Well that was like a massive festive hug!

Up front honesty here, I don't usually encounter romance unless it's sandwiched into a fantasy or there is some form of ice hockey playing college dude (I've got a type..) so this is new(ish) territory for me; I'm by no means a romance buff.

As much as this is a romance, this is also a beautiful story about community pulling together to support an independent black owned bookstore. Threat of corporate retail offerings and pressure from greedy developers is discussed along side the commentary on how the black lives matter movement and its impact on support for black owned businesses and the importance that this movement and message is kept very much at the forefront.

The romance dazzles through in this story; Trey and Azriel's familial, romantic and friendship are not cliché, they feel very authentic.

Whether I'm reading a story with romance or not, I do like to read stories where I feel deeply connected to the characters and how they navigate and overcome their 'struggles'. Ariel and Trey each have their personal ups and downs. They own their mistakes and its a beautiful way of exploring themes of growth through trials and errors.

I felt an array of emotions throughout and at a couple of points I was peering up from my screen and sniffling at the cat "NO YOU'RE CRYING"!

I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a playlist or two on Spotify for release day so I got a soundtrack for a merry little re-read when I get my physical copy...

This is a new author for me and I will definitely be looking out for more by this author in the future. It was lovely, uplifting, romantic, and full of the Christmas spirit. One guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

This author is 100% right - you don't read many YA black festive reads and this book completely fulfills this gap in the market. Whilst this book does have romance running through it, it is also so much more. Its a reflection on how society needs to shift to supporting independent stores over those ran by huge corporations otherwise we run the risk of losing those independents; a reminder that the Black Lives Matter movement continues and how we can all play our part in supporting black people in our communities; its a celebration of Black artists and writers too.
As well as all the above, the writer deals with social media and how this is central to teens, the issue of consent for posting content, and standing up for yourself. Altogether, this creates a wonderful story and the characters feel really authentic as they handle their college life, friendships and relationships. A great festive story with a big message! Loved it!

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

Love in Winter Wonderland

5⭐️

This was exactly what I was looking for. It was Christmas and hard to put down and just all things merry.

It felt like a cross between a Nicola Yoon novel and Lily and Dash. Which is a huge compliment.

Highly recommend. The story, the characters, the christmas spirit. It’s all here. Seems like it should be in the regular rotation for the Christmas season.