Mistletoe Detour

by Kate Pearce

This Christmas, one California cowboy finds that love, like the perfect gift, can be even more wonderful when it’s unexpected…
 
Called out to rescue a stranded driver on a snowy night, rancher Ted Baker is surprised to find his old high-school friend, Veronica Hernandez, at the wheel—with her pet pig, Bacon, riding shotgun. Ten years after leaving Morgantown, Veronica is as warm, lively, and lovely as ever. If she and Bacon need a place to stay over the holidays, Ted’s got a spare room that needs filling and, maybe, a heart that could use the same…
 
Veronica has landed herself in a jam—and what better place to lie low than her sleepy hometown? But spending time with Ted is making her wonder why she ever left…and whether it’s too late to turn this Christmas pit stop into a new beginning…
 

Genres: Romance, Christmas

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2021

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.

She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.

Reviews

[Rachel-RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly this had some depth. Veronica left her small town when she turned 18. She's back in town unexpectedly. Ted helps her out and gives her a place to stay. Ted was an old friend from their school days. It turns out her uncle is in HI with Ted's dad. Ted stayed in their small town. His father had some health issues and he stayed to help care for him. Ted also happens to own the town's only gas station and an auto shop. It turns out Veronica has done Something.
This worked because both character already knew each other. Ted has always really liked Veronica, but she never returned the feelings. Until now. I liked how welcoming the town was of Veronica. She's been through a lot (her ex-husband was abusive). For the most part, they talk about things, although one or the other do jump to assumptions when they shouldn't a few times.

[Angella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute novella that didn't feel rushed and was totally believable. I may even read something else this author has written because her characters had depth and were believable.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read modern day novels, I'm more into historical romance. However, I did like this story. A fun read, and loved the baby pig. A lovely romantic story with a great HEA, and by one of my favourite authors. 4☆

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this wonderful return to Morgantown.

Local mechanic Ted heads out to help a stranded motorist, only to find it's the girl he crushed on in high school, Veronica. She's back in town to stay with her uncle, who is currently on a cruise with his buddy who happens to be Ted's dad. Ted offers to let her stay with him until they get back, and their friendship becomes the foundation of a sweet, tender romance. We're treated to Ry and Avery's wedding and an assortment of small-town holiday cheer, along with a bit of a mystery surrounding Veronica's flight from LA.

These are both beautifully-developed characters who gently work through their emotional baggage as their romance takes shape. I was drawn in right away and loved every bit of this story. Their HEA is the stuff of small-town legends.

If you're a fan of this author or have read others in the series, you'll definitely want to snag this delightful romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Ted Baker is called out to rescue a stranded driver in a snow storm, he's surprised to find an old high school friend. A bad divorce has brought Veronica Hernandez back to the home town she left 10 years ago. When Veronica needs a place to stay, Ted gladly offers her his extra room. Ted and Veronica enjoy renewing their old friendship - and possibly making it more.

Part of the Morgantown series, the story can easily been read as a stand alone. This is a quick Christmas story that can be read in one sitting. With a bit of humor, a bit of angst and some Christmas spirit, it's a sweet holiday romance.

[Liz McCammon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway and am providing an honest review. I found I just couldn’t get onboard with the romance - there were just so many things that I found fake. For example, he came out in a towel and had forgotten she was there? He made coffee after having a couple of beers and pizza. They knew everyone in town but thought they would use the online dating explanation of their meeting? And the speed at which it went from - Hey let’s pretend we are an item, to actually hooking up left me wishing for some actual romance. Yeah, just not for me. 2.5 stars

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Tell the Truth

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest review. Veronica shows up back home, after being gone for ten years. Ted can't believe she is there, when he pulls up with his tow truck. Ted has always been in love with her. She needs to get things settled back in Los Angeles, before she can move on with her life. Cute story.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe Detour is a cute holiday romance story. It is a quick one sitting read that takes place in Morgantown, California. Former classmates Veronica Hernandez and Ted Baker get reacquainted when she is forced to stay with him while her uncle is away at Christmastime. Veronica's piglet adds a bit of humor. I enjoyed it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the story--cute little pig added to story line---and nice to have characters from previous books make an appearance!!

I won a copy from Goodreads and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Marybelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story that brings two former friends (and one little piglet named Bacon) back together after years of separation. Each learns about trust, love, and the importance of sharing. The lesson here is a simple one, sometimes what we most search for in life is right there at home for the finding.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t too much to write home about, but it is the only one of several Christmas novellas I tried that I felt inclined to finish, so that tells you something! There’s a lot of trauma packed into these 100 pages so brace yourself, but otherwise a sweet, quick small town romance

[Ann Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. A quick read.

[Casarah Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story. A man, a woman and pig, this is not a typical storyline, but it worked well and was nice to read. It left me wanting more.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can a story with a pig, small town romance, and Christmas not add up to a sweet and funny story!

[Cheriwinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook read by Brain Hutchinson. It was a lovely, funny story.

[A Lazy Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet little novella

[Merle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Morgan Valley adventure involves Ted Baker, owner of the local gas station and body shop. Called out for a tow in a snowstorm, he finds an old school friend, Veronica Hernandez, stranded with her pet pig. She has come to town in a hurry, escaping a possible felony, and also still dealing with the abuse from her ex- husband. As the town gathers for a Morgan wedding, Veronica tries to find out what actually happened. She and Ted decide to trust each other, and make a life together in Morgan Valley.