Holly and Nick Hate Christmas

I loved this book! First, the title drew me in. I knew it was going to be a RomCom and I adore Christmas RomComs. They make me smile. And this one had Christian overtones. They were there, but in this reviewer's opinion, they weren't heavy handed. Just enough sprinkled in to let you know the reason for the season is Jesus.My favorite quote from the book is:"At this point I was more likely to become a crazed woman locked in an attic than find my own Rochester or Heathcliff. Not that either of those men were exactly tens. Hmm. Maybe that's why I was still single - I defaulted to Rochesters instead of Aragorns."This quote alone endeared Holly to me. Tolkien's Aragorn is the far superior male!Oh watching Holly and Nick maneuver around each other, first with Holly trying to annoy Nick, then Holly and Nick teamed up... it was a treat but also had very tender and raw moments. Both of them had their share of hurts and reasons for hating Christmas. Holly hated it because she was born on Christmas and, after a time, her birthday got forgotten. Nick because his parents turned Christmas into a Corporate affair for their company. It was never about family. All false smiles and handshakes.As Holly and Nick opened up, their relationship deepened. But Nick held one secret for close to the vest. And disaster almost ruins it.I highly recommend this book. I laughed, she'd a few tears, and had a great time reading Holly and Nick Hate Christmas.

Betsy St. Amant always finds a way to be truly funny and deep at the same time! This book had me literally laughing out loud all throughout, but I also teared up over the character growth and sweet family dynamics. Do Holly and Nick actually hate Christmas, or are there layers of hurt that need healing in both of them to rediscover the joy of the season?This romcom has How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days influence for sure, and I love that because that’s one of my favorite romcoms- love ferns and all. Holly definitely brings the made-up crazy, and Nick returns it. I must say I was relieved when they came to the point of working together, only to get frustrated with them all over again. But that’s a sign of good writing where you feel like the characters are so real they’re worthy of your wrath!I loved the interpersonal dynamics with Holly’s family and the entire cast of characters this story used to bring both humor and healing. I completely recommend this book- it’s so much more than just a funny story.I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.

Oh, this book did my heart so much good…I read it during a particularly difficult time, and it helped me focus on something positive and joyful instead of just seeing the dark clouds around me. Holly is a self identified grinch who wants nothing to do with Christmas. She finally gets roped into heading home when she least wanted to, but thinks she might be able to survive when she gets “paired” up with her brother’s Christmas detesting friend Nick. The problem is that Nick agrees just as a favor to his buddy, but all bets are off when he remembers how charming, engaging, and delightful his buddy’s sister is. It’s full of Christmas hijinks, loads of Christmas revenge, and all The Whos in Whoville! Surprisingly tender and heartfelt at the strangest moments, you’ll want to cozy up and sit a spell with the Sinclair clan and watch the fireworks unfold! I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Holly and Nick Hate Christmas is a sweet, delightful, feel good holiday romcom. Nick and Holly start off on the wrong foot when she thinks he’s there to be her pity date. In order to get revenge, Holly becomes an excessive Christmas fanatic. Cue the crazy Christmas antics! There are lots of silly, over the top, playful shenanigans that have Nick wondering what he has gotten himself into. Holly eventually makes peace with Nick but convinces him, against his better judgement, to fake date her to get revenge on her brother. That plan backfires but in the meantime, Holly and Nick start to develop real feelings for each other. But then Holly’s parents reveal secrets they’ve been keeping. Turns out Nick has been keeping a secret too. Can Holly and Nick find a way to move forward, or will this be the worst Christmas ever?This is such a fun, lighthearted, holiday read. Holly and Nick’s relationship development was so fun to watch. It’s a slow burn with lots of laughs along the way. The banter is fantastic. I really like Nick. I love his heart and vision for the ranch. He handles things the best he can in the position that he's placed in. The close knit Sinclairs interactions are delightful. I love the subtle faith elements and the reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.If you like holiday shenanigans, loveable family madness, and tender moments, you will want to add this fun, cozy read to your holiday TBR.Favorites:Horseback ridingChloe and AxelHoliday bakingSnowball fights

I am a sucker for a book with good banter, so I was hooked right from the get-go with this one. I thought Holly and Nick were totally adorable. This was actually on track to be a five-star book for me, but it lost a star with the last couple of chapters. I was totally fine with the way things played out between Nick and Holly, but I was irritated by how Holly's family issue, her feelings of being ignored in her family, particularly with her birthday being overshadowed by Christmas, was resolved. It just came too easily and wasn't really satisfying. All in all, still a fun read and one I totally recommend for those looking for a great Christmas read.I read a DRC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.