A Merry Match: A spicy, secret identity holiday romance

by Hailey Rodger

A secret identity, small town holiday romance

Frankie

It was supposed to be a good time, not a ghost story. No names or strings attached, just late-night voice notes and flirty messages in a matchmaking app with a man who called himself Fireboy.

He made me laugh, made me blush, and somewhere between the teasing and the heat, he made me start to believe again.

Then he ghosted me.

So when my sister drags me to her in-laws’ snow-covered house outside Toronto for Christmas, I tell myself I’m over it. Ready to focus on hot cocoa, family chaos, and absolutely no mysterious firefighters.

Except one of them shows up to visit the retired chief, and the second he opens his mouth, I know that voice.

Fireboy.
Real Mason Fletcher.
Real he’s even hotter in person—and determined to make things right.

I’m furious. He’s relentless. And when a blizzard traps us in my rental cabin, the line between fury and fire starts to blur.

And I realize, some matches refuse to burn out, no matter how deep the snow gets.

Tropes to
- When Ms 'I don't belong anywhere', meets Mr 'You belong with me'
- Firefighter MMC x Graphic Designer FMC
- Golden retriever x black cat
- Shock horro: they get snowed in
- Dual POV
- Found family
- When online secret identities turn into oops—it's you IRL
- Cat dad
- Things happen with tinsel
- Things happen in a firetruck
- Banter and grovelling
- Hurt x comfort
- Open door / spice

This novella can be read as a standalone, but there are character cameos from the Colorado Storm hockey romance series, too.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Forced Proximity, Novella, Short Stories

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2025

Reviews

[Larareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is honestly one of the best Christmas novellas I read this year!!!

[Samantha Draws · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ Such a good holiday novella!! I absolutely adore everything that Hailey writes! Frankie and Mason have been sending messages to each other on an anonymous matchmaking app. Things were going so well until Mason ghosted her. Fast forward to Christmas dinner when Frankie goes to her sister’s in-laws. In walks a hot firefighter with a voice she would recognize anywhere. Turns out mason is even more incredible in person and he will do anything to make it right. Frankie is still furious though. When they get trapped in a cabin in a blizzard though things start to heat up and that undeniable connection they had online blazes even hotter in person, but can it last?

Loved Frankie and Mason!! I’m so excited for this new series from Hailey and this was the perfect novella to dip our toes into this new world! Love the banter between the guys and the cameos from the Storm series too!! Defitniely a holiday novella you won’t want to miss!

Tropes:
✨Secret Identities
✨Firefighter Romance
✨Black Cat x Golden Retriever
✨Snowed In
✨Banter and Groveling

[Gosia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Hailey but def not the last!

A quick and fun read that starts with some spice but is so much more than that!
Interesting story line, some Christmas vibes and snowed in situation. Nice banter and general dynamics between the main characters.
There were quite a lot of side characters which I assume are from Hailey’s other books. I’m encouraged to pick up the series.
Loved the writing style!

I loved the snowball fight scene!
Oh and the spilled wine!!!

Some of my highlights:
🩷 „I just baptized your dick in Pinot Noir!”
🤍„She’s gonna kill me.”
“She absolutely will,” Eli says, smacking my back. “Now come die with dignity.”
🩷 „Every time I speak, she flips it on me. Every time she flips it, I love her more. It’s equal parts humiliating and incredible.”

[Macee Grisenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy Holiday Novella

TW: cheating(not between MCs), Loss of parents(not on page but mentioned a few times)

I knew I would love it and I did. Hailey Rodger writes a great man who grovels and is obsessed with his girl and what can I say? I eat that up.
This was a fun holiday novella about two people who were anonymously texting for over a month until he ghosts her when she suggests they meet. Only to end up across from each other at the Christmas table. It was funny, fun, and sexy. 10/10 on the whole thing.
We love a man who will crawl.


Tropes: firefighter x graphic designer, snowed in, secret identities, chiefs daughter in law, nicknames, inappropriate use of tinsel, festive toys

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Steam:🔥🔥🔥🔥
Sweetness: 💗💗💗💗

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew if Hailey Rodger wrote a holiday romance, I definitely needed to read it and I ended up absolutely loving it. This book starts off with such an interesting premise - two people flirting with each other and getting to know one another over a matchmaking app without ever seeing each other or knowing each other’s names - and then them actually meeting and having friends in common after he ghosted her. I knew these two were meant to be from the start but reading about how they get there including some spicy scenes was so very wonderful. I look forward to reading more of this firefighter series when the next book comes out.

[Lucy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas novella ✔️ online secret identities to omg it’s you IRL ✔️ golden retriever firefighter ✔️ black cat graphic designer ✔️ tinsel and Christmas ornament fun ✔️ voice notes as foreplay ✔️ banter and grovelling ✔️

RedRiot (Frankie) and FireBoy had been messaging and naughty voice-noting online for a while, and both of them started to develop feelings they never expected. They slowly learn a little more about each other, giving away pieces of themselves they haven’t let anyone else see… until Fireboy just disappears. Yep. She was Ghosted.
Feeling rejected and lonely, Frankie agrees to a trip to see her family for Christmas… and who walks in? Of course it has to be Fireboy, AKA Mason… a family friend, and local firefighter.

FACK. This one absolutely ruined me in all the best ways. For such a short book this one really packs a punch. These two characters had chemistry to boot, they were ON FIRE right from the start.

I actually wanted to cry a little bit when Fireboy ghosted her, but getting to see them meet in real life, the banter and absolute comedy that came after it, the grovelling and seeing their relationship go from one level to the next… I ATE IT UP.

The spice was FREAKING AMAZING… like so so hot, never have I ever wanted to be tied up with tinsel before, because you know… scratchies. BUT Mason & Frankie made it sound heavenly. The things that man does, the way these two talk to each other, I was a panting mess.

Don’t let me fool you though, yes this was a fun and spicy read but it also hit me very unexpectedly in the feels. The tears I cried because of this damn book… I will never ever get over the scenes of these characters individually talking over the graves of the other persons loved ones. The way their stories intertwined and had parallels with the things they had gone through, they way they both had understanding of a loss no-one should have to bear.

This was a phenomenal little novella, I have no notes, no regrets, and all the stars

[Raianna Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good🙂‍↕️ finished it in one sitting. Hot fireman with a filthy mouth & slutty little mustache? Yeaaaaah gimme gimme gimme. Mason you little anxious avoidant man I adore you even when you’re being an idiot. Frankie, frankie on the other hand actually has my heart. She’s so funny & sarcastic but still has that soft side. A squishable little menace that I would love to be best friends with thank you very much!!! Hailey’s simply perfected the balance between deliciously filthy moments & vulnerable moments that’ll have you tearing up and wanting to hug everyone. The banter? THE BANTER IS SOME OF MY FAVVVVV. also the familial dynamics both blood & found is perfectly represented.

anyway. cute lil merry read you’ll adore ♥️🙂‍↕️❄️

[Karly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone get me a Mason Fletcher, asap!
Mason and Frankie meet on a voice only app and soon realize they are falling for each other slowly and open up more until one day ‘Fireboy’ ghosts ‘RedRiot.’
Then one night, Frankie tags along with her sister to a Christmas dinner. And Mason shows, as soon as he speaks, she knows it’s him.

These two were sweet and spicy! The tinsel. The fire truck.

Such a fun holiday novella to give us a little glimpse into Hailey’s new series. OF FIREFIGHTERS?! Yes please. 👏🏼🥵

[Laura (booksandbunnyhugs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had everything I love in a spicy holiday novella and then some. A moustachioed firefighter meets his match and the best part is that he fell for her fiery personality sight unseen. Although he runs scared, he quickly realizes his mistake and grovels (ie. literally crawls) his way back into her good graces.

This is a standalone novella with nods to Rodger’s Colorado Storm series. It also sets up a new series that I am absolutely going to be obsessed with.

Tropes:
❄️ Golden retriever x black cat
❄️ Found family
❄️ Snowed in
❄️ Secret identities

[Ryana Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

take my money. take it all. i don't even need it anymore.

[Mattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the best holiday novellas i’ve read this year! funny banter, great spice, and a relationship that i actually believe. makes me want to read this author’s other work!

[Aim · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. This spicy little holiday novella was FUN! I loved every minute of it.

[Alax Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Frankie and Mason. They’ve been talking on an anonymous dating app — no pictures, no names, just texting and voice notes — and have actually started falling for each other and sharing even more personal details with each other. This has all the hallmark after dark vibes you could want. The spice was spicing. And their little bit of banter had me laughing out loud. Fate brings them together on Christmas and the rest is history… eventually.

[MsRHReviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A generally sweet and spicy Christmas romance

PLOT (Some spoilers included):

Both Frankie (the FMC) and Mason (the MC) have some pretty painful memories. Frankie's parents were killed a few years prior at Christmas, and Mason's (ex)girlfriend was caught cheating on him New Year's Eve when he was going to propose to her. Therefore, despite secretly wanting more, they both put on a bit of a mask and pretend they're fine with just having fun on an app where they can flirt with each other... despite feelings getting real. When she suggests meeting in person sometime, he panics and ghosts her, hurting her feelings. No surprise, since this is a romance novel, they happen to bump into each other at a Christmas dinner of a mutual friend's and recognize each other's voices. Mason realizes how badly he screwed up and wants to make it up to Frankie, but she isn't so sure if she should trust him again.

It's similar to a Hallmark movie with R rated scenes (by which I mean spice, obviously!). I teared up a little once or twice during some emotional scenes, so that's a bit of a bonus (I don't LIKE to cry, but I like being into a book enough that I CAN cry when it's called for!). It's also nice that the author wrote Mason so that he could show emotion once he opened up to someone. He's a man who was okay to cry and he vulnerable in front of Frankie, which is sweet.
It's not extraordinary, but if you like binging Christmas books like I do in the holiday season, it's one you can add to your list for some warm fuzzy feelings.

[Katie Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Merry Match
By Hailey Rodger

You always make me forget the shitty days, Fireboy He doesn’t answer right away, but just when I start to wonder if I said too much, my phone pings.
Fireboy: So do you, Red.

“I never wanted Fireboy, I just wanted you.” And not just tonight. Not just for s*c or closure or anything like that, though holy sh!t, Mason. That was so hot. I wanted to meet the guy who made me laugh, and listened when I talked about my mom’s gingerbread cookies. Who didn’t make me feel like a freak for avoiding Christmas, and who I’ve spent every day for the last month crushing over like a lunatic.”

I’ve never had that, not like this. Not with someone who made me feel like more. Like I wasn’t just someone they wanted for fun or comfort or convenience, but someone they could need. Someone they could keep. And f***, I want her to keep me. I want her to want to keep me.

Frankie and Mason’s story has all the hallmark after dark vibes I love! This to are so spicy with their naughty voice notes to each other, and if you think that’s hot just wait till they are in the same room together! Loved this holiday novella and cannot wait for what is to come with the kickoff of a new firefighter series!!

Tropes:
Found Family
Firefighter MMC
Snowed in
Secret Online Identities
Golden Retriever x Black Cat
She Makes Him Crawl
Sexy Voice Notes

Spice Starts at: IMMEDIATELY!!

Spice: 3/4
Stars: 4.5/5

Available on Kindle Unlimited

[Morwenna Bethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable and spicy

I was thinking the entire time of reading this lovely little book that I could absolutely read an entire series about all the guys introduced. So I’m really glad to learn that the author is planning an entire firefighter series with some of the characters introduced here! I also thought I could have read a longer version of this book but I’m not mad, I knew it was very short and just a cute little afternoon read. But yea, it could have been drawn into a more intense story with more angst, more plot, more of that great spice, it had the substance for a bigger book. But as it stood I really loved it, it was very sweet and short and spicy. Just what I wanted today!
I’ve realised this author has a very clever little hack for avoiding the insta-love thing… something I recognised in her Colorado storm series- she introduces the characters with a pre-existing back story, with chemistry that’s been laid out for us- whether it’s that they’ve met before and it has the one that got away energy, or they’re introduced with some tension in one book only to have their focus be in another book, or whether we’re dropped into the middle of their story and given a summary of their journey so far! Genius! I buy right into it. It works surprisingly well. You can’t force chemistry, it needs to be believable, you need to be able to feel it on page and in the words…but I think this author has had a hack to fast track it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankie & Mason 
Oh gosh. This little novella was so good. She's the perfect combination of Sweet & Spicy, with a dash of heartbreak and humor to round it all out. I love Frankie from the start and the fact that she's herself at all times and isn't afraid to be sassy and make Mason grovel after he messed up but doesn't drag it out forever either. I love that Mason owes up to his mistake and works for Frankie's forgiveness. I love that he's himself through it all and isn't afraid to show his vulnerable side. That graveyard scene absolutely beautiful and made me tear up for them both. It was just something you don't get to see often but is definitely deserving to be seen. I love that she shows grief and the healing are allowed to coexist.

5/5 Recommend this book. Hailey delivered on ever aspect of this one. While she is on the shorter side of what we normally get from Hailey, she still packed all the things we love from her writing, the men obsessed with their woman & their women keeping their men on their toes 🤣. While this one is short and sweet,she does touch on grief of losing a loved one so please check before reading. 

[Lucy-Jane Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stfu I actually cried as I finished this book because of how much I loved it😂 i am aware im pathetic!!

This book is SO funny, it genuinely had me scream laughing, cackling, it's brilliant. Hailey Rodger could write Romeo & Juliet, but Shakespeare couldn't write A Merry Match!

Mason Fletcher is a cat dad, who is tall, broad, hot asf and a fireman with a slutty little moustache to prove it. And that MOUTH. Dirty, filthy mouth. This is the type of man id replace the lube with industrial grade glue just so he could stay inside me forever.

Frankie Monroe is redheaded, funny, fiesty, and throws a mean snowball. She can also hold her own in a dirty talking competition, man I was giggling, the two of them could make a sex-worker blush!

Oh my lanta the GROVELLING. Now, I love me a man who will get on his knees and CRAWL. I love a man who WHIMPERS. I will happily never look at tinsel the same way again.

Even just the interactions between the side characters had me giggling, I love them! Apparently their books are already out, ao away i go🤭

I beg you read this Christmas novella, have yourself a merry little Christmas and a happy new year bang in the firetruck❤️🚒

[Stephanie Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Hailey Rodger was a new to me author earlier this year, she is quickly becoming an auto buy author. I gobbled this book up and was not disappointed, I finished it in one sitting.

The main thing that got me with this book, a hot fireman with a filthy mouth and a slutty little mustache? SAY LESS!!! Mason does not have a great past when it comes to love making him a bit gun shy to start anything new, because of this he ghosts the woman he has been talking to.

Frankie is a funny and sarcastic graphic designer who is ready to meet the sexy sounding man she has been talking to, until said ghosting.

Watching these two realize that they unexpectedly meet in person and seeing their romance play out was absolutely perfect. While this was a very quick read it was perfectly balanced with fun banter as well as some realistic topics.

#bookstagram #bookreview #holidaynovella #holidayromance #goldenretrieverxblackcat #agegap #secretidentities #snowedin #foundfamily #haileyrodger.writes

[Amy O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to really delve into this just after Christmas but I am SO glad I did because I loooooved this book!!

The premise of this story is so good! Voice notes and flirty banter followed by being ghosted and showing up to the same Christmas lunch….stop it right nowwwww. The banter between Frankie and Mason was so fun, I loved the back and forth even when Frankie was feeling burnt and hurt, she found a way to throw her jabs in a hilarious way.

Both characters have a bit of trouble with opening themselves to another person but when they both do it’s so fun watching them together (and freaking SPICY!) Mason makes a few mistakes along the way (honestly such a man) but I loved how he redeemed himself and how he sees Frankie as such a bright light even more so than her online persona.

It was nice to see a Christmas book show both characters having their issues and grief around Christmas and what it used to be with the people they loved. It was perfect that they didn’t push each other to celebrate or love the holiday, rather set new traditions or memories that honour the old ones.

[Skanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWZA!!

This novella is spicy, full of banter and honestly true to Hailey’s writing.

I laughed almost immediately through out the first chapter. Flirting anonymously through a dating app without knowing what one looks like..doesn’t sound too far fetched and Hailey might be onto something with that idea.

Francesca Monroe is a graphic designer who despises Christmas and the holiday spirit of it all and in my opinion I completely understand.

Mason Fletcher is a cat dad, firefighter who doesn’t want anything serious or so he thinks.

I loved that we got to see a few familiar characters that are from Hailey’s Colorado Storm series (Break the Ice Book 3) .

The whole story was so much fun to read that I cannot wait for this new series!

Highly recommend!
I will wait (un)patiently for book 4 and this upcoming series that is set to release next year.

Happy Reading! 📚🚒🎆

[maggies_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5 stars
Spice: 3.5/5

Once again, Hailey writes an absolute banger of a book! Everything about this was perfect. I couldn't put it down, and I never wanted it to end. From the plot to the main characters and to the side characters, I loved it all.

I loved how this was a slow burn, but at the same time, it wasn't; the tension was so good, especially when they met for the first time. Mason was so hot, the way he was lowkey obsessed with Frankie the moment he recognized her. I love that Frankie held her ground with Mason and made him work for her forgiveness, but also understood why he did what he did. The communication between them was done so well that they actually listened to each other and understood each other's points of view.

The graveyard scenes truly broke my heart, but was so beautiful at the same time. The way they both did it without the other knowing was heartwarming and showed how much they meant to one another.

Overall, this was amazing; it was the perfect book for this holiday season. I know I'll be reading this book multiple times.

[Naylah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5⭐
Spice: 3🌶️
FMC: Frankie Monroe
MMC: Mason Fletcher

This was so enjoyable, the way Frankie and Mason met through an app, but hadn’t seen each other face to face. Then, them ending up in the same room and recognizing each others voice was definitely fun and exciting.

The build-up to this moment was written well, and knowing their reveal was coming was what made me read on faster. I loved Frankie’s sassy side and all the funny remarks she made. But Mason’s sweet side was what catched me the most. He was such a sweetheart, even though he made a big mistake. But I forgive him for it because, yeah, Frankie did as well.

A Merry Match is a short, spicy, fun, and a bit of an emotional read as they talk about their pasts and what they have been through. They connected on certain levels, and it definitely made the story even better. The emotion, the connection, the tension, and their chemistry just made it a beautiful story that you can’t put down.

Tropes:
🩷 holiday romance
🩷 found family
🩷 firefighter x graphic designer
🩷 snowed in
🩷 secret identity
🩷 hurt x comfort
🩷 golden retriever x black cat
🩷 dual first person pov

Quotes:
“I like the idea of new memories that go with the old ones. They don’t replace anything, just make room beside them. And I like making those with you.”
‘Every time I speak, she flips it on me. Every time she flips it, I love her more. It’s equal parts humiliating and incredible.’

[greenapplemojito · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I read a secret identity trope, so I picked this one up!

I know I missed Christmas to post a review about a Christmas book, but hey, I read this book around Christmas, and just now got around to posting it, so it works!

The title wasn't kidding when "spicy" got added before the secret identity because this book started STRONG... I also found the concept of the whole banter app and everything interesting (although I wouldn't personally use it if it existed lol, concept seems fun to read but weird to think about it existing for some reason). Like how I feel about all novellas, novellas frustrate me with the lack of emotional connect and the rush of things but this one was fun and decent especially the first meeting or notice of recognition. I am glad I picked this up because it was a bit of a novel storyline (see what I did there?)

[Kirsty Gudmundsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

❄️A Merry Match by Hailey Rodger❄️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I came for the Christmas vibes. I stayed for the crawling.

Tropes:

Golden Retriever X Black Cat
Cat Dad
Thing's Happen With Tinsel
Chapter 1 Spice
She Makes Him Crawl
Festive 🍑 Plug
Snowed-in
Firefighter MMC
Secret Identity

This is the kind of holiday romance that makes you want to curl up under a blanket, sip something warm, and kick your feet like a feral little elf.

Snowed-in forced proximity?
Chapter 1 spice?
She makes him crawl?

Say less.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Mason & Frankie and of course there is lot's of sharp, flirty witty banter which @haileyrodger.writes does so well.

I also loved the fact that it included character cameos from the Colorado Storm series - Eli, Tamara, Logan & Lulu. This can still be read as a standalone novella though.

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this novella!
There isn’t a single moment in A Merry Match where you don’t feel the INSANE connection, tension, and passion that simmers between Francesca and Mason. Whether they’re two strangers texting through an app, or two "enemies' forced to stay in a remote and isolated cabin, their banter and chemistry truly is off the roof! Don’t let the cute cover fool you. This novella contains some of the most exquisite spicy scenes I've ever read!
I don’t know how Hailey Rodger does it, but she always manages to make me laugh so hard, swoon uncontrollably, and shamelessly blush everytime I read one of her books. And this one might just be my new favorite of hers! A Merry Match is just an introduction to her new firefighter romance series that I seriously cannot wait to devour!

[KelsBookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holymistletoe! 🎄 This was exactly the christmas vibes and steamy vibes i needed to continue the festive season, and let me tell you, this book has it all.

Sexual Chemistry, attraction, banter, emotional feels, ummm firefighter, and a whole heap of hidden identity laced in steama 🥵🥵

For a novella, this packs all the feels, that's for sure and damn, it will leave you all wrapped in tinsel for sure. BUTTT Hailey absolutely captured the emotional tether so effortlessly, and that level of emotion captured in a short book needs its own recognition, but how it's done will fill your heart.

Hailey is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and I'm so grateful i found her writing in 2025!❤️🎄

[Dani Lindgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god. This book had me in a chokehold from the very first page🤭. No hello, no let's gently ease into this - just instant pure fire that swept me away! The romance was on point. The drama was on point. The spice was on point. THIS WHOLE DAMN BOOK WAS ON Point! 👏👏👏I could not get enough of these characters. The banter between Mason and Frankie was top tier and had me cackling. Mason.. Oh Mason🔥 words cannot even describe how much I loved his character, even during his dumb moments 🤭. Honestly I absolutely loved this novella and cannot wait for the series, give me all the sexy firefighters right now 👏

[Harlie Bostelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been steadily falling into a reading slump recently, so I wanted to pick up a fun, quick read and A Merry Match by Hailey Rodger ended up being the perfect choice, especially at Christmas time.

This was such a cute read! I thoroughly enjoyed the setting, characters and the story. It was fast paced, had some deeper emotional moments, but was also just so sweet. And don’t worry, it was VERY SPICY! Like the very first chapter is spicy.

I loved Frankie and Mason, I wish they had their own full length story as I would devour it. However, I will immediately be checking out the author’s main series that this novella is based off.

If you are in the mood for a spicy and sweet, holiday novella, this one is for you!

[Aleshia Chalklen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect cozy holiday romance to kick off the festive season. Hailey I'm still waiting for my hockey player, now you also need to add a firefighter to my wishlist.....I'll be waiting ☺️

I love that despite this being a romance and all romcom cutesy, we were given insights into how our characters lives were shaped and what significant events impacted them and how together they might not forget what happened but can create new memories to share space.

Also there is one short chapter that is EPIC!!!! IYKYK