Book Review and Giveaway: Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Mistletoe and Malice
Series: Guarded Hearts Series #1
Author: Lori DeJong
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: October 21, 2025
Genre: Romantic Suspense

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.

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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.

The title Mistletoe and Malice might make you think cozy mystery. But don’t be fooled. This is one nail-biter of a suspenseful ride!

Riley Hudson was born into privilege, but she doesn’t act like a stuck-up society princess. She was raised by parents who taught her to do good with what she’d received, and she tries her best to do so. Her career path, an attorney fighting for those she believes to be wrongly convicted, reflects her commitment to helping others. Her current case: trying to clear the man accused of killing her best friend.

Colton Blankenship is good at what he does. Since his wife died, he has thrown himself into work, diligently taking on security assignments to protect others. When he gets word that he’s assigned to guard Riley Hudson after someone tries to abduct her, he thinks he knows what to expect. Rich girl, pampered, probably spends her days shopping and at the spa. But Riley turns his expectations on their ear, and it isn’t long before both of them realize they feel more for each other than just protector and principal.

Riley and Colton are delightful characters! She’s kind and good, but she is not without a sense of humor and snark. When she first learns that her father has secured bodyguards for her, she sarcastically refers to Colton as her “tactical gear.” That made me snort-laugh. And Colton starts out so walled off, so resistant to letting anyone get close to him. Having to follow Riley around on all her charitable projects and good deeds was a great way to let him get to really know her, though, and when things clicked, my goodness. Anyone who thinks there’s no such thing as clean romance that makes you a little wibbly in the knees should read this book.

The suspense just built throughout the book as the malcontent coming after Riley seems to always be one or two steps ahead of Colton and his team. Why he’s targeted her takes a little while to come clear. I love how Riley doesn’t let the threat against her turn her into a cowering mess of nerves, and I love how Colton rises to the challenge of keeping her safe as she continues to work for the benefit of others.

Then it all comes together, and wow! It happens fast and hits hard, and I had to stay up and finish the book no matter what time the clock said.

This is the first in a series, and I will be reading the entire thing. Mistletoe and Malice is action-packed, with a swoon-inducing romance that complements rather than overtakes the action, chock full of good people doing their best in a tough situation. So, so good. It’s my first book by Lori DeJong, but it won’t be the last, for sure! It’s a five-star read for me.

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Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of the book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.

Tour 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.

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