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Hope August Inc

Mistletoe Masquerade - Clean Christmas Romance (Sagebrush Dude Ranch Christmas Book 1) (eBook)

Mistletoe Masquerade - Clean Christmas Romance (Sagebrush Dude Ranch Christmas Book 1) (eBook)

$5.99 USD
$5.99 USD
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Mistletoe Masquerade is a clean Christmas romance about Daniel, a horse handler with an imaginary girlfriend, and Zoe, the ranch event coordinator who agrees to play the part. Meddling family, holiday festivities, and increasingly real feelings launch the Sagebrush Dude Ranch Christmas series.

For fans of Clara Pines and Tess Thompson.

Book 1 in the Sagebrush Dude Ranch Christmas Series

His family wants to meet his girlfriend. Too bad she doesn't exist... until now.

Daniel works with horses at Sagebrush Dude Ranch, content with his quiet life. Then his family surprises him with a holiday visit—and they're expecting to meet the girlfriend he invented to stop his mother's matchmaking.

Enter Zoe, the ranch's event coordinator who thrives on Christmas magic.

When Daniel desperately asks Zoe to play his girlfriend for the week, she agrees. It's just pretend. A few dinners, some hand-holding, maybe a kiss under the mistletoe for show.

But his family adores her. The ranch's holiday festivities keep pushing them together. And somewhere between fake dates and real conversations, the line between pretense and truth starts to blur.

What happens when the charade ends and his family leaves? Some Christmas wishes are worth making real...

📚 BINGE THE COMPLETE SERIES! Get Snowfall Over Sagebrush and Books 1–5 in the six-ebook Sagebrush Dude Ranch Christmas bundle.

Perfect for readers who love: ✨ Fake relationship romance ✨ Workplace holiday romance ✨ Meddling families ✨ Kisses-only clean romance ✨ Guaranteed happily ever after

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Bonus content is included automatically when you buy directly from Hope’s store.

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Read a Sample

Chapter 1

Daniel muttered an expletive as he glanced over his shoulder while he hurried toward the resort from the parking lot. Christmas lights glinted when the light hit them just right, and a speaker somewhere blasted a Christmas song he couldn’t quite place. His cowboy boots kicked up dust around him, giving him the appearance of being surrounded by a dirt devil. This was not an ideal situation. It was never supposed to come to this. Zoe was gonna kill him.
Heck, his family might do worse than that. He would be the laughingstock of his hometown the next time he visited. That was why he’d moved to Starlight—to get out of the reach of the meddling locals.
None of that mattered when his family decided to make a last-minute visit for the holidays, expecting to meet the girlfriend he’d told them so much about.
Dang it, where was she?
Hadn’t Eve said that Zoe was in the activities barn, preparing to take some guests on a horseback ride? Daniel whipped through the first barn but found no trace of Zoe. He had to get to her before his folks did. They had been right behind him.
His heart lurched into his throat as he darted out of the barn and headed for the stable, where all the horses were kept. Just as he headed down the aisle, Zoe emerged, holding the reins of a beautiful chestnut horse. The jingle bells on the reins tinkled with each step they took. She jumped as her warm brown eyes landed on him, then a small smile graced her lips. “Hey, Daniel. I thought you were off today.”
He nodded, hurrying forward as he gulped in the air he’d lost from his sprinting. “I know this isn’t going to make any sense, and you’re probably going to think the worst of me—”
Zoe laughed. “Take a breath, Daniel. I’m sure whatever it is will be just fine.”
Daniel swallowed hard, shaking his head. “You don’t understand. My folks. My brother—” He motioned toward the door. “I’m so sorry.”
Her smile faded as her gaze darted to the door. Tone light but wary, she brought her gaze back to him. “Sorry about what?”
“Daniel! There you are. We thought we’d lost you.”
He spun around to find his mother, father, and younger brother standing in the doorway in all their Christmas-sweater glory. Why did they have to come now of all times?
Alice’s focus flicked over Daniel’s shoulder to Zoe, and her smile widened. “Is this her? Is this the Zoe you’ve been telling us so much about? Boy, you’re prettier than Daniel described. Isn’t she pretty, John?”
His father grunted.
That wasn’t embarrassing at all.
Shoot, shoot, shoot.
This was what he’d feared would happen, only he’d fooled himself into believing it never would. Slowly, Daniel turned around and faced Zoe, finding only confusion and maybe a hint of amusement. He mouthed the words I’m so sorry as he walked toward her. When he reached her, he was finally able to whisper, “Please go along with this.”
She blinked up at him then glanced toward his family. “Wha—”
Daniel slipped his hand into hers and squeezed firmly. “Yep, this is her. This is my girlfriend.”
Zoe shot another surprised look at him before making a small attempt to tug away from him.
“I know I told you that you wouldn’t have to meet them until you were ready, but they just showed up.”
His mother had the good grace to look chagrined. “I’m terribly sorry for putting you on the spot, dear. I just… Well, we thought we needed to finally meet the person who had stolen Daniel’s heart.” She reached for his father’s hand, and they exchanged a loving look. “We’d love it if you would spend the week with us. We got a reservation at the resort for the holidays.”
This was it—the moment of truth where Zoe could rat him out and tell his family he’d been lying to them this whole time. She could run away from him and tell Human Resources that he’d overstepped.
Maybe he would even get in trouble for harassment. There was no telling what would happen next.
He held his breath, waiting for her to do just that. He couldn’t blame her. She probably should run.
Run far, far away.
Zoe glanced up at him, and for a split second, he could see it in her eyes. The absolute distrust. She thought he was crazy.
Then her features shifted, smoothing into a graceful smile. She squeezed his hand briefly then took a step toward his family, tugging him along with her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Daniel raves about his family.” She flashed him a look that could only be described as adoration.
Boy, this woman is a good actress.
“I’m sorry you had to take the trip to Starlight. It’s just that I’m so busy, and so is Daniel—especially around the holidays.”
His mother nodded. “Oh, we’ve heard all about it. This place is a destination not to be missed.” Alice moved closer to Daniel and patted his cheek. “This was the first year Daniel wasn’t able to make it home for the holidays, so we knew we had to bring the family to him.”
“I’m right here, Mother. You don’t have to talk about me like I’m not.”
“Oh, hush. I’m allowed to show my oldest son some love.” She nodded to Zoe, who still held the reins of the horse in her free hand. “It looks like you’re getting ready for something. We should leave you to it.” She shot one more look toward Daniel. “I expect you to share supper with us this evening. Zoe, you’re more than welcome to join us, but don’t feel obligated.”
“Thank you, Mrs.—”
“Oh, call me Alice. And this is my husband, John, and our son, Michael.”
His father and brother nodded toward Zoe. While his father was unreadable, his brother wore a smirk that only a high school senior could pull off. Great. A smirk like that could only mean one thing. He thought he knew something Daniel didn’t.
Or he did, and he was going to hold that information hostage.
His mother gave them both a little wave then nudged Michael. “Come on. Let’s get our bags out of the truck and check into our room. Let’s let these two have a moment.” She winked, eliciting a groan from Daniel. Could this get any worse?
They slipped out of the barn, and he stood there with Zoe by his side for a few full minutes before she ripped her hand from his grasp and faced him. “Girlfriend? Seriously?”
Daniel dragged a hand down his face. “I told you I was sorry.”
“So you, what? Told your family that we were dating? We barely know each other, Daniel. What were you thinking?”
He grimaced. “I was thinking that they’d never come visit. They live in Oklahoma, for heaven’s sake. I figured by the time I saw them again, I could tell them we weren’t an item anymore.”
“You did, did you?” She shook her head. “This is crazy. You know that, right? They’re probably going to ask me questions about how we met and stuff that I like about you. Have you even thought this through?”
“No, not really,” he admitted.
“Well, it’s too late to go back on it now. They’re staying for a week. I can’t be the bad guy who breaks up with you right before Christmas.” She let out a heavy breath that lifted the stray strands of brown hair that surrounded her face. When she looked up at him, her eyes narrowed. “You swear it’s only going to be for the week?”
Hope burst to life within him. “I swear it.”
She pressed her lips together tightly. “Fine. Then after that, you’re responsible for telling them we’ve broken up.”
“Absolutely,” he promised. “As soon as they leave.”

Series Order

(Prequel) Snowfall Over Sagebrush
1. Mistletoe Masquerade
2. Gingerbread Hearts
3. Beneath the Christmas Star
4. Tinsel Trail
5. Crossroads at Sagebrush

View the complete reading order and book links.

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Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 40 reviews.

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I really enjoyed A Sweet Paradise Holiday Reunion. It was fast paced, quirky, and a fun story to read. While we all understand love rarely happens as quickly as it does in stories, I still hoped Kate would resolve her trust issues and give Liam an opening to confide the truth. I was frustrated by his need to take the blame, but appreciated his conviction to keep trying. We all carry a burden we shouldn't. If love is mature and unconditional it doesn't walk away.

Angela O. 4/5 Verified

A Sweet Paradise Holiday Reunion (eBook)

Wonderfully immersive storytelling that as with all Hope August books it’s a mighty compelling read too. Whenever I see that she has a new book out , almost shout with glee. This is what they mean to me. This book was no exception When the last Stone doesn’t roll ,a lady comes to call. She’s all about making wayward types like he ,how to be .He thinks she’s lovely . And to be together maybe? Well look and see . I’ll tell you now ,it’s a wonderful storyline and executed perfectly divine . Bookboyfriend you’ll want to say ,can he be mine .

Jane L. 5/5

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This is book five of the Cornerstone Ranch series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, love on a bet, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

The Cowboy's Redemption - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

A charming, fun cowboy romance. A great story that draws you in immediately and was easy to stay engaged with. I enjoyed watching Caleb and Sarah go from "just for fun" to something so much more. Wonderful writing, realistic and entertaining. Loved it.

J C. 5/5

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I loved reading The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart by Hope August so much. It was a fast read that I simply couldn’t put down, the story pulled me in right from the start. Definitely a must read for anyone who loves heartfelt romance.

Gaby D. 5/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is book four of the Cornerstone Ranch series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, love on a bet, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

The Cowboy's Love Bet - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. I loved the characters. Each had a reason for their initial reluctance for a relationship and for changing their minds. Fear kept them apart more than anything else did. I also loved seeing the change in the brothers from where they started. They all seem closer and more supportive than they had been when we first met them in the first story. This story was predictable but enjoyable.

Maryellen C. 5/5

The Cowboy's Love Bet - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 03/01/2026*

This is book three of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet nannay, Valentine’s Day, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for His Nanny - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is part of an interconnected series with characters that overlap throughout this series and previous books by Hope. It can be read as a standalone but better if read in order. Warning!! Hope threw in a heart wrenching couple of scenes so have some tissues ready. Forbidden romance Opposites attract Matchmaking little girl A major misinterpretation I wish their story continued a little longer but maybe they will reappear in a future book??

Tami W. 5/5

Falling for His Nanny - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/14/2026*

Best friends to more I do adore and this book in time for Valentine’s is a cute storyline with all the allure that’s synonymous with Hope August’s storytelling and what’s more it’s always a compelling read . This being no exception to the rule . In fact he’s so darn sweet to his bestie Bridget he made me drool… not testy at all . Ms August ,I had a ball reading this it’s absolute bliss.

Jane L. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This sweet, best friends to more romance will warm your heart. Beautifully written with charming and wonderful characters. It was heartwarming and fun to watch their relationship change because neither saw a romance between them coming. An adorable story filled with heart, love and HEA Valentine magic that will leave you smiling.

Jacqueline C. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is book two of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet best friends to more, one bed, Valentine’s Day, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. While this story had some fun moments, it's not as light and goofy as the previous stories in this series. I really enjoyed it. Each main character was already attracted to the other, but this trip showed them that the feelings were returned. I love that they are each willing to sacrifice something they want for the other.

Maryellen C. 5/5

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This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. The main characters, Bridget and Foster, were kind and supportive of each other. They obviously loved and valued each other as friends. Romantic feelings between them weren't a thing until this trip. I enjoyed watching them navigate that unsettling state between realizing they have romantic feelings for the other and deciding to risk losing their friendship because of those feelings.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for Her Best Friend - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook) PREORDER *AVAIL. 02/09/2026*

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. The main characters, Bridget and Foster, were kind and supportive of each other. They obviously loved and valued each other as friends. Romantic feelings between them weren't a thing until this trip. I enjoyed watching them navigate that unsettling state between realizing they have romantic feelings for the other and deciding to risk losing their friendship because of those feelings.

Maryellen C. 5/5

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Tami W. 5/5

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This is book one of the Sweet Paradise Valentine series. It’s a sweet cowboy, slow burn, match making app, friends to more, secret identity, ranch romance. This was a sweet read with all the feels that check all the boxes. Well-developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for their happy ending.

Jennifer M. 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

Cute story about best friends in love with each other. Arden has loved Poppy for years. She has him firmly in the friend zone. Until……. I’m not going to spoil things for you. Arden’s plan could backfire spectacularly. Fun story to read.

Lucia 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. Arden and Poppy work together at the resort. They have been friends forever, but he's feeling more than friendly towards her. As they spend time together preparing for the Valentine's Day event, and Poppy gets to know her online match, she realizes she's already in love... with Arden. This was a really sweet story. I really liked it.

Maryellen C. 5/5

Falling for Her Secret Admirer - Clean Holiday Romance (eBook)

A sweet and adorable cowboy romance. The cute characters really pull you into their story and keep the pages turning. I loved the writing! A great story and wonderful entertainment you don't want to miss!

Jacqueline C. 5/5

The Cowboy's City Girl - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

Could any couple have a more inauspicious start. Wyatt really tells Emma exactly what he thinks about her and the farm she has bought. They really annoy each other. Both have family issues that affect their relationship. Good story with well written characters that will hold your interest. I love that despite everything happening and being told she has made a huge mistake, Emma continues to build her dream. I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

Lucia V. 5/5

The Cowboy's City Girl - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given. What a tough situation for the main characters. They both loved Katelynn and now feel guilty for being attracted to each other. There are other issues between them. Harper's grandma lovingly encourages her to open up to Colt, while his brothers prod him to do the same. This story was emotional and unpredictable.

Maryellen C. 5/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

From loss comes love A very sweet story that sees Robert receiving even more tragic news in his life that seems to overwhelm him. Having to be the guardian of his boys five sons leaves him with more responsibility than he can handle. In comes Paige, the nanny that the agency has sent to help him. They have much in common and the boys seem to love her straight away. Robert starts feeling again which scares him. Can he get past the fear of committing to Paige allowing them to face their problems together? Or will he throw it all away and hurt the children by doing so. A short enjoyable story with wonderful characters.

Lyn B. 4/5

The Cowboy’s Tattered Heart - Clean Cowboy Romance (eBook)

Snowfall Over Sagebrush is a sweet small town, opposites attract, cowboy, Christmas romance with no cliffhanger. Some of the lines I really like are ---- Why was she so gat-dang stubborn ---- "Even if we were in another state that didn’t have mood swing weather⁠—” ---- “Construction puts food on the table. Horses bring me joy.” ---- “Chivalry will never die as long as the woman a man cares for is willing to accept it.” ---- Will the Dude Ranch be completed on time? Will they get snow that will stop everything? These and other questions will all be answered. I loved Laura and Riley's story and I'm sure you will too. This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read another one of her books.

Terry Y. 5/5

Snowfall Over Sagebrush (eBook)