Mistletoe in Paradise: A Christmas Novella

Mistletoe in Paradise was a quick, easy read. It's a sweet second chance romance that had me tearing up in a couple spots. I loved the history between Hannah and James. The fact that they were childhood friends and knew so much about each other, had always been there for each other, gave the story an emotional punch. It always amazes how an author can create such well developed characters in a novella, and Ms. Shalvis did just that with MiP. I found myself quite invested in Hannah and James, and their families. I wasn't expecting to become so invested in these characters, but I found myself rooting for their hea!

3.5 stars — I think I wasn’t in the right mood for this book at this time…or really any books at this particular moment. Which always sucks for the book, b/c I think it gets short shrift. Erin Mallon was solid as the narrator as always. It helps that I enjoy her male voices a whole lot. I feel like I was expecting something slightly different from the blurb. Like I read it over again now and I feel like it gives a slightly wrong impression of what the book actually was. I don’t really want to describe it, but it was less light and fluffy than I was hoping. And a lot more family drama than I was expecting for a novella. I guess in a novella I’m more expecting the story to be romance centered. In the end I’m not sure I fell in love with either Hannah or James. They were both complicated characters who were pretty blind to their own flaws and contributions. I can’t help but wonder how they genuinely made it work, because I know Hannah said she would focus on change until she achieved it, but she was full on workaholic, so… And James was kind of oblivious to others in some ways…most particularly Hannah. I guess I just wasn’t completely sold on the turnaround. I’m still trying to figure out why it was good, but not great, and I think another part is that there were a LOT of VERY flawed characters in this one, and I didn’t really have someone good in the background to hold on to. Her parents were equally terrible…Harry was lovable, but terrible. James’s parents were better, but there were misunderstandings there too. I don’t know. I don’t know! *snort* Whatever. Basically, it didn’t deliver the light and fluffy and Christmas-soaked romance I was hoping for.

Mistletoe in Paradise is a Wildstone novella by the talented Jill Shalvis. I love a good Christmas novella and Jill gave me what I wanted. A second chance love story about childhood friends who haven't seen each other in years and now they are trapped on a boat. Together. James and Hannah didn't leave things on good terms years ago and now that they are stuck together they finally get to understand what happened. Forgiveness happens right along the old spark being ignited. They realize they never stopped loving each other and it's time to fight for what they want. I loved this story! It's short, sweet and a little sexy. Perfect read for the holidays.