Member Reviews
This book was a little different from what I was expecting based on the description so once I adjusted my expectations I had no problem settling in to the story. I thought Liv would arrive that hotel, immediately confront Fraser, and then get trapped there while they have to work out what exactly happened with the online dating profile. Perhaps an immediate confrontation was what Liv had in mind before everything started to go wrong. I was not a fan of her faking the amnesia so I'm glad that was over and done with pretty quickly. What I loved about Liv was that at her core she was a fixer and just wanted everyone to be happy and make everything work out for them. Even though she's upset with Fraser at the beginning she just can't stop herself from trying to make his business venture successful. It's understandable why Fraser is initially standoff-ish but he could have been a little nicer to Liv at the beginning. But I can forgive him for that because he does come to see how great Liv is. The secondary plotline with Effie complemented Liv's story because they were ultimately both victims of the shadier side of online dating but also both came out the better for it by the end. And it's pretty much because of Effie that Liv and Fraser worked out some of their issues before she left. At first I was thinking it was Effie who had created Fraser's dating profile, but then when she didn't recognize Liv at all and was stuck in her own online dating situation I realized she was probably not the culprit. The twist involving who created the profile and why they suddenly deleted it was a surprise but you couldn't stay mad at the person because their heart had been in the right place. The part of the story that didn't really work for me was all the stuff with Fraser's ex - I couldn't understand why she stayed in Scotland and was so hell bent on making Fraser's life so difficult. And the twist with Fraser's dad and Effie's mom served no purpose other than to make me dislike both of them. There also didn't seem to be much of a point of those revelations unless there will be a second book with these characters.
What a fabulous festive read! Funny, warm, a great setting and great chemistry. A cast of likeable, quirky characters, lots of snow and a highland cow - couldn’t ask for more!
Let me just say I tried to like both characters but they just did so many things that I couldn’t quite comprehend. Keep in mind these are both people In their mid/late twenties so why did it feel like I was reading about some teenagers. The male lead character was such a grump and definitely needs some work in order to be like-able by the reading audience. Also the ghosting and the amnesia were brushed off very easily I expected more development on that. Overall this book has a little bit of everything, romance, humor, a bit of suspense (local legends), which I really enjoyed. Also anyone else was swooning when Fraser called Liv sassenach, my outlander heart was bursting.
I haven't laughed this hard from a book in a while! The situational humor and unique characters create some truly laugh out loud moments.
I had to unfortunately dock two stars because the romance is lacking - significantly. I LOVE low/no spice books (they can be hard to find!). The emotional development was lacking between the FMC and MMC, I don't even think they interacted with each other for more than 10% of the total book!
You know what relationship I found myself getting giddy for? Effie and Robbie!! Those two were made for each other and watching them finally realize it was so fun!!
I think if the book was marketed not as a romance I would've rated it higher. The friendship and growth between Liv and Effie was such a fun and beautiful experience. The relationship between Liv and Fraser? Not so much.
What a lovely Christmassy story. I loved meeting the characters and watching them all develop. Funny in places, made me angry in places too. Overall I’d definitely recommend this book if you’d like a nice easy read for Christmas
Heartwarming Christmas romcom set in the Scottish Highlands, what's not to love?
Once I heard the premise of this book I knew I needed to read it. I think it delivered on what was promised. It was a cute holiday romcom with great banter, enemies to lovers and beautiful Scotland. It was funny, cute and gave me the holiday vibes I wanted.
If you love holiday romances, I would recommend this one.
Olivia or Liv as she goes by has been ghosted one too many times. She's not going to take it anymore and goes to Scotland to confront him at his restaurant.
The setting was incredible, lots of snow making for a breathtaking scenery, an undeniably handsome guy and the witty banner between Liv and Fraser had me chucking out loud. This author is one I always go to for a feel good, laugh out loud read.
I think with the popularity of online dating a lot of people will connect with this story.
Cute, festively fun story with some quirky moments make for a story you'll want to read more than once. The story brought a smile to my face, and I know it will with you also.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
One thing that Bella Osborne does really well.is Christmas themed fiction and this book is no different.
An afternoon would be well lost to this cheery rom-com of a book.
Congratulations to Bella Osborne for another fantastic read.
This book has everything you need for pure escapism. Set in Scotland with a great storyline which had me hooked from start to finish with wonderful characters in a fun romantic Christmas hug of a book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Cute holiday story featuring a heroine who is insecure in her worth and a curmudgeon fellow that are brought together by circumstances of bad weather in isolated Scotland when Liv is caught in a snowstorm and takes refuge at a broken down inn. Both have been burnt by lost loves, but both are in need of being loved genuinely. I love how Liv decides to take charge of her life and stand up for herself. Secondary characters are delightful and quirky, including more as the story goes on as the storm rages and roads close. And then there is the Scotland shaggy cow. Delightful. This is a fun read, perfect for the holidays. Many thanks to #netgalley #mistletoemagicinthehighlands #bellaosborne for the opportunity to read and review this book. 3.5 rounded to a 4.
I just loved this book so much so that I read it in a couple of hours it was just an amazing book that made me wish I could join them all. It has amazing characters in it and some were just adorable that I just wished I could meet and hug them. It is such a heartwarming and beautiful book that I just couldn’t stop reading it.
I would highly recommend reading this book if you love a Christmas book set in Scotland with an amazingly heartwarming story with amazing characters that you just wish were real and could meet.
I would like to thank Aria and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.
DIDN'T COME TOGETHER FOR ME
I was into the premise, but it went nowhere fast. I just couldn't get into this.
What I didn't like
👎 Chemistry: A romance novel has to have chemistry between the main characters. Fraser and Liv had zero chemistry in my humble opinion. There was absolutely nothing there.
👎 Fraser: Maybe the lack of chemistry - partly - stemmed from Fraser as a character. I just could not like him. He was a grouch, but not in a cute or redeemable way. I just couldn't see him as a romantic lead.
👎 Ghosting: Fraser alleged ghosting of Liv was the beginning of the novel, and I though it would have been a bigger, more prominent plot point. But it just... fizzled out. It was pretty much abandoned until the end.
👎 "Amnesia": Another abandoned plot point was Liv's "Amnesia". It pretty much made no difference in the larger context of the story, and just felt pointless.
I absolutely loved this book!! The characters were fun and so easy to love, especially Ginger the Highland Cow. The setting sounded gorgeous and there were parts of the book that were laugh- out- loud funny. Gentle romance, personal growth and wonderful family and friendships. I will most definitely recommend this book to my library customers! I want to re-read it already. Such a fun, lovely book!
I do enjoy a Bella book and to be honest I wasn't sure i was going to enjoy it when I first started it, however I did warm to the FMC, the characters were very well written, they were warm and funny the setting sounds lovely and I would love to visit.
Over all a good read, it did feel a little unfinished so I do wonder if there will be a second in the series.
A cozy book in the highlands, what could possibly be more adorable? Add a hotel, a chef and the fun romance and it can't possibly get even better! Loved it!
This book is a lighthearted and fun romantic comedy set in the scenic Scottish Highlands. As an American, I was captivated and very entertained with the different dialects! The story follows Olivia, who hasn't had the best time in relationships, including being ghosted twice. Frustrated, she decides to go confront Fraser Douglas, the latest man to ghost her after connecting on a dating app. She drives six hours to his family’s inn and restaurant (YUP 6 hours for a man you've never met!!), only to be met with a grumpy Fraser who doesn't recognize her.
The book features a delightful cast of quirky characters, including Effie, Fraser’s cousin, and even a cute Highland cow. Though the romance between Olivia and Fraser is a slow burn with no spicy scenes, the story’s charm lies in its witty banter, the grumpy-sunshine dynamic, and the cozy, snowed-in setting. Themes of online dating mishaps, ghosting, and self-discovery are woven into this feel-good romance. It's an entertaining holiday read filled with humor, warmth, and a touch of romance.
A light, entertaining romcom in a delightful setting and chaotic cast of characters. I loved Effie and Ginger but struggled to connect to Liv the main character and see the potential romantic connection with Fraser. The dynamic seemed to enemy to friendship rather than sizzling passion. That said it gave me festive cheer and an escape from reality for a while. I love Bella Osborne books but this one won't be a reread unlike her others.
I loved this book. It was a cozy Christmas read that I couldn't get enough of. All of the characters were well done. I loved being in Scotland with this story, also with the sprinkling in of Scottish traditions and lore. I'd definitely read more stories involving these characters.
Definitely recommend!
I'm a bit on the fence with this book as there were some good and not so good parts for me. Firstly, the good points. I liked the setting and the characters of Liv, Effie and the animals. I loved and laughed at the humour and the first part of the book seemed promising but then it seemed to be very slow to move on with regard to the romance and explanation for the ghosting. I began to lose interest, sadly. I am a fan of Bella Osborne's books but there was something different about this one that didn't have me reaching for the book in every spare moment as I usually would be. So, to be honest, this was somewhat disappointing for me, sorry. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The cover promised a cozy and sweet romance book. It did not disappoint.
Olivia has had some tough luck finding love. When she finally feels a strong connection with a man, he ghosts her. Taking her faith in her own hands, she decides to go find him. After an unpleasant meeting with an animal, an injury, and losing her phone, she discovers that the man of her dreams has no idea who she is.
The setting in the Scottish Highlands gives this book a magic Holiday feeling. The author's ability to create a sense of place and community is one of the book’s strongest features.
Her descriptions of the snow-covered hills, cozy cottages, and festive atmosphere transport you to a magical world.
While Mistletoe Magic in the Highlands has a lot to offer, some parts may be a little predictable. As with many holiday romances, the plot follows a familiar formula, which might be a downside for readers looking for more twists and surprises. The pacing, particularly in the middle, can be slow, as certain scenes seem to drag without adding significant development to the story or characters.
I would recommend it as a comfort read and a light holiday romance. Thank you, Netgalley, for the advance reader's copy.