Whether I like it or not, I have no choice but to play Sofiya’s reindeer games.~ Mackenzie
Today is turning out to be one burned-out bulb after another on a strand of tangled Christmas lights. If I could throw the whole thing away and buy a new strand, I would. Instead, I’m stuck figuring out how to change these stupid bulbs, or my Christmas—and my life, apparently—is going to be about as bright as Times Square in a blackout. ~ Mackenzie
Sofiya is known for promoting someone in the office every Christmas and apparently she has both Jeremy and Mackenzie in mind. She pits them against each other to see who can come up with the most clever and unique Christmas activities. Who will win the battle of the tinsel or perhaps garland? Throw in a secret crush Mackenzie has had on Jeremy for two years, and you have a whole muddled mess in your hot chocolate!
This sounded like a whole lot of fun and a lighthearted read for Christmas. I love nothing more than to escape into the pages of a book during the busy holiday season. However, it started out strong but petered to a halt at not quite at the halfway point for me. No slight to the author at all, because I have read other books by Monzon and loved them. For some reason, this just didn’t hit the right spots for me. I think one example is when Jeremy said some pretty hurtful things behind Mackenzie’s back to another coworker and never really apologized or felt remorseful afterward. It turned me off completely from his character. I never really did click with either the hero or heroine so that didn’t help. Again, there is no slight to the author or her writing, but my own personal taste. I skimmed to the end to find out what happened and was pleasantly surprised to learn how things played out. I just wished I could have read ALL of it because there are some really cute spots!
This definitely has all the makings of a Hallmark holiday romance in page form! I think if you love rom-coms centered around the Christmas season similar to the ones on TV, a secret crush troupe and that eventual happily-ever-after then you’ll enjoy this one. Don’t let my review stop you from making your own judgment on this sweet novel!
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House publishers and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are mine *
BackCover Blurb:
Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.
Every
December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie
Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her
workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact,
the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more
likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never
thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so
how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with
wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a
much-needed raise?
Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned
out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will
the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single
guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to
support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around
the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about
her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get
his head on straight, the promotion isn't the only thing he'll end up
losing to Mackenzie.
Bethany House Publishers, September, 2023
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND CHRISTMAS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House
Thank you for posting this Debra!!
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