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Wildstone #5.5
Mistletoe in Paradise
2 hours, 28 minutes
Problem Number One – Getting There
Old childhood friends each fly separately to join their families on what’s been an annual holiday themed yacht adventure. Secret ex-lovers, Hannah and James are determined to make the best of things…
Problem Number Two – Getting Stuck.
When everyone but Hannah and James gets held up in an airport snarl, it leaves them stuck together for four days, making Hannah’s already problematic trip a whole lot harder to face. Especially because she comes bearing more than just gifts…
Problem Number Three -- Falling In Love (again)
As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize that the best things in life can’t be planned and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.
Problem Number One – Getting There
Old childhood friends each fly separately to join their families on what’s been an annual holiday themed yacht adventure. Secret ex-lovers, Hannah and James are determined to make the best of things…
Problem Number Two – Getting Stuck.
When everyone but Hannah and James gets held up in an airport snarl, it leaves them stuck together for four days, making Hannah’s already problematic trip a whole lot harder to face. Especially because she comes bearing more than just gifts…
Problem Number Three -- Falling In Love (again)
As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize that the best things in life can’t be planned and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.
89 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2020
About the author
Jill Shalvis
363 books13.4k followers Multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is … mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning heartwarming and full of humor novels wherever books are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures. Her newest Sunrise Cove novel, THE SUMMER ESCAPE, is out now, and BETTER THAN FRIENDS comes out in January 2025!
Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning novels wherever books are sold. Visit http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and fun blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Connect with Jill:
http://instagram.com/jillshalvis
http://facebook.com/JillShalvis
http://twitter.com/jillshalvis
Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning novels wherever books are sold. Visit http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and fun blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Connect with Jill:
http://instagram.com/jillshalvis
http://facebook.com/JillShalvis
http://twitter.com/jillshalvis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
December 13, 2020
3.5 ⭐
I enjoyed this. Steamy Christmas romance. Not cheesy, but cute. It is light and fun. The characters are good and I sure like them!
Mistletoe in Paradise is my second Jill Shalvis book. The first was also a Christmas short story.... I should start reading her full length novels!
I enjoyed this. Steamy Christmas romance. Not cheesy, but cute. It is light and fun. The characters are good and I sure like them!
Mistletoe in Paradise is my second Jill Shalvis book. The first was also a Christmas short story.... I should start reading her full length novels!
December 9, 2020
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I have been a fan of Jill Shalvis ever since I read her Heartbreaker series. Since then, I jump at every opportunity to read her books. Therefore, when the offer to read and review Mistletoe in Paradise appeared in my email, my response was an automatic yes. A point to note, despite this being a part of the Wildstone series, it can stand on its own.
Set on a boat, sailing the Caribbean Sea, Mistletoe in Paradise provided me with a sweet, second chance, friends to lover’s romance. In this story the reader met Hannah, her step-father Harry and James.
Now Hannah and James have been friends since childhood and as the years went by their feelings for each other developed beyond friendship. However, losing someone close to them both coupled with their thirst for different things in life led to them drifting apart. A few years later, Hannah is a workaholic with no social life and no time for relationships. She lives for her work, and so she was far from amused when her mother’s actions placed her in a position of delivering bad news to Harry, while spending time with him on his boat for the holidays. To make the situation worse, James would also be on the trip, not what she had signed up for.
I had a wonderful time with this novella. I laughed, and I teared up watching James and Hannah trying to deny their feelings and realizing that it was an exercise in futility. Time and distance in no way dimmed the spark which existed between them.
I admired Hannah for her dedication to her job, but she needed to find some balance. I loved the fact that they communicated with each other and in the process managed to resolve the issues that initially tore them apart. The question is though despite coming to terms with their past, will their relationship survive the current situation given their different lifestyles?
Fans of the author will enjoy Mistletoe in Paradise, and for readers who enjoy short and sweet romances, then you need to get yourselves a copy.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
I have been a fan of Jill Shalvis ever since I read her Heartbreaker series. Since then, I jump at every opportunity to read her books. Therefore, when the offer to read and review Mistletoe in Paradise appeared in my email, my response was an automatic yes. A point to note, despite this being a part of the Wildstone series, it can stand on its own.
Set on a boat, sailing the Caribbean Sea, Mistletoe in Paradise provided me with a sweet, second chance, friends to lover’s romance. In this story the reader met Hannah, her step-father Harry and James.
Now Hannah and James have been friends since childhood and as the years went by their feelings for each other developed beyond friendship. However, losing someone close to them both coupled with their thirst for different things in life led to them drifting apart. A few years later, Hannah is a workaholic with no social life and no time for relationships. She lives for her work, and so she was far from amused when her mother’s actions placed her in a position of delivering bad news to Harry, while spending time with him on his boat for the holidays. To make the situation worse, James would also be on the trip, not what she had signed up for.
I had a wonderful time with this novella. I laughed, and I teared up watching James and Hannah trying to deny their feelings and realizing that it was an exercise in futility. Time and distance in no way dimmed the spark which existed between them.
I admired Hannah for her dedication to her job, but she needed to find some balance. I loved the fact that they communicated with each other and in the process managed to resolve the issues that initially tore them apart. The question is though despite coming to terms with their past, will their relationship survive the current situation given their different lifestyles?
Fans of the author will enjoy Mistletoe in Paradise, and for readers who enjoy short and sweet romances, then you need to get yourselves a copy.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
September 28, 2020
I want a yearly trip to Paradise…
The one thing I can count on when reading a Jill Shalvis romance is that her characters are not bloody idiots. Well, they are not complete idiots. Her characters use their brains to work out problems, communicate (eventually), and don’t let their hormones overrule their common sense. Even if there is a bit of silliness, most of the times it has been in their pasts and they’ve subsequently outgrown acting first and thinking later. In Mistletoe in Paradise, both Hannah and James needed this second time around to get things right. Maturity has made them see things in a different light and their devastating loss, while still painful, isn’t a fresh open wound.
This story was not at all what I was expecting. When I was introduced to Hannah and James, I thought it was all about the workaholic being forced into close proximity with her ex who also happens to be a lothario. I absolutely loved that I was completely wrong. Hannah works extremely hard but that’s because her dedication to her job can save lives. James seemed like he was a bit of an adventure junkie who put having fun ahead of work. It just so happens that James does have fun while working … and in his spare time (which he has little of), he helps run the family business. These two have known and loved each other for a long time but they don’t really know each other or trust that their feelings are more important than their jobs.
As short stories go, this one did a good job of leaving me satisfied. The storyline was interesting, the characters were lovable, and there was enough heat to 'see' their connection. I think my only complaint is that I would have loved 5 minutes with Hannah's mother for James (OR SOMEONE) to give her a bit of a gobful. That woman was a piece of work and while Harry (Hannah's step-dad) was a bit dodgy, he had a big heart and at least he admitted to Hannah that he did her wrong.
It’s a Jill Shalvis so of course, I enjoyed it. Her stories are just so easy to escape into and I’m always left wanting more. If you haven’t tried this author yet, Mistletoe in Paradise might be the perfect introduction to her wonderful stories.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
The one thing I can count on when reading a Jill Shalvis romance is that her characters are not bloody idiots. Well, they are not complete idiots. Her characters use their brains to work out problems, communicate (eventually), and don’t let their hormones overrule their common sense. Even if there is a bit of silliness, most of the times it has been in their pasts and they’ve subsequently outgrown acting first and thinking later. In Mistletoe in Paradise, both Hannah and James needed this second time around to get things right. Maturity has made them see things in a different light and their devastating loss, while still painful, isn’t a fresh open wound.
This story was not at all what I was expecting. When I was introduced to Hannah and James, I thought it was all about the workaholic being forced into close proximity with her ex who also happens to be a lothario. I absolutely loved that I was completely wrong. Hannah works extremely hard but that’s because her dedication to her job can save lives. James seemed like he was a bit of an adventure junkie who put having fun ahead of work. It just so happens that James does have fun while working … and in his spare time (which he has little of), he helps run the family business. These two have known and loved each other for a long time but they don’t really know each other or trust that their feelings are more important than their jobs.
As short stories go, this one did a good job of leaving me satisfied. The storyline was interesting, the characters were lovable, and there was enough heat to 'see' their connection. I think my only complaint is that I would have loved 5 minutes with Hannah's mother for James (OR SOMEONE) to give her a bit of a gobful. That woman was a piece of work and while Harry (Hannah's step-dad) was a bit dodgy, he had a big heart and at least he admitted to Hannah that he did her wrong.
It’s a Jill Shalvis so of course, I enjoyed it. Her stories are just so easy to escape into and I’m always left wanting more. If you haven’t tried this author yet, Mistletoe in Paradise might be the perfect introduction to her wonderful stories.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
November 23, 2020
3.5 - "You're stuck with me... More than just for Christmas." Stars!
We return to the Wildstone series with book 5.5 not actually taking place in Wildstone. Hannah and James's story takes place on a yacht, and after six years and several trailer loads of personal baggage between them, it's time for the pair to face their past decisions, and feelings for each other.
"I missed this... And you... I missed you."
I love a good second-chance reconnection Christmas story, especially when written by one of my favourite authors, but if I am being totally honest Mistletoe in Paradise lacked a lot of the usual seasonal sparkle I have come to associate with Jill's Christmas novellas.
"It's complicated..."
For me, Christmas didn't massively figure in this one, and the heavy issues both characters are dealing with both in the past between them, and their individual reasons to currently being on the boat took away the lightness of story-line I prefer with my seasonal reads. I love a good novella, but this story had enough going on with it that I think it would have worked much better as a full length novel.
"You're allergic to confrontation..."
That-said it wasn't a struggle to read, I liked James and Hannah, I just would have preferred all of their emotional baggage to have been given to different characters to deal with in a full length book.
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
We return to the Wildstone series with book 5.5 not actually taking place in Wildstone. Hannah and James's story takes place on a yacht, and after six years and several trailer loads of personal baggage between them, it's time for the pair to face their past decisions, and feelings for each other.
"I missed this... And you... I missed you."
I love a good second-chance reconnection Christmas story, especially when written by one of my favourite authors, but if I am being totally honest Mistletoe in Paradise lacked a lot of the usual seasonal sparkle I have come to associate with Jill's Christmas novellas.
"It's complicated..."
For me, Christmas didn't massively figure in this one, and the heavy issues both characters are dealing with both in the past between them, and their individual reasons to currently being on the boat took away the lightness of story-line I prefer with my seasonal reads. I love a good novella, but this story had enough going on with it that I think it would have worked much better as a full length novel.
"You're allergic to confrontation..."
That-said it wasn't a struggle to read, I liked James and Hannah, I just would have preferred all of their emotional baggage to have been given to different characters to deal with in a full length book.
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
October 1, 2020
Mistletoe in Paradise is a fun, second chance romance between childhood sweethearts James and Hannah. These two have basically been in love forever. They wind up on a boat headed toward Puerto Rico together along with Hannah’s stepdad for Christmas and we know I love me a good close proximity romance. In true Christmas romance fashion this is a story about living in the moment; slowing down with work and obligations and being present for yourself and those around you who love you.
Hannah and James lost someone they were both very close with and I like that they both chose paths that honor that loss but are both unaware of it. I liked seeing that come out in the story. Jill Shalvis can do no wrong in my book! Thank you so much to her and Avon for the opportunity to read Hannah and James’s book early!
Hannah and James lost someone they were both very close with and I like that they both chose paths that honor that loss but are both unaware of it. I liked seeing that come out in the story. Jill Shalvis can do no wrong in my book! Thank you so much to her and Avon for the opportunity to read Hannah and James’s book early!
November 25, 2020
A short novella, nr 5.5. But I have no idea what has gone on before, and I did not feel like I had missed anything for a second. It worked really well as it was.
Two former best friends, and more, meet again. Stuck on a boat. Dealing with each other and their lives.
James wanted to live and go his own way. His brother died and regretted not doing just that.
Hannah works too much, and does not live at all.
They talk, become friendly again and more. Oh and deal with her dad on the boat too.
Sweet little story about finding each other again, and more meaning in their lives.
Nice narrator. Good with both their voices , I do like distict voices.
Two former best friends, and more, meet again. Stuck on a boat. Dealing with each other and their lives.
James wanted to live and go his own way. His brother died and regretted not doing just that.
Hannah works too much, and does not live at all.
They talk, become friendly again and more. Oh and deal with her dad on the boat too.
Sweet little story about finding each other again, and more meaning in their lives.
Nice narrator. Good with both their voices , I do like distict voices.
November 16, 2020
I don’t know about y’all but I have seriously struggled with my reading the last few months. I can’t focus, I’m easily distracted and I start 7 new books a day and then don’t go back to them. I decided to start this Christmas novella on a whim and it’s seriously one of the first books I’ve read in one sitting in months. So if you’re looking for a book that will get you out of your own head for a couple of hours and whisk you away to somewhere else check this one out. It’s got a second chance romance, forced proximity and a beach during the holidays, plus the authors trademark humor, wit, heart and steam.
September 25, 2021
It was …… fine. The connection to Wildstone was barely a thread and like all novellas, everything was shallow and rushed to fit it all in.
November 5, 2020
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Mistletoe in Paradise is fast-paced, sensual, and heartwarming. Former best friends turned secret ex-lovers? Yes, please! Jill Shalvis puts her own spin on tropes I could gobble up like a holiday treats and adds a beach backdrop, sealing the deal on this being a great escape read.
Hannah comes off like a workaholic at first and James an adventure junky who only lives in the moment. These qualities may seem defining but it barely scratches the surface of who each of them are. I loved peeling back the layers of both Hannah and James’s characters, learning their emotional scars, and seeing how the past – particularly a terrible loss – shaped who they are in the present. It’s understandable why things went wrong for them in the past and I liked that they actually talked and worked through what they wanted, explained why they acted and reacted how they did, and built on the love that had never gone away but was just waiting to be nurtured. There are ups and downs in both romantic and familial relationships over the course of this story and I enjoyed watching how things played out. Ms. Shalvis packs a lot into a relatively short space but does it so smoothly that it’s easy to just fall into this story. Mistletoe in Paradise is a fun escapist read, but it also has humor, heart, a bit of spice, and character depth that make it a lovely, well-rounded romance.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Mistletoe in Paradise is fast-paced, sensual, and heartwarming. Former best friends turned secret ex-lovers? Yes, please! Jill Shalvis puts her own spin on tropes I could gobble up like a holiday treats and adds a beach backdrop, sealing the deal on this being a great escape read.
Hannah comes off like a workaholic at first and James an adventure junky who only lives in the moment. These qualities may seem defining but it barely scratches the surface of who each of them are. I loved peeling back the layers of both Hannah and James’s characters, learning their emotional scars, and seeing how the past – particularly a terrible loss – shaped who they are in the present. It’s understandable why things went wrong for them in the past and I liked that they actually talked and worked through what they wanted, explained why they acted and reacted how they did, and built on the love that had never gone away but was just waiting to be nurtured. There are ups and downs in both romantic and familial relationships over the course of this story and I enjoyed watching how things played out. Ms. Shalvis packs a lot into a relatively short space but does it so smoothly that it’s easy to just fall into this story. Mistletoe in Paradise is a fun escapist read, but it also has humor, heart, a bit of spice, and character depth that make it a lovely, well-rounded romance.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 2, 2020
In the spirit of the holidays, Jill Shalvis offers us this fun, sweet, and fast paced novella. Set on a yacht traveling the Caribbean from Florida to St. Thomas Island, the annual trip brings together two families. But this year, it gives once upon a time young lovers, Hannah and James, a second chance.
When Hannah steps on her stepfather Harry's boat for a Christmas holiday, her nerves are frayed. This intensifies when she discover childhood friend James is joining them. Neither are happy to find themselves there, together. But they must make the most of it, and they do. The trip is filled with high seas hi-jinx, laughter and passion.
While the two reconcile their differences, they are forced to confront what a possible future together would look like. They lead such opposing lifestyles, which is what tore them apart. Hannah craves stability, maintaining success in her work, and being a home. While James is a wanderer, a man of adventure, home is wherever he finds a pillow. This is also where his success is founded. But with this time together, they gain so much.
With Jill Shalvis' amazing flirty and dazzling dialogue, situations and settings, I gobbled this book right up. I experienced all the feels, as I felt the swell of the waves, the sand in my toes, and the taste of the ocean. 4.5 Stars and recommendation.
Favorite excerpts:
"And in that moment, there wasn’t anything she wanted than more— more of this, more of him, more of them . . . All of which she tried to convey with her kiss, something he returned with a heat and hunger that stole her breath."
“I’d never cheat.” But she laughed.
“Uh-huh,” he said, unable to keep from laughing with her. She was . . . infectious. “So when you had a quick bikini-top malfunction out there and flashed me, that was entirely by accident?”
She lifted her chin, but her eyes revealed both heat and humor. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
When Hannah steps on her stepfather Harry's boat for a Christmas holiday, her nerves are frayed. This intensifies when she discover childhood friend James is joining them. Neither are happy to find themselves there, together. But they must make the most of it, and they do. The trip is filled with high seas hi-jinx, laughter and passion.
While the two reconcile their differences, they are forced to confront what a possible future together would look like. They lead such opposing lifestyles, which is what tore them apart. Hannah craves stability, maintaining success in her work, and being a home. While James is a wanderer, a man of adventure, home is wherever he finds a pillow. This is also where his success is founded. But with this time together, they gain so much.
With Jill Shalvis' amazing flirty and dazzling dialogue, situations and settings, I gobbled this book right up. I experienced all the feels, as I felt the swell of the waves, the sand in my toes, and the taste of the ocean. 4.5 Stars and recommendation.
Favorite excerpts:
"And in that moment, there wasn’t anything she wanted than more— more of this, more of him, more of them . . . All of which she tried to convey with her kiss, something he returned with a heat and hunger that stole her breath."
“I’d never cheat.” But she laughed.
“Uh-huh,” he said, unable to keep from laughing with her. She was . . . infectious. “So when you had a quick bikini-top malfunction out there and flashed me, that was entirely by accident?”
She lifted her chin, but her eyes revealed both heat and humor. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
November 4, 2020
"Babe, I've loved you for all these years. That's not going to change now. Or ever."
A Wildstone 🎄 Christmas novella! GASP! 😱👏🏼
Hannah and James were childhood friends. Their mom's were BFFs. And in their youth, the pair had a mutual secret crush. There was a time when they'd known everything about each other. Now, when it came to James, Hannah's feelings were...complicated. And that blast from her past shows up on her dads boat. Well, guess what. They get stuck. Together. Caribbean vacay! Better make the best of it!
James is no longer drowning in grief but the age-old argument... Hannah works too hard. There are regrets and moments of longing and fear of getting hurt (again). Hannah and James come to some hard realizations. Will the duo understand that sometimes the best things in life can't be planned and fall in love (again)?
Jill Shalvis is 😘 chefs kiss 😘👍🏼 at writing fun and adventure and humor. I adore ALL her books! 👏🏼 Her characters are likable and relatable. Jill's heroes make your heart roll over in your chest-they feel a fierce sense of protectiveness. 🥰 Major swoon! I found myself thinking there's no way I'll get weepy over 13 chapters. Wrong. 🥺 I totally got misty eyed! Jill's epilogues are my fave. I appreciate seeing the couple live out their HEA. 👏🏼 EEE! Mistletoe in Paradise is a delightful second-chance-romance, perfect for fans of This Is Us.
Thank you x 100, Jill Shalvis and team, for an advanced reader copy. Grateful! Thankful! 🤟🏼🎄
🎶 song: Mistletoe and Holly by Frank Sinatra 🎶
A Wildstone 🎄 Christmas novella! GASP! 😱👏🏼
Hannah and James were childhood friends. Their mom's were BFFs. And in their youth, the pair had a mutual secret crush. There was a time when they'd known everything about each other. Now, when it came to James, Hannah's feelings were...complicated. And that blast from her past shows up on her dads boat. Well, guess what. They get stuck. Together. Caribbean vacay! Better make the best of it!
James is no longer drowning in grief but the age-old argument... Hannah works too hard. There are regrets and moments of longing and fear of getting hurt (again). Hannah and James come to some hard realizations. Will the duo understand that sometimes the best things in life can't be planned and fall in love (again)?
Jill Shalvis is 😘 chefs kiss 😘👍🏼 at writing fun and adventure and humor. I adore ALL her books! 👏🏼 Her characters are likable and relatable. Jill's heroes make your heart roll over in your chest-they feel a fierce sense of protectiveness. 🥰 Major swoon! I found myself thinking there's no way I'll get weepy over 13 chapters. Wrong. 🥺 I totally got misty eyed! Jill's epilogues are my fave. I appreciate seeing the couple live out their HEA. 👏🏼 EEE! Mistletoe in Paradise is a delightful second-chance-romance, perfect for fans of This Is Us.
Thank you x 100, Jill Shalvis and team, for an advanced reader copy. Grateful! Thankful! 🤟🏼🎄
🎶 song: Mistletoe and Holly by Frank Sinatra 🎶
December 17, 2020
Narrated by Erin Mallon.
This is a novella in the Wildstone series but can easily be read as a standalone. At just under three hours, it’s the perfect download for Christmas Eve. Grab your headphones and listen while you bake.
From humor to heartache, we get to learn about Hannah and James as they find themselves stuck on a boat at Christmas. The two are childhood friends and have a romantic fling, but grew up and drifted apart. Hannah is a workaholic and James is reevaluating priorities.
Shalvis’ characters are rich, flawed, honest, realistic and this was touching as they opened up, bared their souls and eventually communicated their feelings.
Erin Mallon narrates and is always a favorite here at Caffeinated. Her range of voices and ability to share their emotions added depth to this tale.
Despite the short-length the story offered a complete story that didn’t feel rushed and allowed me to connect. Whether you are new to Shalvis or a fan of the Wildstone series, Mistletoe in Paradise is perfect for the season.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
This is a novella in the Wildstone series but can easily be read as a standalone. At just under three hours, it’s the perfect download for Christmas Eve. Grab your headphones and listen while you bake.
From humor to heartache, we get to learn about Hannah and James as they find themselves stuck on a boat at Christmas. The two are childhood friends and have a romantic fling, but grew up and drifted apart. Hannah is a workaholic and James is reevaluating priorities.
Shalvis’ characters are rich, flawed, honest, realistic and this was touching as they opened up, bared their souls and eventually communicated their feelings.
Erin Mallon narrates and is always a favorite here at Caffeinated. Her range of voices and ability to share their emotions added depth to this tale.
Despite the short-length the story offered a complete story that didn’t feel rushed and allowed me to connect. Whether you are new to Shalvis or a fan of the Wildstone series, Mistletoe in Paradise is perfect for the season.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
November 18, 2021
Mistletoe in Paradise was a very quick read (technically it was a quick listen) that I thoroughly enjoyed! It was short and sweet, and I immediately fell in love with Hannah and James. I've only read the first book in the Wildstone series, but the rest are on my list! Jill Shalvis knows how to write adorable romances, and this novella was no exception. I'm not sure which book Hannah and James belong to (are they repeat characters?), so I hope listening to this before reading the others doesn't spoil anything for me. I probably should have looked into that before, but oh well. 😅
I really loved that they were trapped on a yacht together, because there was literally no where for them to run. They had to interact with each other, which made them address their issues relatively early on. I liked that it wasn't something they waited until the very end to talk about, and enjoyed seeing them reminisce about their shared past. Not all of it was good, and Hannah has some bad news to deliver herself, but I thought Shalvis did a wonderful job of pacing the story and its revelations. (★★★★☆)
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I really loved that they were trapped on a yacht together, because there was literally no where for them to run. They had to interact with each other, which made them address their issues relatively early on. I liked that it wasn't something they waited until the very end to talk about, and enjoyed seeing them reminisce about their shared past. Not all of it was good, and Hannah has some bad news to deliver herself, but I thought Shalvis did a wonderful job of pacing the story and its revelations. (★★★★☆)
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December 6, 2020
3.75 stars rounded up
It has been a while since I read ANYTHING by Jill Shalvis; the last story of hers I read prior to this novella was a year ago. In fact, after I finished with the last book of her Heartbreaker Bay series, I didn't follow this new series, Wildstone. The thing is, the covers for Wildstone series seem to scream women's fiction to me, rather than straight up romance, and that's a direction I'm not ready to go to.
BUT, this one is a novella, and I do miss her writings. So despite it being numbered as Wildstone #5.5, I bought it anyway.
Well, this novella managed to make me cry! Darn you, author!! I mean, the relationship between Hannah and her step dad (Harry), the pain and heartbreak that Hannah and James were experiencing... it just made my heart ache! I couldn't help the tears 😢.
The crux of their problems was pretty much about how they see life: fun/travel/seize the moment vs. office life/stability/achievement ... and their arguments did feel a bit going in circles, because what they did was important for them.
I thought Jill Shalvis didn't make the "one way of life is better than the other" route though. I believe that in the end, Hannah, James, and Harry, were all able to take that second chances with each other, and compromised.
That made me happy. I rounded up this book for the tears 😆
Oh, and despite the fact that I never read any other books in this series, I didn't find any problem with this one. So I guess it can be counted as stand alone novella.
It has been a while since I read ANYTHING by Jill Shalvis; the last story of hers I read prior to this novella was a year ago. In fact, after I finished with the last book of her Heartbreaker Bay series, I didn't follow this new series, Wildstone. The thing is, the covers for Wildstone series seem to scream women's fiction to me, rather than straight up romance, and that's a direction I'm not ready to go to.
BUT, this one is a novella, and I do miss her writings. So despite it being numbered as Wildstone #5.5, I bought it anyway.
Well, this novella managed to make me cry! Darn you, author!! I mean, the relationship between Hannah and her step dad (Harry), the pain and heartbreak that Hannah and James were experiencing... it just made my heart ache! I couldn't help the tears 😢.
The crux of their problems was pretty much about how they see life: fun/travel/seize the moment vs. office life/stability/achievement ... and their arguments did feel a bit going in circles, because what they did was important for them.
I thought Jill Shalvis didn't make the "one way of life is better than the other" route though. I believe that in the end, Hannah, James, and Harry, were all able to take that second chances with each other, and compromised.
That made me happy. I rounded up this book for the tears 😆
Oh, and despite the fact that I never read any other books in this series, I didn't find any problem with this one. So I guess it can be counted as stand alone novella.
February 15, 2021
I was really confused as to how this connected until the end when the heroine suddenly lives in Wildstone (if this was mentioned at the beginning I completely read past it.) It was okay, nothing special.
March 21, 2021
3.5 Stars
December 1, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The books in the Wildstone series don't seem to have much connection as far as characters or even locations, so you don't really have to read them in order. There is a romance or two in each, with much more of a life fiction feel.
In Mistletoe in Paradise, Hannah is the only one who lives in Wildstone. This is set in the Atlantic where her step-father has a charter boat. When she was young, her parents and their college friends went on the boat each year for the holidays. Until things changed 10 years ago. Hannah and James fell in love, but wanted different things. They were too young to figure it out and actually talk about the life they wanted.
Mostly, we get Hannah's perspective or their dialogue when they are together. We do get some of James' viewpoint which is a plus. Most of the story is told through the dialogue and descriptions of the actions.
This is a very, very short novella so things needed to move quickly. Hannah's parents have always been the worst and that is the same here. James' parents and James suffered a horrible loss and it has changed them over the last 10 years. Now Hannah and James are settled in their careers, still love each other, and are old enough to actually talk without making rash assumptions. It's a sweet reunion.
Narration:
Erin Mallon is a popular narrator and I have heard her throughout this series. Her male and female characters are differentiated in each book. The male and female voices do sound the same as characters from another book though. I really enjoy the husky quality of her male voices. I was able to listen at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:https://soundcloud.com/harperaudio_us...
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The books in the Wildstone series don't seem to have much connection as far as characters or even locations, so you don't really have to read them in order. There is a romance or two in each, with much more of a life fiction feel.
In Mistletoe in Paradise, Hannah is the only one who lives in Wildstone. This is set in the Atlantic where her step-father has a charter boat. When she was young, her parents and their college friends went on the boat each year for the holidays. Until things changed 10 years ago. Hannah and James fell in love, but wanted different things. They were too young to figure it out and actually talk about the life they wanted.
Mostly, we get Hannah's perspective or their dialogue when they are together. We do get some of James' viewpoint which is a plus. Most of the story is told through the dialogue and descriptions of the actions.
This is a very, very short novella so things needed to move quickly. Hannah's parents have always been the worst and that is the same here. James' parents and James suffered a horrible loss and it has changed them over the last 10 years. Now Hannah and James are settled in their careers, still love each other, and are old enough to actually talk without making rash assumptions. It's a sweet reunion.
Narration:
Erin Mallon is a popular narrator and I have heard her throughout this series. Her male and female characters are differentiated in each book. The male and female voices do sound the same as characters from another book though. I really enjoy the husky quality of her male voices. I was able to listen at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:https://soundcloud.com/harperaudio_us...
March 4, 2021
This was so good!! This is about Hannah and James. They were childhood best friends and sort of sweethearts and now they have a 2nd chance at love. Their families always got together on a yacht for Christmas. Now its many years later and a tragedy happened that caused them to go their separate ways but they find themselves stuck on a boat together, along with her stepdad and some other quirky characters, and the connection between them is as present as ever. I loved the chemistry, thought the steam and depth was perfectly appropriate for a novella, and overall just really enjoyed my time reading this. I could relate to Hannah so much in her drive and work ethic and loved seeing the inner struggles as she tried to achieve a work/life balance. I would highly recommend!
SPOILERS AHEAD:
James' brother died and that was the tragedy that split them apart. He asked her to go run away with him and she said no, she needed to make a consistent and reliable career, so they broke up. Her parents have also broken up because the mom tried to make the dad choose between her and the boat and he chose the boat. So now Hannah is there to serve the dad divorce papers. Talk about inappropriate boundaries! ha. Anyway, she and James still have a deep connection but she's a workaholic and he feels the sting of rejection so they have a lot to work through. In the end they do and its really great and swoonworthy!
SPOILERS AHEAD:
James' brother died and that was the tragedy that split them apart. He asked her to go run away with him and she said no, she needed to make a consistent and reliable career, so they broke up. Her parents have also broken up because the mom tried to make the dad choose between her and the boat and he chose the boat. So now Hannah is there to serve the dad divorce papers. Talk about inappropriate boundaries! ha. Anyway, she and James still have a deep connection but she's a workaholic and he feels the sting of rejection so they have a lot to work through. In the end they do and its really great and swoonworthy!
October 23, 2020
I am not always a novella reader, because I feel like they are not long enough to accurately tell the story. I am usually wanting more. Thus is not the case with this novella, though. This is a quick, wonderful read. I started and finished it in one day! I am read everything Jill Shalvis writes, though.
Mistletoe in Paradise is a second chance romance. Hannah and James are childhood friends. They haven't seen each other in a very long time when Hannah steps foot on her stepdad's boat for a Christmas cruise. She is there to deliver the divorce papers from her mother and is dreading it. She thinks it will be just her stepdad and her on the boat, but surprise...James shows up, too.
Hannah and James have some unresolved feelings between them. She thinks he wants her to change for him, he thinks she works too much. It was wonderful seeing them discuss and work through their issues. I love it when the couple actually communicates.
Whether it be humor or heart, Jill Shalvis knows how to write it.
Thank you to Jill Shalvis for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
Mistletoe in Paradise is a second chance romance. Hannah and James are childhood friends. They haven't seen each other in a very long time when Hannah steps foot on her stepdad's boat for a Christmas cruise. She is there to deliver the divorce papers from her mother and is dreading it. She thinks it will be just her stepdad and her on the boat, but surprise...James shows up, too.
Hannah and James have some unresolved feelings between them. She thinks he wants her to change for him, he thinks she works too much. It was wonderful seeing them discuss and work through their issues. I love it when the couple actually communicates.
Whether it be humor or heart, Jill Shalvis knows how to write it.
Thank you to Jill Shalvis for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2020
This second chance friends to lovers romance is short and sweet. I'm not really clear on how it's part of the Wildstone series, as none of the story except the epilogue takes place there, and I don't remember Hannah as a character we'd already met there. Nevertheless, it was a sweet story, with that storyline of more serious life stuff that helps straddle the line between contemporary romance and women's fiction. The short length left me wanting a bit, as it hardly compares to the fantastic emotional development she pulls off in full novels, but it was an enjoyable hour or so.
October 4, 2021
4.5
You can never go wrong with a Shalvis romance, whether it's a book or a novella.
You can never go wrong with a Shalvis romance, whether it's a book or a novella.
June 24, 2024
A quick Christmas-time story that leads to happily ever after.
December 15, 2020
Christmas 2020 is the year of the novellas! I just can't get enough of them.
Jill Shalvis is one of my go-to authors for cheesy Christmas romance books, and while I was bummed that she did not have a full-length novel this holiday season, this short novella did not disappoint!
Hannah and James spent every Christmas childhood together sailing the Caribbean with their families. But, a short-lived dating experiment in their early 20s left them both heartbroken and bruised. Seeing each other for the first time in six years, while spending several days trapped on a boat together, may finally force them to talk about their previous breakup...and maybe rekindle the flame. (Not spoiler: this is a romance, that flame is rekindled.)
*sigh* Ugh, these books just make me so happy.
Jill Shalvis is one of my go-to authors for cheesy Christmas romance books, and while I was bummed that she did not have a full-length novel this holiday season, this short novella did not disappoint!
Hannah and James spent every Christmas childhood together sailing the Caribbean with their families. But, a short-lived dating experiment in their early 20s left them both heartbroken and bruised. Seeing each other for the first time in six years, while spending several days trapped on a boat together, may finally force them to talk about their previous breakup...and maybe rekindle the flame. (Not spoiler: this is a romance, that flame is rekindled.)
*sigh* Ugh, these books just make me so happy.
December 8, 2020
Who doesn’t love a bit of Christmas romance? Add in a tropical destination and I’m hooked! This novella by Jill Shalvis is my first read from this author and I doubt that it will be my last.
Hannah and James are old childhood friends and former lovers. They have also been apart for several years. Each of them are travelling to a Christmas vacation spent with family on Hannah’s step-father’s yacht. Workaholic Hannah has agreed to the trip only to pass on a message from her mother to her father-in-law that needs a personal touch. James is all about enjoying life to its fullest but works equally as hard. When the rest of the family are delayed, the yacht sails without them leaving just Hannah and James and Hannah’s step-father on the ship for four days. The physical attraction between Hannah and James is still definitely there, but is that enough?
I enjoyed the romantic tension between these two and loved the effort that was put into Hannah’s stepfather in creating romance. Yes the book is quite predictable, but I’ve come to expect this in romance novels. The characters are likeable and well-developed, and the storyline is sweet and entertaining.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was performed by Erin Mallon, another of my favourite narrators. Her voice is incredible in the way she can perform male and female voices equally well and with great expression. I listened to this book at my usual 1.25x which was perfect. I’d recommend the audiobook version of this book for the pure entertainment value that the performer brings to this book.
Hannah and James are old childhood friends and former lovers. They have also been apart for several years. Each of them are travelling to a Christmas vacation spent with family on Hannah’s step-father’s yacht. Workaholic Hannah has agreed to the trip only to pass on a message from her mother to her father-in-law that needs a personal touch. James is all about enjoying life to its fullest but works equally as hard. When the rest of the family are delayed, the yacht sails without them leaving just Hannah and James and Hannah’s step-father on the ship for four days. The physical attraction between Hannah and James is still definitely there, but is that enough?
I enjoyed the romantic tension between these two and loved the effort that was put into Hannah’s stepfather in creating romance. Yes the book is quite predictable, but I’ve come to expect this in romance novels. The characters are likeable and well-developed, and the storyline is sweet and entertaining.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was performed by Erin Mallon, another of my favourite narrators. Her voice is incredible in the way she can perform male and female voices equally well and with great expression. I listened to this book at my usual 1.25x which was perfect. I’d recommend the audiobook version of this book for the pure entertainment value that the performer brings to this book.
September 21, 2020
3.5 stars
ARC received from author for an honest review
I adore everything I have read by Jill Shalvis, however this novella isn't one of my favourites.
Hannah and James are stuck together for Christmas, and whilst I would normally love this, something about this one just didn't do it for me.
I think it is the fact that I disliked a secondary character more than I could get into the story with our lovelies.
I know, it sounds stupid, but this characters was just so ugh to me I couldn't get them out of my head when I was reading the main story. Sorry Ms Shavis, I know this will just be me!
I adored Hannah and James finding their way back to each other though.
And as much as I love a Christmas story full of snow and all that goes with it, it was nice for this Aussie to have a Christmas story set in the heat! Oh, and there is plenty of heat between our lovelies too.
I know I will be in the minority here not loving Mistletoe In Paradise, however I did like it, just not as much as other books by this author.
ARC received from author for an honest review
I adore everything I have read by Jill Shalvis, however this novella isn't one of my favourites.
Hannah and James are stuck together for Christmas, and whilst I would normally love this, something about this one just didn't do it for me.
I think it is the fact that I disliked a secondary character more than I could get into the story with our lovelies.
I know, it sounds stupid, but this characters was just so ugh to me I couldn't get them out of my head when I was reading the main story. Sorry Ms Shavis, I know this will just be me!
I adored Hannah and James finding their way back to each other though.
And as much as I love a Christmas story full of snow and all that goes with it, it was nice for this Aussie to have a Christmas story set in the heat! Oh, and there is plenty of heat between our lovelies too.
I know I will be in the minority here not loving Mistletoe In Paradise, however I did like it, just not as much as other books by this author.
December 10, 2020
Did not live up to the cover. I assumed this would be a fun romp on the beach during the holidays. Instead this was a depressing grief-fest about losing a sibling and bad parents. Also, workaholics. Fun.
What I wanted: 🌴 🕶 🍹 ☀️⛱
What I got: 😭 🛳 😞 📱
A lot of story was packed into this short novella. Maybe if it was a full length novel with more time to pace the depressing parts and perhaps include some fun it would have worked for me. Don’t be fooled by the cover like I was. Skip it.
What I wanted: 🌴 🕶 🍹 ☀️⛱
What I got: 😭 🛳 😞 📱
A lot of story was packed into this short novella. Maybe if it was a full length novel with more time to pace the depressing parts and perhaps include some fun it would have worked for me. Don’t be fooled by the cover like I was. Skip it.
June 12, 2022
Such a sweet and fun short romance!
This is my first book by Jill Shalvis, and I think I need to read more! This novella works as a stand alone - but which others should I read?
I found this randomly on Libby when looking for a novella available as ebook and audio. I also listened to part of this on audio and narrator Erin Mallon is great! (I realized I’ve enjoyed her narrating books by Abby Jimenez and Christina Lauren, too.)
Hannah takes a rare break from work to go to her stepdad’s (Harry) boat for Christmas. She comes bearing bad news from her mom. Christmas on the boat had been a family tradition for her family and another family, but things had changed in recent years. She was surprised by old feelings as James from her childhood trips shows up for Christmas on the boat, too. He also has bad news for his own dad. But the others are delayed, leaving Hannah and James with time alone to talk about their past and rekindle old feelings. How does this book cover so much in such a short amount of pages? There is depth and heartfelt moments that had me in tears! (Good explorations of grief, workaholism, family dynamics, and finding happiness.) But it’s also fun and steamy (without too many details.)
This book is short and sweet, and maybe a bit cheesy with things working out too easily. But I really enjoyed reading it! Christmas on a yacht in the Caribbean with a second chance at love - delightful.
It’s not high brow literature, but the truth is that I had more fun reading this one than the book I finished yesterday by a more ‘serious’ author. Maybe this correlates to the fact that I prefer to snack on junk food more than vegetables. Vegetables are good and necessary, but I usually find more enjoyment eating small splurges of less healthy options.
This book is a great little indulgence of something sweet.
This is my first book by Jill Shalvis, and I think I need to read more! This novella works as a stand alone - but which others should I read?
I found this randomly on Libby when looking for a novella available as ebook and audio. I also listened to part of this on audio and narrator Erin Mallon is great! (I realized I’ve enjoyed her narrating books by Abby Jimenez and Christina Lauren, too.)
Hannah takes a rare break from work to go to her stepdad’s (Harry) boat for Christmas. She comes bearing bad news from her mom. Christmas on the boat had been a family tradition for her family and another family, but things had changed in recent years. She was surprised by old feelings as James from her childhood trips shows up for Christmas on the boat, too. He also has bad news for his own dad. But the others are delayed, leaving Hannah and James with time alone to talk about their past and rekindle old feelings. How does this book cover so much in such a short amount of pages? There is depth and heartfelt moments that had me in tears! (Good explorations of grief, workaholism, family dynamics, and finding happiness.) But it’s also fun and steamy (without too many details.)
This book is short and sweet, and maybe a bit cheesy with things working out too easily. But I really enjoyed reading it! Christmas on a yacht in the Caribbean with a second chance at love - delightful.
It’s not high brow literature, but the truth is that I had more fun reading this one than the book I finished yesterday by a more ‘serious’ author. Maybe this correlates to the fact that I prefer to snack on junk food more than vegetables. Vegetables are good and necessary, but I usually find more enjoyment eating small splurges of less healthy options.
This book is a great little indulgence of something sweet.
October 9, 2020
Problem Number One – Getting There
Old childhood friends each fly separately to join their families on what’s been an annual holiday themed yacht adventure. Secret ex-lovers, Hannah and James are determined to make the best of things…
Problem Number Two – Getting Stuck.
When everyone but Hannah and James gets held up in an airport snarl, it leaves them stuck together for four days, making Hannah’s already problematic trip a whole lot harder to face. Especially because she comes bearing more than just gifts…
Problem Number Three -- Falling In Love (again)
As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize that the best things in life can’t be planned and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.
Wonderful 2nd chance romance. Enjoyed Hannah and James story, beautifully written. Their past definitely shaped them who they had become. Loved every page of their story.
Old childhood friends each fly separately to join their families on what’s been an annual holiday themed yacht adventure. Secret ex-lovers, Hannah and James are determined to make the best of things…
Problem Number Two – Getting Stuck.
When everyone but Hannah and James gets held up in an airport snarl, it leaves them stuck together for four days, making Hannah’s already problematic trip a whole lot harder to face. Especially because she comes bearing more than just gifts…
Problem Number Three -- Falling In Love (again)
As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize that the best things in life can’t be planned and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.
Wonderful 2nd chance romance. Enjoyed Hannah and James story, beautifully written. Their past definitely shaped them who they had become. Loved every page of their story.
March 6, 2021
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Shalvis' novellas are among the few I always enjoy. Like her other books, this was fun and heartwarming. I appreciated the little reminders to live in the moment, make time for the people we love, and find our passion. And obviously, the ending had me in happy tears.
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Shalvis' novellas are among the few I always enjoy. Like her other books, this was fun and heartwarming. I appreciated the little reminders to live in the moment, make time for the people we love, and find our passion. And obviously, the ending had me in happy tears.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
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