Reviews with content warning for Fatphobia - Love in Winter Wonderland

This book is so stinking cute! This is basically a black YA Hallmark movie about two students trying to save a local bookstore. They're initially wary of one another, but as they work together a "will they, won't they" ensues. The MCs are young, and while they make some ill-advised choices, they acknowledge that and learn from them. Their chemistry is slow building but completely organic and sweet. There is a bit of diet culture, but nothing too egregious. I will definitely read more by Abiola in the future.

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rachelfayreads's review

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

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ilovecafeandlibros's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I typically don’t read too many YA books. So I told myself in 2024 I’d dive into the genre a little more. This author’s writing is relatable and fun. While reading this book, I kind of felt like a teenager again 🫠🤣 a great reminder of how I DON’T miss those complicated messy “Do you like me,too?”, moments with the opposite sex.

I loved the Christmas songs at the beginning of every chapter. What a fantastic touch!!! I found myself pulling the song up on Spotify to listen as I read the book! Great way to feel festive!

If you’re looking for lighter material, enjoyable, a HEA trope as well as a fast read, check this out next holiday season.

A few dislikes: I feel like an opportunity was missed to highlight societal norms on weight and beauty. It was touched on briefly in regards to Ariel’s look and size. An issue that is huge among teens (and adults) thanks to social media, celebrities and social standards of beauty.

There was also no accountability for Blair and her awful personality other than getting dumped by her on again off again boyfriend Trey. No one held her accountable.

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calicat42's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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dianaschmidty's review against another edition

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lighthearted tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Okay, so this book started off really cute! I loved the vibes of them working in a bookstore at Christmastime and it also gave my 2000s teen drama vibes, which I loved. This book would have easily been at least four stars, maybe higher, but then we hit the 70% point…

(This is going to have slight spoilers because I can’t properly rant without them)

At the 70% point, this became a retelling of Mean Girls, but whereas Regina George is hilarious and iconic, Blair is just annoying and psychotic. And for some strange reason, Trey’s fine with that?!? Him not believing Ariel right away is one thing, but spending the night at Blair’s after learning (and ignoring) what she did is insane! Especially for a YA book! Also, once she confirms what she did, he’s not even positive that he wants to breakup with her and calls her “amazing.” Like, a psycho that bullies practically everyone, doesn’t have any interest in anything you like, and locked a girl in a classroom because she was a little jealous is considered “amazing”?!?!?!? I guess this can all be chalked up to stupid 18 year old behavior on both parties, but also, it gave me the ick.

I did really like the narrators’ accents. I often have trouble understanding non-American accents, especially when I speed up the narration, but I had absolutely no issues with understanding and I really liked both narrators’ voices.

I would be interested in reading books by this author in the future, but I really wish the last 40% of this book was a lot different…

Thank you to NetGalley, RB Media, and Abiola Bello for providing me access to this book.

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wren_rainbow's review against another edition

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4.25

This book was just so good and really cute and wholesome!! A wonderful Christmas time black love story! I’m definitely rooting for Ariel and Wonderland. Also, I’m not ashamed to admit that I sobbed for a couple of minutes towards the end ❤️ I highly recommend listening to the playlist as you read this book. So glad I’ve come across this book.

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booknerderika's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective fast-paced

This was a sweet story of the power of community and others showing up for one another.

As for the romance, I'm not a fan of stories of people in relationships falling for someone else. There was borderline cheating going on just by the flirting

and almost kissing.

I understand the toxic relationship aspect but I still don't think that justifies the behavior.

I'm glad Trey made the mature decision in the end even though it was hard. That alone is representation we need more of in books.

I still enjoyed the book, I just felt uncomfortable with how Trey was in a relationship with someone else

for almost the entire book.

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emimero's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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