The Big Bad’s Mail-Order Bride by is a contemporary, age-gap romance novella that blends the "grumpy/sunshine" dynamic with a holiday theme. Released in December 2022, it is the fifth book in the Curves and Ruins series. Core Plot & Characters

: It is a "short, steamy quickie" approximately 59 pages long.

: Despite their opposing views and awkward first meeting, they share an immediate, inexplicable physical draw.

: A 21-year-old curvy romantic who, feeling isolated after her mother's death, signs up for a mail-order bride service.

: A 42-year-old workaholic and "Grinch-like" figure who hates Christmas and does not believe in love. Unbeknownst to him, his mother signed him up for the matchmaking service.

: The 21-year difference between the leads is a central element of their dynamic.

: Expect a high level of "steam" with a guaranteed happily-ever-after (HEA) and no cheating or cliffhangers, consistent with Erin Havoc's author profile .

: The pair first meet by chance on a plane, where Roman is rude to Harley. They are shocked to discover they have been matched together when Harley arrives at Roman’s mother’s house. Themes & Tropes