Leesa Oliver would rather not be heading home for Christmas, which is fitting because her boss, Cary Anderson, feels the same way. For the two workaholics, the holidays are always the same—nestled among the festivities are the nagging questions and familial disappointments. But this year is going to be different after the pair draft a simple contract: split the holidays with each other’s families and pretend to be a couple. It’s supposed to be all business and totally practical, but what happens when a simple romance of convenience blossoms into something more?

Nothing quite brings people together like not wanting to do something, and there’s perhaps no greater motivation to act than to get people off your back. Author Lucy Coleman snatches these driving motivators and uses them to weave this delectably romantic tale. With an aversion to the holidays and separate families pushing and pulling, it makes perfect sense that these two sensible coworkers would enter a mutually beneficial pact. Relationships of convenience rest entirely on whether they’re believable, and this unique hook centered around pleasing families more than works.

Since Leesa and Cary are work colleagues with their guards usually up, this forces their relationship to naturally develop, but on a truncated timeline. They have to become close to each other in order for their ruse to be believable. It helps that they’re so perfect for each other, even if they don’t realize it. In the opening pages, Coleman carefully lays out all the reasons for Leesa to not like him—seemingly uptight perfectionism chiefly among them. However, underneath their work wrappings, they’re really two individuals with an inherent need to please other people—almost to the point of formality. And while this can sometimes lead to frustrating situations, the ultimate result is a sweetly crafted relationship.

That’s not to suggest Coleman keeps it all light without a bit of drama. Leesa struggles through some very serious topics that are handled realistically. Similarly, Cary has a complicated family dynamic, particulary with his utterly charming grandmother, Cressida. However, Coleman finds plenty of levity for balance. A large chunk of the action takes place across the Christmas season and there’s all the magic of snow, a big meal, and presents. Coleman has no problem letting her characters have fun, but she also pushes for something deeper with a careful twist and surprise or two.

Complex and heartfelt, it’s the perfect seasonal romance that has no problem taking the slow, sensible route to a festive ending.

Having just finished reading Lucy Coleman’s Winter 2018 novel Snowflakes over Holly Cove for a blog tour, I couldn’t resist launching straight into reading her brand new release, Magic Under the Mistletoe, which for me really ramped up the festive feeling.

I really loved the concept of agreeing upon a contract between Leesa and Cary, to make life easier when they both were focusing fully on their careers, amidst pressure from their families to settle down. From the outset I loved Leesa, she is such a wonderful character, resilient and determined but scared to open herself up to her own secrets and the pain that they caused. Cary was so infuriating at the beginning of the story, but he really grew on me as the story progressed, when it became clear he had his own vulnerabilities.

In terms of the side characters, Cressida, Cary’s grandmother, really stole the show for me, such a vibrant woman who wore her own love and losses on her sleeve. I also loved the location of Cressida and Cary’s family home, which was the perfect location for the festive moments. This was the perfect festive treat, and Lucy Coleman is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.

Can love start with a simple contract? Because that’s how everything will start in this sweet and lovely story; Leesa Oliver and Cary Anderson need each other’s help to survive Christmas, so they decide to do a Santa Clause, but what starts with a simple pact it will grow into something more. Ready to discover the real Magic Under the Mistletoe?
I’ll admit that I really enjoyed this heartwarming book, but don’t expect a simple story, Leesa and Cary had both a past and they will have to heal if they want to have something more serious. But the story is not only based on both of them but all the family and friends surrounding them, they make the story more full and funny too! There’s an eccentric writer, a dangerous ex-husband, a bridezilla… and so many more interesting characters that you will not be able to stop reading this story.
This is the first book I’ve read of the author Lucy Coleman and I loved her detailed descriptions of the scenery and the full description of the characters; it totally transports the reader inside the book making you feel part of the book.
There’s love and chemistry, but there’s tears and bitterness; this is a book to remember that we have to forgive and forget, to always talk about our feelings and never leave anything for granted; everyone loves to say the words “I LOVE YOU” from time to time!
Magic Under the Mistletoe will make you believe again in the magic around Christmas, the family love and the need to be surrounded by our loved ones! Ready?

This is not frothy chicklit this is a romantic heartfelt tale of hurt and pain and changes in lives. Slightly slow and intense in places but overall enjoyable. This is a book you need to sink into, to relax into and savour. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon in front of the fire.

Thank you Netgalley

The Blurb :
Christmas and romance are in the air...
It's December 23rd and while everyone else is rushing home for the holidays, workaholic Leesa Oliver is dreading switching on her out-of-office for the festive season. And it seems her equally driven boss, Cary Anderson, isn't relishing spending Christmas at his family's country estate either.
So together, they draft an unexpected Christmas contract: They'll spend half of the holidays with each other's families, pretending to be a couple. Leesa knows the insufferably good-looking Cary will make her Christmas more bearable, but what happens after the last of the mince pies have been eaten...?
Leesa signed off on a sensible business agreement, but somewhere, amongst the fairy lights and carols something seems to have changed... It seems there might just be some magic under the mistletoe this Christmas!

My Thoughts :
As I love Lucy Coleman’s writing, I was excited to read her next book Magic Under the Mistletoe.
We meet Cary Anderson and Leesa Oliver, both on a flight back from Australia where they have been working. On landing in the snow in Cardiff, Cary offers Leesa a lift
Leesa is then introduced to Cary's Grandmother, Cressida. Desperate for her grandson to settle down, Cary convinces Leesa to pretend to be his girlfriend.
I enjoyed learning about the characters and their history and what lead then to where they are today
Although this was a little slow to start and not really that Christmasy I ended up really enjoying this book and its characters.
Cant wait for more from this fabulous Author.

I’ll admit that a focus on the world of work isn’t always the way to win me over – Leesa’s growing video production business is both her passion and obsession, and there’s also quite a lot about Cary’s eco-business and all the corporate shenanigans going on around him. But in this book, I thought it all worked really well – the characters are particularly strongly drawn, with interesting histories and different reasons not to be looking forward to their Christmases – and their business focus makes their unusual contract entirely sensible, logical and believable. I enjoyed the way their contract, and their initially uncomfortable relationship, progressed – not just for Christmas, but throughout the year ahead, and with a perfect seasonal conclusion.

The book really came to life for me with the introduction of Cary’s grandmother Cressida – she’s such a fascinating character, with a career that will delight every reader – and then there are other family complications that come into play, with a satisfying spotlight on fresh starts and second chances.

Family complications are a feature of Leesa’s life too, in more ways than one. There are quite a number of side stories and sub-plots – every one well developed, and seen through to their conclusion, with twists and surprises along the way. And I really did like the way the relationship between Cary and Leesa was developed – a slow thaw as things become rather warmer.

I always love the vividness of the author’s descriptions – this time it was particularly Cressida’s home with its magnificent tree in the hall, the lighting of the approach to the attic study, the cottage in the grounds. And the book’s conclusion brings a veritable explosion of everything Christmassy you could ever desire – quite wonderful.

I really enjoyed this one. So much more than a straightforward romance, satisfyingly complex, engaging characters – and the right amount of Christmas sparkle to make it a seasonal read or one for any time of year.

There is nothing better than curling up in a comfy chair with a Lucy Coleman novel and her latest tale, Magic Under the Mistletoe, is a delightful, atmospheric, wonderfully compelling and immensely readable romantic read from this terrific storyteller sure to put you in the most festive of spirits.

It’s December 23rd and Christmas is only forty-eight hours away. While all of her colleagues are rushing home for the holidays with their heads full of last minute presents and mince pies, Leesa Oliver is counting down the days until January the 2nd when everything goes back to normal and she does not have to hear another word about the dreaded C word. However, it’s not just Leesa who is dreading the Christmas holidays as her workaholic boss Cary Anderson is not exactly full of the joys of the season. Cary is dreading spending the holidays with his family on their country estate, however, could Leesa help him to make the holiday season a little bit more bearable?

The two driven workaholics hatch a cunning plan that is beneficial for them both: they will spend the holidays with each other’s families pretending to be a couple. It’s a fool proof plan that simply cannot fail, however, what the two of them hadn’t counted on was on discovering the best gift ever underneath the mistletoe: love.

Thrust together by what should have been a sensible and practical plan, Leesa and Cary find themselves developing feelings for one another that are anything but convenient! Will Leesa and Cary realise that there is more to life than spreadsheets, schedules and deadlines? Or will they let their fears get in the way of this unexpected chance at happiness?

Will a Christmas kiss end up leading to a love that will last a lifetime? Or will the magic Leesa and Cary experienced under the mistletoe be forgotten about once the Yuletide season is over?

Lucy Coleman has done it again and penned an irresistible and truly magical read that will melt the heart of even the most jaded and cynical of Scrooges. A sensational and scintillating romantic read that made me laugh and cry and kept me reading late into the night, Magic Under the Mistletoe is a tale of healing, renewal, redemption and the power of love which is vintage Lucy Coleman.

A writer who never fails to create stories that tug at the heartstrings and leave readers sighing with happiness, Magic Under the Mistletoe is another winner by a writer who ticks all the right boxes time and again: Lucy Coleman.

A romance book with depth. Leesa Oliver and her demanding client Cary Anderson are stranded at the airport after a very stressful journey from Sydney. Cary invites Leesa to his family home to wait out the storm and his grandmother totally misreads the situation and thinks she is his girlfriend. This sows the seeds of an idea and Leesa and Cary make a Christmas contract to act as each other’s plus one for the season. There are plenty of mishaps and I became totally engrossed in the lives of the characters, all of whom have a past. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Mistletoe historically conjures up images of the festive season, and romance for me, and this story beginning and ending with Christmas has plenty of magical mistletoe and romantic kisses.

Leesa and Cary are returning to the UK from a business trip in Australia. Both are career-driven, but whilst Cary reels off his criticisms in the comfort of first-class, Leesa is struggling to survive amidst a boisterous toddler and a lady determined to sort out her cavernous handbag. Battered and a little bruised both mentally and physically she plots her revenge. Then he takes the wind out of her sails, by offering her much needed sustenance, and a surprisingly pleasant insight, into his closely guarded personality. Stranded by uncharacteristically festive weather, Leesa accepts an invitation that leads to something unexpected.

I always find this Lucy’s books heartwarming, insightful and romantic, and this one is all of these, with a festive twist. There are lots of characters, and sub-plots, which add depth to the story, and provide clever insight into the emotional baggage Leesa and Cary carry around. There is a good use of the fake date trope and slow-burning passion building between the couple, who are so successful in their professional lives to the exclusion of their personal happiness.

Fate and festive magic play their part in this complex romance, which begins and ends at a magical time of year.

I received a copy of this book from Aria via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Woah, what a festive treat! For festive fans and those romance lovers.

Leesa on a long-haul flight with Cary – a workaholic, picky man who has deserted her back in economy. They are colleagues but only really start get to know each other better on this flight back from Sydney. With bad weather stalling her original plans, Leesa finds herself heading to his family for the night; both characters do not seem enthralled with having a festive filled Christmas though – will this change?

I must admit Cary seemed like a right idiot at first and it put me off. I didn’t want to like him at all…but… I guess by the end he may have won me round a fair bit, I couldn’t help it.. I got swept along with all the characters and even him! I was all for Leesa from the opening page, she seemed like my kind of girl and if it was a hallmark movie, she’d be the character everyone loves – the girl who has been through so much and is scared, the girl who has readers on side from the start.

Lots going on in this story, it kept me interested and I do love when fate seems to have a plan that ensures our main characters get what they deserve, even if they aren’t expecting (or wanting) it at all. Thought it brilliant that the timing of the book takes us on a journey, not just a quick glimpse in time. We see throughout the book there are complete misunderstandings, drama and family issues that save this being what you typically expect.

Lucy Coleman gives us emotion, heartache and sincerity – such an emotional read, that will give you a cosy warm glow.

A unique take on the fake date trope.

Wow there is a lot of story in this book, there are so many threads, characters, storylines, with more developing the whole time, that by the time I'm trying to write this review, I can't work out what was early enough in the book I dare comment on.

Cary and Leesa start as colleagues and get to know each other a bit better on a long haul flight back from Sydney and then with some bad weather, Leesa ends up going to Cary's family home for the night.

Neither of them are particularly relishing their Christmas this year, Leesa it turns out for incredibly good reason.

Even as we got to know Cary better, I still couldn't quite gel with him, I can't put my finger on it. I liked him, I just didn't fall for him at all. I loved his grandma though, Cressida was wonderful. Actually I loved all of Cary's family more than Leesa's.

There are all manner of secrets and surprises to be uncovered as you turn the pages, its certainly a book that keeps you on your toes. Plenty going on in it, but equally really easy to follow.

At times I wanted to slam Leesa and Cary's heads together, at others I wondered if we learnt a bit too much about their working lives. I really felt for Leesa at times, and the rest I wasn't as sure. I suspect that had I connected to characters a bit more, I would have enjoyed the book even more, than I did. But that is more down to personal preference than anything particularly wrong with the book.

It is a really enjoyable story, and where Christmas is involved it does feel festive, especially the finale.

Thank you to Netgalley and Aria for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Well, this is by Lucy Coleman so, if you enjoy her stories like I do, you just know it will be a delightful, heartwarming and enthralling read - and it really is! Lessa Oliver is a something of a workaholic but no where near as much as CEO Cary Anderson, who she has been working for in Australia. His pernickety attitude and perfectionism have nearly driven her and her cameraman, Jeff, to distraction. He made them work days when they should have returned home and now it is December 23rd and even on the flight home he's emailing changes he'd like making to the video they're making for him!

Blizzard conditions, road closures and both dreading being with their families for Christmas leads to a mutually beneficial contract to spend half the holidays with each other's families whilst pretending to be a couple. Can they fake the romance and keep the families from discovering the truth? What happens when the attraction between them grows and it isn't quite so fake? Is their a chance for romance this Christmas for this couple?

I enjoyed how the couple's romance slowly developed as they started to get to know each other. As they start to warm to each other, getting to know the person behind the mask and their history, it makes a lovely festive read - even if it isn't really Christmas yet! Both of them have been hurt in love but made a success of their jobs. I really liked Cary's grandparents, though for very different reasons, and their relationship has its own secrets which are an intriguing part of the story. This is a story where love helps heal emotional wounds and enables several characters for find their own "Magic Under the Mistletoe".

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read this fantastic festive read.

A fun, sweet start to the XMas reading season!

**OMG! I cannot believe that these reviews haven't been done! I am so sorry they are so late!!!**

It’s a couple of days before Christmas and Leesa Oliver is travelling home in economy from Australia, while her client, Cary Anderson is living it up in First Class. Not only does she have to put up with toddler tantrums, but she’s also having to reply and work on emails that Cary is sending her. All throughout their time working together, Cary has seemed a bit aloof and not very friendly. Planning to spend the Christmas period with her ex-in-laws, on landing Leesa finds herself in the middle of the worst snowfall in years. When Cary offers a bed for the night at his grandmother’s house, where he will be spending Christmas, Leesa has no other options but to accept. Finding his grandmother is a well-known author who is prone to putting pressure on Cary to settle down, Leesa forges an unexpected pact to be his pretend girlfriend, but finds herself seeing Cary in a different light….

What a lovely festive novel!! This is the first book I’ve read this year where I’m left with a wonderful wintery feeling running right through me!! I love Leesa’s character and at the beginning of the book really felt sorry for her being squashed into economy while her arrogant client was guzzling champagne in First Class! Leesa was also obviously carrying a lot of emotional baggage, looking at spending Christmas with her ex-husband’s parents – the first time since her divorce from a traumatic relationship. Cary initially came across as a hardened workaholic, but you could see he had a bit more of a light hearted side to him dealing with the grumpy toddler on the plane. As the story moved on though, you definitely got to see a completely different Cary and he became a lovely character.

This book is certainly full of Christmas, but it wasn’t all Christmas cheer and glad tidings. Dealing with issues such as domestic abuse, divorce and difficult family relationships, this story does touch on some taboo subjects. However, it does also add a lot of humour and uplifting parts to the story with the ‘pretend’ romance, and it certainly brought a smile to my face on more than one occasion! The additional characters all added to the charm of the story, with my particular favourite being Cary’s grandmother, Cressida, who is making it her life’s mission to see Cary settled down!

The writing is captivating and had me hooked from the very beginning. As we are heading nearer to the winter months, what could get you more in the mood than a feel-good story filled with plenty of love, emotion and lots of festive enjoyment. So grab yourself a blanket, settle down with a hot chocolate and lose yourself for a few hours in a lovely heart-warming read!

Leesa has been working non-stop on a client’s video presentation, in Australia. Flying back home to the UK in coach, her client, Cary, doesn’t seem to be able to let down or stop working, when all she wants to do is have the toddler in the middle row quieten down and just relax after all of the stress. But, nothing is quite as simple as it seems, and she’s returning to a Christmas celebration that she isn’t at all looking forward to. Her ex-in-laws have ‘cleared the decks’ for her to spend the 3 days with them – after her former mother-in-law is still grieving from the loss of her own mother. Conflicted with the memories the holiday will bring, and feeling bad for being the wedge between her ex and his family, she’s trying to find a way to ‘cut ties’ with the family without causing too much damage. But a massive snowstorm with only someone from Cary’s grandmother’s house to rescue them as the roads are closed, she’s thrown into seeing him in a new, less business-centric light, and things are intriguing.

Cary’s grandmother is putting a similar pressure on him to ‘settle down’ and the two decide to ‘pretend’ to be a couple – making a firm pact for rescue and ‘face time to lessen the pressures for a relationship for Cary and to help convince Leesa’s ex-in-laws that she’s moved on from the tragic ending of her marriage to their son. What’s most intriguing in all of this is the similarity in personality between the two, and how when Cary listens to Leesa discussing her business and struggles – the two find that they have plenty in common and can bounce ideas off of one another. But, the constant lying is getting to Leesa, and she finds herself far more involved in her feelings for Cary than he seems to be.

With family (well-meaning but interfering) several failed relationships that ended with tragedy or simply were a series of miscommunications, and Leesa’s innate ability to see to the heart of a problem, listen to what is said, and finding her own feet in her rapidly growing business, the story moves quickly with plenty of heart and laughter. There is plenty of romance as well, even as both Leesa and Cary are consistently battling their attraction and worries about ‘being enough’ for one another – but with the magic of a lovely old house and grounds, plenty of heart and family and the addition of a giant winter fete – the story is easy to follow and utterly enjoyable. You’ll want to be stranded with the two, or intrigued by Cary’s business ideas and sense – all while hoping the two find a way to work out their issues to take a chance.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-awp” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

A lovely festive tale - although it isn't too Christmassy so it didn't feel wrong reading it in September. An unlikely pairing of Casey and Leesa are thrown together first through work and then closer still by circumstance beyond their control. Found the arrangement they had at the start a little strange - would anyone really do that? But their relationship developed - to a point where I would now like another book to carry on the story.

My first Christmas novel of the year, and it's packed with this author's trademark warmth, understanding and compassion - totally fabulous!

Leesa runs her own business and, as such, goes where the work is; this is why she finds herself travelling home from 'down under' the day before Christmas Eve on the same flight as the very hard-to-please and demanding client in charge of her latest job. Landing in blizzard conditions, they are thrown together for some extra time where they discover that each of them are dreading facing family Christmases. So they come up with a pact to support each other  - two colleagues, a whole year, their careers, families and painful pasts . . .

I had no doubts I would enjoy this one when I saw who the author was; Lucy always writes such wonderful stories - realistic but magical, and this one is no different. A marvellous array of characters from across all walks of life all add up to a superb read and the Christmas sparkle is in the air! With an author in this novel, the words written about that character's books are perfect to quote how I feel about this story: 'It makes you feel that the characters are friends, not simply a figment of her imagination'. I couldn't have put it better myself - thank you Lucy! A full five stars from me, no doubt about it - and yes, I'm now definitely in the mood for the festive season - bring it on!

My thanks to publisher Aria for my copy via NetGalley and to Vicky Joss for my spot in this blog tour. All stated opinions are my own and completely honest.

My first book by Lucy Coleman I have read but will not be the last one I. A delightful and interesting book. The characters are fully developed. There are several sub plots that peaked my interest and Leesa the main character. They are all tied up with great conclusions. Page turning to learn how the relationships progress. After reading I found that Lucy Coleman is the pen name of Linn B. Halton. A great read for the a Christmas season or any other.

This isn't your typical Christmas story, in that it starts during one Christmas, takes place over a whole year, and concludes over the following Christmas.

There's certainly a lot going on in this book, and the author isn't shy about tackling the difficult issue of domestic abuse, although the nitty-gritty of it is deftly avoided, as the reader is told about it in retrospect.

The contract between the two main characters is a bit of an odd set-up but once you get your head around it and go with the flow, the story is an interesting one with a slow-burning attraction, a slower-burning love, and a satisfying conclusion.

A fun read! The cover set my expectations for the frothy holiday romance, much like a Hallmark movie, and I was so happily correct about that! Coleman masterfully sets up a realistic conundrum, builds realistic and likeable characters from the start, and takes us through an enjoyably crafted storyline to the satisfying end. Given how fun this book was, I plan to seek out and read more of Coleman's books. This was one of those perfect books for when you're just getting into the spirit of the season (like now,) and wanting a quality holiday story before we get inundated with so many thousands of cliché storylines everywhere. Grab it now. It's a delight.