Romanceaholics, the holidays just got a whole lot hotter with Stacey Kennedy’s Meet Me Under the Mistletoe. This steamy small-town romance combines Christmas charm with second-chance sparks, making it the perfect holiday read for those who like their mistletoe moments a little naughty.
Penelope Carter, the self-proclaimed “wild child,” is determined to turn over a new leaf this Christmas. Staying at her cousin’s brewery in snowy River Rock, she’s on a mission to prove she’s more than just a troublemaker. But a few too many festive cocktails and a run-in with her teenage crush-turned-smoldering local cop, Darryl Wilson, send her nice list plans into a tailspin.
Darryl, freshly divorced and aiming for a big career promotion, didn’t expect Penelope to stroll back into his life. She’s bold, beautiful, and way too tempting. When Christmas festivities (and Penelope’s knack for chaos) throw them together, sparks fly, but so does trouble.
Why you’ll love it
- Penelope Is a Vibe: She’s fun, fearless, and delightfully flawed. Watching her try to balance her wild streak with her newfound determination to “behave” is both hilarious and heartfelt.
- Darryl Is the Perfect Holiday Hero: A sexy, slightly grumpy cop with a protective streak? Yes, please. His chemistry with Penelope is electric, and their banter is chef’s kiss.
- Second-Chance Magic: Their shared history adds layers to their relationship, making every moment of their reunion feel like destiny wrapped in tinsel.
- Small-Town Holiday Vibes: River Rock is a winter wonderland, complete with cozy breweries, snow-filled streets, and festive shenanigans that’ll make you want to move there ASAP.
The conflict between Darryl’s promotion and Penelope’s “troublemaker” reputation feels a little rushed. A deeper dive into how they overcome these challenges would’ve made their HEA even sweeter.
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe is the ultimate Christmas romance for fans of humor, heat, and heartfelt moments. With a feisty heroine, a swoon-worthy cop, and enough holiday charm to melt the snow, Stacey Kennedy delivers a story as warm and inviting as a mug of spiked cocoa.
Will you meet Penelope and Darryl under the mistletoe this Christmas?
Let’s chat, Romanceaholics! What’s your favorite holiday romance trope?

