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Love Match Legacy #2.5

Mistletoe Love Match

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As far as Calliope Cress is concerned, there’s nothing merry about Christmas this year.

She’s stranded in a cabin with doctor-in-training Alec Lamb. Forget his piercing amber eyes and mouthwatering physique. The man might look more delicious than a plate of holiday sugar cookies, but the bloke is insufferable. Honestly, Frosty the Snowman has a warmer disposition–that is, until they’re alone and they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Call it enemies-with-benefits. Call it a holiday hook-up. But don’t even think about calling it love.

It would take a Christmas miracle for her to fall for him.

She’s ready to call off the tryst, but the spirit of the season has other ideas.

It’s said that a kiss beneath the mistletoe can spark true love, and the pair keeps finding themselves standing beneath the festive sprigs.

With a bit of help from Saint Nick, a wayward reindeer, and a dash of Christmas Eve magic, Calliope and Alec learn that the holiday detour they hadn’t anticipated could bring them exactly what they need and everything they’d never expected: a mistletoe love match.

This is a Love Match Legacy novella, a steamy rom-com spin-off book from the much-loved Nanny Love Match Series.

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2023

143 people are currently reading
167 people want to read

About the author

Krista Sandor

32 books2,840 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Krista Sandor writes steamy contemporary romance with toe-curlingly hot heroes and heroines you'll want as your best friends.

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5 stars
130 (46%)
4 stars
83 (29%)
3 stars
41 (14%)
2 stars
20 (7%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Heather Adores Books.
1,602 reviews1,883 followers
December 12, 2023
3.75⭐
Genre ~ holiday novella
Setting ~ Colorado
Publication date ~ January 12, 2023
Est page Count ~ 104 (7 chapters)
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ characters in their early 20's, twins, teacher, medical student, enemies~ish to lovers, some steamage

Calliope & Alec have a secret friends with benefits thing going on. They are both twins and it turns out their siblings like each other. They are both not feeling that and want them to stay on track for their career and future plans. I didn't care for this because why are they in charge of their twins life? They need to make their own decisions IMO.

The whole Mr. & Mrs. Krangle bit was a little over the top Christmasy, but they seemed like jolly good folks.

Overall, this had some good banter, mostly in British form since Callliope is from London. Their chemistry was on point. Calliope is not a name I've seen often so I liked the uniqueness of it.

Side funny note ~ usually when food or beverages are discussed in books I automatically want the same, well this time I was actually sipping my own homemade eggnog and on the next page the characters were doing the same. Crazy.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,081 reviews209 followers
January 9, 2023
In this short visit back to the Nanny Love Match world we get a quick and dirty story about Calliope Cress and Alec Lamb. It maybe forced proximity due to family (Raz and Libby from The Nanny and Beefcake), but it's anything but love between Calliope and Alex. Except whenever they're in the same room, their Irresistible attraction is stronger than any magnets.

This fun, entertaining novella will certainly spice up your holiday, or any other day, for that matter. A little sweet, a lot smexy, and just the right touch of heart, this one is sure to make you smile. And blush. 😉
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,181 reviews72 followers
January 9, 2023
Calliope and Alec give a fast, fun, steamy story of holiday plans messing with their whole “hate to want you but still want you” vibe. They both lose confidence and their normal smoothness when near each other, and I don’t just mean when alone. They both blurt or think things that could cause trouble, especially since they’re so sure they’re not attracted beyond the physical. But when ice and a rogue reindeer come their way, things take a distinct turn. Is it a head injury, or is the couple who helps them distinctly….Santa-esque? And is there a future? I guess mistletoe and Yule log wishes will tell for certain, but these two aren’t about to squander their time together without trying to see if they’re meant to be. As luck would have it, I’m pretty sure they are….
Profile Image for Christina Gizzi.
136 reviews13 followers
February 8, 2023
This novella was adorable and the perfect little look into a different couple in the Cress family. I love that they had ignored their true feelings for each other and masked it as a loathing with benefits type of relationship. I want to know what happens with the gift and the rest of the family. I think it could have been a tad longer to resolve some of the open plot, but maybe that's coming in something else, I'm not sure. It took me a whole month to read this only because I was super busy. The plot sucked me in and kept me wanting more. The cottage was adorable and all of the Christmas aspects were hilarious to me. This family is also my favorite from the Nanny series.
Profile Image for Isabel Debono.
911 reviews14 followers
January 9, 2023
This was a quick fun read.
If you loved the Nanny love match series this is right up your alley.
Loved this little side story of Calliope Cress and Alec Lamb. I must say they were a perfect match.
This had all the fun and witty banter as the nanny match novels.
Loved reading their story.
Profile Image for Christi.
251 reviews9 followers
December 21, 2023
Life is short. So is this book. But at almost half way, I just don’t care. Goofy with a bunch of heat, no substance. On to the next one…
Profile Image for Gretchen.
757 reviews25 followers
January 16, 2023
First... mistletoe has white berries. This is fact. The cover shows Holly. They keep describing holly. UGH. It is such a stupid thing to get wrong... and it took me out of the narrative repeatedly.
The resolution to LOVE seemed to happen in a blink of an eye. Meh.
Profile Image for Lesley.
2,464 reviews19 followers
January 13, 2023
Disappointing 2.5*
This wasn’t for me. Weird storyline, 1970s British and Irish insults and two immature adults.
Read in Kindle Unlimited
Profile Image for RedReviews4You Susan-Dara.
800 reviews25 followers
January 12, 2023
I have just finished this great new novela by Krista Sandor, Mistletoe Love Match - the newest addition to the Nanny Love Match Legacy Series - and that even though this was a short work that could be read in one sitting, I felt like I was reading a full novel because of the strenth of the plotting and prose. As always with anything Sandor writes there is just enough drama to keep the story going, swoony scenes, and vividly read dialogue that sticks with you long after you close the book. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this, but I know you'll want to add this on your TBR List because it is HOT, SEXY, FUNNY and I guarentee you'll fall in love with this pair even if you haven't read ANY of the previous books! This does stand alone so no worries if you want to join in this fun series new. Just note that this is an open door series and a spicy one at that 😊.

As always the characters are Bloody Brilliant, the dialogue is Craking, and the Snogging is Blinding! (Okay if you don't know that Calliope and the Cress family hails from London this should clue you in to laugh riot, personality, and vocabulary that she brings to this book - especially when Alec gets under her skin, which is very very often!).
Profile Image for Teresa.
85 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2023
This little novella is a delightful Christmas romp. Full of snow bound in a cabin, mistletoe for kissing and “Santa” for good measure. I enjoyed the characters of Calliope and Alec very much and thought Alec was a real sweetheart. I am a sucker for the forced together in a snowy cabin trope and this study does not disappoint. I found myself really wanting to hear more about this couple. I was disappointed they only got a novella!

I particularly wanted to see their early courtship. I found it somewhat jarring to come in months after they have apparently been having happy times but still getting the feeling that they did not like each other. I initially did not understand why they would be doing what they were doing. It seemed it might have been better to have had them getting hot and heavy without sealing the deal so to speak until the cabin. I think this could have ben handled with a full novel but the novella format left the initial situation feeling a bit odd. I loved the way things turned around when they were together and I really wanted more of them.

Overall, this was a fun enjoyable read. I can trust that Krista Sandor will provide a great experience.

***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my own, unbiased, review.***
349 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2023
OVERALL RATING – 5

RECOMMENDED for those that like: forced proximity / frenemies to lovers / holiday short read

First my usual points:
- I do not do spoilers unless warned.
- Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate.
- This is a standalone but spins off a series.
- No errors that I caught as far as editing.
- The author was not new to me

BOOK:
- Cover adequately reflects the story
- Genre/troupe: contemporary romance
- 3rd person alternating POV
- other characters from the book series make brief appearances

Star Ratings - 1 (poor) – 5 (READ THIS BOOK)
• Writing Quality: 5
• Story ingredient: 5
• Ease of reading/Pace: 5
• Plot strength: 5
• Steam Level: 4

Notes/Opinion (personal thoughts):

Holiday themed novella of an attraction to hate to loke to love between one half of 2 sets of twins too busy looking out for their twin siblings' 'best interest' to realize what's in front of them. Holiday magic sprinkles and forced proximity works to remove their blinders to show them their 'best interest' is right in front of them.
Profile Image for Susan Homan.
298 reviews5 followers
January 16, 2023
Mistletoe Love Match
Krista Sandor

Oh my, what a fun, steamy and quick read. Calliope and Alec share lots of steamy, hot sex, but are not together like their twins are. But wait until Christmas eve, when a closet, mistletoe, and a car that won't start seem to change everything. Then an accident because of a reindeer force them to stay at Mistletoe cottage, and the encounter with the Krangle's leaves them questioning many things. Oh that cottage, I'd love to find it and stay there, and have a yule log. Sometimes fate/destiny really mess up the plans you had for yourself, but maybe this is for the better. I love the Nanny series and reading more about some of the characters was amazing. Krista Sandor never disappoints and while I was not sure about the novella, this was an amazing read. Can't wait for the next book by this author.Mistletoe Love Match
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,555 reviews34 followers
January 22, 2023
Calliope Cress and Alec Lamb don't get along, but that doesn't mean they're not attracted to each other. In fact, they've been having a secret fling while visiting their respective siblings in Denver. Calliope's plan to end things with Alec before heading out of town for Christmas with their families is put on hold when her car won't start, and she's forced to accept a ride from Alec. They're driving through a snowstorm when a close encounter with a reindeer sends them skidding into a ditch. Fortunately, they're rescued by the Krangles of Mistletoe Manor, who offer them a cozy cabin for the night. Will the close quarters - and a few kisses under the mistletoe - help Calliope and Alec realize that they're meant to be together?

I absolutely loved this laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, and heartwarming story. Calliope and Alec had fantastic chemistry and their banter was hilarious. There were so many moments that stood out to me, but my favorite was when the Krangles found them after their car slid into the ditch. I couldn't help laughing at Alec and Calliope's fear of "serial killer Santa" and his reindeer henchman. The Krangles turned out to be a perfectly lovely couple, but I completely understood why Alec and Calliope were a little creeped out at first.

I highly recommend "Mistletoe Love Match" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to whatever Krista Sandor writes next.
 
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
2,299 reviews20 followers
January 12, 2023
This was such a super cute read. I love Krista's stories and I love stories about Christmas time. Calliope Cress and her sister have their lives planned they love children and want to teach them the world's greatest wonders. Alec Lamb and his brother are doctors in training and know what they want. These two have a love/hate relationship that is about to rock their boat. Their attraction is off the charts, but they know their lives are going in a separate direction. When a snowstorm, a reindeer, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus take them in after being stuck in a snowstorm well these two are about to get their Mistletoe on. Can they sort out their feelings and their future? Find out about this fun-loving couple.
Profile Image for Katslovesbooks.
1,026 reviews25 followers
January 18, 2023

This novella is another amazing addition to the Nanny Love Match Series and it was a quick entertaining, steamy and a perfect holiday read.

This story has Calliope Cress and Alec Lamb as the main characters and for me these two were the perfect match for each other in every single way, their banter and chemistry was absolutely fabulous and when this couple is forced together to stay in a cozy Christmas cabin everything that they think they need its only a wish away.

As always Krista gets you hook to the story, the characters and the plot. This novella its one perfect read for anytime you need something funny but full of heart.
Profile Image for J.
4,079 reviews21 followers
January 13, 2023
Another win for Sandor! This is a novella in her Love Match Legacy series and it is a wonderfully well written romance! Short but full of fun and romance! Our main characters are Calliope Cress and Alec Lamb who are as stubborn as stubborn can be (I personally can't relate to this at all - and yes I'm being VERY sarcastic). These two find themselves stuck in close quarters and well - the steamy chemistry is undeniable! A short but delightful Christmas romance that is sure to please! I can't wait to see what wonders Sandor will have for us fans next!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
Profile Image for Nicole.
181 reviews5 followers
December 29, 2023
Calliope and Alec bring in the hot and heavy banter perfectly for a true holiday romance.
When they get snowed-in on route to their families Christmas celebration.

They fight each other so much as they make out, because their very planned out future is about to change and all the holiday magic will bring them new opportunities they never imagined.

This is such a funny story full of spice, dirty talking and banter between these two hilarious characters.
Krista is the best rom-com queen and the best storyteller, I love her hilarious dialogue and how she describes the scenes for the characters. Go read and you will want to read all her books.
Profile Image for Pauline.
983 reviews
January 9, 2023
What a magical quick read that wraps you up and envelops you in a blanket of warm fuzzies. This is part of the Nanny Love Match Series and features Erasmus's sister Calliope and Libby's brother Alec who have a volatile relationship. When Alec offers to drive Calliope to the family get together on Christmas Eve. But when they get stranded because of a snowstorm and almost hit a reindeer, they get rescued by Mr & Mrs Krangle, and end up staying in Mistletoe Cottage. And that is when the fireworks start! Wonderful novella.
Profile Image for ReadonReader.
2,628 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2023
Alec and Calliope love to hate each other yet can’t resist the chemistry that sets them on fire. when these two are forced to spend time together you never know if they’ll fight each other to death or spark a fire in the sheets. Their banter is hilarious and add in the Krangles’ cozy cabin these two embark on figuring out what their next steps will be without their twins. I loved being back in the Nanny match world and getting to see the siblings finding their way. This was pure perfection and I only wish we got more time with them.
705 reviews7 followers
January 14, 2023
Calliope and Alex were brought together by her brother and his sister, who are married. They have been secretly hooking up for months while their twins are in a serious relationship. When they end up snowed in together at the cottage of Christmas enthusiasts, the Christmas magic forces them to confront their true feelings.

This is a short book but lots of fun. You could read it as a stand alone but it is really an off-shoot the author’s Nanny series - which is a really fun series that I highly recommend.

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,259 reviews53 followers
January 15, 2023
This delightful novella is part of the Love Match Legacy series. This Calliope and Alec's story. I loved that this book takes place during the holiday season on Christmas Eve to be exact. I so want to get stranded at the Mistletoe Cottage and get visit from the Krangles. This book has cameos from some of my favorites from the Nanny Love Match series. This one had the prefect combination of heat, heart, and humor I love in a book by Krista Sandor. The magic of the season weaves around these two.
Profile Image for Mindy Diegel.
519 reviews7 followers
January 15, 2023
Calliope and Alec they were everything that I wanted their relationship to be and more. We got to be in the world and around all of the people that we love from the Nanny Love Match series but we get to see two of the siblings shoved together and see how they react. They are like oil and water and their banter is next level. They can not seem to stay away from each other and when Mother Nature intervenes they have to take a hard look at their feelings and decide what they really want. I loved watching them both interact. Thank you for this fabulous holiday novella.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
January 9, 2023
I absolutely loved this Christmas novella! The British dialogue and sass from Calliope is hilarious. I learned new words and phrases to use lol. Alec is a sarcastic and handsome “doctor in training” along with his twin Anders. Calliope is a teacher along with her sister Callista. This book features Alec and Calliope and their relationship. It’s filled with laughs, Christmas Magic and blooming love. It has lots of steam too!
Profile Image for Cassie.
1,563 reviews
January 12, 2023
Oh, the Hilarity!

This one was ridiculously cute and had me smiling throughout. Calliope Cress and Alec Lamb are the perfect opposites with their lives planned out, however their twin siblings are disrupting their future....or are they? The irony of their situation (or situations as it appears) is not lost in the Love Match world. This was a great novella ~ I look forward to future glimpses of Calliope and Alec as we explore the future Second Generation characters.

Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,839 reviews118 followers
January 12, 2023
My Christmas loving heart is happy and content!

Mistletoe Love Match brings us face to face with Calliope Cress and Alex Lamb! I was laughing with gusto at these two because their quick barbs and hilarious shenanigans were top notch! The predicaments these two found themselves in were hilarious and really added to their story!

It was a short, sexy read and I was so happy for them but sad the book was over! Hoping to see these two again because they are RomCom gold!
Profile Image for LLS.
922 reviews21 followers
January 12, 2023
What a sweet little story to add to this series! The two of them get snowed in and are forced to spend time together. Calliope and Alec have a ton of chemistry together but is it enough for a love match? Alec knows it is but it takes Calliope a little bit longer to come around. I really enjoyed having the rest of the gang involved with the story. Perfect holiday book!

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book!
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,530 reviews135 followers
January 12, 2023
If you are looking for a fun, magical read that will leave a big smile on your face look no further than Calliope and Alec’s steamy novella.
This quick read still packs a mighty punch, it’s full of witty banter, it’s smoking hot but more importantly it a great story with wonderful characters.
Krista Sandor has once again given us a entertaining, magical read that’s full of Christmas cheer and I highly recommend you one click this gem now.
Profile Image for Krystal.
849 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2023
a holiday spinoff

Mistletoe Love Match is a spin-off novella in the Nanny Love Match world. We have Erasmus sister’ Calliope and Libby’s brother Alec in a enemies with benefits forced proximity holiday novella. All the kids from the Nanny Love Match series make a brief appearance. Calliope and Alec find themselves stranded on their way to Rickety Rock for the holidays due to the weather. This story starts off steamy and the banter between the two will have you chuckling!
1,498 reviews15 followers
January 16, 2023
This was a fun little holiday novella. Calliope and Alec's story is full of steam, sass, and holiday cheer. I love how mistletoe was the center of the story. I loved how a little scare and a magical cottage lit a different spark between the two. The barbs between the two only escalated the chemistry between the two. And there was Sebastian who added his own little sass too. Fun story.
754 reviews
October 24, 2023
Spin off series book1.

This is a spinoff to the nanny matchmaker series. This book features the twin sibling to Raz and Libby from book 3. It happens at Christmas time. Anders and Callista are already a couple, but Alex and Calliope are not. They are kind of enemiesbut are they really? Will they get their Christmas wishes? Read on to find out. A really cute read.
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