|
|
|
|
|
The holiday season can bring out the best in some people—and the worst in others. And in This Is Not a Holiday Romance by author Camilla Isley, a pair of sworn enemies gets snowed in together over Christmas—and it brings out all kinds of confusing emotions.
The story finds Nina Thompson reluctantly spending the holidays with her older brother’s obnoxious best friend, Tristan, Ever since their first humiliating meeting—when Nina was just a teenager with a crush and Tristan was a college basketball player with an attitude—they’ve been in a years-long prank war. The last thing Nina wants is to have her relaxing holiday visit with her parents ruined by Tristan’s pranks and his cruel remarks. But as their holiday battle escalates, both begin to realize that their constant bickering might be covering up something else—something that could turn disastrous if anyone finds out.
Of course, it’s no surprise what comes next for these lifelong adversaries—and what plays out between them is a cozy (and increasingly steamy) holiday romantic comedy that goes through all of the ups and downs that rom-com readers would expect.
The story’s build-up, however, isn’t necessarily a smooth one. The pranks and nastiness between Nina and Tristan seem just as juvenile as their reactions. It’s one thing if it’s a couple of teenagers attacking each other with glitter bombs or putting a raisin in someone’s drink to make it look like a bug—but there’s just something strange about the behavior when it’s coming from a couple of seemingly mature, professional adults. And though Nina has her reasons for hating Tristan—and he has his reasons for being difficult—their cringe-worthy behavior sometimes makes the characters less than likable.
Fortunately, though, as the characters’ feelings for each other change, the childish pranks start to taper off, giving way to complicated feelings and a heated romance that Nina and Tristan struggle to keep hidden from Nina’s family—especially from her older brother, Dylan, who wouldn’t handle it well. It’s all messy and comical, and it fits neatly within the usual rom-com formulas, making it a light and lovable—and perfectly predictable—read that’s just the thing for some cozy holiday entertainment.
If you love books about the magic and romance of the holiday season—or if you’re just looking for a cozy read to enjoy after another busy week—This Is Not a Holiday Romance is as festive as a Hallmark Christmas Movie—with a little extra spice.
Listen to the review on Shelf Discovery:
|
|
|
|
