Blame The Mistletoe

Wow, the author has a way with description. I want to be at that party! I can practically smell Christmas in the air.

Wish I had some mistletoe. And a guy to kiss.

Boy, her family seems great. Christmas should be a happy time, not something to dread.

Omigod, those are some brave kids. I'm ten years older, and I would never have the courage to do all that.

What is it about "conservatively" written sex scenes that make them so much hotter? No ew factor here.

Cue the squees.

As Liz keeps saying, Best Christmas Ever.

Wonderful holiday romance. This story was a nice sweet read. The perfect addition was the living room scene.

This was a lovely heartwarming story that had me turning the pages long into the night, unable to put it down. Great story, and characters to remember, this is one story that will stay with you long after you finish.

This is a first for me by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect, and I wasn't disappointed. I was happy to find that her writing was actually very heart-warming and it was very feel-good. I recommend this short little story for anyone looking to get in the Christmas Spirit. It was quite lovely!
ARC provided via NetGalley by Tule Publishing for an honest review.

An uncomfortable situation to say the least, author Dani Collins shakes up family relationships and subtly asks “when is a family member not a relative?”

Liz Flowers and Blake Canon, the lead characters of “Blame the Mistletoe” give the answer – when two relatives were married to the family and since then have gotten a divorce. Because, that is how Liz and Blake actually met!

Liz was once married to Blake’s ex-wife and thus making Liz and Blake non-relatives, hence it was easy for them to act on their attraction to each other. Problem is that their children are still cousins and it made an awkward once they tell the kids. Or was it?

A drama-comedy, you cannot put down “Blame The Mistletoe” once you start reading it. The book is Rated M for Mature due to sexual content.

Blake went thru a horrible divorce but as long as he has his son, he can deal with whatever his ex-wife throws his way. Liz also went thru a terrible divorce, but her daughter is the light in the sky. When her ex-husband plans to remarry, her ex-mother-in-law asks her to dog sit, so they can all go to Mexico for the wedding. She has even agreed to let their daughter go for the whole Christmas holiday vacation. While in Marietta, Montana, she accepts an invitation to a holiday party held by a close friend. When she meets Blake at the party, sparks fly. When he offers to drive her home after the party, he realizes he wants to know her better. As they start getting to know each other better, they start to fall in love. Oh and did I mention that Blakes's ex-wife is the sister of Liz' ex-husband. Yes this is complicated, but it feels so right. Caught in a compromising situation when Blake's son Ethan and Liz' daughter Petra walk in a week before they were expected, Blake and Liz realize they have to be honest with their children. This beautiful love story between Liz and Blake is a second chance at love and family. I enjoyed the beautiful setting of Montana as the basis of this story. I highly recommend this book.

I enjoyed this story quite a bit. It was about finding a second chance at love (this time with the right family member :). The author was quite descriptive and the reader knew what both main characters were thinking and what they were feeling. Both Blake and Liz had been burned in their past marriages (their exes were siblings and not nice people at all) but they were able to find their happily ever after and move on from their pasts. I enjoyed the last chapter and the interactions that both Blake and Liz had with their children.

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Loved it! Author Dani Collins did a great job getting us up to speed on the situation with this heart-warming and short story.

It was clear to me that there's a whole other back story that makes this part of a series/universe, but I was able to keep going without wondering much about what I was missing with Skye and Chase or others in Montana.

***I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion***

Blame The Mistletoe is book #1 in the Montana Born Christmas series.

Liz Flowers has never enjoyed Christmas and it seems like this year holiday will be the worst ever, her ex husband took their daughter to Mexico and Liz got stuck being a dog sitter for her former mother-in-law’s high strung little dog.

Liz is trying to stay positive and since she wants to meet new people she agree to go to a Christmas party hosted by Skye and Chase (from the book Hometown Hero) and at the party she meets Blake Canon and soon they both realize that they know one another- Liz ex husband and Black ex wife are brother and sister.

Liz and Blake find themselves kissing under a mistletoe and since they are both attracted to one another they start spending more and more time together but they both know that this can't be more than a a holiday fling, Blake is broke thanks to his ex wife that took all his money and Liz live in California and they both know their exs won't like the fact they are dating one another.

Blame the Mistletoe is a very nice holiday novella, I enjoyed reading about Liz and Blake second chance in love after a hard divorce for both of them. I loved reading how Liz finally enjoyed Christmas being in Marietta, Montana and how she was willing to open her heart to Blake.

Blake has some trust issues after the lies his ex wife told him and how she took away all his money but he knows that Liz is nothing like his ex and he open up to her and they both talk about their past openly.

It was nice getting to catch up on other characters from previous books about the town of Marietta and I can't wait to read more holidays books from Tule Publishing!

A Christmas Novella with a Fun Twist.
Sweet, fast-paced, and funny, just like a Christmas romance should be. This novella is a fun read to start the holiday season. Liz and Blake meet up and fall for each other at a Christmas party, not having seen each other in fifteen years, when Liz was married to the brother of Blake’s ex-wife, which makes their children cousins. Not really as confusing as it sounds, and definitely the cause of some amusing situations and small town gossip. Although there is the stereotypical depiction of evil exes, I like that this story didn’t have a rich hero with unlimited resources. Instead Blake is broke and on a budget, and it’s Liz who has the successful career, although far from wealthy. There are a couple of loose ends that didn’t get tied up for me, like what the heck was on her tattoo? But, these were nothing that kept me from enjoying the story and getting that HEA we enjoy so much. Favorite quote by the heroine issued at just the right times: “Best Christmas ever.”

Liz Flowers has never been a big fan of Christmas, and this one looks to be the worst yet. Her ex has taken their daughter to Mexico, and she is staying behind in a strange town, dog-sitting for her ex-mother-in-law. How did that happen? She agrees to go to a Christmas party. Who knows? She might meet someone interesting. Enter Blake Canon. He is reeling financially from a bad divorce and decides to go to his friends Christmas party. Maybe a quick fling would take his mind off his troubles. He is drawn to the new face he sees there. Who would have guessed that his ex and her ex were brother and sister? Small world…and there is just something magical about a kiss under the mistletoe!

This is a cute, quick read about a second chance at love. The best part was getting to return to Marietta, Montana! I LOVE this place. Blame the Mistletoe gave me all the good feels. Romantic and poignant, the journey of love and acceptance lingers long after the book is closed. It is beautifully written and sweetly emotional. It’s just a whole lot of awesome. I loved it! Fresh, sexy, and romantic, this novella will leave you wanting more. I cannot wait for the next book.

*An advance reading copy was generously provided by Tule Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blame The Mistletoe by Dani Collins is the first book in the Montana Born Christmas series and it is a good romance book.

Liz Flowers is in Montana at Christmas time dog sitting for a ex-family pet. She is struggling getting into the Christmas season this year, partly because her daughter is traveling with her ex-husband and his new family. She misses her daughter greatly and is feeling sorry for herself. But she decides to try to make the most of her time in Montana and meet new people. While she’s at a neighbor’s party, she is reunited with her ex-husband’s sister’s husband. She has not seen him since his wedding and is happy to know someone at the party.

Blake Canon is at the party but has no intention of staying there very long. That is until he sees Liz and decides he wants to get to know her better. He is divorced from his wife and is having financial problems because of her and knows he could use a distraction from all his worries. After spending time with her at the party, he realizes he wants to spend as much time with her as he can. But the exes make it a very sticky situation, and a permanent relationship may not be possible.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The characters are well developed and likable. This is a great Christmas novella and is great to read to start getting into the holiday mood. There is enough romantic heat to satisfy those who enjoy a racy book. There is enough sweetness and heartwarming situations for those readers that look for that in a romance.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Tule Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A wonderfully heartwarming story that was a great light read. With her daughter away with her father for the holidays Liz Flowers agrees to stay in Marietta to house sit for her ex's mother (weird). At a holiday party she runs into her ex brother-in-law and their attraction is immediate. An interesting story twist and one that is beautifully written. I highly recommend this one.

Cute and fun read that makes me smile.

Can't wait to read more

HOT!!!! HOT!!! HOT!!! I love the chemistry in this book among all of the characters. In the last 4 book I have been reading a lot about Marietta Montana I have to say this book tops them all they all were wonderful but this book draws you in and make you want to visit Marietta and talk and hang out with these characters. This book is short but packed with a lot of fun and it will keep you drawn into the story line from the beginning to the end. If you are looking for a non traditional love story that is short and sweet this is the book for you!!!

I have loved reading all the "Marietta Christmas" and this one was both romantic and entertaining. I loved it!

A fun holiday romance that takes you back to Marietta. Liz has agreed to come to take care of her ex mother in-law's dog, while her daughter vacations her father. She meets Blake, her ex brother in law at a party, where sparks fly. Can it just be a fling? I fell in love with these two right away. Highly recommend this book. I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.

What an interesting setting on this Christmas novella! Their ex's were brother and sister, and both divorces were battlefields. So when they find themselves to be attracted to each other, they have several obstacles on their way.
As Blake and Liz share about their past, and battles, they end up sharing their deepest secrets with each other.
At first there seemed to be a bit bitterness from the failed marriages, but soon the story turned into a warmhearted, picture perfect, Christmas love story.
I liked how they shared, and supported each other, in the face of the former in-laws, their children, and other crises that rose up during the story. Also the epilogue gave a full closure to the otherwise fast paced love story. ~ Four spoons!

I absolutely loved this book about two world-weary divorcées with links to the same family. I'm not normally a fan of passive-aggression, but Liz owns up to hers so readily that it's hard not to admire her. Especially when dealing with the Flowers family. As for Blake, wow, who wouldn't sympathise with what he's been through.

I really liked the lack of dithering in this story. They're attracted to each other, they only have a short time to spend together, so they go for it. It's all so natural and endearing and sweet (with a pleasant bit of heat). There are of course many hurdles to climb, not least their own shyness in the face of commitment, but nothing in this story feels forced or contrived. It is what it is, and it flows beautifully.

Sprinkled with festive warmth, full of heart and sweetness, this book is bursting with Marietta magic. I'll be reading this one again.

Such a great story in a little book. It read as a full novel, I couldn't believe I only read a little over 100 pages. The characters were great - love the support they showed to one another. The kids added to the storyline just enough. Overall this was a great, fun, humorous and sweet story!

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.

5 out of 5 stars!! LOVED, love, loved it!! It was hard not getting sucked into this sweetly steamy romance about an ex-brother-in-law & an ex-sister-in-law falling in love and dealing with their unique challenges! Blake & Liz were a hard couple not to root for, their romantic and self-deprecating ways were very charming to read about. Plus, I enjoyed reading their banter!

I highly recommend reading this novel to those who like contemporary holiday romances!!

Dani Collins, a new author for me, writes Blame The Mistletoe. This story is the type of thing that could happen in my small hometown. The ex-spouses of a brother and a sister ending up together at Christmas, then falling in love, I’m sure stranger things have happened!. Of course, from the beginning they have common ground in being mistreated by their exes. Throw in two teenage children and you have plenty of drama. This drama is well-written with two characters who deserve a happily ever after.

Like real life when family and friends got involved it becomes messy. However, Blake and Liz prove that they are up to the challenge of giving love another chance. What a valuable lesson.

I love the cover, the title and how it connects to their first evening together. Yes, I will definitely be looking for other books by this author.

NetGalley provided a copy.

really good story, got very hot for a while but then toned down some. I love the story line of Liz & Blake falling in love after both coming off bad marriages & divorces to a brother & sister. Liz's ex is the brother of Blake's ex & they have taken their kids to Mexico for Christmas & Liz's ex's wedding. Not realizing who Blake is at first Liz finds him very attractive & Blake does as well until her realizes who she is. They start out their relationship with coffee & needing to feel again Liz decides that it should go further. Their relationship moves fast & they start to fall for one another. Unbeknownst to them their kids come home early because Blake's son is hit with a truth he didn't know & interrupt an evening of romance. After calming the kids they realize that their kids have no worries about their relationship. The heartbreaking part of this story wasn't their battle over the ex's thoughts of their relationship but what discovering the truth did to Blake's son's ego but how Blake handled it was amazingly perfect. I enjoyed reading this book & will definitely look for more. A definite recommend for a feel good read.

This is a sweet and warm story about finding love, when you least expect it. Because it is a holiday romance, it makes it even more sweet and romantic.

Liz is dog sitting in Montana and the real events start from the cocktail party she attends, where she meets Blake, who she met at his wedding.Their children are cousins and not being completely strangers they hit it off relatively easily. They spend more and more time together, slowly falling for each other. They are not sure where their romance will take them, but they know that being together is what feels right.

I liked their chemistry between Liz and Blake and also how quick-witted and smart their children were. My favorite moments were definitely when they went to the snowy forest to pick out the Christmas tree and also the ending couldn't be more lovely.

It's short, but thoroughly enjoyable and eligible winter/Christmastime story.

I loved Hustled to the Altar by Dani Collins. So I picked up Blame the Mistletoe without a second thought. Montana is the setting for this cutesy contemporary romance between two divorced adults.

Liz Flowers is house sitting and dog sitting for her ex mother in law, that too in a small Montana town. It is Christmastime and she misses her daughter. Said daughter is away in Mexico for a wedding. Liz is invited to a local party and comes across a handsome rancher.
Blake Canon is up to his ears in debt. He is going to lose his ranch and is pretty resigned to his fate. His son is away in Mexico for a wedding, and he attends a party just to while away the time. he comes across Liz and they realize they know each other. They were both married into the same family! Initially the whole family tree is a bit hard to figure out but you gradually get the hang of it. Liz and Blake share some common experiences and end up spending time together. They have a fling, and are caught in the act by their teenage kids. What could be worse?

Blake and Liz feel the heat but are too different. Liz is rich with a flourishing spa business. Blake is counting pennies. His pride won’t let him commit to Liz. They have loads of fun, and their kids are already cousins. But a difficult decision has to be made.
Will kissing under the mistletoe be charming enough. Will Christmas bring a miracle into the lives of these two giving them a second chance? If you think love is timeless, and still believe in Christmas miracles, Blame the Mistletoe is for you. Its also a great present for the cynics in your life.

I must have gone to the wrong places in my life because I never had nearly as much fun with mistletoe as characters do in Christmas romance novels. Sigh. Writing shopping list, buy portable mistletoe sprigs.
When Blake and Liz meet under the mistletoe they already have enough baggage to fill a train car - their exs are brother and sisters, they have children, some financial woes and an age difference, this time, for a nice change, the female protagonist is older than the male. But Christmas is a time when anything can happen and often does and when these two get together, there’s enough heat to melt the deepest ice and snow. Blame chemistry, blame proximity, blame love, but mostly, blame the mistletoe.

This was a really nice story about finding a second chance at love in the least likeliest of places. Liz Flowers and Blake Canon are both divorcee's having a somewhat bad Christmas until they run into each other at a friend's party; it's attraction at first sight until they realize Liz was married to Blake's ex-wife's brother and Blake was married to Liz's ex-husband's sister.

Well, Blake and Liz realize they have something good and not even crappy exes and and troubles will keep them apart; plus it helps that their kids think it's a match made in heaven. Blake was such a great male lead, really his ex-wife did not deserve such a good guy and Liz was just great, at first I hated how she was being nice to her ex-in-laws but once she goes through her rational about letting go of old grudges and being kind I was like aww. Beside any problem I had with Liz being in Marietta because of her ex-family was overshadowed by her seeing Blake again.

I loved when Liz had a mini confrontation with her ex and his new wife and put those two in their places and the two years later was beyond sweet. This is a feel good, very happy story about two very nice characters that really deserved a happy ending.

Rating 5 out of 5 Read@Book

This was my first read from Collins. I enjoy romance in any form. This holiday read was one to make me happy and very satisfied. The holidays in the mountains is romantic beyond all things. Liz has never enjoyed Christmas and Blake sees a new face (or so he thinks) at a friend's Christmas party. This holiday season turns in to a one they both will remember.

Thanks to NetGalley and the delightful Holiday Read.

Blame the Mistletoe was a very interesting Christmas read. In fact, interesting probably isn’t the right word. It was complicated. It’s the story of Liz Flowers and Blake Canon. They have no business being together but they can’t seem to fight their attraction. Liz is only in Marietta because her daughter Petra is on a trip to Mexico with Liz’s ex-husband. Blake actually lives in Marietta and his son is also on a trip to Mexico with Blake’s ex-wife. The crazy thing is that Blake’s ex-wife and Liz’s ex-husband are siblings. Liz wasn’t supposed to be staying in Marietta for Christmas but was ambushed by the Flowers family to dogsit instead. Liz gets invited to a party and bumps into Blake who she doesn’t really know all that well. The rest is Holiday History.

In short, Liz and Blake start a fling that they really haven’t quite thought through. In their defense, they both had terrible divorces and both despise their common enemy, The Flowers Family. Blake is dead broke due to issues related to his ex-wife and he is trying to hold on to his family farm. Liz is a successful manager of a string of salons owned by her mother and she lives in California. It’s hard to believe that Liz and Blake could have a happy ending but it’s Christmas time so anything is possible. They definitely have great chemistry in bed. Plus, they bring out the best in each other in other ways too. Of course, the bomb goes off when the Flowers Family inadvertently finds out about their affair.

I actually enjoyed the book although it’s such an unbelievable love story. Liz and Blake are easy to root for and they have some rather amazing children. It doesn’t hurt that it was easy to hate their not-in-laws.