The Probability of Mistletoe

by E.J. Russell, Kirt Graves (Narrator)

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar collection Stocking Stuffers.

When software engineer Keith Trainor decides to start his own company, he knows exactly who he wants as his partner: Parker Mulvaney, his best friend from high school. But in the ten years since graduation, their contact has dwindled to nothing, and it’s all Keith’s fault. If he hadn’t tried to kiss Parker under the mistletoe at the winter formal their senior year, Parker wouldn’t have bolted. At their ten-year reunion, Keith intends to do everything in his geeky power to make amends.

Parker should have known that scheduling the reunion the day before Christmas Eve was a recipe for a headache of monster proportions. But when Keith sends a text that he’ll be attending, the evening doesn’t look so bleak. Can an unnecessary makeover, a nostalgic breakfast, an abortive shopping trip, and a whole lot of mistletoe culminate in a long-overdue first kiss?

Genres: Holiday, M M Romance, Christmas, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook

2 pages, Audible Audio

First published December 1, 2017

About the author

E.J. Russell –grace, mother of three, recovering actor–writes romance in a rainbow of flavors. Count on high snark, low angst and happy endings.

Reality? Eh, not so much.

Reviews

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, but unmemorable Christmassy palate cleanser 🎄

I mean… it’s 59 pages aka 1h27mins, the audio included in my audible subscription and narrated by Kirt Graves. Based on the reviews, I knew it wasn’t going to be Shakespeare, so my expectations weren’t set too high.

So all things considered, it was… cute. Kept me company after a relatively stressful day, and made me smile. Were the story and the characters well developed? Not really, but it wasn’t bad, either - it’s the story about 2 former best friends, who meet again at a Highschool reunion- and who’ve been (not so) secretly in love the whole time, only to finally give in - you guessed it - under a mistletoe.

There would have been potential for a full book there, with all the characters and side plots - but still, it’s been nice enough to rate it with 3 stars.

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I have no idea what's on Peter and Keith's head ten years ago when they were obviously attracted to each other, and Peter just bolted and ignored Keith just like that. No explanation after that, no apologies? And Keith just assumed?
Ten year's later, they has the same path and still, Keith's assuming?
It's actually the sweet Christmas story, but not enough chemistry between Peter and Keith to make me believe that they will have a HEA.
Sorry.

[Agla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance but I feel it's too short to really work. We have Keith who had left town 10 years earlier to go to uni and is coming back with a business/partnership proposal for Parker. Before Keith left Parker had avoided his kiss for really stupid reasons and I felt that Keith was the apologetic one which didn't fit. The reconciliation wasn't "gradual" enough for me. It mostly happened in the last chapter. All in all short and cute.

[Alisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this author & it did not go well for me. A full bah humbug review to follow

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute. "Mistletoe is awesome!" indeed.

[Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

After a failed attempt at a kiss under the Mistletoe, Keith left to attend college in California and has made a life for himself in Silicon Valley. It’s been 10 years and now he’s back for his high school reunion, and just maybe he’ll have another chance with Parker.

Keith and Parker were both sweet and likable and this was lovely second chances romance. I found the story to be somewhat rushed and I was left wanting more character development, but still an enjoyable and recommendable holiday story.

*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one let me down. Neither Keith or Parker were interesting or engaging characters.

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet

[Erica Chilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

4 Stars

Parker is a joiner and a planner. Keith is an introvert. They balanced each other out perfectly, from freshman year on, as best friends with secret romantic feelings. An almost-kiss underneath the mistletoe removed the possibility of an 'us' for the teenagers.

Using the 10-year class reunion as an excuse to reconnect, with a business proposition in hand, Keith is going to get his best friend back, and he's hoping to become Parker's partner, in more ways than one.

The Probability of Mistletoe was surprisingly in-depth for so few pages. It was the perfect escape during a stress-reducing bubble bath. This is a second-chance, friends-to-lovers storyline, featuring all the anticipation as both characters fear, worry, and wonder if the other is feeling the same as they do in return.

The small cast of side characters- Parker's family -were delightful in the holiday setting, giving off the warmth, amusement, and embarrassment most feel during family gatherings.

[Serena Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

High school reunions are very binary: either you love them or you the them. Much depends on how you got on with the people you attended high school with and whether you want to see them again, but I think your attitude also depends on your maturity. If you’ve grown out of “needing their approval” you are far more likely to not want to attend. And this is one of the reasons why I found Keith and Parker’s story so interesting. Both of them have grown since graduation, have their own lives, and certainly don’t need anyone from high school for approval or anything else. And yet – both are drawn to the event like flies to honey.

Keith was the class geek, and is now a talented software engineer on the verge of starting his company. But he knows that he “doesn’t do people” well, and he needs his former best friend, Parker, to help him with that side of the venture. Since they are estranged due to an aborted kiss at graduation, Keith needs an excuse to come to see Parker and present his proposal. What better opportunity/excuse than their ten-year high school reunion?

Parker is a people person through and through, to the point that he is getting used by his boss at the PR agency and his clients alike. He has always regretted running from “the kiss”, has been in love with Keith for a long time, and is hoping for a “rematch”. Things take an unexpected turn or two once they reconnect, but Parker is prepared to go to practically any length to get what he wants – Keith!

If you like your Christmas stories with lots and lots of mistletoe, if you think that a science geek and an outgoing PR guy might just make the perfect couple, and if you’re looking for a sweet, entertaining read that is full of Christmas cheer, then you will probably like this short story as much as I do.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

[Beth doesn't write enough reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of reconnecting and not missing another opportunity to be with the one you have always loved.

[Pam Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars ⭐⭐🎧

Meh, it was ok.

[Sandy Lazarovici · Rating 3 out of 5]

That's it? Is that the ending? That's just stupid. This was so disappointing.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute Christmas novella.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Probability of Mistletoe (2017 Advent Calendar Daily - Stocking Stuffers) by E.J. Russell
4 stars
M/M Second Chance Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

Parker and Keith have a history that is a decade long. Despite their distance, both have had feelings for each other since high school. When a misunderstanding, insecurities and being young get in their way, they drift apart.

Keith is ambitious but he's also shy. While he has a plan to get his best friend back in his life, he also is hoping that his plan will allow them to have a much different relationship. Parker has always been a planner and part of a group. He knows that his choices changed their relationship all those years ago and is excited to see his friend again.

The family is hilarious and so genuine in this story. I think that these two will make it on both accounts and it was fun to see them reconnect. It's a sweet second chance friendship/romance story that's just the right length.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sigh. High school reunions. I can’t say I’ve been to any of mine although this year would have marked my 29th. I also can’t say I’ve ever wanted to attend any of them. To put it bluntly, I didn’t care for most of those people then, why should I make an effort now? However, in Keith and Parker’s story, it’s very obvious that their tenth-year reunion is going to bring them the happiness they’ve been missing or, at the very least, provide answers to for some questions that have been a long time coming.

I love a plot where the awkward, yet well-meaning, act of many years before is vindicated by both people and where they’ve ended up now. Keith and Parker were best friends from freshman year on even though they were complete opposites. And, no matter how much Parker wanted to kiss Keith that night so long ago, Parker knew that if they went from friends to boyfriends, Keith would be so focused on Parker that he would have turned down the opportunity to go to Stanford just so he could remain in-state with Parker.

Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorably gratuitous use of mistletoe in this second chance romance. Second chance PLUS the one that got away. The author did a great job of showing the backstory for the MC's so I totally believed in an HEA for them.

Full Unicornian Gangbang reviews every Sunday in celebration of DSP's annual Advent releases posted on the blog and then here.

Week 3 posts December 17th and I'd recommend reading every one of them! Nothing says Merry Jizzmas like DSP's Advent stories and reading them with your besties makes them even sweeter.



**copies of the DSP Advent Calendar were provided in exchange for honest reviews**

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

This was a super cute Christmas story about reunited friends finally getting their lips together and admitting how they really feel.

Keith and Parker were best friends in high school, but their friendship became strained when Parker rejected Keith’s attempt to steal a kiss at their winter formal. Keith was embarrassed and heartbroken, Parker was conflicted and confused and when Keith moved away to attend university, they allowed themselves to lose contact.

But now Keith is back in town, ready to start his own company and knowing he won’t succeed without Parker as his partner. Of course, as soon as these two clap eyes on each other again, all thoughts of trying to simply be friends become rather difficult.

While this story was only short, the author’s sense of humor was quite evident. The story was fun, even while Keith and Parker broke my heart a little.

I was a bit disappointed that the reunion turned out to be kind of a non-event. I do like a good high school reunion tale, and from the blurb I thought that more time was going to be spent on that night. Having said that however, I did enjoy the way the author squeezed so much into this short story without making the pace feel too rushed. The inclusion of Parker’s nieces and their Christmas gifts was pretty cool and my absolute favourite scene was reading about Keith desperately trying to find somewhere to stand that wasn’t beneath a bunch of mistletoe.

I’d definitely like to read more from this author.

Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/12/1...

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, sweet sweet second chances. I'm such a sucker for second-chance romances, and this book definitely ticked some boxes. Parker and Keith had been friends for a long time. Or, well, they were friends in high school, but Keith scared Parker off by trying to kiss him at their senior winter formal. Parker hadn't been prepared for Keith's advances and he wasn't sure how to deal with it, so he did the only thing he knew how to do and put space between them. He won't have to face the music if he never sees Keith again, right?

But after a few years of space and time to reflect, Parker realized that he'd kinda done a shitty thing and he needed to apologize for it. When he caught word that Keith was going to be at their reunion on Christmas Eve, he went all out trying to look his best and impress Keith. As it turned out, maybe kissing his best friend wasn't so scary after all.

I love books with characters who have history, especially when they're written by good authors, because you can feel the familiarity between them. That's why friends to lovers and second chances are some of my favorite M/M Romance tropes. I liked this book specifically because of the effortless dynamic between Keith and Parker. Despite parting on less-than-ideal terms and not seeing each other for several years, they still clicked like they'd always belonged together. Parker was a little scared that Keith wouldn't accept his apology and Keith was scared that Parker wouldn't want anything to do with him, but they both swallowed their pride and talked it out anyway. The chemistry between them was undeniable.

The mistletoe incident came full circle in the end and they found a way to work it out. The Probability of Mistletoe was a pretty good book. I really enjoyed reading it.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gay best friends during high school, it all ended awkwardly when Keith Trainor tried to kiss Parker Mulvaney under the mistletoe at their senior year winter formal. They headed off to different colleges and have hardly spoken since. Now Keith wants that to change, so, against his better judgement, he attends the 10-year reunion only to find Parker appears to be with someone else. Parker has always had misgivings about his rejection of Keith and he’s determined to mend the relationship. What better way to do that than hang up lots of mistletoe?

I always like EJ Russell’s gentle books and this short second-chances story was satisfying despite the premise. There didn’t seem to be any convincing reason for why Parker failed to talk things out after rejecting the original mistletoe kiss. Other than that, the guys were decent, the story cute, and the ending happy. I’m often not a fan of short stories but this didn’t feel rushed or in need of more chapters. 🎧 Of course, it didn’t hurt to use voice acting legend Kirt Graves, who is always great with softer, more vulnerable characters. He always delivers heart and humour so well in his performances!

[UnusualChild{beppy} · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Keith and Parker were best friends in high school. They kind of drifted apart afterward, since Parker stayed in their hometown and Keith went on to bigger and better things. But it is their high school reunion, and Keith is coming to town unexpectedly. Keith is looking for more than friendship, and Parker wants to right a wrong that took place their last year in high school.

This was really short, so there wasn't much story. What was there was nice, though. I liked that you could tell the kind of people that Keith and Parker were, and Parker's family seems like they would be a hoot. There wasn't too much time spent dwelling on the past while they were together, since they were busy catching up on each other's lives, but they spent quite a bit of time lamenting while they were apart from each other in the story. Overall, kind of bland, but not bad. I think I would have liked it a lot more if there had been more story.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The one that got away

This was sweet but a little lacking in further emotional connection. Keith and Parker has been best friends until an ill fated mistletoe incident drive them apart. Now a decade later they are meeting up at their high school reunion after having fallen out and not talking to each other any more. Regardless to their history and problems both of them clearly still want each other but constant issues in communication, which is in fact what drive them apart the first time, seek to drive them apart again. It was a bit frustrating, full of assumptions and misunderstandings, as well as not really getting the chance to build something new and now instead of just working off of what once was. An easy read that's just missing a little bit more oomph.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore holiday stories and The Probability of Mistletoe is one of my favorites. EJ Russell is an amazing author and I love her books especially her holiday stories. I usually start re-reading this around July and keep going back to it. It's so cute, warm, and low-angst. Keith and Parker were best friends in high school but their friendship died when a mistletoe misunderstanding occurred at their Winter Formal. Keith is look forwarding to seeing Parker again at their 10-year high school reunion the day before Christmas Eve. Parker is dreading it and hoping to avoid an awkward scene. This is a short and sweet opposites attract, second chance, romance featuring an awkward geek, meddling family members, and a lot of mistletoe :)

[Suze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, frolicky Christmas story.
Parker is rueing his ‘for his own good’ actions as regards Keith, 10 years ago. Always these are done with best intentions but leave the recipient uncertain at best and usually exceedingly p’d off with the other party.
Keith has been nursing the hurt for 10 years - we didn’t get to see the realisation that Parker’s actions were for Keith’s own good - would have been interesting to see what he thought. It always smacks of ‘i know better than you what you need coz I’m better than you’ this trope.
Anyway, Keith’s self esteem hasn’t been improved by Parker’s actions though he does seem to have some gumption, and now nice new clothes.

[Sadonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorites so far in this anthology of Holiday stories. Love the geek and popular guy/friends to lovers/second chances tropes in this one. Parker is adorable - as is his whole family. Keith is so sweet - geekishly shy and unsure of himself. Parker is still kicking himself over the missed opportunity his senior year - even though it was with the best of intentions.

In a short word count, felt like we got to know these guys and understand their situation and past. Loved Parker's family too and a great shout out to girls in STEM!

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If we ignore all their time together in high school, these two are the perfect definition of "third time's the charm." First Keith runs away from their 10 year reunion with the wrong impression of Parker's current love life, then Parker leaves Keith in the Climate Change Mobile (patent pending) thinking he's changed from the guy Parker had been best friends with, so the 3rd encounter of the weekend just has to be the one to work out. And, to no one's surprise, it does. End of fluffy little story. Exactly what I was expecting, thank you very much!

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An aborted kiss a decade ago has left Keith and Parker estranged. Parker knows that if they had kissed Keith would never have gone to Stanford and achieved success as a programmer because he would have stayed with Parker. Now Keith has returned for their school's reunion and he wants Parker. The day of the reunion arrives and things don't want to pan out as intended for either of them. Soon it's Christmas eve and with a business proposal and a partnership on the line will they finally get what they wanted so many years ago?

[Morgan Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want this to end! It was sooooo cute and sweet and funny and charming and…

It has an adorable geek, a sweet extrovert, a family of nuts and tons of mistletoe!

This was a very slow burn, no heat holiday story with lots of heart. These two boys were just meant to be and Parker’s grand gesture was treated really well (though I kinda wanted him to explain it more to Keith and have Keith appreciate it more…)

I wish we could have seen these guys at least through their “first time together”, but… it was still wonderful!

Highly Recommended and among my favorites of the bunch!


5 of 5 stars

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another short, sweet story of the one that got away. A misunderstanding at their highs hook winter formal made things awkward between Keith and Parker. Now 10 years later Keith is back in town with a proposition.
Parker is hoping for another chance to make things right with Keith after pushing him away so many years ago.

If you like second chances and sweet holiday romance you should like this.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible Review

Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars

Cute second chance romance.
This was a sweet second chance romance between 2 guys who used to be best friends. But for having been separate for 10 years, with no contact at all, it seemed like it was a little too easy for them to reconnect and put the past in the past.

I think Kirt Graves is a terrific narrator.