Thank goodness for Christina Lauren! So glad I was able to get my hands on this book. It's still months away from the holiday season but this gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings I needed even in the beginning of fall. After being disappointed with both Twice in a Blue Moon and The Honey Don't List, I was hopeful that Christina Lauren would return to the writing I really loved in their earlier books. In a Holidaze really knocked it out of the park. The storyline was a fresh twist on the whole friends to lovers scenario mixing in, dare I say, time travel elements?! At times I felt there were a few too many peripheral characters to keep up with but honestly they weren't brought into the story too terribly much that I didn't feel overwhelmed. I loved the way the story wrapped up even if it was very predictable. That's why we read romance novels; we want that happy ending. My only complaint was the relationship between Maelyn and Theo could have been fleshed out further. There was a lot of importance placed by both Theo and Andrew on the relationship/friendship between these two but I never really SAW it.

The love scenes were just the right amount of steamy and you were still able to see it through the lens of a cozy holiday book. I felt like I was reading a really fun Hallmark movie. Definitely will recommend this to my friends for a fun Christmas time read.

An adorable time-loop Christmas romance. I grinned and giggle like a fool while reading this one.
In a Holidaze is about a woman on family holiday vacation who makes a wish that causes her to relive the holiday over and over… The slow burn friends to lovers romance was so sweet and absorbing. Typical pinning charters make me want shake and yell get over it but something Maelyn made me want to root for her. The time-loop (favorite plot device) was well done with just enough confusion and rebooting to move Maelyn forward on her journey. If I had to give a criticism it would be that all characters were unbelievably nice and understanding. But. I. Don’t. Care. I wish I could spend my holiday In a Holidaze

Received from NetGalley for review.

I didn’t realize this was time travel book because I’m not into those, however, I absolutely LOVED this book. Mae is at her friends of the family Cabin for their annual Christmas holiday. In a series of
events, Mae is sent back in time to right some wrongs or a do over. When she “wakes” on the plane, I found it sort of comical because of her brother.

Enter Andrew (Mandrew) the love interest she has know her whole life. He’s oblivious to Mae’s attraction to him.

The supporting characters kept the story moving and entertaining, especially Benny. He helps Mae along the way.

There is one sex scene, I wouldn’t say explicit, but you know what’s going on and some feeling up in the closet. You have to read it to know.

Thank you for NetGalley and Christina Lauren for allowing me to review this book.

As each year, Maelyn spends Christmas with her family and two other families in a cabin in Utah. At the moment Mae’s life is in a bit of a mess. She is back at home and stuck in a job that isn’t giving her much job. And to makes things worse she makes out with Theo even though she is in love with his brother, Andrew. After that Mae makes a plea to the Universe: please show me what will make me happy. The next thing she knows she travels back in time to have a second chance to make things right.


I had high hopes for this book but unfortunately it came up short. It was a typical rom-com - very predictable. I love books set during Christmas period and this book didn’t disappoint. A log cabin in Utah is definitely a nice place to spend your holidays with your loved ones. However the plot wasn’t that interesting. I didn’t like the idea of time travel and Maelyn wasn’t vey likeable or interesting character. I found her rather irritating and self centered. The book just wasn’t for me.

I really, really liked this book from beginning to end. It had adventure, plenty of humor, and, of course, romance. This was my first Christina Lauren book to read, but it certainly won't be my last!

From the beginning of the book, I knew I was going to love it. It started out at the end of Mae's trip which was nice for a couple of reasons. One, it gave me an overview as to things that had already happened throughout the week. Two, it showed me why Mae was both dreading leaving and wanting to get away as soon as possible. And three, it didn't make me walk through the whole week since I knew going in that this book was going to be a Groundhog Day situation. So, even though the character ends up living through the week, again and again, most times, we're experiencing things for the first time so it's not annoying or monotonous.

This book was also so funny! Part of it had to do with the array of amazing characters, but the rest was all storyline. I feel like usually in Groundhog Day type books, it's just that the character wakes up the next day to find that they have to live the same day over. This book was a little different in that she could get sent back to day one of her vacation from any accident that befell her. I mean, the ways Mae kept getting sent back to day one were hilarious to me.

But going back to the characters, I loved them all! They all had their quirks and things that made them original and unique as people, which I loved so much. I also felt like I got to know them all really well by the end of the book. They were kinda beginning to feel like my family which made the ending that much more bittersweet.

The only slightly negative thing I have to say about this book (that I can't even really say since it's a spoiler) is that I was slightly thrown off by the direction this book ended up taking. I'm okay with the way things ended and what not, but I really thought things were going to go another way. The fact that they didn't is still throwing me off and making me feel a little like things aren't completely resolved.

But, overall, I really liked this book! It took me on a crazy trip that I never wanted to leave with characters that I never wanted to say goodbye to. This is the perfect holiday read for everyone to enjoy!

Christmas is in exactly THREE months, so what better time to share my review of this upcoming book?! It is pretty much a rule of the bookish universe that if Christina Lauren write a book, I will read it and love it. It is hard to explain what I love about their books, but if you have read any of them, you know. In this book, Groundhog Day meets yuletide cheer when the main character, Mae, is stuck in a strange time loop. Mae is at a dead end in her life, but one thing she can count on to make her happy is her family's annual trip to a friend's cabin in Utah. Enter Theo and Andrew- two brothers, one who has a crush on Mae and the other whom Mae has a crush on. In a Holidaze is the perfect holiday read. It is like curling up with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold, snowy day; it will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. It's full of heart-warming holiday cheer. Like any good Christmas movie, it will make you realize what is important in life and put things into perspective. It was a quick and entertaining read, and I enjoyed it. In a Holidaze is out on October 6! Thank you @gallerybooks @simonandschuster and @christinalauren for my copy!

Such a light, swoony, feel good holiday read! I had to stew on my rating for this one overnight because the second half is most definitely stronger than the first, but then I realized that the ONLY thing I didn't like about it is the time travel gimmick, and that's all laid out in the blurb. Can't fault a book for doing exactly what it said it was going to do, but I fully admit that it was a slow start for me. But after that? So much friends to lovers goodness, with a hero who is just so GOOD and a romance that's got years of history behind it. These two might fall hard and fast, but they're already family from the start.

The story follows Mae, a woman whose life isn't going quite how she planned. She's moved back home, works a job she hates, and the only bright spot in her life is the yearly family trip for the holidays where she gets to see the guy she's been crushing on since puberty (the son of family friends). But even that's gone horribly wrong this year. In a drunken moment of depression, Mae kissed the wrong brother, and now there's no chance that the right one will want anything to do with her. Add in a terribly awkward morning after and news that this will be the last trip to the cabin, and it's all too much. When Mae makes a Christmas wish in an attempt to find what will make her happy, things get a little crazy. Reliving the same trip over and over again until she gets it right, Mae seizes the moment and gets her joy back.

I openly admit that this started off pretty questionable for me. I was worried that it was going to go full love triangle for a minute, and the focus at the start is definitely the time travel/Groundhog Day effect. But this settles into such a good read. Mae's guy is sweet, kind, loving, adorable with just a touch of sexy - everything you want in a holiday romance. There are plenty of family moments and some Christmas cheer, but the romance stays at the forefront throughout. It's a quick, light read that will make you think about all of the possibilities in life, and I kinda loved that about it. The tone is uplifting and playful, feeling like your favorite kind of Christmas movie with a hint of steam. So I'm willing to overlook the rocky start because the rest was exactly what I wanted from it. I was lucky enough to receive a free copy via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this holiday romance.

A perfect example of Chick Lit/Women's Fiction. As is always expected from CLo, it was funny, but you were so invested in the characters that I actually got butterflies at key moments and even got a little misty eyed at one point. Once I started reading, I literally could not stop until I finished, which made for a VERY late night and a pretty dire book hangover the next morning. You'd think that the Groundhog Day trope would feel old, but it just works--I had no problem rolling with it, as crazy as it is. Each repeat gave Mae a chance to realize what's really important and give her to courage to break from the norm, and they didn't go on so long that it started to feel repetitive. The supporting characters may not be super developed, but they didn't really need to be. The love among all the members of this family of choice was obvious, and that was the most important part--they also managed to impart a little wisdom or angst as needed, without weighing down the primary focus.

I love this book. LOVE IT. I think it may be my new favorite Christmas romance and I want Hallmark to make a movie immediately. It’s absolutely charming and I wouldn’t change a thing for our main character, who I stuck in a time warp of repeating the last few days before she gets clobbered in a car accident.

This is a five star story, and soooo good.

Buzzwords/Keywords/Vibes- Christmas, family time, snow.

I've read a few Christina Lauren books and have only really liked The Unhoneymooners (5 star). The two books published after that was a 2 star and the other I did not finish. I was very close to not finishing this book. I only liked the first chapter maybe the second. After that it went very much downhill for me. It was extremely boring. I even found myself skimming some of the book. The main character seemed childish which I guess she was considering she was still living with her parents even though she is a adult.

The romance was also bland. I am not even into romance but I know good romance when I read it and this just did not give me the vibes I wanted it to. I wish I would have read the synopsis before picking this up because it felt like I was reading a boring Christmas movie that plays on TV every year that everyone skips.

However I can say this was a fast read! I still have faith in this author duo, always will so I will pick up their next book. Sadly, I will not be buying a copy of this book.

Please take this with a grain of salt as romance is not my top genre if you will.
Thank you Netgalley & Galley books for the E arc!

I loved this book! Such a fun friends to lovers story. I adored Mae as she sorted out her Christmas version of Groundhog Day and how much she learned to trust herself. The whole group of the found family that celebrates holidays together was wonderful and heartwarming. This wasn't as steamy as some of their other books, but it was sweet and the grand gesture was *chef's kiss*

Thank you so much @GalleryBooks & @NetGalley for giving me this eARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review (Release Date | 06 October 2020)

SYNOPSIS | Maelyn Jones is in the midst of a life crisis. She is living at home with her mom, she doesn't particularly like her job and she has been pining after Andrew (a close family friend) for the past 13 years. Their two families spend the Christmas holidays together every year in a cabin in Utah, except this year when Mae is leaving she asks the universe to show her what will make her happy. After a screech of tires, she wakes up back on the airplane on her way to the Utah cabin for the beginning of the Christmas holidays again.

WHAT I LIKED:
- time travel isn't usually my jam (i get easily confused), but I loved this spin on it
- friends to lovers trope (oh swoon)
- the family dynamic was spot on & the side characters actually felt relevant to the story
- this had such a cozy christmas vibe, like a cup of hot cocoa for the soul

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- the kiss conflict felt quite immature. Surely they could have just talked it out?

I received an ACR from Netgalley

Maisy ends up in Groundhog's Day version of her Christmas vacation with her family and friends. She has to figure put how to do it right and follow her heart.

I really enjoyed this book. It's a bit slow going at the beginning but it gets better and soon I couldn't put it down. The characters are relatable and it's an unique cast of characters. It's a book about traditions, friends, and love

This is a cute story where Christmas meets Groundhog day the movie. Mae Jones is spending Christmas with her family and the friends she spends every Christmas with. It is a lovely cabin in the mountains surrounded by snow. What's not to like? Mae wakes up on the day after Christmas realizing she made out with her lifelong friend, only it's his brother she has always had a crush on. Enter the Groundhog Day. She is on her way home and then she wakes up back at the cabin. It takes a few times of this before she realizes she can change her future. And change it she does. There are times when family and friends thinks she is crazy, but in the end everything turns out like the fates what them to. It is a nice holiday escape story. Be sure to stick around for the Epilogue. I think I will have to check out more of Ms. Lauren's books.

I read this book on the 2nd day of fall, but it made me SO READY for the holiday season! When Christina Lauren says it's time for the holidays, you have no choice but to give in to all the festivities!

IN A HOLIDAZE was so cute! I won't give too much away, but this one made me laugh, cry, gasp, and smile so much. I mean, who doesn't live a holiday, time travel, fun family dynamic, friends to lovers troupe-filled book?

You can never go wrong with Christina Lauren, and this book is sweeter than Christmas cookies & steamier than hot cocoa!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Gallery Books for this eARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was funny and heartwarming and I wish I had family/friends as depicted in this story. I can definitely see this as a movie.

In a Holidaze was an absolute delight to read! I have never felt the need for Christmas so much in my life. This story was full of holiday spirit & heartwarming moments. I couldn’t get enough of it.

The wintery, snowy cabin setting was so atmospheric. I promise you, you will want to snuggle up with a warm blanket & a mug of coffee while reading this book. It was August/September & 80 degrees while I read this story, but you can bet that I acted like it was full on winter. In a Holidaze is basically the perfect cozy read.

I related so much to the main character Mae. She is the type of person who wants to much out of her life, but she is kind of scared to take the leap for whatever reason. When Mae makes a wish, the universe responds by sending her back in time. I’ll admit, I’ve never seen the movie Groundhog Day, but I love the idea and it really worked for me in this book. Getting to see Mae relive days was interesting. It was a super weird and confusing time for her, but it made her grow as a person and find what makes her happy.

Okay, so all I’m saying is that if I ever get married and we don’t spend the holidays with our friends and family in a snowy cabin…then I don’t want it. With fun traditions, food and togetherness the group in In a Holidaze made this story fun & festive. Found family plays a huge role in this book and I have to say, it was probably my favorite part. I loved all of the characters so much. Each of them were so supportive and loving of one another. I specifically adored Benny. He was the cool uncle of the group and I am so happy that Mae could confide in him. Their relationship was so special.

The romance was perfection to me! I’m a sucker for friends to lovers, and this one was the best! There was also a hint of a love triangle which added a little tension & entertainment. Mae & the love interest (no spoilers!) were so precious together, but I also loved them as individuals. The love interest was calm, thoughtful and oh so charming. Their relationship happened rather quick, but it was very realistic. The chemistry between the two was SO obvious and I was living for it!

My one take away from this story would be…do what makes you happy! If that means taking chances, take them. You can’t live your life stuck wondering what would happen if. Step out of your comfort zone and find your happiness!

Basically I loved this book! If you are looking for a fun & cozy holiday read with a steamy romance, I highly recommend picking up In a Holidaze! I can totally see myself rereading this around Christmas time!

In a Holidaze is the perfect book to get you out of a reading rut! The book is a fast and flirty romance filled with laugh out loud moments that is perfect for the holiday season. Fans of Christina Lauren will not be disappointed!

Early copy received from the publisher through NetGalley; opinions are my own

In a Holidaze, is a Christmas book, but it's also so much more than that. Mae and her family spend every Christmas at a cabin with lifelong friends. Lifelong friends that have known each other since college and the kids (Mae) grew up together. Mae has a little too much eggnog on the final evening of the trip and crosses a line. It's awkward. More bad news follows. On the ride to the airport, Mae silently pleads with the Universe to show her what'll make her happy. Then there's a car crash and Mae wakes up on an airplane, on a flight to the cabin, before Christmas, before the mistake and news that changed everything. Is she dreaming, is she in a coma, is she really reliving the vacation, is the universe really going to show her what would make her happy?

If you're willing to suspend any time travel, Groundhog day-esque disbeliefs you have, this book is a joy. The characters are a blast, the romance is on point, and you can't help but root for Mae as she takes control of her life and sets her goals on what will make her happy. There were a few plot points that I thought could benefit from further development and a few instances where it was a bit much at times, but overall this is a great read and will make you believe in the magic of Christmas, but most importantly the magic of going after what you want and growing as a person in the process. My favorite Christina Lauren book yet!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions. But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: “Please. Show me what will make me happy.”

Be careful what you wish for! Mae is now stuck in a time loop, reliving the same holiday over and over again until she figures out just what she wished for – what makes her happy. It’s one hilarious disaster after the next, with CLO’s signature comedic spin on a contemporary romance novel. I audibly cackled at the line “I am the human equivalent of a fart that clears a room”. I loved the friends to lovers trope here and kept rooting for the two characters to be together. I also really enjoyed reading about Mae’s personal growth as she learned what truly made her happy.

It’s a bit early for Christmas novels, but this one isn’t in-your-face Christmasy and will get you in the happy holiday spirit that I think we could all use right about now.