Merry CringeMas: A chaotic holiday second chance rom-com

by Gigi Blume

I am going to marry Roman Precio. He just doesn't know it yet.
Roman might be the stoic, no-nonsense math teacher at the high school where I teach art, but I happen to know the passionate, rule breaking side he keeps hidden under that sweater vest.
The hot-blooded man who kisses like he's handing out extra credit.
Stolen kisses in my classroom. Forbidden trysts after school.
The part of him he only shows to me.
Sure, he claims he broke up with me on Halloween.
Minor detail.
Because this man is clearly end-game and I'm no quitter.
So when I show up at his family's Christmas getaway and his relatives immediately adopt me, I take it as a sign.
Roman may look shocked to see me, but somewhere under that starched collar, he totally loves me.
He just needs a little convincing.

Genres: Christmas

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

Gigi is a USA TODAY bestselling author and hopeless musical theatre nerd who has perfected the art of lollygagging.

Former professional wedding singer, Gigi lives in Southern California with her personal chef...er...husband and two weird and awesome teenagers.

When Gigi's not writing like a crazy woman, she likes to belt out showtunes, embarrass her kids, and spend all her free cash on books.

Reviews

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

This book was an absolute delight. Merry Cringemas is filled with romance, laugh-out-loud moments, family awkwardness, sharp banter, second chances, and of course, plenty of meddling relatives. For a novella, it delivers a surprisingly full and satisfying story.

I loved the character growth throughout the book, especially the themes of forgiveness, letting go, and learning to embrace who you truly are. Watching a second-chance romance unfold within the chaos of a loud, loving family made every moment worth it. The story beautifully captures the idea that being yourself fully and unapologetically is not only enough, but something to be celebrated, especially by the people who love you most.

What stood out to me most was how relatable this book felt. The chaotic family gatherings, the moments of wanting quiet and escape, and the realization that even in the madness these are the memories you wouldn’t trade for anything. It struck that perfect balance between humor and heart, making it both entertaining and emotionally grounding.

I want to thank Gigi Blume for the opportunity to review this book.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kisses only.

The title of this book was accurate. This was a very cringe book. Madeline is unhinged and stalkerish. She doesn’t take no for an answer. After Roman breaks up with her instead of moving one she:
-infiltrates his family’s Christmas
-Has bridal magazines sent to his apartment
(Said magazines have her first name with his last name)
-Makes him anatomically correct heart shaped cookies signifying that she’s giving him her heart
-insists that they are just on pause and not broken up even though he’s clearly stated that he’s broken up with her

I would fear for my life if I’d broken up with someone and they behaved that way. Other things I found difficult about the book were the flashbacks, the fact that he HAD to go make out with her in the middle of the school day?? The fact that he probably has a legit reason for breaking up with her but instead of talking to anyone about it or working through it, he just goes back to her.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Cringemas is an delightful, hysterically funny, opposites attract, second chance, romantic comedy. Madeleine is total artistic chaos to Roman's pedantic, orderly, controlled existence - and they are perfect for each other! I think Gigi Blume is the only one who could have written this insane episode for the Precio Brothers. It is not necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this caper but reading them will add more depth to the characters. Set aside time to finish this before beginning because you will not want to put it down. This well written book is definitely one I will have to re-read - more than once.

[Tonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman and Madeline.... couldn't be any more opposite but together they are perfect!
You will literally laugh out loud reading this book but it will also pull at your heart strings. Being scared to love but doing it anyway, amazing and wow... what a message! This kisses only rom com is so full of emotion you won't be able to stop smiling and laughing. The jeep scene 🤣
The closet scene 😍 The hysterical family... so great! Highly recommend this book! Anything written by Gigi Blume is a 5 🌟 to me!

[A.M. Hogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Merry CringeMas was such a fun book! Gigi Blume delivered on everything the blurb promised! The romance, the awkwardness, the big, loud Precio family. And I loved every minute of it!
You don't have to read the previous Precio Brothers books to enjoy this one, but it helps add depth to the other characters. Man, I was grinning so much! Loved it!!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of holiday fun

Once again Gigi Blume hit it out of the park. The crazy Precio family holiday gatherings, full of fun and holiday shenanigans. Love the romance between Roman and Madeline. And reading about "old friends", characters from Gigi's other stories and how their lives weave in with our new couple. Can't wait for Gigi's next book.

[whimsical reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the chaos but it was slow for them to get back together and Madeleine did act a little crazy. It was fun to read the flashbacks. There are a lot of people and it’s hard to remember

The previous book said this one was about Dante so that’s what I was waiting for and it was about Roman. Confusing.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it right up to the last chapter, and then the end was a little abrupt. His decision to chase after her wasn't a surprise, I could tell that his dad's talk helped prompt it, but the panic to go after her the next morning seemed sudden. Too far away from his dad's talk to be the panic that he showed.

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Roman and Madeleine are an extreme version of opposites attract, and they are funny enough by themselves. But we also get to spend Christmas with the Precio family in all their crazy glory. I loved every page, and the resolution brought tears to my eyes.

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this one! Yes! What an absolute riot of a read that will have you laughing in the prologue! Loved Madeline & Roman in their messy, chaotic love story. The Precio family is so much fun!

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars times 100!!
I love the Precio family, and we get lots of them in this story. I was laughing almost immediately, and the way the story is laid out in flashbacks works perfectly. I’ll definitely be reading this one again!

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! finally more Precio brothers (well cousin!) I can’t wait for more! I love this family and I love the story! Great work! Very Christmassy haha and very Mexican 🤣

[LESLIE J (mrsj_readsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a wild and chaotic second chance Christmas romance.
So much fun to read.

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Roman & Madeleine's fiery, caring, hopeful, fearful, loving, sweet n swoony happily ever after!!!