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faithl's review against another edition
4.0
In this novel, are two Christmas themed, romantic novellas. Mistletoe and Mr Right surrounds Jessica and her exploits in Ireland as she unwinds her boyfriends past whilst also battling new and complicated feelings for a new guy. And Sleigh Bells and Second Chances tells the story of Christine and her swirling feelings as she reunites with a former summer love who just happens to be a super hot, super famous rock star. Just saying.
I honestly can't decide which story I enjoyed more. Both are super enjoyable in their own way. The banter is hilarious, the atmosphere whimsical and the guys *pause for dreamy sigh* are just every girl's dream.
I'm going to split my review up to make things simpler. And btw,
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE
MISTLETOE AND MR RIGHT
Okay, let's start with Jessica. I found her annoying for a good half of the story. She was whiny, clingy and honestly, I find turning up to your boyfriend's family's door near Christmas declaring that you'll be staying with them for the holiday season, PLAIN RUDE.
With that aside, I did enjoy seeing her character grow. From the very beginning I knew Brennan wasn't the one for her. He was a bit selfish and his family was kind of awful to her. Not in an obvious way but in a more annoyed one which I kind of understood since she did turn up to their house unannounced for Christmas. I liked seeing her recognise her own feelings and what she needed to change in herself and then do it. She evolved from an uptight, worry butt to a girl who can now have fun.
On another note, let's just say Grady is PERFECT. Irish? Tick. Hot? Tick. Understanding? Tick. Patient? Tick. Other than those obviously positive attributes, I enjoyed how his relationship with Jessica helped her build character and together they strengthen each other. I really love when authors write these sort of relationships because those are the healthy ones.
Mistletoe and Mr. Right is a funny and enjoyable Christmas romance that will warm your hearts with more than just Irish accents.
SLEIGH BELLS AND SECOND CHANCES
Christina has landed a PR internship with a hot band whilst also fighting an inner battle about rekindling the summer romance she had with one the members, Cary White.
In my head, this is the story of Niall Horan from One Direction and his one true love. Shhhhh, don't argue with me because Niall isn't exactly like Cary White.
In terms of characters, I like Jessica a little more. She was determined and didn't let her complicated feelings get in the way with doing her job well. Cary is a much different love interest from Grady. He's more of a chaser, that's for sure but he was also more open with his emotions. Their complicated romance definitely involved more physical and this made it feel like the centre of their relationship mainly involved sex. I wanted more of a build up between them; more talk, friendship and less of the physical because it seemed like the sex was the only thing holding them together.
All in all, a very steamy and complicated romance that will have you imagining your very own dream rockstar.
pixelski's review against another edition
4.0
This was so lovely and warm yet bittersweet. Realistic but still held that special spark that only Christmas can give, making this feel magical. Full review to come. Many feels. Much life choices.
golden_lily's review against another edition
4.0
Mistletoe and Mr. Right - 3.5 stars. Jessica, a straight-laced journalism student with an airtight ten year plan, follows her boyfriend of four months back to his tiny Irish town for Christmas. Brennan, rather than being delighted by her surprise, seems more interested in hanging out with his ex-girlfriend and drinking at the local pub. The family finds Jessica abrasive, and worse, Scottish. Not to mention the fact that she ran over their goat.
At the end of every one of Jessica's attempts to win over the family is Grady, their smart-mouthed farm hand. His chemistry with Jessica is far more palpable than her's with Brennan, which makes the eventual ending pretty clear.
Jessica's scrapes are squirmy and embarrassing rather than funny and most of them don't stand up to scrutiny. Anaphylaxis does not happen hours after you eat nutmeg, certainly not to the extent that you'd need an epi-pen. (Which you should then go to the hospital after using, not go home and go to bed?) And if Brennan's father was SO allergic, why would Grady buy the spice for Jessica? He lives and eats with the family, this is a thing he would know. Likewise, the breakdown over an (unused) pregnancy test is bizarre. A misunderstanding leads Brennan's ex to think Jessica might be pregnant, but she lashes out at the wrong person and claims it's a cruel joke to play considering her situation. I found it a very odd scene and there could have been a more reasonable way to reveal Katie's secret.
Still, I did like the hero and heroine and how they ended up together. The sleigh scene is very cute and gave me the appropriately fluffy Christmas feelings. I didn't dislike the story, just wish it had come together in a bit neater way.
Sleigh Bells and Second Chances - 4 stars. The second novella picks up a year later, with a much more relaxed Jessie visiting her beau in Ireland while her roommate, Chris, pursues a great internship opportunity in London. Chris is in PR and her boss has assigned her to a week of babysitting the hottest band on the planet so their usual PR rep can go home for the holidays. Only problem? Chris and the lead singer, Cary, have history.
I thought this story was far better than the first. It was less predictable and Chris' tragic backstory was woven in more seamlessly than Jess'. Mistletoe is also as spicy as a bell pepper compared to Sleigh Bells' jalapeno. I liked Chris' family dynamic and the fact that not everything revolved around the romance. I liked seeing a newly relaxed Jessica show up to support her.
That doesn't mean it's perfect. The last minute big mis was a big miss. It combined one too many elements and the bitchy best friend revealing seeeeecrets isn't particularly interesting, especially when he has a change of heart two chapters later. I really could have done without the jealous girl fighting from Violet as well.
Still, the two novellas combined for a nice New Adult Christmas story that I enjoyed.
At the end of every one of Jessica's attempts to win over the family is Grady, their smart-mouthed farm hand. His chemistry with Jessica is far more palpable than her's with Brennan, which makes the eventual ending pretty clear.
Jessica's scrapes are squirmy and embarrassing rather than funny and most of them don't stand up to scrutiny. Anaphylaxis does not happen hours after you eat nutmeg, certainly not to the extent that you'd need an epi-pen. (Which you should then go to the hospital after using, not go home and go to bed?) And if Brennan's father was SO allergic, why would Grady buy the spice for Jessica? He lives and eats with the family, this is a thing he would know. Likewise, the breakdown over an (unused) pregnancy test is bizarre. A misunderstanding leads Brennan's ex to think Jessica might be pregnant, but she lashes out at the wrong person and claims it's a cruel joke to play considering her situation. I found it a very odd scene and there could have been a more reasonable way to reveal Katie's secret.
Still, I did like the hero and heroine and how they ended up together. The sleigh scene is very cute and gave me the appropriately fluffy Christmas feelings. I didn't dislike the story, just wish it had come together in a bit neater way.
Sleigh Bells and Second Chances - 4 stars. The second novella picks up a year later, with a much more relaxed Jessie visiting her beau in Ireland while her roommate, Chris, pursues a great internship opportunity in London. Chris is in PR and her boss has assigned her to a week of babysitting the hottest band on the planet so their usual PR rep can go home for the holidays. Only problem? Chris and the lead singer, Cary, have history.
I thought this story was far better than the first. It was less predictable and Chris' tragic backstory was woven in more seamlessly than Jess'. Mistletoe is also as spicy as a bell pepper compared to Sleigh Bells' jalapeno. I liked Chris' family dynamic and the fact that not everything revolved around the romance. I liked seeing a newly relaxed Jessica show up to support her.
That doesn't mean it's perfect. The last minute big mis was a big miss. It combined one too many elements and the bitchy best friend revealing seeeeecrets isn't particularly interesting, especially when he has a change of heart two chapters later. I really could have done without the jealous girl fighting from Violet as well.
Still, the two novellas combined for a nice New Adult Christmas story that I enjoyed.
dani_bugz's review against another edition
3.0
Both stories were enjoyable, but unrealistic, not amazingly written and a bit meh. I liked it, but I wouldn't go crazy and tell everyone to give it a go. If you want a cutesy Christmas read that you won't take too seriously (and can skip over the cringey rubbish) give it a go.
cupcakegirly's review against another edition
3.0
Fast, fun, and sweetly romantic, Mistletoe and Mr. Right makes for an enjoyable holiday novella!
I liked the characters, the setting and thought Lyla Payne did a good job of showing what can happen when we try too hard to make things, people, plans, or life in general, go the way we want them too. Having the Emerald Isle as a backdrop made for a nice change from the usual holiday setting of the U.S.
I liked the characters, the setting and thought Lyla Payne did a good job of showing what can happen when we try too hard to make things, people, plans, or life in general, go the way we want them too. Having the Emerald Isle as a backdrop made for a nice change from the usual holiday setting of the U.S.
losetimereading's review against another edition
4.0
I was excited to read this one over the holiday’s. I normally don’t have a ton of time to read over Christmas because of all the things going on, but I do like to read when I can and since this was less than 200 pages, I was eager to pick this one up. Especially since it’s set in Ireland!
Jessica was a bit infuriating at times. She was really stubborn and I thought some of her decisions were strange. I also thought that the fact she flew to Ireland to surprise her boyfriend at Christmas (even though they were dating for only four months) was a bit forward. Despite her flaws I did like her, and I especially liked when she went off with Grady throughout the book. I thought Brennan was a bit of an ass to be honest. I know that he had a long history with Katie but I think he should have been a bit more straight forward with Jessica about their previous relationship and also draw a few lines in the present. Brennan’s family was kind of rude as well, although I did love his grandfather. I thought they were quite standoffish to Katie so I didn’t really think much of them. Katie was just odd to agree to come into that situation knowing that her ex’s new girlfriend was over… that was just strange. Grady was sexy and nice and I really liked his bluntness. He was obviously the shining star of the story :P
I really liked the story, it flowed nicely, and despite being short there was a lot packed into the pages. I thought the ending was fabulous and wrapped up in a fantastic way … and just how I would have liked it to! I was hoping because this was a holiday story that it would be a feel good type of story at the end and that’s exactly what I got! Despite my issues with some of the characters, I really enjoyed it.
Mistletoe and Mr. Right is just the perfect dose of feel good that you want to read during the holiday season. It has romance, humor, heart and is the perfect length for a quick holiday read! I definitely recommend this one for your Christmas reading list for next year
Jessica was a bit infuriating at times. She was really stubborn and I thought some of her decisions were strange. I also thought that the fact she flew to Ireland to surprise her boyfriend at Christmas (even though they were dating for only four months) was a bit forward. Despite her flaws I did like her, and I especially liked when she went off with Grady throughout the book. I thought Brennan was a bit of an ass to be honest. I know that he had a long history with Katie but I think he should have been a bit more straight forward with Jessica about their previous relationship and also draw a few lines in the present. Brennan’s family was kind of rude as well, although I did love his grandfather. I thought they were quite standoffish to Katie so I didn’t really think much of them. Katie was just odd to agree to come into that situation knowing that her ex’s new girlfriend was over… that was just strange. Grady was sexy and nice and I really liked his bluntness. He was obviously the shining star of the story :P
I really liked the story, it flowed nicely, and despite being short there was a lot packed into the pages. I thought the ending was fabulous and wrapped up in a fantastic way … and just how I would have liked it to! I was hoping because this was a holiday story that it would be a feel good type of story at the end and that’s exactly what I got! Despite my issues with some of the characters, I really enjoyed it.
Mistletoe and Mr. Right is just the perfect dose of feel good that you want to read during the holiday season. It has romance, humor, heart and is the perfect length for a quick holiday read! I definitely recommend this one for your Christmas reading list for next year
evreardon's review against another edition
3.0
This is really 3.5 stars (it would have been more if it was longer).
Mistletoe and Mr. Right is a short novella about Jessica MacFarlane who takes the initiative and surprises her boyfriend in Ireland for Christmas. What starts out as a way to see if her and Brennan are meant to be, turns into Jessica figuring out that the best laid plans don't always work out the way we think they will. Enter Grady. Will he derail Jessica's plans?
Reading descriptions of Ireland makes me want to go back overseas. I loved reading about County Clare! The descriptions of the characters were fantastic and really make me want my own hot Irish boyfriend (actually, I'd prefer Scottish but I digress).
If you're looking for a cute romance to warm your heart for the Holiday season, this is it! While I would have loved for it to be longer, it just long enough to get me invested in the characters. Jessica's character is witty and completely filled out but I would love to know more about her! Her thoughts are relatable and the whole novella is just plain fun!
I would love a sequel to this in full novel form... maybe about Jessica's internship in Greece?
Mistletoe and Mr. Right is a short novella about Jessica MacFarlane who takes the initiative and surprises her boyfriend in Ireland for Christmas. What starts out as a way to see if her and Brennan are meant to be, turns into Jessica figuring out that the best laid plans don't always work out the way we think they will. Enter Grady. Will he derail Jessica's plans?
Reading descriptions of Ireland makes me want to go back overseas. I loved reading about County Clare! The descriptions of the characters were fantastic and really make me want my own hot Irish boyfriend (actually, I'd prefer Scottish but I digress).
If you're looking for a cute romance to warm your heart for the Holiday season, this is it! While I would have loved for it to be longer, it just long enough to get me invested in the characters. Jessica's character is witty and completely filled out but I would love to know more about her! Her thoughts are relatable and the whole novella is just plain fun!
I would love a sequel to this in full novel form... maybe about Jessica's internship in Greece?
annag77's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book that I've read by Lyla Payne, and I am now looking forward to reading more books written by her. Mistletoe and Mr. Right was a fun, quick read. I thought it was really interesting that this story took place in Ireland, as we got to experience an Irish Christmas, and I enjoyed learning about some of the customs.
To be honest, I could not relate to Jessie at first. She flew all the way to England to share Christmas with a guy who she had barely started dating. I thought that she was crazy at first! I was also baffled that, with the limited time she had, she barely seemed to spend any time with Brennan.
My favorite parts of the story was Jessie's banter with Grady. I really liked him, and appreciated that he didn't put up with much crap! It was super refreshing. I have to say, I wanted more at the end of this story. I would have liked to see how things played out in the future, as opposed to where it left off.
All in all, I definitely recommend Mistletoe and Mr. Right to anyone looking for a clean New Adult, Christmas story, filled with both humor and serious content.
To be honest, I could not relate to Jessie at first. She flew all the way to England to share Christmas with a guy who she had barely started dating. I thought that she was crazy at first! I was also baffled that, with the limited time she had, she barely seemed to spend any time with Brennan.
My favorite parts of the story was Jessie's banter with Grady. I really liked him, and appreciated that he didn't put up with much crap! It was super refreshing. I have to say, I wanted more at the end of this story. I would have liked to see how things played out in the future, as opposed to where it left off.
All in all, I definitely recommend Mistletoe and Mr. Right to anyone looking for a clean New Adult, Christmas story, filled with both humor and serious content.
angelastl's review against another edition
5.0
Super cute, romantic story. Perfect Christmas love story!