Recent Reads: How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn 
Series: How My Neighbor Stole Christmas #1
Publisher: Bloom Books
Publication Date:  October 15, 2024

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A new winter holiday, enemies-to-lovers romance, from the undeniably funny and always spicy, USA Today bestselling author, Meghan Quinn.

Living in a year around Christmas town has it's drawbacks. The caroling, the decorations, the insanely cheery spirit, it never disappears. It's why I like to hibernate away in my cave--I mean house--keeping a healthy distance from the holly jolly spirits.

And all was going according to plan until my nemesis, Storee Taylor, moved in next door to care for her Aunt Cindy. Without blinking, she turned my simple world into a real nightmare-before-Christmas, especially when she decided to enter the town Christmas Kringle contest - which she was determined to win.

Well guess what? Over my cold-hearted body.

There was no way I was going to let her win, not after the history we'd shared.

So despite my promise to myself of never participating in the sickening Christmas season, I entered the competition as well. That's right, I planned on beating Storee at her own game by pretending this grump’s heart grew three sizes this season.

And it was working until feelings between us started heating up.

We pretended to date.

We kissed.

And well, sparks flew from there.

Which led to one explosive night involving Christmas lights, the competition, and a ladder. Don't let me convince you who stole Christmas, I think you need to find out for yourself...

Review: 

I was in the mood for something light and wanted to chip away at my TBR pile, so I finally picked up this KU book that has been sitting in my list forever.

In the story, Storee and her sister are forced into (essentially) Christmas town when their Aunt Cindy breaks her hip. She needs someone to help her out and also take her place in the Joyous Christmas Kringle Contest. 

Told in alternating POVs between Storee and Cole (Cindy's neighbor and Storee's former friend), the story quickly dives into bickering and the enemies to lovers setup. Cole is so mad at Storee for things she said over a decade ago as a teen and decides she is not contest- worthy and Storee is confused but determined to win for her Aunt.

I enjoyed this one, it has a "he falls first" vibe, with great enemies to lovers tension, and a touch of secret romance. Atlas, Cole's best friend, was amazing as a side character and comic relief for the story. It was just cute, really shared a love for Christmas and traditions, and just had a cozy feel. Just what I needed. 

The only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me is that the spice ramped up around the 60% mark and started to overshadow the plot. If that’s your thing, you’ll probably love it, but for me, it took away from the story just a bit. 

Overall, if you are looking for a spicy Christmas romance with heart and humor, this is a funny one to check out.