REVIEW: Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains

In Christmas on Mistletoe Lane (Sweetwater Springs #1) by Annie Rains, Kaitlyn Russo needs to convince Mitch Hargrove that the Bed & Breakfast they’ve inherited is worth saving. However, Mitch doesn’t want to stay in Sweetwater Springs any longer than he has to. Yet, somehow he finds himself agreeing to stay, so Kaitlyn gets what she wants in the end – full ownership of the Bed and Breakfast. Will Mitch and Kaitlyn be able to make things work or will they walk away from their shot at happy ever after because Sweetwater Springs holds too many painful reminders of the past for Mitch?

”What’s so special about here?” Mitch asked, watching as she poured him a cup.
She shrugged a shoulder, sliding his mug in front of him. “It’s gorgeous, for one. I remember thinking Sweetwater Springs was a magical place as a kid.”
“Mable thought so too.” Mitch chuckled as he pulled the black coffee to his mouth. Bitter and smooth, just like he liked it. “And when I was a kid, I believed her.”
“Not anymore?” She sat on the stool across from him.
He met her eyes and hesitated. “Nah. Same as Santa Claus. The beard has been snatched, so to speak.”

Ms. Rains always writes such wonderful stories and I’ve got to say that this first book of her Sweetwater Springs series has me looking forward to more. Really, Kaitlyn and Mitch are two incredible characters where a little matchmaking has brought them together; the dialogue was enthralling and had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether Mitch would stay in Sweetwater Springs, especially considering what happened in the past and how he has his reasons for avoiding the small town; and the fast-paced plot was entertaining due to the main characters back stories; their growing relationship; and the journey they take to happy ever after. Will Mitch’s jealousy of Kaitlyn getting a little male attention ruin his chances? Will things that happened in Mitch’s past drive him out of town for good this time? Will Kaitlyn be able to convince Mitch to stay?

The way this story started had me immediately hooked because of Kaitlyn’s reaction to the situation and needing to convince Mitch to work with her. Will she be able to convince Mitch to partner with her right away? Moreover, I loved the way these two met, as it sets the fast-pace of the story and made me want to get to know more about each of the main characters. Since they’ve both been through so much and returned to Sweetwater Springs because of a surprise by someone that loved them. Why was Mitch so important to the heroine’s grandmother that the elderly woman would leave him what Kaitlyn believes should have been hers?

”Not a good idea.” Those were the same words he’d used at the Christmas tree, right before kissing her. And he’d been wrong. That had been an excellent idea.
“Why?” she asked, feeling the tension between them dial up to crackling.
“You know why, Kaitlyn. Kissing is one thing. Anything more is irresponsible.”
“For who? Me or you?”
“Me. Mable didn’t leave this place to use for me to take advantage of you.”
“Is it taking advantage if it’s what we both want?”

With the main characters, they’ve both been through so much and it’s understandable why Kaitlyn wants to spend time in Sweetwater Springs after what happened to her while the hero wants to spend the least amount of time in the small town because of something that happened in his past that has left him with a massive amount of guilt. Will these two be able to help each other heal from their pasts? As for the heroine, she’s strong, brave and incredibly lucky after what she endured on the job and then from her previous boss. How could anyone believe such a sweet person like Kaitlyn would ever do anything to jeopardise her career? I also liked how determined the heroine was to win the hero over because she needs him to be able to hold onto something important to her. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was her boldness when it came to Mitch. Will she be able to find a way to tempt Mitch into giving into the strong chemistry that bounces between them?

While the hero, he’s been through a lot in his past and has done his best to make up for the mistakes he made. Will he believe he’s ever done enough to right the wrongs he made when he was younger? Will he allow his mistakes to drive him away from his home again? I also liked how determined the hero was to help the heroine because her grandmother was good to him. And besides, Kaitlyn isn’t easy to say no to. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was the close relationship he had with his mother and how much she wants him to be happy. Will she help Mitch to realize that Sweetwater Springs is where he belongs?

She cocked her head to the side. “”Christmas is a time for miracles, I guess.”
He grinned. “And love. It’s also a time for love.”

Overall, Ms. Rains has delivered a delight and charming read in this book that kept me entertained from start to finish; and where the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the romance was heartwarming and had me loving these two together; and the ending had me loving what the hero does for his mother and to win the heroine back. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly because of what Mitch does for Kaitlyn to show her how special their relationship is to him. I would recommend Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains, if you enjoy small town romances, the friends to lovers trope, the mysterious strangers trope or books by authors Rachel Lacey, Catherine Bybee, Miranda Liasson and Megan Ryder.
 

Book Info:

Publication: September 25th, 2018 | Forever | Sweetwater Springs #1

Christmas is coming to the North Carolina mountains, and the air is fresh and crisp and filled with promise. After the devastating loss of her job in the big city, the small town of Sweetwater Springs feels like heaven to Kaitlyn Russo. She’s inherited her grandparents’ charming (if a little rundown) bed and breakfast, and it’s just the new lease on life she needs. Only “heaven” comes with a catch-and a handsome and completely infuriating one at that.

After what he hopes will be a quick trip, Mitch Hargrove wants nothing more than to put his hometown in the rearview mirror. But his plans get derailed when he learns he’s now half-owner of the Sweetwater B&B. The fact that he’s given only two months to make the inn a success is a huge problem, but it’s his pretty-and incredibly headstrong-partner who’s the real challenge. With the holiday fast approaching and a grand re-opening looming, will Mitch keep running from the ghosts of Christmas past . . . or will he realize the true gift he’s been given?

Includes the bonus short story “Midnight Clear” by Hope Ramsay!