mistletoe and malice | book review + giveaway

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about the book

He’s sworn to protect her life… but guarding his heart may be his biggest challenge.

After barely escaping an attempted abduction, Houston attorney Riley Hudson is forced to accept her wealthy father’s demand for private security. The last thing she wants is a bodyguard—especially one as maddeningly arrogant, bossy… and handsome as Colton Blankenship. Yet as the threat against her escalates, she begins to rely not only on his skills, but his steadfast presence.

Colton isn’t thrilled about giving up his hard-earned holiday vacation to protect a spoiled heiress. But he soon learns Riley is nothing like he expected. Fierce, independent, and unwavering in her faith, she’s everything he thought he’d left behind after tragedy shattered his own beliefs. As the unknown threat circles closer, the tension between them ignites into something deeper… and far more perilous.

When a second attempt on Riley’s life nearly succeeds, Colton faces a terrifying truth. Protecting her means risking more than just his life. Haunted by a past he can’t outrun, and a faith he’s all but lost, he must decide if he can trust God again… before he loses Riley—and his heart—for good.

publisher: scrivenings press

release date: october 21, 2025

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review

if you want a little suspense with your holiday romance, check out mistletoe and malice!

an abduction attempt prompts her father to hire a security detail, despite riley's protests. of course, if she must spend all her time with a bodyguard, colton's not a bad choice... will they figure out who's behind all the threats on her life before he ruins the holidays?

there's definitely a lot going on in mistletoe and malice, as danger looms at every turn. riley has the privilege of working with numerous charities in her community, while also working to free those who have been wrongfully imprisoned. her specific case in this story deals with the conviction of her murdered best friend's boyfriend. the setup in the first few chapters had me intrigued, but very little investigating is done until the second half of the book, unfortunately. most of the first half centers around her charity work, as the threats ramp up, so there is still plenty of building suspense—it just wasn't quite what i expected, based on the opening (but i still enjoyed it!).

also, while mistletoe and malice is set around the holidays, it isn't over-the-top christmassy. there's some scenes for thanksgiving and mentions of christmas, events, and hot cocoa leading up to the day, but otherwise, it's pretty day-to-day type interactions.

so, if you're a reader in need of some holiday romantic suspense (that's on the subtler side), mistletoe and malice could be a perfect seasonal read for you.

i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.


considerations:
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: strong themes
—content: attempted abduction, stalking, violence, mentions of murder

about the author

Lori DeJong is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies, with a daughter and son-in-love in DFW. Lori’s debut novel, Love’s True Calling, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and was named the 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year. Love’s True Home, Book 2 of the True Calling Series, was a 2025 Selah finalist. Love’s True Measure released in June. Lori’s Christmas novella, Jingle Bell Matchmakers, a part of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection, was named a 2025 ACFW Carol Award finalist.

Connect with Lori by visiting loridejongwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Mistletoe and Malice, and a signed copy of A Match Made at Christmas novella collection (released in Oct 2024)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 3, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

tour schedule

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