The Merry & Bright Mishap

by Cristina Ryan

Getting snowed in with her ex was NOT on Andi’s holiday wish list.

After being stood up on her wedding day, Andi escapes to her father’s quaint mountain resort, just in time for a blizzard and a surprise reunion with her ex from three years ago--Devin. Stranded together in a tiny cabin, they can't ignore their past chemistry bubbling like a fresh batch of gingerbread dough. But Devin’s surprise plan, which revives the painful memory of him prioritizing his career over her, may save the resort from foreclosure, or reopen emotional wounds. When his secret is finally unwrapped, will it lead to a second chance romance. . .or another heartbreak wrapped in tinsel?

For fans of: Second chances, forced proximity, small-town, and happily-ever-afters.

Scroll up and one-click to unwrap this clean & wholesome small-town romantic comedy, where under the mistletoe... and amidst a pesky blizzard, Santa delivers holiday surprises!

The New Beginnings Series books are clean & wholesome romantic comedies featuring forced proximity, second chances, HEA's, and lovable, recurring characters. This series is best if read in order, but each story can be read as a standalone.

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About the author

Amazon Bestselling Author of Clean Romances
Cristina Ryan lives with her Marine Corp. veteran husband and an entertaining clan of children and pets. She writes clean beach romances set in the fictional town of Malibu Bay. Holidays are a festive time, but there’s something extra special about love during the holidays in Malibu Bay. From friends to lovers to second chances and fake romances, these stories will bring you hope and happiness.


Cristina also writes YA Christian Suspense as
Krista Wagner.

Reviews

[greenapplemojito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me want to learn more about the MMC as he seemed to be the nicest and caring person! While this book was a quick and nice read, I was unable to connect much with the characters and was lost about the direction that the book was heading. I wanted to understand the characters a bit more and connect with them, read about their past together, etc. For me personally, it seemed like there were a lot of different topics/issues that were going on and had to be covered, and it kind of seemed like they could have all had a better or stronger finish, and this could have been a bit more easily possible if we had fewer items to handle/cover. While it was a very quick read, I wanted more story so that I could connect and learn more about the characters and spend more time reading. Also, halfway through the book, I could feel the third-act breakup coming from a mile away and I also wished the FMC was a better listener and the MCs communicated a bit better given that they were adults. This was a 3.5 ⭐️ read for me!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T M. Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Merry and Bright Mishap had a cute premise and plenty of potential. I love a good second-chance romance, and the idea of rekindling a first love at Christmas really appealed to me.

Unfortunately, while the plot was sweet, it felt like the author tried to pack in too many tropes at once, leaving each one feeling underdeveloped.The constant references to Christmas songs started out charming but quickly became repetitive. After a while, it felt like the story was leaning too heavily on holiday lyrics instead of focusing on character growth or emotional depth. The pacing suffered as a result, and I found myself pulled out of the story more often than I’d like.

Overall, Merry and Bright Mishap is a cute holiday read with a lot of heart, but the execution didn’t quite live up to its potential. With smoother writing and a bit more focus, it could have been truly magical.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you pick up a holiday romcom hoping for cozy feels, a few laugh-out-loud moments, and maybe a touch of swoon—and The Merry & Bright Mishap delivered all of that in spades.
Andi had me hooked right away. A dream wedding that turned into a disaster? Been there with plans going sideways (though thankfully not that sideways). Her escape to her dad’s mountain resort felt like the perfect “hit reset” move—until, of course, the universe decided to drop Devin, her ex, right in her path. Cue the awkwardness, the sparks, and me sitting there grinning like a fool at their forced proximity setup.
The blizzard, the tree crashing into the roof, the two of them being literally snowed in—it was the exact kind of holiday chaos I wanted. The back-and-forth between Andi and Devin felt natural, hilarious, and sometimes even a little painful in that way only unresolved history can be. I loved watching the walls break down, the secrets unravel, and those old feelings sneak back in when neither of them wanted to admit it.
What I appreciated most was how Cristina Ryan balanced the laugh-out-loud moments with some real emotional depth. It wasn’t just about the hijinks (though those had me giggling), it was about forgiveness, second chances, and finding love in the most unexpected of ways—even after heartache.
This book gave me cozy holiday warmth, plenty of chuckles, and a sweet HEA that felt well-earned. If you love clean romcoms with snow, sass, and a good dose of second-chance magic, you’ll want to curl up with this one by the fire.

[Aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy, festive romcom with plenty of laughs, snowed-in chaos, and swoony second-chance moments. Andi and Devin’s forced proximity sparks fun, awkward, and heartwarming interactions, though I wished for a bit more depth and character backstory. Still, the emotional beats hit, the holiday setting shines, and the HEA is satisfying. A charming, quick read that delivers cozy holiday vibes—four stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Mishaps to Love ? . . .

Andi seems unlucky in love when she finds herself abandoned on her wedding day by her rock star husband-to-be. So she feels she might need some alone time and heads for the family cabin. To her surprise, she finds Devin, her ex from 3 years previously! Yet another heartbreaker! Will their old feelings rise up again? Or would his choice of putting his career first ruin their second chance at being together? They will once again need to make choices... but will they choose the right one for both of them this time?

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bad break-up turns to be the best thing of her life!
Andi is heartbreak after is left at the altar. And added to that, she’s hunted by paparazzi due to his rock star status.
She retreat in the mountains to get some peace …. And there is the unexpected happening.
She reunited with Devlin, the one who broke her heart a few years ago.
And that unpleasant encounter turned to be the best thing for both of them.
I stop with the spoiler. Please read the book! It’s a pleasant story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute and sweet. I loved seeing these get stuck together, and that brought around old wounds between the two of them. It also gave them the opportunity to work through things and allowed them to come together again. This was so much fun and so sweet. I truly enjoyed these two.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean romance. It's part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Andi is getting ready to get married and ready to walk down the aisle when she gets a text from her fiance that he is not coming. She is devastated and runs to her dad's resort to hide. She can stay where she's at because the paparazzi are there as her now ex-fiance was a rock star. She finds out that he also ran away with someone and eloped in Vegas. At the resort she runs into her ex-boyfriend. He left her when she was younger and she is still upset. However, she has to stay with him when her cabin is damaged. He still loves her. Can they work it out? His father had something to do with this. Can they figure it out without jumping to conclusions?

This was a good story. Though the main character tens to not stop and listen and jump to conclusions. It was interesting to figure things out and see what is happening.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Livy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet Christmas rom com. Andi was stood up at the altar by her rockstar fiancé and retreats to her family cabin for some peace and quiet. Instead she runs into Devin, her first love and the guy to break her heart. Through unfortunate mishaps she’s stuck with him and no power. Devin came to forget his first love but instead runs into her and gets stuck in the same cabin during a power outage. With forced proximity the truth comes out. But their happy ever after is threatened by the same threat from their history. But if they want to save the resort they must work together. With tropes like second chance first love, forced proximity, kisses only. Shared bed, it makes for the perfect holiday rom com.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devin is the sweetest, most caring, and most understanding MMC! I wanted to know so much more about him. He's definitely my favorite. The biggest reason for my rating is because I didnt connect with the characters, besides Devin. The rest, especially Andi, were one dimensional and felt very vague. They were there but didn't do anything. Plus there was a lot going on for a short book. I do think there could have been a stronger finish but overall, it was decent and super quick read. I finished it in about an hour or so.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andi’s story begins with heartbreak: being stood up on what should have been the happiest day of her life. So when she flees to her father’s cozy mountain resort, she’s not looking for love—just a little peace, some cocoa, and maybe a distraction from the wedding that wasn’t. But fate (and a very inconvenient blizzard) have other plans. Enter Devin: her ex from three years ago, the man who once chose ambition over her. Now they’re trapped together in a snowed-in cabin with only shared history, unresolved tension, and a roof that’s literally caving in.

What follows is everything you want from a Christmas romcom—equal parts laughter, longing, and the kind of cozy chaos that makes your heart melt faster than snow on a mug of cocoa. The chemistry between Andi and Devin sparkles with old flame familiarity, their banter sliding between funny and painfully honest. You can feel the weight of their past even as you root for their fresh start.

Cristina Ryan has a gift for balancing humor and heart. The blizzard may set the scene, but the emotional storm between these two is what makes the story shine. She captures that feeling of coming face-to-face with what might’ve been—and realizing that sometimes love deserves a second chance, even if it once left you standing in the cold.

What I loved most? The realness. Andi isn’t perfect—she’s wounded but still brave enough to open her heart again. Devin’s not a flawless hero either, but his growth feels genuine, his efforts heartfelt. Together, they remind us that forgiveness is messy, but it’s also the most beautiful kind of gift.

The Merry & Bright Mishap is a sweet, feel-good holiday romance wrapped in humor, hope, and just enough snow-covered chaos to keep you smiling from start to finish. It’s about second chances, finding joy in imperfection, and learning that sometimes the best kind of love story is the one you didn’t plan for.

So grab your blanket, light the tree, and settle in—this one will leave your heart merry, bright, and just a little bit misty.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful second chance story. After Andi is left at the altar by her rock star fiance, she avoids the paparazzi by heading to Hilltop Retreat Resort, a property handed down to her father from his father. When she gets there she runs into Devin, a man whom she had hoped to marry three years ago. The hands of Fate provide an unexpected blizzard which damages the cottage where Andi is staying, requiring her to bunk in with Devin. Then the electricity goes out. Devin has never gotten over his feelings for Andi, so he is thrilled to be with her, although she doesn’t seem to feel the same. Eventually they have an intense conversation that leads to revelations of familial interference, and they seem to fall back into their old relationship rhythm. Meanwhile, Andi’s father has gotten behind on his mortgage payments, and they get notice that the bank plans to foreclose on the resort shortly after Christmas. It is then that Devin offers a solution that saves the day and brings the community together. This is such an easily imaginable story, from the awkwardness in the shared cabin, to Cassidy’s hiding from Brandon. You will find strong emotion, heartbreaking revelations, endearing moments and humor, in this tale of reconcilliation and Christmas miracles.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging Christmas themes second chance romance. Devon and Andi are well developed, realistic, realteable and incredibly likeable characters, the both of them. Admittedly, I was put-off by her attitude when she was first around him. Yes, her social life just imploded, but given the dynamics of their break-up, she wasn't really justified in her behaviors (IMHO). The story is woven in such a way that you think of the old saying "Don't ask what else can go wrong... it will! " Neither were thrilled, but I can picture Ryan chuckling away while writing... knowing what was ultimately in store. With this book you're part of the action, it's not simply told to you. With the inclusion of their individual family members, we get a full picture of this couple (as well as the full story). So, kick back with your Kindle and cocoa and enjoy this romantic adventure in a wintery Wonderland.

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Christmas romance combines some of my favorite elements: second chances and a snowed-in scenario. The overall plot is actually solid and well-suited for a shorter read. The pacing works, the setting feels appropriately festive, and the foundation of the story is strong.
However, my main issue was the way the characters were written. It felt like trope after trope was layered onto them—almost as if the goal was to fit in as many romance clichés as possible. Instead of adding depth, many of these tropes felt unnecessary and sometimes meaningless. Rather than enriching the story, they pulled me out of it.
It’s a shame, because the core plot itself is good. With a bit more focus on character depth instead of stacking familiar tropes, this could have been a truly standout holiday romance.
Overall, it’s still an okay read—cozy, seasonal, and quick—but not one that completely won me over.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect book for a cozy afternoon read!

The story starts with a sad chapter for Dani, as her wedding comes crumbling down. So she escapes to her dad's mountain resort, only to bump into Devin -her ex boyfriend-. Cue in the sparks, the feelings, the banter, and all the small mishaps that will keep them snowed in and working together.

This is a clean rom com with relatable characters, You will identify with them and feel their pain, angst, and the butterflies. The plot is fast paced filled with humor, banter, a humming attraction, small town vibes, and true conversations and insights.

The book is all about second chances, forgiving, learning to accept help and finding self worth amidst pain. A great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JulieAnn Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story about two ex-loves returned to each other. The story begins quickly on Andi’s failed wedding day, and stayed pretty fast-paced throughout. The way Devin and Andi end up confined in the same room is believable, and their interactions are filled with romantic tension. I love how the story progresses with the underlying issues of their original breakup and how nicely everything is tied up by the end.

From time to time, I do feel like the author had a lot of B plots and themes she wanted to include. I think a longer book and more time on each area would have served those additional areas well.

Overall, a charming and satisfying read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of The New Beginnings Series. Can be read as a standalone.

'unwrap this clean & wholesome small-town romantic comedy, where under the mistletoe... and amidst a pesky blizzard, Santa delivers holiday surprises!'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andi thinks her rock star is the one but things don't go as expected. She goes for a quiet weekend and runs into an old flame. Devin wants to say goodbye to his one true love because he thinks it's too late but is it?
They need to overcome a blizzard and an overbearing controlling father. Does love prevail this time (what was the cause of the initial failure)?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Andi is stood up at the altar and her famous fiance elopes with another woman she retreats to her father's failing resort only to run into her ex. Devin is there to inspect the property for his father but he doesn't tell Andi that. After they end up stranded together in a cabin during a winter storm without power romantic feelings reemergence but secrets and the past could come between them. This was a kisses only second chance romance.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and Clean Second Chance Christmas. Enjoyable slightly campy holiday story about 2nd chance love. After one catastrophe after another, Andi finds herself forced to share a cabin with first love Devin. Funny and sweet, this is something light to help you to recuperate after all your Christmas shopping. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of The New Beginning Series. Left at the alter to only run into the one that broke her heart. This is a second chance romance that will draw you in and having rooting for a happy ever after ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren Meuer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written cozy and festive romance. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end just watching the characters grow throughout the book and also all the funny moments in-between. I recommend this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aga · Rating 3 out of 5]

On paper this should be a perfect read. Second chance, forced proximity, Christmas vibes.

However the characters were lacking chemistry and the story was progressing very slowly. Did not feel Christmas vibes despite the constant mention of Christmas songs.

It was an ok read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book! I love the characters and seeing old friends from previous books. I was hooked from the very beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute romantic read. I really enjoyed the read. The characters were nice and interesting and the story itself was fun and kept me on my toes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the characters overlap with other books but can be read as a standalone.
Second chance
Jilted bride
Meddling family
Betrayal
Blizzard
Multiple Christmas miracles.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.