Mistletoe in Paradise (Wildstone #5.5)

The one thing I can count on when reading a Jill Shalvis romance is that her characters are not bloody idiots. Well, they are not complete idiots. Her characters use their brains to work out problems, communicate (eventually), and dont let their hormones overrule their common sense. Even if there is a bit of silliness, most of the times it has been in their pasts and theyve subsequently outgrown acting first and thinking later. In Mistletoe in Paradise, both Hannah and James needed this second time around to get things right. Maturity has made them see things in a different light and their devastating loss, while still painful, isnt a fresh open wound.

This story was not at all what I was expecting. When I was introduced to Hannah and James, I thought it was all about the workaholic being forced into close proximity with her ex who also happens to be a lothario. I absolutely loved that I was completely wrong. Hannah works extremely hard but thats because her dedication to her job can save lives. James seemed like he was a bit of an adventure junkie who put having fun ahead of work. It just so happens that James does have fun while working and in his spare time (which he has little of), he helps run the family business. These two have known and loved each other for a long time but they dont really know each other or trust that their feelings are more important than their jobs.

As short stories go, this one did a good job of leaving me satisfied. The storyline was interesting, the characters were lovable, and there was enough heat to ‘see’ their connection. I think my only complaint is that I would have loved 5 minutes with Hannah’s mother for James (OR SOMEONE) to give her a bit of a gobful. That woman was a piece of work and while Harry (Hannah’s step-dad) was a bit dodgy, he had a big heart and at least he admitted to Hannah that he did her wrong.

Its a Jill Shalvis so of course, I enjoyed it. Her stories are just so easy to escape into and Im always left wanting more. If you havent tried this author yet, Mistletoe in Paradise might be the perfect introduction to her wonderful stories.

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.

Hannah and James were in love secretly as teenagers but things changed and they moved on with their lives. Growing up, their families had always gone away on a cruise for the holidays. Thanks to some trickery on the part of their parents, they are stuck together on a sailboat at Christmas time to work out their issues and hopefully realize they are still in love with each other.

This is a fast paced book since it is a novella. (A novella is normally under 200 pages.) But the characters are well developed and thought out. The scenery is amazing like always. This is the perfect escape from the stress of current everyday life for a few hours. If you need something to put you into the holiday mood, this book is it.

I will be honest and admit it isn’t one of my favorites in the Wildstone series but you aren’t going to love each book you read. Some pull you in more than others. But it is definitely worth a read.

I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

I have to say every time Jill Shalvis releases a new book, she is the queen in writing such cute romance stories that I devour them in a single day. I will stop everything in order to read her book. Forget any responsibility, I have to read. Thats my motto whenever she releases a new book. And she just released one this week.Mistletoe in Paradise is a short romance read but its perfect for the holiday and to get us through until her next release in January. There is always a new character whenever Jill Shalvis writes a story. And they get better and better as we get fresh new books. Hannah and James do not disappoint at all. They are a former couple but things change when you reunite again. Old wounds may catch-up but its up to you if you are willing to repair the relationship. Lets say that Hannah and James are more than willing.

What a great holiday! A group of friends on a yacht experiencing fun, sun & friendship. You know what they say about best laid plans! Everyone, except James & Hannah who used to be more than friends, are delayed. Trapped on the boat, they were forced to confront their feelings & make peace with the past.

I usually have a problem with novellas due to their short nature. It takes time to develop a relationship with the characters so that you are invested in their relationship. I really enjoyed these characters & their interactions. As James & Hannah dealt with the problems theyd been ignoring, they each had to deal with their personal issues. During the cruise they were on their own journey to understand & deal with their memories & their feelings.

Jill Shalvis is the Queen of a holiday novella! Let’s be honest — it’s hard to introduce a new couple, give a satisfyingly complete back story and get them to a believable HEA in the amount of words a novella allows … but Shalvis does it, and she does it very, very well!

In MISTLETOE IN PARADISE we meet Hannah and James — childhood friends, former secret lovers, holders of lingering feelings. A holiday boating tradition between their families brings said feelings to the surface and as snafu after snafu places them alone together way too much, Hannah and James have to face the anger, pain and loss they have buried throughout the years.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick holiday read full of love, laughter and all the feels!

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