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A review by koistyfishy
Holiday Hostilities by Katie Bailey
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5 Cockroach Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 0/5 Closed Door but there is STEAM
I don’t think Katie Bailey can write a bad book. This is only the second book I’ve read from her, but she has an amazing ability to craft incredible characters and piece together the cutest plots that keep you hooked and invested from the very beginning.
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Olivia Griswold is a flight attendant who has just made the big decision to leave London and move to Atlanta, where her brother plays professional hockey for the Atlanta Storm. However because he is just starting a new relationship and she doesn't want to impose on his space, she moves in with the roommates of HELL. Olivia also hates Christmas, so when her roommates make it impossible to stay at her apartment she agrees to move into Aaron Marino's house and to be his date to a Christmas Gala. The issue is Aaron loves Christmas, is her brother's teammate and best friend, and is also Olivia's arch-nemesis because he broke her heart as a teenager.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I loved Olivia, even though she’s my total opposite because I’m a sugar plum fairy when it comes to Christmas, I adore the holiday, but she shows that not everyone feels the same way. She’s the absolute embodiment of a Grinch. She has her reasons for not liking Christmas, but what I admire about her is that she doesn’t let her feelings impact anyone else. That’s a big part of her personality, she doesn’t want to inconvenience anyone. She’s had to grow up quickly, dealing with everything her parents went through. She’s fiercely independent and moving in with someone is a huge step for her because she is always the person who will willingly sacrifice her own comfort and happiness just to avoid putting anyone out. Her efforts might seem admirable to some but ultimately she is punishing herself and it's so heartbreaking.
Aaron is the Elf to her Grinch. He’s all about the holidays. He’s a golden retriever in human form; sweet, enthusiastic, and full of good vibes. Sure, he’s a bit cocky, but honestly, can you even be a first-line professional hockey player without a little cockiness? Underneath it all, he’s the sweetest guy. Someone who is flirty, thoughtful, and incredibly respectful of her boundaries. He’s exactly the kind of MMC you want to see in a romance.
One thing I absolutely love about Katie Bailey’s writing is how she creates rich, full-bodied characters that carry the story to the next level. Even though this is only the second book of hers I’ve read, both stories have left a lasting impression because her characters feel so real and alive.
I love a good grumpy-sunshine trope and love it even more when she is grumpy... AND BOY does this book nail it. It’s one of my favourite dynamics because it opens up so many possibilities for tension, frustration, and, most importantly... delicious banter. And Katie Bailey delivers on the banter. These two are hilarious together, with magnetic, complementary energy that makes their relationship profound and their chemistry untenable.
While this book doesn't have spice, it won't feel like you're missing out. It has one of the BEST steamy water scenes I have ever read and GOD I LOVE THAT TROPE SO MUCH!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Hockey Romance
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Brother's Best Friend and Teammate
▶ Christmas Romance
▶ Slow Burn
▶ He Falls First
▶ One Bed
▶ Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Grey Sweatpants
▷ Backwards Cap
▷ Steamy Shower Scene
▷ Soup
▷ View is Amazing (Looking at her)
▷ Nicknames
Overall I adored everything about this! The journey Olivia goes on with her golden retriever hockey player is everything I wanted. This book is a must-read for fans of a grumpy-sunshine romance, with witty banter, and all the festive feels.
Spicy Level: 0/5 Closed Door but there is STEAM
I don’t think Katie Bailey can write a bad book. This is only the second book I’ve read from her, but she has an amazing ability to craft incredible characters and piece together the cutest plots that keep you hooked and invested from the very beginning.
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Olivia Griswold is a flight attendant who has just made the big decision to leave London and move to Atlanta, where her brother plays professional hockey for the Atlanta Storm. However because he is just starting a new relationship and she doesn't want to impose on his space, she moves in with the roommates of HELL. Olivia also hates Christmas, so when her roommates make it impossible to stay at her apartment she agrees to move into Aaron Marino's house and to be his date to a Christmas Gala. The issue is Aaron loves Christmas, is her brother's teammate and best friend, and is also Olivia's arch-nemesis because he broke her heart as a teenager.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
I loved Olivia, even though she’s my total opposite because I’m a sugar plum fairy when it comes to Christmas, I adore the holiday, but she shows that not everyone feels the same way. She’s the absolute embodiment of a Grinch. She has her reasons for not liking Christmas, but what I admire about her is that she doesn’t let her feelings impact anyone else. That’s a big part of her personality, she doesn’t want to inconvenience anyone. She’s had to grow up quickly, dealing with everything her parents went through. She’s fiercely independent and moving in with someone is a huge step for her because she is always the person who will willingly sacrifice her own comfort and happiness just to avoid putting anyone out. Her efforts might seem admirable to some but ultimately she is punishing herself and it's so heartbreaking.
Aaron is the Elf to her Grinch. He’s all about the holidays. He’s a golden retriever in human form; sweet, enthusiastic, and full of good vibes. Sure, he’s a bit cocky, but honestly, can you even be a first-line professional hockey player without a little cockiness? Underneath it all, he’s the sweetest guy. Someone who is flirty, thoughtful, and incredibly respectful of her boundaries. He’s exactly the kind of MMC you want to see in a romance.
One thing I absolutely love about Katie Bailey’s writing is how she creates rich, full-bodied characters that carry the story to the next level. Even though this is only the second book of hers I’ve read, both stories have left a lasting impression because her characters feel so real and alive.
I love a good grumpy-sunshine trope and love it even more when she is grumpy... AND BOY does this book nail it. It’s one of my favourite dynamics because it opens up so many possibilities for tension, frustration, and, most importantly... delicious banter. And Katie Bailey delivers on the banter. These two are hilarious together, with magnetic, complementary energy that makes their relationship profound and their chemistry untenable.
While this book doesn't have spice, it won't feel like you're missing out. It has one of the BEST steamy water scenes I have ever read and GOD I LOVE THAT TROPE SO MUCH!
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Hockey Romance
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Brother's Best Friend and Teammate
▶ Christmas Romance
▶ Slow Burn
▶ He Falls First
▶ One Bed
▶ Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Grey Sweatpants
▷ Backwards Cap
▷ Steamy Shower Scene
▷ Soup
▷ View is Amazing (Looking at her)
▷ Nicknames
Overall I adored everything about this! The journey Olivia goes on with her golden retriever hockey player is everything I wanted. This book is a must-read for fans of a grumpy-sunshine romance, with witty banter, and all the festive feels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Stalking
Moderate: Alcoholism, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Abandonment