Friday, October 9, 2020

Review - - Mistletoe & Mr. Right

 
Mistletoe & Mr. Right
by Sarah Morgenthaler
Moose Springs, Alaska - Book 2
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: October 6, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
 


How the moose (almost) stole Christmas.

Lana Montgomery is everything the quirky small town of Moose Springs, Alaska can't stand: a rich socialite with dreams of changing things for the better. But Lana's determined to prove that she belongs...even if it means trading her stilettos for snow boots and tracking one of the town's hairiest Christmas mysteries: the Santa Moose, an antlered Grinch hell-bent on destroying every bit of holiday cheer (and tinsel) it can sink its teeth into.

And really...how hard could it be?

The last few years have been tough on Rick Harding, and it's not getting any easier now that his dream girl's back in town. When Lana accidentally tranquilizes him instead of the Santa Moose, it's clear she needs help, fast...and this could be his chance to finally catch her eye. It's an all-out Christmas war, but if they can nab that darn moose before it destroys the town, Rick and Lana might finally find a place where they both belong...together.


PJ's Thoughts:

Rick and Lana are one of those couples that, on paper, should never work. He's small-town Alaska, kind of shy, owns a pool hall, is struggling financially, and was burned badly by his ex. She's uber-rich, a corporate executive, oozes confidence, wants to open his little town to the jetsetters of the world, and, oh yeah, is his landlord. But when you start to peel away the layers, and Rick and Lana begin to reveal to one another who they really are at their core...well, it's Christmas, and anything is possible.
I am having so much fun reading Sarah Morgenthaler's Moose Springs, Alaska series. I adore her quirky characters, the townies vs outsiders push and pull, the town itself (if you ever watched Northern Exposure on television in the 90's, Moose Springs has the same vibe), and, of course, who doesn't love an eccentric moose. Or two. Or more. 
Lana and Rick both ended up being more complex than I expected. Also, more fun...and funny (Fair warning: don't eat or drink anything while reading Chapters 7 and 8. One of the most hilarious dinner date scenes I've ever read). I really enjoyed them together - their sweetness, their humor, their kindness, the endearing awkwardness, and their shared love for Moose Springs. Yes, there were times when I got tired of hearing Lana call everyone "dearest" but by the end of the book, after I felt like I had really come to know her, it had become more an intrinsic part of her and less nails on a chalkboard. 
I loved catching up with characters from book one, The Tourist Attraction, and watching them and their relationships evolve. I'm excited to see where their adventures take them in future books. I have no idea how many books Morgenthaler has planned for the residents of Moose Springs but there are still several characters begging for stories and if she writes them, I'll be buying them. Who knows how many more eccentric moose are in the wings, waiting for their chance in the spotlight? 😉


2 comments:

  1. Again, you have introduced me to a book I would love. For some reason, the idea of Alaskan men and new and interesting women is a terrific idea. And I love humor in my books.

    Thanks for the review.

    I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.

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  2. I loved watching Northern Exposure! If this is somehow in that vain, I am looking forward to reading this series!

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