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A review by amanda_reads13
The Ex-Mas Holidays by Zoe Allison
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
After a breakup and losing her job, Maya is set to return home. A chance encounter throws her ex Sam back into her life.
This is a very sweet and funny romance about getting a second chance with your first love. Sam and Maya were super cute together. I liked how even when they "hated" each other, they were still supporting each other.
When they were younger, Sam and Maya were almost an item. After an argument, Maya sees Sam kissing her friend Cat, effectively ending any chance they had. Years later they find out that it was actually Cat's lies and manipulation that tore them apart.
Sam has spent years in an abusive relationship with Cat. After years of being with a narcissist, Sam is struggling to understand what a healthy relationship looks like. I appreciate that they talk about Sam wanting to get counselling and he and Maya getting couples counselling. Too often this is just ignored on books.
Maya's father has high expectations for her and will often compare her to her high achieving sister. Maya hates accounting and wants to be a ski instructor, something her father looks down on. She struggles with self confidence, people pleasing, and conflict avoidance, so she always tries to make her dad happy. Throughout the book, we see her gain the confidence to go for and take what she wants no matter anyone else's opinion.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this book and am looking forward to reading Livs book!
Tropes: second chance.
This is a very sweet and funny romance about getting a second chance with your first love. Sam and Maya were super cute together. I liked how even when they "hated" each other, they were still supporting each other.
When they were younger, Sam and Maya were almost an item. After an argument, Maya sees Sam kissing her friend Cat, effectively ending any chance they had. Years later they find out that it was actually Cat's lies and manipulation that tore them apart.
Sam has spent years in an abusive relationship with Cat. After years of being with a narcissist, Sam is struggling to understand what a healthy relationship looks like. I appreciate that they talk about Sam wanting to get counselling and he and Maya getting couples counselling. Too often this is just ignored on books.
Maya's father has high expectations for her and will often compare her to her high achieving sister. Maya hates accounting and wants to be a ski instructor, something her father looks down on. She struggles with self confidence, people pleasing, and conflict avoidance, so she always tries to make her dad happy. Throughout the book, we see her gain the confidence to go for and take what she wants no matter anyone else's opinion.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this book and am looking forward to reading Livs book!
Tropes: second chance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Abandonment