Second Chance… …under the mistletoe! GP Nick Marlowe returned to his hometown to focus on raising his young son. The last person he expects to see in Bayside is high-flying Beverly Hills surgeon Belle! The childhood sweetheart he let go so she could pursue her dream of attending medical school. Only working side-by-side to reopen her late aunt’s free Christmas Eve clinic their magical … their magical connection returns… Could a mistletoe kiss spark another chance–just in time for Christmas?
“This is the third book I’ve now read by Ms. Douglass and I’ve got to say that she pens such heartfelt and wonderful stories….and I loved the path this couple took from start to finish. The way this story started drew me into the story immediately and had me reading quickly….”
— Harlequin Junkie on Finding Her Forever Family
“…Ms. Douglass has delivered an absolutely engaging and unputdownable read in this book…the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the romance was nicely-detailed and had me loving the special connection these two have….”
— Harlequin Junkie on One Night with the Army Doc
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Well-drawn characterizations and a strongly-felt sense of longing add depth and poignancy to a “Mistletoe Kiss for the Single Dad”. Author Traci Douglass has created two appealing characters who made choices at a young age which would separate the high-school sweethearts and give them careers each on other side of the country. Belle Watson left Michigan for a scholarship at UCLA which would allow her to pursue her professional dreams in medicine. Nick Marlowe had also chosen to become a physician, eventually working as a pediatric surgeon in Georgia. He would marry and become a father, but after his wife passed away, he came home to Michigan to open a new medical practice. When Belle’s Aunt Marlene passes away, Belle returns to Michigan to settle her aunt’s affairs. She and Nick are in each other’s company after nearly twenty years, and a myriad of emotions are swirling between them. However, they are both shocked to learn that Aunt Marlene divided her estate between the two of them, and her final wish was that they would work together to reopen her free clinic to the public for Christmas Eve. Despite the passing of time, different lives on opposite sides of the country, and differing personal situations, the attraction and regard between Belle and Nick is stronger than ever. There is much to resolve for both of them, but the heart knows what it wants. Will the wisdom in a kindly matchmaker’s last wish and the magic of mistletoe be just the holiday gift that will offer a second-chance at lasting love for Belle and Nick? If you enjoy holiday romances with heartfelt hopes for a happy reunion, then you will love “A Mistletoe Kiss for the Single Dad”.
Book Copy Gratis Author
Good second chance romance. Nick and Belle were childhood friends and then high school sweethearts. Belle, who orphaned young and raised by her aunt, wanted to become a doctor like her parents and aunt. Nick also planned to be a doctor. Nick was afraid that being in a relationship with him would distract Belle from her goals, so he broke up with her, breaking both of their hearts. Belle went on to become a plastic surgeon in California, while Nick became a pediatric surgeon in Atlanta.
Moving ahead eighteen years, Belle is back in town for her aunt’s funeral. She and Nick have not stayed in touch and are stunned to discover that they share an inheritance from Belle’s aunt – equal ownership in her medical clinic. Marlene’s last wish is that they run her annual Christmas Eve free clinic one more time. Nick is all for it, but Belle is resistant. She only has three days before she’s supposed to return to Beverly Hills, her patients, and her upcoming partnership. She finally agrees but doesn’t plan to spend any more time than necessary with Nick.
Belle irritated me at the beginning. I thought her big-time success had gone to her head. But as I got to know her, I realized that she was trying to protect herself from the feelings that being around Nick again stirred up. There was actually a kind, warm-hearted woman under that polished exterior. Nick was a terrific guy, but he had his own burdens. After his wife’s death, he moved back to Michigan, looking for a better place to raise his son. He’s carrying a load of guilty feelings, which are exhibited in his overprotectiveness around Connor.
I enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Nick and Belle. As they work together to prepare the clinic, they discover that the sparks between them are still there. Talking about the past helped them move forward and see each other for who they are now. Besides the time they spend together at the clinic, Belle and Nick also spend free time together, alone and with Connor. I liked seeing the changes that both Nick and Belle experienced. Belle began to realize that there was more to life than she had allowed herself to experience. Nick also accepts that he’s been lonely and wonders if he can keep his vow as a father and still have a life of his own. I ached for Belle and Nick as he panicked over an accident and pulled away. Both he and Belle have life-changing decisions to make, decisions that don’t come easily. I especially liked Belle’s self-examination and her attitude about her decision. I liked the conversation that Nick and Connor had and the effect it had on Nick. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic.
A Mistletoe Kiss for the Single Dad is a second chance romance eighteen years in the making. Belle Watson and Nick Marlowe first met when they were just kids. They went on to become high school sweethearts. Belle’s dream was to always become a doctor like her deceased parents. Nick wanted to become a doctor as well. Not wanting to dim her light or dissuade her from her dreams, Nick broke up with Belle after high school, even though he broke his heart in the process.
Fast forward eighteen years and things are very different for these two. The two have not remained friends and aren’t really on speaking terms. The death of Marlene, Belle’s aunt and only relative finds her returning to her hometown in Bayside, Michigan. The reading on Marlene’s will brings Belle and Nick together. Marlene leaves each of them cash and equal ownership in her clinic. Her last wish is that the two will reopen the free clinic one last time on Christmas Eve. Nick is all for fulfilling Marlene’s last wish, Belle isn’t so sure. Christmas Eve is nine days away and she only has three days until she has to get back to her work and patients in Beverly Hills, California. Realizing that she owes this to her aunt, she agrees but has no plans of making nice with or forgiving Nick for breaking her heart and moving on.
My first impression of Belle was not a good one. I thought she was snobby and forgot where she came from. But that couldn’t have been further from the truth. She was just trying her best to distance herself from the situation emotionally and deal with seeing Nick again. I found Nick to be an interesting hero. The years since he parted ways with Belle really affected him. He carries around the guilt of his wife dying, of her not following the dreams that she had for herself, and being a single parent to his eight-year-old son Connor.
I often find reading a book as a way to escape for a few hours. A Mistletoe Kiss for the Single Dad was just that. A nice little escape. Once I got into the story, I enjoyed the journey Traci Douglass took me on. Belle and Nick turned out to be two characters who were conflicted about their lives but didn’t want to admit so. Little Connor was the only one who knew where he wanted to go and what he wanted to happen. They were all really good together.
I wasn’t expecting Traci to bring tears to my eyes but she did. That part of the story was so unexpected, sweet, and amazing. You know how you read a book and you don’t want it to end? That’s how I felt about A Mistletoe Kiss for the Single Dad. I wish I could see Belle, Nick, and Connor tomorrow, the day after that, a year from now and so on. I would really love to just watch them carry on with their lives.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Miracles happen all the time.”
“My dad’s lonely. He doesn’t think I know, but I do.”
“Rare things were often the most prized.”
**Received a copy from the author and reviewed voluntarily.**
Loved it, I really do enjoy this author’s stuff especially when it’s medical romances.
This is a arc & all thoughts are mine not paid.
Traci Douglass is a relatively new author to me and after reading A Mistletoe Kiss for the Single Dad I’m left wondering why I haven’t read more from her because this book ticked all my boxes. This is a fun entertaining read set in the magical holiday season.
Dr Nick Marlowe has returned to his small hometown to raise his son and the last person he expected was to run into is Belle the girl he let go all those years ago so she could pursue her own medical dreams. Belle is back in town for her aunt’s funeral and after finding out she has been left the local medical practice she gets together with Nick to open a free Christmas Eve clinic, it was meant to be a one off but as they work together Nick realises he still has feelings for Belle but does she feel the same way ……
A second chance romance and a single dad set in my favourite time of the year. This is certainly a book I would recommend to all lovers of romance as it’s a fun, sweet and heartwarming entertaining read. Looking forward to reading more from this talented author.
A Mistletoe Kiss for the Single Dad by Traci Douglass. This is Nick Marlowe and Belle Watson story.
Years have gone by and Belle and Nick are forced to work together to fulfill Belle’s aunt’s wishes in her will. They were in love at one time but Nick felt he had to let Belle go so she would be able to accomplish her dreams. Now that they are spending time together the attraction and feelings for each other are still there but is it too late? A sweet and emotional read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is my first Christmas story for the year and it is a beauty, Traci Douglass has penned a story that is sure to engage her readers with characters who are easy to make friends with. A second chance at love and a small town with snow what more could a romance reader want, I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
Dr. Nick Marlowe moved back to his home town Bayside two years ago with his young son Connor after the death of his wife, he made a promise to care for Connor and this was the best place to do so, it is very close to Christmas and his high school sweetheart has arrived back in town and they are thrown together to re-open a free clinic, and the spark is still there and a kiss under the mistletoe opens up a whole lot of emotions for them both.
Belle Watson returns home after the death of her beloved aunt she has been living in California working as a plastic surgeon but when the will states that she and her ex-boyfriend Nick must re-open the clinic on Christmas Eve Belle feels her emotions bubbling to the surface, this is such a magical time of the year and she cannot fight her feelings for Nick and she is getting closer to Connor.
I loved this one, it is beautifully written with wonderful characters, getting to know Nick, Belle and Connor had me turning the pages, I do love Christmas stories and this one ticked all of the boxes for making me feel Christmassy and so very happy, this one is sigh worthy with a sensual romance and one that I highly recommend.
This is a second chance romence.
Nick is back to his hometown to focus on raising his son.
Belle is back in her hometown for a reading of her aunt will.
Nick and Belle are both surprised that acording to will, they have to work together to open her aunt free Clinic.
Enjoyed this book a lot.
If you like sweet heart warming stories then you must read this. What a beautifully written and entertaining story so full of love and empathy with loveable characters and a delightful storyline. I highly recommend this to you.
I’m not always ready for the truths that always lay beneath the lines with this authors reads, this one while not as painful as usual still hit the mark. Fear. Living a life based on guilt and fear is no way to live unfortunately this single dad got that message wrong. She had run instead of talked and now years had passed and so had life. Now they have the chance but they will have to talk about and deal with the past to do that. This author likes to make it emotional and she didn’t hesitate to pile it on thick for these two. It’s a great read that will touch your heart. Second chance and single dad will bring out all the rough edges and smooth them over and so will this read. Loved it.
This story about GP Nick Marlowe (formerly a pediatrician in Atlanta) and Belle Watson, a plastic surgeon in California, is a sweet, though at times heartbreaking story, about second chances not only in love but also in life.
Eighteen years ago they were HS sweethearts. They went their separate ways for college hoping to get back together. But fate and heartbreaks keeps them apart.
Now back in the same small town they grew up in, he is permanently there with his son, and she is there to attend the funeral and fulfill the last wishes of the aunt who raised her, things get complicated and feelings are exposed.
Will they go their separate ways at the end of the promised commitment, or will they find the happiness they deserve?
This is another well written story by this talented author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
A Mistletoe Kiss For The Single Dad I found to be sweet, romantic, emotional at times second chance romance meets Hallmark movie.
Nick and Belle were high school sweethearts until he broke up with her on Prom night after they were crowned King and Queen. They went to separate universities and became doctors. Belle a plastic surgeon in Los Angels and Nick a general practitioner moved back in the town they grew up in with his son after his wife died. Now eighteen years later she is back for her aunt’s funeral only to discover that her aunt left her half and Nick the other half of her estate. Their is only one small problem there is a stipulation to the Will they must open up the free clinic on Christmas Eve.
Can they work together or will hearts be broken again? Don’t miss this beautifully written story.
5
4 star review of A Mistletoe Kiss For The Single Dad by Traci Douglas
Traci Douglas is a relatively new author to me. This was a fun, entertaining read; a second chance at love story, well written with characters that are easy to relate too.
Dr. Nick Marlowe has returned to his hometown to raise his son. Nick is shocked to learn that his old girlfriend Belle is also in town to attend her aunt’s funeral. After all she’s the woman he let go, so she could pursue her own medical dreams.
Finding out that her aunt has left her practice to Nick and Belle, they team up to open a free Christmas Eve clinic.
As they work together, Nick realises that his feelings for Belle are just as intense as they used to be. Does Belle feel the same way? Can they learn from the past and in turn create a future together? Or are they destined to be alone forever?
A Mistletoe Kiss For The Single Dad is a romantic, sweet, heart warming story that is centred around the most magical time of the year. What’s not to enjoy?
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley.
A lovely, romantic, enjoyable read from Traci Douglass. If you enjoy Hallmark movies, this is definitely the book for you! That said, there is also good character development, the quality of writing is excellent, and the plot is pleasantly predictable in all the right ways.