Merry Witchmas

by L.E. Eldridge

Juniper Thistlerose has a plan: Go to the gala, meet investors, maybe celebrate along the way, and get money. She wanted to launch her organization app, run by magic, but the humans don't need to know that. It really was a simple, foolproof plan.

Problem being Ellery Scott, child actor turned model, was never part of that simple, foolproof plan. The charmer he is, got Juniper to agree to a single night, no string attached. Until that one night of harmless fun turned into her face plastered all over gossip blogs, and now the charming Ellery wants to change the agreement.

Be his fake girlfriend for a single family dinner in exchange for ten grand.

Much like her original plan, their easy agreement turns into much more. But can she afford to think of this as anything but a fake, temporary fling? Mistletoe kisses are fun, but this witch has a dream and it doesn't involve Ellery Scott. She's got a whole lot of magic to work if she wants to save her plans from going up in smoke...

A Merry Witchmas is a witchy holiday romance between a witch in hiding and the CEOs son finding love in a fake arrangement. This book is spicy, low-angst, with a well deserved HEA!

Genres: Christmas, Paranormal, Holiday, Paranormal Romance, Fake Dating, Romance

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2024

About the author

Lexie is a paranormal romance author and avid reader from Upstate New York. She runs an editing and PA company Morally Gray Author Services and lives with her husband, dog Layla, and cat Swiper. When she's not reading (which is rarely) you can find her playing video games or looking for amazing indie bookstores and vintage shops. Lexie writes campy books full of smut with simp-y monsters looking for love.

Reviews

[Izzie (semi-hiatus) McFussy · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5⭐️ Called time of death at 71%. If you like a hefty serving of “smut,”* and can tolerate awkward writing with a shit-ton of typos, don’t let this review prevent you from “tying”* this book.

*Quotes from text.

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellery was quite the playboy himbo and neurodivergent coded. Juniper was all sassy but kind. I’m Ngl, I was sad that magic wasn’t involved in bedroom time, but their chemistry was great. She saw him for who he was and accepted those imperfect parts and he did the same for her. He also loved to spoil her. I loved the way she meshed with his family. Overall cute story.

Spice: 4/5

Triggers: emotional abuse from parent, pregnancy (side character), misogynistic and anti therapy parent

[Brittanica Bold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhhh! This was so freaking cute and spicy all at once! This is my second book by L. E. Eldridge and I cannot get enough!

Here are the things I loved:
1. I’m a big fan of the fake dating trope and I loved how this one started as a one-night stand that morphed into fake dating for mutually beneficial reasons. I loved this approach as the two MCs don’t deny they have attraction to one another, but they also don’t want relationships, so they agree to use one another for their mutual goals: him to get his family off his back about settling down, her to get the start-up money for her business. Given the mutual attraction there was none of the usual “I don’t know if this person even likes me”. They know from the start they’re at least attracted to one another which takes some of the drama out of it!

The whole thing reminded me of Pretty Woman (down to the no kissing rule), which is one of my favorite movies of all time!

2. I love the reformed f-boy trope so much! As a woman who was into the f-boy jocks for far too long in her life, something about this just HITS for me!

3. I loved Ellery’s family and so was so intrigued by the various relationships. I really want to know more about Samuel/Rachel, but I’m specifically intrigued by Arthur/Tiffany. They definitely had a marriage of convenience and I’m dying to hear their story!!!

4. HOLY FREAKING COW! This thing was chalked full of spicy goodness! Eldridge mentioned this may be her spiciest book yet, and it was definitely packing the heat!!

Also, may the Gods bless you L. E. Eldridge for the uncircumcised rep!!!

5. I loved the positive body representation and panic attack representation. These were not focal points of the story but were casually thrown in which was perfect for the story.

Thank you to L. E. Eldridge for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

4.5 stars!

[Cati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much L. E. Eldridge so sending me a copy of your latest release!! This is a cute and spicy quick little read that I could not put down! Ellery and Juniper are so cute and I love their banter so much! I thought that they has fantastic chemistry as well! L. E. Eldridge definitely worked that kind of magic where characters are so developed and you grow so attached to them even when the book is less than 200 pages! We have a one night stand turn to fake dating on a family vacation and it was hilarious! I also really loved Ellery’s family they were so sweet to Juniper and I loved seeing her become friends with his sister in laws.

Ellery with a reformed playboy turn to he falls first and hard! He loves Juniper so much and wants to be so good for her and win her over without really thinking about it. He’s not sure what he wants to do in life but he just wants to have fun doing it.

Juniper is a secret witch turned app developer who wants her app to succeed for herself and her best friend and will do anything to make it happen. She is very sweet and genuine and I love how she is not afraid to tell Ellery if he is doing something wrong. If you love old school Sabrina the teenage witch then you will love Juniper!

I highly recommend this cute witchy story to add to your holiday TBR!!

[Brittney Stanford · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ fake dating
✨️ one bed
✨️ reformed playboy
✨️ f/m holiday romance

This is my favorite L.E. Eldridge book yet! I absolutely adored this! You can not go wrong with a spicy, swoony, magical holiday read. At just under 200 pages, you can easily add to your read list before the year ends with this novella.


"To anyone who wants their partner to look at them like they hung their moon and stars."

I was in love before I even got to the first chapter! This story follows Ellory, a rich playboy who has no desire to take over the family business. Juniper who is a batista witch who is looking for an investor for her newest business endeavors.

"Something about her made me want her for more than one night, but that wasn't an option. "

After photos turned up online of the two of them, Ellory convinces his mother that Juniper is her new girlfriend. One thing leads to another, and Juniper is going on their Christmas family vacation. As tensions start running high and lines get blurred... will they be able to stay strictly business?

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4/5 🌶️

Tropes
- Fake relationship
- Christmas romance
- He has ADHD
- Witch - human relationship
- Secrecy
- Fun jewelry

📖 My Thoughts
I enjoyed this read more than I thought I would. The banter between them is really funny. The third act breakup barely qualifies as one. She just ran out due to her own insecurities and misunderstanding for having magic. The author chose really cute nicknames.

⚠️ Triggers
Intolerance to people who are different
Mental Health

🌶️ Spice
This has one of the hottest spices I have read in an initially innocent appearing read. The spice between them is incredibly compatible. | enjoyed reading about the fun jewelry.

The author graciously provided a copy for review. Opinions are my own.

Merry Witchmas: A Fake Dating Holiday Romance

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ✨️

[hea booktubes]

DNF 3% nah

[Surille · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe a little over 2 stars. This was okay. I didn't pick up on any humorous banter or great dialogue, but I continued reading because I wanted to know how the magic element would play out. I also was more interested in Ellery's eldest brother, Arthur (the quiet, responsible one). I wasn't into the "reformed" Ellery and his playboy past...but that's just personal preference based on my current mood. Ellery having a sweet tooth was his only cute trait for me (I suspect it's the same for the other 2 brothers). And I actually would have preferred more plot than sex scenes...I know...that is ridiculous to say for a steamy romance novel. But I couldn't really grasp Juniper's personality (or Tiffany's)...I kind of was hoping more from her. The scene where she misinterpreted Ellery and Veronika's interaction was when I lost a great deal of interest, and just sped through to the end. Plus I forgot about the PlanD app, and I forgot that Juniper was a witch for most of the book...the magic aspect seemed unnecessary. And when her magic was revealed publicly, it was an odd moment. Witchcraft/magic and the contemporary setting/plot just didn't mesh successfully for me.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 2 out of 5]

The few “magic” things that happened in this story were just normal stuff, like locking a door, warming up coffee and drying hair faster, just with “magic”. I guess keys and hair dryers don't exist in this world. Except they do, which makes the “magic” even more useless. It was used only once in a flashy way, and it just doesn’t have any consequences whatsoever. It was like two sentences that could easily be erased and wouldn’t change the story one bit.

The rest was a billionaire romance and I hate those. Ellery was an entitled ass, just looking to gaslight his family into letting him continue to mooch off his parents. And he doesn't hesitate to throw their money and influence around to get what he wants. He's ADHD coded, but here it was more like an excuse for him to be a lazy, entitled and rude SOB, which in the end is a harmful stereotype. He is also the manwhore who falls for the girl he never ever before even looked at, because she's “not his usual type” (this last bit is mentioned very often, BTW). Said girl is absolutely non-remarcable in any way, according to the narrative, except when she is, but she’s so insecure that she doesn’t realize how hot she is. I hate every single one of those tropes. Juniper was a very bland character. The only “special” thing about her is her magic, but I already complained about that. Oh, and that app she was developing, which is barely mentioned aside from the excuse for the fake dating. And that she has pierced nipples, which is mentioned pretty often. It was supposed to be a Christmas romance, but the holidays are even less relevant than magic.

There were way too many sex scenes, and little to no real romance. The author seemed to think three sex scenes back to back, followed by several paragraphs about a date, and then more back to back sex scenes was all that was needed to show they love each other. There even was a long ass sex scene in the epilogue. It was nothing more than lust, at least I didn’t see anything more to their relationship than that. and the scenes were kinda cringe. It also has a lot of typos, misspellings and missing words, which become more frequent by the end. I’m thankful I got this for free at some SYKD event, because I would be mad if I’d paid for it.

[Mishelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me and in a good way. Well I wouldn’t call this a Christmas read, which is deceiving based on the title. But also the word “Christmas” was only mentioned 3 times and it was in one chapter. At most, I would say this is a vague winter read.

But that being said, she’s a witch (and for obvious reasons doesn’t want people to know) and trying to get an app she helped designed funded. After scoring a ticket to a giant party filled with rich people Juniper thinks she finally got a chance. But it was a rude awakening when she is told and realizes no one there is going to invest. Instead of calling it a night and ending on a bad note, she takes up an opportunity with a gorgeous man to have some fun. Might as well get something out of the night.

After a night of fun with Juniper, Ellery once again gets caught acting on his player ways. With the threat of being cut off from the family money, he claims that the girl in the photo (Juniper), isn’t a one night stand but his girlfriend. So he does anyone in his position would do, and promises to fund Juniper’s app if she plays along.

Now they got roped into a two week vacation with his family and there’s only one bed in their room. Things just got a lot more complicated…and spicy.

Ellery definitely falls first and well, he falls hard. But we love a man who yearns

I do recommend this book for the vibes and it was a fun little read that I think you would enjoy. Not Christmasy but still a good read. So maybe read it after Christmas and you just another read with winter vibes.

Spice Rating: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

💜 He’s paying her to be his fake girlfriend
💜 Dual POV
💜 He’s down bad for her
💜 She’s a witch and no one can know
💜 Winter Romance
💜 Forced Proximity

[Bookfairymel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect read to wrap up my holiday reading! It was a great balance of holiday and billionaire romance that it can be read at any time. This read more like a contemporary romance, so don’t count on Magic being a large component throughout the story. Even though I usually prefer more paranormal romances, I really loved this read. A solid billionaire romance will always do it for me as well. I loved Juniper and Ellery’s dynamic so much, the sexual tension and chemistry was through the roof. Juniper helped straighten Ellery out and he helped her loosen up more. I feel like they really brought the best out in each other.

Now onto the smut, it was GREAT! I love a desperate man and once Ellery got a taste he just couldn’t stay away. He pined for her, defended her, pleased her and was utterly obsessed with her. It had panty stealing, multiple org@sms, fisting, piercing play and so many more. It was an amazing balance of sweet and spicy with these two and I blew through the book. 100% recommend for a spicy holiday read with sweetness throughout and a touch of magic!

[Mott (Foxandcatspress) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄 Book Review 🎄

~ Merry Witch-Mas ~
By L.E. Eldridge
@morallygrayreads

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 1/2

• Fake Dating
• Millionaire Christmas
• Human x Witch
• Only One Bed
• Hot tub
• MMC with ADHD
• FMC with Anxiety
• Barista and Millionaire
• Tattooed and Pierced FMC
• Short, Funny & Steamy

After chance meeting at a fancy party Juniper never though she would see the handsome Ellery again but suddenly he is coming every day to the cafe that she works at to order coffee….
Until he asks her to be his pretend date to a Christmas dinner with is family and that turns into a holiday stay at a ski resort with his family as his girlfriend.
And juniper can’t help but think she might like to after all.
🎄❄️🎄❄️

This was a witty and lovely Christmas romp!
With delightful characters, fancy rich people holidays and witchy goodness.
This author is quite becoming an auto read for me.

[Kats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juniper and her friend are developing an app that runs on magic. When she attends a party to meet potential investors she instead meets Ellery, charming ladies man. They have a steamy one night stand with no strings (or kisses), but when Ellery's family take issue with them being photographed together Ellery blurts out that Juniper is his girlfriend and now she's invited to his family's annual Christmas vacation.

The attraction is undeniable and there is some great spice along the way. Ellery's family are a bunch of characters too, I'd love to read more about them! Highly recommend if you're after a cosy low angst holiday romance with a guaranteed HEA.

[Rosa Goulet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by this author, and I absolutely love it. Despite its relatively short length, the story and character development are perfectly paced. The sassy dialogue and banter between the two main characters are top-notch, and the tension between them is palpable. It's really well written and will have you giggling and awing all the way through.

I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us, and I'll definitely be following them closely to make sure I don't miss a thing.

[Reading.With.Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book I couldn’t put it down. Ellery is a playboy that works in this father’s company. Juniper is a college graduate looking for in investors for an app she developed with her friend. Together they come into an agreement of fake relationships where she gets money for her app to start a business and he gets his family off his back. I love the chemistry between Ellery and Juniper.
5/5 recommend it.


#WitchmasVibes
#WitchyHoliday
#MagicAndMistletoe
#MustRead

[Mari Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was supposed to be a bit witchy and have magic in it but really felt more like a standard contemporary holiday romcom more than anything, with a rich family thrown in the mix. It was fine. I think it either needed to commit to being a contemporary romcom or have more magic tied throughout it. Also, outside of the MMC’s family the side characters felt almost nonexistent, making the FMC feel a bit flat.

[RogueMarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun holiday read. I loved both characters and the circumstances they were in. Both of the characters dialogues were witty. The plot was lighthearted and easy to follow. The 🌶 was spicy and the mention of a piercing really has me wanting my piercings back. I absolutely want more stories like these! Have already recommended this book to my friends who don't follow my socials.

[S.T. Aries Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book sooooo much! It didnt have that huge 3rd act break up that most of these cozy lovey books have which is why i usually dont like them. Thsi book was amazing! The spice was 10/10 the witty banter between the MCs was so cute and funny and not to mention the fact the Ellery didnt turn out to be the douche i thought he would be, was such a breath of fresh air! I love them do muchhh

[Linds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I loved this winter spicy book. Ellery and Juniper were perfect for each other. A one night stand turned fake dating. It was good and spicy and very cute. Definitely a great book to read near christmas.

[Chloe Farish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author. She does such a perfect job at character development even though they are such short books. Fake dating is not my favorite trope, but I loved this book. I just wish there was even more of the witchy aspect.
Pretty moon❤️

[SmuttyVanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️3.5🌶️

The last thing Juniper expected after attending a ball seeking investor for her app was finding herself a unforgettable one night stand and becoming Ellery’s  fake girlfriend, a bona fide playboy, looking to get his family off his back. 

But when they both found themselves roped into a two week holiday winter wonderland vacation with Ellery family. The one bed 🛏️, close proximity, fake relationship sparks fly and their relationship grow into something real. 

Both Juniper and Ellery choose to trust their real feelings and get their relations a real shot, but misunderstanding leads to Juniper running away and giving in to her insecurities of not being enough for Ellery. 

Ellery is head over heels for Juniper and is not going up without a fight. And he gets his girl back and showers her with love and diamonds 💍 💎. 

[Esmee · Rating 2 out of 5]

62 procent. Laatste druppel, want het was al saai. Blijkbaar een enorme fboy geweest en waar is het heksen gedeelte? Het enige leuke aan dit verhaal was dat ze tepel Piercings had. Verder was het echt saai en onnodig. Die vinger was laatste druppel. En zijn zogenaamde dominantie was erg cringe

[Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth|| · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorable and so much fun! Ellery and Juniper’s chemistry was electric. I really loved their bond and the way Ellery spoiled Juniper, and also how Juniper got along with Ellery’s family. It was such a great, feel good story that had me want to keep reading.

[Lizzie Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally L.E. Eldridge can write a shopping list and I'll gobble it up. No notes. Fun. Smutty. Very great to wrap up the Christmas season (please ignore how long it took me to get this review up, I got side-tracked). 10/10 gimme 27 more of these.

[Lexi Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a spicy, cozy, paranormal holiday read and I loved it! It starts out with a bang and keeps you hooked and wanting more! I definitely didn’t want it to end.

[Kara McCrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please be aware this is an ARC review and the book was so kindly given to me by the author in turn for an honest review 🩷

I really loved this book. Ellery and Juniper has surprisingly good chemistry for being a one night stand turned into fake dating situation. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about Ellery as he was an absolute player who seemed to not really care about much else. But as the book progressed he seemed to come into his own and the reason he acted as he did came more to light and I came to understand him. Now June on the other hand is fantastic all through the story. We love a women in tech first and foremost. She is also smart and driven and even though it seems like she's just out to find some investors and money for her app, she always seems to put others first which I loved about her. Absolutely fantastic little seasonal read. If you love the whole one night stand to fake dating vibes with a splash of magic then you should absolutely pick this up.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️ (4.5⭐️ )

[Mell.cestmoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✨

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story was cute overall I liked it, I just couldn’t stop laughing about the ending final love moment being anal.

Would suggest the read though, it’s cute and smutty.