Grinch Meets Matchmaker

Rowan Bishop, a single dad and professional hockey player, is dragged to a Christmas charity auction by his teammates. Rowan, a self-proclaimed Christmas grump, is forced to attend for the sake of team sponsors and his agent, Jason—who also happens to be his best friend. At the event, Rowan's cynicism about love and the holidays is challenged when he encounters Isla Marlowe, Jason's sister and a professional matchmaker. Their banter is sharp, and Rowan's accidental candy cane mishap at the punch bowl leads to a memorable, awkward, and oddly charged first interaction. Isla's optimism and warmth are a stark contrast to Rowan's frosty demeanor, setting the stage for a classic grumpy/sunshine dynamic.

The Punch Bowl Incident

After Rowan's candy cane lands in the punch bowl, Isla steps in to help him cover up the accident, leading to a covert operation involving poinsettias and quick thinking. Their teamwork is surprisingly effective, and Isla's crisis management skills impress Rowan, even as he tries to maintain his gruff exterior. The incident becomes a metaphor for their dynamic: Isla brings order and sweetness to Rowan's chaos, while Rowan's reluctant participation hints at a willingness to let someone in. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and both are left unsettled by how much they enjoy each other's company, despite their supposed differences.

Auction Bids and Bets

The charity auction heats up as Rowan's teammates, Tyler and Miles, bid an outrageous sum on Isla's matchmaking package—on Rowan's behalf. Rowan is blindsided when he realizes he's the intended recipient, and his teammates stage an intervention, insisting he needs a date for the team's Christmas Eve gala. Isla, ever the professional, accepts the challenge, and Rowan, cornered, agrees to participate—albeit with a heavy dose of skepticism. The stage is set for a high-stakes bet: Isla must find Rowan a holidate, and if she fails, he gets to choose her date for her own matchmaking event.

Team Intervention

Rowan's teammates and agent stage a heartfelt intervention, confronting him about his holiday grumpiness and reluctance to date. They reveal their motivations: Rowan's negativity has been dragging down team events, and they want him to have a shot at happiness. The group's camaraderie is evident, and their tough love pushes Rowan to accept Isla's matchmaking services. Isla, meanwhile, is determined to prove her skills, seeing Rowan as her toughest challenge yet. The intervention is both comedic and touching, highlighting the importance of found family and the ways friends can push us toward growth.

The Holly Jolly Wager

Isla and Rowan formalize their arrangement with a playful but meaningful bet: if Isla succeeds in finding Rowan a match, he must publicly thank her at her showcase; if she fails, he gets to pick her date. Their competitive spirits are ignited, and the bet becomes a driving force in their interactions. Isla's optimism is infectious, and Rowan's resistance begins to crack as he's drawn into her world of planners, lists, and holiday cheer. The wager adds a layer of tension and anticipation, as both are determined not to lose—but for reasons that go beyond pride.

Advent Calendar Schemes

Rowan's daughter, Mia, schemes to bring more Christmas spirit into their home with a book-themed Advent calendar. Rowan, despite his aversion to holiday excess, finds himself outmaneuvered by Mia and Isla, who team up to create a tradition that blends practicality with magic. The scenes with Mia reveal Rowan's softer side and his deep love for his daughter, while Isla's rapport with Mia cements her place in their lives. The Advent calendar becomes a symbol of Rowan's gradual thaw and the power of small, shared rituals to build connection.

Unmatchable or Unmatched?

Isla dives into her matchmaking process, interviewing Rowan and observing his interactions. She discovers his protective nature, love for his daughter and dog, and hidden vulnerabilities. Rowan, in turn, is challenged to articulate what he wants in a partner, though he remains guarded. Their sessions blur the line between professional and personal, with Isla's insights chipping away at Rowan's defenses. The chapter explores themes of trust, self-awareness, and the difficulty of opening up after heartbreak, as both characters begin to see each other—and themselves—more clearly.

The List of You

Rowan and Isla exchange playful "lists" of what they've learned about each other, turning the matchmaking process into a game of mutual observation. Their banter is laced with flirtation, and the lists reveal how closely they've been paying attention to one another. The exercise becomes a safe way to express admiration and attraction, even as they maintain the pretense of professional distance. The lists also foreshadow the emotional risks they're both taking, as each new detail brings them closer to vulnerability—and to the possibility of something real.

Fake Dates, Real Feelings

As Isla arranges "practice dates" to help Rowan prepare for real matchmaking, the line between fake and real begins to blur. Their outings—Christmas tree shopping, cookie swaps, and cozy bookstore visits—are filled with laughter, teasing, and growing attraction. Rowan's resistance softens as he experiences genuine joy in Isla's company, while Isla struggles to maintain her professional boundaries. The fake dating trope is played to the hilt, with both characters increasingly aware that their feelings are anything but pretend. The emotional stakes rise as they navigate the tension between duty and desire.

Lumberjack Kink Unlocked

A trip to the Christmas tree farm becomes a turning point, as Rowan's lumberjack skills and Isla's playful admiration ignite a new level of chemistry. Their banter turns flirtatious, and the physical labor of cutting down a tree serves as a metaphor for breaking down emotional barriers. Honest conversations about past heartbreaks and future dreams deepen their connection, and both are forced to confront the possibility that what started as a game is becoming something much more meaningful. The chapter is a blend of humor, heat, and heart.

Cookie Swap Sabotage

Isla organizes a cookie swap as a matchmaking event, but Rowan, still wary of romance, tries to sabotage the process by choosing an obviously incompatible date. Isla, anticipating his move, sets a trap with a "plant" date, leading to a confrontation that is both hilarious and revealing. The sabotage backfires, forcing Rowan to admit he's not truly trying, and Isla to confront her own investment in his happiness. The cookie swap becomes a crucible for honesty, as both characters drop their guards and acknowledge the depth of their feelings.

Mistletoe and Confessions

Under the mistletoe, Rowan and Isla share a kiss that shatters the boundaries between them. The moment is electric, charged with all the longing and tension that has been building. The kiss is both a confession and a catalyst, forcing them to reckon with the reality of their attraction. In the aftermath, they agree to more "practice dates," but the pretense is wearing thin. The mistletoe becomes a symbol of fate and the inevitability of their connection, as both begin to hope for more—even as they fear the consequences.

Practice Dating Dilemmas

As Rowan and Isla continue their fake dating charade, the emotional stakes escalate. Their friends and family become increasingly involved, with Mia, Rowan's teammates, and Isla's parents all playing roles in the unfolding drama. The town of Evergreen Falls, with its relentless holiday cheer and matchmaking energy, becomes a character in its own right, amplifying the pressure on Rowan and Isla to define what they are to each other. The dilemmas of honesty, risk, and the fear of heartbreak come to the fore, as both struggle to reconcile their feelings with their fears.

Evergreen Falls Christmas Games

The annual Best in Snow Winter Games bring the whole town together for a series of festive competitions. Rowan and Isla are both coaches, leading their respective teams with a mix of strategy and spirit. The games provide a backdrop for flirtation, rivalry, and teamwork, as well as opportunities for Rowan to show his growth and for Isla to shine in her element. The sense of community and belonging is palpable, and the games become a metaphor for the risks and rewards of opening one's heart.

Snow Couture and Sled Races

The competition heats up with creative challenges like snowman fashion shows and sled races. Isla's team excels with flair and ingenuity, while Rowan's team brings determination and heart. The events are filled with laughter, mishaps, and moments of genuine connection—not just between Rowan and Isla, but among the whole cast of characters. The camaraderie and friendly rivalry highlight the importance of support, encouragement, and a little healthy competition in both love and life. The chapter is a celebration of joy, resilience, and the magic of shared experiences.

Sleigh Rides and Secrets

Rowan's teammates gift him a sleigh ride, which he shares with Isla in a scene straight out of a holiday romance. The ride is intimate and magical, deepening their bond and providing a safe space for vulnerability. Meanwhile, the town's growing investment in their relationship leads to public displays of affection and the blurring of private and public selves. The sleigh ride becomes a symbol of Rowan's willingness to embrace romance, and the secrets they've been keeping—about their feelings and their fake dating—begin to unravel in the face of undeniable chemistry.

Candy Cane Lane

Rowan surprises Isla with a late-night visit and a playful, sensual encounter involving candy canes and scarves. Their intimacy is both physical and emotional, as they explore new facets of their connection and indulge in shared fantasies. The scene is a testament to the power of trust, communication, and the willingness to be vulnerable. The sweetness of the moment is tinged with the bittersweet knowledge that their arrangement is temporary, and both are left wondering what will happen when the holiday ends.

The Mind Wipe Society

Isla confides in her friends about the true nature of her relationship with Rowan, seeking support and perspective. The "mind wipe society" becomes a safe space for processing heartbreak and disappointment, as Isla grapples with the pain of loving someone who is afraid to take a chance. Her friends encourage her to be honest about her feelings, and Isla is forced to confront her own fears of vulnerability and rejection. The chapter is a poignant exploration of the importance of friendship, self-advocacy, and the courage to hope.

The Big Three

Rowan, realizing the depth of his feelings and the mistake he made in pushing Isla away, enlists the help of his friends and the town to orchestrate a grand romantic gesture. He presents Isla with a notebook detailing her "big three" relationship wishes—time, listening, and apologies—along with gifts that show he's been paying attention all along. The scene is a culmination of their journey, as Rowan confesses his love and Isla, after some hesitation, admits she feels the same. Their reunion is joyful, heartfelt, and hard-won.

Kiss Her Once for Me

In the epilogue, Rowan and Isla celebrate their first Christmas together as a couple, surrounded by family, friends, and the warmth of a love that is both real and lasting. They exchange thoughtful gifts, create new memories, and look forward to a future filled with hope and possibility. The story ends with a promise: to keep choosing each other, year after year, and to let love—and a little holiday magic—guide them home.

Characters

Rowan Bishop

Rowan is a professional hockey player and single dad who has built walls around his heart after being abandoned by his ex on Christmas. His gruff exterior masks a deep well of love for his daughter, Mia, and a fierce loyalty to his friends and family. Rowan's journey is one of gradual thawing, as he's forced—by his teammates, his agent, and Isla—to confront his fears and open himself to the possibility of love. His psychological complexity lies in his struggle between self-protection and vulnerability, and his development is marked by moments of honesty, risk, and ultimately, transformation.

Isla Marlowe

Isla is a professional matchmaker and dating coach, known for her sunny disposition, meticulous organization, and unwavering belief in love. She is also Jason's sister, which complicates her growing feelings for Rowan. Isla's own romantic history is marked by betrayal and disappointment, but she channels her pain into helping others find happiness. Her psychological arc centers on learning to advocate for her own desires, to risk her heart again, and to accept that she deserves the kind of love she works so hard to create for others.

Mia Bishop

Mia is Rowan's precocious and resourceful daughter, whose love of books, jokes, and Christmas traditions brings warmth and mischief to the story. She is the bridge between Rowan and Isla, orchestrating schemes to bring more joy into their lives and serving as a mirror for Rowan's growth. Mia's resilience in the face of her mother's absence is both poignant and inspiring, and her relationship with Isla is a testament to the healing power of chosen family.

Jason Marlowe

Jason is Rowan's best friend, agent, and Isla's brother. He is the architect of the matchmaking intervention, motivated by a genuine desire to see Rowan happy. Jason's role is that of a facilitator and protector, balancing his professional responsibilities with his personal investment in both Rowan and Isla's well-being. His presence is a reminder of the importance of trust, accountability, and the sometimes-messy intersections of work and family.

Tyler and Miles Falcon

Tyler and Miles are Rowan's hockey teammates and the instigators of the matchmaking scheme. Their playful banter and relentless optimism provide comic relief, but their actions are rooted in genuine care for Rowan. They represent the power of friendship to challenge, support, and sometimes annoy us into becoming better versions of ourselves.

Aurora Dubois and Eloise Langston

Aurora and Eloise are Isla's teammates in the Evergreen Falls Christmas Games, bringing creativity, humor, and camaraderie to the story. Their friendship with Isla is a source of strength and encouragement, and their own romantic subplots add depth to the ensemble cast. They embody the spirit of community and the joy of shared achievement.

Mabel

Mabel is Isla's close friend and a fellow matchmaker, offering advice, perspective, and unwavering support. She is the person Isla turns to in moments of doubt and heartbreak, and her presence is a reminder that vulnerability is not weakness, but a necessary step toward healing and growth.

Regina

Regina is Rowan's ex and Mia's mother, whose departure on Christmas Eve is the inciting trauma that shapes Rowan's aversion to love and the holidays. Though she is physically absent, her actions cast a long shadow over the story, forcing Rowan to confront his fears and ultimately choose a different path for himself and his daughter.

Wilder Blaine and Fable Calloway

Wilder and Fable are a power couple in Evergreen Falls, serving as sponsors of the Christmas Games and exemplars of enduring love. Their relationship is a source of inspiration for Rowan and Isla, and their involvement in the town's festivities underscores the importance of generosity, tradition, and the belief that love can be both magical and real.

Wanda

Wanda is Rowan and Mia's beloved rescue dog, whose antics and affection provide levity and warmth throughout the story. She is a constant companion, a source of comfort, and a reminder that love—like Christmas—often comes in unexpected packages.

Plot Devices

Fake Dating and Practice Dates

The central plot device is the fake dating arrangement between Rowan and Isla, initially orchestrated as a means to prepare Rowan for real romance and to satisfy the demands of his teammates. The practice dates, meant to be instructional, quickly become emotionally charged, forcing both characters to confront the authenticity of their feelings. The device is used to explore themes of vulnerability, risk, and the transformative power of love, as well as to generate comedic and romantic tension.

Holiday Competition and Community Events

The Evergreen Falls Christmas Games and associated community events serve as both backdrop and engine for the story's emotional arc. The competitions provide opportunities for teamwork, rivalry, and public displays of affection, while also amplifying the stakes of Rowan and Isla's relationship. The festive setting is used to heighten contrasts—between cynicism and hope, isolation and belonging—and to create moments of joy, connection, and revelation.

Lists, Bets, and Mutual Observation

The use of lists—of likes, dislikes, and observations—serves as a narrative device for deepening intimacy and fostering mutual understanding. Bets and wagers add a layer of competition and anticipation, while also providing a safe space for vulnerability. These devices are woven throughout the story, reinforcing the themes of attention, care, and the importance of being seen and known.

Found Family and Team Dynamics

The intervention by Rowan's teammates and the involvement of Isla's friends and family highlight the role of community in personal transformation. The found family dynamic is used to explore the ways in which love and support can come from unexpected places, and how collective action can push individuals toward healing and happiness. The team's ongoing involvement—through pranks, advice, and wingman antics—provides both comic relief and emotional ballast.

Public vs. Private Selves

The tension between public performance and private truth is a recurring motif, as Rowan and Isla's relationship becomes the subject of town gossip, social media, and communal investment. The device is used to explore the challenges of authenticity, the fear of disappointment, and the courage required to claim one's happiness in the face of external expectations.

Analysis

Merry Little Kissmas is more than a festive rom-com; it's a nuanced exploration of the ways trauma, loss, and disappointment can harden us—and how hope, community, and genuine connection can thaw even the coldest hearts. Through the lens of fake dating and holiday hijinks, Lauren Blakely crafts a story that is both escapist and emotionally resonant, inviting readers to reflect on the risks and rewards of opening up after heartbreak. The novel's structure—anchored by playful bets, community competitions, and the ever-present threat of public scrutiny—mirrors the messy, nonlinear process of falling in love. At its core, the book is a celebration of second chances, the power of chosen family, and the belief that love, like Christmas, is worth fighting for—even when it's scary, inconvenient, or seemingly impossible. The lessons are clear: vulnerability is strength, joy is a choice, and the best gifts are the ones that make us feel seen, cherished, and truly at home.

Last updated: November 11, 2025