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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Katie Bailey’s Holiday Hostilities was an absolute treat! The story between Olivia and Aaron is the perfect mix of swoon-worthy romance and heartfelt moments. Aaron, the male lead and Olivia's brother’s best friend, is every bit the ideal man. His thoughtfulness shines as he remembers every little detail about Olivia, making their connection feel deeply personal and real.
One of the most endearing aspects of Aaron is his unique pre-hockey ritual: crocheting! And his visits to the children’s hospital, where he gifts his adorable creations, are absolutely heart-melting. These moments show his kind and giving nature, adding so much depth to his character.
However, not everything was smooth sailing. Olivia’s lingering resentment toward Aaron due to a high school misunderstanding added some realistic tension. Watching them work through it made their eventual love even more rewarding.
The only reason I couldn’t give this book five stars is that some scenes felt underdeveloped. For example, Aaron’s bond with a specific boy at the hospital seemed meaningful but wasn’t fully explored. I would have loved more details about their connection or updates on the boy’s recovery. Similar gaps appeared in other parts of the story, leaving me wishing for more depth.
Overall, Holiday Hostilities is a romantic and heartfelt read that I couldn’t put down. With just a bit more detail in certain scenes, it would have been absolutely perfect.
One of the most endearing aspects of Aaron is his unique pre-hockey ritual: crocheting! And his visits to the children’s hospital, where he gifts his adorable creations, are absolutely heart-melting. These moments show his kind and giving nature, adding so much depth to his character.
However, not everything was smooth sailing. Olivia’s lingering resentment toward Aaron due to a high school misunderstanding added some realistic tension. Watching them work through it made their eventual love even more rewarding.
The only reason I couldn’t give this book five stars is that some scenes felt underdeveloped. For example, Aaron’s bond with a specific boy at the hospital seemed meaningful but wasn’t fully explored. I would have loved more details about their connection or updates on the boy’s recovery. Similar gaps appeared in other parts of the story, leaving me wishing for more depth.
Overall, Holiday Hostilities is a romantic and heartfelt read that I couldn’t put down. With just a bit more detail in certain scenes, it would have been absolutely perfect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Stalking, Death of parent
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism, Bullying, Terminal illness
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I am obsessed with Katie Baileys books and even more obsessed with Aaron Marino. I am officially a member of Aaron's Army.
Katie is the queen of chemistry. I mean, even the names ✨Aaron & Olivia✨ sound like they would have chemistry!!
After meeting Aaron in The Quit List I couldn’t wait to fall in love with — Uh, I mean READ ABOUT his love story. I was hooked for the start. The cover is
After meeting Aaron in The Quit List I couldn’t wait to fall in love with — Uh, I mean READ ABOUT his love story. I was hooked for the start. The cover is
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Thank you to Eleventh Ave publishing and NetGalley for the advanced E-ARC of this book.
I love Katie Bailey. She is my go- to author for a swoon worthy read. I highly recommend reading Season's Scheming's prior to reading this one. All of the characters are intertwined and the universe that Katie has created is so fun, you won't want to miss the connections.
Olivia and Aaron are the perfect catalysts to each other. They have undeniable chemistry and pent up tension that rivals that of a Pringles lid ready to pop. The titular moment where they give in to each other had me kicking my feet! No one does a "screw it" moment quite like Katie Bailey.
This book is so sweet and swoonworthy. It's closed door, but oozes sexual tension. This book has all the best tropes, along with holiday vibes, making it a cozy, festive romcom to fit all your needs.
I love Katie Bailey. She is my go- to author for a swoon worthy read. I highly recommend reading Season's Scheming's prior to reading this one. All of the characters are intertwined and the universe that Katie has created is so fun, you won't want to miss the connections.
Olivia and Aaron are the perfect catalysts to each other. They have undeniable chemistry and pent up tension that rivals that of a Pringles lid ready to pop. The titular moment where they give in to each other had me kicking my feet! No one does a "screw it" moment quite like Katie Bailey.
This book is so sweet and swoonworthy. It's closed door, but oozes sexual tension. This book has all the best tropes, along with holiday vibes, making it a cozy, festive romcom to fit all your needs.
Miscommunication, tension, and the ultimate slow-burn romance—this book has it all!
Years ago, Olivia and Aaron had a moment that almost changed everything. But when Aaron pulled away, Olivia masked her heartbreak with humor, and he believed she never cared. Now, years later, she’s a flight attendant, and he’s a pro hockey player who can’t help but get under her skin. She thinks he’s mocking her, but in reality, he’s been in love with her all along.
When a fake relationship brings them closer, years of misunderstandings unravel, revealing a love that was there all along. Sweet, funny, and packed with tension, Holiday Hostilities is the perfect mix of brother’s best friend, second chances, and holiday magic!
Years ago, Olivia and Aaron had a moment that almost changed everything. But when Aaron pulled away, Olivia masked her heartbreak with humor, and he believed she never cared. Now, years later, she’s a flight attendant, and he’s a pro hockey player who can’t help but get under her skin. She thinks he’s mocking her, but in reality, he’s been in love with her all along.
When a fake relationship brings them closer, years of misunderstandings unravel, revealing a love that was there all along. Sweet, funny, and packed with tension, Holiday Hostilities is the perfect mix of brother’s best friend, second chances, and holiday magic!
I absolutely adore all of Katie’s books, and Holiday Hostilities is no different. She does an amazing job of creating characters that you immediately love and root for. Olivia has been through so much in her life and put up so many walls to protect herself, and Aaron is so thoughtful and aware of her feelings. There were so many parts that had me in my feelings, whether it was laughing, crying, or swooning. I can’t wait to go back and reread this book again. Go Atlanta Cyclones!
4/5
You do not have to read the first book to understand this one. It can be read as a standalone. This is a perfect read if you want a holiday hockey romance. It is simple, sweet, has some cute moments with good characters, and was enjoyable to read.
You do not have to read the first book to understand this one. It can be read as a standalone. This is a perfect read if you want a holiday hockey romance. It is simple, sweet, has some cute moments with good characters, and was enjoyable to read.