A Merry Mistake

by Lorana Hoopes

It wasn't the Christmas I planned, but was it the one I needed?

Okay, so I can be a little ditzy at times, but that doesn't change the truth of what I saw. Someone is out to get me and they're making it impossible to accomplish my normal Christmas routine. See, I love Christmas and snow and everything December, so when I got invited to the town of Rudolph to review the new lodge, I couldn't be happier. And it was going great until I witnessed a murder.

Then the phone calls started, so I didn't the only thing I could think of - I hired a body guard. Unfortunately, he's rude and uptight and I should never have kissed him because now I can't get that kiss out of my head. it's got to just be the lure of Christmas, right?

Love the spirit of Christmas and good clean romance? Then you'll love this heartwarming romantic comedy from USA Today best selling author Lorana Hoopes.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy, Mystery

216 pages, Paperback

Published January 3, 2023

About the author

Lorana Hoopes is an inspirational romance and children’s author originally from Texas. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children. When not writing, she can be found singing or acting on stage or kickboxing at her gym. You can also find her hosting her show Write the World where she interviews authors and writers.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐
Genre ~ holiday fiction
Setting ~ Washington
Publication date ~ book ~ January 27, 2023, audio ~ March 2, 2023
Est page Count ~ 218 (23 chapters)
Audio length ~ 5 hours 7 minutes per Amazon and 4 hours and 54 minutes per Hoopla
Narrator ~ Lorana Hoopes (the author)
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ characters in their mid 20's, influencer, bodyguard, murder?, no steamage

*possible spoilers ahead*

Belle & Jaxson

Belle was pretty ridiculous and rude. Even her friends think she's ridiculous. Image is important to her as an influencer ~ she comments on people's body types, but yet she's putting creamer in her coffee and drowning her pancakes with syrup....are they sugar free condiments ma'am? (Is creamer a condiment?) Why am I calling her ma'am you ask ~ well when she's making her videos her tone seems southern. Yes, I know Southerner's can live in Washington, but only her dialogue sounded this way.

Jaxson was alright. I didn't find him as rude as her even though that's how she refers to him. She even calls him 'a washed up cop' when he's doing her a service by being her bodyguard, which it makes no sense why she even needs one anyway.

Grabbed this one from Hoopla based on the cute cover, since 'tis the season y'all. Yes it's set at Christmastime, but besides visiting the town of Rudolph, talk of snow on the ground and buying some gifts I didn't find it overly Christmasy. Neither rom or com really either. I suppose it's just holiday fiction with a 'murder' thrown in. Don't get me started on that either.

As you can see I was not a super big fan, but here's some positives:
~ the cover is adorbs
~ she bought gifts for the children in the hospital and in shelters
~ it was a quick listen since I could bump it up to 3x

Narration notes:
Narrated by the author, which was fine and quite lovely overall, but no male narrator for a 1st person male character! Ugh! I figure it's a way to save money, which is fine with me because I am as thrifty as they come, but it really took me out of the story a bit.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

The FMC was so dumb 😩😩
I think I lost some brain cells.

[Tiffany Wakefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some funny moments had me laughing out loud. Cute story with love, mystery, comedy and Christmas!

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel bad giving books 1 star because I know the author worked hard on the book. I’m not a DNF type of person (generally speaking), I try to push through always wanting to give the benefit of the doubt. I did finish this one but it was painful.

I did the audio book and I think the narration was part of it. There was only a female voice for both the male and female characters and then her tone changed when making her influencer videos and random other times, making it confusing. She also made her sound Southern for those tone changes.

Belle… I did not like her at all. She came across as whiny, entitled, over the top and just ridiculous.

Jaxon…. He was fine but there was nothing exciting about him and he was boring.

The storyline itself was boring and really didn’t have a plot. It was an enemy to lovers trope but nothing grabbed you.

I grabbed this book off Hoopla while waiting for some holds because I wanted a holiday read so transparently I knew nothing going in and haven’t read this with before.

[Kit Rio Sol · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF the heroine wasn't for me. Seemed vapid not in a good way. And annoying.

[Erin Wood · Rating 1 out of 5]

I ended up DNFing this book after chapter five or six. I could not take the inner diagnosis that critiqued and shamed characters bodies. In the few chapters I read, the MMC’s business partners physique had been shamed three times in the inner dialogue, and the FMC’s inner dialogue mentioned multiple times how being an “influencer” meant that she had to keep control of her figure. It had just become enough at that point. Not to mention that when the FMC spoke she spoke with a southern accent, while her inner dialogue did not, and the difference in the two made it hard to follow, especially since the narrator didn’t change her voice at all the when she narrated the FMC’s friends. The witness to the murder also happened so chaotically and poorly in my opinion, and seemed very forced in the storyline since she just stumbled into a seemingly random park and saw a murder. She stumbled into the park because she got lost, however she even mentions that the lodge was super decked out in Christmas and all the shops that she had been going in were on either side. This was one of MULTIPLE moments the author made the FMC unbearable and I felt like it was meant to make her “quirky” but was very poorly executed. I have no plans to ever try to finish this again, but I don’t want to discourage anyone else from reading it, cause you might really like it.

[Priscila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Merry Mistake was such a cute mix of cozy mystery and rom-com. It's the first in Lorana Hoopes' new series and introduces Belle and her group of friends/roommates, who have arrived in the town of Rudolph to experience Christmas activities for the weekend. What ensues is a not-so-cute meeting with the leading man at the tree lighting, as well as Belle witnessing a murder. While it was a bit hard for me to tell the friends apart in the beginning, I liked getting to know each of them. I also enjoyed Jaxon and Belle's time together once he starts working as her bodyguard (though that didn't happen till around the 40% mark), as well as their learning there's definitely more to the other than what they originally thought. That mostly included Jaxon working through past issues and prejudices against certain jobs, yet being professional enough to help his client. I gotta admit I certainly related more to him than her (especially with the interesting mix of an influencer, murder witness, and paranoia going on), but by the end of it, I was definitely cheering for both of them. The mystery was easy enough to solve, but I still enjoyed the story, and am definitely looking forward to the next one in the series. ~ 4 stars

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun romcom that can be read any time of the year, not just the holidays! Belle is a little high strung and when she's visiting another town for the holidays with her roommates, she appears to witness a murder. She completely loses it and feels she needs around the clock protection because she thinks the murderer saw her but the police can't give it to her so she hires a bodyguard. Jaxson is a jaded, former policeman who now is a security guy, barely hanging on to his business. He'll take Belle's case because he needs the money but her reason for needing a bodyguard is pretty slim. Besides, she reminds him of his ex and that just won't do! She's an influencer and she's also very high strung! The two of them are hilarious together! Belle is over the top sometimes and will leave you shaking your head! Her roommates try to calm her down but to no avail! Jaxson has some great friends who are there for him and want him to "get out more" but he's fine just working and not much else. I liked the characters, the setting and the ending of this story!

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by Lorana Hoopes. It was funny and romantic and had great characters.  The book grabbed my attention immediately when a group of women arrived at The Snowflake Lodge in December.  It just happened to be owned by Kris and Margie Kringle.  Belle was there to review the Inn on her social media accounts.  Belle was an influencer, as well as, a cosmetologist.  She had to hire Jaxon, an ex-cop, to be her bodyguard after she witnessed a murder and thought the killer might be  stalking her.  
I liked the mystery and all the time spent solving it or trying to understand what happened.  Belle was such a sweet, sometimes klutzy character, but always charming and unique.  There were many funny moments that I enjoyed reading.  The ending of the story was perfect.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was close to abandoning this ‘quick-read’ as I found Belle just as irritating and egotistical as Jaxon initially did 😊, but, as I had committed to a review, I decided to continue. So glad I did!
Both influencer Belle and PI Jaxon enjoy the company of close friends who support them in their endeavours. Belle over-thinks things and gets herself into crazy situations, while Jaxon is more serious and holds himself responsible for the well-being of his friends.
Ms Hoopes writes a fast-paced story that initially presents as a light-hearted tale of two groups of close friends. However, on further thought, the reader realizes that it also explores the effect misperceptions have on people; and how they (we?) so often judge others on first impressions…until they discover the true person beneath the surface image.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my honest review.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rom-Com/Suspense - Belle is in Rudolph for the Christmas tree lighting when she witnesses a murder. The police think she's a "nutjob", but when she returns home and mysterious gifts and calls start occurring, she knows she has to hire a bodyguard. Jaxson is a jaded former cop who has his own security firm. He too thinks she is a nutjob. Belle is an "influencer" with a blog. She can be ditsy and high strung, but as Jaxson spends time with her experiencing her life, he realizes there is more to her than he first thought.

Belle got on my nerves at first, but as I kept reading, I realized - like Jaxson - that there was more to Belle than what was on the surface. I very much enjoyed the book.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short, suspenseful, yet lighthearted, and fluffy, romantic comedy. Plenty of eye rolling at the main female character as she lets her imagination go completely out of control…or is it really her imagination?!!

Liked how Jaxon, the bodyguard hired by Belle, kept his patience when carrying out his work duties. And loved how Belle showed another side that even Jaxon (or the reader!!) wasn’t expecting!

Several mysteries to solve with high jinks along the way and a chance to meet Belle’s and Jaxon’s friends. Hope we find out everyone else’s story in the future too!

Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and this is my own opinion.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Merry Mistake is an enjoyable holiday romcom. Belle is a little dramatic, but it just adds to the hilarity of the story.. I love her group of friends, and how close they are, and how very different they are from each other. I'm hoping this is a start of a series and we get to read all about each one. Jaxon is the Scrooge to Belle's loves everything about Christmas. Their meeting is very abrasive for which they're equally at fault. If you're looking for a quick read with some laughs, Lorana Hoopes has written an excellent book for you to enjoy. She also writes in other genres, and I've never been disappointed in one of her books.
I received a complimentary copy.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Merry Mistake” by Lorana Hoopes
WoW ! Mistake or Fate?
Oh, yes, I Ioved this story. Fun, Light, a bit of Suspense, and sweet clean Romance that you can feel all around you. Will you figure out the mistake? Early on, or later on, or will you be waiting for the author to clue you in. Does the fun and light make this a romantic comedy? Does the suspense make it a cozy mystery? Well no matter how you label this story it is a fun light read and I loved it. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the author via BookFunnel.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle did not win my heroine of the year award from the very beginning. I really do not understand the role “influencers” seem to be playing in everyone’s lives now. Then add in how ditzy she is and I had a hard time accepting her, just like Jaxon. Now Jaxon I fell for from the beginning. I will admit that Belle did finally grow on me and I did really enjoy this book. I found it funny, romantic and realistic. Let’s face it we probably all know someone that goes a little bit overboard. I look forward to finding out who the author has in mind for Dave and Ethan. I also see possibilities with Belle’s four roommates.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. Some notes I had right at the beginning:

-Belle must have ADHD thinking fully of Monopoly (not just the streets, the full-on game) right after witnessing a murder.
- Why isn't she calling the police? Or using her phone in general, like to find her way back to the lodge? We know she has her phone and it can upload videos.
- Why is Belle's inner dialogue a different accent than the outer one? That threw me so many times until I finally got used to it.

I had some other issues, mainly being that I wasn't fond of the main characters, and even the side characters were lacking. BUT the plot was interesting and I think the mystery was well thought out.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Social Media Influencer and cosmetologist, Belle Duvall and her friends visit a nearby town for the Christmas Tree lighting and she thinks she sees a murder. When she gets home she hires Jaxon Powers, a former policeman from Powers Protective Agency to by her bodyguard. When she begins to receive gifts from an unknown admirer, and phone calls from an unknown number with no one there, things heat up. An uplifting romantic comedy that I’d recommend reading.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Merry Mistake is a super fun, clean, flirty, romantic comedy with a touch of suspense! Ms. Hoopes' books never disappoint. Belle can be overly dramatic but she is funny! Jaxon is dealing with some personal issues. Both have great and supportive friends. The suspense happens when Belle witnesses a murder; starts receiving calls from an unknown number and decides she needs protection. I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in this well written book and watching these charismatic characters achieve their HEA!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and funny story. Though it was easy to guess the outcome, it was still so fun and enjoyable to read the way the characters discovered what actually happened. They way the main characters grew and began to look beyond initial impressions was engaging and I didn’t want to put the book down. I look forward to the next book in the series!

Content things that I like to know when I pick up a book:
- This book was very clean with only a couple kissing scenes.
- There was no religious mention one way or the other.
- I didn’t notice anything controversial in this book at all.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts out with Belle witnessing a murder. She is then paranoid that the killer is out for her. She hires Jaxon to protect her. But they kiss & neither can forget that. So I'm thinking this is really about solving a murder but then things change & the ending is so unusual that I couldn't believe it. That makes the story Funny. I've never read a story like this one. It's a great read. I received an ARC. I choose to leave this review.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful, fun book! Lots of humor, some "adventure," and sweet romance. Wouldn't have put it down from start to finish except for life happening. No inappropriate language or content--as always with Ms. Hoopes. I love her books and always feel I can share them and recommend them to all my friends and family. Thanks for another good one!

I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is an entertaining read. The overall story is fun, entertaining and easy read. I enjoyed the friendship aspect of the story and the romance. Belle isn’t the type of character that I enjoy or connect with. The romance is entertaining as Jaxon is a perfect balance to Belle. He’s also a good hero. The overall story is enjoyable and I’m looking forward to reading more books in the series.

I enjoyed the audio version of this book and the narrator.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was funny and entertaining. It made me laugh and I had to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. Belle acted like an airhead who was more interested in her followers until she witnessed a murder. She hires Jaxon for protection and the story gets funnier. A great read. I would recommend it. I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story, it was a fun read. I thought Belle was a little ditzy, and I just can't image someone being quite like that. However, the story was cute and the characters each had their own quirky behavior. There is both mystery and romance. I did have the story figured out rather quickly but it was fun to see how the author took it from beginning to end.

[Christi Benney · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎧 3.5 ⭐️

Narration was ok, not quite sure why the main character had a southern accent if she’s from WA and my other question is if she’s an influencer and has a smart phone, why she didn’t use a navigation app, but that said, the second half of the book picks up, and it’s an enjoyable holiday romance. Happy to see like Jackson, I also was pleasantly surprised with a few areas.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fun tale created by a few mistaken moments and Belle's very active imagination. I enjoyed this take on an influencer who uses her influence for good and seeing others' reactions to her. The love story was fun as they grew closer to one another but weren't willing to admit it much.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a lot of issues with this book. I was going to lose it if Belle called herself a celebrity or mentioned her fans one more time. I can usually get behind a ditzy lead, but I was really not into it this time. And throwing in some of her selfless good deeds toward the end just felt forced. Also HAVE NONE OF THESE PEOPLE SEEN SCREAM?! I saw that one coming from a mile away.

[GPReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is silly and fun. A quick and easy read. As with all shorter books, it's not as detailed as a full length novel. But nonetheless is was still a cute little mystery/romance/romcom. Note: I am an ARC reader for this book.

[Marilu Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book in the beginning I didn't like Belle I thought she was self centered like Jaxon believe she was but then the story began to develop and I was hook this is a fun fast pace clean and super cute read I recommend it to anyone.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and all the different people in the story. It was funny sometimes and other times it was interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for some laughs and a puzzle to be solved.