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Mistletoe at Midnight
(Part of His For The Holidays Anthology)
Owen McKenzie has traveled to Vermont to spend an old-fashioned Christmas with his family when he finds himself staying at the same inn as his first love. Owen is disconcerted to realize he's still attracted to Caleb Black but refuses to pursue him. Caleb left him once, and Owen's not going down that road again.
Caleb is ready for a second chance with Owen and gets it when fate and the matchmaking McKenzies conspire to strand the two men in a rustic cabin during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. Can Caleb convince Owen to rekindle their romance so they can stop spending their holidays apart?
Owen McKenzie has traveled to Vermont to spend an old-fashioned Christmas with his family when he finds himself staying at the same inn as his first love. Owen is disconcerted to realize he's still attracted to Caleb Black but refuses to pursue him. Caleb left him once, and Owen's not going down that road again.
Caleb is ready for a second chance with Owen and gets it when fate and the matchmaking McKenzies conspire to strand the two men in a rustic cabin during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. Can Caleb convince Owen to rekindle their romance so they can stop spending their holidays apart?
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2010
3 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Gregg
26 books627 followersLB Gregg (Lisabea) writes fun, fast-paced contemporary male/male romances for a variety of publishers including Riptide, Samhain, and Carina Press. Her wildly successful Men of Smithfield books feature hot, hunky men looking for love in small town New England. Find more information about LB, The Men of Smithfield, and her fun series Romano and Albright at www.lbgregg.com.
You can also friend LB on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lb.gregg.1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
December 21, 2014
Another book down in Mishy's Christmas Gangbang. It was very, very sweet. Loved it.
February 22, 2011
I know the holidays are over, but I was in the mood to read some feel-good Christmas stories and this one seemed to be a fun one. Luckily, it was. :)
Owen McKenzie is about to start a new chapter in his life as St. James' newest veterinarian, but he needs to survive Christmas with his meddlesome family first. Tired of being ambushed with surprise set-ups and mysterious guests at every family event since his ex-boyfriend Keith walked away months ago, he put his feet down with his well-meaning mother the last time he was home. He thinks he's finally safe from her matchmaking, so imagine his surprise when he arrives at the inn where they're going to spend the holidays and finds Caleb Black playing the piano while Owen's mother bangs out "Jingle Bells".
Caleb is Owen's "one that got away", his first lover, his first love... and his first heartbreak. Now, 15 years later, Owen realizes he's never gotten over Caleb but is wary of getting involved with him again. He's been there, done that, and has the scars to prove it, so thanks, but no thanks. That's what Owen says to himself, but what does Caleb say? Does he see Owen as his "one that got away" too?
This was my first read by Ms. Gregg and I'm glad to say that I enjoyed it very much. The story is narrated by Owen and I'm not too keen on first-person narratives, but I liked Owen's "voice". He was an overall nice guy with a few shortcomings - like his unwillingness to let himself open up - and I felt myself drawn to him. I didn't connect with Caleb on the same level, though. I liked him - or what I got to see of him, I should say. The "problem" is, Owen's family was as interesting as Caleb and I'd dare to say they had as muchscreen page time as him. Owen's mother made me laugh and want to bang my head on the table at the same time, his father tugged at my heart and his brother was just crazy enough to be the best brother ever. I even liked Owen's ex-boyfriend Keith, which was refreshing considering how Romancelandia is full of despicable and hateful ex-lovers, LOL.
Besides the first-person narrative, I had a bit of a struggle with the way flashbacks were inserted into the story. I liked seeing how Owen and Caleb met and fell in love when they were in their late teens and coming to terms with their sexuality, but some of the flashbacks came out of nowhere and hit me right in the middle of a scene. All things considered, that was just a minor issue I had because I did like Ms. Gregg's writing and had a fun time reading this story. Oh, and I loved the Christmas gifts Owen and Caleb exchanged. Sweet!
Note: This story is also available in His For The Holidays anthology.
Owen McKenzie is about to start a new chapter in his life as St. James' newest veterinarian, but he needs to survive Christmas with his meddlesome family first. Tired of being ambushed with surprise set-ups and mysterious guests at every family event since his ex-boyfriend Keith walked away months ago, he put his feet down with his well-meaning mother the last time he was home. He thinks he's finally safe from her matchmaking, so imagine his surprise when he arrives at the inn where they're going to spend the holidays and finds Caleb Black playing the piano while Owen's mother bangs out "Jingle Bells".
Caleb is Owen's "one that got away", his first lover, his first love... and his first heartbreak. Now, 15 years later, Owen realizes he's never gotten over Caleb but is wary of getting involved with him again. He's been there, done that, and has the scars to prove it, so thanks, but no thanks. That's what Owen says to himself, but what does Caleb say? Does he see Owen as his "one that got away" too?
This was my first read by Ms. Gregg and I'm glad to say that I enjoyed it very much. The story is narrated by Owen and I'm not too keen on first-person narratives, but I liked Owen's "voice". He was an overall nice guy with a few shortcomings - like his unwillingness to let himself open up - and I felt myself drawn to him. I didn't connect with Caleb on the same level, though. I liked him - or what I got to see of him, I should say. The "problem" is, Owen's family was as interesting as Caleb and I'd dare to say they had as much
Besides the first-person narrative, I had a bit of a struggle with the way flashbacks were inserted into the story. I liked seeing how Owen and Caleb met and fell in love when they were in their late teens and coming to terms with their sexuality, but some of the flashbacks came out of nowhere and hit me right in the middle of a scene. All things considered, that was just a minor issue I had because I did like Ms. Gregg's writing and had a fun time reading this story. Oh, and I loved the Christmas gifts Owen and Caleb exchanged. Sweet!
Note: This story is also available in His For The Holidays anthology.
November 20, 2015
This one was a little too depressing to read as a happy, fluffy Christmas story, but it was a great story of young lovers reconnecting after 15 years apart and getting a second chance at love. I believe going in knowing that will make the experience more enjoyable for you.
Recommended.
Recommended.
December 20, 2014
Yay!
If you're looking for a sweet, happy Christmassy romance, this is it!
June 17, 2019
Oooh, I loved this short story. I'm a huge fan of well-done second-chance romance and L.B. Gregg pulls everything together in this sweet, funny, slightly weird, very very sexy story of two men - Caleb Black and Owen McKenzie - who fell in love in high school and finally finally get their HEA fifteen years later.
L.B. Gregg gives us an interesting bunch of secondary characters, with my favorites being May (Caleb's BFF) and Ryan (Owen's brother):
MAY: “What about your first crush? You know when you can’t eat or think or breathe without them? Or with them for that matter? Oh my God, it makes me sick just remembering it.”
“That’s depressing. I never felt anything like that.” Ryan steered us efficiently to town. “I just banged chicks in high school and they gave me teddy bears and rope bracelets.”
“That’s because you’re spoiled and emotionally stunted,” she said and I [Owen] wanted her as my sister-in-law.
L.B. Gregg gives us an interesting bunch of secondary characters, with my favorites being May (Caleb's BFF) and Ryan (Owen's brother):
MAY: “What about your first crush? You know when you can’t eat or think or breathe without them? Or with them for that matter? Oh my God, it makes me sick just remembering it.”
“That’s depressing. I never felt anything like that.” Ryan steered us efficiently to town. “I just banged chicks in high school and they gave me teddy bears and rope bracelets.”
“That’s because you’re spoiled and emotionally stunted,” she said and I [Owen] wanted her as my sister-in-law.
December 8, 2011
I really liked this story. LB Gregg always has characters that are so likable, funny and I always just want to squeeze them tight, they're so cute.
From the beginning to the end this book is entertaining. Owen's mom constantly trying to set him up with guys was extremely funny to me especially when she is mostly the cause of all of Owen's problems during Christmas. Then there's the brother, Ryan, who I found both funny and charming. The intensity between Owen and Caleb felt very real and the feelings they felt all those years ago came roaring back to them both, making for some very interesting scenes.
My only problem with the story was the flashbacks. They annoyed me in the beginning but I was able to get used to them at least. The ex, Keith, also really annoyed me. His whinnying about Owen keeping secrets (when they've been broken up for months) got on my nerves.
Aside from that, I really enjoyed this story. The ending was very sweet and surprising and I wouldn't be opposed to seeing more of these two. Recommended.
From the beginning to the end this book is entertaining. Owen's mom constantly trying to set him up with guys was extremely funny to me especially when she is mostly the cause of all of Owen's problems during Christmas. Then there's the brother, Ryan, who I found both funny and charming. The intensity between Owen and Caleb felt very real and the feelings they felt all those years ago came roaring back to them both, making for some very interesting scenes.
My only problem with the story was the flashbacks. They annoyed me in the beginning but I was able to get used to them at least. The ex, Keith, also really annoyed me. His whinnying about Owen keeping secrets (when they've been broken up for months) got on my nerves.
Aside from that, I really enjoyed this story. The ending was very sweet and surprising and I wouldn't be opposed to seeing more of these two. Recommended.
January 4, 2015
The setting, the characters, the dialogue, the believability are all here with this one. Before Owen (he’s meeting his family at an inn in Vermont to celebrate Christmas) and Caleb (I won’t even tell you) have their first conversation, you can feel the electric connection between them. Surround them with fab and distinct supporting characters and unavoidably funny events, a good story can’t help but break out – and it did.
Things crackle and speed along and I could picture it all. I think I even captured their voices in my head (yeah, yeah LOL) and that’s not always easy to do while reading. I would give a small warning about the use of flashbacks since some really don’t care for their use, but they are essential to this story. It just would not work, the emotional impact would be lessened if this story wasn't told in this way.
This is a re-read story for me, total comfort food and it shouldn’t be missed. Four strong stars.
Things crackle and speed along and I could picture it all. I think I even captured their voices in my head (yeah, yeah LOL) and that’s not always easy to do while reading. I would give a small warning about the use of flashbacks since some really don’t care for their use, but they are essential to this story. It just would not work, the emotional impact would be lessened if this story wasn't told in this way.
This is a re-read story for me, total comfort food and it shouldn’t be missed. Four strong stars.
December 29, 2015
This is my first L.B. Gregg read!
I like stories about second changes, and nothing is quite as romantic a thought as a second chance with your first love.
For Owen, Caleb Black (Maybe the hottest name ever!) is a first worth remembering, and even unconsciously waiting for. The same seems to be true for Caleb.
I loved serious, nearly invisible Owen. He kind of ticked all me 'Perfect Man' boxes. And I loved Caleb, too.
I just enjoyed the hell out of this. Just a great read all the way around.
I like stories about second changes, and nothing is quite as romantic a thought as a second chance with your first love.
For Owen, Caleb Black (Maybe the hottest name ever!) is a first worth remembering, and even unconsciously waiting for. The same seems to be true for Caleb.
I loved serious, nearly invisible Owen. He kind of ticked all me 'Perfect Man' boxes. And I loved Caleb, too.
I just enjoyed the hell out of this. Just a great read all the way around.
November 5, 2015
Overall book rating 3.5 Stars
Audio book - Narrator Max Bellmore 3 stars
Book cover 4 wow stars
A sweet story.
Audio book - Narrator Max Bellmore 3 stars
Book cover 4 wow stars
A sweet story.
December 18, 2010
Owen McKenzie’s family has decided to spend Christmas in the picturesque town of Evergreen, Vermont where Owen has moved and will soon work as the town’s new veterinarian. Along with his dog Jake, they’ll stay at a local inn along with his player of a brother Ryan, their cancer stricken father, a matchmaking mother who doesn’t know when to quit, and more than enough uncles and cousins who can’t seem to stay away from the booze. Owen hopes this new change in scenery will give him the tranquility he’s looking for. Unfortunately this Christmas may give him major heartburn instead. His mother has not only invited his recent ex-lover, Keith to stay with them, but a blast from Owen’s past comes back to haunt him. Due to his mother’s meddling, Owen’s first love from high school, and Evergreen resident, Caleb Black, is staying at the same inn as well. It has been fifteen years since Owen last saw Caleb; and his attraction for the former rebel hasn’t diminished. Caleb was his first everything, the boy he admired, had a bad crush on, and kissed.
With Keith badgering him, and Caleb giving him mixed signals, Owen’s entire world has become topsy-turvy. He can’t help but think back to those times he and Caleb shared together as teenagers. And when a massive snow storm strands both men alone together in a cabin, Caleb is more than willing to move forward with Owen. For once in his life all Owen has to do is say yes, and take that chance before Caleb walks out of his life again for good.
L.B. Gregg continues to astound me with her writing. Mistletoe at Midnight is the perfect example of how her skills as a writer have grown. This is a nice, tender romance that channels a bit of Dickens’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Caleb is not only Owen’s past, shown in nice detail through flashbacks, but his present and future.
L.B. has a great way of showing family camaraderie in all its lovable wackiness from drunk relatives; to a nuisance of mother who acts the way she does all because she wants her children happy. I wished Mistletoe at Midnight could have been longer, just to see more of Owen’s interactions with his sick father. My throat clogged with emotion over this relationship because it shows how parents can be vulnerable, and how they look toward their children to keep them happy. We see perfectly through Owen’s parents’ eyes how proud they are of their son. I also enjoyed Owen and Ryan’s brotherly teasing toward one other.
Mistletoe at Midnight is a short, fast read that really tugs at the heart. It’s a family saga combined with a long lost love reunion romance that’s not to be missed.
With Keith badgering him, and Caleb giving him mixed signals, Owen’s entire world has become topsy-turvy. He can’t help but think back to those times he and Caleb shared together as teenagers. And when a massive snow storm strands both men alone together in a cabin, Caleb is more than willing to move forward with Owen. For once in his life all Owen has to do is say yes, and take that chance before Caleb walks out of his life again for good.
L.B. Gregg continues to astound me with her writing. Mistletoe at Midnight is the perfect example of how her skills as a writer have grown. This is a nice, tender romance that channels a bit of Dickens’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Caleb is not only Owen’s past, shown in nice detail through flashbacks, but his present and future.
L.B. has a great way of showing family camaraderie in all its lovable wackiness from drunk relatives; to a nuisance of mother who acts the way she does all because she wants her children happy. I wished Mistletoe at Midnight could have been longer, just to see more of Owen’s interactions with his sick father. My throat clogged with emotion over this relationship because it shows how parents can be vulnerable, and how they look toward their children to keep them happy. We see perfectly through Owen’s parents’ eyes how proud they are of their son. I also enjoyed Owen and Ryan’s brotherly teasing toward one other.
Mistletoe at Midnight is a short, fast read that really tugs at the heart. It’s a family saga combined with a long lost love reunion romance that’s not to be missed.
November 16, 2013
Re-read for the M/M Bingo challenge: 5+ stars
Oh, how lovely it would be to get away to Evergreen Inn, the sprawling B&B farmhouse in a snow encrusted Vermont pine forest straight out of a Currier & Ives picture. LB Gregg paints such a picture perfect setting that pulls you in from the start, you can feel the crunch of fresh snow underfoot and smell the piney boughs.
Owen McKenzie’s family has decided to gather at Evergreen for the Christmas holiday as it’s in Owen’s new backyard. He’s a veterinarian and has just relocated to this rural community. Owen’s lovingly scheming family think he’s been single for too long. Re-enter gorgeous Caleb Black, Owen’s first love, who somehow manages to end up at Evergreen Inn for the holiday too. There are well done flashbacks to when Owen first met Caleb in high school -- the beginning awareness, the circling, the gazing from afar and yearning, callow shyness (well, Owen is shy, not Caleb) and finally the coming together -- all delivered to the page with to die for writing.
"Lust stained me strawberry-red -- and I knew he could see it. He knew and I knew and we knew and like a tractor beam, Caleb drew me forward." Theirs is a long-time passion and hunger that ended abruptly 15 years earlier when Caleb moved away without even a good-bye.
I love the writing in this. Did I say that already? This is one of my favorite Christmas/holiday reads. Warm, delicious, sensual, and wonderfully romantic, it’s one of my all-time favorite reads.
Oh, how lovely it would be to get away to Evergreen Inn, the sprawling B&B farmhouse in a snow encrusted Vermont pine forest straight out of a Currier & Ives picture. LB Gregg paints such a picture perfect setting that pulls you in from the start, you can feel the crunch of fresh snow underfoot and smell the piney boughs.
Owen McKenzie’s family has decided to gather at Evergreen for the Christmas holiday as it’s in Owen’s new backyard. He’s a veterinarian and has just relocated to this rural community. Owen’s lovingly scheming family think he’s been single for too long. Re-enter gorgeous Caleb Black, Owen’s first love, who somehow manages to end up at Evergreen Inn for the holiday too. There are well done flashbacks to when Owen first met Caleb in high school -- the beginning awareness, the circling, the gazing from afar and yearning, callow shyness (well, Owen is shy, not Caleb) and finally the coming together -- all delivered to the page with to die for writing.
"Lust stained me strawberry-red -- and I knew he could see it. He knew and I knew and we knew and like a tractor beam, Caleb drew me forward." Theirs is a long-time passion and hunger that ended abruptly 15 years earlier when Caleb moved away without even a good-bye.
I love the writing in this. Did I say that already? This is one of my favorite Christmas/holiday reads. Warm, delicious, sensual, and wonderfully romantic, it’s one of my all-time favorite reads.
December 18, 2017
Sweet short story of high school sweethearts Caleb & Owen, after fifteen years, meet again and come to the conclusion that they never stop loving each other.
With the help of Owen's meddling family, Owen finally hears why Caleb dropped off the earth.
December 6, 2012
2.5 Stars
Owen McKenzie is a hunky veterinarian who was recently dumped by his boyfriend, Keith. He has relocated from Boston to Vermont to start anew. Owen and his family are spending an old-fashioned Christmas at the Evergreen Inn. Surprisingly so is Caleb Black, Owen's first love who left him without so much as a goodbye back in high school. Although Owen is still incredibly attracted to Caleb, he is reluctant to get involved. Caleb, on the other hand, wants a second chance. Owen and Caleb must wade through a meddlesome family, an unwanted ex, and a nasty snow storm to find their HEA.
***CAUTION: SPOILERS***
I thought this book had the makings for a great story. Unfortunately, I was really frustrated with it. I think it's because I didn't like Owen. At times he was okay and I could relate to him, even feel for him but, ultimately, I think he's an ass. It started at the dinner table when Owen referred to losing his virginity with Caleb as an "inconsequential event." Wow. Bastard much? Then, he refused to accept any responsibility for his failed relationship with Keith. Granted, I didn't like Keith. Breaking up via text message? How classless is that? Yet, his goodbye speech to Owen on the porch was telling. And later, Owen admitted to Caleb that he never opened up to Keith because, in the long run, Keith "didn't matter." Although Owen conceded that he sounded incredibly callous, it didn't seem to bother him. He just shrugged it off as a matter of fact. Well, it bothered me. That kind of self-awareness is great but I expect some regret with such a realization, Keith's asshole-ness notwithstanding. Unfortunately, Keith wasn't the only asshole in that relationship and callous assholes do not a hero make in my book.
Caleb was decent enough but a little passive for my taste. Although I enjoyed Owen's family, especially his mom, they got in the way at times.
Bottom line: this book had the makings for a great plot but ultimately fell flat IMHO.
Owen McKenzie is a hunky veterinarian who was recently dumped by his boyfriend, Keith. He has relocated from Boston to Vermont to start anew. Owen and his family are spending an old-fashioned Christmas at the Evergreen Inn. Surprisingly so is Caleb Black, Owen's first love who left him without so much as a goodbye back in high school. Although Owen is still incredibly attracted to Caleb, he is reluctant to get involved. Caleb, on the other hand, wants a second chance. Owen and Caleb must wade through a meddlesome family, an unwanted ex, and a nasty snow storm to find their HEA.
***CAUTION: SPOILERS***
I thought this book had the makings for a great story. Unfortunately, I was really frustrated with it. I think it's because I didn't like Owen. At times he was okay and I could relate to him, even feel for him but, ultimately, I think he's an ass. It started at the dinner table when Owen referred to losing his virginity with Caleb as an "inconsequential event." Wow. Bastard much? Then, he refused to accept any responsibility for his failed relationship with Keith. Granted, I didn't like Keith. Breaking up via text message? How classless is that? Yet, his goodbye speech to Owen on the porch was telling. And later, Owen admitted to Caleb that he never opened up to Keith because, in the long run, Keith "didn't matter." Although Owen conceded that he sounded incredibly callous, it didn't seem to bother him. He just shrugged it off as a matter of fact. Well, it bothered me. That kind of self-awareness is great but I expect some regret with such a realization, Keith's asshole-ness notwithstanding. Unfortunately, Keith wasn't the only asshole in that relationship and callous assholes do not a hero make in my book.
Caleb was decent enough but a little passive for my taste. Although I enjoyed Owen's family, especially his mom, they got in the way at times.
Bottom line: this book had the makings for a great plot but ultimately fell flat IMHO.
December 5, 2013
Note: This is the first short story in the His For The Holidays collection.
This was okay – in a good way. It’s not one I’d strongly recommend but I was happy to have read it. My issue with it is that it was a little too contrived, like I was reading a Hallmark Holiday story. It was very sweet though. As much as I liked the MCs and the other characters, I didn’t fully love them, I wasn't invested…though I thought a few times how much I would like to read the story that was blooming between Ryan (Owen’s brother) and May (Caleb’s friend) – to me, that seemed like a more interesting romance than the MCs. His For The Holidays
This was okay – in a good way. It’s not one I’d strongly recommend but I was happy to have read it. My issue with it is that it was a little too contrived, like I was reading a Hallmark Holiday story. It was very sweet though. As much as I liked the MCs and the other characters, I didn’t fully love them, I wasn't invested…though I thought a few times how much I would like to read the story that was blooming between Ryan (Owen’s brother) and May (Caleb’s friend) – to me, that seemed like a more interesting romance than the MCs. His For The Holidays
November 29, 2019
Re-listen, because it’s cold out. :)
Edit, November 28th: A re-listen, and huh. While I do like the main character, Owen, and the love interest, Caleb, the family becomes harder and harder to accept with every revisit to this story. They all manipulate him, his mother outright blasts his (and Caleb's) privacy to smithereens at dinner, and I kind of want Owen to tell them all off and leave. No doubt I'm less forgiving of the "family is everything!" vibe than ever, but the familial sub-plots in this one are really over-the-top with lack of boundaries. He needed to tell his mother something at some point that let her realize she couldn't do all the things she was doing. I'm going to leave it at four stars, but I'm about half-way through and I'm wondering if I'll drop it to three by the time I'm done.
Edit, November 28th: A re-listen, and huh. While I do like the main character, Owen, and the love interest, Caleb, the family becomes harder and harder to accept with every revisit to this story. They all manipulate him, his mother outright blasts his (and Caleb's) privacy to smithereens at dinner, and I kind of want Owen to tell them all off and leave. No doubt I'm less forgiving of the "family is everything!" vibe than ever, but the familial sub-plots in this one are really over-the-top with lack of boundaries. He needed to tell his mother something at some point that let her realize she couldn't do all the things she was doing. I'm going to leave it at four stars, but I'm about half-way through and I'm wondering if I'll drop it to three by the time I'm done.
June 23, 2014
Well, this was a weird read.
With all the Christmassy stuff, it was supposed to be a feel-good, warm-fuzzies-inducing read. Instead, I was getting increasingly disappointed..the story was incoherent, the picking up the relationship after 15 years was unbelievable, the flashbacks to the heroes' younger selves weren't really informative.. And most of all, I didn't care for the characters. I found Owen to be an insensitive jerk and at times, really callous. Caleb.. while I liked glimpses of him as a teenager - the older Caleb was too bland.
I felt a bit sad for Keith - and don't understand what he saw in Owen. Though Keith is no saint himself..breaking up via a text? really?
Overall, meh. I only liked May. And would have liked to read more about Keith.
With all the Christmassy stuff, it was supposed to be a feel-good, warm-fuzzies-inducing read. Instead, I was getting increasingly disappointed..the story was incoherent, the picking up the relationship after 15 years was unbelievable, the flashbacks to the heroes' younger selves weren't really informative.. And most of all, I didn't care for the characters. I found Owen to be an insensitive jerk and at times, really callous. Caleb.. while I liked glimpses of him as a teenager - the older Caleb was too bland.
I felt a bit sad for Keith - and don't understand what he saw in Owen. Though Keith is no saint himself..breaking up via a text? really?
Overall, meh. I only liked May. And would have liked to read more about Keith.
December 4, 2010
I’ve always enjoyed L B Gregg and Mistletoe At Midnight is a fun holiday story. The “voice” is a bit different from her earlier stuff. The fun, wit, can-you-believe-this chaos, and strong romance are all still present. Cool family, too. Love Owen’s brother Ryan. The stuff that comes out of his mouth is classic L B Gregg.
The difference seems to be a slightly darker, despair vibe that I haven’t really seen in anything other than the Halloween hit, Dudleytown. The character of Owen, and Caleb to a certain degree, just seem really sad. The feelings are addressed within the story so it fits, but they definitely deviate from Gregg’s previous characters. I’m a big fan of that. Makes them seem more individualized.
The character of Keith is another example. All of Gregg’s previous release involve some kind of crime mystery. This story was all about family, the only intrigue being who invited who and what to do with the motley crew. The addition of Keith served as visual aid to Owen’s personality and I’m not sure Gregg has used a person this way before. It didn’t bother me, but I’m not sure he was entirely necessary either. He created a conflict and then exited stage left. I feel bad for him … kinda.
I like the variety and originality of this. I really liked that it shook up the normal. I loved that Owen and Caleb weren’t all over each other right out of the gate. And the supporting cast of friends and family were really great.
The difference seems to be a slightly darker, despair vibe that I haven’t really seen in anything other than the Halloween hit, Dudleytown. The character of Owen, and Caleb to a certain degree, just seem really sad. The feelings are addressed within the story so it fits, but they definitely deviate from Gregg’s previous characters. I’m a big fan of that. Makes them seem more individualized.
The character of Keith is another example. All of Gregg’s previous release involve some kind of crime mystery. This story was all about family, the only intrigue being who invited who and what to do with the motley crew. The addition of Keith served as visual aid to Owen’s personality and I’m not sure Gregg has used a person this way before. It didn’t bother me, but I’m not sure he was entirely necessary either. He created a conflict and then exited stage left. I feel bad for him … kinda.
I like the variety and originality of this. I really liked that it shook up the normal. I loved that Owen and Caleb weren’t all over each other right out of the gate. And the supporting cast of friends and family were really great.
December 8, 2010
3.5 stars
Owen McKenzie travels to Vermont for Christmas among his family. However, this year, it comes with a surprise -- Caleb Black, Owen's first crush/boyfriend whom he hasn't seen for 15 years, is also there. Will family crazy meddling/matchmaking can finally bring the two guys together?
I always enjoy the theme of "the one who gets away" as well as crazy family gathering ala "Home for the Holidays". This story has the right start and formula. The McKenzies are the all-around crazy and caring family, you can't help to get a bit overwhelmed with them. Owen is sweet, though I can sense a bit sadness from him. He seems to be the one who used to stand on the sideline among his family -- the one who comes after the party is started. The one who still misses his first love that he is not ready to fully give in to other people after that. So, I am truly happy to see him reuniting with Caleb, fully believed in my heart that they will make it.
However, I have a couple of issues in the middle of this book; like something is yet resolved especially with Owen and his father's condition. I also think it's a bit dragging on and I wish for more Owen and Caleb together, because after 15 years apart I figure they have a lot of catching up to do.
Nevertheless, it's still a fun Christmas story. One to read if you're looking for story with a big family members
Owen McKenzie travels to Vermont for Christmas among his family. However, this year, it comes with a surprise -- Caleb Black, Owen's first crush/boyfriend whom he hasn't seen for 15 years, is also there. Will family crazy meddling/matchmaking can finally bring the two guys together?
I always enjoy the theme of "the one who gets away" as well as crazy family gathering ala "Home for the Holidays". This story has the right start and formula. The McKenzies are the all-around crazy and caring family, you can't help to get a bit overwhelmed with them. Owen is sweet, though I can sense a bit sadness from him. He seems to be the one who used to stand on the sideline among his family -- the one who comes after the party is started. The one who still misses his first love that he is not ready to fully give in to other people after that. So, I am truly happy to see him reuniting with Caleb, fully believed in my heart that they will make it.
However, I have a couple of issues in the middle of this book; like something is yet resolved especially with Owen and his father's condition. I also think it's a bit dragging on and I wish for more Owen and Caleb together, because after 15 years apart I figure they have a lot of catching up to do.
Nevertheless, it's still a fun Christmas story. One to read if you're looking for story with a big family members
December 10, 2012
I read this as part of His for the Holiday anthology. It is a very sweet, humorous story about love. First love, love lost,love found and a wonderfully meddlesome family. It was just right for a warm holiday read.
June 27, 2011
was cute but the numerous and random flashbacks got boring and didn't add to the story, they got confusing and made me disengage from the story.
December 12, 2012
Definitely not a book for me. I found Owen's family really annoying and meddling. Actually the only person I found really interesting and would have loved to know more about was Keith.
January 9, 2011
3.5 stars
Mistletoe at Midnight is the first story of the His for the Holidays anthology but also sold separately. LB Gregg delivers another adorable and entertaining story filled with warm sheets during winter chill. The pacing is very quick and the novella is over before you know it, creating a perfect length to get readers interested and then satisfied. Fans of Gregg and even newcomers will likely enjoy this offering.
The story starts from Owen’s first person perspective. As a vet in a new town, his family has come to spend the holidays at a nearby inn. Little did Owen know that his match making mom would deliver some holiday mischief. Also at the inn is Owen’s ex-boyfriend and as if that’s not enough Owen’s very first boyfriend is there too. Life is about to get sticky for Owen as he travels the potential emotional mine field while attempting to have a Christmas holiday to remember with his family.
LB Gregg knows how to deliver a quirky and adorable story. This is no different. Owen and his crazy, affectionate family are somewhat over the top but not enough to frustrate or alienate readers. The story relies heavily on coincidence and set ups that aren’t necessarily realistic but they could be in a stretch. I could see where the story was going and while I didn’t buy into it, I could enjoy the wit and charm of the characters anyway. Owen’s family is slightly ridiculous from his embarrassing mom to over the top brother but they’re also exactly like a family that doesn’t have the same boundaries as others. No one knows how to embarrass you quite like family and in many respects the story captures that mixture of affection and exasperation.
The characters are well developed and feel genuine. There is a bit too much emphasis on Caleb and Owen’s past, which is as much of an angst riddled issue as it’s set up to be. Again, a lot of this plays into the coincidences and actions of others which may not always be realistic. Yet if you can get past that issue, Owen and Caleb have good chemistry and no real reason not to get together. Since Owen is the first person narrator, his thoughts and emotions are clear and very open. Caleb is definitely less so but clearly interested in Owen so you know the two will get together.
This is a nice take on the “one that got away” second chance at love theme. Gregg offers some great humor and a lot of warmth and charm to the story. The chilly Vermont setting comes across so well you almost want to be next to a fire while reading and the sparks between Owen and Caleb are sure to warm you up. The pace is very quick and the story is never dull or slow. Instead you easily read this in one sitting and finish it satisfied. I’d easily recommend this one for fans of Gregg as it has all the great strengths of the author and those new to Gregg’s great comic timing and humor, which is not to be missed.
Mistletoe at Midnight is the first story of the His for the Holidays anthology but also sold separately. LB Gregg delivers another adorable and entertaining story filled with warm sheets during winter chill. The pacing is very quick and the novella is over before you know it, creating a perfect length to get readers interested and then satisfied. Fans of Gregg and even newcomers will likely enjoy this offering.
The story starts from Owen’s first person perspective. As a vet in a new town, his family has come to spend the holidays at a nearby inn. Little did Owen know that his match making mom would deliver some holiday mischief. Also at the inn is Owen’s ex-boyfriend and as if that’s not enough Owen’s very first boyfriend is there too. Life is about to get sticky for Owen as he travels the potential emotional mine field while attempting to have a Christmas holiday to remember with his family.
LB Gregg knows how to deliver a quirky and adorable story. This is no different. Owen and his crazy, affectionate family are somewhat over the top but not enough to frustrate or alienate readers. The story relies heavily on coincidence and set ups that aren’t necessarily realistic but they could be in a stretch. I could see where the story was going and while I didn’t buy into it, I could enjoy the wit and charm of the characters anyway. Owen’s family is slightly ridiculous from his embarrassing mom to over the top brother but they’re also exactly like a family that doesn’t have the same boundaries as others. No one knows how to embarrass you quite like family and in many respects the story captures that mixture of affection and exasperation.
The characters are well developed and feel genuine. There is a bit too much emphasis on Caleb and Owen’s past, which is as much of an angst riddled issue as it’s set up to be. Again, a lot of this plays into the coincidences and actions of others which may not always be realistic. Yet if you can get past that issue, Owen and Caleb have good chemistry and no real reason not to get together. Since Owen is the first person narrator, his thoughts and emotions are clear and very open. Caleb is definitely less so but clearly interested in Owen so you know the two will get together.
This is a nice take on the “one that got away” second chance at love theme. Gregg offers some great humor and a lot of warmth and charm to the story. The chilly Vermont setting comes across so well you almost want to be next to a fire while reading and the sparks between Owen and Caleb are sure to warm you up. The pace is very quick and the story is never dull or slow. Instead you easily read this in one sitting and finish it satisfied. I’d easily recommend this one for fans of Gregg as it has all the great strengths of the author and those new to Gregg’s great comic timing and humor, which is not to be missed.
December 14, 2012
When in the future, no doubt after reading positive reviews for other books she will write, I find myself wondering whether I should give this author another whirl despite the two so-so books of hers that I've tried and this dreadful novella, I want to remember that the interfering mother in Mistletoe at Midnight actually was given this pearl of dialogue by the author in question: "You should always seize the opportunity for love. When your father and I were in Le Corsaire, we made love in the wings between acts."
I mean, HONESTLY. Everything with the family and the out loud reminiscences of the two leads' great and tender high school love was over the top, eye-rollingly ridiculous. WHO TALKS LIKE THAT? JFC.
Also, God damn am I sick of paying for books that have been written by people who don't understand when it should be "Caleb and me" not "Caleb and I." (This was not an issue throughout the novella, just something I've seen far too often in print and on screen, so when I saw it crop up here, my reader nearly went flying.)
I mean, HONESTLY. Everything with the family and the out loud reminiscences of the two leads' great and tender high school love was over the top, eye-rollingly ridiculous. WHO TALKS LIKE THAT? JFC.
Also, God damn am I sick of paying for books that have been written by people who don't understand when it should be "Caleb and me" not "Caleb and I." (This was not an issue throughout the novella, just something I've seen far too often in print and on screen, so when I saw it crop up here, my reader nearly went flying.)
December 21, 2015
Cute M/M romance about two men who experience their first love together in the flush of their youth, only to suffer the heartbreak of a sudden and unforeseen separation. Both Owen and Caleb grow into men who achieve professional success, but are unlucky in love. Lacking needed closure, they each find they are unable to truly move on, as they continue to pine for their first love...the one that got away.
Owen and Caleb get a rare second chance, courtesy of an extended family Christmas celebration at a charming Vermont getaway, good timing and the devious scheming of family and friends who go above and beyond to help Owen and Caleb find their way back to each other.
Sexy, sweet and sentimental...in a good way:)
Owen and Caleb get a rare second chance, courtesy of an extended family Christmas celebration at a charming Vermont getaway, good timing and the devious scheming of family and friends who go above and beyond to help Owen and Caleb find their way back to each other.
Sexy, sweet and sentimental...in a good way:)
December 27, 2010
A sweet story, full of humor. The main characters are cute, but I think Owen's family was a protagonist by itself, especially the mother. The flashbacks were not really confusing, but somewhat inconsistent and they happened randomly, so I felt dragged out of the story sometimes, but I liked the author's writing and this story made me want to read something else by LB Gregg. I really liked Owen, I could totally relate to him, because I'm a bit socially unskilled too, so his inner struggles felt real. He is the narrator of the book and he has a very pleasing voice, with no self-pity and a very disenchanted (though not selfish) look at the world. Lovely.
December 22, 2014
This book…this BOOK! I absolutely loved this, it has been one of my favorite holiday books so far! I love when an author captures forgotten emotions; the power of your first crush, the feeling of them watching you, or you trying to watch them, getting to actually talk to them, that first kiss and first touch. *Shivers* Wow, this was just lovely, and a wonderful story. The chemistry felt real, the story was just the right length and I loved both MCs. Caleb is a bit mysterious, even at the end of the book you don’t feel like you know him as well, but it feels like our two guys are finally, FINALLY together where they belong. Highly recommend this one!
June 8, 2015
I’m in a bit of a mood today, maybe due to lack of sleep or the Monday blues. When I’m in a funk I like to turn to short m/m Christmas reads….cause that’s completely normal in June.
Not bad, but it wasn’t as light as I would have wanted. I agree with some that said Owen as a main character was drab? I guess it could be explained away since he seemed to be someone going through a lot of unexpected life changes during the holidays. All the side characters were awesome though.
Not bad, but it wasn’t as light as I would have wanted. I agree with some that said Owen as a main character was drab? I guess it could be explained away since he seemed to be someone going through a lot of unexpected life changes during the holidays. All the side characters were awesome though.
December 7, 2020
2020 Review:
I liked Keith a little bit less this time, which is probably a good thing. Made me not mind Owen as much.
Original Review:
Honestly, I love Christmas books of all types, and I thought this one was exceptionally cute. The only reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 is because I didn't like the main character, and seemed to have liked both of the exes more. That being said, it's still a good story, worth the short read.
I liked Keith a little bit less this time, which is probably a good thing. Made me not mind Owen as much.
Original Review:
Honestly, I love Christmas books of all types, and I thought this one was exceptionally cute. The only reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 is because I didn't like the main character, and seemed to have liked both of the exes more. That being said, it's still a good story, worth the short read.
December 13, 2010
This one was very much so-so for me. A pleasant read, but somehow the characters and their relationship never really caught me ... maybe because I never really felt I believed in the relationship, which is essential for a romantic story. Two men who haven't had any contact for so long ... and it's immediately true love? I like a nice fairy tale, but I just wasn't feeling it.
January 12, 2012
The writing was good, and the two MC's interesting, including the flashbacks sprinkled through the story. Unfortunately, the over-the-top meddling mom and brother (and the brother's xmas gift) didn't sit as well with me.
Gregg can definitely write, however, (so as long as it's not a Carina Press book with their anti Kindle format stance,) I'd check out another story from her.
Gregg can definitely write, however, (so as long as it's not a Carina Press book with their anti Kindle format stance,) I'd check out another story from her.
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