Love and Mistletoe

Ballybeg #4

by Zara Keane

An alternate cover edition can be found here.

Stand alone Christmas novella in the Ballybeg series of Irish romantic comedies. Love, laughter, and a Happily Ever After during the festive season!

Kissed by Christmas, True Love by New Year
Policeman Brian Glenn wants a promotion. Studying for a degree in criminology is the first step. When a member of Ballybeg's most notorious family struts into his forensic psychology class, his hopes for a peaceful semester vanish. Sharon MacCarthy is the last woman he should get involved with, however hot and bothered she makes him get under his police uniform. Can he survive the semester without succumbing to her charms?

Sharon's had a rough few months. She knows her future job prospects depend on her finally finishing her degree. When she's paired with her secret crush for the semester project, she sees a chance for happiness. Can she persuade Brian that there's more to her than sequins, high heels, and a rap sheet?

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

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

Zara Keane is a USA Today bestselling author of Irish cozy mysteries and romantic comedies.

Zara grew up in Dublin, Ireland, but spent her summers in a small town very similar to the fictitious Ballybeg and Smuggler's Cove.

She currently lives in Switzerland with her family. When she’s not writing, Zara loves knitting, running, unplugged gaming, and adding to her insanely large lipstick collection.

Don't miss a new story! For news, giveaways, and TWO free stories, sign up for Zara's Mailing List at https://zarakeane.com/newsletter/

Zara can also be found in her Facebook Reader Group, the Mystery Mavens.

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not quite an enemies to lovers tale, "Love and Mistletoe" definitely starts out that way. It is a sweet story of two people who have an attraction for each other, but a lot of misconceptions too.

Sharon MacCarthy's family doesn't have the best reputation in Ballybeg and since her mother died, Sharon has returned to school as she promised. To make anything of herself she needs to finish her psychology degree. After yet another run in with the Ballybeg Garda, Brian Glenn, she is surprised to see him setting in her forensic psychology class.

Brian Glenn loves being a Garda in Ballybeg. The small village just suits him, but in order to advance he needs a degree in criminology and is taking classes toward that goal. He is shocked speechless when in walks Sharon MacCarthy to his forensic psychology class and then they are assigned to work as partners on a semester project. They have always had an attraction and now they have time and proximately to explore it.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great Christmas novella about Sharon MacCarthy and Brian Glenn. This seemed like an unlikely match since Sharon had a reputation for being a trouble maker and Brian was the local constabulary. You will just have to read this story to find out if/how it works for them. The writing was fantastic making life in a small Irish village very appealing. This Christmas story was a humorous, quick read that I really enjoyed.

The descriptions of the characters made it easy to picture them. They really made the story, in my opinion. Sharon was so funny - actually her entire family was hilarious. Brian was Sharon's complete opposite being much more reserved.

As a whole this was a quick, happy, enjoyable read that I recommend.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced copy received from the author for an honest review

Throughout this series, I have been keen to know more about Sharon McCarthy - is she the trouble-maker she has always been made out to be/

This sweet novella is about Sharon and the local constabulary Brian Glenn. And what a fun ride we are taken on.

I have to say I adored Brian (even with his red hair - gingers are so not my thing!!). And the banter between this pair is cute and funny. You can just feel that all the tension between them is going to lead to something great.

So, does it? Nope, for that you are going to have to read for yourself.

I find myself immersed in the world of Ballybeg, and each and every book in this series I adore even more. Love love LOVED this one!

Can't wait for the next book, Love and Shamrocks!!

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic Christmas novella. I absolutely loved this trip back to Ballybeg. Keane tells an intimate story full of emotion and laughter. Her polished, inviting style really drew me in and I devoured the story in less than 2 hours. The way that she draws you into this small town is so complete that you feel as if you’re really there.

Keane makes it so easy to picture these characters. Her descriptions bring them to life in a way that you can easily see while her subtle character development really lets you get to know them as individuals. Sharon’s antics are priceless. She definitely made me laugh throughout. Brian’s toned down views are the perfect counterpoint.

This was an absolutely fantastic read. Keane has produced a fast paced, quick read that is still a brilliantly complete story in and of itself. I would definitely recommend picking up a copy.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Trader (RedHotBlueReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

Another sweet love story from Ballybeg and this one has a lighter feel to it than Love and Leprechauns. Sharon MacCarthy has a reputation for trouble and dating a policeman is probably the last thing anyone in town would expect. When Brian and Sharon realize they are both in the same class at the university they attend and become project partners, they begin a love affair that turns serious.

This novella doesn't have a lot of conflict in it, and that was okay by me. I like that in a holiday story, along with the touch of humor in this novella.

Another great trip to Ballybeg!

ARC provided for review.

This review also appears on my blog at: http://redhotbluereads.blogspot.com/2014/12/reviewlove-and-leprechauns-love-and.html

[Jayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little glimpse into Ballybeg for Brian and Sharon.

[Cassey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, sweet read. It gets bonus points for taking place in Ireland :)

[Jackie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this short in Zara Keane's Ballybeg series!

It follows one of the MaCarthy's —yay! We get to read about Ruarí's little sister!— and one of the Garda named Brian. We get to read about how this unlikely couple falls for each other and I loved that Zara included a three years later at the end of the book!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun holiday romance with two opposites turning out to be just perfect together. This story is full of emotion and lots of laughter and really gives you the feeling of living in a small town. The characters and setting are great and I look forward to reading more about the people in Ballybeg.

[Linda Lassman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found Brian and Sharon to be rather more annoying than engaging. There was really nothing wrong with them or with their story; it just didn't appeal to me. I didn't hate it, but I didn't think it was up to my expectations for Keane's writing.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this light romcom story, Love and Mistletoe. The humor, sensitivity, and sweet romance of Ballybeg are alway a welcome break from dreary headlines! Zara’s ability to fully develop characters in short books is awesome.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet holiday read.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An attraction acted on by a college paper, with fun and steamy moments

[Book Binge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharon McCarthy and Brian Glenn getting on each others nerves for years. Of course this is a case of they like each other but don’t know how to go about getting near the other person. (If they were in elementary school in historical times Brian would have been dipping Sharon’s braids into the ink well.)

They end up being in the same class at uni as Brian is trying to promote within the police department and Sharon is getting her psychology degree. They end up being put together as partners on a project and this forces them to get over themselves and actually talk to each other like normal people. They find they like each other even more than they thought and start to date.

Sharon’s family has a horrible reputation in the Ballybeg community and her father’s a real piece of work but she promised her mother before she died that she’ll get her degree. I had to admire Sharon for trying to break out of the McCarthy mold and make something of herself besides a criminal. She’s a unique person (and dresses uniquely as well) and that was off-putting to some folks. I was happy that Brian could see past Sharon’s outer dressing to the lovely woman underneath.

Brian was a good guy. He’d had some bad moments in the past when he’d thought the worst of Sharon and her family but he wasn’t one to stick with one thought and never give up. He was willing to accept that Sharon was different and he liked that about her. Together they made an unlikely but adorable couple.

Love and Mistletoe was just a sweet novella and one I really enjoyed reading. If you want a quick fun read with some Christmas spirit then this is a great choice.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy of this fab book in exchange for my honest opinions and a review.

This is the fourth book in the Ballybeg series, which you can read in order or as a standalone, personally i highly advise you to read all of Zara's amazing books.

What a delightful heartfelt funny romantic Christmas read you cannot get anything better than the Ladies and Gents of Ballybeg.

Brian Glenn works hard as policeman he so wants a promotion. He has been Studying hard for a degree in criminology, This is first step. But all changes when one member of Ballybeg's most notorious family strolls into the very class that he is attending forensic psychology, his hopes and dreams for a quiet semester soon vanish in to thin air.

Sharon MacCarthy is just about the very last woman he should ever get involved with, but Brian cannot help himself Sharon makes him hot and extremely bothered she makes him get.

Can Brian really survive this semester without surrendering to Sharon's charms?

Sharon has had a very rough few months. She has grown up so much now and knows her future job prospects certainly depend on her finishing her degree. And just when things were going smoothly she is paired up with Brian who happens to be her secret crush.

Can Sharon survive this temptation?

Sharon now sees a chance for proper happiness and true love. But Can she persuade Brian of this and that there's much more to her than what he see's and has read on her rap sheet.

This book has it all Love Laughter and some twists along the way, Zara Keane has an incredible mind as well as talent i adore the Ballybeg series and cant wait for more.

4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books

[Lisa F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first three books and wasn't to sure I was going to love this one as much but I really enjoyed Sharon and Brian's story.
this books shorter than the others and hasn't got a much going on but it's a sweet story of two people who have had crushes on each other finally giving it a shot at being together despite him being the local cop and her being from a family who lives off crime.
they both found themselves in the same class at college and also being put together as partners, perfect way to kick off their " getting to really know each other" lol.
we see Sharon in the first book with Fiona but we just get that she's loud and blunt but this shows there's more to her than being from a notorious scumbag family.

I also found refreshing that neither Sharon or Brian are oh my God good looking they your everyday normal attractive people a big plus is my book as it can be boring everyone looking like they are supermodel good looking.

Brian I wasn't as keen at first thought he was a bit mean that he kept thinking the worse of Sharon but once him and Sharon spend time together we see him come out of his shell and I loved the fact he got handcuffed to the radiator and had to call Sean for a spare key, he laughed it off with Sharon which surprised me for some reason I thought he was going to be stiff but he's perfect for Sharon.

another ballybeg hit, I have found myself falling for these people and their little village. cannot wait for Sean's book next as he's a dark horse.

[Victoria Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Mistletoe is the fourth book in the Ballybeg series by Zara Keane. This book can be read as a standalone novel with ease but I find its best read as part of the series. This is because some of the characters in this book were found in some of the past books.

Brian Glenn is a police officer with the Ballybeg police department who is looking for a promotion. He wants a to have a family someday so that means he wants a raise in pay and to do that he has to get his degree. Brian is infatuated with a particular woman who has captured his attention even though she has a shady past.

Sharon MacCarthy is in her final year of working on her psychology degree. Sharon has a lot to overcome. Her father is not an upstanding citizen, and Sharon has gotten into a lot of trouble in the past but in the last few years has turned her life around.

The connection between Sharon and Brian is intense. They make a great couple even though each of them don’t see the other as willing to take a chance on them for different reasons. I enjoyed seeing them fall in love with each other.

I found this book well written with a realist plot. The main characters and the secondary characters were interesting. At 84 pages, this book had a well defined beginning, middle and ending. While the ending was a bit predictable given the length of the story, this story is about how Sharon and Brian fall in love. I had a hard time putting this book down. This series keeps getting better and better with each book. Overall, this was a great book!

[Elle Markov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon MacCarthy has a tiny, okay maybe a somewhat big crush on Brian Glenn; only one problem he's a Garda, which is Irish for police officer. As the towns resident bad girl, whose been arrested a time or two by the cute Garda, she thinks she doesn't stand a chance; her only hope is to move out of her vile father's, finish her degree, and move out of her small town.

Garda Brian Glenn wants a promotion; he wants to move up the ranks and the only way to do that is to get a degree, so that's exactly what he does. Being so close to finishing, he doesn't need the distraction that is his favorite bad girl.

When they end up in the same class and to add fuel to their fire, they have to work on a project very closely together, they start to see each other in a different light, without the labels of Garda and Bad Girl.

The story was a fun light-hearted read with entertaining characters. I especially loved the epilogue, where we get to see what became of them down the line. Despite being named "Love and Mistletoe" the whole story begins before the holidays, so it's not centered around Christmas. I was really glad I read this book and can't wait to read other books written by Ms. Keane.

Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book

[Elle Markov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon MacCarthy has a tiny, okay maybe a somewhat big crush on Brian Glenn; only one problem he's a Garda, which is Irish for police officer. As the towns resident bad girl, whose been arrested a time or two by the cute Garda, she thinks she doesn't stand a chance; her only hope is to move out of her vile father's, finish her degree, and move out of her small town.

Garda Brian Glenn wants a promotion; he wants to move up the ranks and the only way to do that is to get a degree, so that's exactly what he does. Being so close to finishing, he doesn't need the distraction that is his favorite bad girl.

When they end up in the same class and to add fuel to their fire, they have to work on a project very closely together, they start to see each other in a different light, without the labels of Garda and Bad Girl.

The story was a fun light-hearted read with entertaining characters. I especially loved the epilogue, where we get to see what became of them down the line. Despite being named "Love and Mistletoe" the whole story begins before the holidays, so it's not centered around Christmas. I was really glad I read this book and can't wait to read other books written by Ms. Keane.

Rating 5 out of 5
Read@Book

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Beginnings

She comes from a family where most of the men have either been arrested more times than not. Her mother just passed from cancer and she is trying to finish her degree. He a local police officer and secretly has a crush on her. They end up having a college course together and are partnered on a project. They find out they are made for each other.

[Baca Buku · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read a couple of other books in this series and I liked those, so I wanted to continue. This is a novella. I'm giving it the two stars because I think Zara Keane is a good writer. But this one bombs for me. I don't like Sharon, I think she's a stereotype - the woman who dresses in ugly... sorry, zany clothes, an outlier who is lovably unique but doesn't do it to attract attention.

Nope.

I wouldn't normally give a book I didn't like a second read, but I am going through the Ballybeg series so it's only fair to read every book.

[Catherine Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Prevails!

Just as in real life love prevails even when the couple come from totally opposite backgrounds, especially when they are both willing to make adjustments and compromises! I loved the story and characters, it was very interesting and entertaining! Thanks for your great stories! I'm anxiously moving on to book 5, I can't wait for the next entertaining story and characters!!!

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cop vs Con

I recently discovered Zara Keane via a giveaway. This caught my attention as it has a Christmas title. I enjoyed the banter between Brian and Sharon. He has sworn to uphold the law and most of her family sits in jail.
Thrown together on a project at university, they both discover there are more layers to discover about the other. You will laugh along with the characters as they venture on this journey ~

[Talking Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can’t go past any of the books released in the Ballybeg series! Laugh out loud moments and drama that has readers completely engrossed from start to finish! Love And Mistletoe is no exception with it’s own share of the laughter and sentiments. Another hit in the Ballybeg series.
*ARC received from the Author

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read for me, but meshed well with the series. I enjoyed the dynamics and quirky history between them. I loved how she dressed like a hot mess and he never even thought about changing her, he loved her even more for it.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zara Keane is an author that I have not read many books by. That is about to change for me. Love and Mistletoe is a holiday novella that will leave you with a smile on your face. Can't wait to read the rest of this series.

[Crystal Yawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story

This was a cute story of young love. The misfit and the garda (cop)
A few wrong words and the author could not decide what title to use for things, American or Irish. Garda, cop, police etc.

[Ellen (more books, please) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good writing. Good characters. Great setup. Too quick of a HEA.

But the writing was good enough I bought a full-length novel by her and I am loving it.

Set in Ireland and love the feel of the country it gives me.

[Lynn]

I'd really describe this as a long novella length story. It was a bit different than anything I'd read before. It was a standard romance in some respects but with the local "trailer trash" as a heroine paired with a more uptight hero.

[Arlene Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short story

Sharon meets her match in Garda Glenn when they team up for a project for their university class - that neither one knew the other was taking! Birdie knew because she ordered Brian's textbook, but she let it be a surprise for Sharon!