Next Door Neighbors. A Blind Match. And a Kiss That Melts the Ice.
Mel My neighbor’s easy on the eyes, but his blaring music and clanging weights keep me awake. Michael Matthews is all charm and good vibes—qualities that drive my sleep-deprived self up a wall; even if his smile does spark an annoying flutter.
Mike Cole’s been raving about Noelle's best friend since they started dating. I'm curious, yet my fiery, grumpy next door neighbor has captivated me from day one. The only time she'll give me is when she's pounding on the wall to turn down the music. So I agree to meet Noelle's friend.
When Cole introduces me to Mel, my sexy, grumpy next door neighbor, I can't believe my luck. But if the frost in her eyes is any indication, I'll need some Christmas magic to win her heart.
A Not So Merry Kiss-mas, a reverse grumpy/sunshine novella, is book 2 of the Letters to Mrs. Claus multi-author series—a kisses-only romantic comedy collection bursting with holiday cheer. Each story is linked through Mrs. Claus’s Operation Mistletoe Match, where she receives a letter from a meddling friend or family member about someone lonely, heartbroken, or closed off to love. With her timeless wisdom, Mrs. Claus pens a tailored message to the subject of the letter, offering an inspiring note that tackles their romantic roadblock. Packed with hilarious mishaps, flustered blushes, and courageous adventures as they chase their happily-ever-after in this no-spice, swoon-worthy series!
Best Selling, Award Winning Author Abby Greyson loves writing clean, kisses only, sweet and swoony romance stories that invite people to remember what it’s like to fall in love over and over and over again. Stories that make you laugh, root for the main characters and wonder what they are doing long after the book is finished.
On the days she isn’t reading or writing she enjoys spending lazy days watching the Buffalo Bills on a football Sunday.
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Loved this book! It was a perfect holiday romance novella with "he falls first" vibes and some intervention from Mrs. Claus herself. It follows Melanie and Michael, neighbors who don't quite get along after Michael blasts his music while Melanie (a nurse) is trying to sleep. Turns out they have friends in common who think they would be perfect for each other and once they are formally introduced, they have instant chemistry and fall into an easy relationship. Loved the holiday romance swoon!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such a sweet and cozy Christmas romance with all the festive feels. The story was super cute, and the characters were just loveable. I absolutely loved the main characters together they had such great chemistry and made this the perfect holiday read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cute, short and Christmasy romance. Main character falls for the handsome annoying next door neighbor. I dont think he was annoying at all but ok. Clean sweet romance.
This book is so cute!! I am obsessed with this series—I am just loving a matchmaking Mrs. Claus, and this book was just so precious. The romance was so sweet, and I’m so impressed by how it made sense even in such a short book. Such a perfect cozy read.
Honestly, this one was not it for me. Mike was very annoying to me. How he was inconciderate of Mel's sleep schedule. He decides to blast music first thing in the morning. And when she yells to turn it down, does he? No. That is not love or attraction. That is being a rude neighbor. Yeah, he doesn't know her work schedule, but blasting music first thing in the morning when you know that the kitchen is right next to her bedroom is not nice. Then, when she goes to the door to confront him, he just hands her coffee and breakfast. I'm supposed to believe that is romance and makes up for his behavior? No. I'd file a noise complaint. Mel her trauma to me is not that bad. As someone who was in an abusive verbal relationship. It was super mild. Yeah, her ex said her dream job was worthless. But did she really need to stick around and take it? He wasn't gonna support her, and if I were listening to that daily. I would have packed my bags and left the ring. I wouldn't need that in my life. Plus, going through nursing school, yeah, no. I'd be gone in a flash. So to me, her trauma was meh.
This one didn't have any likeable lead characters. The romance to me seemed forced. You can read it to form your opinion. I just couldn't get past the flaws.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mike works for the Cedar Valley fire department,he’s quite the catch so they say only his neighbour doesn’t think so and that leaves him in dismay . The only woman he wants to know and she just taunts his mind but would only say no ,he’s sure of it. Every time he tries to summon the nerve ,he loses it in the last minute . And it only looks like her heart’s not in it. Their elderly neighbour Mrs. F appreciates both her young neighbours and wants them to have what she had. A helping hand to fall in love . A love she’s been sure of since a letter sixty years past . Now wouldn’t that be a blast if the magic took hold again. This has the woman smiling again. Michael lingers in Melanie’s thoughts ,even if she doesn’t want to know him she has no choice and there’s his voice lingering a little too long . Telling her that he wasn’t the one who did her wrong . He’s long gone ,but she still finds herself without trust in men and that’s a must to start on the dating scene again. She knows she’s been out of herself for a year and even her best friend Noelle so patient has began to tell her how it is . Mrs Fletcher adores him so why is it she abhors him. Though yes she did check him out the once and he is quite fit and has a nice smile with it….She’ll just meet this Mike her friend wants her to meet and then hasten a speedy retreat make up an excuse about being beat . That’s what she’ll do . Piece of cake . Maybe it’ll make her heart ache but no one can say she didn’t try….But what of this other guy ,she can’t get out of head and the walls are so thin she can hear when he’s in bed or beating those drums making that awful din… poor Mel and Mike they are a right pair ,someone ought to do some meddling there . Ooh pause for thought maybe someone did . What if Mrs Claus sent them a letter ,wouldn’t that make things a whole lot better? Read and see how things work out because of faith in Mrs. Claus even though many years have passed she engineers love that lasts. Wonderfully written ,I was immediately smitten with Abby Greyson’s characters in this amazingly well penned story had a blast. I didn’t want it to end my friend ,that’s how exquisite I found this book . The joy in my heart and a smile ,no a grin from when I did begin reading and on to the end . Do they at least end up friends or something more ? Well that’s what reading it’s for . To find out without a doubt ,the power of Mrs. Claus over Santa’s letter. Don’t believe me . Go find her in this book ,take a look ,read about two potential lovers in a storybook
Do you love Christmas as much as I do? If so, you are in for a treat with A Not So Merry Christmas by Abby Greyson. I love Abby’s style of writing, and her stories keep me up late at night. That’s not a problem for me anymore since I’ve retired from teaching. Our story begins with a letter that was written to Mrs. Claus years ago by Anne Fletcher. Anne had written to Mrs. Claus asking for help with an annoying neighbor that was loud and wasn’t aware of the noise. It seems that Mrs. Claus gave her some good advice and they were perfect together. She’s writing to ask for help for a couple of her neighbors. Anne adores Michael and Melanie, but the two of them did not get off on the right foot. Mel prefers her peace and quiet and Michael loves playing his music with the volume turned up. Melanie works long hours and is tired when she gets home from her job and just wants to decompress herself into the quietness of her apartment. Annie believes she’s lonely, she doesn’t have the time or energy to make friends. Mrs. Claus loves getting letters from people and loves being able to help when she can. Mrs. Claus has her “own mission: Operation Mistletoe Match.” Mel is late getting to the Christmas party that her friends Noelle and Cole are hosting. Her short nap turned into a long nap, and she rushed around getting ready. Noelle and Cole know about the problems she’s been having with a neighbor and want her to enjoy the party. Now just three days ago, Mel had all she could take when Michael started playing Jon Bon Jovi loudly. Mel banged against the bedroom wall and yelled to him to turn the music down. She hears him leave, but the music keeps playing. She heard a door slam, but the music played on. Shortly after, there’s a knock at her door. It’s Michael and he has a mug of steaming coffee for her (just like he was told by Mrs. Fletcher) with nutmeg and clove. Mel doesn’t want to accept it; he’s really trying to make up for his mistake. He even picked up her mail. Mel grudgingly accepts the peace offering. Now, Mike seems to be attracted to Mel, is this a possibility? Now, there’s a surprise in this story that I do not wish to reveal. This story is filled with drama, attraction, grumpiness, good friends, and that surprise I was talking about. Christmas is a time of hope, love, helping other people, and more. Do not miss this book by Abby Greyson. Abby spins the best stories, and I’ve never been disappointed with any of her books.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and though I wasn’t required to post a review, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression upon finishing it.
This book is the other half of last year’s book by Abby entitled A Not So Very Ex-Mas which I read last year.
It follows the best friends of Noelle and Cole, Mel and Mike, who they think would be perfect for each other. Unbeknownst to them Mel and Mike have already met but Mel is not happy because he turns out to be her next door neighbor who plays his music too loud when she is trying to sleep!
They have a grandmotherly neighbor who thinks the two of them would be good together and writes Mrs Claus a letter asking her to help Melanie find love and happiness this Christmas season.
With a little help from this kindly grandmother, Mel is surprised when her neighbor knocks on her door with her favorite coffee one morning. Noelle calls and invites Mel to the party they’re hosting and tells her Cole’s best friend is coming and wants them to meet. Surprise surprise when he turns out to be her neighbor! Interestingly enough that same day she receives a letter from a Mrs Claus which startles her!
Things do improve between them at the party and the frostiness she’s had towards him starts to melt when she sees him as others do and realizes he is not like her ex who broke up with her the night before they were to be married.
This is a sweet story of taking a chance on love once again after a devastating experience and finding a happily ever after with a person she never ever expected!
I heartily recommend this book and if you haven’t read last year’s book, A Not So Merry Ex-Mas, I urge you to get it to read about the second chance that Mel and Mike’s best friends get when life pulled them apart after Mel and Mike meet in this book!
I have read and enjoyed both of the books in this new anthology series of letters to Mrs Claus asking for her help for a person lonely and hurting after being disappointed in love.
You will enjoy Bella and Abby’s stories I guarantee you so get these two books and read them while you wait for the rest in this series to be released!
Melanie is doing her nursing residency in the children’s ward, and often works nighttime shifts. Michael, her next-door neighbor, likes to play ‘80s hair rock (think Bon Jovi) at eight in the morning. She is not amused, and has decided after a few confrontations that she doesn’t like her inconsiderate neighbor.
Michael is a firefighter, who also works different shifts, and plays loud music when he’s de-stressing. He’s also hopelessly attracted to Melanie, even though she seems to despise him. Thanks to a meddling neighbor, a letter from Mrs. Claus, and their mutual friends setting them up, Mike and Mel discover that they’re not so different after all.
Mike is besotted from the start, and has no idea how to change Mel’s mind about what kind of person he is. Mrs. Fletcher, their neighbor, got her own letter from Mrs. Claus sixty years earlier, and now she has the opportunity to pay it forward, sending a letter to Mrs. Claus about Melanie.
When Mike and Mel discover that their friends set them up, things take a turn for the better. Mel still has doubts, stemming from her ex-fiancé telling her, THE NIGHT BEFORE THEIR WEDDING, that she’s not good enough for him and he’s dumping her. Hoo, boy, do I know how that feels, because I went through almost the same thing. The difference was that it was about five weeks before my wedding, but the whole “not good enough” thing was definitely the main complaint. So I understand how hard it is to open up to someone again, even though it’s illogical that the same situation would occur.
When it comes to matters of the heart, logic doesn’t take a back seat; it’s not even in the car.
I really loved this story, and I loved Mel and Mike together. It saddens me that their friends, Cole and Noelle, break up, but hey, they have their own book, A Not So Merry Ex-mas, in the Sweet Christmas Kisses series, so go read that one to get their happy ending.
If you haven’t been reading this series from the start, I definitely recommend seeking out the rest of the books, as they will all give you the warm fuzzies.
A Christmas novella like only Abby Greyson can write! A Not So Merry Kiss-Mas is book two in the Letters to Mrs. Claus series and interconnects with other characters from other books by Abby. Another short, quick, but magical read gets you into the Christmas spirit and has you rooting for two neighbors to finally take a chance on love.
Mike and Melanie are neighbors who rub each other the wrong way. The hostility they feel for each other bubbles just under the surface. But look deeper and these two can’t stop thinking about each other. They intrigue and challenge each other. With the help of mutual friends, a meddling (but adorable) neighbor, and some Mrs. Claus magic, these two begin to see how perfect they are for one another.
When Michael decides to get to know Melanie and hopefully win her heart over, the things this man does!! Que the swooning, heart skipping, and knees weakening (even though I read this book laying down). Abby never fails to write her MMCs with huge hearts and a complete desire to please their women. And Melanie is an FMC that deserves to be fawned over. These two truly prove there is a fine love between love and hate.
Abby never fails to lift my spirits with her stories! Whether it is a new book or a comfort re-read, I continuously find my way back to her books. Filled with dynamic characters, closed door romance, and wonderful found family vibes, each story is heartwarming and wholesome. When you are ready to start reading holiday books, this entire series should be added to your TBR.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect: 🎄Small Town Romance 💋Next Door Neighbor 🎄Enemies to More 💋Blind Date 🎄Firefighter x Healthcare Professional 💋Closed Door Romance
- Reverse grumpy/sunshine - Christmas romance - Small town romance - Sweet romance
I am loving this new series, Letters to Mrs. Claus! The stories are short and sweet with the perfect amount of Christmas spirit to get me ready for the holidays!
The premise of the series is that Mrs. Claus receives letters asking for help finding love - others write in on behalf of someone they think is deserving. I think this is absolutely lovely!
This story focuses on grumpy nurse Melanie, who is still processing the abrupt way her former fiance called off the wedding....the night before the event. She has closed her heart to relationships. But after she gets a mysterious letter from Mrs. Claus, she starts to re-evaluate her life.
Melanie's next door neighbor, firefighter Michael, annoys her. He plays his music too loud and is just too nice. There must be something wrong with him! However, Michael has secretly liked Melanie for a while, but he isn't seeing much hope for them.
Unknown to both of them, their respective best friends, who are dating, have asked each of them individually to go on a blind date... Needless to say, Melanie and Michael are both surprised to find out the "Mike" and "Mel" their friends keep talking about are the neighbors!
Taking the letter and her other neighbor, the sweet and adorable elderly woman Mrs. Fletcher's advise, Mel opens her heart to the possibility of a romance with Michael.
This is an absolutely lovely and sweet romance, kisses only, filled with holiday good feels. I recommend it highly!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love Christmas and definitely love reading books set around that time of year. I really like the twist on this series as one of the characters gets a letter from Mrs. Claus. I started reading this book last week (up to chapter 4) but accidentally left my kindle in my sons’ car. Finally got it back yesterday from him. So picked up reading at chapter 4 last night and could not put it down. Melanie (Mel) and Mike live in the same building, and floor. Also living on the same floor is Mrs. F who is trying to set them up. They have not met, though Mike had seen her and is attracted. Mel hasn’t but has knocked on his door to get him to turn down his LOUD music. She works odd hours at the hospital, so she works a lot at night. I liked it when Mike brings her coffee one morning, not knowing that she was trying to sleep after her night shift. He had his music on when he had gone out to get it, as Mrs. F had told him how she liked her coffee. While he was out getting the coffee Melanie had banged on his door and of course had not gotten an answer. When he knocked with the coffee, Mellanie was not happy. I loved that Mel’s friend Noelle is also trying to set her up with her boyfriend Cole’s friend Michael. Mike did not realize that their friend Mel was Melanie so he was resisting their plans but finally agreed to attend the Christmas party where they were planning to set the two up. Though there is a lot more to the story so no spoilers. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. I’m sure you will not be disappointed if you get this book. I received an ARC through BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Oh, this was the absolute cutest story! Mike and Mel didn't get off to a great start when they first met. She finds him to be the most annoying next-door neighbor ever... and he can't help his crush on her. Thankfully, they have a lot of people in their lives who like to meddle including the elderly Mrs. Fletcher, who was such a fun addition to the story. Their best friends also want to set them up-- before they've even realized they'd already met and who they were to each other. Talk about a surprise blind date! And if all that meddling wasn't quite enough, we also have a mysterious and magical letter from none other than Mrs. Claus adding the perfect dose of whimsy and holiday magic to this sweet story! Truly, this felt like it could a Hallmark movie--in the best was possible-- and I found myself enjoying every moment! This story may have been quick (easily read in just a sitting or two), but it wasn't short on smiles and was perfect for the busy holiday season!
A Not So Merry Kissmas is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Letters to Mrs. Claus series. This is a multi-author series, with each book being able to be read as standalones or in any order. It is also connected to the author's previous book, A Not So Merry Ex-Mas.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Next door slightly feuding neighbors find themselves the mark of matchmaking friends and a grandmotherly neighbor who also wants to play matchmaker. Then to top it all off, Melanie gets a letter from the North Pole from none other than Mrs. Claus. It seems Mrs. Claus is also in the matchmaking business.
I adored both of these characters. The switcheroo from the female character being grumpy is always fun. Melanie is not really grumpy, even though she appears that way to her good looking neighbor, Michael. She is just tired from working so much as a pediatric nurse. And he keeps interrupting her sleep with his loud music accompanied by his off tune singing. I just kept this visual and it made laugh even harder.
Michael is determined to woo her with door service coffee from his apartment directly to her door, and it is fixed just like she likes it.
Shocked does not even begin to describe Michael and Melanie's reaction when the blind date they are both about to embark on is actually the two of them together. Talk about fate.
Grandmotherly next door neighbor Mrs. Fletcher adds another bit of charm to this already fun-spirited romance. Also, who knew looking for Christmas trees could be so romantic?
This book made me swoon and laugh, but mostly it increased my Christmas spirit.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Abby Grayson’s addition to the multi-author Letters to Mrs. Claus series is a sweet reverse sunshine/grumpy Christmastime romcom with concerned elderly neighbor Mrs. Fletcher contacting Mrs. Claus, official Operation Mistletoe Matchmaker, on the behalf of her neighbors Melanie “Mel” Briggs and Michael “Mike” Matthews. Micheal is a day shift firefighter, easygoing, and is already smitten with his grumpy neighbor Melanie, a nighttime pediatric nurse working all different hours with some major walls up around her heart after being jilted by her ex-fiancé the night before their wedding. Michael has made some attempts to break the ice with Melanie but it hasn’t seemed to work. And then magic happens one night at a Christmas party. A delightful story with a remarkable love story involving Mrs. Fletcher, the instigator behind Michael and Melanie finding their own happy ever after. A well written book with wonderful characters and a clean romance that reads like a Hallmark movie. My favorite quote from this one: “I like you, I’ve liked you for a while, but I can go as slow as you need. Because I get the feeling that you need to trust that I’m not like the man you trusted before.” Just what Melanie needed to hear and if you enjoy clean Christmastime romances this one may be just what you need. I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review
This is book 2 of the Letters to Ms. Claus series. Each book in the series is by a different author and Abby Greyson happens to be on my must read list. So to start, this book has 13 Chapters and an Epilogue. What I think is nice about this series is that they aren’t connected so each book is a stand-alone.
I really enjoy the Prologues where Mrs. Claus shares a little bit about how each couple gets picked for Operation Mistletoe Match. This book read really smoothly even though there was a bit of present vs past in the chapters on the beginning.
The first time Michael said As You Wish, I was like PRINCESS BRIDE!! I knew it! And who doesn’t LOVE some Bon Jovi??!! I mean everyone wants to belt out Livin’ On A Prayer!
I was a little surprised that the Epilogue was set so far into the future. I was expecting it to either be closer in time or if further out, then them having older kids. I also didn’t really understand the need for Noelle and Cole to have been broken up for about 10 years at that point in the story. They were so happy and so in love that I didn’t think that for the storyline.
If you like short and sweet Christmas time reads, then I think you will enjoy this book.
Such a sweet christmas short story to gets us in the mood for christmas time. It's cozy, sweet and has a hallmark vibe to it.
I really liked the idea of the letters to Mrs. Claus and the idea that she has this power to matchmaking and get some chosen ones love lives better.
In this story we have grumpy Mel, a pediatric nurse, that has had bad luck in love and has been a little scroodgy ever since. We also have Mike, the perfect golden retriever of a man, who likes to make other people happy and goes all the way and beyond to make the others lifes a little easier. They are neighbors and have this kind of hate /not hate relationship, but what they could never expect would be the blind date they are put through. What changes their perspective? Their meddling old lady neighbor? Her perspecctive changing after reading some facts on the letter from Mrs. Claus? Just fate and holiday magic?
Both character had a witty sense of humor and had a little banter between them that was very well thought. Its really hard not to like them both, and root for their happiness.
It was also nice reading about Noelle and Cole. This interconected standalone also gives us a little in on their previous history.
Mel: My neighbor’s easy on the eyes, but his blaring music and clanging weights keep me awake. Michael Matthews is all charm and good vibes—qualities that drive me sleep-deprived self up a wall; even if his smile does spark an annoying flutter. Mike: Cole’s been raving about Noelle’s best friend since they started dating. I��m curious, yet my fiery, grumpy next door neighbor has captivated me from day one. The only time she’ll give me is when she’s pounding on the wall to turn down the music. So I agreed to meet Noelle’s friend. When Cole introduces me to Met, my sexy, grumpy next door neighbor, I can’t believe my luck. But if the frost in her eyes is any indication, I’ll need some Christmas magic to win her heart.
At times, honesty can feel like a betrayal. And the pain it leaves behind makes us question everything we thought we knew about our own judgement.
You are worthy of a love that makes the world envious. Don’t let go of that dream because someone you loved and trusted broke you down.
I want that companionship to feel joyful again. Am I afraid? Yes. And I’m pretty certain I’m not ready for a real relationship. But just meeting someone? I can do that.
It’s safer to keep people at a distance.
DNF, I’m just not invested in the characters and in the story.
I love all things Abby Greyson, and this does not disappoint; this is book two in The Letters to Mrs. Claus series. What a super sweet Christmas romance novella. Melanie (Mel) is a tad grumpy, but sweet; she is a nurse and working the night shift. Michael (Mike) lives next door to Mel in an apartment with thin walls. He likes to play load rock music to help him decompress from his job as a firefighter in Cedar Vale. Mel wants to sleep when she gets home from work, she bangs on the wall between her apartment and Mike's, to have him turn down the music. Their elderly neighbor Mrs. Fletcher (F), who lives across the hall; is trying to play matchmaker. Mel has a hard time trusting men after her last breakup. Mel's best friend Noelle sets her up with Mike to meet at a party. She did not realize Mike is Michael, and he did not realize Melanie was Mel. Can she get past the loud music, and he get past her grumpiness? Is Mrs. F Mrs. Claus? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Abby Greyson, and Letters to Mrs. Claus!!!
Oh, my goodness! Abby Greyson has struck gold with another Christmas novella! This one is an unofficial prequel of sorts to last year’s story! Mike and Mel were so fun as supporting characters, with them as main characters, I love them even more!
Mel[anie] is a pediatric nurse, who has a neighbor she can’t stand! The man blasts music loudly, sings off key and all while she’s trying to sleep! Meanwhile her well intentioned neighbor across the hall is trying to play matchmaker between the two of them! And within the last year Mel’s engagement fell through because he didn’t approve of her career choices! This woman has earned the right to be grouchy or perhaps she needs the right man to come along and sweep her off her feet!
Mike is a hardworking, small-town firefighter who likes to exercise to loud music without much thought to his neighbor or so it seems! Maybe it’s a ploy to draw the beautiful woman out of her apartment! While he is attracted to Melanie, the woman his elderly neighbor can’t help nudging his way, his curiosity is still peaked about his best friend’s scheming to play matchmaker too!
These two are amazing and as things start to unravel, that’s when love spins itself perfectly like a gentle snowstorm. They are a whirlwind romance with a splash of slow burn attraction. Whether it was dancing at a Christmas party, decorating a Christmas tree or helping Mrs. Fletcher out (again) these two are truly the perfect match for each other! I love the simplicity of this story that made it much more endearing! Bravo once again Abby!
“Operation Mistletoe Match” is well under way in this rom com which is part of a 12 book/12author collection: Letters to Mrs. Claus Series.
Though it’s called ‘A Not So Merry Kiss-mas,’ it makes a truly merry stocking stuffer!
As an ARC reader, I received an advanced copy and this review is my own true take:
I wasn’t so sure I was going to like Miss Grumpy Pants, but her backstory was a compelling one that softened my heart. I loved the sass abound in the story as many characters had that particular trait. The entire book was sweet and warmth and goodness and holiday-cheer. I particularly loved the nod to my husband’s favorite movie, “A Princess Bride.”
This was my first Abby Greyson book, but not my last as I MUST get the very NEXT one featuring the best friends of this book’s main characters! I already know I’ll love it (‘A Not So Merry Ex-mas’)based on the experience I just had with this Hallmark reminiscent, heartstring tugging tale.
Mrs Claus and her matchmaking service are tasked this time with Mike and Mel, neighbours at war, but with a simmering tension that their meddling neighbour wants to fix.
Michael is a firefighter, and his job leaves him needing to de-stress at the end of the working day, so he loves listening to music. Unfortunately, Melanie is a paediatric nurse and works nights, so she needs her sleep, which she doesn’t get thanks to her neighbour Michael and his music. Not the best of starts. When Melanie’s friend Noelle wants to introduce her to her boyfriend's best friend Mike, she figures, why not? Likewise, when Michael’s friend Cole wants to introduce him to his girlfriend’s best friend, Mel, he figures the same. See where this is going. So Mike is Michael, and Mel is Melanie, and they are thrown together by meddling friends and neighbours.
Watching these two warring neighbours become closer as friends and then more was endearing. Neither one of them really hates the other; in fact, Michael has always been attracted to Mel, but she was just too grumpy to notice him.
This was a sweet story with no third-act breakup, no miscommunication trope, just a gentle love story blooming sweetly and gently between two people who deserved some happiness in their lives after the hard work they put in at their jobs. Mel was a little wary after her last boyfriend ditched her because of her job but Mike was perfect for her, taking things at her pace despite knowing how he felt about her all along.
I wasn’t expecting to fall for a neighbor… but here we are. A Not So Merry Kiss-mas is short, sweet, and packed with holiday heart that melts faster than a snowflake on a warm mitten. Michael Matthews? Yeah… he’s that impossible mix of grumpy, sexy, and completely infuriating in all the right ways. And Mel? She’s fiery, adorable, and just the right amount of sass to keep him (and me) on edge. Watching these two stumble through neighborly chaos, accidental blushes, and kisses that feel like Christmas magic had me grinning from start to finish. Abby Greyson nailed that cozy, festive vibe with humor and heart, and the kisses-only twist is the perfect sugar rush for a winter romcom fix. Short? Yes. Sweet? Absolutely. Memorable? Every last flustered moment. ⭐ 5 stars. For anyone who loves grumpy/sunshine dynamics, holiday cheer, and swoon-worthy neighbor romance, this is your perfect mini escape. Heart warmed, cheeks flushed, and me helplessly tangled in their snowy, kiss-soaked chaos—Rebel is officially decking the halls with all the love and laughter this Christmas brings!.
Mel has no interest in having a relationship with any man since her breakup with her ex. But between her neighbor Mrs. Fletcher, and her deliriously happy best friend she is being pushed to give love another chance. Mike's best friend and his girlfriend have been raving about her best friend since they started seeing each other, but Mike is more interested in his grumpy next-door neighbor. With a little nudge from Mrs. Claus and her friends Mel just might find her happiness with the man who lives next door. If you are looking for steamy you won't find it within these pages, but you will fand a sweet and clean romance that will make you laugh. Beautifully written and realistic characters that made me smile and kept me engrossed in their story from the first page to the last. I loved this book and highly recommend it to other holiday romance lovers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sprout.
A Not So Merry Christmas delivers all the cozy holiday magic you could want! When Mrs. Claus receives a letter asking for some matchmaking help between two neighbors—grumpy nurse Mel and sunshine firefighter Mike—the stage is set for a heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance. Mel's been burned before (literally left at the altar!), so trusting another man isn't exactly on her Christmas wish list. But as Mike proves he's nothing like her pretentious ex, showing genuine care for everyone around him, her icy walls start to melt faster than snow on a fireplace hearth. This book is pure holiday comfort wrapped in a cashmere blanket! With vibes that scream Bon Jovi playing in the background, the scent of cinnamon and cloves wafting through the air, and romantic trips to Christmas tree farms hunting for the perfect balsam or noble fir, Abby Greyson crafts a story that feels like coming home for the holidays. Mel's emerald green eyes and flowing waves paired with Mike's heroic heart make for swoon-worthy chemistry. If you love grumpy/sunshine pairings, second chances at love, and enough festive atmosphere to make you crave hot cocoa, this one's for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I really liked the prologue, definitely a different twist than the previous story and the timing of the letter arrival is different as well. Who knew that between Noelle, Mrs. F, in a small way Bon Jovi and Operation Mistletoe Match that Melanie (Mel) who definitely doesn’t trust or believe in love would possibly meet her match in Michael (Mike) and that they would both be in a career that involves helping others. I enjoyed seeing Mrs. F giving Mike suggestions about Mel, her favorite coffee and even setting up ‘dates’ such as getting her a christmas tree. We also have Noelle and Cole, who is MIke’s best friend, helping get these two together as well. This book is really good and it was nice to be a bystander watching these two start hanging out and then dating and the possibility of spending their lives together. Another wonderful story in this series. If the rest of the books in this series are as amazing as the first two, this will end up being one of my favorite series.
Part of Ms. Claus Mistletoe Match, this quick story has Mike and Mel at odds over a mutual attraction. My heart went out to Mel for the heartbreak she endured. At the same time, she perpetuated her grief by assuming every male would see her in that same light. That was frusterating. Mike was a gem. Upbeat, and a perpetual giver and caretaker at heart, though some of the "advice/guidance" he accepted was highly questionable. He was simply at a loss for how to bridge the gap Mel was determined to keep firmly in place. Theor mutual friends were a hoot, and the role they played was both supportive and conspiratorial. I loved the irony found in these pages, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention Ms. F and her mischievous meddling.😉.
I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. All the books in this multi-author series (that ive read) have been top notch. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
A meddling loveable neighbor, Mrs Claus, and one unsuspecting lady, and a caring young man...boom a beautiful love story. Sweet and heartwarming, A Not-So-Merry Kiss-mas is a short sweet read. Melanie, still reeling from her past pain has sworn off love but there's one cheery elderly neighbor who sees beyond the pain and does her best to bring Melanie and Michael together, and off course she gets the help of Mrs Claus. Melanie's friends are concerned and do their best to bring her and Michael together. Christmas cheer, love, and hope are abundant as love blossoms. Melanie moves past her past and allows herself to love again. Michael really understood her and didn't pressure her but waited for her to open up her heart to love. I enjoyed the interactions between the friends and am looking forward to reading their happily-ever-after. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Not So Merry Kiss-mas by Abby Greyson is a new-to-me author. Now I am wondering why I haven’t read more of her work. A Not So Merry Kiss-mas is a funny, serious story where the female lead is considered the grumpy character. I happen to believe that she is still grieving a broken relationship while believing her judgement should have been more on target. So what she needs is a little sunshine in a unique character firefighter Cole. These two balanced each other but the letter from Mrs. Claus was on the weird side and more than a bit unsettling. I do agree this time with Mel.
Still, I loved this short novel, the author’s writing style and the plotline. If like Mel and you need a push by to get the Christmas Spirit, then A Not So Merry Kiss-mas by Abby Greyson is the book for you. Also I appreciate a great story that is short since reading time can seem to be at a premium during this activity filled time of year.
Second cute book in this series where Mrs. Claus sends letters to individuals encouraging them to be open to love. The h is known to be grumpy to everyone due to what her ex fiancé did to her. The H has a crush on the h who can’t stand him. The H is loved by everyone else because by nature he’s a kind and caring man. The neighbor, an elderly woman across the hall recommended the h to the H and gave a suggestion on how to get her attention and then put a positive spin at the end. Then her best friend and his best friend want to introduce them to someone they know is right for them. It turns out that they want to introduce them to each other. On their second introduction the h is open to getting to know the H and their relationship progresses to their HEA. In the end we find out about what happened to their best friends who were so in love and were getting married. Recommend this book to anyone who loves Christmas stories. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Enjoy!