If you are looking for a romantic, easy and light, Christmas read, then I would definitely recommend adding this one to your list this year. It is an easy read, although it does lightly deal with a certain heavy topic which could be a trigger for some people (emotional domestic abuse). It’s predictable, from how it ends and from other “twists”, which can be frustrating as a reader to read and see it taking the characters much longer to realise what actually happened. A simple conversation between the main two characters, Sam and Maya, would’ve cleared up this big miscommunication so easily, which was annoying.

Even though this read is predictable, I still thoroughly enjoyed this read and it even made me want to visit Scotland for Christmas. I personally think that I enjoyed this read better because it was an easy read and I’ve been having trouble getting and staying with a book at the moment since having a baby. So the fact that this was light and easy to drop in and out of without forgetting anything, made this the perfect read for me at the moment. It also made me realise what types of books I should be reading at the moment if I want to still be able to read with my post pregnancy hecticness and fog brain.

Although this is a second chance romance book, I loved the inclusion of other relationships within this book. The sibling relationships, familiar relationships, friendships, we’re all explored within and therefore didn’t fall flat or settled on this one thing, but added some depth to it.

I would definitely say that this is a Christmas book, if you couldn’t tell from the title, but on saying that, it’s not your classic Christmas read. This is more like a book that takes place during Christmas and it being a background to the story, rather than the story being all about Christmas, which I ended up loving. It was kind of subtly included, but there were sections that were wholly Christmas’ (Christmas light competition).

☃️ I really did enjoy this and read it at the perfect time. Would and have recommended this book ☃️

This book gave me warm and fuzzy Christmas vibes. Maya , our heroine, loses her job, house and boyfriend and has to move back in with her parents. Her father is so entitled and is always pressuring her. Her father isn't impressed when she takes on working part time at the local ski to where her former flame Sam works. Sparks and snow fly between these two and I was certainly ecstatic about them both getting their HEA. This is the first book I have read by this author and I can safely tell you it won't be the last.

"The Ex-Mas Holidays" by Zoe Allison is a delightful and humorous holiday romance that combines unexpected encounters with the warmth of the Christmas season. Maya's surprise meeting with her ex, Sam, in a rather unusual situation sets the stage for a charming and entertaining story. Zoe Allison infuses the narrative with humour and heart as Maya navigates the complexities of love during the festive season. The novel captures the essence of second chances and the magic of Christmas, making it a perfect read for those seeking a heartwarming and fun holiday romance.

I loved this book. It’s fun and witty and I adored Maya and Sam’s characters. It’s the perfect festive read that will captivate your heart and make you want to book a ski trip. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and the author for the chance to review.

Maya has moved back home with her parents after splitting with her ex and losing her job. What follows is a story of twists and turns over the festive period.

At first glance this book seems like a predictable Christmas romantic story focusing on Maya and Sam but it had much more than that. It focuses on friendship, domestic abuse and family struggles .

I couldn’t put this book down and I especially loved the ending and spent the last few chapters wiping away my tears.

Thanks to Netgalley, Berkley romance and Zoe Allison for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I enjoyed this book but it was also really frustrating.

The whole thing could have been fixed with a bit of communication when the pair were 18 but unfortunately it dragged on instead.

I felt that the whole abusive relationship was only merely touched on and that it could have been a good opportunity to show how men can also be the victims of domestic violence but it was almost like it was a sub plot.

Overall, it was a good book but with a few changes it could have been a great book.

Well wasn’t this the cutest!

Defo up there with Best Ever (re) meet cute… bumping into your ex whilst he’s naked butlering for your friend?! Hellooo 🤭

Maya and Sam are just perfect for each other from the off set and even through some difficult discussions around worthiness/career vs happiness/ toxic relationships it was a pleasure to see their relationship blossom!

Can see the influence author Zoe’s favourite authors listed in her acknowledgements has had on her writing - whilst also carving out her own style. Some funny/ romantics moments but with also some teary eyed points.

Will be looking out for future work from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a super cute, heart-warming, second-chance holiday romance set in the snowy Scottish highlands about two people who hate confrontation so much that they spent 8 years apart living unhappy lives. But don’t worry, there is a HEA.

Whilst I initially struggled to get into this book as I’m generally not a fan of 3rd person dialogue, I quickly became fully invested in Maya and Sam’s story. Maya is a people-pleaser but it was very inspiring to see her eventually stand up for herself and her own happiness. Anyone who feels under pressure to please their parents/family by pursuing life or career choices that they are not content with - this book is for you. Chase your own dreams and happiness.

Sam is an absolute sweet heart and when the story eventually gets a bit steamy, he totally gives off golden-retriever energy. Maya is witty and sarcastic, so there is plenty of humour thrown into this story for good measure too. I highly recommend this book if you love a good heart-warming rom-com, and I’m looking forward to seeing further releases from Zoe Allison.

As a side note, there is some emotional abuse depicted in this story (not between the main FMC and MMC!) so please be aware of this if you have any triggers!

Gosh this was an intense love story. Set in snowy Scotland . You had broken love, lies , controlling girlfriends , very pushy fathers . A lovely ski result. I loved all the descriptions of the Christmas house lights and the naked butler was brilliant. A great Christmas / winter read.

This book started off super well but I struggled a little with the fact that the whole conflict could have been resolved by a simple conversation. The chemistry was good but could have been developed a little more over the book.

Overall a decent festive read, party’s if you’re a fan of second chance romances.

This is such an unusual story and I absolutely loved it. It has some serious and thought provoking themes but Maya and Sam's characters are so believable and I always felt they had a chance. They are faced with many challenges which all present as authentic and realistic. I was completely invested in the outcome and I was rooting for their relationship to have a chance. A brilliant read.