Merry Enemies

Boston Love #0.5

by Kelly Elliott

Working at the library is my dream job, and story time with the kids is my favorite part. I know what you’re thinking, it’s because of the hot single dad who brings his daughter each week. Sure, he’s easy on the eyes, but that man gets on my last nerve.

This year, I’ve been given the responsibility of planning the annual Christmas fundraiser organized by the Boston Library and Boston Firefighter Association, and I know I can make it a success.

Imagine my surprise when someone from the fire department shows up for the planning meeting, and the single dad from story time comes walking in. His dark brown hair and green eyes are full of excitement when he sees me. I want to wipe that smug smile off his face. I won’t let him ruin this for me.

With each day that passes, I get to know more of Harrison Maggio, the ex-Navy SEAL turned firefighter. The more I know, the harder I fall. But would a guy like Harrison go for a nerdy, booklover who has way too many curves?

The only thing on my Christmas list this year is for a particular firefighter to put out these flames of desire.

Previously released in the Dear Santa anthology as Untamed Flames.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2023

About the author

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.

Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.

www.kellyelliottauthor.com

Reviews

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review Merry Enemies (Boston Love)
by Kelly Elliott

This was a quick, entertaining and fun read that ticked numerous boxes for me.

Merry Enemies is firefighter and single dad Harrison and librarian Emma’s story.

When these two are charged with planning their towns fundraiser, the sparks fly.

I loved Harrison’s little girl Noel and the relationship that Emma forged with her. The connection they had was heartwarming.

Although a quick read the characters had depth as did their story.

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Elliott has done it again and has delivered an incredible love story with Merry Enemies, a prequel novella from her Boston Love series. Kelly Elliott always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy men. Kelly Elliott continues to deliver all that and so much more. Kelly Elliott has once again shown that she is an amazing storyteller and continues to be one of my favorite authors to read. Merry Enemies did not disappoint; I was hooked from the first few pages; it was impossible to put it down and I loved every moment on every page. Merry Enemies is the story of Emma Jennings, librarian, and Harrison Maggio, firefighter, former Navy SEAL, and single father of Noel. Emma is the librarian at the local library and has a children’s storytime that Harrison attends with Noel. After their latest interaction that leaves Harrison banned from the library, things change for them. They learn that they are in charge of planning the annual Christmas fundraiser organized by the Boston Library and Boston Firefighter Association. As Emma and Harrison spend time together planning the event with the help of Harrison’s mother, things quickly heat up between them. I love the easy banter of the conversations between them that flows so easily, I love that both Emma and Harrison share secrets with one another, especially how Harrison became a single parent to Noel and how the name he chose was fitting. One of my favorite parts of their love story is the changes that Emma and Harrison are willing to make in their lives to have a life with one another. Some of the characters of the series are introduced in this novella. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Merry Enemies, the characters feel like family and friends. I also enjoyed all the interactions among the firefighters it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. Kelly Elliott’s descriptions are so real. I love all the surprises that Kelly Elliott has included in Merry Enemies. I enjoy how Kelly Elliott writes from the perspective of the characters. That way you get to know what is going on in their minds. Merry Enemies is a wonderful love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. It is filled with all those things that I have come to love and expect in a Kelly Elliott love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments and surprises that filled this page turner. I love the ending of Emma and Harrison’s love story, from Harrison’s proposal on Christmas morning, the significance of the engagement ring, their wedding, and Harrison’s new career path and Noel’s involvement in it all. It was the perfect ending to their love story, and it did not disappoint. Merry Enemies contains all the elements that I love most in a Kelly Elliott story, romance, great characters and setting, bittersweet moments and the plot twist that ties it all together. Amazing story. I have loved reading the books in this series. I am looking forward to reading the final book in the series. Received an advanced copy from the author.

[Lisa Icard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a quick and fun read by Kelly Elliott. Merry Enemies is the story of Harrison, the hot single dad firefighter, who meets Emma, the hot single sexy librarian during story time. What starts as a misunderstanding soon becomes something more while these two are thrown together planning the town’s fundraising event. When these two are together, magic happens, but will a quick moment scare off Harrison? After all, he has a daughter to think about.

This was a charming and quick read about love, trust and found family! It’s a great prequel to the Boston Love series. You’ll love Emma, Harrison and the cute little one, Noel!

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about having feet for a meal! Both Harrison and Emma are guilty of this not-so-pleasing treat more than once, but they’re forced to work together anyway. And work, they do. Very well. Until someone gets scared for a second, hesitates, and causes far more hurt than they should. But the glory in the holidays is that sometimes, you get a second chance to make things right. Sometimes, you realize that you’re so much more miserable and desperately want that person back in your life. And if you’re lucky, that person wants you right back.

Let’s just say that the person who did the hurting didn’t just hurt one half of this couple. So it’s a darn good thing that they could also make it right!

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry Enemies is a cute read. If you haven't read the Boston Love series now is the time to start. This is a quick introduction to Harrison and Emma. Emma is a librarian and loves what she does. Harrison is a single dad, former Navy Seal and a firefighter to boot. If that doesn't check most of your boxes right there. He is a fantastic father and you are going to love him. Emma and Harrison have this love/hate relationship you are going to love. The banter and chemistry is amazing. I could not put this down. I love Emma and Harrison so much. You need to one click this today.

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous novella, which made me feel Christmassy and gooey inside… despite it being august! This is a prequel to the Boston Love series, of which there are three excellent books so far, which I highly recommend. Whilst we wait for the fourth book, this previously from an anthology prequel has been released so we can all enjoy it.

The story of Harrison and Emma (as well as Noel) is funny and sweet and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I love this author and this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Serenechaosnyc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and quick, this one puts you in the holiday spirits, perfect for the August heat. The banter was great, brought a smile to my face, and the love between Emma and Harrison, first enemies, then friends and then more, was wonderfully detailed in this short story, a prequel to the Boston love series. It's short so it'll just whet your appetite for this wonderful world, and I so enjoyed just revisiting this wonderful cast of characters.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novellas are not my favorites to read but Kelly Elliott is one of my favorite authors so I picked up Merry Enemies hoping for the best. This novella is wonderful! There is a complete story within 79 pages. The characters have full lives and the storyline is missing nothing.

Harrison and Emma are perfect for each other. I liked that they fell fast and hard. Their story was not perfect but it was real. The had hiccups in their relationship and worked to get through them.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas is coming real soon and this love story is perfect for the season. While there is mutual attraction between Harrison and Emma, a misunderstandings lead them to be on the other’s naughty list. 😆

But when they are forced to plan a Christmas event together, things start to change. A truce leads to opportunities to get to know each other better and of course, sparks fly.

This was a quick read and perfect for lovers of the single dad romance trope.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will say I could not love Emma and Harrison more and you add in the cutest little girl Noel. Their first meeting at the story time at the library where Emma works didn't go off very well. This has sparks that flew and its a good thing Harrison is a fireman because he sure knows how to spark the flame and cool it down perfect Novella to introduce you to The Boston Love Series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Enemies

What a wonderful story about two people who find themselves attracted to each other. First interaction of each other, was not a good one, the librarian misinterpreted an action of another person as something he was doing. This is a fun, flirty and back and forth banter between two with regrets. Loved this story.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Short Story

This was a great intro into the Boston Love series. Small town singe dad meets librarian and after being forced to plan a fundraiser, they grow closer together. One shared amazing night and the man runs from the hills. Read this and see if he gets the sexy librarian back.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Enemies is a prequel to the Boston Love series by Kelly Elliott and a fun, quick read.

What we have is an enemies to friends to lovers while also planning a Christmas fundraiser for the library. Will Emma and Harrison find their HEA through the misunderstandings, banter, steamy chemistry…read on to find out…

I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[JanFromNJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella, a prequel to Kelly Elliott’s Boston Love series, is a sweet enemies to lovers story with Harrison, a single dad firefighter to little Noel, and Emma, a librarian. An easy read, with a Christmas theme, I enjoyed getting to meet these characters and look forward to more of the going’s on in the Boston Love series.

[Swati Limaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Christmas prequel novella to the Boston Love series! Single dad Harrison met Emma while he was attending story time with his daughter, Noel, at the library where Emma works. The cameos by Harrison’s fellow firefighters from the Boston Love series was a highlight. Highly recommend reading this book and the others in the series.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harrison and Emma might start off as enemies but once the layers are pulled back the attraction comes to the surface. People are not always what they seem after first impressions. But in the end Kelly Elliott once again gives her readers a swoon worthy male lead and a female lead that will be strong enough to give him a run for his money.

[Merriann Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick pallet cleanser with a touch of spice

If you're looking for something to cleanse your pallet between books, this shirt read will do it. It's got that cozy, warm, Holiday vibe with just a touch of spice, that most people are looking for. This is my first time reading a Kelley Elliott book and I absolutely loved it!

[BookwormGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute story. Harrison a single dad takes his daughter to the library, where he meets Emma. Now Emma likes to assume Harrison is a certain way. But he’s really not. She soon realizes she had him all wrong. I loved it. I love all if Kelly’s books. This is definitely a must read,

[Claudia Sexton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Boston Love series prequel with Emma, Harrison and Noel was a short & cute Christmas novella! I liked meeting the characters and the intro into the series. It also has me ready for the holidays!

[Tracey Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little light read for the summer and perfect break from all the heavy reads! Deftly don’t wait until the holidays for this one! As others have mentioned it is also the perfect introduction to Kelly’s Boston Love series which is another must read and also free on KU!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super cute and quick read. I absolutely love Harrison and Emma. It’s a prequel to her Boston love series and I highly recommend it! There is some spice which keeps it interesting but doesn’t over power it. Another amazing read!

[Luisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas Story!

What a great way to spend the holidays! Loved this quick book. Harrison and Emma started as enemies and quickly became something more. Loved Emma’s sassiness and Harrison’s love for his daughter Noel.

[Chrissy Shaffer-McNeal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved

This is a prequel to the boston love series. A single parent, enemies to lovers romance. Kelly is one of my favorite authors

[Lana-White Hot Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrison and Emma bring spice to this novella about two people who fall in love with each other from the get-go. Loved how it talks about the Boston Love series Kelly has.

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet

This was a quick short read with love and happiness. I only wish there was an epilogue to see more of how they were doing now. Like this author

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short story and intro to the Boston Love series. I read this originally as a short story of multiple authors but I am happy to see it released on its own. Great book

[Cherie Maggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Cute quick read. Loved the instant love and all their friends and family. As expected this author did not disappoint

[Marika · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet novella. Emma and Harrison's story is so sweet and sexy and perfect to put me in a Christmas mood.
Truly enjoyed it

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good story!

[Andrea (Hammock and Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harrison is a single dad and brings his daughter to the library for story hour- where he has spotted Emma the hot librarian. Emma gets put in charge of planning Boston Library’s fundraiser and so does Harrison. Sparks fly after an incident at the library while they are planning.
These two have chemistry- insta love in his hot Christmas romance novella.