Under the Mistletoe Collection | Audiobook Review
The Under The Mistletoe Collection is a collection of 5 Amazon original short stories about Christmas. They are included in KU in both the Kindle and audible versions. The narration was fantastic on all of them, and they all have open door spice.
Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood
Narrated by Vivienne LaRue
I absolutely loved this one! Honestly, I wish it had been a full-length book because I didn’t want it to end.
He’s her best friend’s little brother—she held him the day he was born. He’s been in love with her forever, but now he’s a millionaire tech mogul and she’s a resident pediatrician. Somehow, they’ve become enemies, but being snowed in together during a blizzard forces them to confront their entire past.
“I fucking adore you.” His forehead dipped to lean against mine. “I was in love with you when I was fifteen, and . . . if I’m honest, not much has changed.”
I adored how much—and for how long—he loved her. This was so cute, heartfelt, and romantic. By far, it’s my favorite in the Under the Mistletoe collection, and I wanted more!
4.5 Stars
Kindle | Audible
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
Narrated by Connor Crais and Summer Morton
I’ve met Tessa several times and really like her, but this book? Not so much.
I get it—I like REALLY BIG guys too because I enjoy feeling small. But this? It was basically about a single mom and a giant who couldn’t find pants that fit. And they just went at it… a lot.
The dialogue was cheesy, and I kept asking myself—was there even Christmas story somewhere in here?
”They don’t make jeans that fit me, and they don’t make women that fit me either.”
“Can he see me clenching through this denim? Good gravy, am I attracted to him?”
“I tell him he’s daddy and my pussy needs his come.”
Not my vibe.
2 Stars
Amazon | Audible
All By My Elf by Olivia Dade
Narrated by Andi Arndt
Oof. What even was this?
A group of professors doing some kind of holiday promo in a wienermobile (yes, really). One female professor had a crush on a male professor but thought he was secretly hooking up with her best friend—which, um, what kind of friendship is that?
“Those weren’t a bag of M&M’s in his pocket.”
Yikes. This one didn’t work for me except for some goofy Wienermobile jokes.
2 Stars
Amazon | Audible
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
Narrated by Amelie Griffin
This one was better than most in the collection.
A firefighter keeps rescuing a hot mess, and their banter and chemistry were cute. I liked them together, but it was so short it barely felt like a story.
“You think you’re real cute, don’t you?” In the blink of an eye, his smile turned sly. “Better question is, do you think I’m cute?”
Fun and flirty, but I wish it had been fleshed out more.
3.5 Stars
Amazon | Audible
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
Narrated by Ruby Corazon
I started this one three times and kept forgetting what was happening. Eventually, I gave up.
There were a few cute moments, but it just didn’t hold my attention. Honestly, I don’t even remember much except that her upstairs neighbor left her ornaments and then—boom—they hooked up.
And… that’s it?
2 Stars
Amazon | Audible
The Down & Dirty:
I enjoyed Amazon’s Valentine’s collection a lot more than this one. If you’re looking for Christmas romance, skip this and grab something better. The only standout here is Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood—it’s adorable, heartfelt, and worth your time. The rest? Not so much.
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