𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐎𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖: 𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐞
⭐️⭐️⭐️.𝟓/𝟓

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 @𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰.

I was approved for this audiobook and immediately decided to jump on it so I could participate in “Christmas in July”. It was also fitting that I was already reading one of Sierra Simone’s own series. This is the first work I’ve read by Julie Murphy.

I loved the concept of this story. Porn star Bee Hobbes gets cast as a Hope Channel (think Hallmark) Christmas movie lead role. She can make this work as long as she keeps her adult film persona, “Bianca Von Honey”, hidden.

One of my favorite parts about this story was the focus on normalizing and respecting sex work. Bee was not ashamed of who she was and what she did, she just didn’t want it to get in the way of making this Christmas movie.

Nolan Shaw, the MMC was lovely. He was sweet and respectful and liked Bee both as herself and as Bianca.

My only gripes with this book were the length (it felt about 100 pages too long), and the cringy-ness to it. It was a cute light read if you’re looking for something cheesy and holiday themed, but it felt too cheesy for my personal liking. I had a hard time finding myself really rooting for the MC’s to make their relationship work.

The voice actors for the audiobook seemed to fit the characters very well. I enjoyed their narrations and would listen to other audiobooks with them.

Narration: 5 Stars
Story: 5 Stars

When this was first announced & I read the synopsis, I knew I had to have it - a plus-sized pornstar goes to film a Hallmark-esque Christmas movie with a bad boy ex-boyband member?! Say no more! & I'm so, so happy to report that this didn't disappoint one bit, this was exactly the kind of book my soul needed right now!

This was my first time reading a book by either Julie Murphy or Sierra Simone & I really vibed with their writing styles - this was easy & breezy, full of hilarious, heartfelt & tender moments, & the characters were truly incredible, especially the entire porn crew (apologies if I spell anyone's names wrong, audiobook problems). Sunny, Teddy, Luca, Angel, Kallum (um, yes dad bod Kallum) - I'd love to see other stories in this series revolve around them! & of course, our main stars, Bee & Nolan - I absolutely adored these two! Their banter & chemistry was off the charts, & the steam was through the roof (no seriously, THE STEAM!) There was such incredible representation all throughout - both of our MCs are bisexual (amongst a ton of openly queer side characters), we've got a racially diverse cast, great mental health rep, this was easily one of the most sex positive books I've ever read, the body positivity was so well done & Bee & Nolan's romance never once treaded that line of fetishization. & CHRISTMAS! This was just filled to the brim with Christmas cheer & goodness (sugar cookie lube anyone?), I can't wait to see what other shenanigans lie in Christmas Notch as the series continues. & if you're an audiobook person, highly recommend the audio with this, both of our narrators did a fantastic job of voicing everyone & really sold the emotion & steam!

I just loved this so, so much, highly recommend picking up a copy when it comes out! & thank you so much Julie Murphy, Sierra Simone, NetGalley, Avon, & Harper Audio for providing an ALC in exchange for a honest review!

A Merry Little Meet Cute was adorable. I enjoyed that it was light and dirty with a ridiculously fabulous HEA. I enjoyed every minute. Thank you for the opportunity to listen to this ALC.

When you think of a Hallmark-friendly holiday romance you probably aren't thinking of a porn star and a disgraced boy band member, but that's exactly what A Merry Little Meet Cute delivered. From the first chapter, I was laughing out loud at this truly unique and wonderful concept. This book was funny, sexy, and quirky all in it's own right and I recommend everyone add it to their holiday wish-lists this year. While I am normally not one to celebrate Christmas in July, I am glad I picked this one up. I loved the humor and the female empowerment this book brought to an industry traditionally dominated by men. This book is perfect for fans of Talia Hibbert and Rosie Danan's Shameless series!

I went into this book thinking it would be a cute and fluffy Christmas story based on the cover, but this book was edgy, sarcastically fun, and spicy! It had all of the Hallmark movie feels but with some extra steam.

Bee Hobbes, a plus-size pornstar, and Nolan Shaw, an ex-boy band member who needed a career change, are expected to star in a Christmas movie together. They are unaware that both have been attracted to each other for years. They had immediate chemistry when they first met, and the rest is history.

I loved how both of them had been secretly in love with each other for years, so their chemistry was on fire the first time they met. Their banter was cute, and their spicy scenes were on point. I also loved how sarcastic and strong-willed Bee was. The story itself was cute, and I loved the Christmasy feel.

this was pretty cheesy but in a fun way. i wouldn't necessarily compare it to a hallmark movie because no one had lost their christmas spirit. but i guess it has a similar vibe, but smutty and queer. and the main character is fat. hallmark doesn't deliver any of those things.

While I love a good romantic comedy not sure this one was for me. It's a cute holiday listen but also cheesy. Which some enjoy and I know some are done with the overly cheesy romcoms.

If you're a fan of those cute and kind of cheesy holiday movies that come on tv, this book is for you. There's a small town, horses, romance, and of course the true meaning of Christmas (maybe). I thought the characters were pretty fun, especially Bee's friends and family who are so open about sex positivity and the porn industry. The pacing was quick and I rooted for Bee and Nolan to end up together as soon as they met.

The narration is fabulous, I'm a big fan of Sebastian York and Joy Nash was also pretty great! This will be a fun reread around Christmas time.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. Thank you to Harper Audio and NetGalley for the copy.

I should have known going in that this was going to be STEAMY in all caps, but wowwee. Sierra and Julie know how to bring the steam in A Merry Little Meet Cute. Don't let the cute illustrated cover fool you. This one is scorchingly hot.

Nolan Shaw, a former boy band bad boy, is trying to rehab his image by starring in a squeaky clean family-friendly Christmas movie. When his family-friendly co-star ends up in the hospital right before filming starts, she's replaced by a previously-unknown actress, Bee Hobbs (who also happens to be Bianca Von Honey, a super successful plus-sized adult film star). Thankfully, there isn't much overlap between the two audiences--except of course her co-star recognizes her immediately. She's been his fantasy for six years. Things quickly heat up in Christmas Notch, Vermont, despite the morality clauses in their contracts, and they work hard to keep both Bee's past and their current relationship a secret. But in show business, it's not a matter of if but when something this salacious is scooped up by intrepid entertainment reporters. Who will bear the brunt of the public's disdain when their relationship hits the news sites?

I loved how sex positive this entire book was. From talking candidly about sex toys to discussing the various takes on the adult film industry, A Merry Little Meet Cute doesn't shy away from any of it. Sierra and Julie are a perfect team to have taken on this ridiculous and raunchy rom-com. It also has a ton of LGBTQ rep, including two bi main characters who talk candidly about their orientation.

If you prefer closed door romances, this one is definitely NOT for you, but if you're a fan of steam and Christmas and maybe even Hallmark movies, this one is a must read this upcoming holiday season. I love the chemistry between Bee and Nolan, and their romance was everything I could have hoped for. (It definitely made me nostalgic for the days when my walls were covered with N*SYNC posters. I didn't end up with any of the band members, though.)

The two narrators do a fantastic job bringing both Nolan and Bee to life. The audiobook was a fun way to experience the book, but if you listen to it while grocery shopping, you're going to need to practice your poker face. This one definitely toes the line between rom-com and erotica. They go at it like rabbits. LOL.

So if I had to narrow my review down to just a few words or a single trope, it would 100% be the "so horny that they're stupid" trope.

I am asexual and I thoroughly get confused by this trope but I found it funny, mostly.

So basically we have Teddy who is actually a porn producer but who is trying to branch out into more mainstream stuff and so he's producing this little homey Christmas film with the Hope Network. When there's an accident involving the actors he originally planned, he ends up getting one of his porn stars to play the lead role after her headshot, with nipples exposed, ended up in the folder of potentials and the director loved it.

Bee is a fat porn star and fuck freaking yes I love that representation in and of itself. I loved that she had the equivalent to an only fans called a closed door account while also doing partnered porn. She wants to do some more mainstream acting but she also genuinely loves her job.

So they're so horny they're stupid thing starts really early on because they're in this little 24/7 Christmas Town and they've got a limited amount of time to shoot this kitschy movie, and both of our MCs have secretly been attracted together without knowing them.

Bee is the Nolan's favorite porn star and he is Bee's favorite ex-boy band member and they both have been tasked with absolutely no shenanigans or sex on set to protect their reputations.

So spoiler alert, that doesn't work. This book is very steamy and I wasn't prepared for that going into a Julie Murphy book but I was unfamiliar with the co-author so maybe if I did a little bit more research.

I appreciated that there were some nuanced conversations about the porn industry and living in a fat body and sexualization etc. I didn't like wholeheartedly love this one as much as I wanted to but it's still a cute Christmas rom-com and one that I would recommend to certain folks.

Oh and both of our main characters are bisexual which is amazing

This is your next listen if you want to laugh out loud and absolutely be delightfully entertained. The main characters are so much fun. An ex-boy band bad boy trying to rebrand as a go to actor and an adult film star get tossed together to make a Christmas movie for a family friendly movie channel, what could possibly go wrong??? The character development of the supporting cast is hilarious and well thought out. The narrators do a great job of bringing the characters to life. I seriously can't wait to listen to more from both the authors and these narrators! Never fear, you HEA loving readers, this one won't disappoint!

As charming as can be! What a perfect holiday romance, "A Merry Little Meet Cute" gives all the warm and fuzzy Hallmark movie qualities we love.

Quick, sexy steamy book. If you like less steam this book is not for you. It was a wuivk, funny read as well.

Story: 4 ⭐️
Steam: 5 🔥 heavy smut
Audio: 5 🎧

This book is a perfect sweet and spicy holiday romance! The story was a blend of funny and hot. The characters were all lovable and fun and the plot is unique and attention grabbing.

I didn’t read the blurb before reading so I was very surprised by just about everything that happened in the beginning 😂 I thought the plot was cute and unique!

The plot felt very low stakes and even when I thought a plot point was going to be something that would blow up later, that never really happened. The characters didn’t react in the ways I thought they would throughout the book. I don’t know if I was just misreading the way the characters were feeling from their opposite pov though 🤷🏻‍♀️

Overall it was a fun, sexy, low angst read and I really enjoyed it!

"A Merry Little Meet Cute" is a warm, sexy holiday hug of an audiobook. Bee Hobbes, aka Adult film star Bianca Von Honey, fills in last minute as the lead in a Hallmark-style Christmas movie. Her co-star, former boy band bad boy, Nolan Shaw, is using the movie to rehab his image so he can provide for his mom and sister. Their chemistry and mutual attraction vibrates, onscreen and off. Can they both follow their dreams and their hearts, when their jobs and society tell them they can't?

Invest in a quality pair of headphones for an especially intimate listening experience. Narrators Joy Nash and Sebastian York deliver incredible performances (in alternating chapters), eliciting the full range of the story's humor and heart. The sex scenes are particularly face melting hot because of these voice actors. I was very excited by this premise and was not disappointed. Nuanced bisexual leads, sex and body positivity, delightful humor, and so much more. Treat yourself to one of the best Christmas romance audiobooks you'll hear the holiday season!

After so many bland contemporary romances, I finally found one that that was actually steamy and humorous. I loved listening and reading this so much that as I progressed I felt myself getting sad at the prospect of the book ending like I was already anticipating a book hangover. This book tells the story of Bee, a fat adult film actress, who finds herself cast in a wholesome made-for-tv movie opposite her childhood crush, Nolan, the former bad-boy member of boy band who is set on restoring his reputation. No one must know she produces adult content but with half the crew on loan from the industry it’s more of an open secret and it doesn’t help that Nolan has been a fan of Bee’s content for years. The two begin a friends with benefits relationship that turns to feelings.

I loved the disaster bisexuals that were both Nolan and Bee. Both were complex characters that had very clear motivations and voices. Their relationship was very steamy and while an insta-love story it actually worked for me. I loved the fat representation found in Bee’s character. She and Nolan both love her body but the book didn’t shy away from accurately portraying the world’s negative view of fat women.

In addition to Nolan and Bee I absolutely adored all of the side characters. The oddball cast of characters gave the book a small-town romance vibe that I really enjoyed. They added humor to the story without detracting from the main characters. I absolutely cannot wait to see if Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone write another book together as I am sure it too will be fabulous.

I really enjoyed the performances of both audiobook narrators. Sebastian York and Joy Nash really brought the characters to life for me and i found myself turning to the audiobook more than the eBook which is a testament to how much I enjoyed listening to them.

Thank you to Harper Audio, Avon Books, and NetGalley for the ARCs in exchange for an honest review.

I've read many Sierra Simone books but this was my first Julie Murphy book. I wasn't quite sure what to expect since I'm used to Sierra's books being SPICY but obviously this one is Christmas themed with a cartoon cover. But I was happy to see that Julie & Sierra brought the spice to this book!

While overall I enjoyed the book, I really felt like it was difficult to reconcile the ending. Even though he was trying to do right by his family, with the way in which Nolan acted, it was really hard to believe that Bee just forgave him SO quickly. After being made to feel less than for so much of her life, it was a little sad to see that she was so quick to forgive Nolan when he did the same thing.

I liked the premise of the book. Adult film star trying to make it in main stream meets her childhood crush, former boy band bad boy who is looking to rebrand himself so that he is employable, all to help make money so he can support his mom and sister. The story was fun and cute, and definitely a fun Christmas read. I would definitely recommend to someone looking for a spicy Christmas book.

I’ve enjoyed other books by Julie Murphy so thought I’d try this one too. It’s a fun “Hallmark-y” rom-com but a little too steamy for me. If you don’t mind more of an “open door” romance then you’ll enjoy this.

I liked both narrators. They did a great job.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone was a perfect steamy holiday romance. I'm glad I read this in July because this one would melt snow, WOW! I loved everything about this. Bee is a pornstar who is the replacement leading lady for the Hope Channel (Hallmark equivalent) new Christmas movie. Her leading co-star is Nolan, Bee's childhood boy band crush. Nolan is also a huge fan of Bee's (Bianca Von Honey) pornstar work. The chemistry is off the charts, and I was here for every sliding moment!

This book was delightful and body positive since Bee is a plus-sized star. I did not want this audiobook to end. The narration was fantastic, and I highly recommend adding this to your reading list! Happy Christmas in July, everyone!

Thank you, Avon and Harper Audio, for my complimentary copies.

A Merry Little Meet Cute is a very peculiar read - not in a bad way at all, but more in a "I've never read something like this before but also I've read quite a few books like this before" way. Familiar but also something new. In this book we follow Nolan, an ex-boyband member with bad boy past trying to fix his tarnished image and Bee, a plus-size adult film star trying to make it in mainstream Hollywood, as they take the star roles in a Christmas movie for Hope Channel, a squeaky clean production studio known for its very Disney-like values and ideas (PG13 stuff). They are both desperate for this venture to succeed - but things get tricky quickly, especially when Bee realizes that Nolan knows who she really is (and is a loyal subscriber of her ClosedDoors account) and when the spark between them explodes into a full-blown inferno. Can they still make this movie work or will their pasts (and secret lives) come to haunt them?

One of my favourite parts of this novel was Bee's work as an adult film star - how she is proud of her work and how she absolutely SLAYED at it. I think I've never read a mainstream romcom that had a sex worker as a MC and I loved that aspect! Bee is fat and sexy and a damn good adult film star and she knows it.

Nolan Shaw had surprising depth and even his "worst" hits later turned out to not be entirely his fault - or not at all. A very realistic portrayal of the often problematic and exploitative music industry and the consequences it can have on musicians was another plus of the story.

Don't even get me started on the cutesy, very Netflix-Christmas-romcom feel to the whole story. Two co-stars falling in love in secret, their pasts coming out to haunt them, some light miscommunication, very quirky and epic side characters.

Now my biggest downside to this story - I didn't *feel* the main couple, per se. They knew of each other before meeting for the first time which kind of sped up them getting it on and falling for each other (if it happens in less than 2 weeks I am still inclined to call it insta love and I then question how long they'd actually last since they know barely anything about each other).
And I get it, their sex was hot, yada, yada, but I would've appreciated more real conversations between the two, not just quick banter that felt more like foreplay than actual heart to heart. I just wanted more *SUBSTANCE* to their whole story that didn't come down to "we have great chemistry and love quickies".

But overall, this was a very steamy Christmas romcom, perfect for those looking to spice up their holidays. I enjoyed the audiobook a lot and the narrators added a lot to the story - there is nothing quite like a well-narrated dual PoV story.