Oh yes, it is the best time of year – Holiday Romance time! Kicking us off is This is Not a Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley. I grabbed this audiobook because I love rivals to lovers, forced proximity and have started taking a shine to brother’s best friend. For what it was, a short 6 hour holiday romance, this was good! It delivered on spice, romance, and angst. There was a lot that could have been better, but again, if you’re just looking for holiday romance, this gets the job done!
Dual POV really is the winner here; without it, I absolutely would never have wanted Nina and Tristan together. It was so easy to see how things are misinterpreted, leaving neither as the bad guy. That said, Nina really did not do it for me as an FMC. She seemed wildly immature and did not read as someone in their mid/late (?) 20s. And I get this was part of the plot, their weird little rivalry and pranks on one another, but it would’ve been better suited for a pair in college.
The third act breakup (yes, there is one. yes, it was dumb af) was unnecessary. Tristan and Nina take a risk, knowing it would likely backfire, and then when it backfires, are shocked. Tristan is put in a position to choose and chooses wrong and I just don’t get it? It was really weird, the decision he made and his reasoning behind it. And then for Nina to just lay herself out like a doormat and say okay, I get it, let’s try again. I just didn’t feel it and thought it could’ve been done better.
If you are looking for a very quick read with spice and angst during the holidays, This is Not a Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley is a decent pick! It’s spicy and has romantic build-up. Just be prepared for a lackluster ending.
