This Is Not a Holiday Romance is Camilla Isley’s newest standalone holiday romantic comedy. It is a hilarious enemies-to-lovers, brother’s best friend, forced proximity romance.

Nina Thompson lives in a New York City apartment with her best friends, Hunter and Rowena. Her older brother, Dylan, lives a few blocks away with his billionaire best friend, Tristan. Nina and Tristan haven’t gotten along since their high school days, and she refers to him as “the Spawn of Satan, devil incarnate, and Prince of Darkness.” Their relationship is one of mostly avoidance and escalating prank wars.

Unfortunately for Nina, Tristan unexpectedly crashes her family’s Christmas get-together. A snowstorm makes it impossible to avoid each other and their secret attraction to one another. They have a secret fling before finally realizing that they might have genuine romantic feelings for each other.

I have read all of this author’s stories and This Is Not a Holiday Romance is her best holiday story yet! It is a wonderful rom-com that is full of sparkling banter between the main characters. The sizzle and snap between Nina and Tristan are off the charts, and the sibling affection between Nina and Dylan is adorable. The friendships also add to the charm of the story. This Is Not a Holiday Romance would make an entertaining and enjoyable movie; the author’s descriptions are so clear that it’s easy for the reader to visualize the scenes. I hope that the author writes Hunter and Dylan’s story next.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Boldwood Books for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

One of my favorite times to read Christmas romances is when I'm doing yard work in August; so when the advance review of This Is Not a Holiday Romance became available, it was perfect timing (in my opinion).

This Is Not a Holiday Romance is an "enemy to lovers" and "childhood crush on brother's best friend". The book alternates between the male and female points of view. These two characters are constantly pulling pranks on each other ... some of them are super creative!

Camilla Isley has nearly 3 DOZEN! books to her credit and This Is Not a Holiday Romance was my first book by Camilla and then the teaser with a free chapter enticed me to read (and then finish!) It Started with a Book shortly thereafter.

Many thanks to NetGalley ... for yet again ... introducing me to a "new to me author". Thank you to author Camilla Isley, NetGalley and publisher Boldwood Books for approving my request to read This Is Not a Holiday Romance in exchange for an honest review. 241 pages. Publication date is Sept 4, 2024.

Camilla Isley has become one of my favorite authors, and so I always sign up for the review tours when they pop up. Of course there are several books from before I discovered her that I still need to read as well! This book was so much fun, and such a quick read too, because I couldn’t put it down!

While it is promoted as a snowed-in romance, to me it isn’t quite that, because it takes place over a whole Christmas break, and their other family come and go a few times. However, that is a bit of the supposed reason why Tristan comes to stay and can’t leave. Even if there are other things that actually are why he is there. Tristan’s back story is one that it sucks that Nina doesn’t know. And once she does learn that, it helps with their enemies to lovers/friends relationship. But oh, until they finally find a way to bridge that gap, the sparks that fly, and the pranks that are played are hilarious!

The chemistry between the two though is off the charts, even with the “hatred” between them. We have all the other family members as buffers or extra parts to move the plot along as needed, and to help make what Nina is doing seem like maybe she’s going a bit overboard. Even Tristan realizes what has always set Nina off, and tries at one point to call a truce. But eventually they figure things out enough to try to give into their attraction. However there is of course the fact that Tristan is worried about his best friend, Nina’s brother, being mad at them.

The last act break up actually was okay for me because even though I was mad about how it happened and how Tristan let it happen, the way he made it up in the end was a great grand gesture in my opinion.

Another winner from Camilla Isley, even if it is a little early for me to be reading Christmas stories! I seem to read them earlier and earlier every year.

Another really cute and hilarious RomCom from Isley - this time a Christmas, snowed in, brother’s bestie and sworn enemy since childhood one. So many great pranks and shenanigans within!

I completely enjoy every Isley book I pick up, and This is Not a Holiday Romance is absolutely a prime example of her writing greatness. She has writing banter down to a fine art form and all of you out there need to pick this one up to lift your mood and spirits.

It’s the not-so-friendly prank wars stemming from childhood trauma and teasing by Nina’s older brother’s best friend and current roommate who is still doing it (he always thought it was harmless and good fun, which is why it continues years later), and she nearly has a breakdown when Dylan shows up at family Christmas with evil Tristan in tow… because a huge snowstorm has shut down all the airports and he can’t fly across the country to his own family celebration, supposedly. At least the forced proximity and a wee accident with one of her mother’s vases causes them to sit down and actually speak to each other, and perhaps figure out why they still have their childish behavior, right?

This is a gremlin of a good time, and absolutely not one to be missed! Just like all of Isley’s other books, I definitely recommend this closed door romance to all audiences! Safe for all readers, since it’s closed door (we just get the kissing on-page), but it’s certainly more spicy than some of her previous books.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books, and this is my honest feedback.

Why and how is this the first book I’ve read from Camilla Isley? I’m excited she has a huge catalogue of works that I can binge!

This is Not a Holiday Romance falls under two tropes: enemies to lovers and falling for a brother’s best friend.

Nina is Dylan’s younger sister who has long been teased by his best friend, Tristan. When a snow storm lands many planes, Tristan is invited to spend the holiday’s with Dylan and his family.

Nina can’t stand Tristan and has viewed his teasing over the past 15 years as less than humorous. Once she gets the courage to tell Tristan that, he reflects back on their time together and feels awful that his attempts to tease her were viewed as personal attacks by Nina. Promising to never hurt her again, the two begin to look at one another through different, and more grown-up, eyes. And they sure like what they see!

But there is the issue that they’re staying under the same roof which is Nina’s families house. And…Tristan is Nina’s brother’s best friend. Can this even work? Can they see if there is more to them than teasing and elaborate pranks? Hello glitter bomb gone wrong and Oreo’s filled with toothpaste!

This was a delightful and adorable holiday romcom that was a joy to read! Fans of the author, fans of romcoms, and friends of holiday romcoms MUST check this on out! Fortunately this has already released and available now.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.

This was a wonderful romance with a great plot and memorable characters. A very enjoyable read.

I am a huge fan of the writing of Camilla Isley – having read many of her previous books, I was hoping I would love this one just as much – and I almost did. This story follows main characters Nina and Tristain – who have known (and hated) each other since they were young. Tristain is Nina’s brother’s best friend – and after he humiliated Nina when they were just young – it has been all-out war between the two of them ever since.

Nina tries everything she can to avoid spending any time with Tristain, so imagine how Nina feels when Tristain crashes the family’s Christmas plans, oh and then they all get snowed in together? What follows is a lot of sexual chemistry between Tristain and Nina, and wow, things do get steamy. But can they really put aside years of hate, revenge and humiliation and become more?

This Is Not a Holiday Romance is another great book by Camilla Isley. Perfect for curling up with on a rainy Saturday afternoon, and devouring in one go.

Another darling book to get you in the Christmas mood! Steamy and fun with an enemy to lovers troupe! I laughed out loud multiple times and this will not be my last book by Camilla!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Camilla Isley is an author that I know I can pick up one of her books and really enjoy it, I have read a fair few of her books and I am always eager for more. That being said I knew there would maybe come a time when there might be one that didn’t quite do it for me and This is Not a Holiday Romance has fallen into that category.

Don’t get me wrong I still found it an enjoyable read but there was something in the dynamics of this book that just didn’t speak to me the way they usually do. I didn’t gel with the main characters all that well, and I found Nina to be a tad too childish.

Pranks I can live with, there was a very clever one with some watches that did give me a chuckle, but sometimes her responses read like a pre-teen, taking no responsibility, shouting at her family, and then storming off to her room. It made it difficult for me to be as invested in her as I wanted to be.

I also felt there wasn’t the same level of build-up between Nina and Tristan as I was expecting, it felt a little forced at times. They went from zero to full-on very quickly and I didn’t get that sweet spot of will they\won’t they that I know this author can pull off. As I said though I think that just stems down to me not engaging with the characters the way I usually would in this author’s books.

I did love the setting, no matter the time of year, if I read a book with a wonderful wintery setting I do start to look forward to that time of year. The Thompson Christmas traditions were lovely to read about, although it did leave me with a craving for hot chocolate and marshmallows, and I think this will be a perfect read to get people into the holiday spirit.

Even though this book wasn’t my favourite from this author, it was still a fun read and I’m greatly intrigued by the situations that are being set up in the epilogue. I am very much looking forward to getting my hands on those books and any others that Camilla Isley writes.

*This Is Not a Holiday Romance* by Camilla Isley is a delightful enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity rom-com filled with humor and heart. When Nina’s Christmas wish to avoid Tristan, her brother’s best friend and lifelong rival, goes awry, they find themselves snowed in together. What follows is a mix of prank-filled chaos and undeniable chemistry. I loved Tristan—despite his mistakes, it’s clear he isn’t a bad guy, and his character really grew on me. Nina's journey was also great to see, as she matured throughout the story. Their fiery banter made this holiday romance a fun and heartwarming read.

For me, this was a solid 4* read. It was lighthearted, easy and quick to read, and delivered on exactly what it promised it would - an enemies-to-lovers, brothers-best-friend, forced-proximity book. This book would be good as a palate cleanser, as it isn't super deep and has a HEA. The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5* (which I easily could have) is that there were multiple times where I could not stand the FMC, Nina. She was SUPER immature, and at times, she literally threw a temper tantrum. Like...you've got to be kidding me. I'm not here for it, but I am here for the rest of the book.

If you're looking for a light-hearted holiday read, this would definitely be a good one to consider!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Camilla Isley for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wow this was a struggle to read. Both Nina and Tristan were abysmal. So terrible to each other. Those aren’t pranks, they are just terribly rude mean gestures. And does nina ever stop eating junk food? Goodness at least get a paper towel. This story just didn’t work for me. Tristan is one of those young guys who supposedly goes from hating Nina to suddenly sexting her and calling her “darling” in that rude but men think it’s sexy kind of way. I’m sorry I have never met a young guy who calls someone darlin’ like that but always seems preposterous to me. Nina, queen of cheeto and Dorito dust.

I am no longer the targeted audience for this book as I know prefer to read closed door romances, in saying that I was absolutely hooked on the storyline that I looked over all the f bombs and sex scenes (very tame compared to other books, I'd say say mild/moderate)
I adored Nina, such spunk, and the chemistry with Tristan was great. I enjoyed Nina and Dylan's family and her room-mates. I love that there is room for those girls stories in the future.
Do I recommend this book, absolutely to the ones who want it a bit hotter/spicier, those girlfriends will love it. Well written and fun

This is Not a Holiday Romance is a wishful, playful story filled with secret lust and longing. Tristan and Nina are brought together at her families house for Christmas. Trisitian being Nina's brother and best friend and himself having a troubled relationship with his parents. Tristan and Nina are the typical enemies to lovers characters and their interactions are written in a fun, easy to read style. I enjoyed this book and finished it quickly

I just loved this book and I couldn’t put it down! I just loved all the characters and the story of this book it was just amazing and made me long for Christmas.

I would highly recommend reading this book if you love a good Christmas book which has amazing characters.

I would like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own

Although it feels a bit early to read a Christmas novel, the title Is correct, it is not a holiday novel. It's a fun brother's best friend romance, that you won't want to put down.

Another one sitting read from Camilla Isley! While cozy season, this could easily be a year round read. Childhood rivals and brother's best friend to lovers. It was so fun to watch Nina and Tristan go from [mostly] harmless pranks to very real feelings in a way that felt realistic. They both have some of the best people in their corners and y'all I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a follow up book for Hunter and Dylan and their new living arrangement!




Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my review!

I really enjoyed this story, a good start to reading books set at Christmas, plus forced proximity and brother's best friend are some of my favorite tropes.

If you love Christmas, pranks and snappy banter then this book is a must read for you. If you love reading enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend & close proximity tropes then this book is for you too. If you are looking for a book that is simply fun & entertaining then Isley’s book is one to read. I loved the holiday vibes found in the book. Family traditions, family spending time together and winding down & a sense of togetherness during the holiday season. Snowstorms, hot chocolate & a huge holiday feast send warm feeling flowing.

Tristan & Dylan have been best friends for years. Nina, Dylan’s sister, has been in a constant war with Tristan ever since he referred to her as a Gremlin. Tristan & Nina have pranked & challenged each other trying to one up another. The pranks & banter between them are entertaining. There are some very good come backs when they are stuck together for the holiday.

Neither Tristan & Nina really know one another. Not every secret is revealed, but understanding continues during the holiday. Their relationship changes quickly but doubts run through their heads about themselves & what the other really wants now. There is plenty of drama fueled with emotions across the spectrum. Isley would never leave us without a happily ever after and she does not disappoint here. Of course, it is never easy getting to this point.

Despite the title, this book is a holiday romance following the enemies to lovers trope and brother's best friend falling for his sister. Both concepts were written really well, I understood the frenemies relationship that Nina and Tristan had for each other at the beginning and I fell in love with them as a couple in time with their growing love story. The BFF dating his friend's sister plot was also navigated mindfully, at no point was I grossed out by the premise or thought that any of the characters were out of line with their actions. The pranks were fun and the romance was even more so, I loved that this story was wrapped up in a Christmas bow and would definitely recommend this as a holiday read.

Still, the title nags at the back of my mind, why call your book "This Is Not A Holiday Romance" when that is 100% what is happening here? Is it because the two love birds knew each other before hand? Is it because they will stay together past the holiday season? At the very least I wish the title was used as a line of dialogue by someone to make it make an ounce of sense.

The age of the "kids" coming back home for the holidays really threw me off when I learned they are all in their mid 30s. The age shock is mainly due to Nina's childish outbursts when pranks don't go her way as she often reacted with the door slamming immaturity of a 16 year old.

Lastly the epilogue really throws you in a new direction, I was hoping to see that 'not holiday romance' finally shine through but the main focus is instead cast on Nina's two other roomies and their never before mentioned drama. I know this is just the authors way of setting up sequels but I don't know why Isley chose to only give these girls depth at the very end. They are only really present in the beginning and final chapters, but surely more seeds could have been planted about them and their interests along the way.