MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a novella that introduces the main characters in Stacey Kennedy’s “Three Chicks Brewery” series. This book is an irresistible mix of sexy and cozy for me and will be a re-read for sure. Officer Darryl Wilson and Penelope Carter met when they were young and had a strong attraction. Unfortunately, Penelope moved around a bit and they never got to have their romance blossom. Years later Penelope turns up in Darryl’s small town at Christmas time and she seems like the gift he never knew how much he needed. This is a perfect story for romance fans who enjoy the “second chance at love” trope.
On the surface, MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE simply seems like holiday brain candy – which I love – but it also has a little depth as well. This is very much a character- driven story told from alternating perspectives. Darryl has gone through a divorce – albeit an unconventional one. He’s not bitter about it, since he and his wife both figured they were better friends than anything else. When he and Penelope see each other again they still feel that same spark they did when they were younger. A snowstorm keeps these two nice and cozy while things take a turn toward the sensual. Having experienced benign neglect from her family for most of her life has taken a toll on Penelope. I really like how Darryl helps boosts her self- esteem by just appreciating her for who she is without trying to change her, and by encouraging her to do things she’s good at and that she enjoys.
MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE has a story that resonates, with plenty of Christmas spirit, and a scrumptious second-chance romance. The romance in this book is all- enveloping and the hero is an alluring combination of steady, secure, sweet, and sexy. There is a lot of heartfelt holiday warmth in MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE, but it seems natural rather than over-the-top and forced. The Carter sisters are a good support system for Penelope in this book. I look forward to reading Stacey Kennedy’s next romance.
Penelope Carter has won the "wild child" award for years. Determined to bring joy instead of irritation over the holidays, she's arrived at River Rock to stay at her cousins brewery during the holidays, ready to earn her way off the naughty list. But when a few too many Christmas cocktails and a devilishly sexy cop from her past derail her plans, the nice list looks unreachable.
The last time Darryl Wilson saw Penelope, he was seventeen years old and had given her a hot first kiss. Ten years later, Penelope is a sweet distraction after his divorce, but she's also the sexiest trouble he's ever known. And when she becomes his trouble during the Christmas festivities that are meant to lead to his long-awaited promotion, he realizes that Christmas is about to get complicated.
But holiday wishes are sweeping through the snowy small town in Colorado, and if Darryl and Penelope survive the season, they'll see a little bit naughty is more than a little bit nice. And this Christmas might be the best one of all.
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