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RBMC National Mother Chapter Prequel #2

A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe

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Meet the founding members of the Royal Bastards New Orleans National Chapter!

Troy 'SADDLE' Maverick

Falling in love is the last thing on my mind.
It's a far-fetched notion that doesn't exist in my world of death and mayhem.
That is, until Crystal Tanenbaum walks into my life.
More like drops...onto my lap.
All curves and sweetness wrapped into a beautiful package.
She is not the type of woman that could handle my world.
Completely innocent.
Completely out of my league.
I know I'll destroy her, but I can't keep myself away.
She's captured my heart and now she'll have to deal with the consequences.

Cowboys and bikers in one Holiday Read-you can't go wrong with this one!

129 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2020

110 people are currently reading
164 people want to read

About the author

Crimson Syn

91 books912 followers
International Bestselling Author, Crimson Syn, has been writing since the age of sixteen. Born and raised in New York City, to two extremely supportive Colombian parents, Crimson picked up the pen to escape from bullying in school. Her first book, Wolf: Hellbound Lovers MC, was published in March 2017, and ever since she has been focused on bringing her readers page turning, lip biting, bookmarking passion.
Today she is the lead on the Royal Bastards MC project, and she is working hard on creating brand new worlds for you to escape into. Her alphas are rough and possessive, and her heroines are independent, bright women with lots of sexy curves who know how to handle these naughty boys. From the Motorcycle Club world, to a twisted Alice in Wonderland, and a very sexy Cowboy series-Crimson's sole goal is to indulge her readers into these steamy reads that will send you into the arms of dangerous alphas and deliciously sexy rogues without leaving the confines of your nice warm beds.
If she is able to entice your inner goddesses, then she has done her job.

To be a part of her Synful Fanbase, giveaways, and get juicy bits of her next books in the Hell's Lovers series join her newsletter here:
http://eepurl.com/cFxRu9

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5 stars
152 (60%)
4 stars
64 (25%)
3 stars
27 (10%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,419 followers
December 14, 2020
If you've read Theodore of the Eagle Ridge Cowboys, then you've met Saddle. If not... get ready!

Saddle is the VP of RBMC and his club is under attack by the mayor and a rival club. Crystal is the daughter of the mayor. He was tasked with getting information from the bombshell who haunted his dreams, but 'the job' turned into so much more. Erotic and suspenseful, Crimson Syn delivered one hot cowboy for her readers.

My biggest issue was that I was a bit thrown off by Crystal's behavior. She was 38 and it was very easy to forget that fact because she did not act her age. No matter... I'm interested to see just where this story is going in the future books of the series.

Heat level - 5 out of 5 (a few scenes)
Profile Image for Book Snob Sue.
1,414 reviews136 followers
December 11, 2020
These two have a “close” encounter at a party, where he just couldn’t keep his hands off her, but get stopped before anything serious happens. No names, just chemistry. Fast forward one year, and these two finally connect because her dad is the unpleasant Mayor trying to cause trouble for Saddle and the rest of his MC club.

Safe read. Lots of heat, chemistry and a tad bit of submission. Naughty restaurant shenanigans, because he really can’t keep his hands off her, loved it. A dirty talking biker cowboy, and his sweet sugar fairy. A little suspense and drama, maybe a trigger for some. Epilogues and a hea.
Profile Image for Shirl.
1,024 reviews45 followers
December 27, 2020
A good little short Christmas book but a lot of mistakes in the writing. A lot of missing words and mixing her with him, etc. Really messed with the flow of the book. A good editor should have found them very easy. That's why the lower stars.

The story was pretty solid and loved the H and h but they did act a bit younger than they were. Some really good steamy sexy scenes but not too many... just enough.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,271 reviews207 followers
December 5, 2020
: 3.75 stars--A COWBOY UNDER THE MISTLETOE is the fourth instalment in Crimson Syn’s contemporary, adult ROYAL BASTARDS MC erotic, MC, romance series focusing on the members of the RBMC. This is RBMC Vice President Troy ‘Saddle’ Maverick, and PA Crystal Tannenbaum’s story line. A COWBOY UNDER THE MISTLETOE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.


NOTE: A COWBOY UNDER THE MISTLETOE takes place approximately thirty years in the past, focusing on the founding members of the Royal Bastards MC.


Told from dual first person perspectives (Saddle and Crystal) A COWBOY UNDER THE MISTLETOE follows the building romance and relationship between the Vice President of the RBMC Troy ‘Saddle’ Maverick, and PA Crystal Tannenbaum. One year earlier, on New Year’s Eve, Saddle and Crystal had a brief encounter but an emergency pulled Saddle out of Crystal’s life, and in the ensuing year neither one would forgot about the other. Twelve months later, and the Royal Bastards MC have become the target of the town’s new mayor who has secretly paired with the Bloody Scorpions MC. Wanting to control everything that comes in and out of his town, Mayor Tanenbaum goes after the RBMC and the man with whom his daughter will fall in love. As Troy and Crystal take their relationship to the next level, Crystal will quickly discover that all is not well in her father’s life, and our heroine has become a pawn in a war between the Royal Bastards, and the Bloody Scorpions MC.


Saddle Maverick never expected to fall for Crystal Tannenbaum but his latest assignment means getting closer to Crystal, an assignment that is about to break our heroine’s heart. Crystal Tannenbaum is neither innocent nor bad, but falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to her relationship with Troy Maverick. Secrets and lies are about to spiral out of control as Crystal quickly discovers that every man in her life can no longer be trusted.


The relationship between Crystal and Saddle is one of immediate attraction but their first encounter is sexy and quick. In the ensuing year their paths will cross almost daily, wherein Crystal believes Saddle does not remember their initial meeting. A shove from a stranger finds our heroine in Saddle’s lap, and their relationship starts to build from that moment forward. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.


The secondary and supporting characters including club President Paul ‘Bulldog’ Jameson , Sargent at arms Hart, fire Lieutenant Tail Gunner Mason ‘Brimstone’ Hudson, Siege, club treasurer Cipher, Bruiser, Mayor Larry Tannenbaum, cafe owner Rachel , and the mayor’s press secretary Roger Dixon.


A COWBOY UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a quick read; a fast paced story that looks at the beginning of Crystal and Saddle’s relationship, and the fall-out from a town controlled by the local MCs. The premise is engaging; the romance is steamy and hot; the characters are colorful and energetic.



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Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,149 reviews12 followers
December 24, 2020
Saddle meets Crystal at a Christmas party and they have a 🔥 moment in the back of the diner until they are interrupted. Saddle has to go with his brothers to take over a job for the club, but before leaving he assures Crystal that he will look for her.
The RB are having problems with the BS and with the mayor of the town who works with them. Their need their next job to go well so they can earn money and expand, but the mayor has other plans for them and their land.
The RB’s Prez tasks them with finding dirt on the mayor and his family and Saddle accepts the job of getting closer to the mayor’s daughter, Crystal.
It’s been a year since they last see each other, but the pull they both feel is still as strong as the first time. They start a secret relationship but they are finally discovered and the problems begins for them.

“Usually I’d take a woman like you home with me. Get you to warm my cold bed. But for some reason, Sugar, I feel like you deserve a little winin’ and dinin’ before I taste you. Because I will get a taste of you.”

“Wanna know what I asked Santa for?” “What’s that?” “For a cowboy under the mistletoe.”
Profile Image for Lynn Stifle.
3,821 reviews69 followers
December 17, 2020
I loved Saddle and Crystal’s story and fell in love with them both. Saddle is the VP of RBMC and Crystal is the mayor’s daughter and when they meet sparks fly and the chemistry between them is off the charts. This story is filled with action, steam, and is a perfect holiday story. A definite must read.
Profile Image for Madeleine.
4,322 reviews10 followers
December 5, 2020
For Saddle the club is everything until Crystal enters the picture. She's a job that he's assigned to. More specifically his enemy's daughter. Can he do what's asked or will feelings get in the way?
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,153 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2021
Troy "Saddle" Maverick is the VP of the Royal Bastards MC and lately his club has been struggling with the mayor in town, Larry Tannenbaum. The Royal Bastards have no idea what keeps happening with their incoming shipments and doesn't know if it's because of Larry or the Royal Scorpions.

Crystal Tannenbaum is Larry's daughter and has had a crush on Saddle for a long time but he never seems to notice her. Yet soon she finds he seems to have finally noticed her.

Is Crystal the key for Saddle to get what he knows on Larry but when he discovers that he may care about her, will she get caught in the crossfire?

This is another great book in the series and I really enjoyed this one!

Saddle is another great character in Royal Bastards and I really enjoyed him getting his story. He is definitely a smart character and realized there was a lot going on and more than they initially thought.

I thought Crystal was great and I really liked seeing things through her eyes. She was definitely caught in a difficult place yet she constantly did what she thought was right, even if she was ultimately betraying someone she was close to.

I liked the chemistry between Crystal and Saddle and I liked how Saddle gradually realized how he felt and figured out at one point that he needed to protect Crystal with everything she knew. Yet Saddle never opened up about how he truly felt about her to her which ended up causing a lot of problems.

There was a link that I was a little surprised about but the evilness of one character was apparent right from the beginning! I was freaking a little bit at the end with what they were trying to do but I am so glad that Saddle was there although I was sad at what ended up happening. The end was great though and I was much happier!

I loved this first epilogue and I can't wait to read that one!

The second epilogue was extremely intriguing and I can't wait to see what comes from that!





1,263 reviews19 followers
December 11, 2020
A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe RBMC #2 by Crimson Syn is a fast paced novella just in time for the holidays! Saddle is one of the founding members of the RBMC-New Orleans National Chapter set in the earlier years of the club and the beginning of Saddle/Troy and Crystal's romance. You will love this action packed holiday romance story that had it all; MC drama, violence and passion. The club is having to deal with behind the scenes secret and dishonest behavior by the Bloody Scorpions who are aligned with a corrupt Mayor who are out to take the club down. Now Saddle is told by his President that he needs to get close to the Mayor's daughter, Crystal Tannenbaum and get the information the club needs to stop her father from coming after the club by any means possible. Saddle hasn't told anyone that he met her before and hasn't stopped thinking or wanting her and finds he will do all he can to protect her. Crystal has never forgotten her encounter with her Cowboy as she is set on getting his attention, but Saddle is aware of her interest in him so he pursues her with all of the desire and passion he feels for her. Their romance will set the course for the journey these two will go through as danger, murder and chaos surrounds them. The love between these two soulmates is instantaneous and the chemistry between them is explosive as the bond they have is strong and one that will last a lifetime as they look toward the future together. Can't wait for Hart's story!
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,613 reviews44 followers
March 17, 2022
This book is part of the Royal Bastards MC collection. This is book 2.5 for this chapter. It is a Christmas novella. This book focuses on Saddle and Crystal. Saddle and the club are being targeted by the mayor. He wants them out. They know he is up to no good they just can’t prove it. Saddle and Crystal has a close encounter at last year’s Christmas party. When the club begins watching Crystal and her mom to try to get info on him. He volunteers to watch Crystal. He can’t get her out of his head. He will take any reason to try and get close to her. Crystal has led a very sheltered life and is thrown when her dad shows her a different side of himself. She is falling for Saddle but how will she take it when she finds out that Saddle has alternative reasons for being with her. Saddle wants Crystal for his own but he still has to tell the club any info he finds out. Can Crystal accept that he wants her for her but still needs to use the info she tells him? This was an interesting book. I feel for the position Saddle is in. He wants to info to protect her as well. I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to more books for this chapter. Great job Crimson.
Profile Image for Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews176 followers
December 11, 2020
Amount of sex – 3 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes – 4 / 5
Story – 4 / 5
Overall – 4 / 5

A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe is the second RBMC holiday book as well as the fourth book in the Royal Bastards MC series written by author Crimson Syn. This novella tells the story of Troy “Saddle” Maverick, the VP of the Royal Bastards MC, and Crystal Tannenbaum, the mayor’s daughter.

I was first introduced to Troy in Theodore, the first book in the Eagle Ridge Cowboys series. Even though he was introduced in another book, I believe you can read this story as a standalone holiday MC romance. However, I do recommend reading Theodore as it’s a great book!

I love being back in the Royal Bastards world, and I immediately got hooked on the characters. The storyline was blazing hot, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I do, however, wish that the story was a full-length novel. I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Troy and Crystal.

Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
1,465 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2020
Saddle and Crystal are perfect together.

Saddle aka Troy Maverick is the VP for the RBMC. He’s rough and dominating. He finds a little treat at a holiday party that he wants more of. Crystal comes from political royalty, at least in her small town. Her father is the mayor and makes a deal with the wrong devil. He’ll put his family at risk, but that’s the least of his problems. Saddle will do whatever it takes to find out the mayor’s secrets, even if he has to go through his daughter. The problem is he doen’t expect to fall for Crystal but now he’ll protect her at all costs. Will she be able to forgive him when she finds out his secrets?

Quick read, perfect for reading by the fire with a glass of wine.
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,644 reviews61 followers
December 3, 2020
I just love going back in time and seeing how things got started with Series that I am reading Cowboy Under the Mistletoe does that within the RBMC series as well as kickstarts book 1 of Ms. Syn’s Eagle Ridge Cowboy series (Theodore - which if you haven’t read - DO SO, it’s a must).

This is Saddle’s story, one of the original members of the RBMC. The story is a great holiday time romance that is jam packed with romance and MC action. The book is very well written and the characters will feel like family, which makes the books to come so much more exciting.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars for this MUST READ Holiday Time MC Romance.
Profile Image for Nancie Blume.
653 reviews12 followers
June 1, 2025
Saddle and Crystal

This story is a wild ride. It goes back to the beginning of Saddle and Crystal and they are like two crazy kids in a dysfunctional pod, and I am here. for. it. As the daughter of his arch-nemesis, Saddle's got some tough choices to make. But let's be real, the RBMC series is all about those hard decisions. Crystal's life is about to get turned upside down, but honestly, that might not be the worst thing ever. I mean, who wouldn't want a bad boy Bastard? And bonus points for the cameo appearances by Leo and December - it's like the icing on the cake. Definitely recommend reading this book!
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,263 reviews1,530 followers
December 6, 2020
A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe is a Christmas novella set in the RMBC universe and is by Crimson Syn. The story takes place in 1990 and is the story of one of the founding members, Troy “Saddle” Maverick and Crystal, the daughter of the local mayor. He’s tried to stay away from her, thinking she would never fit in with his life, but it just doesn’t seem to work and he’s sick of fighting his feelings for her.

This was a insta-love/insta-lust, quick, enjoyable, easy read. The characters were likable and interesting; the story action filled and super smexy <3
Profile Image for Mandy.
197 reviews
December 4, 2020
Saddle was vp of rbmc.Crystal was the mayor's daughter.Their first meeting was a strange one. A year later she became a job. But he wanted her.She has been watching him for a year.Could he cross that line? What would happen when she finds out he was using her or was he?Her life is put in danger because of her dad.Could he save her?This is a hot,steamy,read and full of drama,Another great addition to rbmc.
Profile Image for Andrea  Floyd.
906 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2020
Great book

The Royal Bastards are at it again, a 1% club that still does some good, fighting the wrongs of a rival club and a dirty politician. The characters are interesting and the story enjoyable, opposites do attract, and a good girl certainly gets draw to the dark side, and not all bad boys are truly bad, the the Brotherhood does watch each others backs. Plenty of action, sexual chemistry and romance, it even comes with an HEA, well worth your time to read.
Profile Image for Ann L.
4,808 reviews40 followers
December 5, 2020
If you have met Theodore Maverick of Eagle's Ridge, this is his Uncle Troy AKA Saddle of the RBMC and Aunt Crystal's story of how they met and the underhandedness and trouble he and the club go through at the hands of the mayor and the Bloody Scorpions. It is action filled and i loved it from the start, definitely a page turner.

I received a copy and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,753 reviews13 followers
December 8, 2020
Oooohhh lala! Saddle and Crystal bring the heat! The RBMC is one heck of a MC and the founding fathers and Mothers are a part of that! This is such a holiday joy and one not to be missed! Crimson is not only a great author she tells some of the best stories! So come on and enjoy the Holiday with some fantastic Men and Women who will grab your heart and keep you coming back for more! Merry Christmas and maybe you might get caught under the mistletoe with your favorite RBMC member!
Profile Image for Noemi.
2,179 reviews8 followers
January 19, 2021
Crystal clear

Saddle was enjoying a Christmas party when he comes across a beautiful woman. Crystal couldn't keep her eyes off of Saddle. It takes them a year to end up together and it's just what they wanted. Now his club was fighting their enemy and that includes Crystal's father. Surprises are revealed and our couple end up together.

This story is hot, fast paced and full of mystery. I enjoyed this read.
Author 1 book5 followers
December 20, 2023
Saddle story

Saddle v.p of the royal bastards in this prequel. Has to find out what he can about the mayor dealing he see a beautiful woman at a party not knowing it the mayor daughter. He try to stay away but when he need info he fall for her and hard.

Crystal daughter of the mayor can't get the cowboy she met at the party out of her head and want him badly. So when he come knocking she answers.

Spice action can't wait for the next one
Profile Image for Sue.
4,353 reviews5 followers
December 3, 2020
If you want a good Christmas read with good and bad this is it. Saddle (Troy) is messing with the enemies daughter, but seem to stop himself. A great read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with plenty of steam, action and everything inbetween. Loved reading this story about Saddle and crystal. Received this book for a voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,859 reviews112 followers
December 4, 2020
I totally loved this amazing book. This book will hook you from the moment that you start reading and you will not be able to put it down till the last page is read. It moves along at a great pace, has amazing characters and a story that will not let you down. This is a must read book, no doubt about it.
Profile Image for Debbie Earley.
2,920 reviews18 followers
December 7, 2020
Saddle & Crystal

A COWBOY UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a quick read; a fast paced story that looks at the beginning of Crystal and Saddle’s relationship, and the fall-out from a corrupt Mayor as he put his family in danger by trying to take down the local MCs. It's engaging; the romance is steamy and hot; the characters are colorful and energetic.
I can't wait to read Hart's story.
Profile Image for Lynne Garlick.
2,476 reviews27 followers
December 8, 2020
Holy moly!!

Holy moly! I absolutely loved this book!! The best of both worlds to me! Predominantly Royal Bastards with a twist of cowboy!! Win win!!
I don't want too say too much more because you really need to read this!!!!I
It had my heart racing and nerves in edge! It was also hot as hell!!
2,669 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2020
He saved her when she needed him the most and she saved him 2. But I don't like the ending of the close 2 the ending cause it seems like it leaves me with questions rather than any answers. But when he gets the call from his nephew he will do what he thinks is good 2 find out exactly what the he'll is going on in the town besides on the ranch.
4,835 reviews10 followers
April 26, 2021
Liked but

Books seem to be getting a bit tamer and the mc letting the bad guys off too easily. They are well written mostly and have great potential but sadly not enough to continue with this author. More of a love story and yet again the female lead is made out as stupid. Awh well you win some and lose some.
238 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2023
I totally loved this amazing book. This book will hook you from the moment that you start reading and you will not be able to put it down till the last page is read. It moves along at a great pace, has amazing characters and a story that will not let you down. This is a must read book, no doubt about it
Profile Image for Ashante Williams.
2,070 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2025
Saddle & Crystal: triggers- sex trafficking, sexual assault, assault. this was a good little novella. the club is still dealing with their rivals but now politicians are involved. Saddle is given orders to get close to the mayor's daughter, only he's seen her before. the two are extremely hot. and despite being a short story, there's a lot of action. really good.
Profile Image for Julie Jackson.
2,312 reviews10 followers
December 5, 2020
Reviewed for SNS

Saddle is all about his club. He is loyal and responsible. When he meets Crystal, things change. He won’t turn his back on the club but he wants to protect her just the same. Sweet Christmas read with all the MC Alpha you can handle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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