I love, love, loved this audiobook! I am so thankful for the ARC. The NetGalley performance was great, and I enjoyed the male and female narrators at Bea and Nolan. Authors Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone do not disappoint in this spicy holiday romance, and provide readers with all of the feels of a Hallmark Christmas Movie and a cup of hot chocolate. Seriously, "Duke the Halls" needs to be a movie!

I listened to this audiobook with my husband on a weekend drive, and I've never had such fun with him! I will admit that we actually kept driving around in the chilly sunshine with our Starbucks, specifically to finish the book. It was great way to spend a Saturday.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy and USA Today bestselling author Sierra Simone team up for a festive, steamy romance. A Merry Little Meet Cute is about a Bee Hobbes (also known as Bianca Von Honey, an adult film star) switching gears -- for the first time, she's been cast in a Christmas romance movie for the squeaky clean Hope Channel. Her co-star, former boy-band member Nolan Shaw, is attempting to rebuild his image after a scandal. Both characters need this movie to be a success because it'll open doors for them that they previously thought closed.

The setup of this story was so good and the plot was compelling. The chemistry between the main characters sizzles off the page and the steamy scenes leave little to the imagination. My only complaint was it felt predictable and the "house of cards" feel of the plot was noticeable. It was difficult for me to suspend disbelief at times, but I still enjoyed the festive aspects of the story, the dual perspectives, and the representation! There are LGBTQ+ characters and a plus-size main fmc. I would recommend it for readers who enjoy open-door scenes, steamy romance, witty comedy, discussions of the double standards in the porn industry, and women who are reclaiming their power.

Tropes -- forced proximity, instant attraction

3.5 stars rounded up

This was adorable! Porn Star turned cute holiday romcom lead? Falls in love with the actor your character falls in love with? Very cute. And the fat rep is so good!

Thanks to Harper Audio and Netgalley for the ALC of this one! I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Fatphobia, and Body shaming

Normally I am all for the cute little holiday rom-com, but this is not a cute little rom-com. It very elicit and graphic and there is hardly anything funny in the story. Over all this book was not for me and I am not a prude, it was just not the fun, holiday story I was looking forward to reading/listening to.

I enjoyed Joy Nash and Sebastian York's narration of this novel and I would listen to future audiobooks with either narrator in the future.
Whew, this was a saucy romance novel and I enjoyed every minute of it! Bee and Nolan are so fun together, neither of them is shy when it comes to saying what they want from their sexual partner. I loved the ending, very Christmas movie with all the feels.

I absolutely loved this one and was lucky enough to get to consume it in the audiobook format because Sebastian York is straight fire. I absolutely loved his voice. This book is sex-positive, body-positive and I am straight up here for it. It definitely made me feel Christmas in my heart. Was so much fun to watch Bee and Nolan fall in love with who the other person truly is, not just the facade they had each been crushing on for so long! So so good!!!

I did fall in love with theses characters but it was to much porn talk for me , if you big on smut definitely pick this on up , you will love it!

The perfect feel good, festive, and fun story. Just adorable- gobbled it right up!

There's so much fun here- a delicious Bridgertonesque, ex-boyband hero meets a curvy, plus-sized actress (and porn star)- his new costar? Ah, I just loved Bee. I loved see a plus-sized heroine that owns all parts of herself, who's confident and secure and whose life doesn't revolve around body insecurity. And I loved how Nolan falls for her. They have such a steamy connection, but also a really sweet one. I was charmed by them both, and I loved the mix of humor and heart- some subtle layers here around sexuality and entertainment and self-actualization. And the festive isn't too strong (though I love all the festive)- it's the right balance of romance and holiday.

Such a fun idea, and I just adored it. Plus- could this cover be any cuter?! But don't be fooled- this one def is still full of holiday spice. Oh what fun it is!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4736178619

You won’t believe this but I finished an advanced listener copy of A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone before today’s release day and let me tell you you must grab a copy today. I can’t rave enough of this book. This is about a plus size adult film star, Bee, who is cast in a Christmas themed Hallmark style wholesome movie along side her teenage boy band crush, Nolan. They are both taking this leap to portray a different view of their image and in doing so have an attraction that they can’t help but act on. Everything about this cute Christmas themed Vermont town is adorable and funny. The side characters are hilarious and let’s just say a trolley that takes to to The North Pole isn’t what you will expect. * Thank you NetGalley, Harper Audio, Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone for an advanced listener copy.*

Porn producer Teddy Fletcher is trying to transition into making Hallmark-like movies for the squeaky clean Hope Network. They don’t know his history, and he needs to keep it a secret. Former boy bander with a bad reputation, Nolan Shaw is the film’s romantic lead and needs this role pay for his family’s medical bills so he has to be on his best behavior. Plus-sized porn star Bee Hobbes wants to act in mainstream movies so she’s thrilled when the director pulls her head shot out of a pile Teddy didn’t mean for her to see. Bee’s hired to replace the female lead who had to drop out, but Teddy warns her no one can find out about her porn history. I think we can all guess what sort of hijinks might occur.

So there’s definitely a lot of steam, but there are also pretty immediate references to sex toys and the porn industry that made this book seem maybe more salacious then it is. It’s kind of a hysterical concept to be filming the equivalent of a Hallmark movie in the midst of all these hormones, and when a bunch of the crew can’t make it to the location, Teddy fills in with his porn crew which makes for a lot of funny scenes. Really serious themes are also explored about how women are held to different standards in the press, especially plus-sized women.

If you can get past the ludicrous foundation—because of course someone is going to find out—it’s a fun holiday book. I had a little trouble with how reckless and almost dumb the character’s actions seemed, but still enjoyed reading this one and think a lot of people will too.

I listened and the narrators did a great job making the book fun. Thanks so much to @netgalley and @avonbooks for an e-arc and @harperaudio for the ALC!

4.5 Stars

What do you get when you mix a Hallmark-esque Christmas movie set, an ex-boy bander + a porn star? A ridiculously fun twist on the typical holiday rom-com!⁠
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This was such a cute listen, with the perfect balance of holiday cheer, laughs, and Sierra Simone's signature steam. I really enjoyed the characters, especially all of Bee's quirky friends. I adored Bee & Nolan, and I loved how they were unashamedly able to be themselves with each other, never hiding or pretending to be anything else. And as much as I enjoyed this story, my favorite thing was the messaging throughout. I loved how body positivity and embracing your sexuality were explored and praised, and the importance of unapologetically owning who you are. ⁠
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The narration was on point and this sweet & spicy read is the perfect kick-off for the holiday season!

This book was way more steamy than I expected BUT I was here for it!

I love the celebrity trope, and this one is the celebrity trope with a twist. Bianca is a porn star, but she would love to be seen as a mainstream actress.

Nolan is a child star boy band icon who Bianca has loved since she was a teen.

She just doesn’t know that Nolan Shaw is also a secret fan of hers.

*insert tension and smooching*

I really enjoyed this wild ride. It’s heavy on the Christmas charm with cheesy movies (think hallmark channel) and it’s a fun romp through a Christmas themed, humor filled, journey of self discovery.

There is some mental illness rep which was appreciated as the use of bipolar disorder for a character was treated like a true illness, and the body positivity was off the charts!

I definitely recommend to those who love Christmas rom coms, plus size rep, and the celebrity trope!

I loved A Merry Little Meet Cute! I was hooked from the very first chapter. Thank you to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to and review this book! It was really funny, the banter between Bee and Nolan (our two main characters) was perfect! The other characters were just as funny, and I loved them too (especially Bee’s moms!) . The plot and spice were phenomenal, you will laugh, tear up, and probably sit there with a huge smile on your face during the cute parts (because hello, romcom). Since I listened to the audiobook I also want to add that the narrators were just amazing, and made me instantly fall in love with Bee snd Nolan!

Bee is a sexy plus-sized adult film star who, sort of, kind of, accidentally got cast for a wholesome family-friendly Christmas movie. Her co-star happens to be her childhood boy-band crush, Nolan Shaw. Both have promised to others they will be on their best behavior, but between the two of them…the sexual tension is crazy high.
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My thoughts: I absolutely loved this book. It was SO GOOD! I felt the warm fuzzies like a cute Hallmark Christmas movie along with the hotness of a good steamy book.
It was a fun fresh take on most of the contemporary romance I’ve read. The balance between plot and spice was well done and I was rooting for Bee and Nolan until the very end.

The representation was so good: sex worker representation in a positive light, plus-size FMC, supportive parents, LGBTQ+, body and sex positivity

I listened to the audiobook. Both narrators did a wonderful job portraying these characters.

Narrators Joy Nash & Sebastian York

Now I must acquire a physical copy! Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for the ARC.

A cute little hallmark movie in book form for all of us big girls with lots of spice thrown in. I loved the storyline and the setting. Also just look at that cover 😍 Whether you are naughty or nice this book should be on your list for this Christmas.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Audio or this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Harper Audio for the complementary audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The title A MERRY LITTLE MEET CUTE is nice but a more accurate title would be A FILTHY LITTLE MEET CUTE. This is the third Sierra Simone book I've read this month and I don't see myself stopping any time soon. Sierra never disappoints! This was my first Julie Murphy book and now it won't be my last. This holiday rom-com was so much fun. You could tell Simone and Murphy are good friends and have a lot of chemistry writing together.

This book features two messy bisexual main characters who are just trying to get their lives together.
Let me set the scene to convince you to read it: Bee Hobbes is a successful plus-size adult film star who is accidentally cast in a Hallmark-esque Christmas movie. Bee's male co-star is Nolan Shaw. He's a washed-up pop star. Nolan also happens to be Bee's childhood crush since his time in a boy-band. And Nolan has been a subscriber to Bee's only fans for YEARS!!! And neither of them know the truths about their feelings for one another!! CAN YOU IMAGINE THE LUST!? OH MY GOD.

Bee and Nolan had great chemistry together. I loved how they fantasized about one another without the other one knowing it. THERE WAS SO MUCH TENSION. The characters had motivations beyond wanting to hook up with each other. Their motivations were really endearing, honestly.

The narrators were great. Sebastian York did an exceptional job narrating Nolan's chapters. The same goes for Joy Nash who narrated Bee's chapters. Their voices complemented each other and the story perfectly.

This book was so stinking cute and SPICY!! Think Hallmark meets Sex Life.

I am in my giddy rom-com era at the moment and this did not disappoint. Although I have not read anything by Julie Murphy, I absolutely love Sierra Simon's writing style and to say I am obsessed with this is an understatement.


{REVIEW}

Bee is a very successful plus-size adult film star and gets the role of a lifetime - a holiday movie. But this movie set is known to be a bit conservative, luckily she has always used a stage name. Hoping to fly under the radar, she begins working on set. She is particularly excited because former Boy band star Nolan Shaw is set to play alongside her and she has always had a crush on him.

Nolan Shaw sets off to reel in his bad boy reputation with this holiday film, but when he sees who his costar is, he is immediately taken aback. That is because he is a platinum subscriber to her spicy content.

Can these two be of their best behavior, or will they give in to temptation?

I absolutely loved this book so much. I adored how they both had crushes on each other before they even met. Bee's parents are gay, she has two moms, and I also loved this so much. The plus-size rep in this was done wonderfully. Bee is completely secure in her body and I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to read about a plus size woman already loving her body!! Both MC's are bi, despite this being an MF relationship. Due to the line of work Bee is in, this is also very sex positive. Of course there are some mishaps with the media: fat phobia and slut shaming, the authors tackle it in a very refreshing way.

I have never felt more seen and heard in a book like this before.. and I am shook.

*Thank you Netgalley for an Audio ARC of this; however, this is my honest review.

I am an audiobook addict and Joy Nash and Sebastian York did an amazing job at performing this.

I REALLY loved this book - and I'm NOT a big Christmas/holiday book reader. I mean, a plus size porn star and a bad boy ex boy band member get together while filming a "Hallmark" movie - how could this not be freaking fabulous? It was fun and hilarious and the narration was perfection. Like I've already listened to this one twice and it doesn't officially release until tomorrow. To be fair, I'd listen to Joy Nash and Sebastian York read a freaking phone book (are phone books even still a thing??) - they're two of my absolute favorite narrators. I feel like Joy in particular was especially perfect for Bee's energy and personality though. She REALLY brought the character to life for me.

I am SO appreciative of how the authors handled the heroine. She is a fat (using that as a neutral term here!) woman, but the authors didn't make that the story or her whole identity. While there's a couple references to fat-phobic idiots and things of the sort (which is unfortunately reality for those of us not in "normal" sized bodies), it's just part of the character, not a huge plot point. Bee is fat, she works in porn, she is TOTALLY confident and unapologetic about who she is and what she does, and I am HERE for it. Authors, write me more characters like Bee! Please and thank you! Also, write me more men like Nolan that adore women like Bee and just don't give a flying f*** what dress size she is!

Really, I just liked everything about this book. It was sassy, spicy, super sex positive, fat positive, not overly angsty, not too in-your-face Christmasy, and there is a whole cast of great side characters that are just begging to have their stories told! Fingers crossed! ;)

Julie Murphy can truly do no wrong. This was such a good read, I loved the spice and the Christmas theme of this. I definitely plan to reread it closer to the holidays, I really enjoyed this one. JM is becoming one of my favorites.

Santa Baby… Christmas came early 🌶 Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone are leaving a present under the tree for you this year 🎅🏼

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for an early copy of A Merry Little Meet Cute! Imagine going behind the scenes of a Hallmark movie but the leading lady gets hurt before the filming. Frantic, the producer who really wants this film to be made because they are trying to do something outside of the adult film industry, accidentally suggests that they cast an adult film star as the leading lady!

If you catch me burning Gingerbread or Sugar Cookie scented candles all winter… mind your business.

Don’t let this cover fool you, read this smutty romcom for:
•Porn Star & Ex. Boy Band Heartthrob MC’s
•Hilarious cast of side characters
•Dash of celebrity fame
•A cheery Christmas themed strip club
•Deeper underlying storylines- like chasing your dreams
•Dual POV’s that are equally entertaining!
•Body and Sex positivity

The last 25% of the book really slowed down due to the third act problem all of the characters are trying to overcome which drew me out of the story a bit as it wasn't as *magical*.

This was a wonderful SEXY Hallmark movie full of steam and and smiles! I’m hoping this will be a series 👀💖 For this being Julie Murphy's first adult book, it was a very well rounded reading experience and I hope that she has more adult works in the future with Sierra Simone! 4 stars!