Not Your Grinch

Arcadian Falls Christmas #5

by Jerica MacMillan

They all call her a Grinch …

I can admit it’s unfair, but after a particularly irritating run in, my petty side doesn’t bother to counter those accusations.

She’s just so … stubborn. And full of ideas that, while not bad, are too much, too soon.

She hasn’t even given us a chance to show her what ChristmasFest is like before trying to change so many things that people are afraid it’ll be unrecognizable.

But after a chance encounter in the local bar one evening, I start to see her in a new light. And her stubbornness combined with her beauty, her passion, and her drive is actually really attractive.

And … I want more.

But will she give me a chance? Or has my own stubbornness ruined my chances for good?

Not Your Grinch is an enemies to lovers/single dad Christmas romance featuring the new director of Arcadian Falls’ ChristmasFest and the sexy single dad who runs the local Christmas tree farm. The sparks flying in this holiday romance are sure to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night!

Genres: Christmas

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

Jerica MacMillan has been reading romance since she stumbled into the paperback section of the library as a middle schooler. And it's been an ongoing love affair ever since!

You can frequently find her sipping coffee out of snarky mugs while dreaming up stories and trying to bring them to life on the page. Join her Book Club at www.jericamacmillan.com/book-club and get a free book!

Reviews

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd and ARC from the author.

We meet Jenna, New to town event coordinator who seems to have the town against her and her ideas to make Christmasfest easier. coming in the middle of planning has its disadvantages but she loves it. too bad most of her ideas are squashed but at least she has some support from the couple who started it. we then meet Aaron, accountant, tree farm worker and single father. He is reluctant to change and having Jenna come in with all these ideas has him thinking if it ain't broke don't fix it. Until on evening he heads to the pub and sees Jenna there alone. Jenna lays it on the table and asks what his problem is. shes tired of being called the grinch and bending over backwards for this town without any appreciation. Aaron sees a whole new side to Jenna that he didn't see before. maybe he judged her too soon. Aaron and Jenna spend more time together and both learn there is more to each other than they thought. A sweet Xmas story where things come together ❤️.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes***
Author: Jerica MacMillian
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Aaron and Jenna
Trope(s): Small Town, Holiday Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Single Dad

This is a cute, sweet, and downright adorable holiday read. Low angst, loads of witty banter, and romance overload. This is the fourth installment in the Arcadian Falls Christmas Series. However, this is my first read in the series. Jenna and Aaron did not give one another the best first impression, but man did they make up for that. If you need a read that will take you on a journey to romance-time that will not bog down your feelings and will put a smile on your face, this is that read.

Jenna moved to Arcadian Falls over the summer to take the event coordinator position. Her long-time relationship fell apart and she decided she needed a change of scenery. Left her job planning weddings to planning and overseeing the downtown association’s events.

Now as the annual ChristmasFest kicks off she is feeling like such an outsider. Her suggesting a few changes were shot down and she was called a Grinch.

And, Aaron Farrell has been taking pleasure in watching it all unfold.

Until over a drink he begins to see he might’ve jumped the gun and he realizes Jenna is trying to put a fresh perspective on the town’s events.

Drinks turn into dinner, into meeting his son, into spending as much of their free time together.

Aaron hasn’t been one for long-term relationships, his last was a friend with benefits that resulted in his son, Colin. But, with Jenna it all feels different.

Jenna begins to settle into life in Arcadian Falls and her relationship with Aaron.

The only little bump in the road is Amelia, Colin’s mother.

[Amber H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna arrives in town expecting to plan a cheerful holiday festival, but stepping into the role of event coordinator turns out to be more like walking into a snowstorm. She’s the newcomer, she has ideas, and in this town that is practically a crime. Everyone already knows everyone else, and they prefer things exactly the way they have always been. Still, Jenna keeps pushing ahead, determined to respect tradition while giving Christmasfest the spark it needs.

Aaron is one of the first to bristle at her suggestions. To him, change feels like erasing the town’s identity. But as he watches Jenna work, listening, compromising, and refusing to bulldoze the past, he realizes she isn’t trying to reinvent Christmasfest as much as help it grow. Little by little, he starts to see that some new touches might bring fresh energy and even more visitors to the community.

What I especially loved was Jenna’s quiet strength. She doesn’t cave, but she also never comes across as cold or dismissive of what the festival means to people. And Aaron’s willingness to rethink his stance makes their dynamic even more satisfying. It’s a story that shows how honoring tradition and embracing change do not have to be opposites, they can make something even better together.

*I received a free copy and chose to leave an honest review.

[Laura Caswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Your Grinch by Jerica MacMillan is a fun Christmas story in the Arcadian Falls world. Aaron is not too happy with the new event planner in town, and Jenna doesn't like the grumpy tree farmer. Jenna came to town full of ideas on how to make their events better, but she runs into lots of opposition when she lays out her ideas. Some of them are grudgingly implemented, and they turn out really well. But there are those who won't admit it and just think Jenna is the Grinch, taking all that is good from the Christmas Fest in Arcadian Falls.

As Aaron gets to know Jenna, he realizes she is a really great person and her ideas have a lot of merit. They start spending more time together and eventually become a couple. Aaron's baby momma is not too happy about that, as she has decided to change the rules around their co-parenting arrangement. Amelia is ready for more with Aaron and to be more present in Colin's life. Aaron, however, is not down with this new development, as he needs to see where his relationship with Jenna is heading.

Be ready for all the Christmas Cheer in Not Your Grinch! This is a great holiday read to get you in the Christmas Spirit!

[Whitney Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jenna arrives in Arcadian Falls, she’s immediately labeled the town Grinch—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. With ChristmasFest in full swing, Jenna is not only new to town but also newly hired as the event coordinator. She’s full of fresh ideas, even if no one seems to agree with them. Aaron is the first to shake his head at her plans—especially when they threaten his beloved Christmas trees. But the more he watches Jenna and gets to know her, the more he realizes she’s not ruining ChristmasFest at all. She’s bringing new life and a glow the town didn’t even know it needed. A lifelong Arcadian Falls resident, business owner, and single father, Aaron has always played it safe. Yet his growing attraction to Jenna is impossible to ignore. One quiet night at the bar, sitting side by side, he finally sees her and can’t help but ask her out—though he wonders if she’ll even give him a chance. Jenna has felt like an outsider in a town that hasn’t fully welcomed her, and after the hurt her ex caused but could this unexpected connection turn into the Christmas romance she never knew she needed?

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving to town as the new event coordinator Jenna has to step in to finish plans for Christmasfest.
Being new and wanting to make changes are two strikes against her already, but she still has a job to do and keeps moving forward.
Jenna shows the pain of trying to find your place in a small town where everyone knows everyone and people do not like change because it's always been done this way and it's fine.
Aaron starts out as one of the people against her ideas but slowly starts to notice that sometimes change might be good and bring in more people from outside town and more revenue for the townspeople.
I loved the way Jenna stood strong on some things without trying to be a "Grinch" and destroy everything that was there before, and the way Aaron was able to admit he may have been wrong about not wanting to change anything.
This was a great story to get you into the Christmas spirit and the author did a great job describing Christmasfest that it makes you want to be somewhere like that.
I was honored to read an early copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmasfest
I was quickly drawn into this story and wanted to hug Jenna, she was lonely and needed someone on her side.
Her past relationship made her feel unworthy so she’s trying to start over in a new town. As the new event coordinator and full of big ideas, she is constantly butting heads with, or being torn down by, the very town that employed her to run their biggest tourist attraction-Christmasfest, as they’re reluctant to change.
Aaron is an accountant/Christmas tree farmer, he has a cute little boy and a complex relationship with his ex, and he played his own part in making Jenna feel un-welcome.
Jenna and Aaron have such a great dynamic. At first it’s prickly and tense but the more time they spend together and get to know each other, their connection and chemistry grows and soon feelings begin to surface.
This is realistic and relatable, the town is cute and the main characters are easy to like. It’s sweet and easy to read, with a little spice and terrific banter. Another great visit to Arcadian Falls.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there were a star rating for capturing the small town vibe in a story, this book would get five stars for sure. Jenna is hired as the Arcadian Falls event coordinator, and is now in charge of ChristmasFest, which lasts from just after Thanksgiving until Christmas. I loved the "long game" that this timeline and its scheduled events automatically imposed on the story. In typical small town fashion, the planning of the festival has had some issues, since Jenna has breezed in with new ideas that conflict with the "we've always done it this way" crowd (classic, right?). Aaron was one of those committee members, and they certainly start out as enemies. Aaron also has a co-parenting relationship (very modern!) caring for his adorable five year old son Colin, who brings all the kid enthusiasm for holiday wonder when he's on the page. I was impressed at how Jenna and Aaron had conflicts but also lots of adult communication to work things out. This was one of those stories that is extremely relatable; I felt like I was seeing the events unfold while being able to read the characters' minds at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday "visit" to Arcadian Falls and hope to return soon (there are more books set there!). 
I was given an ARC and volunteered to write a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book "Not Your Grinch"
By Jerica Macmillan
Main Characters: Jenna and Aaron
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Jenna is the new event coordinator in Arcadian Falls and with the changes she would like to make (for the better) some of the locals are calling her “The Grinch.” She meets Aaron who is a single father, accountant, and helps run a tree farm. To his way of thinking if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Christmasfest is a big deal to for this small town. The more Aaron gets to know Jenna, he starts to see where many of her new ideas are worth it and others should be changed gradually. This author does a wonderful job with all her descriptions. This was a sweet Christmas story to get the readers into a holiday spirit.

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna and Aaron are EVERYTHING! No, seriously I absolutely fell in love with them from the moment they butted heads to watching them slowly fall head over heels. They both carry a lot of weight and tension from past relationships that seem to weigh them down, but they are both tenacious and carry on. Jenna is just trying to make her mark on Christmas fest and prove she can make it an incredible experience, but she is met with resistance since no small town wants to change things. I loved how Aaron came around and saw just how much his stubbornness towards Jenna really put her down and he immediately tried to right his wrongs. Jenna was a fun character and she knew these feelings towards Aaron would need to be treated with care for both of them, but it was hard for them to fight. This was such a great holiday read, with all the spice and all the feels.

[Jennifer Jansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arcadian Falls' Christmasfest has quickly become a place I want to visit. Jenna is new in town and in charge on Christmasfest. Aaron is originally from this town and, like many other locals, resistant to Jenna's proposed changes. Jenna just wants to do a good job and belong. Aaron quickly comes around and realizes that she's not an enemy. Aaron is also a single dad to Colin. Colin's mom Amelia becomes a thorn in his side this Season and Aaron just wants to develop his relationship with Jenna. Honestly, the only thing that irked me with this story was the constant reassurance Jenna needed about doing her job and how she never really gained friends, she made some who kinda ignored her during the busy Christmas season. Other than that, it's a typical enjoyable love story.

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!

We are back in Arcadian Falls for a cozy, cute, Holiday story. ChristmasFest is the town’s most cherished tradition. So when newcomer, Jenna, was hired to step in as the new event coordinator and starts suggesting changes, the planning committee, and especially single dad Aaron, aren’t happy. The changes are enough for a few people to start calling her “The Grinch” behind her back.

Jenna just wants a fresh start and to feel welcomed, but her eagerness to make changes to the festival leaves her isolated and in need of an ally.

Aaron, meanwhile, is juggling life as a single father and work as an Accountant and on his family’s Christmas Tree farm, and isn’t open to shaking up the festival. That is until he starts seeing a different side of Jenna. Their chemistry slowly rises and their attraction to each other grows over the time they work together.

I loved this sweet, cozy holiday romance, and it was fun seeing some familiar faces from the first book. Jenna and Aaron make such a perfect match.

[HEA 365 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to Arcadian Falls. This is the 5th book in the Arcadian Falls Christmas series. The first 4 books were about the Daniels family. While they do make an appearance this story is about the single dad Christmas tree farmer and the new to town event planner. The story is sweet and unfolds in a lovely way. There is a little spice but it is mostly sweet from start to finish. It was an awwww book. From the way he treats her, to his cute kid, to the Christmas spirit. It was the perfect book to read while drinking a hot drink next to your Christmas tree. I throughly enjoyed this story. 4.25 stars. 2 🌶️.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna is new to town and has been hired to be the town's event coordinator. First up Christmasfest. This is the town's tradition and no one likes change. Luckily, the founders and planners support some of her ideas. Being alone in a new town has her trying so hard to fit in. 

Aaron, is a single dad, tree farm worker, and an accountant and a hard nut to crack. Soon the more Aaron gets to know Jenna and her ideas, he realizes he may be wrong about her.
I loved them from the moment the trees were looking sick at the fest and he blamed her. From then I knew their story was going to be a great ride!!!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received from author.

Jenn’s is a small town girl who is down on her luck and looking for a fresh start. She struggles to find her place and feel accepted amongst a small, tight-knit community.

Aaron is a hardworking single father who is focused on raising his son, his family business, and the small town he loves dearly.

Aaron and Jenna’s relationship starts out rocky due to poor communication and Aaron’s unwillingness to admit that sometimes change is a good thing.

Add in the mother of Aaron’s child and a short lived confrontation over his budding relationship with Jenna, and chaos ensues.

Overall, this is a great, fun read for the holidays.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this enemies to lovers read and catching up with Arcadian Falls.
Jenna has taken over as the coordinator for the Christmasfest but is met with resistance as she is an outsider and most don't want to change what they believe works.
Aaron is a single dad and at first doesn't like the changes that Jenna wants to make but as they spend more time together he starts to change his mind.
They soon get closer but the mother of his child isn't happy about it.
Can they make it work between them with so many against them.
A must read with plenty of drama but also so much love.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Katie Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Arcadian Falls for another fantastic Christmas love story!!! While this book is part of a series it can easily be read as a stand alone. Jenna is new to the area and is trying to make her mark and prove herself in the small town. Aaron is a lifelong resident with a deep sense of community. When the two meet, we end up with an amazing enemies to lovers slow burn that definitely hooks the reader and keeps your attention until the very end.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers story. Jenna the new event coordinator for Arcadian Falls and single father Aaron butt heads on changes to the beloved Christmasfest. As they depend more time together they soon realize they have more in common then they think. I loved the writing in this book. The banter between them was terrific. The story pulls you in right from the start. A great Christmas love story.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jenna and Aaron’s story! What started out as the pair of them butting heads over Arcadian Falls ChristmasFest, turns into so much more! As they spend more time together, their feelings grow. They find that they have more in common than they thought. They made a great couple. The banter between them was very entertaining! The story draws you in and you can’t put it down! I love the Arcadian Falls Christmas series, and Not Your Grinch is the perfect addition!

[Katie Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Arcadian Falls series, especially around Christmas time. It's so much fun to read about the annual Christmas Fest and wish it were a real place that I could visit! Not Your Grinch is another great addition to the series; we learn a new story about two new characters in this world, but we still get to check back in with the Daniels family and see how they are all doing. Overall, it was a fun seasonal read and it will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all the Arcadian Falls books, and this one is no exception. It's got everything I want in a holiday read... lots of witty banter, romance, holiday vibes, and a few obstacles thrown in the way to keep it interesting.

I enjoyed Jenna as a FMC. She had a quiet strength. She doesn't give in when she believes she's right, but she's willing to listen and take what's said into consideration. And she never comes across as the grinch she's accused of being. Aaron, at first, annoyed me with his stubbornness, but he comes around eventually. And in truth, I think the imperfect start to their dynamic made their burgeoning relationship much more fun to watch.

And the setting... a holiday market in a snowy town. You can't ask for a better setting for a Christmastime story! Perfect holiday read!

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a grinch…

Ok, love the cover. Jenna is the new event coordinator at Arcadian Falls. She’s trying her gosh darn hardest to bring it up to date and thrive.

Her nemesis is Aaron, single dad, Christmas farmer, accountant, big proponent of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Sparks fly.
Recommend.

[Nathathida Atirekasâra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story started with enemies to lovers but it was turned to be an instant love after Aaron opened his eyes and got to know Jenna better. I think if I read this book when I was younger and read fewer romance books than present, I would give the book 5 stars.

Of course, the book is enjoyable to read with a perfect amount of heartwarming moments, entertaining banters, and an angst combination but since I am not younger anymore and read so many romance books than I could count, at some point, I think I need more than those heartwarming moments and entertaining banters to pique my interest and keep me more engaged in the story than just those... so 4 stars it is.

[Alida Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to go Back to Arcadian Falls.

This series is perfect. I got hooked on the first book and was sad the series was small. I am so glad Jerica continues with the series adding new joy to the Wonder small town.

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenna is just trying to make Christmas fest better. Aaron thinks she’s trying to destroy christmas. Together they could make christmas better. It was great to visit Arcadian Falls again and get glimpses of the Daniels. Jenna’s and Aarons story was cute and wholesome.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

This is a cute quick holiday read with some adorable characters. I was a little bummed on the ending, it just felt abrupt to me.

[Jennifer Diedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the book

The book was inspiring. Starting over is never easy. Coordinating fun events is a lot of work. I love the scenery description and the love story.

[Lauren Robichaud · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute but kind of slow.