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Messages & Mistletoe
A Christmas rebellion. An anonymous online connection. A breath-stealing rendezvous beneath the mistletoe. Tired of the same old Christmas traditions and grappling with unrequited love, Natalie waves goodbye to the festivities for a year and swaps snow for sun on a Caribbean cruise. Amidst the roof top pool and warm ocean breeze lies a promising chance at a new beginning - a singles' cruise brimming with attractive bachelors ready to sweep her worries away. Including the one who’s already trying to capture her heart. In the weeks leading up to her rebellious departure, Natalie encounters Hermes, an enigmatic and charming stranger while in the virtual waters of the Cruisin’ for Singles chat room. Their online connection flourishes into an intoxicating dance of desires and secrets, stoking a yearning for a real-life encounter. As the clock ticks toward Christmas Eve, they hatch a whimsical plan to meet under the mistletoe. Will this magical rendezvous shatter Natalie's Christmas dreams or kindle a newfound Yuletide passion?
212 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2023
22 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Shander
46 books502 followersH.M. Shander is an award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author who is a hopeless romantic and lover of chocolate, coconut and a damn good cup of coffee.
She's the author of several reader's choice books (Bronze medal for Return to Cheshire Bay and the Gold Medal for Living La Vida Mocha). An upcoming release was also a Kobo Writing Life finalist - so watch for that to release soon.
She writes swoon-worthy, gentle beta heroes, in sweet or steamy storylines that all end with a happily ever after.
When not writing, she is a part-time librarian and Educational Assistant to a group of kindergartens, a devoted mother to her two kids, and believes she's married the sweetest man and the greatest inspiration for her heroes.
Sign up for the newsletters: https://h-m-shander.eo.page/z5tgg
She's the author of several reader's choice books (Bronze medal for Return to Cheshire Bay and the Gold Medal for Living La Vida Mocha). An upcoming release was also a Kobo Writing Life finalist - so watch for that to release soon.
She writes swoon-worthy, gentle beta heroes, in sweet or steamy storylines that all end with a happily ever after.
When not writing, she is a part-time librarian and Educational Assistant to a group of kindergartens, a devoted mother to her two kids, and believes she's married the sweetest man and the greatest inspiration for her heroes.
Sign up for the newsletters: https://h-m-shander.eo.page/z5tgg
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 6, 2024
Thank you H.M. Shander for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The premise of this book is so sweet & I think, with some more revision, this could have been a lovely story.
I struggled to connect with the characters - the FMC’s emotions were all over the place & I found her thoughts to be quite confusing. Her reactions to certain situations were way over the top and there wasn’t really any consistency in the character.
The MMC was your run-of-the-mill, stereotypical ‘can’t commit until the right woman comes along’ man. There was no substance to him & whilst I didn’t find him grating, I also didn’t feel that there was enough detail to make me care about him either.
Considering the singles cruise was included as a pretty big factor in the premise, I was surprised that the FMC didn’t actually go on it until the second half of the book. This resulted in the first half of it feeling mainly like filler; I understood that the relationship between her & ‘Hermes’ needed to be established but it was a very lacklustre effort overall.
The ending was predictable & there was no major ‘plot twist’ as some other reviews are suggesting. I had high hopes for this novel but was left feeling incredibly ‘meh’ about the whole experience.
The premise of this book is so sweet & I think, with some more revision, this could have been a lovely story.
I struggled to connect with the characters - the FMC’s emotions were all over the place & I found her thoughts to be quite confusing. Her reactions to certain situations were way over the top and there wasn’t really any consistency in the character.
The MMC was your run-of-the-mill, stereotypical ‘can’t commit until the right woman comes along’ man. There was no substance to him & whilst I didn’t find him grating, I also didn’t feel that there was enough detail to make me care about him either.
Considering the singles cruise was included as a pretty big factor in the premise, I was surprised that the FMC didn’t actually go on it until the second half of the book. This resulted in the first half of it feeling mainly like filler; I understood that the relationship between her & ‘Hermes’ needed to be established but it was a very lacklustre effort overall.
The ending was predictable & there was no major ‘plot twist’ as some other reviews are suggesting. I had high hopes for this novel but was left feeling incredibly ‘meh’ about the whole experience.
February 19, 2024
This is a well written holiday romcom with strong characters and a sweet romance. She brings an entertaining story, moves it fluidly and delivers a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
December 18, 2024
Warm and fuzzy all over!
October 16, 2023
This book was a sweet and cozy escape from real life.
Best friends to lovers, fun movie references, a hint of mystery and anticipation while you keep reading to find out what will happen at the end. Bonus points for a setting at Christmas time.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book - all opinions are my own
Best friends to lovers, fun movie references, a hint of mystery and anticipation while you keep reading to find out what will happen at the end. Bonus points for a setting at Christmas time.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book - all opinions are my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2023
Can I give this book 6 stars? No? Fine, I will settle for 5.
Holy cow...that ending! I had to take a break to process that plot twist because I NEVER saw it coming (a rarity for me). I loved this story so much! The plot was interesting and never bored me, and the writing itself was superb.
I feel like I need a sequel ASAP to read the continuation of Natalie's story (fingers crossed). I was refreshed by this sweet romance story just in time for the holidays!
ARC received for free; review left voluntarily.
Holy cow...that ending! I had to take a break to process that plot twist because I NEVER saw it coming (a rarity for me). I loved this story so much! The plot was interesting and never bored me, and the writing itself was superb.
I feel like I need a sequel ASAP to read the continuation of Natalie's story (fingers crossed). I was refreshed by this sweet romance story just in time for the holidays!
ARC received for free; review left voluntarily.
February 18, 2024
I enjoyed Messages & Mistletoe, it was a quick and enjoyable read. Natalie is ready for a vacation this Christmas season. She books herself a cruise and begins an online connection through the singles chat room. Follow along on Natalie's journey to meeting the mystery man on Christmas Eve under the mistletoe.
This is a voluntarily review left after receiving and reading an ARC copy.
This is a voluntarily review left after receiving and reading an ARC copy.
November 8, 2023
This is a Beautiful and Magical Christmas Story and it is Natalie and Noah’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. Natalie and Noah has been best friends for years and were there for each other regardless of what the situation was but what Noah didn’t know is that Natalie had been in love with him for a long time but his friendship is so important to her that there is no way that he could ever find out how she feels because it would ruin everything especially as Noah just sees her as his best friend so now Natalie had decided to try and move forward and go on a singles cruise so that she could put a bit of distance between them which will not be easy as they work together and also live in the same apartment complex but now everything was getting harder for Natalie and she needs a break after finding out that her fiancé was cheating on her and it had definitely taken it toll on her and with Christmas approaching she also wanted to get away from all the hype. While on her cruise Natalie had made arrangements to meet her mystery man who she had been messaging on line only when the time comes for them to meet it is Natalie that gets the biggest surprise of her life. Wow this was an amazing read with a sprinkle of Christmas Magic thrown in and I absolutely loved it and couldn’t put it down and had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and the suspense had you on the edge of your seat wondering what the outcome would be and I loved the epilogue as it was a beautiful way to end this story. This author certainly knows how to keep your attention while reading her books and I can’t wait to read more in the future.
November 16, 2023
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.Messages and Mistletoe delivered a sweet but predictable Christmas Romance. It's a story that demonstrates how one spends time searching for that special someone, whilst failing to realise the very person they are looking for is right before their eyes.
Messages and Mistletoe was a quick read. The story flowed seamlessly. Despite the predictability, the story held my attention. I needed to see the heroine's reaction on discovering the identity of her online friend. That aspect of the story had me smiling from ear to ear.
Now, although I enjoyed the build up to the final outcome, I had issues with the characters. Information on the hero was limited, rendering it difficult for one to connect with him. One does not get an idea of his true feelings until the end. As a result, I found it difficult to accept the hero's feelings for the heroine, thus the romance lacked substance. All the focus was on the heroine, who rode an emotional rollercoaster for most of the story.
For a Christmas romance, the holiday theme was sorely lacking. It never left me longing for the festivities. Also, the heroine was supposed to meet her online connection under the mistletoe. They did meet, but no mention was made of the mistletoe.
The story ended on a positive note, with all parties involved sailing into their happily ever after. This is my first time reading the author's work, and Messages and Mistletoe elicited mixed reactions. I enjoyed some aspects of the story and some not so much. However, I wouldn't hesitate to read another of her books. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Messages and Mistletoe was a quick read. The story flowed seamlessly. Despite the predictability, the story held my attention. I needed to see the heroine's reaction on discovering the identity of her online friend. That aspect of the story had me smiling from ear to ear.
Now, although I enjoyed the build up to the final outcome, I had issues with the characters. Information on the hero was limited, rendering it difficult for one to connect with him. One does not get an idea of his true feelings until the end. As a result, I found it difficult to accept the hero's feelings for the heroine, thus the romance lacked substance. All the focus was on the heroine, who rode an emotional rollercoaster for most of the story.
For a Christmas romance, the holiday theme was sorely lacking. It never left me longing for the festivities. Also, the heroine was supposed to meet her online connection under the mistletoe. They did meet, but no mention was made of the mistletoe.
The story ended on a positive note, with all parties involved sailing into their happily ever after. This is my first time reading the author's work, and Messages and Mistletoe elicited mixed reactions. I enjoyed some aspects of the story and some not so much. However, I wouldn't hesitate to read another of her books. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
February 28, 2024
This was a sweet and fun story. I enjoyed it. The characters were interesting, although it primarily focused the reader on the main female character as the story was told from her POV. The friendship was cute, supportive, and tender. I liked how the big surprise was executed. It was cute and fun. (Even if it wasn’t that surprising.) Natalie, struggling to get over a devastating break-up and to overcome her hidden love for her best friend, Noah, planned to ditch Christmas at home and take a singles cruise over the holidays. “I wanted the whole ideal package: good looks and personality. The unicorn I had in Noah. The only thing missing in that was reciprocity.” Through the cruise website, she started chatting anonymously with a man that she connected with. Could he be the answer to helping her deal with her heartbreak? “‘We’re keepng things on the down low with an air of mystery to it so neither of our hearts gets bent and twisted out of shape when we turn out to not be who the other was expecting.’” This is a closed door story with light innuendo and a moderate amount of strong harsh language.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2023
I loved reading, Messages and Mistletoe by H.M. Shander because it was such a great story about Natalie and Hermes. Natalie was having a tough time and she desperately needed a break so she was going on a singles cruise. She started chatting online with someone from the cruise and seemed to hit it off. Natalie's character was trying to move on from a horrible breakup. The story was told in her point of view. Hermes' character was someone who was going on the singles cruise and hit it off well with Natalie. I wondered what would happen when they would meet? I received an ARC of this story and I am voluntarily choosing to leave this review. Great story!!
November 12, 2023
Noah & Natalie!
What a beautiful story. Natalie and Noah have been the best of friends for forever. Noahs family became the family Natalie no longer had. They celebrated Christmas together every year with Noahs family. However, Natalie decided to change it up this year and books a singles cruise for herself to help move past the damageher ex caused but also feelings she has for her best friend.
I loved the suspension of “mystery man” Hermes. The suspension of not knowing who she was going to end up meeting had me completely sucked in. Such a amazing, fun, emotional ending will have your emotions all over like mine. Definitely a recommend book by me!
What a beautiful story. Natalie and Noah have been the best of friends for forever. Noahs family became the family Natalie no longer had. They celebrated Christmas together every year with Noahs family. However, Natalie decided to change it up this year and books a singles cruise for herself to help move past the damageher ex caused but also feelings she has for her best friend.
I loved the suspension of “mystery man” Hermes. The suspension of not knowing who she was going to end up meeting had me completely sucked in. Such a amazing, fun, emotional ending will have your emotions all over like mine. Definitely a recommend book by me!
November 16, 2023
This was such a fun book to read - the writer had me feeling like I was right in the story with the characters, and that was fun.
This cast of co-workers and friends were a joy to read - the friendship between Natalie and Noah is truly a good one - she is secretly attracted to him, and he is playing the field - but he is also loving his best friend - unbeknownst to her.
She is off to take a well deserved holiday, and Noah is worried about her being out there, after all she is his best friend.
She is having an amazing holiday, enjoying all the cruise has to offer - but the ending isn't exactly what she was expecting.
LOVED THIS BOOK!!
This cast of co-workers and friends were a joy to read - the friendship between Natalie and Noah is truly a good one - she is secretly attracted to him, and he is playing the field - but he is also loving his best friend - unbeknownst to her.
She is off to take a well deserved holiday, and Noah is worried about her being out there, after all she is his best friend.
She is having an amazing holiday, enjoying all the cruise has to offer - but the ending isn't exactly what she was expecting.
LOVED THIS BOOK!!
November 8, 2023
I loved this book so much!! The author is great at creating characters you can easily fall in love with. Her writing style is great, simple, flowing and it is hard to stop. I loved Natalie and Noah, the dynamic between them, I was very intrigued by Hermes and what was going to happen during the cruise.. I did not expect the ending…. I will say no more.
I recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for an holiday romance. If you like this book I would also recommend Noel from the same author.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
I recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for an holiday romance. If you like this book I would also recommend Noel from the same author.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
November 8, 2023
Noah and Natalie are besties forever. Neither wants to chance ruining what they've got for what they really want. So they keep on being besties. When her relationship goes kaput, she plans a Christmas cruise getaway. She meets Hermes in the cruise line chat room, and they plan to meet up on Christmas Eve. I had figured out the big secret (sorry kids, no spoilers from me) but wasn't sure how the author would pull it off. She did an amazing job with the ending. I received an advance copy of the book, and this is my honest review.
February 25, 2024
Messages & Mistletoe by H.M. Shander is a good, and enjoyable sweet secret identity friends to lovers holiday vacation romantic comedy read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. This story is a well written read. The characters are great, strong, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining sweet holiday romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2023
This was a quick enjoyable read with a big surprise. Natalee met a mystery man in the chat room for her singles cruise. She started to like him, and was looking forward to meeting him. She was also a bit scared. You have to read this book to see how her journey went and who the mystery man was. The Christmas magic and grand gestures were perfect. Overall it is a fun romantic, holiday read. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2024
This is a wonderful story...Messages and Mistletoe is Natalie and Noah's story. Natalie is tired of the Christmas cheer...so she decides to get away from it all and goes on a Caribbean cruise and develops an online connection with Noah. When they decide to meet in person, will it be enough to get Natalie back into the Christmas spirit?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2023
A very good read with a true hea. Although it was pretty predictable it's the way it was written to get to the hea. I did enjoy the characters a lot and the best friend to couple trope was very well written. Unfortunately I did not catch most of the movie references as I did not watch top gun or maverick. Not a tom cruise fan. Overall I thought this was a sweet holiday read I know you will enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2023
I loved this book. The plot and that it was a Christmas romance with a cruise ship setting was so unique and current. The book is sweet, funny and so surprising. I loved the realistic characters and their online converstations. The thrill of them meeting under the mistletoe kept the pages turning. So worth the read!
November 8, 2023
This author does not disappoint as we jump into this fantastic Christmas read! It’s an exciting and emotional read that in true Christmas style tugs on your heartstrings and leaves you with that Christmassy feel good feeling. Fun and relatable characters that you can’t help but fall for and has you hoping against hope that they get their hea.
November 9, 2023
WOW… this cute & adorable Christmas Romance story was the perfect start to all of my Christmas reads!!! I even loved how it involved a cruise vacation (being a major cruise lover). And chapter 13, making me GASP!😮
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I cannot wait to read more books by H.M. Shander!! Thank you for a great story!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I cannot wait to read more books by H.M. Shander!! Thank you for a great story!!!
November 10, 2023
Getting ready for the season! And there's no better way than "Messages & Mistletoe!"
Natalie and Hermes plan to finally meet under the mistletoe! But, does it happen?
Absolutely loved the dialogue. I've said before, great dialogue is so important, as it sets the mood!
I couldn't put this down and enjoyed each minute.
What a wonderful beginning to this magical season!
Natalie and Hermes plan to finally meet under the mistletoe! But, does it happen?
Absolutely loved the dialogue. I've said before, great dialogue is so important, as it sets the mood!
I couldn't put this down and enjoyed each minute.
What a wonderful beginning to this magical season!
November 19, 2023
H.M Shander writes wonderful stories, and this is the most delightful Christmas story that I’ve read this year!! Noah makes a perfect book boyfriend, so kind and caring of Natalie, and always there for her. The storyline was so unique and charming, and the relationship so endearing. I loved every page of it and hated to see it end!
October 12, 2023
Ohh this is a nice Christmas time story! It's a quick read. A love story between 2 best friends. It has some hilarious conversations! And the cruise description 🤣.
You have to read it! It gives you hope and it can cheer a Grinch!
You have to read it! It gives you hope and it can cheer a Grinch!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2023
Christmas magic
Natalie and Noah are best friends and for years have celebrated Christmas, but for this year she books herself on a singles cruise.
Mystery man, best friends to lovers. Happily ever after as required for a Christmas romance.
Love this author..never fails to entertain
Natalie and Noah are best friends and for years have celebrated Christmas, but for this year she books herself on a singles cruise.
Mystery man, best friends to lovers. Happily ever after as required for a Christmas romance.
Love this author..never fails to entertain
February 28, 2024
I've read a lot of books written by H.M. Shander; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
She has written another good stand-alone book. The story is about Natalie & Hermes; they meet before she’s about to take off on a cruise.
She has written another good stand-alone book. The story is about Natalie & Hermes; they meet before she’s about to take off on a cruise.
March 10, 2024
This is a fun, enjoyable story with Natalie and Hermes. Natalie is going through a bunch of different things and her story is so interesting. I enjoyed this story a lot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2024
I liked this fun, quick, holiday romance. It has just the right amount of angst without being too heavy. I had it on my TBR since last holiday season and was glad to get to reading. Kudos to H.M. Shander!
November 6, 2023
I read this book in 1 day!! I really enjoyed this story and when I thought I knew what was gonna happen it had me questioning everything!!!! You defiantly wanna read this feel good story!
November 9, 2023
Must read this nice and sweet Christmas story of a vocation romance. Natalie wants to get away for Christmas to move on from her feelings for her best friends Noah. Noah is always there for her and cares about Natalie which hurts her because she wants more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews