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Maitland Maidens #3
Kissing by the Mistletoe
Maddie Hayward has been actively looking for a husband for nearly three years, but no gentleman will spare her more than a smile. Everyone thinks she’s destined to wed Kit Mathison...except neither of them is interested in a romance with the other. When Kit and his family come to visit the Haywards for Christmas, the whole village expects a proposal—but Maddie has other plans. Can she convince everyone that her friendship with Kit will never be a courtship? Or will she have to choose between her closest friend and the chance at family of her own?
Thomas Mathison has loved Maddie since the day they were first introduced, but can’t ask for her hand until he can afford to support a family. When she suggests a sham courtship between them he agrees, despite his misgivings. Being seen with someone other than Kit would shatter the illusion of an arrangement between them and give Maddie a chance at a happy life. But while she would be feigning affection, Thomas would not. Can he conceal his true feelings from her while executing her plan? Will he have the strength to let her go when he returns home?
Previously published in the anthology Christmas Ever After.
Thomas Mathison has loved Maddie since the day they were first introduced, but can’t ask for her hand until he can afford to support a family. When she suggests a sham courtship between them he agrees, despite his misgivings. Being seen with someone other than Kit would shatter the illusion of an arrangement between them and give Maddie a chance at a happy life. But while she would be feigning affection, Thomas would not. Can he conceal his true feelings from her while executing her plan? Will he have the strength to let her go when he returns home?
Previously published in the anthology Christmas Ever After.
ebook
Published March 6, 2022
14 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Cora Lee
21 books87 followersCora Lee is a National Bestselling author of Regency romance. She went on a twelve year expedition through the blackboard jungle as a high school math teacher before publishing Save the Last Dance for Me, the first book in the Maitland Maidens series. She then followed it up with eight other novels and novellas ranging from sweet and traditional to spicy and suspenseful.
When she’s not walking Rotten Row at the fashionable hour or attending the entertainments of the Season, you might find her participating in Regency Fiction Writers events, wading through her towering TBR pile, or eagerly awaiting the next Marvel movie release.
If you’d like to find out more about Cora or her books you can sign up for her newsletter (https://coraleeauthor.com/newsletters), or connect with her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/coralee49), BlueSky(https://bsky.app/profile/coralee49.bs...), Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cora-lee), or Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/coralee49).
When she’s not walking Rotten Row at the fashionable hour or attending the entertainments of the Season, you might find her participating in Regency Fiction Writers events, wading through her towering TBR pile, or eagerly awaiting the next Marvel movie release.
If you’d like to find out more about Cora or her books you can sign up for her newsletter (https://coraleeauthor.com/newsletters), or connect with her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/coralee49), BlueSky(https://bsky.app/profile/coralee49.bs...), Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cora-lee), or Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/coralee49).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 18, 2019
Kissing by the Mistletoe
Cora Lee
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCoraLee/
Release date 10/01/2019
Publisher More Than Words Press
Blurb
Maddie Hayward has been actively looking for a husband for nearly three years, but no gentleman will spare her more than a smile. Everyone thinks she's destined to wed Kit Mathison...except neither of them is interested in a romance with the other. When Kit and his family come to visit the Haywards for Christmas, the whole village expects a proposal--but Maddie has other plans. Can she convince everyone that her friendship with Kit will never be a courtship? Or will she have to choose between her closest friend and the chance at family of her own?
Thomas Mathison has loved Maddie since the day they were first introduced, but can't ask for her hand until he can afford to support a family. When she suggests a sham courtship between them he agrees, despite his misgivings. Being seen with someone other than Kit would shatter the illusion of an arrangement between them and give Maddie a chance at a happy life. But while she would be feigning affection, Thomas would not. Can he conceal his true feelings from her while executing her plan? Will he have the strength to let her go when he returns home?
My review :
What a young woman to do when everyone thinks she is promised to her best friend.
This lovely read was my first one by Mrs Cora Lee.
It is a sweet story about two people who have troubles to sort their feelings from their daily life issues.
Maddie is seeking a way to separate her name to be associated with her friend’s as there could be no more than brotherly love between them.
So when his younger accepts to help posing as a potential suitor, it is the perfect solution. And soon this faked courtship feels like a real one if only life and its contingences do not ruin all.
Thomas had always have a fondness, deeper than simple friendship for Maddie. And here he is, able to express his sentiments, even if it is only show except if it moves to something else.
This was a sweet tale about two peoples who need to compromise, accept another help as one does not live only from love and fresh air. It is not often commoners are made heroes. Life is no straight road, there will be dents, up to them to confront them together.
4 stars for this lively story.
I was provided an advance copy by the author but purchased my own too.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Cora Lee
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCoraLee/
Release date 10/01/2019
Publisher More Than Words Press
Blurb
Maddie Hayward has been actively looking for a husband for nearly three years, but no gentleman will spare her more than a smile. Everyone thinks she's destined to wed Kit Mathison...except neither of them is interested in a romance with the other. When Kit and his family come to visit the Haywards for Christmas, the whole village expects a proposal--but Maddie has other plans. Can she convince everyone that her friendship with Kit will never be a courtship? Or will she have to choose between her closest friend and the chance at family of her own?
Thomas Mathison has loved Maddie since the day they were first introduced, but can't ask for her hand until he can afford to support a family. When she suggests a sham courtship between them he agrees, despite his misgivings. Being seen with someone other than Kit would shatter the illusion of an arrangement between them and give Maddie a chance at a happy life. But while she would be feigning affection, Thomas would not. Can he conceal his true feelings from her while executing her plan? Will he have the strength to let her go when he returns home?
My review :
What a young woman to do when everyone thinks she is promised to her best friend.
This lovely read was my first one by Mrs Cora Lee.
It is a sweet story about two people who have troubles to sort their feelings from their daily life issues.
Maddie is seeking a way to separate her name to be associated with her friend’s as there could be no more than brotherly love between them.
So when his younger accepts to help posing as a potential suitor, it is the perfect solution. And soon this faked courtship feels like a real one if only life and its contingences do not ruin all.
Thomas had always have a fondness, deeper than simple friendship for Maddie. And here he is, able to express his sentiments, even if it is only show except if it moves to something else.
This was a sweet tale about two peoples who need to compromise, accept another help as one does not live only from love and fresh air. It is not often commoners are made heroes. Life is no straight road, there will be dents, up to them to confront them together.
4 stars for this lively story.
I was provided an advance copy by the author but purchased my own too.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
November 16, 2025
this was a sweet, short listen
October 6, 2019
Loved this story! Best friends, Maddie and Kit tried to stem expectations of them marrying. It was to the point that all the men stayed away from her because they did not want to poach on Kit's lady. But she was tired of being a wallflower and decided to take action! Going to Kit's brother, Thomas, she proposes they act like they are are courting so that others will see she is not tied to Kit. But the problem is that Thomas has been secretly in love with Maddie forever. But as affections begin to evolve, there is a stumbling block for Thomas and it seems they might never be together!
Such a wonderful story as only Cora Lee can write and it left me with a smile as I turned the last page.
Such a wonderful story as only Cora Lee can write and it left me with a smile as I turned the last page.
January 7, 2021
Love At Last
Cora Lee’s contribution to this anthology will melt the cold from anyones heart and everyone’s soul both anywhere and at whatever season of the year the reader chooses.
Brother’s Kit and Thomas Matheson have been friends of the Hayward Family for years. However, the assumption by everyone, including Maddie Hayward is that she was destined to marry Kit. After all as the eldest brother with his family’s inheritance & best friend of Maddie no one believes her when she insists that their marriage is NOT set in stone.
Yet Thomas has always loved her and depended upon his job as a Clerk for his income. After a heart to heart talk with his brother Kit, Thomas asks Maddie if she would agree to a temporary courtship in order to change everyone’s assumptions.
She immediately feels a secret thrill when discussing this with Thomas and they begin a very contented and heartfelt relationship.
After finding themselves romantically entangled they each realize that they are falling hopelessly and sincerely in love with each other. The more time they spend alone with Kit running interference the deeper in love they become. And everything is going along smoothly until Thomas’ uncle runs off unexpectedly to marry leaving Thomas so insecure about his ability to provide for Maddie that he unexpectedly acts like a jerk by distancing himself from her romantically. When Maddie tries to help by accepting work from her Gran which would help supplicate a dual income Thomas becomes affronted by her actions frustrating both of the couple in the process. It is her strong and unwavering opinion that setbacks in any relationship are meant to be shared and overcome. And she suggests that he tutors others in Greek & Latin while pursuing other avenues of income.
Initially Thomas writes letters of recommendation for employment himself while creating a distancing phase in his courting of Maddie. She is furious and insists that a married couple would naturally aid their Helpmate.
And so using his last few pennies Thomas buys Maddie a special bottle of rose scented perfume made by a woman at a local Christmas Fair and Market since at the assembly when he first worked up the courage to speak of his feelings he noted that for the first time that she had changed her signature gardenia scent to roses. He then secrets it away with the last rose blossom of the season for when he proposes.
Kit is infuriated by Thomas’ hesitancy and corners Maggie to try to force the couple to act. Just when she is convinced Thomas will continue to balk Kit and Maddie decide to cave in to both of their families expectations and reach a decision.
At the moment they are making their announcement Thomas rushes in pleading that Maddie marry him.
Which just so happens to align with their announcement to their respective families to never marry each other despite years of expectation. Thomas and Kit manage to allow both Thomas and Maddie a moment alone for them both before dinner shared with her Gran.
Thomas gifts Maddie her belated Christmas perfume even though the rose has long since ere lost its bloom. And when presenting this gift Thomas at last sets aside his doubts agreeing that a married couple should always be willing to take hardships in stride and promising to be a steadfast and devoted husband to Maddie. So in the very spirit of happily-ever-afters they announce their love and marriage after compromising on a place to live and love together forever is reached by them at last,... and the rest follows Cora Lee’s most satisfying story to The End.
Cora Lee’s contribution to this anthology will melt the cold from anyones heart and everyone’s soul both anywhere and at whatever season of the year the reader chooses.
Brother’s Kit and Thomas Matheson have been friends of the Hayward Family for years. However, the assumption by everyone, including Maddie Hayward is that she was destined to marry Kit. After all as the eldest brother with his family’s inheritance & best friend of Maddie no one believes her when she insists that their marriage is NOT set in stone.
Yet Thomas has always loved her and depended upon his job as a Clerk for his income. After a heart to heart talk with his brother Kit, Thomas asks Maddie if she would agree to a temporary courtship in order to change everyone’s assumptions.
She immediately feels a secret thrill when discussing this with Thomas and they begin a very contented and heartfelt relationship.
After finding themselves romantically entangled they each realize that they are falling hopelessly and sincerely in love with each other. The more time they spend alone with Kit running interference the deeper in love they become. And everything is going along smoothly until Thomas’ uncle runs off unexpectedly to marry leaving Thomas so insecure about his ability to provide for Maddie that he unexpectedly acts like a jerk by distancing himself from her romantically. When Maddie tries to help by accepting work from her Gran which would help supplicate a dual income Thomas becomes affronted by her actions frustrating both of the couple in the process. It is her strong and unwavering opinion that setbacks in any relationship are meant to be shared and overcome. And she suggests that he tutors others in Greek & Latin while pursuing other avenues of income.
Initially Thomas writes letters of recommendation for employment himself while creating a distancing phase in his courting of Maddie. She is furious and insists that a married couple would naturally aid their Helpmate.
And so using his last few pennies Thomas buys Maddie a special bottle of rose scented perfume made by a woman at a local Christmas Fair and Market since at the assembly when he first worked up the courage to speak of his feelings he noted that for the first time that she had changed her signature gardenia scent to roses. He then secrets it away with the last rose blossom of the season for when he proposes.
Kit is infuriated by Thomas’ hesitancy and corners Maggie to try to force the couple to act. Just when she is convinced Thomas will continue to balk Kit and Maddie decide to cave in to both of their families expectations and reach a decision.
At the moment they are making their announcement Thomas rushes in pleading that Maddie marry him.
Which just so happens to align with their announcement to their respective families to never marry each other despite years of expectation. Thomas and Kit manage to allow both Thomas and Maddie a moment alone for them both before dinner shared with her Gran.
Thomas gifts Maddie her belated Christmas perfume even though the rose has long since ere lost its bloom. And when presenting this gift Thomas at last sets aside his doubts agreeing that a married couple should always be willing to take hardships in stride and promising to be a steadfast and devoted husband to Maddie. So in the very spirit of happily-ever-afters they announce their love and marriage after compromising on a place to live and love together forever is reached by them at last,... and the rest follows Cora Lee’s most satisfying story to The End.
November 30, 2025
3.5⭐️
Vibes - Fine
Young love for Christmas
Maddie has always been told that she'd marry her best friend Kit but neither of them want that but since everyone thinks he is going to marry her no one else will court her. So she asks his younger brother Thomas to court her so people with stop thinking she's with Kit. Thomas has been in love with Maddie for years so immediately jumps at the chance. Though she's only ever seen him as Kit's brother and her friend, the more time they spend together the more her feeling develop. However since Thomas is the second son he worried about earning enough to be worthy of her. To me Thomas read to be quite young, maybe late teens and although their ages weren't mentioned (I don't think so anyway) it seemed like an age gap romance (with her being older). In a historical romance age gaps,much to my dismay, are common place. I enjoyed the Christmas theme and how besotted he was with her, even if it was mismatched I believe she truly cared for him by the end.
Tropes
-Best Friend's Brother
-Friends To Lovers
Vibes - Fine
Young love for Christmas
Maddie has always been told that she'd marry her best friend Kit but neither of them want that but since everyone thinks he is going to marry her no one else will court her. So she asks his younger brother Thomas to court her so people with stop thinking she's with Kit. Thomas has been in love with Maddie for years so immediately jumps at the chance. Though she's only ever seen him as Kit's brother and her friend, the more time they spend together the more her feeling develop. However since Thomas is the second son he worried about earning enough to be worthy of her. To me Thomas read to be quite young, maybe late teens and although their ages weren't mentioned (I don't think so anyway) it seemed like an age gap romance (with her being older). In a historical romance age gaps,
Tropes
-Best Friend's Brother
-Friends To Lovers
December 8, 2023
Everyone assumed Maddie and Kit would marry. They were childhood friends, which matured into close adult friends. It did not develop into romance, that would be like dating your bother/sister. Maddie was expected to marry, but none of the gentlemen considered her since it was assumed she was for Kit. Thomas, Kit’s younger brother, to the rescue. They pretend he is courting Maddie, so others could see she was not reserved for Kit. However, Thomas was actually in love with Maddie and has been for years. Being a younger son, Thomas worked as a clerk at his uncles’ business. Suddenly he is jobless when his uncle closes the business and moves to America. He almost gives up on his dream of marrying Maddie, since he feels he cannot support her. Oh the social and financial pressure on poor Thomas.
This is a sweet, and clean story. It was well written. I found I really liked Maddie and Kit. Hopefully Kit is in the next romance story. The narration was well done, and a joy to listen to. I received a free copy of this audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is a sweet, and clean story. It was well written. I found I really liked Maddie and Kit. Hopefully Kit is in the next romance story. The narration was well done, and a joy to listen to. I received a free copy of this audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 26, 2023
This is a cute story, for the reader. For the heroine, it’s just plain frustrating. Maddie has been friends with Kit since childhood. It has always been presumed the two of them would one day wed. Neither of them wants this outcome, but trying to convince their parents and society of that is next to impossible. Enter Thomas, Kit’s brother, who unbeknownst to Maddie is in love with her. They come up with a plan that will suggest she is interested Thomas, not Kit. It looks like it’s working. In fact, it’s beginning to look real, to Maddie and Thomas. Then there are a couple of hitches to their plan and their romance. The way to happily ever after is made more difficult when pride gets in the way. Can Kit convince his brother that there is a way for him and Maddie to be together?
Great story, and the narration was enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed an free copy of this audiobook.
Great story, and the narration was enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed an free copy of this audiobook.
December 24, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook and really enjoyed it.
Everyone expects Maddie and Kitt to get married because they are such good friends, but that’s all they are. When Maddie and Thomas come up with a plan to show everyone that she is not going to marry Kitt, it turns out to be more than just a show they are putting on for others.
The development of the relationship between Maddie and Thomas was done nicely. It did seem to move rather quickly at times but It also made sense for it to do so because they knew each other since childhood, and Thomas was already in love with her before their fake dating.
The only thing that stood out to me was the part where she was going to take care of an aging relative. At times it was her grandmother she was taking care of and other times it was her grandfather. I never knew who she was actually taking care of. But that is being nitpicky. The story itself was good and entertaining.
Everyone expects Maddie and Kitt to get married because they are such good friends, but that’s all they are. When Maddie and Thomas come up with a plan to show everyone that she is not going to marry Kitt, it turns out to be more than just a show they are putting on for others.
The development of the relationship between Maddie and Thomas was done nicely. It did seem to move rather quickly at times but It also made sense for it to do so because they knew each other since childhood, and Thomas was already in love with her before their fake dating.
The only thing that stood out to me was the part where she was going to take care of an aging relative. At times it was her grandmother she was taking care of and other times it was her grandfather. I never knew who she was actually taking care of. But that is being nitpicky. The story itself was good and entertaining.
December 16, 2023
A Sweet Story
I got the audiobook version of this book and I enjoyed it! It has a nice plot and very likable characters.
Philip Battley is a wonderful narrator, it’s pleasant and easy to listen to him. With its short length (approx. 2h), this audiobook is perfect for in between.
Maddie, Kit and Thomas have been friends since childhood and to Maddie‘s dismay, everyone expects her to marry Kit. That‘s the reason why no other gentleman would ever think of courting her. So she asks Thomas to fake a courtship with her. What she doesn’t realise is that he has been in love with her for ages…
If you like a sweet and clean friends to lovers historical romance with a fake courtship, you will enjoy this quick listen.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I got the audiobook version of this book and I enjoyed it! It has a nice plot and very likable characters.
Philip Battley is a wonderful narrator, it’s pleasant and easy to listen to him. With its short length (approx. 2h), this audiobook is perfect for in between.
Maddie, Kit and Thomas have been friends since childhood and to Maddie‘s dismay, everyone expects her to marry Kit. That‘s the reason why no other gentleman would ever think of courting her. So she asks Thomas to fake a courtship with her. What she doesn’t realise is that he has been in love with her for ages…
If you like a sweet and clean friends to lovers historical romance with a fake courtship, you will enjoy this quick listen.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2023
Maddie Hayward had been friends with Kit and Thomas Matthison. She desires to have a family but no man dares to get close as everyone thinks she is unofficially betrothed to Kit. Meanwhile Thomas harbors deeper feeling for her and finally makes a move to show her.
This was a delightful low-angst story. Both main characters were great, though Maddie was presented to be slightly desperate. Love that the author took time to explore the development of their feelings. One can really feel the depth of Thomas' admiration and the strength of his character. Also great to have supporting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a delightful low-angst story. Both main characters were great, though Maddie was presented to be slightly desperate. Love that the author took time to explore the development of their feelings. One can really feel the depth of Thomas' admiration and the strength of his character. Also great to have supporting characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2024
Audiobook: This was my first experience with Cora Lee's work, and it was delightful. Everyone thought that Maddie Hayward would marry Kit Mathison but they regarded each other as siblings. Maddie decided to ask Thomas, Kit's brother, to escort her to events so that everyone would realize marrying Kit wasn't in her plans. Fake relationships are one of my favorite tropes. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. I appreciated the humorous incidents. Philip Battley's narration was fine, and his performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
December 7, 2023
Maddie would love to be married, but everyone around her thinks that she and her best friend, Kit, are destined to be married. But Kit know something that no one else knows -- his brother, Thomas, is in love with Maddie. When Maddie gets the idea to fake a courtship with Thomas to throw off the matchmakers, Thomas is thrilled, and Kit is happy to help. But fake courting is tricky when love is growing. The narrator did a great job of this one as the previous books in this series. I liked that the characters were middle class, not incredibly rich. It made the story more relatable.
December 26, 2023
Maddie Hayward has grown up playing with brothers, Kit and Thomas Mathison. It seems her entire community, her parents included, expect her to marry the older brother, Kit—even though their relationship is strictly platonic. It is Thomas that makes her heart beat faster. And unbeknownst to Maddie, Thomas has been enamored with her for quite some time. Philip Battley does a delicious job narrating this beautifully captivating sweet regency romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2024
The book was okay, but I didn't get this urge to listen and know what would happen because it was unfortunately quite predictable.
I love historical romance, but after reading quite a lot, some of them get lost in the sea of "I've heard it before" and of "I can picture the next chapter".
Nothing is wrong with this book and would likely please newcomers to the genre by its simplicity of plot a sturdy characters. But I miss something more elaborate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love historical romance, but after reading quite a lot, some of them get lost in the sea of "I've heard it before" and of "I can picture the next chapter".
Nothing is wrong with this book and would likely please newcomers to the genre by its simplicity of plot a sturdy characters. But I miss something more elaborate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2024
Another sweet romance in the Maitland Maiden's series!
When "everyone" thinks you'll end up with your childhood friend, but the status is just that - just friends. It allows Maddie to realize she's always been romantically inclined towards his brother, Thomas. As for him, he's always been in his brother's shadow. He never would have thought Maddie would ever see him as a lover. A fake courtship turns into the real thing; they get their HEA!
Looking forward to reading the next two books in the series stated to release in 2024!
When "everyone" thinks you'll end up with your childhood friend, but the status is just that - just friends. It allows Maddie to realize she's always been romantically inclined towards his brother, Thomas. As for him, he's always been in his brother's shadow. He never would have thought Maddie would ever see him as a lover. A fake courtship turns into the real thing; they get their HEA!
Looking forward to reading the next two books in the series stated to release in 2024!
April 9, 2020
Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. Once I started I could not get enough, from the start till the end I was engrossed I was even on the edge of my seat with twists and turns, lust and passion, strength, happiness with a happily ever after. Do yourself a favor and buy the book you want be disappointed.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2023
Maddie needs help having other men see her as an available lady when she is seen by everyone as having an agreement with her best friend Kit. Secretly having feelings for her, Kit’s younger brother Thomas accepts her request for a fake courtship. Fake starts to blend to real but his sudden financial difficulties and stubborn pride and their family’s pressures for Maddie and Kit to marry could keep them apart. I enjoyed the British narrator with all his voice changes and inflections.
December 24, 2025
I didn’t dislike this book, it just didn’t seem like an authentic Regency romance to me. It was more like a modern story with some Regency trappings - for some unaccountable reason it felt like one of the Sweet Valley High books I rad as a teenager all those years ago. So, reading this book was not unpleasant way to pass an hour or two, but I have no intention to read any of the other stories by this author.
December 26, 2023
This is the third novella in the Maitland Maidens Series, a Regency Romance. I liked Maddie and Thomas sweet slow burn romance. The supporting characters are great. Philip Battley did a great job bringing this story to life. I enjoyed it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2023
This is a delightful romance about best friends, expectations and the unexpected. Maddie and Kit are best friends and everyone anticipates a union between them. However, there is nothing romantic between them. No man will approach her thinking she is claimed. She is tired of this and enlist Kit's brother to aide her.
December 7, 2023
Audiobook review.
I loved this book! It is sweet and romantic with delightful characters and an entertaining story.
Philip Battley’s narration is absolutely brilliant.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
I loved this book! It is sweet and romantic with delightful characters and an entertaining story.
Philip Battley’s narration is absolutely brilliant.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
February 3, 2023
This was sweet
April 4, 2023
Rated 3.5
December 24, 2023
Story: 3
Narration: 3
Cute, quick seasonal listen. HEA for predictable story. Narration was easy to listen to.
Narration: 3
Cute, quick seasonal listen. HEA for predictable story. Narration was easy to listen to.
January 8, 2024
This was a quick, fun listen. Both author and narrator have outdone themselves and kept me hooked from start to finish.
I received a copy of this audiobook and I am leaving my honest review.
I received a copy of this audiobook and I am leaving my honest review.
November 12, 2025
A very cute and quick romance that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
December 8, 2025
Would have been 4 stars but felt somewhat unresolved
January 9, 2024
A Sweet, Brief Holiday Romance
This is a rather short novella that can be read quickly, in a sitting or two. For such a short book, it is actually pretty well done. The author didn't do any significant information dumps, as seems to be common in novellas. I absolutely adored the relationship between the heroine and the Mathison brothers. They had long been friends, and it truly came across as such. In fact, everyone assumes that the heroine is going to marry the older brother. So much so that no other young man in the area has shown any interest in her in the slightest. She comes up with the brilliant idea to fake a courtship with the younger brother while keeping her distance from the older one so that others will not see them as an item. Unfortunately for the younger brother, Thomas, he actually has held a tendre for her and wishes the courtship could be real. As you might imagine, as they get to know each other in their faux courtship, she begins to warm to him as a potential suitor. I absolutely adored the scene with Thomas and the little boy, just like the heroine did. I thought the hero was perfectly swoon-worthy, even if he did have some awkward moments at the end. A fun little Christmas romance.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
This is a rather short novella that can be read quickly, in a sitting or two. For such a short book, it is actually pretty well done. The author didn't do any significant information dumps, as seems to be common in novellas. I absolutely adored the relationship between the heroine and the Mathison brothers. They had long been friends, and it truly came across as such. In fact, everyone assumes that the heroine is going to marry the older brother. So much so that no other young man in the area has shown any interest in her in the slightest. She comes up with the brilliant idea to fake a courtship with the younger brother while keeping her distance from the older one so that others will not see them as an item. Unfortunately for the younger brother, Thomas, he actually has held a tendre for her and wishes the courtship could be real. As you might imagine, as they get to know each other in their faux courtship, she begins to warm to him as a potential suitor. I absolutely adored the scene with Thomas and the little boy, just like the heroine did. I thought the hero was perfectly swoon-worthy, even if he did have some awkward moments at the end. A fun little Christmas romance.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
October 4, 2019
Kissing by the Mistletoe is a short, sweet, Christmas romance novel. A perfect novel for reading on a cold day, with comfy clothes and a warm drink. The Hayward and the Mathison families had been friends for years. Maddie Hayward and Kit Mathison were best friends with no intentions of marrying each other. Their parents and the entire village were expecting a marriage proposal this Christmas while the Mathison family visited the Haywards. Being aware that no other men would dance or court her since everyone thought she would marry Kit, she asked Thomas, Kit's younger brother, to pretend to court her. She thought if it looked like someone besides Kit was courting her then other men might show interest in her. Thomas has secretly loved Maddie for years, but he didn't have the income to support a wife so he never tried to court her. He agreed to her request but was secretly hoping it would become a real courtship. An unfortunate event happens that affects his employment leaving him destitute. Can they possible get past the problems of pride and finances in order to have their HEA? This was a really great book. It was well written and perfectly paced. The characters were so sweet and perfect for each other. I'd love to see Kit get his HEA since he was such a good friend and brother to the characters. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2019
A delightful Regency novelette that left me so grateful for my modern-day blessings. Maddie, as an unwed young woman is forced to bow to the mores of society, in that because everyone assumes that she will marry Kit Mathison, she is no longer available on the marriage mart and she has no suitors from which to choose a husband. Thomas Mathison, as a younger son, can only earn his way by following a limited number of professions. When Maddie asks for his help, Thomas is more than willing to assist her, even though his heart may be broken. But it is the kiss under the mistletoe that brings this warmhearted, clean and delightful romance to a close. Although the story is short and can be read in an evening, it is nevertheless most enjoyable. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
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