Who knew Christmas in July could be this fun? I picked this up on a whim and ended up absolutely loving it. Grumpy/Sunshine romance? Check. Fake snow and holiday cheer? Check. A revenge subplot worthy of Home Alone? Double check.

This isn’t your typical holiday romance—it’s set during the filming of a Christmas movie in July, and somehow, it totally works. The chemistry between Ellie and Mariah was swoony, sweet, and spicy in all the right ways. I laughed (yes, even at the fart machine), I swooned, and I even teared up a little. Pure festive joy with a side of sass.

i adored being able to get little script pieces of movie that they were filming in the book. i really liked how the story line of the movie was different from the story of the book, but it still related to Mariah and Ellie. getting to see their relationship o rom strangers to friends to lovers was so beautiful!

Audio Narration: 4.5 Solid performance. Inflection, voice variation, and pausing were all excellent. Pacing was a bit slow.

A holiday movie actress and her hair and makeup artist form a friendship and then team up to get revenge on their cheating guys. A silly, spicy, sapphic romcom perfect or Christmas in July!

What’s to love…
- strangers to friends to lovers
- grumpy/sunshine (Christmas Grinch & Holiday lover)
- bisexual FMCs & a sapphic HEA
- Both MF and FF spice
- hijinks and revenge
- Hallmark style movie setting

What’s not to love…
- pacing - this moved much slower than I would have liked. There was a lot of time spent on the non-endgame relationships.
- I didn’t need the movie script/scenes and really felt taken out of the story bc of them.

Overall this was a bit of a miss for me. Still a silly fun time but I felt like it lacked the tension and angst I really love in a romance. Definitely not a bad book, just not the right book for me!

🌶️ - Ch 4, 6, 7, 17, 23 (Sorry if I missed any I read via audio and I’m not always great at bookmarking the spice when I do! 😉)
**It should be noted that Ch 4 contains (imo) dubious consent. The FMC has had at least 6 drinks. It is not mentioned in the content warnings so I want to be sure to note it for those who need to avoid. The scene is NOT between the two FMCs.**

I disliked Ellie so, so much. I felt like she was immature and cringe and it taunted my entire view of her. The book was better for me during Mariah's POV but when they starting getting their revenge I knew I was done. It just did not sit well with me at all which sucks because I love a good sapphic story.

Thank you to the author, HTP and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this title. I attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.

Thank you to Harlequin audio, Lindsay Maple, and NetGalley for an ALC of this book! Thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Overall, this was such a cute and enjoyable listen!! It’s also the perfect listen or read for anyone wanting to read queer rep for Pride, but Christmas is their favorite holiday or time of the year. It gives the perfect Christmas during summer vibes when there’s talk of the fake snow, needing AC, overheating in sweaters, but still has the cozy feel of a Christmas time love story. It also has a good grumpy x sunshine trope and are also somewhat an “opposites attract” situation that balance each other out well.

I loved the premise of it starting with the two women finding out they’re seeing the same guy, guy lying when asked about exclusivity, and then them pranking said guy and falling for each other in the process! I liked that one already knew she’s bi and the other having a realization about her sexuality during the story, but I do wish there was a bit more discussion around that realization. It seemed like a flip was switched and that was that, she was all good to go. Maybe it’s like that for some people, but for me and others I know, there might be a specific moment of realization but that came with time for processing after, and that seemed a bit glazed over.

Again, I loved the premise of this story and think it’s a very cute story and would recommend it for a fun Christmas-y story with bi rep! It’s just that one thing that took me a tiny bit out of the story for a moment (but got back into it quickly after).

Super cute and fun. As a BC girl who lives in a town that is frequently used for filming TV/Hallmarky movies, this was a fun setting for the story. I thought the relationships were interesting and there were some great awkward moments to go along with the swoony romance. I enjoyed the story, but even more so I enjoyed the narration. Both narrators did a fabulous job and really helped me stay in the story.

We all love those cheesy Christmas movies and this book is a behind the camera cheesy love story. This books is perfect for those who want to start reading MF and FF romance.

Mariah and Ellie meet on the set of a Christmas movie, and while Ellie is all smiles, Mariah is just trying to do her job. And as the story goes on they realize they do have more in common than they thought. They both are "dating" the same guy, who is feeding them both lines about wanting to be with them and building a future. So when they find this out, they come up with some ideas for revenge. (Think Home Alone and John Tucker Must Die). And through their time planning revenge and Mariah crashing at Ellie's AirBNB they get closer and Ellie realizes she may be into girls after all.

I loved being able to read about the movie as well, I liked that we got those scenes to see why Ellie should be a lead role actress.

BI/Lesbian Romance
Workplace Romance
Grumpy/Sunshine
Meet Cute
Friends/Lovers

I received an advance review copy audio version. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio, for the opportunity to listen to this book. Lauren Sweet and Angelina Rocca did an amazing job narrating this audiobook.

Holly Jolly July by Lindsay Maple is a great romcom that includes both male-female and female-female relationships.

This story is a delightful twist of the well-known Christmas Movie culture we are all familiar with. This story encompasses the life on set of a Christmas Movie, and what the people creating such traditional romances live in their real lives. The two main characters, an actress, and a makeup artist, go on a journey of love in their own lives as the movie progresses in development.

Told in dual POV, both female characters are delightful in their own ways, both embodying female empowerment in different ways. Their personalities clash at first, but they soon find that opposites do attract.

I absolutely love Lindsay Maple’s ability to write a spicy, funny romance. She does an excellent job with setting and character development. I definitely recommend this read.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story which was well done by two narrators. The narrators bring their characters to life in such a fun way. I’d previously read this story, so it was really fun to listen to it a second time around with these narrators. I listened at 1.75x speed (1.75x is my normal audiobook speed).

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this advanced listening copy.

Well wasn’t this just a festive Christmas in July read! Perfect for pride month too- this little cutie is releasing June 17!

I love a good holiday movie and adding the film vibe was a great choice for this book. I loved that it was actually Christmas in July while the filming was taking place, a little summer and a little Christmas is just what I needed right now!The exerts of the film script that were woven into the book were extra fun, I loved knowing what was going on in the movie too.

The revenge plot did occasionally feel more silly than revenge focused- we could’ve had a little more romance between Ellie and Mariah and a little less of Matt/Jax. I wish we would’ve spent a more time getting to know them as a couple instead of individually. I did enjoy their growth, just wished we had a little more in the romance department.

The narrators were great! I really enjoyed the pacing of this audiobook. I also loved that the narrators brought Ellie and Mariah’s personalities to life. Giving them each their own voice just added to the audio experience and made it really enjoyable as a listener.

3.75 stars, rounding up to 4!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin audio for the advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

What a wonderful first read for pride month!! I adored this book and am so glad I picked it up. I think both narrators absolutely smashed it with their individual roles.

This queer romcom follows Mariah and Ellie who are a makeup artist and actress, respectively, working on the same Christmas film for two weeks. They immediately have a grumpy-sunshine dynamic (which was great for me as that's my favorite trope) and end up allies in exacting revenge on the guy who has been two-timing them which, of course, blossoms into a romance.

That's the bare bones synopsis, but there was a lot packed into this story: one of our FMCs has not outright confronted her bisexuality and is experiencing these feelings towards a woman for the first time. One of our FMCs has a complicated relationship with a family who has not been so supportive in the past and is now, in her eyes, desperate for a connection that she isn't certain about re-strengthening. In addition, we get to see movie scenes interspersed between our two love interests' POVs. Those scenes are shorter, and I was impressed with how balanced this book felt between those 3 perspectives. I felt equally connected to Ellie as I did Mariah and I felt an equal amount of time and care was devoted to each of their individual character arcs.

That said, I did have a couple of gripes with this book. If you've read any of my reviews in the past, you know I'm not super fond of exes being a main component of romantic novels. In this case, I can mostly look past that as the silly revenge scenes really added to the cheesy comedy part of the story without taking away from the romance. However, I almost wish that Jax/Matt had been added to the cover seeing as this book does contain some M/F spice and I was not expecting that based on the cover. In that regard, I do appreciate the author's dedication at the beginning of the book. My other main complaint is one that won't apply to the physical format of the book, but as far as the audio goes I found it a little hard to keep up with the movie script chapters and follow that story.

All in all, this story had me gripped from the start and it was a quick read. I was so proud of Mariah and Ellie's growth as individuals by the end of the book and I really am impressed by how much more of a well rounded, emotional read this was than I originally expected. These chaotic bisexual characters were so lovable and easy to root for. I'm so glad they never lost sight of their individual dreams but were able to intertwine their lives in the end against all odds.

There’s petty. There’s messy. And then there’s "Holly Jolly July", which kicks off like a Hallmark movie got drunk on Aperol spritzes and decided to serve its revenge cold, in the form of passive-aggressive glitter and bisexual chaos. This book is Christmas in July, yes, but it’s also justified rage, theatre kid vengeance, and enemies-to-lovers energy with jingle bells duct-taped to it.

We’ve got Ellie, a holiday-obsessed actress who lives for tinsel, peppermint mocha, and her big break. She’s dramatic in that “I bring my own Christmas decorations with me in July” kind of way. Enter Mariah, the makeup artist with a low tolerance for nonsense and a personality like smoky eyeliner: precise, intimidating, and potentially flammable. They’re both working on the same television Christmas movie in a sweaty Canadian town, and — SURPRISE! — they’ve been dating the same guy. Who is now very, very exed.

Most books would slow-burn that drama. Not this one. Ellie and Mariah find out fast, choose chaos faster, and what follows is a dizzy little detour into prank territory... fart machines, glitter bombs, lingerie left where it’ll hurt the most. It’s juvenile. It’s petty. It’s also delightfully cathartic. Like if you gave Regina George emotional depth and a push towards her lesbian awakening.

But here’s the twist that saves this from being just another revenge rom-com: the chemistry between Ellie and Mariah actually works. At first it’s all barbs and side-eyes, but slowly... painfully, sweetly... they start to see each other not just as victims of the same mistake, but as women who’ve been performing so hard for everyone else they forgot how to be honest with themselves. And that, my friend, is the secret ingredient, not just fire, but warmth.

The dual POV helps (mostly, sometimes Ellie’s inner monologue slips into romcom autopilot), but it’s Mariah who steals the emotional spotlight. She’s guarded in a way that feels earned, like she’s survived something sharp and hasn’t fully let herself unpack it yet. Watching her unravel under Ellie’s ridiculous optimism and chaotic sparkle is oddly romantic. Like glitter stuck in the seams of your grief.

Now, it’s not all sleigh bells and serotonin. The pacing stutters in the middle, and there’s a moment or two where the dialogue feels like it’s trying too hard to be clever instead of just being. There’s also a Christmas movie within the book that adds some flair but eats page time that might’ve been better spent deepening the romantic tension. Still, the third-act payoff? Worth it. Earned.

This isn’t your classic cozy rom-com. It’s not even trying to be. "Holly Jolly July" is for the girls with a messy ex, a revenge fantasy, and one foot on the gas pedal of healing. It’s for the Christmas movie haters who secretly love a happy ending if it’s a little sweaty and covered in fake snow.

Not perfect, but perfectly chaotic — a solid 3.5 stars of festive nonsense, awkward tension, and secondhand embarrassment wrapped in tinsel. I would absolutely read a follow-up where they write their own sapphic holiday movie and cast themselves as the leads.

Merry Mayhem Prize: For Turning a Cheating Scandal Into a Two-Woman Revenge Rom-Com Wrapped in Tinsel and Sexual Tension

Big thanks to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the early access to the audiobook and for pairing messy holiday feelings with narration sharp enough to slice through fake cheer and leftover fruitcake. Narrated by Lauren Sweet and Angelina Rocca, this version is a fantastic way to "read" the story and they absolutely nailed the tone, character shifts, and chaotic Christmas energy.

This book frustrated me a little.

I am obsessed with the cover. My sapphic loving heart was overjoyed with what this book presented.

It was a letdown, honestly. I liked the idea of two bisexuals coming together (and the pranking a jerk guy who strung them both along seemed like an entertaining thing to bond over). Unfortunately, both women super rushed into bed with the guy in question and it was super detailed, which fine, but it set my expectations for later.

So much of this book was wrapped up on them getting back at this guy, that these two women read like friends more than two women who come together. There was zero chemistry. And everything felt rushed and forced between them. And for how detailed the author got for the M/F spicy scenes, that detail was lacking in the F/F ones.

Also, there is way more of a serious note to Mariah in her POV that none of this felt romantic and fun and that's really what the blurb suggested.

I wanted to love this, but instead I was just left wanting more.

Thank you Harlequin Audio, NetGalley, and author Lindsay Maple for an advanced listener copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Holly Jolly July brings us Ellie - a super perky Christmas Loving supporting actress and her makeup artist Mariah. Mariah is back in the hometown she has avoided for years as a makeup artist for a holiday film. Initially irritated by Ellie’s steady upbeat chatter, they ultimately bond over stories of the hot guys they are hooking up with. When they find out their guys are cheating on them, Ellie and Mariah set out for revenge - “Home Alone” style.

What follows had me laughing out loud at the situations these two get themselves into. Think Lucy & Ethel vibes. This book brings us grumpy/sunshine, sapphic romance, friends to lovers and a story within a story.

While we have the main story arc, we also have scenes from the movie Ellie is filming. I found myself wishing the movie story had a pull and chemistry similar to the main story. But that was the only slight miss for me.

Our narrators, Lauren Sweet and Angelina Rocca were terrific! They were so engaging I did want to stop listening!!! The spice was spicing, the antics had me laughing - and they easily transitioned from tender and serious to silly and angry.

This audiobook was a delight and I recommend if you could use a little holiday magic, some laughs and a side of spice.

Holly Jolly July is a fun, festive mid-year holiday read full of charm, unexpected romance, and lighthearted shenanigans. The story takes place in a small town filming a Christmas movie—in the middle of July—which sets the stage for plenty of chaos, humor, and unexpected moments.

Ellie, the main character, was honestly a bit annoying at first, but she grew on me as the story progressed. Her personal growth, paired with a sweet and surprising romance, leads to a satisfying HEA. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good rom-com with holiday spirit (even in the heat of summer), this one’s a great pick.

I SWEAR THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN SPECIFICALLY FOR ME WOW.

I loved the bisexual rep, and the two different ways the women found their way into their own sexuality. I thought Ellie's story was SO relatable and vulnerable. Mariah's story was also a classic case of queer girls not knowing how to navigate friendships without feelings. I really enjoyed both women so much, and when they were together they were the perfect grumpy/sunshine pairing.

The Christmas theme that Ellie brings to her method acting was absolutely adorable and something I would totally do. I loved that she fully committed to it and that she loved Christmas so much.

The movie scenes were an unexpected bonus. That cheesy/hallmark holiday movie vibe was perfect. I loved that literally everyone acknowledges that they're not the best movies, they're predictable, corny and sometimes outright terrible, yet we all love them. Getting to know Annie and James with their little Christmas romance was honestly so precious. Plus I predicted the ending, and it was still so satisfying.

Mariah's personal trauma with her family and having to revisit her family home was also really well written. She clearly had some unresolved feelings there and the author treated her story with respect.

Lastly, without spoiling the entire thing because I loved it so much, THE PRANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Childish? Absolutely. Hilarious? Ab-so-fucking-lutely. They were all hilarious and I was laughing out loud on several occasions.

BRAVO. Loved this book. Love Lindsay Maple and I cannot wait to read what she writes next!

This is a cute romance novel. I was more intrigued with the side plot movie than the story itself. I did enjoy the interaction with the male character in the book.

This book really was such a fun and easy read! I loved Ellie and Mariah and especially when they finally got together in the end. The epilogue don’t get me started, had me so happy!! I hated that they both got played by the same man, pretending to be two different people but their “mean girls” pranks on him had me dying! They both may have been played but it ended up bring them close and into each other’s lives, which in the end worked out for the best! I think what made me not love this book 100% is the breaks when they had scenes from the movie in it because it just confused me at times, especially when the ghost came in….sure it can be seen as cute BUT not in the Christmas hallmark movies I love! lol. I know it was to break it up alittle and I appreciate that but it just got confusing and too much toward the end. Otherwise I really enjoyed this book! 4/5 stars in my book and thank you NetGalley, along with Harlequin Audio for allowing me to listen and review this book!

I didn't care for this. It didn't feel like a sapphic romance but more of a woman's lit book. There is a lot of time dedicated to the mcs hooking up with and flirty with random guys. There bond just didn't feel romantic until very near the end. Because of that I really can't recommend this.

This was a good story. The characters finding each other and realizing they are dating the same guy to dating each other was a unique twist in the typical hallmark romance. I felt like the storyline with the guy they were both dating went on way too long but I understand that it was used to provide reasons for them to be together.
The narrators were good but I think this book needs a full cast (I know that is not always doable) just because they movie they are filming has scenes interspersed within the story and it didn’t flow well with no real separation from the main story.

What a fun read!

Christmas is my all time fav holiday, the lights, the food, the gift giving it just makes my heart happy so when I got the opportunity to ALC a Christmas in July book I jumped so fast.

Grumpy/sunshine
Forced proximity
Sapphic romance
Friends to Lovers
Workplace romance
Revenge together
Bi-awakening

Yes please and thank you, wrap it up in a box with a bow.

The romance in this book was so beautiful to watch grow, being friends who grow into something more is always fun for me. These characters had depth and background and layers that I love to see in characters.

We have Ellie who is a peppy ray of sunshine, are is an actress but not the main lead as much as she wants to be. She loves Christmas and is thrilled to be taking part in a Christmas movie Ellie feels like she's never anyone's first choice be it personal or professional.

Mariah is more of the grump in this story she's a makeup artist who is doing Ellie's makeup for this Christmas movie though it's not the type of makeup she wants to do she hopes it will lead her to something she can be happy in. Mariah had a rough upbringing with some family drama and Christmas is just not her thing

So when the two of these characters get paired up they build an unlikely friendship that just works. Fast forward without giving away spoilers the two of them enact a revenge plot together and boy is it funny to watch. Fast forward again and this friendship becomes something more watching them get here was magical.

This is my first read by author Lindsay maple but it won't be my last. Huge thanks to netgalley, the author, and Harlequin audio for the advance listener copy in exchange for an honest review.