Member Reviews

Mistletoe and Mr Right is the second book in the Moose Springs, Alaska series. Lana Montgomery of the illustrious Montgomery Group doesn't have a lot of fans in the small town of Moose Springs, thanks to the condo project she hopes to break ground on in the new year. But one person warming up to her is divorcee Rick, the local pool hall owner who lives with his grouchy teenage nephew, Diego. Told from both their perspectives, the book centres on their blossoming "opposites attract" romance, with a side of Santa Moose.

Mistletoe and Mr Right is essentially a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. It's cute, easy-to-read and slightly cheesy. I also loved the motley crew of supporting characters and animals (like now I want a hedgehog). So if you're looking for a great escape to enjoy these holidays, check out Mistletoe and Mr Right.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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Its been a while since I read a romance story and this one is just so sweet. Lana is planning to build a large hotel in a small town and the people don't want this. We can hilariously tell this from the huge penis carved in the snow. Lana is rich and nothing is going to stop her from building her hotel, not even if her guests have to stare at a phallic-shaped drawing outside their window.
Then there is Rick who is well known in town, while it might not be all for good things. People like to gossip about his failed marriage and his divorce. I kept thinking, small-town small imagination (my opinion). Anyways since Rick and Lana met they have been insanely attracted to each other. But their attraction didn't really pull me in like I would have loved. Anyways he is pulled into her life and soon he has to handle more than just his divorce gossip. He is now being seen with one of the most despised women in town.
I really enjoyed the ending. While some exciting things like her falling through the ice to save a boy were commendable and exciting, the book just was a 'calm' book. Definitely good for Christmas

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This book was the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit! It was sweet and romantic! I loved the banter between the characters and just like with the tourist attraction, I loved the side characters! Highly recommend this be added to your TBR!

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Someone had drawn a giant penis in the snow.

(Opening sentence, Mistletoe and Mr. Right.)

If the kind of humor contained in the above sentence escapes or repulses you, then you’re not going to enjoy Mistletoe and Mr. Right, a forthrightly goofy story about a rich girl trying to hunt down her town’s equivalent of Bigfoot, and the long-suffering man who agrees to back her up and tries to ground her while crushing madly on her from afar.

Lana Montgomery, a rich but down-to-earth girl and a semi-infamous socialite, is planning on building luxury condominiums on some land she’s recently bought in Moose Springs, Alaska, a small town she’s adored since she was a little girl.  The locals do not approve of her plans for the land or the Montgomery Group – her family’s business, for which she works – thus the penis in the snow on the mountain above her property.  Lana actually wants to fit in, so she’s doing all she can to benefit the little town and get the townspeople to actually like her, but thus far her only friends in town are Zoey and Graham Barnett (hero and heroine of book one, The Tourist Attraction) – and the handsome Rick Harding.

Rick has been carrying a torch for bubbly Lana for years, but she’s never noticed him, and has always kept things on a friendly level between them.  It doesn’t help that he gets shy around her nuclear-bright wattage.  So he’s content to let her glow while admiring the view from afar.

That is, until Lana decides to capture The Christmas Moose.  A largely cryptological creature and a local legend, it’s known for eating the decorations all around Moose Springs, and has long menaced the local populace.  Certainly Lana will win the admiration of the town if she can finally capture it and end its rampage.

Her first attempt involves her shooting Rick in the butt with a tranquilizer dart. It soon seems sensible that he should help her – after all, that will allow them to get closer, and perhaps stop her from killing herself or others.  Will they track down their creature?  Or will the Christmas Moose rampage also ruin Lana’s chances of becoming a true Alaskan?

Mistletoe and Mr. Right strikes just the right balance between goofy charm and genuinely engaging romance.  Lana and Rick are very likable people, their romance is enjoyable, and the holiday-laden charm of Moose Springs is delightful to indulge in.

There’s a lot of cutesy silliness to be indulged in here – there’s recreational taxidermy, cryptids, company Christmas parties gone awry, and – yep – giant snow penises.  But there’s nothing mean or too horrifying about the humor on display here.

The reason I haven’t awarded a higher grade is because the chemistry between Lana and Rick is pleasant, but not captivating.  I wanted more spice between them, but as-is they were sweetly pleasant together.  Two lonely people brought together by the spirit of hunting for mildly unpleasant creatures – you can’t get better than that.

Zoey and Graham play a major role in the novel, and the glimpses we get of them are pretty satisfying.  Morgnthaler’s Alaska, too, feels like a must-see place, with its charming small towns, big green pine trees and glittering white snow.  Its denizens are several steps to the right of those in Northern Exposure’s Cecily, Alaska, and will likely bring some smiles to those of you who’re both yearning for the holiday season and a warmer, funnier place.

The book’s humor is broad – sometimes incredibly kooky – but in the end it’s worth reading through to that last corny joke.  Mistletoe and Mr. Right is as warm as a bonfire, a sweet delight that will open any reader’s holiday season with brightness.

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Morgenthaler has created one of my favorite small towns. Her characters are memorable and she takes rom-com to new levels. She’s earned a spot on my auto-buy list.

4.5 Stars

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This book was so cute and I absolutely loved it. The book revolves around Lana, who is a giant business owner who is building condos in a small city in Alaska to boost the tourism industry in the town. Her family company also owns a bunch of other businesses and buildings in the town, and many people oppose her expansion of the tourism industry. But Lana is a strong character who does not take a lot of crap from people, which I really appreciated about her.
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There is also Rick, who is in love with Lana but is a bit guarded because of his failed marriage. He wants to be with Lana but is afraid that with her travels they couldn't actually have a lasting relationship. Both characters have to reflect and decide what they want in life, and if work is more important than relationships.
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The moose in the book was absolutely ridiculous but it added some humour to the bok. I also loved the setting of the book and the descriptions of Alaska made me want to travel there! Overall a really cute book.

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I enjoyed the first book in the Moose Springs series, the Tourist Attraction, and was really looking forward to its follow-up, Mistletoe and Mr. Right. I'm afraid this one didn't work as well for me as The Tourist Attraction did.

We're back in Moose Springs, Alaska, this time focused on high-powered businesswoman Lana Montgomery. She finds herself distracted by local nice guy Rick. I think part of what hampered my enjoyment is that, despite the book's length, neither of the characters felt fleshed out. I'm not sure I could put my finger on either of their personalities.

Still, I was liking the story enough to continue. I loved the author's subtle "green" comments like mentioning a reusable shopping bag. I appreciated the further glimpse at the town and those who live in it.

But the last third or so really lost me. Certain events transpired that just felt wholly unnecessary, and the climax featured likely my least favorite romance plot device.

I'm disappointed, but hoping the next in the series is a better hit with me. And, given that I personally don't like that plot device in general, Mistletoe and Mr. Right might work better for others. (I believe only kissing is described on the page, so this might be a good option for those who prefer closed door romance.)

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 Stars
So I requested this before I had read the first one, and after reading both, I don't think this series is for me. I loved the picturesque Moose Springs but Lana came off as having a superiority complex (every time she called someone "dearest") and just plain entitled. I think the only saving grace for me with her character was seeing her with Rick. I felt as if Lana's heart was in the right place throughout the book and there were times where I found her to be endearing but overall for the most part I did not like her character at all.

Rick, so as someone who has been reading more adult romances Rick's character felt very teenage boy, it may have been the way he talked, or just his emotional immaturity, I don't know, but I really wanted to love him, and unfortunately, I did not. Also, Lana was basically throwing herself at him and he didn't get the hint which was kind of comical but at the same time I wanted to pretty much yell at Rick being like 'SHE LIKES YOU DUDE.'

The relationship aspect, as I said before I did find both of them endearing but for a lot of it, I was annoyed at them for acknowledging they liked each other and then being insecure about if they did actually like each other and questioning the others' feelings. I want the character's in my romances' to be solid by at least halfway through the book, and Lana and Rick's relationship felt very awkward and stunted because of their own insecurities for most of it. What made me actually like this book was the wit and humor and the vivid imagery of Moose Springs, I, unfortunately, did not like the character's just as I didn't in The Tourist Attraction so I will not be reading any more of these books, which makes me sad because I did truly enjoy Sarah Morgenthaler's writing in both the Moose Springs books.

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Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Mistletoe And Mr. Right
Moose Springs, Alaska #2
By: Sarah Morgenthaler


REVIEW ☆☆☆☆

From The Tourist Attraction to Mistletoe And Mr. Right, Sarah Morgenthaler transports her readers back to Moose Springs, Alaska. Lana and Rick take center stage this time, but you can expect cameos and side stories of your favorite characters.

Lana has my sympathy. As a socialite, she is obviously viewed as snobbish and self centered, especially by the residents of Moose Springs, who want no part in her development to save the town. Despite doing her level best in earnest, Lana is a rich outsider. It will take a miracle for Lana to convince these people that her intentions are good.

Rick owns a pool hall, and the poor guy has been seriously burned by love. He sees Lana, sassy and beautiful, and Rick knows she is out of his league. But, tis the season when the universe throws you for a loop, and anything can happen. Lana and Rick might have potential, or they might not. I'm not going to tell you!

Mistletoe and Mr. Right is a delightful holiday treat, just a bit early. I'm a fan of romcoms and chicklit because of their lighthearted and quirky hijinks. Reading heavy material all the time isn't good for anyone. If you need a laugh, all the feels or charming everything, Mistletoe And Mr. Right is the perfect choice. Enjoy with cocoa or coffee and a warm blanket!
And, on a side note, Northern Exposure, anyone?

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Everything just felt a little shallow, characters didn't get a lot of backstory, setting didn't evoke a lot of magic, the weird conflict with tracking down a moose...just didn't work for me. So many references to Lana's career but didn't seem like we got much of that side of her. Chemistry was mediocre, apparently I even missed that the characters hooked up and I had to backtrack but still didn't get the reference. Not the Christmas romance I was hoping for.

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This is the first time I have read a book by Sarah Morgenthaler and it will not be the last. I laughed off and on throughout the book and the first line of the book was certainly an attention getter. I want to say thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and here is my honest review.

The book was fun and exciting. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline was good. Lana's family used to come to Moose Springs when she was younger. Now she is working for the Montgomery Group which her family owns and she is trying to help the town by buying their buildings. What she wasn't counting on was a crazy moose destroying Christmas decorations, falling in love with a business owner who doesn't like tourists, and she is trying to bring more to town, and her family's idea of what should be done with the town.

It was a fun read and I think you will enjoy it as well.

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rating: 2.5/5 (rounding up to 3)

Oooh, this book just missed the mark for me. I was feeling excited, after just having finished The Tourist Attraction, to get back to Moose Springs and all the characters that call it home. But unfortunately, this one did not work for me.

I feel like there was a lack of chemistry between Rick and Lana - I needed more spark. And it just felt like so much was going on, but I never really got an emotional attachment to either of the two MCs to really care all that much about what happened to them. I think even within a closed door romance it's possible to show the growth of two characters to one another, and and actually SEE them fall in love, I felt like as a reader, I was just told they were falling in love. Too many tropes, not enough connection.

However, I will still definitely read more about Moose Springs, if this series continues on. I'm a sucker for small town romances! Hoping for more in the next installment.

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I loved jumping back into this world and the romance here was entirely sweet and swoony. Perfect fast read that brought a smile to my face.

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Sarah Morgenthaler, I don't know how you did it, but I loved Mistletoe and Mr. Right even more than The Tourist Trap.

Lana was more than I expected in many ways. She was kinder, lonelier, more thoughtful, and more complicated than my first impressions of her in The Tourist Trap. I love her friendship with Zoe and how she genuinely cared for Moose Springs and it's residents.

Rick was so sweet and his awkwardness and nerves about dating and Lana were adorable and relatable. I liked that he took the time to really get to know Lana vs assuming the worst like the rest of town.

There's plenty of humor and romance here, but also a lot of heart and characters you will love. I can't wait to read the next book!

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Moose Springs, Alaska has small town charm but with the new resort being built it’s residents aren’t too happy with socialite Lana Montgomery. Lana has been coming to Moose Springs since she was a child and those memories are some of her warmest. Bringing tourism into the town will help it survive and Lana is determined that it would. As the owner of a new condo being developed up the mountain, she’s not looked on too fondly by anyones except bar owner, Rick Harding. His ho-hum life has been turned upside down by this stiletto wearing, Santa Moose stalking, dynamo. He’s see’s right through her business persona to the soft hearted woman beneath and he’s lost at first site.

I love Moose Springs, Alaska! I am a huge fan of the first novel and Zoey and Graham’s story and loved to see these characters evolve. Lana was a fun side character but how was she as the main character in her own story? I actually liked her a lot! I could totally see why Rick fell for her. Her tough exterior surrounded a warm gooey inside. I do wish the author hadn’t given her this one annoying to saying throughout the book. I found it out of character and annoying. Despite that one word, these were two characters that were completely likable and it was a cute romance novel. I will admit it’s always weird to be reading a Christmas themed book in October, but that’s marketing for you!

The best part of this book was the return of all of the town’s characters and having their stories evolve. Graham and Zooey get a small story arc and Ash and Easton’s sarcasm continues to reign. This is a quirky small town that deserves its own show or movie. Hey, if Robyn Carr can do it with Virgin River, my vote goes to Moose Springs getting their own show too! You can only hope! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest.

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Mistletoe and Mr. Right is the second book in Sarah's series based in a small town in Alaska. For book two, we pick up with Lana, the uber wealthy businesswoman who's also best friends with the heroine from book one. Lana is back in Moose Springs, working super hard on a mostly secret deal. A deal that involves her buying up most of the commercial property in the town in an effort to get approval to build luxury condos. One of those properties just happens to be the pool hall, owned by Rick, who made a couple of quick appearances in book one. Lana is only planning on being in town for a couple of weeks, to get the project off the ground, but after facing some serious opposition from the people of the town, she finds she has her work cut out for her. Rick is one of the few locals willing to give her a chance, mostly because he's got the serious hots for her. But Rick has already been through one divorce and he isn't looking for anything fleeting, while Lana knows she isn't going to be in Moose Springs permanently and doesn't want to settle down. Some traumatic events happen along the way, but of course, Lana and Rick find a way to make it work.

Alright, so first and foremost, I literally read this book in a day. I find Sarah's voice very easy to read, and for the most part, I really like her humor. Rick and Lana are good together, and I liked getting to spend more time in Moose Springs. I don't think I would have noticed if I hadn't read the two books back to back, but both have a similar plot line, with the out of town girl who doesn't plan on staying falling for the local guy. I think if you enjoyed Tourist Attraction, you'll probably really like Mistletoe and Mr. Right. My one biggish issue with the book is the alphaness of Rick. This was also a common theme in Tourist Attraction, and it's just not my favorite. Rick doesn't get as violent as the hero from the first book did, but the urge is still there, along with a possessiveness that felt a little ick to me.

But in general, this was an enjoyable read, especially as we approach the holidays (how is that even possible?). If you're looking for a sweet, easy holiday romance, this would be a good one to try.

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Lana Montgomery loves Moose Springs, Alaska, unfortunately Moose Springs doesn't love her. She's a rich socialite who only wants to make things better but she is determined to change their minds. So she decides to volunteer to track the Santa Moose who destroys holiday cheer. Rick Harding has had a hard few years but Lana is his dream girl and she doesn't make it any easier. Rick knows Lana will have trouble catching the Moose so he volunteers to help her out hoping they can catch it together. And maybe together they can find where they belong.

The Moose Springs series has earned its way to the top spot for me on Romantic Comedies, previously held by The Unhoneymooners. Mistletoe & Mr. Right is a very sweet romance book with some fun humor, a perfect follow up to The Tourist Attraction. I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers but these sweet romance books are giving them a run for their money! They are wonderful! Lana and Rick have great stories with a great cast of side characters. There stories fit together perfectly!

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As the second book in the series, I think this book isn't as charming as the first one. However, I love Moose Springs and Zoey, so it was fun to revisit. As opposed to her powerful and intimidating personality in the tourist attraction, Lana was a bit vulnerable on this one. She didn't go all weak and all, but I was introduced to a side of her I didn't even realize she has within her. I love the romance between Lana and Rick, it wasn't like cute and sweet, but it is delightful. I laugh, cried, and have many aww moments. And the whole Alaska escape is incredible! Definitely an adorable rom-com.

Thank you so much Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for my arc.

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Ok can Moose Springs be a real place and can I move there and live there and love there?!

I fell in love with The Tourist Attraction within the first few pages and though it took me a little longer with Mistletoe and Mr. Right, I fell just as hard! Thank goodness I had fluffy snow to land in this time! Book 1 through me for a loop taking place in July in Alaska but book 2 was the perfect cozy winter in Alaska read I was expecting it to be — complete with a diabolical moose, a horror house, and a NSFW snow carving! Oh and not to mention a badass soft boss babe and a sweet swoony guy in a Santa suit! I hope I’ve dangled that carrot enough to tempt you because, trust me, you just need to read it!

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I fell in love with Moose Springs very early on in The Tourist Attraction. I could not wait to continue to read about this picturesque Alaskan town and all of its quirky inhabitants in book 2, Mistletoe & Mr. Right.

This time around, we follow Lana- the one who started it all. Lana is the heir to a billion dollar company and she started coming to Moose Springs to vacation as a child. Something about the town and it’s people has drawn her back year after year- even after her family stopped coming. In the last book, we learn that Lana has basically bought the town and plans to build million dollar condos in an effort to lure more permanent wealthy tourists. As you can probably guess- the town isn’t very happy about this. Known for guarding their privacy and their hatred for most tourists-the folks in Moose Springs are not Lanas biggest fans. She has her work cut out for her in building these condos and convincing everyone that she’s doing it for good reasons.

Enter Rick Harding- local pool hall owner and divorcee. He is best friends with Graham (owner- The Tourist Trap and boyfriend of Zoey, Lanas bff). These two strike up an easy friendship that develops into more. I really enjoyed watching them grow together and develop feelings. While Lana has a tough, no bullshit exterior, she genuinely cares about the people of Moose Springs. In fact, it’s probably the place that has felt the most like home to her. Rick is the sweetest man, who hasn’t dated since his divorce and he slowly breaks down her walls.

Full of hilarious moose hijinks, weird taxidermy B&B dates, and one (not) well aimed tranquilizer dart- this was the perfect snowy romance.

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