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Category: Erotica/Erotic Romance
Description: Erica Porter's new job might be her last. Kissing your married boss has a way of getting you fired. But the man under the mistletoe isn't who he seems and as their relationship grows, so do the secrets. How much longer will she have to pay for her mistletoe mistake? Quentin Thorne has successfully avoided getting caught under the mistletoe for the bulk of his adult life without regret. However, his brother's new employee is about to change his views on Scandinavian legend. [Erotic Contemporary Romance: Contains graphic sexual content and adult language.]
eBook Publisher: Siren-BookStrand, Inc./Siren Classic, 2008 2008
eBookwise Release Date: September 2009

31 Reader Ratings:

Great	Good	OK	Poor

Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [96 KB]
Words: 20374
Reading time: 58-81 min.

"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

Erica Porter achieved her most fervent Christmas wish three weeks early. It came in the form of a job offer from Thorne Industries.

Seated in the comfortable Thorne Industries Human Resources office dripping with holiday cheer from every surface, nook, and cranny of the room, Erica released a satisfied breath of relief and quickly signed the ironclad contract for employment.

The grandmotherly head of TI's HR department, Mrs. Springdale, smiled serenely as Erica penned her name on three separate lines of three different pages making her their newest assistant account manager. At least she'd manage accounts after issuing a two-week notice to her current employer.

"Don't you just love Christmastime?" Mrs. Springdale asked in a voice only slightly louder than the dancing Santa singing Dashing through the Snow on the crowded shelf beside them.

Erica nodded and smiled. "I do." It was the truth. Erica loved Christmas, especially right now.

In fact, with this new job opportunity and surrounded by the hard core holiday joy of Mrs. Springdale's office, Erica was hard pressed not to feel just a little bit extra festive as she accepted employment for her dream job.

Erica wasn't usually so emotional during this time of seasonal joy, but getting this job and more importantly, being able to quit working for Hearten Sales Corporation was grounds for the sappy elation bursting exuberantly through her body.

"And that just about does it." Mrs. Springdale slid her signed contract into a manila file after handing Erica a copy making it official. She had a new job. "I think you'll really enjoy working here, Miss Porter."

"Thank you, Mrs. Springdale. I can't wait to get started."

"We'll see you bright and early at 7:30 in the morning two weeks from Monday." Mrs. Springdale stood and extended a bejeweled hand sporting more Christmas cheer on her wrist. Several gold Christmas tree bangle bracelets slid down her arm toward the matching ring showcasing emeralds in the shape of a tree with diamond, sapphire, and ruby "lights" sprinkled within the green stones.

"Great. I'll be here."

"Are you sure you don't want to start the week after, dear? No one would think less of you if you wanted to begin after the big Christmas weekend."

"Oh, no. I'd like to get started as soon as possible. Thank you, though."

"Well, the day you start is also the TI annual holiday celebration. We ask that all employees plan to attend."

"That would be lovely. I'd be delighted to attend." Erica figured a celebration on her first day was definitely not a crappy way to start a new job.

Mrs. Springdale led her through the offices toward the elevators. "Mr. Thorne, TI's founder, will be back from his trip overseas to attend late in the afternoon or early evening. I'll be sure to introduce you. Mr. Thorne likes to meet the new employees on their first day, if at all possible."

Erica had never seen even a picture of the publicity shy Trenton Thorne but had read about him once or twice. His business prowess was legendary and in the past ten years, TI had grown largely due to the efforts of Mr. Thorne and his strategic ideas for growth. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Springdale."

Exiting the elevators, she was through the front door of the building housing the TI offices.

With a spring in her step, Erica headed to her car. Once inside, she indulged her excitement by tilting her head back, opening her mouth, and screaming at the top of her lungs in glee. Glancing at her watch, Erica released a breath noting she had plenty of time to get back to her desk at Hearten.

Once there, she would print out her resignation, give it to her idiotic boss, and dodge the satanic looks he'd give her over the next two weeks before she departed for good. Another spasm of self-satisfied elation bloomed in her chest at the thought of Barry's expression when she quit.

Likely, he wouldn't give her the satisfaction of knowing how much her exit would hurt him professionally. In her humble opinion, he was screwed with her abrupt departure, but five years was as much as she was willing to give to a prick who'd stolen every one of her ideas to pass on as his own up the chain of management.

When the opportunity became available at TI, Erica had gone through several tricky hoops to keep Barry from finding out she was applying for employment outside of the company.

All the jobs she'd applied for internally at Hearten over the past couple of years had been quashed one way or another by Barry and his endless list of "friends" owing him favors across the corporation. It became clear to her that since Barry wasn't moving up, she wouldn't be afforded the opportunity to either.

Thorne Industries and her brand spanking new position there were the answers to all her career dreams.