would taste exactly like Married Under the Mistletoe. This novella is pure holiday joy: fast paced, charming, and the perfect bite-sized escape for anyone who loves fake weddings, small town chaos, and a chef who knows exactly how to sweet talk in a kitchen.
A cozy, chemistry-filled cascade of mistletoe moments, meddling townspeople, cookie baking “activities,” festive competitions, and a fake marriage that becomes very real, very fast. Bridget and Easton’s crushes have been simmering for months, and the snowstorm finally cranks the heat to a rolling boil. It’s adorable, it’s spicy, and it’s exactly the kind of novella you devour in one sitting and immediately wish you had a sequel for.
This book is peppermint hot cocoa perfection—sweet, cozy, a little decadent, and the kind of read that makes you want to check back into Deer Valley Inn ASAP. I loved every minute of it.
Married Under the Mistletoe is the exact festive treat you need.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
December 17, 2025
Cute short Christmas novella
*small town
*fake wedding
*forced proximity
*inn keeper/chef
*friends to lover
I have come to love Hollie Luckie's books!!! So when I saw that I was able to get the opportunity to read as ARC I jumped on the chance and was lucky enough to receive it as an ARC so I first want to say thank you to Hollie Luckie and to House of Hearts Lit for the ARC!!!
This book was a such a cute and sweet Christmas 🎄book with some spice. Hallmark movie with some spice🌶 added it!!! It was a fast paced and quick read!!! In this book we get the story of Bridget who is Brian's cousin which we met in Matchmaking Under The Mistletoe! The story starts with Bridget having to have a fake wedding for reporters for an article due to a snow storm that has stranded the original wedding party to not be there in time. Also Brian and Millie are stranded as well so Bridget has to find a husband to make the fake wedding happen, and the lucky one is Easton who is the Deer Valley Inn chef who also secretly has a crush on Bridget. What starts off as a fake wedding for reports turns into continuing for fake marriage as one reporter sticks around to enjoy the holiday festivities in there small town. The chemistry between the two was amazing, the way their feelings developed deeper for each other was a heart warmer. Also I loved how the town came together and was in on the fake wedding/marriage to help them out. This small town really had each others back ❤️❤️❤️. I really enjoyed this book and finished it so quickly!! I wish it was a longer story for this two I didn't want it to end!!! I highly recommend if you want a cute, sweet, spice, and quick novel for Christmas vibes or to get in your reading goal before the end of the year!!!
*small town
*fake wedding
*forced proximity
*inn keeper/chef
*friends to lover
I have come to love Hollie Luckie's books!!! So when I saw that I was able to get the opportunity to read as ARC I jumped on the chance and was lucky enough to receive it as an ARC so I first want to say thank you to Hollie Luckie and to House of Hearts Lit for the ARC!!!
This book was a such a cute and sweet Christmas 🎄book with some spice. Hallmark movie with some spice🌶 added it!!! It was a fast paced and quick read!!! In this book we get the story of Bridget who is Brian's cousin which we met in Matchmaking Under The Mistletoe! The story starts with Bridget having to have a fake wedding for reporters for an article due to a snow storm that has stranded the original wedding party to not be there in time. Also Brian and Millie are stranded as well so Bridget has to find a husband to make the fake wedding happen, and the lucky one is Easton who is the Deer Valley Inn chef who also secretly has a crush on Bridget. What starts off as a fake wedding for reports turns into continuing for fake marriage as one reporter sticks around to enjoy the holiday festivities in there small town. The chemistry between the two was amazing, the way their feelings developed deeper for each other was a heart warmer. Also I loved how the town came together and was in on the fake wedding/marriage to help them out. This small town really had each others back ❤️❤️❤️. I really enjoyed this book and finished it so quickly!! I wish it was a longer story for this two I didn't want it to end!!! I highly recommend if you want a cute, sweet, spice, and quick novel for Christmas vibes or to get in your reading goal before the end of the year!!!
December 7, 2025
Married under the mistletoe, a small town holiday novella by Hollie Luckie 💍
Bridget has never liked chaos; she is organized and professional, which makes her good at running her family’s inn: Der Valley Inn. She has everything organized for this Christmas, until the most important wedding they were going to celebrate is canceled. Just when an important reporter from the country’s leading wedding magazine was going to visit the inn.
Bridget can’t let this opportunity pass her by, so she decides to do something about it. And that something turns out to be organizing her fake wedding with the inn’s chef in just three days. Would it be easier to call the reporter and tell her that the wedding is canceled? Definitely. But this magazine is a great opportunity to find brides from all over the country.
It won’t be that hard to pretend for a few days, right?
An adorable short story, I really love novellas for this time of year. I think they’re perfect for getting you into the Christmas mood. And this story has everything you need.
A charming MMC, a fun and interesting FMC, a couple who could be everything even though they’re pretending. And above all, a town full of busybodies who get involved in everything, especially if it means bringing two people together 😉
I loved it, perfectly paced, entertaining story, just the right amount of spice, and an adorable couple.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, thanks for the gifted copy! 🫶
🌲 Small town
🌲 Fake wedding
🌲 Forced proximity
🌲 Meddling townspeople
🌲 Hallmark with spice
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRqCNoRjC...
Bridget has never liked chaos; she is organized and professional, which makes her good at running her family’s inn: Der Valley Inn. She has everything organized for this Christmas, until the most important wedding they were going to celebrate is canceled. Just when an important reporter from the country’s leading wedding magazine was going to visit the inn.
Bridget can’t let this opportunity pass her by, so she decides to do something about it. And that something turns out to be organizing her fake wedding with the inn’s chef in just three days. Would it be easier to call the reporter and tell her that the wedding is canceled? Definitely. But this magazine is a great opportunity to find brides from all over the country.
It won’t be that hard to pretend for a few days, right?
An adorable short story, I really love novellas for this time of year. I think they’re perfect for getting you into the Christmas mood. And this story has everything you need.
A charming MMC, a fun and interesting FMC, a couple who could be everything even though they’re pretending. And above all, a town full of busybodies who get involved in everything, especially if it means bringing two people together 😉
I loved it, perfectly paced, entertaining story, just the right amount of spice, and an adorable couple.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, thanks for the gifted copy! 🫶
🌲 Small town
🌲 Fake wedding
🌲 Forced proximity
🌲 Meddling townspeople
🌲 Hallmark with spice
https://www.instagram.com/p/DRqCNoRjC...
December 18, 2025
Hallmark but make it spicy!
Imagine a 30 min Hallmark movie but make it spicy!
💍 For Fans of:
- fake marriage
- friends to lovers
- workplace romance
- Christmas traditions
- Alabama winter setting
- small town
- meddling small town old ladies
- December wedding
- forced proximity
- one bed
📖 About The Book
Bridget works at Deer Valley Inn, known for their beautiful weddings, so when the biggest wedding of the year is cancelled last minute, it’s a PR crisis! With reporters and magazine front covers promised, Bridget has to get fake married to give the reporters and photographers something. Enter, Easton, the inn’s chef who has had a crush on Bridget ever since he came to town a few months ago. He volunteeers to fake marry Bridget and the rest is holiday history.
✏️ Spoiler-Free Review
As someone with an event planning past and just got married in October, I could totally understand Bridget’s stress since it felt so real and I loved how relatable she felt overall. In a novella it can be hard to balance real people/emotions and the quick pace of things, but this book does such a great job of it.
I also loved how many holiday traditions the small town had so the book truly felt like a holiday book.
This is my first by this author but it was so fun that I’d definitely read more!
Also, remind me to make Easton’s eggnog french toast or a cranberry Brie grilled cheese because those both sound AMAZING!! Honestly every drink and food in this book sounded so good.
Imagine a 30 min Hallmark movie but make it spicy!
💍 For Fans of:
- fake marriage
- friends to lovers
- workplace romance
- Christmas traditions
- Alabama winter setting
- small town
- meddling small town old ladies
- December wedding
- forced proximity
- one bed
📖 About The Book
Bridget works at Deer Valley Inn, known for their beautiful weddings, so when the biggest wedding of the year is cancelled last minute, it’s a PR crisis! With reporters and magazine front covers promised, Bridget has to get fake married to give the reporters and photographers something. Enter, Easton, the inn’s chef who has had a crush on Bridget ever since he came to town a few months ago. He volunteeers to fake marry Bridget and the rest is holiday history.
✏️ Spoiler-Free Review
As someone with an event planning past and just got married in October, I could totally understand Bridget’s stress since it felt so real and I loved how relatable she felt overall. In a novella it can be hard to balance real people/emotions and the quick pace of things, but this book does such a great job of it.
I also loved how many holiday traditions the small town had so the book truly felt like a holiday book.
This is my first by this author but it was so fun that I’d definitely read more!
Also, remind me to make Easton’s eggnog french toast or a cranberry Brie grilled cheese because those both sound AMAZING!! Honestly every drink and food in this book sounded so good.
December 29, 2025
Married under the Mistletoe is an adorable little novella with a small town fake marriage. This was basically the written version of a hallmark movie and I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Bridget helps manage the Deer Family Inn, owned by her family. They are scheduled to have the wedding of the season report on by the biggest wedding magazine in the country. But the weather has other plans. When a snow storm blows through and the brie and groom are unable to make the wedding event, Bridget needs to find a new bride and groom. She can be the bride, but who will be her pretend groom. That's where Easton comes in. Easton is the chef at the Inn and has always had a little crush on Bridget, so when she asks for a groom at the staff meeting, he volunteers. He's ready for all that it entails. After all, it's just pretend, and just for one night. Unfortunately for Bridget and Easton, the reporter loved the Inn so much that she decided to extend her stay for a week and now they have play newly weds in love for a bit longer, which isn't too hard, since they've started to really fall for each other. The question is, what will happen when the reporter leaves and the pretending is over.
I found the story to be adorable. It was short and sweet. While there was nothing ground breaking as far as character development, the characters were sweet, lovable, and had great chemistry together.
If you're looking for a cozy story with hallmark feels to cuddle by the fire with, I definitely recommend checking this one out.
Bridget helps manage the Deer Family Inn, owned by her family. They are scheduled to have the wedding of the season report on by the biggest wedding magazine in the country. But the weather has other plans. When a snow storm blows through and the brie and groom are unable to make the wedding event, Bridget needs to find a new bride and groom. She can be the bride, but who will be her pretend groom. That's where Easton comes in. Easton is the chef at the Inn and has always had a little crush on Bridget, so when she asks for a groom at the staff meeting, he volunteers. He's ready for all that it entails. After all, it's just pretend, and just for one night. Unfortunately for Bridget and Easton, the reporter loved the Inn so much that she decided to extend her stay for a week and now they have play newly weds in love for a bit longer, which isn't too hard, since they've started to really fall for each other. The question is, what will happen when the reporter leaves and the pretending is over.
I found the story to be adorable. It was short and sweet. While there was nothing ground breaking as far as character development, the characters were sweet, lovable, and had great chemistry together.
If you're looking for a cozy story with hallmark feels to cuddle by the fire with, I definitely recommend checking this one out.
November 28, 2025
Thanks to Hollie Luckie and House of Hearts for providing a gifted copy—all opinions are my own. This book is a charming standalone holiday romance, but I also read "Matchmaking Under the Mistletoe" for more character background.
Set in Deer Valley Inn, the story follows Bridget, a 29-year-old working at the inn, which is preparing for a big wedding attended by numerous reporters. When Mille and her husband Brian, who is cousins of Bridget, get snowed in and can't arrive on time, Bridget steps up to keep the inn running. Meanwhile, Easton, her best friend and the inn's talented chef, develops a quiet crush on her but keeps it to himself since she's his boss.
The plot thickens when Mille calls to announce that the Barnes family, the wedding couple, are stuck in Atlanta and can't make it, prompting Bridget to come up with a plan: stage a fake wedding to impress the press and boost the inn's reputation. Easton volunteers to be her "husband," and he buys her a stunning pink ring, setting the stage for a humorous and heartwarming fake relationship.
As the "wedding" unfolds, sparks fly between Bridget and Easton, with witty banter and genuine affection. Their relationship deepens, leading to heartfelt confessions and a real love story unfolding amid the holiday cheer. The town and its lovable characters add to the cozy, festive atmosphere, making it a quick, delightful read.
Overall, I loved the charming setting, engaging characters, and feel-good romance. I hope this series continues, I'd love to see more of Deer Valley Inn and its wonderful residents!
Set in Deer Valley Inn, the story follows Bridget, a 29-year-old working at the inn, which is preparing for a big wedding attended by numerous reporters. When Mille and her husband Brian, who is cousins of Bridget, get snowed in and can't arrive on time, Bridget steps up to keep the inn running. Meanwhile, Easton, her best friend and the inn's talented chef, develops a quiet crush on her but keeps it to himself since she's his boss.
The plot thickens when Mille calls to announce that the Barnes family, the wedding couple, are stuck in Atlanta and can't make it, prompting Bridget to come up with a plan: stage a fake wedding to impress the press and boost the inn's reputation. Easton volunteers to be her "husband," and he buys her a stunning pink ring, setting the stage for a humorous and heartwarming fake relationship.
As the "wedding" unfolds, sparks fly between Bridget and Easton, with witty banter and genuine affection. Their relationship deepens, leading to heartfelt confessions and a real love story unfolding amid the holiday cheer. The town and its lovable characters add to the cozy, festive atmosphere, making it a quick, delightful read.
Overall, I loved the charming setting, engaging characters, and feel-good romance. I hope this series continues, I'd love to see more of Deer Valley Inn and its wonderful residents!
December 13, 2025
I just discovered this author and this book was my first of her stories. I just loved it! I loved the holiday and cozy small town vibe, the story itself and how it developed and the characters.
We follow Bridget, who works in a small town Inn and is working into expanding the business with wedding events marketing and holiday events. Her coworkers being away on their honeymoon leaves her with the responsability to do things on her own.
When a blizzard almost ruins one event, they manage to save it by having substitute wedding cerimony, with herself as the "fake bride" for the reporters. All the town helps keeping the charade, and all she needs is her fake groom.
Easton is the perfect man for the job. They are friends, understand each other ans secretly have a crush on each other since forever.
But when the fine line between fake and real blurs how do they proceed? Can thay give into their feelings or will they deny all that has "fake" happened.
I loved both main characters. Bridget was sweet, caring and hardworking. We could easily relate to her easily. And Easton was the perfect golden retriever male character, being sweet and lovable and protective of her. It kind of melted our minds a little.
I will love to return to this small town if the author decides to proceed more stories in it.
We follow Bridget, who works in a small town Inn and is working into expanding the business with wedding events marketing and holiday events. Her coworkers being away on their honeymoon leaves her with the responsability to do things on her own.
When a blizzard almost ruins one event, they manage to save it by having substitute wedding cerimony, with herself as the "fake bride" for the reporters. All the town helps keeping the charade, and all she needs is her fake groom.
Easton is the perfect man for the job. They are friends, understand each other ans secretly have a crush on each other since forever.
But when the fine line between fake and real blurs how do they proceed? Can thay give into their feelings or will they deny all that has "fake" happened.
I loved both main characters. Bridget was sweet, caring and hardworking. We could easily relate to her easily. And Easton was the perfect golden retriever male character, being sweet and lovable and protective of her. It kind of melted our minds a little.
I will love to return to this small town if the author decides to proceed more stories in it.
December 29, 2025
I lose myself in the moment, determined to only focus on the man in front of me and tuning out the rest of the crowd as he spins me around. The song builds, and Easton dips me, before pulling me close to his body and dropping a kiss to my lips. Immediately the same rush hits my veins at the feeling of his mouth on mine, and I kiss him back.
I really liked this take on the fake marriage trope, but at times it all just felt a bit too fast paced for me, even for a novella. The setting and vibes were super cozy and holiday-vibes filled, and I really loved the townspeople and how they really rooted for Easton and Bridget! The chaotic holiday energy felt so realistic too, so reading this post-holiday festivities left me feeling grateful I've made it through this season! If you really enjoy small town romance, novellas, and the fake marriage trope, this book would be great for you to try 🥰
🧡 Thank you to House of Hearts for the ARC; all thoughts are my own & I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🧡
❄️ Small Town Romance
❄️ Fake Wedding
❄️Found Family
❄️ Forced Proximity
❄️Meddling Townspeople
❄️ Hallmark with Spice
💍 Overall: ⭐⭐⭐/5
💍 Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
💍 Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
💍 World Building: ⭐⭐⭐/5
💍 Spice (If Any): 🌶️🌶️/5
💍 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I really liked this take on the fake marriage trope, but at times it all just felt a bit too fast paced for me, even for a novella. The setting and vibes were super cozy and holiday-vibes filled, and I really loved the townspeople and how they really rooted for Easton and Bridget! The chaotic holiday energy felt so realistic too, so reading this post-holiday festivities left me feeling grateful I've made it through this season! If you really enjoy small town romance, novellas, and the fake marriage trope, this book would be great for you to try 🥰
🧡 Thank you to House of Hearts for the ARC; all thoughts are my own & I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🧡
❄️ Small Town Romance
❄️ Fake Wedding
❄️Found Family
❄️ Forced Proximity
❄️Meddling Townspeople
❄️ Hallmark with Spice
💍 Overall: ⭐⭐⭐/5
💍 Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
💍 Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
💍 World Building: ⭐⭐⭐/5
💍 Spice (If Any): 🌶️🌶️/5
💍 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
November 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Married Under the Mistletoe by Hollie Luckie
Bridget is the manager of the Deer Valley Inn, and Easton is the chef. The two put in extremely long hours, but even more so during the holidays. Not only does their town celebrate the holidays to the max, the Inn is hosting the "IT" wedding of the season. Several reporters are due to arrive soon, and it could mean major business for the Inn. Disaster strikes in the form of a snow storm, stranding the wedding party. It is decided that the wedding will go on, and Bridget will be the bride. When she tells all the employees she needs a groom, Easton quickly volunteers. With a bit of help from their friends and neighbors, they might just pull it off.
This was such a cute, fast-paced Christmas novella. It's got a fake wedding, forced proximity, friends to lovers, and much more. If you are looking for a low angst holiday read, add this one to your TBR. 😊
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Hollie Luckie, and House of Hearts Lit for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
Married Under the Mistletoe by Hollie Luckie
Bridget is the manager of the Deer Valley Inn, and Easton is the chef. The two put in extremely long hours, but even more so during the holidays. Not only does their town celebrate the holidays to the max, the Inn is hosting the "IT" wedding of the season. Several reporters are due to arrive soon, and it could mean major business for the Inn. Disaster strikes in the form of a snow storm, stranding the wedding party. It is decided that the wedding will go on, and Bridget will be the bride. When she tells all the employees she needs a groom, Easton quickly volunteers. With a bit of help from their friends and neighbors, they might just pull it off.
This was such a cute, fast-paced Christmas novella. It's got a fake wedding, forced proximity, friends to lovers, and much more. If you are looking for a low angst holiday read, add this one to your TBR. 😊
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Hollie Luckie, and House of Hearts Lit for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
December 11, 2025
Sweet Quick Read
Married Under the Mistletoe is a sweet and spicy novella set in a charming southern small town. The story revolves around a fake wedding between Bridget and Easton, two characters who work at a resort that has recently gained popularity as a wedding venue. The resort is hosting a major event for who reporters are coming to writing articles that could bring the business to the next level, thus Bridget and Easton must step in and fake a marriage. Just when they think they’re in the clear they get another plot twist and have to continue their ruse. As the plot unfolds, I began to wonder if Bridget’s cousin orchestrated this plan to bring them together, but it’s never clearly stated.
From the very beginning, it’s clear that Bridget and Easton share a strong chemistry. The entire town is aware of their mutual feelings, except for them, of course. Despite the short length of the book, Luckie manages to skillfully develop the relationship without rushing it. Additionally, the author creates a vibrant cast of side characters who contribute to the overall fun of the story.
Married Under the Mistletoe is a sweet and spicy novella set in a charming southern small town. The story revolves around a fake wedding between Bridget and Easton, two characters who work at a resort that has recently gained popularity as a wedding venue. The resort is hosting a major event for who reporters are coming to writing articles that could bring the business to the next level, thus Bridget and Easton must step in and fake a marriage. Just when they think they’re in the clear they get another plot twist and have to continue their ruse. As the plot unfolds, I began to wonder if Bridget’s cousin orchestrated this plan to bring them together, but it’s never clearly stated.
From the very beginning, it’s clear that Bridget and Easton share a strong chemistry. The entire town is aware of their mutual feelings, except for them, of course. Despite the short length of the book, Luckie manages to skillfully develop the relationship without rushing it. Additionally, the author creates a vibrant cast of side characters who contribute to the overall fun of the story.
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