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Mistletoe Between Friends / The Snowflake Inn
Two gorgeous stories about the most romantic time of the year...
The holidays don't have to be fraught with tension, as lifelong friends Lily Cavanaugh and Cameron Greene discover in Mistletoe Between Friends when they cook up a scheme to fool their family and friends.
The Snowflake Inn shows rivals Grace Brodie and Riley Walsh that Christmas is a time when dreams come true-even if you've given up on those dreams long ago.
Praise for The Christmas Cottage / Ever After:
"Samantha Chase's stories have a way of wrapping around the heart..." -Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer Top Pick!
"Altogether, this is a lovely duology about finding love. Be prepared for a stubborn heroine who believes in fairy tales. Fortunately, common sense prevails, leading to a delightful reconciliation." -RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
The holidays don't have to be fraught with tension, as lifelong friends Lily Cavanaugh and Cameron Greene discover in Mistletoe Between Friends when they cook up a scheme to fool their family and friends.
The Snowflake Inn shows rivals Grace Brodie and Riley Walsh that Christmas is a time when dreams come true-even if you've given up on those dreams long ago.
Praise for The Christmas Cottage / Ever After:
"Samantha Chase's stories have a way of wrapping around the heart..." -Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer Top Pick!
"Altogether, this is a lovely duology about finding love. Be prepared for a stubborn heroine who believes in fairy tales. Fortunately, common sense prevails, leading to a delightful reconciliation." -RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
300 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 4, 2016
136 people are currently reading
728 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Chase
142 books2,357 followersSamantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than seventy titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 30 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 10, 2016
Let the Holiday Romances begin with a double heart play by Samantha Chase! Mistletoe Between Friends/The Snowflake Inn is like Christmas dinner with a hot chocolate chaser.
Mistletoe Between Friends is a delightful and magical romance between lifelong friends whose parents are always playing matchmaker for each of them. Their solution? Fake a romance between the two of them so they can have a peaceful holiday season. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Well, the effervescent Lily and the Brainiac scientist, Cam may have bitten off more than they could chew when they skate around the truth of their feelings. Add a family who thinks their romance is a family affair and you have one of the best, most heart-warming Holiday Romances out there, all glittery fun, adorable characters and lots and lots of mistletoe!
The Snowflake Inn is the story of a young woman longing for family and a place to belong who becomes a partner with an older woman who owns a charming bed and breakfast. For all that the Snowflake Inn means to Grace, when Corrine’s son, Riley who wants nothing to do with the family inn comes home, there is more than an unfriendly rivalry going on. Grace, who needs the inn deep in her soul and its rightful future owner, Riley are at loggerheads. Riley wants his mother to sell the place, mom wants to keep it in the family and Grace wishes she could own it herself. And then there’s Cupid, who knows exactly what everyone needs, but will he convince Grace and Riley that home is where the heart is and clearly they own each other’s hearts? Funny how the magical time of year can make lovers out of rivals in a heartbeat.
Samantha Chase knows what makes a magical Holiday Romance come to life and melt even the coldest of hearts. Each tale is made for the romantic in everyone. One is light-hearted and cute, one is a little more dramatic and angst-filled. Both are a wonderful way to ring in the holiday reading season!
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
My rating: 4.5 Christmas Stars
5+ Stars Mistletoe Between Friends
3.5 Stars The Snowflake Inn
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Combined edition (October 4, 2016)
Publication Date: October 4, 2016
Genre: Christmas Themed Romance
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Mistletoe Between Friends is a delightful and magical romance between lifelong friends whose parents are always playing matchmaker for each of them. Their solution? Fake a romance between the two of them so they can have a peaceful holiday season. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Well, the effervescent Lily and the Brainiac scientist, Cam may have bitten off more than they could chew when they skate around the truth of their feelings. Add a family who thinks their romance is a family affair and you have one of the best, most heart-warming Holiday Romances out there, all glittery fun, adorable characters and lots and lots of mistletoe!
The Snowflake Inn is the story of a young woman longing for family and a place to belong who becomes a partner with an older woman who owns a charming bed and breakfast. For all that the Snowflake Inn means to Grace, when Corrine’s son, Riley who wants nothing to do with the family inn comes home, there is more than an unfriendly rivalry going on. Grace, who needs the inn deep in her soul and its rightful future owner, Riley are at loggerheads. Riley wants his mother to sell the place, mom wants to keep it in the family and Grace wishes she could own it herself. And then there’s Cupid, who knows exactly what everyone needs, but will he convince Grace and Riley that home is where the heart is and clearly they own each other’s hearts? Funny how the magical time of year can make lovers out of rivals in a heartbeat.
Samantha Chase knows what makes a magical Holiday Romance come to life and melt even the coldest of hearts. Each tale is made for the romantic in everyone. One is light-hearted and cute, one is a little more dramatic and angst-filled. Both are a wonderful way to ring in the holiday reading season!
I received an ARC edition from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review.
My rating: 4.5 Christmas Stars
5+ Stars Mistletoe Between Friends
3.5 Stars The Snowflake Inn
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Combined edition (October 4, 2016)
Publication Date: October 4, 2016
Genre: Christmas Themed Romance
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 20, 2016
When you are cooped up in your room during a turbulent storm, you either sleep in or read. I did the latter and no sooner than later, I forgot all about the raging storm outside my house and had me thinking of Christmas this time of the year.
Mistletoe Between Friends/The Snowflake Inn is a book by Samantha Chase which contained two romantically loaded stories, that made my heart go aflutter. Stories about friends turned into lovers and rivals into soulmates always get me going and sighing and smiling until the wee hours in the morning.
In Mistletoe Between Friends, Cameron & Lily grew up together and were mostly inseparable, but their respective parents each had set them up to different people all their lives. When they finally got tired of their family's futile meddling and matchmaking, Cameron the genuis concocted a plan. And that included a weekend getaway in NYC, with Lily pretending to be his girlfriend until the holidays. Little did he know that Lily would be so agreeable with the idea, since she'd been harboring feelings for him for as long as forever.
But Cameron was a stickler for rules, and he didn't want to commit to forever, so in the grand scheme of things, he totay broke Lily's heart on Christmas eve. That really sucked right? I was really mad at Cam, I wanted to throw snowballs at him, you know, the kind of snowballs that hit the spot with the icicles and pointed edges and all.. Ugh.
And in the second story, The Snowflake Inn, military man, Riley came home after 12 years of service, to his mother, to their home, only to convince her to sell it. When he met Grace, his mother's new B&B partner, he knew he had no chance of persuading his mom to bend to his wishes. When Grace learned about Riley's heartless plan, she knew she'd be counting the days until she became a vagabond again, with no home, no family, no nothing.
I really liked both stories, they had me smiling like an idiot all through out the night. I was supposed to be working and cramming for deadlines, but the moment I started this book, I forgot all about work, work, work. Samantha Chase does that to me. I remember reading her other books same time last year and it had been a wonderful experience. Chase sure knows how to weaken my knees!
Mistletoe Between Friends/The Snowflake Inn is a book by Samantha Chase which contained two romantically loaded stories, that made my heart go aflutter. Stories about friends turned into lovers and rivals into soulmates always get me going and sighing and smiling until the wee hours in the morning.
In Mistletoe Between Friends, Cameron & Lily grew up together and were mostly inseparable, but their respective parents each had set them up to different people all their lives. When they finally got tired of their family's futile meddling and matchmaking, Cameron the genuis concocted a plan. And that included a weekend getaway in NYC, with Lily pretending to be his girlfriend until the holidays. Little did he know that Lily would be so agreeable with the idea, since she'd been harboring feelings for him for as long as forever.
But Cameron was a stickler for rules, and he didn't want to commit to forever, so in the grand scheme of things, he totay broke Lily's heart on Christmas eve. That really sucked right? I was really mad at Cam, I wanted to throw snowballs at him, you know, the kind of snowballs that hit the spot with the icicles and pointed edges and all.. Ugh.
And in the second story, The Snowflake Inn, military man, Riley came home after 12 years of service, to his mother, to their home, only to convince her to sell it. When he met Grace, his mother's new B&B partner, he knew he had no chance of persuading his mom to bend to his wishes. When Grace learned about Riley's heartless plan, she knew she'd be counting the days until she became a vagabond again, with no home, no family, no nothing.
I really liked both stories, they had me smiling like an idiot all through out the night. I was supposed to be working and cramming for deadlines, but the moment I started this book, I forgot all about work, work, work. Samantha Chase does that to me. I remember reading her other books same time last year and it had been a wonderful experience. Chase sure knows how to weaken my knees!
October 5, 2016
After reading another book of Samantha Chase, I was looking forward to trying out some novellas and who can resist some holiday-themed ones? I know I can’t! In this anthology, there’s a good one and a bad one. The first story is called MISTLETOE BETWEEN FRIENDS and as you can guess, this is a story about two friends who pretend to be going out. Cameron Greene is quite the socially awkward guy and all his friends and family are trying to get him involved with some really nice ladies. Unfortunately for them, he has no interest at all in dating. As he gripes about this to his best friend Lily Cavanaugh, she suggests that they pretend go out so that people will finally leave him alone. Problem is, Lily is full of life and Cam is as dull as watching still water.
I’m sad to say that this story bored me. Cam is just so uninteresting that I actually felt bad for Lily. She’s known the guy for most of her life and has fallen in love with him, but the guy can’t even seem to hold her hand in private without making it feel awkward. The romance just didn’t flow for me. It was awkward and strange and Cam’s hang-ups really made me wonder what Lily saw in him in the first place. I almost wished she walk away from him and find someone else who isn’t such a bore. She deserves better!
The second story, however, was much better! THE SNOWFLAKE INN features Grace Brodie who is still kind of recovering from an accident and although she tries her best to stay in shape and keep those muscles well-oiled, she does have a little face-plant moment in front of a hot guy. Thankfully, the guy she previously saw as angry is actually really nice and helps her up and makes sure she is okay. What Grace doesn’t know is that Riley Walsh is actually the son of one of her good friend who is trying to get her to take over her Bed & Breakfast.
The romance in this story is much more solid and has the sweet and sexy vibe that I loved to see in my Holiday reads. Riley is delicious and in addition to seeing the romance bloom between him and Grace, I also really liked how the inn and his mother helped in bringing them together. It’s definitely a more heartwarming story, perfect paired with a cup of hot chocolate and a scarf!
December 6, 2017
These two stories themselves were cute enough, but it was the execution that was lacking. I honestly can't tell you why I kept reading when I wasn't even remotely enjoying myself. The writing is just awful. I know a lot of readers enjoy this author's work -- and there are thirty distinct works, according to GR -- but I don't get the appeal. It was cringe-worthy and eyeroll-inducing and I do not plan to submit myself further to this torture by reading any more of her books. That said, I preferred Mistletoe Between Friends to The Snowflake Inn because it involved the fake romance trope, friends-to-lovers, AND a hot, nerdy scientist as the love interest, but that still couldn't save the story for me. So you can imagine how little I enjoyed The Snowflake Inn, since it didn't have any of that. :P
December 29, 2016
Slick's review:
4.25 overall
This charming duo of books by Samantha Chase both center around the holidays and are perfect for those cold winter days sitting around the fire or in my case the warm winter days sitting out by the pool! Either way, they were both quite enjoyable sweet romances.
Mistletoe Between Friends 4 stars
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite romance troupes and what I loved about Mistletoe Between Friends is that the two friends couldn't be more different. He is a brilliant scientist with a highly demanding and steady job and she's a free spirited artistic type that flits from passion to passion, working jobs for only a short time. They've been friends all their lives, they've shared everything about their lives and their mother's are both driving them crazy with talk of settling down and fixing them up constantly. With the holiday's around the corner and desperate for one without constantly being set up they decide to fake a romantic relationship; what they both don't know is the other has secretly wanted the other as more than friends for a long, long time. This couple had a lot of ups and downs trying to get it right, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story, however I for the life of me can't understand parents who push their children into getting married when they are only in their mid 20's. What's wrong with living and enjoying the single life while they are young? Other than that, it was a sweet, fun story with some great flirting and teasing leading to simmering sensuality and a pretty fantastic ending.
Snowflake Inn 4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of two strangers, both at a crossroads in their lives finding love and home at The Snowflake Inn, a bed and breakfast owned by the hero's mother and the heroine's new friend. Both these characters are scarred from events in their lives and as one repairs the relationship with his mother, the other one is hoping to find a permanent home. I loved the instant chemistry between these two and how hard they fought to stay apart because they were on opposite sides of an issue. It was interesting watching them fall for one another, to see their feelings increase with each day and realizing they both wanted the same thing out of their new life.
Review copy provided with no expectations.
4.25 overall
This charming duo of books by Samantha Chase both center around the holidays and are perfect for those cold winter days sitting around the fire or in my case the warm winter days sitting out by the pool! Either way, they were both quite enjoyable sweet romances.
Mistletoe Between Friends 4 stars
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite romance troupes and what I loved about Mistletoe Between Friends is that the two friends couldn't be more different. He is a brilliant scientist with a highly demanding and steady job and she's a free spirited artistic type that flits from passion to passion, working jobs for only a short time. They've been friends all their lives, they've shared everything about their lives and their mother's are both driving them crazy with talk of settling down and fixing them up constantly. With the holiday's around the corner and desperate for one without constantly being set up they decide to fake a romantic relationship; what they both don't know is the other has secretly wanted the other as more than friends for a long, long time. This couple had a lot of ups and downs trying to get it right, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story, however I for the life of me can't understand parents who push their children into getting married when they are only in their mid 20's. What's wrong with living and enjoying the single life while they are young? Other than that, it was a sweet, fun story with some great flirting and teasing leading to simmering sensuality and a pretty fantastic ending.
Snowflake Inn 4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of two strangers, both at a crossroads in their lives finding love and home at The Snowflake Inn, a bed and breakfast owned by the hero's mother and the heroine's new friend. Both these characters are scarred from events in their lives and as one repairs the relationship with his mother, the other one is hoping to find a permanent home. I loved the instant chemistry between these two and how hard they fought to stay apart because they were on opposite sides of an issue. It was interesting watching them fall for one another, to see their feelings increase with each day and realizing they both wanted the same thing out of their new life.
Review copy provided with no expectations.
October 11, 2016
Mistletoe Between Friends / The Snowflake Inn by Samantha Chase is a book with two longish novellas in it. That makes it a bit difficult to rate because I really enjoyed Mistletoe Between Friends and I didn’t enjoy The Snowflake Inn as much. That is surprising because I usually enjoy stories that take place in a Bed and Breakfast.
Mistletoe Between Friends is a true friends who become so much more kind of romance. Lily and Cameron have had feelings for each other but didn’t want to break up their friendship for it. When they decide to pretend to be dating in order to avoid their family’s matchmaking attempts during the Holiday Season they find themselves wanting it to be real…
The Snowflake Inn is about Riley Walsh and Grace Brodie. Grace has become close to Riley’s mom who owns the Snowflake Inn. She now works there helping her run it and cooking for everyone. Riley has never been close to his Mom because of the inn and now that he is no longer in the military he is making it his goal to get his Mom to sell it.
Overall I did enjoy this book and it would make a lovely read this Winter. Curl yourself up next to a warm fire or some candles with a hot drink and you will have yourself an enjoyable day!
Mistletoe Between Friends is a true friends who become so much more kind of romance. Lily and Cameron have had feelings for each other but didn’t want to break up their friendship for it. When they decide to pretend to be dating in order to avoid their family’s matchmaking attempts during the Holiday Season they find themselves wanting it to be real…
The Snowflake Inn is about Riley Walsh and Grace Brodie. Grace has become close to Riley’s mom who owns the Snowflake Inn. She now works there helping her run it and cooking for everyone. Riley has never been close to his Mom because of the inn and now that he is no longer in the military he is making it his goal to get his Mom to sell it.
Overall I did enjoy this book and it would make a lovely read this Winter. Curl yourself up next to a warm fire or some candles with a hot drink and you will have yourself an enjoyable day!
December 6, 2016
4 stars for Mistletoe Between Friends and 3 Stars for The Snowflake Inn so 3.5 Stars overall
I liked Lily and Cameron a lot in Mistletoe Between Friends. It was a friendship-to-love / Fake Relationship story so of course I enjoyed it.
The Snowflake Inn had it's cute and sweet moments, but I thought Grace and Riley's relationship happened WAY too fast. I was more interested in the relationship between Corrine (Riley's mom) and Ben.
Overall, though, both were cute holiday romances.
I liked Lily and Cameron a lot in Mistletoe Between Friends. It was a friendship-to-love / Fake Relationship story so of course I enjoyed it.
The Snowflake Inn had it's cute and sweet moments, but I thought Grace and Riley's relationship happened WAY too fast. I was more interested in the relationship between Corrine (Riley's mom) and Ben.
Overall, though, both were cute holiday romances.
Read
December 2, 2021Oh no!! I thought this was going to be clean :( it’s closed door but the build up is still too much for me unfortunately.
January 30, 2021
In the first novella, Mistletoe Between Friends, friends Lily and Cameron, tired of their parents' matchmaking, decide to pretend to be a couple for the holidays... until the pretending becomes real (thanks to some well-placed mistletoe). In the second, ex-soldier Riley returns home to his mother's B&B so he can convince her to sell it and retire. Instead, he agrees to stay for Christmas, and gets to know his mother's new business partner, chef Grace, a whole lot better.
Both stories are so adorable they could be Hallmark Christmas movies (well, except for the part where the characters have sex). There's a cute twist to Mistletoe that I loved (and I won't spoil for anyone else), while The Snowflake Inn deals with inter-generational conflicts, love, loss and second chances. They're both great holiday novellas.
Both stories are so adorable they could be Hallmark Christmas movies (well, except for the part where the characters have sex). There's a cute twist to Mistletoe that I loved (and I won't spoil for anyone else), while The Snowflake Inn deals with inter-generational conflicts, love, loss and second chances. They're both great holiday novellas.
October 1, 2016
Favorite Quotes:
Seriously, the woman needed to come with a manual because he couldn't keep up with her.
She was sure he had an actual name, but she hadn't had an opportunity to find out. When she had first noticed him around town a couple of days ago, she had named him Cute Serious Guy. The next day he had become Cute Brooding Guy, but today, he was looking pretty fierce so she went with Cute Angry Guy.
He was a U.S. Marine, damn it. He had faced the enemy in combat. He'd killed when necessary and walked into dangerous situations where he had no idea who he'd be facing more times than he cared to remember. And yet the thought of facing his mother was scarier.
My Review:
Sneaky plans were brewing in several corners during the seasonal friends to lovers novella Mistletoe Between Friends. Parental pressures to date led to a couple of life-long friends staging a fake romance during the holidays as a reprieve from blind dates and fix-ups. He was a serious scientist that gave every move considerable thought, and she was a flighty, impulse, flibberty-gibbet who never stuck with any job, hobby, or trend. It was quick, sweet, and sexy holiday read.
The Snowflake Inn features a Bed and Breakfast that was a bone of contention and cause for family drama and resentment for an angry wounded Marine returning home. He wanted rid of the family business, although his mother and her new chef did not seem to share his opinion or appreciate his thoughts. The story was a quick, angsty, and sexy read that was also quite moving and heart-squeezing at times.
Seriously, the woman needed to come with a manual because he couldn't keep up with her.
She was sure he had an actual name, but she hadn't had an opportunity to find out. When she had first noticed him around town a couple of days ago, she had named him Cute Serious Guy. The next day he had become Cute Brooding Guy, but today, he was looking pretty fierce so she went with Cute Angry Guy.
He was a U.S. Marine, damn it. He had faced the enemy in combat. He'd killed when necessary and walked into dangerous situations where he had no idea who he'd be facing more times than he cared to remember. And yet the thought of facing his mother was scarier.
My Review:
Sneaky plans were brewing in several corners during the seasonal friends to lovers novella Mistletoe Between Friends. Parental pressures to date led to a couple of life-long friends staging a fake romance during the holidays as a reprieve from blind dates and fix-ups. He was a serious scientist that gave every move considerable thought, and she was a flighty, impulse, flibberty-gibbet who never stuck with any job, hobby, or trend. It was quick, sweet, and sexy holiday read.
The Snowflake Inn features a Bed and Breakfast that was a bone of contention and cause for family drama and resentment for an angry wounded Marine returning home. He wanted rid of the family business, although his mother and her new chef did not seem to share his opinion or appreciate his thoughts. The story was a quick, angsty, and sexy read that was also quite moving and heart-squeezing at times.
September 16, 2016
Review & rating will be revealed on the book's release day.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this book!
December 11, 2016
Mistletoe Between Friends-4.5 stars
I love fake relationship stories so of course I loved this. I really liked Lily and Cameron. I thought the epilogue with their mothers at the end was amusing.
The Snowflake Inn-3.5 stars
This was an instalust that grew to more romance. Not my favorite romance trope but it was still a good story.
I love fake relationship stories so of course I loved this. I really liked Lily and Cameron. I thought the epilogue with their mothers at the end was amusing.
The Snowflake Inn-3.5 stars
This was an instalust that grew to more romance. Not my favorite romance trope but it was still a good story.
December 21, 2020
These two stories were just what I was looking for - but aren't exactly amazing. I definitely prefer Mistletoe to the Snowflake Inn. That one is maybe a 4 and Snowflake a 2 which averages to a 3.
September 29, 2016
Even if fall is just upon us, Samantha Chase offers us two previously published novellas in one book to put readers in a festive mood.
In THE MISTLETOE BETWEEN FRIENDS, Cameron Greene and Lily Cavanaugh have been best friends since they were toddlers, in spite of having different interests: Cameron is a scientist, serious and an introvert, while Lily is exuberant and impulsive; she has no real career plans, other than doing what makes her happy. While chatting over the phone about yet them both having been on dates set up by their respective matchmaking parents, Cameron comes up with an idea. With Thanksgiving nearly upon them, and their families forever trying to match them with unsuitable people, Cameron suggests that he and Lily pretend to be dating for the Holiday Season, that way they’ll be off the hook for several weeks. Cameron wishes that Lily were a real girlfriend, but he fears losing a friend in the process. Lily has been in love with Cameron for ages, but she doesn’t think she’s good enough for him. Then Cam asks Lily to come with him on a business trip to New York to “rehearse” before facing their families. It can’t be so hard to pretend, can it?
THE MISTLETOE BETWEEN FRIENDS is a charming friends to lovers story, and Samantha Chase certainly knows how to put readers in a festive mood. She creates a warm Holiday atmosphere, and I could easily picture myself enjoying Manhattan during the Holiday Season. I liked that there was just enough push and pull to make things interesting, but not so much that Cam and Lily’s hesitations created unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings. THE MISTLETOE BETWEEN FRIENDS is a lovely romance that will put you in the Holiday spirit!
SNOWFLAKE INN is where Riley Walsh doesn’t want to be, but he has to go see his mother. After 12 years in the Marines, Riley is back to being a civilian, and not by choice: he was injured and he doesn’t want a desk job, nor does he want to run the family inn, which is his mother Corrine’s wish. Corrine has been widowed for a long time, and when she was at the rehabilitation centre, she met a lovely young woman, Grace Brodie. Grace had had an accident, and consequently lost her job as a chef in Manhattan, so Corrine offered Grace a job at the inn, as they had become good friends. While Grace was jogging, she had noticed for several days in a row a “Cute Angry Guy” following her, and to her astonishment Corrine’s son Riley is her “Cute Angry Guy”. When Grace and Riley first meet, sparks fly all over the place, but Riley is indeed an angry guy. He wants his mother to sell the inn, and he won’t budge. Riley is really pigheaded, and quite unpleasant, and honestly other than the fact that Grace thinks he’s so hot, I’m not quite sure what she saw in him: he’s selfish, and respecting her privacy is not high on his list of priorities, but he wants her desperately. I suppose sexual chemistry sometimes validates perplexing pairings. I thought Grace came across as rather needy and a bit of a ninny, to be honest, even if she did put in a good argument.
On the other hand, there is a second romance in SNOWFLAKE INN which is absolutely wonderful. That other love story did it for me: I felt the deep friendship, the mutual respect, the kindness, and most of all true love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I give 3 ½ stars
In THE MISTLETOE BETWEEN FRIENDS, Cameron Greene and Lily Cavanaugh have been best friends since they were toddlers, in spite of having different interests: Cameron is a scientist, serious and an introvert, while Lily is exuberant and impulsive; she has no real career plans, other than doing what makes her happy. While chatting over the phone about yet them both having been on dates set up by their respective matchmaking parents, Cameron comes up with an idea. With Thanksgiving nearly upon them, and their families forever trying to match them with unsuitable people, Cameron suggests that he and Lily pretend to be dating for the Holiday Season, that way they’ll be off the hook for several weeks. Cameron wishes that Lily were a real girlfriend, but he fears losing a friend in the process. Lily has been in love with Cameron for ages, but she doesn’t think she’s good enough for him. Then Cam asks Lily to come with him on a business trip to New York to “rehearse” before facing their families. It can’t be so hard to pretend, can it?
THE MISTLETOE BETWEEN FRIENDS is a charming friends to lovers story, and Samantha Chase certainly knows how to put readers in a festive mood. She creates a warm Holiday atmosphere, and I could easily picture myself enjoying Manhattan during the Holiday Season. I liked that there was just enough push and pull to make things interesting, but not so much that Cam and Lily’s hesitations created unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings. THE MISTLETOE BETWEEN FRIENDS is a lovely romance that will put you in the Holiday spirit!
SNOWFLAKE INN is where Riley Walsh doesn’t want to be, but he has to go see his mother. After 12 years in the Marines, Riley is back to being a civilian, and not by choice: he was injured and he doesn’t want a desk job, nor does he want to run the family inn, which is his mother Corrine’s wish. Corrine has been widowed for a long time, and when she was at the rehabilitation centre, she met a lovely young woman, Grace Brodie. Grace had had an accident, and consequently lost her job as a chef in Manhattan, so Corrine offered Grace a job at the inn, as they had become good friends. While Grace was jogging, she had noticed for several days in a row a “Cute Angry Guy” following her, and to her astonishment Corrine’s son Riley is her “Cute Angry Guy”. When Grace and Riley first meet, sparks fly all over the place, but Riley is indeed an angry guy. He wants his mother to sell the inn, and he won’t budge. Riley is really pigheaded, and quite unpleasant, and honestly other than the fact that Grace thinks he’s so hot, I’m not quite sure what she saw in him: he’s selfish, and respecting her privacy is not high on his list of priorities, but he wants her desperately. I suppose sexual chemistry sometimes validates perplexing pairings. I thought Grace came across as rather needy and a bit of a ninny, to be honest, even if she did put in a good argument.
On the other hand, there is a second romance in SNOWFLAKE INN which is absolutely wonderful. That other love story did it for me: I felt the deep friendship, the mutual respect, the kindness, and most of all true love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I give 3 ½ stars
July 11, 2017
Mistletoes Between Friends/The Snowflake Inn is a Christmas duology. It was one of those books where one of the stories was much better than the other. I really quite liked The Snowflake Inn. I thought the storyline and the characters were well thought out and it was an enjoyable story to read. The ending was a little rushed, and didn't quite seem believable but it is set at Christmas so I'll let them off.
I really didn't get on with Mistletoe Between Friends, I didn't really like the characters or the story. Most the time I wanted to smack the two main characters heads together.
Shame about the fade to black in both stories. All that build up of sexual tension then nothing.
October 8, 2016
I am a sucker for Christmas Romance and I adore Samantha Chase, so as I sat down to read this double feature, I was thrilled and couldn't put the book down.
Mistletoe Between Friends was the perfect friends to lovers troupe and I loved every minute of it. Lily and Cameron have been best friends forever. Their families always getting together for the holidays and taking family vacations together. Cameron is the nerdy, quite type while Lily is the freespirited artist with a heart of gold. The two of them are sick of their mothers setting them up on blind dates and with the holidays approaching, meaning endless parties and hookups, Cameron comes up with the idea that the two should pretend to be dating to get their moms off their backs. And what happens next is magical. I loved Cameron and Lily together. The opposites attract and best friends makes this a fun and flirty read.
Snowflake Inn was a small emotional read full of heart. Riley Walsh is coming home after being released from the Marines after an accident. He loves his mother, but he knows all she wants is for him to take over the family business, a bed and breakfast in the mountain of North Carolina. What he never expected once he returned home was Gracie Brodie, a gorgeous woman who has been helping his mother in his absence and has stole a piece of his heart. Both are broken souls who find peace with themselves and with each other.
Anytime I can pick up a book by Samantha, I know by the end I will have a heart full and a smile on my face. Great Holiday reads!
Mistletoe Between Friends was the perfect friends to lovers troupe and I loved every minute of it. Lily and Cameron have been best friends forever. Their families always getting together for the holidays and taking family vacations together. Cameron is the nerdy, quite type while Lily is the freespirited artist with a heart of gold. The two of them are sick of their mothers setting them up on blind dates and with the holidays approaching, meaning endless parties and hookups, Cameron comes up with the idea that the two should pretend to be dating to get their moms off their backs. And what happens next is magical. I loved Cameron and Lily together. The opposites attract and best friends makes this a fun and flirty read.
Snowflake Inn was a small emotional read full of heart. Riley Walsh is coming home after being released from the Marines after an accident. He loves his mother, but he knows all she wants is for him to take over the family business, a bed and breakfast in the mountain of North Carolina. What he never expected once he returned home was Gracie Brodie, a gorgeous woman who has been helping his mother in his absence and has stole a piece of his heart. Both are broken souls who find peace with themselves and with each other.
Anytime I can pick up a book by Samantha, I know by the end I will have a heart full and a smile on my face. Great Holiday reads!
October 5, 2016
These are some great Christmas romances. Starting with Mistletoe Between Friends is great. The perfect pair of opposites that are best friends, a plot to stop the blind date set-ups for the holidays, and things just lead to so much more. Lily and Cameron have amazing chemistry and they are just far too adorable together. I was rooting for them right from page on and I enjoyed every page of their story.
The Snowflake Inn was another great romance, but it didn't hit the same high note that Mistletoe Between Friends did. Grace and Riley are both survivors on different tracks life. Riley is a bit of a jerk for most of the story - which was hard to wrap my head around after such a great feel-good story in Mistletoe. I needed him to turn around faster to really like him. Grace was a strong woman, but she had her weak moments that really made me feel for her. The romance was quite fast to all wrap up.
This is a great Christmas duo. Not sure I'd recommend reading them back to back though - just too different.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
The Snowflake Inn was another great romance, but it didn't hit the same high note that Mistletoe Between Friends did. Grace and Riley are both survivors on different tracks life. Riley is a bit of a jerk for most of the story - which was hard to wrap my head around after such a great feel-good story in Mistletoe. I needed him to turn around faster to really like him. Grace was a strong woman, but she had her weak moments that really made me feel for her. The romance was quite fast to all wrap up.
This is a great Christmas duo. Not sure I'd recommend reading them back to back though - just too different.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
September 30, 2016
Two book in one.
Mistletoe Between Friends was a fantastic read. When friends turn in to lovers is one of my favorite story lines and at Christmas time there's not much better than that. I couldn't put it down.
The Snowflake Inn I couldn't put it down such a great Christmas read. A bed and breakfast, a fireplace, a Christmas tree and a Cute Angry Guy comes together and brings you pure romance.
Mistletoe Between Friends was a fantastic read. When friends turn in to lovers is one of my favorite story lines and at Christmas time there's not much better than that. I couldn't put it down.
The Snowflake Inn I couldn't put it down such a great Christmas read. A bed and breakfast, a fireplace, a Christmas tree and a Cute Angry Guy comes together and brings you pure romance.
November 27, 2017
This month I decided to try Audible's Free Month of the "Romance Package" and so far I have been more disappointed than elated by the books I've found in this romance package. A lot of the books are more adult erotica in the selection than real heartfelt romance; which is what I was hoping for. While some hot and steamy romance can be fun to read it's not always what I'm looking for in a love story.
First off Audible had a book listed as romantic comedy and there was absolutely nothing romantic or comedic about a murder mystery tale. Disappointing. Next was a book that was listed as a "Sweet Romance" category and instead I got a steamy lusty story about two people who were more hot for each other than having any real heart; not to mention the guys were always juvenile jerks with control issues. Not sure who at audible is making these distinctions for these books but they are not doing a good job. After a few bad stories I almost gave up until I came upon this sweet, almost Hallmark-ish, budding romance between childhood friends.
This book is all that a romance book should be. The two characters had long time deep seeded feelings for each other, respect, devotion, loyalty and love enough to want to sacrifice for one another's happiness. The stuff that makes you go ... "AWE".
The story is told well and moves steadily with no unnecessary details or what I call "filler" writing, as in just ramblings that take up space but have no real purpose to make the story move forward. The story never lags and moves along like a well filmed TV movie of the week. Plus the narrator Vanessa DeSilvio brings the story to life with her wonderful portrayal of all the characters. If you are looking for a book with all heart, a bit of some fun between the sheets that is more reverent than carnal, and a bit of that holiday family background... then this is the book for you.
I'll be looking for more of Samantha Chase's work in hopes of more lighthearted tales.
First off Audible had a book listed as romantic comedy and there was absolutely nothing romantic or comedic about a murder mystery tale. Disappointing. Next was a book that was listed as a "Sweet Romance" category and instead I got a steamy lusty story about two people who were more hot for each other than having any real heart; not to mention the guys were always juvenile jerks with control issues. Not sure who at audible is making these distinctions for these books but they are not doing a good job. After a few bad stories I almost gave up until I came upon this sweet, almost Hallmark-ish, budding romance between childhood friends.
This book is all that a romance book should be. The two characters had long time deep seeded feelings for each other, respect, devotion, loyalty and love enough to want to sacrifice for one another's happiness. The stuff that makes you go ... "AWE".
The story is told well and moves steadily with no unnecessary details or what I call "filler" writing, as in just ramblings that take up space but have no real purpose to make the story move forward. The story never lags and moves along like a well filmed TV movie of the week. Plus the narrator Vanessa DeSilvio brings the story to life with her wonderful portrayal of all the characters. If you are looking for a book with all heart, a bit of some fun between the sheets that is more reverent than carnal, and a bit of that holiday family background... then this is the book for you.
I'll be looking for more of Samantha Chase's work in hopes of more lighthearted tales.
December 21, 2016
This is a fun and fast read about two longtime friends, Lilly Cavanaugh, and Cameron Greene. They have decided that from Thanksgiving to after New Year’s they are going to date each other as to stop the endless blind dates their mothers set them up on. This is fine for both because they have been in love with each other since they were kids. They get each other and it is shown at the first get together when Lilly’s family is harping on her about a job, and career. Cameron just comes in without being rude and sets everyone straight, and once again Lilly’s heart goes to Cameron. The only ones who believe that they are faking are them. Even Lilly sister says it is about time the two of them got together, when she tells her the truth. Her sister says I don’t think he was faking by the way he was looking at you. She believes it is too late to tell him though because he already the cabin everyone was staying at early for his job. Now Cameron looking at his apartment getting ready to leave for Europe for his new job realizes that all of his photos everywhere are with her, and now must decide. Go to the airport or back to the cabin and get the women he loves, which for him is totally out of character. A wonderful story with some nice twists at the end. I got this book from netgalley. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
March 16, 2017
Ms. Chase has given us another wonderful Christmas story in Mistletoe between Friends. Lily & Cameron are tired of their families setting them up on the worst blind dates ever. They decide to give themselves a break by pretending to be a couple during the holiday season. What do they say about the best laid plans?
In Snowflake Inn, Grace & Riley have differing plans for the Snowflake Inn. Grace feels like she's finally found somewhere to belong. Riley didn't want to come home but his family expected it. How will they ever come to an agreement?
Ms. Chase does an excellent job (as always) of developing primary & secondary characters that are realistic & lovable. She manages to get you hooked in the beginning by using humor & a storyline everyone can relate to. The reader is kept involved as you want to see what happens next. If you love romantic Christmas stories, you have to read these!
In Snowflake Inn, Grace & Riley have differing plans for the Snowflake Inn. Grace feels like she's finally found somewhere to belong. Riley didn't want to come home but his family expected it. How will they ever come to an agreement?
Ms. Chase does an excellent job (as always) of developing primary & secondary characters that are realistic & lovable. She manages to get you hooked in the beginning by using humor & a storyline everyone can relate to. The reader is kept involved as you want to see what happens next. If you love romantic Christmas stories, you have to read these!
November 1, 2017
Mistletoe Between Friends is a case of childhood friends growing up, pretending to be in a relationship to avoid the family matchmaking pressures, confessing their lifelong love for one another and thus turning the fictional relationship into a real one.
The story was a light and quick read centered around the holidays. It was a bit odd to see the two life-long friends so rapidly blur their relationship. Despite the hurried physical aspect of this story, I did enjoy the characters and their family's enthusiasm upon discovering the two in a relationship.
The Snowflake Inn
I wonder if the story was under a page limit or strict deadline. The characters were over simplified and the relationships were underdeveloped. I kept wanting to hear more about the characters beyond just a quick paragraph or two. This limiting factor made the characters and the story a fleeting one.
The story was a light and quick read centered around the holidays. It was a bit odd to see the two life-long friends so rapidly blur their relationship. Despite the hurried physical aspect of this story, I did enjoy the characters and their family's enthusiasm upon discovering the two in a relationship.
The Snowflake Inn
I wonder if the story was under a page limit or strict deadline. The characters were over simplified and the relationships were underdeveloped. I kept wanting to hear more about the characters beyond just a quick paragraph or two. This limiting factor made the characters and the story a fleeting one.
March 5, 2018
A Miracle...
This novella duo collection is priceless. I cannot believe how this writer created two perfect titles and combined them both into one book, but she did. I cannot imagine all the hours spent writing these but I can tell you, it's worth every page. I could not stop reading these. Addictive, raw, emotional, and magical...that's how I can describe these stories. The couples have a way of pulling me deep not their hearts and keeping me there forever. The scenes are unforgettable. The drama, fears, and romance are fun to follow. I laughed as much as I cried. Both stories are worth their weight in gold. Samantha Chase, I love your writing. Thank you, for creating these stories. Readers, beware, you pick this book up and you won't let go of it. Just that good...
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
This novella duo collection is priceless. I cannot believe how this writer created two perfect titles and combined them both into one book, but she did. I cannot imagine all the hours spent writing these but I can tell you, it's worth every page. I could not stop reading these. Addictive, raw, emotional, and magical...that's how I can describe these stories. The couples have a way of pulling me deep not their hearts and keeping me there forever. The scenes are unforgettable. The drama, fears, and romance are fun to follow. I laughed as much as I cried. Both stories are worth their weight in gold. Samantha Chase, I love your writing. Thank you, for creating these stories. Readers, beware, you pick this book up and you won't let go of it. Just that good...
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
June 23, 2018
Two great stories.
Mistletoe Between Friend:
I see another hallmark movie on the horizon. This book warms the heart. I love the friends to Lovers theme plus then add in friends pretending to be lovers and it makes it so much better. Lily and Cameron was just wonderful and each have their own quirks. The ending was genius.
The Snowflake Inn:
This book has two love stories. That right there makes a winner in my book. I love the story of Corrine and Ben and the long time love those two have had without acting on it. And the new love, yet starts out as annoyance with Grace and Riley.
Add in the holidays with each of these books and they are totally two that will get you in the spirit.
Mistletoe Between Friend:
I see another hallmark movie on the horizon. This book warms the heart. I love the friends to Lovers theme plus then add in friends pretending to be lovers and it makes it so much better. Lily and Cameron was just wonderful and each have their own quirks. The ending was genius.
The Snowflake Inn:
This book has two love stories. That right there makes a winner in my book. I love the story of Corrine and Ben and the long time love those two have had without acting on it. And the new love, yet starts out as annoyance with Grace and Riley.
Add in the holidays with each of these books and they are totally two that will get you in the spirit.
September 26, 2017
Two perfect holiday stories about finding love and making memories. Lily and Cameron find true love between best friends as they try to fake their relationship in order for their families to stop setting them up with others, only to find out that their mutual attraction is there for the long haul - what better way to spend the holiday. Riley figures out that coming home can be an enjoyable experience instead of something to be tolerated. The Snowflake Inn's new chef Grace makes the transition from military life to home a happy experience and when the two come together they both find home with their HEA. Once again, Samantha Chase does not disappoint her readers.
September 20, 2016
Book Info
Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: October 4th 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492622656 (ISBN13: 9781492622659)
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Two gorgeous stories about the most romantic time of the year...
The holidays don't have to be fraught with tension, as lifelong friends Lily Cavanaugh and Cameron Greene discover in Mistletoe Between Friends when they cook up a scheme to fool their family and friends.
The Snowflake Inn shows rivals Grace Brodie and Riley Walsh that Christmas is a time when dreams come true-even if you've given up on those dreams long ago.
Praise for The Christmas Cottage / Ever After:
"Samantha Chase's stories have a way of wrapping around the heart..." -Night Owl Reviews, Reviewer Top Pick!
"Altogether, this is a lovely duology about finding love. Be prepared for a stubborn heroine who believes in fairy tales. Fortunately, common sense prevails, leading to a delightful reconciliation." -RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
My Thoughts
Mistletoe Between Friends
Lifelong friends indeed have Cameron and Lily been, the best of friends actually whose ability to take a frown and turn it upside down into a smile is only one of the many things that keep each of them sane.
Lily is a bit indecisive almost flighty and Cam is too seriously studious so they complement each other perfectly as they each help balance out the others tendencies when needed the most.
From each others point of view bringing love into the picture would cause the treasured friendship to crater. However both Cam and Lily are at the end of their rope with the never-ending fix-ups with dates that are not compatible with either of them in any way.
Coming up with what seems like the perfect plan, to make the end-of-year holidays smoother for the two of them with their respective families, of faking a relationship with each other was never meant to take a serious turn.
However in true friends-to-lovers tradition once the ball starts rolling both Cam and Lily find themselves caught up in something bigger than they expected and at the end of the day something much more meaningful as well.
A very nice little short story about two people who get an unexpected HEA with each other that they dreamed about separately for years but never thought it would actually take place.
The Snowflake Inn
This story is about second chances, starting over, new beginnings and love.
Riley grew up resenting the time his parents spent running and taking care of The Snowflake Inn. He watched from the sidelines as they worked hard, no time off and no family vacations for the Marsh family while his friends enjoyed both with theirs.
Now a 30-year-old man, his military career over due to injuries he sustained in Afghanistan, Riley is adamant that his long widowed mother sell the Inn and enjoy life without waiting on or cleaning up after other people.
Not understanding her point of view that the Snowflake Inn means more than just a business to her Riley long ago vowed to never be roped into helping run the place or even wanting it to be passed on to him when his mother no longer is capable of doing so.
Grace for the first time in her 28-years has found a home with Corrine Walsh, helping to refurbish and renovate the Snowflake Inn while she cooks for it’s guests makes her feel like she has found the place she has been searching for her whole life.
Unfortunately for her what she wants more than anything may soon be just another memory in her rear view mirror if Riley can convince his mother to his way of thinking.
Meeting Grace is the first chink in Riley’s wall that has stood for over 20 years, slowly with her help he finds that perhaps his way is not the right way after all.
With the hope that he just may have found his search for what to do with the rest of his life and the woman to spend it with Riley makes plans that Grace is unaware of and which has the power to give them both everything they ever wanted.
For a true Christmas miracle these two manage to make their dreams a reality which allows them both a second chance, to start over with a new beginning and proving love really does change things for the better when it is with the right person.
Both of these books were previously released in 2013-2014 respectively and are good examples of why author Samantha Chase is such a pleasure to read, no matter the time of year.
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
January 19, 2017
I guess it's my own fault for assuming it would just be cutesy holiday stories, but I was disappointed when it turned out to be mostly awkward raunchiness rather than a sweet feel-good style. Not to mention that both stories felt very similar, like the characters weren't very different despite the different stories/situations and characters. Predictable in a disappointing way. All in all, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. It bordered on Harlequin style..I felt like I was reading something off an old spinster aunts shelf.:P
November 12, 2017
Great Christmas Stories!
2 holiday tales of finding enduring love, one of two very good friends that start as a deception that becomes only too real. Another of 2 strangers that come together after their own hardships, exploring all the possibilities available. A nice, simple read for the holidays!
2 holiday tales of finding enduring love, one of two very good friends that start as a deception that becomes only too real. Another of 2 strangers that come together after their own hardships, exploring all the possibilities available. A nice, simple read for the holidays!
February 29, 2020
Mountains, snow, Christmas and romance
Mistletoe Between Friends is part of The Snowflake Inn Series by Samantha Chase and it is a very good book. Lily and Cameron have been best friends since childhood. Can they take their relationship to the next level without ruining their friendship which is precious to each them? Read and find out.
Mistletoe Between Friends is part of The Snowflake Inn Series by Samantha Chase and it is a very good book. Lily and Cameron have been best friends since childhood. Can they take their relationship to the next level without ruining their friendship which is precious to each them? Read and find out.
December 29, 2021
In this fake-dating romance, Lily and Cameron, who’ve been friends forever, decide to deceive their well-meaning but meddlesome family by pretending to be in a relationship. The problem with knowing each other so well is that feelings start to develop when their ruse creates the opportunity to see each other as something other than just friends. It was a sweet novella.
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