Author Name: Annabelle Jacobs
Book Name: Magic & Mistletoe
Release Date: November 30, 2015
Pages or Words: 40,000 words
Categories: Contemporary, Humor, M/M Romance
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27427990-magic-mistletoe
Publisher: Annabelle Jacobs
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow
Christmas is Harry’s favourite time of the year, but it looks like he’ll be spending it alone. When it comes to the men he fancies, his luck is non-existent. Harry’s nerves always get the better of him—especially when he tries to talk to Andrew, the hot guy downstairs.
Everything changes when Harry meets a mysterious girl in the woods who professes to be a witch. He dismisses her claims, but when odd things start happening to him, he has to reconsider.
Andrew was attracted to Harry from the start, but their awkward encounters put him off. All goes well until Harry opens his mouth—and ruins it with his stupidity and silly comments. When Harry suddenly becomes more relaxed and they have a proper conversation, Andrew realises his first impression was wrong. As the days count down to December 25, they get swept up in the Christmas spirit and their relationship moves faster than either expected.
A little winter magic might have been the push they needed, but Harry worries that when it wears off, he’ll no longer be the man Andrew wants.
A review copy was generously provided free via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure: I read a lot of books, and I almost didn’t take this because I wasn’t sure I had time. But when I saw it was Annabelle Jacobs, I made room for it. I love her writing style, and I’m so glad I picked this one up.
This book is like a giant, sugary Christmas cookie, which is fine by me; I love cookies. A sweet, romantic, fluffy story with very little tension or drama, it’s all about the holiday magic—literally—that brings Harry and Andrew together. Pretty much a Cute Factor 10 going on here, and it was just what I needed to put me in a festive mood for the season.
I adored Harry. He is exactly how I would be, with his ongoing inability to keep from saying the wrong things at the wrong times. I was torn between feeling bad for him and laughing because I’m the same way. It was utterly charming. In contrast, Andrew is cool and socially much more adept. I think a lot of us awkward people fantasize about winning the attention of the very sexy, not-so-awkward ones we’ve crushed on, so that was pretty darn satisfying.
Once Harry and Andrew are together, it’s mostly smooth sailing, outside of Harry’s insecurities. There’s plenty of steamy love between these two guys. Holy heck, the phone sex was hot. Gotta admit, that’s a thing I love—a sex scene with no actual touching is a recipe for perfection in my book, especially when done with as much skill as this one. It was just the right combination of sweet and spicy.
Melia, who brings the magic (and occasionally the mistletoe) of the book’s title, is one of the best largely off-screen characters. I certainly hope she turns up in another story somewhere because she was fun despite being in the “guest appearance” category. Harry’s odd relationship with her amused me.
As I said, above, there’s virtually no tension outside of Harry’s insecurities. For me, that worked; not every story has to be an angst-fest. So if you’re looking for a charming, fun, sweet holiday story low on the drama and with plenty of boy kisses (and more-than-kisses), this is absolutely the one for you.
This gets 8/10 fountain pens for smart writing, good sex, and a whole stocking full of Christmas candy sweetness.
Harry didn’t need to look behind him to have his suspicions confirmed. The smug expression on Jason’s face said it all. “I hate you,” he whispered.
Jason kicked his shin. “Sit up, smile, and look happy to see him.”
Two minutes later, Andrew was pulling up a chair and setting his drink on the table.
Harry looked at the red takeaway cup topped with a mountain of whipped cream, and grinned. Instead of blurting out the first thing that came to mind—“Are you really gonna drink that?”—because God only knew what would happen this time to make him stop, Harry paused and took a sip of his coffee.
Andrew darted a glance between Harry and Jason, beginning to look uncomfortable, as though he thought he’d interrupted them.
Harry took a deep breath, then gestured at Andrew’s cup. “Is that one of the Christmas specials?” That wasn’t so hard, was it?
He relaxed a little as Andrew smiled at him and settled back in his chair.
“Yeah, it’s the gingerbread latte. I don’t normally indulge, but it’s bloody freezing out there today, and I fancied something delicious and bad for me.” His gaze caught Harry’s and lingered.
A flare of warmth filled Harry’s chest. This was flirting, right? It wasn’t his imagination.
Then Jason opened his big mouth and ruined the moment, saying, “Yeah, I think Kyle has that effect on a lot of people.”
Harry choked on his mouthful of coffee, just managing to swallow it instead of spraying it over the table. He glared daggers at Jason, who feigned innocence.
Andrew glanced over at the counter, then back at Jason, and laughed, his eyes crinkling at the edges. Harry bit his lip in frustration. Why couldn’t he get Andrew to laugh like that?
“Yeah,” Andrew said, “He’s not bad to look at.” Then his gaze slid back to Harry and his smile softened. “Not my type, though.”
Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with her three rowdy children, and two cats.
An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They’re usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajacobsfiction
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Annabelle-Jacobs-Fiction/458768424158896
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJacobs_fiction
website: www.annabellejacobs.com
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