A review by siobhanward
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

lighthearted fast-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? No

3.0

 While I gave this book points for having a surprise time travel element to it, I did have to deduct others for using a time travel trope in lieu of actual plot or character development. The premise of a character going back in time to re-do a time period until she gets it "right" is fun, but I'm not sure it fit into a holiday romance. I wish that there had been more time to develop the characters and the setting. It's repeated over and over again that Mae, Theo and Andrew have this important shared history, but it all happens before the book starts, so the romance feels like insta-love.

There were also so many side characters that I couldn't keep track of who was who, but it didn't really matter because only a couple actually mattered. The adults' stories of college honestly seemed so interesting and I almost would have preferred to read about that - how did they end up so close that they all celebrated Christmas together every single year no matter what? (Though in the first few pages I thought they were all living in a commune and that was an even better story, so...).

Anyway, as a holiday romance, this was decent, but there was so much potential and it just kind of fell flat at times. Still a fun read and would be perfect for that period between Christmas and New Years where your brain isn't really working anyway. 
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