A Touch of Mistletoe

Title:  A Touch of Mistletoe

Authors:  Holiday Anthology

Publisher:  Less Than Three Press

Length:  182 pages

Rating:  B List

Quad Shot of Love

Blurb:  Less Than Three Press presents a collection of stories about people brought together by the magic of mistletoe…

Here for You by J.K. Pendragon
Warren’s life has been shrinking ever since his wife passed away. Blind, and finding it difficult to adjust to life on his own, it’s easier to hide away in his house. When his friend Missy invites him to a Christmas party, an unexpected kiss with a stranger under the mistletoe leaves him confused and wondering…

The Christmas Spirit by Talya Andor
Christmas in Japan is no big deal for Ash Harmon, with his family half a world away and supernatural problems that have no respect for the holidays. When he picks up a bodyguard job for a rising star of figure skating who seems to be encountering trouble with a restless spirit, he stubbornly resists the unexpected attraction to his charge, wary of the risks that come with relationships. But the mistletoe has other ideas…

A Beautiful Thing by A.F. Henley
Sometimes, Fate gets tired of being ignored. And some nights, Fate decides something will just have to be done about it. Enter Drualus, Senior Correspondent for the Collective Assembly of Christmas Fae, working with the Night Before Reach Out Program. He’s got a few short hours to change Scott Misener’s outlook on life, love, and understanding. Lucky for Scott, Dru knows a tried and true trope that might just do the trick…

Ad Meliora by E.E. Ottoman
It’s Christmas Eve and An-An and M.C. have plans to spend Christmas in Texas with An-An’s family. But their plans are cut short when M.C. takes on a last minute case. Thankfully, though, it should be an easy exorcism.

Until they arrive at the snowbound lodge where trouble resides, and come face to face with a demon wolf unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.

Two Parts Mistletoe by Megan Derr
Kingston has worked hard to get where he is: owner of his own shop, master potion maker, well-respected… and lonely, too busy with life to enjoy more than his regular visits to Acacia House. If he wishes his loneliness might be eased by Hux, the man he meets at Acacia twice a month, well, someday he’ll work up the nerve to ask. Maybe.

Then Hux unexpectedly visits his shop, distressed and in desperate need of help to save his employer from a love potion…

Review:  This isn’t your typical holiday anthology. I enjoyed the unique stories and the different styles of the authors.

Here for You by J.K. Pendragon is a sweet story of two lonely and grieving men coming together and learning to let go of the past in order to make a future with one another.

Warren is so sad and alone when he meets Kyung. His wife was his high school sweetheart and he has never been with anyone else so his attraction to Kyung was a surprise.

Kyung is homesick for his native Korea, overwhelmed by his father’s illness he needs the affection and acceptance he finds in Warren’s arms.

Both men will have to be brave and bold if they are going to be able to make a future together.

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The Christmas Spirit by Tayla Andor gives us the story of a southern gentleman far away from all of his family and the familiar Christmas rituals while working in Japan.

I liked that the romance aspect was slow building and sweet. Ash isn’t sure if he should push for more and it was great seeing him ease his way through and get romanced a little. Both men are adorable and a little shy.

The supernatural aspect was mild and helped to move the story forward.

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A Beautiful Thing by A.F. Henley was a sexy twist on a Christmas classic.

Scott is bitter and angry when Dru comes into his life and the journey they take through Scott’s past, present and possible future was fun, a little sad and unexpectedly hot.

I liked that there wasn’t a threat so much as a promise of a wonderful future if only Scott can let go of his negativity and embrace the hope and possibilities around him.

 

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Ad Meliora by E.E. Ottoman is an intense and kinky story. An evil haunting by a powerful and deadly being may put an end to their holiday celebration if they aren’t careful.

The love between the couple is apparent and compelling. An-An’s complete acceptance of M.C. is beautiful.

The supernatural aspect is intense and some might find it a little scary, but it’s an interesting idea. The sex is kinky and emotional.

 

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Two Parts Mistletoe by Megan Derr is sweet and charming. With a magical element and a race to fix a very nasty spell.

Kingston and Hux are adorable together. They’ve both been wanting more from each other and while the situation is not romantic their natural chemistry and deep affection make this a sweet and sexy holiday story.

The world building is well done and interesting. I always enjoy spending time in the worlds that Megan Derr creates.

A fun and different take on the holiday novella. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys love, romance, magic and is looking for something new to read for the holidays.

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A diverse mix of stories that took me many different places and through many emotions. I enjoyed all of the stories and loved a couple. Recommended for those who are looking for something different and special in their next holiday story.

Reviewed by Nina