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Bar V5 Dude Ranch #2

Mistletoe Magic

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Spending a quiet Christmas housesitting and reading novels about hot cowboys sounds perfect to Caitlin. Until a stray kitten brings her face-to-face with Noah, her crush from college. Watching the handsome vet in action melts Caitlin's heart and brings back long forgotten emotion. She would be safer back at the house lost in the pages of a book. But a toe-curling mistletoe kiss tempts her to stay. Maybe she won't be spending this Christmas… alone.

Veterinarian Noah Sullivan isn't a Scrooge, but the Christmas Eve tradition of hanging mistletoe in the clinic's waiting room annoys him. Kissing doesn't belong at the Copper Mountain Animal Hospital. Noah rethinks his position when Caitlin Butler arrives with a stray kitten she found freezing in the snow. All he wants now is to maneuver the pretty preschool teacher under the mistletoe. If he's not careful, he'll wind up on Santa's naughty list.

Mistletoe Magic is a short story companion to the Copper Mountain Christmas series.

41 pages, ebook

First published November 21, 2013

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About the author

Melissa McClone

269 books2,426 followers
I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, two daughters, son, dog and too many cats! I write "sweeter" contemporary romance novels for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
2,685 reviews25.1k followers
December 10, 2013
This has got to be one of the sweetest little books I have ever read. And just look at the cover. How can you resist?!

"Life takes you to unexpected places. Love brings you home."

Seven years ago Caitlin was a freshman in college and had fallen in love with a senior, Noah. But Noah had his sights set on Vet school and thought he was doing the right thing in ending the relationship before he moved away. He didn't think a long distance relationship would work. But he never forgot Caitlin and always regretted his decision. Now Caitlin is a preschool teacher in the small town she lives in and he is the new vet in town, not realizing she is there, until she rushes in on Christmas Eve with a tiny kitten she found almost frozen to death.

"Caitlin." His arm reached forward, as if touching her would assure him this-she-was real. That of all the vet clinics in Montana, she'd walked into this one. "I can't believe it."

Noah thought hanging mistletoe in the vet's clinic was inappropriate until Caitlin walked in. But maybe that mistletoe will turn out to be the best thing ever if it will convince Caitlin to kiss him, and maybe to give him another chance.

"Santa already delivered my presents. You and Mistletoe-and maybe a second chance."

If you're not in the Christmas spirit, you will most definitely be after you read this. It is a very short story but left me with a warm heart. I hope it does the same for you! Happy Holidays.

Profile Image for Sophia Triad.
2,240 reviews3,652 followers
December 22, 2016
Mistletoe is a cute, fluffy, stray kitten who was almost frozen to death.

Caitlin finds the kitten and takes her to the new vet in town.
You can imagine her surprise, when she finds out that the new vet is actually her first love, Noah.
They broke up seven years ago, when they could not keep a long distance relationship. Noah's fault!

This Christmas Eve, neither of them will be alone.

A book about second chances, convenient coincidences and Christmas magic.

This book is part of a series, but I had no problem reading it as a standalone.

(I got the book for free from instaFreebie.com)
Profile Image for Crystal~BIG book addict~.
279 reviews215 followers
February 4, 2015



I was in the mood for a little holiday read.





Caitlin and Noah had dated in college, he was a senior and she was a freshman. He breaks it off with her just before graduation to go to veterinary school and he didn't think a long distance relationship would work out. He always regretted never giving it a shot with her. She was the only woman he could ever see himself being with long term.

Fate played them a good hand when Caitlin shows up at his veterinary clinic with an almost frozen stray kitten that she found in the snow. She is shocked to see him again but she still has feelings for him even if he did leave her once. Things spark between them when they kiss under the mistletoe and create a little Christmas magic.





This was a sweet story, a little corny, but still good nonetheless :O)
Profile Image for ♥Rachel♥.
2,065 reviews891 followers
December 14, 2013

Mistletoe, kisses and second chance romance. *sigh* Such a sweet little story!

"I'm not a kid, but I wish it were already morning."
He laughed. "Me too, but Santa already delivered my presents."
"What?"
Tenderness filled Noah's eyes, a look she could get used to seeing. "You and Mistletoe--and maybe a second chance."


It's free on Amazon!
Profile Image for Megan.
333 reviews43 followers
January 1, 2021
This is a cute and fluffy (literally and figuratively) m/w second-chance Christmas romance. Being a novella, it’s quite short, but there’s enough backstory and character development that the shortness works.

While house sitting for her best friends, preschool teacher Caitlin finds a dangerously cold lost kitten. Bringing the kitten in for emergency care, she discovers the new vet is her old college sweetheart, Noah.

Noah has always regretted breaking up with Caitlin out of fear a long distance relationship wouldn’t work, so he’s happy to meet her again at his new job. Caitlin names the kitten Mistletoe and they have some heart to hearts while he treats the kitten, which leads to a mistletoe kiss or two and the definite expectation of a future relationship.

It’s a short, feel-good romance.

CW: past break up, youthful stupidity, injured and lost animals, veterinary stuff. Kissing. Silly Christmas decorations and pet outfits.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sue .
730 reviews36 followers
November 25, 2013

In Mistletoe Magic by Melissa McClone, the last person Caitlin expects to ever see again is just who she does see when she rescues a hypothermic kitten and rushes her to the vet. The vet is no other than her college sweetheart Noah...the man she gave her heart to and who devastated her when he decided that he couldn't have a relationship with Caitlin and focus on his career...so it would be best for Caitlin if they broke things off.

Caitlin eventually go over Noah...or so she thought until all the old feelings come rushing back and she finds herself standing under the mistletoe with him. Both Caitlin and Noah are alone for the holidays...and so is a cute little kitten now named Mistletoe. Caitlin and Noah are both different but in some ways the same as they were years ago...and they both still have feelings for the other. Can Caitlin trust what she's feeling? Can Noah convince Caitlin to give him another chance?

Will the magic of Christmas and love bring them together again at last?

Mistletoe Magic is a fun, fast paced, sweet novella that is a perfect read when you want to feel good! Melissa gives us just enough background on Caitlin and Noah to understand them, love them, and hope they both believe in second chances. I could feel the magic in Mistletoe Magic between the vivid descriptions of decorations, the snow, the mistletoe and the animals! I loved the animal element in Mistletoe Magic as much as I loved Noah and Caitlin! As soon as I saw the cover of Mistletoe Magic I knew I had to read it!

I'd recommend Mistletoe Magic to any romance reader looking for a fast paced novella to put you in the Christmas spirit! Although Mistletoe Magic is part of the Cooper Mountain Christmas series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Jen.
750 reviews137 followers
August 27, 2016
So cute and just in time for the holidays, Freebie on Amazon.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books375 followers
July 8, 2022
Caitlin plans to spend her Christmas housesitting and curled up on her friends' couch reading cowboy romance and watching a movie with her favorite crush. But, rescuing a kitten nearly dead in the snow takes her to the vet who was her brief college romance. Dare she give that hanging branch of mistletoe a new chance?

Noah is starting out in a small town vet practice and has been focused on first his vet training and then the start of his career to the exclusion of everything else. He regrets ending a promising relationship back in college thinking he couldn't balance love and school. But, in walks Caitlin with a kitten and Noah isn't shy about his apology to her or his regrets. Will she give him that kiss under the mistletoe?

The cuteness was off the charts. Mistletoe the kitty, that is. Okay, the sweet second chance holiday romance wasn't far behind. Mistletoe Magic is a quick holiday short story standalone tucked in both the Bar V5 Dude Ranch series. and Copper Mountain Christmas series. I had no trouble reading it out of order and enjoyed my first chance with a new to me author. I'll be going back for more and I definitely recommend this one for holiday romance fans who want something quick and sweet.
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,794 reviews600 followers
December 10, 2013
Was it fate? A reward for an act of kindness? Or the magic of the Holiday Season that brought two former college sweethearts back together on Christmas Eve? Mistletoe Magic by Melissa McClone is just sweetly warm enough to melt even the cold heart of the Grinch! Two people, destined to spend another Christmas alone are reunited, all because of a lost little kitten named Mistletoe.

Do you like Holiday Romance novellas? Do you like warm and fuzzy little kittens who need a home and love? If those aren't enough reasons to grab your heart, the kiss under the Mistletoe might and the kiss OVER Mistletoe will get you for sure!! Cute, warm and fuzzy, both the story and the kitten! I admit it, I'm a sucker for a good Holiday Romance!

Publication Date: November 21, 2013
Publisher: Tule Publishing Group
Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Number of Pages: 41
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Profile Image for Marlene.
224 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2013
Caitlin was excited about spending her Christmas housesitting for the Patterson Family. Their house was so cozy and felt like “home” … unlike her above-the-garage apartment that she rents on the wrong side of the tracks. Although she doesn’t have anyone to spend the holidays with, she’s excited to be able to relax and enjoy some time off. But when she finds a kitten laying in the snow, she doesn’t realize how much it will change her life. Concerned about its health, she brings it to the local vet. But, to her surprise, her ex-boyfriend and the man who broke her heart, is the veterinarian there. Although it’s been seven years since they’d last seen each other, old feelings start resurfacing for both of them. Believing in the magic of Christmas, Caitlin wonders if all of this could be fate.

Realizing that neither of them have plans for Christmas or family in town, they decide to spend Christmas day together. Can this be the second chance that they both had hoped for? Santa may not have brought gifts to put under the tree, but having the opportunity to reconnect may prove to be the best present yet!

Mistletoe Magic is such a fun, romantic book. There’s nothing like the magic of Christmas, a cute kitten and the potential for a rekindled romance to put you in the holiday spirit. Grab a mug of hot cocoa, a warm blanket and cuddle up with this amazing story! This book is a must read for the holidays!
Profile Image for Jo-Anne.
1,695 reviews34 followers
December 27, 2017
Caitlin is a very kind, caring woman. While house-sitting for friends at Christmastime, she finds a kitten in the snow. It's in bad shape so she takes it to the veterinary clinic. What a surprise when she sees the Vet is her love from college, Noah. After breaking up with her when he graduated so that he could focus fully on his studies and career, they never thought they would see each other again. Now that he is older, Noah realizes what a fool he was to let her go back then. But all may not be lost. Being encouraged by one of the staff to take advantage of the mistletoe in the clinic waiting room, makes them aware of the attraction that they still have for each other.

While Noah was caring for the kitten, he kept Caitlin posted on its progress. He did this for two reasons. Keeping the client's owner informed was professional and, also, he wanted an excuse to talk to Caitlin. She appreciated the updates. But she found that seeing Noah with the sick kitten made him even more attractive to her.

This is written in dual POVs, letting us get to know Caitlin and Noah and a bit of their history. A lot was packed into this short story but it never felt rushed.

If you are looking for a nice, quick Christmas romance, you should read Mistletoe Magic.
Profile Image for Brenda.
4,571 reviews2,878 followers
December 21, 2013
As Caitlin Butler readied herself for her week of relaxing, reading and enjoying the housesitting she was doing for her best friend and her family, she relished the thought of not being in her cramped apartment above the garage with her grumpy landlord for a whole week. Caitlin was a pre-school teacher and her apartment was within easy walking distance to the school, but she’d lived in better accommodation. With the holidays upon them, and Christmas Day the next day, she was all set.

That was until she discovered a kitten in the snow just outside the house, almost dead from the cold. Rushing to the vet clinic with the kitten she christened “Mistletoe”, wrapped snuggly in a warm blanket, Caitlin got the shock of her life when confronted by the new vet – it was Noah, her boyfriend from college who had broken her heart – and oh, hadn’t he grown into a handsome devil! All the memories from those years ago swung into action as if they’d been together just yesterday!

What a wonderfully, sweet Christmas novella. A very quick read, it was completely delightful and I’m happy to recommend it to those who enjoy a sweet (but not sappy) romance:)
Profile Image for Janine.
1,002 reviews25 followers
November 24, 2013
This was a very sweet and short Christmas story.

Caitlin Butler is staying at her friend's house while her and her family are out of town for Christmas. She is bringing in the trash can when she sees a tiny lifeless kitten laying in the snow. She quickly brings the kitten to Copper Mountain Animal Hospital trying to save it's life. Little does Caitlin know, the new vet in town is none other then her first love, Noah Sullivan, who broke her heart when he broke up with her seven years ago. He had decided to pursue his dreams of going to college and becoming a veterinarian in a big city. But, what is he doing in Marietta, Montana, her home town? Can one tiny kitten, who has been given the name Mistletoe, brings them back together?
Profile Image for Melinda Garza.
55 reviews3 followers
November 27, 2013
Mistletoe Magic is the cutest holiday read. Caitlin, the Patterson housesitter, was more than excited to housesit so she could enjoy the "homey" feel of their home at Christmastime. She then finds a hurt kitten and takes it to the local Vet to try to save its life when she realizes the Vet is an old colege flame. This college boyfriend once broke her heart. As soon as they both realized who the other was, the feelings they both had started to ignite.
When a coworker points out they are standing under a mistletoe, they kiss and both begin to believe in the magic of Christmas. They decide to spend Christmas together as neither has anyone to spend it with. Could this be their 2nd chance of love?
This is a fun and romantic book and gives readers a feeling of warmth.
Profile Image for Branwen Sedai *of the Brown Ajah*.
1,031 reviews183 followers
December 9, 2013
Despite being a little lonely, Caitlin has happily resigned herself to spending Christmas alone while housesitting for her friends. But when she finds a tiny stray kitten out in the cold, she rushes it to the nearest vet clinic and comes face to face with her first love who broke her heart-veterinarian Noah Sullivan.

This was a very short, sweet tale to brighten up your Christmas! It was super adorable and absolutely the perfect read for the holiday season! :)
November 24, 2013
What A wonderful sweet and short Christmas read! If your an Animal lover you will love this story! It's such a cute story about Caitlin who is house sitting for some friends on Christmas when she finds a kitten frozen outside and rushes it to the vet. When she gets there she finds out the vet is an old flame that still burns pretty hot!
Profile Image for Bethany.
498 reviews84 followers
December 8, 2013
Sigh....Mistletoe Magic was a sweet and cute holiday story. I think Catlin had about the best Christmas! She found a baby kitty and reconnected with an old boyfriend. Win, win!! Thanks Rachel for recommending Mistletoe Magic. It was a sweet story.
Profile Image for Nancy Kelley.
Author 11 books110 followers
December 6, 2013
I'm an easy sell when it comes to Christmas themed romance. Add a cat to the mix, and it's pretty much an autobuy.

However, a romance short story is hard to pull off without resorting to the dreaded insta-love. McClone avoids that trap handily by giving Caitlin and Noah backstory. They dated in college and then broke up; this Christmas Eve is the first time they've seen each other in seven years.

This story had everything a nice Christmas short story should have: holiday music, cookies, Christmas trees, mistletoe, and a sweet romance that leaves you with the idea that things will work out just fine for the hero and heroine. Plus, a cute kitten!

Side note: I actually discovered Melissa McClone through the work she does fostering cats. Since then, I've watched via Twitter as she's loved all the animals in her house, whether they belong to the family long term or on a foster basis. You can see that same love of animals in this story.
Profile Image for Maria.
205 reviews52 followers
September 2, 2016
When Caitlin Butler rescues a stray kitten from the cold winter of Montana, she does not imagine that the handsome vet is her first love, Noah Sullivan, who dumped her seven years before! Will she be able to resist him? Will the magic of Christmas bring them back together? Perhaps they just need to be under a mistletoe!

This is a very delightful short story, perfect for Christmas. There is snow, Christmas decorations, holiday music and mistletoe, of course! The author created a special atmosphere that warmed my heart and made me smile all the time. This story is a combination of romance, hope, friendship and miracles that I really enjoyed.

If you are looking for a nice, good Christmas book this one is for you!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for January.
2,039 reviews94 followers
December 23, 2023
Mistletoe Magic by Melissa McClone
Bar V5 Ranch/Bar V5 Dude Ranch #2
Copper Mountain Christmas #3
1h 5m narrated by Loretta Rawlins, 41 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday > Christmas; Western Romance

Featuring: Montana, Kitten, Veterinarian, Preschool Teacher, Second Chance Trope

Rating as a movie: PG-13

Songs for the soundtrack: "Deck The Halls/Silent Night" by Whitney Houston, "Miss You Most (at Christmas Time)" by Mariah Carey, "Wrapped in Red" by Kelly Clarkson

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🧑‍⚕️🐈🎄

My thoughts: I wish it was longer. It was good but it felt rushed and a bit incomplete.

Recommend to others: Yes. Nice quick story.

Bar V5 Ranch
1. Home For Christmas (2013)
2. Mistletoe Magic (2013)
3. Kiss Me, Cowboy (2014)
4. Mistletoe Wedding (2014)
5. A Christmas Homecoming (2015)

Copper Mountain Christmas
1. A Cowboy For Christmas - Katherine Garbera
2. Home For Christmas - Melissa McClone
3. Mistletoe Magic - Melissa McClone
4. Christmas at Copper Mountain - Jane Porter
Profile Image for Denise Stout.
Author 5 books42 followers
November 25, 2013
Caitlin's spending Christmas vacation housesitting for friends with only books to keep her company until she finds a kitten in the snow. Noah's a veterinarian working the holiday and thinking mistletoe is not an appropriate decoration in the office.

In walks a woman asking for help, the voice sounds familiar--it couldn't be--a voice from the past. Caitlin and Noah come face-to-face after years apart. Fate steps in to help these former loves find happiness with help from an infirmed cat. As the night goes on, and they catch up on the years, one kiss under the mistletoe sparks a flame that still has life. And love. This little lost kitten, aptly named Mistletoe, has brought them back together. Noah will never doubt the power of Christmas tradition, and Caitlin will never feel alone, thanks to Mistletoe.

This sweet, feel good, short story is just the cup of tea for Christmas romantics.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
127 reviews43 followers
November 26, 2013
What a sweet short story.....this 9000 word story combined 2 of my favorite things, kittens and Christmas! I was in love with it before I even started reading it for the cover alone.

Mistletoe Magic is a delightful addition to the Copper Mountain Christmas Collection. I loved Melissa McClone's Home for Christmas too.

Mistletoe Magic is a reunion story, which is one of my favorites. This story is about Caitlin who is looking forward to house sitting for her friends and curling up to read the latest Cowboy romance book, but fate had other plans. She finds a kitten that was out in the snow and rushes the kitten to an emergency animal hospital and as luck would have it the Vet on duty is Noah, who had walked out of Caitlin's life when they were in college. Both Caitlin were such nice and genuine characters that you could feel the Christmas Magic working to bring them together.

If you are looking for a sweet Christmas read, this is a good one.
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
1,265 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2016
A *VERY* short e-book for the holidays... so short that page one is 4% of the book! But it's cute.

They met in college. He had big dreams of the big city and a big-time veterinarian practice with specializations, and told her that it was bad timing. She'd been hurt, but moved on with her small town goals. Then came the day she found a kitten half frozen in the snow, hurried it to the vet... and bumped into him, doing his residency in her little town. No such thing as accidents - it was a second chance.

I just wish it had been Miss Kitty she found (friend's lost cat) and not the tiny kitty. It would've been FAR better.

And it would've been nicer to have had some character development - there wasn't enough book for it. And there were two phrases that were... weird?

Still... I can't complain much - it was short but very, very sweet. And FREE - who could ask for anything more. :)
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,214 reviews255 followers
December 11, 2013
Pre-school teacher Caitlin Butler is ready to spend her Christmas house-sitting for friends, reading and watching DVDs. What could be better?

When Caitlin discovers a stray kitten, in desperate need of medical care, she races to the local veterinarian’s office. Much to her surprise, the local vet is the handsome guy she dated back in college.

Dr. Noah Sullivan is ready to be everyone’s Scrooge when he sees mistletoe hung in the clinic’s waiting room. He’s convinced that the animal hospital is no place for the holiday frivolity, but when he sees Caitlin carrying a freezing kitten, his feelings completely change.

Noah and Caitlin rediscover their feelings as a kitten struggles to stay alive. This is a sweet romance that will warm everyone’s heart. The perfect story for this time of year.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews

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