This was a really cute, well-written YA holiday romance with a Christmas theme. It gave Hallmark movie kind of vibes with a dash of relationship drama. The beginning was a slow-burn but as our MC’s grow closer the pacing gradually changes.

The novel follows Trey Anderson as he balances the pressures of school popularity and working at his family’s beloved local bookshop, Wonderland. Then there’s Ariel Spencer quirky and creative who needs tuition for the prestigious art program of her dreams, and an opening at Wonderland is the answer. When Trey and Ariel learn that Wonderland is on the brink of being shut down by a neighborhood gentrifier, they team up to stop the doors from closing before the Christmas Eve deadline and embark on a hate-to-love journey that will change them forever.

There wasn’t an instant connection between the two MC’s but I did enjoy the alternating perspectives and watching their chemistry build. Trey was in a relationship the majority of the book but I could tell the situation would eventually end. The drama involving Trey, Blair, and Ariel made the novel a little more appealing. Trey and Ariel were also the most layered but the side characters helped move the story forward.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. The plot was engaging, the bookstore, and Christmas setting added a cozy uniqueness to the storyline making this perfect for the holiday season. The song playlist with each chapter was a plus. Special thanks to @hearourvoicestours & @sohoteen for my gifted copy and being apart of this awesome tour!!!

Rating: 3.5/5⭐️