MESSING YOU ALREADY: College Winter Holiday Rom-Com Short Story

by Madison Colt

🎁 Secret Santa that went seriously wrong. 🎁

Riva thought she was being genius-level petty.
She gifted her ex the crusty, hole-filled sock he left behind after their heartbreakingly lame goodbye.

Until Orion—tall, hot, and annoyingly confident—grabbed the box.
In front of the whole class.
In front of her ex.

Now he’s blackmailing her.
Into a weekend at his family’s snowed-in cabin.
Alone.

The worst part?
She’s not sure she wants him to stop.

🔥 Short romcom
🎁 Secret Santa chaos
💥 Forced proximity
💬 Enemies-to-lovers banter

MESSING YOU ALREADY is a spicy short romcom full of petty revenge, fake girlfriends, and the kind of chemistry that gets you kicked out of class. Perfect for fans of flirty fights, snowed-in kisses, and boys who think they’re in charge—until she is.

Genres: Christmas

67 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2025

About the author

Madison Colt writes raw, heart-twisting romances with characters you can’t forget and emotions you can’t shake off. Her books blend passion, humor, and that bittersweet ache of love you almost lost.

Her heroines always bring chaos—the kind that turns lives upside down—and the men? Well, they’re irresistibly addictive, sexy as hell, and impossible to walk away from. Every cup of coffee turns into sarcasm in her veins, fueling every wicked line and unapologetic twist in her stories.

When she’s not writing, she’s riding horses, traveling to new places, people-watching in coffee shops, or plotting her next fictional heartbreak—all while being dangerously funny and more than ready to mess with your heart.

Read with caution: you might laugh, cry, and fall a little bit in love. The characters in her books are fictional. Any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental… though the author can neither confirm nor deny otherwise.

Reviews

[Jordin Konev · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an adorable christmas time quick read 📚
i picked this book up while currently reading a 1,000+ page book for a quick "pallet clense"- in between chapters. itnwas just what I needed!
*cute
*low commitment
*fast paced

[Shawna Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was rushed, messy, and a bit hard to follow at times. It didn't feel like they were in college, more-so high school. You couldn't really care about the characters because you didn't get enough of their background to connect with them. It was a funny idea, but it missed the mark for me.

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

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crazily, funny short story embarrassing for the FMC, but entertaining for me. I like the banter between Riva and Orion, especially his directness, boldness, and her nice-girl attitude. I wish that they could've dated sooner, and she would've avoided a bad experience with her now ex. Orion noticed Riva earlier, paid attention, got to know her from afar. Now Riva has a chance to really get to know him, not only to notice his adorable smile but also his attentive side and more.



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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orion and Riva . . .

Riva was unlucky enough to end up being Secret Santa to her ex-boyfriend, Tyler Dickson. But she decided to get revenge on him by wrapping up his dirty, nasty sock that he had left behind when they broke up. But as she placed it under the tree in Chem class, Orion Amos grabbed it and refused to give it back. Riva took a flying leap at him and they both ended up on the floor as the chem professor, Mr. Edwin, walked in. Orion was thoroughly enjoying all of this as Riva tried to figure out the best way to escape the embarrassment. She asked what it would take to get him to NOT open the gift here in class... which of course made things worse because now he was determined to proceed! Since she was on top of the handsome tease, he whispered that she should probably stand up since her ex looked like he was about to explode... unless she was okay staying on top of him until class ended! She found out later from Melanie that the paper slip saying "Mr. Big" was actually Orion and not Tyler whose "size" implied he was her secret Santa. Whoops!

Riva sat by herself at lunch, but Tyler sat beside her to annoy her about Orion. She denied dating Orion right before the guy sat down on her other side and asked if she missed him already! As she was trying to figure out how to get away from this mess, Orion turned to her and said, “So, by the way—what time should I pick you up Saturday?” Then he added, “…and pack that little red thing from your birthday. Actually—no. Surprise me. I like surprises.” Before a fight could break out, Riva grabbed her tray and walked away. The next step is his request for Riva to spend a weekend at his family's cabin. The plans didn't work out, but when his sister Lennon called Riva, hoping to find Orion with her, she admitted he was missing. She called all day but he never answered (because he didn't know Becca turned his phone off and hid it under a dish towel). So Lennon and Riva decided to drive to the cabin to see if he was there alone. Instead, they saw Becca's pink car parked outside! Angrily Lennon jumped out of her car on a mission to the cabin while Riva just wanted to go home. Lennon decided to drag Riva into the cabin to tell Orion off for ruining her day... by destroying his "romantic getaway". But Riva wasn't sure she could do this, especially if Orion and Becca were together. Orion was leaning against the kitchen counter saying nothing while Becca was making a pizza in a very skimpy blouse. But he told Riva he had not invited Becca; she showed up and made herself at home. But seeing lipstick on his cheek, Riva found it difficult to listen to anything further... unfortunately, Lennon had some questions for Becca that she wanted answers to so everyone would know the truth of how Becca broke Riva and Orion up. And now the storm is too severe to let anyone leave the cabin! How will this weekend turn out? Is there any hope of untangling the lies and repairing the broken relationship?

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'MESSING YOU ALREADY is a spicy short romcom full of petty revenge, fake girlfriends, and the kind of chemistry that gets you kicked out of class. Perfect for fans of flirty fights, snowed-in kisses, and boys who think they’re in charge—until she is.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfect together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. 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.

[Lora Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read to lighten the mood.

If you’re looking for a quick, funny, and delightfully chaotic romance, Messing You Already is absolutely the book to read. The story is packed with sharp banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and sizzling chemistry that keeps the pages turning. The characters’ messy, unpredictable dynamic makes their journey both entertaining and endearing, delivering a lighthearted escape that’s perfect for those who crave humor, romance, and just the right amount of chaos.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love, love, love Orion and Riva.. this is their story... a fun fast paced shorter rom/com drama.. all about the secret Santa gift and the blackmail that followed... Orion has a secret crush on Riva... her now ex boyfriend broke up with her and she put his holey, stinky sock in the secret Santa box.. and Orion took it !! and Riva will do anything to get it back !!! so funny !! and the blackmail... well... so good !!.

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

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and fun filled story.

It all starts with a secret santa gift exchange gone wrong, that leads to black mail into a long weekend date alone, and what started as a dare is starting to look like a forever each time.

Be ready for banter, for a crazy attraction, humor, spice, and a heartfelt story of opposites attract/enemies to lovers that will make you smile.

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

[Lauren Meuer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this sweet and spicy romance story. I felt very connected with the characters and time just went by while reading as you get to know the characters who think they know it all. And you might even laugh a little at who in your life is like that. I really loved everything about this story and I recommend it.

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

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It pulled me in from the very beginning, and the atmosphere was just perfect, which made the whole story feel so immersive. What really hooked me though was the ending. It was so cute yet incredibly dramatic, and I honestly wasn’t expecting it. Everything tied together so well, and it left me feeling completely satisfied. This book is the perfect winter read and is truly amazing. IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT READING IT PLEASE DO! I PROMISE YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

[Rocky Mountain Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will in these pages! Phew! I am not typically a fan of any speed slower than all-heat-all-the-time, but this book might just break me of my bad habit. Even the partial.delay was SO WORTH the gratification! These characters were so hot, so believable, that I actually recommend the book to my husband. Yeah! That hot!.

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

[Amber Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun and light hearted short story folowing Orion and Riva, and their enemies to more story. Loved the fun and witty banter between the two, the high heat chemistry, the holiday theme, and the love that grows between them. The perfect short Christmas story.

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

[Ruth Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I came for. And exactly what the book promised. Messing You Already is fast, flirty, and just the right amount of fun. I read it in one sitting. And Orion? Yeah... I get it. If you're into snowed-in cabins, and the kind of banter that makes you laugh, this one's for you.

[Edith J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every second.
I read this right after Not My Spice and honestly can’t decide which one I loved more.
The Secret Santa revenge idea? Absolute gold.
Riva’s petty humor and Orion’s overconfident charm had me laughing the whole time.
Can’t wait for the next ride! :)

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orion and Riva's story was a bit chaotic and a whole lot of tangled, but fun. I honestly didn't know they were supposed to be in college because they seemed a tad immature like high school aged, but I did enjoy the tension between them. I feel like if the story had been longer things could have been flushed out more, but overall it was quick and fun.

[TM_ReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny short story about Riva and Orion.
A cute romance that starts out with a secret Santa gift exchange.
This holiday story is entertaining.

*Opposites attract
*Enemies to lover.

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

[Bec A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riva and Orion, high school students who seemed to be destined as frenemies. One smelly sock, an unknown text message and school secret santa makes waves between the pair. A sweet little YA read.

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

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun cute and short holiday story. Riva and Orion were a lot of fun. Especially when Orion grabbed the box and made her spend that time with him. I laughed. I swooned, I had a fun time with this one. These two ended up being super cute together.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Messing you already was Riva and Orion‘s story. It was an interesting one but a bit rushed. I received an early copy. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Tracy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

MESSING YOU ALREADY: College Holiday Rom-Com Short Story
by
Madison Colt

Well written characters. Short and funny story. Great read.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Messing You Already, is a cute romance that begins when a Secret Santa gift exchange doesn’t go exactly how the MFC, Riva, imagined.
The story is funny and very cute but I wasn’t sure exactly why Riva was so embarrassed that Orion “accidentally” ended up with the gift instead of her ex. Sure, it’s the ex’s stinky, holey sock but I think she went a bit overboard in trying to keep Orion from opening it. Still, this short, holiday story is entertaining and I enjoyed the banter between the characters. Orion is a keeper and I’m happy Riva finally realized it.

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