Pierced

Hot for the Holidays

by Ava Munroe

I’ve got a bone to pick with the dude in charge.

Cupid, Aphrodite, the head of some twisted Hallmark social experiment: this Valentine’s Day, some cosmic force is poking around where they don’t belong.

How else do you explain my rare trip home getting sidetracked by a once-in-a-lifetime air marshal showdown?

Now I’m sharing a van ride to Pecan Hill with some Victoria’s Secret-type preacher’s daughter.

Or, at least, I was sharing a ride home. That was before the snowstorm hit and we got stuck in some nowhere small town. That was before we learned there was only one bed available for us.

A heart-shaped one. Positioned under a mirrored ceiling. Seriously.

Look, Teagan is a good girl and I don’t have the best track record with those types. I know I need to spare her the destructive force that is my life, and keep the focus on salvaging my vital trip back home.

If I get too close to Teagan, I can do irreparable damage. Not just to the adorable good girl… but to my carefully laid plans. As the tattooed one between us I might be the needle aficionado, but can’t Cupid go pierce someone else with his arrow this Valentine’s Day?

Genres: Novella

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2023

About the author

Ava 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.

Reviews

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ☆
2/5 🔥

This is a well written instalove novella featuring a preacher's daughter, a stranger, and one bed. I really liked it. The chemistry between the main characters is FIRE. I'll definitely read more by Ava Munroe!

tropes: one bed, small town, forced prox, good girl/bad boy

safety:
virgin heroine
no OM/OW
no cheating/sharing
HEA ❤

My bookshelves may contain spoilers.

[T Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review 

HEA
Standalone 
Forced proximity, rated R Hallmark vibes,  insta-love
*over 18 readers only*

Trigger warnings
Cheating (but not what you're thinking)
Piercings 

Teagan and Nick meet when they get double booked on an airline seat, then get thrown off the plane. They get to talking and find out they are headed to the same small town, for vastly different reasons, so they share a rental. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has plans for them, which means they get snowed in at a cute Hallmark-type inn, and of course it's a one bed situation. Poor Nick knows she's too good for him, she's a preachers daughter for crying out loud, but he just can't not. He has reasons for needing to get to town and she has epiphanies to discover. 


I love these Rated R Hallmark-type books. The ending leaves it open for Brody, Finley, or Hunter to get a story. Loved the tattoo description! Would have liked to see an added ending after the move in, but the one given was great. Didn't find any typos or errors, maybe just one confusing point. The neck tattoo blowout... a blowout on a tattoo means the ink bled out of the lines so I was kind of confused. I also appreciated that he didn't have a monster hanging,  like those only found in books. Made it relatable. 

[ELRuss24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll wait for the bonus epilogue… Because hello this was short, sexy, and left me wanting, okay needing, more.
Life sometimes send us on unexpected journeys and let me tell you Nick and Teagans was hot enough to melt the snow that stranded them. Nearly opposites in every way the good girl and the bad boy find a middle ground and connected that was delivered in such an alluring way.
Their story was well written and left me needing more. It was sexy, serious, yet sweet enough to make you believe in Cupid.

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

[Smuttybooks_geekystuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who wouldn't fall in love with a hot, tattooed bad boy?!

Nick and Teagan end up on a road trip together after an error at the airport.

Even though they are pretty much opposite in every way, they end up being perfect for each other.

These spicy Hallmark movie style novella's from Ava are faced-paced stories with loveable characters, sexy steamy moments, and laugh out loud banter.

Also, if you've read Merry (the first book in this series), you'll see some familiar faces too 🩷

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable read that is super cute for Valentine's season. There is so much cheeky romantic cuteness throughout this story. But there is also some very hot and heavy scenes that are delicious to read. The characters are super fun and you will laugh out loud at several hilarious moments throughout this story.

Teagan is a super fun female character who is easy to relate with and she is quite unexpected in her behavior and attitude. She is a funky & fun character and you will like her from the first moment you meet her. Nick is also a great character who will make you laugh out loud at his personality. He is super cute and sexy; which makes their entire meet/cute and strange circumstances makes this novel that much more entertaining to read and see how it all works itself out. You will thoroughly enjoy this story and it will leave you smiling. Happy Reading!

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Teagan and Nick, the lead characters, are on their way back to their home town for different reasons. When they're assigned the same seat on the plane, they bicker over who should have it, resulting in them both being kicked off. Carpooling to drive home, they find themselves pulling over in a snowstorm at a little inn and sharing the same bed/room. But Nick is sure he's too bad for a girl like Teagan to want to keep...

This novella is dual POV, well written, and a cute, steamy, and funny contemporary romance. I loved the banter between the lead characters. I enjoyed the amusing secondary cast. I enjoyed watching both lead characters' development, and I definitely enjoyed the intimate scenes. This was a genuinely fun read for me and I appreciated the escape.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teagan was in a hurry to catch her flight to get back home for her mother's retirement, but when she gets on the plane, she finds a stranger in her seat. When they start to banter back and forth they are kicked off the flight all together. So they decide to drive together since they are going to the same place. But when they get stuck they learn a lot about each other and that they really like each other. When the make it to their hometown, will the be able to make it and have a happily ever after or will they break? Good short, hot, steamy read.

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

[Tiana Bonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was short sweet and to the point. If you are a fan of Hallmark or Lifetime Christmas movies (although this is not a Christmas setting), but wished they could be a little more Rated R, this is definitely the book for you.

Personally loved seeing everything from Teagan's POV because I share a lot of qualities with her and since entering the real world, some of the realizations that shes come to, are realizations I've come to about myself as well.

Everything was perfected placed and it was a great in-between book since I normally read series. Definitely recommend!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava Munroe stole my heart with her Mechanics on Main series, and has continued to woo me with the rest of her works!

The witty one-liners and borderline insta-love are what I'm living for right now, and this book was no exception!

Seeing two strangers discover that the universe is determined to put them together just makes me all sorts of happy inside, and I am so glad I got the opportunity to enjoy the story between Teagan and Nick.

10/10 would recommend
10/10 would definitely read again

[Traversingfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proximity trope ✔️
Single bed trope ✔️
Good girl meets 'bad boy' trope ✔️
Small-town insta-love trope ✔️

Loved this holiday novella - the perfect antidote to some of my heavier/longer recent reads.

I love Ava's hallmark/cliché goodness and love even more that she pokes fun at it (and herself a little bit for writing it) in this one.

If you've read the first in the 'Hot for the Holidays' novella series you'll recognize the other key characters and location - which just adds to the overall feeling of warmth this book brings.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced story with quick witted banter, moment that have you laughing, and the love of family and friends that warms your heart and makes you smile.

Teagan and Nick meet on the plane as they are headed to their small hometown, when there is double booking for their seat, their off handed comment led them to a road trip they never expected.

Love story and it was a fun way to pass the time and perfect to get lost in.

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

[Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both trying to rush home for different reasons, these two are forced off the plane after saying some unpleasant jokes to each other. Finding out they are from the same hometown but don’t know each other is wild in itself but so is being stranded trying to get home due to a storm.

This is overall a good story and I can’t wait for the next one.

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

[Book_barbie_87_o · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this novella, it was based on a preachers daughter and a tattooed 'bad boy.
I love reading this authors book if I fancy a shorter read that still packs a good plot and a few steamy scenes.
I'd of loved it more if it has more chapters and delved into their relationship more (and more smut) however for a novella I couldn't fault it.
I received an arc copy of this book and all the opinions are my own

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is a sweet and steamy instalove romance, Nick and Teagan meet on a flight back to their hometown however their seat was double booked and all sorts of humorous drama ensued. We follow them as they hire a van to get them back home for different family occasions. The chemistry between them sizzles and their banter is hilarious. Both are wonderful likable characters.

[Kayla Oaks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick and teagans story is amazing!!! From the very beginning to the end its like a hallmark movie line but so much more detail in the story and so good!!!

They are both from the same town yet meet on an airplane when they are booked with the same seat! They get kicked off the flight, carpool together, hit a massive storm and get a room for 2 but the inn doesnt have 2 rooms and its all history from there!!!
So good! Highly recommend

[J.p · Rating 5 out of 5]

love at first flight

I really enjoyed this quirky opposites attract Novella. Teagan and Nick met on a plane and due to a altercation they are kicked off said plane and have to find other means to get home. Great main characters, family and great story. If you’re after a Novella with plenty of steam, some humorous moments, stranded bad boy and good girl with piercings and a little bit of drama then this book would suit you down to a tea. Fab book.

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick and Teagan's first encounter is as they're trying to fly back to their hometown. Their sest is double booked and some funny drama ensues. We're taken through their adventure while renting a van to get them back home. Meanwhile, their chemistry sizzles and the banter back and forth is too funny. This couple are likable characters.

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

[Happyscribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stranded and trying to get home by whatever means possible - these characters have a fun and saucy time working out their differences and their unexpected attraction. Who doesn't love a bad boy - and Teagan was a wicked counter for Nick's attitude. A couple of laugh out louds at times - so well deserved 4-star read.

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

[Magali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good romantic comedy
4.5
The beginning is original between Teagan and Nick, and the story is quite funny. I liked how quickly it accelerates to escalate, just as their story unfolds in a matter of hours. It's simple, hot and addictive yet to know their happily ever after.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pierced
Hot for the Holidays
Ava Munroe

Well, Okay! I actually really debated reading this story, I went over and over about it. The blurb has NOTHING on this book. Don't be like me...Grab the book. It is SO good. I loved it. The chemistry, and banter- Amazing. The story and characters, Teagan and Nick, were so well written and wonderfully developed. This is a great read. 100% recommend!.

[Lillah Cruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic little book. It’s a good afternoons reading. Teagan and Nick really are good for each other. There’s a bit of drama a bit of angst a lot of steam and some instalove.

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

[Alex T · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written plot line and the characters were intresting and lovable to read. The romance the love drama between the characters were well written, it's a steamy standalone romance .

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

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short,sweet,delightful and steamy instalove romance story that you will love..This is Nick and Teagan story meeting by chance and found their forever..

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

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit by Mrs. Munroe...all of her stories are wonderfully written with awesome characters. I really enjoyed reading this story.

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

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ooo this was cute and exactly what I needed. Teagan is not what anyone expects, least of all Nick, and I love that they fell harder the more they got to know each other. That they both start to realize it's more than their instant physical attraction to the other. They're good for each other, and it's so sweet, and so spicy.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, quick read

I enjoyed the story, it was very quick but that was expected from a novella. Not as spicy as I had hoped but still enough of it. Definitely liked the tattoos and piercings on Nick!

[Lake B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good romcom and features a couple different tropes, like one bed. It was a short and sweet story.

[Kat Schumacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could go wrong when you get kicked off a plane and share a car in the middle of a winter strom with a stranger. Super cute fast read

[The Artsy Book Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

" 'A pretty girl along with priority check in and longe access? I'll be springing for business class more often.' "

When Harry Meet Sally meets small town Hallmark.

Ava Munroe is back with another hit in her Hot For The Holidays series, Pierced.

I swear, every single character Ava writes, I fall in love with.

Teagan Lacy and Nick Swift meet under unfortunate circumstances and fate intertwines them together for a long drive back to their hometown. Add the snowed-in weahter and honeymoon suite, and you've got one of the best relationships.

I honestly believe they both made each other better, in so many ways. Teagan, the "good girl", coming out of her shell and becoming more daring and badass. Nick, the misunderstood "bad boy", getting vulnerable and more in tune with his feelings. The way they took care of each other from the very beginning.

A fast-paced Hallmark type romance set on Valentine's day is everything you need and more.

#avamunroe #pierced #hotfortheholidays #smalltownromance #goodgirlbayboy #onebedtrope #contemporaryromance #novellas #romance #airplanemeetcutes #2023arcs #2023reads #2023releases

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but cute! Who wouldn't want to have a fun meet-cute on a plane?!