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Mistletoe in Malibu

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Christmas in Southern California has her wondering are you ever too old for a young Buck?

Delores

All I wanted was a quiet Christmas alone. But when your best friend is married into the Morgan Family, a herd of ripped and rowdy ranchers who won’t take no for an answer, quiet Christmases evaporate. A private jet ride later, I’m on the beach in Malibu, being hounded by the most attractive young cowboy I’ve ever laid eyes on. Too bad he’s way too young for me.

Buck

Did you ever see a woman who just knocked your socks off? Delores Reed is my cup of pudding. She’s funny and pretty and sure, a little bit older. She’s worried that if we get together people might talk. I’m nobody’s secret - but maybe for Delores, I can try.



Mistletoe in Malibu is a Christmas spinoff of Lola West’s Big Sky Cowboys Series. Featuring all the Morgan characters that readers have come to know and love.

Hot for the Holidays is a series of sexy fun short stories that will take you on a tropical escape for the holidays. Enjoy all the steamy stories in the series:

Mistletoe in Malibu - Lola West

Bows in Bora Bora - Jade Bay

Presents in Positano - Anita Knight

Elves on Easter Island - Jaycee Wolfe

Christmas in Cayman - Kara Kendrick

Merry in Mykonos - Aurora Paige

Decorating Abu Dhabi - Eva Winners

Kringled in Key West - Layne Daniels

Krampus in Kaua’i - Ava Knight

Sugarplums in St. Thomas - Loni Ree

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2020

129 people are currently reading
145 people want to read

About the author

Lola West

22 books379 followers
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Lola West is the queen of sweet, smart, silly, sexy romance! She has a PhD in women's studies and a flair for the dramatic. She likes cotton candy, astronomy, kitten heels
and small town hunks.

Lola is a pen name.

The minds behind Lola are just like you - everyday people living regular lives, happy to day dream about sexy men and the sassy women they love.

LONG LIVE THE BOOK BOYFRIEND!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for K.  Ramjohn.
2,567 reviews
November 30, 2020
What a sweet, sexy holiday romance. Mistletoe in Malibu is an age gap romance that held my interest until the end. I loved the story. I loved the characters. It was fun, steamy, yet heartfelt and Lola West packed quite a lot in this short story giving us all the feels. Buck and Dee made an amazing couple with intense chemistry and I loved the older woman younger man aspect of the story. The secondary characters added support and quite a bit of hilarity and I loved the family vibe in the novel. This was an awesome Christmas tale that could be read in one sitting and I would highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,722 reviews112 followers
December 12, 2021
The couple: Buck and Delores

Romance genre: contemporary
Series: Hot for the Holidays
Length: 72 pages

Plot: Delores is part of a group of people who have traveled to Malibu for Christmas. She's tangentially connected to the group (mostly family), as is Buck. Buck is about a decade younger than her, and as a single mother in a small town, Dee worries about her reputation should she take up with Buck. But he's smitten with her, and she's more than a little impressed with him. He won't be her dirty secret, though, so what are they to do?

Commentary: This was emotion-packed! I felt for both of them, Dee with her care for her son and her reputation, and Buck with his background as the son of a mistress. But Buck - he was 10/10 amazing boyfriend material. He was sweet, spicy, sensitive, commanding, everything you could want, and I was so worried that Dee was going to be too scared to give it a go, and then she finally fixed things at Christmas. Thank goodness! I was a little anxious!

Next book in the series: Bows in Bora Bora
Profile Image for Michaella Dieter.
Author 13 books239 followers
November 30, 2020
This is my favourite book so far by Lola West 😁 It may only be a novella, but it doesn't skimp at all on the feels! I loved seeing all the family together (Big Sky Boys series) and Dee and Buck were great together.

If you're looking for a fun, sweet, sexy Christmas read, I'd very much recommend this one.
Profile Image for KKEC Reads.
1,111 reviews71 followers
November 20, 2020
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am grateful to be reading and reviewing for Lola West again!

“Oh nothing. I was just thinking you’re going to love Malibu.”

Lola West writes short, sweet, sexy romance books. She is not afraid to make her female characters badass women, and she writes her male characters as consenting, respectful, sexy adults.

Delores is a hardworking, single mom who hasn’t had the best luck when it comes to love. After marrying her high school love, and having a baby, she realized cheaters are going to cheat. So now she focuses on her business and her son.

Buck a sexy rodeo cowboy who had a rough childhood. He is a straight shooter and is not one to play games. He is an honorable adult who is not afraid to go after what he wants.

Lola West had a Ph.D. in Women’s Studies, and it shows in how she writes her characters. I love that so much, and it is lovely reading a book that doesn’t objectify, belittle, degrade, or disrespect anyone. I am here for this kind of educated romance novel.

This is a super quick and easy read. But the story is so sweet and so pure that despite it taking 25 minutes to read, you will be invested in the story. I love the significant family aspect, the love and respect shown, and of course, the badass leading lady.

Dee Dee is a mom, and she has that curvy body that carrying and birthing a baby gives a woman. She has an hourglass shape, large breasts, and minor insecurity about herself. But Buck changes all of that as he praises and appreciates every inch of her body. I love seeing the “mom bod” get the praise and recognition it deserves. Growing baby humans is hard work! And all bodies and beautiful bodies.

Even though their journey was quick, I enjoyed reading this book. And the fact that Dee Dee is older than Buck, and he refuses to let that keep them apart, just makes this love story even more delightful.

The last paragraph of the book is beyond charming and will give you all the feelings. Seeing a strong female allow herself to be vulnerable and take a chance? Absolutely yes.

Lola has written an epilogue, and you get access to it after signing up for her newsletter. Let me just say, and it’s worth every single thing. I loved this story, I love the couple, and I hope they get their own full-length book within this series.

Christmas on the beach, anyone?
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,558 reviews35 followers
November 30, 2020
I loved Lola West's "Mistletoe in Malibu," a sweet yet steamy story featuring endearing characters and a well-crafted reverse age gap romance between hairstylist Delores "Dee" Reed and cowboy Buck Marlow.

There was a lot of plot packed into this novella, and I actually felt like I got to know Buck and Dee pretty well. I loved the way that Buck looked at life as an adventure, and that he knew exactly what he wanted in terms of a relationship and wouldn't settle for less. I understood Dee's concerns about getting involved with Buck after she had been hurt before, plus she had to consider the impact on her teenage son in addition to herself. However, Buck was a wonderful, caring man, and he clearly thought that Dee hung the moon. Even though their relationship grew quickly, I truly believed in the strength of their feelings for each other, and it was very easy to cheer them on to their HEA.

This novella is related to West's Big Sky Cowboys series (Buck is a Morgan cousin and Dee is Maddie's friend and business partner from "Tofu Cowboy"), which meant that the Morgan family was back in full force and just as much fun as ever. I adored seeing all of them together for the holidays, and the way they teased each other made me laugh. Buck and Dee fit right in and were a fantastic addition to the Morgan clan.

Overall, I highly recommend "Mistletoe in Malibu" for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to Lola West's next release!

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Hayley.
1,032 reviews36 followers
November 26, 2020
Lola West has become a definite go to author for chemistry filled romance with excellent characters. I absolutely adore Buck and Dee. Buck goes after what he wants and he wants Dee, and I feel it all the way down to my toes. This story takes place in Malibu and Los Angeles. Being an LA native, I loved the incorporation of familiar landmarks. In particular the reality of what Venice Beach is like, which is often depicted inaccurately. This is the perfect Christmas novella. Definitely can be read as a standalone, but has some familiar characters from Lola's Morgan Brother's series. I love a family series where you get a little peek at where the characters are now. A great read for a cozy afternoon.

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review
Profile Image for Michele McMullen .
2,525 reviews83 followers
November 30, 2020
Get ready to be whisked away for the holidays with the Morgan crew. From Montana to Malibu is where this jet filled with friends and family are bound.
The lovely Dee is content with spending her holiday alone but her friends have other plans. She gets roped into a holiday getaway and it is just the gift that she needed for the holiday.
Buck are handsome cowboy is a bit out of his comfort zone when he is roped into a family vacation. Now it just got a bit more interesting when he has an instant connection to the lovely Dee. Yes she may be a bit older than him but he is bound and determined to show her he is all the man that she may need. Loved catching up with wonderfully entertaining and fun family!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
1,881 reviews50 followers
November 23, 2020
What a fun holiday story. Buck and Dee are instantly attracted to each other but Dee is hesitant due to their age difference. She worries about the perception of others. Buck could care less and wants everyone to know Dee is his woman. When you know...you know!

I received an arc in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for Denise Reynolds.
132 reviews
November 23, 2020
Everyone needs a young Buck for Christmas! Lola’s Christmas novella will make you believe in love again this holiday. Buck and Dee come together by chance and show just how love knows no age.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carly.
246 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2020
Christmas at the beach

I want Christmas in Malibu after reading this! I love a good Age gap romance and this didn’t disappoint at all!
Profile Image for Ellen Anderson.
1,251 reviews
December 8, 2020
Mistletoe in Malibu

A really quick Christmas read. Unusual for the guy to be significantly younger, but also for him to be the one to want more than to be a secret. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Melissa.
233 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2020
This is one of the best holiday romance novellas that I've read. Buck and Dee are perfect together, despite their age difference. I love that Dee is older than Buck but he won't be the "dirty little secret". Their chemistry is off the charts hot and you just want to root for this couple to make it. Lola gives us a most wonderful story for the most wonderful time of the year.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Moriah.
2,676 reviews22 followers
November 30, 2020
Loved

Oh how I loved this book. It may be short, but it packs a punch. The Morgan clan are back at it and this time going to Malibu for Kat and Sarah's Christmas show. Dee and Buck tag along. From the beginning these two are drawn together and I loved every bit of it. Buck is a gentle sort of man and I loved him. I was in tears from about mid way and sobbing at the end. This book has all the feels!
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,900 reviews51 followers
December 19, 2020
What’s a woman to to when confronted by a very hot, very flirty younger cowboy? Either saddle up or make a quick retreat. Dee is a divorced mother of a teenage son who hasn’t dated in years. When handsome Buck starts flirting with her, she thinks it’s just a game to him and basically brushes him off by calling him a boy and telling him she is almost old enough to be his mother. Buck doesn’t hesitate to show her he is all man and doesn’t play games, nor will he be anybody’s dirty secret. Will she accept his challenge or retreat?

Both characters have had some pain in their pasts that has forced them to be strong, more mature and serious. How they are perceived by others is important to both of them. Can they find a way to be together, to give their instant attraction and connection a chance to grow?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda Rae Williams.
286 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2020
Cute

It is like remembering the first time you fell in love. Note to author: look up the definition of penultimate.
Profile Image for Jessreads3.
568 reviews8 followers
December 22, 2021
She's done it again you guys!!!
Lola West writes short steamy romance. And if you love romance+steamy+Christmas check this book out! I loved getting to know both Delores and Buck. Even though the age gap they compliment each other very well! Buck is everything she had been missing out on when she was married to her high school sweetheart/baby daddy. He's sweet and compassionate. *sigh* This is one of my favorite series. I just love the Big Sky Cowboy series, so if you havent read them yet go now! ;)
Such a cute short romance read that will get you in the Christmas spirit.

Mistletoe-in-Malibu-2
Profile Image for Babara-Anne.
1,772 reviews18 followers
May 28, 2021
A SWEET OLDER WOMAN YOUNGER MAN SECRET INSTALOVE

Dolores gets invited along to Malibu with the Morgans for Christmas as does Buck .
On board the private jet she sets her eyes on their sexy younger rodeo cowboy cousin Buck who in turn is bowled over by the stunning gorgeous older woman goddess who introduces herself as Delores and Dee to her friends!
The chemistry is so uncontrollable between them that they give into their desires in secret!
Buck does not want to be a dirty little secret but will he be one for Dee?
Lola West takes the reader on a lovely short holiday with the Morgans with a steamy older woman younger man romance!
Loved it! Loved the bonus epilogue!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melanie.
584 reviews
November 29, 2020
OWYM romance is not my favorite trope but... I love Lola West and I love her Big Sky series about the Morgan family, so there was no way I was going to miss this one.

Christmas in Malibu doesn’t happen for everybody. But Buck and Dee happen to be in the right place and time to receive invitations from the Morgan family to celebrate the holiday on the beach...far away from Montana. They meet on the plane and by the end of the flight Dee doesn’t know what to do about this young man who makes he feel things she shouldn’t be feeling. And Buck is pretty sure he is in love with this woman who is ten years older than him.

What I loved about this book was how realistic it seemed to be. While the setting was the glamorous Malibu, these two characters were rooted in the reality of what a relationship between them would mean back in the real world. One of them was running scared and the other would not settle for anything less than a real relationship...no matter how hot the sparks between them were.

If you’ve read the Big Sky series, you’ll love hearing about how the Morgan’s are doing. If you haven’t, you don’t need to have read the books to enjoy this one, but you’ll want to!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for vxhexn reads.
527 reviews171 followers
December 7, 2020
This is book 3.5 in the Big Sky Cowboys series. I had no problem reading it as a standalone but I do wish I’d met the Morgan clan beforehand.

This book is a quick 60 page complete story with all the feels!! The connection Buck & Dee have is magnetic. Experiencing the trials of falling in love, through their eyes, makes you realize how special it can be when with the right person. And when you see Buck’s dominant side – especially on date night – you’re gonna need to fan yourself 🥵

Hot for the Holidays is a series of sexy fun short stories that will take you on a tropical escape for the holidays.

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𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃_𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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1,203 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2021
Brilliant loved it

Brilliant loved this. Dee was going to be on her own this Christmas but her best friend and work colleague Maddie had other ideas when she found out and that’s how she found herself on a plane going to Malibu with her friend and the Morgan’s a family of cowboys. On the flight there Buck a cousin of the Morgan’s sat next to her he was younger than her but she could still look.
Buck lost sight of Dee when they arrived at the villa he wished he could of kept her by his side he really liked her.
Buck and Dee got closer he didn’t care he was younger that Dee he was going for keeps he ended up falling in love with Dee but she never said it back that night she broke his heart the next morning was Christmas.
Buck came back from his walk and everybody was waiting for him he put on his happy face and went inside for present time just when they thought it was finished Dee took the last present from the tree and gave it to Buck inside it told him all that he needed to know Dee felt the same way and her heart was his and didn’t care what anyone thought about him being older as without him nothing was right.
Profile Image for Heather (Bookedwithheather).
146 reviews34 followers
November 30, 2020
Another fabulous book by Lola West! This was a sweet fast paced read that had me smiling the whole time.

In this book we fall in love with Buck and Dee and their will they won’t they get together romance. Will they let the age difference keep them apart?

I’m not going to spoil it and tell you what happens but I will say it is such a heartwarming story that makes you feel good. Truly Enforces the “age is just a number” mentality. And of course it’s full of steamy hot romance like all the rest of Lolas books.

Grab your copy today and discover for yourself the sweet story of Buck and Dee.
Profile Image for thenerdybookworm_.
1,666 reviews66 followers
November 30, 2020
The Morgan family is back! This was a wonderful addition to the Morgan series.
The family is going to Malibu for Christmas, since Kat and Sarah will be singing for a Christmas special. Dee is Maddie’s business partner and gets roped into spending Christmas with the Morgans. Buck is a distant Morgan cousin. The chemistry between the two is hot. Dee has some issues with Buck being a lot younger than her. Can Buck prove to her that age is nothing but a number or will Dee’s insecurities get the best of them?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
294 reviews
December 6, 2020
I'm not a reviewer that hashes out the plot, if you're reading the reviews you know what it's about. I'll tell you what I look for in a review - what I liked (and didn't) about the book. I absolutely LOVE this series and this installment fits in perfectly. If you're looking for a quick, fun, and a little angsty holiday happiness, look no further! As usual, Lola West has hit all the marks for me. I laughed, teared up, smiled, then cried (I'm not usually a crier). The characters are well developed and their interactions are fun. Lola West is quickly becoming a favorite. Don't miss this one.
Profile Image for J..
186 reviews11 followers
November 30, 2020
Mistletoe in Malibu by Lola West is a quick holiday romance read. It features an age gap romance and tells the story of Buck and Dee. Buck was my absolute favorite part of this story! He is such a sweet character but can talk dirty with the best of them. I easily read this in one sitting. Check it out if you’re also a fan of holiday romance!

I received a copy of the title from the publisher which did not affect the contents of my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Barbara Van Zandt.
1,361 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2020
Younger man

When her friends found out that she was going to be alone, they made plans for her to spend Christmas with her friend new family. Then he comes on board the plane instant attraction on both sides , shes older and that the way he likes it. She kinda of fought the attractionbut changed her mind and wanted it be a secert. He didn't want to be a secert and it wasn't a fling for him either. He told her it was all or nothing.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,524 reviews53 followers
December 4, 2020
I haven't read any of Lola West's other work, so keeping track of who was whom was a bit challenging, but this was a fun read overall.

I liked that Buck was the sensitive type, and that he was willing to do whatever was necessary to get Dee to believe that he was in it for the long haul, while being cognizant - as well as understanding - of her misgivings.

I recommend the read, and definitely would be checking out Lola's other books.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,527 reviews56 followers
December 11, 2020
Lola West can do NO wrong!!

Holy moly this was just the sweetest Christmas Novella I've ever read. I was wondering if Dee would ever get her HEA and I'm so happy Lola has paired her up with Buck, who even thought he was her junior had a good head on his shoulders and knew her worth.

With each couple in this series I fell more and more in love with it and I'm fearly certain this will turned out to be one of my favorite series if it isn't already.
Profile Image for Janet Simmons.
734 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2021
The story of Dee and Buck. I'm giving it 4 stars cus I got confused a couple of times in the story but overall I really liked it. It's an easy read Novella standalone HEA.
I loved reading their story but couldnt figure out why Buck was invited on this trip. Dee was invited to do the hair for the singers. Everyone else had been planning this trip from the beginning. Buck and Dee were added at the last minute. Maybe just so he could see the ocean??
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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