tessa_talks_books 's review for:

Holly Jolly July by Lindsay Maple

3.5

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This sapphic rom-com comes in hot—literally and figuratively. The heat kicks in early, with some very spicy scenes just a few chapters in, and the Canadian summer sun doesn’t let up from there. If you’re looking for steamy chemistry set against twinkle lights and fake snow in July, this book absolutely delivers.

I really liked the concept: a holiday movie being filmed in the dead of summer, with the story flipping between the real-life romance and the movie scenes being filmed. In theory, it should’ve been the perfect meta mix—but in practice, the jumps between “film” and “reality” sometimes pulled me out of the story. I found myself wanting to stay in the actual narrative between Ellie and Mariah rather than bouncing into the on-screen holiday drama.

That said, the character dynamic between Ellie (sunshine and Santa sweaters) and Mariah (grinchy and guarded) was fun to watch unfold. Their grudging alliance after being duped by their respective love interests turned into something much deeper and sweeter—complete with Home Alone-style revenge and lots of unexpected feels. It was funny, sexy, and full of Christmas spirit… just maybe a bit uneven in execution.

If you like your rom-coms spicy, festive, and a little chaotic, Holly Jolly July might just be your kind of holiday treat—even if it’s wrapped in palm trees instead of pine.