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Can't Fight the Mistletoe
Thanks to a few meddling retirees and a little forced proximity, they're finding it hard to fight the pull of the mistletoe.
Alessia-
I’ve taken a lot of flak for rolling my eyes the past twenty-nine years, but people can be so irritating. Take Danger Stevens, for example. His name alone triggers an eyeroll. He’s everything I hate in a man—flirtatious, ruggedly handsome, and adept at charming anyone with two X chromosomes—much like my philandering father. After years of his teasing, I finally caught a break when he moved away. Now he’s back and hanging out at the retirement community where I work.
Dan-
Alessia Catano is a beautiful mystery, but as the only male raised in a household of females, I have more insight to the frightening inner workings of the feminine mind than most men could handle. Alley Cat only thinks she loathes me. If she bothered to get to know me instead of assuming, her tune would change. When my elderly friend, Silas, enlists our help pulling off a themed wedding the day after Christmas to the love of his life, I find my chance to prove I’m not the lothario Alessia thinks.
Alessia-
I have enough on my plate as Activity Director during the busy holiday season. I don’t need anyone’s help, certainly not his, but when an octogenarian couple insists, you don’t say no. Now my heart and resolve are in danger (ha!) after spending time in close quarters with a man who’s turning out to be so much sweeter and more complex than I knew.
How do I keep Dan at arm’s length when what I really want is to meet him under all the mistletoe somebody mysteriously hangs up faster than I can take down?
Can't Fight the Mistletoe currently appears in the 2023 Christmas Lights Collection, Marry Christmas , also with books from Chautona Havig, Cathe Swanson, and Teresa Tysinger for those who don't want to wait until 2024 to read it!
Alessia-
I’ve taken a lot of flak for rolling my eyes the past twenty-nine years, but people can be so irritating. Take Danger Stevens, for example. His name alone triggers an eyeroll. He’s everything I hate in a man—flirtatious, ruggedly handsome, and adept at charming anyone with two X chromosomes—much like my philandering father. After years of his teasing, I finally caught a break when he moved away. Now he’s back and hanging out at the retirement community where I work.
Dan-
Alessia Catano is a beautiful mystery, but as the only male raised in a household of females, I have more insight to the frightening inner workings of the feminine mind than most men could handle. Alley Cat only thinks she loathes me. If she bothered to get to know me instead of assuming, her tune would change. When my elderly friend, Silas, enlists our help pulling off a themed wedding the day after Christmas to the love of his life, I find my chance to prove I’m not the lothario Alessia thinks.
Alessia-
I have enough on my plate as Activity Director during the busy holiday season. I don’t need anyone’s help, certainly not his, but when an octogenarian couple insists, you don’t say no. Now my heart and resolve are in danger (ha!) after spending time in close quarters with a man who’s turning out to be so much sweeter and more complex than I knew.
How do I keep Dan at arm’s length when what I really want is to meet him under all the mistletoe somebody mysteriously hangs up faster than I can take down?
Can't Fight the Mistletoe currently appears in the 2023 Christmas Lights Collection, Marry Christmas , also with books from Chautona Havig, Cathe Swanson, and Teresa Tysinger for those who don't want to wait until 2024 to read it!
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2023
About the author
Jaycee Weaver
37 books313 followersWhen New Mexico resident and USA Today bestselling author Jaycee Weaver isn't reading or writing, she enjoys dates with her brainiac hubby, drinking coffee, crafting, pretending she's a nature photographer, and making her teenagers cringe.
Jaycee considers herself a recovering perfectionist and frequent hot mess. She does her best to live her faith in action authentically, trusting God to be Lord over the good, the bad, and the ugly even when it’s hard.
Jaycee considers herself a recovering perfectionist and frequent hot mess. She does her best to live her faith in action authentically, trusting God to be Lord over the good, the bad, and the ugly even when it’s hard.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 26, 2023
Jaycee Weaver’s Can’t Fight the Mistletoe had me snort-laughing from start to finish, though I did my share of swooning and sweet-moment-melting too. Her alternating (between Dan & Alessia) first person POVs allows us to get into the characters’ heads – and hearts – and more often than not their internal monologues present us with pure romcom gold. (Note: Dan’s interactions with septuagenarian Silas are the main choking hazards when it comes to laughing while taking a sip of my Diet Coke – “The accidental peepshow last week burned a hole in my retinas that may never heal.” – but every page is fair game for a hilarious line or ten.) There’s also plenty of great banter and chemistry (and kisses!) between Dan & Alessia and a tender wedding subplot that had my heart. A sweet & sassy forced proximity romcom with a bit of enemies-to-lovers too!
(I originally reviewed this book as part of the Marry Christmas collection which I read via Kindle Unlimited)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
(I originally reviewed this book as part of the Marry Christmas collection which I read via Kindle Unlimited)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
October 26, 2023
I loved the way these two interacted! It was interesting to learn why Alessia distrusted Dan so much as the story began, and to be aware, as the reader, that Dan was in no way the type of man that Alessia thought he was. I enjoyed the pull and attraction that existed and grew between these two characters. There were so many sweet and swoony moments in this story, interspersed with plenty of humor, but also many heartfelt moments, as well. I loved it from start to finish!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2023
This sweet Christmas novella, also part of a Christmas set, involves an activities director and her nemesis from her school planning a fun Christmas themed wedding for a couple at a retirement community. The banter between the two main characters, forced proximity, humor, and a holiday wedding made this story a fun romcom read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 19, 2023
This is such a fun Christmas novella. While there is plenty that made me smile and even laugh out loud, this book has so much heart. I love the retirement home setting, and all of the enduring love that the residents had to offer. The young activities director and her nemesis make for the contrasting pair. And both of their families add so much as well.
More review to come soon!
I was provided with an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.
More review to come soon!
I was provided with an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2023
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
They met in middle school, but they've never really gotten to know each other.
As they get to know each other as adults, they learn about themselves, too.
The story was sweet and inspirational, and a lot of fun to read.
They met in middle school, but they've never really gotten to know each other.
As they get to know each other as adults, they learn about themselves, too.
The story was sweet and inspirational, and a lot of fun to read.
October 20, 2023
Christmas really is a wonderful time. A time full of wonder and beauty, woven with bits of holiday magic. I truly enjoyed this delightful Christmas tale.
This story not only has a Christmas flair, but there is also an added fun quirky wedding event for a couple of fun-loving older individuals in an adult living center.
The author has a wonderful way of making this story flow with crazy dialogue and fun antics.
I love reading stories written by Jaycee Weaver. She is a delightful author who spins fun, relatable tales, full of enjoyable moments that will touch your heart and bring delight to your soul. Whenever I pick up one of her books I’m blessed. She packs fun quirky moments and deep life lessons into each of her books. I appreciate that her books aren’t too preachy, but they are real, and I can relate to the characters and what they are going through.
This story is part of a collection titled, Marry Christmas, but you can also get this book by itself.
I highly recommend you pick this collection up; it will bring a smile to your face and warm fuzzies to your heart!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own
This story not only has a Christmas flair, but there is also an added fun quirky wedding event for a couple of fun-loving older individuals in an adult living center.
The author has a wonderful way of making this story flow with crazy dialogue and fun antics.
I love reading stories written by Jaycee Weaver. She is a delightful author who spins fun, relatable tales, full of enjoyable moments that will touch your heart and bring delight to your soul. Whenever I pick up one of her books I’m blessed. She packs fun quirky moments and deep life lessons into each of her books. I appreciate that her books aren’t too preachy, but they are real, and I can relate to the characters and what they are going through.
This story is part of a collection titled, Marry Christmas, but you can also get this book by itself.
I highly recommend you pick this collection up; it will bring a smile to your face and warm fuzzies to your heart!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own
October 30, 2023
"Who decides what’s normal anyway?”
This is one of the best sorta cheesy contemporary Christmas stories I have read in years. Alessia and Dan: known each other for over a couple of decades, dealing with their own painful growing up, now facing future together with their faith in G-d and each other despite past issues that tore trust out of their vocabularies. You have to read this, you just do. Highly Recommended 5/5
This is one of the best sorta cheesy contemporary Christmas stories I have read in years. Alessia and Dan: known each other for over a couple of decades, dealing with their own painful growing up, now facing future together with their faith in G-d and each other despite past issues that tore trust out of their vocabularies. You have to read this, you just do. Highly Recommended 5/5
July 24, 2024
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December 8, 2024
I loved this book !!!!! It was sweet, funny, sentimental and it was like a really good Hallmark movie but ten thousand times better.
This story centers around a woman named Alessia. She is an Activities Director at a place called Valle Encantado. She met this guy named Danger (Dan) Stevens. Yes his first name is actually Danger. Alessia gets a lot of flak for rolling her eyes for the past twenty-nine years. His name alone triggers her. He is charming, flirtatious, ruggedly handsome and adept at charming anyone with two X chromosomes just like her philandering father. Dan moves back and hanging out at the retirement community where Alessia works.
For Dan Alessia is a mystery and beautiful. He has been raised in a house full of women. He nicknames Alessia “Alley Cat”. She loathes Dan and assumes that he’s a playboy instead of getting to know him. With an elderly guy Dan enlists the help of. He and Alessia have to pull of a themed wedding the day after Christmas for Silas. He works to prove himself to Alessia. Alessia doesn’t like to ask for help but she needs Dan’s help. She starts to fall for him. Someone keeps putting up mistletoe as fast as she can take it down not knowing it’s Dan who’s doing it. The banter between Dan and Alessia made this book page turning and fun. The inner monologue in Alessia’s head was fun to read. I loved this book from start to finish.
This story centers around a woman named Alessia. She is an Activities Director at a place called Valle Encantado. She met this guy named Danger (Dan) Stevens. Yes his first name is actually Danger. Alessia gets a lot of flak for rolling her eyes for the past twenty-nine years. His name alone triggers her. He is charming, flirtatious, ruggedly handsome and adept at charming anyone with two X chromosomes just like her philandering father. Dan moves back and hanging out at the retirement community where Alessia works.
For Dan Alessia is a mystery and beautiful. He has been raised in a house full of women. He nicknames Alessia “Alley Cat”. She loathes Dan and assumes that he’s a playboy instead of getting to know him. With an elderly guy Dan enlists the help of. He and Alessia have to pull of a themed wedding the day after Christmas for Silas. He works to prove himself to Alessia. Alessia doesn’t like to ask for help but she needs Dan’s help. She starts to fall for him. Someone keeps putting up mistletoe as fast as she can take it down not knowing it’s Dan who’s doing it. The banter between Dan and Alessia made this book page turning and fun. The inner monologue in Alessia’s head was fun to read. I loved this book from start to finish.
November 25, 2023
Guys, your cheeks are going to hurt when you're done reading this delightful rom-com. I mean the banter is just - chefs kiss. And that's putting it mildly. The internal thoughts - I was rolling with laughter. Pretty much laughing, giggling, or smiling on every single page. I mean even the sibling banter was perfection!
But even among the humor you do find these little pockets of seriousness, and Weaver did a great job of intertwining them. They pull at your heart strings, and remind you that yes life can be fun, but also has some struggles.
Back to the romance - I loved it. I adore reading banter stories, I won't say enemies to lovers because that sounds harsh. More like banters to lovers who keep on bantering. SWOON! I'm so glad Weaver is back to writing. Oh how I have missed her stories. If you're wanting a comedic Hallmarky Christmas story to bring you some cheer, well look no further - it's right here!
(Disclosure - I purchased a copy of Marry Christmas: Christmas Lights Collection 2023 that this story was a part of).
But even among the humor you do find these little pockets of seriousness, and Weaver did a great job of intertwining them. They pull at your heart strings, and remind you that yes life can be fun, but also has some struggles.
Back to the romance - I loved it. I adore reading banter stories, I won't say enemies to lovers because that sounds harsh. More like banters to lovers who keep on bantering. SWOON! I'm so glad Weaver is back to writing. Oh how I have missed her stories. If you're wanting a comedic Hallmarky Christmas story to bring you some cheer, well look no further - it's right here!
(Disclosure - I purchased a copy of Marry Christmas: Christmas Lights Collection 2023 that this story was a part of).
November 22, 2024
Holiday hijinks at Christmas
This is a fast, fun holiday read set in an active senior community. The characters have great chemistry. There is lots of witty banter, some sweet family interactions, and an abundance of memories in the making. Planning a senior resident's dream wedding in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of a packed calendar of community activities is taken in stride by the activity director Alessia. The volunteered 'help' from the groom's side, not so much.
There is too much history between her and Dan for anything so blasé as "taken in stride". I loved how that friction struck sparks and the sparks found fuel in their hearts to burn for a lifetime.
Don't forget to read the bonus epilogue after the story. It is absolutely worth it.
I bought a copy of this story and voluntarily chose to share my review.
This is a fast, fun holiday read set in an active senior community. The characters have great chemistry. There is lots of witty banter, some sweet family interactions, and an abundance of memories in the making. Planning a senior resident's dream wedding in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of a packed calendar of community activities is taken in stride by the activity director Alessia. The volunteered 'help' from the groom's side, not so much.
There is too much history between her and Dan for anything so blasé as "taken in stride". I loved how that friction struck sparks and the sparks found fuel in their hearts to burn for a lifetime.
Don't forget to read the bonus epilogue after the story. It is absolutely worth it.
I bought a copy of this story and voluntarily chose to share my review.
December 23, 2023
Can't Fight the Mistletoe was a sweet, feel-good Christmas romance. Just the type of story I enjoy reading during the holiday season. I like that the heroine works at a retirement home and that the hero has an older friend/father-figure who resides there. And the senior citizen romance was a fun bonus! This novella has a good balance of romance, humor, conflict, and emotion. I enjoy this author's writing, and with the health struggles she had last year, I'm so glad she is back to creating stories! I should also add that her stories are set in New Mexico, which I think is unique. Reading should be about exploring different locales, like armchair traveling! Definitely pick up this holiday read!
February 2, 2025
Sickness took me out of my regular work and reading groove and I picked this up for a reread, remembering how I’d enjoyed it the first time. It might be February now, but it’s never too late for Christmas books!
Anyway, this book is hilarious, and I read most of it with a smile on my face. I love the banter, the puns, the deep lines, the healing.
I don’t love all of the kissing, but it is a rom-com and Weaver does keep it pretty clean. Combine that with the humor and you definitely have sweet and not spicy. Additionally, both MCs have firm morals when it comes to sleeping with someone before marriage. Would I suggest this to a teenager? Nope. Would I recommend it to an adult who wouldn’t mind the kissing and needs a laugh? For sure.
Anyway, this book is hilarious, and I read most of it with a smile on my face. I love the banter, the puns, the deep lines, the healing.
I don’t love all of the kissing, but it is a rom-com and Weaver does keep it pretty clean. Combine that with the humor and you definitely have sweet and not spicy. Additionally, both MCs have firm morals when it comes to sleeping with someone before marriage. Would I suggest this to a teenager? Nope. Would I recommend it to an adult who wouldn’t mind the kissing and needs a laugh? For sure.
October 29, 2023
Every year I look forward to Jaycee Weaver's Christmas novellas. They are funny, sweet, and really make you wish you could watch it unfold with her crazy descriptions. This one has a Blue Hawaii Elvis wedding. How can you top that? Well maybe with a crazy mistletoe hanging elf.
The one thing I want to bring out is that even though this book is definitely funny, it isn't fluffy. There are plenty of hard things, but the way the characters handle them is inspiring and leaves you very satisfied. I generally don't care for books based on misunderstandings, but this one is well done and isn't the total reason for the book.
Read it. You will laugh and be ready for Christmas.
The one thing I want to bring out is that even though this book is definitely funny, it isn't fluffy. There are plenty of hard things, but the way the characters handle them is inspiring and leaves you very satisfied. I generally don't care for books based on misunderstandings, but this one is well done and isn't the total reason for the book.
Read it. You will laugh and be ready for Christmas.
December 15, 2023
3.5
I seem to be a loner with this opinion but the constant mention of tropes and sooo many mentions of movies and movie lines annoyed me just a smidge. *sigh* I know it fits the story and characters, I’m just being nitpicky.
The rest of this book? Cute. Heartfelt and a little sassy. A light holiday read with some deeper elements I enjoyed. Ps. I also enjoyed the way the author handled faith/Christianity in the story.
I seem to be a loner with this opinion but the constant mention of tropes and sooo many mentions of movies and movie lines annoyed me just a smidge. *sigh* I know it fits the story and characters, I’m just being nitpicky.
The rest of this book? Cute. Heartfelt and a little sassy. A light holiday read with some deeper elements I enjoyed. Ps. I also enjoyed the way the author handled faith/Christianity in the story.
October 2, 2024
Danger and Alley-Cat.
Those two names should give you a clue at the hilarity that awaits you within these pages.
I loved every drop of this story! Jaycee Weaver has outdone herself with this one. The characters are amazing and you’ll want to be friends with them.
To be loved the way Peggy is loved by Silas is pitch perfect. And the relationship between Dan and Alessia? Swoon worthy and so funny.
Start off your holiday reading right with Can’t Fight the Mistletoe!
Those two names should give you a clue at the hilarity that awaits you within these pages.
I loved every drop of this story! Jaycee Weaver has outdone herself with this one. The characters are amazing and you’ll want to be friends with them.
To be loved the way Peggy is loved by Silas is pitch perfect. And the relationship between Dan and Alessia? Swoon worthy and so funny.
Start off your holiday reading right with Can’t Fight the Mistletoe!
October 27, 2023
Such a touching tale of enduring love. Both the older and younger love stories are my favorites. This book was both amusing and romantic. The shenanigans of Danger and Alessia were hilarious. It was fantastic from start to finish. As always, Jaycee Weaver performed a fantastic job. I heartily endorse this book. “I received ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.”
July 7, 2024
Loved this story! Alessia and Dan find all they’ve been missing in each other and are joined by the most delightful elderly people! An adorable story about realizing misconceptions can hold you back from your dreams and about being tenacious and a little bit ornery when you’re vying for your true love.
December 1, 2024
An absolutely adorable, sweet and charming Christmas romance. Alessia and Dan are two MC's you cheer for from the first page. The warmth, kindness and understanding of Dan makes him a fabulous book boyfriend. I found Alessia's flaws to be relatable and made you just want to hug her. Add in some cute supporting characters and some faith and you've got yourself a delightful read! 🎄
January 1, 2025
Great rom com for the holidays
I loved how “real” all the characters felt, including their quirky personalities, insecurities, and witty banter. Jaycee has a natural way of weaving faith into a story that isn’t preachy but also isn’t watered down. This book was funny, sweet and cute. A great, feel-good read!
I loved how “real” all the characters felt, including their quirky personalities, insecurities, and witty banter. Jaycee has a natural way of weaving faith into a story that isn’t preachy but also isn’t watered down. This book was funny, sweet and cute. A great, feel-good read!
December 10, 2023
Love this sweet holiday romance. Jaycee never disappoints when creating a sweet, romantic holiday mood! The story is relatable and it is easy to get lost in the pages of the story.
November 30, 2024
Clean, fun rom-com. The characters are Christian which I appreciate.
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December 21, 2024Rom-coms are hit or miss for me, and as much as I love Jaycee Weaver, this wasn't my favorite. I highly recommend her Sinclair Sisters series, though!
February 21, 2025
Maybe I’d like this more if I knew the characters from the regular book already
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews