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Christmas Notch #3
A Jingle Bell Mingle
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy and USA Today bestselling author Sierra Simone who gave us A Merry Little Meet Cute comes a new holiday rom-com—’tis the season for second chances!
What happens when there’s no room at the inn and you and your potentially demonic cat become roommates with your grumpy one-night stand?
Part-time adult film actress/one-time adult film director/makeup artist Sunny Palmer has accidentally sold her very first screenplay to the Hope Channel. That was six months ago. Fast forward to a looming deadline, an uninspired Sunny has returned to the source of her inspiration in Christmas Notch, Vermont, to immerse herself in the local Christmas miracle on which her fever dream of a movie pitch was based.
Isaac Kelly, former boy band heartthrob and the saddest boy in the music biz, is the latest owner of the town’s historic mansion. After his years of heartbreak following his young wife’s death, Isaac’s record label is done waiting for new music. What better place to attempt his first holiday album than a snow-covered mansion where he can become a hermit in peace?
But after their best friends’ wedding leads to them waking up together in a freezing motel room with questionable wiring and a broken shower, Isaac takes a chance and asks Sunny to stay with him at his home. Surely the place is big enough that he’ll hardly see her or her unhinged cat. But when the two discover they’re both creatively blocked, they make a handshake Isaac will help Sunny hunt down the truth behind the local lore, and Sunny will find Isaac a new muse.
And with these two opposites under one roof, there’s no way this jingle bell mingle could go off script…right?
What happens when there’s no room at the inn and you and your potentially demonic cat become roommates with your grumpy one-night stand?
Part-time adult film actress/one-time adult film director/makeup artist Sunny Palmer has accidentally sold her very first screenplay to the Hope Channel. That was six months ago. Fast forward to a looming deadline, an uninspired Sunny has returned to the source of her inspiration in Christmas Notch, Vermont, to immerse herself in the local Christmas miracle on which her fever dream of a movie pitch was based.
Isaac Kelly, former boy band heartthrob and the saddest boy in the music biz, is the latest owner of the town’s historic mansion. After his years of heartbreak following his young wife’s death, Isaac’s record label is done waiting for new music. What better place to attempt his first holiday album than a snow-covered mansion where he can become a hermit in peace?
But after their best friends’ wedding leads to them waking up together in a freezing motel room with questionable wiring and a broken shower, Isaac takes a chance and asks Sunny to stay with him at his home. Surely the place is big enough that he’ll hardly see her or her unhinged cat. But when the two discover they’re both creatively blocked, they make a handshake Isaac will help Sunny hunt down the truth behind the local lore, and Sunny will find Isaac a new muse.
And with these two opposites under one roof, there’s no way this jingle bell mingle could go off script…right?
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2024
1163 people are currently reading
34210 people want to read
About the author
Julie Murphy
40 books6,777 followersJulie Murphy lives in North Texas with her husband who loves her and her cats who tolerate her. After several wonderful years in the library world, Julie now writes full-time.
When she’s not writing or reliving her reference desk glory days, she can be found watching made-for-TV movies, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza, and planning her next great travel adventure.
She is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the young adult novels Dumplin’ (now a film on Netflix), Puddin’, Pumpkin, Ramona Blue, and Side Effects May Vary. Her middle grade novels include Dear Sweat Pea and a forthcoming 2023 title. She is also Disney's If The Shoe Fits, a modern day romcom retelling of Cinderella. Her writing partner is Sierra Simone and their romance debut is A Merry Little Meet Cute.
Julie has been featured in places liek Good Morning America, The New York Times, and Teen Vogue. Dumplin' was also named one of the best young adult books of all time by Time Magazine.
When she’s not writing or reliving her reference desk glory days, she can be found watching made-for-TV movies, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza, and planning her next great travel adventure.
She is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the young adult novels Dumplin’ (now a film on Netflix), Puddin’, Pumpkin, Ramona Blue, and Side Effects May Vary. Her middle grade novels include Dear Sweat Pea and a forthcoming 2023 title. She is also Disney's If The Shoe Fits, a modern day romcom retelling of Cinderella. Her writing partner is Sierra Simone and their romance debut is A Merry Little Meet Cute.
Julie has been featured in places liek Good Morning America, The New York Times, and Teen Vogue. Dumplin' was also named one of the best young adult books of all time by Time Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,231 reviews
December 25, 2024
Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone have combined their steamy, witty, and creative powers to release a book that's on fire with extra hotness that hits the roof! Whoop! Too hot to handle, but I'm always up for a challenge!
We’re returning to a small town in Vermont, with a Christmas setting and two blazing characters: an adult film actress/one-time movie director/make-up artist/new screenwriter whose project is bought by Hope Channel (like many in the industry, she juggles multiple roles) and Isaac Kelly, a former band boy, now depressive, sullen, still hot but heartbroken, living in the town's historic mansion. Their common ground: creative blocks that stop them from progressing in their jobs. Another big common ground: the legendary threesome they experienced and never forgot two years ago.
A great part of the book's opening is witnessing the first book’s legendary characters, Bee and Nolan, through Teddy Ray Fletcher’s POV as he attends their wedding. Sunny and Isaac’s paths cross that weekend as guests, leading to shameless flirting that turns into another steamy one-night stand in Sunny’s dilapidated hotel room, which could double as a North Pole movie set with its terrible heating, insulation, and wiring system.
When Isaac discovers the room’s horrible condition, he invites Sunny to stay at his mansion during her time in Vermont. What harm can be done when two people share a massive place with numerous rooms, each having their own little corners to get lost in? Isaac's theory is they will barely see each other, so why not help a hot friend who already had two unforgettable one-night stands?
This arrangement might help them destroy their creative blockages. Sunny can be inspired by the Christmas spirit of Vermont, and Isaac can finally find his muse to write and compose more memorable songs.
The grumpy and the sunshine start living under the same roof without thinking about jingle-mingling, but how long can they resist their attraction when they already know the pure passion they share?
This is absolutely another entertaining sequel of this humorous, spicy series! If you enjoyed the first two books, don't skip this one, which promises extra fun and steamy scenes with high chemistry between the main couple! You can also devour it as a standalone without diminishing the fun level.
The opposite attracts, the grumpy meets sunshine tropes blended in a steamy romance and Christmas spirit perfectly. The duo set the chapters on fire and made the readers hyperventilate in a good way! Highly recommended as a unique holiday book for those who enjoy spice and a creative sense of humor!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this spicy holiday romance’s digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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We’re returning to a small town in Vermont, with a Christmas setting and two blazing characters: an adult film actress/one-time movie director/make-up artist/new screenwriter whose project is bought by Hope Channel (like many in the industry, she juggles multiple roles) and Isaac Kelly, a former band boy, now depressive, sullen, still hot but heartbroken, living in the town's historic mansion. Their common ground: creative blocks that stop them from progressing in their jobs. Another big common ground: the legendary threesome they experienced and never forgot two years ago.
A great part of the book's opening is witnessing the first book’s legendary characters, Bee and Nolan, through Teddy Ray Fletcher’s POV as he attends their wedding. Sunny and Isaac’s paths cross that weekend as guests, leading to shameless flirting that turns into another steamy one-night stand in Sunny’s dilapidated hotel room, which could double as a North Pole movie set with its terrible heating, insulation, and wiring system.
When Isaac discovers the room’s horrible condition, he invites Sunny to stay at his mansion during her time in Vermont. What harm can be done when two people share a massive place with numerous rooms, each having their own little corners to get lost in? Isaac's theory is they will barely see each other, so why not help a hot friend who already had two unforgettable one-night stands?
This arrangement might help them destroy their creative blockages. Sunny can be inspired by the Christmas spirit of Vermont, and Isaac can finally find his muse to write and compose more memorable songs.
The grumpy and the sunshine start living under the same roof without thinking about jingle-mingling, but how long can they resist their attraction when they already know the pure passion they share?
This is absolutely another entertaining sequel of this humorous, spicy series! If you enjoyed the first two books, don't skip this one, which promises extra fun and steamy scenes with high chemistry between the main couple! You can also devour it as a standalone without diminishing the fun level.
The opposite attracts, the grumpy meets sunshine tropes blended in a steamy romance and Christmas spirit perfectly. The duo set the chapters on fire and made the readers hyperventilate in a good way! Highly recommended as a unique holiday book for those who enjoy spice and a creative sense of humor!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this spicy holiday romance’s digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
November 8, 2024
I will add that I adored the prior two books in this series, but this one was mediocre for me. I do believe that you'd be able to read this book without reading the previous books in the series. Maybe the former porn star getting into movies gig was getting a bit redundant for me. The humor kept this one going for me and finding out what happened with Sunny's script, but other than that, I kept looking to see what percentage I was at.
Sunny and Issac are in Vermont for their good friends' wedding. Isaac has already bought a mansion in town as he is loaded and a member of a successful boy band. Issac has understandable been dealing with some depression and his wife passed away a few years back. Sunny was in a few porn movies and is an heir to her parents' diaper company so both can relate in the troubles of growing up a rich kid. (Insert eye roll) Issac has one more record deal on his contract that he needs to cut to finally be done with music. Sunny sold the script to the Hope channel based on a town lore and must now actually write that movie.
After they attend their friends' wedding, they meet up at a bar. Sunny and Isaac decide they can help each other with their writing, so Sunny moves in with Issac, along with her cat, instead of staying in the decrepit motel. Issac is conflicted with this as he's very much attracted to Sunny, but he tells himself his wife is and was the only one for him. He knows there's chemistry as he's had a threesome with Sunny and Jack before. As for Sunny, she's all in with the understanding that not much more will come of it because she only wants to keep things simple. Of course, nothing is simple. Feelings get involved. Tangled webs are woven. This was a cute but predictable romcom.
Sunny and Issac are in Vermont for their good friends' wedding. Isaac has already bought a mansion in town as he is loaded and a member of a successful boy band. Issac has understandable been dealing with some depression and his wife passed away a few years back. Sunny was in a few porn movies and is an heir to her parents' diaper company so both can relate in the troubles of growing up a rich kid. (Insert eye roll) Issac has one more record deal on his contract that he needs to cut to finally be done with music. Sunny sold the script to the Hope channel based on a town lore and must now actually write that movie.
After they attend their friends' wedding, they meet up at a bar. Sunny and Isaac decide they can help each other with their writing, so Sunny moves in with Issac, along with her cat, instead of staying in the decrepit motel. Issac is conflicted with this as he's very much attracted to Sunny, but he tells himself his wife is and was the only one for him. He knows there's chemistry as he's had a threesome with Sunny and Jack before. As for Sunny, she's all in with the understanding that not much more will come of it because she only wants to keep things simple. Of course, nothing is simple. Feelings get involved. Tangled webs are woven. This was a cute but predictable romcom.
October 23, 2024
Just finished "Jingle Bell Mingle" by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone - my first book from these authors, and what a delightful holiday surprise it turned out to be.
The story follows Sunny Palmer, a screenwriter battling creative block (and proud owner of the most chaotic cat I've ever encountered in fiction), who finds herself sharing a roof with Isaac Kelly, a former boy band heartthrob trying to compose his first Christmas album. After a one-night stand following their best friends' wedding, they end up as unlikely roommates in his historic mansion, and what follows is pure entertainment.
What really won me over was how the authors balance laugh-out-loud moments with deeper emotional beats. Watching Sunny chase down a local Christmas legend for her Hope Channel screenplay, while Isaac struggles to find his musical inspiration, creates situations that are both hilarious and touching. And don't get me started on Sunny's possibly demonic cat wreaking havoc throughout the mansion - those scenes had me in stitches.
The chemistry between these two opposites feels genuine and develops beautifully. I loved how they strike a deal to help each other overcome their creative blocks, leading to moments that range from absolutely hilarious to surprisingly tender. The way they navigate their growing attraction while dealing with their individual struggles (Sunny with her looming deadline and Isaac with his grief) adds layers to what could have been just another holiday romance.
The story follows Sunny Palmer, a screenwriter battling creative block (and proud owner of the most chaotic cat I've ever encountered in fiction), who finds herself sharing a roof with Isaac Kelly, a former boy band heartthrob trying to compose his first Christmas album. After a one-night stand following their best friends' wedding, they end up as unlikely roommates in his historic mansion, and what follows is pure entertainment.
What really won me over was how the authors balance laugh-out-loud moments with deeper emotional beats. Watching Sunny chase down a local Christmas legend for her Hope Channel screenplay, while Isaac struggles to find his musical inspiration, creates situations that are both hilarious and touching. And don't get me started on Sunny's possibly demonic cat wreaking havoc throughout the mansion - those scenes had me in stitches.
The chemistry between these two opposites feels genuine and develops beautifully. I loved how they strike a deal to help each other overcome their creative blocks, leading to moments that range from absolutely hilarious to surprisingly tender. The way they navigate their growing attraction while dealing with their individual struggles (Sunny with her looming deadline and Isaac with his grief) adds layers to what could have been just another holiday romance.
September 16, 2024
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.
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.
November 21, 2024
DNF’d after - and this is no exaggeration - 7 pages.
Listen - I’m no prude. My favorite genre is romance and I prefer open door. If they’re not doing it, I’m not interested. I don’t blink an eye at tentacles, horns, or fangs. I love a threesome (on paper at least). From a romance novel perspective, I’ll try anything once. Shoot, I have a smutty book about a sentient DOOR on my TBR, FFS.
But I knew this book would be too much when the opening line is “What’s up, Tampon String?” And they didn’t even have the decency to explain where said nickname came from. I love me a modern MMC but I don’t need to hear one describe themselves as a menstrual cup to believe his feminist, sex-positive street cred.
It’s just too much. TOO. MUCH. Too many characters introduced - always using their full names with every reference - too much forced representation, too much innuendo. How much sex positivity is too much? This much, apparently.
I could tell right off the bat that I would hate each and every character. So I quit while I was ahead.
Listen - I’m no prude. My favorite genre is romance and I prefer open door. If they’re not doing it, I’m not interested. I don’t blink an eye at tentacles, horns, or fangs. I love a threesome (on paper at least). From a romance novel perspective, I’ll try anything once. Shoot, I have a smutty book about a sentient DOOR on my TBR, FFS.
But I knew this book would be too much when the opening line is “What’s up, Tampon String?” And they didn’t even have the decency to explain where said nickname came from. I love me a modern MMC but I don’t need to hear one describe themselves as a menstrual cup to believe his feminist, sex-positive street cred.
It’s just too much. TOO. MUCH. Too many characters introduced - always using their full names with every reference - too much forced representation, too much innuendo. How much sex positivity is too much? This much, apparently.
I could tell right off the bat that I would hate each and every character. So I quit while I was ahead.
October 4, 2024
A Jingle Bell Mingle is the newest book in the Christmas Notch series and I’ve honestly had such a good time with this series! They’re centered around the holidays, bring the cheer and the spice (think hallmark with ALL the steam and adult films), the characters have emotional depth, the cast of side characters is the best, and they’re just a fun time!
This one we follow Sunny and Isaac and get all the forced proximity as they become roommates! Sunny is a part time adult film star, one-time adult film director, who has accidentally sold her very first screenplay to the Hope channel. Now it’s 6 months later and she’s struggling to write the story but has to deliver it soon! With a looming deadline, she heads back to Christmas Notch, Vermont for more inspiration! After all, her movie pitch is based on the local town’s Christmas miracle. There she runs into Isaac, a former bad boy heartthrob and the saddest boy in music biz, is the latest owner of the town’s historic mansion! He lost his young wife years ago and has been heartbroken ever since, but his music label is tired of waiting for new music from him and pushing hard. So he’s attempting his first holiday album! After some shenanigans, Isaac invites Sunny to move in with him and things go from there!
Firstly, the photo booth scene, talk about only one photo booth! 🥵🔥 I just loved Sunny and Isaac together! They have a lot in common and just banter and connect. With her living there, Isaac is feeling inspired again for the first time in years and writing music! He’s also helping Sunny look into the local story she’s trying to write about. This was just so much fun but also had a lot of heart to it. Isaac definitely has lots of feels with the loss of his wife and struggles with the idea of getting into future relationships. Sunny is a nepo baby whose family owns a diaper empire, but her brother is trying to push her out of the company. We get to see a lot of the other couples and characters throughout the series make appearances which was so fun! Another solid addition to the series!
This one we follow Sunny and Isaac and get all the forced proximity as they become roommates! Sunny is a part time adult film star, one-time adult film director, who has accidentally sold her very first screenplay to the Hope channel. Now it’s 6 months later and she’s struggling to write the story but has to deliver it soon! With a looming deadline, she heads back to Christmas Notch, Vermont for more inspiration! After all, her movie pitch is based on the local town’s Christmas miracle. There she runs into Isaac, a former bad boy heartthrob and the saddest boy in music biz, is the latest owner of the town’s historic mansion! He lost his young wife years ago and has been heartbroken ever since, but his music label is tired of waiting for new music from him and pushing hard. So he’s attempting his first holiday album! After some shenanigans, Isaac invites Sunny to move in with him and things go from there!
Firstly, the photo booth scene, talk about only one photo booth! 🥵🔥 I just loved Sunny and Isaac together! They have a lot in common and just banter and connect. With her living there, Isaac is feeling inspired again for the first time in years and writing music! He’s also helping Sunny look into the local story she’s trying to write about. This was just so much fun but also had a lot of heart to it. Isaac definitely has lots of feels with the loss of his wife and struggles with the idea of getting into future relationships. Sunny is a nepo baby whose family owns a diaper empire, but her brother is trying to push her out of the company. We get to see a lot of the other couples and characters throughout the series make appearances which was so fun! Another solid addition to the series!
December 11, 2024
If you’re into graphic butt smut and terms like “poop nugget” (not at the same time thank god) all mixed into a holiday romance then this book is for you …
December 20, 2024
⭐️ 3.5 ⭐️
this was exactly what I needed for the holiday jolly 😌
I knew that second book was a fluke. This is the cute Christmas Notch series I remembered & adored from Nolan & Bee’s story🫶
I absolutely adored Sunny. She was so cute and lovable to me 🥹 and Isaac and his pining and sad boy was also absolutely adorable!! They both made me laugh out loud a couple of times while reading 🤭
Ugh, this was just adorable all around!! I really enjoyed this!
this was exactly what I needed for the holiday jolly 😌
I knew that second book was a fluke. This is the cute Christmas Notch series I remembered & adored from Nolan & Bee’s story🫶
I absolutely adored Sunny. She was so cute and lovable to me 🥹 and Isaac and his pining and sad boy was also absolutely adorable!! They both made me laugh out loud a couple of times while reading 🤭
Ugh, this was just adorable all around!! I really enjoyed this!
October 31, 2024
5 stars!
December 10, 2024
If A Jingle Bell Mingle was a Starbucks drink it would be Caramel Apple Spice - sweet. heartwarming, piping hot, and spicy. A Jingle Bell Mingle takes us back to Christmas Notch. This time, we are following the lives of Sunny and Issac, two creatives who are feeling uninspired in their respective fields.
One great aspect of this book is the opening scene which takes place at Bee and Nolan (from book one) wedding through the POV of Teddy Ray Fletcher. This is where Sunny and Issac meet again. Yes, meet again. The two had a threesome one night two years ago that neither have forgotten.
Upon finding her hotel room dilapidated and uninhabitable, Isaac graciously invites Sunny—and her unhinged cat—to stay at his historic mansion. Enter the classic forced proximity trope. 🛏✨🥵
Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone did not hold back with this one as the book goes into the spicy scenes full throttle early on. The sweet tender moments are not lacking either creating a wonderful balance of steam and heart.
Another thing that I appreciated about this book is the exploration of grief, especially during the holiday season. I love how Sunny and Isaac's bond goes beyond romance, encompassing a friendship that inspires and heals them both.
A Jingle Bell Mingle just might be my favorite book in this series. It's certainly earned a spot on my list of top Christmas books. ❄🌶💕
Thank you Avon, Julie Murphy, Sierra Simone, and Netgalley for the eARC.
A Jingle Bell Mingle is out now!
One great aspect of this book is the opening scene which takes place at Bee and Nolan (from book one) wedding through the POV of Teddy Ray Fletcher. This is where Sunny and Issac meet again. Yes, meet again. The two had a threesome one night two years ago that neither have forgotten.
Upon finding her hotel room dilapidated and uninhabitable, Isaac graciously invites Sunny—and her unhinged cat—to stay at his historic mansion. Enter the classic forced proximity trope. 🛏✨🥵
Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone did not hold back with this one as the book goes into the spicy scenes full throttle early on. The sweet tender moments are not lacking either creating a wonderful balance of steam and heart.
Another thing that I appreciated about this book is the exploration of grief, especially during the holiday season. I love how Sunny and Isaac's bond goes beyond romance, encompassing a friendship that inspires and heals them both.
A Jingle Bell Mingle just might be my favorite book in this series. It's certainly earned a spot on my list of top Christmas books. ❄🌶💕
Thank you Avon, Julie Murphy, Sierra Simone, and Netgalley for the eARC.
A Jingle Bell Mingle is out now!
December 4, 2024
A Yule-log sized turd.
December 3, 2024
they BOTH should’ve been at a therapist’s office
December 24, 2025
And so ends the trilogy of the boy band members who all manage to find love in a Christmas themed village, with the journey being full of naughty sexcapades. One of my favourite things to do in life is randomly read lines out loud from a smut book to my unsuspecting husband with no context for him whatsoever and this book provided many opportunities for me to do so. This final book of the trilogy (which you can read as standalones) features Isaac, a widowed tortured soul trying to write new music and Sunny, a confident and outgoing part-time porn star/aspiring screenwriter. The two end up temporarily living together and decide to help each other in their artistic quests which is both helped and hindered by the fact they keep having sex but are not quite ready to commit to a relationship for various reasons. There's some fun and quirky scenes, and it was nice to resist the main characters of the previous two novels.
Overall: a fun smutty story which I enjoyed.
Overall: a fun smutty story which I enjoyed.
October 5, 2024
this was definitely interesting, to say the least, lol. i was a little thrown off by the prologue, having not read the other two books in the series! i’m glad i stuck with it though because isaac and sunny were truly one of a kind.
the book follows sunny, who accidentally pitches and sells her very first screenplay, and isaac, a grieving musician currently on hiatus, expected to release his highly anticipated christmas album. they both need to get creative, and they find solace in each other as they try to finish their work. sunny and isaac had such fun banter, and it was special to read about their grief and how their friendship and love helped them heal parts of each other they didn’t even know needed healing. i also loved how a christmas miracle was woven into the story!!
the epilogue was cute, but again, a bit confusing. i was thankful for the final bit that brought the focus back to sunny and isaac. “a jingle bell mingle” comes out this week, and i highly recommend it if you’re in a festive mood. a special thank you to netgalley and avon & harper voyage for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
the book follows sunny, who accidentally pitches and sells her very first screenplay, and isaac, a grieving musician currently on hiatus, expected to release his highly anticipated christmas album. they both need to get creative, and they find solace in each other as they try to finish their work. sunny and isaac had such fun banter, and it was special to read about their grief and how their friendship and love helped them heal parts of each other they didn’t even know needed healing. i also loved how a christmas miracle was woven into the story!!
the epilogue was cute, but again, a bit confusing. i was thankful for the final bit that brought the focus back to sunny and isaac. “a jingle bell mingle” comes out this week, and i highly recommend it if you’re in a festive mood. a special thank you to netgalley and avon & harper voyage for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2024
DNF at 40%.
I loved the mystery behind Sunny's movie, I loved the roommates with benefits trope, and I loved watching Isaac come back from "the dead".
However, while I think the premise was super cute, and the steam was fantastic, I just did not enjoy the characters enough to continue with the story. I also felt like this was supposed to be an interconnected standalone, where you could not have read the earlier books and still had plenty of information about past characters given in this book to make sense, but that was not the case. Within a very short amount of time, there were about 10-15 characters introduced by name like I should have known them who I very much did not. There were also characters referenced throughout the portion of the book I read that I had no idea who they were or their significance. A refresher for those who have read it and a simple introduction for those picking this book up first would have gone a long way imo.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone for the opportunity read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions above are honest and my own.
I loved the mystery behind Sunny's movie, I loved the roommates with benefits trope, and I loved watching Isaac come back from "the dead".
However, while I think the premise was super cute, and the steam was fantastic, I just did not enjoy the characters enough to continue with the story. I also felt like this was supposed to be an interconnected standalone, where you could not have read the earlier books and still had plenty of information about past characters given in this book to make sense, but that was not the case. Within a very short amount of time, there were about 10-15 characters introduced by name like I should have known them who I very much did not. There were also characters referenced throughout the portion of the book I read that I had no idea who they were or their significance. A refresher for those who have read it and a simple introduction for those picking this book up first would have gone a long way imo.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone for the opportunity read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions above are honest and my own.
September 5, 2024
I actually didn’t intend to post about this book until closer to release day (9/24!) but I cried for a good chunk of this book and felt very seen. So. Let’s get into it.
Yes this book is hysterical at times. And yes there’s a perfect amount of levity to break up the heavy topics. But mostly, this book is about learning to love after tremendous loss and opening up to the possibility of there being more than enough room for someone else. Isaac and Sunny are professionals at running away. Isaac with his reclusiveness and Sunny with her big, loud sunshine personality. So if you squish them into a snowy Gilded Age mansion during the holidays after a wedding one night stand, it’s probably going to get messy very quick.
And it does. They’re friends first and foremost (which I loved!) and the fall into love kind of happens before they even know it. (Although I argue we as the audience see it happening first in real time which is phenom writing). The sex? Hot! The old lady group chat? A delight! Teddy Ray finally proposing to his shark of a girlfriend? Obsessed.
But jfc the grief is done so beautifully. I won’t spoil the resolution of the Christmas Notch Miracle legend our MCs are looking into. But it made me cry stupid tears so. Do with that what you will heh.
But while these two are falling in love, they’re also realizing that grief doesn’t stop for anybody. But….neither does life. Or love. Or second chances. Or friendship. Isaac and Sunny have to learn to let each other in, but it’s more about them taking the risk and the bravery involved in taking a chance.
Lois Tonkins talked about “Growing Around Grief” in her 1996 article. Where grief doesn’t go away or shrink but life grows around it. Sunny and Isaac amidst capri sun binge sessions and sustainably caught lobster cat food grow around it. And I want to hug Julie and Simone for this book and these characters.
So sad this series is over. But what a way for it to go out.
Also the found p*rn family in this continues to be delightful and heart warming. 10/10.
Thank you to Avon and HCP for an arc copy! All thoughts are my own!
Yes this book is hysterical at times. And yes there’s a perfect amount of levity to break up the heavy topics. But mostly, this book is about learning to love after tremendous loss and opening up to the possibility of there being more than enough room for someone else. Isaac and Sunny are professionals at running away. Isaac with his reclusiveness and Sunny with her big, loud sunshine personality. So if you squish them into a snowy Gilded Age mansion during the holidays after a wedding one night stand, it’s probably going to get messy very quick.
And it does. They’re friends first and foremost (which I loved!) and the fall into love kind of happens before they even know it. (Although I argue we as the audience see it happening first in real time which is phenom writing). The sex? Hot! The old lady group chat? A delight! Teddy Ray finally proposing to his shark of a girlfriend? Obsessed.
But jfc the grief is done so beautifully. I won’t spoil the resolution of the Christmas Notch Miracle legend our MCs are looking into. But it made me cry stupid tears so. Do with that what you will heh.
But while these two are falling in love, they’re also realizing that grief doesn’t stop for anybody. But….neither does life. Or love. Or second chances. Or friendship. Isaac and Sunny have to learn to let each other in, but it’s more about them taking the risk and the bravery involved in taking a chance.
Lois Tonkins talked about “Growing Around Grief” in her 1996 article. Where grief doesn’t go away or shrink but life grows around it. Sunny and Isaac amidst capri sun binge sessions and sustainably caught lobster cat food grow around it. And I want to hug Julie and Simone for this book and these characters.
So sad this series is over. But what a way for it to go out.
Also the found p*rn family in this continues to be delightful and heart warming. 10/10.
Thank you to Avon and HCP for an arc copy! All thoughts are my own!
October 28, 2024
My favorite of this very silly series. Love the “sad boy” trope and it’s even better with a love interest to constantly tease him about his sad boy moping. Finding love after loss is such an emotionally engaging trope. The magical history of how Christmas Notch got it's name is so unique and fun. Just a simple, sexy, jolly Christmassy good time.
December 16, 2024
This book was...fun but had an excessive amount of spice, so I definitely wouldn't recommend this one if you're looking for a tame Christmas romance. It was a bit of a disappointment for me with the series seeming to be a bit redundant with the plot but that's okay, I've finished it and am glad to be moving on.
December 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I’ve had this book on my shelf since last holiday season but I didn’t get to a ton of “in the spirit” books last year. This started off a little hard for me because I didn’t realize it was the third book in an interconnected standalone series (sometimes it matters even when it shouldn’t). The reader is immediately thrown into an event that’s taking place because of stories from previous books, filled with characters and relationships that are established and I just felt out of place. It took me quite a long time to recover from this feeling and warm up to this book, so don’t be like me and read the books in order!
After her best friend gets married in the quaint town of Christmas Notch, Sunny has a repeat romantic rendezvous with the one time boy band idol Isaac. She’s staying in town to write a screenplay based on a local Christmas miracle and he’s bought the nearby secluded mansion to get away from the world after his wife’s death. His label also wants a holiday album from him but without his muse he can’t seem to come up with any new songs. After their one night stand, Sunny and Isaac find themselves in a mutually beneficial relationship where Sunny doesn’t have to live in the cheap run down motel and they can help each other out of their writing blocks, but their chemistry is undeniable and sooner or later they will have to see the muses and miracles right in front of them.
Aside from my immediate bias at the beginning, the story was pretty funny from the start. These authors just have a way with words, banter and timing that had me laughing out loud several times through the book. Between Mr. Tumnes and the muse date scenes and all of Sunny’s quippy one liners, I was on the floor. In the end, I did end up liking the characters themselves and their evolution together. I never really grew attached to the relationships of the side characters but that’s on me because I don’t know them from the prior books. The miracle of the town got a little convoluted as it took a back seat to the romance and so when it came back to the front of the story I felt like I played catch up and never really got the full picture.
Besides the humor, most of all I appreciated how strong Sunny’s character was. Though Isaac was a bit frustrating in his unwillingness to see their relationship and his feelings for what they really were until the last moment, Sunny knew her value and didn’t take less than she deserved (once she was decided on her own feelings of course). The same can be said for the subplot between her and her brother and the diaper empire. And to see this depicting in a plus size character is refreshing.
Overall the book has its good qualities that won out for me over the things that frustrated me, but I can tentatively say enter with caution and definitely read the prior books. This is also a lust first romance, so if that is a deal breaker, I would skip it.
I’ve had this book on my shelf since last holiday season but I didn’t get to a ton of “in the spirit” books last year. This started off a little hard for me because I didn’t realize it was the third book in an interconnected standalone series (sometimes it matters even when it shouldn’t). The reader is immediately thrown into an event that’s taking place because of stories from previous books, filled with characters and relationships that are established and I just felt out of place. It took me quite a long time to recover from this feeling and warm up to this book, so don’t be like me and read the books in order!
After her best friend gets married in the quaint town of Christmas Notch, Sunny has a repeat romantic rendezvous with the one time boy band idol Isaac. She’s staying in town to write a screenplay based on a local Christmas miracle and he’s bought the nearby secluded mansion to get away from the world after his wife’s death. His label also wants a holiday album from him but without his muse he can’t seem to come up with any new songs. After their one night stand, Sunny and Isaac find themselves in a mutually beneficial relationship where Sunny doesn’t have to live in the cheap run down motel and they can help each other out of their writing blocks, but their chemistry is undeniable and sooner or later they will have to see the muses and miracles right in front of them.
Aside from my immediate bias at the beginning, the story was pretty funny from the start. These authors just have a way with words, banter and timing that had me laughing out loud several times through the book. Between Mr. Tumnes and the muse date scenes and all of Sunny’s quippy one liners, I was on the floor. In the end, I did end up liking the characters themselves and their evolution together. I never really grew attached to the relationships of the side characters but that’s on me because I don’t know them from the prior books. The miracle of the town got a little convoluted as it took a back seat to the romance and so when it came back to the front of the story I felt like I played catch up and never really got the full picture.
Besides the humor, most of all I appreciated how strong Sunny’s character was. Though Isaac was a bit frustrating in his unwillingness to see their relationship and his feelings for what they really were until the last moment, Sunny knew her value and didn’t take less than she deserved (once she was decided on her own feelings of course). The same can be said for the subplot between her and her brother and the diaper empire. And to see this depicting in a plus size character is refreshing.
Overall the book has its good qualities that won out for me over the things that frustrated me, but I can tentatively say enter with caution and definitely read the prior books. This is also a lust first romance, so if that is a deal breaker, I would skip it.
December 23, 2025
3.5 stars-this was my least favorite of the series but still cute and funny
December 9, 2024
Don't let the cutesy Holliday cover fool you this book will be the smuttiest motherfucker you've ever read.
November 5, 2024
The Christmas Notch series is a lot like sour candy—as much as it pains you, you keep coming back for more. And do I keep coming back! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book over the summer but have only now been able to get around to reading it (listening to it?). I did purchase a final copy but ended up listening to the audiobook (due to it being read by the wonderful Joy Nash). I do find these books more enjoyable in the audio format than in a physical or eBook format.
I was surprised and a little disappointed that the setting for this wasn’t on a movie set. That is part of the charm of this series, getting to explore the knock-off Hallmark Channel setting and all the hijinks that come with it. Although it was nice that we were only one degree separated from that! Watching Sunny and Isaac muddle through their creativity struggles felt incredibly human and real.
One issue I had with the book has to do with mental health, grief, and using that as an excuse to be mean to others/push others away. At one point, Isaac weaponizes his grief (and depression) against Sunny to stop their romance in its tracks, due to his loyalty to his deceased wife. Spoiler alert: That’s not okay. This take on mental health and grief only perpetuates stigma and I truly hope we stop seeing this in media, no matter its type.
As for the romance, it was just okay in this book. The romance plot was reading more as a lust-than-love plotline, with both characters acting incredibly horny toward one another. Which is fine! But it did make the “I love yous” feel unearned at the end. I never got the sense that they were emotionally connected enough to make the love, well, feel like love.
Overall, I found this series to be a silly, horny time set at the backdrop of Hallmark movies with a small-town vibe. Would I read books by this duo again? I’m not quite sure. On one hand, when these books are tuned into their emotional plots and are bringing that out, these books are fun to read! But when they’re only focused on the horny, sexy times, they can get to be a bit much.
TW: death of spouse (off page, in past), death of parents (off page, in past)
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
*~*~*~*~*
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I was surprised and a little disappointed that the setting for this wasn’t on a movie set. That is part of the charm of this series, getting to explore the knock-off Hallmark Channel setting and all the hijinks that come with it. Although it was nice that we were only one degree separated from that! Watching Sunny and Isaac muddle through their creativity struggles felt incredibly human and real.
One issue I had with the book has to do with mental health, grief, and using that as an excuse to be mean to others/push others away. At one point, Isaac weaponizes his grief (and depression) against Sunny to stop their romance in its tracks, due to his loyalty to his deceased wife. Spoiler alert: That’s not okay. This take on mental health and grief only perpetuates stigma and I truly hope we stop seeing this in media, no matter its type.
As for the romance, it was just okay in this book. The romance plot was reading more as a lust-than-love plotline, with both characters acting incredibly horny toward one another. Which is fine! But it did make the “I love yous” feel unearned at the end. I never got the sense that they were emotionally connected enough to make the love, well, feel like love.
Overall, I found this series to be a silly, horny time set at the backdrop of Hallmark movies with a small-town vibe. Would I read books by this duo again? I’m not quite sure. On one hand, when these books are tuned into their emotional plots and are bringing that out, these books are fun to read! But when they’re only focused on the horny, sexy times, they can get to be a bit much.
TW: death of spouse (off page, in past), death of parents (off page, in past)
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
*~*~*~*~*
Connect with me on my socials!
nikiashreads' Linktree
October 18, 2024
4 stars ⭐️ A super cute yet very raunchy at moments romcom book. For the raunchy romance genre, it had great character development and a storyline (which I feel can often lack smut books). Very body and LGBT positive as sunny is a bigger girl, and many characters are bi and fluid with relationships.
It's like Hallmark meets a soft core 🌽.
It's like Hallmark meets a soft core 🌽.
December 13, 2024
I had a pleasant time reading this story! It was a fun, sad, and spicy story! I think I liked the first one the best still but this one was still a good time! I enjoyed their journeys through their grief and then to each other! I also really enjoyed the crime solving group and cat advice ladies that Isaac had, so funny! Just a fun festive spicy read!
November 1, 2024
4.5 - Thank you so much to Avon for the complimentary!
This book is out now!
I had been saving this book until closer to the holiday season but I just couldn't wait any longer! A Jingle Bell Mingle is the last book in the Christmas Notch series and focuses on the last remaining boyband member of INK - Isaac Kelly. I had absolutely adored the first book in this series, the second one was read so I was a little nervous going into this one. But turns out I had nothing to fear because this one was so much fun!
The chemistry between Isaac and Sunny was so strong! We learn this early on in which Simone did not let us down in that department. She wasn't looking for anything serious because her time in Christmas Notch was temporary and he was afraid of making the next step after becoming a young widow. Sunny ends up staying with Isaac in his mansion where she attempts to work on her screenplay and he attempts to write new music. And if you're a fan of romance books, you know what happens with forced proximity *smirk*.
Isaac very quickly became protective of Sunny and you could feel how much he just wanted to be with her even through her resistance. Sunny had a lot of stuff happening with her family's business and I was happy to see that she worked through her relationship with her brother. I wanted to shake both of them when they just couldn't admit their feelings for one another.
I understand the inclusion of the mystery that Sunny is trying to solve to help with her screenplay but I didn't fully think it was necessary to have. It seemed like a filler? And perhaps I just am being selfish and I just wanted more of the folks of the prior books or just more of Isaac & Sunny.
Overall I really enjoyed this one! If you are looking for a holiday series to read this upcoming season, I suggest giving this one a try. All have been fabulous on audio as well!
This book is out now!
I had been saving this book until closer to the holiday season but I just couldn't wait any longer! A Jingle Bell Mingle is the last book in the Christmas Notch series and focuses on the last remaining boyband member of INK - Isaac Kelly. I had absolutely adored the first book in this series, the second one was read so I was a little nervous going into this one. But turns out I had nothing to fear because this one was so much fun!
The chemistry between Isaac and Sunny was so strong! We learn this early on in which Simone did not let us down in that department. She wasn't looking for anything serious because her time in Christmas Notch was temporary and he was afraid of making the next step after becoming a young widow. Sunny ends up staying with Isaac in his mansion where she attempts to work on her screenplay and he attempts to write new music. And if you're a fan of romance books, you know what happens with forced proximity *smirk*.
Isaac very quickly became protective of Sunny and you could feel how much he just wanted to be with her even through her resistance. Sunny had a lot of stuff happening with her family's business and I was happy to see that she worked through her relationship with her brother. I wanted to shake both of them when they just couldn't admit their feelings for one another.
I understand the inclusion of the mystery that Sunny is trying to solve to help with her screenplay but I didn't fully think it was necessary to have. It seemed like a filler? And perhaps I just am being selfish and I just wanted more of the folks of the prior books or just more of Isaac & Sunny.
Overall I really enjoyed this one! If you are looking for a holiday series to read this upcoming season, I suggest giving this one a try. All have been fabulous on audio as well!
July 22, 2024
A Jingle Bell Mingle by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
"Jingle Bell Mingle" by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone was the perfect read to get me into the Christmas in July spirit. The roommates-turned-lovers plot line was a great fit for the story, and I enjoyed following the journey of Sunny and Isaac as they navigated their own paths of grief. Sunny, who had lost her parents at a young age, and Isaac, a widower, dealt with their grief in different ways, but watching them come together and support each other was a touching aspect of the book.
In addition to the main plot, there was a captivating side story involving a historical Christmas mystery that added an element of adventure and intrigue to the narrative. As the characters tried to unravel the story of the mailman and the widower from the 1940s, the reader was taken on a journey of discovery and mystery.
While I found the multiple side stories a bit overwhelming at times and difficult to follow, I still enjoyed the overall cute and spicy read that "Jingle Bell Mingle" provided. It was a great palate cleanser with its mix of heartwarming moments, romance, and a touch of holiday magic. Despite the slight confusion caused by the various subplots, I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a festive and engaging read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
"Jingle Bell Mingle" by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone was the perfect read to get me into the Christmas in July spirit. The roommates-turned-lovers plot line was a great fit for the story, and I enjoyed following the journey of Sunny and Isaac as they navigated their own paths of grief. Sunny, who had lost her parents at a young age, and Isaac, a widower, dealt with their grief in different ways, but watching them come together and support each other was a touching aspect of the book.
In addition to the main plot, there was a captivating side story involving a historical Christmas mystery that added an element of adventure and intrigue to the narrative. As the characters tried to unravel the story of the mailman and the widower from the 1940s, the reader was taken on a journey of discovery and mystery.
While I found the multiple side stories a bit overwhelming at times and difficult to follow, I still enjoyed the overall cute and spicy read that "Jingle Bell Mingle" provided. It was a great palate cleanser with its mix of heartwarming moments, romance, and a touch of holiday magic. Despite the slight confusion caused by the various subplots, I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a festive and engaging read.
December 15, 2024
I usually try not to rate books unless I’ve read the whole thing or a significant majority… but I’ve never DNF’d a book by page 4. Maybe saves the story if you don’t read the prologue(?).
I’m happy for those who loved this, but the first two pages short summary from my POV: The very first line was "what's up tampon strings?" and some line about being a “menstrual cup.” You meet about 12 people in 2 pages, maybe more or less.
A former porn content creator getting married, and all this commotion happening in a church. Another music artist guy whose wife just passed away, did a threesome with a pornstar ex and some other guy’s ex-stepmother, and now this narrator who is/was also a pornstar is trying to seduce the widow who was actually her ex boyfriend and make money off the widow to get him to help her company(?)... all they talked about was sex, porn, and strippers beating them to the trolley for food.
I might have some rebuttals on this review because my summary is so short and didn’t give the book a chance…
But after reading reviews about all the “poop nuggets” and “Yuletide shit logs” after anal sex…. I think I’ve made the right choice in DNF-ing this “Christmas” read…
I’m happy for those who loved this, but the first two pages short summary from my POV: The very first line was "what's up tampon strings?" and some line about being a “menstrual cup.” You meet about 12 people in 2 pages, maybe more or less.
A former porn content creator getting married, and all this commotion happening in a church. Another music artist guy whose wife just passed away, did a threesome with a pornstar ex and some other guy’s ex-stepmother, and now this narrator who is/was also a pornstar is trying to seduce the widow who was actually her ex boyfriend and make money off the widow to get him to help her company(?)... all they talked about was sex, porn, and strippers beating them to the trolley for food.
I might have some rebuttals on this review because my summary is so short and didn’t give the book a chance…
But after reading reviews about all the “poop nuggets” and “Yuletide shit logs” after anal sex…. I think I’ve made the right choice in DNF-ing this “Christmas” read…
November 10, 2024
I enjoyed this book so much, and it is definitely my favorite of the series. While books one and two are more wild romps following co-stars making a movie together, this book takes a departure from that formula. I have been eagerly awaiting Isaac's book and I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint. This book is much more emotional than the others in the series. It's still steamy and ends with a HEA, but it's truly about two people struggling with grief, and learning to reconcile their attachment to the other with the grief they carry. Don't get me wrong, this still has that quirky-sexy humor that's a trademark of this series and there's still lots of shenanigans, but there's just a different vibe that makes this book feel a bit more serious in tone. This is also the final anthem for the series, and we get one final look at all of the couples we've seen in the novels and novellas, including a continuation and wrap-up of Teddy and Steph's love story. I really enjoyed reading and I recommend this series for anyone looking for a spicy and funny holiday romance.
November 27, 2024
This was my favourite in the series thus far!
Sunny was such a delight in the first books and I was geeked she got her own story.
She totally lived up!
Sunny was such a delight in the first books and I was geeked she got her own story.
She totally lived up!
December 3, 2024
Not the best in the series, but certainly not the worst. It had its moments of fun and was overall quite entertaining.
Around 3.5-3.75 ⭐️’s
Around 3.5-3.75 ⭐️’s
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