A Merry Little Meet Cute is without a doubt the steamiest Christmas romance I’ve ever read, and it’s also one of the smartest, most tantalizing, featuring a diverse, inclusive cast of characters. There is a lot to be unpacked in this scintillating novel, and I don’t want to rehash the plot because it is so much fun to uncover all the layers for yourself! Bee and Nolan are two unforgettable characters, who sizzle and sparkle in every scene. There is also a depth to this book that goes beyond the flirting and romance, bringing a poignancy that was both welcome and unexpected. Normally I recommend reading a Christmas romance next to a crackling fire—but there is so much heat in this novel that a fan might be more appropriate.

Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book to read and review. I really enjoyed this one and thought it was a fresh take on a holiday romance. It was basically the Hallmark channel at Christmas time, but in book form and way spicier. I thought this author combo was delightful. There were so many swoony sweet moments, mixed in with hot and spicy scenes as well. I loved the boy band background and the openness about sex work as a career. There were also a couple of Jewish side characters which I appreciated! I loved the body positivity and a fat main character and I thought Bee and Nolan were such a fun pairing. I thought this was so lighthearted and I really enjoyed reading it!

This was a cute and steamy romcom that I didn’t know I needed this holiday!!

Honestly, this book had me at plus-size adult film star! Plus, I couldn’t wait to see what this new writing duo had up its sleeve and let me tell you it’s divine and not to be missed.

If you’re looking for a holiday romcom that gives the perfect nod to Hallmark-esq Channel movies while also being a bit steamy and super sex-positive and body-positive then this is the romance for you.

I instantly fell for Bee who is one of those down-to-earth characters that has you smiling the entire time you’re reading about her. She’s someone I would just love to become friends with in real life. 😊

I love how her work as an adult film star was just something she loved and enjoyed. It wasn’t made into anything she was forced into nor was it a means for her to make any kind of statement and yet Murphy and Simone use her work to craft the best sex-positive message in this romance.

The juxtaposition of her current line of work to her new acting direction in this wholesome holiday movie was so perfect and really just fun.

I also loved all the side characters who followed her from the adult film world – many of whom had me laughing out loud.

Nolan was also such a fun and lovable character.

Though he had his own struggles pushing him to change his bad boy image and make his attempt at a renewed career, I liked how Murphy and Simone didn’t make his difficulties seem so heavy and drama-laden to weigh down the overall feel of this romcom.

I thoroughly enjoyed this romance and hope that there’s more to come from this duo!

I highly recommend this holiday read for its great writing, its great overall message and its pure fun.

*I received an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Funny and really different, this rom-com had plenty of laughs and a lots of spice. If you read the synopsis, you know what's going on so I won't go there and potentially get flagged for using words I shouldn't. The hilarity of the both of these characters and their stances on Bee's profession really elevates the story. I absolutely adored that this story really brought forth the importance of acceptance for a person for who they are, not what they do.

Bee and Nolan had chemistry-it felt a little superficial, to be honest, always going into the physical and their interactions are typically amusing or steamy but not too deep. I thought that the rest of the cast was awesome- especially those that came onto a hallmark-esq clean movie set with the experience of having worked on less, let's just say, pristine types of movies. The fish-out-of-water aspect was strong and funny.

Overall, a little long winded but funny enough to make it worth it. Thanks to the publisher, authors (great pairing) and NetGalley for an early read!

I really had a great time reading this. It’s hilarious, fast moving, a little chaotic, and full of steam, but also touches on important messages about the stigma around sex work and fatphobia.

This is a celebrity romance between a plus size porn star (Bee) and a former boybander (Nolan), both looking to make some changes by being cast in a Hallmark-like Christmas movie. Each has had a crush on each other for years, but the forced proximity of filming and rehearsing lines together is too much to resist, despite Nolan needing to rehab his image and a relationship with a porn actor might not be the best way to do that.

It was so much fun! It’s not over the top Christmassy if that’s not your thing, it’s about the filming of a Christmas movie but the holiday itself is a pretty small player.

I think it sets up this world very well and I would love to see future stories for some of the side characters!

Oh my GOOOOOOD. This book is a raunchy delight that I can't stop telling people about. A pop star meets porn star Hallmark fantasy that will have you alternating between giggles and swoons. The plot is absurd in the best way and the sexual tension between Bee and Nolan is *immediate*. I loved all of the subtle gags of the adult film crew and just the disaster that is Uncle RayRay. Annnnnd the narrators were PHENOMENAL throughout, even at 2x! They made the dual PoVs all that much better because I felt like I really got a sense for who they were as characters. Overall if you want a steamy holiday romp, check this one out!

*Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an ARC and HarperAudio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review*

A heartfelt, inclusive rom-com packed full of spice and Christmas cheer!

Bee Hobbes, a plus sized porn star, is accidentally cast in a Hallmark-esque Christmas movie alongside the object of her teenage dreams, former boy band star Nolan Shaw. The idea is to keep Bee & the producer's line of work under wraps to keep with the morality clause of The Hope Channel's contract and to keep the movie going full steam ahead. What happens when Bee and Nolan meet cute smack dab in the middle of a tiny Christmas town that rivals a holiday snow globe?

Wow! So much to unpack here! First and foremost, this is a rom-com so be prepared for funny banter, funnier nicknames and plenty of Christmas cheer. The authors really took their time and let their creativity sparkle and there were so many laugh out loud moments and quirky fun scenes. This book also did NOT lack in the spice department! I adored Nolan's positivity towards Bee's line of work and all of the body positivity shown towards her from every character. There was LGBTQIA+ representation all throughout the book, including Nolan and Bee. Speaking of Bee, she's an absolute icon - a queen! She's worked hard to get where she is and although she still has her moments of doubt, she's such a strong female lead. I really enjoyed how the authors were able to tie in heavy hitting topics while still keeping the light and airy feel of the rom-com.

I would certainly be open to reading more from this world (especially the other members of INK and Uncle Ray Ray himself!)

Thank you so much Avon and Harper Voyager for letting me read and review this book on NetGalley!

Ok...ok...deep breath. This book married two of my favorite things together: smutty books with diverse rep and Hallmark Christmas movies. And they did it AMAZINGLY!

This book was the freshest of fresh air for me. The quaint small town setting, body positivity, sex positivity, keeping sexy secrets, smoldering love interests, "we shouldn't be doing this" vibes, did I mention CUTE AF SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS? A plucky plus-sized FMC and a Bi MMC are icing on the gingerbread house.

I was laughing, holding my breath, swooning and fanning my face all over the place.

I just need y'all to believe me when I say pick up this book. It has the perfect amount of steam, tension, hilarity and cuteness.

Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me. I think a lot of people will enjoy it but I just couldn’t get into the story, especially how the main male protagonist was written. I do appreciate the representation this book offers.

This book was a fucking dream. Sorry, freaking dream. Anyway, I LOVED this holiday-set story that had it all: bisexual rep, a fat MC, not to mention a fat sex worker main character, and OOF the spice was amazing. I have so many good things to say about this story. I loved the premise, the sexual tension was done so well, the rep, the humor that the characters brought, the sexy scenes, it had it all. It was one of the most memorable romances I've read all year and fully think the duo that is Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone need to be cranking out more books because this was a delight.

This book was nothing like what I expected and exactly what I needed! As you may know, I rarely read synopses before starting a book. For A Merry Little Meet Cute, I heard from friends that it was amazing, saw that it was by Julie Murphy, and absolutely judged the book by its cover. Imagine my surprise when I realized it was about a porn star, and obviously just as steamy as that would lead you to believe!

If you haven't read the summary, it's OnlyFans meets the Hallmark channel. Hooked yet? If not, her co-star is her childhood crush, and he's subscribed to her channel.

I put the audiobook on to listen while driving home from family vacation, luckily alone. In minutes, I was absolutely cracking up at the premise and the shenanigans these characters got themselves into.

This book was so unique, fresh, and well-done. It took a handful of favorite cheesy tropes and turned them into something so unlike anything I've read before! I adored every minute of it, every character, and would absolutely love to visit Christmas Notch!

This book absolutely needs to be added to your holiday TBR, no questions asked! I hope this duo keeps writing together, because they absolutely knocked this one out of the park.

I never knew how much I needed a Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone crossover book until I read this beauty.

A perfect combination of smut and wholesome holiday romance, this book had me laughing, swooning, and sweating!

Bee Hobbes (aka Bianca Von Honey) is a plus-size adult film star with a happy life and supportive parents. But when her director asks her to go undercover and star in a Christmas movie without her adult film star identity, Bee is suddenly excited and ready to go – although she hates deceiving everyone around her. Especially her costar, Nolan Shaw, who also happens to be her childhood popstar crush.

When the two of them hit it off – and I mean they HIT IT OFF!!! – each of them have secrets that begin to surface and attempt to keep them apart, but only they can truly decide what can get in the way of how they feel.

I loved this story. I loved Bee’s bravery, courage, and overall personality. I loved the growth and honesty that seemed to stem from Nolan and how he was always determined to right his wrongs. I loved the side characters and their friends and family – and I heard there will be another book for one of Nolan’s brothers … so I’m most definitely excited for that!

If you like smutty romcoms, this is most definitely the book for you! A small town romance with a bit of celebrity fame mixed in … you really can’t go wrong!

A Merry Little Meet Cute is an amazing body positive, sex positive, Christmas romance about second chances and being true to yourself and the people you love.
Ex-boybander Nolan Shaw feels too good to be true and stays in his place as a compelling lead in a romance dominated by Bee Hobbes. I literally want to be Bee because she's strong and sex positive and gorgeous. I love that Bee feels real. Funny and flawed. Smart and caring. This book is my wet dream.

Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone are the unexpected duo I didn't know I needed this holiday season! Julie is known for her inclusive, funny young adult books, while Sierra is the queen of steam. These former librarians make such an amazing team I really hope this isn't a one time thing!

In Merry Little Meet Cute Bea is a sex worker making a living on a paid subscription app. After her name mistakingly gets in the wrong hands she gets casts for a mainstream role on the squeaky clean Hope Channel opposite her childhood crush, former boyband star Nolan Shaw. Co-stars Bea and Nolan are juggling a lot of secrets with their growing attraction while on set. This story is equal parts cozy holiday romcom and that classic Sierra Simone spice guaranteed to get ya on the naughty list. Highly recommend!

Bee Hobbes (aka Bianca Von Honey) is a successful adult film star looking to make her way into mainstream media and gets casted in a Hallmark-like holiday movie alongside former boyband bad boy, Nolan Shaw. Bee has harbored a crush on Nolan since his boyband days and unbeknownst to her, Nolan Shaw is a regular subscriber to Bee's "ClosedDoors" account. Though both are determined to be "squeaky clean" during their time filming in Vermont for their own reasons, they can't resist each other.

I really struggled with this one - it's insta-love/lust and both characters harbor long term crushes on each other despite having never met which I always find unrealistic. I think reading the synopsis of this book, you can probably anticipate the general story line and 3rd act conflict. I don't usually have a problem with that but I would have liked to be surprised a little more than I was.

I do love the sex positivity and support for sex workers throughout the book and I love that Nolan and Bee have a conversation about her continuing to do porn and he is wholly supportive. I thought the ending was nice and brought everything together. I also liked the holiday vibes.

Overall, 3 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for the eARC in exchange for a review.

This book had the perfect balance of humor and heart. I loved this cast of characters, and it gave me all the warm feelings I expected from a holiday romance. I even laughed out loud a few times. I’d love to see these authors write more books together!

Fabulous twist on a Christmastime romcom. Bee is an adult film star, who is brought into a Hallmark-esque Christmas movie when her head shot accidentally gets mixed into the pile of options for the lead. Misunderstandings, hijinks and love ensue.

There were some elements I enjoyed about this book but a lot I didn’t. The premise is a plus sized porn star and former boy band member are filming a Christmas movie and end up falling for each other. I liked that it was something outside the box and that the main character was plus sized. I really enjoyed both Nolan and Bee as characters and most of the supporting characters as well.

Things I didn’t like- the book felt so incredibly predictable and so unbelievable. In addition- the sex in this book was just too much for me. The descriptive words made me laugh and cringe at the same time and I found myself skipping over a lot of it. I read a lot of romance and don’t have any issues with sex in books but the way it was written was just hard to read. The book in general was just a little too cheesy. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for an incredibly cheesy Christmas romance but this one just didn’t do it for me.

I think in general if you don’t mind spice in book and enjoy a Christmas theme, you might enjoy this one. It was just ok for me.

3.5 stars, but rounding up because I love Julie Murphy so much.

This was a cute and fun, yet predictable, Christmas romcom. A little out of place to read in the late summer (it has a September release date), but fun nonetheless. The concept is great: undercover porn star tries to break into acting by starring in what is essentially a Hallmark Christmas movie with a digraced former boy band star. Of course they fall in love, duh. The supporting cast was excellent and I'd definitely read an Angel/Luca spinoff, or more about Gretchen and Pearl making movies together.

My biggest drawback from this was I felt like it was too long. Too much wallowing and debating and atoning for the past.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Merry Little Meet Cute was pretty much an adorable holiday romcom to jump into. It definitely gave me Hallmark or Lifetime holiday movie vibes. Which, I could and would totally watch a movie if it was ever about this book. Just saying.

In this, you will meet Bee and Nolan. Bee, aka Bianca, is an adult movie star and Nolan is an ex-boy band star and her long-time crush. It's safe to assume that she slightly freaked out when she realized that they were co-stars. I mean, I would probably freak out internally too if I was in her position. Let's be real, externally too.

Luckily, she's not along in the crush obsession realm either because he also has a crush on her. So, yes, it felt like a match made in movie heaven. The chemistry between these two was so freaking good. Of course, they had to try and keep things on the down low because who knows what would happen if someone found out.

In the end, I was not disappointed one freaking bit by everything. It was so easy to devour this book in one sitting. Definitely happy that I got the chance to jump into this and can't wait to buy the physical once it has been published. Also, will be on the lookout for the next holiday romcom Julie writes!