A Not So Merry Mixer

by Heather Garvin

When Kate gets to snowy Colorado, she’s on a Christmas mission. Get into town, order drinks from the most festive bars, and write reviews for her latest blog. But when her flight gets in late and the shuttle stops running for the night, she’s left without a ride.

Miller may bartend at a ski lodge, but that doesn’t mean he likes making Christmas drinks—or Christmas in general. And he certainly doesn’t like the idea of playing chauffeur for the bubbly blonde who just checked in.

With a little motivation, and a threat to send her thousands of subscribers to Miller’s bar for peppermint martinis, Kate convinces him to join her for a night on the town.

She’s a woman with a goal, and he’s a guy with a car. But after bar hopping together, spiked cocoa isn’t the only thing hot enough to melt the ice outside.

A Not So Marry Mixer is a spicy holiday novella with witty banter, festive feels, and a night you’ll never forget.

Genres: Christmas

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2026

Reviews

[ahmeeka · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I think there’s a problem with my copy because what do you mean it ends at page 110 !!!! I need more !!!!! full review to come xxx

[Monica (switching platforms) · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

This was a cute holiday novella that would be perfect to read during the Christmas season! I enjoyed how the plot unfolded, even though I had a little trouble getting into the story at first because the dialogue didn't really grab me. However, as the night went on, I started enjoying Kate and Miller's interactions more, especially as things began to heat up between them. The smut was okay, but I enjoyed the chemistry between the two characters and how they handled things the morning after. Considering everything happens over the course of just one night, I think the open ending worked well for the story!

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author for providing me with an ARC of this novella. All opinions are my own.

[Bella Colamarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re the magic Kate”

UM HELLO?? IM OBSESSED. I want more of them NOW?!?
Their banter is so good I was giggling with excitement while reading!
The atmosphere was amazing it put me right into the christmasy mood.
Everything about this was perfect 5/5 stars for this novella❄️🍸🥂

Tropes:
💜 Christmas novella
💜 grumpy sunshine
💜 dual pov
💜 bartender MMC
💜 food blogger FMC
💜 open door spice
💜 just one night

[Anca A · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

#Review: *A Not So Merry Mixer* - Heather Garvin - ARC [18+]
4.3/5✨
3/5🌶️

🔹Plot: Kate had one thing in mind when she arrived in Colorado: to visit the most festive bars, try their best drinks and write reviews about them for her blog. What she didn't expect was for her plans to be slightly derailed. Because she had no way of transportation, Kate hardly managed to convince the bartender from the ski lodge where she was staying to help her by being her driver. Miller decided to help Kate in her journey for one night, but he wasn't prepared for everything that she was going to stirr inside him. What will that whole experience mean for them when Kate's purpose will be fulfilled?

🔹Impressions: I was instantly captivated by how different Kate and Miller were. She was for sure way too sunshiny for grumpy bartender and too eager to discover the most incredible drinks, while she visited the bars she had on her list. The way that instant attraction has struck both of them was interesting to follow, wanting to know how things will evolve when it came to them and how much they were able to contain that growing sensation present inside them. I was curious to find out how everything will turn out for them, considering that Kate was only visiting that place. It was quite interesting the way the author decided to finalize this story, not really knowing what to think about it😅.

This was a suuuper quick and relaxing read, having a little over 100 pages. It was cute, spicy and entertaining, having a great time with Kate and Miller and their insanely chemistry.

So happy that I'm able to be part of Heather's content team and I'm grateful for the opportunity of reading this book in advance. Thank you so much, Heather!🤗

✨Tropes
▫️Christmas Novella
▫️Grumpy x Sunshine
▫️Just One Night
▫️Bartender MMC
▫️Food Blogger FMC
▫️Dual POV
▫️Open Door Spice

[Michelle Toro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, a huge thank you to Heather Garvin for the ARC.

I absolutely DEVOURED this novella! Absolutely can picture as a holiday movie in my mind while I was reading and just so freaking perfect!
🎄🎁👀🌶️❄️
As you prep for the holiday season, this is one you’ll absolutely need!

💜 Christmas novella
💜 grumpy sunshine
💜 dual pov
💜 bartender (male main character)
💜 food blogger (female main character)
💜 open door spice
💜 just one night

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Love_booksforlife Jen · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Florida girl Kate heads to snowy Colorado to taste some Christmas cocktails. What she didn't expect was her companion for the night, local bartender Miller.

This was such a fun short story! I love winter and holiday stories and this one was so well done! Kate and Miller are so adorable together. He's a grump and she's all about Christmas. Their banter was pitch perfect. This may be short, but it has a lot of heart and some amazing spice.

Thank you to Heather for the gifted copy!

[Beatriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and spicy novella! Honestly, it reminds me of eggnog. It's creamy and cozy, yet spicy and fiery.

My only problem with this story is that it's too short. I wanted a full-length novel with these two characters!

Kate has a bubbly personality, but there's something genuine and grounded about her. Miller is grumpy but also incredibly cool, which makes this a refreshing take on the grumpy x sunshine dynamic rather than your typical pairing.

A lot of people dislike insta-love, but what we get here is insta-attraction, and I think that deserves to be portrayed more often in books. It's something that happens quite often in real life, and I think Heather captures it in a way that feels believable. This is a one-night stand, and it reads like one, especially with all the flirting throughout the story. But it's also so much more than that. Heather manages to give these characters depth and make sure this isn't just another Christmas smut novella with nothing beyond the spice.

I really enjoyed the ending because it has a little touch of Christmas magic, the kind of Hallmark movie magic Kate seems to wish for and tries to spread, while still keeping things realistic and down-to-earth. I genuinely think there's so much more that could come from these characters if Heather ever decides to expand their story into a full-length novel.

And Miller? In my head, he was ridiculously sexy. As for the sex scenes... WOW.

Go do yourself a favor and go read this cute, short novella this winter. 🎄

Thank you in advance to Heather Garvin and her team for the chance to read this ARC ❤️

[Stefani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect spicy holiday Hallmark story wrapped up in a novella!

Honestly? I’m obsessed.

A Florida girl travels to Colorado to try out holiday themed bars and drinks for her popular blog. Enter the grumpy bartender. The two end up on the holiday bar crawl together and Kate is determined to get Miller in the holiday spirit.

Because it’s a novella, the night is fast paced and their attraction heats up fast, but not too quickly? We get a nice buildup of their relationship over the evening. There’s flirting, snow, ugly Christmas sweaters, jealous ex girlfriends, more snow, Christmas music, the Grinch, even more snow! I felt cold just reading this everytime they walked outside 😂.

This was such a delight to read. I love a little holiday novella and this really hit the spot. The second holiday book I’ve read by Heather Garvin and she does not disappoint. ❄️🎄

Thank you to the author for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Linna • linnareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet and spicy holiday novella! The story takes place over only one night and leaves things open ended for the couple. Of course I would have loved to read a bit more about Kate and Miller, but this is a novella and it did exactly what it set out to do. Provide a fun, quick read with a little holiday spirit. I liked that it gave holiday vibes without being too overly so. I am more like Miller in that I am a bit of a scrooge or grinch (take your pick of the name haha) when it comes to the holidays. The main characters had some cute banter and it was obvious there was chemistry between them even though we only see them together for less than 24 hours. Highly recommend if you're wanting something quick to read while cuddled up with a blanket and drinking some hot cocoa.

🤭 strangers to lovers
🛏️ one night stand
🎄 holiday
🌤️ grumpy (him) / sunshine (her)

dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2/5 spice level 🌶️

[Madison · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Is it a little early for Christmas romances? Yes. Did that stop me from gobbling this novella up? Not. At. All.

I swear, I will read EVERYTHING Heather writes- even out of season 😂

A Not So Merry Mixer follows Kate and Miller. Kate is from out of town, touring the area for Christmas drinks to share on her blog and abducts Miller, a Christmas hater, to be her chauffeur and drinking buddy.

I loved BOTH of these characters! They’re both so human and relatable, and their chemistry was believable even in the short amount of time they had together- just one night!!! The jealousy, the simply fun plot, the banter, and spice all made this a holiday must read! And it’s quick for those looking for a taste of Christmas, early!

The only thing I really needed was a little more of them at the end! Maybe a small bonus chapter of them face timing when she got back home or him coming to see her in Florida?? I just needed to see them after their magical night one more time!

[Paola · Rating 4 out of 5]

You wanna know what this book is like? Well, think of a Hallmark Movie but with a sexy twist where the FMC definitely knows how to flirt, knows what she wants, and isn’t afraid to ask for it. Add a tall, dark, broody, and super hot bartender in the mix, and you get A Not So Merry Mixer.
Miller and Kate have an immediate attraction, and their banter is off the roof! These two actually reminded me of Anna and Declan from Lip Year. And God knows how much I love that movie!
The out-of-towner who loves Christmas x the grumpiest local who only sees the holidays as consumerism at its finest is a dynamic that always manages to conquer me. Kate and Miller's story was no exception!
If you're looking for a short, super fun, entertaining, and steamy holiday novella, you found it!

[Halie Jade · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

This was such a fun & sexy little Christmas-y novella! There’s nothing like a sexy bartender who has GAME, and Miller was exactly that. I really enjoyed the “just one night” trope here and that one night delivered everything I could’ve ever wanted.

Heather always knows how to write characters that you immediately become attached to, and this was no different. In just 100ish pages, I became emotionally attached to Kate and Miller and I think we need more holiday novellas of them (Heather if you see this can we please get seasonal novellas for them I’m begging)

[Mallory Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wait a damn minute… WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS WAS A NOVELLA?! 😭😂

I absolutely loved Kate and Miller and was NOT ready to say goodbye to them so soon! The banter, the chemistry, the holiday vibes… GIVE ME MORE! ❤️🔥

Five stars, zero complaints, except that I needed about 200 more pages with these two. I could’ve stayed in their little world so much longer! 🥹🎄

Heather Garvin, respectfully, I need more Kate and Miller in my life! 🤷‍♀️📖

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Kate and I walk into the sea of wool and cashmere. I’ve never seen so many people wearing glittering pompoms, but here we are."

This was a very enjoyable holiday novella! Great for the upcoming season and a fun, easy read. I'm sad that I'm finished with it and I need more of Kate and Miller. Now I'm just going to sit here and wonder when this will be turned into a holiday movie! Highly suggest for anyone looking for a short and spicy holiday book!

[Alice Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect Christmas read. Even though it was short, the main characters were so easy to fall in love and connect with. I’d love to know what happens after. I’d love a follow up novella of their story after Christmas.

Seeing Miller slowly open up to Kate and vice versa was an amazing experience.

I read an early copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review 🩵

[Megan · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I read this in one day and I never do that anymore, not even with Novellas. Kate, a true Floridian, flies to a northern small town for work and convinces the grumpy bartender, Miller, at the lodge to help her navigate town during her one night stay. Ahh I loved Miller! He was the perfect amount of grumpy for my liking. This is my sign to go back and read Heather's other books I haven't yet got to.

[Marcia Arguelles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just perfect. Cute, spicy, full of holiday spirit. The perfect novella with the perfect ending. I love these endings, we’re just like, oh what could happen next? There are so many options and it’s really up to you!
Ugh and the characters?! Omg I love them, I now need a full length novel, please and thank you!

[Shruti Gupta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute. I just think i went in expecting a little different story.
By no means did i hate it or dislike it, it was pretty fun and so quick to read ofcourse. I just wasn't 100% into it.

[Sarah (Books_with_a_cuppa) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just wonderful.

I am a huge, huge fan of Heather’s books, she writes romances that give you all the feels and some brilliant characters - and this novella is no different.

I really enjoy novellas (and especially festive ones) which centre around a day, or an event - something short in time, but pack a punch for the characters connection. And this is exactly what we get here. It was so addictive - the chemistry between Kate and Miller develops as we move through their evening together and as they get to know things about each other.

Getting both of their POVs really adds to that first date, why am I so drawn to you, inner dialogue. I was giddy reading so much of this.

If you’re in the market for a fun, addictive Christmas novella, with a bit of spice, then this is for you.
Giving a 5* for a novella is such a big thing - but honestly, this deserves every single one.

[Misty • booksplusplants · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy x Sunshine will always be a fave trope and this one was so good.
This was super fun and slightly different than most holiday novellas.

Holiday novella
Grumpy x Sunshine
Just one night
Spicy mirror scene

[LizzoC · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Such a quick, fun and a little bit spicy read! I definitely could have seen this story be turned into a full novel, but it worked as a novella as well!

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

If you want a quick shot of Hallmark-esque feelings but aren't near a TV, read this novella.

Kate stumbles her way into a resort where Miller is tending bar. Their eyes meet, attraction and intrest ensues.

It's like a movie reel in your head, with all the expected Christmas things a cute couple would say and do, with a bit of sizzle thrown in. I enjoyed this brief encounter storyline, and this couple's banter.

I thank the author for my ARC and happily leave my thoughts.

[Tanja · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I need more Kate and Miller please😂 I loved this little hoilday novella! It was a fun read!! And the photo booth scene!?🔥 Omg🫠

[Jason Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for this opportunity!

A chance encounter between a bubbly blogger and a grumpy bartender leads to an unforgettable night of drinks, playful banter, and simmering mutual attraction in this new novella by Heather Garvin. Before reading this, I had not yet read a book with a Grumpy/Sunshine dynamic despite my interest in the trope. I believe it's safe to say that I've found a new favorite romance trope. Not only that, but I'm stoked to say that this was one of my favorite stories I read this year.

In this novella, Kate is a blogger who is currently looking to test out different holiday drinks and then post about them on her blog. Miller is a bartender who works at the place Kate is lodging at for the night. After being rebuffed by Miller, who hates Christmas and refuses to make her any Christmas-themed drinks, Kate convinces him to accompany her to three different bars to try out their drinks. As the night progresses, the two get to know each other, and their attraction grows more and more undeniable.

Easily, the best part of the novella is the two main characters. They fit the Grumpy/Sunshine trope so well, though the author gives them both their own unique twists. Kate has some snark in her that I found hilarious, and Miller has a soft side to him that was sweet to see develop. The banter between them had me giggling multiple times and kept me completely engaged with the story. I just had to know what they were going to get into next. The writing was also excellent overall, with fun dialogue and believable pacing. I was worried at first that the length would make it hard for me to buy into Kate and Miller's relationship, but the author was able to craft a story where their relationship arc made complete sense. I'd love to see a continuation of their story if the author decided to visit them again. Finally, the intimate scenes were well-written and fun to read. We love a male character who understands consent and treats their partner with respect!

Overall, this was a wonderful story that, coincidentally, put me right into the holiday spirit. I have read some of Heather Garvin's work before, and this short-and-sweet novella reminded me how much I love her writing. I didn't want it to end, but I was so happy with where it left off for the characters. I hope that we will see more of Kate and Miller again someday! If you're looking for a quick story with great characters, steamy chemistry, and fun banter, this is the story for you. A quick read with the right amount of sugar, spice, and holiday cheer, "A Not So Merry Mixer" is the perfect treat to help ring in the Christmas season. 5/5

[Sheri Jelinek · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free, and this is my honest review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5 Stars | Festive, Flirty, and Full of Holiday Cheer

A Not So Merry Mixer by Heather Garvin is a quick, spicy holiday read that delivers festive fun, witty banter, and just the right amount of Christmas magic.

Kate arrives in snowy Colorado determined to complete her holiday-themed blog project by reviewing the most festive bars in town. Things immediately go off track when travel delays leave her stranded without a ride. Enter Miller, the grumpy bartender who would rather avoid Christmas altogether. What starts as a reluctant favor quickly turns into an unforgettable night of bar hopping, holiday drinks, and undeniable chemistry.

The dynamic between Kate and Miller was easily my favorite part of the story. Kate's bubbly personality perfectly balanced Miller's grumpy exterior, creating plenty of entertaining banter and laugh-out-loud moments. Their chemistry was instant, believable, and incredibly fun to watch develop over the course of one snowy night.

I also loved the festive atmosphere. From cozy ski lodge vibes to holiday cocktails and snowy Colorado scenery, the setting felt like the perfect backdrop for a Christmas romance. Despite being a novella, the story never felt rushed, and the connection between the characters developed naturally enough to have me fully invested.

The only reason this wasn't a full five stars for me is that I wanted more time with Kate and Miller. Their story was so enjoyable that I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye when it ended.

If you're looking for a short, spicy holiday romance with grumpy-sunshine energy, great banter, festive vibes, and plenty of steam, A Not So Merry Mixer is the perfect seasonal escape.

[adeela_books ❁ཻུ۪۪ · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A cutesy and fun seasonal romance novella. This is for fans of Hallmark movies (which is proven by the multiple references/the fmc wishing for one.)

I like Hallmark movies so this one appealed to me also I will read anything indie author, Heather Garvin writes and this was no exception.

I enjoyed watching Miller and Kate fall into LIKE with each other as they bar hopped and tried xmas themed drinks with a sizzling attraction growing between them. It was set within one evening but Heather managed to make their connection feel longer than that. She executed the grumpy x sunshine trope with Miller x Kate really well!

Her prose is so easy flowing and enjoyable to dissolve into that you don’t even realize how fast you're flying through the pages. This clocks in at 118 pages so it's the perfect light and short Christmas read to put onto your tbr.

I will say I felt like something was missing but overall, was still a cute Christmas rom-com that I'd love to see being made into an actual Hallmark movie. Additionally hoping we get to read more of these characters soon and -
*SPOILER ALERT*

‼️



‼️



‼️


see them get a confirmed HEA instead of that open ending vibed one🙈

Release date: 27 Oct 2026

• Thank you Heather Garvin for the e-arc •

[serysbookspace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Heather Garvin for the gifted eARC of this title! 🎄💜💚

I was so excited to be selected for the ARC team for A Not So Merry Mixer because Heather Garvin’s Christmas books tickle my brain just right and I just enjoy her writing so much!!! When the Fake Snow Falls is still a festive read that I recommend every year also so I knew that I wanted to experience this spicy holiday novella from her as soon as possible! 🤭

I was absolutely kicking my feet from the very first time we seen these two on-page! Kate being a food blogger was such a fun occupation and learning she’s on the hunt for the best Christmas drinks in town? So fun!! Enter Miller, the grumpy bartender who just so happens to get talked into providing the transport for Kate’s merry mission!

This may have been a short novella, but we still got such a great reading experience with plenty of fun, banter, drama, snow and HEAT! 🔥 I loved this read so much and can guarantee you’ll enjoy adding this one to your shelves! Picture a Hallmark movie with plenty of extra heat. 👀🔥 such a wonderful story with characters that will warm your heart! ♥️

[Merriann Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advance Copy Received from the Author.


The perfect, cozy holiday escape!

I absolutely loved this short and sweet festive novella. Taking place over the course of just one night, the story flows beautifully and instantly put me in the holiday spirit. The grumpy-meets-sunshine dynamic between Miller, a grumpy Colorado bartender, and Kate, a Christmas-loving food blogger from Florida visiting for a single night of holiday bar hopping, is pure perfection. Their chemistry is fantastic, and the quick-witted banter between them kept me completely hooked.

The author does a wonderful job with the dual POV, delivering a nice, natural build-up to their relationship alongside great festive atmospheric touches like snow, ugly Christmas sweaters, holiday music, and even a little bit of drama from a jealous ex-girlfriend. The open-door spice is excellent and adds the perfect amount of heat without overshadowing the wonderful plot.

It is a cute, immersive holiday read that I highly recommend adding to your winter TBR!

[Tiffany W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to one of my favorite places ever, the Alarie Estate! And just like the Alarie brothers, I never want to leave.

I loved Alex and Charlotte’s story so much, especially because it captures love at first sight in a completely different way. They literally couldn’t even see each other’s faces! And I still can’t believe Alex sat on that bathroom floor lol

I was so proud of Charlotte for having the courage to take control of her future by fighting for her freedom and doing her best to find the life she had always wanted. Alex’s story has been one of my most anticipated, and I loved seeing how someone who has always been so calm and precise could have his world turned upside down. Clara may have done it first, but Charlotte did it in the best way possible!

I also loved how patient and reassuring Alex was with Charlotte. Some of my favorite moments were when they were practically reading each other’s minds but had to fight the urge to jump in because they knew the other person needed to work things out on their own. I loved seeing that level of understanding and trust between them considering what they both had been through.

I really appreciated that the author didn’t drag out the conflict because I don’t think either my heart or Alex’s could have handled that scene going on any longer.

Overall, I absolutely loved this story! I loved seeing the girls welcome Charlotte into their circle, and of course, I was happy to get all the pop-ins from the other Alarie brothers (especially Mauro). And now, I cant wait for Vin’s book!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Not So Merry Mixer by Heather Garvin sounds like a fun addition to your Christmas reading list! Kate is a cheerful blogger on a mission to explore festive bars and Christmas cocktails in snowy Colorado. When travel plans go wrong, she ends up spending time with Miller, a grumpy ski lodge bartender who is definitely not feeling the holiday spirit. What follows is an unexpected night filled with cocktails, witty banter, and the potential for some serious sparks! I love the grumpy sunshine dynamic and the contrast between Kate’s bubbly personality and Miller’s grumpy attitude. Add snowy scenery, festive drinks, and steamy romantic tension, and you have the makings of a perfect holiday novella. Overall, A Not So Merry Mixer is a quick, flirty, spicy read for anyone who enjoys opposites attracting and Christmas romance with a little extra heat.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel