Note: I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Release Date: December 1, 2021
Blurb
The Mistletoe Motive, a Kobo Original by Chloe Liese is now live!
From the author of THE BERGMAN BROTHERS series comes a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers holiday romance, perfect for fans of THE HATING GAME and YOU’VE GOT MAIL.
He loathes the holidays. She loves them. She’s full of festive cheer. He’s brimming with Bah, Humbugs. Besides unreasonably seasonable names, the only thing Jonathan Frost and Gabriella Di Natale have in common is a healthy dose of mutual contempt. Well, that and the same place of employment at the city’s most beloved independent bookstore, Bailey’s Bookshop. But when the store’s owners confess its dire financial state, Jonathan and Gabby discover another unfortunate commonality: the imminent threat of unemployment.
With the Baileys’ requests to minimize expenses, win new customers, and make record sales dancing in their heads, Jonathan and Gabby conclude–barring a financial Christmas miracle–one of them will soon be cut from the payroll. Neither are willing to step down from their position, so they strike a bargain: whoever has more sales in December gets to stay on in the new year; the loser will resign. With a lifetime’s worth of festive tricks up her sleeve, Gabby should easily outsell her nemesis, except the unreadable Mr. Frost’s every move seems purely designed to throw her off her game.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, Gabby’s deceptive ex won’t quit pursuing her, and her anonymous online friend suggests they take a break. Worst of all, as the pressure mounts to save the bookshop and her job, Gabby meets a new, tender side of Jonathan. Is this the same man she’s called her cold-hearted enemy?
Maybe he’s got a motive she just can’t figure out–or maybe Jonathan Frost isn’t as chilly as she once thought. Maybe Jonathan and Gabby already know–and love–each other in ways they never thought possible.
This is an #OwnVoices story for its portrayal of autism by an autistic author.
Review
Once again, Chloe knocks it out of the park. This sweet Christmas novella brings some of my favorite things together – Christmas, hot chocolate, bookstores, grumpy/sunshine, hockey, and people who feel misunderstood who just want to be loved for who they are.
This book brings awareness to individuality in a way that is both joyful and hopeful. Chloe writes characters who are vulnerable, “different,” and incredibly brave.
Some of my very favorite things about this book:
- It’s a book about other books – Jonathan and Gabriella both talk about other books and tropes, like one bed tropes, historical romance, etc., and so do Mr. Reddit and MCAT. Love blossoms from learning about others love, and it becomes an all-encompassing approach to different types of love.
- The joy – there’s an energy of joy in this book that you want to feel during the holiday seasons, and yet Jonathan is Mr. Frost about the holidays. Gabby brings that energy and joy enough for the both of them, and it’s beautiful to witness that joy spread to everyone she touches.
- Vulnerability. There is so much vulnerability in these pages, and especially for a novella, I feel like that vulnerability allows the reader to get close to the main characters quickly.
- Diversity. I love that Chloe writes characters that aren’t often seen in books. She really GOES THERE and it works so well in her stories, it feels authentic, genuine, and real. I know other people will read this story and identify with the characters, maybe for the first time in their lives. I’m grateful for Chloe’s bravery in writing on tough subjects.
- The playlist Chloe provides for the read along is SUPER fun! Check it out on Spotify here!
While I don’t typically read novellas (I prefer like, 400+ pages to get to know my characters), I seriously fell fast and hard for this story. Plus, it’s STEAMY, because… ROMANCE, PEOPLE!
Rating:
5 Stars
Steam Level: 3
Download today on Kobo!
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3BqPV4X
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3k4sJUo
Coming soon to the Libby app!
Meet the Author
Chloe writes romances reflecting her belief that everyone deserves a love story. Her stories pack a punch of heat, heart, and humor, and often feature characters who are neurodivergent like herself. When not dreaming up her next book, Chloe spends her time wandering in nature, playing soccer, and most happily at home with her family and mischievous cats.
Connect with Chloe
Website: https://chloeliese.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18859163.Chloe_Liese
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chloe-Liese/e/B07PH1Y8TR
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chloeliese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloe_liese/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chloe_liese
Weeds + Wildflowers 