A hilarious story that would easily make a terrific movie (I’d watch!). Mackenzie works in an office where, each year, a promotion is tied to a competition over who has the most Christmas spirit. This year, her boss pits Mackenzie against Jeremy, who’s determined to win because he’s raising his twin niece and nephew, and needs the money for their education. Mackenzie has a secret crush on Jeremy but thinks he doesn’t know she’s alive—and now she’s battling for career advancement by dragging in Christmas trees and one-upping him after disasters involving baked goods. A fun read.

A lovely Christmas read and one to be enjoyed. 4 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

This was a cute book. I love a good clean Christmas read. If you also enjoy a clean Christmas romance, you will like this book.

Omg! What a sweet and heartwarming Christmas Novel! One of the best ones I’ve read! I totally loved it! I love this author's Rom-coms and this is my favorite yet!
Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a Romance that upends it all.
Graphic Designer Mackenzie Graham can’t believe the turn her life has given. After harboring a secret crush for her work colleague, Jeremy Fletcher, for almost two years, she is set up by her genuine boss to compete against him for a Christmas job promotion. A typical endeavor every year, everyone in the office knows that whoever brings the more festive Christmas spirit to the office will ultimately win the promotion. But Mackenzie battles with social anxiety and Jeremy hasn’t noticed the pretty shy coworker until they are made rivals for the so much needed promotion. Mackenzie needs it to provide for her ailing mother and Jeremy is the single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, so the income is very enticing. Will they become enemies in battle, or will love and the Christmas Spirit bring them together in ways none thought ever possible?
Sigh! It’s not very common that I completely relate to a character. I do, in some way or another, but not so completely as I did with Mackenzie. I struggle with social anxiety too, and even if maybe not as bad as Mackenzie, I totally felt related to her and rooted for her and her Happily-Ever-After since page one! I completely understood her feelings of not being good enough. I totally loved the way her quirky mind worked and now she made imaginary scenarios of what she would say to herself or others if she could only get out of her shell. The character growth was awesome, not only for Mackenzie, but also for Jeremy who had no time for a love life, as working and providing for his nephews consumed all of time. As he gets to know Mackenzie, he begins to wonder how he hadn’t discovered this wonderful gem before? I loved Mackenzie’s big heart while trying to make this Christmas memorable for each of her coworkers. And I liked how she had to grow out of her comfort zone many times, not only for her sake, but to help her best friend. Her friendship with Keri was so beautiful, they had each other’s back all the time. Mackenzie’s relationship with her mom made me relate to so many friends and loved ones that have gone through that difficult stage of relatives having Alzheimer or dementia. It was so relatable and human. And Jeremy’s love for his nephews was adorable. Trying to be a father weighted on his responsibility sense, but he did his best, and I loved him for it. The romance between the two was swoon-worthy and so endearing. Clean and very cute, the way I love it. And the plot had a good pace and enough twists, I didn’t want to put the book down, and actually read it all in a couple of sittings. There’s also the fun moments that made me laugh out loud. I don’t want to spoil the book so I’ll leave it at that. But, as you can surely gather, I highly recommend this book! Not only it is entertaining and utterly enjoyable, but it is very inspiring in its message of love, forgiveness, sacrifice, self-acceptance, friendship and loyalty. I completely loved it!
I received a complimentary copy from the Publishervia NetGalley but wasn’t required a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon is a heartwarming Christmas romance all about overcoming obstacles, stepping out of your comfort zone, and not passing judgment on people.

This book very much felt like a Christmas Hallmark movie (in all the best ways). It was not as predictable as a Hallmark movie, but it had the sweetness factor and typical Christmas traditions. I do feel like this book had a unique twist on the typical sweet Christmas book because of the difficult backstories and the main character with social anxiety.

I liked how faith was included in this story in a natural way. The main guy character was a total sweetheart and so patient with the main female character despite how hard social interactions were for her.

While this book might not be the most memorable story for me, I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and sweet Christmas story to read this winter.

Author Sarah Monzon writes a fun Christmas story that will keep you quickly turning the pages. Mackenzie and Jeremy are both well developed characters, and you’re sure to like both of them. But even with the fun, Monzon isn’t afraid to write characters who are real and dealing with life which makes the story more enjoyable.

Rivals, competition for a promotion, and Christmas make a storyline that is unique. Throw in matchmaking, anxiety, and dementia and Monzon takes on everything possible and makes it work in a wonderful way.

If you’re looking for a Christmas story that is different from the norm then I highly recommend All’s Fair in Love and Christmas.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Hands down, All's Fair in Love and Christmas has become one of my favourite Christmas books and is one I would return to again and again. Sarah Monzon captures the essence of Christmas beyond the usual activities of baked goods, hot chocolate, and snowmen building by bringing the concept of cherished holiday memories to life in such a special and poignant way. The real treat is the developing love story between Mackenzie and Jeremy as they discover love through better knowing and appreciating each other's unique complexities. Sarah's writing wondrously enables readers to fall in love alongside them simultaneously.

This book realistically and compassionately portrays Mackenzie's social anxieties, honouring the struggles that people may face on a daily basis and capturing how faith can break through fear. The supporting characters are exactly that—supportive—and bring such charm to the world of Limitless Designs. All's Fair in Love and Christmas was such a hope-filled and joyous Christmas read that my heart couldn't help but grow three sizes by the end of the book. I'd like to thank Bethany House Fiction and LibraryThing for providing a digital copy of All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I love a workplace romance! Mackenzie and Jeremy find themselves both up for the same promotion, and in their office it seems the person with the most Christmas spirit always gets the bump. A Christmas spirit fueled contest ensues, bringing Mackenzie and Jeremy closer as a result.

My favorite part of this one was the subplot surrounding everyone’s favorite holiday traditions. I loved getting a peek into different ways to celebrate and each character’s holiday memories.

I enjoyed this book and would love to revisit these characters again. It was a sweet read and touched on some great themes like mental health and family.

I really loved this book’s treatment of the MCs anxiety. So often in the church you hear that you should pray the worry away and that someone with strong faith can’t struggle with anxiety, which is just not true. I was really happy to see messaging around mental health that involved finding a therapist and seeking professional help as a companion to prayer and faith.

I'm not crying. You're crying. Let me just say, before I even get into discussing the romance part of the book, the representation of social anxiety in All's Fair in Love and Christmas has me wanting to cry. I have been formally diagnosed with both generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, and sometimes I just know people don't fully get why I react to certain social situations the way I do, so to see it in a story feels validating. And this is was real anxiety, not just "I worry sometimes." Likes yes, just being around people can trigger flight or fight (or even freeze) in a way that many don't get. The part about the little construction workers working in her brain to reprogram and redirect thoughts associated with social anxiety, I felt that so personally.

That part aside, as I know it won't resonate with everyone like it did with me, this is such a cute story. I adore Christmas so I loved how Christmas saturated this book was. Mackenzie's idea to incorporate everyone's Christmas traditions around the office was just adorable. And Jeremy, while he has kind of a big "wow you're an idiot moment," really shows remorse but also a genuine care for Mackenzie. I loved all the moments he tried to help ground her in her anxious moments. Also, my daughter is a dancer, including ballet, so I told her about the Nutcracker part where Jeremy didn't know plié from relevé and she promptly did both and said that's easy! It made me laugh and was another personal connection to the book. Highly recommend. Can't gush enough.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.

All’s Fair in Love and Christmas is such a fun romantic comedy book that you’re going to laugh and roll your eyes through the whole thing. Such a fun book. I really enjoyed it even if I was sweating in the summer heat here.

What if the annual promotion always happens at Christmas? And what if the winner is always the person with the most Christmas spirit? But what if what people think isn’t actually true? What if the contest they think is happening is just really the boss playing matchmaker?

Nah. It couldn’t be. But the boss is pretty, umm, unconventional. She’s got quite the history and I love that the book combined Christmas traditions from several different cultures and families within the pages.

Our two main characters are Mackenzie and Jeremy. Mackenzie needs the promotion because her mom is in the nursing home and she really could use the extra money to keep her in the good home. Jeremy is raising his neice and nephew and determined to save up to send them both to college.

They both have great reasons to want to win the promotion. Will they duke it out in a fun contest of who can bring the most Christmas into the office? And as they’re doing that will they learn a bit about each other?

Who will win the promotion? Will they lose their heart in the process?

This was such a sweet romance novel. But it was also very comedic and I really enjoyed it. It read quickly and I was in love with the characters. Even the slightly sleazy guy in the office. I know you’re going to love it too! And bonus, you don’t have to wait until Christmas to read it!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Mackenzie Graham would rather hide in the corner, do her job, and talk to as few people as possible. As a graphic designer at Limitless Designs, she loves her job—if she doesn’t have to talk face-to-face with clients. Her extreme social anxiety dams up her quick thinking and causes all the wrong words to escape through her mouth.

She’s coexisted with her colleagues for almost two years and has never drawn much attention. Just the way she likes it. Mackenzie wants out of it when her sweet boss pits her against Jeremy Fletcher, the dreamy co-worker she’s harbored a secret crush on, for an office promotion. But along with the promotion comes a raise—one she needs to continue footing the bill for her mom’s memory care.

Mackenzie will do anything to help her mom—even if it means getting to know her colleagues better so she can sow a little Christmas cheer. Because everyone knows, the yearly promotions go to the ones with the most holiday spirit.

Jeremy Fletcher has hardly noticed his co-worker Mackenzie Graham, so when his boss lets them know she’s considering both for a promotion, Jeremy secretly thinks he’ll win. He quickly lays out a plan for bringing holiday cheer to the entire office. As a single caretaker and guardian to his orphaned twin niece and nephew, Jeremy knows how much the raise will help their college funds.

Jeremy never expected Mackenzie to have a quirky sense of humor and the gumption to make it a real competition. He also never expected to find himself constantly thinking about Mackenzie.

What I Loved About This Book

Monzon has created a light-hearted, sweet, romantic comedy with memorable characters. Readers who suffer from social anxiety will relate to Mackenzie—especially those who’ve felt depressed because God doesn’t take their anxiety away from them. Jeremy, once a fun-loving single man, changed when he gained custody of his niece and nephew. He still loves fun, but his laser-like focus on his plan of action leaves no room for God’s plans.

Fans of Melissa Ferguson and Emma St. Claire will love this rom-com author!

I loved everything about this book! First off, the ending was one of my favorite endings ever. Mackenzie and the rest of the characters were awesome and the story is just completely charming, hilarious at times and emotional at times but still 100% what I would characterize as a light read. It definitely made me smile and giggle throughout! Great read!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

New-to-me author Sarah Monzon absolutely delighted me with this adorable, sweet, holiday romance! A great read for the Christmas season! If you love watching Hallmark or GAC holiday movies, you’ll love this new release.

HIGHLIGHTS:
-Clean, Inspirational RomCom
-Better Than Watching a Hallmark Movie
-Workplace Competition Turned Romance
-Socially Awkward FMC
-Uncle-Turned-Guardian MMC
-Slow-Burn, Falling in Love Story

All’s Fair in Love and Christmas features first person POV from the female lead, Mackenzie Graham, while alternating with second person POV from male lead, Jeremy Fletcher, and such fun it was to read! From the very beginning Monzon hooked me with Mackenzie’s inner dialogue and social struggles. As an introvert myself, I wholly identified with Mackenzie and found myself chuckling and nodding right along with her thoughts and difficulties.

Mackenzie and Jeremy both prove to be lightly, multi-layered people who face challenges and motivations of their own when pitted against each other by their well-meaning boss who’s offering an inner workplace promotion. I enjoyed witnessing how each faced their feelings and revealed more of their characters and backstories throughout the story.

The romance in this novel was a slow burn, with cute, if not awkward, moments that made it fun and entertaining to read. There are a handful of secondary characters that are enjoyable and I liked the friendly support they gave the main characters. In addition, readers who enjoy a nod to pop culture and fandom will find little nuggets in this story as well as a few thoughts and phrases that make the story feel modern and appealing to a wide-aged variety of readers.

Another great feature of this story is the fact that it is sweet romance, wholesome, clean and does offer strong faith elements during character growth.

My only hesitation over a 5 star rating was the way Jeremy handled a situation where he said something he should not have. I immediately disliked his character and wished he’d apologized right away. Because he did not (and more so, wavered over his decision), his character lost a bit of its value for me.

Overall, a heartwarming holiday romance written in a highly entertaining way with humorous inner monologue and great characters. The story is well-paced, clean and wholesome offering faith, romance and a hint of workplace competition, making it appeal to a wide variety of readers and especially those who enjoy holiday movies!

Content Warnings + Trigger Warnings: G Rated, Critical Illness of a Parent

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon gives Hallmark a run for its money. The story is so cute. The setting weaves in perfectly like a secondary character. All the activities, get together s, baking, and decorating. It’s like a Christmas dream.

"But instead of a Hallmark Channel marathon of festive magic, Sofiya is taking something good and joyous and making it into her own production of Christmas Wars: Office Edition."

Mackenzie and Jeremy do put on an excellent production of Christmas Wars: Office Edition. But instead of a cutthroat competition for promotion and raise, this rivalry becomes something incredibly sweet that helps the entire office remember wonderful family traditions and count the joys in their lives. The characters are delightful, the plot is fun, the faith thread and struggle are real, and the romance is swoony. The author does address some heavy topics like anxiety and dementia care with sensitivity, tenderness, and expertise. Throw in some really funny laugh-out-loud scenes and some totally heart-warming scenes and you have a perfect Christmas novel to cozy up with.

Mackenzie's first person voice was creative and compassionate and my heart ached for her as she battled social anxiety. How her one-sided infatuation became something more was so gratifying (one of my favorite tropes). Jeremy's driven and determined third person voice was easy to empathize with but I loved his kind, considerate, and thoughtful side that peeked out from under all that planning and need for control. I also loved the supporting characters in Mackenzie and Jeremy's friends and colleagues circle who made the story extra special.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of author and Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Mackenzie Graham, a charming, attractive, witty, and intelligent graphic designer, adores her profession, her mother, and Christmas. Mackenzie’s boss just called her and Jeremy Fletcher into the office – this can’t be good. Her boss tells them that that they are going to be in competition for the annual promotion. Mackenzie is stressed by the thought of competing with Jeremy. She has had a crush on him for a long time. But she had to think about her mom. If she got the promotion, she’d be able to keep her mom in a nursing home that helps people with Alzheimer’s.

Mackenzie will have to push herself beyond her comfort zone and do things she doesn't feel qualified to do, like speak to clients and work hard to focus on her projects and not the boy who has stolen her heart.

For some time now, Jeremy has been caring for his adolescent niece and nephew. He is outgoing and emanates confidence. As the only caregiver for his niece and nephew, he is unable to find time for hobbies or to discover God's plan for his life because of his duties.
Jeremy is eagerly anticipating the competition with excitement and as something fun. Until he begins to realize just how beautiful Mackenzie really is. He had been clueless until now.

I liked reading about these two trying to out-Christmas each other in order to impress their boss and get the promotion. Anything goes this Christmas season. I enjoyed this holiday rom-com since it had a natural religion element, lots of laughter, some romance, and fun. It's a humorous story with elements of a Hallmark movie. When you finish reading this, you can't help but smile. It's an ideal way to get the holiday season started.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon is a wonderful read, even in August. Mackenzie and Jeremy work together at InDesign. Their boss has told them they are both up for a promotion and she will decide before Christmas after judging their performance. She is known for choosing people who have the most Christmas spirit for promotions. Let the games begin!

"It’s the something special that happens when Jack Frost nips at your nose and when the nostalgia of music played only one time of year harmonizes with the Salvation Army bell ringers to bring a perfect pitch to the world’s favorite holiday!"

To me this was so much more than a Hallmark Christmas story. I felt the characters were my friends by the end of the story as I was able to walk through life with them. I enjoyed the banter, humor, and how the story had depth and compassion. The author’s portrayal of social anxiety was so well done, and gives insight to the reader.

"Someone show me how to backstroke, please, before I drown in my thoughts, made-up scenarios, and uncharted, confused feelings. "

The Christmas competition was endearing and kept the story not too heavy. The themes of friendship, faithfulness and walking with someone through hard times resonated with me. This is the Christmas book you do not want to miss. I very highly recommend All’s Fair in Love and Christmas.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

This book might work for some but I didn't really enjoy it. The Main character was my least favorite part, beyond the typical Hallmark type plot line and ending, mut I knew that going in. Most Christmas books will be saccharine sweet and that's why I enjoy them. This story line felt forced and I didn't enjoy the way the main characters Social struggles were portrayed.

That being said this would be an enjoyable read for any one who likes stories with clean romance, faith, friendships, & workplace friends and romance.


I received a free E-ARC from Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for my honest review.

Oh my!
So much fun!!
I loved this story. It's fun and funny. And just the right balance.
This felt like a rom-com holiday Hallmark movie.
Mackenzie and Jeremy are competitors for a big promotion at their graphic design firm.
They both want it badly, but not the competition.
Mackenzie is extremely shy and socially awkward. But...she's liked Jeremy from afar, for so long.
The results...an absolutely delightful Christmas story.
I will have to admit, the ending is a bit predictable.
But the path from the beginning to that ending...well, it is full of unexpected twists and turns that will leave you quickly reading, and laughing all the way.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

'If Kryptonite is Superman's weakness, then being on the receiving end of the attention of others is mine.'

Long-time crush, workplace romance, forced proximity, AND Christmas!!! Are you ready for it?

Mackenzie is socially awkward and an incredible graphic designer. Jeremy is put together in every way and has a 5, 10, and 15 year plan for all things. Their work/life balance is about to get shaken up and I was happy to go along for the ride!!

'I've had innumerable conversations with him in my head. In those instances, I've always been impossibly witty, undeniably charming, and not the least bit tongue-tied.
So basically, my complete opposite in real life.'

Mackenzie is adorable and Jeremy is positively swoony. This is such a fun holiday romance. It's brimming with Christmas cheer, tender moments and the most adorable grand gesture! This is what a Christmas romance is all about. Give me all of the feels!!!

If you like Hallmark-ish Christmas romance with Christian vibes you should definitely be looking this book up!

All's Fair in Love and Christmas will be available September 5!!!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Content; Social Anxieties, workplace rival, friends to more, Alzheimer's, guardianship, grand gesture and kisses.