My Mistletoe Beau

by Anna Bennett

My Mistletoe Beau is Anna Bennett's delightful Christmas novella from the Kissing Under the Mistletoe anthology.

Miss Eva Tiding is determined to cheer her widowed father with the perfect Christmas gift. Even if it means breaking into the home of the rakish earl who swindled Papa out of his pocket watch. Even if it means accepting a scandalous dare or two and—heaven help her—pretending to date the earl for the Christmas season.

Jack Hardwick, Earl of Frostbough, isn’t interested in negotiating with a would-be thief, no matter how beautiful and spirited she might be. But then he learns that his beloved grandmother is on her way to London to meet the girlfriend he mentioned in his letter. The one who doesn’t exist.

Eva and Jack strike a deal—she’ll be his fake fiancée if he’ll hand over the watch. It should be simple three dates, no feelings, just acting. But before long, sparks are flying and the line between real and make-believe isn’t so clear. Falling in love is not part of the plan, but with a snowstorm, mistletoe, and a little Christmas magic, anything is possible…

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Historical

141 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2021

About the author

Anna Bennett started swiping romances from her mom’s bookshelf as a teenager and decided historicals (with their balls, dukes, and gowns) were the best. So, when she had the chance to spend a semester in London she packed her bags—and promptly fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. She dreamed of writing romance, but somehow ended up a software analyst instead.

Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anna found her way back to writing the stories she loves and won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® for Regency Historical Romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include reality TV, cute shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

Sign up for Anna's newsletter here! http://bit.ly/2dFW5bv

Reviews

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this novella, but the story fell short for me in character and relationship development. I think if it had been a full length novel, it would have worked better for me personally. The h breaks into the H’s apartment to steal back a watch he’d won from her father. He catches her and gives her the chance to win back the watch by pretending to be courting with him to appease his grandmother. Except there’s a history between their fathers that makes the H bitter. Slow burn/build and the H definitely fell first. There are cute moments, some contrived ones, and a couple steamy scenes. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (H is jealous of a man who h’s father had discussed her possibly marrying but there’s no real drama), h is a virgin and H is not (he has a bit of a reputation but no details are given about his history).

[Rachel-RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up
Eva and Jack meet when Eva breaks into Jack's residence looking for her father's treasured watch. Her father had wagered it on a game of cards and lost (to his regret). Unbeknownst to her, Jack blames her parents for his father's unhappiness. Long story short, his father was in love with and engaged to Eva's mother. But her mother was in love with someone else (her father) so they ran away and eloped. Jack's father became a recluse.
At their meeting, sparks fly and a bargain is made. One watch in exchange for being his fake fiance. But of course Feelings develop!
I did like this, but I thought Jack and his dad got over the years of hurt really fast (after one conversation). That was quick. Likable characters and I could believe the romance.

[Purple Galaxy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dumb and contrived. I realize all HR is contrived, but it doesn't have to feel that way!

I thought it was going to be good. It started out with some fun banter and the pacing seemed on point (good pacing is so rare, and the start is the only reason this is not one star) but then it all came to a screeching halt. Suddenly the FMC is like "let's get physical" (literally, she used the word "Physical"). It was all downhill from there.

I hadn't realized when I started the book that I'd tried books by this author before. My complaint with those was the same: stupid.

In case there was any doubt: do not recommend.

[Mama Needs to Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was mostly adorable, with a twist and a fall-out that took it from five to 3.5 stars in my mind.

Eva wants her father's pocket watch back, but Jack won it in a game of cards, and will only give it back if Eva agrees to a fake courtship over the holidays. They're a fiery, chemistry-laden enemies-to-lovers pair, which was so fun to watch. The setting was charming as well...one I believe I saw in another series by Anna Bennett! I loved Jack's declaration at the end. So swoony!

[Paging Snidget · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Loved this. The writing was lively and fun, a joy to read. The characters felt fleshed out and their emotions realistic. Even the plot, which started off as somewhat ridiculous, ended up feeling reasonable. The only thing I didn’t like was the need to pair all the primary characters up into couples. The spice was minimal, which I appreciated. Will be seeking this author out again.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amusing and predictable

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5☆

[Karen Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Funny at times.