Scan barcode
nataliesboooks's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lenoreo's review
4.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2019/12/31/the-holiday-kiss-by-maggie-dallen/
4.5 stars — Wow, I think Ms. Dallen has a formula. As with The Candy Cane Kiss, I was dismayed with the attitude and inner thoughts of Luke at the beginning of this story. He was…not nice. He was seriously insensitive (probably from being a bit self-involved), and hence a bit of a bully and a douchebag. It’s like, I get what Ms. Dallen is trying to do with these characters, make them realistic teenagers subject to cliques and all the harshness of high school…but I kind of hated that there wasn’t really much of a glimmer of more to him in those moments…it made the transition feel rushed, and I had a hard time buying it. Though obviously I did in the end.
In the end I honestly don’t understand how this author sucks me in and has me completely wrapped up in the story with that kind of beginning…but I was!! I was soooo invested. I think it’s because Luke truly does confront his mean aspects and the consequences of the things that he (and his friends) say and do. And he really does think about it. I mean, sure, the only reason he gives it a chance is because he sees a different version of Maya and he’s attracted…but he gets there all the same. He pursues it because he’s confused by it and he wants to understand her and her experiences. That was genuine.
And then there’s Maya! Wow, what an interesting character. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s on the autism spectrum, what with her difficulty dealing with emotions and connecting with others. I kind of loved the fact that we really got to see into her brain, and how she saw the world and interpreted it. I loved seeing how her cold persona was a result of not wanting to deal with strong emotions, and thus closing herself. Fascinating (especially for a girl who is the exact opposite, and totally overly emotional).
I really loved the way their relationship evolved…and how they managed to connect with one another through all that hostility, because of being forced together (sort of). I really felt their chemistry, and I loved hearing about how it was more than just physical (kissing), and how they started to get to know one another and what made the other one tick.
Part of me wouldn’t have minded if we’d also gotten to see a bit more of the reactions of the kids at school to this new development. Did Luke just ditch his friends, or did he win them over?
But yeah…other than a shaky start, I really ended up loving this one. I think I’ll just have to keep Ms. Allen’s style in mind for future books so that I make sure I keep reading even if I’m worried about a character. It’s not ideal, but I’ll take it.
4.5 stars — Wow, I think Ms. Dallen has a formula. As with The Candy Cane Kiss, I was dismayed with the attitude and inner thoughts of Luke at the beginning of this story. He was…not nice. He was seriously insensitive (probably from being a bit self-involved), and hence a bit of a bully and a douchebag. It’s like, I get what Ms. Dallen is trying to do with these characters, make them realistic teenagers subject to cliques and all the harshness of high school…but I kind of hated that there wasn’t really much of a glimmer of more to him in those moments…it made the transition feel rushed, and I had a hard time buying it. Though obviously I did in the end.
In the end I honestly don’t understand how this author sucks me in and has me completely wrapped up in the story with that kind of beginning…but I was!! I was soooo invested. I think it’s because Luke truly does confront his mean aspects and the consequences of the things that he (and his friends) say and do. And he really does think about it. I mean, sure, the only reason he gives it a chance is because he sees a different version of Maya and he’s attracted…but he gets there all the same. He pursues it because he’s confused by it and he wants to understand her and her experiences. That was genuine.
And then there’s Maya! Wow, what an interesting character. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s on the autism spectrum, what with her difficulty dealing with emotions and connecting with others. I kind of loved the fact that we really got to see into her brain, and how she saw the world and interpreted it. I loved seeing how her cold persona was a result of not wanting to deal with strong emotions, and thus closing herself. Fascinating (especially for a girl who is the exact opposite, and totally overly emotional).
I really loved the way their relationship evolved…and how they managed to connect with one another through all that hostility, because of being forced together (sort of). I really felt their chemistry, and I loved hearing about how it was more than just physical (kissing), and how they started to get to know one another and what made the other one tick.
Part of me wouldn’t have minded if we’d also gotten to see a bit more of the reactions of the kids at school to this new development. Did Luke just ditch his friends, or did he win them over?
But yeah…other than a shaky start, I really ended up loving this one. I think I’ll just have to keep Ms. Allen’s style in mind for future books so that I make sure I keep reading even if I’m worried about a character. It’s not ideal, but I’ll take it.
thereallilycooper's review
4.0
Adorable. Cute. Lovely. Christmas. Overall entertaining. Highly recommend.
kerrreads's review
3.0
They hate each other AND they’re forced to go on vacation together? It’s my lucky day.
More...