The Hazards of
Mistletoe
Amazon | Kobo | iTunes | Google Play
Synopsis
One snowy Christmas Eve, one mistletoe kiss, one
friendship changed forever. Don’t underestimate the power of mistletoe. It
looks innocent enough, but a single branch has the potential to change your
life. One mistletoe kiss led to the most embarrassing night of my life, but
thankfully by the next Christmas I ended up exactly where I was supposed to
be.
Excerpt:
“Ice skating and hot cocoa? What are you buttering me
up for?” I sat down on the bench and unlaced my skates. The snow was falling a
little bit heavier, but the flakes were still light and more pleasant than a
nuisance. “I’m just enjoying an evening with a beautiful woman. I do have a
romantic side you know.” “Romantic?” What was Glen playing at? I’d had a crush
on him for years, but things had stayed completely platonic. We were good
friends who saw each other once a year, and teased each other through text
messages and late night phone calls. That was it. He didn’t hear me. He was
already in line to return our skates. I waited for him to return with my boots,
and not for the first time I was glad I’d worn wool socks. It was cold during
the day, but the nights were absolutely freezing. “Here you go, my lady.” He
bent down and proceeded to put my foot into my boot. I pulled away from him.
“Knock it off. What’s gotten into you tonight?” As charming as Glen was being
something seemed off with him. I wondered if maybe I wasn’t the only one who
was upset. He proceeded to move on to my next boot. “It’s Christmas Eve. Aren’t
you Miss Holiday Spirit?” “Usually.” “Exactly.” He put on his shoes and tugged
on my hand to pull me to standing. “Let’s get those hot chocolates.” The line
at the café on the other side of the rink was nearly out the door, but I was
enjoying Glen’s company so much I didn’t mind. He insisted on buying my hot
cocoa for me, and considering he’d already paid for my skate rental, I was
starting to feel uncomfortable. Glen had all the money he could ever need, but
I wasn’t used to guys buying me anything. My dating experience wasn’t
extensive, and it involved boys who were all about going dutch. “I really don’t
mind paying.” “Yeah, but I want to pay. Stop arguing and enjoy yourself.” He
lightly bumped his shoulder into mine. “Well, thanks.” We walked around the
village sipping our hot chocolate and not saying much. After a while we took a
seat on a bench. It was underneath a tree, and the pine needles blocked some of
the falling snow. I closed my eyes and listened to the chatter of people
walking by mixed with the low hum of holiday music. “You guys need to kiss.” I
opened my eyes and saw a girl staring at us. “You’re sitting under mistletoe.
That’s the rules. You’re under mistletoe, you kiss.” I looked up. Sure enough
there was mistletoe hanging over us from the tree. It wasn’t real, it was just
the decorative stuff they used, but it had the same unmistakable appearance.
Glen put an arm around me. “I think she’s right, Savy.” I turned to glare at
him. “Don’t even start.” “Why not? Scared to kiss me?” he teased. Yes. I was
scared. Terrified. This was Glen. Kissing him wasn’t something I was prepared
to do casually while sitting on a bench in the snow with a bunch of onlookers.
Of course I couldn’t tell him that though. “Why would I be scared?” “I don’t
know. Just checking.” He got a twinkle in his eye. That twinkle should have
given me all the warning I needed, but it didn’t. I was wholly unprepared when
his lips made contact with mine. They were warm and soft, and they moved
perfectly against mine. I kissed him back, desperately wanting to know what his
mouth tasted like, and if his tongue felt half as good as his
lips.
About the
Author
Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult
author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although
raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to
New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to
her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her
husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of
coffee in her hand.
Giveaway
My favorite holiday tradition is having family and friends at my parents every year.
ReplyDeleteI am able to see and catch up with those I had not seen since the year prior.
It's great to be around those who care.