This was a very fun Christmas steamy romance. If you’ve read the previous installments, you know exactly what you’re in for here. I liked this better than the second one but not quite as much as the first one. But characters were a little too one-note for me and needed a bit more depth. I did enjoy seeing all our previous friends, though that may have been confusing to those who hadn’t read the previous books.

It's hard to believe that A Jingle Bell Mingle is the final book in the A Christmas Notch series, and I'm kind of sad. I have been waiting for Isaac's story since the first book and I can say he's worth the wait!

Isaac lost his wife way too young and has the grief of that has made it hard for him to do anything anymore. He needs to make a final album for his record label, but his muse is gone. Sunny accidentally sold her first screenplay to the Hope Channel, but has no clue what she's doing. Both of these characters were amazing and perfect for each other before they even knew it. This is a slow burn romance with quite a bit of spice, but it worked. I loved Isaac and Sunny slowly getting to know each other. They understood each other more than they realized.

Besides that I once again loved the body positivity as well as how healthy the relationships here are. They talk things through. Things may get frustrating, but in the end the communication is there. A Jingle Bell Mingle had me laugh, swoon, and even shed a few tears. I love the little town mystery added to this book.

On top of that we get to see all of the characters we've come to know and love from the previous books. This story comes together really well and I don't think the authors could end this in a better way. I'm sad this series is over and I really hope that the authors continue writing stories together.

My review will also be posted on https://thebookdutchesses.com on December 19th.

I had high hopes for this book, but didn’t find myself getting too attached to the characters. I was hoping for more romance from the two main characters, but it fell flat for me.

This is exactly what I wanted from this book. 🌶️❄️🌶️❄️🌶️❄️

This book includes:
🎄 Christmas themes
🎄 Queer Rep
🎄 Overcoming grief
🎄 Five pepper spice!! 🌶️
🎄 Ripping tights 😏
🎄 A Cranky Cat
🎄 Witty banter
🎄 Dual POV

The first book in this series I loved. The second I hated. So this book was a 50/50 chance for me. I absolutely adored the characters, the laugh out loud humor, the touching storyline and the very very hot spice scenes. I’m glad it’s duel POV because some of Isaac’s actions (and you know which moment I’m thinking of) almost felt unforgivable in what was said. But it showed that he really did love her and so I was quick to get over it. I also adored the plot of them finding this Christmas miracle story that tied in beautifully at the end.
P.S. The audio book is well worth it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

📖 arc book review!

a jingle bell mingle - julie murphy & sierra simone

📘 g e n r e: holiday romance

📚 s e r i e s: 3️⃣rd book - christmas notch series

❤️ c h a r a c t e r s: sunny palmer & isaac kelly

✨ o c c u p a t i o n s: adult film star/ mua turned screenwriter and former pop idol

🏡 s e t t i n g: christmas notch, vermont

💞 t r o p e s:
•grumpy x sunshine
•roommates to lovers
•plus size FMC
•one bed
•holiday romance

💬 t h o u g h t s: I always love the festive cheer and the hallmark-after-dark type read that the christmas notch series brings. I really enjoyed sunny and isaac's story; the roommates-to-lovers and one bed/ snowed in trope are always fun!

A special thank you to Netgalley for the ARC opportunity.

Ugh. I was so excited to read this one, but had to dnf. It went from 0 to porn in seconds…..multiple times. It was cringy at times. Not romantic.

A Jingle Bell Mingle has been my favorite holiday special by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone so far.

Isaac instantly stood out as my favorite character—how could anyone resist a broody, sad musician? Grieving the loss of his wife, Isaac has withdrawn from the world, but he’s still contractually obligated to create one last album. Enter Sunny, who agrees to help him find a new muse.

Sunny arrives in Christmas Notch after selling a screenplay inspired by a story she only knows through rumors from Blitzen, one of the local strippers (and an absolute icon). Determined to do the story justice, she’s there to uncover the truth. When she ends up as Isaac's roommate, the two strike a deal to help each other.

What made this story so compelling was the multiple interwoven plotlines that added depth to the characters. Watching Isaac and Sunny grow felt authentic as we followed not just their budding relationship but also Isaac’s bond with his phone friends, Sunny’s dynamic with her brother, Isaac’s moments with Mr. Tumnus, and a continuation of Teddy and Steph’s story.

Dual POV
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Tropes: Rom-com; roommates; small-town romance, one bed

I loved the tension of the back and forth between Sunny and Isaac with all the steam in the middle. There were a lot of issues for both of them to work through along with a WWII Christmas miracle mystery to be solved. The story kept up a good pace and kept me interested throughout the whole story. I also loved that it wrapped up a few loose ends for some extra special side characters and old friends made appearances.

I’m glad this is the last book in this series because if it wasn’t, I think it would’ve been the last one I tuned in for. As the books have went on, I’ve found less and less enthusiasm for them and this one especially was a bit of a slog. It’s a fine story and I like the nods to the other leads, but I don’t find myself invested or rooting for anyone. They don’t stick out as distinct characters and I find myself skimming more than caring. Isaac was annoying as a character, perhaps the most annoying of the male leads.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Umm this was not the vibe. I bought it because I heard such good things about the first book but I really thought it was young adult? Well, this better not be clarified as young adult? The first page mentions a porn star and a threesome. I guess it was my mistake but this book was not my demographic. Although I guess it was because I read romance with spice but this was just too much. The storyline was also confusing and didn’t make sense at times. Hard to keep up with. And dirty, very dirty, in case you didn’t get that.

Perpetual optimist Sunny and sad boy Isaac had a one-night stand and haven't spoken since, until they reconnect at mutual friends' wedding. Isaac convinces Sunny to come stay in his enormous mansion in Christmas Notch, so that she can finish her screenplay and he can write a new album. Both of them have a lot of unresolved grief keeping them from working creatively, so maybe they can help each other out. Maybe helping out involves a lot of nudity.

A cute conclusion to the Christmas Notch series. It was fun getting to see everyone from the previous books and novellas. My favorite character was, of course, Mr. Tumnus the demon cat. This was a fun book but perhaps a little too long. Isaac and Sunny have scorching chemistry and there's a lot of on-page sex. There were some repetitive sections, but the conclusion was satisfying.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

This book was not for me. I read the first two in the series so I would know the other couples and those books weren’t my cup of tea. So I was going knowing there was a chance I wouldn’t like this one. And sadly it wasn’t one I enjoyed

Idk this really lost me after 50% - felt repetitive, a bit too silly, and like a bit too much was going on. Really didn’t like 3rd act breakup - this whole series really really loses me in the last 20%! I think it just needed a clearer direction. It felt very all over the place at times and the characters felt wish washy and unsure of what they felt until BAM suddenly there’s these big declarations of feelings that leave you going…how’d we get here?

I was so surprised by how much I loved this book! It was by far my favorite of the series, and I did not expect it. Issac stole my heart, and Sunny is just a whole vibe. Issac and Mr. Tumnus, the Cat Advisory panel, and all of the cameos from characters of the other books in the series made this story that much better. Also, I want an Uncle Teddy of my own. He is just the best, and you get a couple chapters from his point of view in this one.

Issac and Sunny were such opposites on the surface when they met, but the more they got to know each other, the more you see how similar they really are. The grief and hurt that they work through, the creative mental blocks that they help each other conquer, it all leads to such a great foundation of friendship. It was inevitable that it would lead to more with the natural chemistry between the two. Go read the book to find out how they fall in love. You won't regret it!

Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone you gave us a good one! The spice, the fluff, the freaking chemistry! UGH the wittiness of Sunny is jut everything and Issacs broodiness is just this key to create angst between the characters and it was truly the cherry on top to their story together! If you love hallmark with a hint of NR - NOT RATED because its truly only suitable for adults this series is for you!

Obsessed with Christmas Notch!

Anytime Christmas is involved in a book, it’s a must read from me. Even more so, combining the Christmas spirit with grumpy-sunshine, opposites attract and a steamy romance, what more could you want?

I wasn’t able to connect with the characters as much as I wanted to and I had trouble fully immersing myself within the book. There were side elements to enjoy like Isaac’s online group chat and Sunny’s cat and there was no lack of spiciness so that’s a plus for many too.

I’ll say if you’re looking for a spicy Christmas read, this will be for you! It’s a unique read that had me confused at times but overall, the Christmas spice did it for me.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc copy!

This book was subpar compared to the others.
I had higher hopes for this book, but it fell flat. I love the authors but I will just chop this one as a fluke. I would not recommend this book but I would recommend the authors 😊

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for honest feedback.

This is the 3rd (and final?) book in the Christmas Notch series. I thought they did a really nice job of wrapping up every characters story so that if it is the last book readers will be satisfied. For me, Issac and Sunny’s relationship felt the least developed of all the couples. They obviously had the physical chemistry but besides that I didn’t “fell the love” between them until the very end.

It’s a good alternative to the typical cheesy Christmas rom com but probably my least favorite of the series.

Cute spicy holiday rom com. Enjoyed this one quite a bit. Friends to lovers, one night stand, one bed, forced proximity just to name a few of the tropes found in this one. Both narrators do a fantastic job here. Loved the holiday mystery and the ways people deal with grief

A Jingle Bell Mingle by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone is an amazing & entertaining addition to the epically festive & spicy holiday romance series these fantastic authors have created. The combination of their powers is truly used for good as they bring joy that will have you singing fa-la-la.

This is book #3 in A Christmas Notch series, but it could be read as a standalone. If you enjoy sweet & spicy holiday romances though, this is a fantastic & festive series!

A Jingle Bell Mingle is great for fans of…
🩷 Holiday Romance
🩷 Close Proximity
🩷 Reclusive Pop Star x New Author
🩷 Roommates to Lovers
🩷 Grumpy x Sunshine

I appreciate how this series wonderfully weaves together the sweet & emotional Christmas stories with spicy romance so you get the best of both worlds. I love a holiday romance that delivers bountiful of heart, humor, healing & heat all wrapped up into one beautiful present.

I hope we get more from this authors & I cannot wait to see what they do next.

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Avon for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.