Blame It On The Mistletoe--

When Major Lucas Stanton inherited his earldom, he never dreamed his property would include the previous earl's granddaughter. Phoebe Linville is a sparkling American beauty, yes, but with a talent for getting into trouble. Witness the compromising position that forced them into wedlock. Whisked away to Mistletoe Manor, his country estate, it isn't long before she is challenging his rules--and surprising him in and out of bed-- 

Phoebe has no intention of bowing to Lucas's stubbornness even though he offers all that she wants. His kisses and unexpected warmth are enticing, but Phoebe is determined to show the earl of Merritt what real love is all about. And if that takes twelve nights of delicious seduction by a roaring fire, she's more than willing to reveal her gifts very slowly--

Review

Phoebe Linville had planned on the adventure of a lifetime and a heartfelt reunion with the family she never knew. Instead she gets an attraction of seductive proportions, a potential scandal, and special license wedding. She’s not sure what to make of Lucas Stanton, and the safety in his arms and desire in his eyes doesn’t equal love. This little miss, raised as Quaker in the Americas, is ready for a challenge, and securing her husband’s love is definitely a challenge.

A different type of heroine, that’s how I saw Phoebe. She’s different from other English women and experienced a humble beginning. She’s also got a bit of temper, but the Quaker childhood helps her reign it in. What I admired about the heroine is that she sticks to her convictions, while still showing vulnerability and flaw. Phoebe tries so hard to be a good person, but makes mistakes just like everyone else. My likes end here. Her communicate skills sucked, and I honestly don’t enjoy books where the hero and heroine say all the wrong things. This was that type of book. They didn’t say what needed to be said, which resulted in ‘the big misunderstanding’.

Lucas, the ex-soldier and flawed hero, left me feeling exceedingly distant from him through most of the book. He’s got every right to be since his first love trampled over his heart. His entire family is hoping Phoebe will make Lucas whole again, and I did enjoy his backstory. Yet Phoebe expresses concern over not knowing how Lucas feels, and often questions his true feelings and reactions to situations. She tends to pre-judge, but even when I was in Lucas’ POV I didn’t feel close to him. He’s even guarded in his own head. As the story progresses I realized the shielded and no expression is part of him, but I didn’t like it.

The themes of love, peace, and the holidays are present and lend a helping hand to the story and the plot. For both Phoebe and Lucas it’s about connecting, discovering, and redeeming themselves. Kelly does an excellent job of providing external and internal conflict to keep Lucas and Phoebe on their toes; from smugglers to family feuds. Pacing did drag in portions of the book and I found the descriptive areas didn’t keep me as engaged. I did enjoy Kelly’s presentation of a Quaker and an ex-soldier in the Anglican world, and was able to experience the challenges Phoebe and Lucas had in adjusting to their new circumstances. It’s a shame that so often they were at odds rather than teaming up to overcome the difficulties of their new roles.  

For Vanessa Kelly fans there are plenty of secondary characters from previous books, including the famous Bathsheba and Marquess of Silverton. This was my first Kelly novel so I wasn’t as familiar with the characters and their romantic journeys, but the little hints were enough to interest me in reading some of their stories.

In the end I was anxious to see if both H/H could overcome their personal issues and grow to be a couple that would rival their relations, and I wasn’t disappointed by the ending. It’s a decent read that will put you in a holiday mood.  

Reviewed by Landra

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