Merrily Us

Steel City Legacy #0.5

by Samantha Brinn

The first time I saw Olivia Sullivan, I thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and my heart fell straight at her feet.

Five minutes later I realized who she was.

My best friend's little sister.

A college student.

A woman ten years my junior who probably wants little to do with a sometimes lonely, football-obsessed gamer nerd in his thirties still looking for a place to call home.

For three years, my secret feelings for Olivia have only grown as our close family connections keep us in each other's proximity, even though she's never given me any sign that she wants what I do.

A life. A future. Everything. With her.

Except one night, an unexpected snowstorm and a middle of the night cookie baking kitchen rendezvous make me think that maybe my feelings for Olivia aren't so one-sided after all.

With a relationship we're keeping secret from Olivia's brother and Olivia about to leave the country for six months right after the holidays, we have a lot stacked against us.

But now that I know what it's like to have her by my side, nothing else matters but that we belong to each other, forever and until the end of time.

**Merrily Us is a Steel City Legacy prequel novella. It is a guaranteed HEA and can be read as a complete standalone**

Genres: Christmas, Found Family, He Falls First, Holiday

158 pages, Paperback

Published December 2, 2025

About the author

Samantha Brinn (Sam to everyone who knows her) is an author of sweet, spicy, and swoony contemporary romance novels. A Pittsburgh girl currently living in the suburbs of NYC, Sam stole her first romance novel off of her mom’s bookshelf at age thirteen and has read pretty much nothing but romance ever since. Her Kindle is basically an extension of her hand at this point.

A lawyer by day and author by night, Sam can most often be found in bed with her laptop and writing desk late into the night, having the time of her life writing words and weaving stories and grinning at her characters’ hijinks.

Aside from being a reader and a writer, Sam is a lover of French fries, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and diet Pepsi, and much like her debut FMC, she rarely makes her coffee the same way twice. A mom of two, Sam cosplays as an organized human, but at her core, she’s mostly chaos and prefers it that way, and is loving every second of this wild indie author ride.

Reviews

[dee.readssss · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight this one was!

The perfect little winter/holiday novella that serves up just the right amount of swoon, and spice! Light on the drama and heavy on the amazing friend group & found family that we've come to know and love from Sam! 😍

AND THAT EPILOGUE?!?! Literally chomping at bit for what's to come in Steel City!!

What to Expect:
🏈 Prequel Novella
❄️ Holiday Romance
🏈 Brother’s Best Friend
❄️ Age Gap
🏈 He Falls First

[Chelsea Mansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect prequel novella for Sam’s newest series, Steel City Legacy. I was excited for this new series before but now I am SCREAMING- it is going to be SO GOOD!

This novella is fun, sweet, sexy and so fricken swoony I can’t even take it.

Olivia and Brian have a whirlwind romance. Watching them fall in love was a literal fairytale. I’m convinced that Samantha Brinn is a literary genius and you cannot tell me otherwise.

What to expect:
Prequel novella
Holiday romance
Brothers best friend
Age gap
He falls first and HARD

[Amanda Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've said it once and ill say it again until im blue in the face.... Samantha Brinn writes the most SWOONY men, ever. I am obsessed with every single book she writes and this was no exception.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75⭐️ | 3🌶
Absolutely nothing beats a Samantha Brinn book! Ahhh! I loved Liv and Bry. I'm so emo about having to wait till March to be back in Sam's world. I loved this book oh my god!

[Kattie Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st book I’ve read by Samantha Brinn

Okay but why did it take me so long to dive into the universe of Samantha Brinn? This was chefs kiss🤌🏼 I can’t wait to read more!

[Payton Sowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatest Christmas gift that Sam Brinn could ever give me would be a Christmas book.. and holy hell did she deliver a hot and spicy little novella!

Brian and Olivia are everything you could dream of. This book was the perfect mix of sweet and spicy,. I really loved how Sam brought back Brian for his happily ever after, since meeting him in Anything For You. Bruan is Jeremy’s half brother who learned some not so great things after his parents passed… but what he gained was Jeremy. I

There were so many moments that I was squealing, kicking my feet, screaming for Gave’s stern daddy bullshit lol, and then just really swooning over so many pieces I don’t want to spoil.

The amount of love the Brian and Olivia have for each other is not even comparable.. Watching someone you love leave to follow their dreams at the beginning of your relationship is absolutely not anyone’s ideal way to start, but man do these two preserve and the welcome home is truly perfection! But also day 188… you’ll know when you get there!

I loved that we got to see Gabe’s baby sister get her happily ever after within their friend group as well. There is something about how these worlds all blend together that just makes my heart so happy. To see all of your favorite couples reappear in all of the best ways!

Last thought - THAT EPILOGUE… don’t miss it!

Sam, you always do it, another 5 star read! I cannot wait for what is coming

[Bari (justbookedup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Brinn gives us exactly what we need to tie us over this holiday season. We have Olivia, Gabe's sister, and Brian, Jeremy's brother, getting their HEA in this adorable, swoony holiday novella. This is the perfect balance of yearning, spice, and just pure romance. Plus, we get hits of that found family aspect from the entire Pittsburgh crew we've come to love. Yes, this can be read as a standalone and will be very enjoyable, but I highly recommend reading her Laws of You series to get all the character backgrounds & their dynamics.

The way Sam leads us into a NEXT GEN series!!! I am so excited for Maddy's story coming next year!

🎄 Holiday Novella
💋 Age Gap
💕 He Falls First (so much pining)
❣️ Brother's Best Friend
❄️ Snowed In
📝 Love Letters
🫶 Found Family
✌🏻 Dual POV

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

so much fun!

I don’t know if I’ve ever had more fun reading a novella! I absolutely adored Brian, Olivia, and all of the characters I’ve loved in Sam’s previous books. This one is sweet, spicy, and the absolute perfect prequel for what’s coming next!

[Jordan Vogel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

[Karly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ᴍᴇʀʀɪʟʏ ᴜꜱ • ꜱᴀᴍᴀɴᴛʜᴀ ʙʀɪɴɴ

Did I drop all other reads I had to devour this one immediately? Yes. Yes I did.
This was such a perfect prequel novella to prepare us for Sam’s new series! I’m so excited for the new series, but after that epilogue I am SCREAMING!

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀, 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗻𝗲. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦.

Brian and Olivia are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy! I loved watching their story. And the mouth on Bry? The longing, then the wait, then on day 188.. finally. These two were the cutest and I can’t wait to see more of everyone in the new series.

“𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂.”

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
•holiday romance
•prequel novella
•brothers best friend
•age gap
•he falls first

[Paige (wingsandsmut) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian & Liv were exactly what I needed! This was the perfect holiday novella, full of spicy, sweet, & vulnerable moments between these two. When they unexpectedly get snowed in together, Brian can't resist his feelings towards Liv and I love how perfect they fit together! And while this is a prequel novella for this new series - these two get their HEA and this can be read as a standalone. I already know I am going to be feral for what is coming next!

Read if you enjoy:
-holiday romance
-brother's best friend
-age gap
-he falls first & hard
-found family

[Alax Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A PERFECT PREQUEL.
The way I cannot wait for The Steel City Legacy series.

Brian and Olivia were everything.
Sweet. Spicy. Swoony. I loved watching them fall in love.

[Shushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶.5

Trope - age gap (10 years), brother's best friend, found family, he falls first, holiday romance, prequel novella, secret relationship, close-knit friend group, sweet and spicy, HEA

I like anything Samantha writes, and this is no exception. This book was sweet, spicy, homey, and wholesome.

It had me hooked from the prologue. The way Brian was so gone for her from the start made me feel butterflies.

Their chemistry between Brian and Olivia was so good and sweet. I loved how Olivia wasn't scared to explore things with him.

Their first kiss had so much chemistry that I was fanning myself.

We heard good things about Gabe from Amelia, but after reading Olivia's side of the story and seeing his love and affection for her, he became one of my favourite side characters. He was overbearing, but he was also the best damn brother in the whole booktok. The Sullivan sibling bond was so precious, and I loved how everyone teased Gabe—he was such a golden retriever brother.

Reading glimpses of the growing Wyles family filled my heart. Ah, I miss them.

I cried my eyes out seeing Maddy and Jeremy's bond—I think the time to start the Laws of You series is coming sooner rather than later, and I might have my own biases, iykyk 😭

Writing each other's letters has always been sweet, but Brian added his own touch to this whole thing, and I loved it.

I love it when couples don’t hold each other back, but help each other to thrive and become better people. These two did just that and showed how distance doesn’t matter when you love your partner. Their reunion couldn't have been more perfect.

The cameos of each friend and character from past series were fantastic. I truly appreciate a supportive friend group, and this book captures that essence beautifully, even within its limited pages. Each friend was hilarious and lovely, adding so much vibrancy to the story.

The epilogue with the future generation couple was absolutely amazing. I need to finish the Laws of You series before this begins. Ah, I’m so excited for the new Samantha Brinn universe.

This was a beautiful novella.
Highly recommend it, but I would suggest people read the other two series before starting this.
Overall 4/5

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Because nothing in the world has ever felt as right as this.”

✔️holiday romance
✔️prequel novella
✔️brother’s best friend
✔️age gap (10 years)
✔️he falls first
✔️no 3rd act breakup

This holiday novella is everything I could have asked for as a fan of Samantha Brinn’s books. The main characters, Olivia (FMC) and Brian (MMC), were both seen briefly in the Laws of You series as Olivia is Gabe’s (It’s Always Been You) sister and Brian is Jeremy’s (Anything for You) half brother. However, we never saw them on page together or had any indication that they would end up together so this was a fun surprise treat! This novella is the prequel to a new series (Steel City Legacy) and you don’t have to read any previous books by this author to get what is going on because all of the connections and relationships are explained on page, however your enjoyment will be enhanced if you have read them previously.

I love love, and this book is just swoony love wrapped up in a holiday bow. Brian has been in love with Olivia for three years, since the day they met, though he has tried to shut it down because he knows things will be complicated with their families if they go there. Once she is aware how he feels, she is ready to jump in with both feet and see what happens, because she feels the same soulmate level magnetic pull to be with him. However, she has a major career opportunity that will take her across the world for six months and that can be difficult to deal with when a relationship is so new. Thankfully, they figure it out, there is no awkward drama with her brother when their relationship is revealed, and there is the swooniest grand gesture that is incredibly simple but so heartfelt.

Also, the epilogue is perfection. I had a feeling who book one of this series would be about (since the author revealed that it is a second gen series) and oh boy I am so excited for what is coming next. If you love romances with characters who actually act their ages and have the sweetest, spiciest, all-consuming love for their partners and the best found family I highly recommend.

[Funky Velvet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote an entire review that didn't save.

In book three of the Laws of You series, the reader is introduced to Jeremy and Emma's love story. During the unfolding of their story, Jeremy learns he has a half brother name Brian who lives in Maryland. This is of particular interest to Jeremy, as he grew up in the foster system. Brian, who's father recently passed, found a folder on Jeremy's whereabouts after leaving his mistress and their lovechild to fend for themselves. Read book three to read Jeremy and Emma's story.

Jeremy's half brother Brian has been pining for Olivia "Liv" for the past three years. A chance evening with snow, has these two in close proximity. Brian moved to Pittsburgh to be closer to his brother and has been accepted into the found family of the Pittsburgh crew, from the Laws of you series, which is reintroduced in this holiday Novella.

Liv is the youngest sister of the Gabe, Amelia, and Oliva siblings who tragically lost their parents in California during their coming of age years. Liv was the last of the siblings to move East, and she chose Pittsburgh as her new home base to be closer to her brother Gabe, who raised her from the tender age of 8-onward.

Read book four of the Laws of You series to read more about Molly and Gabe's love story.

Not only is Liv ten years younger than Brian, but Brian is Gabe's best friend. Who would suspect that Brian has the hots for Liv other than his brother? Jeremy has a hand in pushing these two together one evening where Brian covers the bar Jeremy and his best friend Ben own together. Liv stays the night in Brian's loft during a magic evening of snow. A late night cookie encounter gets the lust stirring between these two.

Liv is a chef/baker; monster cookies anyone? She has an amazing opportunity to pursue further training in Italy for six months. Right before leaving, Liv falls hard and fast for Brian. Over the course of her six months abroad, these two fall in love through letters that Brian has written for each day she is away.

Read Merrily Us to see how Brian and Liv's love story unfolds.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Merrily Us by Samantha Brinn

“You happy is my favorite view.”

Ohmyflippinglanta! Not only did Samantha gift the book world with a surprise novella, she absolutely delivered on so much swoon AND spice all tied up in an age gap romance!

“Home,” he says quietly, finally lifting his head to look at me, his eyes swirling with emotion. “We gave each other home.”

This book was so unbelievably well rounded. When I finished I immediately needed more of Bryan and Olivia but at the same time their story wasn’t lacking in anything! So many times I feel like novellas are too short for me to fully embrace the characters and to believe in their love story, but that was not the case with Merrily Us! It was PERFECT.

“I know. Nothing rational can explain the way I felt when I first saw you. The way I understood in my bones that you were meant to be mine, before we had even spoken words to each other. I’ve never felt anything like it before in my life. It was magic, Liv. A deep kind of knowing. Like my heart recognized yours and understood that it had found its match.”

It was so fun getting Bryan’s story. I love that he not only found family in Jeremy, but also his entire friend group and all of their children. Getting to witness his love story with Olivia was so special.

Andddd the spicy CHEMISTRY. Y’all, these two were MADE FOR EACH OTHER.

“I’m so desperate for you it’s like you’re all I can see. All I can feel. I need you, Olivia.“

This book also set up the first book in the Steel City Legacy series and omg I need it NOW! I am going to eat up this whole second generation series like CANDY.

Dear Samantha, girlllll you did not have to target my heart so much with Bryan and those letters. (But I love you for it!) 🥹😭💖🫶🏼✨

TROPES:
🎄 Holiday Novella
💋 Secret Relationship
🤭 Brother’s Bestie
🍷 Age Gap
❤️‍🔥 He Falls First
🫶🏼 Prequel Novella
💌 He Writes Her Letters

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE ARE BACK IN PITTSBURGH BABY!
Brian and Olivia!
Bry, as Liv says he’s a whole bucket of swoon 😍
Liv! I love her 💜
Thank you Samantha Brinn for writing such relatable characters, it is so beautiful to read authentic characters who are still learning and growing in their twenties ✨
Right off the bat I saw sparks and chemistry!! However these two decided it needed to be a slooooooow burn (because what do you mean you laid eyes on her the first time three years ago and you didn’t make a move. Come on Brian.)
This book had me swooning, giggling, kicking my feet, and absolutely squealing. I loved every second!
You can always trust Samantha Brinn to write a beautiful love story and some banging spicy scenes too.
Thank you Samantha Brinn for this beautiful surprise holiday season novella and bringing all my favourite people together! I cannot wait to see where you take this new series 💜✨

Moments
✨ “Liv, I promise that nothing about the way I think of you is even a little bit sisterly.”
💜 The way it feels to be here, staring into my future, knowing that every single part of it looks exactly like her.

[FavoriteSaintReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

❄️ Book Review ❄️

𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦. 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦.
— Brian

📖 Merrily Us by Samantha Brinn

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

☃️ Steel City Legacy Series
❄️ Prequel Holiday Novella
☃️ Brother’s Best Friend
❄️ Age Gap
☃️ He Falls First
❄️ Found Family
☃️ Insta-Attraction
❄️ She Wears His Hoodie

This was such a cute, spicy/sweet holiday novella. Hallmark vibes, but make it hot 🫠.

Brian has found his estranged brother after 30 years and is now part of a found family. At a friend group gathering he sees his best friend’s little sister, Olivia, and is instantly drawn to her. Too bad she’s off limits— and too young for him — so he keeps his distance.

Three years later, Olivia is preparing to move abroad for a six month apprenticeship. She has no clue that Brian has been secretly crushing on her. That is until she gets snowed in and spends the night with him… platonically. (Kinda.)

Brian’s insta-attraction was perfect. OMG, this is what dual POV was MADE FOR 🫠 He fell and fell hard. I liked Olivia and how she was a self-starter.

TLDR: A cute, spicy/sweet holiday novella. Hallmark vibes, but make it hot.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merrily Us is one of the best novellas I’ve read in a long time. I had the chance to read it early, and Samantha Brinn completely stole my heart with this one. Olivia and Brian’s chemistry is undeniable from the start, and their dynamic—brother’s best friend, age gap, and a perfectly written snowed-in moment—made their romance impossible to put down.

The found family aspect is beautifully crafted and adds so much warmth to the story. I especially loved seeing glimpses of where the characters from earlier books are in their happily-ever-afters; it felt rewarding and emotional in all the best ways. And the setup for the next, second-generation series has me incredibly excited.

This novella delivers cozy vibes, heartfelt emotion, and just the right amount of spice. Highly recommend for romance lovers.

[Karen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure what I loved more about this spicy little prequel novella?! Was it because it was the perfect crossover introduction to the second-gen new series releasing next year? Was it because the main male character, Brian, had it bad for the decade younger female main character, Olivia (Gabe’s sister!) and treated her with all the love and respect one could ever ask for? Was it the steamy hot spice that also showcases the intimacy between the characters? Was it the setting or little nods to the wonder that the winter season could bring? Was it because it gave the best little updates on my favorite characters from The Laws of You and Boston Hearts series? Honestly I don’t know other than a mix of all of it! I adored this little gem of a book (as I have the previous two series from the author!) and it left me with all the warm fuzzy feelings I could ever want.

[Jayme Muraco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most perfect Christmas Novella leading up to Sam’s new Steel City Legacy series that’s coming out in the Spring. 🖤💛

It was love at first sight for Brian Simpson when he first laid eyes on his best friend’s sister, Olivia Sullivan. After admiring her from afar for 3 years, he gets the courage to make a move on her during one snowed in night. Everything starts falling into place, but Olivia leaves for Italy after the holidays for 6 months! With having such strong feelings for one another and being the most important person in each other’s lives, they will do anything to stay together and keep their love alive. What’s 6 months anyways when it’s up against FOREVER?! 🥰

Available now on Kindle Unlimited & Paperback!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Brinn took us on a journey with this prequel novella.

Brian and Olivia are such a beautiful couple and I’m so pleased at their journey in this. With the length of the novella, their love story felt truly epic and full, with his yearning sprinkled in and the quick tension that really gave way to some ✨ delicious ✨ spice. These characters did a lovely job of creating their own magic in a world filled to the brim with beautiful romance, and really created a fun space for the future.

Truly, this novella did a nice job of setting up the next series. I love that this is in a familiar setting and we got to check in with the characters of past series, but this really did a nice job of standing on its own and setting the tone for not being in the shadow of the other characters.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I’m a broken record but Sam has done it again! This had everything you love from a Samantha Brinn novel (incredible found family, swoony men, and epic love) but in a short & spicy novella. I will never be over her Laws of You and Boston Hearts series and this book ties them perfectly together while also setting up what’s to come.
The chemistry between Brian and Olivia was undeniable! Brian is best friends with Olivia’s older brother and this man has been yearning for her! I love a down bad man and Sam writes them so well. I just loved their love story and even though it’s a novella it didn’t feel rushed. I loved the set up for her next series and I don’t know how I’ll be able to wait until March!

Read if you love:
✨prequel novella
✨holiday romance
✨brother’s best friend
✨age gap
✨he falls first

[Jess Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can something be wrong if it feels this right?

Merrily Us is the prequel novella for Samantha Brinn’s new series and what a start it is!

Brian and Olivia are the perfect match for your snowy season. Brian is the older, slightly broody, brother’s best friend you can’t resist while Olivia is sunshine wrapped in a fun, cookie baking package. Just ask her about how good her cookies are.

Their story is one of longing, sweet moments, and a love that will last beyond a lifetime. They had great examples of what that love looks like since they are a part of the found family all your favorite characters from Pittsburgh and Boston have made.

Find your favorite chair, a cup of hot chocolate, and your favorite cookie as you read Merrily Us this holiday season.

[Dahlia’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved every page of this book.

Honestly? I had way too much fun with this book. These two were absolutely head over heels for each other, and his reaction the first time he saw her had me kicking my feet like a teenager. She’s fierce, independent, and refuses to let anyone—yes, even her overprotective brother Gabe—tell her how to live, and I loved her for it.

Watching her chase her dreams while Bry supported her like the devoted, big-hearted golden retriever he is was perfection. And the love letters? Pure, heart-melting adoration.

Oh—and the spicy scenes? Let’s just say my Kindle needed a moment to cool down. 🔥😳

And that epilogue… I’m now pacing my house waiting for the next book. Hurry, please. I’m so eager for more 🥹

[Stephanie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet and swoony novella gets all the stars. This is the perfect winter novella. The amazing friend group and found family that Sam has created is what really shines in this book.

Olivia and Brian have a whirlwind romance, but a romance that feels so pure and genuine you would have thought that they had known each other their entire lives.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Sam novel without the amazing group chat and that did not disappoint.

The epilogue was literally EVERYTHING and had me screaming! I cannot wait to see what’s to come in Steel City! This was such a tease Sam!

#bookstagram #bookreview #prequellnovella #holidayromance #brothersbestfriend #agegap #hefallsfirst #samanthabrinnhypesquad #steelcitylegacyseries #samanthabrinnauthor

[Monique Collazo · Rating 5 out of 5]

MERRILY US

Available Now: https://a.co/d/5z7sMiq
♾️ ⭐️

I am so ready to swoon my way through a new Sam Brinn series! And what better way to start than with a Prequel to get us all ready.

MASTERPIECE! I loved everything about Brian and Olivia.
Brian meets Olivia for the first time at his best friends house, who’s also Olivia’s brother. Three years he’s been pining for her, and one snow storm was all it took for his dreams to come true.
And hers too 🥰. Swoon! Swoon! Swoon! With the best cameos from our Laws of You characters. I’m not going to lie, I got teary eyed being back with this characters and I am SO EXCITED for what’s to come.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merrily Us by Samantha Brinn was just a swoon worthy holiday novella that leads into her coming new series. This featured Brian Simpson 35 and his best friends sister Olivia Sullivan 25. I am convinced that every MMC she writes will be on the book boyfriend list. I just can’t handle it 🫠. We have all the things I love Brian is so sweet, possessive and caring that he put her needs above what he wanted. The family dynamics is always fun. We also have a famous chat “Best Bros Forever Chat”. A great read and totally excited after the epilogue to read Maddy’s story.

Holiday | Brothers Best Friend | Age Gap35/25 | He Falls First & HARD | Found Family | Prequel Novella | Pining

[Zephyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾ (3.75/5)

From the moment Brian first sees Olivia Sullivan, he knows she’s special — beautiful, kind, and impossible to forget. And then reality hits: she’s his best friend’s little sister, a college student, and ten years younger. For three years, his feelings stay tucked away, growing quietly as life and family keep pushing them into each other’s orbit. He wants everything with her — a life, a future — even when he’s convinced she could never want the same.

That changes during one snowy night filled with cookie baking and stolen moments, and suddenly what was once unspoken begins to feel possible. But between the secrecy, Olivia’s upcoming move abroad, and the complications of family, their timing couldn’t be worse — even as their connection feels completely right.

I’d been eagerly waiting for Olivia’s story ever since reading Gabe’s (It’s Always Been You) and Amelia’s (Not Your Girl), so when the author surprise-released this novella, I jumped right in. I really enjoyed how Brian and Olivia’s relationship unfolded — it felt soft, genuine, and rooted in a shared sense of belonging. Their banter was fun and sweet, and I loved how supportive and steady Brian was with Olivia from the very beginning.

Overall, Merrily Us was a cozy, fast, and heartwarming read. It gave me exactly what I expected — warmth, sweetness, and connection — though I definitely wished it was longer. I wanted more time with them, more moments, more depth. Still, it was a lovely addition to the series and a comforting little romance that left me smiling.

[thespicybooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaaahhhh! I'm so excited to head back to Pittsburgh! It's even more melding of Samantha Brinn's Laws of You and Boston Hearts crews and the new Steel City Legacy series as Jeremy's half brother, Brian meets Gabe Sullivan's little sister, Olivia. They very quickly find their sense of home with each other and they are swoony in all the sweetest and most perfect ways. The found family that surrounds them also sets up the new Steel City Legacy series with this prequel novella, and I cannot wait for that first full book after Brian and Olivia's sweet story!

"My life is a whole lot more beautiful with you in it."