Mutts and Mistletoe by new to me author Natalie Cox is an enjoyable story about a woman who finds herself running her cousin’s doggie day care and boarding facility after her apartment is destroyed by a gas leak and her cousin goes on holiday to the North Pole. She isn’t a dog person so this proves to be quite an interesting and entertaining prospect and it appears she is in way over her head throughout most of the book. Add to that the enigmatic vet, Cal who may or may not be a romantic interest but has great forearms, when he isn’t being an insufferable boor, however.

I enjoyed these characters and found them easy to relate to and thought Charlie to be quite a brave young woman, whether she’s trying to rein in two sled dog Huskies or serving as midwife to a very pregnant Beagle.

The romance doesn’t become part of the story until nearly the end, though there is a quasi-romance building between Malcolm, a lovesick Great Dane and Peggy, a pregnant Beagle. Instead, the most entertaining moments are Charlie’s daily routine of trying to manage six dogs, two alpacas, a dog napper and a partridge in a pear tree.

My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a sweet story to curl up with on a winter’s night.

It was a cute book, but was typical of a Christmas romance and predictable. It was also an easy read.

What a sweet, charming, funny story. I enjoyed every word. If you are a dog lover, or even if you are not, grab this book, you can thank me later. Thank you netgalley for gifting me with an arc of this amazo g book. The opinions I this review are solely my own

So ever since I saw this cover, I've been dreaming of a nice quiet weekend snuggled in a furry blankets with my pups snuggling by my side. I was thrilled to get an ARC and have saved it for the Christmas season. In fact, it was the perfect fit for a recent readathon. But somehow, this book left me feeling a little flat. Now I will admit that the last 30% or so saved it for me because in the beginning, I feared it was not going to live up to my anticipation.

So Charlie lives in London and was recently dumped by her boyfriend. As Christmas nears, a gas explosion in her apartment building almost impales her she ends up needing a place to stay. Her mother, who loves to meddle, arranges for Charlie to spend the holiday with her cousin Jez, who lives in the country and runs Cozy Canine Cottages. However, Charlie is not a dog person. Needless to say, Charlie eventually goes and stays with Jez, who is actually a much more likable person that Charlie. While there, she meets the local vet, who she calls Bovine Cal, because he specializes in, yep, you guessed it, cows. Cal and Charlie do not hit it off and things become even more complicated when Jez decides to take off for the North Pole to rendezvous with an on-line girlfriend, leaving Charlie in charge of the dogs who are boarding there for Christmas. Even Cal questions why Jez would do such a thing.

So despite not liking dogs, Charlie ends up taking in even more boarders as the holidays draw closer and before you know it, she has a full house - literally, because the heat in the cottages go out. Add in a small mystery, a hunk named Hugo who is engaged to the local snob, and alpacas and you have "Mutts and Mistletoe."

Like I said, in my opinion, the last part totally saved the novel. However, I did have a couple of issues that I just can't get over. First of all, Charlie isn't a dog person. Strike one. Secondly, her cousin leaves her in charge of the dogs and the kennel to traipse to the North Pole - not a smart business decision. And last but not least, see the adorable dogs on the cover? The ones who made me fall in love with this book before I even started? Well, they are even in the book. Don't get me wrong, there are some adorable dogs. We have a deaf Great Dane named Malcolm, a pregnant beagle (why did you leave Charlie with your personal pregnant beagle Jez?), two Alaskan Malamutes, an elderly dog who they call Slab because he doesn't move much, and an Irish Setter. See, lots to chose from so why aren't any of THEM on the cover? I have since discovered several foreign editions and both covers are more indicative of the book.

So overall I did enjoy this book, but not as much as I had hoped. There are some great characters in the little country town whose oddness only make them that much more endearing. The dogs are fun and adorable and Charlie does exhibit some character growth which is good, because she needed it. So even though I could easily give this a 3/5, it's probably more like a 3.5 so for Goodreads sake I'll add up. After all, it's still an adorable cover.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

What do you get when you put adorable dogs in to a holiday story? This book!

Give it time though. I wasn’t too thrilled with Charlie. She seemed a bit of a, well, you know. I just thought her too harsh. But then if you had everything happen to you that she had to her you may be a bit bitchy too. But then I warmed up to her and the romance ended up being really sweet and puts the reader into the holiday spirit.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Cute, funny and very enjoyable. Natalie has a humorous way of writing a book that is great from the first sentence to the last page. Thank you for a wonderful read.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading this book but being a dog lover how could I not want to know more about Peggy the pregnant beagle and Malcolm the anxious Great Dane? Plus all their canine pals...as well as their wary, inexperienced and - okay, let's just say it - shell-shocked temporary caregiver? And if a broody veterinarian and charming stranger get thrown into the mix, well, who am I to not dive head first into the fun?

The story is set in England so if you're a Yank (like me), I'll warn you up front that you'll probably be putting your dictionary to good use. However, even though I was looking up unfamiliar words, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. The primary focus of the book is Charlie, a city girl through and through, and her evolution during her unplanned sojourn in rural England. I liked her and thoroughly enjoyed her journey.

While there's somewhat of a romantic thread, fun flirting, a bit of kissing, and a happy ending, this is not a book that I would classify as a traditional romance but that didn't lessen my enjoyment of it one bit. The relationship that takes center stage for most of the book is that between Charlie, a Londoner more at ease in designer heels and trendy shops than flannel and boots, and the dogs that have been placed into her somewhat inept care. The journey for Charlie and her four-legged housemates is one that I found to be an absolute delight. Not surprisingly, the pups stole my heart.

If you're in the mood for something a little different this Christmas, pick up a copy of Mutts and Mistletoe. It's a fast-paced story that's a bit chick lit, a bit romance, a bit mystery, and brimming with a whole lot of holiday fun.

Paraphrasing one of this months’ titles: “Oh, my stars.” It just happens that this women’s fiction column is almost all Christmas stories (I think there is one that isn’t). Which is fine and dandy — because you can read them now, then read them again in December or put them back and pull out one of these heartwarming tales when you just can’t bake another batch of cookies, or wrap another present, or decorate another room. Still, no matter the season, all explore the gift of love and friendship.
The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan
What it’s about:
In the snowy Highlands of Scotland, Suzanne McBride is dreaming of the perfect cozy Christmas. Her three adopted daughters are coming home for the holidays and she can’t wait to see them. But tensions are running high…
Workaholic Hannah knows she can’t avoid spending the holidays with her family two years in a row. But it’s not the weight of their expectations that’s panicking her—it’s the life-changing secret she’s hiding. Stay-at-home mom Beth is having a personal crisis. All she wants for Christmas is time to decide if she’s ready to return to work—seeing everyone was supposed to help her stress levels, not increase them! Posy isn’t sure she’s living her best life, but with her parents depending on her, making a change seems risky. But not as risky as falling for gorgeous new neighbor Luke…
As Suzanne’s dreams of the perfect McBride Christmas unravel, she must rely on the magic of the season to bring her daughters together. But will this new togetherness teach the sisters that their close-knit bond is strong enough to withstand anything—including a family Christmas?
The right stuff: Complex family relationships caused by past trauma are resolved in this heartwarming tale. Perfect assembled cast of characters. (See an excerpt on HEA from The Christmas Sisters.)
The Christmas Star by Donna VanLiere
What it’s about:
Thirty-two-year-old Amy Denison volunteers at Glory’s Place, an after school program where she meets seven-year-old Maddie, a precocious young girl who has spent her childhood in foster care. Unbeknownst to Amy, Maddie is a mini-matchmaker, with her eye on just the right man for Amy at Grandon Elementary School, where she is a student. Amy is hesitant – she’s been hurt before, and isn’t sure she’s ready to lose her heart again – but an unexpected surprise makes her reconsider her lonely lifestyle.
As Christmas nears and the town is blanketed in snow and beautiful decorations, Maddie and the charming staff at Glory’s Place help Amy to see that romance can be more than heartache and broken promises.
In The Christmas Star, Donna VanLiere delivers yet another sweet, joyous story that is sure to capture readers’ hearts.
The right stuff: Christian romance book with a heartfelt message of new beginnings and a wonderful second-chance-at-love story.
What Happened to Us? by Faith Hogan
What it’s about:
Sometimes the end is only the beginning…
After ten years together, Carrie Nolan is devastated when she’s dumped by her hot-shot chef boyfriend, Kevin Mulvey without even a backwards glance! But on reflection, she has sacrificed her own long-term happiness by pandering to his excessive ego in their successful Dublin restaurant (and out of it) – but not anymore!
While Kevin is ‘living the dream’ with his beautiful new Brazilian girlfriend, Carrie seeks solace from a circle of mismatched strangers who need her as much as she needs them.
With Christmas just around the corner, all is not quite as it seems and a catastrophic sequence of events leads to the unthinkable.
How far do you need to fall before you learn the true value of family and friends? And is it ever too late to start again…
The right stuff: Spot-on feel-good book. Great characters, wonderful serendipitous reunion and a special bit of karma.
A Healing Justice
by Kristin von Kreisler
What it’s about:
Two years ago, police officer Andrea Brady fell madly in love with a black-muzzled, slightly rumpled German shepherd who showed up at her house one misty autumn day. Now, with the brave and intuitive Justice as her expert K-9 drug sniffer, she’s found an unbeatable partner. Then the unthinkable happens. A savage attack leaves a teenager dead and Andie trapped in every cop’s worst nightmare. Placed on administrative leave, she’s pursued by media and investigated by a deputy sheriff whose handling of the high-profile case could earn him a coveted promotion.
Haunted by self-doubt, Andie is in danger of losing everything—her career, her freedom, and the critically injured dog who’s her soul mate. But as she finds kind allies in her Puget Sound island community, the road back becomes a journey of healing for both Andie and her canine companion. And Andie learns important lessons about justice—and about Justice—as she struggles to find the courage to forgive herself and reclaim the gift of her life …
The right stuff: Perfect homage to people in law enforcement, exploring the split decisions that they must make. Another pet lovers’ delight, along with enticing developing romantic relationship.
Oh My Stars by Sally Kilpatrick
What it’s about:
A heartwarming, hilarious Christmas story with a Southern twist.
Like most things in Ellery, Tennessee, this year’s Drive Thru Nativity is a little unconventional. The Dollar General parking lot doubles as a Bethlehem stable, and widowed writer Ivy Long, who’s been roped into playing Mary, sure as heck isn’t a virgin. But then comes an unexpected development: a genuine, real-life baby left in the manger, with only a brief note. And somehow, in the kerfuffle that follows, Ivy finds her life is about to change …
The holidays are a bittersweet time for Ivy—filled with memories of her beloved late husband and reminders that life doesn’t always offer the happily-ever-afters her readers expect. So when Ivy ends up with custody of the baby, she can only chalk it up to a Christmas miracle. She doesn’t know if it will be forever, but with help from family, she’ll make little Zuzu’s first Christmas a good one. The nativity’s Joseph, aka Gabe Ledbetter, has a pediatrics background that’s coming in mighty handy. In turn, Ivy is helping Gabe find his place in the quirky community. If that place turns out to be somewhere near Ivy, well, maybe this particular Christmas story will turn out to be merry and bright after all …
The right stuff: Down-on-their-luck characters get a second chance at love and new beginnings. Quirky and fun with the right amount of pathos!
Mutts and Mistletoe by Natalie Cox
What it’s about:
Thirty-one-year-old Charlie isn’t in the mood for Christmas cheer...
Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her mother has absconded with her latest husband for the holidays, and—adding insult to (literal) injury—her London apartment has just been destroyed by a gas leak. Single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie realizes there’s only one place to go: Cozy Canine Cottages, where she’ll spend the season looking after her cousin Jez’s doggy day care center. And if she’s not exactly a dog person, well, no one has to know…
But her plans for a quiet Christmas in a quaint country village are quickly dashed. Peggy the pregnant beagle and Malcolm the anxious Great Dane seem determined to keep her up all night. A strange man has been casing her cousin’s house. And where is Cal, the unbearably patronizing but disturbingly handsome local vet, when she needs him?
As the days tick down to Christmas, Charlie’s life has never felt so out of control—but with some help from her new four-legged friends, she just might learn a thing or two about living in the moment, embracing the unexpected and opening herself up to love…
The right stuff: Looking for a little bit zany and a bit of armchair traveling? Then this is the perfect book for you. Pets, humor and romance!
Christmas at the Cat Café
by Melissa Daley
What it’s about:
The town of Stourton-on-the-Hill has its very own cat café. Resident cat Molly, and her kittens, live here in feline paradise, while owner Debbie serves the locals home-made goodies. But even in the most idyllic surroundings, things don’t always go according to plan …
When Debbie’s heartbroken sister Linda arrives at the café, Debbie insists she move in. But Linda is not alone, and the cats are devastated with the arrival of Linda’s dog, Beau. Sadly, Beau’s arrival is not the only bombshell – now Molly’s home is also under threat when a rival cat moves in on her turf.
With Christmas approaching, Molly is unsettled, barely roused by the promise of tinsel to play with. Fearing for her feline family she hopelessly stares out of the café window searching for an answer. Only a Christmas miracle could bring everyone together.
The right stuff: While this is the second book in a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Think cozy, because that is exactly what this story is. Put your own cat in your lap and enjoy!
Leigh Davis is a former contributor to Heroes and Heartbreakers. When she is not reading, she’s usually outside throwing balls to her insatiable dogs. She loves hearing and talking about great books. You can connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.
MORE ON HEA: See more posts by Leigh

Dog lovers will throughly enjoy this well written romance. Mutts and Mistletoe is well written with an engaging plot. A really good fast read. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital arc this is my unbiased review.

This is a really cute, quick Christmas-time read!

I appreciated how Charlie grew as a character from the beginning of the book to the end. She claimed to not be a dog person due to her 2nd stepfather's overweight, grumpy pugs that she dealt with as a child. I think her issue was that she just hadn't met the right dog yet.

The setting of the cozy canine lodge in the English countryside was charming. The side characters were endearing, including Valko, Cal, and Hugo. I loved how all of the dogs had their own little personalities. There is a little bit of a Christmas romance towards the end, but the book is really more about Charlie and her antics with the dogs and her growing and moving on from her recent breakup, which I enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Natalie Cox for an ARC ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.

My actual rating is 3.5/5 stars, but since there aren't half stars I always round up.

What’s not to like about lots of dogs, their cute antics, and a very attractive local vet, while you’re on vacation for the holidays? Except the fact that the vacation is being forced to care for your cousin’s dog kenneling business when you have no idea how to care for a dog, much less 7 of them including a very pregnant pooch. And that you’re forced to live here for the time being, because your apartment is completely uninhabitable at the moment. Needless to say Charlie isn’t in the mood for Christmas this year.

So it’s your typical Hallmark over the top sappy holiday romance. In theory I liked that the characters and circumstances were more relatable. But in reality it became a bit annoying hearing the complaining after awhile. The cute antics and faux pas didn’t last long. I think my biggest issue is that I didn’t really connect with the main character. I was hoping for more of an escapism type holiday book, not a problem filled reality of the typical holidays.

Over time the characters did grow on me. Also the last 50 pages almost completely made up for the negatives. I can’t say what happens, but it’s so cute and fun.

Overall, a mix Christmas stocking of a book. A realistic version of the holidays that to which many people can probably relate.

Mutts and Mistletoe is Christmas story of a different kind of Christmas story by Natalie Cox. Far from warm and cozy, it is amusing with biting wit. While there is romance in the story, it is not a romantic read, more of a funny satire. It had a contemporary urban English feel to it that made it difficult for this Southern US girl to always appreciate.

Life has not been a piece of cake lately for Charlie so I could easily see her view of the world. However, the world does not necessarily agree with her or make her life any easier. There are scenes that are laugh out loud funny, some that make you smile and some that make you cringe. I am grateful to be me and not Charlie. Still her story is entertaining. Loved the title of the book but found it to be more mutts than mistletoe.

Such a cute story. easy to read and follow. Fun characters make you want to keep reading and not put it down !

Cute book. Since it is British, there were many words I didn’t know but easily looked them up. I enjoyed the characters including the dogs. The ending was weak. I did like who she ends up with though.

This is a fun tale of the adventures and mishaps of Charlie, which took her from the busy city pace of London to life with the dogs at Cozy Canine Cottages and on a path much different than the one she dreamed her life would be. What could be more fun than dogs and Christmas? Absolutely anything and everything, according to Charlie, who is desperately trying to escape the holiday season and is not a fan of our four-footed friends. Throw in an explosion, a pregnant pup, a bit of a crime, and the beautiful blue eyes of the country vet and you have a story that provides a delightful escape. I enjoyed this light, quick-read of a book and would recommend it as a break from the hustle bustle of the holiday season and a reason to escape to your favorite reading place any time of the year. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

My review has been posted to my blog & Goodreads.

Review has also been tweeted as usual.

Thank you! :c)