Name: Francesca 's review of A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy
Item: A Merry Little Meet Cute
Rating: 3.5
Author: Francesca

Julie Murphy

Sierra Simone

Cowritten by #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy and USA Today bestselling author Sierra Simone—a steamy plus-size holiday rom-com about an adult film star who is semi-accidentally cast as a lead in a family-friendly Christmas movie, and the former bad-boy pop star she falls in love with.

Bee Hobbes (aka Bianca Von Honey) has a successful career as a plus-size adult film star. With a huge following and two supportive moms, Bee couldn’t ask for more. But when Bee’s favorite producer casts her to star in a Christmas movie he’s making for the squeaky-clean Hope Channel, Bee’s career is about to take a more family-friendly direction.

Forced to keep her work as Bianca under wraps, Bee quickly learns this is a task a lot easier said than done. Though it all becomes worthwhile when she discovers her co-star is none other than childhood crush Nolan Shaw, an ex-boy band member in desperate need of career rehab. Nolan’s promised his bulldog manager to keep it zipped up on set, and he will if it means he’ll be able to provide a more stable living situation for his sister and mom.

But things heat up quickly in Christmas Notch, Vermont, when Nolan recognizes his new co-star from her ClosedDoors account (oh yeah, he’s a member). Now Bee and Nolan are sneaking off for quickies on set, keeping their new relationship a secret from the Hope Channel’s execs. Things only get trickier when the reporter who torpedoed Nolan’s singing career comes snooping around—and takes an instant interest in mysterious newcomer Bee.

And if Bee and Nolan can’t keep their off-camera romance behind the scenes, then this merry little meet cute might end up on the cutting room floor.

A Merry Little Meet Cute

Taylor

The duke of no boners. The softest duke who'd ever softed. That was me.

Francesca 

Cowritten by #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy and USA Today bestselling author Sierra Simone—a steamy plus-size holiday rom-com about an adult film star who is semi-accidentally cast as a lead in a family-friendly Christmas movie, and the former bad-boy pop star she falls in love with. Bee Hobbes (aka Bianca Von Honey) has a successful career as a plus-size adult film star. With a huge following and two supportive moms, Bee couldn’t ask for more. But when Bee’s favorite producer casts her to star in a Christmas movie he’s making for the squeaky-clean Hope Channel, Bee’s career is about to take a more family-friendly direction. Forced to keep her work as Bianca under wraps, Bee quickly learns this is a task a lot easier said than done. Though it all becomes worthwhile when she discovers her co-star is none other than childhood crush Nolan Shaw, an ex-boy band member in desperate need of career rehab. Nolan’s promised his bulldog manager to keep it zipped up on set, and he will if it means he’ll be able to provide a more stable living situation for his sister and mom. But things heat up quickly in Christmas Notch, Vermont, when Nolan recognizes his new co-star from her ClosedDoors account (oh yeah, he’s a member). Now Bee and Nolan are sneaking off for quickies on set, keeping their new relationship a secret from the Hope Channel’s execs. Things only get trickier when the reporter who torpedoed Nolan’s singing career comes snooping around—and takes an instant interest in mysterious newcomer Bee. And if Bee and Nolan can’t keep their off-camera romance behind the scenes, then this merry little meet cute might end up on the cutting room floor.

A Novel

Jade 🌷

This wasn’t something I was expecting, and at times i found myself questioning why I was reading it, but honestly I enjoyed it. It was beautifully done and something that kept me entertained.

Merry Little Meet Cute

Bonus points: pro sexual expression, pro lgbtq+, pro body autonomy & plus sized MC

But here are my biggest gripes: her decision to quit sex work seems to have come from nowhere and only exists in the plot because the authors were too afraid to actually treat sex work like a JOB that people in relationships can do. So yeah, that loses some points because the whole book explores sex work in a very positive way, but as soon as she meets someone, she suddenly decides she doesn't wanna do the things she does for a living. No.

Kate B-L

Thoroughly enjoyable, fun & original.

Bonus points: pro sexual expression, pro lgbtq+, pro body autonomy & plus sized MC

But here are my biggest gripes: her decision to quit sex work seems to have come from nowhere and only exists in the plot because the authors were too afraid to actually treat sex work like a JOB that people in relationships can do. So yeah, that loses some points because the whole book explores sex work in a very positive way, but as soon as she meets someone, she suddenly decides she doesn't wanna do the things she does for a living. No.

garnet

hooray for sex workers and characters with personality!

Jennifer S

I could not finish it. I was expecting such fluffier and less explicit and intense

Hannah Alexander 

OMG THIS IS A SERIES!!!! 

Can’t wait to finish it

Very cute, very raunchy & just a sprinkle of Christmas cheer

Amelia Hruby

Shockingly good! I was expecting this to be just another Christmas romance, but it was so much more. The spice was AMAZING, and the story was layered and thoughtful. 

Alyssa deRaad

Oh my gosh I absolutely hated this book. It was way too cringy. The characters weren’t all that likable or relatable. Bee was so incredibly annoying. The amount of times I rolled my eyes at her while listening to the story was insane. Nolan was sweet but also kind of dull. This was just not for me. 

The only reason I finished was because I needed something to listen to during a road trip. 

Kendall Deranek

Oh my gosh I absolutely hated this book. It was way too cringy. The characters weren’t all that likable or relatable. Bee was so incredibly annoying. The amount of times I rolled my eyes at her while listening to the story was insane. Nolan was sweet but also kind of dull. This was just not for me. 

The only reason I finished was because I needed something to listen to during a road trip. 

Lauren Grey

I listened to this book in a few days. It was quick and fun and I enjoyed it, but it was nothing special. The more I thought about it for writing this review, the more I realized that it didn’t really bring me any cheer or joy or swoon. I honestly think the Christmas themed strip club was the best part!

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙶𝚘𝚘𝚍
* Plus Size Female Main Character
* Christmas Themed Strip Club
* Cute Setting
* Adorable Cover

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙽𝚘𝚝 𝚂𝚘 𝙶𝚘𝚘𝚍
* No Meet Cute even though it’s in the title
* Insta Love
* Very Surface Level + No Deep Interactions Between the Main Characters

Michaella 

3.5
It really isn't that bad y'all...
I thought it was cute despite the spicy scenes and it was also emotional in some aspects, but it is your regular-degular steamy Christmas romance.

Nash

Holy gods, this book caught me off-guard. I absolutely was not expecting a book about a pornstar. I laughed non stop and yes, I swooned a little bit over them. It did made me cringe a little but I did enjoy this book a lot. I would love to read more from this author and see what else Murphy can come up with.

Kelsey Pattison

Was a nice Christmas read, loveable characters!

Alexa M

This... was porn. If you're looking to read about two people fucking (a lot)? Here's a book for you! If you're looking to read about two people falling in love... keep it moving. I liked the idea of this soo much but THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT IN LOVE!!!!! Two weeks of fucking does not a love match make. Another cute cover gone to waste :/

Kiley H

         My first romance read of 2023!  If you’ve paid attention, you know I love my romance novels.  I love the trashy, the cheesy, the tame, and the spicy (I love the spicy).  I especially love holiday romance.  Who doesn’t want a little extra romance under the lights of the Christmas tree (OK, except for maybe those who don’t celebrate Christmas). 

            This book features a plus-sized lead.  I was overjoyed to read about somebody who wasn’t described as slender, or trim (why the hell do some authors actually use the word trim???), or fit(ugh).  Bee had worked as a porn actress who was excited about the opportunity to cross over into media that could be shown on network television.  Her side-gig, however, was as a dream queen on Closed Doors (the fictional version of Only Fans).  Nolan, attempting to recreate his image, accepted the male lead on this very tame holiday trope.  He then realizes the woman of his dreams, who he has been lusting over for years, is his co-star. 

            Obvs, they can’t keep their hands off each other.  The Hollywood heartthrob and the plus-sized porn star somehow find love on this laughable movie set, and they try as hard as they can to keep it a secret…which, of course, is impossible.  What was a bit of a surprise is how SPICY this book was!  It made me blush (I don’t do that and I don’t admit often that it happens, so thankfully there were no witnesses)!  The intimate scenes were some of the most well-written explicit encounters I’ve read in a very long time.  I was impressed, these two authors did this book justice. 

Kristen Claiborn

         My first romance read of 2023!  If you’ve paid attention, you know I love my romance novels.  I love the trashy, the cheesy, the tame, and the spicy (I love the spicy).  I especially love holiday romance.  Who doesn’t want a little extra romance under the lights of the Christmas tree (OK, except for maybe those who don’t celebrate Christmas). 

            This book features a plus-sized lead.  I was overjoyed to read about somebody who wasn’t described as slender, or trim (why the hell do some authors actually use the word trim???), or fit(ugh).  Bee had worked as a porn actress who was excited about the opportunity to cross over into media that could be shown on network television.  Her side-gig, however, was as a dream queen on Closed Doors (the fictional version of Only Fans).  Nolan, attempting to recreate his image, accepted the male lead on this very tame holiday trope.  He then realizes the woman of his dreams, who he has been lusting over for years, is his co-star. 

            Obvs, they can’t keep their hands off each other.  The Hollywood heartthrob and the plus-sized porn star somehow find love on this laughable movie set, and they try as hard as they can to keep it a secret…which, of course, is impossible.  What was a bit of a surprise is how SPICY this book was!  It made me blush (I don’t do that and I don’t admit often that it happens, so thankfully there were no witnesses)!  The intimate scenes were some of the most well-written explicit encounters I’ve read in a very long time.  I was impressed, these two authors did this book justice. 

alyssa b

2.5 This was hard to get through, it started good but just got so boring that I was speed reading just to finish it and get it over with. Felt no connection to the characters and between the characters which made it harder to read. Not a fan of this one , had cute christmas vibes but that’s it

This book was cute, but not a favorite of mine. I did enjoy the body positivity this book promoted and sex worker positivity. It was also pretty steamy and not in a trashy way either. I felt the authors did a good job with the writing, but I found my self get bored about 3/4 of the way through and skipped a portion and didn’t really miss much from the plot doing so. I’d recommend for a holiday read, but it is way too long for the actual plot.

ally cuabo 

This was exactly what I wanted from a holiday romance! Give me the spice, the story, the characters! Amazing!

Genesis (@whisperingchapters)

Things the book did well: body positivity, lgbtq+ inclusion, sex work positivity, fun premise, and witty one-liners that made me laugh. 

Besides that, I nearly did not finish this book. I got halfway through and then started to skim through the rest of it and still got the gist of everything that happened. The book turned repetitive pretty quickly, and I honestly feel like it could have been much shorter. The characters were fun, but I didn’t get attached to any of them. 

Floofyflower

Things the book did well: body positivity, lgbtq+ inclusion, sex work positivity, fun premise, and witty one-liners that made me laugh. 

Besides that, I nearly did not finish this book. I got halfway through and then started to skim through the rest of it and still got the gist of everything that happened. The book turned repetitive pretty quickly, and I honestly feel like it could have been much shorter. The characters were fun, but I didn’t get attached to any of them. 

3/5 stars because I personally thought the plot dragged on a little longer than it needed to. I liked how sex positive this book was and all the different messages they got across in this book, I just found that dominic came in too late into the book for that being a big angsty part of the plot. I was pretty hooked from the beginning until the middle of the book which is when I think it should have started wrapping up. the love between bee and nolan was sweet, but it was too smutty of a read for me lmao. still a good read, just not my favorite!

Tara Bounkeovisane

I enjoyed it for what it was. The writing isn’t my favorite but the story was cute. 

Brittnee Coffmen

 good! not only was it spicy and had a great plot, it was also sex/sex work positive, body positive, spoke about mental illness, and so many other things that the romance genre doesn’t typically cover. having a plus sized romantic lead was so fantastic to read as well! if you read fanfiction as a teen and love a good hallmark christmas movie, you absolutely have to read this 👀

kels

this book is so good! not only was it spicy and had a great plot, it was also sex/sex work positive, body positive, spoke about mental illness, and so many other things that the romance genre doesn’t typically cover. having a plus sized romantic lead was so fantastic to read as well! if you read fanfiction as a teen and love a good hallmark christmas movie, you absolutely have to read this 👀

This was the perfect way to kick off my holiday romcom reads. Funny, sweet, and STEAMY.

Emma

So going in to this book I read reviews that said both a. too much smut and b. not enough smut and I was so curious to see how I felt. 😂 

There is a lot of fun going on here. Nolan, retired boy band member, and Bee, plus-sized adult film star, are both so cute and adorable in their adoration of each other. Most of the book takes place on a film set, in a crazy Christmas themed town and it’s such a great setting. The supporting characters are great, I especially love Luca the costume designer. 

I often get anxious while reading romances waiting for the inevitable collapse of the happiness and magic in a situation. This book handles that part of the plot in a good way and I never felt annoyed by lack of or mis-communication. 

There are definitely some good spicy scenes, as one would hope from a romance starring a sex worker and self proclaimed “bad boy,” but not so much that it takes over the plot. 

As with books that call themselves “rom-coms” there are a few awkward moments but overall I enjoyed this holiday romance and was rooting for all of the characters. 

I did enjoy the audio a lot, I’ve listened to books narrated by both narrators before and enjoy what they bring to the story. 

Megan BV

So going in to this book I read reviews that said both a. too much smut and b. not enough smut and I was so curious to see how I felt. 😂 

There is a lot of fun going on here. Nolan, retired boy band member, and Bee, plus-sized adult film star, are both so cute and adorable in their adoration of each other. Most of the book takes place on a film set, in a crazy Christmas themed town and it’s such a great setting. The supporting characters are great, I especially love Luca the costume designer. 

I often get anxious while reading romances waiting for the inevitable collapse of the happiness and magic in a situation. This book handles that part of the plot in a good way and I never felt annoyed by lack of or mis-communication. 

There are definitely some good spicy scenes, as one would hope from a romance starring a sex worker and self proclaimed “bad boy,” but not so much that it takes over the plot. 

As with books that call themselves “rom-coms” there are a few awkward moments but overall I enjoyed this holiday romance and was rooting for all of the characters. 

I did enjoy the audio a lot, I’ve listened to books narrated by both narrators before and enjoy what they bring to the story. 

Francesca &
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy

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Francesca &A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy

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Francesca &
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy