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Last Kiss Under the Mistletoe

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Holidays should be filled with cheer…

CJ Roberts just wants to be a normal girl, have a normal job, normal friends, maybe even a normal boyfriend. Unfortunately, she’s about as far from normal as it gets, because she can See the future. And like two sides of a coin, her twin brother, Matt, can See the past. Sounds like a neat party trick, right? Actually, it’s frustrating and sometimes even dangerous. And if the past is any indicator, CJ can’t do much to change what she Sees. 

Drew Davies lives and breathes his job as a chef at one of the hottest restaurants in San Francisco. He’s content to focus on his craft, and dating has always been on the back burner. That is, until he meets CJ. When sparks fly, things heat up quickly between them. It’s an unexpected but welcome connection as the holidays approach.

But just as hope blooms, CJ has a vision that changes everything. She doesn’t know how it will happen, but she knows Drew is going to die. Now she’s left with a decision: Does she risk exposing herself to save Drew, or does she play it safe and let fate deal its hand? Secrecy has protected her until now, but can she really do nothing when the life of the man she’s falling for hangs in the balance?

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2020

23 people are currently reading
725 people want to read

About the author

Melanie A. Smith

29 books297 followers
Melanie A. Smith is an award-winning, international best-selling author of steamy romance with smart, self-sufficient heroines and strong, swoony book boyfriends with hearts of gold. A former engineer turned stay-at-home mom and author, when Melanie is not lost in the world of books you’ll find her spending time with her husband and son, crafting, or cross-stitching.

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5 stars
67 (48%)
4 stars
43 (31%)
3 stars
19 (13%)
2 stars
8 (5%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Nikki J Summers.
Author 19 books1,540 followers
November 5, 2020
Oh, Drew! I do love a hot chef!!

I loved this romance, especially the gifts that CJ and her twin brother Matt had, which added a paranormal twist that Melanie always does so well. It kept me flipping those pages & I don’t want to give any spoilers away, so all I’ll say is, you need to read this!

A fabulous five stars!
Profile Image for Lindsey Powell.
Author 33 books511 followers
October 22, 2020
So, this is like my ideal book guys because not only do we a hot guy... we get a hot guy who’s a chef.
Hot man and food.
Need I say more?

This story has everything I love about Melanie’s writing.
Drama, suspense, hotness, and the paranormal element that Melanie portrays so brilliantly.

CJ and Drew are fabulous main characters, and this is a perfect read to snuggle up with.
Five glorious stars.
Profile Image for Julia DeBarrioz.
Author 6 books50 followers
December 11, 2020
If you only pick one holiday book to read this year, make it this one! Melanie's done it again, bringing us a fresh and fun romance filled with believable characters. I always love how REAL her characters feel, from awkward conversations to tense encounters in the workplace. I adored CJ, who is strong, quiet, and surprisingly down-to-earth for someone who makes her living at a social media company. Oh, aaaand she has a little paranormal gift. Which somehow also doesn't seem outlandish, because Ms. Smith is such a master at sliding these things into the plot in a way that just has me nodding my head like yes, yep, that's for real, totally legit, let's go. Chef Drew is totally swoon-worthy, and these two made such an excellent insta-love couple. (I loved the descriptions of the food. This book made me HUNGRY, especially for cheesecake!) 


So, what would you do if you could see the future? Write your visions off as fate, or try to change the outcome? What if you knew someone you loved was going to die? CJ has never been able to change the future before, but when she sees Drew is going to die she stops at nothing to find out who intends to do him in. It gets a little wild, and I loved every word. The ending was perfection! 
Profile Image for BP34.
6,278 reviews46 followers
December 4, 2020
An unusual set of twins, CJ can see the future and her twin brother Matt can see the past. Makes for some interesting and dangerous times. Things spike up a notch or two when CJ's visualizes her boyfriend Drew's death. This puts her in a quandry does she expose herself and warn him? This is a really cute book that is well written with a twist of paranormal. A page-turner that will keep you guessing. A Christmas romance with some humor, some surprises, some steam and a whole lot of holiday cheer. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to write a review.
Profile Image for T.L. Clark.
Author 20 books194 followers
December 9, 2020
Well, that was rather fun! I'm a complete foodie, so a chef hero is a winner from the get-go. Add in a pre-cog heroine and the book was in my basket instantly! But that's not all, the hero's life is in danger. Will CJ's foresight be a blessing or a curse?

Packed with heat - the full-on, sizzling kind! Bit of Christmas magic. And a whole heap of action.

The chemistry between these two is off the charts. And they're surrounded by intriguing characters. A well-written story with 'real' characters.

A very different kind of Christmas story, in all the best ways.
4.5*
Author 3 books43 followers
December 4, 2020
As a longtime fan of Melanie’s contemporary romance novels, I was excited to read something with a paranormal twist, and just as I suspected it was a winner!

It was instant love for CJ—she’s quirky and totally likeable. Her relationship with her twin brother, endearing and funny Aunt Meg and a strong cast of supporting characters all with a dash of paranormal make for a page turner you do not want to miss!

Like with all of Melanie’s couples I need more of CJ and Drew. Their chemistry is instant, hot and oh so delicious with a twist.

Well done Melanie, you’ve done it again!♥
Profile Image for blueyed_cntry_girl.
1,583 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2020
I thought Melanie done a great job with this one. CJ was a little weird but an amazing character and Drew well he was awesome although quick to anger. But you can’t really blame him to a point. They make such a cute couple. CJ’s gift and how intense it was was a great add especially throwing her brother in. Great Christmas read !

I received this as an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
9,375 reviews140 followers
November 16, 2020
This is a steamy and suspense filled Christmas romance with a paranormal twist. The author brings strong characters with a hot chemistry and weaves an intriguing story. She did a great job pulling me in with all the twists as well as the twins "gifts" and describes both her characters and scenes perfectly. The story moves fluidly and is a great read. I loved and highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lisa Stadler.
24 reviews
November 23, 2020
Got this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Great story, easy read. It is pretty much a typical romance novel. Does have a bit of mystery twist in it with the ability to see the future.
Profile Image for B.B. Florine.
64 reviews
November 30, 2020
Great Christmas Romance Suspense!

First off, with the holidays now in full swing I’m in the mood to glut out on Christmas Romance stories so I’m really glad that I got the chance to read this one by Ms. Smith so early in the season. Second, any book with a sexy chef as the hero has my immediate attention. Seriously, there’s just something about a hot guy in the kitchen that makes my heart beat a little bit faster and… well anyway, I digress.
I went into “Last Kiss…” expecting a light, holiday cheer, kind of quick seasonal read, but I got so much more! The paranormal-slash-psychic theme threw an intriguing element and mystery into the story line that kept me sucked in the whole time I was reading. There were times I seriously couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!
I really loved CJ’s character. She was so relatable and quirky. Her past, as well as her gift, gave her just the kind of conflict that draws me in as a reader and the quick pace that Smith delivered kept the story moving along at an enjoyable clip. I fell in love with a lot of the supporting characters too, so much that I’m hoping Smith revisits them in future books. Umm, and did I mention there’s a sexy chef?
Don’t take my word for it though. Read this exciting, Christmas romance for yourself and get swept away by CJ and Drew’s story.
Profile Image for Terry.
1,496 reviews
November 22, 2020
4 1/2 Stars for this hot chef and the woman he can't resist!

I just loved CJ and Drew! CJ is a little quirky but just so cute. And Drew ... who wouldn't love a hot guy who cooks ... no really, WHO? The characters are well developed and the banter between them is just so realistic. This book has some of the hottest steamy scenes I have ever read ... WOW! I would have loved to see a story about Matt and Anna.

CJ and her twin brother are not your average twins. She can see a person's future and he can see their past when they touch them. Only their immediate family circle knows, therefore they have a hard time letting anyone else into their lives. But when CJ meets Drew, an up-and-coming chef, she feels this connection to him and wants to let him in, but is afraid to expose her secret. Drew has no time for a relationship, as his main focus is his career and besides who wants to be with someone who works 80 hours a week? But when he meets CJ, he begins to rethink his life plan.

I received an early copy courtesy of Wicked Dreams Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
4,720 reviews39 followers
December 8, 2020
It was first-rate.
This piece was really interesting it is about a lady who can see the future oh she is also a twin and her brother can see the past I bet you can see where this may just cause some problems. CJ and Matt Roberts are some team. Drew Davies a chef has pretty much spent his time working but then he meets CJ. Now, this is when fate joins the party, and the paranormal takes center stage. The drama and suspense were grand and with the added in paranormal elements, it made it first-rate. I usually read historical but this contemporary paranormal was a wonderful change of pace for me. I loved the story, the characters were great and it was written so very well. This is a book you should check out! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Melissa Frey.
Author 6 books22 followers
December 3, 2020
Suspenseful Romance PERFECT for the Holidays

This book was amazing and so well-written. I loved CJ and Drew’s love story — it was authentic and real, and, without giving away too many spoilers, the way they come together at the end is both messy and beautiful.

Neither of them is quite ready for a relationship, but insta-love doesn’t discriminate. But they soon realize that a relationship requires commitment and trust, and their journey getting there is heartbreakingly sweet. Oh — and steamy. ALLLLLL the steam. #hereforit

The mystery/suspense/danger portion of the story just about gutted me. I was worried about how the end would turn out right up until, well, the very end. But that’s what made this book so satisfying. Even CJ’s gift seems realistic in the story, and it adds so much to the plot.

This book deserves way more than the five stars I can give it. It was SO GOOD. The holiday part was a small portion of the book but yet still crucial to the story. If you’re looking for a suspenseful holiday romance that keeps you guessing but ends so perfectly, look no further. You’ve found it.
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,402 reviews19 followers
December 11, 2020
What a story!!!! Once I started it, I could not stop. A sweet, blazin hot love story with a bit paranormal and suspense mixed in. CJ and her twin brother have a special gift, each with unique, significant capabilities. One can see the past, one can see the future. CJ meets Chef Drew in a meeting and literally everything changes. There is this fierce attraction and connection with these two. Drew feels the same. While they start this amazing relationship and how amazingly happy they are together, she also sees something else in Drew's future. I can't say too much because it will completely ruin the story!!!

I loved it, I could not put it down. The author's words, descriptions, and everything tying into their gift, it works soooooo well together!!! They were an excellent couple!
2,249 reviews15 followers
November 30, 2020
CJ and her brother have a certain gift. CJ just wants to be normal but that is not happening. She meets Drew and he is a chef. So she can see the future and she see something about Drew. This book is filled with paranormal elements, it is action packed and the characters are absolutely fabulous. The story flowed and hooked me from the very start. I loved this book. It had a little something for everyone. Highly recommend this Christmas read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for QueenOfBooks88.
259 reviews11 followers
November 16, 2020
Melanie is a fantastic author who never fails to take you on an incredible journey with her stories, this one was different to something I've read before but it was so mesmerising in the way she tells of CJ's incredible gift, the intensity of her ability and the journey it takes her on when she meets Drew.
Profile Image for Karine.
130 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2020
I feel bad but I didn’t like that book... the story could be fun but there was to much details and info, the first part was too long and then the end is too quick...
Anyway that’s just my opinion.
My 5 stars could be your DFN and your 5 stars could be mine.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
December 10, 2020
trying to think if i have ever read a Christmas suspenseful read before? jogging my mind??! i don't believe so??! great cover. i love anything Christmas ... it is one of my favorite holidays. in KU if you have that service. not what i did expect but really enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Hope Vollm.
1,322 reviews23 followers
December 12, 2020
This book ended up being pretty good. I really liked the premise of a murder mystery Christmas romance but the victim is still alive.

I liked CJ and Drew but I felt like both of them were super secretive, which I kinda understand but kinda don't. I feel like a lot of trouble could have been resolved if either of them had been slightly open at first. I feel like the big climactic scene was missing something but I'm really not sure what it was.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,727 reviews526 followers
December 3, 2020
I was fortunate enough to win a Limited Edition Bloggers Pack, which included a paperback copy of LKUTM, that the Author was holding a giveaway for. Since I hadn't read any of Melanie A. Smith's books before I was really looking forward to jumping into this to see what her stories were like and I have to say that I fell hard for the sweet and sexy paranormal romance and I look forward to more from her.

This isn't the typical paranormal romance that I usually read, there were no shifters or vampires here, CJ has a special ability to see the future she is what is considered a Seer and her twin brother sees the past. This is an interesting ability because what would you do if you could see someones future, would you do something to change it? Or would you just let things play out? Well, that is the dilemma CJ finds herself in shortly after she starts seeing hunky chef Drew.

Read my full review along with an excerpt here: http://bit.ly/NBReviewLKUtM

last kiss under the mistletoe

last kiss under the mistletoe

Nadine's Obsessed with Books **I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books** I also purchased an ebook copy for myself
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic


Profile Image for Nicole Reeves.
Author 4 books39 followers
December 12, 2020
3.5 stars. I loved Drew, it took me a little longer to warm up to CJ, so many of her choices left me wanting to shake her. I'm not sure I'd describe this one as a Christmas book, other than happening during the holidays it didn't seem to matter much to the story. I did love the author's style, will try another one of her books for sure.
Profile Image for Cheriwinkle.
1,154 reviews3 followers
December 23, 2023
A new author for me—and a very enjoyable read. I have often wished that audiobooks could have a male and female doing the voices of each throughout the book…and my wish has been fulfilled!!! Rachel Woods and Luke Parker narrating together makes the book fantastic to listen to!
Profile Image for Shauna McDonnell.
Author 5 books155 followers
October 22, 2020
I know I say this about every book Melanie writes... but this one is my favourite thus far.

Not only do we get Melanie’s signature sweet and steamy romance, (with a slightly dark plot-twist) we have a spiritual aspect which I am ALL FOR!

I absolutely adored CJ and her gifts. I love that Melanie explores the unknown in this and it’s not just your typical boy meets girl scenario. Drew was the perfect book-boyfriend. (Hot chef! Yes, please)

Fabulous read. I read it all in one sitting. Highly recommended.

Profile Image for R.J. Groves.
Author 32 books59 followers
November 3, 2020
Last Kiss Under the Mistletoe was a nice easy read. With a bit of a psychic element to it, it's a little different to Melanie A Smith's usual, but I actually really enjoyed it. Not only was it steamy and romantic, but there was also an element of suspense. Complete with quirky Christmas sweaters, Melanie A Smith has given us another fabulous read.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
1,000 reviews14 followers
April 30, 2021
I read this book as a judge for the First Coast Romance Writers National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards.
This was a nice contemporary romance with a bit of a mystery and drama in it. It would be a good book to read during the holidays. It's not the kind of book I would normally read even though it's categorized as paranormal. It does have a nice amount of sex scenes but it's very vanilla.
CJ and her brother Matt are twins and  psychics. He can see the past and she can see the future. Their special abilities make it difficult to form healthy relationships. They are very close and even work together.
One day CJ goes to a restaurant to do a food tasting for a business event and meets Chef Drew Davies. A relationship forms but CJ SEES that something threatens a possible happy future with Drew and she's hesitant to trust her feelings for him.
I loved this great line in the story made by one of CJ and Matt's aunts who liked to travel. "Every woman needs to be called 'lass' by a true Scotsman before she dies."
The story was well written and I didn't find a single typo. I enjoyed reading about the food prepared by Chef Davies.
If you're looking for a light holiday romance  pick up this book, pull up your holiday playlist, and cuddle under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
December 4, 2020
⚖️⚖️ONE SENSATIONAL JOURNEY⚖️⚖️
Screaming skiddles! Melanie delivers one earthshaking rollercoaster with this remarkable wild ride, serving up some nailbiting facts, nerve racking lessons and ruthless drive, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration, catapulting this jewel to a whole new level. Attitude and attributes in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this tangled web so thoroughly till everything else ceases to exist, blasting this bad boy into the eye of the storm, blowing it into a frenzy with life altering results. Traversing a minefield of captivating drama, riveting intrigue, underlying currents, hidden threats, spiraling danger, swirling suspense and dangerous encounters, you have one mind-blowing experience, fusing this gem together seamlessly. Mishaps and misfortune descend in a vortex of traumatic events and cunning strategy, scattered barriers and broken perimeters solidify as limitations are amplified and tested, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, reaching deep for every fiber of strength in a fierce surge of determination, blasting this baby to life flawlessly. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Melanie, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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