Scan barcode
ataleofbookworms's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
This one just wasn’t for me.
It felt like the story didn’t know what it wanted to be, so just threw all these different plots together, which meant none of them had the time to be fleshed out properly.
I also found myself bored by the main characters. Rachel was overly naive at times, like some random bloke you’ve just met is asking you all these questions about your ex and you don’t think that’s even slightly odd. It also got annoying at how desperate she was being for a man who repeatedly told her he ‘doesn’t do relationships’ and would ‘run when things get serious’. Like please love, raise your standards a little and have some self worth.
And that’s another thing too, Anthony was constantly pushing for Rachel to enter into some sort of ‘situationship’ with him, even though he knew that she wasn’t a casual relationship kind of person, but he kept pushing, especially with trying to get her into bed.
The ending was also abrupt, and felt like there should’ve been another chapter to round everything off.
Overall this was a letdown. 2 stars is solely for the Christmas vibes, which is the only aspect of this I actually enjoyed
It felt like the story didn’t know what it wanted to be, so just threw all these different plots together, which meant none of them had the time to be fleshed out properly.
I also found myself bored by the main characters. Rachel was overly naive at times, like some random bloke you’ve just met is asking you all these questions about your ex and you don’t think that’s even slightly odd. It also got annoying at how desperate she was being for a man who repeatedly told her he ‘doesn’t do relationships’ and would ‘run when things get serious’. Like please love, raise your standards a little and have some self worth.
And that’s another thing too, Anthony was constantly pushing for Rachel to enter into some sort of ‘situationship’ with him, even though he knew that she wasn’t a casual relationship kind of person, but he kept pushing, especially with trying to get her into bed.
The ending was also abrupt, and felt like there should’ve been another chapter to round everything off.
Overall this was a letdown. 2 stars is solely for the Christmas vibes, which is the only aspect of this I actually enjoyed
stucknbooks14's review against another edition
5.0
Oh gosh! Did I love this one! It was sweet, exciting, thrilling, juicy, and of course Christmasy. And I don't want to sound like a broken record, but I would love for this to be turned into a movie. Preferably one that allows at least a PG13 rating.
10/10 Romance
9/10 Christmas
10/10 Romance
9/10 Christmas
azanta_rezwana's review
2.0
This whole book was a cliche, a poorly written Hallmark Christmas movie. Things happen without any reason, only with the intention of creating a romantic situation. Although the female protagonist showed some character, the others were mainly playing along, being the perfect side kicks. A little too rom-com for my taste.
readwithmia's review
2.0
A very meh book, felt like I was reading YA with constant words of "blush" and "smirks". A very clean, light-hearted romance. There was no part of the book that hurt me or made me want to hurt anyone else. A book that you can read to take a break in-between the intense romances.
maureensbooks89's review
3.0
Sometimes there are books that just get pushed down your TBR without any good reason. ‘Meet Me Under The Mistletoe’ is that kind of book for me. I planned on reading this book in last year’s HoHoHo Readathon, but didn’t get to it. I forgot about it again, but this year I decided to try again for this years Readathon.. and I finally read it.
In ‘Meet Me Under The Mistletoe’ we meet Rachel Jones. Rachel works in her own little flower shop making beautiful bouquets every day. After her fiancé ended being a fraud, she tries to stay away from man. But when the handsome detective Anthony Bascombe moves into the apartment above her shop she instantly feels an connection. But Anthony has his downsides, for one he doesn’t do relationships and secondly he doesn’t celebrate Christmas. But there is something between them that they both can’t deny.
Let’s start with saying I love this book cover. It’s just so pretty and Christmassy, I just love it. If I would have seen this book lying in a bookshop, this cover would definitely make me want to grab it.
The writing in this book isn’t what I expected. It didn’t read as nicely as I would have hoped for a Christmas read. The writing is very descriptive. They did that, they did this.. and the story didn’t flow really all that well if you ask me. There were some parts in this book that ended rather abruptly and it just confused me a little bit.
But with that being said, there was something about this book that made me want to keep on reading. The characters were definitely a plus. Main character Rachel Jones was fun to read about. I loved how unique she was and how much she cared for other people. Anthony’s character was also fun. Although he seemed this tough guy, there was this almost childlike charm to him that I enjoyed.
Add the Christmas parts, and I still found this book very enjoyable. I wouldn’t necessarily want to read more from this author.. but this was still an enjoyable Christmas read.
In ‘Meet Me Under The Mistletoe’ we meet Rachel Jones. Rachel works in her own little flower shop making beautiful bouquets every day. After her fiancé ended being a fraud, she tries to stay away from man. But when the handsome detective Anthony Bascombe moves into the apartment above her shop she instantly feels an connection. But Anthony has his downsides, for one he doesn’t do relationships and secondly he doesn’t celebrate Christmas. But there is something between them that they both can’t deny.
Let’s start with saying I love this book cover. It’s just so pretty and Christmassy, I just love it. If I would have seen this book lying in a bookshop, this cover would definitely make me want to grab it.
The writing in this book isn’t what I expected. It didn’t read as nicely as I would have hoped for a Christmas read. The writing is very descriptive. They did that, they did this.. and the story didn’t flow really all that well if you ask me. There were some parts in this book that ended rather abruptly and it just confused me a little bit.
But with that being said, there was something about this book that made me want to keep on reading. The characters were definitely a plus. Main character Rachel Jones was fun to read about. I loved how unique she was and how much she cared for other people. Anthony’s character was also fun. Although he seemed this tough guy, there was this almost childlike charm to him that I enjoyed.
Add the Christmas parts, and I still found this book very enjoyable. I wouldn’t necessarily want to read more from this author.. but this was still an enjoyable Christmas read.
anmol96's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely love this book, made we want to escape to a village myself. I have so many feelings and totally love Anthony and Rachel chemistry. Would totally recommend this to anyone that loves Christmas and romance!
mariakureads's review against another edition
3.0
a charming and festive holiday book perfect for the season!
zoe2088's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the characters, although I did find Rachel a little unbearable when she first met Anthony. She was OTT and a little grating but she grew on me. She was funny, kind, caring and full of love for everyone. The chemistry between them was very full on and intense. Anthony was a true gent, with polite manners and old fashioned ways. I liked him, although he was a bit untruthful to begin with.
The big thing I liked about this book is that we see how the characters from two books that the author has also written, Stuck With You (Elena and Daniel) and Marry Me Tomorrow (Emily and Sam). I thought it was a fantastic little touch.
The writing style in this book is easy to follow, with no complicated character connections or unnecessary dialogue. It flowed smoothly and was a nice, quick read. I read in just over a day and I’m pleased it was a short book. it wouldn’t have worked any better as a longer book.
What I did find a little irritating, and what’s made me mark the book down is the beginning of it. I really didn’t like the beginning of it. With how quickly Rachel and Anthony got involved kind of bugs me… It wasn’t really an ideal beginning but I’m glad the rest of the book wasn’t so forced.
The big thing I liked about this book is that we see how the characters from two books that the author has also written, Stuck With You (Elena and Daniel) and Marry Me Tomorrow (Emily and Sam). I thought it was a fantastic little touch.
The writing style in this book is easy to follow, with no complicated character connections or unnecessary dialogue. It flowed smoothly and was a nice, quick read. I read in just over a day and I’m pleased it was a short book. it wouldn’t have worked any better as a longer book.
What I did find a little irritating, and what’s made me mark the book down is the beginning of it. I really didn’t like the beginning of it. With how quickly Rachel and Anthony got involved kind of bugs me… It wasn’t really an ideal beginning but I’m glad the rest of the book wasn’t so forced.
julesg's review against another edition
4.0
Took me a few chapters to get into the story, but then I was hooked and finished it in one sitting.
llamareads's review against another edition
4.0
Anti-relationship and anti-Christmas Anthony is the exact opposite of too-quick-to-jump-into-a-relationship and heavily-sentimental Rachel, so you’d expect sparks to fly when they meet. The dialogue is witty and quite funny, especially Anthony’s comebacks to Rachel’s teasing. Anthony is very much married to his work, and resistant to the thought that he’s missing out on anything.
Rachel, of course, finds herself falling for him, but is initially resistant due to the investigation, and then later due to not wanting to get hurt when Anthony inevitably leaves. Of course, after a bit of Christmas magic, burst water tanks, mistletoe, and fairy lights, I’m sure you can guess what happens!
The plot meanders quite a bit, especially after the major non-romance plot line is resolved. The ending also was quite abrupt, though, in hindsight, I’m not sure how else I would’ve expected the book to end. I also feel like there were a lot of hints dropped around Anthony’s family background that were never resolved. I’m not sure if this is intended to be the first in the series or not, but I would be interested in reading more about Anthony and Rachel trying to make a relationship work. The ending had much more of a happily-ever-after-for-now feel then a regular romance HEA.
Overall, a fluffy and adorable Christmas read. Perfect if you’re looking for a comfy, relaxing bit of Christmas magic.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“Happiness can be found in lots of places. Good food, a nice pint, a night out with the lads, solving a crime, sex.”
Rachel, of course, finds herself falling for him, but is initially resistant due to the investigation, and then later due to not wanting to get hurt when Anthony inevitably leaves. Of course, after a bit of Christmas magic, burst water tanks, mistletoe, and fairy lights, I’m sure you can guess what happens!
The plot meanders quite a bit, especially after the major non-romance plot line is resolved. The ending also was quite abrupt, though, in hindsight, I’m not sure how else I would’ve expected the book to end. I also feel like there were a lot of hints dropped around Anthony’s family background that were never resolved. I’m not sure if this is intended to be the first in the series or not, but I would be interested in reading more about Anthony and Rachel trying to make a relationship work. The ending had much more of a happily-ever-after-for-now feel then a regular romance HEA.
Overall, a fluffy and adorable Christmas read. Perfect if you’re looking for a comfy, relaxing bit of Christmas magic.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.