Book Review ~ The Mistletoe Effect by Cate Ashwood

Book Review ~ The Mistletoe Effect by Cate Ashwood

Title: The Mistletoe Effect

Author: Cate Ashwood

Publisher: Cate Ashwood

Genre: Contemporary m/m romance (Christmas)

Length: 32,000 words

GoodReads ~ Amazon

Blurb:

Although Christmas is his favorite time of year, all is not merry and bright for Danny Ellis. After being laid off and facing eviction, he’s eager to make a fresh start. When a friend mentions an opportunity in Sin City, he packs up and heads west. Unfortunately, plans run awry when his truck breaks down a little more than halfway there and he’s stranded in the cold with no money, nowhere to stay, and no way to get to Vegas. 

‘Tis the season, but not for Merrick Holland, who loves being a part of the community in the small town of Rowley Bridge. Christmas has been a little tainted since his father died three years ago, and when people start to deck the halls, he withdraws. When Merrick finds a man asleep inside his bakery one morning, rather than call the police, Merrick makes him a cup of coffee, and after hearing his story offers him a job and a place to stay. 

The two men strike up an unlikely friendship, but with Christmas only three weeks away, could a little holiday magic bring them together?

5 Stars

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*

When Danny receives a job opportunity, he decides to leave the cold winter of Jackson, Michigan, and head for the bright lights, warmth and slot machines of Vegas, but his truck has other plans. It dies in the small quaint town of Rowley Bridge, Colorado. Almost broke, frozen and starving, he spots Mabel's Bakery and is drawn in by the promise of warmth and the smell of fresh baked goodies, but he is soon discovered by the owner, Merrick.

Even though Merrick isn't into Christmas, something about Danny draws him in. He offers Danny a job at the bakery over the holiday season and a place to stay, until his truck has been repaired and he can be on his way to Vegas and new life, but will either man be ready to let go when their time is up?

This was a short, sweet and sexy read. I loved not only the MC's, but the secondary characters, as well. As with all of Cate's books, it was well-written, nicely paced and kept me entertained and turning the pages. Because of the length of the book, it was sort of instalove, but it worked with Danny and Merrick. They had an undeniable chemistry and the sex was hot, yet passionate.

This was a very enjoyable little holiday read, I can't recommend enough!!

About The Author:

Cate Ashwood wrote her very first story in a hot pink binder when she was in the second grade and found her passion for writing. Her first successful foray into romance writing came five years later when she wrote her best friend, who was experiencing a case of unrequited love, her own happily ever after.

Cate’s life has taken a number of different and adventurous roads. She now lives a stone’s throw from the ocean, just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband, son, and two cats. Her life is filled with family and friends, travel, and, of course, books.