I went into "Jingle Bell Mingle" looking for a lighthearted romance, but I got mixed surprises. The story starts with an out-of-place prologue, and an overwhelming number of characters are introduced right away, making it challenging to keep up initially. However, things became clearer once the focus shifted to the main characters, Isaac and Sunny. Isaac is a depressed widower stuck in his grief, while Sunny is a vibrant, confident woman with hidden insecurities. Their chemistry was there, but it wasn’t precisely sizzling as much as the cover promised.

I enjoyed the book's openness about sex, bisexuality, and body positivity. Some scenes were spicy and fun, but the overall romance between Isaac and Sunny didn’t quite land for me. There was a lot of talk about how hot people are, but not much actual chemistry between the main couple. I wanted more emotional depth and connection in their relationship, especially given Isaac's heavy emotional baggage. Both characters could use some serious therapy rather than just jumping into a romance.

The side elements, like Isaac’s online cold-case group of older women and the WWII love story they help uncover, added some quirky charm to the story. And Mr. Tumnus, Sunny's cat, was a fun addition. However, Sunny's tendency to fawn over almost everyone she meets becomes frustrating, and Isaac's reluctance to move on from his past makes it hard to root for their relationship.

If you're looking for a spicy Christmas read with plenty of sexual fluidity, this might be your book. But if you expect a more traditional rom-com vibe, you might find it too intense and uneven. It’s a unique read, and I can see how it could appeal to certain readers, but it wasn’t for me.

✨3 stars✨

To start this review, I want to make it clear that I did not realise that this was the third one in a series, I thought if anything it would be interconnected standalone so that it wouldn’t really matter which order the books were read in, like the chestnut springs or windy city series. However, this definitely didn’t read in that way as straight away in the prologue we are dropped into a scene with loads of character that don’t really get explained who they are which I am guessing were introduced in the earlier books?!

However, that being said, this definitely wasn’t a “bad” book by any stretch of the imagination! The romance was cute and I think if you enjoyed the first two books in this series or the writing of either author, then you will likely enjoy this book too especially as a cute Christmassy read!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

This is absolutely not the normal sort of Christmas book I read but I've heard a lot of talk about these authors and this series so was really excited to be given then chance to review this book.

I loved it! It's the Christmas books I love but with added spice and let me tell you that the spice was hot!! I adored all of characters but Sunny is special. She has such a big heart and really deserves a happy ending. I'm going back to read the other two books now so I can get the background to all the other characters.

“Two nepo babies and a chainsaw might be a recipe for a Christmas bloodbath”

This was such a nice ending to such a fun series. It was so easy to read and full of festive cheer that would be perfect for around Christmas. It also touched on some bigger things too, such as grief, learning to love again, family, conflict, loneliness, found family and Christmas miracles. If you’ve enjoyed book 1 and 2 then I’m very sure you’ll enjoy this book too.

❤️I received an ARC of this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily❤️

I loved the first two books of this series but this book was just so perfect.
I loved Issac and Sunny's characters and their back stories and how they overcame the trauma they had both experienced years before.
They are a comfort to eachother and I loved reading their feelings grow day by day.
This book was funny, it was spicy and it was so festive. I loved it! 🎅

What a fantastic end of this series. I had a little hunch about this book and it turned out to meet my expectations and even went above that!
The big theme in this one is dealing with grief. Sunny regarding her parents, and ofcourse sad boi Isaac. Not only does this stand in the center of it all, the side plot with the legend of Christmas Notch really enhances everything to the next level.

When I started reading this I noticed Sunny’s little behaviors standing out and when she went out, telling a story with a ton of side notes I just knew she had to be ADHD. ‘Lo and behold when I turned the page, turns out she does have raging ADHD. And it made me so happy to see it this way. Her trains of thought, especially about endings, made complete sense to me. Not only that, the little examples of executive dysfunction were shown in a way that wasn’t just beating herself up over it, or her feeling lazy, but just accepting that it exists and then trying to move on. Especially the reaction Sunny has when Isaac is in the laundry room (‘don’t you just hate getting stuck in a room like that?’) made me yell out: ‘MOOD!’
Moving on to her struggle with imposter syndrome and the feeling of ruining things or just not measuring up to expectations, which is a huge sore spot personally, but again handled with such a great air of acceptance all around. It just made me feel seen and that alone makes this book just 5 star worthy alone.

Then I haven’t even mentioned our resident sad boi with a manbun and huge mansion yet. Isaac’s grief and melancholy is so palpable and tastefully done. I have fallen hard for this man (and I had a feeling I would at the end of Holly Jolly Ever After). His total dedication to everything he does is swoonworthy and he doesn’t even know that he’s doing it! He’s been pining for Sunny and at the same time doesn’t want to see how head over heels he is over this woman. How he handles Mr. Tumnus had me howling with laughter multiple times, the group chat with the older ladies, no notes.

This is obviously a book written also by Sierra Simone, so if you think you are getting a sweet romance story with maybe a steamy scene or 2, you are in the WRONG place. Turn around now. I warned you. The book starts with a bang and the overall steam is incredible (I think I died a little at the photo booth one scene).
I once made some comments on why Instalust and a slowburn romance is my favorite kind of romance story and this one is a prime example of why I love it so much. To use the words of Teddy: it’s like an onion and peeling back layers and discovering even more layers.

I want to talk for hours on end about this book, the colourful characters, the body positivity, and the last chapter and epilogue just made this an incredible series. I am begging Julie and Sierra to write a novella featuring the Christmas Notch Legend. (If you want to know about the legend, read this book and then also beg Julie and Sierra to write the novella!)

Thank you to Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my review

This is definitely an auto buy series for me. There's bisexuality rep, ADHD rep and also just a good time to read. Highly recommend giving this series a go.

This series is so fun. The perfect sexy festive reads. Christmas Notch is a dream setting and there are so many amazing characters. I do think you need to read them in order though. I have read the previous two and I still ended up a bit lost in the prologue as I tried to remember who all the characters were. There are a lot to keep track of but they are all lovable. The rest of the story is dual POV from Sunny and Isaac and is a lot easier to follow though.

Whilst all three books are sex positive, fun reads this one does cover some deeper topics including deression, grief and death of family members off screen, so there's a fair bit of angst.

There are so many great side characters. The old lady cat group were so cute and Mr Tumnus was the star of the show. The hunt for more information about the real Christmas miracle story was an entertaining side quest that made it feel more Christmassy.

Sunny was so fricking lovable and had great chemistry with Isaac. Extra points for a sexy plus size FMC. The dual POV was perfect and really helped show that Isaac is more than just a sad boy. That being said his character and actions are a tad frustrating. Their story is packed full of spice and witty banter.

I also love that we get to see so many characters HEA to perfectly tie up the Christmas Notch series. I'm sad that we won't get to revisit but I will definitely be rereading.

ARC via NetGalley

A Jingle Bell Mingle, brings holiday cheer with a sprinkle of spice!
The book offers a cozy, festive setting as sparks fly between its charming leads.

Though not groundbreaking, it provides an enjoyable mix of light-hearted banter, steamy encounters, and seasonal magic.
While it may not leave a lasting impression, it’s perfect for those looking for a feel-good, naughty-but-nice holiday read.

Thank you to Harper Collin’s, HarperFiction and authors Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone for an Advance Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for ARC

*A Jingle Bell Mingle* by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone is the third novel in the *Christmas Notch* series. It’s a witty, passionate, and powerful story that will set you on fire with its hot and steamy love story.

Isaac Kelly, a former boy band heartthrob and widower, has been grieving for the past five years after his wife’s death. He sets off to a small town in Vermont to find peace and record his final music project, hoping to say goodbye to his career. There, he meets Sunny Palmer, an actress and part-time director for adult films. Sunny accidentally sells her screenplay to the Hope Channel and crosses paths with Isaac at their best friends’ wedding, two years after their one-night stand.

From there, their story unfolds, leading them to become roommates and eventually fall for each other, despite the ups and downs of emotions and grief. Throughout the story, they bring a spicy romance and a dash of holiday magic. I especially loved the part where Sunny hunts for a real Christmas miracle story, which she hears about from the North Pole.

Overall, it's a good, decent story to read. While it didn’t leave me in awe, it still gave me that warm, Christmas winter vibe throughout the book.

I went in expecting a Hallmark type Christmas situation, but this instead was a little wild, crazy, and too intense for me. The characters and premise were unique and interesting, and I think for the right audience, this would be a good read. It just didn't hold my interest. Check this out if you like more unconventional and spicy Christmas stories.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Every year, I pick up the latest Christmas Notch book and thoroughly enjoy it during the festive season. So I was extremely happy to receive this ARC and being able to round off my favourite festive book series with A Jingle Bell Mingle! Plus, who doesn’t love Christmas in September?

Sunny and Issac’s story was incredibly spicy, fun and full of witty banter, just what I come to expect from a Christmas Notch book. However the angst was very front and centre for this book as Issac struggled with his grief and depression after the loss of his wife. Watching his character grow through the story, and learning that although we never forget the ones we love when we lose them, we are still able to move on.

I was looking for romance. Instead I got the most out-of-place prologue, caricatures of characters, zero chemistry and lots of talk about boobs, bums and how hot people are.

If you love these troops, you will love this book:
Small Town Romance
Roommates With Benefits
Super Steamy 🔥🔥🔥
Forced Proximity
Grumpy X Sunshine

Issac Kelly is lonely and sad. After losing his wife he decided to move to Christmas Notch and isolate himself from everyone.
But when a certain lady captures his attention and a one-night stand opportunity present itself he couldn't say no , after all it's Sunny Palmer who could say no to her🙈.
Sunny is in town to write a script for a movie but she cannot go anywhere with it.
When she&Issac have the most amazing one-night stand and he notices the bad motel she's staying in he asks her to stay with him and thus maybe they can help each other .
He wants a muse to help him write music for his record label and she needs inspiration and help writing the script.
BUT when you can't keep your hands off someone, how are you suppose to keep your heart from falling for them?

This was a nice and christmasy book. Emotional at times and very steamy which I usually like but this one was a bit much for me. All in all, it was a cute read.

Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an ARC of #AJingleBellMingle in exchange for my honest review.

Xoxo😘

This is another fun romp in Christmas Notch. Book 3 in Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone’s series, this one hits abit different. There’s an exploration of grief and other themes. This one might be the best book yet.

Thank you to Harpercollins for providing me with an arc.

DNF Chapter 2.

I adore Sierra Simone's books so when I saw this one I had to request it but this one didn't work for me. I wasn't vibing with the writing style as it felt really cheesy at points and it might just be a thing with this series but I haven't read the previous books. I may give this one another chance if I end up reading and liking book 1 but currently I wasn't enjoying it and felt like I was forcing myself through it. I do see why others may love this one but it wasn't for me.

That was fun! This is the first time I’ve read any of the books from A Christmas Notch series but, A Jingle Bell Mingle by Sierra Simone and Julie Murphy was a great fun read! Yes, I’m sure I would have picked up more of the characters if I’d read the first 2 books in the series but, that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of this fun, spicy, Christmas romance!

From the start this book was honest, irreverent, funny, spicy and filled with great characters that I just wanted to get to know more, especially Mr Tumnus! Isaac is a sad, depressed widower who has become stuck in his world of widowdom and Sunny is a ball of sexy sunshine, fronting confidence to the world and keeping her struggles and insecurities tucked inside.

The chemistry between them is hotter than steaming hot chocolate and despite their best efforts, everyone can see it but them! There are of course bumps in the road, shower, and Photo Booth along the way and of course a cold-case mystery to investigate with some help from Isaac’s online old lady group but, this doesn’t stop the journey to a truly happy Christmas for one and all.

I really enjoyed this as a fun read and if you’re looking to spice up your Christmas, picking up A Christmas Notch book or 3 will definitely add the spice to your mulled wine!

Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest and sincere review.

I was lucky to be asked by NetGalley to review this frestive delight- luckily I had read book 1 and 2 as this was book 3. There is a lot of characters - so read these in order.

Lovely read

Issac was in a boy band and also getting over the death of his wife. Along comes Sierra a one night stand and Sierra needing a place to stay, moves into one of Issacs room, what will happen next in the festive fun and games-- well it is Christmas.

Recommended and NEVER too early for Christmas.

I laughed, I cried. Sunny and Isaac stole my heart and I loved being back with the whole gang. I don't want to spoil it for anyone but if you liked the other books then you will love this! The sub-plot of solving the Christmas mystery about the postman meant this felt like the most festive of the series while staying true to the hot and spicy action! It had friends with benefits, grumpy x sunshine, bisexual romance, and a gorgeous glimpse into the lives of some of our favorite characters from the previous books. Oh and BONUS there is also another couple who get their HEA! I am devastated in the acknowledgements the authors say this is going to be the last book in the Christmas Notch series! My heart is broken! I will be re-reading at Christmas for sure!!!

I simply adore Christmas Notch. In this book we see all of our favourite couples thriving, and get a peek into what they're up to now, as well as, of course, getting to watch a whole new romance unfold.
The dreamy Christmas setting, the perfect amount of spice and a bit of historical romance made for the perfect book to curl up with.
Sunny and Isaac both have their own issues to deal with, and whilst I did get frustrated with Isaac at times, I loved seeing their story progress.