You know that feeling when you pick up a book expecting a G-rated Hallmark movie but end up with something way, way steamier? That is basically the universal experience of reading Nick and Noel's Christmas Playlist.
Released by Codi Hall (who also writes as Codi Gary), this book has become a bit of a polarizing staple in the holiday romance world. It’s got all the trappings of a cozy winter read: a town literally called Mistletoe, a family-owned Christmas tree farm, and two best friends who have been inseparable since they were in diapers. But don't let the cartoonish, sweet cover art fool you. This isn't just about hot cocoa and carols.
What is Nick and Noel's Christmas Playlist actually about?
The setup is classic "friends-to-lovers" meets "fake dating." Nick Winter is returning home to Mistletoe, Idaho, after a stint in the military. He’s ready to settle down and propose to his long-term girlfriend, Amber.
Bad move.
Within minutes of being home, he finds out Amber has been "stuffing her stocking" elsewhere. She’s cheated on him, and the breakup is messy. Enter Noel Carter. She’s Nick’s best friend, a nurse, and essentially an honorary member of the Winter family after losing her own parents in a tragic accident years ago.
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When Nick and Noel run into their respective exes at a local bar (Noel has her own drama with a guy named Trip), they do the only logical thing people in romance novels do: they stage an epic, face-sucking kiss to prove they've moved on.
Except, obviously, it wasn't just for show. The "sizzle" is real.
Why the title is kind of a lie (and why people are mad)
Honestly, if you're coming to this book specifically for the music, you might be disappointed. One of the biggest gripes among the Goodreads crowd is that the "playlist" aspect feels like a bit of a marketing gimmick.
Sure, Nick and Noel send each other Spotify links. There’s a list of songs at the back of the book. But unlike Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, where the music is the heartbeat of the story, the tunes here feel more like background noise.
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The story is much more focused on:
- The grief of losing parents: Noel’s backstory is heavy. She lost her mom and dad on the way to a Christmas concert, which is why she’s spent a decade avoiding commitment and Christmas cheer.
- The "Not Like Other Girls" trope: Noel is a tomboy. She likes beer, trucks, and hanging with the guys. If you’re tired of the trope where the heroine looks down on "girly" things (like the antagonist Amber, who is written as a bit of a caricature), this might grate on your nerves.
- Small-town dynamics: Everyone knows everyone. Nick’s sisters are named Holly and Merry. It’s a lot.
Is it a Hallmark movie or "50 Shades of Mistletoe"?
This is where the warnings come in. If you're a "fade-to-black" reader, put the book down.
While the setting is pure Hallmark, the "spice" level is high. Some reviewers have described it as "very festive 50 Shades of Grey." It gets explicit. This creates a weird tonal shift that some people love—the "sexy slow burn" in a snowy cabin—while others find it jarring compared to the sweet, emotional trauma subplots.
The Mistletoe Romance Series
If you do end up falling for the Winter family, you aren't stuck with just one book. Codi Hall built a whole world around this. The series includes:
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- Nick and Noel's Christmas Playlist (The military vet and the nurse)
- There's Something About Merry (Focusing on Nick's sister, Merry)
- Along Came Holly (Focusing on the other sister, Holly)
It's a smart way to keep readers in Mistletoe, Idaho, even if the town name makes you roll your eyes.
The Reality of the "Fake Dating" Trope Here
The fake dating/fake kissing trope is a bit of a reach in this one. Most people in real life wouldn't try to make an ex jealous by making out with someone who is basically their brother/sister.
However, the book does a decent job of showing how Nick and Noel’s history makes the transition to "something more" terrifying. Noel is terrified of losing the Winters. They are her only family. If the relationship fails, she doesn't just lose a boyfriend; she loses her home. That adds a layer of genuine stakes to an otherwise lighthearted premise.
Actionable Takeaways for Your TBR List
If you're deciding whether to add this to your December reading list, keep these points in mind:
- Check the Heat Rating: This is an R-rated romance. Do not give it to your grandmother unless she’s into that sort of thing.
- Expect Grief Themes: It’s not all festive. Noel’s processing of her parents' death is a major part of her character arc and can be a bit of a tear-jerker.
- Look for the Series: If you like "found family" tropes, start here and move through the sisters' books for a more cohesive experience.
- Ignore the Playlist: Treat the music as a bonus, not the core plot. If you want a music-heavy book, look elsewhere.
Whether you find it cringy or charming, there's no denying the book captures a specific kind of cozy, high-heat winter fantasy that keeps it on the charts every December.
To get the most out of this series, start by reading the books in order to follow the Winter family's evolution in Mistletoe, starting with Nick and Noel's Christmas Playlist.