Love, Lies and Mistletoe by D.E. Malone {Review}

  

Love, Lies and Mistletoe by D.E. Malone

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: October 30th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given 

   

One stolen kiss. A little Christmas magic. And the snowy inn where love stands a chance.

Interior designer Layla Dean can’t believe her good fortune at snagging the holiday decorating gig at Blueberry Point Lodge. And even though her fledgling business has a growing list of happy clients, her personal life isn’t filled with the same Christmas magic. She needs a man in her life like she does coal in her stocking. But tell that to Brant Johnsson.

Brant is known as the Twin Cities’ Master of Lights and Luminaria for good reason. His company oversees most of the downtown’s outdoor displays every season. But when a professional snag sends him reeling, he’s ready to quit the business. Until he runs into Layla again. Forgetting their awkward mistletoe kiss last year just isn’t possible, but she doesn’t share the pleasant memory. Now that they’re decking the halls together for the newly opened inn’s first Christmas, Brant hopes for a replay of their first encounter. And something more.

When a misdirected text message pairs them together for a fundraising event, Brant and Layla find they have more in common than just a flare for holiday decorating and one mistaken kiss. If Layla can overcome her sour first impression, Brant might get his very merry second chance.

My Review: 5 Stars

Can you imagine kissing the wrong person under the mistletoe? I would seriously wish for the floor to open up and swallow me whole. And that's not the only case of mistaken identity between Layla and Brant. Although Layla is quite frosty towards Brant, his warm charisma melts the ice...somewhat...and I adored this Hallmark-type of Christmas romance. 

Malone creates a darling story set during the holidays in Minnesota, but the warmth is better than a mug of steaming, sweet hot chocolate. I loved the small town feel, uncomfortable misunderstandings, and the oozing chemistry. The complementing businesses was the marshmallows on the mug, as Brant decorates with lights on the exterior, while Layla spruces things up on the interior. With the quirky, lovable side character Marybelle, awkward encounters, and the magical atmosphere of Christmastime, this one was a winner for me. 

Content: mild romance