Skip to main content

Member Reviews

July Murphy and Sierra Simone have done it again! They’ve managed to create the third installment of A Christmas Notch, delivering a story that tackles heavier topics like the death of a loved one, while also weaving in an incredible love story. This book had me laughing at times and brought me to tears at others. It’s truly amazing, and I highly recommend it not only for Christmas but any time you need a pick-me-up.

This series consistently offers the perfect blend of humor, heart, and depth, with imperfect characters who undergo fantastic character development.

Was this review helpful?

I will miss revisiting this universe each Christmas season - and I think this book especially tugged on my heartstrings. In the end, the main tension between these two characters should have been easily resolved with one or two conversations, but isn't that how it goes in life? Conflicts that could be easy to resolve drag on because nobody knows how to broach the topic or express themselves fully? Yes, you'll probably spend more than a few pages yelling at the characters to get their sh*t together, but sometimes that's fun.

Also, there's a cat who regularly steals the show - what more could you want? Except for maybe a dog or two.

Was this review helpful?

Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone deliver a heartwarming and steamy holiday romance in A Jingle Bell Mingle, the third installment in the Christmas Notch series. Sunny Palmer, a part-time adult film actress and screenwriter, and Isaac Kelly, a former boy band star, find themselves sharing a home in the festive town of Christmas Notch, Vermont. Both creatively blocked, their witty banter and undeniable chemistry lead to a romance full of humor, emotional depth, and holiday charm.

With themes of sex positivity, body positivity, and personal growth, the novel is both cozy and thought-provoking. While the large cast of characters may feel overwhelming for newcomers and the explicit content may not suit all readers, this book is a delightful treat for fans of witty and passionate holiday love stories.

Was this review helpful?

Exactly what I expected, maybe a little less. I enjoy my annual trip to Christmas Notch, but the books are definitely the same thing with new characters plugged in. Nothing crazy, but if you need a Christmas read, this series is ok.

Was this review helpful?

Forced proximity will always be a favorite for me! It really shows people different sides to each other that you may not have otherwise seen. I enjoyed the main characters and their chemistry. I liked that they semi had a past together which made their connection more believable and enjoyable.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed the story, but there were a few moments I found less than favorable. It's definitely just a difference in preference situation that I wasn't aware of when starting this book, so it's no fault to this book. I would recommend if you enjoy spicer romances.

Was this review helpful?

How is this the end? I loved this series so much! A little spicy with a lotta heart. I have hopes that they will find other story lines to continue Christmas Notch!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! It was all over the place and kinda crazy but the story was heartwarming and the characters kept me coming back. I liked the story within the story, as well as the two love stories throughout. Great holiday read!

Was this review helpful?

Dont let the cover fool. This was an interesting one to read since it was sad, and fun, and definitely a spicy holiday story. The underlying grief that both Sunny and Isaac are dealing with is interesting to explore and is what kept me reading because I wanted to see how it played out. It took me a while to comoletely read this story which is unusual since I usually never put books down or take breaks from them. It definitely wasn't the final book I was expecting after the first 2 books.

Was this review helpful?

This book was cute way to end the Christmas Notch series! Sunny and Isaac's love story was full of laughs, shared experiences and spice... lots and lots of spice!! While the book was maybe a tad longer than it could've been, it was still a great holiday read!

Was this review helpful?

This book was such a fun read! I am sad that the series is over, because living in this world has been so much fun!

Was this review helpful?

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it

Was this review helpful?

I honestly love a sad boy MMC. Sunny and Issac were cute together. Cute Christmas book! Just what I needed! 3 stars! Thanks NetGalley for the arc!

Was this review helpful?

I love a Christmas/holiday story, but this felt like it drug on for a while. Just not a ton of meat and potato’s. Now, you don’t always need that, but for me - reading about a porn star and a former boy band heart throb didn’t work. I didn’t realize this was a book in a series and maybe if I had previously invested in the characters from previous books I would have enjoyed it more.

Was this review helpful?

A sweet way to finish this series. I’ve really enjoyed all of the Christmas Notch series. This one, just like the others, is steamy and funny. It also has some lovely poignant moments. I loved the ending and scenes to wrap up Teddy’s story as well. Though I do question what grounds Isaac and Sunny’s relationship outside of the bedroom, I think their chemistry was palpable. I’m a bit sad to be leaving Christmas Notch, this idyllic wintery village.

Was this review helpful?

A Jingle Bell Mingle by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone is sweet, steamy, and the perfect follow up to the A Christmas Notch series. Sunny and Issac are endearing, and the festive setting adds a fun touch to the story. While the story follows a familiar romantic arc, the heartfelt moments and connection between Sunny and Issac make it an enjoyable, cozy read. A great pick for anyone looking for a quick, holiday-themed romance with plenty of charm and heat!

Was this review helpful?

I tried, I really did, but this was just a no for me. DNF. I enjoyed book 1 of this series, but this one just started out too strong.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this one! It’s definitely spicier than A Merry Little Meet Cute, but I have zero complaints. 😏 🥵
It was so wonderful returning to Christmas Notch! As with the first book in the series, we get a fantastic group of side characters who add to the story’s charm. Familiar characters such as Teddy, Stephanie, Bee, and Nolan, as well as new characters like the strippers at the North Pole and the official Cat Advisory Text Thread. We also get plus size rep with our FMC, and both our MCs are bisexual, which I loved seeing. Sunny and Issac’s chemistry was apparent immediately and I loved them together. Even if they are both stubborn as can be. I could have done without the conflict towards the end, but as a stubborn person too, I get it I guess. This is one I’ll happily reread in the future.

Was this review helpful?

Another fun holiday read by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone. They bring some sizzle to the holiday season with this cute read. I enjoy Julie Murphy so I will always pick up what she has written. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

The chemistry between the leads is undeniable—steamy dirty talk, sizzling hookups, and intense tension. He's a sad boy widower, former boy band member, and she's a former porn star, each with their own baggage. While I loved the heat between them, the constant miscommunication drove me crazy. His fear of heartbreak after losing his wife kept him from opening up, but their chemistry made it hard to put down. Too bad the miscommunication trope overshadowed it all.

Was this review helpful?