Hockey player, Holden Prescott never expected to find love, let alone for it to fall straight into his arms. After catching a falling photographer and saving her from serious injury, he finds himself captivated by her excitement and carefree spirit. They share an impulsive kiss under the mistletoe and expect to never see each other again. When Belle accepts her boyfriend’s invitation to a Colorado resort the week before Christmas, the last person she expects to see is her mistletoe mystery man. Who also happens to be her boyfriend’s cousin…

Checking You Twice was a fun Christmas romance. The Christmas spirit was pretty good throughout the story. There were festive decorations in the different locations our characters were in and there were many Christmas activities at the resort they traveled to. I would probably give it a 4/5 for Christmas Cheer. This would be a great story to read if you’re in the mood for the holidays. Definite Hallmark vibes.

I’ll admit I was a little disappointed that the story was about a hockey player, but there was no hockey. There was a charity event hockey shootout that he helped with, but that was it. The story was short–it was a novella. I knew this going in, but I still wished it was longer.

I really enjoyed the characters. Both Belle and Holden were realistic characters with likable qualities. I thought Belle’s optimistic outlook on life was contagious! Loved how it rubbed off, just a tiny bit, on Holden. I loved their instant connection. Yes, this story was a little insta-lovey, but hey, I hear that’s how it happens sometimes. And I loved the linner scene! Linner is a real thing in our house!

If you’re looking for a short holiday themed romance, give this a try! It’s part of a collection of Christmas novellas about athletes participating in a charity event the week before Christmas.