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A review by ecobookworm
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy, Sierra Simone
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
How do I love this book, let me count the ways!
1) it uses the vehicle of a porn star acting undercover in a wholesome Christmas movie to dissect the virgin/whore dichotomy
2) it addresses toxic celebrity culture and parasocial relationships
3) the porn star heroine's two moms love her unconditionally, are proud of her and support her regardless of her career choices
4) addresses fatphobia and slut-shaming
5) if you ever had a teenage crush on a boy band member, this book is for you
6) sex in a church, 'nough said
7) just excellent raunchy spicy scenes in general
8) enthusiastic consent!
9) good communication
10) a touch of slow burn will-they-or-won't-they forbidden angst
11) lots of light and fluffy sweet moments but also insightful depth and touching moments
12) his dedication to his family! so wonderful
13) their dynamic - fun and light but they also understand each other so well
14) so many laugh-out-loud moments, especially because of all the porn staff working on the Hallmark-y movie set. Three words: fall front breeches!
15) Bee's relationship with her best friend Sunny is so lovely. And the fur baby!!
16) Nolan's relationships with his fellow boy band members. I will read all of their books
17) her manager! His manager! Them together!
18) everything being wrapped up in the most satisfying way. How the final act comes together and the epilogue can make or break a book, and this one absolutely stuck the landing
19) fantastic audiobook performance
20) cute graphics at each chapter! I love art throughout books
21) both leads are bi! And not just mentioned once to add diversity bi, actually built into the story representation
In conclusion, this was one of my favourite reads for 2022 and everything I want and more from a holiday book, I will be recommending it to anybody who will listen. If you're looking for a fun, funny, sexy, smart holiday read, this is the book for you!
1) it uses the vehicle of a porn star acting undercover in a wholesome Christmas movie to dissect the virgin/whore dichotomy
2) it addresses toxic celebrity culture and parasocial relationships
3) the porn star heroine's two moms love her unconditionally, are proud of her and support her regardless of her career choices
4) addresses fatphobia and slut-shaming
5) if you ever had a teenage crush on a boy band member, this book is for you
6) sex in a church, 'nough said
7) just excellent raunchy spicy scenes in general
8) enthusiastic consent!
9) good communication
10) a touch of slow burn will-they-or-won't-they forbidden angst
11) lots of light and fluffy sweet moments but also insightful depth and touching moments
12) his dedication to his family! so wonderful
13) their dynamic - fun and light but they also understand each other so well
14) so many laugh-out-loud moments, especially because of all the porn staff working on the Hallmark-y movie set. Three words: fall front breeches!
15) Bee's relationship with her best friend Sunny is so lovely. And the fur baby!!
16) Nolan's relationships with his fellow boy band members. I will read all of their books
17) her manager! His manager! Them together!
18) everything being wrapped up in the most satisfying way. How the final act comes together and the epilogue can make or break a book, and this one absolutely stuck the landing
19) fantastic audiobook performance
20) cute graphics at each chapter! I love art throughout books
21) both leads are bi! And not just mentioned once to add diversity bi, actually built into the story representation
In conclusion, this was one of my favourite reads for 2022 and everything I want and more from a holiday book, I will be recommending it to anybody who will listen. If you're looking for a fun, funny, sexy, smart holiday read, this is the book for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Fatphobia, Mental illness, and Biphobia
There is a (past) financially abusive relationship with Nolan's manager, who took advantage of the band and their earnings. There is also slut-shaming of Bee's profession. These are both fairly minor.