This was a fun one. It had all the fun things I love in a contemporary romance, plus a lot of spice. It was as sweet as a hallmark Christmas move, but the added slice made is sexy as well. The main character was strong and bold, and the book was full of so much body positivity, and so much more.

It may still be August, but it’s time to talk about how you will want to put this steamy little holiday rom-com on your TBR.

The story follows Bee Hobbes, a successful plus-size adult film star who ends up starring opposite former boy band bad boy Nolan Shaw in a wholesome holiday film as a last-minute replacement. She had a crush on him growing up. He knows exactly who she is the second she steps on set – because she is his celebrity crush now. It doesn’t take long for sparks to fly and for the heat to turn way, way up.

This book is seriously steamy and charming and incredibly sweet, and had me laughing out loud so often. But as much fun as it is, it also tackles some not-so-fun topics head-on – fatphobia, slut shaming, shady entertainment “reporters,” the ugly side of social media – which brings balance to the story and keeps the plot moving forward.

I simply had a wonderful (Christmas) time with this quick, spicy read. It’s the perfect book for kicking off your holiday reading, stuffing in a stocking, or gifting to your favorite spicy rom-com enthusiast.🎅🎄💕

🌟: 4.5
🌶: 3.5

My cold Grinch heart has just grown three sizes from reading this! I can honestly say I loved every second of this book. I loved the characters, the setting, the plot literally everything! Bee was everything! I couldn't decided if I wanted to date her or be her. She is smart, sexy, funny, queer, sex positive, and she loves and know how to use her body. She is literally my dream girl! I have never wanted to jump into a book so much in my life. Seriously Bee has made it to the top of my literary girlfriend list.
Also Nolan was just an absolute sweet heart. I don't like men but I wanted to be his buddy. He was a little clueless in places but his heart was in the right place. Honestly of I can't have Bee I'm glad he can.
These two are just amazing separately but as a couple of my. Not only are they adorable but they are hot! I'm surprised they didn't melt all that Vermont snow with how hot some of their scenes were. I am not usually a fan of spice but these two...
Obviously I could rant for days about this but the tldr is do yourself a favor this holiday season and buy this book. You will not regret it. It will keep you warm in more ways than one 😉

A little secret about me: I love Hallmark-style movies. Something that makes my heart happy. A Merry Little Meet Cute is basically what if a Hallmark movie and a smutty-smut-smut book have a baby.

M.A.G.I.C.

The chemistry between Bee and Nolan was perfect. A whole lotta lust with just the right amount of growing feelings.

What I loved most was how real the characters felt. Nolan, trying to support his family while accepting his previous mistakes. Bee, full of body positivity and owning her own sexuality while still feeling like a school girl with a crush. And the side characters? They made the rest of the story SO fun.

A Merry Little Meet Cute made my heart happy with just enough to keep it spicy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the review copy.

"Hallmark Christmas movie meets porn" is basically all I've ever asked for. I wish that every Hallmark film had an explicit sex scene or 5 focused on mutual pleasure and possibly gingerbread-scented lube. While this did not give me gingerbread lube, it did give me gingerbread lotion, and that was good enough for me.

The setup is very Hallmark itself, in a very roundabout way: Bee, otherwise known as Bianca Von Honey, is an alt porn superstar who's trying to break into mainstream film. Nolan Shaw is an ex-boy band idol who's attempting to rehabilitate his image after an incident involving a figure skater and two speed skaters in the Olympic Village years ago (every time this incident was referenced I did... lose my shit). Hence his signing on to star in Duke the Halls, a wholesome Christmas movie about a time traveler and the duke she falls in love with, during the holidays.

The issue? His co-star is unable to film at the last minute due to an accident. Fortunately (unbeknownst to Nolan) the producer of the movie also has another production company... One that gave Bee her start in the adult film industry. Bee is called up to sub in as the lead, with one condition: she must not let anyone know her Bianca identity. Well, two conditions--she also can't fuck anyone. This is a WHOLESOME CHRISTMAS MOVIE.

Second issue: Nolan immediately recognizes Bee, even if she doesn't realize it. He has been a top subscriber to her ClosedDoor account for the past six years. Six. Years. Much gingerbread lotion will be needed for this one.

This was great, basically. Was it weird for me to read a holiday book in August? Yes, but I tend to want to give myself a few weeks to finish an ARC just in case something weird comes up--and I kind of wish this one was being released closer to the holidays. While it's not OVERWHELMINGLY Christmas (if you're a bit of a Scrooge you'll still have much to enjoy) it does have that seasonal vibe, with most of the story taking place in a town that remains Christmasy all year round in order to stand as a set for Christmas TV movies. There were so many delightful elements on this front, but my favorite was most definitely the Christmas-themed stripper, Prancer.

But more on the book itself. Julie Murphy is new to me, though I've been told by teens in the know that Dumplin' is great. I have read Sierra Simone before--and this is definitely a departure for her. I believe everything I've read of Sierra's has been self-published/indie, whereas this is an Avon release. I've got to say--while it's not quite as intense as a typical Sierra book, it doesn't skimp on the sex. There's fun sex, emotional sex, sex in different positions, sex in places people shouldn't be having sex. And the concept of sex work in this book was so well-handled. Nolan never has a true issue with Bee's work as a porn star. Bee isn't ashamed of it, so much as she is shamed by the world. There are nice porn stars and annoying porn stars, asshole producers and good producers. It's given a level of respect that you see in few depictions of the industry. Bee isn't a little girl lost. She has two moms who love her and a ton of supportive friends.

Speaking of two moms--this book is super queer. Bee and Nolan are both bi; almost every supporting character is queer. There's one... maybe two? Characters that I can think of as being definitively straight. While this is not necessarily the center of the story (nobody is coming out--they've been out) Bee does mention to Nolan how important it was to her that he was out while in his band and at the height of his fame. It's a great way, to me, of underlining that Bee and Nolan's queerness is a part of them and their relationship even if it appears hetero on paper.

What struck me most was how deftly the situation between Bee and Nolan was handled. Personally, I found the idea of Nolan being a top subscriber of Bee's... hot. Off the bat. But I know that it's a tricky deal, and you don't want him to come off as desperate and pathetic and creepy. He could have, for sure. And he never did. At the same time, he wasn't a defanged nice boy. There was an edge to him, something that is sorely lacking in a lot of contemporary romance heroes I've read lately. He's not a Ted Lasso knockoff looking to aw shucks one moment and inexplicably turn into a dom alpha as soon as the sex scenes kick up. He's not what I would call an alpha hero, per se, but there's always a bit of a... swagger? To him? The vibe that this is a guy who fucks, shall we say. Even if he is also a caring son and brother who just wants to get his career together so that he can put food on the table. (Also: Nolan's mom suffers from a bipolar disorder, and while it's not the most central thing to the plot, I did appreciate its depiction as someone who has bipolar II. It felt authentic and not at all exploitative or shock jock-ish, the way bipolar rep often does in fiction.)

Additionally, Bee is never given the "oh golly gee Mr. I sure am grateful that a hot guy like you would like a lowly fat chick like me" treatment. Which was such a fucking relief. Bee has an insecure moment here and there, but that's natural. It's not dwelled upon. It's not condescending. Nolan very clearly is extremely attracted to her, and that's that.

There is a level of suspension of disbelief you have to maintain with the idea that there would be this much press over a TV Christmas movie.... But that's just a quibble. Who cares? The core of this story is the relationship between Bee and Nolan, and that more than sells itself. Their connection is not without its conflicts, but none of them feel contrived, and they're both deeply likable, if flawed people.

Would read again close to Christmas, with a mug of hot chocolate in hand. Maybe some gingerbread lotion on the side. Not sure about where I'll be this Christmas.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Y’all don’t let this cutesie cover of A Merry Little Meet Cute fool you. This story is not the Hallmark movie your thinking!

Bee is a successful curvy porn star with a huge following. When she is cast in a squeaky clean Hallmark movie she is excited to transition into another type of acting. Enter her teen crush and former boy band member Nolan Shaw as her leading man. Well you see where this is going.

Y’all I loved this funny rom com with all the spice 🥵 There were moments that had me laughing out loud and moments where I had to make sure nobody else could hear/see what I was reading 😂 this is such an entertaining feel good spicy read that I highly recommend.

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone is a workplace romance where the main characters meet on the set of a Christmas movie….Duke the Halls, produced by the Hope Channel - think Hallmark Channel and their Christmas movies.

The leading lady is Bee Hobbes a plus sized, adult film star who goes by the name Bianca Von Honey. She lands this role because Teddy, her producer in the adult film world, is also the producer of this movie. Both facts are secrets from everyone else so they can have a chance to break into mainstream entertainment. The leading man is Nolan Shaw, a former boy band member with a bad boy reputation in need of rehabbing. Bee had a huge crush on him as a teenager. To add a twist to this budding romance, Nolan know who Bee really is because his is her biggest fan.

This was a fun read. I recommend this for readers that enjoy:
- Insta-love
- Workplace Romance
- Steamy, Open Door Romance
- Holiday Romance
- Hallmark Holiday Movies
= Second Chances

A Merry Little Meet Cute will be published on September 20. Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the advanced readers copy. All thoughts are my own.

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.