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Mine Under the Mistletoe: A steamy London Christmas romance
Thanks to a transatlantic house swap, California girl Ashley Turner is finally going to fulfill her lifelong dream of a proper English Christmas. Her holiday plans did not include a sexy stranger climbing into her borrowed bed in the middle of the night. But in the light of day, Ashley can't help but wonder if Santa has delivered early...
Game designer Oliver Stansfeld can't wait to leave dreary London—and all its difficult holiday memories—for sunny San Diego. But a freak ice storm and a grounded plane have forced him back to his already-occupied flat. To make up for the mix-up, the least he can do is show his pretty houseguest where to get the perfect Christmas tree before he leaves.
The more time they spend together, the more their attraction grows, and soon Ashley is tempting Oliver to give in to the spirit of the season and snuggle up for the rest of the winter. As the ice melts and flights start taking off again, he must choose between giving in to the past or risking his heart on a chance at love.
28,000 words
Game designer Oliver Stansfeld can't wait to leave dreary London—and all its difficult holiday memories—for sunny San Diego. But a freak ice storm and a grounded plane have forced him back to his already-occupied flat. To make up for the mix-up, the least he can do is show his pretty houseguest where to get the perfect Christmas tree before he leaves.
The more time they spend together, the more their attraction grows, and soon Ashley is tempting Oliver to give in to the spirit of the season and snuggle up for the rest of the winter. As the ice melts and flights start taking off again, he must choose between giving in to the past or risking his heart on a chance at love.
28,000 words
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
5 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Kat Latham
20 books372 followersKat Latham writes sexy contemporary romance, including the London Legends rugby series. She’s a California girl who moved to Europe the day after graduating from UCLA, ditching her tank tops for raincoats. She spent several years teaching English in Prague followed by several more working for a humanitarian organization in London. She and her British husband now live in a small town in the rural Netherlands surrounded by miles and miles of green pasture, canals and Shetland ponies. Kat’s slowly adjusting to life in a place where bicycles and cows seem to outnumber people.
With degrees in English lit and human rights, she loves stories that reflect the humor and emotion of real life. Kat’s other career involves writing and editing for charities, and she’s had the privilege of traveling to Kenya, Ethiopia and India to write about the heroic people helping their communities survive disasters.
You can usually find Kat on her blog (katlatham.com), Twitter (@KatrinaLatham) or Facebook (facebook.com/KatLathamRomance).
She hopes you’ll hang out with her there!
With degrees in English lit and human rights, she loves stories that reflect the humor and emotion of real life. Kat’s other career involves writing and editing for charities, and she’s had the privilege of traveling to Kenya, Ethiopia and India to write about the heroic people helping their communities survive disasters.
You can usually find Kat on her blog (katlatham.com), Twitter (@KatrinaLatham) or Facebook (facebook.com/KatLathamRomance).
She hopes you’ll hang out with her there!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 3, 2021
2021 Winter Bingo (#SnowInLoveBingo❄️): ’tis the damn season
Content Notes:
Sweet Christmas novella with grief elements.
Content Notes:
Sweet Christmas novella with grief elements.
December 16, 2013
Mine Under the Mistletoe was a sweet Christmas story. Only being 77 pages, you’ll be able to read it in one sitting.
Ashley Turner had planned to spend Christmas in London with her roommates. Unfortunately, life happens and her roommates are no longer able to go. Not wanting to give up her Christmas holiday that she has been saving for. Ashley decides to still go to London and stay at the home she has switched with her own home in San Diego. Spending her first night in the house alone, Ashley is woken up by a naked man climbing into bed with her.
Oliver Stansfeld doesn’t want to spend Christmas in his home that is filled with memories of the past. A house swap in a different country is just what he thinks he needs. A snow and ice storm keeps Oliver for going anywhere. Coming back home to catch a few hours of sleep before he can try to fly out the next morning is all he wants to do. He wasn’t expecting to find a beautiful stranger in his bed when he gets home.
Stranded together for the holiday season, Ashley and Oliver figure out how to make the best out their situation. Feelings between them grow fast the more time spent together.
Anyone how is looking for a fast, sweet Christmas read, this could be the book for you.
An ARC was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ashley Turner had planned to spend Christmas in London with her roommates. Unfortunately, life happens and her roommates are no longer able to go. Not wanting to give up her Christmas holiday that she has been saving for. Ashley decides to still go to London and stay at the home she has switched with her own home in San Diego. Spending her first night in the house alone, Ashley is woken up by a naked man climbing into bed with her.
Oliver Stansfeld doesn’t want to spend Christmas in his home that is filled with memories of the past. A house swap in a different country is just what he thinks he needs. A snow and ice storm keeps Oliver for going anywhere. Coming back home to catch a few hours of sleep before he can try to fly out the next morning is all he wants to do. He wasn’t expecting to find a beautiful stranger in his bed when he gets home.
Stranded together for the holiday season, Ashley and Oliver figure out how to make the best out their situation. Feelings between them grow fast the more time spent together.
Anyone how is looking for a fast, sweet Christmas read, this could be the book for you.
An ARC was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2024
Mine Under the Mistletoe is a must read for the holidays! The author does a great job of capturing the spirit of Christmas and getting you into the festive mood. The story itself is emotionally moving and incredibly romantic. It also makes you want to curl up under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate. I loved this book and I would definitely recommend it.
December 27, 2021
Very sweet, but definitely felt too short.
December 3, 2013
As we're told in the synopsis, Thanks to a transatlantic house swap, California girl Ashley Turner is finally going to fulfill her lifelong dream of a proper English Christmas. Her holiday plans did not include a sexy stranger climbing into her borrowed bed in the middle of the night. But in the light of day, Ashley can't help but wonder if Santa has delivered early...
Game designer Oliver Stansfeld can't wait to leave dreary London—and all its difficult holiday memories—for sunny San Diego. But a freak ice storm and a grounded plane have forced him back to his already-occupied flat. To make up for the mix-up, the least he can do is show his pretty houseguest where to get the perfect Christmas tree before he leaves.
Seeing Christmastime London through Ashley’s American eyes was the perfect way to enter into this sweet, clever, poignant “cabin” romance. And who doesn’t like snowy cabin romances where nature provides a reason for two people to meet and fall in love?
The story opens with Oliver’s Christmas tragedy of sorts: Airport’s closed. All flights canceled. All day. Three days before Christmas and one of the world’s busiest airports was closed due to a cold snap they’d been unprepared for. Didn’t that just say it all? If America was the land of optimism, Britain was the home of everything going tits-up. Oliver is a realist about the situation whereas Ashley’s head is filled with Love Actually and A Christmas Carol. Even Oliver’s vocabulary delights her, Ashley knew she should protest, tell him not to start a fight on her behalf, but oh my God a hot British guy was calling someone a wanker.
Oliver and Ashley both have pasts that make Christmas a troubling time for them—Oliver’s sister and flat mate died last Christmas. His sister lived with him because of circumstances that haunt him still. Ashley and her mother endured years of poverty with Christmases that were rich in love and symbolism, exemplified by the yearly ornament Ashley’s mother made for her. Ashley too is alone now.
Ashley takes a serious tumble on the ice and Oliver feels totally responsible, It was all he could say. For the second time in his life, a young woman lay broken in front of him, the victim of his stupid decisions. While Ashley and Oliver sit around, slowly getting to know each other, more memories start to emerge. Christmas had always been very important to Oliver’s sister—one of the reasons he wanted to escape to sunny spicy San Diego. Ashley picks up on this, Yesterday she’d caught glimpses of a man preoccupied by something, a man who seemed to be struggling with sadness.
Their interchanges about food and expectations are delightful, …his head snapped forward again, and the sparkle returned to his eyes. “I’ve got it. Brick Lane. Indian curry? He tells Ashley to forget fish and chips or Yorkshire puds or anything else you might’ve heard about. Chicken tikka masala is our national dish.
Lest you worry that Kat Latham’s novella is all gloom and memories of doom, it isn’t. Oliver is the perfect host, opening his heart and city to the lonely young American, telling her it’s because you shine with happiness, angel. He dangles the traditional treat of a panto before her and she asks um, is that a word I should know? Oliver is shocked to his core. Laying it all on the line, he says, That’s it. I’m taking your Dickens away and showing you modern London later. Prepare yourself for…
This seems like a good time to leave Ollie and Ashley. Ashley has come to London armed with Charles Dickens, candy-cane underwear (the gift of her stateside roomies) and a desire to suck the marrow out of every moment of this trip. Oliver, understanding Ashley’s all-American wish to have a man beside her who puts some effort in the wooing and the mood of burgeoning love, goes all-in on love and finds the courage, with a few twists and turns, to face his future. I enjoyed this tasty and occasionally tart Christmas punch—a lovely holiday treat.
Game designer Oliver Stansfeld can't wait to leave dreary London—and all its difficult holiday memories—for sunny San Diego. But a freak ice storm and a grounded plane have forced him back to his already-occupied flat. To make up for the mix-up, the least he can do is show his pretty houseguest where to get the perfect Christmas tree before he leaves.
Seeing Christmastime London through Ashley’s American eyes was the perfect way to enter into this sweet, clever, poignant “cabin” romance. And who doesn’t like snowy cabin romances where nature provides a reason for two people to meet and fall in love?
The story opens with Oliver’s Christmas tragedy of sorts: Airport’s closed. All flights canceled. All day. Three days before Christmas and one of the world’s busiest airports was closed due to a cold snap they’d been unprepared for. Didn’t that just say it all? If America was the land of optimism, Britain was the home of everything going tits-up. Oliver is a realist about the situation whereas Ashley’s head is filled with Love Actually and A Christmas Carol. Even Oliver’s vocabulary delights her, Ashley knew she should protest, tell him not to start a fight on her behalf, but oh my God a hot British guy was calling someone a wanker.
Oliver and Ashley both have pasts that make Christmas a troubling time for them—Oliver’s sister and flat mate died last Christmas. His sister lived with him because of circumstances that haunt him still. Ashley and her mother endured years of poverty with Christmases that were rich in love and symbolism, exemplified by the yearly ornament Ashley’s mother made for her. Ashley too is alone now.
Ashley takes a serious tumble on the ice and Oliver feels totally responsible, It was all he could say. For the second time in his life, a young woman lay broken in front of him, the victim of his stupid decisions. While Ashley and Oliver sit around, slowly getting to know each other, more memories start to emerge. Christmas had always been very important to Oliver’s sister—one of the reasons he wanted to escape to sunny spicy San Diego. Ashley picks up on this, Yesterday she’d caught glimpses of a man preoccupied by something, a man who seemed to be struggling with sadness.
Their interchanges about food and expectations are delightful, …his head snapped forward again, and the sparkle returned to his eyes. “I’ve got it. Brick Lane. Indian curry? He tells Ashley to forget fish and chips or Yorkshire puds or anything else you might’ve heard about. Chicken tikka masala is our national dish.
Lest you worry that Kat Latham’s novella is all gloom and memories of doom, it isn’t. Oliver is the perfect host, opening his heart and city to the lonely young American, telling her it’s because you shine with happiness, angel. He dangles the traditional treat of a panto before her and she asks um, is that a word I should know? Oliver is shocked to his core. Laying it all on the line, he says, That’s it. I’m taking your Dickens away and showing you modern London later. Prepare yourself for…
This seems like a good time to leave Ollie and Ashley. Ashley has come to London armed with Charles Dickens, candy-cane underwear (the gift of her stateside roomies) and a desire to suck the marrow out of every moment of this trip. Oliver, understanding Ashley’s all-American wish to have a man beside her who puts some effort in the wooing and the mood of burgeoning love, goes all-in on love and finds the courage, with a few twists and turns, to face his future. I enjoyed this tasty and occasionally tart Christmas punch—a lovely holiday treat.
October 31, 2014
Do you love the movie The Holiday? I do… I mean, I was just reminded when talking with a friend on twitter just how much. I think it oftentimes gets overlooked by movies like Love, Actually or the fact that Jack Black is in it, but the premise of it is something I would love to try… you know if people wanted to come stay in gross Wisconsin in the middle of winter. Anyway… there is a point to my ramble, I promise. Mine Under The Mistletoe borrows a bit from The Holiday, but only in that California Girl Ashley and Sexy Brit Oliver are set to trade places for the Christmas holiday.
Ashley, never having had a proper Christmas is set to live out her dream of a proper English Christmas and Oliver is running away…away from the memories that he continues to struggle with and he thinks sunny San Diego is the answer.
A freak ice storm grounds Oliver’s plane and he’s forced home never expecting that Ashley has arrived, and Ashley was definitely NOT expecting a naked brit to attempt crawling into bed with her. After a knee to the junk and a bit of panic they finally realize what has happened and who each other are.
Even though Oliver isn’t a fan of the holiday, he offers to show Ashley around the area and help her get her first Christmas just right. But the more time they spend together, the more their attraction to each other grows, both knowing that what they have can go nowhere and when the time comes, will they find a way to make things work, or will they go their separate ways? You’ll have to read to find out.
This is the second novella I have read in the All I’m Asking For Holiday Collection from Carina and I really enjoyed the story! The characters themselves were likable and well fleshed out for a novella.
Both Oliver and Ashley are struggling with loss and they form a bit of a silent bond over it, and while their stories are a bit sad, they never really overshadowed the build of the relationship between them.
My only issue of course was the quick ‘I love you’s’, but I also realize that this is a novella and there are only so many pages to get there. I just struggle with that insta-love portion of these short stories sometimes. I will say that that doesn’t take away from the sweet love story that you get with Mine Under The Mistletoe.
If you’re looking for some quick holiday reads that will have you cheering for the characters and swooning over the guys, I can vouch for 2 out of the 3 short stories in this compilation –Mine Under the Mistletoe is the perfect read I’ll definitely be looking for more from Kat Latham in 2014!
Ashley, never having had a proper Christmas is set to live out her dream of a proper English Christmas and Oliver is running away…away from the memories that he continues to struggle with and he thinks sunny San Diego is the answer.
A freak ice storm grounds Oliver’s plane and he’s forced home never expecting that Ashley has arrived, and Ashley was definitely NOT expecting a naked brit to attempt crawling into bed with her. After a knee to the junk and a bit of panic they finally realize what has happened and who each other are.
Even though Oliver isn’t a fan of the holiday, he offers to show Ashley around the area and help her get her first Christmas just right. But the more time they spend together, the more their attraction to each other grows, both knowing that what they have can go nowhere and when the time comes, will they find a way to make things work, or will they go their separate ways? You’ll have to read to find out.
This is the second novella I have read in the All I’m Asking For Holiday Collection from Carina and I really enjoyed the story! The characters themselves were likable and well fleshed out for a novella.
Both Oliver and Ashley are struggling with loss and they form a bit of a silent bond over it, and while their stories are a bit sad, they never really overshadowed the build of the relationship between them.
My only issue of course was the quick ‘I love you’s’, but I also realize that this is a novella and there are only so many pages to get there. I just struggle with that insta-love portion of these short stories sometimes. I will say that that doesn’t take away from the sweet love story that you get with Mine Under The Mistletoe.
If you’re looking for some quick holiday reads that will have you cheering for the characters and swooning over the guys, I can vouch for 2 out of the 3 short stories in this compilation –Mine Under the Mistletoe is the perfect read I’ll definitely be looking for more from Kat Latham in 2014!
December 7, 2014
Mine Under the Mistletoe ended up being an endearing mix of fun and poignant - I wasn't expecting the poignant when I picked it up, but it really added to the story. I do, however, wish it had been a little bit longer to deal with some of the very intense feelings it began to address in the two main characters.
Ashley's one of those people that is determined to find the best in everything. She's a bit naive, but utterly kind, caring and optimistic. That's not to say that she doesn't recognize the bad things that happens - she understands them very well - but she adapts and forges ahead. I found myself liking and respecting her quite a bit (which helped with the naivete that showed up occasionally).
Oliver is dealing with some heavy, heavy guilt. This is what I thought needed to be addressed a bit more. His sister was in a car accident when she was fourteen and apparently both brain damaged and paralyzed. She died on Boxing Day the previous year. It's well understandable why Christmas is so hard for Ollie, and why he's so desperate to get anywhere but here.
I really enjoyed the way that Ashley didn't push Ollie. She let him come to terms with his issues, and his worries on his own. He'd share them when he was ready and could. And he did. It was incredibly sweet watching these two bond. I did have a bit of a problem with the quickness and intensity of Ashley's feelings though. After just a couple of days they're in love, and with all the grief they were both dealing with I felt that was a little unlikely. I did see how they could make it work though, and was happy they were going to - and the epilogue at the end left me smiling and sure in their HEA.
Ashley's one of those people that is determined to find the best in everything. She's a bit naive, but utterly kind, caring and optimistic. That's not to say that she doesn't recognize the bad things that happens - she understands them very well - but she adapts and forges ahead. I found myself liking and respecting her quite a bit (which helped with the naivete that showed up occasionally).
Oliver is dealing with some heavy, heavy guilt. This is what I thought needed to be addressed a bit more. His sister was in a car accident when she was fourteen and apparently both brain damaged and paralyzed. She died on Boxing Day the previous year. It's well understandable why Christmas is so hard for Ollie, and why he's so desperate to get anywhere but here.
I really enjoyed the way that Ashley didn't push Ollie. She let him come to terms with his issues, and his worries on his own. He'd share them when he was ready and could. And he did. It was incredibly sweet watching these two bond. I did have a bit of a problem with the quickness and intensity of Ashley's feelings though. After just a couple of days they're in love, and with all the grief they were both dealing with I felt that was a little unlikely. I did see how they could make it work though, and was happy they were going to - and the epilogue at the end left me smiling and sure in their HEA.
December 15, 2013
Cute. Similar to the movie, "The Holiday"
December 27, 2021
This was a quick read that had shades of the Jude Law/Cameron Diaz meet-cute in The Holiday.
It was noteworthy for 2 things: 1. the implicit references to the for-profit American health care system and how Ashley didn't want to go to the hospital to get her twisted ankle checked out because she couldn't afford it on her teacher's salary - here's a heroine who grew up the child of a teenage single mother who raised her daughter in their car and couch surfed when it was possible. It's rare to have MCs with very regular jobs who find it difficult to make ends meet, which is very much the reality in the US.
2. the reference early on to Ashley's cheap furniture being made in China because the instructions were in Chinese. I probably wouldn't have noticed it before, but post-pandemic with the Asian hate that arose from it, this is like a bright red pimple on the nose - it could have been edited to say the instructions were pictograms that didn't make any sense or something else generic, but it had to be Chinese because why?
CW for grief over parent/sibling death around the holidays.
It was noteworthy for 2 things: 1. the implicit references to the for-profit American health care system and how Ashley didn't want to go to the hospital to get her twisted ankle checked out because she couldn't afford it on her teacher's salary - here's a heroine who grew up the child of a teenage single mother who raised her daughter in their car and couch surfed when it was possible. It's rare to have MCs with very regular jobs who find it difficult to make ends meet, which is very much the reality in the US.
2. the reference early on to Ashley's cheap furniture being made in China because the instructions were in Chinese. I probably wouldn't have noticed it before, but post-pandemic with the Asian hate that arose from it, this is like a bright red pimple on the nose - it could have been edited to say the instructions were pictograms that didn't make any sense or something else generic, but it had to be Chinese because why?
CW for grief over parent/sibling death around the holidays.
August 14, 2022
Una novela corta de ambiente navideño en el Londres actual. Ashley Turner intercambia su domicilio en San Diego con Oliver Stansfeld. Ella quiere vivir una típica Navidad inglesa y él alejarse de unas fiestas que serán las primeras sin su hermana. Cuando el vuelo de Ollie se retrasa, comparten unos días en Londres. Los personajes son de los que caen bien. Su relación, muy natural, se cuenta además con un puntito de humor. La tensión sexual está bien llevada y resuelta con solvencia. Tiene el sello Latham: personajes reales como la vida misma que tienes la impresión que deben de existir en algún lugar y, sobre todo, un auténtico sentido del lugar en que se ambienta. Es de las pocas novelas románticas que verdaderamente te crees que se desarrollan en la Londres real que tenemos a dos horas de vuelo con Ryanair, no ese sitio ideal lleno de duques de la Regencia donde todo el mundo vive en Mayfair.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
February 18, 2020
Maybe it's me, but this really didn't grab me. When he kissed her on the cheek, I know it's supposed to be seen as romantic, but all I can think is, he's known her for 1 day and he's kissing her without asking? And then when he goes into her bedroom to leave hot chocolate, but finds her standing in a towel - the appropriate response would have been to apologize and leave immediately. Instead, he finds he can't control himself (sigh) and goes up and starts stroking her shoulder. The author meant this as romantic and I guess the heroine thought it was too, but I just found it disturbingly annoying. The book starts with her kneeing him in the groin, I think she should have done it again at that point.
It's a novella, so the angst was turned up to 11 to get it over with fast, but in the end it was just too over the top for me I guess.
It's a novella, so the angst was turned up to 11 to get it over with fast, but in the end it was just too over the top for me I guess.
December 18, 2018
I really liked this one it was short, sweet and really cute. I love that it took place in London. The disabled rep is questionable but other than that I really enjoyed this.
December 25, 2021
I hate to rate this any lower, because I feel like it probably accomplishes exactly what it intended; it's just not for me.
January 2, 2016
Doesn’t this book sound a little like The Holiday? That is one glorious movie and my favorite movie ever, so I was super excited when I found out that this book is about a transatlantic house swap! Even better, a man and a woman are swapping. And even BETTER, the airport gets shut down and she makes it to his London home… but he does not make it to her California home. SO… they have to both stay at his house. I mean, come on. How could you not want to read about this? It sounds super romantic, not to mention an accident waiting to happen! House swapping sounds like one of the coolest adventures ever, but I think I’d be a nervous wreck having a stranger living in my house. Anyways…
Ashley and Oliver are both looking for something. Growing up in poverty, Ashley has never had a real Christmas. And Oliver is looking for a way to survive the pain Christmas brings him. Neither of them were entirely happy to discover they would be sharing a home until Oliver could fly out to California, but they decide to make the best of it after an awkward encounter when Oliver enters his dark room and falls into bed… right on top of Ashley. Oops! She smacks him in his happy place, and he falls to the ground, naked and in pain. And that’s how their love story begins.
Oliver feels for Ashley and her strong desire for a beautiful Christmas, so he takes her shopping for a tree, takes care of her when she slips and falls on the ice, watches her decorate her tree, and enjoys her peppermint hot chocolate. I love the tension and the romance that grows from the bud of friendship. They confide in one another and share their stories, bonding over their sad memories and hope for a better future. I don’t like sad books at all, so I was happy to discover that the book did not feel sad for me. I just felt hope for them and excitement over the possibilities of their love story.
I really enjoyed this sweet, quick Christmas read and would recommend it to people who love The Holiday! While I think the movie is better, this book will make you smile and remind you that the most important part of Christmas is having someone special to share it with.
Find this review and many more at That Artsy Reader Girl!
Ashley and Oliver are both looking for something. Growing up in poverty, Ashley has never had a real Christmas. And Oliver is looking for a way to survive the pain Christmas brings him. Neither of them were entirely happy to discover they would be sharing a home until Oliver could fly out to California, but they decide to make the best of it after an awkward encounter when Oliver enters his dark room and falls into bed… right on top of Ashley. Oops! She smacks him in his happy place, and he falls to the ground, naked and in pain. And that’s how their love story begins.
Oliver feels for Ashley and her strong desire for a beautiful Christmas, so he takes her shopping for a tree, takes care of her when she slips and falls on the ice, watches her decorate her tree, and enjoys her peppermint hot chocolate. I love the tension and the romance that grows from the bud of friendship. They confide in one another and share their stories, bonding over their sad memories and hope for a better future. I don’t like sad books at all, so I was happy to discover that the book did not feel sad for me. I just felt hope for them and excitement over the possibilities of their love story.
I really enjoyed this sweet, quick Christmas read and would recommend it to people who love The Holiday! While I think the movie is better, this book will make you smile and remind you that the most important part of Christmas is having someone special to share it with.
Find this review and many more at That Artsy Reader Girl!
February 3, 2014
Title: Mine Under The Mistletoe
Author: Kat Latham
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 12-5-2013
E-Book ASIN: B00F942U0U
Pages: 77
Genre: Romance
Tags: Contemporary
Sensual Level: Hot
Overall Rating: Very Good
Ashley Turner was fulfilling a lifelong wish to spend Christmas in England. She had saved for years and now she lay nestled in bed dreaming of Santa and Christmas pies and hot chocolate. Her dream fragments when suddenly a naked man falls on her in the bed. Defending herself she has him writhing on the floor when she reaches for her bedside lamp. When she does not find it she remembers she is not in her own bed, yet that of one she switched with for the holidays. She almost knew the answer she would receive when she asked the intruder his name.
Oliver Stansfeld had planned to be sunning himself in San Diego, far from any reminders of home or Christmas. A winter storm has him stranded for an unknown time. Supposing the women who exchanged homes with him for the holidays were having the same problem her returns to his home and decides to sleep and try again on the marrow. What he found was a hellcat defending her honor. Over the next few days as they wait for his flight to resume they get to know one another. Oliver wants nothing to do with the holidays while Ashley embraces everything Christmas. What could they possibly have in common? What kind of future could they share when they resides on different continents?
Read to find how the magic that comes with Christmas can heal two wounded hearts. This is a short novella that warms the heart. It will put you in the Christmas spirit no matter where you live. I love holiday romances because they bring out the Christmas feeling in me no matter the time of year. "Mine Under The Mistletoe" was no exception. Thanks to Kat Latham for a delightfully humorous story to lift the gloom of a cold winter night. It make me wish I too could venture to England or some other special spot for the holidays, but also this story made me grateful for the family and friends I shared this last holiday, the first since my mother passed. It reminded me that pain of loss can be eased by the laughter and joy shared with others. I hope you enjoy "Mine Under The Mistletoe" as much as I did.
Author: Kat Latham
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 12-5-2013
E-Book ASIN: B00F942U0U
Pages: 77
Genre: Romance
Tags: Contemporary
Sensual Level: Hot
Overall Rating: Very Good
Ashley Turner was fulfilling a lifelong wish to spend Christmas in England. She had saved for years and now she lay nestled in bed dreaming of Santa and Christmas pies and hot chocolate. Her dream fragments when suddenly a naked man falls on her in the bed. Defending herself she has him writhing on the floor when she reaches for her bedside lamp. When she does not find it she remembers she is not in her own bed, yet that of one she switched with for the holidays. She almost knew the answer she would receive when she asked the intruder his name.
Oliver Stansfeld had planned to be sunning himself in San Diego, far from any reminders of home or Christmas. A winter storm has him stranded for an unknown time. Supposing the women who exchanged homes with him for the holidays were having the same problem her returns to his home and decides to sleep and try again on the marrow. What he found was a hellcat defending her honor. Over the next few days as they wait for his flight to resume they get to know one another. Oliver wants nothing to do with the holidays while Ashley embraces everything Christmas. What could they possibly have in common? What kind of future could they share when they resides on different continents?
Read to find how the magic that comes with Christmas can heal two wounded hearts. This is a short novella that warms the heart. It will put you in the Christmas spirit no matter where you live. I love holiday romances because they bring out the Christmas feeling in me no matter the time of year. "Mine Under The Mistletoe" was no exception. Thanks to Kat Latham for a delightfully humorous story to lift the gloom of a cold winter night. It make me wish I too could venture to England or some other special spot for the holidays, but also this story made me grateful for the family and friends I shared this last holiday, the first since my mother passed. It reminded me that pain of loss can be eased by the laughter and joy shared with others. I hope you enjoy "Mine Under The Mistletoe" as much as I did.
December 5, 2013
4 stars
Mine Under the Mistletoe was a lovely read that pulls at your heart strings and leaves you full of happy feels.
I found both Ashley and Oliver real and likeable.
Oliver is dealing with the loss of his sister and Christmas is not a holiday he's looking forward to, all he wants is to escape London and be on his own in sunny San Diego.
But Mother Nature had other plans for Oliver, after a snowstorm shuts down the airport Oliver is having to reschedule his travel plans. Knowing he won't be leaving anytime soon Oliver heads home only to discover someone in his bed. This scene had me laughing out loud, Ashley's reaction to having a strange man getting into bed with her was hilarious.
I can still picture Oliver bent over in pain and asking for a minute to regroup, umm did I mention he happens to be naked at the time? :P
Poor Ashley when she signed up for the holiday home swap she never imagined she would be dealing with a naked man on her first night in London lol
This story touched my heart, what started off with me laughing had me nearly in tears and wanting to hug Oliver.
Oliver's story was so sad, after opening up to Ashley and spending a beautiful afternoon together he ends up panicking about his feelings and hurts Ashley with his actions.
Ashley knew Oliver was reacting to his past and she wasn't going to let him walk away without him knowing how she felt.
While the I love you's happen quickly I appreciated that the author gave us an epilogue that shows the reader a glimpse of their life together over the next 12 months.
I'm really happy to have read Mine Under the Mistletoe and will be reading more from Kat Latham in the future :)
Thank you NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARc in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Mine Under the Mistletoe was a lovely read that pulls at your heart strings and leaves you full of happy feels.
I found both Ashley and Oliver real and likeable.
Oliver is dealing with the loss of his sister and Christmas is not a holiday he's looking forward to, all he wants is to escape London and be on his own in sunny San Diego.
But Mother Nature had other plans for Oliver, after a snowstorm shuts down the airport Oliver is having to reschedule his travel plans. Knowing he won't be leaving anytime soon Oliver heads home only to discover someone in his bed. This scene had me laughing out loud, Ashley's reaction to having a strange man getting into bed with her was hilarious.
I can still picture Oliver bent over in pain and asking for a minute to regroup, umm did I mention he happens to be naked at the time? :P
Poor Ashley when she signed up for the holiday home swap she never imagined she would be dealing with a naked man on her first night in London lol
This story touched my heart, what started off with me laughing had me nearly in tears and wanting to hug Oliver.
Oliver's story was so sad, after opening up to Ashley and spending a beautiful afternoon together he ends up panicking about his feelings and hurts Ashley with his actions.
Ashley knew Oliver was reacting to his past and she wasn't going to let him walk away without him knowing how she felt.
While the I love you's happen quickly I appreciated that the author gave us an epilogue that shows the reader a glimpse of their life together over the next 12 months.
I'm really happy to have read Mine Under the Mistletoe and will be reading more from Kat Latham in the future :)
Thank you NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARc in exchange for my honest thoughts.
December 10, 2013
Ashley was fulfilling her life’s dream, she had saved for five years to be able to do it. She was doing a home swap with Oliver, her to London and him to San Diego. But…there was a bit of a problem. Although Ashley was able to make it to London and safely to Oliver’s home. Oliver was snowed in unable to leave all flights were grounded. So, back home he goes to his home.
If only he had called first. I am sure he is rethinking that action now. You see Ashley is a young, single woman from the United States. Not any state but California and she is very capable of caring for herself even when she’s half asleep. As he so harshly finds out. Can begin to guess what happens when she wakes with a start to find a strange fully naked man in her bed? And she acts instead of reacts…Oliver couldn’t blame her. He thought her flight never made it in since his never made it out. You see he was trying to leave the memories behind for Christmas. California on the beach where it’s warm and no memories of what and who he lost was the ticket.
The next morning though sparks something in Oliver her never thought he would ever feel again, hope. But, it was conflicting with the memories. So, now what you will have to do is read and see where and if it takes these two anywhere. For me the way the book ended felt incomplete. I liked it better before the epilogue. Who said that? Did I say that? I can’t believe I did since most of the time I am the one who wants and epilogue. For this book I think the author did it an injustice. That’s why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com
If only he had called first. I am sure he is rethinking that action now. You see Ashley is a young, single woman from the United States. Not any state but California and she is very capable of caring for herself even when she’s half asleep. As he so harshly finds out. Can begin to guess what happens when she wakes with a start to find a strange fully naked man in her bed? And she acts instead of reacts…Oliver couldn’t blame her. He thought her flight never made it in since his never made it out. You see he was trying to leave the memories behind for Christmas. California on the beach where it’s warm and no memories of what and who he lost was the ticket.
The next morning though sparks something in Oliver her never thought he would ever feel again, hope. But, it was conflicting with the memories. So, now what you will have to do is read and see where and if it takes these two anywhere. For me the way the book ended felt incomplete. I liked it better before the epilogue. Who said that? Did I say that? I can’t believe I did since most of the time I am the one who wants and epilogue. For this book I think the author did it an injustice. That’s why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com
August 19, 2016
Ashley Turner has swapped houses with Oliver Stansfeld leaving behind sunny San Diego for what she hopes is the idealize English Christmas she grew up hoping for. Oliver is fleeing London and all the feelings and grief Christmas there would mean.
But Christmas for Ashley and Oliver is not turning out as planned. Oliver is stuck in London after deep snows ground all flights out, so he heads back to his house and his bed to wait for the airport to re-open. His bed isn't empty however as Ashley made it in to London in one of the last flights to land. Their introduction is hilarious and worthy of the best of British farce.
This a story of about the best of intentions, horrible mistakes, regret, loss and choosing love, set in a beautifully drawn modern London.
I almost wrongly nitpicked myself out of enjoying this story due to a small insignificant detail about Christmas lights and the difference between British and American plugs in the first few chapters. However there is nothing to nitpick about the romance in this story. I really loved how Ashley and Oliver got on, how naturally their relationship developed with all its hesitancy, false-starts and set-backs. I thought the resolutions were also natural and emotional. 5 out of 5 stars
The Publication date was Dec.5, 2013, Digital ARC provided for free by Publisher via NetGalley.
But Christmas for Ashley and Oliver is not turning out as planned. Oliver is stuck in London after deep snows ground all flights out, so he heads back to his house and his bed to wait for the airport to re-open. His bed isn't empty however as Ashley made it in to London in one of the last flights to land. Their introduction is hilarious and worthy of the best of British farce.
This a story of about the best of intentions, horrible mistakes, regret, loss and choosing love, set in a beautifully drawn modern London.
I almost wrongly nitpicked myself out of enjoying this story due to a small insignificant detail about Christmas lights and the difference between British and American plugs in the first few chapters. However there is nothing to nitpick about the romance in this story. I really loved how Ashley and Oliver got on, how naturally their relationship developed with all its hesitancy, false-starts and set-backs. I thought the resolutions were also natural and emotional. 5 out of 5 stars
The Publication date was Dec.5, 2013, Digital ARC provided for free by Publisher via NetGalley.
December 20, 2013
I wish this novella was longer!
Imagine what would happen if you "traded" houses with someone and because of an airport shutdown they came home...
A good Christmas read - nothing heart wrenching that makes you sob. It just made me feel good. Ashley has come to London to live out her Christmas wish, and Oliver is trying to leave London to forget Christmas. When his plane is grounded and he meets his house guest he decides while he is stuck at home to show her a proper English Christmas.
There connection was wonderful - but I wish the novella had more of their backstory. A little is revealed as you go through the book but there are a lot of unanswered questions for me, but they did not detract from the story - I just think a lot while I read. :)
The steam factor is up there, so if you are worried of blushing on the plane/bus etc. you might want to read this in private.
I enjoyed this novella a lot and would love to read more about these characters, if just a short cameo in another book (hint hint - maybe in the Rugby books) I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
Imagine what would happen if you "traded" houses with someone and because of an airport shutdown they came home...
A good Christmas read - nothing heart wrenching that makes you sob. It just made me feel good. Ashley has come to London to live out her Christmas wish, and Oliver is trying to leave London to forget Christmas. When his plane is grounded and he meets his house guest he decides while he is stuck at home to show her a proper English Christmas.
There connection was wonderful - but I wish the novella had more of their backstory. A little is revealed as you go through the book but there are a lot of unanswered questions for me, but they did not detract from the story - I just think a lot while I read. :)
The steam factor is up there, so if you are worried of blushing on the plane/bus etc. you might want to read this in private.
I enjoyed this novella a lot and would love to read more about these characters, if just a short cameo in another book (hint hint - maybe in the Rugby books) I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
December 21, 2013
A cute Christmas read!!
This was a great sweet little romance story. Ashley and Oliver have signed up to house swap for the Christmas holidays. Ashley to go to Oliver's house in London and Oliver to go to Ashley's house in San Diego. Although due to the snowy weather Oliver is unable to make his trip with all flights grounded. So when Oliver return's home thinking that Ashley's flight won't have landed he is wrong and he find Ashley fast asleep in his bed. Stranded together for the holiday season, Ashley and Oliver figure out how to make the best out their situation. They spend time together and more they do together the stronger the feelings for each other grows.
I love that this book is also set in London. It's not often that books are set in London. I loved the chemistry in the story between Ashley and Oliver and you really felt there connection. Although this story is only 77 pages long, it felt a lot longer as so much happens but the story never felt rushed. I really enjoyed reading it
Overall a great sweet heart warming Christmas story.
ARC provided from NetGalley for Honest review
This was a great sweet little romance story. Ashley and Oliver have signed up to house swap for the Christmas holidays. Ashley to go to Oliver's house in London and Oliver to go to Ashley's house in San Diego. Although due to the snowy weather Oliver is unable to make his trip with all flights grounded. So when Oliver return's home thinking that Ashley's flight won't have landed he is wrong and he find Ashley fast asleep in his bed. Stranded together for the holiday season, Ashley and Oliver figure out how to make the best out their situation. They spend time together and more they do together the stronger the feelings for each other grows.
I love that this book is also set in London. It's not often that books are set in London. I loved the chemistry in the story between Ashley and Oliver and you really felt there connection. Although this story is only 77 pages long, it felt a lot longer as so much happens but the story never felt rushed. I really enjoyed reading it
Overall a great sweet heart warming Christmas story.
ARC provided from NetGalley for Honest review
August 13, 2016
I was initially sold by the idea of a Christmas house swap. What would lead someone to leave home for the holidays, by themselves? What kind of adventures could they get into? Then I met Ashley and I immediately adored her. She is strong and brave and looking for the best in life. I loved the reason she had for spending Christmas in London and that she wasn’t afraid to do it alone once her friends cancelled on her.
Oliver’s story was ridiculously sad, yet he was willing to embrace Ashley and what she wanted when he got stuck in London instead of enjoying Ashley’s home. Oliver was sweet and caring, yet vulnerable and hard. My heart broke for him and then again for Ashley after she allowed herself to care for Oliver, only to watch him walk away.
It was beautiful to watch Ashley and Oliver work through their pain together and to find what they needed in each other. The ending was perfect and I look forward to reading more by Kat Latham in the future.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Oliver’s story was ridiculously sad, yet he was willing to embrace Ashley and what she wanted when he got stuck in London instead of enjoying Ashley’s home. Oliver was sweet and caring, yet vulnerable and hard. My heart broke for him and then again for Ashley after she allowed herself to care for Oliver, only to watch him walk away.
It was beautiful to watch Ashley and Oliver work through their pain together and to find what they needed in each other. The ending was perfect and I look forward to reading more by Kat Latham in the future.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley
January 2, 2016
This was short, but a very good holiday read.
Ashley is from San Diego and has house swapped Oliver, who lives in London. Ashley has this idea of a perfect Christmas. One that she shared with her mother prior to her mother's death and London seems like the perfect location - snow, decorations, old architecture and hot chocolate. She ends up there alone because her roommates, who were going to accompany her, cancelled. Oliver never gets out of London because the airport has closed due to the weather. He returns home and falls naked in to bed... On top of Ashley (she managed to arrive on one of the last flights the airport allowed to land before closing).
Ollie and Ashley click immediately. Ashley longs for someone with which to celebrate the holiday. And Ollie wants to avoid the holiday any way he can. He has a lot of emotional baggage and doesn't ever want anyone to rely on him again. But, he can't help how attracted he is to Ashley and they end up spending lots of time together.
It's a very sweet romance. Ollie was pretty great and Ashley was very likable.
Ashley is from San Diego and has house swapped Oliver, who lives in London. Ashley has this idea of a perfect Christmas. One that she shared with her mother prior to her mother's death and London seems like the perfect location - snow, decorations, old architecture and hot chocolate. She ends up there alone because her roommates, who were going to accompany her, cancelled. Oliver never gets out of London because the airport has closed due to the weather. He returns home and falls naked in to bed... On top of Ashley (she managed to arrive on one of the last flights the airport allowed to land before closing).
Ollie and Ashley click immediately. Ashley longs for someone with which to celebrate the holiday. And Ollie wants to avoid the holiday any way he can. He has a lot of emotional baggage and doesn't ever want anyone to rely on him again. But, he can't help how attracted he is to Ashley and they end up spending lots of time together.
It's a very sweet romance. Ollie was pretty great and Ashley was very likable.
December 6, 2013
MINE UNDER THE MISTLETOE was a very enjoyable read! It was cute and fun but heartwarming and touching too!
Ashley has gone to London to have the perfect Christmas, never expecting to be woken up on the first night with a naked man getting in her bed! Oliver had planned to be in sunny San Diego, but the weather had other plans. He was stuck in London.
Both, Ashley and Oliver, were very enjoyable and real characters. They each were having a hard time with Christmas; Ashley having the proper English Christmas without her mother and Oliver dealing with the first Christmas since his sisters death. But as the story progressed they found ways to help each other. There love may have been quick but I still enjoyed every minute of it!
Kat Latham has written the perfect kind of Christmas novella that will make you laugh and warm your heart.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review*
Ashley has gone to London to have the perfect Christmas, never expecting to be woken up on the first night with a naked man getting in her bed! Oliver had planned to be in sunny San Diego, but the weather had other plans. He was stuck in London.
Both, Ashley and Oliver, were very enjoyable and real characters. They each were having a hard time with Christmas; Ashley having the proper English Christmas without her mother and Oliver dealing with the first Christmas since his sisters death. But as the story progressed they found ways to help each other. There love may have been quick but I still enjoyed every minute of it!
Kat Latham has written the perfect kind of Christmas novella that will make you laugh and warm your heart.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review*
December 10, 2013
I loved this short story. Ashley Turner has traded her California house with Oliver Stansfeld’s London home for the Christmas holiday period. Things get tricky when Oliver’s flight is cancelled due to weather and he comes home expecting that Ashley wasn't able to arrive either. After a bit of a tussle between the two in his bedroom, they get the story straight and realize they will be spending a few days together. Both Ashley and Ollie have issues with Christmas but Ashley is excited and Ollie is depressed about the season.
I enjoyed the way that Ashley pulls Oliver out of his comfort zone by having him take her places and shopping for a Christmas tree. He has legitimate reasons to be sad about celebrating Christmas but Ashley really makes him full of the spirit of Christmas. This story is also part of an anthology named “All I’m Asking For “that has two other Christmas romances.
I enjoyed the way that Ashley pulls Oliver out of his comfort zone by having him take her places and shopping for a Christmas tree. He has legitimate reasons to be sad about celebrating Christmas but Ashley really makes him full of the spirit of Christmas. This story is also part of an anthology named “All I’m Asking For “that has two other Christmas romances.
August 24, 2014
This book is full of humor and heart and I loved every word of it!
What a beautifully crafted story that will wrench your heart as well as melt it! There’s humor, heartache and a sexy British man who tries to make you hot chocolate but ends up exploding it in the microwave, carries you when you sprain your ankle on ice after he falls on you and buys you a Christmas tree just because you’ve never had one before. Plus, he has an English accent! What a dreamboat!
I really loved the secondary characters and would love to see updates on them and on Ashley and Ollie’s future! I absolutely LOVED this book. It’s one of my favorite Christmas reads.
I highly recommend Mine Under the Mistletoe to anyone who’s a sucker for a Christmas story with a lot of love, laughter and a happily ever after!
What a beautifully crafted story that will wrench your heart as well as melt it! There’s humor, heartache and a sexy British man who tries to make you hot chocolate but ends up exploding it in the microwave, carries you when you sprain your ankle on ice after he falls on you and buys you a Christmas tree just because you’ve never had one before. Plus, he has an English accent! What a dreamboat!
I really loved the secondary characters and would love to see updates on them and on Ashley and Ollie’s future! I absolutely LOVED this book. It’s one of my favorite Christmas reads.
I highly recommend Mine Under the Mistletoe to anyone who’s a sucker for a Christmas story with a lot of love, laughter and a happily ever after!
April 28, 2014
Read in April, not because I was feeling Christmassy, but because it was nominated for a Rita. Very, very good.
The amount of ice and snow was improbable for London. I was extremely nostalgic for London all the way through. Well, our neighborhood when we lived there was rather poor and heavily Muslim, so we didn't exactly have the Christmas Carol spirit.
A couple quibbles: pretty sure heroine would have to be locked in a cage to not find Indian and Vietnamese food in San Diego; someone who has spent time there could correct me. And how the heck did they plug in her Christmas lights? No mention of the converter plug she would need. Maybe it was the magic of the season.
Definitely A material.
The amount of ice and snow was improbable for London. I was extremely nostalgic for London all the way through. Well, our neighborhood when we lived there was rather poor and heavily Muslim, so we didn't exactly have the Christmas Carol spirit.
A couple quibbles: pretty sure heroine would have to be locked in a cage to not find Indian and Vietnamese food in San Diego; someone who has spent time there could correct me. And how the heck did they plug in her Christmas lights? No mention of the converter plug she would need. Maybe it was the magic of the season.
Definitely A material.
January 10, 2014
Perfect story for the holiday season! This story had me smiling from beginning to end. There were plenty of times I thought that they would end up together but then there would be a small twist and I would begin to wonder if they would go their separate ways. I was a bit shocked at how Ashely handled Ollie saying he was leaving and as much as she might not have wanted to admit, she had expected a lot more from him even though she knew he was leaving. We can all hope that we have the power to change a person’s mind but in the end it’s up to them. Like she found out with Ollie. With finishing this story I hope Kat writes more about Ollie and Ashley, I’m dying to know if she says yes!
December 9, 2013
This was a cute story about Ashley, who is from San Diego California. She is switching houses for the Holidays with Oliver who is from London. They both want to get away for Christmas so they don't have to spend it at their own homes. When Ashley arrives, all goes to plan. Suddenly she is awoken in the middl of the night by someone trying to clim in bed with her, while she is naked. Turns out the weather has canceled all flights out of London and Oliver returns home.
The 2 of them hit it off. The more time they spend together, the more they like each other.
This is a cute predictable story about 2 people who have had to endure a sad past. Together, they try to overcome it.
The 2 of them hit it off. The more time they spend together, the more they like each other.
This is a cute predictable story about 2 people who have had to endure a sad past. Together, they try to overcome it.
September 7, 2014
Ashley and Oliver are both battling some tough issues from their pasts. Ashley is embracing hers and moving forward but Oliver’s pain is still too fresh to deal with and he’d rather runaway than deal with it. Can the pair’s growing love heal all wounds, or will fear of repeating the past part them for good?
The synopsis gives a very detailed account of what happens in the book. What it doesn’t tell you is how wonderfully humorous Ashley and Oliver (Ollie) are. The couple has tangible chemistry and their story was a complete joy to read.
This is a short and sweet Christmas read that will melt your heart and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
The synopsis gives a very detailed account of what happens in the book. What it doesn’t tell you is how wonderfully humorous Ashley and Oliver (Ollie) are. The couple has tangible chemistry and their story was a complete joy to read.
This is a short and sweet Christmas read that will melt your heart and I highly recommend it to everyone.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
December 9, 2013
“Mine Under the Mistletoe”, by Kat Latham, is an awesome little Christmas story about sexy British Ollie and beautiful American Ashley swapping houses for a get-a-way Christmas vacation. Of course, it wouldn’t be much of a story if that actually happened, so when winter weather cancels Ollie’s flight he and Ashley end up spending Christmas at his British home and mix American and British styles of holiday celebration. I really liked this story and actually found myself laughing along with Ollie and Ashley’s humorous antics and falling in love with them too! ~Kathy
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