This book left me feeling ‘meh.’ Evie & Dan are friends who have grown up together & make a pact to get married once they are 30 (if they are both still single). I love a sweet Christmas story but this really didn’t feel like a holiday romance. And I felt like the story just dragged on. Thanks to the publishers & NetGalley for the ARC.

Evie and Dan get married in Vegas - is it by accident given what has happened between them and what will happen next for them?

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I really enjoyed Jo's previous books so I knew I was in for treat with this one.

Evie is such a sweetie. I really liked her. Apart from Dan she has terrible taste on men. Evie goes for safe and quite frankly boring men because she thinks they won't hurt her like every man has hurt her mum.

Dan, Dr Dan. I can see why Evie fell for Dan. He might be a man full of issues but underneath that is a heart of gold. Dan is just scared of getting hurt and hurting others.

I loved all the supporting characters on this. Sasha, Evie's mum and little Autumn were my favourites.

I loved the way the book flicked between now and the past. I really liked seeing how things came to be.

This book is full of humorous moments, romantic moments and down right cringe moments. This is the perfect weekend escape!

'The Mistletoe Pact' by Jo Lovett is certainly a feel-good romantic comedy that didn't disappoint at all. My first book by this author and one I definitely enjoyed.
The story centres on Evie and Dan and we are told the story by both of their perspectives, which is always great. I love getting to know each character properly this way. These two have always been friends and the story is told from present day as well as from the past. So we see exactly how they end up as they are at the start of the book. At 22 they made a Pact that I they were single as she turned 30 they would marry each other, and that's were we start.
They go to Vegas and get married. As the story unfolds things start to get a bit more complicated and the story then takes us back and forth in time to show us exactly how they have felt about each other, in the past and also now. The problems begin as both of them are scared of exactly what would happen if they actually told the truth about their feelings.
Jo Lovett has created two character's that I liked and got invested in. I wanted to scream at them both and bang their heads together at times. I really hoped these two could get themselves together sooner rather than later. The interweaving of the stories about their other friends and family of these two brings some delicious moments with some notable characters too. We see how funny Evie and Sasha can be and we get to hear about Evie's boring boyfriends which made me chuckle too.
A great romantic comedy to settle down with as the nights go darker and the cold creeps in.
Thanks to Bookouture for my copy of the book and my place on the tour.

I was excited for this one after I read The House Swap by Jo Lovett. I love reading some Christmas stories to get me in the spirit!

This one definitely gave me hallmark vibes. But a bit more spicy. (Everything was still closed door, but it was implied lol)

But to be honest, I sort of wanted to shake BOTH the main characters the whole time! Like I didn't really see the big reason they couldn't be together. I feel like most of the book didn't need to happen. They were both OBVIOUSLY in love with the other and it sort of drove me crazy that they just thought it would be too complicated or idk were just scared.

And of course we do get of HEA, but wow they could have saved each other so much heart ache. I wasn't sure if it was because he was her best friend's brother or whatever, but jeeeeeez.

3/5

I enjoyed this book, the only thing wrong was it took ages to get where it needed to be, there seemed to be parts that weren’t needed, saying that I did read to the end without skipping any.

I liked the characters and the writing and would probably read another by this author

I really, truly wanted to enjoy this book, but it just wasn't good. The characters were unlikable, they don't communicate, and I honestly found them hard to root for. I feel like this was written with the hope that it would become a Hallmark movie, but relying on the hope of actors bringing chemistry to Dan and Evie instead of writing any at all.

I unfortunately cannot recommend this as a fun holiday rom-com.

This is a cute holiday romance. Dan and Evie have known each other for many years, Dan’s sister is Evie’s best friend. As they get older, an attraction develops between them that they never really act on, until they’re both in Las Vegas around Christmas for a wedding and get married. They wake up the next day shocked that they’re married, but neither wants to admit they have real feelings towards the other, so they get an annulment.
The book is told in pre-Vegas and post-Vegas chapters, and in both they’re trying to acknowledge their feelings towards each other. Unfortunately, I occasionally got lost in the back and forth. I liked the characters and the setting, but it took almost until the end of the book for them to get together. After.reading so many chapters of angst and the other partners for both characters, the ending was abrupt and not altogether satisfying. 3 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Mistletoe Pact' by Jo Lovett.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Jo Lovett, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 1st October 2021.

This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The House Swap' and 'The First Time We Met' which I highly recommend.


I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of One Day in December, This Time Next Year and Beth O’Leary will adore The Mistletoe Pact.' I am a huge fan of 'This Time Next Year' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Jo and if this is half as good as 'The House Swap' or 'The First Time We Met' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of 40 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in London and Cotswolds 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, UK 🇬🇧 and Las Vegas, USA 🇺🇸 . The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.


This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Evie and Dan. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

🎶 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! 🎶 What an absolutely gorgeous book to get you in the mood for the festive season. An absolutely gorgeous page turner!!!

Awww!!! Absolutely perfect!!! Another absolutely gorgeous book from the amazing Jo Lovett!!! Absolutely stunningly romcom heartwarmer!!!

This book is beautifully written and completely absorbs you in the stunning atmosphere of the Cotswolds and the lights of Vegas and really sucks you in with the vivid descriptions leaving you seeing the sights in vegas and feeling the snowflakes in the Cotswolds. The synopsis and cover suits the storyline perfectly.

The storyline is authentic and realistic as well as easy to read and heartwarming. I loved it straight away and was hooked immediately!!! A true heart warning, addictive page turner!! It was fast paced with plenty of events going on throughout and it kept me hooked from start to end, I read it in one sitting. It really made me feel like I was with Dan and zevie throughout the storyline going through all the emotions with them The storyline was filled with a range of emotions and was heartwarming, devastating and had lost and new love, relationships, family, friendship and history all going on in this beautiful book. It felt like a lovely break away from a rainy Wales!! I loved going on the Las Vegas adventure and then relaxing in the Cotswolds. It made me laugh, angry at certain people and events and filled me with a warm fuzzy feeling all at different times. I loved how the story ended!!! If you are planning to read this I would definitely recommend clearing your schedules. It is perfect to read curled up on the sofa in front of the fire with a nice hot chocolate or cup of tea. I was completely absorbed in the realistic storyline and although it was filled with love, romance and happiness there was definitely some suspense, tension but also loads of laughter in the air!! This would make an absolutely stunning movie which I would love to see come to the big screen!!!

It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.


The characters were all unique with their own realistic traits, strengths and weaknesses. It was intriguing to watch Evie and Dan's friendship and relationship grow, develop and change throughout the the storyline. It was also intriguing to see how not only Evie and Dan's relationship change throughout the book but also Dan's relationship with Max and his father and Evie's relationship with her mum and Amber. I enjoyed watching the relations between Dan and Evie change from friendship to lovers, back to friendship and much more. It wasn't just Evie and Dan that I enjoyed getting to know but also Evie's mum, Amber, cute little Katie, Max and Sasha. Each character had their own unique personalities and each left their own impressions on me. I became completely invested in Evie and Dan. All characters worked perfectly with the storyline and I would love to meet them again and hope to see this made into a series or even a movie!!!

Congratulations Jo on yet another absolutely fantastic rom com heart warmer. There's a good reason you are one of my favourite authors!!! Here's to yet another success 🥂!!!

Overall a heart warming page turner filled love, snow, comedy, friendship and everything you could want in a Christmas rom com.


Genres covered in this novel include Romance Novel, Humorous Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Holiday Fiction amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of One Day in December, This Time Next Year, Beth O’Leary, Bridget Jones, fans of Jo's previous books and just anyone who loves a good read!!


355 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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On Christmas Eve eight years ago Evie and Dan made a pact: if they weren’t married by thirty, they were going to marry each other.

But then “it” happens. They wake up on Christmas Eve, the night before Evie’s thirtieth birthday in Vegas… married. In a honeymoon suite filled with hundreds of heart-shaped pillows, they realise too late what they’ve done – just like Ross and Rachel.

I loved this book. The characters were great, the story was well written and the romance element was just right. This book had me smiling often and gave me all the feels.
The only thing that I did not love was the amount of procrastination between Evie and Dan, they worried to much on not wanting to ruin the friendship if things did not work out between them.

Great first Christmas read of the year.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

It's not my personal favorite romance story — there was just not enough communication between the MCs about one another's feelings and it frankly got insanely frustrating. The writing was also slightly too wordy for me.
One thing I personally did really like are the dual POVs to see both sides of the story.
This book didn't put me in quite the Christmas feel that I was expecting, but it was still nice as a light and quick read.

It was a good and light read and perfect for Christmas. I'm not really a fan of friends-to-lovers trope but this one is amazing and It's not just the typical friends-to-lovers that you can read anywhere.

The Mistletoe Pact was the perfect read to start getting me into the holiday spirit (in october!!) Evie and Dan have known each other since they were kids and one Christmas make a pact to get married on her 30th birthday to get married if they’re both single. The book starts after a fateful night in Vegas and flips between past and present, Dan and Evie. There were so many sweet moments, but it had a little bit of a slow start for me. I loved the comfort this book provided through its twists and turns of two people who love each other but suffer through quite a few missteps. From wedding crashing to kisses on doorsteps, The Mistletoe Pact is a perfect holiday read!

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed this book and getting to know Dan and Evie! Set within two timeframes, one in the past (2014) and leading up to the present day, we follow their story as they share a Mistletoe Pact, being each others back up if neither of them are married by the time they are 30. This is made all the more fun with Dan being Evie’s best friend’s brother.
Set in various locations including a small Cotswolds village, London and Las Vegas, this a book that made me smile throughout, laugh and also a few little surprises within. You’ll be cheering for this couple from their first kiss!
A closed door romance that alludes to more steamier scenes.
A fun and heartfelt romance.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the early copy I received. This is my honest review.

The mistletoe pact tells the story of Evie and Dan who have liked each other for years but neither has ever had the confidence to do anything about it for fear of ruining their friendship but a pact they made 8 years ago to marry on Evie's 30th birthday if they are both still single is about to come true after a wild vegas night.

I really liked the premise of the story but found myself at times incredibly frustrated with the characters who don't seem to be able to talk to each other and instead fall into relationships when really they are not interested in the people at all but are just too scared to take a chance.

All in all it was an easy enjoyable read and a great way to spend a few hours

Oh my sweetness! This is such a fun book of will-they-won't-they and I was 100% all in before the end of chapter 1! Love that we get both Evie and Dan's perspectives during each jump-back in history and in present-day!

I was really excited for this book when I read the description, but I found it tough to actually get through. Dan and Eve were characters that I just wanted to shake and scream "What are you doing?!" at multiple times. The premise was great and it could have been a fantastic story, but there was so little to actually keep me engaged, I had to take a break from it halfway through. There was almost zero conflict to actually draw me in. I also was not in love with the structure of the book. Chapters alternate between the present year and flashbacks to other holidays. Some of the transitions felt like a Family Guy episode:
"Well, I'll never drive her in my car again!"
Next chapter: Flashback to them in a car.
I wanted to be fans of these characters, but I just wasn't. I think I would have been happier if it was not so easy for them to get married in Vegas and divorced in a snap. Most of this book just missed the mark for me.

This was such a cute holiday romance and a feel good romantic comedy. Definitely will be reading around the holidays.

I was disappointed in this read. I was expecting more of a holiday feel, but there wasn't a lot going on over the holidays. And I just couldn't get with the direction this took. It had potential, but (spoiler alert) I'm not sure why it was necessary to have the characters get divorced and get so deeply involved with other people before finding their way back to each other. I just wasn't a fan of this and felt like it made the entire plot less believable. Because of the potential for so many other lives to be affected, I found myself less invested in their relationship. I don't know - it just wasn't my thing. The bones of a great book are here, but the substance wasn't.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

The Mistletoe Pact is told from Evie and Dan's perspectives over nearly a decade. Evie is Dan's sister's best friend and we meet them after they drunkenly get married in Vegas, sticking to the Mistletoe Pact they made eight years previously. The book flits between the past and the present, as we learn about the pact, their dating woes and if they eventually get their happily ever after.

I think the concept of this novel was fun and perfect for a holiday romance. I also loved that it was set between London and the Cotswolds. However, I found it difficult to keep up with the different timelines and felt there were too many underdeveloped and irrelevant storylines. I believe just focusing on Dan and Evie would have allowed their relationship to develop and made their chemistry more evident, as I personally didn't feel like they had a strong connection due to their miscommunication.

Nevertheless, if you're after a quick romance to escape into this Christmas, you may enjoy The Mistletoe Pact.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.