Merry Christ-Mess

Harmony Hollow Mister #5

by Dee Ellis

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love came to be my best friend

Mila Masters has her life figured out. Writing splashy stories by day while she writes dirty ditties at night, she knows better to want for more. Unless it’s the love and adoration it seems everyone else is finding. Sweet, forever after love is for romance books, not real life.

Or maybe she has had the best book boyfriend right in front of her.

Micah Townes busted his ass to get his life right. A troubled youth means he takes nothing for granted. Especially the most important person in his life, Mila. Even if he wants more from her, he knows not to ask at the risk of losing her.

A double date raises the stakes of their friendship- which maybe is not just a friendship after all.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Friends To Lovers

93 pages, ebook

Published December 4, 2021

About the author

Born and raised in the Midwest, reading and writing have always been Dee's passion. Short stories became long stories that finally, became books. While playing grownup during the day, meaning working a job, Dee wrote her first book. When not reading or writing, which leaves less time than she's proud of, Dee loves spending her time with her four furbabies, her husband and lots of movies nights.

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Reviews

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU / UNIVERSAL

Mila and Micah have been best friends for years. She knows she can never mess with their friendship because he's so important to her, the only one to ever put her first. But she also knows he probably will not be in her future, because he's bound to find someone to love, and she can't remain in his life and watch as he falls in love with someone other than herself. But what if she and Micah can be best friends AND lovers too? Will she let Micah show her how he really feels, or will she run away from what they can have?



This is an angsty, hot friends to lovers holiday story. I loved Micah and how determined he was to show his best friend how much he loved her. Unfortunately, Mila got on my last nerve with her over the top drama queen act, and her refusal to accept Micah's feelings. She was the only bad part of this story, but she definitely lessened my enjoyment of what otherwise would have been a 4 star read.



ARC provided by Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

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[Kanani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect in so many ways. It was romantic, beautiful, messy, heartbreaking, silly, sweet, sexy and funny. I need to find a "Micah" too. Dee Ellis painted a sexy, sweet picture with Micah and Mila's story. Micah was every girls' dream. He was patient, protective, thoughtful, kind, caring, understanding and, most of all, loving. They were so perfect together. Their relationship is what every relationship should be like. Their explosive chemistry sizzled and sparked right off the pages! This is, by far, my favorite Christmas story this season!

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Micah and Mila are best friends but neither really acknowledged there really was something more there. In some ways, they have acted like a couple for years and have not had relationship with anyone else. I think they both have loved each other but were scared that it would ruin their friendship.

Micah was always there for Mila during her ups and downs, not sure she deserved his devotion, enjoyed the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this Author and I really enjoyed it. I liked the storyline and the strong chemistry between Mila and Micah, friends since college but never took the first step. She wrote their relationship really well and made the story flow seamlessly. I strongly suggest this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mila and Micah’s story is a sweet friends to lovers romance that will have you cheering them on continuously. I understand where Mila is coming from with the holiday season and the lack of excitement for it. Witnessing everything Micah does to support her shows just how much heart and passion he puts into those close to him. A story that holds the readers attention and the dual POV is great because you get to connect with both the characters on a deeper level. We’re provided enough details to bring the story to life without over doing it. A wonderful holiday read that can easily be enjoyed year round.

[Laurie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 37% (beginning of Chapter 5).

I'm sure there are plenty of readers who will connect with and enjoy this story, but I wasn't one of them. The relatively lighthearted blurb led me to believe that it would be something akin to a rom-com, but instead, it was super angsty, and for no apparent reason. There was absolutely nothing keeping main characters Mila and Micah apart besides their own stubbornness. In fact, I would argue that they were already in a relationship based on their behavior towards each other. They lived together and actively prevented each other from bringing dates home (and sometimes from going on the date in the first place), they were very handsy, and their nickname for each other was "Sweet Face." IMO, those are not the actions of an average pair of friends!

However, what really tipped me over the edge and forced me to DNF this novella was their "double date" and its aftermath. I hated that Mila and Micah were playing games with each other from the beginning, but once they started dragging other people into those games, it just made them seem cruel. To me, it seemed as if they were trying to hurt each other, not as if they loved each other. When they got back to their cabin after the date and Micah decided that he was going to seduce Mila, he kept going on about how he was going to "wreck" and/or "ruin" their friendship that night, which was incredibly irritating. Judging by his behavior, you'd think they were about to do something illegal! Further, I fundamentally disagree with the idea that romantic partners can't also be friends.

Bottom line, this story just wasn't my cup of tea. Readers who enjoy lots of angst and steam may have better luck with it, however.

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mila and Micah . . .

Mila Masters and Micah Townes are best friends who would both like to be more than friends if they had the courage to speak up. Mila convinces herself that forever love is only found in books. And she is afraid to let her feelings be known because she doesn’t want to lose her best friend so she won’t take the risk of telling him there could be more between them. Micah is a terrific guy and awesome boyfriend material. But he is also afraid of risking their friendship, so he also remains silent. Will one of them find the courage to be honest and trust that maybe the other person has feelings for them too?

This is precisely the reason that communication is so vital to any relationship. Trying to protect a friendship as you become ready for the next phase doesn’t mean you give up all that you have shared together over the years. Friendship actually can strengthen a loving relationship because it builds a strong foundation. Grab your copy and see if Micah and Mila find a way to let the other know they are ready to move forward together. Will they find a HEA waiting for them?

[Deb Schwartz]

I jumped at the chance to read this series, because well there are some of my favorite Authors in it as well as a few new ones that I can promise I will be reading more of. Well thought and put together. Thank you for allowing me to review these wonderful books.

Oh my what a sexy little Christmas tryst Merry Christ-Mess is. *grins*

Mila maybe the most interesting heroine I have read about, as I don’t see her as spoiled. Not one bit. She is a woman who loves deeply, who is also afraid of losing a good thing.

Micah is the kind of hero that makes you say,"Yes. Please.” His huge heart, his story just has me drawn to him. Micah has always been apart of Mila’s family, is he ready to chance it all?

Merry Christ-Mess is one of my favorite tropes best friends to lovers. Dee Ellis gives us that and so much more. The descriptions of the destinations are amazing, so much so I want to be there. *grins*

Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb! Read More. . . https://www.romanceswithalittlekick.c...

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-stars for Merry ChristMess by Dee Ellis

This is a quick, cute, really steamy best friend's to lovers novella length read. Micah and Mila's chemistry and connection can be felt thru the pages but what happens if the flip from best friend's to lovers isn't for one of them? Can they go back to being best friends or will they lose their long term friendship? I thought Micah was attentive and sweet to Mila, total book boyfriend material. On the other hand, I wasn't a fan of Mila's character, thought she was too self-centered and didn't support Micah the same way he supported her. But, if your looking for an hour long steamy Christmas read, definitely recommend Merry ChristMess!
Even though I did receive an advanced review copy of this book, I also purchased the book / read it with Kindle Unlimited and am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited opinion with my voluntary review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila and Micah have been friends since college. They both have feelings for the other but have yet to do anything about it. Now its Mila's birthday and they are going away with her family Micah knows it's time to let her know how he feels. Just as he is starting to feel like he can confess all to her she starts encouraging him to be with another woman. However, when he sees her with another man it doesn't take him long to claim her. Mila starts worrying about messing things up between them which leads them to fighting. Will Micah be able to convince her to take a chance on them?

This is a great story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dee Ellis joins the wonderful 12 Days of Kissmas multi-author series with the delightfully delicious best friends-to-lovers steamy romance, Merry Christ-Mess. Micah and Mila have been best friends since freshman year of college, and now years later, he is her editor at her family's media company. But when her family and Micah head to the mountains to celebrate her early birthday right before Christmas, a double date convinces them both that the possibilities of something more are worth the risk to their friendship. Micah is a swoon-worthy hero and Mila a strong, sassy heroine, and theirs is the perfect short romance to heat you up on a cold winter's night.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a part of the 12 Days of Kissmas series and focuses on Micah and Mila. They have been best friends for years and have been in love with each other for years but weren't ready to risk losing each other. They were always each others number one supporter throughout all of their life changes. When Micha finally decides that he is ready to make her his once and for all, he goes all out. They have some bumps in the road but I love how fiercely Micah fought for Mila and their relationship and how great he was for Mila. He was the ultimate book boyfriend. Great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a Holiday Book!

Man this book was hard to get through but in the best way possible because I didn't want their book to end. Their situation is something I think everyone can really relate to. Who doesn't at one point have a crush or slightly fall in love with their best friend? I know I did.

Micah and Milas relationship and growth was slow. But that makes it even better doesn't it? It wasn't an instalove. It grew over the years. They got to see the good, the bad, the ugly. And they still love each other. The were what each other needed when they needed it. This was a very exceptional book. And I loved it. 😍

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Micah and Mila have been friends for a long time. They have not taken it further for fear of losing their friendship. This Christmas though, they are going to celebrate the holiday and birthday together as more than they have been. Two people take a leap and express their true feelings. Mila and Micah have always had a future together but it has taken this long to get it together. Sweet friends to lovers romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately horrible

I try to find something to like about every book I read but this was just too painful to finish. The formatting is horrible and distracting. The FMC is whiny and unlikable and the MMC is a weak lap dog. I started getting fed up with them at 30% but soldiered on until at about 60% I just couldn't handle it anymore. There are too many good books out there to waste my time with uninspired dreck. There is nothing about this story or these characters that make me want to know more about the or spend any more time in their world.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great friends to lovers story. Mila and Micah are perfect for each other. All Micah wants to do is support and encourage his friend to do what she really wants to do in life. Mila has had at times a difficult childhood. She loves her brother and cousins and doesn't want to disappoint them. Lately the two have been seeing each other as just friends, though they haven't let the other know. Mila is scared to let Micah know she is falling for him for fear of him not feeling the same. Micah is ready to express his feeling to Mila. He will do anything to win her love. This is a wonderful and entertaining story. I love the HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry Christ-mess is a novella that will get you in the holiday spirit.

Mila and Micah have been “best friends” for many years and are a great support system for one another. They are fiercely protective and have guarded their feelings for one another very closely.

These two are so funny, angsty, swoony and hot! This is a birthday trip/Christmas that Mila will never forget and Micah will make sure of it!

I requested an arc and I am leaving my honest review.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Micah and Mila have been best friends since college. They are both in love with the other but too scared to change their relationship and lose each other! I was willing them together throughout the book. A beautiful love story with lots of laughs and heat!! They really were true soulmates and the HEA was wonderful

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the best friends to lovers trope romance. When years of friends isn’t enough Micah is willing to push the boundaries to have Mila commit to the ultimate step. Fun characters that have always been there for one another, but taking that giant leap will change everything, can Mila give up her close tight bubble. Great ending, as much has changed, but so much has stayed the same only grown more deeper together.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Mila and Micah's story. They're best friends, and in love with each other. But they're both afraid to cross the line and ruin their friendship. It's time for them to move forward and take that chance. She's a bit of a drama queen, but he's low-key and thinks that she's perfect. This is not my favorite book from the author, but it was a nice quick read. And I love their happy ending! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to hit both Micah and Mila multiple times throughout the story with their back and forth and unable to admit their feelings to each other. When they suggest the double date, with them being with other people, I almost through my Kindle. But the author knows what she is doing because I still couldn't stop reading. Loved their friendship and once they finally give in to their feelings, it's explosive.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love came to be my best friend.

Best friends in love with each other but neither wants to ruin the friendship. I know that feeling all too well as that was me with my husband. This is a well written romance, easy to get lost in and enjoyable. A perfect read for a weekend curled up by the fireplace with a good book and your favorite winter beverage.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mila and Micah are best friends who have both been crushing on the other for years but they were both afraid to lose their friendship if they told the other. This is a sweet and steamy friends to lovers romance between two people who finally get their happily ever after. Merry Christ-Mess is a great addition to the 12 Days of Christmas series and I look forward to reading the rest of the books. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mila and Micah were friends for like forever..... Just as long was their crush on each other. Both were too scared and hesitant to act on it. Now their chemistry has risen to an all time high😉 A sweet and fun friends to lovers story , but sometimes I just wanted to smack them both upside the head.... They kind of frustrated me quite a time 😂 All in all a romantic and sweet story with a hard earned HEA🥰🥰🥰

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four calling birds

Merry Christ-Mess by Dee Ellis is the fourth book in the 12 Days of Kissmas series. This series is loosely based around the Twelve Days of Christmas song....so on the fourth day it is "my true love gave to me four calling birds..." This story all about calling on the right bird with a whole lot of love, changing from friendship to romantic and then to some steamy hawt sensual loving. This was an easy read of a nicely written story that was enjoyable.

[Allyson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not good

I didn't like this little story. I thought the idea was good but I don't think the airport pulled it off. It came off annoying. She was a spoiled rich girl and he was a lost puppy following her around. Also, another book where the male character calls the female "baby" every other sentence. And did he really propose by including how much he makes her cum?!? Barf! Finally, the editor did a horrible job because there were so many mistakes it was hard to read at times.

[EmsBooks0312 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Micah is a simp. He is all about making sure Mila is happy and spoils her to no end. Mila and Micah have been friends for years, but both want more from their friendship but are unwilling to take the risk. Micah finally decides enough is enough and makes the first move. This story is steamy, with a simple plot. I loved Micah's dirty-talk and how he worships Mila. It was a perfect, spicy Christmas romance.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila and Micah have been best friends for years, but is that all they are? Something in their relationship is changing and the emotions that come with that change leaps off the pages. A nice Christmas romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute friends to lovers

This was a cute friends to lovers story based. Years of pent up feelings come to a head and it was steamy! Best friends to lovers is a hard one to pull off with all of the emotions and background involved. I love when it is pulled off and the author does it great Justice. Job well done!

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take two best friends fighting their feelings for each other, one birthday, one Christmas, add in some angst and some spice and you have a good story. I did think Mila needed to be slapped several times, but I got over it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.