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Hot for the Holidays
Merry
Freshly suspended and avoiding paparazzi like the plague, Gray Smith is back in Little Haven.
He’s staying at my inn. Lounging in my lobby. Walking under—Lord help me—my mistletoe.
I wrote off my brother’s best friend long before he left town to be a bigshot NBA coach. I’ve always been practical, a trait which has served me well since I inherited my grandmother’s failing hotel. I’ve got a plan to raise the funds it needs, and choking on my cocoa when I spy Gray Smith walking downstairs in the morning is not on the agenda.
But then my plan hits a snowy hiccup. And coming back to Little Haven must have brought out the small-town hero in Gray, because he can’t help but step in to fix things.
Now this six-foot-five sweater-wrapped Adonis is fixing barn beams and decorating trees. I’d call it a Christmas miracle if it wasn’t so darn distracting.
I can’t afford to think about anything other than saving my inn. Gray can’t afford to think about anything other than quietly repairing his reputation.
Baby, it’s cold outside… but getting way too hot in here.
He’s staying at my inn. Lounging in my lobby. Walking under—Lord help me—my mistletoe.
I wrote off my brother’s best friend long before he left town to be a bigshot NBA coach. I’ve always been practical, a trait which has served me well since I inherited my grandmother’s failing hotel. I’ve got a plan to raise the funds it needs, and choking on my cocoa when I spy Gray Smith walking downstairs in the morning is not on the agenda.
But then my plan hits a snowy hiccup. And coming back to Little Haven must have brought out the small-town hero in Gray, because he can’t help but step in to fix things.
Now this six-foot-five sweater-wrapped Adonis is fixing barn beams and decorating trees. I’d call it a Christmas miracle if it wasn’t so darn distracting.
I can’t afford to think about anything other than saving my inn. Gray can’t afford to think about anything other than quietly repairing his reputation.
Baby, it’s cold outside… but getting way too hot in here.
181 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2022
12 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Ava Munroe
18 books95 followersAva Munroe is a former television critic who is currently living in Arizona, but pining away for her dreamy childhood in small town Georgia. When she's not forcing her husband and twin toddlers to travel back to the East coast with her, you can find her chugging Coca-Cola, spoiling her German Shepherd, or binge-watching Yellowjackets (seriously, you have to start watching that show if you're not already). Her sexy small town romances pack in the humor and heart, while also providing a mental escape to Ava's favorite place on earth: the deep south.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 2, 2022
4.4 Stars (standard rounding rules apply)
Ava Munroe has done it again with a great small-town romance, with some holiday magic involved. Gray had a crush on Molly, his best friend's sister; and without knowing it Molly returned the same sentiments back in high school. When Gray gets suspended from his Big City coaching job and heads home for the holidays, he doesn't expect those feelings to come back up. Molly knew seeing Gray again would bring back all the feelings she tried to push aside - but not with two weeks of Gray being under the same roof as her, in her little inn will those sparks ignite and create something more?
This book is just like Ava's dedication - it's for all those who love Hallmark Movies and think - “This is great!... I just wish it had di**.” It has heartwarming qualities, and lots of family - found and biological. There is that small town appeal, with one person who seems to have lost their way, but finds the right path again, while helping those they care about (or begin too). This is such a cozy read for the holiday season!
When it comes to spice, there is some d***. Personally, I give it a two-point-five chili-peppers on a five chili-pepper scale (please, remember there is no true universal scale for spice and this is personal opinion; for you it may be more or less.) There was enough that you know it was Hallmark after dark but it wasn't too much that it took that feeling away; and I do appreciate that in my Holiday reads.
If you like Hallmark Movies, maybe even thought of staying in Lorelei Gilmore's Dragonfly Inn, and love a little added spice - this is a definite read for you.
I was graciously provided an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
Ava Munroe has done it again with a great small-town romance, with some holiday magic involved. Gray had a crush on Molly, his best friend's sister; and without knowing it Molly returned the same sentiments back in high school. When Gray gets suspended from his Big City coaching job and heads home for the holidays, he doesn't expect those feelings to come back up. Molly knew seeing Gray again would bring back all the feelings she tried to push aside - but not with two weeks of Gray being under the same roof as her, in her little inn will those sparks ignite and create something more?
This book is just like Ava's dedication - it's for all those who love Hallmark Movies and think - “This is great!... I just wish it had di**.” It has heartwarming qualities, and lots of family - found and biological. There is that small town appeal, with one person who seems to have lost their way, but finds the right path again, while helping those they care about (or begin too). This is such a cozy read for the holiday season!
When it comes to spice, there is some d***. Personally, I give it a two-point-five chili-peppers on a five chili-pepper scale (please, remember there is no true universal scale for spice and this is personal opinion; for you it may be more or less.) There was enough that you know it was Hallmark after dark but it wasn't too much that it took that feeling away; and I do appreciate that in my Holiday reads.
If you like Hallmark Movies, maybe even thought of staying in Lorelei Gilmore's Dragonfly Inn, and love a little added spice - this is a definite read for you.
I was graciously provided an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 12, 2022
This is a perfect small town steamy holiday romance! Gray is Molly’s brother’s best friend. They both have had a crush on each other since high school but it never went any further.
Gray moved out of their small town as soon as he could and pursued a career as a coach in the NBA. After getting suspended from his job he finds his way back to his childhood hometown… and back to Molly who now runs a cozy little Inn. Gray can’t help but help Molly revive the Inn and in doing so can’t seem to stay away.
His stay is only temporary. So will their romance heat up and their love be rekindled? Or will it all turn to ashes?
This was a cute small town romance that was STEAMY! I think Ava Munroe’s dedication says it all: “For all my fellow perverts who have ever watched a Hallmark movie and thought, “This is great!... I just wish it had di**.”
Gray moved out of their small town as soon as he could and pursued a career as a coach in the NBA. After getting suspended from his job he finds his way back to his childhood hometown… and back to Molly who now runs a cozy little Inn. Gray can’t help but help Molly revive the Inn and in doing so can’t seem to stay away.
His stay is only temporary. So will their romance heat up and their love be rekindled? Or will it all turn to ashes?
This was a cute small town romance that was STEAMY! I think Ava Munroe’s dedication says it all: “For all my fellow perverts who have ever watched a Hallmark movie and thought, “This is great!... I just wish it had di**.”
November 6, 2022
This book had a perfect amount of different elements- family, love, romance, and obviously spicyyyy. I actually liked the outline of the book, it was cute, and set in Christmas time. You also got to love the "brother's best friend" kind of cliché, which made it even better.
Also, I loved how this whole book wasn't spicy. It did talk a lot about family and had some elements regarding life, and learning about morals. Yet the spicy parts were well-written.
Ava Munroe has written a well-balanced book that I think will be a perfect quick read if you like romance, spicy books, and a little regarding morals.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Also, I loved how this whole book wasn't spicy. It did talk a lot about family and had some elements regarding life, and learning about morals. Yet the spicy parts were well-written.
Ava Munroe has written a well-balanced book that I think will be a perfect quick read if you like romance, spicy books, and a little regarding morals.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
Grey is forced to return to Little Haven due to being suspended from his job as a New York, professional NBA coach. He returns to avoid negative attention, having enjoyed thrvtrappingsbof his career.
Molly hadca crush on her brother's best friend in high school and now, manybyears later, her feelings are still strong. Her diary reveals a lot and their relationship begins. She loves her home town and Grey hates the dull town.
His return to work suddenly causes him to question his thoughts and feelings..is the high life really as good as he thinks? Others think not, but could he give up fame and fortune.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Molly hadca crush on her brother's best friend in high school and now, manybyears later, her feelings are still strong. Her diary reveals a lot and their relationship begins. She loves her home town and Grey hates the dull town.
His return to work suddenly causes him to question his thoughts and feelings..is the high life really as good as he thinks? Others think not, but could he give up fame and fortune.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
In true Ava style this is a cute, small town romance.
Added bonus of being slightly taboo with brother's best friend.
If you enjoyed the Gilmore Girls and loved the idea of staying at The Dragonfly, you'll be smitten with the surroundings of Little Haven Inn.
If you're in to sports romance you get a little of that too as the MMC is a NBA coach.
Personally I'd like to get the know Hunter, the FMC's brother... he seems like he'd make for an entertaining MMC!
I tend to pop my books into Kindle collections and this will definitely be joining my 'Christmas' folder as a heart-warming seasonal read.
Added bonus of being slightly taboo with brother's best friend.
If you enjoyed the Gilmore Girls and loved the idea of staying at The Dragonfly, you'll be smitten with the surroundings of Little Haven Inn.
If you're in to sports romance you get a little of that too as the MMC is a NBA coach.
Personally I'd like to get the know Hunter, the FMC's brother... he seems like he'd make for an entertaining MMC!
I tend to pop my books into Kindle collections and this will definitely be joining my 'Christmas' folder as a heart-warming seasonal read.
November 12, 2022
A well written plot line and the characters were intresting. Both the characters were strong and commendable. The male lead is a suspended coach and the female lead owns an inn. The story revolves how they both try to save the inn as well as their love which once bloomed during their teen years. Loved the steamy times, romance between the characters.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
Molly has always had a crush on Gray, her brother's best friend who has given him his blessings to date Molly but Gray doesn't want to ruin everything. Gray always wanted Molly but thought she was out of reach until he finds out the truth. Now he's gotten in trouble for a fight and suspended from the NBA, he's come back to his home town and to the girl he really likes. But when he gets the OK to come back to the NBA, he doesn't know what to do. Will he stay? Can they find their happily ever after?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
Gray only wanted to get out of his small town in Georgia and he did by becoming an assistant coach in the NBA but when he gets in trouble he is suspended so he goes home. Molly is the younger sister of his best friend Hunter and the one he always wanted and now that he is staying in her B&B he and Molly start a fling but she wanted more until he gets a call to come back and now he is leaving. Will Gray realize that what he really needs in his small town and Molly?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
Brothers best friend is Molly’s long time crush on Gray, will she finally take her shot. Wonderful Christmas romance, the characters are well developed, I loved Molly and her constant laughter, her jokes, hard worker and dedicated in making something of her in and keeping her town going. Enjoyed Gray’s growth as he learned a couple of lessons, even if he waited last minute to act on them. Fabulous ending and the supporting characters are an added bonus as they all are fun and outrageous for this Little Haven.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
November 14, 2022
Gray has been benched from his basketball team after getting into a fight so he decides to go back home! He realizes the reason he stayed away was because of his best friend’s beautiful sister Molly! He knows it’s wrong to be in love with her, especially since he doesn’t live there! Only he finds himself falling more and more everyday while working with her at her Inn! Can they find their happily ever after? Great book that I would highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2022
What a sweet Christmas romance that will steal your heart and makes you smile as you get lost in the pages of Gray and Molly's story.
Gray has returned home after being suspended from the NBA and finds the woman he had feeling for those years ago. Molly inherited her grandmother's Inn and is struggling to keep it open. When her old crush comes back and helps, she is willing to see if there is more.
Fun and delightful this tale is a perfect read to get lost in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gray has returned home after being suspended from the NBA and finds the woman he had feeling for those years ago. Molly inherited her grandmother's Inn and is struggling to keep it open. When her old crush comes back and helps, she is willing to see if there is more.
Fun and delightful this tale is a perfect read to get lost in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2023
HEA
Standalone
No Trigger warnings unless you are just too prudish to read what is essentially Hallmark level love at a rated R level. It's got steam enough to melt the Hallmark Christmas movie snow, groveling to make sure you know he meant his apology, and just enough funny that you probably shouldn't drink anything while reading it. I loved it. One of the very few ARC books I'll ever give 5⭐s to, because usually they still need editing. If there were any mistakes, I was so sucked into the story I didn't notice them. I felt transported into the book the way only a great book can do.
Standalone
No Trigger warnings unless you are just too prudish to read what is essentially Hallmark level love at a rated R level. It's got steam enough to melt the Hallmark Christmas movie snow, groveling to make sure you know he meant his apology, and just enough funny that you probably shouldn't drink anything while reading it. I loved it. One of the very few ARC books I'll ever give 5⭐s to, because usually they still need editing. If there were any mistakes, I was so sucked into the story I didn't notice them. I felt transported into the book the way only a great book can do.
Read
November 12, 2022Gray has been suspended from his NBA coaching career in New York and goes homework to small town Georgia to bide his time. Molly has crushed on Gray her entire life it seems, he was never just her brother’s best friend. While he’s awaiting the end of sentence his long held crush on Molly heats up and choices really start to get difficult. Sweet, fun, sassy, emotional, steamy and a spicy HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2022
This is a cute Hallmark movie style novella with added spice.
It's not the most original story, but I'm a bit of a sucker for it when one of the MC's has to decide between the person they love and the life they know.
As always, Ava Munroe gives their characters loads of banter and funny moments, and I really liked Molly winding up Gray all the time.
A quick read that left me wanting to be stuck in a snowstorm with a hot cocoa and a gorgeous man ❤️
It's not the most original story, but I'm a bit of a sucker for it when one of the MC's has to decide between the person they love and the life they know.
As always, Ava Munroe gives their characters loads of banter and funny moments, and I really liked Molly winding up Gray all the time.
A quick read that left me wanting to be stuck in a snowstorm with a hot cocoa and a gorgeous man ❤️
November 12, 2022
Will it be happiness or heartbreak for Molly & Gray?
If you want a small town holiday romance that is steamy, spicy then look no further then "Merry". Gray is best friends with Molly's brother. Their story is filled with a lot of sarcasm which I found hilarious.
When harsh words are spoken will Gray realise his mistake before it's too late?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you want a small town holiday romance that is steamy, spicy then look no further then "Merry". Gray is best friends with Molly's brother. Their story is filled with a lot of sarcasm which I found hilarious.
When harsh words are spoken will Gray realise his mistake before it's too late?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Gray and Molly liked each other when they were young but they never followed their feelings. Gray is back in town after leaving and having a successful career that is now questionable. Molly needs help at the Inn and he is there for her. This is a sweet romance with a little drama and some steam. The characters were good together and fit well into the holiday storyline
November 14, 2022
Small town romance...check, brother's best friend...check, sweet and steamy story...check. Gray and Molly have known each other from childhood, both had crushes but it never went anywhere and they're both back home now. Gray has had a successful career up until recently and Molly needs help with the inn. This was a great story, great characters and had all of the holiday feels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2022
*brother's friend/best friends sibling
*small town romance
*HEA
*strong independent FMC
*everyone is in their 30s
I LOVE this book! The spicy scenes were so well written. The chemistry between the main characters, Molly and Gray, was beautiful. I love how independent Molly is and how Gray is trying to teach her to accept help. I laughed out loud at the dedicated (please read the dedication for every book you read. They are so great!) Let this sweet and spicy Christmas book warm you up this winter!
I received a free copy in exchange for a honest review. I leave this review voluntarily.
*small town romance
*HEA
*strong independent FMC
*everyone is in their 30s
I LOVE this book! The spicy scenes were so well written. The chemistry between the main characters, Molly and Gray, was beautiful. I love how independent Molly is and how Gray is trying to teach her to accept help. I laughed out loud at the dedicated (please read the dedication for every book you read. They are so great!) Let this sweet and spicy Christmas book warm you up this winter!
I received a free copy in exchange for a honest review. I leave this review voluntarily.
November 13, 2022
This book is about Molly and Gray. Gray is a pro basketball coach and back in his small hometown. Molly is his best friends little sister and owns the local Inn. This book is an addictive read that I couldn’t put down. It has some hot and steamy scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
A hollyday/brothers bestfriend romance story of Gray and Molly..A short,sweet,steamy with a bit of drama with a touch of christmas magic..An NBA coach and a BnB owner who fall inlove but doesn't know where to begin..this is a lovely read while relaxing..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2022
This entire book will have you keep turning the page!! I absolutely LOVED the whole story. Gray's storyline was perfect and having Molly be his in the end was PERFECT!!!! There was even a tear jerker moment towards the end when I thought Gray was going to mess things up but in the end it worked out beautifully! Well done!.
November 30, 2022
This was a fantastic holiday small town Christmas romance. It was sweet and funny and heart breaking. I’m usually into darker tropes but I’ve been diving into Christmas books. This one definitely didn’t disappoint. The FMC is so funny and the banter is “chef’s kiss”.
A perfect HEA that is sweet and really funny!
Tropes:
Small town
Brothers best friend
Friends to lovers
Sports
Christmas
A perfect HEA that is sweet and really funny!
Tropes:
Small town
Brothers best friend
Friends to lovers
Sports
Christmas
December 10, 2022
Spicy, romantic holiday read that had all the feels of a hallmark movie with the smoking hot scenes that spicy readers like me crave. The heat between the main characters was delightful and paired with the witty banter, Molly and Grey were match that kept me smiling throughout the entire novel. This should be on everyone’s Xmas TBR!
December 18, 2022
It was okay. The plot line and the writing was kinda strange and confusing. It was hard to tell what the timeline was. This would be overlook-able for me if other parts of the story were good, but they weren’t really. The spice was infrequent and nothing special, i didn’t connect with the characters, the fluff wasn’t swoon-worthy. I could’ve skipped this one
November 5, 2022
Satisfyingly adorable. Exactly what I look for in a light-hearted fluffy book! It is a beautifully written second chance holiday romance, perfect for relaxing at home and enjoying your book boyfriend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book, and I am so glad I did! I was so bummed to find out the Mechanics on Main series ended and I was saddened to think I wouldn't get to read any other books by Ava Munroe. In comes this beautiful Novella to save the day!
My mom spends the entire holiday season watching Hallmark movies, and this book was definitely a Hallmark movie with the added spice we all need!
!!!POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
I love a small-town romance, and I love it even more when one of them has to choose between what they know and what they love. This book delivered everything. Life long friendships, sarcasm, wit, heat, and overall wholesome goodness.
10/10 would recommend
10/10 would read again
My mom spends the entire holiday season watching Hallmark movies, and this book was definitely a Hallmark movie with the added spice we all need!
!!!POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
I love a small-town romance, and I love it even more when one of them has to choose between what they know and what they love. This book delivered everything. Life long friendships, sarcasm, wit, heat, and overall wholesome goodness.
10/10 would recommend
10/10 would read again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
A big fish coming back to a small pond is the setting for this predictable romance with some steam. It's a nice enough read to get in the mood for the holiday season.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2022
Great story. A big city coach falls for his best friend’s sister. This story was well written and believable. I really enjoyed this one and I can’t wait to read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2022
Merry
Hot for the Holidays
Ava Munroe
Brother's best friend romance. Gray and Molly are beautifully written and nicely developed. This is a good story with chemisty and a great journey. Love it!.
Hot for the Holidays
Ava Munroe
Brother's best friend romance. Gray and Molly are beautifully written and nicely developed. This is a good story with chemisty and a great journey. Love it!.
November 23, 2022
I loved it! Great character development and storyline, not to mention the spice was just the right amount of heat!
After reading Merry, I am definitely down to read Ava's other works! I just absolutely loved this story!
After reading Merry, I am definitely down to read Ava's other works! I just absolutely loved this story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews