Merry in Spite

by Irene Bahrd

If you’re drunk, and enjoy butt stuff in more than an epilogue, I have just the book for you.

This year's hottest MM ErotiCom is Merry in Spite.

It’s a short AF novella, that starts as a RomCom, but turns into Erotica, then becomes a RomCom again. It will feel familiar, like a really bad made-for-TV movie, but with smut.

This story has everything:

Friends-to-lovers, spilt eggnog, fast-burn romance, a Jacob’s Ladder, a poorly executed miscommunication trope, matching Christmas pyjamas, Christmas lights where they don’t belong…

Plus, you get to play the game, “Who sent the 5-gallon bucket of lube?”

**Blurb Inspired by ‘Stefon’ from Saturday Night Live**

Twelve Days of Smutmas: Day 11

Merry in Spite is a deliciously spicy, MM holiday romantic comedy. It is part of the Twelve Days of Smutmas limited edition holiday romance collection, including stories by:
Amanda Bentley
Luna Knight
Maia Terry
Valerie Pepper
Effie Campbell
Elliot Ason
Eliza Anne
Bella Leigh Michaels
Kelsey Woods
K.M. Gillis
Irene Bahrd
and J.L. Quick

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Friends To Lovers, M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary

94 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2023

About the author

Irene Bahrd is a feisty Capricorn and one of the most avid readers you will ever meet. Her favorite genres to read or write include romantic comedies, political romance, romantasy, and the occasional contemporary dark romance.

She started her writing journey as a dare from a friend, after recounting dating stories from her early twenties. They inspired her to write spicy romantic comedies and parodies that feature a variety of book boyfriends—though most are cinnamon roll golden retrievers. Many of her stories contain LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent characters.

Irene can be found on Instagram and TikTok under @irenebahrdauthor

Reviews

[Megan [Slump City] · Rating 1 out of 5]

MM Romance
Eggnog Lattes & Goldendoodles
1 Star ⭐️

End of 2024 project: Picking up books I’ve gotten for free that are rotting away in my kindle…without reading the blurb.

All I knew about this before starting it was what it says at the very start…
If you’re drunk and enjoy butt stuff in more than just an epilogue, I have the book for you.” SOLD ✅ except I’m not drunk, just a masochist. 🙄😭🫣😂

So this is a book that I read and it had words in it but none of them made much sense. The characters are Tristan and Miles with a Y (Myles…👀) but it doesn’t matter because I mixed them up so many times I couldn’t tell you which one was the busted up hockey player and which one had the Jacob ladder piercing that stayed cold even in the other’s mouth. No idea. 🤷🏻‍♀️ NONE. They could even be the same person? I don’t know 🤷🏻‍♀️

And neither could the other 3 people I read this with. They were the only positive thing about reading this book because the commentary had me cackling 🤣🤣

These two knew each other in high school and had a misunderstanding about a candygram that made one of them (no idea who) hate Christmas forevermore. While they were still not on the same page, they fucked everywhere around town except we only got the house scenes on page where they kept getting caught by their mom’s. Whose mom? No idea honestly. One of them was rich (no idea which one) but you’d think he could afford a place to fuck that wasn’t his parent’s couch or childhood bedroom 🤷🏻‍♀️ Then again he was holding onto this grudge for 7+ years so he’s not the brightest. At least I think it was him, whoever he was 🤭

”The whole fucking reason I can’t even look at a damn Christmas tree without my heart breaking is the Christmas formal after we both came out. He took Pepper, even though I sent him a candy gram asking him to go with me.” HOW DARE HE! 😱🤭

The romance was immaculate though. Chef’s kiss 😘🤭
”He means too much to me to toss around declarations of love with his cock in my mouth.” swoon 🫶🏻🫶🏻

Also…

Eggnog Lattes & Goldendoodles were mentioned wayyyyyy too many times for a 96 page book. Do yourself a favor and just google Goldendoodles and look at them instead of reading this book. It will be a better use of your time! 😂

[Smutty Sully · Rating 1 out of 5]

In matching Christmas pyjamas— and matching hard- ons— we head downstairs.

This is labeled an ErotiCom. It was neither erotic nor funny.

Also stated:
• Also, it’s a short novella, so only expect this sexy read to make you break out your buzzbuzz a few times before it’s over. No.
• Oral sexytime — it’s an Irene Bahrd trademark, you knew it was coming, even with two dudes. 🙄
• Butt stuff — lots and lots of butt stuff. Butt. Stuff.

Opening line from the blurb: If you’re drunk, and enjoy butt stuff in more than an epilogue, I have just the book for you.
I don't know about you, but if I need to be drunk to enjoy books, well, I'd be drunk all day. And the books I read have anal sex in the book, it's not an epilogue-only special add-in. 🙄

As much as I dislike eggnog, I’d gladly taste it from his lips anytime. Yuck.

“Hard to hear what you’re saying while I’m fucking your face.”

I drop my pants and my cock jets out. 😅

I’m done with this shit; we’re not in high school anymore. You could have fooled me!!

The most entertaining part of this ErotiCom was reading it with the buddy read quad!

Last night, Tristan and I had dinner with our parents— which included more meat than I would expect for a Christmas Eve dinner. Now that was funny, intentional or not.

Do not recommend this for MM+ readers, unless you are drunk, can't say anal and prefer butt stuff.

Tags: Canada, Christmas novella, small town, home for the holidays, first time, high school crush, MCs are 27, barebacking, vers, rimming, Jacob's ladder piercing, fingering, BJs, anal sex (butttt stuffff), bedazzled dick, only one bed, public sex inferred, rich MC throwing money around, egg nog lattes, snowed in, goldendoodle talk, primarily MF author, recent freebie.

[sil ♡ the book voyagers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun! ☁️ I feel like this is my first holiday romance of the year? Maybe.... BUT WHAT A WAY TO START.

Merry in Spite is a cute and steamy lil holiday novella about two former best friends who reunite in their small town during the holidays. Myles hasn't been back home for years but he's going back to spend some time with his family. The reason he hasn't gone back though? Tristan, the guy who unknowingly broke his heart in high school. They used to be best friends but one night everything crumbled. Now, they're about to have the reunion of reunions! (And they still kinda love each other too).

[BiblioFan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the stupidest fucking things I’ve ever read. I still have no idea who is who. The absolute best thing about this book was the group buddy read. It was hilarious and the only redeeming part of this reading experience. Making fun of it was honestly the best.

Most people have trouble with to/too/two or they’re/their/there, I’ve never seen anyone have an issue with wait versus weight. And now I have!

0/5 do not recommend.

[Paloma · Rating 1 out of 5]

No bueno

[Meagan (FranticVampireReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really fun, but I wish we got a little more character development. I wish we actually got to see Tristan and Myles doing all the fun holiday things with their families, going on dates, and falling in love. Otherwise this was some fun holiday flavored smut and it’s getting three stars from me.

[Bobby's Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

CUTE and SPICY, MERRY IN SPITE is the perfect quick Christmas M/M romance to read for the holiday season! With only 84 pages, this friends-to-lovers novella tells the story of Myles returning to town and surprising his friend, Tristian. But as friends, will they also fall in love before Myles leaves after the holidays? A fast-paced novella to read to those who love spicy M/M novellas!

[Jamie Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to expect from a Irene Bahrd book:

1. Great Banter
2. Quick quips (say that five times, fast)
3. Almost always some sort of public…. relations
4. The Men are very very hungry
5. Sometimes there’s butt stuff In the epilogue

This one had most of that and so much more. I love Tristan and Myles. Opposites in personality but totally freaking hot! Also when isn’t a pierced pickle a good idea in a book? 🥒

Check out hers and the other 11 days of Smutmas because they’re only available for a limited time!

[jenniferlea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan & Myles

I loved it!!! A novella with a lesson….use your words & never assume…miscommunications & misunderstandings took several years away from these two…one time friends but I wouldn’t really say enemies either…friends to not friends maybe 🤷🏻‍♀️ but after several years & a brief encounter at Christmas time you will have to read it to see if they can mend old wounds

Check the triggers…it is a novella so quick read but it is a MM romance so there’s that

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, it was fine? The writing flowed ok and stuff. The whole “you have to love Christmas to be with me” thing was a bit much though.

Spice: 4/5

Triggers: discussion of past internalized homophobia, mentions of injury

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know it’s a second chance romance, but this is way too fast-burn considering how little chemistry or communication these two characters have.

Could be okay if it was longer and more fleshed out.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tristan and Myles have been carrying a secret torch for each other since their high school days, though neither dared to spill the beans, leaving their love seemingly unrequited. Myles took off to another country to escape the heartache, while Tristan pursued a career in professional hockey.

Fast forward seven years, and they find themselves back in Coal's Lake, their hometown. Myles is there for Christmas, and Tristan, now retired from hockey due to an injury, has settled down in town. A chance encounter brings them face to face, leading to a surprisingly swift exchange of old and new feelings, and before you know it, they're hooking up.

In classic Irene Bahrd fashion, this book takes a cheeky jab at holiday rom-coms. As the blurb hints, you might want a drink in hand to fully appreciate the absurdity. If you're the kind of person who enjoys those "so bad they're good" cheesy movies, this book might just hit the spot. Packed with MM spice and smut, it serves up a healthy dose of miscommunication, plenty of lube, and some eyebrow-raising Christmas light placements that add a touch of humor to the mix. It's a lighthearted read that encourages you to embrace the quirks and laugh along with the unconventional ride.

[Brittany Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓮𝓿𝓸𝓾𝓼 𝓼𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓵.
𝓗𝓸𝔀 𝓘’𝓭 𝓰𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓱𝓲𝓶."

Tristan and Myles grew up together in a small town. Misunderstandings and lack of communication sent them in opposite directions in life. But when Myles finally comes home for the holiday’s, he learns his secret childhood crush is back home as well.

Will it be the same as it once was? Or will they finally bridge the gap between them?

"𝓗𝓮’𝓼 𝓹𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸𝓾𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓼 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽. 𝓜𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓼𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓮𝔃𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓪 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓫𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓪 𝓒𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓶𝓪𝓼 𝓯𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰—𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓫𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓵."

This was so stinking cute! I was laughing all throughout this novella. It's one of those novellas that has me wishing it was longer. The chemistry was so easy to see and it was so easy to fall in love with these two characters. Not to mention the smexy times will have you fanning yourself.

18+ Eroticom RomCom/Erotica (from the author)->Friends-to-lovers, spilt eggnog, fast-burn romance, a Jacob’s Ladder, a poorly executed miscommunication trope, matching Christmas pajamas, Christmas lights where they don’t belong…

[Natorious Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallmark Christmas movie, but make it smutty. As soon as I saw the dedication, I knew I would love this. I actually LOVE Hallmark Christmas movies, and pictured Jonathan Bennett and his costar from The Holiday Sitter for these two.

Merry in Spite has childhood friends Tristan and Myles, who have both been in love with each other for years unbeknownst to the other. Tristan is an ex hockey player who has moved back in the small town they grew up in, and Myles is visiting his parents for the Christmas season. He’s been gone for years, but comes home when he hears Tristan is back. They quickly run in to each other again and can’t deny how they feel anymore.

These two were made for each other and everyone knew it. And when they finally let their feelings out, it’s on! They weren’t afraid to express their love anywhere and everywhere! I loved it.

Also, shout out to Tristan’s mom and sister for being so cool. There’s one part with the mom inviting Myles to dinner that I absolutely could not stop cackling at! Thank you Irene 😂

Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
Childhood Friends to Lovers
MM
Small Town
Fast burn
🪜🍆
Exhibitionism

[XenyMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I don’t know what I’m doing, but I want that bedazzled cøck of yours.”

I'm a sucker for cheesy holiday movies, and this novella would make the perfect MM spicy holiday movie.

Merry in Spite is a short fast paced novella with a couple of minor time jumps. It tells the story of two guys who were best friends growing up, and secretly in love with each other. After a miscommunication during Christmas time of their senioryearof high school, they haven't seen each other in years, and now they find themselves living the perfect Hallmark movie storyline.

The story is fun and extra sweet & spicy with all the holiday feels.

Quote: “We can do the cheesy made- for- TV Christmas stuff later. Right now, I want you to fùçƙ me so hard I’m not able to sit for a week,”

[Haley Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and interesting

[Sara Virasami · Rating 3 out of 5]

High spice and banter, hands down.
But also, meh?

[Anna Klučková · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

This is my first man-man romance but oh damn i love it… i love The humor and interaction betwen them… i can read novelas like this everyday.

[Bria Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute and OHH so spicy!!

[Roxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute and cozy MM eroticom. I couldn’t get enough of Tristan and Miles. They should have a full book.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect Christmas mm novella. It’s sweet, angsty, squeal out loud happy and s3xy all in one delicious present!

Myles hates Christmas, absolutely despises it. As a successful businessman, he’s actually managed to avoid returning home for many years. So when he’s forced to go back (his dad will not take no for an answer) to his hometown in Canada for a month he is not happy. What’s also bad is his high school crush and former best friend is back in town. Tristan never got over Myles not returning his feelings in high school, it ruined their friendship and he does not want to see him again.

Urgh these two together is perfection. OMG they’re meet cute in the coffee shop…. There’s everything in this! We get perfect little scenes, like the moment Tristan grabs myles in a bookstore to kiss him, to a lot of spice, to angsty confessions to sweet Christmas moments. Their chemistry is INSANE!!!!! they’re both dominant and submissive and I FREAKING LOVE IT!!!!!

Thank you, Irene, it is a fantastic Christmas story and all that I wanted!!!!!

[Satchel Paige (Southernbellbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, spicy, holiday read!

Tris and Myles are full of hurt feelings and missed opportunities. I would even consider it a second chance style romance. With a slight miscommunication trope (past events), they are unaware of the feelings they had and are still feeling, yet neither are ready to open up at first. Soon, a stolen kiss changes everything. These two are perfect for each other, the right amount of push and pull in their relationship. The spice is steamy, low angst, and shows that both are willing to give what the other needs. There were some funny one liners and who doesn’t love some drunk online shopping lol! These two have loved each other for years and when they finally say those words, it’s swoony goodness. This was a really good read and I’m excited to hear what Beth is up to come Feb!

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐ 4 🌶️ 5 🎧

This was a super cute, funny and spicy holiday rom com featuring two best friends who grew apart when they thought their love was unrequited. Watching Myles and Tristan find their way back to each other was the best and their spice was fantastic!

And the audio was fantastic. Lance West is a favorite of mine and he did sooo good with this one! I am loving this series.

[Alie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry In Spite - Irene Bahrd

"Merry In Spite" from the Twelve Days of Smutmas collection is a novella that stole my heart! Irene's fast-paced and compelling writing immediately draws you into a sweet 'coming home,' 'young love' MM romance. Despite its smutty reputation, the story is beautifully crafted, blending humour, heart, and a dash of spice.


These two MMCs, harbouring feelings since their teens, find themselves next door to each other this Christmas after a life-altering miscommunication. The chemistry between them is electric, and the laugh-out-loud moments make it a quintessentially spicy Hallmark movie.


This novella, ranking in my top 5 this Christmas season, is a delightful mix of emotions and humour. It's the perfect read, best enjoyed with a couple of eggnogs! Cheers to Irene for delivering a holiday romance that's as heartwarming as it is spicy.


Miscommunication ∘ Hallmark ∘ Fast Burn ∘ Small Town ∘ Friends to Lovers ∘ MM


Happy Reading,

Alie

Rating: 💜💜💜💜
Aesthetic: 🏘💔🎄🎁🌶💙
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶️🌶️

[Erin Stapel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio Review:

I am loving these Holiday Eroticom Novella by Irene. They are short, packed full of spice and a story line that keeps you entertained the entire time. Myles and Tristan had a miscommunication that led to many lost years. If they hadn't have had that I would be curious to see how much their relationship would have progressed. This was spicy, this was hot, and this was just a sweet quick romance that leaves me desiring more. Audio was provided to us with Lance West and he did a great job with the characters and making it distinct so that it is easy to tell who is speaking when. His voice was super easy to listen to and man was he able to make those erotic scenes hot as can be. Fantastic Job.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Short, cute, and hell-a-spicy. Myles and Tristan meet again after years apart. Will they finally get the life they've secretly longed for all these years?

The MCs have great chemistry and a fun sense of humour. That bucket of lube is priceless. Great Christmas smut to prepare for the season.
Momma Anderson is awesome, I love her!

Unfortunately, there was just too much miscommunication or lack of communication for me to be able to fully enjoy their reunion.

*I received an advanced review copy for free, and I'm reviewing voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

[Spicy BookNook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

On the 11th day of Smutmas...

Eeeek another new author to me and I'm freaking hooked. Irene, your writing is absolutely amazing and I am seriously so excited to read more from you! If you keep the banter up like you did here in other books, you're going to have a lifer from me 😂

Myles and Tristan's relationship started off as something neither wanted to openly admit to. They hid the truth from one another, but they always remained on each other's minds. But everything changes when they run into each other again and they're able to rekindle everything.

I absolutely devoured this and loved the chemistry and laughs and the smexy times, ugh it was so amazing! 😍

[Amanda Berrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

not enough pining

I know this is a novella so obviously short but to me everything seemed like there was no build up. I understand it’s friends to lovers so there were whole years where they were pining but since none of that was played out during the novella everything seemed very instant. I loved Tristan but Myles was unnecessarily making things worse. His approach constantly made it seem like he’d be fine with no relationship which is odd because we know in his head he didn’t want casual. I just think Tristan seemed to be the more emotionally involved based on the dialogue

[Jasmine Acena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and spicy is the best way to describe Myles + Tristan. Christmas-and the Grouch—personified, and it couldn’t be more perfect.
This novella was my first MM romance and I swear, there’s absolutely nothing that Irene can’t write. The queen has bestowed her gifts upon us🧎🏻‍♀️
Lance is an incredibly talented narrator and did a spectacular job bringing us Myles and Tristan! These two are cut from the same cloth, but also have plenty of differences. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for Lance, but you’d never know it based on his seeming ease of storytelling. I can’t wait to hear more from him!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The queen has returned with such an adorable Smutty Hallmark movie (her words, not mine, but I agree!) that I laughed, blushed, and "awwwww'd" my way through this book!

I love the dynamic between Tristan and Myles, and seriously would LOVE a full length novel of their future together! (HINT. HINT.). Also, shout out to Tristan for handling Myles'....ladder situation - I am absolutely not as brave as this fictional man 🤣🤣

As always, bring your shopping lists (not content warnings, babes, we know better) and get ready to cackle and swoon!