These newlyweds are in for a big surprise in this delightful holiday novella from the USA Today bestselling author known for her “unputdownable contemporary romances” (Booklist). Elise Maxwell is loving her first Christmas with her husband, Jay Smith. So far, newlywed life has been filled with laughter and lots of steamy marital “bliss.” But when Elise discovers she’s accidentally, … she’s accidentally, against-all-odds pregnant, happily-ever-after screeches to a halt. Although she sees it as a Christmas miracle, Elise knows her new husband might not agree…
Jay never wanted to be a father. In fact, he’s avoided it his entire life, worried he’d repeat the patterns of his own messed-up childhood. He’s madly in love with Elise and, until now, he thought they were on the same page about not having children. But her surprise pregnancy changes everything. Elise is suddenly committed to parenthood, and Jay knows he can’t lose her. Facing his deepest fears will be difficult, but with a little holiday magic, Jay might be able to prove to Elise that – as a family – they’re destined to live merrily ever after.
“Holiday writes a story full of warmth and affey magic, Jay might be able to prove to Elise that – as a family – they’re destined to live merrily ever after.
“Holiday writes a story full of warmth and affection… a magical amuse-bouche of a tale.” — USA Today, Happy Ever After
Praise for the Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series: “Satisfying.” —New York Times Book Review on One and Only
“The perfect rom-com.” — Refinery29 on One and Only
“A summer read more satisfying than a poolside popsicle.” — Entertainment Weekly on It Takes Two
“Romantic comedy at its best.” — The Washington Post on It Takes Two
“Witty, sexy and wonderfully entertaining.” –USA Today, Happy Ever After on It Takes Two
y magic, Jay might be able to prove to Elise that – as a family – they’re destined to live merrily ever after.
“Holiday writes a story full of warmth and affey magic, Jay might be able to prove to Elise that – as a family – they’re destined to live merrily ever after.
“Holiday writes a story full of warmth and affection… a magical amuse-bouche of a tale.” — USA Today, Happy Ever After
Praise for the Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series: “Satisfying.” —New York Times Book Review on One and Only
“The perfect rom-com.” — Refinery29 on One and Only
“A summer read more satisfying than a poolside popsicle.” — Entertainment Weekly on It Takes Two
“Romantic comedy at its best.” — The Washington Post on It Takes Two
“Witty, sexy and wonderfully entertaining.” –USA Today, Happy Ever After on It Takes Two
more
4.5 Stars
Elise and Jay are back and boy have things changed for them this time around!!
I was a little worried about how this whole surprise pregnancy would play out between this couple who had both placed themselves firmly in the not wanting children club. I was worried about how we were sold that they both were not just okay with not having children, but that they preferred it and that they would somehow magically be over the moon with the news.
Well, while Elise took the surprise pretty well other than knowing that it was going to cause a problem in her marriage, Jay did not handle the news with grace or ease. He was actually not very nice about it at all but that fell very realistic to this relationship and I appreciated the realness of his reaction.
It was how the situation was resolved that really sold me on this book though. I love that Jay didn’t just fall in love with the idea of having a baby just because of how much he loved Elise but because he realized that his reasons for not wanting kids were not valid and that maybe he’s wanted kids all along.
Favorite Quotes:
He was perfect. The perfect gentleman and the perfect… not gentleman, as the situation required.
Jay had never thought about sex having magical healing powers. That was for other people. Hippies. People doing breathing exercises and chanting mantras. But clearly there was some healing to do here.
But one thing she’d learned recently was that sometimes it was a good idea to expand your definition of perfection.
My Review:
I adore this couple and holy scorched sheets, Batman – they have world-class stamina! My beloved Kindle was in extreme danger from industrial strength grip I maintained. Sigh, I am besotted with this quirky collection of friends and how perfectly this gifted wordsmith supplies them with unique and unconventional attributes and challenges. Jay was an unexpected yet highly interesting dichotomy, a sexy and dirty talking accountant. I have to marvel, and giggle-snort at that.
Merrily Ever After by Jenny Holiday is book 2.5 in the Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series. This continues the story of Elise Maxwell and Jay Smith who we met in the ‘Once Upon a Bride’ book.
You could probably make this a standalone without any issues but I personally feel you will enjoy it more if you read the previous book first. Elise and Jay are so much in love and are ready for their first Christmas together but then Elise finds that she is expecting a child. Elise is concerned how Jay will take the news and we see how they deal with that and catch up on their lives.
I have really enjoyed this series!
I have not read anything but this author before and I am so ready to go and read the other books in this series. I love the friendship these four women have, its close but its also “family”. They are there no matter what happens, and I love how the author had these girls and there crazy antics throughout this book. I really enjoyed reading this quick read and how even though Elisa and Jay are already married they are faced with something that she feels could destroy their relationship and how its not always perfect. This book does have a lot of adult language and situations throughout so it that’s not your thing be forewarned, otherwise this is perfect to cuddle up with a drink and fire and read. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
Heart-warming addition to a wonderful series! I didn’t think anything could make me love this series more, but sure enough, through an unlikely pregnancy in the mix, and I’m sold! I love how the couple goes through the typical reactions to finding out they’re expecting, especially after being told it wasn’t possible. Definitely the perfect miracle for this holiday season, and a must-read!
So after reading “Once Upon A Bride” I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this story and catch up with Jay and Elise. For the most part they have been on the same page about no kids but Elise ends up pregnant. Talk about intense. I didn’t know what was going to happen. My heart was hurting for both of them because they have issues with their families. I could also understand where Jay was coming from as well. I was really torn and couldn’t pick a side to be on.
“So keep remaking me, Elise. Both of you. Keep remaking me.”
Even though this book was a novella it packed a huge punch and Holiday knocked it out of the park! I really connected to the characters in this story. I love the bond these ladies have and are there for each other through good times and bad. I can’t wait for Gia’s book next year but I must admit I will be sad when this series is over.
My Review:
Wow…now that is how you write an amazingly emotional novella. I think I liked this little novella even more than I’ve liked the books in this series (and I’ve loved them).
And you know what? It’s hard to say much more than that, simply because this is a novella. Read the story description…it’s extremely well done and know that you are walking into an emotional little novella. I loved it.
And note: the addition of the legos…and the symbolism there…MELTED HEART. So, so good. I loved this novella and can definitely recommend it. And I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that even if you haven’t read the books, this novella is strong enough on it’s own to work as a stand-alone (although the couple in it do have a main book in the series, too).
Simply put…read it. It’s GREAT!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest and voluntary review.
I am in love with Jenny Holiday’s Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series and Merrily Ever After is no exception. I loved the novella looks at Elise and Jay and them figuring out how to be married and weather storms. Their HEA is perfect, even if they needed a redo. If you need a quick holiday break, pick up this novella and enjoy the snow.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novella.
The holidays can get a little crazy, and this book is the perfect length to take you away from the madness for a short time and into a wonderful holiday story. We met Jay and Elise previously, and watched as Elise’s perfectionist tendencies morphed into epic bridzilla proportions. The four besties from the Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series are all together for Christmas, with a lot more than just the Secret Santas being revealed.
Jay never wanted children so Elise’s fertility issue made her even more perfect for him. They really are perfect together, and their life together is perfect. That is, until the impossible happens and Elise discovers she’s pregnant. Find out how Jay and Elise deal with things when their perfect life gets a dose of reality, and catch up with the rest of the Bridesmaids in this delightful, fun and touching holiday novella.
Jenny Holiday’s Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series is one of my favorite finds of 2018. Obviously I was thrilled when I found out she would be releasing a holiday novella in the series. Better yet? Merrily Ever After features the couple whose wedding in the first book kicked off this whole ride. I was so excited to get a glimpse at Elise and Jay’s life together.
Merrily Ever After isn’t all light and fluffy fun and games, but it’s a realistic look at what happens after the HEA. Just a few months after their wedding, Elise and Jay’s life together has come to a crossroads. Despite believing she was unable to have children, she’s pregnant. Jay didn’t want children. She didn’t think she did either, but now she wants nothing more. Except maybe Jay. The story that results gave me a ton of feels. I was inside these characters lives and honestly felt like I was living in their heads at times. Life might not be perfect, but it certainly feels that way when they’re together.
I was prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride with Merrily Ever After and I certainly got that. But it wasn’t overly angsty or anything. From the fun and sexy times to the more emotional ones, I was all in for Elise and Jay. I felt like I totally understood what each of them was going through and struggling with. I never once doubted they would get the ending they deserved, together. In fact, I think the unplanned pregnancy actually strengthened their relationship. They were so freaking good together. The romance and swoons outweighed the harder times and, of course, I ended up a little teary eyed before it was all said and over.
If you’ve been reading the Bridesmaids Behaving Badly series, you’ll want this one on your TBR. If you’re just a fan of Christmasy romances, you’ll be able to enjoy the story without knowing the backstory. But you should think about checking out the series anyhow. It’s fantastic. Merrily Ever After was a delightful holiday romance and a great addition to a series I’m loving on so hard.
Favorite Quotes:
He was perfect. The perfect gentleman and the perfect… not gentleman, as the situation required.
“I did sign up for this. I signed up for you. So I signed up for this.”
**I received an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I loved reading Jay and Elise’s story in Once Upon A Bride, so I was excited to know that we were getting a novella for them as well.
So far marriage has been everything that Jay and Elise have ever wanted. It’s been pure bliss and they are madly in love. A wrench is thrown into their well laid plans when Elise discovers that she is pregnant. Not only did she think it was medically impossible for her to get pregnant, Jay has always made it perfectly clear he did not want to be a father.
When Elise breaks the news to Jay, she’s hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. Will these two be able to work through this large bump in the road or will it end the paradise they have been enjoying?
I really enjoyed how Jenny Holiday laid out this novella and while it was pretty angsty, I loved it. I enjoyed watching this couple confront their fears and work through their issues together. There was a bit of everything in this book and there were definitely swoonworthy moments!
Can’t wait for the next book in this series when it comes out next year!
*ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This is the first Jenny Holiday book I’ve read but it certainly won’t be the last. Merrily Ever After is a wonderful mix of witty writing, likeable characters, sass, humor and just the right amount of of steamy romance. Thanks to Jenny and NetGalley for a delightful read.