A review by readwatchcrochet
This Is Not a Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley

medium-paced

3.75

Looking for Hallmark Christmas story with a dash of spice. 

“If he stays, I go”
“Nowhere to go, darling, we’re snowed in”

📚 brothers best friend
📚 enemies to lovers 
📚 forced proximity
📚 found family
📚 festive romance
📚 hair washing
📚 dual POV

🌶️
🎄🎄 Christmas Magic

|Thoughts|
A light, short and (mildly) spicy  romance that, whilst set at Christmas, had enough story outside of the season to keep me engaged. 

“That’s what this is. Sleep deprivation and forced proximity”

But I am a sucker for a brothers best friend romance. 

“Because Nina Thompson is off limits. Her brother has hated every single one of her ex boyfriends…”

Be mindful that there is a small third act break up (which you’ll probably see coming), but it didn’t bother me in this story as much as others I’ve read. Did question  some actions considering how old the characters were meant to be (acting like teenagers when they’re in their late 20s/early 30s). 
 
Enjoyed the progression from enemies to lovers and the secret keeping made for some great tension. May be a little Insta love, but I can forgive that due to the whole ‘spirit of Christmas’.

Christmas movies mentioned
• Love Actually
• Bridget Jones’s Diary
 

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Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books & the author for an eARC in exchange for this honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.