Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor #6.5) by Jill Shalvis

Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor #6.5) by Jill Shalvis
Published: December 4, 2012 by Grand Central Publishing
Received: Purchased e-book from B&N

JUST ONE MORE KISS

There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he's overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he's ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia's love for a lifetime. [goodreads]

A Christmas story set in my favorite town of Lucky Harbor?! What a sweet early Christmas present to myself this was! As someone who has just recently discovered this series, I was very pleased to find out that Jill Shalvis had written a short story set in Lucky Harbor to be released just before the holidays. I am starting to discover that I love to read contemporary novels during this time of year that are focused around Christmas. I just wish I had picked them up sooner!

The lovely thing about this series is you don't necessarily have to read them in order. Yes, there are reoccurring characters, but each book focuses on a new story. This one just so happens to be about Mia, a key character we met in book two during Tara and Ford's story. Picking up this novel was like coming home to a family I hadn't seen in awhile, but missed oh so much. I loved having a glimpse into the lives of so many characters, seeing how their relationships evolved and what each one was up to.

The town of Lucky Harbor always captured my interest, but in this particular story the setting truly emerged from the pages. I adore Christmas decorations and the festivities that surround them. Lucky Harbor did not miss out on the beauty of decorating for the holidays. After meeting Mia in a previous story, this one focuses on her life 5 years down the road. She's matured a bit, and with that maturity comes heart ache unfortunately. She's ventured back home to Lucky Harbor for the holidays, bringing with her a broken heart.

The source of her broken heart stems from Nick; the guy who was too scared to commit into accompanying Mia home for the holidays. It may have taken him a few minutes too long to figure out what a mistake he's made, but eventually he finds himself in Lucky Harbor, attempting to win back the girl who captured his heart.

Jill Shalvis has given us another dose of unforgettable moments, set in the lovely seaside town of Lucky Harbor. If you're looking for a quick, light romance to tide you over this Christmas, I definitely recommend grabbing this short story e-book.