Book Review: Only for the Holidays by Lila Deen
As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes brisk, I often find myself craving cozy reads that evoke the warmth of the holiday season. When I stumbled upon Only for the Holidays by Lila Deen on NetGalley, I felt an instant connection—this festive, feel-good YA contemporary romance promised just the antidote I needed for blustery October days. After being graciously gifted a copy by Simon & Schuster, I couldn’t wait to dive into Tia and Quincy’s charming world.
At the heart of the novel is Tia, a fiercely loyal and headstrong girl whose plans are upended when her boyfriend, Mike, suggests they take a break. Determined to win him back, she is thrown into a whirlwind of unexpected events when her family heads to a cozy farm for Christmas. Enter Quincy, the affable son of the farm owners, who’s tangled in his own web of dilemmas—like needing a date for the annual winter ball, despite telling everyone he already has one. Their fake-dating arrangement sets the stage for a delightful unraveling of emotions, sprinkled with holiday spirit.
What truly resonated with me were Deen’s remarkable character portrayals. Tia is as relatable as they come—her blend of loyalty and vulnerability tugged at my heartstrings, especially when she began to recognize her worth beyond her relationship with Mike. Meanwhile, Quincy, with his golden retriever personality, captured my affection instantly. His tenderness and patience with Tia were pure gold! The dual POVs allowed me to appreciate their unique personalities and how they grew alongside one another.
Among the rich character dynamics, the family relationships stood out brilliantly. It’s so refreshing to see parents portrayed as genuinely involved and caring, as they should be! Tia’s strong connection with her older sister, Willow, added a lovely layer of sibling support and sisterhood. The dialogue between them felt genuine and heartwarming. Quincy’s familial interactions were equally heartening—showing both the beautiful chaos of sibling rivalry and unyielding love.
While I adored the romance between Tia and Quincy, I couldn’t help but cheer when Tia realized that Mike wasn’t the right fit for her, a moment that felt both empowering and necessary. The progression of Tia and Quincy’s relationship—from tentative allies to undeniable partners—was portrayed beautifully, revealing the importance of embracing each other’s flaws. The fake dating trope added a delightful sprinkle of tension and sweetness, making my heart flutter as their feelings deepened.
Deen’s writing style flows effortlessly, making it easy to become engrossed in the story. Despite being nearly 400 pages, I somehow found myself reading half in one sitting! The pacing kept me engaged, as I eagerly turned pages to discover how Quincy would navigate the trials of his past and whether Tia would break the cycle of her first love.
Of course, like any good story, there were minor hiccups. There was a fair amount of swearing that surprised me for a YA novel, and Tia’s dilemma with Mike felt slightly uncomfortable at times, as they navigated their “break.” However, these nuances didn’t detract significantly from my overall enjoyment of the book.
If you’re longing for a sweet Christmas romance that captures the essence of family, friendship, and the inconveniences of first love, Only for the Holidays is a heartwarming option for your reading list. Lila Deen’s engaging narrative left me feeling uplifted and reminded me of the beauty of self-discovery and unexpected connections. Perfect for readers seeking a cozy escape, this novel is sure to gift you with holiday cheer and a heartwarming read!
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