Holly and Nick Hate Christmas by Betsy St. Amant: Book Review

 **ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

The Book

Out-Christmasing him is the plan. Falling for him isn’t.

Holly Sinclair has spent her whole life resenting Christmas. It started with her name. Who names a Christmas Eve baby Holly? The endless teasing, forgotten birthdays, and over-the-top holiday cheer have only fueled her festive frustration. And now, instead of celebrating a much-anticipated promotion, she’s been downsized.

Going home single, unemployed, and on the brink of thirty is bad enough. But when Holly learns that her brother has invited his best friend—self-proclaimed Christmas-hater Nick Kinsley—to join their family Christmas as her pity date, she decides it’s time for some holiday revenge. Operation Naughty List is officially underway. She’ll out-Christmas Nick at every turn, no matter how annoyingly cute he is.

But as the holiday week unfolds, family secrets start piling up faster than presents under the tree. And Nick has a secret of his own. This pair of grinches might be sworn enemies in holiday spirit, but between gingerbread battles and mistletoe mishaps, unexpected sparks start flying.

Could this Christmas season change everything for Holly? Or will her holiday misadventure be one more reason to say “Bah humbug”?

The Author

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of more than twenty-five romance novels and novellas.

She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two teenagers, and one furry schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a bachelor of arts in communication and loves teaching and speaking on the craft of writing. She writes frequently for iBelieve, a devotional site for women, and offers author coaching and editing services through Storyside LLC. 

Book Review

I enjoy a good holiday read any time of the year and have enjoyed Betsy St. Amant's previous books in the past, so I was definitely excited for this one... and it didn't disappoint. This was a super cute holiday read which, as the title suggests, is about two characters who each have their own reasons to hate Christmas. But when Holly learns that Nick was brought along as a 'pity date' after losing her job and needing a pick me up, she's not thrilled and decides to make him pay... but going all in with all things Christmas to make him pay. This story was the perfect blend of holiday festivities and movie references (both holiday and non-alike) with scheming and complicated family dynamics to keep things entertaining throughout. This is one that definitely had some Hallmark vibes--- in the very best ways possible. It kept me smiling throughout and is a fun read for the holiday... or whenever the holiday mood strikes you throughout the year! If you enjoy Christian holiday romance, this is certainly one to add to your TBR. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/3RLVO7z