Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
A Lord’s fortune is forever changed with a kiss on Christmas from a daring young woman...

Finn, Viscount Edgerton, has avoided the London scene to focus solely on digging out from under the pile of debt his father left behind. A decent dowry could make things a hell of a lot easier for the estate, but he hasn’t met the right woman. And he never would have expected her to come in the form of “Miss Mistletoe”—the young woman who stole a kiss at a ball in front of the ton and caused a scandal.

On the eve of her cousin’s wedding, Cece McCrea hardly expects to run into the man who inspired her indiscretion five years ago. This time, she resolves to put aside her childish crush and avoid him altogether. Her will is tested, however, when he pursues her…

Includes previews from the Sealed with a Kiss novels, More Than a Stranger and A Taste for Scandal.

83 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2012

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Erin Knightley

24 books360 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
57 (23%)
4 stars
103 (43%)
3 stars
62 (25%)
2 stars
14 (5%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Thenia.
3,853 reviews168 followers
May 14, 2019
An embarrassing incident and time have helped "cure" Cece's unrequited love for Finn, Viscount Edgerton, but a common circle of friends brings them together again for a wedding.

When Finn learns that "Miss Mistletoe", as Cece was dubbed after the incident, will also attend his friend's wedding, he's less than thrilled, but the woman he meets is almost nothing like the one he remembers.

Cece is determined to be polite and civil, but avoid Finn as much as possible, something that he makes nearly impossible when he starts to pursue her.

A sweet story of a second chance at love for a couple that deserve it. The series continues with A Taste for Scandal next.

Previous book reviews:
More Than a Stranger (Sealed With a Kiss #1)
Profile Image for Lisa.
328 reviews77 followers
November 27, 2012
I really enjoyed this novella! Cece and Finn were adorable together and I loved the attention to the horticulture details. Who knew a conservatory could be sexy and make your heart sigh? :) The holiday details are just right. Erin Knightley is becoming one of my favorite authors (even without the steam!) as I just love her writing and it shines even in this shorter length. A perfect story to curl up with as it blends love, holiday traditions, family and it is sure to leave a smile on your face. 4 stars
Profile Image for Jo Reads Romance.
835 reviews53 followers
January 7, 2021
Pleasant tale to pass the time
4 stars

This novella is part Erin Knightley’s Sealed with a Kiss series. I didn’t realise this until I’d finished the book so you obviously don’t need to have read the first book (More Than a Stranger) to understand and like this one. This book does take place during the couple from the first book’s wedding but you see so little of them that if you’re reading this story in the hope of seeing more of them, I feel you’ll be disappointed. Richard (Cece’s cousin) appears in the next book in the series, A Taste for Scandal, which I now realise I’ve read and enjoyed a lot.

Both main characters are pleasing and likeable. Cece (Cecelia) is someone you can really understand - trying to get over her childhood fancy while constantly being forced into his presence. I felt that could have been played up a wee bit more. After a couple of interactions the pair had a truce. I prefer a bit more irritation and banter. I could understand her feelings for Finn and how they developed.

I had a bit of a more difficult time with Finn - although there are extra points for a great name. He was understandably irritated with Cece and on their first re-meeting, he was wary of her motives. And then they have one snipey conversation and suddenly he’s remembering that he really liked her as a young girl and he wanted to get to know her better. I didn’t buy it. It wasn’t even believable that he was irked that she was ignoring him instead of fawning over him - there wasn’t enough time or interactions for that to be the case.

The story picked up for me, emotionally, once the house party had finished. It was more believable and I could get behind it a bit more. I could have done with a bit more than the 2 or 3 kisses that we got but there wasn’t really an occasion for it, unfortunately. I just like things a bit steamier.

The festive touches in the book are minimal. The ‘incident’ took place at Christmas and the ending takes place at Christmas but apart from a few passing mentions - and the mistletoe - there isn’t much else to pull you into Christmas and all the merriment of the season.

This book was pleasant, well written and a nice diversion for a couple of hours. It just lacked sparkle for me. There was no magic in the couple and none from the Christmas theme, sadly. I would give this book a solid 3.5 stars but since that’s not an option, and I’m feeling the effects of the season, 4 stars it is. Give it a go if you like short, historical romances at Christmas, you enjoy Erin Knightley’s writing or are following the Sealed with a Kiss series.


Profile Image for Mary - Buried Under Romance .
369 reviews163 followers
November 27, 2012
This is a good, short, and ultimately fun read.

Cece McCrea had one little mishap in her past with Finn, Viscount Edgerton, when she mistakenly kisses him on the lips under a mistletoe, forcibly, too, just as Finn was walking away from her. Now, her childhood crush has yet to forgive her for this embarrassment, and Cece is determined to avoid Finn at all costs.

The story was fast-paced and neatly set up how the kiss had affected both Cece and Finn in society. Both are in trepidation of the other are they met again at Evie and Benedict's wedding,except that Finn was very disappointed that Cece did not appear infatuated with him at all! Cece, on the other hand, was sincerely hoping Finn would just leave her alone. That plan goes out the window the minute Finn spies Cece engaging in her passion - flowers. Finn quickly decides that he wants Cece as a wife, and his speed upon recognizing Cece's good traits as a daughter and an intelligent young woman makes him a good hero, and how he quickly cast away his initial blame on Cece for the mistletoe incident is what made him the highlight of this novella.

I found Cece to be too stubborn of a character, and she seems unable to make up her mind about whether to stay with Finn or not, out of a misguided sense of responsibility towards her father. This shows a lack of want in communication with Finn, which to me makes her a rather immature female, not living up to her intelligent nature and high character Finn sees in her. Her grudging replies to Finn's caring - when she obviously cares for him a great deal - makes me want to shake some sense into her. Thankfully, she caves in the end; if she didn't, then this wouldn't be a romance. ;)

Despite Cece's flaws in this novel, Finn's chivalrous and caring nature is persuasive enough to carry the show. This book was a delight, though I only wished for the heroine to have been better crafted and be a bundle of intelligence, not undeserved stubbornness.
Profile Image for Stephanie (Jump).
174 reviews23 followers
August 11, 2016
3.5 stars
This was a cute, light-hearted nouvella that left me with a smile. I love how the hero Finn went from thinking he wants to avoid our heroine Cece to actively persuing her when she avoids him.

Yet there were some flaws. I really wish the dialogue between hero and heroine was more full of spark, wit and substance.

Knightley has our heroine spewing extensive botanical facts and latin names to impart that the heroine is intelligent. But being able to store a lot of knowledge doesn't automatically make someone intelligent, and it makes the average reader like me skim many parts of their conversations.

I get that she is prompted by Finn's questions but I am not sure that was the bwst use of conversation to show a depth of relationship, or that his interest in her hobby (to that level) was all that believable.

The author is clearly capable of putting wit amd charm in dialogue. The teasing between Finn and his friend Richard is wonderful as is Cece's dialogue with Richard (Richard is also Cece's cousin).

Still an enjoyable read overall but it could have been so much more.

Safety warning
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 64 books286 followers
December 30, 2013
I couldn't let the season go without a Christmas regency and this one hit all the marks. Finn is attending a friend's wedding and hardly in the mood to be reminded of Cece, the young girl who had caused him so much embarrassment with a stolen, and very public kiss, years ago. He'd given no thought to her embarrassment. Cece never expected Finn to be at the wedding. She's lived with her public humiliation and the jokes for so long she's almost convinced herself she cares nothing for Finn any longer. Until they see each other. A wonderful Christmas story. Indulge yourself!
Profile Image for Becca.
639 reviews95 followers
November 10, 2014
A cute story with a minor Christmas theme (it starts and ends at a Christmas ball). I was a bit worried when I started this novella that I would not enjoy it, but I thought Finn was an honorable, romantic hero and I enjoyed reading scenes from his perspective.

There are a lot of references to conservatories and botany which added a fun, different flavor to the story.

The heroine was a bit wishy-washy for me and sent Finn a variety of mixed signals, but overall he persevered and he made the story worth reading. Good for a lazy morning or afternoon reading snack!
Profile Image for Eileen.
1,898 reviews
November 13, 2012
What a delightful little read in between book one and two with two new characters. They pick up at Evie and Hastings' wedding and tell a story of her cousin Cece's infatuation with a friend of theirs Finn. Cece is adorable and loyal to her father and would deny herself happiness in order to care for her father. I'm glad it worked out for both Finn and Cece. Looking forward to book 2 coming out next month.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,557 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2018
Ahh Awesome

Finn/Lord Edgerton and Cece
I enjoyed reading this delightful story that is well written with witty dialogue and characters. Their story has a wonderful and complete HEA.
189 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2018
A sweet story

This is the type of story you want to read it very very intense tale. The sweetness of a happy romance for more than one person. Enjoy
Profile Image for Barb Lie.
1,802 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2012
As we are in the month of December, and this is the season to be jolly, I thought I would write a short and quick review on a wonderful regency romance novella by Erin Knightley; which is perfect for the Christmas season….Miss Mistletoe. This story is in between Knightley’s first book, More than a Stranger, and her new release, A Taste for Scandal. All three books are part of her Sealed With a Kiss series.

Miss Mistletoe was an enjoyable fun read. It is Christmas time, and Evie and Hastings, our couple from the first book, are getting married. Finn is sitting the night before with Hastings and Richard teasing him about their cousin Cece’s infatuation with him, and the famous kiss under the Mistletoe years ago. Cece will be at the wedding, and Finn plans to avoid her at all costs. Cece leaves her father home, since he is blind, and he does not want to travel, as she goes to the wedding.

She spots Finn, and hides from him in embarrassment from those early days when she was a teenager. Of course, as in romance, they are both pushed together, since they both were alone, and they were a matching pair. To Finn’s surprise, Cece totally ignored him, and he found himself attracted to the now grown up Cece. This was such a cute and adorable fun romance. Despite her trying to avoid Finn, as they are pushed together often, Cece finds herself falling in love with Finn, as he does with her, but she runs back home, after the wedding, refusing to become serious. She is loyal to her father, and will never leave him to marry and move to Finn’s home.

But this is a Christmas story, and this is romance. Somehow, someway, they will find each other. I love this series, and this cute novella was just the thing to hold me off until A Taste for Scandal comes out. Erin Knightley has such a wonderful and refreshing voice. I do not read a lot of Regency/Historical romance, but Erin is winning me over fast.

Barb
The Reading Cafe
Profile Image for Geri.
524 reviews8 followers
October 21, 2013
Very cute.

I loved the turn around on this story. Years ago Cece had a huge crush on Finn, which he did not return (she was just a young girl). She set-up so that she would be under the mistletoe to get a kiss from him, but she got it from her cousin instead. In a moment of madness she kisses Finn in front of everyone at the party and causes a slight scandal.

Since the decline in her father's sight she has been hidden away in the country helping him. Few years later... She comes to her cousin's house for the wedding (book 1). Finn sees her and assumes she might do something, but instead she avoids him. He is intrigued. Slowly he seeks out her company and falls for her. Cece never really fell out of love but thought her crush/love was not returned so she buried it.

Very nice :)
Profile Image for Britney (BookDrunkSloth).
322 reviews6 followers
October 15, 2015
Perfect for Christmas:) Erin Knightley makes me grin like a schoolgirl everytime I read her books!

This is an adorable story about a girl who had a crush and made a fool of herself trying to get his attention. She felt like she had to try no matter the outcome. I LOVED that about her. If you want something you need to go for it!

Years later when they cross paths again, she's determined to convince everyone (and herself) that she's over her childhood crush. Her indifference sparks our hero's curiosity. I cannot go any further:D

This book also served as an extra epilogue to Evie and Hastings' story, in that it starts with their wedding. Always gotta love extended Happily Ever Afters.

I'm excited that I have now read all of Erin Knightley's books. She is a must buy author for me now. I cannot wait for more!

Profile Image for Casee Marie.
177 reviews32 followers
January 2, 2013
A few quick, informal thoughts on Erin Knightley's e-novella, which serves as a holiday-themed interlude in her Sealed with a Kiss series. Her writing continues to capture England's Regency era with whimsy and charm, and her characters are delightfully entertaining. Miss Mistletoe is a story without much conflict which, during the holiday season, is a very nice option to have. It was a great bit of fun to settle in and follow along as Finn and Cece fall unceremoniously (and ever so adorably) in love under the embarrassment of a past mishap involving some well-placed mistletoe and a bit of scheming from an impetuous young girl. In all, a quick and charming story that delivers simple joy, humor, and warmth - everything I look for in a cozy Christmas read.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
686 reviews299 followers
February 27, 2013
3.5 stars; A cute Christmas novella that jumps right into where More Than a Stranger's left off. It's Evie and Hastings' wedding but the story is about the Moore's cousin Cece McCrea and their friend Finn, the Viscount Edgerton.

Cece has been crushing on Finn for a long time, having gone to great lengths to get his attention (and resulting in an embarrassing moment which christened her with the name Miss Mistletoe) so when she finally decides she's over it, it's suddenly Finn's turn to try to win her back.

I love it when a hero finally realizes how much he loves the heroine and he's got to grovel a little bit to her back again. This is a very short and cute and effective holiday read.
Profile Image for Michelle.
130 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2013
Erin KnightleyMiss Mistletoe
Erin Knightley's writing is spectacular! She makes you feel like you are there and keeps you wanting to read the next chapter! Can't seem to put her books down. I am so happy I was introduced to her books. Can't wait to read more!!
106 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2013
Very sad...because I really really really like this author. I have met her, and she is awesome in person!! So it is with a heavy heart that i have to say.....SNORE!! I think I need a break from Historicals...horticulture....so over it! I liked both of the main characters and they had a meet-cute in the past. But i just never believed he "fell" for her during a wedding. Once again SOD gets in the way.
Few funny or snarky moments.
Profile Image for Karen.
22 reviews7 followers
January 15, 2014
I really like this book series (Sealed with a Kiss). It's really entertaining, romantic, funny, and most importantly, CLEAN. I enjoy it when an author can write characters who have integrity and can make decisions not just based on their hormones.

This book is a good, quick read.
Profile Image for Arlene.
Author 18 books22 followers
February 9, 2013
A lovely story. I liked Finn and CeCe immediately. Can't wait to dig into one of Erin's full-length novels.
Profile Image for Sharlene.
890 reviews16 followers
December 2, 2013
I read things a little out of order - I think this was supposed to come after More Than a Stranger - but loved this novella! It was a quick, very romantic story.
Profile Image for Kathryn Prine.
47 reviews
August 19, 2015
This is a sweet novella about never knowing when your childhood love will turn into a sweet everlasting love.
Profile Image for Tasha.
1,490 reviews26 followers
March 31, 2017
What a delightful book.Before reading it I wasn't sure how it played into this series seeing as I had never heard the characters names uttered in the first book but as soon as I started reading I learned how it did in fact play into the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.