Soldier Under the Mistletoe

Snowbound in Sawyer Creek #1

by Lacy Williams

Maverick ducked through the doorway and found her at the back door, shrugging into a coat. Right over her fancy party dress. She looked like a little kid playing dress up. He blinked, and it was a woman who looked back at him with soft eyes. Cash was gonna kill him if he didn't un-screw this up.

One night. Make it count.

Mallory Trudeau can manage a five hundred acre ranch. She just can't seem to break out of the Friend Zone with Sam "Maverick" Dunlop. She knows he thinks of her as Cash's little sister, but that's going to change tonight.

It's just one night. Evade and retreat.

The Cattlemen's Christmas Ball is one in a long string of reminders that Maverick doesn't belong in Mallory's world. He's got thirty-six hours to report back to his military base. He can make it that long without giving in to the forbidden attraction he feels for Mallory.

He just wasn't counting on the mistletoe...

Three couples. One unforgettable Christmas. The Snowbound in Sawyer Creek series includes these books:
*Soldier Under the Mistletoe
*The Nanny’s Christmas Wish
*The Rancher’s Unexpected Gift

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Westerns, Clean Romance

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2018

About the author

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

Reviews

[Abigail Harris]

This was a cute story that I read in one sitting.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/25/2018)!💝

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldier Under the Mistletoe is book one in Snowbound in Sawyer Creek series. Mallory Trudeau only wants one gift this Christmas, Maverick Dunlop. Maverick knows his best friend Cash Trudeau's baby sister Mallory is off limits. He just needs to stay strong for one night and then he will be back with his fellow Marines; far away from any effects Mallory may have on him. Soldier Under the Mistletoe was a delight to read. This is a sweet romance where I fell in love with the characters, their story and the scenery. A ballroom in the Double Cross Ranch house, a large heated barn, a pickup truck, snow falling outside and a huge beautifully decorated Christmas tree is what made me fall in love with the wonderful scenery. All three of these stories will take place during one event, the Annual Cattleman’s Christmas Ball held at the Double Cross Ranch. I can't wait to read the next two stories in this series. I highly recommend this book. Especially if you love a sweet romance with a cowboy, a heroine and a ranch wrapped up in a short story.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great first book in a new series by Lacy Williams! I love her books and this one is no exception! I loved the hero, Maverick Dunlop! He has had a terrible upbringing where it would be hard to know how to love someone, but he wants to so badly! The only example he ever had of love, growing up, was in his best friend's family when they let him spend time in their home and "soak up" normalcy but he always had to go back to the nightmare house he lived in. He went off to the military to get away as soon as he was out of school! Then there is the heroine, Mallory Trudeau. She wants to be taken seriously as the part owner of her parents' ranch, along with her brother AND she wants Maverick to look at her as a grown-up!
I loved watching these two grapple with their feelings. Mallory thinks things should be so easy...she loves Maverick and so they should be together! She just doesn't understand how Maverick's past influences his present. As a mom, I wanted to give Maverick a big hug and tell him he's great just the way he is! I can't imagine the way he grew up and all he dealt with! Do yourself a favor and take a peek into Mallory and Maverick's love story!!! You'll be glad you did!

[Sydney Winward · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the premise of this book. Mallory wants to take over the ranch. Her brother’s best friend, Sam (Maverick), yearns for a life of freedom in the military. How can they overcome their desire and compromise enough to make it work with each other? Not to mention the brother… Will he let his best friend and sister have a future together?

It’s kind of like a Hallmark movie, except one of the good ones. I do feel like it ended way too abruptly, though the author continued it in a second rendition, which I did not like quite as much. And the mistletoe seems like it should have played a big part in the story, but there was no mistletoe. Rather, Mallory kept playfully insinuating that they should kiss under one. But as far as short stories go, I enjoyed reading it. Although I feel like Mallory was more one-dimensional, Sam was written very well, a fleshed-out character with believable motives spurred by a horrific past.

I love that this is a clean, wholesome romance, with a cute love story and great romance scenes. The author definitely left a mystery in regards to the brother, Cash, and his mystery woman. I am interested in reading more of this author’s work.

[AlegnaB † · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.4 - In one way, this was good for a novella because the main characters had a long relationship prior to the start of this story, so it wasn't love at first sight. I was enjoying it and was thinking that I would give it a good rating, but then it leaves the story hanging at the end. In order to get the next part of the story, one must sign up for the author's newsletter. So I did that and read the "bonus story." I was surprised at the status of the relationships of other characters from this book, since they were well advanced beyond the ending of this novella. Then I got to the end of that bonus story and saw that the story from this novella still didn't end. In order to get more of the story, one has to buy Soldier Under the Mistletoe 2 from the author's website. And I have to wonder if the story ends there. Does she end that novella with a cliffhanger?

So I looked at the Snowbound in Sawyer Creek series page and noticed that the free novella that starts right after this one ends is numbered 3.5 instead of 1.5. I scanned the descriptions of books 2 & 3 and saw that they are the stories I missed by reading the bonus story. Well, it did say in the "EXCLUSIVE INVITATION" section of this ebook, "Find out what's happened with each of the SNOWBOUND couples one year later..." I just didn't stop to think about what that meant since I was eager to find out what happens with Maverick and Mallory and clicked on the link to subscribe. I didn't realize that the Snowbound collection has those other novellas in it that come before the bonus story. Why would someone send you from the end of the first story to a story that takes place after two additional stories? I went to the author's website and saw this in the ABOUT ME section: "I’m the kind of reader that cracks open the book and reads the end first. Yep, I want the spoilers..." That explains it. She thinks spoilers are a good thing. She probably thinks that reading the spoilers will make readers want to buy the stories that led up to those spoilers she gave. Well, this reader hates spoilers! And I won't be buying those stories.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received Soldier Under the Mistletoe as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

On the night of the Cattlemen's Christmas Ball, Mallory Trudeau once again lays eyes on Sam "Maverick" Dunlop, her crush since childhood. Mallory is all grown up, however, and running the family ranch alongside her older brother. Maverick, meanwhile, intends on getting in and out of town as quickly as possible before returning to his military base. He certainly has no intention of involving himself with his best friend's little sister despite the attraction between them, particularly when he has so little to give. Can Mallory convince him to give them a chance even though their time together is short?

This was okay, but too short to really get into any sort of narrative depth--it's novella-length, and ends on a cliffhanger. I would have liked the story to unwind a bit more rather than being so rushed, though I did like that the story did end somewhat ambiguously (though undoubtedly they'll get their happily ever after), as it rang true rather than having some ridiculous circumstance allow them to be together forever immediately.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

**1
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the clean novel Soldier Under the Mistletoe (Snowbound in Sawyer Creek #1) With Companion Sequel: Soldier Under the Mistletoe 2 and Christmas Ever After:Mallory and Sam by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely. This is a complete story in four segments. A poignant story of loss, hope, love and healing divided into four segments with some action and suspenseful movements, self examination, glimpses of two other romances and some local conflicts which spans about five years and involves the Trudeau siblings, their life long friend Marine Sam "Maverick" Dunlop and the Double Cross ranch in Sawyer Creek, Texas. As the ranch's 40th Christmas Ball is about to start, tomboy, former Vet Student and ranch owner Mallory Trudeau laments the loss of her parents while plotting how to win over and keep the love of her brother's best friend, victim of childhood abuse now Marine Sam "Maverick" Dunlop. Contains the negative undercurrent of child abuse.

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story but a big heart of anticipation and love!

Maverick flying solo and surviving has been his mode along with his best friend. A boy that went through hell n know a man that needs to learn his worth. Mallory learn the art of friendship and the first aid of loving someone enough to be true and loyal can make this girlfriend the happiest woman alive. Violence 3 cruelty of bullies and their destruction to harm others is hard to stomach, often survivors feel broken but they really are stronger and can appreciate all the goodness that others take for granted. Sex 1 kisses is all that passes but the heart will be filled with this story.

Very short story good for 1-2 lunch breaks. More reviews: my2centsbookreviews.com check out my blog Thanks

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give 5 stars but I absolutely loved this book. I can't wait for book 2 & 3. Mallory and Maverick have secretly liked each other for years. She has decided that tonight she will be brave and let Maverick know she is interested - I mean who doesn't use mistletoe as an excuse. He doesn't think he is good enough for her but is having such a difficult not giving in to his attraction. These two are perfect for each other. I thought the author did a great job developing the plot and characters and making their "love" story believable. I was hooked and just have to read the next in this series. I would also love a sequel to this book. gotta read

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting characters and fair plot

I only read part 1 because I don't do sequels when it comes to romance. Also, this is definitely marketed as a Christian romance, yet there was no mention of God, no instance of the characters reliance on Him for anything. There wasn't even a token Christian saying. Having said that, I thought the first story was well done, even though it didn't fit the marketing niche. The characters had some interesting quirks and the hero's backstory, though I've heard it before, fit well. Overall, I can recommend the first section of the book to anyone looking for a quick, cozy, clean romance.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed Soldier Under the Mistletoe from the Kindle Unlimited Lending Program.

Mallory Trudeau, has a plan for the Cattlemen's Christmas Ball that her family has host for forty years. It involves lots of mistletoe, her girlhood crush, Maverick (Sam) and getting him to recognize she is more than his best friend's little sister while he is visiting on the last night of his leave from the Marines.

He resists until a blizzard, a horse in trouble and a wreck in the ditch help Mallory find her way to the kisses she wants and into Maverick's heart. The ending was a bit up in the air when he left on a plane to return to duty...

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory has always loved her brother's best friend, Sam "Maverick". Mav is on leave from the Marines to attend the Christmas Eve party at Cash and Mallory's ranch. Mallory plans to get her soldier under the mistletoe and let him know how much she loves him. Mav grew up in an abusive home. He doesn't feel that he has a home or a family. He doesn't feel good enough for Mallory. When Mallory ends up in the barn with a sick horse, Mav is there to help her. Trying to keep her at arm's length, but not succeeding. Such a sweet book. Mallory is upfront about her feelings, but also gentle in how she treats him.

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soldier Under The Mistletoe by Lacy Williams is a very quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Ms. Williams has delivered a well-written book and filled it with amazing, lovable characters. Sam and Mallory's story is packed with drama, humor and spice. I enjoyed this short read and look forward to reading more from Lacy Williams in the future. Soldier Under The Mistletoe is book 1 of the Snowbound In Sawyer Creek Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I won a copy of this book from Goodreads.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A forbidden romance, denied for a long while under a mistaken premise, finally shakes loose from its bindings during a Christmas Eve snowstorm. Underneath Maverick's tough exterior of cowboy and soldier he shows to the world, lies the hurt and pain of the abused child who grew up without love or approval until he found the Trudeau family. Mallory sees through his charade, but having loved him from a young age, she's grown frustrated with his seeming lack of interest. If it's up to her, things are going to change this Christmas Eve.
If you like Lacy Williams, books, you'll love this novella.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the cover, love the story, the writing style... disappointing ending as it ends in a cliffhanger. There is a sequel available free to those who sign up for the author’s newsletter but it isn’t in chronological order and if one reads it right after this story there are relationships reveealed that I just wasn’t ready to find out about. So, a bit of a disappointment there. I would have preferred to read the whole story in one shot without the spoilers included. I do plan to read more by this author, however, to find out which other characters get their happily ever after, and with whom...

[Pat Bettinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice read. No angst here just a love that was always there. Sam (Maverick) was a perfect match for Mallory. He pretty much spent most of his childhood at the home of Mallory and her brother Cash. She fell in love at 14 and was bound to make him return it now that she was grown. He is in the service and home for Christmas. She is determined to make him see that she is the only woman for him. No sex here, just two people who should be together finding each other and a chance for them to have a future.

I would recommend for light read.

[Trudi Jorda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the tale of two childhood friends that meet again when he returns from the war an injured Marine and she and her brother have taken over the ranch that their parents ran after their parents died. Mallory had a crush on her brothers friend when they were growing up. They go thru hell and literally high water but have a happily ever after. My only complaint is that we shift from past to present and back again a bit too often for my taste. But it had a good cast of characters and enough plot twists to keep me a happy reader!

[Val · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 or 3 stars. It was okay read- if you want quick, cozy and clean romance story, this is for you! For sure, likable characters and the plot-It seems like a hallmark kind of feel! I guess I wasn’t that interested after part 1of the 3 parts story but I think it just needed a lot depth to grab my heart and felt a little rushed but perhaps it’s this type of writing style because it’s a novella? As an kindle unlimited member, The rest of the series are free to read. I will try to continue the 2 more books b/c it’s a cliff hanger & the other couples.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallory tries to convince long-term friend, Sam, that she's no longer a kid and the crush that she has harbored all these years has not wavered, but only grown stronger into love. Sam is a career veteran, and coming from an abusive home, has never felt worthy. The annual rancher's Christmas ball gives them both a chance to see if the future holds hope for a relationship together or if it is time for them to go their separate ways. Good, clean, reading from Lacy Williams.

[Sandra Whittiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

MallSoldier Under the Mistletoe: Snowbound in Sawyer Creek

Mallory and Sam had know each other their whole lives, but he refused to acknowledge their mutual attraction. Sam had left their hometown as soon as he graduated high school, the military was his ticket out, but he always felt that he's left a huge part of his heart on that ranch. Now if Mallory can just spin some Christmas magic, maybe she can convince him that there really is something to come back for. Great Read!!!

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldier Under the Mistletoe

Mallory and Maverick grew up together with him being her older brothers best friend. She has had a crush on him since she was young. Her parents passed away the year before and she has taken over the family ranch. He is back for one night only. The Cattleman’s Ball is being held at the ranch and he promised her brother he would be there. What happens when they have to attend to an emergency in the barn during a snowstorm?

[Lenna Wright]

Sam is way too much woe is me throughout the entire book, his mom was absent, his father was abusing and he’s from the other side of the tracks…. He likes Mallory but he can’t since she’s his best friends little sister, off limits, he’s not good for her and so on. This man is a soldier but complains like a kid. BTW if you want part two you will have to buy the ebook from the author’s web site, not Amazon or other online book stores.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed following Sam and Mallory’s romance, in and out of the snowstorm. Sam believes that he is not good enough for Mallory after the way he was forced to live as a child, but she is determined to change his mind before he must return to base. I will look forward to reading more from in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily given an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

A good short story or novella.
A brother & sister are running the ranch their parents owned: Cash & Mallory.
This is listed as book one but I wonder if there is a prequel that would set the scene for this book.
The author did a great job of grabbing the readers interest with the first chapter. Great introduction.

[Marie McKenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story

Mallory and Sam have known each other for years. Sam had a rough life growing up. Mallory's brother Cash is his best friend. He hung out at their ranch but left after high school. This story is about their Christmas time party and what happens. It is a fun emotion packed story. They are so wonderful together. Love the bonus story also.

[Jeene Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one about his best friend’s sister

First in a series of three, I think, short reads all set at the Cattlemen’s Christmas Eve Ball. This one is about the ranch owner and her brother’s best friend.

I don’t usually read Christmas stories in March, but it happened. I do like story sets similar to this and needed a quick read.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

OooohLalaaaaa, is the first word/phrase that comes to mind when thinking about "Soldier Under the Mistletoe." This short novella was expertly written, I just wish we wouldn't have had to have the story-line cut short only to be picked up a year later in a completely different novella. I promise, if you are looking for romance and sweet young love, you will not need to look any further.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic

Mallory Trudeau has been in love with Sam “Maverick” Dunlop for years. He has always thought she was off-limits, since she’s his best friend’s sister. What happens when Cash gives him his blessing? Grab your copy and enjoy this fast holiday read. It will make you wish for your own soldier under the mistletoe.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good and cute read right up till the point where it abruptly ended...apparently you have to subscribe to her newsletter to and you will gt a copy of Christmas Ever After which is a 40 novelette that will tell you what happens with all the couples from her Snowbound series one year later...grr.

Moral Note: Some mild talk about child abuse