The Trouble with Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis Series: Heartbreaker Bay, #2
Published by Avon on September 27th 2016
Genres: Romance
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
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I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
If she has her way . . .
Willa Davis is wrangling puppies when Keane Winters stalks into her pet shop with frustration in his chocolate-brown eyes and a pink bedazzled cat carrier in his hand. He needs a kitty sitter, stat. But the last thing Willa needs is to rescue a guy who doesn’t even remember her . . .
He’ll get nothing but coal in his stocking.
Saddled with his great-aunt’s Feline from Hell, Keane is desperate to leave her in someone else’s capable hands. But in spite of the fact that he’s sure he’s never seen the drop-dead-gorgeous pet shop owner before, she seems to be mad at him . . .
Unless he tempers “naughty” with a special kind of nice . . .
Willa can’t deny that Keane’s changed since high school: he’s less arrogant, for one thing—but can she trust him not to break her heart again? It’s time to throw a coin in the fountain, make a Christmas wish—and let the mistletoe do its work . . .
I was super excited when The Trouble with Mistletoe showed up in my mail box. I recently fell in love with Shalvis and her writing and was really looking forward to her new series. The fact that this book had the promise of holidays written all over it was a huge bonus, I am a sucker for holiday books.
Jill introduces us to Willa, an owner of a pet shop and Keane Winter’s - a man who stood her up at a high school prom and is not knocking on her door to cat sit.
Willa is butt hurt that Keane does not seem to remember her from high school, but takes in the sassy cat Petunia under her wing.
The two cannot deny the pull of the attraction between them, Keane just needs to climb over the wall that the pet shop owner flung up first before he can ask her out.
It was a cute story. The high school grudge was only a small part of it. Keane has an attachment issue and isn’t looking for anything serious and Willa was looking for something permanent at first.
I liked this one, but I didn’t love it. I couldn’t connect with Willa at all and although I appreciated her spirit and love for animals, her sudden role reversal with Keane was really unrealistic and did not seem justifiable. It didn’t make sense to me when Keane was suddenly okay for more and Willa was running for the hill, not when she for so long wished for true love.
I did not understand Keane’s attachment issues either. I didn’t feel there was enough backstory to make make him who he was. But, I did love Petunia the cat and their interaction, I thought it was funny, cute and heartwarming.
The romance was still cute. There was still a sign of classic Shalvis banter, but I didn’t feel that it was no where near good as her Cedar Ridge series. I totally adored everyone in that series and their connection. it was still a good escape from all the creepy stuff I have been reading, something on a much lighter side.
The next book is Elle’s book and since I was extremely interested in the relationship she shares with Archer I am eagerly looking forward to that one, it promises to be antagonistic and I am holding it up to that promise.
Memorable Quotes
His dark eyes had warmed to the color of melted dark chocolate. “One question.”
“What?” she asked warily.
“Do you always wear X-rated headbands?”
Her hands flew to her head. She’d completely forgotten she was wearing the penis headband. “Are you referring to my reindeer antlers?”
“Reindeer antlers,” he repeated.
“That’s right.”
“Whatever you say.” He was smiling now, and of course the rat-fink bastard had a sexy-as-hell smile.
“Listen,” he said completely honest. “I’m the guy who needed a fur-sitter because he was terrorized by a ten-pound cat, so I’m not throwing stones here. Speaking of which, where is the little holy terror?”
“She left me half a field mouse,” Mason said.
“She’s noticed your lack of hunting skills and inability to feed yourself,” Sass told him. “She’s trying to show you how to hunt. It’s a compliment.”
“What the hell was that?”
“Me getting you candy.” He held up the bag.
“No, you just peed on me in public.”
His mouth twitched.
“You did!” she said, tossing up her hand. “You totally intimidated that poor guy and all he was doing was talking to me.”
I am sorry this wasn’t as good as some of her other books. I still need to pick up one of her books! Great review!
Darn it. I was hoping this was going to be awesome. I think it still sounds cute and worth the read, but my last romance was a bit of a fizzle so I want something great.
I felt the same…liked it but didn’t love it.
PS. Love the header and pumpkins and broom etc!!!!
It still sounds incredibly cute, but a bit too light on the details for me too Lily. Keane sounds as though he might want to commit, then she runs for the hills when that’s what she’s been looking for? Couldn’t agree more, the reader needs a little more backstory there. Glad you were still able to find this one entertaining though and wonderful review <3
PS. Love the Halloween theme! <3
Thanks for the honest review for this Lily!
This line from your review, “I couldn’t connect with Willa at all and although I appreciated her spirit and love for animals, her sudden role reversal with Keane was really unrealistic and did not seem justifiable.” Was something I feared would take place in this story. I probably would still read it for the laugh, but my rating would probably be the same.
Hmm, this doesn’t sound as impressive as her other books have sounded. I have not read any of her books, but I have Sweet Little Lies. Not connecting with the female protagonist would frustrate me so much. :/ Hopefully you enjoy the next book by this author that you read!
Great review, Lily. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Ohh Shalvis. She is nice!
It sounds fun and light, but the characters’ motives and behavior need to make sense.
Hilarious quotes.
I’ve only read one book by her and enjoyed. I’ll put this on my list but keep your comments in mind 🙂
A shame you thought this story lacked a little in detail and character development. It still sounded like a fun and sweet read.
I keep hearing about this author but I confess that I haven’t read any of her books, I really should!
I definitely have to try some books by Jill Shalvis - they always sound like I will love them so I must get on that 🙂
Aw. I want to read this one. Sorry you couldn’t connect with the characters but they seem to have the basic chemistry. And these books tend to be fast reads, so I’m definitely sold. 🙂
Aw sorry it didn’t totally rock, but at least it did give you some entertainment. 🙂 I do need to try this series but I still think it is way too early for Christmas. Need a Halloween one at least first. LOL
Oh, I am hoping I connect, that cover is too darn cute. I am reading book one now, and will read this for a Nov. review 🙂
I really loved this one! But I can understand why you couldn’t connect with Willa and how Keane didn’t have much backstory. I’m glad you were still able to enjoy it!
Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews
I’m with Gen, I absolutely loved this one, but I can understand why you didn’t completely connect with Willa. I just love both the romance and the amazing friendships in Shalvis’ novels.
Great review, Lily 🙂
I’ve been seeing reviews of this one a lot lately. Some with mixed reviews. Sorry to see the characters didn’t connect with you so much. Still looks like a fun holiday read. The cat sounds funny. 🙂
I felt that way about book one of this series. I had trouble connecting to the community vs her usual small town romances. I love her Lucky Harbor and Animal Attraction series. I enjoyed the Cedar Ridge ones as well but not as much as those earlier ones.