Hard core romantic, stress baker, and housekeeper non-extraordinaire, Mira Lyn Kelly is the USA TODAY bestselling author of more than a dozen sizzly love stories with over a million readers worldwide. Growing up in the Chicago area, she earned her degree in Fine Arts from Loyola University and met the love of her life while studying abroad in Rome, Italy… only to discover he’d been living right around the corner from her back home. Having spent her twenties working and playing in the Windy City, she’s now settled with her husband in rural Minnesota, where their four amazing children and two ridiculous dogs provide an excess of action and entertainment. When she isn’t reading, writing, or running the kids around, she loves watching the Chicago Blackhawks and action/adventure movies, blabbing with the girls, and cooking with her husband and friends.
Dirty Christmas is book #5.5 in the Slayers Hockey series by Mira Lyn Kelly. So...this is the both the second book I’ve read by this author and also the second I’ve read in this series. I previously read Dirty Dare, the only MM offering in the series which is book nine. I loved it so much I grabbed this one to read along with my holiday reading. I am in love with the way Mira writes and with this series. So now I will have to go back and read all the rest of them!
Noel is the defenseman for the Chicago Slayers, a pro hockey team. It’s Christmas Eve and he’s supposed to be hopping on a flight to Vegas with his teammate, Diesel for the holiday. But suddenly, Diesel jumps back in the car, driving like a mad man, taking Noel who knows where. This was NOT the way he planned to spend Christmas. Until he finally caught up with his teammate and met Misty!
Misty Nichols is twenty four years old. When Noel and Diesel show up at her apartment, she and Noel suddenly find themselves thrown together in a situation neither of them understand. But they make the most of their day and end up having the most wonderful, holiday filled day.
This was such a short novella. Honestly, I want more of these two. I adored them both so much. Noel was like an excited puppy the way he was running around enjoying everything so much. The chemistry between them was so cute. I couldn’t help but to fall for Noel right along with Misty. I just so want more of them. Maybe they’ll show up in one of the later books? But for now, settle in with your hot chocolate and enjoy Misty and Noel for the afternoon. I bet you will love them just as I did.
(Please note: this novella was previously released as part of the Scoring Over The Holidays anthology last year)
"That's the second-best Christmas gift I've ever gotten." "Yeah? What's the first?" "You, Mistletoe." Mira is one of my favorites, and even though this is a really short story, I loved it. It's part of the Slayers world, but it's fine even if you haven't read any of the Slayers books.
I absolutely LOVED Misty. I'm all about the strong heroines who help themselves, and she's so much of it. And Noel was such a sweetheart, while being all sorts of hot, sexy, and very flirty. He just couldn't turn off the charm and I loved it!
His friend and her sister got them in a situation where they're forced to endure each other's company at her parent's house over Christmas. Perfect strangers, who feel very much attracted to each other, even if they only just met. Of course they try to resist, but that's the magic of Christmas, right? (can we move it from books and into real life, pretty please?)
"So, you're the gift I get to unwrap on Christmas Eve?"(...) "If you're mine." The two are absolute perfection and their story makes for a cute, sweet, holiday (or summer!) read.
So short (6 chapters), but a cute & flirty whirlwind Christmas romance with a little sexy right at the end. Nice little tease of the next Slayers book couple too. I wish this had a couple of more chapters, but hopefully Noel & Misty will be the main side characters in the next(the heroine is Misty’s sister), so we get a little more of them.
Really sweet. Hope to see more of Misty and Noel in the next book. Can't seem to put this series down even though I have a bunch of just released books on the TBR shelf that I'm dying to read. Four more to go...
Well this was over way too fast! It's been a hit minute since my last MLK book and this just wouldn't do - I need more!!! But since I know her next full length book is coming soon this was a great way to tide me over until it releases!
OMG…how does Mira do that!?! In just a handful of chapters, I was thoroughly smitten! With both the hero AND the heroine!
Misty and Noel clicked immediately. And I fell for them immediately after that. These two together had me smiling. They were so adorable when they were joking around and flirting and being sarcastic and having fun. They made my heart happy.
This short story has it all. Instalove, instacharm, and instadeliciousness. With plenty of feelings and heart flutters and feel-good moments. It was SO CUTE. It’s got humor and Christmassy goodness and a hero who’s absolutely swoontastic.
This was a great addition to the Slayers Hockey series and also a perfect set up for the next book!
When Noel's teammate Diesel hijacks his car upon arrival at the airport, Noel's understandably a little miffed that instead of spending the holidays with him, Diesel's gone on a high speed chase after some woman. But then...he sees a gorgeous Christmas present just for him, and his holidays are suddenly looking a lot brighter.
Misty's normally not the type of woman to do casual, but when Noel appears looking like all kinds of trouble, she can't help but want to unwrap this present, even if she knows he's not planning on sticking around for long. Is it possible Santa has given her her very own holiday treat? One she gets to keep?
Short, sweet and as delicious as a candy cane dipped into hot chocolate, Noel and Misty are a great couple. Though I wanted much, much more of them together, this sweet little treat is the perfect what I hope is just an introduction to them.
Blink and you’ll miss the moment they fall in love. Of course, it’s a short story, so you can’t have a long seduction. I understand. And I actually enjoyed Misty and Noel’s instant connection.
I didn’t have time to get too attached to the characters, but there were enough details about them to make them endearing, and to make me appreciate their little romance. They flirt a lot, with a fun banter that keeps the story going at a steady pace until the end.
And it was full of holiday spirit! Both characters love Christmas–even though Noel is a bit more jagged about it. You get the full experience, from chosing the tree to decorating the house. Delightful.
On top of that, it’s a great teaser for the author’s next book. Not an unforgettable read, but if you love the Slayers hockey series, it’s a nice add-on.
I don’t really have any actual critiques on this one - it was fine, my least favourite in the series but only really because it was a novella and therefore felt short and rushed. There just wasn’t enough time for proper relationship development. And the whole story happens in a few hours, which I could potentially get on board with in a longer book, but there just wasn’t enough time to make me believe it.
3.5⭐️ How would you feel if your friend suddenly left you stranded at the airport just before you were about to catch a plane to Las Vegas? Not only that, but he stole your car for who knows what reason. In the case of Noel, he decided to accompany his friend Diesel in the hope of catching the next plane, but that's not going to happen. But Noel receives an unexpected Christmas gift: Misty. Short and funny story
I wanted more spice from something called “Dirty” Christmas. It was very flirty but that’s about it. The beginning completely confused me but by the end I was thinking it was cute.
This was a fun and short novella with the Slayer hockey team. I loved Noel & Misty, they are such a cute couple. Noel seems to be a calm guy that goes with the flow however he wasn't happy when his teammate left him behind with Misty's sister. They decide to celebrate the holiday together and have some fun.
This is a short story, but it's totally complete, with an HEA. It is absolutely fantastic. I love Noel and Misty. What a wonderful couple! And what a terrific Christmas story!
Dirty Christmas is a novella in the Slayers Hockey series. You can read it as standalone and if you haven’t read the rest of the series yet, you will want to. I already read Dirty Deal and there was a hint that something happened to Noel Nichols and Diesel over Christmas and now I know half of it…
Noel and Diesel were supposed to be on their way to Sin City when Diesel stole Noel’s truck and like his ass was on fire out of the airport. Only to stop at an apartment complex in a small town. That was when Noel saw her and proposes within a few minutes to a beautiful and funny woman who loves mini-marshmallows in her hot cocoa. He didn’t even know her name. But for real, they spend Christmas Eve together. Noel finds Misty to be witty, beautiful, funny, and he wants more. Now, he just has to convince her that he is only a player on the ice and not off it. Will Misty give him a chance for Christmas? And what happened with Diesel? You will find out in Dirty Groom!! I can’t wait.
Quotes:
“So enough about them. Who are you?” I laugh. “Um, not interested.” This guy has player written all over him. Not my thing, hot or not.
“No boyfriend?” “Really? We’re engaged, and you ask me this now? No.”
“Look at you, beautiful.” Noel walks a slow, assessing circle and bites his bottom lip, giving this tree bedroom eyes so sexy I’m embarrassed to admit I feel a flutter in my belly. “Tall, full backside. I just want to run my hands over—” “Noel, do you need a minute alone? Or do you want to get your hands out of her branches and cut her down?” “Jealous?”
Recommended this series by @readingshamelessly and I have to admit — it was pretty good! Some more than others.
I really liked Natalie and Vaughn but Nat’s brother Greg seriously annoyed me and made me so-so about getting into the series. But the other Slayers, much more entertaining but my two favourite couples were Cammy and Rux and then Harlow and Wade.
If you love steamy and spicy romance with some great banter and hot hockey players, this is the series for you!
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Always enjoy a series where the men fall first.
2) The funny one-liners and entertaining boys on skates and
3) Single parents, best friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, fake relationships — all the tropes we love rolled into one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ over all
Individually, I had my favourites. Dirty Rebound and Dirty Talker were my two faves.
This is a cute, fun, romantic Christmas novella about Noel and Misty. Two single adults who meet on Christmas Eve under unusual circumstances.
Misty is a lovely person. She has family and friends who love her and sister/roommate that she lives with. Noel is a funny, charming, and alone on Christmas instead of in Vegas with his team mate. Instant attraction between Noel and Misty but they are leery of jumping into anything romantic. After all, they just met.
They spend the day together having fun and learning about each other. Will Noel find some happiness at Christmas. Will Misty be able to resist the very attractive Noel? Will they or won't they? You will have to read it for the rest of the story.
This is a super short story but well written and absolutely adorable. It could almost be a Hallmąrk movie. I would definitely watch it. If you are looking for a short warm and fuzzy rom-com as a treat while you are waiting for a big new release, I recommend this one. Or maybe you need a read for a day at the beach. This would be great! It's never a bad time for a wonderful holiday romance. This is definitely worth four stars.
"No boyfriend?" "Really? We're engaged, and you ask me this now? No."
Was wondering if these two were going to get a book after meeting them in Dirty Groom, but I didn't realise that this book was about them!
This was a quick, cute little novella showing more depth into how Misty and Noel fell headfirst into their whirlwind relationship. And it was funny to see their perspectives about what was happening with Stormy and Diesel.
'I told her I play hockey for the Slayers, and she thought it was cool but doesn't know much about sports. I said I'd marry her anyway but she's still not sold.'
Also, can we give a HUGE round of applause to Misty for just saying what she was thinking in regards to them taking their relationship further, instead of having the usual miscommunication occur.
"Yes and no. I mean, if you were looking for something more than that, would I be interested? I would. But if you're not, I understand that."
When Noel gets car jacked by his team mate Diesel before they could leave for Vegas, he finds himself stuck in a fully decked out Christmas town, blowing his plans to leave behind the Christmas spirit.
But when he gets stuck with the feisty redhead who just so happens to be the little sister to the woman Diesel took off after, he finds himself knowing exactly what he want’s for Christmas.
'Now I just have to convince her I’m not the naughty player she thinks I am and to give me a chance to score a permanent spot on her nice list.'
Misty didn’t take anything serious from the guy that proposed to her within minutes of meeting her. Yet she couldn’t help herself from being attracted to him.
Going Christmas tree shopping and decorating her parents house was something that her and her sister was supposed to do together. With her sister busy with Diesel, Misty is left alone with Noel.
But when that not so serious guy suddenly become serious about you... what do you do?
Dirty Christmas is a short story that is in the Slayers world. It is the story of Noel and Misty who are thrown together because his friend and her sister leave them stranded together on Christmas Eve. This was a cute, fun and quick read. Noel is super laid back with a fun attitude and Misty is a doll who is pretty ‘go with the flow’. The two of them were so easy together – they joked around, enjoyed their flirty time and just had fun together! They have great chemistry together and become close, even in the short time that they are together. They don’t shy away from talking about everything, even the hard things and that enables them to become even closer.
You couldn’t help but be delighted as you read the story. This is a sweet little novella that is a quick and easy read and sets the stage for the next story in the Slayers world for Diesel and Stormy. Great addition to the Slayers world!
Pardon me while I pick myself off of the floor. I swooned so hard!! It was so flirty and fun! And it ended on a cliffhanger that drove me crazy! Of course I now I want to read the next book in the series: Dirty Groom!
Noel is hoping to get to Vegas to put the sadness of the holidays behind him. But he winds up stuck with the sister of the woman his friend has just run off with. (What happens to those two...we'll find out in book six: Dirty Groom!) Misty is trying to make Christmas special for her family when they arrive tomorrow. And since Noel has nothing better to do than wait for his friend (Diesel) to come back, he flirts mercilessly with Misty as he helps her prepare for the holidays. The insta-love was totally believable and I ate it up!
The beginning was a little rough, but once we got underway with Misty, Noel shows his teddy bear side and I was so smitten!! I've never read this author before but now I'm hooked!!
Non sono una da novelle natalizie, però ogni anno ne leggo sempre qualcuna e Un Natale inatteso di Mira Lyn Kelly ha avuto il potere di strapparmi un sorriso dalla prima all’ultima pagina. Ho adorato la frizzantezza di Noel, anche la sua ironia e quel fascino che si percepisce fin dall’inizio, nonostante le ferite che tiene dentro di sé. Di Misty mi è piaciuto come sia riuscita a farsi trascinare, a scegliere per una volta sé stessa e fare un colpo di testa. Non so, per quanto io dubiti che cose del genere possano accadere nella vita reale, è stato bello vedere questi due personaggi conoscersi e viversi così intensamente anche se con una velocità non indifferente… però sapete che vi dico? Che hanno fatto bene. Non solo perché mi hanno fatto passare un’oretta con la mente altrove facendomi divertire, ma anche perché le novelle dovrebbero essere esattamente così: divertenti, ritmate, con dei protagonisti che fanno bene al cuore.
Amo le novelle natalizie, se poi sono collegate ad una serie ancora di più. Con 𝐔𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐨 l'autrice ci regala una storia inaspettata, dolce e romantica che calda il cuore. Un instalove ben scritto con due protagonisti che in poche pagine conquistano il lettore.
Noel, difensore dei Chicago Slayers, alla vigilia di Natale, è pronto per partire insieme al suo compagno di squadra Diesel per Las Vegas ma si ritrova, invece che su un aereo a dover trascorrere del tempo con Misty.
Misty ragazza posata ed equilibrata, non prende mai decisioni affrettate, ma quando Noel piomba nella sua vita, per una volta sceglie di mettere da parte la razionalità e vivere il momento.
L'atmosfera natalizia è magica e aiuterà Noel e Misty a vivere momenti dolci e confidenze inaspettate. Le pagine scorrono veloci lasciando al lettore sorrisi, occhi a cuoricino e tanto amore.
Mettetevi comodi, plaid, divano e una cioccolata calda e lasciatevi coccolare da Noel e Misty. Da leggere!!
This short story was an absolute delight to read. Noel stole the show with his laidback fun loving attitude and Misty was such a sweetheart that knew how to go with the flow. After they are both stranded by Noel’s teammate and Misty’s sister they decide to take this turn of events into something enjoyable. The more time they spend together they realize just how easy it is to talk to each other about things even the hard stuff. They have fun goofing off and Misty shows Noel a Christmas Eve like one he hasn’t had in years. They form a bond that turns into a heated attraction that neither wants to let go of but when it’s all said and done will such a short a time together be enough for them to have more. I swear I could read a full book of Noel and his antics, he had me laughing and falling in love with him hard.
Thrown together on Christmas Eve, Noel and Misty decide they will make the best of things. Dirty Christmas is Mira Lynn Kelly's latest novella that will get you into the Christmas spirit no matter the time of year.
If you're a fan of Ms Kelly's, you know that her Slayers Hockey stories come with more than just the hot hockey hunk. Misty is a fun loving, easy going girl who decides that she's taking a chance on Noel and acts on the spirit of the season.
When Noel finds himself alone on Christmas, he reaches out to a friend who ultimately ditches him, leaving him alone with Misty. With her help, he quickly gets over his holiday skepticism and finds himself taking a chance on her.
Dirty Christmas is a flirty, fun, and spontaneous read that will have you reaching for the Christmas music no matter the season. I received an ARC and am happy to share my review.
I loved Noel and Misty’s instalove forced proximity Christmas novella. I gobbled it up in one sitting smiling the whole time. Noel is a pro hockey player without any immediate family. Christmas is a hard day for him so he planned to spend it with his teammate, Diesel, in Vegas. But his plans are derailed when his teammate steals his car to follow a woman to a nearby small town. While Diesel talks to Stormy the woman he was following, Noel meets her sister, Misty. When Diesel ditches Noel, he spends the day doing all the Christmas things with Misty and falling in love in the process. Despite being short, the story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters, and an engaging storyline. I love every book in this series.