This was a perfect cosy, feel-good story for the Christmas period! I really enjoyed my time reading Maya and Sam's second-chance romance, it was beautiful.

This was a cute and enjoyable read! I loved the second chance vibes and it was so fun to read. Miscommunication is often NOT my fave but it was done with more depth in this book and worked well.
I absolutely loved the setting, so snowy and festive, and I liked the ski resort and the passion people had for skiing. Both characters were really likeable and I was rooting for them to end up together. At points, the book was a little slower pace than I usually like from a romance, and it was definitely a slow burn, but it was worth the wait.
Overall, a lovely christmassy read full of heart, romance, second chances and hope.

Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for this E-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a perfect, feel-good, cosy up with the fire and Christmas tree lit behind you kind of book. Perfect Christmas read, simple and easy! This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

A fun Christmassy read. Exactly what you’d expect from the title and cover really. The beginning is super fun and provides a lot of background for the past and it’ll make you smile a lot. I enjoyed the characters in this and loved the family dynamic too. I’d read this each year for sure. Fun.

I loved the setting of the story, it had the cosy Christmas vibes I was hoping for. I also love that this is set in the UK.

There's great humour and the characters were a lot of fun! I wasn't a fan of the cheating though (emotional cheating) and miscommunication isn't really something I like in a book. Things could have been resolved with one conversation.

But I like Zoe's writing and will definitely look out for her books on the future. This one just wasn't my cup of tea :)

A good Christmas romance. Misunderstandings in the past, reconnection, make friends, 'just have the talk already!' Took a whole to get there, but worth it!

Firstly, a big thank you to HQ Stories and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a 4/4.5 star read for me. This book is a delightful, romance filled, festive read. I love Christmas, and this had such a Christmassy vibe to it. Romance and Christmas… What’s not to love???

Maya and Sam are great characters who are absolutely destined to be together, and this book follows them as they try to find a second chance at love with one another. Their interactions feel very natural, and I liked that it was a slow burn romance, nothing felt forced or rushed.

This book may be full of festive cheer and a desire for old lovers to reunite, but it also explores deeper issues such as emotionally abusive/toxic relationships and finding your own path in life, straying from what is expected of us or what people want for us. It’s about finding your happiness, and this book shows that sometimes, our happiness can come from unexpected places.

This book contains great side characters which help bring the plot to life. Some side characters can fade into the background, but these ones definitely didn’t, and I loved that.

This is definitely a must read this Christmas.

I know I know I’m reading a Christmas book and it’s in November but my god this book was the tonic I needed. I loved this little festive romance with the enemies to lovers vibe. I was laughing from the first chapter and it never failed to put a smile on my face. However the mental abuse in a relationship was a little hard to read as that hit very close to home for me but overall loved the book.

I wasn’t a fan of this book. I found it didn’t capture my interest quickly enough. I liked that it was set around Christmas, but I found it too predictable. I’m sure it will appeal to some readers, just not me.

Absolutely loved this book!

The authors writing style is amazing!

I look forward to reading more from them!

Wasn’t a massive fan of the writing style but I thought the second-chance romance was fun, as was the skiing setting.

This is a typical "Ex" back to couple story, there were some misunderstandings which usually annoy me but they were at least believable in this story, it was set in a lovely place and the characters were likable, enjoy christmas pick up this book.

𝗢𝗵 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝗺….

I have adored this from beginning to end. Maya and Sam’s story is that of second chance love and quite honestly, the most gorgeous read that every one needs in their lives.

Allison has filled the pages with fun, frolics, toxicity and moments which will steal your heart and make you cry. I adored this book from the very beginning. I devoured this in just one sitting.

I was transported by the writing of this one. I became completely caught up in the pages of this gem. Everything about this was perfect.

This is an author who has had me full on laughing at one moment, and tears streaming at others. I was fully invested in the characters which made this an even better read.

Cartriona is a nasty piece of work. It’s been so easy to dislike her and her antics. This is a real and delicate aspect that is experienced by far too many individuals and really allows the reader to see how subtle this can be.

This is a book, that no written review can do justice. This is a book worthy of all the stars and praise. I absolutely have no hesitation in recommending this book to other book lovers.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

"The Ex-Mas Holidays" by Zoe Allison is a sparkling romantic comedy that brilliantly captures the spirit of the holiday season. The story unfolds with wit and charm as two ex-lovers are unexpectedly reunited during a Christmas vacation. Allison's characters are endearing, and their journey of self-discovery and second chances is heartwarming. With a delightful mix of humor, nostalgia, and a touch of magic, this novel is a perfect festive escape that reminds us of the joy and possibility of the holidays. "The Ex-Mas Holidays" is a merry and enchanting read.

What more can I say, great book get a copy and enjoy this festive novel.
5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

Scotland setting, Christmas cheer, honestly what more do you want? Maya has lost everything and has to go home., insert an old flame and let all the shenanigans begin. I was swept away and loved every moment of this one, it was cute and exactly what you want from a Holiday read.

A veritable hug in book form. I loved the setting and the characters, they felt real and plausible. I do love reading Christmas feel good stories and this definitely meets the criteria. I can well recommend this.

The ex-mas holidays is a new festive release from Zoey Allison following two exes who bump into each other at a party where Sam, our male main character is serving drinks in only a tiny apron. He’s working to earn some extra money for his friend. Maya has returned home after leaving her job. She did not expect to see Sam especially the way she did. One thing that did not work for me was the fact Sam had a girlfriend. When a main character already has a partner, I find it impossible to support a progressing love story wholeheartedly when there is someone else involved. In addition to this, miscommunication was a huge element in the book and it was something immature that could have been resolved easily.
I honestly did not love this book. It was very long for a typical Christmas romance and I’m not sure what the actual plot was throughout.
I’m glad others enjoyed it but for me it didn’t meet my expectations.
Thank you for the eARC!

I was drawn to this book by the gorgeous cover, and I was soon really invested in Maya and Sam's story.

It was really cosy, set up in Scotland in a ski resort, and it was so nice to have a storyline that focused on a character choosing a career that was right for them, rather than the most high-flying option there was.

A great cast of supporting characters alongside a really lovely slow-burn second-chance romance made me wish I was up at the ski lodge with them, having a hot chocolate in their favourite chairs by the fire.

If you're thinking about whether you should take a chance on a new author this Christmas, I would 100% recommend it being this one!

A cute Christmassy romance. When Maya loses her boyfriend, flat and profession all in one go, she returns to her old home in Scotland. She meets her old flame, Sam, doing a rather unusual job! The stunning location and budding romance make for a fun wintry read.