In my last book review post, I explained how I am now a part of the reviewing team on Whispering Stories Book Blog, and will be starting to share the book reviews I have written for their blog over here on Jodetopia. Today, to get us all in the Christmassy mood, I thought I would share a festive novel I read recently: The Trouble With Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis*.

Well, I’ve officially read my first Christmas novel of 2016 – yay! The Trouble with Mistletoe didn’t disappoint, either. Whilst I’ve never read any of Jill Shalvis’ books before, I can definitely understand why she has a large fan base.

The book itself was an easy read – a light hearted, Christmassy chick lit that tugs on your heartstrings and gets you rooting for the protagonist, Willa. Will she forgive Keane for standing her up at prom? Is he everything he seems? Will they have a happy ending? She’s a very likeable character and I actually felt like I could relate to her with how she gets attached too quickly and has to put up a shield in order to protect herself from getting hurt.

The plot was a tiny bit unrealistic at times (what landlord would close a pub on Christmas Eve when it’s the biggest money maker of the whole year?!) but I still loved it. It kind of chimes into the fantasy side of your brain (i.e. your childhood crush falls in love with you 10 years later when he’s super hot – life goals!). Although, come on, let’s be honest – no man is ever going to say or act half the way that Keane does in the book. But hey, a girl can dream!

I did find the romance a little bit over the top at times – well, not romance, but the more raunchy scenes, although having now read some other Jill Shalvis book reviews, I should have expected this. It was awkward reading these parts on a packed commuter train and I personally would have preferred a little less detail and cringe! This book is definitely NOT for youngsters and is definitely an adult only book.

For those of you who haven’t ventured into Christmas themed books before – don’t worry, it’s not Christmas and tinsel on every page (although you’ll soon learn that Willa does love a lot of Christmas decorations!). I think setting the book around Christmas just makes the book have a bit more ‘spirit’ and makes the ending that little bit more romantic and special!

Overall, the book had me smiling, laughing, frustrated, confused and at one part close to tears, so of course I’m going to have to give it a solid 4/5 stars. An easy page turner and a fun, upbeat read. I would highly recommend and I already can’t wait to read this again in the years to come to ease me into the Christmassy mood! I also need to get my hands on some other Jill Shalvis novels!

I’d love to get some more Christmassy books so I’m better prepared for next year, so if you have any festive book recommendations that you think I’d like, please let me know in the comments below!

If you want to check out what else I’ve been reading, why not have a look at my previous book reviews?