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.
Taylor's Review⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Finding ourselves in need of a way to pass the time while strolling across Missouri on I-70, 'A Merry Little Meet Cute' made its way into our vehicle’s speakers. The intense physical nature of the storyline made it easy to stay alert while driving. That is to say, there was little build up to the first… uh… “build up.” While this writing strategy might differ from traditional romances, it was a bold, refreshing choice and did not take away from the intrigue of the final chapter's “climax.”
The story is based on the assumption by several characters that even in today’s world of social media, not a single frequent viewer of cliché, made-for-tv holiday movies would also subscribe to naughty Internet content. This may be a bit of a stretch, but it does spark conversation regarding just how much those populations might actually overlap.
Nolan Shaw’s character - a former boy band star desperately trying to cling to celebrity status, and more importantly a paycheck, by signing on to star in a Christmas special - made for a solid back story. A further look details his struggles, illustrating that some incidents aren’t always as they seem. His backstory development is admirable and will hopefully encourage readers to see people from a more trauma-focused lens. We rarely know what everyone is facing behind-the-scenes.
The assorted side characters provide humor, especially as they acclimate to sudden temporary career transitions from adult film work to wholesome feature family films. In fact, many of their back stories could have used even a little more detail, but such is life for those in a supporting role.
Overall, the no-filter approach in detailing Bee Hobbes's naughty career, coupled with a quality, in-depth look at the holiday film industry and locations that serve as a backdrop to such movies, makes for a well-balanced story that is easy to envision. While it might not be possible to subscribe to fictional character Bee’s online exclusive content (don’t worry, I already tried), this tale is indeed worth consuming.
Synopsis
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 worthwhilewhen 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.
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