“Fresh, fun and romantic.”—SARAH MORGAN, USA Today bestselling author of A Wedding in December
How the moose (almost) stole Christmas.
Lana Montgomery is everything the quirky small town of Moose Springs, Alaska can’t stand: a rich socialite with dreams of changing things for the better. But Lana’s determined to prove that she belongs…even if it means trading her stilettos for snow boots and … means trading her stilettos for snow boots and tracking one of the town’s hairiest Christmas mysteries: the Santa Moose, an antlered Grinch hell-bent on destroying every bit of holiday cheer (and tinsel) it can sink its teeth into.
And really…how hard could it be?
The last few years have been tough on Rick Harding, and it’s not getting any easier now that his dream girl’s back in town. When Lana accidentally tranquilizes him instead of the Santa Moose, it’s clear she needs help, fast…and this could be his chance to finally catch her eye. It’s an all-out Christmas war, but if they can nab that darn moose before it destroys the town, Rick and Lana might finally find a place where they both belong…together.
Readers are falling in love with The Tourist Attraction:
“Utterly charming—a delightful debut.”—LAUREN LAYNE, New York Times bestselling author of the Central Park Pact series
“An enchanting romcom debut! I loved it.” —TERI WILSON, award-winning author of The Accidental Beauty Queen
“After reading Sarah Morgenthaler’s darling debut, I wanted to hop a plane to Alaska and find my own grumpy cinnamon roll hero!”—MELONIE JOHNSON, award-winning author of Smitten by the Brit
“Prediction: Readers will stampede to Alaska looking for The Tourist Trap and their own Graham after they read the first chapter of The Tourist Attraction. Sarah Morgenthaler’s Alaska is so vivid and amusing that it really should be a real place in the world!”—SARINA BOWEN, USA Today bestselling author of the True North series
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Have you ever felt instant love for a book or a series as soon as you’ve read the first page? It’s happened a couple of times for me and recently it has been Sarah Morgenthaler’s The Tourist Attraction and of course her Moose Springs, Alaska series. It was instant love for Grumpy Graham and fearless Zoey and Ulysses the moose and of course Moose Springs and all of its quirky residents! This love continues In the second book, Mistletoe and Mr. Right which gives us ever gorgeous Lana Montgomery and silently adoring Rick Harding. These two were first introduced in the previous book with Lana featuring quite a pivotal role for the OTP and eventually for the whole town of Moose Springs. In Mistletoe and Mr. Right we get a fully fleshed out character which is as lovable and complicated as she was implied to be. Of course, Rick has always been at the sidelines but is now pushed to front and center and has turned out to be as adorable and complicated as well. The charm in this book is the way the characters interact and develop their relationship in the context of their very different backgrounds and even personalities and how they manage to navigate thru it all, hits and misses included! Ms. Morganthaler’s writing is so vivid that you just want to visit Moose Springs and become one of those less welcomed tourist of this fictional town that has become a beloved and central character as well. The dialogue is witty, funny and insightful. Lana and Rick’s chemistry is fantastic that slow burn has become the new thing! And yes, there is a renegade moose involve as well. I am so in love with this series and can’t wait for the next one.
This was another beautiful love story in this delightful series. It was the best time of the year to read and finish this book. I hope the author gives us more. I adored these characters and this town.
I adore this series. I picked it up because I live in Alaska and enjoy reading books set here. I love the small town of Moose Springs and the people who live there. In book one we had the story of Zoey, (a tourist), and Graham. In this book we have Lana, (a businesswoman who was the friend who invited Zoey), and Rick. Lana is old money rich. Her family is involved in a project to bring condos to the town. Her heart is in saving a town that she has loved since childhood and is her refuge. Graham, Rick and the rest of the town don’t necessarily see it that way. They aren’t fond of tourist, (I live in a tourist community..this is a true sentiment), but most realize they need them to survive. This is an argument I have heard time and again where I am located so the author is accurate on that. Rick runs a pool hall for the townspeople. He barely makes enough to keep it going. He is quiet, kind of shy and nursing a broken heart that is made of gold. Lana is the opposite. Outgoing, confident, business first, never had a real romance. The two of them falling in love was a difficult romance. Both were protecting their hearts and, I think, each other’s. I wasn’t certain it was really going to be more than a holiday fling for much of the book.
There is a Santa Moose situation that, honestly, I hope returns. In the first book we have a moose named Ulysses. He was taken away, (though a friend pointed me in the direction of book 2.5 which brings back Ulysses). I really hate losing the moose. The are amazing creatures. Rick has a few adorable pets, (one a hedgehog), that were a fun part of the book. There is also a laugh out loud, tears streaming, episode with a squirrel themed B&B.
I had a good time reading this. I love the characters. I am hoping that Lana’s cousin who is injured in this book, makes it through and comes to Moose Springs. I’m kind of feeling him and Ash. The next book is about Easton. That should be fun.
No book appeals to everyone. This book has a lot of mixed reviews. I would advice getting a sample if you aren’t certain. I was entertained and, as I like Lana and Rick, I was invested. I hope if you try it, you enjoy it too.
Mistletoe & Mr Right by Sarah morgenthaler. The second book in the moose springs series. Lana who bought the town of moose springs to try and save it, is a rich, strong, savvy, smart, woman. She wants to prove to the town that she cares. Rick is this amazing, strong guy, with a heart of gold. And is head over heels for Lana. These two made me laugh so hard I was wheezing with tears streaming down my face. I cried from laughter and then I cried from sadness. This book had so many feels. I absolutely loved it!!! I seriously want to live in this story. It’s so small home town picturesque and I love all the people in it!! #NetGalley
A delightful, week end read in Alaska! Laugh out loud humour in real life! I thoroughly enjoyed this second book by Sarah Morgenthaler in this Moose Spring Series!
Easy to read and great characters! The characters are people you want as your friends. I’m looking forward to more of the series. I looking forward to Easton and Ash finding the perfect match.
Do you prefer books set in the same storyline of each other, but focused on different characters, or sequels with the same main characters? Personally I prefer the first! I find it fun to stay in the same storyline, which requires less background info needed and you get to see glimpses of your favorite characters living their best lives (hopefully). I was lucky enough to read an ARC of book #1, The Tourist Attraction, so when I saw that there was not just one, but two books now available, I knew I needed to read them! Sarah Morgenthaler writes such feel good romances with fantastic side characters and the chemistry between the love interests is always *chef’s kiss*. Personally I would’ve loved more Rick and Lana time and less business talk, but the reality is, her job is a big part of Lana’s life! I really liked her in book one and I liked her even more in book two. And Rick? Swoon. They are so well matched it really was a joy to read their relationship grow!
Lana Montgomery grew up visiting Moose Springs with her family, their personal break from the demanding corporate world and the perfect lives they pretended to have. Now as an adult, Lana has been put in charge of their family businesses’ next big project: Luxury condos built into the Alakskan mountains in her beloved Moose Springs. Only issue? The townsfolk are extremely against the intrusion and are determined to make Lana’s job impossible. With most of the town refusing the even speak to her, she’s grateful she at least has a few friends, including pool hall owner, Rick Harding. Rick has had a crush on Lana for years, too shy and too embarrassed to ever make a move. As Lana and Rick get closer, their chemistry is clear and the connection leaves them asking big questions about what they want for themselves.
If you need a sweet read with easy laughs, sweet secret feelings and a HAE in Alaska, this one’s for you!
Ah Moose Springs, how I love you. Sarah Morgenthaler has done it again with Mistletoe and Mr. Right! The story of Lana and Rick was a fun one, and this was such an endearing and enjoyable read. I really liked digging more into Lana’s background and seeing where she came from, and I feel like I got to know her better as a character in this one. I would still have loved to know more, but as far as surface level information goes, it was good. I LOVED the Santa suit that was two sizes too small for Rick, and there are so many humorous moments that had me laughing. I know I can count on Morgenthaler to bring the laughter and the fun, as well as those serious moments that add depth.
Mistletoe and Mr. Right is a book that can be read as a standalone, and even though I was happy to have been introduced to the characters in the first book, it isn’t a necessity to read it first. Another thing I like about these books is that they are closed door romances, so they remind me a lot of watching a Hallmark movie. There is some kissing and a TINY bit of steam, but no descriptions and I personally love that about them. I also enjoyed all the characters being back and I hope this continues throughout the series. They have all grown on me and I love each of them for different reasons.
I again listened to the audio, and I can’t tell you how much I love the fact that Elise Arsenault has narrated both books so far. I do like when narrators change for different characters (since the first book was a different girl’s POV), but I think she does such a great job that I have no issues with them sticking with her. I was hoping for a bit more holiday spirit due to the name, but overall this was definitely an enjoyable read and I can’t wait for Enjoy the View!
Such a cute sequel! I had a feeling from the description that this one would be more up my alley than the first one, and I was right.
This one follows Lana (rich outsider) who has been trying to fit in with the locals of Moose Springs, Alaska for most of her life. She has a special place in her heart for the town and has made a few friends, including introducing her friend Zoey to a local in the previous book. She has a thing for Rick (a divorcé local who runs a pool hall), and he has a crush on her too. Lana just wants to be accepted by the locals and takes on the hunt for “Santa Moose”, a moose that is taking down Christmas lights and decorations, but that no one has ever seen in person, let alone caught. Between that and her family drama, she has a lot going on!
I loved the sequel even more than the first one, because I loved the characters, their dynamic, and the kind of tropes used. Rick doesn’t fall in with everyone else in hating tourists, especially Lana, right from the opening of the book he is kind to her. Lana seems kind of cold and cutthroat to the villagers, but she’s sweet and trying to help and more sensitive than she lets on. There wasn’t near as much punching in this one, too, which I preferred. I also loved getting to see Killian (the good Killian), as well as Rick’s nephew.
I can’t wait to pick up the third one!
Lowering my rating slightly because all night I was plagued with the loose threads left behind in this story. Obviously the main plot was resolved, but a lot of things were introduced in the last bit that weren’t completely resolved and that’s frustrating.
I love Moose Springs SO MUCH. And I love all of the tropes that these books have in them. And I also loved that we got to see a continuation of Graham and Zoey’s story, some romance series ignore the previous couples, when we all know I’m reading the sequels to see more of the original couple! I felt like the ending came to fast, though maybe that’s because the ending came at 84% in the Kindle. Which is the worst feeling.
3 1/2 stars
Mistletoe and Mr. Right is an adorable read in the lead up to the holiday season. I didn’t realize that it’s the sequel to The Tourist Attraction but I don’t think I missed out on anything by reading out of order.
Lana is a high-powered business woman with the brains to envy. Moose Springs has been her long-awaited passion project because it feels like a home to her. Too bad the locals see her as an intruder who wants to change the nature of their small town vibe. All she wants to do is help it grow and prosper and eventually make a home there. At least she has reinforcements with Zoey and her boyfriend, Graham, a local business owner. Between balancing construction needs, being on the board of her family’s multi-million dollar business empire, catching the dreaded Santa Moose that’s terrorizing the town’s Christmas decor (yes, there’s a rogue moose running amuck), she’s slowly falling in love with Rick, the laid back resident and quiet owner of the local pool hall. Lana’s plans are threatened when her family starts to question her commitment to Moose Springs, viewing it as a waste of financial resources. She has to work overtime to defend the town and the people even if they don’t return the sentiment.
This story is simply too adorable and right in keeping with that cozy small town feeling. It’s all about people with good intentions who just want to go about doing their own thing. I really liked Lana, too. She’s a smart businesswoman who handles herself well even when someone’s trying to back her into a corner. She also looks to make personal connections, something she’s felt lacking in her upbringing. She’s always had to put on a good, professional face so it’s easy to see why Moose Springs is a place where she can put that aside and just be.
As for Rick …I pictured him as Mutt from from Schitt’s Creek. He’s the guy who just wants to be under the radar, likes simple things and is a wee bit clueless about how to woo the woman he thinks is out of his league. I liked that he isn’t intimidated by Lana’s career or business smarts. He’s only doubtful because he’s a true small town guy while she’s a world traveler, so his concern is that he won’t be exciting enough for her. Seriously, Rick is so endearing and I just want him to have all the good things in life. There’s a fantastic scenario they wind up in on their first official date that is so bizarre and just out there. Yeah, bizarre is a good word for it.
It may seem like it’s far away but Christmas will be upon us soon. Reading Mistletoe and Mr. Right would be a good start to your holiday season!
*ARC generously provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Mistletoe and Mr. Right is a sweet, small town romance set in Alaska. Ever since I read The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker I’ve been looking for other novels that take place in Alaska and I’m so glad I found that in these books. There’s just something magical about the setting to me and I would love to visit the area one day!
That being said, I really enjoyed this novel. Some parts were a little too slow for me, but when I get down to the bones of the book and everything it’s about, I loved it to pieces. Rick and Lana are complete opposites with her being the prodigal daughter of a billionaire family and he being just a small town guy just trying to get by. One wouldn’t think these two would work well together but I guess the saying that “opposites attract” is true! They were perfect together!
If you’re looking for a heartwarming, sweet, and cleaner romance then this is the book you should be picking up! I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Rick was just the sweetest hero! He’s a bit shy, but that’s what makes him so endearing. I love reading about quieter men (I don’t always need an alpha!) and he was PERFECT within this role.
The setting of the book (Moose Springs, Alaska) is vividly depicted within the story. Gosh, I felt like I was there myself and all I had to do was read words! If it were a real place, I’d gladly visit! Not only that, but it’s also a small town and I LOVE small towns!
The book as a wonderful and uplifting happy ending. As a romance reader, I’ve come to expect happy endings in romance (it’s the norm of course) but sometimes I want something that FEELS different and this one did.
Lastly, the animals in this book were amazing! From the Santa Moose that ruins the towns decorations to a cat called Roger who gives the stink eye and a hedgehog who likes Christmas sweaters! I loved them so much!
Mistletoe and Mr. Right was a bit too drawn out. I don’t mind longer books but sometimes they don’t NEED to be as long as they are (like this one). I felt like some of the stuff in the middle was just a filler.
I felt like some stuff was unresolved. I wanted to hear more about Rick and Lana’s future and what happened with the moose! Perhaps the next book will have a few answers…
It wasn’t as Chrismtasy as I hoped it would be.
Mistletoe and Mr. Right is the perfect book to cozy up with! If you’re sitting by the fire with a cup of hot tea this is the perfect book to pair those with! While there were a few pieces that were problematic for me, the story as a whole is a good one and it’s certainly worth the read!
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Humorous, sweet, and romantic!
Mistletoe & Mr. Right is a lighthearted, amusing tale that takes us back to small-town Alaska and into the life of the hardworking, wealthy Lana Montgomery as she juggles a demanding family, a successful career, a town determined not to like her, and an introverted pool hall owner who’s slowly stealing her heart.
The writing is tender and playful. The characters are quirky, fun-loving, and endearing. And the plot is a delightful mix of life, love, family, friendship, introspection, attraction, community spirit, hilarious mishaps, spirited shenanigans, Christmas cheer, and a moose with a dislike for holiday decorations.
Mistletoe & Mr. Right is the second title in the Moose Springs, Alaska series, and once again Morgenthaler has written a heartwarming, engaging, satisfying tale with just the right amount of heart, hope, and humour to keep me yearning for more, especially one featuring the broody, scrumptious Easton Lockett. Bring it on!
Lana becomes a powerhouse in this story. She is going to stand up and take want she wants. She wants Rick. Talk about opposites attracting. Sparks fly. Drama grows as she tries to balance her life of money and her desire for a normal life.
Lana made this story a joy. Her determination to help the town of Moose Springs had me cheering her on. I love an underdog and with the attitude the citizens of Moose Springs towards tourist she is a huge, HUGE underdog.
She has her work cut out for her. She doesn’t just want anyone. she wants Rick, the one guy that is gun-shy after his ex left him. Drama. Drama. Drama. Loved the drama
I’m a bit sad that I simply didn’t have the time to read the first story in the Moose Springs, Alaska series before Mistletoe & Mr. Right. I have The Tourist Attraction on my Kindle, I simply didn’t manage to read it before this review was due. Life and the pandemic got in the way of so much these last few months – anyway.
So, in this case, I can say that while I missed out on some background, and knowing who were regulars within this small town story – for Lana and Rick, I didn’t need to know all of that beforehand as their story unfolded easily and full of laughter right in front of me.
Mistletoe & Mr. Right has a slow burn romance feel it for me. Lana may have returned to Moose Springs often to be with her best friend, Zoey, but her project isn’t setting very well with the townsfolk at all. She needs a way to counter what she appears to be – a wealthy woman and part of a group that wants to change the landscape of their town for the worst – into a likable woman who wants what she feels will help and enhance the town of Moose Springs… and maybe stop that silly Grinch-like moose who is stirring up so much trouble.
Both easier said than done.
Rick is a business owner in the town, he’s a quiet, shy kind of guy… and he’s been attracted to Lana for a very long time. Crushing hard would be a good way to describe Rick when it comes to Lana. He is one of the very few people in Moose Springs who sees Lana as a person beyond her family’s wealth or her pet project for the town.
I was definitely charmed by Rick and fell under his spell long before Lana actually worked as his romantic interest for me. For Rick, it was charmed and love at first sight. For Lana, I had to get to know the woman underneath the outer coverings to find her heart, so to speak, which I eventually did.
Mistletoe & Mr. Right is chock-full of laugh-out-loud moments, a few giggles at word pictures painted, a mean-spirited moose determinedly setting out to create chaos, a town full of good people who eventually found a way to like and care about Lana, and a fun couple to watch falling in love… tranquilizer darts and all. I had fun here – and that’s the entire point.
If you’re in a festive mood and looking for a story full of laughter, shenanigans, real people, and a solid story then Lana and Rick’s story, this entire series, would be a perfect holiday gift to yourself.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Another great read! I enjoyed being back in Moose Springs and being a part of Rick and Lana’s story. Seeing Graham, Zoey and Jake again….ready for Easton’s story!!!
3.5 stars.
The tone of this story is much more serious than the Tourist Trap. I imagine it was a challenge to give Lana a love interest outside of her “crowd”. But the love of all things Moose Springs wins in the end.
I absolutely loved traveling back to Moose Springs, Alaska, for this fun holiday romance. The first book in the series, The Tourist Attraction, is one of my favorite books of 2020. Lana was a side character in the first book and in the second book we get to know her better and follow along as a fun flirty relationship begins with Rick, a local sweetheart. At first, I was a little defensive of the beloved town and Rick and wasn’t sure how I felt about Lana. As I continued reading, I warmed up to Lana and realized how lonely and broken both characters were. Throughout the book I was smiling, laughing, crying, and cheering.
One thing I loved is that Graham & Zoey (from book #1) were a big part of the story and there is a special moment for them that made me very happy!
Sarah Morgenthaler knows how to write great flirting. Although Rick isn’t as bold and confident as Graham, he knows the right things to say to Lana and the sweet ways to show he cares. I enjoyed reading Lana, a strong powerful female who isn’t afraid to let Rick know that she’s interested in him.
Mistletoe & Mr. Right is a funny romcom with cute critters and hilarious adventures.
I’m looking forward to Easton’s story in book #3 and anything else Sarah Morgenthaler writes.
I enjoyed this slow-burn romantic comedy with great characters and funny moments. I mean, from the first paragraph you just start bursting into laughter because that’s a catchy introduction to a new book.
It’s a well-written novel with characters that made appearances in the previous book, it has a lot of interesting moments about life and how the family dynamics can change at any point in one’s life. I can’t say that I’ve got to love them both but I felt for Rick and Lana’s way of finding love throughout the story, overcoming their past and looking forward to a future together.
If you are looking for a good holidays romance, this is the book for you.
This trip back to Moose Springs is just what I wanted this week. It’s quirky and fun. Lana and Rick give me the perfect combinations of heart sighs and a case of the giggles.
Lana is the whole package. She’s put together. She’s business savvy. She’s a little untouchable. Everyone wants a piece of her. Except the residents of Moose Springs. They want her and her commercialism price tag to go back to the lower 48. Lana wants them to want her and agrees to take care of the Santa Moose, another local legend and problem.
Rick is gun-shy with a healthy dose of unrequited love. His mild insecurities make him loveable. He also is one of a very select few locally who appreciates Lana.
I might just like this one better than Tourist Attraction – I might need to reread both to decide for certain. Sarah’s humor threading through perfectly offsets some serious moments. And I just love all of the squirrel references. All of them!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.