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.

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.

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!

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