Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Magic & Mistletoe

Rate this book
Christmas is Harry’s favourite time of the year, but it looks like he’ll be spending it alone. When it comes to the men he fancies, his luck is non-existent. Harry’s nerves always get the better of him—especially when he tries to talk to Andrew, the hot guy downstairs.Everything changes when Harry meets a mysterious girl in the woods who professes to be a witch. He dismisses her claims, but when odd things start happening to him, he has to reconsider.Andrew was attracted to Harry from the start, but their awkward encounters put him off. All goes well until Harry opens his mouth—and ruins it with his stupidity and silly comments. When Harry suddenly becomes more relaxed and they have a proper conversation, Andrew realises his first impression was wrong. As the days count down to December 25, they get swept up in the Christmas spirit and their relationship moves faster than either expected.A little winter magic might have been the push they needed, but Harry worries that when it wears off, he’ll no longer be the man Andrew wants.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2015

19 people are currently reading
344 people want to read

About the author

Annabelle Jacobs

52 books405 followers
Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with her three rowdy children, and two cats.

An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
84 (20%)
4 stars
169 (40%)
3 stars
136 (32%)
2 stars
20 (4%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,591 reviews1,134 followers
November 19, 2015
What could be better than mistletoe kisses and a white Christmas?

A little magic, of course!



Harry is a good guy, but he suffers from chronic foot-in-the-mouth disease, especially around sexy Andrew who lives in a nearby flat.

Andrew thinks Harry is arrogant and a bit rude, until he realizes Harry is just shy and a little awkward.

These boys get together with a little help from Malia, a magic ... goddess? fairy? Hell if I know, but her magical interference helps Harry snag his man.

This is a charming, romantic little story, with no angst, a little steam, and plenty of sweetness.



I do love British MCs, and the dialogue here is snappy and playful.

Includes: cute baristas, meddlesome best friends, and snogging aplenty.
Profile Image for Exina.
1,276 reviews417 followers
March 29, 2017
It started interesting but became boring soon. Basically, the story is a recital of everyday life events and actions of the characters, and a –graciously said – mediocre love story.
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,418 reviews196 followers
December 6, 2021
This was cute!
I always enjoy Jacobs sweet Christmassy stories and this was no exception.
Love it when a little magic helps bring two hearts together. *sigh* Yep, they were adorable!
Short, sweet and sprinkles of British flare.

*3.5 look-up stars*
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,503 reviews223 followers
January 4, 2019
First off, the title is very apt as this book contains LOTS of both. Can I just say I LOVE Harry... Andrew is a close second, but Harry is the man! Ms. Jacobs did such a wonderful job on this book. When an author really hits the bullseye with me with their story and also the language they use to tell it, I end up going nuts with my highlighting. Thirty highlights in the text this time, which is close to being a record number for me, so yeah she struck a chord with this book. I can honestly say I laughed as much as I cried while reading this book, the author's use of humor was masterful. She also did an incredible job of surrounding the two main characters with an awesome supporting cast. She hooked me in the first chapter and after that I could not stop reading till the very end! This is one holiday read that I will be reading again year after year!
Profile Image for Meags.
2,487 reviews697 followers
November 29, 2023
3.5 Stars

This story was like settling into your favourite cosy chair with a warm drink and a fuzzy blanket. Comfortable, easy, and exactly where you want to be in the moment.

With a dash of magical otherworldliness, this contemporary Christmastime romance sees new neighbours, Harry and Andrew, as they find a special romantic connection over the holiday season, with the nudging help of a playful and mysterious matchmaking witch.

I liked the simplicity of this story. It was sweet and warm; nothing flashy or overly eventful. I relished in the day-to-day, one date at a time progression of the romance, particularly liking how genuine the characters felt and how British their story was in tone and telling. (It’s all a compliment, I promise.)

I haven’t read many of Jacobs’ stories before but when I do read one, I continually find myself shocked and ashamed that I haven’t tried more of her works. I have a feeling I’d find some real gems if (when) I decided to expand my reading with her backlog.
Profile Image for BWT.
2,252 reviews245 followers
May 8, 2017
3.5 Stars

Sweet, with a little heat, this Christmas story is a little slice of cute for the holidays.


We start with Harry Thornton, who is twenty-three, and suffers from a chronic condition known as foot-in-your-mouth disease.

footinMouth

While on a hike with his mates, Harry meets Melia, a magical being who calls the section of the woods the men are tramping through home. After a brief conversation with Harry, in which she's witness to his poor condition, Melia casts a magical spell on Harry to help him with his problem.
“Ahh,” she said, still smiling softly at him. “It’s always better when you think before you speak. Don’t you agree?” Harry nodded and her smile got wider. “You may not be able to help yourself, but I can do it for you.” She shrugged. “It is almost Christmas, after all.”
Before Harry realised what she was doing, she’d emptied the pouch onto her outstretched hand. Pale green powder spilled out onto her palm, and she chanted a few words in a language Harry didn’t recognise, then blew the powder in his face.

something in your mouth besides your foot
Soon, Harry is able to actually chat up his hot twenty-six year old neighbor, Andrew Smith, that he's has crush on for a while. Which is good, because up until this point, even though Andrew is attracted to Harry, he's thought he was a bit of a dick. Soon Harry and Andrew are spending all their free time together and getting ready for a love-filled Christmas.
When Andrew first saw Harry, he’d expected him to be arrogant and a bit of a dick. Anyone who looked like he did had to have confidence in spades. What he hadn’t expected was for Harry to be shy and unassuming. There was no bravado, no ego, and the more Andrew sat there looking at him, the more he wanted to lean forward and get in his space.
He shook his head to clear it and took a drink of his coffee, licking his lips as he finished it. “Yeah. Sorry about that. I had you figured out all wrong, didn’t I?”
“Maybe.” Harry’s smile started out small but grew bigger as Andrew reached out and loosely grabbed his fingers.
“Can we start again? Get to know each other properly this time?”
“Um, yeah. Okay.”

sweet kiss

I liked the dual POV's, the sweetness (without it going overboard), the secondary characters, and the setting. I just wish it had spicier smexy times.

It's a fluffy holiday read with low angst and a little bit of heat.

Recommended.

Advanced Review Copy generously provided by the author via Pride-Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Elsbeth.
1,303 reviews40 followers
December 20, 2015
Christmas read with Sonia and Paul (11th X-mas read 2015)

*2,5 stars*


Oh yes.... Rating this book.

I did not like this and I just lost my X-mas spirit because of it!!!
The beginning was stupid with the witch thingie.. Incredibly poor writing.

I didn't believe anything coming after that anymore!

So, I'll be seaching for my X-mas spirit now, again....

description
Profile Image for Lori.
Author 2 books100 followers
January 3, 2016
4.5

Cute. Cute. Cute.

Did I mention cute? Slightly whimsical with a touch of magic this is really exactly the kind of Christmas story I love. I've said it before but this year there has been a plethora of fab-u-lous seasonal stories and this was definitely one of them.

I don't know about you, but for me a Christmas story needs to be sweet and readable and happy and the literary equivalent of a whipped-cream-and marshmallow-topped hot chocolate. It has one job; to make me feel warm and snuggly and glowing just a little with happiness. This book manages that super well.





Everyone knows what it's like to make a cringworthy first impression. Right? Or have foot-in-mouth-syndrome - humour me here . At least, I know I do, which means that I instantly sympathised and empathised with Harry. Trying to make a good impression and screwing it up royally time and again is the pits, I wanted Harry to win his man and I wanted Andrew to see the true Harry beneath the blundering buffoon.

Wanting the characters to hit it off is pretty much number one aim in a gooey Christmas story. It's what I wanted and with a touch of magic it's what I got. A perfect winter read!!

Review previously at bmbr.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for R.J..
Author 309 books2,714 followers
November 18, 2015
Aww, this was so lovely. A proper romance with a small paranormal touch. Makes you believe in the magic of Christmas...

Recommended
Profile Image for Laura.
1,520 reviews253 followers
January 1, 2022

3.5 Stars

This was fun and adorable!

Andrew and Harry’s story showed all the heart, awkwardness, and magic of the start of a relationship. I loved watching these two guys grow closer and really see each other. It was magic! Finding someone in this world to connect with and give your heart to is magic in my book.

I loved the whole gang actually. Harry’s little group of friends made me laugh. Especially Jason, Harry’s roommate and best bud. Jason and Harry’s friendship and energy made me smile just as much as Harry and Andrew's romance.

Throw in a little witchy magic and huge holly-jolly spirit and you’ve got a sweet and sexy read to hang out with for the holidays. Be sure to lookup though—the mistletoe is everywhere! :)

I had one complaint, but it’s a big spoiler. Don’t click if you intend to read this one.

Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews44 followers
November 28, 2015
Harry is a uni grad living with a roommate and pining, a bit, for Andrew his downstairs neighbor. Harry's biggest problem is his inane comments that sneak out anytime he has a chance to speak with Andrew. While walking the woods with his mates one day, Harry meets Melia, a forest deity who stuns even dubious Harry into belief...sort of. Her curse/spell affords Harry the chance to think before he speaks, and this gives him the chance to interact with Andrew when they next meet.

Andrew is attracted to Harry, but not the bollocks that pours out of his mouth. Though, it seems that Harry's verbal diarrhea may be a thing of the past, and that's all to the good, in Andrew's opinion. Andrew wants a steady man, and he's not shy asking about it. As they explore the beginning of their relationship, the plans are falling into place for a steady courtship..but is it real or Melia's magic?

This was so cute. Harry is delightfully unpretentious, and yet comes off as a total goof every time he and Andrew meet in their building. Harry's mates know he wants Andrew, and they often take the chance to embarrass Harry, which makes his tongue-tied antics even worse. Melia's a fun character, always putting Harry's best foot forward, and arranging for just the right opportunities at just the right time (read: mistletoe everywhere and increasing alone contact).

It's a quick story with some yummy sexytimes and a quirky mystical being taking charge of two guys' happiness just in time for Christmas.
Profile Image for Molli B..
1,533 reviews62 followers
December 8, 2015
Very good little holiday story. Cute and wintry and Christmassy. The magic in the title is not a lie—there is a paranormal element to the story, but it's fun and minor (in case that's not your thing). This isn't Harry Potter—think more the feel of I Dream of Jeannie.

This is very low angst (by "low" I mean "none") and ultimately focused very much on the feel-good aspects of the holiday season.

Very cheery and sweet, in case that's what you're looking for :)
Profile Image for Tess.
2,203 reviews26 followers
January 27, 2016
4 stars

Through a little bit of magic, Harry is finally able to speak to the man he has a crush on … without sticking his foot in his mouth. This was cute and sweet.
Profile Image for Jaime.
1,804 reviews310 followers
December 23, 2015
description


I enjoyed this story. It is a cute lighthearted read perfect for the anyone looking for some light holiday fun. Author Annabelle Jacobs is new to me however after this story I will not hesitate to pick up something of hers in the future.
description


This book tells the story of a socially awkward man, Harry who is crushing on a cute hunk from his building, Andrew. Harry wants to ask Andrew out for coffee or dinner however every time he tries to talk to him, nothing but inappropriate comments or nonsense comes out his mouth or worse yet he blurts what he is thinking as his brain to mouth filter doesn’t seem to work around Andrew. This all changes after Harry runs across a witch, Melia, who puts a spell on him and proceeds to help him make a good impression on Andrew, thereby earning that first date.

I encourage all to read this sexy, fun, story however I would have liked the relationship explored a little more, an increase in the “get-to-know-you-phase” and less instalove, and maybe a little more background on Melia.

*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews

description description
Profile Image for Kara.
674 reviews22 followers
November 19, 2015
This was such a sweet book!

Okay Harry has huge problem with foot in the mouth and is always saying what first comes to his mind which is not always a good thing. He gets really nervous talking to Andrew and lets say he has not given him the best first impression. Well something magical happens to Harry which helps him with his problem and brings him closer to Andrew.

I have to say this was the sweetest book I have read in awhile between the way Harry was so shy with Andrew and how they grew so much closer to each other and really cared for one another.

I loved the way the author had dual POV's between these two men because it was really good to see what they both were feeling about each other and the way she wrote these characters, I just honestly loved both of these men together. I do not want to give too much of this book away so I will leave this review with this was such a sweet Christmas book and I really loved it!

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,349 reviews460 followers
December 8, 2015
This started out really really weird. The writing in the first couple of pages is terrible. It was like reading a children’s book (which are in itself great, but not what I was going for with this one). That first scene really could use a do-over. It was confusing, strange and not up to par with the rest of the story.

But other than that this was a really sweet story. Very low-angst.

Harry suffers from a severe case of foot-in-mouth disease whenever he talks to a guy he likes. That’s why Andrew, who lives in the same apartment building, is not sure what to make of Harry.

But Harry gets a little help from a magical source.

This book is sweet and not a lot happens. After the first few pages I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of this lovely story. A nice Christmas read with a magical touch.

description
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,247 reviews271 followers
December 20, 2015
***** Awwww ... this is so cute ! Loved the wonderful cast of characters, and the terrific Christmas theme. Harry is a bit clumsy when it comes to talking to a guy he likes. With Andrew it is no exception, he fumbles it big. While walking through the park a magical girl blows dust on him and promises magic results. Harry thinks he's gone daft. The sweet romance that follows is all catapulted by the Mistletoe Kiss ! Great sexy times, an interesting tale, and lovable guys all make this story a perfect Christmas delight. And with the declaration of love....it snows, Andrew gets his "white Christmas" and the love of Harry.
Heartwarming and highly recommended. ENJOY !!!
Profile Image for Marcie.
219 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2015
***3.5 Mistletoe Stars***

Harry has tendency to talk before thinking when he's nervous. But only when it comes to hot guys he's crushing on. But thanks to his awesome BFF and a little bit of magic he gets the opportunity to be able to take things a little further than he would of on his own.
Profile Image for Trio.
3,618 reviews209 followers
September 19, 2021
A sweet, holiday romance with a magical twist. Annabelle Jacobs does a nice job painting the picture of the lives this mid-20's aged guys are living. Nice descriptions of time spent with friends, Christmas shopping, and daily life in this part of England.
Profile Image for A.M. Leibowitz.
Author 40 books64 followers
August 10, 2016
A review copy was generously provided free via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

Full disclosure: I read a lot of books, and I almost didn’t take this because I wasn’t sure I had time. But when I saw it was Annabelle Jacobs, I made room for it. I love her writing style, and I’m so glad I picked this one up.

This book is like a giant, sugary Christmas cookie, which is fine by me; I love cookies. A sweet, romantic, fluffy story with very little tension or drama, it’s all about the holiday magic—literally—that brings Harry and Andrew together. Pretty much a Cute Factor 10 going on here, and it was just what I needed to put me in a festive mood for the season.

I adored Harry. He is exactly how I would be, with his ongoing inability to keep from saying the wrong things at the wrong times. I was torn between feeling bad for him and laughing because I’m the same way. It was utterly charming. In contrast, Andrew is cool and socially much more adept. I think a lot of us awkward people fantasize about winning the attention of the very sexy, not-so-awkward ones we’ve crushed on, so that was pretty darn satisfying.

Once Harry and Andrew are together, it’s mostly smooth sailing, outside of Harry’s insecurities. There’s plenty of steamy love between these two guys. Holy heck, the phone sex was hot. Gotta admit, that’s a thing I love—a sex scene with no actual touching is a recipe for perfection in my book, especially when done with as much skill as this one. It was just the right combination of sweet and spicy.

Melia, who brings the magic (and occasionally the mistletoe) of the book’s title, is one of the best largely off-screen characters. I certainly hope she turns up in another story somewhere because she was fun despite being in the “guest appearance” category. Harry’s odd relationship with her amused me.

As I said, above, there’s virtually no tension outside of Harry’s insecurities. For me, that worked; not every story has to be an angst-fest. So if you’re looking for a charming, fun, sweet holiday story low on the drama and with plenty of boy kisses (and more-than-kisses), this is absolutely the one for you.

This gets a 5 for smart writing, good sex, and a whole stocking full of Christmas candy sweetness.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,095 reviews518 followers
December 22, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars


Oh, guys, this was a sweet, cute little Christmas story, with a bit of magic thrown in. Though the very beginning was just a little bit…strange for me, the story soon flowed and gave us a whole host of characters to flesh out the tale. I enjoyed this story a lot and it’ll definitely go into my Christmas story rotation.

Harry is adorable, really, even if he speaks before thinking, and has a tendency to put his foot into his mouth. It was easy to see how flustered he gets around Andrew, and I liked the way the author made it clear that what was happening could easily be taken two ways. When we were in Harry’s head, he stuttered and flushed, his mouth running away from him. But when we saw it from Andrew’s POV, it was easy to see how he could take it so wrong and it made Harry seem like a jerk. It was clever and well done, and it really built the scene and showed us exactly what these guys were working with. And how far they had to come to even get to friends, though I wouldn’t call them enemies, let alone become lovers.

Harry and Andrew were both well-crafted and wonderfully drawn characters. I loved getting to know them, and watching them overcome the obstacles in their path to find their way to each other. There were a couple of moments where I had to make a little leap, but it wasn’t hard to make, and the writing was so smooth and the plot flowed so well, that I didn’t have any trouble doing that. I liked these guys a lot, when they got past those first hurdles and really started moving forward, I just fell into the relationship with them.

Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
Profile Image for AnnaLund.
271 reviews54 followers
December 1, 2015
For my honest and true view of this book, please read …MORE

Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):

"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”

DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.

Profile Image for Ilona Fenton.
1,060 reviews33 followers
November 29, 2015
An ARC of Magic & Mistletoe was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. What can I say about this book without being too sappy? I guess I'll just say things in my usual forthright manner. This book was too, too cute and sweet (in the good way). Don't get me wrong the story was excellent and the characters really came alive in my mind but the whole thing was riddled by that special something that makes Christmas such a sweet and delicious time. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Christmas Romances and the start of a down to earth relationship.
Profile Image for Otterpuss.
699 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2015
From someone who is missing the internal brain to mouth filter, I completely sympathise with Harry. His awkwardness is adorable. Andrew is just as lovely but Jason is hilarious I absolutely loved him.
This story is delightfully sweet and funny, it's well written and completely engaging.
Fluff and magic, exactly what you want from a Christmas story. It left me with a warm fuzzy feeling and a silly grin on my face.

ARC kindly provided by the author.
Profile Image for Pjm12.
2,040 reviews41 followers
December 6, 2015
This was cute and sweet. A xmas story involving Harry finding Andrew, and the pair of them being brought together by magic.

They are both lovely boys. The secondary characters play their parts too, and I was happy to watch love blossom.

#xmas2015
Profile Image for Didi.
1,535 reviews86 followers
December 14, 2015
3.5 stars

A Bristol setting, cute and funny holidays story with a touch of magic (Harry got himself a fairy godmother - sort of - whom he met in the woods of Forest of Dean). Totally angst free and full of food, pint, and fun! ;-)
Profile Image for Lily.
Author 19 books152 followers
November 25, 2015
With the help of a little magic and some mistletoe Harry overcomes his awkwardness and finds his true love in Andrew. A sweet and enjoyable read for the holiday season.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.