Under The Mistletoe

Matchmaker #1

by M.C. Cerny

Because everyone deserves to fall at least once…

Monroe Matches is throwing the hottest holiday mixer for all the sexy singles in Miami. We’ve got the mistletoe, come and meet your holiday match…

Carla Monroe has been matching couples for decades. If there’s one match she hasn’t gotten right, it’s her son Phineas. No woman has sparked his interest, no matter how many of her top contenders she’s secretly paraded in his path, both in and out of the office.

Luckily for Carla, Maxine Mackenzie has finally come back to Miami. Once she pairs her grumpy marketing director son with the free-spirited party planner, sparks fly. Taking a cue from her Shaman, Carla hightails out of town to let the two people who need a match the most, fall… under the mistletoe.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Christmas, Novella, Amazon

ebook

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

M.C. Cerny is a USA Today Bestselling author of fresh sexy books. She experienced her first real ugly cry reading, Where The Red Fern Grows, and never looked back. She lives with a menagerie of human and feline fur-babies in rural NJ. When M.C. is not writing, you’ll find her lurking in Starbucks, running stupid marathons, and eating all the tacos while plotting her next book.

Reviews

[Brandy Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun quick read with a little steam. I loved it.
Maxie is curvier and has some self-esteem issues.
Finn's too hot for his own good and has a British accent to boot.
I'm definitely want to see where this goes.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun quick read about Finn and Maxine. This is the first time that they have seen each other again for the first time in 12 years and with the help of others, they start to realize that the crushes they had when they were kids was still alive. Everyone around them already knew it but sometimes you just don’t see it as clear as everyone else does. Will they finally be able to open their eyes and see how what they have been missing or will they let it slip away again?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of those hidden gems in my opinion. I was expecting a book where they see each other and hit it off right away. With a great deal of hot steamy sexy times. That the hero was into having control. Well, he is but not the way I thought. What I got was something more. They have great chemistry and attraction. I also got heavy drama, I would recommend this to anyone!! Who loves Holiday Romances!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn Monroe, works in his mother's matchmaking business. Maxie grew up next door to Finn until she moved across country to California when he was in junior high. Carla, his mother brings the adult Maxie back and takes a trip to leave Finn to work with Maxie, now a party planner to put on an event to build their business.

I enjoyed the humor as the very serious Finn and the fun loving Maxie clash and make-up constantly in Under the Mistletoe and how Finn surprises Maxie at the end of the story. It was a fun short novella.

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you add twelve years apart to a childhood crush? POW! Insta-lust / insta-love with a whole lotta steam. It's a fun story that had Finn tied in knots after Maxie's return. The two of them are adorable with chemistry to spare.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under The Mistletoe: The Matchmaker Series By: M.C. Cerny
Are They Gonna Get "Under The Mistletoe," & Be ForEver MATCHED!?!
His Mom's got a PLAN.. To get Him Matched,
Cuz that's Her Forte after all!
Sooo, She's brought in a Blast from His PAST,
To HELP plan a combo Mixer/Holiday Bash...
But the last thing He really wants to DO,
Is get "Under The Mistletoe" Right Now!
or it was until He saw Her...
And He lost His EVER Lov'n Mind!
Now He'd like to get "Under The Mistletoe" with Her,
Before SomeOne else does!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of M.C. Cerny's "Under The Mistletoe: The Matchmaker Series." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Saucy Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Mistletoe was a very short festive read. I enjoyed every character and loved that they had known each other, that they had a past.

*Carla Monroe- The matchmaking mother

*Phineas Monroe- The Uncommitted Ladies Man

*Priscilla Monroe- The Crazy Driving Crude Talking Sister

*Maxine Mackenzie- The Party Planner


Carla Monroe wants her son to be happy and find love, so she comes up with a plan to bring Phineas and Maxine together.

While Carla ask Maxine to come down to Miami to help organize a Christmas mixer for all their clientele, Maxine jumps at the chance to get away from California. She stays with her childhood best friend Priscilla Monroe, and is ready for what this change will bring her.

What she didn't expect was to bump into Phineas that first day and still have those childhood feeling for him. As for Phineas, he fondly remembers Maxine and how she would follow him around. There was always something about her that wormed her way into his thoughts.

As the story proceeds, you can see how Priscilla plays her match making part to also match them up together. I found Priscilla to be hilarious with her crude talking and crazy driving! I would love there to be a second book on her, I can only imagine the things she would say and do.

As Phineas and Maxine take this step to see where things head, you can't help but to love where this story takes you. I found Under The Mistletoe to be a cute and funny read, definitely one of my favorite short reads!

I Give
Under The Mistletoe
by M.C. Cerny
**** 4 ****
Stars

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an adult romance set in Miami during the Christmas season. A mother and daughter firm provides computer dating and dating parties. They are holding such a party but a young man who used to fancy the daughter is keen to start seeing her. However this lady has put on a good deal of weight since, and has lost confidence in her attractiveness.

The tale is light hearted and may amuse. I found it somewhat sad that the lady uses all kinds of euphemisms to avoid describing herself as fat. Nor does she research a healthy diet and regime for sustained weight loss, just calls herself curvy and eats more doughnuts. The American diet is overly high in hormone-fed meat and corn syrup but surely an intelligent, well-off young woman would be able to eat better. I'm glad she doesn't let her body issues stop her from having a nice life.

[Angie Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect for a fun light hearted Christmas read! MC Cerny has written and great curvy girl who, thankfully doesn't whine about being a plus size. Maxie is a witty character who draws you in. Phineas (Finn) is a sassy British man working for his mom's matchmaking business. He is charming and focused. He doesn't do relarionships, he seems to be more of a no strings attatched kind of guy. Until Maxie enters his life again. The fun is taking the ride with these two as they rediscover eachother. Add in Finn's sister and his matchmaking mom and you have the perfect mix of fun and love.
I love a book that I can relate to and makes me laugh this is definitely one of those. I love a book that in the end leaves me wanting more. Spot on with this M C Cerny!

[Catherine Wright (Cat's Guilty Pleasure) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick short read. I really did enjoy it. It's filled with humor and two people connecting after being separated for 12 years. I really liked both characters. I just love when characters that have secretly crushed on each other for years finally make the connection. This is a fun book to read and I'd recommend it to anyone who needs a laugh.

Review done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our fansite at http://www.facebook.com/nerdgirl.ng

[Babus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella. Phineas and Maxine are reunited after twelve years apart. They were childhood frienemies. Now that they're back in the same city, the flames have reignited. But, getting over their shared past will be the biggest obstacle. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the follow up novel! 4 out of 5!

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first book I read from M C Cerny and will not be the last. it was fun, with romance thrown I n. can't wait for Pris story. off to see if it's out yet.

[Michelle Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

This was my first by this author but definitely won't be my last. Great mix of humor,sass,spice, and romance. I would recommend to anyone.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute quick read. I actually would have loved this book as a full novel!

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this story idea had potential I found it difficult reading due to the amount of typos and misplaced comm as throughout the book. This author would benefit from some ARC readers willing to assist in catching those errors. In addition, it was off putting to have the pivotal past event focussed on our forteen year old H and his friends seeing our naked eleven year old h, who had physically matured earlier than her friends, while skinny dipping at a girls sleep over. It is portrayed that Finn has crushed on her ever since that day even though it's been twelve years since they've seen each other.

Event planner Maxine Mackenzie has arrived in Miami, her self-esteem shattered after a bad break-up, but ready to prove she has what it takes to pull together a last minute mixer for Monroe Matches dating service run by her best friend's family. Maxine just didn't realize her besties brother also worked for the company and although it turns out her crush on Phineas is as strong as ever she can't forget that horrifying day twelve years ago.

Finn is stunned to see Maxine after all these years. He knows it drives his mother crazy that he won't settle down but no woman has been able to measure up to Maxine (that naked eleven year old from his past). Now they find themselves working together to make his mother's big event a success, all the while flirty innuendos are flying and Finn is determined to prove to Maxine that she is worthy of love, and perfect just the way she is.

[Rudy Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cerny's matchmaking series is wonderful. "Under The Mistletoe" is an amazing story of love denied love. The main characters (Phineas & Maxine) are strong, self-preservation focused people who have had an unspoken/unshared mutual love for over a decade. The emotional component to this story only feeds the love I developed for these characters.

Phineas despises his mother's attempts at matching him with a mate. Yes, she wants him happy...but really! When Maxine returns from L.A. he is caught off guard. He wants her, and not just her body for the night. Maxine finds her attraction to him has not changed, only intensified. But can she trust him with her tattered heart, or her shameful secret.

As they navigate planning a party for the holidays, her walls crumble, but he refuses to rush. As she pushes and pulls, Phineas remains firm, though it is killing him.

Will they ever get together? Will it blow up jn their face? Phineas & Maxine seem so good together, but will fate allow it? Will they have a chance to discover each other's desire?

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest, unbias review.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lite and Frothy

This is a sweet and fast-paced novella story about of Maxine and Finn............and let's not forget a meddling matchmaking mother that gets herself inserted in there also. Maxine returns to Miami after being away for twelve years. She is there to plan a holiday party for the mother of her best friend who is a matchmaker. The issue is that while she is there she also runs into Finn, who is the older brother of her friend. Finn always liked Maxine and never forget her while she was gone. So it is a great surprise to him when she runs into him at his mother's office. But that is not the only surprise as they have been tasked to work together to arrange the party.

This story is fun and lite. I will say that I expected more holiday themed things but it was not really there..............a disappointment to me. Bu

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monroe Matches is throwing the hottest holiday mixer for all the sexy singles in Miami. We’ve got the mistletoe. Come and meet your holiday match…
Carla Monroe has been matching couples for decades, but if there’s one match she hasn’t gotten right, it’s her son, Phineas. No woman has sparked his interest, no matter how many of her top contenders she’s secretly paraded in his path…both in and out of the office.
Luckily for Carla, Maxine Mackenzie has finally come back to Miami. Once she pairs her grumpy marketing director son with the free-spirited party planner, sparks fly. Taking a cue from her shaman, Carla hightails it out of town to let the two people who need a match the most fall…Under the Mistletoe.

Heather's Notes
This is a cute short story that is sweet. I enjoyed it. I liked Fill a little more than Maxine, but that was because Maxine was a bit wishy washy. Still it was nice.

[Tara Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn and Maxie were perfect for each other, they were just to blind to see it until they were older. Growing up next door to each other, they both had cruses on each other, but didn't act on the attraction. Twelve years later, when Maxie moves back to Miami, he can't stay away and she is hesitant to believe that he is interested in her. Not only is she heavier than most of the women he could pick from, but he seems out of her league. The way they come together is sweet and the misunderstanding from when they were younger is cleared up as well. I can't wait to see what happens with his sister and all the other characters in this book. A wonderful, quick read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sensationally heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance. Phineas is one of the owners of Monroe Matches a dating service and has always had a thing for his best friend Maxine. Maxine is a party planner who has returned home in Miami and is hired to plan events for Monroe Matches. When these two are reunited the attraction and chemistry between Phin and Maxine was off the charts. I loved the dynamic between Phin and Maxine and the friendship they share. Under the Mistletoe was a witty, laughter filled story with passion, and lovable Christmas story that readers won't want to put down. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Matchmaker Series by M.C. Cerny. Carla Monroe is the CEO of Monroe Matches and mother of Finn Monroe. Maxine Mackenzie is a party planner who returns home to Miami at Carla's request to plan a holiday party with Finn. Finn and Maxie were once childhood crushes. Finn is left in charge while his mother takes a last-minute vacation, and sparks fly as he and Maxie navigate party chaos, old feelings, and a few mistletoe moments. As the holiday nears, the heat turns up, and both Maxie and Finn must decide whether they’re ready for romance. This is a story of holiday romance, second chances, matchmaking, meddling and unexpected holiday sparks between a party planner and childhood crushes. I really enjoyed this short-story romantic comedy novella.

[J Basco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed the book even though I was disappointed in how short it was. The majority of the book is spent describing Phineas' (Finn) experience being the only male working at a matchmaking business owned and run by his mother. Once Maxine enters the book, the relationship between her and Phineas takes off at warp speed. Despite how fast the story went, I liked the chemistry between Finn and Maxine. I loved that they had a history from childhood and found each other again after growing up.

It's a cute, quick, Christmas read with a dash of steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great little holiday read. M. C. Cerny is a new to me author and after reading this book, I can not wait to read more. This looks like it will be a great little series and a great place for me to start.

Phineas and Maxie are great. They were entertaining to read about and I really enjoyed them. Strong but short story line, awesome characters, nice detailed descriptions and engaging dialogue.

Written as a 1st person, mutli pov with a HFN ending.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. Maxine and Finn had been childhood friends but had not seen each other since her family moved away twelve years ago. She had however stayed in touch with his sister Priscilla.. After Maxine had been dumped by her fiancée Priscilla invited her to work in the family matchmaking business as a party planner. Finn was also now working for the company and Priscilla and her mother were intent on throwing them together. Would their plans work. I will now have to read the other books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by the author and It was awesome it kept my interest form start to finish. It's a fast paced fun read with awesome plot,word and character building.I loved Fin and Maxie the banter between them was great, they have a sizzling chemistry and a passion right form the beginning. It's a wonderful Christmas story to get you into the holiday spirit. It's a must read for any fan and I can't wait to read more form this author!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S I · Rating 4 out of 5]

M.C.Cerny has a sweet written story. A home run!
Phineas / Finn is called by his mom, Carla, to get to work, like now and bring the coffee too lol. She doesn’t know he’s a bit hung over and had a wild night. Night after night a different lady in his bed, but he’s starting to feel unsatisfied.
Carla business is matchmaking and shes been trying to connect him but he’s not interested. Carla and his sister sets things in motion. Behold fate brings back Maxine from the west coasts to Miami. She hasn’t been back for 12 years. Maxine and Finn meet again and each are blown away by their strong attraction. Sweet story! Happy ending and very funny! Short and sweet!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about Maxine who is moving back to Miami after her fiancé dumps her. She starts working for her best friend's mom, Carla, planning a party for matchmaking business. She has to work with Finn, Carla's son and her high school crush. Finn and Maxine work together and bond in the process of planning the party/mixers. Finn had also had a crush on Maxine in high school and is still interested in her so he is trying to woo her. I enjoyed reading the story and was happy they ended up together. Cute story!

[Debra Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn and Maxine liked each other as children but never told anyone. Now that Finn’s mom is setting up a big meet and greet for the match making company she gets Maxine to help.

Maxine doesn’t know that Finn is a part of the company. When she sees him after many years of no contact she finds herself still wanting him. Problem is she is not confident in her own body. Can Maxine overcome all of this? Can she and Finn fall for each other now that they are adults?

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short story. It was sweet to have childhood crushes come face to face after 12 years apart. Their chemistry is crazy. But will they stop fighting what they both want and have wanted since being kids ? Great read !! Wonderful characters and love Finn’s mom. I know book 2 is out and I’m sure it’s even better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fin an Maxine were thrown together to put on a holiday mixer. It had been twelve years since they had seen each other. She was his younger sisters best friend when they were young but had moved away. Can Maxine overcome her unwarranted feelings of her curvy body? Will Fin and Maxine finally get together? Fun read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.