Merry Flipping Christmas: A Single Parents Christmas Romance

by Holly June Smith

After a messy divorce, Kimberly Dalton is spending Christmas alone while her ex-husband takes the kids on the trip of a lifetime.

With no plans and no need for a babysitter, her best friend says it’s the perfect time to dabble in a festive fling. Kimberly isn’t ready for anything serious, but agrees to drop the age limit on her dating profile, then panics when her first contact is from a man she already knows… her kids’ skateboard coach.

Noah Hardie is everything Kimberly’s ex-husband wasn’ kind-hearted, good with kids, and obscenely hot.

When he asks what Kimberly is looking for she jokingly types an outrageously filthy request and accidentally hits send. Before she can scramble to delete it, Hardie agrees to her demands.

Kimberly can think of a million reasons to back down, but everything is already flipped upside down this year. If Hardie is as talented in the bedroom as he is on a skateboard, it’ll be a Christmas Kimberly will never forget.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Friends To Lovers, Holiday Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 5, 2026

About the author

Holly June Smith is a writer and romance addict who is constantly falling in love with fictional heroes and dreaming up new ones.

Originally from the North East of Scotland, she now lives in Hertfordshire, England.

You can also find her on Insta and TikTok @hollyjunesmith

Reviews

[Larareads · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you to Holly June Smith and her team for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was sooo much fun! It was sweet, heartwarming, sexy and the spice? So so HOT!
The author has a way of making readers love every character and get invested in their life even in a small novella, which I adore. Have to say, I really really wanted this to be longer, but I loved every single moment with these characters and can't wait to see what Holly June Smith writes next.

Read this if you love:
• golden retriever MMC
• age-gap
• holiday romance
• plenty of spice

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single mother of twins, Kimberly has been convinced by her bestie to avail herself of prospects of a younger age range on her hookup app while her kids are with their father (her ex) on holiday in Lapland for Christmas. When she’s matched with the twins’ skateboard instructor Hardie, she’s both terrified and intrigued. Sparks don’t just fly, they melt her long-dormant libido and while he falls hard, she’s convinced he’s not hoping for anything serious to come of it. When the kids return, will Kim and Hardie return to polite nods and exchanges and pleasantries? Or will they take a shot at something more?

This was a fun, steamy reverse age gap romance by the always wonderful Holly June Smith. I was generously provided an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly June Smith never disappoints, but particularly when it's a holiday romance! Merry Flipping Christmas is the perfect length to read over the holidays when you want an escape but don't have much time. This reverse-age gap had me immediately! I loved both Kimmy and Hardie.

Hardie - more men need to be like him. Not only is he a consent king, but the man sees Kimmy's fears and insecurities and breaks them down rather than tearing her down for having them.

Kimmy - I’m not sure I’ve ever felt as seen in a character as I did in Kimmy. Her struggles and insecurities as a woman and a mother, and everything she went through as a wife, were spot on. It’s easy to see how Hardie, with some work, swept her off her feet, and how he became a place where she could let go of it all.

In typical HJS fashion, the dialogue is funny, and the spice is damn near trying to burn the house down. Also, there's a nod to Scary in Love, which I loved! This story is set in the same town as it is. All around, another winner from HJS!

[Jade Bowman · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This was so stinking cute, I legitimately had to keep covering my face so no one saw me cheesy grinning every 5 seconds 🙈
I wasn't actually in the mood for a Christmas book (it is October after all) but the description hooked me in, and knowing Holly has never written a book I haven't loved, I decided that there are no rules and I can read a Christmas book whenever I want 😂

🎄 recently divorced single mum
🛹 Single dad with a family that requires a diagram
🎄A meddling best friend
🛹An accidental voice note 😉
🎄Age gap

[Marie Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and as a long time lover of Holly June Smith I was over the moon.

Kimberly is a recently divorced mom of two preteens who is looking at spending her first Christmas without her kids. Her best friend (and what a friend! Seriously every single - and divorced- woman should have a Tessa in their life) encourages her to go on a dating app and lower her age limits. And then the first younger man who likes her is her kids’ ridiculously hot skateboard coach Hardie (who may have had a crush on Kimberly for a while).

Kimberly accidentally sends a raunchy request to Hardie and before she can delete the text, Hardie agrees and shows up for Kim in all the ways a stressed out single mom deserves.

I cannot stress enough how much I love this story. And Hardie, the man you are. Ugh.
In usual Holly June style the spice is spicing, the laughs are belly jiggling and the MMC truly makes you wish men written by women were real.

[Charlotte Jane Kirby · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, I’ve read a few of hollys books before but this one probably is my favourite, It has a real heart warming feel to the book while also being cute and funny and perfect and realistic spice level. Tessa is definitely the ultimate wing woman and the bit and I quote “oh please, I see all those books you add to Goodreads. You’re in a deep smut hole, wouldn’t it be nice to just have sex?” Had me in stitches, I was literally laughing so loudly in public. I love reading kimmy find that spark and confidence in herself again and hardie was fab to read, every woman should have a bloke who willingly wants to come around with take away and spent 45 mins eating 😆 the only reason I wouldn’t give the book a higher rating was because it was too short, the story is fab and definitely could be stretched out longer.

[Faye Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Flipping Christmas is an incredible holiday novella! It's as heartwarming and funny as it is spicy, and it was just a joy to read! It's an age gap romance (she's older) and these two characters were perfect for each other. I absolutely inhaled it, like I always do with the author's books!

It's set in the same town as Scary in Love (a Halloween novella which is ALSO incredible) but both are complete standalones. I definitely recommend both though, whether you're in the mood for a spooky and spicy Halloween romcom or a cozy and spicy Christmas romcom! Holly June Smith just writes the funniest books, and this one is no exception!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author, but this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Chelsey Readsbooks_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a TON of fun with this one!! Hardie was AMAZING, Kimberly so deserved someone like him!!

It's Kimberly's first christmas alone after her divorce (her husband has the twins in Lapland for the Holiday) and she ends up hooking up with her children's skateboard coach, Hardie, who is 10 years her junior. We find out that Hardie is also a single dad and he's been off the apps but re-joined when his friend saw Kimberly. Hardie's always had a thing for her. (Swoon)

This spice was AMAZING and literally everything a mother dreams of (including the MILF shirt).

Holly June Smith never misses, I tell ya!!

[readwith.zendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, cozy, & enjoyable holiday romance!

My husband and I actually met on a dating app, and he’s also a skater, so this story felt especially personal. It brought back so many wonderful memories of our own love story.

Hardie completely stole my heart! His patience, kindness, and the way he made Kimmy feel loved and seen reminded me so much of my husband.

I was fortunate enough to experience both the ARC and ALC, and I highly recommend the audiobook! Ryan Mairs and Artemis Jones did a wonderful job with the duet narration.
Overall, a heartwarming, easy read that’s perfect for the holiday season!

Thank you to Holly and Must Love Audio for the advance copies in exchange for my honest review.

Available November 5th in all formats!

[Bookish Guada · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review
5/5⭐️

Merry Flipping Christmas is the absolute perfect holiday book! The romance is sweet and beautiful, the characters are lovable, and the story is so spicy, but also incredibly emotional and vulnerable. I had the best time getting to know Kimberly and Hardie.
The audiobook was fantastic and it made me love the story even more! The duet narration by Ryan Mairs and Artemis Jones is perfect, and the production is truly amazing! Can’t wait for everyone to listen to this one when it releases on November 5th!

What to expect:
-Single mom x Skateboard coach
- Age gap (she’s older)
- Her first time since her divorce
- Festive fling
- Novella length

Thank you so much Holly June Smith and Must Love Audio for the ALC!

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explicit. I absolutely loved this! This was lighthearted and sweet, while managing to touch on some insecurities I think a lot of single mothers can relate to. And it was so lovely to see a familiar place pop back up! The two mains were adorable together, and the side characters were interesting enough that I really wanted the book to last longer. This is absolutely worth the read, spicy and adorable, perfect as a winter read!

I received an advance review copy of this book and am choosing to leave an honest review.

[Jen Wycech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single mom x skateboard coach
Age gap (she's older!)
Her first time since her divorce
He's had a crush on her for ages
Festive fling
Sweet and spicy holiday novella

A spicy & sweet, great read! I truly enjoyed this fun holiday novella by Holly June Smith. This might be a short story, but it packs some heat. If you are familiar with Holly's work, then you know how she does us right. The characters are loveable, sweet, and the story is delicious and fabulous for a cozy winter night of reading. Highly recommend!

Thank you Holy June Smith for this eARC.

[Samantha | Chapters + Tequila · Rating 5 out of 5]

kim x hardie

🛹age gap - she is older
🛹holiday novella
🛹single mom x single dad
🛹divorcee fmc
🛹meddling best friend
🛹golden retriever mmc

in true HJS fashion - I am obsessed. the only way to truly experience a holly june smith novella is to listen to the audio (IYKYK...Can I tell you something?) - so when I received the ALC from MLA - I was ESTATIC! and guys, it. did. not. disappoint. my god.

I think the only miss for me was that the MMC did not call her 'mama' - and like, in that brittish accent, I'd die. LOLLLLLL

But for real, I enjoyed this so much.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
audio: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a TREAT! If you love a golden retriever MMC and an MFC that needs some care this is for you. It was funny, sexy and so moreish. I liked the age gap trope. The spice was so hot! Hardie was the perfect balance of sweet, mature, masculine and fun. I liked his back story. I loved watching Kimberley’s confidence grow. I loved Tessa and Danny too!! It was cool to have a few other characters and settings from previous HJS books. I want more!! Highly recommend.

[Stephanie | ReadWithSnicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing beats a HJS holiday novella and getting to go back to Crowmorne in Merry Flipping Christmas made it all the better!

Single and divorced Mum Kimberly finding the way back to herself with the help of Hardie, her holiday no strings attached fling was delicious. The perfect amount of sweetness with just the right amount of spice, I was hooked and tore through the novella in one sitting!

[Chloë · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

A sweet and spicy holiday novella for readers who enjoy -
🎄An age gap romance, she’s 38 and he’s 28
🎄A good ole’ festive fling!
🎄Laugh out loud banter, humour, wit and sarcasm
🎄Hot younger men who are VERY eager to please…
🎄Life and love after divorce / A second chance at love

⭑ Publication Date: 5th November 2026
⭑ Available In: Audiobook, eBook & Kindle+
⭑ Always remember to check content and trigger warnings before reading.


~ plot ~

When newly divorced, single Mum Kimberly finds herself facing Christmas alone, her best friend/wingwoman Tessa encourages her to fire up a dating app. Initially, nothing. But after lowering the age range quite a bit… is that Hardie!? Her children’s skateboard coach? Hot as hell but 10 years her junior? Uh-huh, nope, not happening. There’s absolutely no way she can go there… is there? A very Merry Christmas indeed 😏🌹


~ review ~

Well this was just bloody lovely! Merry Flipping Christmas is a perfect festive escape that will warm, melt and get your heart racing in unison! It gives you a wonderful blended family, a second chance at love, 2 best friends aka chief wingman and wingwoman, a ‘rose’, candyfloss and a situation with a slogan t-shirt that had me crying with laughter.
There are mentions of an affair/infidelity throughout the book but only very briefly. I don’t do well with that sort of stuff so I was a bit dubious but it was absolutely fine. It was brought up on 6 occasions (yes, I counted) but I’m literally talking single sentences. So yeah, please don’t let that stop you from reading because Kimberly and Hardie’s story is a beautiful example of finding a rainbow after a storm!

Holly June Smith’s wonderfully dry, sarcastic humour and banter is there from the jump and oh my, I didn’t realise how much I missed it! Similarly, her spice, I just love it.
There was a perfect mix of soft tender moments and delicious helpings of spice. I really enjoyed the Christmas market, interactions with family, friends and children and the honest vulnerable chats where Kimberly and Hardie opened up to each other.
And speaking of opening up to each other 😏 (I’m so sorry, I had to) I also loved the bedroom scenes. The playfulness and tenderness paired with heat, need, passion and overwhelming desire, chef’s kiss. Kimberly’s nervousness and Hardie’s reassurance/guidance was SO damn sweet. Did things move fast? Yes. Was I bothered? Not one tiny bit.

One thing that did confuse me a bit was one part of Hardie’s family/extended family but only because of the way it’s initially phrased. When he’s explaining it to Kimberly over the phone, he mentions Lisa’s Mum living next door so I took that as his Mum being with Lisa’s Mum. But then the next sentence reads as if it’s Jade’s Mum she’s with. It wasn’t until late on it was cleared up but up until that point I really wasn’t sure! Not a huge issue but I did re-read that first paragraph quite a few times to try and work it out 🥲.

I genuinely loved everything about all of the relationships and dynamics. There were so many wonderful examples of love. People embracing one another as family, friends becoming family, friends meeting friends, partners meeting family and partners meeting each other’s children - I found it all really authentic and heartwarming. Danny’s tiny interaction with Tessa got my cogs turning though and I’m now holding out hope for book 3 because I think they’d be bloody brilliant together🤞🏼👀


~ final thoughts ~

I made so many notes while reading so I’m going to finish by firing through some of them -
• Instant +0.5✨’s added for the mention of BBC’s Ghosts.
• THE VOICE NOTE!? I would actually crawl into a hole and hibernate forever but Tessa, my girl.
• Forget about Kimberly, this initial hallway chat has ME in a puddle on the floor.
• Could’ve done without the C word (I’m one of those people) but at least it was only once!
• This Christmas Eve party has me in my feels. The vibes are so warm, wholesome, lovely and positive. I also absolutely LOVE how Hardie has clearly told everyone, their neighbours and pets about Kimberly.
• Ok Danny and Tessa, I see you 👀
• Nooooo not the hidden Christmas present, owwwww I love them so much.
• Ok this MILF T-shirt situation has killed me off. There’s actual tears falling from my eyes.
• OH, the bonus artwork, 100/10. Give me more.

So erm yeah, book 3??

Thank you to the wonderful Holly June Smith for providing me with this ARC. This is my honest opinion and I’m sharing it voluntarily❣️

[Spicy Book Connoisseur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MILF’s unforgettable first Christmas without the kids 🎁🛹🎄

⭐ Rating: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 3.5/5

📚 Perfect for readers who love:
- Holiday romance
- Age gap (10-year older FMC)
- He falls first
- First time since her divorce
- Single parents

📖Overview📖
An accidentally sent voice message to her kids’ skateboard instructor, and his unforgettable response. 🤫

Will Kimberly’s first Christmas without her kids be memorable for more than one reason?

👩‍⚖️The Verdict👩‍⚖️
Every moment of ‘Merry Flipping Christmas’ was an absolute delight. Holly June Smith managed to tackle the delicate subject of ‘recently divorced parent’s first holiday without the kids’, with grace. We got to see a whole scale of emotions. The sad moments were beautifully balanced with the moments that had you laughing out loud.

Kimberly and Hardie were such lovable characters, and their chemistry was fantastic. Holly June Smith was able to create so much depth in both Kimberly and Hardie, considering this book is under 200 pages. The pacing felt perfect. I loved that Hardie followed his dreams and was able to make a career of it, and loved the progression of Kimberly getting to know herself again and experiencing real emotion.

Kimberly’s best friend was a HOOT. She absolutely stole some of the scenes, pushed Kimberly to step out of her comfort zone and her Christmas present? We all should have a friend like that.

While slightly unnecessary, Hardie’s complex family dynamic and their celebration of family and love was heartwarming.
‘Merry Flipping Christmas’ is the perfect holiday novella. I read it in one sitting and will absolutely be going back for more. It provides the perfect little holiday escape.

If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and listen to the audiobook of ‘Can I Tell You Something’. This is another one of Holly June Smith’s holiday novellas and cannot be missed - it will change your world.

This was read and reviewed as an Advanced Reader Copy.

Consumed via: Ebook
POV: Single - FMC
Series: Standalone

[Jen · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This was a super cozy holiday romance. If you're looking for a flawed MMC, or one with lots of character growth, this is not the book for you. Hardie is basically flawless, which meant the book had pretty low angst. But! That also means that this book is perfect for when you want a quick comfort read that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

What I liked:
-The couple is an older (38yo) FMC, who's divorced with kids, and a single, younger dad. It led to a different dynamic than we typically see in romance books, and it was so refreshing
-Even though there's an age difference, it isn't an issue past the very beginning of the book. Like Hardie says, they may not be the same age, but they're in the same stage in life
-Hardie's blended family was so sweet. You could tell they had a nurturing, supportive set up.
-How patient Hardie is with Kimberly; she's got some insecurities and he's reassuring, but firm. He openly communicates, is empathetic, and respects boundaries (even when they haven't been spoken out loud).
-They talk and laugh during sex! It was great reading about two characters who are just...normal. And who have good enough chemistry to be silly in the middle of really intimate moments.

Additional thoughts:
-I think I would've appreciated it if Hardie wasn't *quite* so perfect. He was wonderful and supportive, but since we didn't see much of their relationship beyond that initial getting together phase, we also didn't get to see him be a flawed human being. Even so, it really wasn't a big deal, and it was pretty great to read about someone who's just massively supportive and emotionally intelligent.
-This one is a me problem, but I would've loved it if the book was longer. Holly June Smith is excels at writing novellas, but for this one, I felt like I didn't see nearly as much of their story as I wanted to. All things considered though, that's a pretty decent problem to have.

[reading_with_chels · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

ARC Review
Merry Flippin’ Christmas by Holly June Smith
4.5⭐️

Hardie is such a positive green flag who knows how to respect and praise a woman, especially Kimmy, who is doubtful of her beauty due to her terrible ex husband’s lack of affection after having kids. Not only does Hardie show Kimmy how much he cherishes her through his words, but also in the bedroom by putting her pleasure first and making it known just what she does to him. But it’s not just physical to him, he listens to the things she says, pays attention to her likes and dislikes, and just cares for her overall as a person.
Kimmy is such an amazing mother to her twins and I love how much she genuinely cares about their happiness and wellbeing. The fact that her heart was breaking because her kids were away for Christmas shows just how much her family means to her and it was beautiful to see.
I loved the spice, the positivity regarding women’s bodies after kids, and the positivity around unconventional families because the focus was love and happiness. I’d definitely recommend reading this novella!

🛹 Single mom x Skateboard coach
🛹 Age gap (she’s older)
🛹 Festive fling
🛹 He falls first
🛹 Her first time since her divorce
🛹 He’s liked her for years
🛹 Dual POV

Microtropes:
🌶️ He loves to eat
🌶️ Mirror scene
🌶️ “Good girl”
🌶️ Fuzzy handcuffs
🌶️ He praises her
🌶️ Surprise Christmas gift

Thank you to Holly June Smith for this gifted eARC!

[NewariMaicha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Holly June Smith for the eARC!

If you love a golden retriever MMC, an age-gap romance, and plenty of holiday spice, this one is for you. Hardie and Kimberly were such a fun pairing, and I absolutely loved their dynamic. Hardie was the perfect mix of sweet, mature, masculine, and playful, and I really enjoyed getting to know him and learning more about his past.

Kimberly’s journey was just as enjoyable. Watching her slowly rebuild her confidence and learn to see herself differently after becoming a newly single mom was one of my favorite parts of the story. Hardie’s support felt genuine, and I loved how their relationship helped her work through the insecurities she had been carrying.

This was sweet, heartwarming, funny, sexy, and completely moreish. And the spice? 🔥 SO HOT. Holly June Smith has a way of making you care about her characters almost immediately, including the side characters, which made the story even more enjoyable.

My only minor issue was that Kimberly’s insecurities and missing her children during the holidays were repeated a little more than necessary. I understood where those feelings were coming from, but at times it became slightly frustrating.

Overall, this was such a fun and cozy Christmas romance with a lot of heart, chemistry, and heat. Definitely one to add to your holiday TBR!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly June Smith continues to prove that it is possible to write a well rounded, romantic, and spicy book that packs an emotional punch in under 200 pages. Merry Flipping Christmas was such a fun and unexpected story of knowing your worth and accepting the love and affection you deserve. Kim and Hardie are the most unexpected duo, but work so flawlessly together. Despite the 10 year age gap, the fact that they are both single parents really helps them connect on a level that neither of them have experienced. Kim was insecure from being wronged by her ex-husband, and Hardie tried his absolute hardest to remind her that she is just as desirable as anyone else, despite what she has taught herself to think. He’s a patient, comforting, and pathetic (affectionate) man who only wants her to be happy and it's the most delightful experience to see her open herself up for him…in more ways than one! And Kim’s journey to be more comfortable in her new skin and ask for what she wants is so special. She’s had this identity as “just a mom” for so long and watching her come back to herself is a delight. The dynamic of the two of them is flirty and gentle, but then hot as hell behind closed doors. This is a great novella to read during the holiday time, or even when you want something simple and fun that hits all of the romance nails on the head. HJS will never disappoint me!

[Danielle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I a mother? No. Am I divorced? Also no. Was I still able to identify with Kim? 100%.

While 'Merry Flipping Christmas' is at it's core a cute & cozy (AND spicy novella) that follows Kim on her post-divorce "dating" adventures, it's honestly also SO much more than that.

3 years ago I ended a long-term relationship. When I started dating, the dating pool and prospects were mostly DISASTROUS. While reading this novella, I found myself being able to not just empathize but SYMPATHIZE with Kim & her concerns - concerns about her body, about actually putting her own needs/wants first, about the complexity of developing feelings & wanting something that our fear tells us we shouldn't want.

The relationship between Kim & Hardie developed seemlessly but NOT simply - and the nuances were acknowledged and addressed throughout the development of the book despite its short length.

As someone who had the privilege of ARC reading 'Scary in Love,' I'm beyond grateful to have been entrusted with yet another one of Holly's works. This is one that will be sitting with me for a long time - one that made ME as a person feel seen and represented, even if my circumstances were completely different from Kim's.

10/10 - would read again and 100% recommend YOU reading it too!!

[Book_lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings about this one but liked it overall. I liked the dating after divorce and first Christmas alone premise and it was handled sensitively. I like how there’s an age gap but they openly talk about how being at the same stage of life is more important than the ages. I also enjoyed reading about his skatepark and why he started his business.

I didn’t like the overly complicated family set up for the MMC. His mum is in a relationship with the mum of his ex fling and mother of his child - so he’s essentially slept with and had a kid with his stepsister which I don’t buy as ‘adorable blended family’. Also the name ‘Vesper’ annoyed me the entire book.

I found the MMC felt more like her therapist than a sexy fling at times and found it too heavy on the angst and being miserable about her divorce for my taste in a Christmas book.

As always with Holly, the spicy parts are well written, body positive and consensual. In this book it’s all vanilla.

Both characters are likeable and I loved the best friend. The accidentally sending a filthy message scene was funny and I’d have loved more of this and more Christmas fun and less therapy speak and divorce processing.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, does Holly June Smith know how to write h*rny characters! I devoured this on a 3-hour car ride because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next! The main plot takes place over a week or so between Kimberly, a single mom who’s pretty fresh off a divorce, and Hardie, a single dad who is her kids’ skateboarding coach. When she turns up on a dating app, he runs to smash the like button on her profile because he’s been crushing on her for awhile. She’s not used to asking for what she wants, she knows him, and he’s 10 years younger — cue embarrassment.

Tessa is THE BEST wingwoman, encouraging Kimberly to go for it, even if she didn’t mean to send that voice note. 🫢 Hardie is the consummate gentleman, doing what she asked for, asking for consent, and leaving when the time was up (though I’d argue that last part of their first date wasn’t gentlemanly — let the reader decide!).

They are both spicy and too cute at the same time. Two single parents, wildly different family dynamics, and abundant chemistry give us a heartwarming and sexy story of second chances!

Thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book!

[Alicia · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Such a cute, quick and flirty read!

I loved this premise, because not only do I love a reverse age gap, but I love when the MC's have realistic lives and personalities. Our heroine is in her late 30s (love that), freshly divorced and trying to start her life over after a bad breakup and spending most of her adulthood as a mom. Her insecurities about not feeling sexy, being too old for the MMC, getting her life back but then feeling incredibly lonely when her kids aren't around for the first holiday season - such relatable feelings for women out there! I absolutely loved how our hero was the best unproblematic golden retriever for her.

While I wasn't super keen on the whole skateboard instructor profession, it still worked and it was a cute way to tie in the kids. He was totally boy-next-door dreamy too...I know they're supposed to be British, but I was definitely picturing Paul Baker (aka Jack Inannen) as the physical depiction of our MMC. Anyone else picture this?

The story moves fluidly and I breezed through it in about a day and a half, not wanting to put it down. I am always a huge fan of there being no third act breakups, stupid miscommunications or people self sabotaging the relationship when they panic, which this has none of. In true HJS fashion, once we get to the spice it is just the perfect amount of sweet & spicy (not as spicy as her previous books this time around) as well. Also, big shout out to the Heated Rivalry reference when she's surprised by him showing up at her place and she's accidentally paused her "hockey show" at a very intimate moment - LOL. You go girl.

Would definitely read again - perhaps someday in audiobook form!

[Karen Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kimberly's ex husband announces he is taking the kids on holiday to see Santa for Christmas, this is the cherry on top of the cake following their divorce due to his affair. How is she going to cope especially as her fun outgoing neighbour, Tessa is off on her travels for work. Lonely is how she is going to cope.

Before Tessa goes she persuades Kimberly to drop the age limit on her dating app to 28. Enter Noah the skateboard coach she has known while he teaches her kids. Smoking hot but also patient with her kids and kind to everyone, everything her ex wasn't.

When she types a reply, egged on by Tessa, she never meant to send it- but did! When his agreement comes through she freaks out but with Tessa's encouragement she thinks that Christmas might not be so bad after all.

What ensues is a wonderful tale of insecurity, joy, warmth, Fun, with a capital F and family. New talents and old ones reborn.

A wonderful, charming and spicy Christmas tale to warm anyone up. Loved it.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Awilda Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 Single mom + a younger skater board coach + a hookup app = holiday chaos 🔥
Kimberly's twins are off with their dad for Christmas, so her bestie pushes her to swipe on guys younger to her - Then she matches with Hardie, the twins' skateboard instructor. 😳 She's terrified. She's intrigued. And the sparks don't just fly, they melt her long-dormant libido.
Hardie falls hard. Kim's convinced he's not looking for anything serious. When the kids come back, will they go back to polite nods and small talk, or take a real shot at something more? 👀
💬 The dialogue is funny.
🌶️ The spice is damn near trying to burn the house down.
📍 Bonus: a little nod to Scary in Love, which I loved! Same town, so keep an eye out.
🎧 Audio fans, this one's a win! Ryan Murhs and Artemis Jones have such great chemistry in the narration, especially in the flirty and spicy scenes.

things to know
Duet narration, dual pov, single mom x skateboard coach, Holiday Romance, Small Town, age gap (she’s older), love after divorce, festive fling, novella, he falls first,

[Alexandria (Ink Stained Sorceress) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Holly June Smith for allowing me to be part of her Permanent ARC Team, because it meant that I was able to read this beautiful novella before it releases!

I absolutely LOVED this. It was sweet, heartwarming, spicy, and perfect for the upcoming magical Christmas season. She always has a way of getting you attached to the characters almost immediately, and that goes for her main characters and side characters too. Hardie and Kimberly were so fun together, and I loved how Hardie helped her with her self-acceptance and self-consciousness she was constantly at war with, especially as a pretty newly single mom who was dealing with a lot.

Their relationship was so fun to read about, and I loved how they both grew together. I also love a down bad man, and Hardie was for sure that for Kimberly. His yearning was top tier, and we love that in a green-flag MMC. Overall, this was a heartwarming, emotional, spicy, and cozy read, and I highly recommend it!

[Cheryl Huber · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars 🌟

Thank you to Holly June Smith for the ARC of this book!

This book was such a cute and spicy holiday read! Hardie is such a sweetie pie and it was so refreshing to read an age gap romance done a little differently. There’s a gap in their age but they’re in the same stage of life, and it was so nice to see this comfortability they had with each other that’s hard to feel with others had they been in a different situation. It’s also lovely reading a book where the character was in a relationship where they weren’t treated right or cherished for being the amazing person they are and then seeing how they bloom once they realize they are not to blame for how others have treated them. Kimberly went on a journey and although Hardie helped her reach this point where she was more comfortable in her skin and this new life journey she is embarking on.

Merry Flipping Christmas is out November 5th, make sure to add it to your holiday TBR 💕

[Kathleen Whyman · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

A spicy rom-com guaranteed to warm your heart – and other parts of your body!

I love Holly June Smith’s books and think this might be my favourite.

The characters are instantly likeable and real, and the story is a page-turner from the off.
Kimmy is a relatable, independent, single mum and Holly wrote her so well, I went through all her emotions with her. Both inside and outside the bedroom! And Hardie was a dream of a book boyfriend. I was rooting for them to get together.

You don’t have to be into skateboarding to want Kimmy and Hardie to have the best flipping Christmas ever!

The great thing about Holly’s books is that while they’re spicy, the spice is there to enhance a very good story, which is very well written. The story isn’t added in as an excuse to write spice. I’m always fully invested in the characters from the start, and care about what happens to them.

Already looking forward to the next one!