by Jill Shalvis
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Heat Level:
If she has her way ...
Willa Davis is wrangling puppies when Keane Winters stalks into her pet shop with frustration in his chocolate-brown eyes and a pink bedazzled cat carrier in his hand. He needs a kitty sitter, stat. But the last thing Willa needs is to rescue a guy who doesn’t even remember her ...
He’ll get nothing but coal in his stocking.
Saddled with his great-aunt’s Feline from Hell, Keane is desperate to leave her in someone else’s capable hands. But in spite of the fact that he’s sure he’s never seen the drop-dead-gorgeous pet shop owner before, she seems to be mad at him ...
Unless he tempers “naughty” with a special kind of nice ...
Willa can’t deny that Keane’s changed since high school: he’s less arrogant, for one thing—but can she trust him not to break her heart again? It’s time to throw a coin in the fountain, make a Christmas wish—and let the mistletoe do its work ..
The Trouble with Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis is the second book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. A fickle cat and a sexy carpenter shake up Willa Davis’s holiday. Jill Shalvis will make you giggle, sigh and swoon when we learn if Christmas wishes come true.
Coffee dates with The Trouble with Mistletoe
- First Date: Willa Davis owns the local pet shop, and we first met her in Sweet Little Lies. Willa is easy to like, she is kind hearted, loves animals, Christmas and helping others. After a seriously bad breakup and has sworn off men,When you learn about her ex you’ll be eating truffles with her. Her life is about to get turned upside down when someone knocks on her shop door before hours. She is shocked to see Keane Winters standing outside her shop door holding a bedazzled pink pet carrier. He was the boy she asked to the Sadie Hawkins dance in high school the one who broke her heart. Only he doesn’t remember Willa and needs help with his newly acquired Siamese cat, Pita. You can feel the chemistry dancing between them even with the loud protests of denial by Willa and confusion by Keane. Oh, we are going to have some fun!
- Second date: Friendship, flirting, overheard conversations and friendly interference kept me turning the pages as Shalvis let us get to know both Keane and Willa. Willa has had a tough life, and the more I learned, the more I respected her. I loved her wardrobe and love of Christmas, even if she over decorated. Keane has his issues with family, but the more I witnessed the harder I fell. I adored his pesky, sweet and meddling Aunt. Wait until you meet his assistant Sass. She needs her own book. The chemistry between them felt genuine, and Shalvis delivers adorkable moments that will make your heart skip. They both aren’t thinking commitment in part due to hangups. Ha! Their friends, however, are all sitting back and watching this relationship bloom. They tease and offer advice. They even issue death threats. I love the residents and friends who reside here from Tina the barista to Archer the protector. A shared kiss leads to new heights. I laughed, swooned and sighed as I enjoyed their banter and chemistry.
- Third date: There is a lot of tugging and pulling as what began as a one-time thing escalates into more, and it terrifies Willa. Keane is patient with Willa, but he didn’t help things either. We get heat, confusion, girl talk and tears as our characters see growth. This date was a lot of fun but also had me flipping the pages wanted my happily ever after. You’ll have to discover what happens for yourself and I hope you adore them both. Did I mention Keane wears a tool belt?
On a sidenote: I loved the interaction with the animals in this story. Pita and Keane will have you snorting. Anyone who owns a pet will relate to these threads.
While The Trouble with Mistletoe is part of a series, it will work as a standalone and is the perfect holiday treat. Shalvis updates us on other characters, and I am anxious to begin Accidentally on Purpose which will feature Elle and Archer.
The Trouble with Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis is the perfect romance to put you in the holiday mood Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lover Of Romance
I am very excited to pick this one up for the holidays!! I do love pets in romances…they just work so well.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh lord wait until you meet Pita <3
rae
Sounds like just the right light read for the holidays. Our Third Tuesday Book Club will be reading Leon Hale’s (local writer) One Man’s Christmas. That may be all the Christmas Cheer reading I get in. It promises to be a very busy holiday season straight through from a Thanksgiving brunch tomorrow (Sat. the 12th) for my AAUW group through New Year’s Day.
kimbacaffeinate
I will check out that title. Yes, it is a busy season for many. I hope you manage a few reads 🙂
Lorna
As always I love your “date” reviews! This sounds so fun especially with the interaction with the cat. I love holiday romances and them having a history that he doesn’t remember is just the icing on the cake 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Lorna, this was a fun one and I loved Pita 🙂
Kristin
I loved Keane and Pita’s interactions, too!!! Do we even remember what the cat’s real name was?? I sure don’t 🙂 I love Jill Shalvis’ stories to death now!!! She’s definitely got a great balance of romance, hotness, and humor for me. THANK YOU for the happy reminder!!!!! Awesome review!!
kimbacaffeinate
I cannot remember, but Pita fits..lol
Bookworm Brandee
Well, you answered my question about whether or not I had to read #1 first – thanks for that. 🙂 As you know, I am a new fan of Shalvis and I love the sound of this romance. Willa and Keane seem like solid characters – and I’m dying to see Keane with his cat! 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..the cat occasionally stole the show 🙂
Leona
I really have to try this author, all my blogger friends are reading her and loving her stories. Dang you peer pressure!!
kimbacaffeinate
Ha, that is exactly how I tried her..and dang they were right!
In the Hammock
This one is on my to buy list!! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy! I hope you love it as much as I did.
The Bibliophile Babe
This sounds so cute! With two dogs and a cat, I’m curious about the pet involvement.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, the pets added humor and will have you grinning..
sherry fundin
I don’t currently have a critter, but I remember their antics and still talk of them.
kimbacaffeinate
We are the same. Our son is allergic and when ours passed we didn’t replace them 🙁
Angela Adams
“I loved the interaction with the animals in this story.” Me, too! Animals and kids always add to joy and/or excitement to a story. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
I am the same. Thanks Angela.
blodeuedd
Awww want
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…you deserve it!
Mary Kirkland
I need to start reading he books, everyone says they are great.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, you need to try one Mary. I kept putting it off and now I am kicking myself.
Rowena
I enjoyed this book too. Willa and Keane were great and Pita was a fab addition to the story. I can’t wait to dig into Elle and Archer’s book. *squee*
kimbacaffeinate
I have Accidently on Purpose and plan to read it on my winter break.
Quinn's Book Nook
This was such an adorable read. I loved PITA. And now I call my dogs PITAs when they are getting into trouble.
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahaha…your poor doggies, if they only knew you were talking about a cat.
Kimberly
This sounds like such a cute Christmas themed read. I love the friends to lovers theme.
kimbacaffeinate
Friends to lovers is a favorite of mine as well Kimberly,
Heidi
I have read some great reviews for this one and I grabbed a copy. I am starting my HO HO HO RAT today. I had too much going on yesterday, and this is one I have picked out. Can’t wait. I always like a second chance romance.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, glad you are starting and this book will make you smile Heidi.
Lily B
glad you loved this Kim. I really wish I liked Willa more but the sudden reversal in roles in this left me kind of put off. Still a cute holiday read.
Penis headbands
kimbacaffeinate
Now see I liked that Lily, Sorry you didn’t love it, and omg yes those headbands! (i want a pair)
Melissa
Pita was the best part of this book 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
LOL right…I loved that cat 🙂
Laurel-Rain Snow
This one does sound delightful! Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
It really was wonderful Laurel.
Maureen Beatrice
Sounds like a great read! And I love that cover. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah that cover is cute <3
Gaby
Ohhh a pet shop? Only for that I must read it!
kimbacaffeinate
Right, this was such fun to read Gaby
Felicia GeekyBlogger (
I loved this! I have to admit the beginning was hard (because of him) BUT it didn’t take long for me to be won over. I just finished Elle’s book. OH MY! *fans self*
kimbacaffeinate
I am saving Accidently On Purpose for my winter break 🙂
Liberty Ann Ireland
I love Jill’s books and a Christmas one to boot? Heaven! And your review format is first class. Not sure what I loved most – That it’s Jill’s, that it’s Christmas or that it was your review! 🙂 Awesome all the way around!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Liberty, this was a fun review to write 🙂
Sophia Rose
Oh, wow, that does sound like they have a hill to climb before it gets easier, but love the sound of the fun, pets, friends, and his aunt and assistant.
kimbacaffeinate
It was fun, I love the little community Sophia
Cyn
This one was definitely adorable! All the friendship made me so happy and haha Keane and Pita are hilarious! Glad you enjoyed this one too! Awesome review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Gotta love Pita 🙂
Berls
I only recently read a book by Shalvis and I enjoyed it so much more than I expected to (and I expected to like it!). So this one is on my must read list. I’m excited about the animal interactions, that’s always a plus for me.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, I had fun with it and hope you do too 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Okay you had me a giggle, sigh and swoon plus a Christmas tale with animals. Yes Please 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Happy Thursday Debbie!
Lexxie
I can’t even say how happy I am that you keep enjoying your Shalvis books, Kim!! Wasn’t Willa a fun heroine to get to know? I loved her sense of humor, and that she loved all the animals that stopped by her shop so much. And of course, all the friendships and the romance was great, too.
Awesome review!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, thanks Lexxie. I had a blast with these dates 🙂
kindlemom1
I love the friends to lovers and the sexual tension filled moments Kim, I think this would be the perfect read for me!
kimbacaffeinate
This would be perfect for you Ali 🙂