Professional Reviews
5 Pixies: "The Mistletoe Mistake is a delightful holiday read. It is full of passion, desire, ancient legends, angst, self-denial and, most importantly, love. You'll feel refreshed and recharged after zipping through this heartwarming tale of fresh young love. Lara Santiago spins her story with a charming turn of phrase, which literally keeps your eyes glued to her words. My favorite quote, which gives you a short glimpse at Santiago's genius, is "Holy sex god, Aunt Jemimah, this guy was the very definition of sizzling-hot man-butter dancing across a griddle." It just made me laugh enchanted at the imagery of such a burning hunk of man. The story oozed sexual tension, with erotically engaging love scenes sprinkled throughout the plot. And speaking of plot, it was wonderful; nicely paced, great build-up, no sporadic jumps or fits and definitely attention grabbing. Erica and Quentin's characters were believable, and really stood out as fresh and likable people. As a reader, I was attached to them, and was firmly rooting for their happily ever after. The supporting characters served well by adding tension and depth to the story arc. The Mistletoe Mistake should be added to everyone's holiday season required reading list as it fills your heart with that special something." -- Manda, Dark Angel Reviews 5 Stars: "Love at first sight…Erica was delighted with her new job at TI. Over the copy machine, she met the sexiest man ever created. While waiting to use the copier, she found herself daydreaming about "him." As they exited the room, they found themselves under the mistletoe. They did not stop with a kiss. The Mistletoe Mistake by Lara Santiago is a delightful tale of love at first sight. Santiago has a talent for developing both plot and characters in short stories. This book has a lot of sizzle." -- Anne Boling, Review Your Book 5 Cherries: "With its love-at-first-sight story, this fun read provides readers with a nice escape. Erica and Quentin are great characters whose easy relationship and flirtation I really enjoyed. The characters were very real and while I understood Erica's fears and hesitancy about getting involved with her boss's brother, at times I wanted to smack her because I was afraid she'd let a great guy get away. Quentin, a great hero and my favorite character of the story, is very patient and understanding about Erica's need for discretion. In fact, he is more patient than most probably would be, but he truly cares for Erica and wants her to be happy. I really enjoyed the humor and romance of this story and definitely recommend it!" -- Lilac, Whipped Cream 4.5 Blue Ribbons: "The Mistletoe Mistake is the third story in Lara Santiago's BLIND DATE AFTER DARK series. I've found all these short stories to be humorously captivating but The Mistletoe Mistake has an added devilish element which keeps the plotline jumping. Erica's bold attitude and ability to challenge 'her man' display exactly the sort of traits he needs in his life. Unfortunately his true identity proves to be a bit problematic but true desire can't be stopped and love won't be denied. Once again Ms. Santiago delivers exactly the sort of storyline her readers have come to treasure." -- Romance Junkies 4 Stars: This Christmas Erica Porter received her present early in the form of a new job offer from Thorne Industries. Erica couldn't wait to give her two-week notice at her current job and agreed to start at TI the week of Christmas. In an effort to make friends and show her worth, Erica agreed to stay a little later and make copies for her co-worker. Imagine Erica's surprise when the most delicious backside greeted her when she entered the copy room. One stranger and a sprig of mistletoe set off a chain of events that granted even more Christmas presents for Erica.
The Mistletoe Mistake is yet another great short story from Ms. Santiago. Erica's character was down to earth and spunky. Erica put her love life on hold to climb the corporate ladder and when presented with a perfect specimen of a man, she just can't resist the urge to take a little taste. Erica and Quentin make a perfect match for each other sexually. Watching them take their office fling a little bit further is very entertaining. The heat that occurs during the sexual scenes is very steamy and delightful. There were plenty of secondary characters that helped the plot flow. I enjoyed getting glimpses of Quentin's brother Trenton and his wife Alicia. This story could be enjoyed during any season by anyone looking for a quick romp into sexual satisfaction. -- LT Blue, Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Excerpt
ADULT EXCERPT
She allowed another long sigh to escape her lips, as if in total resignation, but wondered what his touch would feel like if he stroked her body so lovingly before rocking her world. The man was without a doubt the most attractive of the species that she'd noticed in ages. He was hypnotically masculine without being pretty, fairly tall, and the glossy sheen of his hair was very inviting. She wondered if it would be as silky as it looked if she got enough nerve to slip her fingers through it. Whoa.
To cool herself down from the salacious thoughts now taking root in her deprived brain, Erica pushed out another long rushing sigh of resignation, the speed of which could have started a hurricane in the Atlantic.
It didn't, however, make him go any faster. And after all, she was in a hurry to get to the party to make a good impression. Late did not make a good impression.
Tick. Tick. Tick. She tapped the left toe of her uncomfortable high heels against the tile floor loud enough to be heard from outside the room. She then shifted to her right foot and tapped her that shoe against the surface in an even louder staccato. Tap. Tap. Tap. He ignored her with a huge smile plastered on his handsome face all the while going ever so slowly with his copying.
Erica pretended not to notice the dimples denting his cheeks or the made-for-kissing, to-die-for sensual mouth he'd been blessed with. Instead, she huffed. She puffed. She silently swore that if he made her late to the party, she'd find out who he was and blow his house down.
"…slipping his wide cock into her warm needy mouth, she sucked until she heard his appreciative growl at her impromptu blowjob…"
The phrase of a book she'd been reading last night, before bed, skittered across her brain with the word "blowjob" and made another gush of moisture shoot into her panties. Her eyes snapped shut to keep from checking out Mr. Windsor Tie's package. She absolutely did not need to know how big his cock was, did she? No! Absolutely not.
"Falling asleep already, newbie?" Her eyes popped back open in time to see him check his gold wristwatch and shake his head as if regretful. "It's only five o'clock. How are you ever going to last for all the late nights coming your way?
"I'm not sleeping. I'm simply reserving my strength until you are finally finished."
"Oh? And what are you going to do with all that stored up power once I'm done?"
"I'm going to be working late every night to prove how valuable I am to this company." She smiled sweetly like the suck up she wished she could be but wasn't. If hard work didn't impress her new boss, then she was screwed.
His only response was an inelegant snort and a few mumbled words she didn't catch.
The gorgeous stranger didn't say anything else and when he finished making his copies, he stepped back, bent at the waist in a formal bow and gestured to the copy machine like a game show beauty presenting a new car. "It's all yours, newbie. Try not to break it."
"I'll do my level best." She walked past him, and the mild breeze carried the scent of his fuck-me-like-you-want-it cologne. The aroma of which made her want to strip naked and re-create the scene in last night's erotic romance that took place after the blowjob.
Erica studied the entry pad of the elaborate and complicated-looking copier to make sure it was like the machine at her last work place while she waited for the door to open and Mr. Sexy to leave her alone. After several long seconds, she looked past one shoulder to see he stood where she had moments before with arms crossed and foot tapping.
"Go away. It's my turn."
"I don't think so, newbie. You watched every move I made during my turn at the Photo Copy Express 2000. The least I can do is return the favor."
Erica didn't trust her voice for a moment. He wasn't really going to stay and watch her, was he? She didn't think she'd be able to repeat her name with any matter of proficiency if he inspected her every move. "I repeat, go away."
"Nope. I just can't do it."
"Why not?"
His rugged wide shoulders lifted a fraction of an inch. "What if you need help? Everyone else is at the party. What kind of person would I be if I just left you here all alone and defenseless?"
"I'm quite capable."
His gaze zeroed in on her mouth. "I have no doubt."
"Then go away."
He laughed and stayed where he was shaking his head to her utter dismay.
"Fine. I'm just going to ignore you." Was that the most childish reply she could utter?
He stopped laughing and put a big grin on his face but didn't budge an inch.
Erica rolled her eyes even as she admitted to herself he was likely the sexiest man she'd seen in literally years. She wished she couldn't smell his decadently sexy cologne wafting across the space. Her libido took that moment to remind her she'd gone without the comfort of a man for over a year. And that last hurried encounter hadn't even been worth the energy to remove her clothing.
Climbing the career ladder in her last place of employment left little time for a personal life. With the move to this more family friendly company, she hoped to at least forego working weekends. Glancing over her shoulder, Erica realized if she had a free weekend coming up, she'd love to spend it with Mr. Yummy Britches, but most assuredly didn't want to start an office romance.
They rarely ended well.
She completed the copy making process of her reports in record time, including collating and stapling functions without setting the copier on fire. Resisting the urge to cry, "Hallelujah," at her mastery of the Photo Copy Express 2000, she collected her reports, stacking them neatly on the machine one by one.
Time to go and get these distributed before she did something inappropriate with her new office tormentor. She turned and walked toward him and the door until she faced his chest. He remained in place.
"Are you going to move out of my way?"
"Nope. I just can't do that yet."
When she tried to duck around him, he caught her around the waist and gently nudged her back to where she'd been. His hand scorched a spot on her torso all the way through her blouse and had her heart pounding like a jackhammer on speed.
"Okay, I'll bite. Why can't you move out of my way and why can't I pass?" She expected any number of cheesy come on lines and hoped he didn't try any comments dealing with astrophysical signs of the stars. She was more grounded.
He grinned and pointed above them. Tilting her head, she saw the sprig of mistletoe dangling directly above them like a taunting bully egging her into doing something she didn't think she should dare allow. No matter how badly she wanted it.
Pretending she didn't want to blister his mouth with a kiss and knock his patterned tie over his head, she rolled her eyes in mock disgust. "I don't believe in kissing under mistletoe. I don't care what Scandinavian legend says."
"Well, I do. And I have more seniority here than you do. Pucker up, newbie."
"Says you. Besides, even if you aren't as new as I am, you probably put it there yourself and waited for a poor, hapless employee to plummet into your holiday smooch trap."
"Did not!" He leaned his head closer. Oh, God. He smelled so incredible. Like sex and sin and… do not kiss him.
"Still, I'm not falling for it." Erica swallowed hard. She was so falling for it…hard and fast.
He murmured, "I don't believe you. Now let's kiss. Make it good or we'll have to do it again to appease the Scandinavian mistletoe gods."
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