Merry Little Mishap

by Vivian Mae

Nick Stafford isn’t just my older, sexy neighbor, he’s the charming handyman who has seen my panties stuck to my dress on more than one occasion.



Yup. Super embarrassing.


Nick is totally out of my league, so I wouldn’t do anything to ruin our friendship, like admit my feelings for him, which works out because I’m great at keeping secrets (like how my very catholic family in Puerto Rico has no idea I write steamy articles for work).



Yeah… let’s not tell them about that, especially Nick.

But now we have a problem…



We’re both hopelessly stuck in an elevator after I drunkenly declared the one thing I swore I’d never admit to him.



Merry freaking Christmas…

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Novella, Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Vivian Mae is a Latina indie author who writes contemporary romance with spice, angst, and emotionally complicated love stories with happily ever afters. She enjoys creating steamy stories on the complicated and angsty side, because the more emotional the better the payout, right?

She lives in Arizona with her husband/best friend/apple of her eye. They are living their own second chance/friends to lovers romance trope.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her laughing alongside her husband, binging trashy T.V., sneaking chocolates, reading her favorite naughty novels, rewatching her favorite horror films, scrolling through Netflix for waaaay too long, and dreaming about pizza and wine.

You can find Vivian on the following platforms:

Instagram - @vivianmaewrites
TikTok - @vivianmaewrites , @vivianmaeauthor (backup)
Pinterest - Vivian Mae Writes
Facebook - Vivian Mae
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/vivia...
Verve - https://ververomance.com/app/vivianma...
Website: https://www.vivianmae.com
Newsletter sign up: https://www.vivianmae.com/newsletter

Reviews

[MillennialMomReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up 🎄🎄🎄🌲This Christmas Novella by Vivian Mae is easy to power through in a few hours if you are looking to make the naughty list this year! It is super spicy and because the characters were so interesting I was hoping for a little bit more plot development and could have taken a bit less spice. It’s a kudos to Vivian Mae that the characters are so intriguing that I wish this were a full blown story. I would definitely re-read a longer version of this novella.

[Steph ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book.

I enjoyed this, it was a fun little time. I thought it'd be filled with spice, but it wasn't. There was a plot and the spicy scenes didn't kick in until around the 60-65% mark.
The writing was good. I did feel it was a little insta-lust, but that's probably because it was a novella. I didn't *love* the spice in this one. But overall, it was a fun, quick, festive read.

[Malaree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this Christmas Novella so much! It was fast paced, easy to follow, extremely well written, full of plot, and VERY SPICYYY 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ this book is perfect for the upcoming Holidays!!
This was a Novella so it's a shorter story but I need MORE of Nick and Elena's story, their chemistry and relationship was just so vibrant, I think I love them!!

Thank you Vivian Mae for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Merry Little Mishap, it'll be out November 1st! 🎁

[Dul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Necesito subir la reseña

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do have to stop judging books by their covers. The cover and title of “Merry Little Mishap” imply that it’s a sweet little holiday story when, in fact, it is undoubtedly quite steamy inside. That’s not to say that Elena and Nick didn’t have sweet moments; they did. But from all their interactions and shenanigans they found themselves in, between my laughter, I said to myself several times, “Wow, that was hot.” It’s 123 pages, and though it zoomed by, I still felt like the romance was spot on, and the story was enough, too.

[Nuria Gimeno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute cute cuteeeee

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this. It’s for sure going on my list of comfort reads. Elena is such a great character and I related to her on so many levels when it comes to family with strong traditional ways. Nick? Where do I even start. He’s perfect. He’s so kind and gentle, and just when you think that’s all, the mouth on him 😮‍💨 phew. Their chemistry and banter together was just SO great. I laughed out loud, I got emotional, it was heartfelt and spicy - just an all around great novella. I’ll also never think of an elevator the same again! Happy Early Holidays to me!

[Cydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a cute little fast-paced holiday novella that had banter and spice, so I was more than a little blown away by how spicy it was?! I feel like I'd probably classify this as erotica—and that is not to be derogatory at all—but it got hot very fast and just kept going up from there and I was shocked LOL! With that said, I felt like this was well-written, especially the aspects about religious trauma and cultural shaming that happens to Latina women once they become a certain age. The dynamic between Nick and Elena was electric, funny, and hot, even though I felt like Nick a little bit sorta kinda teensy weensy fetishized Elena a little bit!

This was a cute holiday novella to end the Christmas season off with!

4 ⭐️s
4 🌶️

[Ellie Schaben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Vivian Mae and Midtown Publishing LLC for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4/5 stars - Steamy, steamy, steamy Christmas novella! Feels a bit unrealistic, but my god, it is the meet-cute you always thought you’d get. I struggle with novellas as you never get enough character development. I felt like Elena got a good amount, but we don’t learn as much about Nick unfortunately.

[KarlasReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to snag an ARC of this and it did not disappoint! This novella was such a blast. First off, major props for having a Latina main character, loved that! As a Latina myself, I really connected with some of the cultural nods and expectations. Even though Elena is Puerto Rican and I’m Cuban, the whole strict parents’ vibe was spot on.

The story centers around Elena, a magazine writer, and Nick, the building super. Cue them getting stuck in an elevator with a spicy card game, and, well, things heat up fast. This book is heavy on the steam, but what really got me was the sweet cinnamon roll MMC. Nick is adorable, caring, and had me cracking up more than once. The chemistry between them was intense. No joke, I read the first line of this book, stopped immediately, and called my bestie because I was laughing so hard.

If you’re on the fence, just check out that opening line—it’s a trip. This novella makes for a great palette cleanser, the writing is sharp, and I totally recommend adding it to your Christmas TBR!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect Christmas novella, it’s just the right amount of sweet and spicy. The dog was so adorable & of course our hottie neighbour Henry Cavill looking mmc is a dog dad! 🥵
The chemistry was off the charts between the two main characters.
It touches on unresolved cultural and societal beliefs so well and in such a positive manner.
Highly recommend for everyone’s December TBR 🎄

🎄Neighbours to lovers
❄️ Naughty toy list
💋 Age gap
🎄 Forced proximity
❄️ He falls first
💋 Spicy
🎄 No third act breakup
❄️ Latinx rep
💋 Henry Cavill looking dog dad mmc

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you so much for this ARC! 💋

[Abbey Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a hot and sweet bite size treat

I LOVED this book. As a slow burn lover, I’m amazed bu Vivan’s talent of making me love a relationship that was sweet, and spicy and just perfect from page one. I understood they had a history of cordial friendship and attraction, and the first chapter was so gloriously awkward and something out of a romcom. Highly recommend, if you’re looking for a sweet, bon dramatic read. 🖤

[Danielle Meza · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨A R C REVIEW✨

Ho Ho holy moly, this book was 🔥
Elena + Nick’s story was so easy to fall into.
I finished this is one sitting! It’s such a cute, spicy novella perfect for the holiday season. 🎄

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book is spicy🥵🔥. It’s a quick read and I love the main characters. I definitely recommend this book if you like spice quick reads.

[Hannah Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a novella.
I read this in an hour and a half. I could NOT put it down. The spice in this was out of this world and well written. If you're need a quick spice for the holidays I HIGHLY recommend this book!

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really hyped to receive the ARC of this book, and let me tell you it was WORTH THE HYPE 🙌🏻 This novella was everything and more, it was something I didn’t realize I needed. Vivian’s writing is so easy to read and enjoyable. I laughed, I cried (happy tears), I giggled, I smiled and I blushed A LOT 🥵🔥❤️

The originality, the emotional and physical connections between Nick and Elena, and Vivian’s ability to make these characters so relatable was pure perfection. This story will live rent free in my mind for a long time. It the perfect, steamy, loving and exciting Christmas novella I didn’t know I needed 🥹❤️And the same way that I watch Home Alone (not number 2 IYKYK) every Christmas, I may have to add reading this novella to my traditions…❤️

[Franzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delivers what it promises – christmas, trapped in elevators and loads of sex 😉 This was a really quick and fun read to get into the mood for Christmas (hey, it's never too early!). There's also a bit of discussion about Latino families and growing up in one where you weren't allowed to talk about sex and I think the mix was well done. If I had to be stuck in an elevator with anyone, Josh would be a very solid choice.

I received a free early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Little Mishap by Vivian Mae is a short, sweet & sizzling holiday novella. This is the perfect quick holiday read to pick up while cozying up with fuzzy socks, a warm blanket, hot cocoa, and a good vibe😏 I ate this one up in one sitting and it had me giggling, squealing and craving more the whole way through.

I loved Nick and Elena’s chemistry. Elena is so cute and sweet, and I loved her “twelve days of sexmas” assignment. It definitely worked in her and Nick’s favor 😉🔥
The real star of the show for me though was our man Nick. Nick-f*cking-Stafford ladies and gents. Here I was thinking he was a shy, quiet type that would be nervous and mumbly the whole time around Elena but I was so wrong in the best way possible. Nick-f*cking-Stafford has a filthy mouth, is confident and commanding yet sweet and gentle, and is absolutely delicious. I can confidently say I would take a 1000 pages of pure Nick Stafford smut.

And on a more serious note, do not skip the author’s note! I absolutely loved that author Vivian Mae included a bit of her own story and I want to thank her for being vulnerable and sharing with us. As someone who is studying sex therapy and is passionate about helping people live their healthiest, happiest sex lives and overcome sexual shame, embarrassment, guilt, etc, I appreciate Vivian Mae so much for highlighting culture and religious-based sexual shame through her character Elena and being so open with us. It is such an important topic that needs to be more openly discussed, so thank you for starting the conversation through this delightfully spicy novella!

I can’t wait to see what author Vivian Mae has in store for us next!

Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity!

[Malin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ate this up in one evening. It was such a fun, lighthearted, short, cute read, absolutely perfect before Christmas! We get thrown into the lives of two neighbours who are so so clearly obsessed with each other, all you want is for them to release it too.

I was hooked after the first chapter. Elena has such an adoring, sweet and clumsy personality, I couldn’t help but laugh at some of the scenarios she put herself in. Nick is the type of guy who likes her for who she is, and together they just make sense.

The book also touches in on a more serious topic, cultural and social differences in openness around sexuality. The author puts this into light in a very considerate and open way.

Thank you so much Vivian Mae for this arc!! I absolutely love your writing style 🥹🫶🏼

4.5 🌟

Favourite quoted and scenes:
🎁 “I’m hiding chocolate bars in their pillowcases. I’m going to tell them it’s reindeer poop.” Tiffany cracked a smile. I chuckled, knowing my nephews would love that. They had exceptional humor.

🎁 “You have to find the person you want to drink with… not the person you have to drink because of.”

🎁 “Hell, I like you, and I want to be yours just as much as I want you to be mine.”

🎁 “I already love your family. They had you, so I know they will be great, because you’re phenomenal.”

🎁 “My forever begins with you, and it ends with you…”

[BarbieTheeReader🎀🫦 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Savor it. Savor me.”

“My forever begins with you and it ends with you.”

Thank you to the author for an E-ARC!

This was the perfect lighthearted, reflective, spicy, slow burn, cute, christmas novella! The way the author was able to incorporate important themes (sex shame, generational guilt, family expectations) and conversations into this novella was stellar! It flowed naturally with the story and brought more depth to the characters!

Elena’s character slowly comes out of her shell and Nick is right there every step of the way and was so kind and patient with Elena! His attentiveness to not only want she needed but also her wants and desires in and out of the bedroom! Elena’s back and forth with her thoughts / overthinking demonstrated she was battling this for years. Nick provided that gentle push to accept fully as a woman who is sexually active!

I loved the way Elena and Nick were so enraptured with one another, their connection and vibes were so intense and filled with lots of pent up attraction! Their connection outside of the bedroom was just as important and i love how they changed and added to celebrate Christmas in a way that is unique to them, they are absolutely the cutest couple!

This was such a reflective read and an important take away is definitely had when reading this!

[❁ Ashton ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a lighthearted plot, heaps of spice and a festive vibe... Then you need to add this to your never ending TBR pile!

Tropes

🎁 Dual POV
🎄 Age gap ( she's 25, he's described as mid 30s)
🎁 Forced Proximity
🎄 Puerto Rican FMC
🎁 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🎄 He Falls First
🎁 Stuck In A Lift
🎄 Spicy Truth Or Dare Game
🎁 Neighbours

Nick and Elena's interactions had it all- the banter, the awkwardness, the chemistry, the sexual tension and the not so discreetly sexual innuendos 😊!! This was a short but very spicy read.. I love their story..

Nick was the perfect book boyfriend, he was sweet, considerate and had the cutest dog Marty.. I could totally connect with Elena. She was clumsy and awkward and i loved the confidence she gained throughout this book. Also, i enjoyed learning about Elena's culture,.. This is the perfect book for the holidays! Two people who secretly likes eachother, trapped in a lift with a spicy game of truth or dare - what could go wrong? 😍🥵 Every moment in the lift made me blush and swoon✨5/5✨

🎄❄️ Release Day - 1st November 2024 ❄️🎄

✨ Thank you Vivian Mae for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for my honest review ✨

[Antonia | antonia_tbrinfinity · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH. MY. GOSHHHHHH.

I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for this ARC, but let me tell you, I was NOT expecting THIS!

Yall know I’m a Christmas girly, so when you mix Christmas with spice, you get one happy girl😂🙃🤭

The chemistry between Elena and Nick was off the charts from the first interaction and I loved every minute of it. I’m talking kicking my feet and squealing🤭

One thing Yall may not know about me is I am EXTREMELY terrified of elevators. But if I were to get stuck in one with NICK FREAKING STAFFORD and he did to me what he did to Elena, I can confidently say that I would die a happy woman😂

With that being said, the SPICE. WAS. MORE THAN SPICINGGGG🥵😮‍💨 I can only imagine what else they would’ve done if they had more than that deck of cards and Chinese food in that elevator and I’m gonna leave it at that😂🥴

Overall, I absolutely LOVED it, it was such a quick read, the spice was EXCELLENT. My only complaint is that we probably won’t see more of Nick and Elena😭 but the way the novella ended, I can live with it🙂‍↕️

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was so good. It was so well written, that I wish it had been a more fleshed out, full length novel. Elena and Nick have chemistry from the first time they appear on page together, so their relationship (even though it developed at a rapid pace) didn’t feel forced. There is humor here, mostly due to Elena’s really odd writing job for a NY magazine, and it just added to the overall quality of the story.

I’d like to thank Vivian Mae for allowing me to read this eARC. The novella will be published on Nov 1.

[Van | Goddessofbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting off the holiday season with a bang!
Quite literally...

Merry Little Mishap is such a wonderful Christmas rom-com novella with age gap and forced proximity (two of my favorite tropes tbh).

Nick and Elena perfectly match each other's freaks in this novella and I just had to read it in one sitting because of their hot chemistry. The push and pull between them and the will they/won't they/why DON'T they is so fun to read.

Thank you to Vivian for providing an early copy to review.

[Josie Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When Nick Stafford brought the number two, best-selling dildo in the world to my door, I nearly died." 🍆

With the above quote as the opening line to this quirky Novella, I knew I was in for a fun read 🤣. This was a fun, spicy, fast paced holiday themed read and I really enjoyed it. It was a quick easy read that I read from start to finish in a couple of hours and I didn't want to put it down.

I love a spicy romance with a fast pace and no third act break up, so there was nothing not to like about this one. 💕

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick holiday romance filled with banter, spice and and loveable characters then Merry Little Mishap is your book! Elena is a spicy, Puerto Rican firecracker that has Nick (a Harry Cavill look alike), her super falling fast! Be sure to read the author's note at the end sharing her own cultural background and how she sprinkled it throughout the story.

🌲Forced proximity
🎁 He falls first
🌲Cute dog
🎁 Spicy card game
🌲 Dual POV
🎁 Latina FMC
🌲Banter

[southern_bookbabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for the ARC copy!! This was a cute forced proximity Christmas novella! I loved that the FMC was not your “typical” character. I could visualize her as people in my day to day life and that representation MATTERS! I loved how even though it was lighthearted it still touched on some very real and sometimes sensitive subjects. And that elevator scene 🥵🥵🥵 Also I’m currently looking for Coquito recipes!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Vivian for letting me read this as an ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas novella. Not only is there a cute backstory between the characters, but it gets spicy quickly.
I found it easy to read, and I didn't want to put it down (so I didn't!).
Elena's obvious struggle with how to talk about sex is relatable, probably for a lot of women, even if for different reasons, and I think it's dealt with really well.
Definitely one I'll read again, and one I'd recommend!

[Kelley - rva_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is as great steamy holiday read! First, I love the cover! But don’t let the cover fool you - this is spicy! 🤣🔥 As a novella, it was a quick read but as a story it was also face-paced but with great relationship building. I loved the main characters and their chemistry. This was a perfect comfort read for me.

4.5 Rounded up. Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.

[Sarah Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of the book and am leaving an honest review. I devoured this book in only a few hours! I loved the Christmas theme, the spicy elements and related heavily with the fmc’s traditional upbringing. The elevator scene will live rent free in my head for many years to come! Elena and Nick are neighbors who become more than neighbors after getting trapped in an elevator 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a quick, spicy, Christmas themed novella. Happy reading!