readsbyella 's review for:

The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score

2.5

relaxing tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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 📖 Book Review: The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score 

 ⭐ Rating: 2.5 Stars 

 

✨ Characters: 

 

Cat King was an absolute standout for me in this book. Initially, she may appear to be a stuck-up reality TV star, but as the story progresses, she reveals her true self—a kind, generous, and hard-working individual dedicated to helping others. Her background in reality TV construction gave her the perfect skill set to lead the rebuilding of Merry, Connecticut, after the devastating floods, and I adored how she used her resources and connections to make it happen. Her dynamic with her twin brother, Gannon, and his wife, Paige, added even more depth to her character, showing her softer, family-oriented side. 

 

Noah Yates, on the other hand, left me with mixed feelings. While I admired his protective nature as a single dad to Sara, his constant judgment of Cat due to her reality TV persona and her past actions often felt frustrating. The tension between him and Cat provided some great moments of chemistry, but his sudden change of heart toward her after realizing she saved him during the floods felt a bit rushed. I did appreciate how Cat helped Noah loosen up, say “yes” more often, and allow Sara more freedom to pursue her dreams. 

 

Sara, Noah’s teenage daughter, was a delightful addition to the story. Her growing bond with Cat and her willingness to open up about her future dreams made her a heartwarming presence. Her involvement in Cat and Noah’s relationship—like planning a surprise dinner—was charming and added a layer of sweetness to the story. 

 

The side characters, particularly the residents of Merry, were also memorable. I loved how they all rallied together to rebuild their town and celebrate Thanksgiving as a united community. Paige, in particular, stood out as a constant supporter of Cat and Noah’s budding romance, offering a sisterly bond that felt genuine and heartwarming. 

 

🌍 Setting: 

 

The festive small-town setting of Merry, Connecticut, added charm and coziness to the story. The post-storm reconstruction served as a compelling backdrop for the romance, showcasing community resilience and togetherness. However, the pacing of the rebuilding felt uneven at times, as we only got glimpses of the town’s transformation instead of a fuller picture. 

 

While there were heartwarming moments, like the reindeer project and Cat’s idea for a statue to replace the lost Christmas tree, the holiday elements often felt secondary. I had hoped for a more Christmas-centric atmosphere, especially since I picked this book up looking for a festive holiday read. 

 

📖 Plot & Pacing: 

 

The premise of a reality TV star stepping in to help rebuild a small town was unique and somewhat believable, especially with Cat’s established ties to the Hai family in Merry. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Cat and Noah had its moments, but the pacing of their relationship felt inconsistent. 

 

The build-up of tension between Cat and Noah was enjoyable, as they slowly moved from mutual dislike to grudging respect to something more. However, Noah’s quick turnaround after realizing Cat saved him felt abrupt and less authentic. The subplot involving Noah’s difficult childhood added depth to his character, but its late introduction felt a bit forced. 

 

The pacing of the story overall was uneven. While the focus on the town’s reconstruction was engaging, the time jumps and lack of detailed progress sometimes left me wanting more. 

 

💪 Themes & Emotions: 

 

The story’s themes of family, community, and second chances were some of its strongest aspects. Cat’s journey from a misunderstood celebrity to an accepted and valued member of the Merry community was both inspiring and satisfying. I loved how her actions—both big and small—proved her genuine care for the town and its residents. 

 

The Thanksgiving dinner scene was a standout moment that highlighted the theme of community. Seeing everyone come together, including Cat’s team, to celebrate and support each other felt heartwarming and affirming. 

 

While the book had cozy vibes, it didn’t evoke strong emotional reactions for me. There were no laugh-out-loud or tear-jerking moments, which left me feeling slightly underwhelmed. 

 

✍️ Writing Style: 

 

This was my first Lucy Score book, and her writing style was enjoyable overall. It was easy to follow and kept the story engaging without feeling overly complex. The dialogue between the characters, particularly between Cat, Noah, and Sara, felt mostly natural and added to the story’s charm. 

 

That said, some of Noah’s comments—like accusing Cat of staging a co-worker’s tears for the cameras—felt out of place and unnecessarily harsh, detracting from the otherwise engaging dialogue. 

 

🙌 Overall Enjoyment: 

 

The ending, along with the epilogues, provided a satisfying conclusion to Cat and Noah’s story. I especially loved the proposal epilogue, where we got updates on Sara’s journey toward her dream of studying fashion marketing. Seeing Cat get her school in Merry while maintaining her relationship with Noah tied everything together nicely. 

 

While I didn’t fully connect with Noah and Cat’s romance, the book still offered an enjoyable mix of small-town charm, community spirit, and holiday vibes. 

 

📢 Recommendation: 

 

If you’re looking for a light and simple enemies-to-lovers holiday romance with a focus on community and second chances, The Christmas Fix is worth picking up. While it may not have been my favorite, fans of small-town romances and festive reads might find it more enjoyable.