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A review by blackgirlbujos
Only for the Holidays by Abiola Bello
slow-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
4.0
Thanks to Hear Our Voices PR & Soho Teen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Check out my tiktok and IG (@blackgirlbujos) for my reading journal spread for this story next week!
Only for the Holidays follows Quincy after a bad breakup. His girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend right before his family gets the opportunity to host their town's winter ball—leaving him without a required date. Then there's Tia, a girl whose mom plans a surprise vacation to Quincy's family farm just after her boyfriend Mike sends her the dreaded "I need space" text. When Tia needs a ride back to town for Mike’s party and Quincy needs a date to make his ex jealous, the two connect with a deal that becomes more than either of them planned for.
This was a truly cute romance. I could see my younger siblings and cousins loving this little love story. It dives into a lot of the insecurities and realities of firsts: first love is hard and confusing. You see Tia and Quincy take risks and make questionable decisions to impress others. It feels real. The side characters were fun and added to the story without distracting from the main focus.
CAWPILE Rating:
Characters: 7
Atmosphere: 7
Writing: 7
Plot: 8
Intrigue: 8
Logic: 7
Enjoyment: 8
This gives Only for the Holidays a 4 star rating, making it a light and heartwarming read that’s worth checking out!
Only for the Holidays follows Quincy after a bad breakup. His girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend right before his family gets the opportunity to host their town's winter ball—leaving him without a required date. Then there's Tia, a girl whose mom plans a surprise vacation to Quincy's family farm just after her boyfriend Mike sends her the dreaded "I need space" text. When Tia needs a ride back to town for Mike’s party and Quincy needs a date to make his ex jealous, the two connect with a deal that becomes more than either of them planned for.
This was a truly cute romance. I could see my younger siblings and cousins loving this little love story. It dives into a lot of the insecurities and realities of firsts: first love is hard and confusing. You see Tia and Quincy take risks and make questionable decisions to impress others. It feels real. The side characters were fun and added to the story without distracting from the main focus.
CAWPILE Rating:
Characters: 7
Atmosphere: 7
Writing: 7
Plot: 8
Intrigue: 8
Logic: 7
Enjoyment: 8
This gives Only for the Holidays a 4 star rating, making it a light and heartwarming read that’s worth checking out!