Must Love Mistletoe by Christie Ridgway

Must Love Mistletoe (Holidays #1) by Christie Ridgway
Publisher: Avon
Published: December 1st, 2006
Rating: ★★★★☆ — 4 out of 5

Book Blurb

Bailey Sullivan can't stand Christmas, even though her family's business is a store specializing in the perfect holiday. But now her hometown's chief supplier of rooftop Rudolphs and treetop angels is in danger of going under—and it's up to Bailey to save the shop.

She has it all planned: arrive on December 1st and be gone by Christmas. Plus, there's always spiked eggnog to ease the pain. But "Humbug" Bailey's not the only one home for the holidays. Finn Jacobson—legendary local bad boy turned Secret Service agent and Bailey's long-lost high school sweetheart—is once again the boy next door. Only this time he's all grown up, and the sparks are flying faster and hotter than ever!

Bailey believes in true love about as much as she believes in Santa Claus. But as the holiday draws closer, she's starting to think about one thing she'd like to find under her tree...

My Thoughts

If you've been following my blog, you know I go sappy for Christmas stories and movies. Last week, I pulled Must Love Mistletoe off my TBR pile. It was almost like a V8 moment—what was I waiting for? I should have read this sooner.

I always love stories about first loves finding their way back to each other. In this holiday-themed story, our heroine Bailey hates everything about Christmas. When she's asked to come back and run her family’s store, The Perfect Christmas, she's counting the days until she can high-tail it back to Los Angeles.

What she didn’t expect? Running into her first love, her first lover, Finn. Unlike most romances, Bailey is the one who ended the relationship—leaving without a word. Her motto: “Get out before it gets ugly.” And Finn... well, he's all hot and rough and mean, but deep down he's still the boy in love with the girl next door.

“There’s death and there’s birth. There’s a reason we celebrate Christmas at the darkest time of the year, Finn. To remind us that hope and light will always survive.” – Finn’s Grandmother

 

"You made something more of me, a long time ago, so I’m happy I could return the favor—even in a small way."

 

"Yes, I was in love with you then. I'm in love with you now. It didn’t go away. It’s not going away. If nothing else, I can promise that lasts."

There were a few subplots in this book, but not so many that it distracted from the main storyline. The next book in the series is Not Another New Year's, and I knew from the interactions between some secondary characters that something was sizzling there. You don't want to miss my review of that one!

This is a romantic comedy about reuniting with first love and getting a second chance at happiness. I won’t lie—along with the laughs, there were a few tears shed, too. Plus... 🔥 graphic love scenes. Turn down the heater and turn on the air. This is a fantastic read, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a little extra spice this holiday season.

About the Author

Christie Ridgway is a California native and author of over thirty contemporary romances. A five-time RITA finalist and USA Today bestselling author, she writes sexy, emotional reads starring determined heroines and the men who can't help but love them. Married to her college sweetheart, Christie lives in Southern California in a house filled with boys and pets. She writes as an escape from sports equipment, football on TV, and dog hair.

~ LMAO Dialogue ~

“Well, whenever you’re ready, I’m prepared to make my magic,” he said.

Brenda swung her legs off the lounger. “I don’t want to wait a minute longer.”

They stopped off at his place for protection...

“The real trick is in how you put it in,” he instructed. “Careful. Gentle. Then you move it gently too.”

“Gentle,” she repeated, her breath warm against his neck.

“If you get another man here, tell him not to shove it in or push too hard. Tease it.” He put his hands over hers to show her exactly what he meant. They worked it together for a few minutes, playing with the pressure.

“Easy,” he murmured. “Not too hard. Take it easy.”

Then, suddenly, the tension broke. Withdrawing his pole, Dan grinned down at her. “You’re more than welcome.” He reached over to flip the switch.

The garbage disposal—instead of being frozen—hummed.