3.5 stars

I enjoyed this take on a holiday fake dating story. I resonated with the characters in many ways and found this story to be light-hearted and inviting. I enjoyed the messiness that comes with younger characters because it gave the story an authentic, raw feel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this arc!

Thank you to NetGalley and Abiola Bello, for providing me with the arc Only for the Holidays. My review is based on my opinions of the book.

Tropes: Forced Proximity, Fake Dating
Representation: Black female main character, Black male main characters, Black family


Tia is planning her boyfriend Michael’s eighteen birthday. She is excited to plan the celebration and spend time with Michael. Michael only contacts her about his party. Micheal comes clean and says he needs space. That her family drama is too much for him. Tia is heartbroken and tries to get Michael back. He relents her attempts and focuses on her creating his party. Tia’s mom says that the family is going away to the country for Christmas. This makes Tia upset about who wants to be there for Mike, even though he does not care about her. Tia goes with her mom and sisters on their holiday trip.

While at the hotel where they plan to stay, a young man named Quincy has a broken heart, too. He broke up with his girlfriend. Still angry about what she did, he tries to get ready for the Winter Ball. The Winter Ball is an important thing in their community, and Quincy is helping his parents host it. He, however, does not have a date with the ball. After friends question him about his date for the event, he lies and says he has one. Now he is thinking about how he can get a date.

Tia and her family arrive and all she can think of is Mike. Her frustration about being away from her so-called boyfriend causes her to focus on others or her surroundings. This leads to one accident that is quite funny. This, of course, gets Quincy's attention. Her behavior makes him think is stuck up, but he finds her cute. Soon, he realizes Tia is going through a terrible situation with her boyfriend. Something Quincy can relate to after dealing with his ex. Tia and Quincy spend time with each other. They realize they have more in common than they think. This leads to Quincy asking Tia to the Winter ball. She agrees despite still having feelings for her ex.

The romance between Tia and Mike is incredibly heartwarming. Tia is quite funny because she is prone to accidents. This makes Quincy love her and tries to help her out of her jams. Quincy was a very loyal person, which was something Tia needed. She needed a boyfriend who exuded unwavering loyalty, allowing her to express herself, and providing unwavering support. I love the moments they have together. Those scenes include baking with one another, riding horses, and ice skating. They even had a scene in a hot tub. there are quite a few romantic moments. I enjoyed their book and would like to read a sequel or another book like this one.

Very cute YA rom com. I didn’t get Spanish love deception vibes or the Holiday movie vibes from it. I see the fake dating trope though and enjoyed that and the dual POV.

If you are looking for a fun, boy - girl romance, this is the book for you. It is a light hearted, over the top story that is perfect for a long weekend read.
There were plenty of mishaps, misunderstandings and missed opportunities which kept the story moving.
There was a little bit of seriousness when the characters had to look at the world (and people) as fallible and had to learn to forgive and move on. This gravity helped to balance the story.
Enjoy!

I’m a fan Abiola Bello and always look forward to reading her books. This book did not disappoint, We meet Tia who is seemingly on the verge of breaking up with her boyfriend. Her Mom decides that after the rough times they have all had (Tia and her 2 sisters) that they will go away for the holidays to the country. Tia is not at all happy about this trip since she wants to ensure her relationship stays intact.

She meets Quincy Parker whose family owns the place where Tia is visiting and they will be hosting a bug holiday ball. Quincy has also just broken up with his girlfriend and lost a friend too (read this book). So he and Tia meet and while they initially weren’t on the same page, they eventually began to like each other. But their past relationships interfere with what could be something special between them.

I enjoyed this book. It was funny and also full of teenage angst. Quincy was a good guy and Tia finally found the value in herself. The cast of characters was also fun. Just a great holiday read by Ms. Abiola!

Thank you NetGalley and Soho Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute and fun romance. There were some things that I felt weren’t quite clicking, but I think it may be because I’m growing out of the YA genre. Also, the ending and resolution felt a little rushed, but overall I mostly enjoyed the book and its story.

I loved this book and fake dating tropes in YA books are the best for these reasons: the pop culture references, character building, verbal snark, and actions they go through to avoid dating/falling in love may be predictable but hilariously fun at times. Lately I have been feeling that the character and emotional development in YA books are hitting harder and are sometimes more fluidly written in these than Adult romances. Kudos to this author for a fun and cute read!

This was a cute little read. I loved both main characters and both of them deserved better in life. We always love a good country boy and horses right?
This had all the stuff you need for a cute holiday read: snowstorm, Christmas miracles, comfy cozy vibes, love story, etc.
I do agree with some others that the ending wasn’t my fav.

In "Only for the Holidays," Abiola Bello deftly weaves a charming tale of love, self-discovery, and the heartwarming spirit of the festive season. The novel introduces us to Tia Solanké, a quintessential city girl who finds herself reluctantly uprooted from her London life and thrust into the unfamiliar rural surroundings of Saiyan Hedge Farm. As she grapples with the emotional fallout of a recent breakup and her mother’s insistence on making the most of the holidays, we are treated to a humorous and relatable exploration of family dynamics and the struggle to find one’s place in the world during a season typically filled with joy. Tia’s initial disdain for the countryside is palpable and vividly portrayed through her misadventures—falling into horse manure and being chased by sheep serve to highlight her utter discomfort and disconnection from this new environment. This comedic setup not only captures the reader's attention but also sets the stage for Tia’s character growth. Her mission to stalk her ex-boyfriend and win him back reveals a familiar yearning for love and acceptance that many can relate to, even if her approach is somewhat misguided. On the other side of the narrative is Quincy Parker, the hardworking country boy whose family runs the farm and who is caught in his own web of complications. With the pressure of hosting the Winter Ball looming over him, Quincy’s own heartache adds depth to his character, making him more than just a charming love interest. The societal expectations on him to present a perfect facade, including fabricating a date for the ball, illustrate the often-burdensome nature of appearances in both relationships and life. The chemistry between Tia and Quincy builds as they strike an unexpected alliance; pretending to be a couple for their mutual benefit yields not only comedic situations but also genuine moments of connection. This clever plot twist serves as a commentary on the nature of relationships—how they can be born out of necessity but evolve into something far deeper. Bello expertly balances humor with emotional depth, allowing readers to root for Tia and Quincy as they navigate their fake relationship amidst the backdrop of a looming snowstorm that threatens to upend their plans. As the Winter Ball approaches, the stakes heighten, and the authenticity of their emotions comes into play. Will the snowstorm force them to truly assess their feelings, or will they cling to their charade in fear of vulnerability? "Only for the Holidays" invites readers to reflect on the complexities of love, the importance of facing one’s fears, and the magic that can arise from unexpected connections. In conclusion, Abiola Bello's "Only for the Holidays" is a delightful read that captures the essence of the holiday season while exploring themes of love, growth, and the beauty of embracing the unknown. With relatable characters, witty dialogue, and a refreshing take on holiday romance, this novel is sure to warm the hearts of readers looking for a charming escape during the festive season. Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies or simply in need of a light-hearted story to enjoy by the fire, Tia and Quincy’s journey is one you won't want to miss.

Just as Tia's relationship with her boyfriend starts to crumble, she is pulled away for a family holiday to a Black-owned farm. Quincy's family is hosting the winter ball for the first time and want everything to be perfect for the annual event. Although the two don't get along, they might be able to work together and get what both of them need.

Another great book by Abiola Bello! I look forward to reading more from this author.

A very cute YA read. Easy and Simple to but a little on the nose with the "Drama"

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Festive, romantic, and funny. A good rom-com that made me smile and root for the characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

City girl Tia's mom decides to take her and her sisters to the countryside for a 2 week holiday right at Christmas-time. This puts a damper on Tia's birthday plans for her boyfriend Mike, but right before she leaves, Mike tells her that he wants to take a break. And poor Tia doesn't understand that this is guy code for "we are breaking up".

Out in the countryside, Tia meets Quincy, whose parents own the fancy resort they're staying at, Not only is Quincy easy on the eyes. but he has also gone through a bad breakup. And he needs a date to the Winter Ball that his parents are hosting. He and Tia decide to go together in order to make Quincy's ex jealous. But then the sparks start flying.

A cute (and very tame) rom-com. for teens.

Only for the Holidays is such a fun & festive, holiday YA book. I will definitely revisit this closer to the holidays.

Thank you NetGalley, Soho Press, & Soho Teen for the ARC copy of this book.