Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone's 'Merry Little Meet Cute' was my first ever Christmas oriented book and I loved every page of it!
The comedy, the romance, the cheesy Christmas movie and gorgeous hotel- oh and the fountains upon fountains of sex positivity! I loved it. I have to admit this is the most sex-driven book I have ever read and it was amazing.
Female lead, Bianca 'Bee' Hobbes is a confident sexy woman who also happens to be working as a plus-size sex worker. While our male lead Nolan is a ex-boyband member and Christmas Notch's resident not-so-bad boy.
On the surface this is a steamy on-set romance during a cheesy Christmas movie filming but I have to mention the families of the two MC's.
The theme of family throughout this book was beautifully written in and I loved all 3 of the stories mums.
The pacing was good, the ending well-placed, and the epilogue wrapped it all up nicely.. The only thing being a little confusing in the epi chapter was we still didn't get any clue as to what was up with Angel. There were tiny hints as to what was going on but nothing solid.

Overall, loved this book and would forever recommend as a sexy yet cheesy holiday romance.

Thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins, Julia Murphy, and Sierra Simone for the ARC.

Before I start complaining I want to mention what I liked. I definitely adored the body inclusivity with the fat mc being a sex worker, as well as the casual lgbt representation and the supportive families.

Now, it's time for my usual annoying rant to begin...

1) I have to admit that the entire scenario and how things came to be was a little ridiculous, but I guess that was the aim of the story in the first place (cause, you know, rom-coms are usually ridiculous and doing things just for shits and giggles) so I can’t really complain...

2) I’m always a little unsure about pop references in books, and in this particular book I didn’t really like them. Some felt outdated (which might make sense since the characters are older than I am, so their jokes are different from what I usually hear) and just in general there were too many. It felt like the characters were trying too hard.

3) As funny as the inside jokes were to read, there is no freaking way those kind of conversations would have been possible. People start asking question at the smallest doubt, and they made SO MANY innuendos at every chance. At one point Bee even said she was a porn start out loud and conveniently no one heard her. They’re not even trying to keep it a secret.

4) I know nothing about how movies are made so I’m a little confused about one specific part… it’s the first day on set and they’re basically filming the last scene of the movie. Is that normal? (and then they just re-filmed it all at the end of the filming week, which tells me the authors just made them do that on their first day just to give the two main characters an excuse to kiss right off the bat)

5) The constant mention of him being a bad boy and Bee’s brief fanfiction narration was a little cringe, to be honest. The whole love confession also felt cringe. They actually knew each other for only a week and they were already dropping the big words and big promises. Of course it’s possible to get attached to someone very quickly, but already saying I love you after a week is a no in my book.

The book was entertaining and even fun at times, but I don’t think I can give it more than 3.5 stars because it all felt a little flat. Even during the big reveal of who Bee was I didn’t have a “oh shit” moment. It just happened, and that was it.

DNF
Unfortunately this was not for me at all. The premise sounded SO good but the writing was just awful and really cringeworthy. I didn't even get to the first sexy scene because I could nor stand to read any more of the driest internal monologues and 2D characters.
I was really hoping this would be a new xmas favourite so I'm gutted.

3.5 rounded up to a 4.

Knowing this was Julie Murphey’s first foray into adult fiction and **knowing it** were two very different things!

The title and the cover art give very cutesy vibes. This is not a cutesy book. It is spicy. Varying degrees of spice, granted. But still spicy.

The plot has holes, the ‘I fell for you off page’ is a great way of covering up a range of issues. And I do think just one POV would have worked, given more *jeopardy* or tension to the tale, rather than the “risk of exposure” folly.

Enjoyed it, would read the next instalment if there was one!

Noah is trying to make a new start for himself as a serious actor and not bad boy singer. He is thrilled to land a role in a christmas movie but stunned to learn his co-star is a porn star he's lusted after for years. They soon find themselves getting way too close but can they keep that and Bee's career a secret?

Well this was quite the read. I must admit it was raunchier than I expected and a few of the chosen words for their umm fun times made me cringe but I think that's just me. I do love a festive romance and this was lots of fun. The story is different and the characters are unique and likeable. I love all the dynamics and Noah being open about his sexuality was refreshing. The ending was well written and without a compromise from Bee which I really liked. A fun sexy festive read.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for approving me for an ARC of this book. I read this with my pal Novel Natters and thoroughly enjoyed our buddy read.

I am one of those people that rarely reads a blurb, I tend to skim it and see if it grabs my attention. I’m also a sucker for a pretty cover so this one seemed right up my street! What I hadn’t expected was the level of sexy, steamy passion that radiated throughout the book! Someone get me a cold shower! Yes I knew this book was about a porn star making her tv debut but I still wasn’t prepared for how erotic the book was and in a good way!

The chemistry was through the roof between Bee and Nolan. With alternating POV I often found myself smiling at how they tried to conceal their early feelings from each other. It was inevitable that they would fall for each other and they certainly got themselves into a few tricky situations but I ultimately loved them as a pair.

It was refreshing to see a plus size main character and the subject of fat shaming was not skirted around. It’s time we started embracing more of these realistic characters and bringing them to the forefront of our books. Bianca’s job as a porn star is also not something we see written about in such a positive light. It was interesting to learn more about the industry and how it feels to be one of those workers, including the producer, Teddy.

Overall this was a fun, romantic, steamy read with just the right amount of Christmas to kick off the season. If you’re looking for a Christmas book with a little something extra then this is for you!

This was just what I needed after the last book I read. I needed something light and fun and that is just what this is. Not to mention it was 🔥
The characters were well rounded and likeable, the setting was easily pictured, it was an enjoyable read. If you like cheesy Christmas made for TV movies this was like a peek behind the scenes, a raunchy peek, then this is the perfect read for you.

i loved thiss and a romcom from a favorite author of mine teaming up with a new author to me.. this worked!!
this is a story about a adult film star with a onlyfans vibe (i actually dont know what that looks like but i feel thats what they are describing)lands a normal film role where she is the MC of sweetness, virginity and kissing is naughty and she is trying to keep her two film lives seperate. the male role is also book boyfriend goals !!!
this was a perfect little christmas book for me!!!

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Bee Hobbes (aka Bianca Von Honey) has a successful career as a plus-size adult film star. With a huge following and two supportive moms, Bee couldn’t ask for more. But when Bee’s favorite producer casts her to star in a Christmas movie he’s making for the squeaky-clean Hope Channel, Bee’s career is about to take a more family-friendly direction.

Forced to keep her work as Bianca under wraps, Bee quickly learns this is a task a lot easier said than done. Though it all becomes worthwhile when she discovers her co-star is none other than childhood crush Nolan Shaw, an ex-boy band member in desperate need of career rehab. Nolan’s promised his bulldog manager to keep it zipped up on set, and he will if it means he’ll be able to provide a more stable living situation for his sister and mom.

But things heat up quickly in Christmas Notch, Vermont, when Nolan recognizes his new co-star from her ClosedDoors account (oh yeah, he’s a member). Now Bee and Nolan are sneaking off for quickies on set, keeping their new relationship a secret from the Hope Channel’s execs. Things only get trickier when the reporter who torpedoed Nolan’s singing career comes snooping around—and takes an instant interest in mysterious newcomer Bee.

My Opinion

I really didn't know what to expect going into this book. Overall this is an entertaining book and I would really like to see a sequel. You can feel the tension in this book. This book is quite literally full of Christmas. With only a few weeks to film a Christmas movie, there was no doubt that this was going to be fast paced. A very different take on a Christmas romance.

Be warned, this book is very steamy.

Rating 4/5

I really enjoyed this but whats not to like - from the title to the blurb it is just good fun.

I also liked that the premise wasnt the standard you would expect from a christmas romantic story - after all what other books tell the story of a porn star falling in love with her teenage crush. Once they meet its lust at first sight and the story goes from steamy to funny to all round good fun - a definite must read.

Do not be fooled by the cover or title, it’s cute but also spicy too!

LOVED the plus size female MC being a major boss 👏 Both Bee and Nolan were great characters, and their chemistry is insane!

Aside from the romance, the book explores the topics of media and mental health, which are very important and I’m glad these were included within the plot rather than brushed aside as a background setting. It made the characters feel more realistic.

A Christmas rom-com usually comes with pretty set expectations. A cute meet-cute, a Hallmark type vibe and sugary sweetness all around. Whilst this story had all that, it was definitely muuuuuch spicier than I eve thought a Christmas rom-com would be. I loved it! It took the classic Hallmark, snow-filled hometown and put a sexy spin to it.

Absolutely love how spicy this book is! The story follows Nolan Shaw, an ex boyband member with a chaotic history in the tabloids (think Zayn and Harry from One Direction) attempting to revamp his image by acting in a Christmas film. The female co-lead has unexpectedly changed to Bee Hobbes, an up-and-coming actress whom Nolan hasn’t heard of before. However, when they first meet, Nolan realises that she is actually Bianca von Honey, his favourite porn star. The two get to know each other and have incredible sex, but they’ve got to keep it under wraps because half of the production team don’t know Bee’s background or that the other half of the production crew are also from the porn industry. Overall, I loved the natural banter and dialogue between the two main characters and thought the sex scenes were just right. It’s making me even more excited for Christmas!

You look at the cover and think gosh what a cute book I’ll bet that’s a sickly sweet romance book! Well you’re wrong, this is sexy smutty and a whole lot of fun to read!

Great fun for the festive season but not for the more reserved reader 😂😂

A Merry Little Meet Cute is the perfect Christmas read you didn’t know you needed this year! It’s firmly in my top ten books of 2022 and I decided to listen to this on audiobook given that the hero - ex boyband sensation Nolan - is given his voice by none other than one of my very favourite narrators Sebastian Young.

Bee Hobbs has a last minute chance to star alongside Nolan Shaw in a good old, wholesome, family friendly Christmas TV movie. There’s a lot riding on the successful filming of the move, not only for Bee but also for Teddy the producer and Nolan. Nolan’s bad boy image is in desperate need of repair and being a wholesome leading man is his shot at proving the world wrong.

I enjoyed this so much I’m tempted to re-read it already! This is all of the steamy, sexy, raunchy, funny carry on you’d expect from Sierra Simone. I’ve never read anything from Julie Murphy (although I’ve seen Dumplin’) but I’m definitely tempted to download some to add to my TBR!

If you’re looking for something along similar lines check out P*rn Star by Sierra and Laurelin Paige 🔥🔥 - audiobook recommended too!

I love this! Loved, loved, loved this!!!

Normally holiday romances are very fluffy and sweet...this was all that but it had the smut and humour that I have been searching for in Christmas romances!!!

Bee was awesome! Just plain strong woman goals!! Not ashamed of her sex work and she was confident in her skin but she was also sweet, had her fears and didn't pretend they weren't there, and she was funny and adorably awkward in a new-to-vanilla-acting kind of way at times too!!!

And Nolannnn!!
He was the perfect example of 'bad boy' gone good for the sake of his family but the way he was an absolute cinnamon roll for Bee stole my heart in an instant.
Plus he had real struggles and honest worries after his career was messed up, so you really felt for him as a person, especially with his problems at home.

Yes he messed up! But it was a genuine struggle of a celebrity and I felt for him because it wasn’t an easy choice to make, but he redeemed himself in the right way and as the reader, you wanted to forgive him!!
At least I did and I don't forgive easily!!

Sierra Simone is one of my all time favourite authors. I have had the pleasure of meeting her a few times at book signings, so she’s an absolute one-click author for me. So I was very excited that she had teamed up with another author for a festive type rom-com book, very different! This is my first time reading Julie. You can definitely sense that these ladies had fun writing this story and it was a lot of fun reading it! I did kind of go in blind and it was just full of awesome surprises.

So this story centres on Bee, a plus size porn star who has unexpectedly found herself in Christmas Notch, Vermont, filming a Hallmark type Christmas movie with Nolan, the bad boy from an ex boyband INK - who just happens to be her biggest fan! He’s the only one that secretly knows Bee as her alias Bianca Von Honey. How are these two going to restrain their attraction to one another!

Tropes include
Christmas festive feels
Duel POV
LGBTQ representation
Plus size fmc, loved her!
Sizzling spice (more that I was expecting and loved!
Kind of forced proximity
A small town that I really wished existed!

I did feel this story started slowly at first and drag a bit. The chemistry between our two leads was sizzling, it was a-lot more spicier than I thought it would be, which I loved! I thought the chapters flowed well and Julie and Sierra write well as a duo.

I think I will actually download the audio version of this story too, as one of my favourites, Sebastian York is narrating and I think he will bring Nolan to life so well! Nolan at times did break my heart bless him, so yes, hearing the audio will definitely give an extra feel.

Great supporting characters as well in this book, maybe we will meet them again in future books. I definitely feel Julie and Sierra will be writing again together.

So to conclude, A Merry Little Meet Cute was warm, fuzzy, festive, with lots of spice!

Thank you @Netgalley and @HarperCollinsuk for allowing me to read this Arc copy for an honest review.

I’m not normally one for reading Christmas themed books, but I read the description and this book sounded a really fun read, so I was intrigued and requested the arc from @netgalley which they kindly accepted.

Firstly, this book is very steamy so don’t be fooled by the cute book cover there are a lot of spicy scenes.

The book is centered around a plus-sized porn star named Bee who is accidentally cast in a hallmark type Christmas film for Hope channel and Nolan, a bad boy pop star who wants to clean his imagine. Nolan is Bee’s childhood fantasy crush, and Nolan is a secret subscriber to Bee’s adult channel and also his fantasy woman. They can’t deny their chemistry even though they try and then starts a relationship where they are secretly sneaking off set together.

This book was a lot of fun to read, and it had me laughing at the steamy jokes. But despite the fun, the book does importantly touch upon sex worker positivity, mental health and the media. I enjoyed reading this, it’s a fun Christmas romance book.

Thank you to @netgalley and @harpercollinsuk for allowing to read this great arc.

Original plot with great character diversity. It was especially welcome to see a sex worker and a bisexual guy as the main characters. Although it touched on some significant issues, such as bipolar disorder, sex positivity, and fatphobia, none of these were thoroughly explored, making the plot feel superficial and overly drawn out. I believe this would have worked perfectly as a novella because sometimes you just need a nice, easy read with equal parts of steamy and sweet interactions on a Christmassy background. Couldn’t get past the copious amount of gingerbread scented soap used by Nolan for recreational purposes. Just thinking about it makes me cringe. If you’re looking for a light seasonal read, with a bit of steam, I think this is something you will enjoy.

I appreciate HarperCollins UK and Netgalley giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a lovely, slightly raunchy Christmas story about a former bad boy, boy banned star trying to be more wholesome and the stunning adult film star that wants to follow her dream of being a movie star. We see Bree`s struggle as a larger woman trying to be seen for who she is and not her weight, as a proud bi sexual sex worker who truly enjoys her work trying to keep that part of herself under wraps while filming a wholesome Christmas movie with her former, or lets be perfectly honest, current crush Nolan Shaw. Their sparks are instant and combustible. However no story full of secrets would be complete without the thrill of maybe being outed. Despite what Nolan is risking to put money in the bank and support his family, he cant stay away from Bree. Its a funny, sexy, sweet romance full of Christmas vibes and most certainly all my most favorite tropes! Loved every minute of it and would more from these two ladies!