The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

Title: Ex-Mas: A Love/Hate Story

Series: Standalone

Author: Kate Brian

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Holiday

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review:

When popular-girl Lila’s parents leave town, she plans on having the greatest party ever. However, when her younger brother learns she’s having a party, he tells their parents. This causes Lila to become grounded, so in retaliation she tells her Santa-loving brother that Santa is in danger. In a desperate attempt to save Santa, Lila’s younger brother and his best friend run away to the North Pole. For Lila to get her brother back in time for Christmas, she has to team up with her brother’s best friend’s older brother, who happens to be her ex-boyfriend. What could go wrong?

I was a little hesitant about this book. I read a similar book last year that I didn’t love. However, this book was good. It wasn’t the best book ever, but I’ll probably reread it.

It was cute, with not too much Christmas. I know that can be overwhelming when an entire story centers around the holiday. Christmas was more of a backdrop of the story.

I enjoyed the story and the characters were okay. The main character, Lila, was annoying and self-involved. There was a little bit of growth throughout the story, but it was somewhat sudden. I also wasn’t entirely sure where Beau’s attitude came from.

Ex-Mas was a cute holiday book, that wasn’t centered around Christmas. The story was fun, though the characters were annoying and not completely fleshed out. If you’re looking for an easy holiday book, then this one is for you!