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A review by alexfromistemor
The Christmas Swap by Talia Samuels
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thanks so much to Alcove Press and NetGalley for this eARC
This was a very sweet book. There were definitely shades of Kiss Her Once for Me with the fake relationship over the holidays, but at the same time, it was done in a very original, unique way (i.e. not for money or anything, just out of embarrassment and family insecurity). I like that the author didn't try to force the lie/Ellie's investigation into Margot's gold-digger nature for longer than she did, as I could have seen that getting very tiresome to read.
This book also does a very good job looking at emotional abuse. At one point, it's a little like the signs were being copied from a info website about it, but thankfully, the emotions of it, and the chaotic nature, the uncertainty, all of that is handled beautifully.
Something unusual for me here is I need to give a shoutout to a supporting character before mentioned either of the mains: Ben is just soo sweet! I was a little concerned that at some point he might try and make his fake relation with Margot into the real thing, even though she was 'a raging lesbian' (her own self description). But no, he was just a wonderfully positive example of non-toxic masculinity, and just an incredible friend.
Our two leads Margot and Ellie were great. That said, it did get a little on the nose at times just how perfect/in-sync the two of them were (i.e. just how often one would says something they love, or think it, and then the other would talk about their love of it). I do have to agree with another commentator about how much Ellie seemed to infantilize Ben. Finally, Ellie says she never guessed Margot's sexuality...really? Really, Ellie? She lists one of her favourite musical acts as Girl in Red...that didn't clue you in at all? ;P
This is definitely the most PG friendly romance I've read in a while, at least from a spice-level standpoint. The affection among the characters is limited strictly to kissing (I don't think there's even a mention or hint of interest in anything heavier than that). This is fine, of course, but if you're looking for a romance for the sex scenes, this is a skippable book.
One other minor complaint: This book felt pretty long. For as low stakes as the drama was, it felt like a bit much to go through every single day leading up to Christmas, plus Margot & Ben's initial set up and the epilogue afterward. I might have shaved some of that down a bit.
In the end, a cute holiday rom-com. 4 stars.
It should be noted that the eARC for this title was only available as a pdf with very small font, making the reading of it so frustrating I almost gave up a couple times. This is the fault of the publisher, not the writer.
This was a very sweet book. There were definitely shades of Kiss Her Once for Me with the fake relationship over the holidays, but at the same time, it was done in a very original, unique way (i.e. not for money or anything, just out of embarrassment and family insecurity). I like that the author didn't try to force the lie/Ellie's investigation into Margot's gold-digger nature for longer than she did, as I could have seen that getting very tiresome to read.
This book also does a very good job looking at emotional abuse. At one point, it's a little like the signs were being copied from a info website about it, but thankfully, the emotions of it, and the chaotic nature, the uncertainty, all of that is handled beautifully.
Something unusual for me here is I need to give a shoutout to a supporting character before mentioned either of the mains: Ben is just soo sweet! I was a little concerned that at some point he might try and make his fake relation with Margot into the real thing, even though she was 'a raging lesbian' (her own self description). But no, he was just a wonderfully positive example of non-toxic masculinity, and just an incredible friend.
Our two leads Margot and Ellie were great. That said, it did get a little on the nose at times just how perfect/in-sync the two of them were (i.e. just how often one would says something they love, or think it, and then the other would talk about their love of it). I do have to agree with another commentator about how much Ellie seemed to infantilize Ben. Finally, Ellie says she never guessed Margot's sexuality...really? Really, Ellie? She lists one of her favourite musical acts as Girl in Red...that didn't clue you in at all? ;P
This is definitely the most PG friendly romance I've read in a while, at least from a spice-level standpoint. The affection among the characters is limited strictly to kissing (I don't think there's even a mention or hint of interest in anything heavier than that). This is fine, of course, but if you're looking for a romance for the sex scenes, this is a skippable book.
One other minor complaint: This book felt pretty long. For as low stakes as the drama was, it felt like a bit much to go through every single day leading up to Christmas, plus Margot & Ben's initial set up and the epilogue afterward. I might have shaved some of that down a bit.
In the end, a cute holiday rom-com. 4 stars.
It should be noted that the eARC for this title was only available as a pdf with very small font, making the reading of it so frustrating I almost gave up a couple times. This is the fault of the publisher, not the writer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Grief and Death
Minor: Alcohol