Not Your Grinch

book notes

title: Not Your Grinch
author: Jerica MacMillan
series: Arcadian Falls Christmas #5
published: 11.25.2025
publisher: Marycliff Press
Source: Kindle Unlimited
genre(s): holiday/seasonal, romance
pages: 328
format: eBook
buy/shelve it: Amazon | BookBub | StoryGraph | Goodreads
rating: | series rating:

the blurb

They all call her a Grinch …

I can admit it’s unfair, but after a particularly irritating run in, my petty side doesn’t bother to counter those accusations.

She’s just so … stubborn. And full of ideas that, while not bad, are too much, too soon.

She hasn’t even given us a chance to show her what ChristmasFest is like before trying to change so many things that people are afraid it’ll be unrecognizable.

But after a chance encounter in the local bar one evening, I start to see her in a new light. And her stubbornness combined with her beauty, her passion, and her drive is actually really attractive.

And … I want more.

But will she give me a chance? Or has my own stubbornness ruined my chances for good?

a few notes

POV: 1st person; dual
setting: Arcadian Falls
keywords/phrases: newcomer, grinch, tradition
tropes: enemies to lovers, single dad
spice: 3/5
language: 0/5

mood reading: in the mood for a holiday read with all the Christmas vibes and a good romance.

my review

I’ve enjoyed all the Arcadian Falls books, and this one is no exception. It’s got everything I want in a holiday read… lots of witty banter, romance, holiday vibes, and a few obstacles thrown in the way to keep it interesting.

I enjoyed Jenna as a FMC. She had a quiet strength. She doesn’t give in when she believes she’s right, but she’s willing to listen and take what’s said into consideration. And she never comes across as the grinch she’s accused of being. Aaron, at first, annoyed me with his stubbornness, but he comes around eventually. And in truth, I think the imperfect start to their dynamic made their burgeoning relationship much more fun to watch.

And the setting… a holiday market in a snowy town. You can’t ask for a better setting for a Christmastime story! Perfect holiday read!

Rating Report
the story
the characters
the writing
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the world-building
the mood
the emotional significance
the conclusion
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2025 Christmas Reading Challenge