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Merry Mayhem
Cooke
I’ve worked hard to get where I am and that didn't include taking breaks to trade presents or decorate trees.
My job is everything to me.
Until I stumble upon a kid trying to earn money so he can buy the perfect present for the perfect girl.
What starts as a well-meaning gesture turns into something else when I come face to face with his feisty sister.
Gretchen is everything I’ve dreamed of in a woman, but she loves everything about Christmas.
Will my hatred of the season scare her away or could this be a Christmas miracle made for me?
Gretchen
I’m doing all I can to take care of my little brother and keep a roof over our heads.
He's a good kid, but when he comes home late with a man I don't know, fear has me chasing the handsome grump back out the door.
This needs to be the best Christmas ever so I can finally see a real smile on my brother’s face.
And when the gorgeous Grinch shows up again, I’m surprised to find myself drawn to him.
More than I should be.
Cooke negotiates deals all day long, but now it feels like the prize he’s focused on is me.
Can our intense chemistry last or will it burn out before the New Year is here?
Get ready to cozy up with Pinch of Grinch, a delightful steamy romance series that brings together your favorite short, instalove authors! Dive into a whimsical world where grumpy heroes who scowl at holiday cheer meet their sunshine-filled heroines overflowing with sugar and nice. Each story follows a lovable yet cantankerous hero —a true grinch at heart— who gets his world turned upside down by an eternally optimistic heroine determined to break through his frosty exterior. Expect fierce banter, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of heartwarming moments as this unlikely pair bump heads, shares steamy encounters, and ultimately discovers that love can turn even the grumpiest heart into a warm, beating one.
With laughter, passion, and happily ever afters on every page, Pinch of Grinch series is a charming collection that promises to make readers cheer for love’s ability to transform even the biggest of scrooges. So grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle up, and get ready to believe in the miracle of holiday romance!
I’ve worked hard to get where I am and that didn't include taking breaks to trade presents or decorate trees.
My job is everything to me.
Until I stumble upon a kid trying to earn money so he can buy the perfect present for the perfect girl.
What starts as a well-meaning gesture turns into something else when I come face to face with his feisty sister.
Gretchen is everything I’ve dreamed of in a woman, but she loves everything about Christmas.
Will my hatred of the season scare her away or could this be a Christmas miracle made for me?
Gretchen
I’m doing all I can to take care of my little brother and keep a roof over our heads.
He's a good kid, but when he comes home late with a man I don't know, fear has me chasing the handsome grump back out the door.
This needs to be the best Christmas ever so I can finally see a real smile on my brother’s face.
And when the gorgeous Grinch shows up again, I’m surprised to find myself drawn to him.
More than I should be.
Cooke negotiates deals all day long, but now it feels like the prize he’s focused on is me.
Can our intense chemistry last or will it burn out before the New Year is here?
Get ready to cozy up with Pinch of Grinch, a delightful steamy romance series that brings together your favorite short, instalove authors! Dive into a whimsical world where grumpy heroes who scowl at holiday cheer meet their sunshine-filled heroines overflowing with sugar and nice. Each story follows a lovable yet cantankerous hero —a true grinch at heart— who gets his world turned upside down by an eternally optimistic heroine determined to break through his frosty exterior. Expect fierce banter, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of heartwarming moments as this unlikely pair bump heads, shares steamy encounters, and ultimately discovers that love can turn even the grumpiest heart into a warm, beating one.
With laughter, passion, and happily ever afters on every page, Pinch of Grinch series is a charming collection that promises to make readers cheer for love’s ability to transform even the biggest of scrooges. So grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle up, and get ready to believe in the miracle of holiday romance!
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
9 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 8, 2025
Gretchen and Cooke
MERRY MAYHEM is Book 3 of the Pinch of Grinch series. It's a short and steamy, instalove with a slow-burn vibe, opposites-attract, found family, forced-proximity, girl gets her hunk Christmas romance. Cooke is a hunky, somewhat grinchy businessman with a heart of gold. He was raised in the foster system so doesn't have the best Christmas memories. Gretchen is a sweet nurse raising her brother Gavin so he wouldn't go into foster care after their mom lost custody. Gavin wakes up Cooke one morning as he is shoveling snow for his neighbor. He is initially grumpy as wants to sleep but ends up helping him instead. When he takes Gavin him, he meets Gretchen and is drawn to her. This was such a sweet story with all the feels. This couple had insane chemistry. Seeing Cooke with Gavin was ovary-exploding goodness, and the ending was so happy. I really loved this one.
MERRY MAYHEM is Book 3 of the Pinch of Grinch series. It's a short and steamy, instalove with a slow-burn vibe, opposites-attract, found family, forced-proximity, girl gets her hunk Christmas romance. Cooke is a hunky, somewhat grinchy businessman with a heart of gold. He was raised in the foster system so doesn't have the best Christmas memories. Gretchen is a sweet nurse raising her brother Gavin so he wouldn't go into foster care after their mom lost custody. Gavin wakes up Cooke one morning as he is shoveling snow for his neighbor. He is initially grumpy as wants to sleep but ends up helping him instead. When he takes Gavin him, he meets Gretchen and is drawn to her. This was such a sweet story with all the feels. This couple had insane chemistry. Seeing Cooke with Gavin was ovary-exploding goodness, and the ending was so happy. I really loved this one.
November 1, 2025
Love these short insta love stories, but this one was so emotional. Even the little things could bring feelings of happiness and joy. Gretchen has taken custody of her brother and is working hard to give him a better life. Cooke is disturbed one morning by a young boy shoving snow next door. Going over to reprimand him, he is shocked by Gavin’s determination to continue. Getting to know Gavin and his sister, Cooke gets a glimpse of the life and family he has always wanted. Great holiday read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2025
A feel-good short story that makes you wear a plastered smile the whole time you're reading it. Can't not mention the sweet, mushy moments with "added spice to baked cookies."
How an unexpected, even annoying, meeting turns life upside down in a good way. Plus, both the boy and man are adorable, and the boy's sister is caring and hardworking.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
How an unexpected, even annoying, meeting turns life upside down in a good way. Plus, both the boy and man are adorable, and the boy's sister is caring and hardworking.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2025
Cooke is trying to get some sleep after helping at the rescue. He hears a scraping noise outside on the concrete. He goes to investigate and finds a young boy trying to shovel the snow at the elderly neighbor’s house next-door. He finds out that the kid’s name is Gavin and he is trying to make enough money to buy a Christmas present for a girl. Cooke pulls out his two shovels that are better and helps Gavin get the job done quicker.
Gretchen comes home to a quiet house. She was expecting to hear her younger brother, Gavin, playing his video games. She finds him by the front door saying goodbye to Cooke. Gretchen is relieved that Gavin is home safe. Money is tight so right now she can’t afford a cell phone for Gavin.
The next day, Gavin shows up at Cooke’s house to ask him if he would like to help him shovel more driveways. Cooke agrees as long as they text Gretchen and get her okay. They text her from Cooke’s phone and she agrees as long as Gavin is home by eight o’clock that night. Cooke finds out that Gavin was taken away from him mom and that Gretchen stepped up to be his guardian, so he didn’t have to go into foster care. Cooke feeds Gavin pizza and they bring Gretchen her favorite kind. The three of them end up making paper snowflakes and having a nice evening together.
I was waiting to find out why Cooke was so lonely. I wondered if Gavin and Gretchen could get him into the holiday spirit.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gretchen comes home to a quiet house. She was expecting to hear her younger brother, Gavin, playing his video games. She finds him by the front door saying goodbye to Cooke. Gretchen is relieved that Gavin is home safe. Money is tight so right now she can’t afford a cell phone for Gavin.
The next day, Gavin shows up at Cooke’s house to ask him if he would like to help him shovel more driveways. Cooke agrees as long as they text Gretchen and get her okay. They text her from Cooke’s phone and she agrees as long as Gavin is home by eight o’clock that night. Cooke finds out that Gavin was taken away from him mom and that Gretchen stepped up to be his guardian, so he didn’t have to go into foster care. Cooke feeds Gavin pizza and they bring Gretchen her favorite kind. The three of them end up making paper snowflakes and having a nice evening together.
I was waiting to find out why Cooke was so lonely. I wondered if Gavin and Gretchen could get him into the holiday spirit.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2025
Sometimes the holidays don’t feel magical—they feel like interruptions. For Cooke, success has always meant sacrifice: no lights, no ornaments, no slowing down. But one snowy morning, a determined boy shoveling for pocket change cracks open the armor he’s built around his heart. That boy’s sister, Gretchen, is fierce, protective, and brimming with Christmas spirit—the very thing Cooke has spent years avoiding.
What follows is a story that feels both tender and raw: a man who’s forgotten how to dream, a woman fighting to give her brother the life he deserves, and a season that forces them to confront what they’ve been missing. Gretchen’s warmth collides with Cooke’s gruff exterior, sparking chemistry that’s as fiery as it is fragile. Their journey isn’t just about romance—it’s about family, resilience, and the possibility of joy when you least expect it.
Merry Mayhem is more than a holiday love story—it’s a reminder that sometimes the messiest moments lead to the most meaningful miracles. Readers will find themselves rooting for Gretchen’s hope, Gavin’s determination, and Cooke’s reluctant transformation. It’s heartfelt, witty, and brimming with the kind of emotional honesty that makes you believe in second chances and Christmas magic all over again.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What follows is a story that feels both tender and raw: a man who’s forgotten how to dream, a woman fighting to give her brother the life he deserves, and a season that forces them to confront what they’ve been missing. Gretchen’s warmth collides with Cooke’s gruff exterior, sparking chemistry that’s as fiery as it is fragile. Their journey isn’t just about romance—it’s about family, resilience, and the possibility of joy when you least expect it.
Merry Mayhem is more than a holiday love story—it’s a reminder that sometimes the messiest moments lead to the most meaningful miracles. Readers will find themselves rooting for Gretchen’s hope, Gavin’s determination, and Cooke’s reluctant transformation. It’s heartfelt, witty, and brimming with the kind of emotional honesty that makes you believe in second chances and Christmas magic all over again.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2025
Gavin is a wonderful boy, trying to grow up and be independent, but also very much still needing to just be a boy. Enter Cooke, who gives him the space to do that, and also gets bonus points for feeding Gavin. Gretchen is Gavin's sister who has and continuously sacrifices herself for Gavin, and Cooke decides he is going to be the one there for Gretchen. In the end, they are all at the right place in the right time to be there for each other.
This was short-ish book that had me choking up by chapter 2 and full on tearing by the end of the book. It was so full of romantic and family love. The characters came together so naturally, especially with their awkwardness, and I swear I even felt the first date jitters along with Gretchen. It had so much depth despite its brevity, and really made my day.
I am new to the author and picked up this book because it's part of the Pinch of Grinch series about grumpy Grinches who fall for some Christmas sunshine. And I was really pleasantly surprised and blown away by this piece of work! This will definitely not be my last book from her! Six stars from me, if I could!
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was short-ish book that had me choking up by chapter 2 and full on tearing by the end of the book. It was so full of romantic and family love. The characters came together so naturally, especially with their awkwardness, and I swear I even felt the first date jitters along with Gretchen. It had so much depth despite its brevity, and really made my day.
I am new to the author and picked up this book because it's part of the Pinch of Grinch series about grumpy Grinches who fall for some Christmas sunshine. And I was really pleasantly surprised and blown away by this piece of work! This will definitely not be my last book from her! Six stars from me, if I could!
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2025
This is such a sweet and tender book for your next reading break. This story will touch your heart and leave you with a smile.
This story revolves around Cooke, Gretchen, and her brother Gavin. Cooke meets Gavin as he is cleaning sidewalks in his small business. HE sees something in the kid and decides to help him earn the money he desperately wants for Christmas. At the end of the day, he takes Gavin home and meets Gretchen, and he is smitten by her and also feels very akin with their circumstances. The relationship he builds with Gavin allows him to get closer to Gretchen and slowly he starts to feel the pull she has. As they get closer he starts to open up about his past and how it relates to them. Gretchen sees Cooke as the solitary man that he is, but is attracted to him and his softness, eventually they come to realize how they both have fallen for each other, and make their CHristmas a very merry one,
This is such a lovely sweet story of accepting, of love, of finding family in the least expected places. IT goes beyond a spicy story to a pure love !.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story revolves around Cooke, Gretchen, and her brother Gavin. Cooke meets Gavin as he is cleaning sidewalks in his small business. HE sees something in the kid and decides to help him earn the money he desperately wants for Christmas. At the end of the day, he takes Gavin home and meets Gretchen, and he is smitten by her and also feels very akin with their circumstances. The relationship he builds with Gavin allows him to get closer to Gretchen and slowly he starts to feel the pull she has. As they get closer he starts to open up about his past and how it relates to them. Gretchen sees Cooke as the solitary man that he is, but is attracted to him and his softness, eventually they come to realize how they both have fallen for each other, and make their CHristmas a very merry one,
This is such a lovely sweet story of accepting, of love, of finding family in the least expected places. IT goes beyond a spicy story to a pure love !.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2025
Merry Meyham by Kelsea Fox is a heartwarming Christmas novella that instantly wraps you in festive cheer.
The story begins when Gavin brings Cooke home who has been helping him with a project. Cooke meets Gavin’s sister, Gretchen, and is instantly drawn to her. Despite Cooke’s painful memories of past holidays, Gavin and Gretchen gently pull him into their joyful world. As romance blossoms, so does Cooke’s rediscovery of Christmas magic.
A sweet, cozy read that’s perfect for curling up with during the holiday season. Highly recommended for anyone craving a dose of love, warmth, and yuletide spirit.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story begins when Gavin brings Cooke home who has been helping him with a project. Cooke meets Gavin’s sister, Gretchen, and is instantly drawn to her. Despite Cooke’s painful memories of past holidays, Gavin and Gretchen gently pull him into their joyful world. As romance blossoms, so does Cooke’s rediscovery of Christmas magic.
A sweet, cozy read that’s perfect for curling up with during the holiday season. Highly recommended for anyone craving a dose of love, warmth, and yuletide spirit.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2025
Part of the multi-author Pinch of Grinch series. Each short, holiday story can be read as a complete standalone.
The plot was straightforward and simplistic. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. The characters were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. All in all a great holiday romance story. Enjoyed immensely and thoroughly and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot was straightforward and simplistic. World building was excellent and expertly drawn. The characters were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. All in all a great holiday romance story. Enjoyed immensely and thoroughly and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2025
Cooke gets the best Christmas ever when he befriended Gavin
Gavin is a sweet kid looking to buy a special present for his big sister Gretchen. The two spent the day shovelling snow and Cooke loved the gregarious lad. When Gavin gets a lecture from Gretchen Cooke feels bad and goes out of his way to get Gavin out of the bad books. Cooke is drawn to this little family and his giving nature soon has him joining the duo for Christmas and a happily ever after. I laughed and cried and got a warm Christmas glow!
Gavin is a sweet kid looking to buy a special present for his big sister Gretchen. The two spent the day shovelling snow and Cooke loved the gregarious lad. When Gavin gets a lecture from Gretchen Cooke feels bad and goes out of his way to get Gavin out of the bad books. Cooke is drawn to this little family and his giving nature soon has him joining the duo for Christmas and a happily ever after. I laughed and cried and got a warm Christmas glow!
October 29, 2025
I liked this story. Gretchen and Cooke's story was interesting. Cooke and Gretchen meet because of Gavin, her little brother is trying to earn money for Christmas presents and Cooke decides to help him. I found that to be sweet. I like a man who helps out. I think that the romance between them was nice.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2025
Merry Mayhem is part of the Pinch of Grinch series. This book did not disappoint! The story was heart felt, emotional, interesting and enjoyable to read. The characters were great, likable and steamy. I really enjoyed this short read and can't wait to read more!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2025
The author has given us an emotional story that pulls us into the lives of Cooke, Gretchen and her younger brother, Gavin. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with connection, personal issues, determination and a found family.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2025
Sweet Christmas story that leaves that leaves your heart full. One little boy keeping him from sleep leads Cooke to the best Christmas present ever. Loved Cooke and Gretchen’s love journey filled with joy, snowflakes, stuffing, sweetness, sizzle, finding home and forever.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2025
Merry Mayhem by Kelsea Fox is the third book of the Pinch of Grinch series.
Gretchen and Cooke's story is a heartwarming holiday romance. I was hooked in from the start and the pages kept turning. I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gretchen and Cooke's story is a heartwarming holiday romance. I was hooked in from the start and the pages kept turning. I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Last Chapter Press ARC Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2025
Gretchen and Cooke's story is a short, fun holiday romance. From the fun, flirty banter and believable characters to the sweet romance, these two had me cheering them on to get their happily ever after. Merry Mayhem is a sweet and steamy addition to the multi-author Pinch of Grinch series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
October 23, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a sweet heartwarming story where a family is created. I'm glad Gretchen and Cooke fell in love. It all started with Cooke helping Gavin.
November 19, 2025
She’s doing everything she can to make a good Christmas for her little brother. Then her brother brings home a stranger. One that will change their lives.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2025
A wonderful and sweet story. I enjoyed both Cooke and Gretchen, Amazing characters, They have a strong attraction, I loved their story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2025
Merry Mayhem
Pinch of Grinch
hoping that I get to read this entire series. This book was amazing. Looking for more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pinch of Grinch
hoping that I get to read this entire series. This book was amazing. Looking for more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2025
3.75 stars
December 7, 2025
Where your heart is by MeemsAngel82
This is my first book from this author and I am so pleased with this book! This was so sweet and so beautiful I had tears in my eyes. A honest to goodness heart warming read that makes you feel so good inside! The writing is done well and this is a whole story set at my favorite time of year. There is definitely Christmas magic at work here and for a brother and sister and a lonely man, this was just what they all needed.
As a brother with a hard working sister working to take care of him, he wanted to give her something back. So he tried to make some money and got help and the very best present in the form of a new man in their lives.
This came at a good time of the year for me. The whole theme was one of caring and family and love. A loving and appreciative relationship between a good little brother and the big sister that takes care of him. The sacrifices that they make for one another were already so sweet. But having this gruff stranger bond with her brother and help him, meeting her and this becoming love? I'm a puddle over here! A heart warming story with three great people forming a family. What a wonderful read!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first book from this author and I am so pleased with this book! This was so sweet and so beautiful I had tears in my eyes. A honest to goodness heart warming read that makes you feel so good inside! The writing is done well and this is a whole story set at my favorite time of year. There is definitely Christmas magic at work here and for a brother and sister and a lonely man, this was just what they all needed.
As a brother with a hard working sister working to take care of him, he wanted to give her something back. So he tried to make some money and got help and the very best present in the form of a new man in their lives.
This came at a good time of the year for me. The whole theme was one of caring and family and love. A loving and appreciative relationship between a good little brother and the big sister that takes care of him. The sacrifices that they make for one another were already so sweet. But having this gruff stranger bond with her brother and help him, meeting her and this becoming love? I'm a puddle over here! A heart warming story with three great people forming a family. What a wonderful read!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews