The first third or so of the book was enjoyable, but then it fell back on the old surprise pregnancy romance trope. In this day and age this always feels a bit like a cheap cop-out to actually developing a relationship as well as a stab in the heart of those who struggle with infertility. Especially (like in this case), when the female mc can't get pregnant with her (ex)spouse, but gets pregnant immediately with a new partner. Finally, the disability representation in this book felt incredibly sloppy. The female mc's narcolepsy was mentioned multiple times, but a single conversation with her romantic partner was never included, even when she was carrying his child and (presumably) had to go off of medically necessary medications. If authors aren't going to realistically depict disability in every aspect of the book (relationships included) then they need to leave it out because anything less is a disservice to all readers.

This was a DNF for me. For those that love spice, this was probably a hit. But, in my opinion, it was a bit too spicy for me and my expectations of a cozy Christmas read.

“A Holly Jolly Ever After” was a great follow up to last year’s “A Merry Little Meet Cute”. It was full of spice, unexpected relationships and holiday themes. I really enjoyed this quick and fun read this holiday season!

I had a mixed reaction to this book. It took me about a third of the book to warm up to the characters and their romance. Plus, I felt that some of the spiciness was forced, and the pacing felt off. However, I did grow to like Callan and Winnie. Plus, the book's message about the negative effects of purity culture was well done and a needed addition to popular fiction. In the end, I did enjoy most of this book, but I don’t know if I would be willing to read any more in this universe.

The second book in the series and it was just as good as the first one. The first half was really enjoyable but the last half kind of dragged and was annoying.

Murphy and Simone are a match in smutty funny heaven. This title shows off their talents in a beautiful way. There is an excellent blend of humor and smutty goodness. Overall, just a fun time and I look forward to these titles every year.

Purchased for our library's romance collection. A really charming story, perfect for the holidays! Will recommend to regular romance readers.

It was very spicy, if you like that kind of thing! I always appreciate body diversity and I especially liked that it was the guy who was bigger in this book, and still sexy. It's a cute predictable romcom, and perfect for Christmas.

Thanks to Avon Books for an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this sequel to A Merry Little Meet Cute, but I think I preferred the original (although I seem to be in the minority, so you should read both anyway!) - but that doesn’t mean I didn’t tear up near the end of this one!
Uncle Teddy is again producing an adult Christmas movie, this time with the female lead who was forced to drop out of the movie in the previous book due to scandal. Winnie began acting in religious TV movies and shows as a child and married her TV co-star, although they are now divorced. Winnie is convinced to sign onto the adult movie even though she’s had limited exposure to the type of movie or to finding pleasure in physical relationships. The book realistically portrays her attempts to figure things out, and how the male character (Kallum of Slice, Slice Baby) helps her accelerate her progress. Their relationship develops and then stalls, with the book again realistically portraying their situation. I cried at the end! I again did a mix of listening to the audio and reading my copy, and I found both to be engaging. This book also does a great job of breaking down some parts of self-love that are not usually talked about EVER, much less in romance books. If you like holiday TV movies and open door content, I think you will enjoy this series - and it will help them make sense if you read them in order. Happy reading!

I love this sweet and steamy continuation of the series! It’s funny, but it deals with real life issues and the characters are so loveable!

I read A Merry Little Meet Cute last year, so when I saw that there was another book for this holiday season I was so excited for it! Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t as great to me as the first one. I really needed more plot and less spice. This seemed to be more focused on spice than plot. I feel sure this will appeal to lots of readers, though!

A fun read with lots of steam. I enjoyed the story bit it wasn’t without a few problems. The main conflict felt a little weak. However, I loved Winnie’s journey out of purity culture.

This book is the sequel to last year’s a Merry Little Meet Cute! We are back in Christmas Notch, Vermont filming movies for the Hope Channel after dark.

Winnie and Kallum are both people who experienced fame in their teen years and then it didn’t follow them to adulthood. They are back to restart their careers… but they didn’t leave things on such a good note. Kallum was responsible for the downfall of Winnie’s career; even if it was inadvertently caused. They are both hesitant if this is the right move for them, but they are going to try. They have incredible chemistry pretty quickly and it goes from 0 to 1000.

This is probably one of the spiciest books I’ve ever read and I’m not sure I fully enjoyed it. It’s soooo much spice scenes and then random snips of them making the movie. I needed more of a balance and just a little more plot. And then in the last third of the book takes a severe left turn. This series is fun, but I much preferred the first book.

Thank you @avonbooks for my gifted copy and the adorable matching ornament!

Julie Murphy continues to prove why she is one of my favorite writers out there today and this return to Christmas Notch may be even better than the first, for me. I love the originality of these stories. Yes, they rely on your typical romcom tropes and have a safe, predictable ending. But everything else is utterly unique and fun. I also love the less-than-traditional spin on the Christmas romance novel. Keep these books coming!

I really loved Merry Little Meet Cute and the first half of this novel was super entertaining! It was spicy, it was dirty, it was funny - I was having a really great time. And then around the half way point, I was wondering where this was going and how much was left? It really dragged on and could have been shorter. Part two just felt like a completely different book and one I probably should have put down.

I really enjoyed this one and rooted for Winnie and Kallum. Although they’re opposites, I think they both grew throughout the story. Kallum especially matured more, and Winnie was able to be her true self away from the harsh expectations from her childhood.

It was so great to be back in Christmas Notch! I have to say that I have devoured this entire series this week and was so glad that I had the opportunity to listen and read this one.
The character development of both Kallum and Winnie was so great. I enjoyed how both of them had to grow up, learn how to trust, and figure out who their end would be.
That’s being said, as much as I enjoy the Teddy storyline, I really wanted an epilogue with Kallum and Winnie. Unless this is setting up two more stories… and yes, I mean TWO more but Isaac needs one as well as Teddy and Steph!
As always the writing of Julie Murphy and Sierra Simore was brilliant! Highly recommend

I waited a year for more from this little Christmas world, and Sierra and Julie did not disappoint!
This is book 2 in the Christmas Notch Series and follows INK member Kallum and Childhood star Winnie.
After run ins when they were younger and in the height of fame these 2 are now set to star in the newest spicy Christmas movie.

This book had so much goodness in it.
Both these characters had troubles and issues they needed to face and move past,
And together in an they do so. The writing was brilliant. These authors really make you feel like you are in the heart of the story really getting to know these characters.
And the plot was so solid,
A trope i am not fond of in the least bit is even in this book and it was just so wonderfully written that i sat here swooning and rooting these characters on.
Definitely gives all the lovely Christmas hallmark vibes with All the best spice.

Liked the first book in this series but really struggled to get through this one. I am not sure if it was the characters or the premise but I just could not get into it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone.