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Under The Mistletoe Collection #1
Cruel Winter with You
For two former childhood friends, a blustery winter storm stirs some frosty—and scorching—memories in a delightful short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.
All newly minted pediatrician Jamie Malek wants is to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, that requires her to interact with Marc—her best friend’s troublemaking brother, who’s now a tech billionaire. He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who broke his heart. Outside, a howling blizzard. Inside, a crackling fire. Suddenly, being snowbound with the man she never expected to see again might not be such a bad way to spend a winter’s night.
Ali Hazelwood’s Cruel Winter with You is part of Under the Mistletoe, a stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.
All newly minted pediatrician Jamie Malek wants is to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, that requires her to interact with Marc—her best friend’s troublemaking brother, who’s now a tech billionaire. He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who broke his heart. Outside, a howling blizzard. Inside, a crackling fire. Suddenly, being snowbound with the man she never expected to see again might not be such a bad way to spend a winter’s night.
Ali Hazelwood’s Cruel Winter with You is part of Under the Mistletoe, a stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 12, 2024
About the author
Ali Hazelwood
16 books126k followersI'm Ali, and I write contemporary romcom novels about women in STEM and academia. I love cats, Nutella, and side ponytails. I'm also currently learning to crochet, so as you can tell I'm a super busy gal with an intense and exciting life!
I only use Goodreads as a reader, to review and hype books that I've loved (many of these book are ARCs received from fellow authors).
I only use Goodreads as a reader, to review and hype books that I've loved (many of these book are ARCs received from fellow authors).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
October 30, 2024
2.75!
I mean it was fine 🙁 nothing special. There was like one cute scene that's why this is a two. Usually when I read Ali Hazelwoods books I enjoy them so much but that feeling wasn't here. Maybe short stories aren't for her. :(
_
Why were these not published in December? I will never understand 😔
*Thank you to netgalley for the arc of this series.*
I mean it was fine 🙁 nothing special. There was like one cute scene that's why this is a two. Usually when I read Ali Hazelwoods books I enjoy them so much but that feeling wasn't here. Maybe short stories aren't for her. :(
_
Why were these not published in December? I will never understand 😔
*Thank you to netgalley for the arc of this series.*
November 5, 2024
Audio ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher —Brilliance Publishing—big thanks!
The Mmc had to be the greenest flag ever🥹 this was my first try with Ali hazelwood and it was a Christmas novella but I’m pleased anyway, it’s a good start.
It was very cute and omg all I’m gonna say is that I need my own man where he work till become a billionaire so he can get to me, and wait for me for years even tho I reject him multiple times 💋 YES!! I love my man pathetically down bad.
The Mmc had to be the greenest flag ever🥹 this was my first try with Ali hazelwood and it was a Christmas novella but I’m pleased anyway, it’s a good start.
It was very cute and omg all I’m gonna say is that I need my own man where he work till become a billionaire so he can get to me, and wait for me for years even tho I reject him multiple times 💋 YES!! I love my man pathetically down bad.
Shelved as 'bookish-countdown'
October 16, 2024Childhood friends-to-lovers during a snowstorm? YES, PLEASE! 😃☝️ I mean, can we talk about the perfect combo of cozy blizzard vibes and scorching chemistry? ❄🔥 I’m already swooning at the thought of all those frosty, heart-melting moments! This has all the potential to be a cozy, curl-up-with-a-blanket read, and I’m so ready for it. Ali Hazelwood, bring on the snowstorm romance magic—I’m here for it! 💖☃️
October 18, 2024
not her best work but for a short christmas novella it was okay <3
“That's why I never thought of you as the one who got away, Jamie. Because for you to get away, I would have needed to let go of you. And I never wanted that."
thanks to netgalley for the arc and also Lilyya for informing that this was available 🤭🫶🏻
“That's why I never thought of you as the one who got away, Jamie. Because for you to get away, I would have needed to let go of you. And I never wanted that."
thanks to netgalley for the arc and also Lilyya for informing that this was available 🤭🫶🏻
October 25, 2024
i love it!!! it was cute and fast, perfect Christmas novella. did it had famous Ali Hazelwood miscommunication trope? yeah, but you know what? i don't care, it was good, it's 70 pages long, made me giggle and laugh and feel nice
Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
November 6, 2024
4 stars
such a fast paced and delicious read! ali hazelwood (practically) always regales me with the greenest forests as MMCs. Mark was no expectation to the rule. but i found the plot line of the younger brother having a crush for his entire life on his older sister’s best friend ABSOLUTELY genius. i need more of this. a full novel. a complete saga. a whole series!!!!!
many thanks to NetGalley for providing and arc in exchange for an honest review
“I’m not over you. and I never will be.”
such a fast paced and delicious read! ali hazelwood (practically) always regales me with the greenest forests as MMCs. Mark was no expectation to the rule. but i found the plot line of the younger brother having a crush for his entire life on his older sister’s best friend ABSOLUTELY genius. i need more of this. a full novel. a complete saga. a whole series!!!!!
many thanks to NetGalley for providing and arc in exchange for an honest review
November 4, 2024
⭐️ 5
🌶️ 4
This, this right here is the Ali Hazelwood that I love. And if there’s one thing about me, I love childhood friends to lovers. 61 pages was plenty to fall in love with Marc and Jamie, past and present.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️= open door, multiple scenes, descriptive
🌶️ 4
This, this right here is the Ali Hazelwood that I love. And if there’s one thing about me, I love childhood friends to lovers. 61 pages was plenty to fall in love with Marc and Jamie, past and present.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️= open door, multiple scenes, descriptive
October 20, 2024
The whole story was perfect, the mmc was intense in a good sense of the word. I really enjoyed reading it, the only thing that upset me was why it was a short story and not a full-length book?
Tropes:
childhood friends to lovers,
he falls first,
billionaire mmc,
everything he did was for her,
snowed in,
truth or drink))
(arc review)
Tropes:
childhood friends to lovers,
he falls first,
billionaire mmc,
everything he did was for her,
snowed in,
truth or drink))
(arc review)
Read
October 15, 2024He looks up grinning like the devil
November 2, 2024
I just know this man took care of her med school debt and it didn't even make a dent in his bank account.
✧ 5 golden rings
✧ 5 golden rings
October 31, 2024
“I want to give you the world, Jamie. Let me. Just let me, please.”
Whew, this short novella packs a punch. It’s difficult to believe that Hazelwood was able to pour so much into a 70-page holiday romance, making it feel well-rounded and complete. I’m not sure that I’d have enjoyed a full-length story with these characters (personal preference in tropes), but I devoured this novella eagerly. It felt like one of Hazelwood’s books while still managing to maintain its own identity, and I adored the “he falls first” vibes, as well as just how smitten he was. Perfect for fans of “it’s always been you” romances and childhood friends reunited. I think things would’ve gotten a lot angstier and messier in a full-length story, so the page count was just right for me. It’s got just a touch of wintery vibes, so this could be read any time of the year but is probably best appreciated near the holidays. All in all, it’s a tension-filled, swoony little treat, and a satisfying read.
The story follows Jamie, a woman who stumbles upon her estranged childhood friend on a cold winter night. Though Marc made his feelings for Jamie clear years ago, their timing has never been right, and that’s added some tension to their relationship. Stuck together when the power goes out, the Marc and Jamie are forced to work through their issues and decide what they really want from each other.
Whew, this short novella packs a punch. It’s difficult to believe that Hazelwood was able to pour so much into a 70-page holiday romance, making it feel well-rounded and complete. I’m not sure that I’d have enjoyed a full-length story with these characters (personal preference in tropes), but I devoured this novella eagerly. It felt like one of Hazelwood’s books while still managing to maintain its own identity, and I adored the “he falls first” vibes, as well as just how smitten he was. Perfect for fans of “it’s always been you” romances and childhood friends reunited. I think things would’ve gotten a lot angstier and messier in a full-length story, so the page count was just right for me. It’s got just a touch of wintery vibes, so this could be read any time of the year but is probably best appreciated near the holidays. All in all, it’s a tension-filled, swoony little treat, and a satisfying read.
The story follows Jamie, a woman who stumbles upon her estranged childhood friend on a cold winter night. Though Marc made his feelings for Jamie clear years ago, their timing has never been right, and that’s added some tension to their relationship. Stuck together when the power goes out, the Marc and Jamie are forced to work through their issues and decide what they really want from each other.
Want to read
October 24, 2024ali hazelwood christmas novella?!
October 19, 2024
This was cute for what it was, its truly too short for me to give it more than 3 stars but if you like friends to lovers with mc's that are stuck in a blizzard then you should read this. There's spice as well so yay. Thanks to Amazon publishing/NetGalley read now for the arc!
October 25, 2024
This was a fun, he falls first, older sister's best friend, holiday romance that takes place one Christmas. With flashbacks to their past, childhood neighbors reminiscence about missed opportunities only to realize they both want a chance at a lasting love together. Cute and a bit spicy, this was great on audio and I'm excited for the rest of the Under the mistletoe short holiday stories! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
CW: if you aren't a fan of the miscommunication trope you might want to skip this one, it plays heavily into the plot
CW: if you aren't a fan of the miscommunication trope you might want to skip this one, it plays heavily into the plot
October 19, 2024
*Thank you NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
1 Star!
Nuh uh, this was not it!
Ali's books are always either a huge hit or miss for me. Let's see which one this will be.
1 Star!
Nuh uh, this was not it!
Ali's books are always either a huge hit or miss for me. Let's see which one this will be.
October 16, 2024
Thank you so much Ali Hazelwood & Amazon Publishing for giving me the ARC in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are my own. (I will be reviewing each book in this collection from Under The Mistletoe separately)
Wow, I mean wow guys. I knew already that Ali Hazelwood is unstoppable, and able to have an absolute chokehold on your heart in any length of book, but especially with her super power with novellas…but…WOW. This one hands down has burrowed into my soul the fastest, and will live there forever toasty and warm snuggled up next to Love on the Brain and Stuck with You. It’s beautiful, it’s raw, it’s heartfelt and oh so real. It’s endearing and revealing and will make your heart feel a lot less alone even if you are at your most alone. I read it in one sitting and cried, laughed, and cried some more, I just FELT the whole way through. I hugged my kindle when I finished because it’s been so long since I’ve felt so unbelievably seen by a book like this. It felt like someone crawled inside my brain and shone some light where it’s darkest, and filled with cobwebs and angry goblins, and offered to give that dark piece of me a hug. I have no idea how she does it, but here I am cry hugging my kindle on a Tuesday night and I am in no way ashamed to admit that to the entirety of the internet. It’s books like this that are why I am a reader. The feelings I felt every single page I read, and this feeling I have right now as I type this review. That hard to describe feeling that only other readers know the meaning of, where you feel seen and heard, and torn apart and healed at all the same time because you realize it’s not just you who felt these things? Yup, that’s the one!
Our FMC Jamie (a pediatrician) is in my opinion, impossible to not root for. She’s soft, kind, and incredibly relatable in her flaws and fears. She’s home for Christmas and gets caught in a storm with just the person she is scared to face right now, the guy whose heart she broke. It’s truly a Christmas miracle that’s collision was meant to be.
Our MMC Marc (a tech billionaire) is easy to fall for and one readers will absolutely MELT over. I know I sure did very quickly. I’ll leave his carefully crafted unveiling to Ali because I keep it spoiler free and there’s no way I could ever even pretend I could have a fraction of her timing and this man deserves her justice!
The pacing and plot had me racing to the next part and incapable of putting it down. The shifts in time and tale added so much intensity and intrigue, I wouldn’t have wanted to read it any other way. Truly, this was a perfect showcase for Ali’s timing and capacity to reveal just enough when it’s oh so right. She gave us so much tension, realistic build up while somehow giving us a really clear picture of who these complex characters are. Again, such a talent when it comes to this short story format. It in no way felt rushed, or like insta love, I truly feel like I know these characters and all I can say is, PLEASE ALI CAN I HAVE SOME MORE?
In my honest and wholehearted mind, this was an absolute smash hit, and I can’t think of a single second I didn’t love. In fact, I loved it so much I’m going to reread it right this very second even though it’s 1 am, sleep be damned! I’m not ready to let go of how this book made me feel just yet…maybe not ever!
Wow, I mean wow guys. I knew already that Ali Hazelwood is unstoppable, and able to have an absolute chokehold on your heart in any length of book, but especially with her super power with novellas…but…WOW. This one hands down has burrowed into my soul the fastest, and will live there forever toasty and warm snuggled up next to Love on the Brain and Stuck with You. It’s beautiful, it’s raw, it’s heartfelt and oh so real. It’s endearing and revealing and will make your heart feel a lot less alone even if you are at your most alone. I read it in one sitting and cried, laughed, and cried some more, I just FELT the whole way through. I hugged my kindle when I finished because it’s been so long since I’ve felt so unbelievably seen by a book like this. It felt like someone crawled inside my brain and shone some light where it’s darkest, and filled with cobwebs and angry goblins, and offered to give that dark piece of me a hug. I have no idea how she does it, but here I am cry hugging my kindle on a Tuesday night and I am in no way ashamed to admit that to the entirety of the internet. It’s books like this that are why I am a reader. The feelings I felt every single page I read, and this feeling I have right now as I type this review. That hard to describe feeling that only other readers know the meaning of, where you feel seen and heard, and torn apart and healed at all the same time because you realize it’s not just you who felt these things? Yup, that’s the one!
Our FMC Jamie (a pediatrician) is in my opinion, impossible to not root for. She’s soft, kind, and incredibly relatable in her flaws and fears. She’s home for Christmas and gets caught in a storm with just the person she is scared to face right now, the guy whose heart she broke. It’s truly a Christmas miracle that’s collision was meant to be.
Our MMC Marc (a tech billionaire) is easy to fall for and one readers will absolutely MELT over. I know I sure did very quickly. I’ll leave his carefully crafted unveiling to Ali because I keep it spoiler free and there’s no way I could ever even pretend I could have a fraction of her timing and this man deserves her justice!
The pacing and plot had me racing to the next part and incapable of putting it down. The shifts in time and tale added so much intensity and intrigue, I wouldn’t have wanted to read it any other way. Truly, this was a perfect showcase for Ali’s timing and capacity to reveal just enough when it’s oh so right. She gave us so much tension, realistic build up while somehow giving us a really clear picture of who these complex characters are. Again, such a talent when it comes to this short story format. It in no way felt rushed, or like insta love, I truly feel like I know these characters and all I can say is, PLEASE ALI CAN I HAVE SOME MORE?
In my honest and wholehearted mind, this was an absolute smash hit, and I can’t think of a single second I didn’t love. In fact, I loved it so much I’m going to reread it right this very second even though it’s 1 am, sleep be damned! I’m not ready to let go of how this book made me feel just yet…maybe not ever!
October 22, 2024
Thank you so much Ali Hazelwood, Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange of am honest review!!!!
Actual rating 3.75 ⭐️
I don't normally rate novellas more than 3.5⭐️ because they are more often than not missing character development because there isn't enough room to write that, but I really enjoyed this one.
I read a lot of Ali Hazelwood's books and some were a disappointment and some were actually really good. I didn't expect much as it was a novella and barely 70 pages, but I actually really enjoyed it!!!
This would have been freaking amazing as a full novel. I don't really like friends to lovers anymore, but I really enjoyed how Ali wrote this trope.
Can't wait to read more from her!!!
Actual rating 3.75 ⭐️
I don't normally rate novellas more than 3.5⭐️ because they are more often than not missing character development because there isn't enough room to write that, but I really enjoyed this one.
I read a lot of Ali Hazelwood's books and some were a disappointment and some were actually really good. I didn't expect much as it was a novella and barely 70 pages, but I actually really enjoyed it!!!
This would have been freaking amazing as a full novel. I don't really like friends to lovers anymore, but I really enjoyed how Ali wrote this trope.
Can't wait to read more from her!!!
October 16, 2024
This snowbound, Christmas-set romance novella is fluffy, adorable, and so much fun. Exactly what I needed today!
November 6, 2024
This was insanely good!!!! There wasn’t a single moment it felt like a short story. The relationship was so well flushed out. So believable! So good! I loved Two Can Play, but I was left wanting more! This was half the length & left me completely satisfied.
Be prepared for a man so unbelievably down bad & who’s known exactly what(who) he wants since he was 6. I am still grinning so big because of this man.
Be prepared for a man so unbelievably down bad & who’s known exactly what(who) he wants since he was 6. I am still grinning so big because of this man.
October 31, 2024
was literally just fine. honestly marc spoke way too much
Want to read
October 15, 2024ali hazelwood truly is the gift that keeps on giving
October 21, 2024
Novela corta pero muy bonita, divertida y entretenida, ojalá fuera un libro porque la historia me gustó mucho 🤍 de todas formas Ali no decepciona con sus romances 🤍
Thanks netgalley for the arc✨
Thanks netgalley for the arc✨
Want to read
October 28, 2024I don't like Ali Hazelwood but I do love childhood friends to lovers so...
October 26, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories and Ali Hazelwood for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Really enjoy this - wish it was full length so we could have gotten more of a complete story.
Marc was intense (but in the best way) and one of those annoying young boys who have so much confidence. Jamie is afraid to disappoint anyone and lose them so she pushed Marc away to save her from future heartbreak.
A snowstorm forces them to be alone together which makes them realize they’re on the same page.
Open door.
Childhood friends to lovers.
Best friend’s younger brother.
Stranded in a snowstorm.
Really enjoy this - wish it was full length so we could have gotten more of a complete story.
Marc was intense (but in the best way) and one of those annoying young boys who have so much confidence. Jamie is afraid to disappoint anyone and lose them so she pushed Marc away to save her from future heartbreak.
A snowstorm forces them to be alone together which makes them realize they’re on the same page.
Open door.
Childhood friends to lovers.
Best friend’s younger brother.
Stranded in a snowstorm.
November 4, 2024
This was my favourite of the collection! I’m always a sucker for childhood friends to lovers and best friend’s brother tropes, so this was perfect. Marc was so sweet and I loved seeing their connection through the flashbacks.
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Want to read
November 4, 2024Maybe in December? It would be my first time.
November 4, 2024
I know this is a short story but I NEED MORE 😭😭
⭐️ rating: 4.5/5
🌶️: open door
In true Ali fashion, Marc has basically been in love with Jamie his entire life 🥹😭 since he’s her childhood best friend’s brother (literally known since birth 🥹)
I had all the feels with this one!
🩵 childhood best friend’s brother
👨🏻💻 tech billionaire
👩🏼⚕️ pediatrician
💙 he falls first & so hard
💖 single 1st person pov
Thank you to Amazon original stories + NetGalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
⭐️ rating: 4.5/5
🌶️: open door
In true Ali fashion, Marc has basically been in love with Jamie his entire life 🥹😭 since he’s her childhood best friend’s brother (literally known since birth 🥹)
I had all the feels with this one!
🩵 childhood best friend’s brother
👨🏻💻 tech billionaire
👩🏼⚕️ pediatrician
💙 he falls first & so hard
💖 single 1st person pov
Thank you to Amazon original stories + NetGalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
November 5, 2024
ali hazelwood’s writing will always be a comfort, and her story was so cozy and sweet with the perfect amount of frustration at the characters she knows we love so much!!!!! miscommunication trope done well is all i can say, and i thank you for your service, ali!
October 16, 2024
I swear Hazelwood never fails to entertain me. She could write a grocery list and I'd be utterly enthralled. But what she does best is pull all kinds of emotions out of me. Even in her short stories. This book had an absolute chokehold on my heart from the very beginning.
This has a he fell first trope to it with a bit of unrequited love then a friends to lovers aspect through forced proximity.
The story is told in present day with flashbacks important to setting up the relationship between the two main characters: Marc and Jamie. The story is focused solely on them, so you don't get much in the way of the relationships between the other characters who are introduced. You do see some of that through the main character's eyes, though. I can see how this might be hard with a short story, though, as you really need to focus on the main theme and not much else outside of that can really happen.
I love how the characters are lifelong friends. Marc knows so much more about Jamie than she even thinks he knows. He sees her and that really resonated with me. Being seen is so important, even in our times where we are not at our best. And he's so raw and open. Unafraid to be rejected and willing to fight for what he knows he wants, no matter how long it takes. He's patient and protective. Jamie, on the other hand, is blinded to how he feels and then when she knows, she constantly pulls away because she is too afraid to open herself up to love and the potential of hurt. But you know Hazelwood can't leave you with something that's not happy in the end without taking you through a struggle.
I don't know how she does it, but this author always gets into my brain and my heart and makes me love everything about the characters she writes. My one complaint is that it was a short story. I really wanted something much longer to soak in and let sit with me. It was over too fast.
This has a he fell first trope to it with a bit of unrequited love then a friends to lovers aspect through forced proximity.
The story is told in present day with flashbacks important to setting up the relationship between the two main characters: Marc and Jamie. The story is focused solely on them, so you don't get much in the way of the relationships between the other characters who are introduced. You do see some of that through the main character's eyes, though. I can see how this might be hard with a short story, though, as you really need to focus on the main theme and not much else outside of that can really happen.
I love how the characters are lifelong friends. Marc knows so much more about Jamie than she even thinks he knows. He sees her and that really resonated with me. Being seen is so important, even in our times where we are not at our best. And he's so raw and open. Unafraid to be rejected and willing to fight for what he knows he wants, no matter how long it takes. He's patient and protective. Jamie, on the other hand, is blinded to how he feels and then when she knows, she constantly pulls away because she is too afraid to open herself up to love and the potential of hurt. But you know Hazelwood can't leave you with something that's not happy in the end without taking you through a struggle.
I don't know how she does it, but this author always gets into my brain and my heart and makes me love everything about the characters she writes. My one complaint is that it was a short story. I really wanted something much longer to soak in and let sit with me. It was over too fast.
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