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Mistletoe Science #2
The Solstice Mistletoe Effect
Lance Rivera and Magnus Carstens are settling into their new life as a family with Magnus's nephew Jakob. But Magnus's parents are not enthusiastic about his choice of life partner and try to separate Magnus and Lance while they vacation in Sweden with Jakob. The woman they think more suitable for Magnus is Sigrid, an ex-student who is his intellectual equal and has loved and pursued him for years.
Magnus seems oblivious, but when an attractive offer from the University of Stockholm is added to the mix, Lance faces a crisis: What if Magnus chooses the new job and a life with Sigrid over the family he's started with Lance and Jakob?
Magnus seems oblivious, but when an attractive offer from the University of Stockholm is added to the mix, Lance faces a crisis: What if Magnus chooses the new job and a life with Sigrid over the family he's started with Lance and Jakob?
126 pages, ebook
First published June 23, 2010
1 person is currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Serena Yates
104 books768 followersI’m a night owl and start writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back.
Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.
I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.
I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.
Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.
I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.
I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 24, 2010
This sequel starts out just a few weeks after the end of The Mistletoe Phenomenon. Lance and Magnus are living together with Jakob, Magnus' small nephew. The men are in love and very happy with Lance taking the role of the stay at home Dad, which is what he's dreamed of all his life, and Magnus working as a Park Ranger. With the holidays over Jakob starts school and things become difficult for both Lance and Jakob.
The trio live in the small town of Mistletoe, Wyoming and their openly gay household is not well received by some of the residents. Lance and Jakob get the brunt of it while Magnus is pretty much oblivious to it. Things come to a head when Jakob has troubles at school and finally Magnus is clued in to what his loved ones are going through. Magnus decides to take his new family to Sweden during summer vacation and slowly things settle down a bit while the school year finishes.
The day finally arrives and they fly off to Sweden anticipating a few weeks of fun and adventure while they visit with Magnus' parents. But things are far from fun for Lance when they arrive in Sweden and he realizes that Magnus' parents in no way support their son's sexual orientation. Instead they are determined to bring him around by bringing Sigrid, a beautiful woman who works in Magnus' field, into his life. Magnus struggles with how to deal with his parents, Lance's feelings as well as with Sigrid and an offer from his old University.
In the meantime Lance is having problems speaking up for himself and instead of talking with Magnus he makes it too easy for the parents and Sigrid to get in the way. Finally having had enough of their interference and with Magnus slow to respond Lance takes matters into his own hand. His actions at last force Magnus to face how far his parents, especially his father, have been willing to go to break up his relationship with Lance. Magnus now has to convince Lance that he does truly love him and wants them to be a family despite whatever anyone else has to say about it.
What I liked...
Lance and Magnus, along with Jakob, are nicely written, likable characters. In this story we see the men in a more realistic light as they live and love, make mistakes and learn from them all while doing the best they can to make Jakob's life as happy as possible. They may not always succeed, indeed at times they act against themselves, but by the end they've both learned that if they are going to make it as a family they need to share and communicate. This was a hard lesson especially for Lance to learn.
I also really enjoyed the descriptions regarding their time in Sweden. The holiday traditions, the different locations and customs were woven really well into the story and made for an interesting read.
What I didn't like...
In a word, Sigrid. She is written as a cold and calculating woman with obviously no feelings for others and her insistence that she and Magnus belonged together made no sense. The hurtful scene she made in front of Jakob and Magnus' shocking silence throughout was for me the worst scene of the book. I know her character as well as the Father is there to create tension in the couple's storyline but I felt it went a bit too far.
Overall...
Despite my reservations with Sigrid and the Father I quite enjoyed this story. Magnus and Lance are nice guys, if a bit clueless at times, and for the most part they worked hard to provide a happy and loving home for Jakob. Since this story was longer than the first there was more time to 'feel' their connection, the sex scenes are well written and quite hot and the ending, although a bit too 'sweet' was nevertheless satisfying. Recommended.
This story reviewed for Reviews by... Jessewave
The trio live in the small town of Mistletoe, Wyoming and their openly gay household is not well received by some of the residents. Lance and Jakob get the brunt of it while Magnus is pretty much oblivious to it. Things come to a head when Jakob has troubles at school and finally Magnus is clued in to what his loved ones are going through. Magnus decides to take his new family to Sweden during summer vacation and slowly things settle down a bit while the school year finishes.
The day finally arrives and they fly off to Sweden anticipating a few weeks of fun and adventure while they visit with Magnus' parents. But things are far from fun for Lance when they arrive in Sweden and he realizes that Magnus' parents in no way support their son's sexual orientation. Instead they are determined to bring him around by bringing Sigrid, a beautiful woman who works in Magnus' field, into his life. Magnus struggles with how to deal with his parents, Lance's feelings as well as with Sigrid and an offer from his old University.
In the meantime Lance is having problems speaking up for himself and instead of talking with Magnus he makes it too easy for the parents and Sigrid to get in the way. Finally having had enough of their interference and with Magnus slow to respond Lance takes matters into his own hand. His actions at last force Magnus to face how far his parents, especially his father, have been willing to go to break up his relationship with Lance. Magnus now has to convince Lance that he does truly love him and wants them to be a family despite whatever anyone else has to say about it.
What I liked...
Lance and Magnus, along with Jakob, are nicely written, likable characters. In this story we see the men in a more realistic light as they live and love, make mistakes and learn from them all while doing the best they can to make Jakob's life as happy as possible. They may not always succeed, indeed at times they act against themselves, but by the end they've both learned that if they are going to make it as a family they need to share and communicate. This was a hard lesson especially for Lance to learn.
I also really enjoyed the descriptions regarding their time in Sweden. The holiday traditions, the different locations and customs were woven really well into the story and made for an interesting read.
What I didn't like...
In a word, Sigrid. She is written as a cold and calculating woman with obviously no feelings for others and her insistence that she and Magnus belonged together made no sense. The hurtful scene she made in front of Jakob and Magnus' shocking silence throughout was for me the worst scene of the book. I know her character as well as the Father is there to create tension in the couple's storyline but I felt it went a bit too far.
Overall...
Despite my reservations with Sigrid and the Father I quite enjoyed this story. Magnus and Lance are nice guys, if a bit clueless at times, and for the most part they worked hard to provide a happy and loving home for Jakob. Since this story was longer than the first there was more time to 'feel' their connection, the sex scenes are well written and quite hot and the ending, although a bit too 'sweet' was nevertheless satisfying. Recommended.
This story reviewed for Reviews by... Jessewave
June 26, 2010
This sequel to The Mistletoe Phenomenon picks up a few weeks after the original tale.
Things are off to a wobbly start for this small family of Magnus, Lance and Jakob when Jakob starts school for the first time since he was abducted by crazy, bible-thumping relatives.
In the original book, I found Magnus's insertion of Lance into his life and home with a small, traumatised child in it after knowing the guy for only a few days to be quite...eyebrow raising.
I did wonder therefore, about the sequel. I was pleased to see that Lance, though still riddled with insecurities, mans up quite a bit in this story.
His character arc is convincing.
The love scenes with him and Magnus are red-hot and Lance shows great sensitivity in handling Jakob, a sweet kid still dealing with the death of his parents - not to mention his unorthodox new family arrangement.
This story, mostly set in Sweden, makes for an unusual, underused setting.
Magnus takes his new loved ones to his home country and quickly encounters his old friend Sigrid, who refuses to believe he is gay...as do Magnus's parents.
The people around Magnus seem to think the love of a good woman will cure gaydom. Sorry, folks!
Sigrd is quite a witch. She's a throwback to the countess in The Sound of Music - I loved hissing at her as I raced through her wicked scenes. She has no idea how to win friends and influence people. She's even rude to Jakob in her efforts to seduce Magnus into marrying her.
I can see Reese Witherspoon playing her in the movie!
I liked the twist of a female bad guy but never felt Sigrid was much of a threat to the Mistletoe crew's unity.
This is a sweet, loving follow-up to The Mistletoe Phenomenon. I did miss Lance's sister in this one but hope she shows up in book 3, which apparently is also to be set in Sweden. Can't wait!
Things are off to a wobbly start for this small family of Magnus, Lance and Jakob when Jakob starts school for the first time since he was abducted by crazy, bible-thumping relatives.
In the original book, I found Magnus's insertion of Lance into his life and home with a small, traumatised child in it after knowing the guy for only a few days to be quite...eyebrow raising.
I did wonder therefore, about the sequel. I was pleased to see that Lance, though still riddled with insecurities, mans up quite a bit in this story.
His character arc is convincing.
The love scenes with him and Magnus are red-hot and Lance shows great sensitivity in handling Jakob, a sweet kid still dealing with the death of his parents - not to mention his unorthodox new family arrangement.
This story, mostly set in Sweden, makes for an unusual, underused setting.
Magnus takes his new loved ones to his home country and quickly encounters his old friend Sigrid, who refuses to believe he is gay...as do Magnus's parents.
The people around Magnus seem to think the love of a good woman will cure gaydom. Sorry, folks!
Sigrd is quite a witch. She's a throwback to the countess in The Sound of Music - I loved hissing at her as I raced through her wicked scenes. She has no idea how to win friends and influence people. She's even rude to Jakob in her efforts to seduce Magnus into marrying her.
I can see Reese Witherspoon playing her in the movie!
I liked the twist of a female bad guy but never felt Sigrid was much of a threat to the Mistletoe crew's unity.
This is a sweet, loving follow-up to The Mistletoe Phenomenon. I did miss Lance's sister in this one but hope she shows up in book 3, which apparently is also to be set in Sweden. Can't wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2011
*** 4.5 *** This story was a hard cookie for me to crack. There were several times over I wanted to wrap my hands around a few character's necks and just squeeze the bloody life outta them, but knowing it's just a story you had to settle with imagining you could and had.
I can admit to enjoying this second one more than the first, but it's just as entertaining as the first and a tad more angst was input into it.
Serena, all I have to say further is well done and I'm curious to read what you come up with in the third.
I can admit to enjoying this second one more than the first, but it's just as entertaining as the first and a tad more angst was input into it.
Serena, all I have to say further is well done and I'm curious to read what you come up with in the third.
June 26, 2010
I loved the first story and I'm so pleased she decided to write another. This one was better than the first. Hoping for more...
November 15, 2010
'The Solstice Mistletoe Effect' by Serena Yates is a delightful journey through Swedish culture adding color and ambiance to the story. However, using the Solstice as a backdrop portrayed much more. The Summer Solstice is a time for new beginnings and a new beginning is exactly what Magnus and Lance needed.
Their relationship is severely tested when the rest of the world tries to tear them apart. To make matters worse, Magnus can't see what's happening. As many intelligent people do, he's used to perceiving things only as they relate to himself and is unable to see how the situation is affecting Lance. Lance on the other hand, sees it all. As smart as Magnus is, he is dense when it comes to understanding people's intentions. His lack of perception threatens to destroy his relationship with Lance.
As with Christmas, Mistletoe is an important part of the summer solstice and continues to be important in the celebration of Lance and Magnus's relationship. The humble sprig of Mistletoe which brought Magnus and Lance together in the first place, continues to help guide their destiny. Magnus and Lance are able to experience the magic of the solstice and realize that changes have to be made in order to secure their partnership. With the Mistletoe's help, they make a new start toward a brighter future.
'The Solstice Mistletoe Effect' is the sequel to 'The Mistletoe Phenomenon' It was enjoyable visiting with the guys again. To better understand and enjoy this book, I'd recommend reading the first, but whether you do or not, the second is a delight all on its own.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 18, 2010
A great follow-up to The Mistletoe Phenomenon. Magnus and Lance's new relationship is put to the test when the small family goes to Sweden for the Summer Solstice. Between Magnus' parents and a conniving would-be wife, Lance and Magnus are forced to determine what is primary in their lives.
A lovely story which leaves me looking forward to the next sequel The Mistletoe Experiment.
A lovely story which leaves me looking forward to the next sequel The Mistletoe Experiment.
December 12, 2010
After reading book one of the series, I just couldn't wait to read book two, and I was not disappointed in what this family has grown into. Lance and Magnus grow quite a bit in this story and it was all very believable in parts heart wrenching and mostly sweet. The contrast between the two leads makes you very invested in what they have to offer and their love for Jakob is just beautiful.
The bad guy (or in this case girl) was a total b*tch and I found myself just booing her every time she made an appearance, Magnus' parents just made me angry.
I heard there is a book three for this couple and GODS I hope so...I don't do waiting so well...
The bad guy (or in this case girl) was a total b*tch and I found myself just booing her every time she made an appearance, Magnus' parents just made me angry.
I heard there is a book three for this couple and GODS I hope so...I don't do waiting so well...
July 2, 2010
It is not often that I like a sequel better then an original book. This is the fabulous exception to that rule.
This book could have been just another big misunderstanding. Instead the characters actual decide to communicate as soon as they see themselves falling into that pattern. It made the book for me. The mental picture of the hunky Nordic guy was just a big bonus.
This book could have been just another big misunderstanding. Instead the characters actual decide to communicate as soon as they see themselves falling into that pattern. It made the book for me. The mental picture of the hunky Nordic guy was just a big bonus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 7, 2010Sweet follow up book and nice to catch up on the going ons of the guys. There connection is still cute and although there was never any doubt of any misunderstanding leading to a break up - it was good to have that little bite of angst added to the book....
I love the traditional inferences that was tossed in as well...
I love the traditional inferences that was tossed in as well...
July 14, 2010
Great book, I loved it!! I'm glad this story will continue..
August 7, 2010
This was a great second book in the series, and I found their decision at the end to be very plausible.
It's also a really fast and easy read - it only took me a couple of hours.
It's also a really fast and easy read - it only took me a couple of hours.
September 16, 2010
Very lovely and emotional story. Hopefully there will be more in the series.
November 19, 2019
3.5 stars
November 27, 2022
3.75 stars
It's been a while since I read the first story, but these guys were pretty memorable, so it wasn't too difficult.
It's been a while since I read the first story, but these guys were pretty memorable, so it wasn't too difficult.
August 8, 2010
This is a continuation of The Mistletoe Phenomenon. Things have settled down and Lance is a SAHD and Jacob is off to school. Lance if finding it difficult being looked down on for not having a job and Jacob is getting hassled a bit at school. However things improve and they decide to go to Sweden for summer vacation and visit Magnus‘ parents. Lance is nervous but Magnus tells him his parents are fine with it. Yeah, not so much. They can barely tolerate Lance and his Dad is outright hostile. They even go so far as to invite a former coworker of Magnus‘ who pursues him mightily while Magnus is oblivious. After a huge blow-up, they finally talk it out and come to a happy solution for their family. I couldn’t BELIEVE how oblivious Magnus was to the woman’s plans, but then I thought, he’s a scientist, probably not that bright on the common sense front. LOL And Lance kind of turned into this insecure needy thing. I’d presume even in Wyoming they have SAHDs. Maybe not. Anyway, despite the fact that Magnus‘ parents were totally over the top, there were some great descriptions of the summer solstice festival in Stockholm which were cool.
November 30, 2012
About 3.5 stars
In this book, Lance and Magnus take Jakob to Sweden during the school summer holiday in order to see Magnus' parents. Annoyingly, Magnus' parents still have not accepted that he is gay and do everything under the sun to keep our two MCs apart. I enjoyed this book and it was a little more developed than the first short (this one was more novella length). I question, though, how someone as smart as Magnus can be so dense at times. But I guess it makes sense since our loving scientist's "dumb" tendencies occur during social or emotional events. I didn't like the way everyone in this book was so clueless. Magnus' parents were beyond ridiculous, as was Magnus' old colleague. It was a bit over the top.
Lance is a also quite a bit flightier in this book. It gets annoying how his first inclination is always to run. Eventually, however, our boys sit down and hash things out with a sweet ending.
In this book, Lance and Magnus take Jakob to Sweden during the school summer holiday in order to see Magnus' parents. Annoyingly, Magnus' parents still have not accepted that he is gay and do everything under the sun to keep our two MCs apart. I enjoyed this book and it was a little more developed than the first short (this one was more novella length). I question, though, how someone as smart as Magnus can be so dense at times. But I guess it makes sense since our loving scientist's "dumb" tendencies occur during social or emotional events. I didn't like the way everyone in this book was so clueless. Magnus' parents were beyond ridiculous, as was Magnus' old colleague. It was a bit over the top.
Lance is a also quite a bit flightier in this book. It gets annoying how his first inclination is always to run. Eventually, however, our boys sit down and hash things out with a sweet ending.
September 3, 2010
Stars: 2/5
Overall:
The continuing story of Magnus and Lance leads us to Sweden, where Lance struggles with his life choices and the outside forces that don't want them together, while also dealing with a partner who can be a bit dense. Overall, this story improved upon the first, both in character, plot, dialogue, and writing.
What I liked
The emotional challenges faced in this story were more realistic and overarching. It felt true to the story, the characters and the plot. The reactions of the characters felt reasonable and made sense, both emotionally and logically.
The writing improved from the first book.
What didn't work
The characters still seemed too emotional in general. Lance I can excuse the trait, since it is his way, but it feels unnatural in Magnus, who I sometimes have difficulty reading (as in, reading his chapters).
Overall:
The continuing story of Magnus and Lance leads us to Sweden, where Lance struggles with his life choices and the outside forces that don't want them together, while also dealing with a partner who can be a bit dense. Overall, this story improved upon the first, both in character, plot, dialogue, and writing.
What I liked
The emotional challenges faced in this story were more realistic and overarching. It felt true to the story, the characters and the plot. The reactions of the characters felt reasonable and made sense, both emotionally and logically.
The writing improved from the first book.
What didn't work
The characters still seemed too emotional in general. Lance I can excuse the trait, since it is his way, but it feels unnatural in Magnus, who I sometimes have difficulty reading (as in, reading his chapters).
December 14, 2016
I found the story entertaining and Jakob is still just as adorable as he was in the first book of this series... but the thing that didn't change that bugs the heck out of me is how "stilted" the writing is! I was hoping that things would loosen up a bit in this book... but, my hopes were in vain.
Lance and Magnus still had relationship issues to work out... let's face it, Magnus is hard-pressed to overcome how oblivious he can be when it comes to emotional issues and matters of the heart. Love is not at all logical and Magnus had some catching up to do in order to save his little family... and he didn't disappoint! ;D
Lance and Magnus still had relationship issues to work out... let's face it, Magnus is hard-pressed to overcome how oblivious he can be when it comes to emotional issues and matters of the heart. Love is not at all logical and Magnus had some catching up to do in order to save his little family... and he didn't disappoint! ;D
November 17, 2012
Lance and Magnus are back and still working on settling into their relationship. A visit to Magnus' family turns out to be more traumatic then expected. The poor guys are faced with more family angst and plotting this time from the Magnus side. The upside is that Lance is getting stronger and Magnus is forced to come to terms for what he's feeling and has to put a label on it. The story ends with a feeling that not everything is settled yet.
August 30, 2016
I'm still not a fan of this author's writing style--it's stiff, and she tends to run to scenes filled with high, over-the-top drama, but this story once again centers on couple Magnus and Lance, and Magnus' nephew Jakob. I like these three characters, and considering the short length of each story, I'm willing to continue to get to their HEA.
September 9, 2011
Great. Twist and turns very unexpected in the building-up of Magnus, Lance and of course Jakob's life as a family.
August 10, 2010
somewhat silly, but likeable
October 4, 2010
I love Magnus but he was such an idot at times I was screaming at the screen!! LOL and I wanted to shake Lance! So yeah all in all a great read! I hope this story continues
January 4, 2012
A gift from my Secret Santa. Yay!
October 18, 2013
another easy read.
May 20, 2015
sweet, light read but enjable
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews