Holly Jolly July

by Lindsay Maple

"We want to wrap this book up with a bow and leave it under everyone's tree this year. Lindsay Maple delivers a confection of holiday charm, small town quirk, tenderly sketched characters, and scorching heat." —Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone, USA TODAY bestselling authors of A Merry Little Meet Cute

It's the hottest Christmas on record...

Like naughty and nice, Mariah and Ellie are complete opposites. Small-time actress Ellie is thrilled to be back on set of a cozy holiday film, while makeup artist Mariah only views the low-budget project as a stepping stone on her way to more serious movies. The pair definitely don't hit it off when they're introduced, but if they want to survive the summer heat—and Mariah's stifling Canadian hometown—they've got to keep it professional. Luckily, holiday cheer is Ellie's specialty, and she's determined to win stubborn Mariah over.

Mariah finds one bright spot in her forced second Christmas: hot hookups with an edgy local bartender. The romance even has her opening up to Ellie—who admits to crushing on her wholesome cottage-rental host. But when Ellie and Mariah realize the guys are cheating on them, they band together to get revenge. It's fun planning their own Home Alone–inspired pranks…until Ellie and Mariah realize they're actually falling for each other.

But the film shoot is too short to get serious, so they’ll have to decide: Was their romance simply a holiday fling or a real Christmas-in-July miracle?

“Full of hilarious hijinks and tenderness in equal measure, this holiday romance had me flipping the pages late into the cozy night. Come for the revenge, stay for the true love." —Ashley Herring Blake, USA TODAY Bestselling Author of Delilah Green Doesn't Care

Genres: Romance, Holiday, LGBT, Christmas, Lesbian, Contemporary, Queer

368 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[thevinedbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about reading is impulsively picking up a book on a whim and absolutely falling in love with it. That was this book for me. I adore Christmas—probably as much as Ellie does in this book—but even I was a bit unsure about reading a book centered around Christmas in July. However, it works unbelievably well for this story.

While not technically a holiday romance, the book centers around the making of a holiday film in July. It features so many of the elements that make me love holiday films and books: the leads are a Christmas Connoisseur and a Holiday Grinch, there are plenty of heartwarming Christmas moments, and the festiveness is beautifully tied to themes of healing and forgiveness. Plus… there’s even a hilarious holiday side quest for revenge on a cheating ex—one that would make Kevin McCallister in Home Alone exceptionally proud.

I adored how this romance progressed. It was swoonworthy, sweet, and spicy. It even made me fall more in love with the Grumpy/Sunshine trope—I loved that dynamic between Mariah and Ellie. This book made me cackle (you’re never too old to read about a fart machine prank!) and cry happy tears. My heart was so full after reading it. It was a tremendously good time. All the stars.

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[MillennialMomReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

The structure of this book was so cool! Mariah and Ellie meet on the set of a very hallmark-esque Christmas movie that Ellie is featured in. When they each discover their partner is cheating, hijinks ensue and sparks fly. I loved how the main story alternated with the “movie” story, and also I loved that while this story could have just gone in a revenge direction, it ultimately went so much deeper. I did expect the book to be spicier based on buzz I’d seen, but I think it was well balanced. This is worth picking up on 6/17! Thanks to the Hive and Harper Collins for the ARC!

[Aster · Rating 1 out of 5]

The more I think about it the more I think it was mediocre. We need to move on from cringy millennial writing please

[𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙚✌️📚🦄 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie + Mariah

-sapphic romance
-workplace romance
-friends to lovers
-grumpy/sunshine
-actress x make up artist
-christmas in july
-bisexual awakening

there is honestly a lot going on here, from the unlikely friendship of these two completely opposites, to their revenge plot schemes together, to the chapter layouts & that whole story, that make it so unique & also very intriguing!! i was hooked from the start to find out how this was gonna go down & what that screenplay story was!! & can say i was surprised in multiple ways!! i loved their story & found myself super sad that it was over!

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you Lindsay Maple for the eArc and thank you Netgalley

I'm so happy to have read this book because I finally have a new sapphic couple to love <3
This book was such a funny and light read I had an amazing time but I also shed some tears in the emotional scenes. The concept of Christmas in July was very funny and the movie set is always something I love.
I really enjoyed the movie script between chapters, it gave a special touch to the book.
I loved Mariah and Ellie ! Both characters are well characterized and I never struggled to guess witch pov i was reading. I loved their dynamic grumpy x sunshine and their slowburn from friends to lovers. I fell a bit in love with Ellie too <3
I also enjoyed the spice, it was well written and not cringe.

As a queer person who read mainly queer books I was kinda scared that this book would't feel queer enough but i'm so happy i was proven wrong! It's super queer and definitely perfect for my fellow pan and bi people <3

[Anya Wyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsay Maple writes peppy exchanges and spicy interactions between edgy and slightly cold Mariah, and sweet, overtly naive, and annoying at times Ellie. The two bond over an unexpected shared experience—the comparison to Home Alone that doesn’t disappoint—and become more than just friends.

This was admittedly my first sapphic romance, and I am happy to report that I am team Mariah and Ellie all the way! Maple brings a lot of spice, humour, and grace to her characters, and deals with matters like hard family relationships, lying, and finding love in a relationship without sacrificing one’s dreams with style. There were even a couple of twists I didn’t see coming that made this enjoyable read even more fun!

The witty up-to-date pop culture references gave me Gilmore Girls vibes at times and had me lol’ing at others. If you like fun rom-coms that aren’t too serious, then add Holly Jolly July to your TBR for its release in June!

*I received an ARC of Holly Jolly July in exchange for an honest review.*

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a FUN, and heartfelt queer Sapphic grumpy x sunshine romcom featuring an actress and a makeup artist who hookup with the same guy then join forces to get revenge and catch feelings along the way.

I loved the great queer rep, the fully three-dimensional characters and the way that the author focuses on each women's journey - one to overcoming grief and the other going through her bi-awakening era. It was great on audio narrated by Lauren Sweet and Angelina Rocca who do a fantastic job voicing each of the female main characters' distinct voices.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! Highly recommended for fans of Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone's Christmas Notch series or Ashley Herring Blake's Dream on, Ramona Riley.

[Bethanys_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Sapphic romance set on a movie set in Canada, grumpy sunshine between an actress and the makeup artist, and a home alone style prank plotline?! I loved this book so much! It was an absolute blast to read and I couldn’t put it down until the last page. I would read anything by this author now!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me laugh out loud so many times. Mariah and Ellie's revenge was absolutely hilarious! Especially their final act, seriously too funny!

I loved the professions of these beauties, an actor and a makeup artist. Following their journeys was such a delight. I love when characters experience so much growth and change throughout a storyline.

This was my first Christmas in July book and certainly won't be my last. It was just what I needed.

I enjoy Lindsay's writing so much and am already looking forward to whatever she writes for us next.

My thanks to Canary Street Press and Lindsay Maple for my gifted copy!

[Olivia Kow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ A sapphic Christmas romance, set in July, with major home alone prank vibes, super amazing communication, and THE definition of grumpyXsunshine?! I’m simply too sat.

For real though, this book was so amazing! Two incredibly written, complex but compelling characters that were totally different but complimented each other perfectly. I LOVED the sunshine-ness of Ellie, I want to be her bestie! But Mariah’s sarcasm and wit, she’s bestie material too.

While there was very little “at stake” through the book, I never really felt bored. Especially with the home alone-like aspects, I had a lot of fun reading this. The commentary was great in that aspect too, but I won’t spoil anything.

The communication was super great to see represented!! Both MCs had flaws, complex backgrounds and quirks, but that didn’t stop them from embracing the other. It was so good to see!!

Even the holiday movie script between chapters had me shook. I’m a hallmark Christmas movie girl, but even I can admit they’re cheesy— but that twist? Incredible.

I would have liked to see a bit more representation in the book, because (if I remember correctly, and PLEASE correct me if I’m wrong) there was very little diversity in the characters. I did love the use of the term nibling for a nonbinary niece/nephew though.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Everyone needs a little holiday joy in the sweltering summer, so why not pick up an equally sweltering romcom? 😜

Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsay Maple and Harlequin for allowing me to read this book early. All opinions are my own.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book frustrated me a little.

I am obsessed with the cover. My sapphic loving heart was overjoyed with what this book presented.

It was a letdown, honestly. I liked the idea of two bisexuals coming together (and the pranking a jerk guy who strung them both along seemed like an entertaining thing to bond over). Unfortunately, both women super rushed into bed with the guy in question and it was super detailed, which fine, but it set my expectations for later.

So much of this book was wrapped up on them getting back at this guy, that these two women read like friends more than two women who come together. There was zero chemistry. And everything felt rushed and forced between them. And for how detailed the author got for the M/F spicy scenes, that detail was lacking in the F/F ones.

Also, there is way more of a serious note to Mariah in her POV that none of this felt romantic and fun and that's really what the blurb suggested.

I wanted to love this, but instead I was just left wanting more.

[briebriereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

☀️ Grumpy / Sunshine
🏳️‍🌈 Bi FMCs
🎄Centered around Christmas movie filming
🥰 HEA
🌶️ Spicy
🎉 Workplace Romance

This is such a fun concept of a book. There’s Christmas in July, fart machines, phone swapping, spicy moments, a ghost?👻. So much to unpack and so little time because I loved every moment of this book and wished it didn’t end. I did listen to the audio and the quality was pure perfection.
Ellie and Mariah are brought together through work but also a mutual situation. And they spend their time planting revenge, getting to know each other, falling in love and making us believe in fate and that good things happen to those who wait.

[Sky Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Lindsay's work for years but this one has to be my favourite! It’s the perfect balance of steamy and playful, sweet and funny. The hijinks are reminiscent of Home Alone but for adults - so fun! Her characters are so richly drawn, and don't even get me started on the banter! This book has all the best parts of a tender Hallmark Christmas movie but with some proper heat 🥵 (it's set in July after all) and lots of lol moments. If you want a true bi rom-com, pick this up. You won't be disappointed!

[Kyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️⭐️ Top book of the year!

I loved Mariah and Ellie together so much. They were so opposite and yet complimented each other perfectly. They were so well written, I felt like I actually knew them and could run into them at a coffee shop.
I loved the healing that Mariah had with her parents and cried my eyes out.
Even the cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie script was such a great addition too! It was exactly what you would expect out of a cheesy movie with a twist.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book!!! It has all my favourite things, Christmas, sapphic love, a movie set, strong women chasing their dreams, and some spicy scenes!!

The story unfolded at the perfect pace, and relationships evolved so naturally. The story is told through dual POV, which worked really well, and there is a side story that happens too and I absolutely loved that. I wasn’t expecting that but it elevated the book for me.

And because the story is about a Christmas movie being filmed in July you can read the book during summer or winter and it will have the right vibes!!

I highly recommend reading Holly Jolly July. :)

[Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for sharing this audiobook with me! I thought the narration was great, it was easy to follow the characters and the storyline.

This one was like a warm Hallmark Christmas hug mixed with a great sapphic romance and a glimpse into the film industry. We’ve had our downtown core shut down many a time for Christmas filming in the warmer months so it was neat to see it reflected in this story. I grew up fairly close to these locations mentioned in the book and I loved the feeling of comfort and home the writing left me with.

I loved Ellie and Mariah’s story. The revenge on the cheating hookup was hilarious and I was rooting for them all the way through.

I think this would be a great read for the summer months but also for the holiday season for something a little bit different than the snow falling romances. I will 100% be picking up anything else this author writes.

[Hannah D Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Jolly July by Lindsay Maple is a great romcom that includes both male-female and female-female relationships.

This story is a delightful twist of the well-known Christmas Movie culture we are all familiar with. This story encompasses the life on set of a Christmas Movie, and what the people creating such traditional romances live in their real lives. The two main characters, an actress, and a makeup artist, go on a journey of love in their own lives as the movie progresses in development.

Told in dual POV, both female characters are delightful in their own ways, both embodying female empowerment in different ways. Their personalities clash at first, but they soon find that opposites do attract.

I absolutely love Lindsay Maple’s ability to write a spicy, funny romance. She does an excellent job with setting and character development. I definitely recommend this read.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story which was well done by two narrators. The narrators bring their characters to life in such a fun way. I’d previously read this story, so it was really fun to listen to it a second time around with these narrators. I listened at 1.75x speed (1.75x is my normal audiobook speed).

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this advanced listening copy.

[emily]

unfortunately, i’m DNFing this at 30%.

the concept seemed like it would be a fun read for both summertime and around the holidays, which isn’t easy to achieve — but the execution is, tragically, kind of painful. ellie is so over the top as a “sunshine” character — like, ridiculously so. she speaks in excited run-ons that take up an entire paragraph, she keeps insistently wearing christmas sweaters in july because she’s “method acting!!!”, she starts picturing a future with this guy after knowing him for all of 24 hours (???). mariah is her “grumpy” counterpart, i guess, but she just felt kind of flat to me. the sex scenes were my final straw, i fear — in one scene, mariah called the guy an “alpha-hole” with complete seriousness, which made me cringe unbelievably hard. in another scene with ellie, he sucked her “whole breast” into his mouth!!!! i don’t care how small your chest is, that’s crazy, lol.

this book will probably work better for people who are looking for a quick, breezy read, and who don’t mind insta-lust/love.

thank you to netgalley & the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[LaceyBanana Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie is a holiday film actress who takes her roles seriously. Mariah is the makeup artist hired to work on the most recent film Ellie is in and they are complete opposites. They do have one thing in common though-bad taste in men! The only thing they agree on is getting revenge.

This had some cute moments! I like that I found myself in both main characters. There were definitely corny moments though and one of my least favorite things in books which is when it’s written like a laugh track sitcom often with over the top theatrics and unrealistic situations. I know that is a me thing and that a lot of people love that style and will never let their Friends obsession go so I do believe some people would absolutely love this!

Thanks so much Canary Street Press (Mira) for this advanced copy!

Adding in-this would be fun to read any time of year I believe! The Christmas wasn’t too heavy for the July theme but it did have Christmas moments so I would totally read it during the holidays too

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas in July!? Don't mind if I do! this book totally warmed my Christmas loving heart and quite honestly, has me wanting to put my tree up! This was the perfect blend of summer fun and holiday joy.

This is a queer romantic comedy and I totally loved it! This book took place in Vancouver and I really appreciated the Canadian setting. It also featured two great main characters, one a sunshine-y actress starring as a secondary character in a holiday movie, the other a somewhat grumpy makeup artist. They both realize they are seeing the same guy and when they plot their revenge using some Home Alone type hijinks, they end up falling for each other. The connection was very genuine and there were sweet moments as well as open door spicy moments. Everything was great, from the cozy cabin in the woods, the Christmas movie set in the July summer heat, the comedy coupled with the tender moments - I really enjoyed reading this!

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie is living her best life being part of the cast of a holiday Christmas movie filming in small town, Canada. She’s not a lead and she’s gonna put up with a lot in order to hopefully get recognized, but she’s living her best life… Homeowner of the Airbnb is renting making the filming getaway even better!

Mariah is the make up artist is returned to her small home town to do the make up for this holiday Romance when she’d rather be in Hollywood doing special effects on a gory horror, movie or creepy sci-fi flick! But everything’s not lost, the hometown hunk has hit on her. She’s having a nice feeling with him while she’s here…

That is until Mariah and Ellie find out that there hot romances are one in the same! Now the small town actress and make up artist gang together revenge, and happened to find chemistry and romance between themselves!

This was such a fun for the script where for the first part of the book I was totally into these two individual romances and the friendship Ellie is trying to make with Mariah… And once I find out that they are both being played decides to give this friendship a chance the real sparks start flying! The opposite personalities made for such a great pairing and the hydrates they create or so much fun!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lauren Sweet & Angelina Rocca, the first thing first I want to say thank you for casting a dual female narrative for this story! I enjoyed both of their voices and the work they did with their characters. The voice chemistry was excellent and the differentiation between both narrators really made the individual characters pop!

[Dany ( danythebookworm_ ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a festive little delight! 🎄☀️ Holly Jolly July is a warm and fuzzy romantic comedy that brings all the charm of a holiday romcom — with a sunny twist. Set in a small town that takes its Christmas-in-July tradition very seriously, this book had me smiling from chapter one.



The main character is relatable and just the right amount of chaotic, and the love interest? Total cinnamon roll with a side of swoon. Their banter is cute, the chemistry is sweet (with just a hint of spice), and the small-town antics make this read feel like a Hallmark movie but with a bit more wit and warmth.



It’s a story about letting go of expectations, finding joy in unexpected places, and embracing a little magic — even when it’s 85 degrees out. 🧊🎅


📌 Huge thanks to Canary Street Press, and Lindsay Maple for the early read!

[Jessica Wears Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Did you watch John Tucker Must Die and wish the girls ended up together instead? Than boy is this book for you. Plus we have opposites attract! Filming a holiday movie! An actor and makeup artist! Overall this was incredibly fun. I do think some of the pranks on the guy didn’t make the most sense in context (Home Alone style felt wrong) and the movie scenes between chapters was too much, I think having just a few would’ve been much more interesting than how many there were. Otherwise I had a blast. This was meant for the bi girlies!

Both narrators were fantastic and I think their voices matched the character personalities perfectly!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC and ALC!

[Courtney LaGamba · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
I LOVEDDD the revenge plot. Such a fun story line, but It lacked definitive representation. Why must every bi/lesbian plot line must include the stereotypes. You can just be gay without having own a Subaru, or have dyed hair, etc.

I found the two FMC lacked spark. There was no lust, no want, they just seemed bored. One was preppy, annoying and such a “pick me”. The other was boring and sad.

[AuntieErrica (audiobooks=life)]

Pre-read mood: Reading for my Book Coven Discord book club! A bingo square this month is 'Christmas in July,' so this book is absolutely perfect. As an asexual biromantic individual, I love FF novels. I also adore Hallmark Christmas movies. This had better be cute, Lindsay Maple! ~~~

[Katy Fann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute! It took me a while to get into the story, but I ended up really enjoying it. I loved the development of the characters and their chemistry was undeniable.

[Maja · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute and cringe all at once!

[Lisa-Marie Waterfall Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you and your makeup artist get cheated on by your boyfriends, what do you do? You find every way to plot your revenge. However, what you don’t expect is to fall in love with your accomplice. This book is adorable and has all the makings of a Hallmark movie, should Hallmark cater to fans of sapphic romance. This book has it all, steamy romance, Christmas romcom vibes, humor and skilled writing.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspired ,it’s fired up from the start . There’s a definite spark that they don’t notice . Too busy chasing after fellas like Cinderellas at the ball. But these guys they soon despise when they realise what they’ve done and then what do you know what happens next after the vex does diminish .,they put the finish on their feelings and realised that they’re falling again but not with men or no . They fall for each other this Christmas in July and not with a guy. Perfectly divine storyline . I laughed and love them all the way to the romcom bank of treasure . A real pleasure to read . Do they have their happily ever after? Yule ( get it Christmas) have to read the book and see . Because I’m not giving the story away . Just saying that this book is sleighing ( 😉) and full of fun. Great writing that’s inviting by Lindsay Maple ,its storyline is a real staple of bliss with a lovers kiss .

[Jennifer Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Jolly July is a Christmas book while also not being a Christmas book! I love that this book actually takes place in the summer and that Ellie still gets so fully immersed in her acting that the vibes feel super Christmasy. I thought that the Home Alone spin was a fun one and actually laughed out loud at a few of those parts. Mariah and Ellie were each fun characters in their own ways and I loved them individually and together. Overall, a super fun and feel good read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for the opportunity to review this book.