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.

I enjoyed reading This Is Not a Holiday Romance by Camila Isley. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

Easy to read and perfect for Christmas (or for me anytime of the year 😊)
Nina has always had a thing for Tristan, her brother’s annoying best friend who upset her as a teen and since then they have been enemies. Who doesn’t love an enemies to lovers trope topped with Christmas cheer!
Once the thaw happens they can’t stop, all they need to do is work out how to tell her brother Dylan.
I thought this was really well written, this is my first book by Camilla and it won’t be my last.
Thank you NetGalley, Camilla Isley and Boldwood Books for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

This Is Not A Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Two sworn enemies, snowed in over Christmas with chemistry that will melt the ice!

Nina Thompson has one Christmas wish: to avoid her brother’s obnoxiously handsome best friend, Tristan, like the plague. From the moment he humiliated her as a teenager to their escalating revenge schemes, Nina and Tristan’s relationship can only be defined as an all-out prank war! And there is yet to be a winner.

But it just so happens the ghost of Christmas present has other ideas. When Tristan unexpectedly crashes her family’s Christmas, Nina’s dreams of a peaceful holiday vanish faster than Santa up a chimney. Determined to end their rivalry for good, she braces herself for one last prank-filled showdown.

But when they find themselves snowed in, with no way of avoiding each other amongst the holiday festivities, they discover their heated exchanges have been masking a different kind of sizzle. Caught in a snow globe of holiday romance, they decide to let their fiery chemistry burn bright—but this is absolutely and unequivocally nothing more than a secret fling destined to melt with the snow, this is not a forever romance…

My Opinion

Camilla Isley is a must read author for me and with quick delights like This Is Not A Holiday Romance it is easy to see why. A highly entertaining read with a great enemies-to-lovers trope. If you enjoy festive books and enemies-to-lovers then this is one to add to your want to read list.

At less than 250 pages this was easy to read in one sitting. A cute holiday romance that would work was as a Christmas film.

Rating 4/5

📚 NEARLY-PUBLICATION-DAY BOOK REVIEW 📚

This Is Not A Holiday Romance By Camilla Isley
Publication Date: September 4, 2024
Publisher: Boldwood Books

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)

📚MY REVIEW:

After reading several really intensely riveting thrillers, I needed a good rom-com in my life - and deciding to read This Is Not A Holiday Romance was the perfect choice! This enemies-to-lovers rom-com was absolutely the cutest, laugh-out-loud story I've read in quite a while. I genuinely found myself laughing out loud so many times throughout this book - and the story itself was a really fun read!

This book alternated chapters between our two main characters, Nina and Tristan, with each chapter beginning only seconds before the last chapter ended. This created such a fun change in perspectives that never stopped the continuous flow of the story for even a beat and gave the reader a glimpse into BOTH mindsets of these two rivals-becoming-lovebirds.

This was such a fast read that warmed my heart, centered around the unexpected romance between brother's little sister and brother's best friend over the Christmas holiday, while everybody is snowed in at the parents' home. Family traditions of Charades, Christmas lunch, decorating the Christmas tree, plenty of hot chocolate, snowball fights, and exchanging gifts with family members - all with a huge blizzard blustering in the background - really created a cozy feel as I read and put me in the mood for the cooler months of autumn and winter.

This was definitely a feel-good book, with a little bit of spice, a little bit of romance, and a little bit of comedy -- the perfect mix! I highly recommend giving this book a read if you're a fan of a really good rom-com that will leave you smiling and falling in love with love all over again. ❤️

A big thank you goes out to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. When this book comes out on September 4th, be sure you pick it up and add it to your TBR list!

#ThisIsNotAHolidayRomance #CamillaIsley #NetGalley #ARC #boldwoodbookclub #boldwoodbookVIP #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #romcomreads #booklover

I loved everything about this book. The banter and the pranks between Nina and Tristan were hilarious. The older big brother tantrum was written perfectly and didn’t drag on too much. The family were amazing in all their Hallmark glory. Loved it, perfect cozy winter read.

Thank you Net Galley and publishers for letting me read an arc of this book in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, it's not what I expected at all. I've only read 2 of Camilla's books before, both fun, quick, and easy reads. You don't have to think too much and they were more on the comedy side of the rom-com trope. That's what I was expecting from this book, not this heartfelt and kinda emotional read. Yeah it was still funny, but something about this one felt different from her other books. Almost more serious, but still that hallmark-y vibe. It's the classic "I fell in love with my best friend's little sister" trope and "we're snowed in for Christmas" trope all in one. Tristan and Nina have been pranking each other since she was 13 and he was 18. Tristan never realized that some of his jokes hurt Nina more than she let on. So when he shows up unannounced for her holiday family get-together, she's furious at Dylan, her brother. Tristan and Nina go head to head with the pranks until he finds out that he's hurt her so he tries to make it up. The tension and chemistry that comes with being stuck in the same house for a week explodes in a fiery sexual couple of nights until Dylan finds out. I loved how everyone was older 20's/30's so it was more relatable. It was sweet, deeply emotional at times, and a fun read. Definitely my favorite of her books so far. I just didn't like how the epilogue left on a cliff hanger, I want more.

This is my first book by this author and I was very pleasantly suprised, an extremely fun christmas romance I adored the relationship between the FMC and MMC and the speed at which they fell in love was perfect for someone like me, I'd definitely recommend for anyone that wants a read that'll have you giggling and kicking your feet!

Thank you to the author and netgalley for the arc in exchange for a review!

This was, despite the name, a really cute holiday romance with some great tropes; enemies to lovers and brother's best friend. The chemistry and bantering between Nina and Tristan was so much fun and the pranks made this read a bit similar to The Hating Game.

All in all it was a light and quick read that really brought out the festive vibes! I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a cosy Christmas read or if you're a fan of these brilliant tropes 🙌

This Is Not a Holiday Romance


° Enemies to Lovers
° Brother's Best Friend
° Forced Proximity
° Found Family
° Dual POV


"This Is Not A Holiday Romance" marks my first experience with Camilla Isley’s writing, and it certainly won’t be my last. I devoured it in a single day! The book had me laughing at the playful pranks and dares exchanged over the years, and I enjoyed the witty banter between Nina and Tristan.  The tension and the chemistry between them was palpable.

I was particularly drawn to the friendships depicted, like those between Tristan & Dylan, and Nina, Hunter, & Rowena. If you come across friends like Dylan, Hunter, and Rowena, cherish them. The story highlights the significance of showing up, checking in and staying connected for a true and lasting friendship.

I’ve always been one to read dedications and acknowledgements, and this book’s dedication set the mood up for a hilarious and delightful read. The festive Christmas setting added to the charm, making me nostalgic for the Christmas traditions and celebrations back home in the Philippines.

Reading this romantic comedy was like savoring my favorite gooey cinnamon roll from Cinnabon — warm, comforting, and leaving me craving for more.


Favorite Quotes:
ᥫ᭡ Dedication:  "To all of us who have ever been snowed in by a storm but, contrary to what we've read, never with a handsome  heartthrob. Let's keep on living vicariously through our books..."

ᥫ᭡  "This is the family I never had, the love I always yearned for.  And at the center of it all is Nina, radiant and perfect, the missing piece I never knew I needed.  I thought having Dylan was enough, but as much as I love my best friend, it doesn't compare to what I'm feeling right now."

ᥫ᭡  "I'm ready to take a leap of faith.  To open my heart and let myself fall.  Because with Nina, I know I'll always have a soft place to land."

ᥫ᭡  "And when people love you, they don't just leave at the first bump in the road or after a fight."

ᥫ᭡  "..It's a kiss that tastes of a future together.  Of shared moments, big and small.  The beginning of a life together made of cold winter days passed snuggling by the fire.  Of hurried breakfasts before work where a goodbye kiss is savored more than coffee.  And of endless nights spent in each other's arms after a long day apart.  I can see us brushing our teeth side by side in the bathroom, fighting for supremacy over the sink.  And picture countless weekend mornings, where the only plan is to have no plans at all.
A lifetime of love and laughter, of happiness.  Where we show up for each other.  Every day."

ᥫ᭡ Acknowledgments:  "I hope it left you more in love with love, and maybe, just a little bit more in love with reading."


Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author Camilla Isley for the electronic advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

For this Christmas, Nina has only one aim, that is to steer clear of Tristan, no matter what. Tristan is her brother’s best friend,

Since they were teenagers the relationship they’ve had has been full of practical jokes, that’s since he embarrassed.

But, her aim to stay away from him doesn’t go to plan when he has to be with her family a during Christmas. Meaning the war they’ve been in just gets worse, and then a snowstorm happens, means they’re confined together.

I loved the pranks that Nina and Tristan played against each other.

I recommend this book.

What I love about picking up a book from Camilla is that I know exactly that I’m in for a good time. I think she’s getting better with each book and it’s always fun, with reliable characters and Nina and Tristan were no different. From sworn enemy (aka they just bicker and prank each other for years) to realising they may actually like each other, they were hilarious and adorable. I didn’t really get into the Christmas spirit mostly because it’s still September it’s too early (nobody call Mariah Carey on me) but I do feel like this would be a great book to read in November or December as it would just add to the cozy and cute vibes from the book.

This is definitely a holiday romance, lol. I finished this in less than a day. It was a nice, cute holiday read. Enemies to lovers trope with close proximity.

I liked the pranks between Nina and Tristan, which had obvious tension underneath. It was obvious that the drama here would be with Tristan being her brother's best friend so you know what the twist will be.

I recommend this if you want something quick and cute to read with an apparent twist.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC of this book. My review is my own opinion.

I adore this one but I think if it didn't had the fade to black that it would be better, don't get me wrong I know reading is not just about being naughty but the tension between the two should deserved a better description.. Nina and Tristan and even Dylan made me laugh specially with the scene on the shower "Naked Yoga" ahahah that was funny