He was supposed to stay in her condo while she was out of town but her plans changed. They were immediately attracted to each other. She was a bundle of holiday spirit and he really wasn't that into it.
This was a cute story. I really enjoyed it.

A cozy holiday read for those who love to escape during the hectic season. Perfect for book clubs that want to wind down and get lost in a romance,

Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills is a super cute, feel-good holiday romance! It’s about a girl named Ava who’s dealing with a lot—she’s just trying to get through the holidays after some tough stuff in her life. Then she meets a guy named Xavier, who’s also not exactly in the Christmas spirit. The two of them are totally opposite, but there’s this undeniable chemistry between them.

I loved how this book mixes the holiday magic with real-life struggles. It’s not just about presents and decorations—it’s about healing, family, and finding love when you least expect it. Ava and Xavier are both relatable and real, and their banter was fun to read. Even though the plot is kind of predictable, it’s the perfect kind of cozy romance that makes you smile.

It’s a pretty quick read, and if you’re in the mood for something sweet and festive with a little drama, this book is perfect for a holiday escape.

Christmas in Spite of You by KC Mills is a lovely, cozy romance that had me kicking my feet with delight. I absolutely loved it! This beautifully hand-crafted story spoke to both my heart and soul.

Noel and Kanton’s chemistry felt genuine and authentic, making their pairing irresistible. While some may question the pacing, I found it perfectly suited for a warm and cozy holiday romance. It gave me the festive love story I didn’t realize I needed, and I embraced every moment.

KC Mills’ writing continues to elevate, and this book is yet another example of her exceptional storytelling. I’m so glad I had the chance to read it—it’s a must-read for the holiday season!

This book gets a solid 4/5 from me. It’s a charming and heartfelt romance that will leave you feeling all the holiday magic.

I overall enjoyed the first half of this even though the writing wasn't stellar, but I just felt like the writing got progressively worse as it went on. I was not sold on these characters' story, literally all they had to go off of was physical attraction. I didn't buy it.

Two people with very different views about Christmas are forced together in this holiday romance.
Both characters, Noel and Kanton are very likable, and the story of their romance is cute in a rom-com sort of way.
This is forced proximity, and done creatively.
There is spice, but it is not overly done, and just the right amount for this romance.
It is a nice story, great for the holiday season.

3.5 Starts overall!

Christmas in Spite of You was such a delightful holiday read! The premise hooked me immediately—a woman turning her home into an Airbnb for quick cash, only to end up stuck there with her tenant. The forced proximity setup delivered all the tension, awkwardness, and sparks I hoped for.
Noel is a resilient and determined character, and I found myself rooting for her from the start. Her love for the holidays and determination to create joy, even in challenging circumstances, made her incredibly relatable. On the other hand, Kanton took a bit of warming up to, but his transformation as he began to see the world through Noel's eyes was satisfying to watch unfold. Their dynamic—sharp banter evolving into mutual understanding—was the story's highlight for me.
I also appreciated how the book touched on deeper themes, like resilience in the face of setbacks and finding joy in the little things without losing the lighthearted holiday spirit. The chemistry between Noel and Kanton was palpable, and their journey from reluctant housemates to something more felt organic and heartwarming.
The story had just the mix of holiday cheer and emotional depth to keep me engaged. It's the kind of book that leaves you with a warm, cozy feeling, perfect for Christmas. While there were moments I wished for a bit more detail in the backstory or exploration of specific conflicts, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. It's a story I'd recommend curling up with during the holidays!

This was the perfect Christmas read! It had all the makings of a future Christmas movie. From the way the author set the scene having the characters meet after getting their wires crossed to forming an arrangement that eventually spiraled into the cutest read. I thought I was gearing up for a “only one bed” read, but the author creatively moved around that trope and made the read that much sweeter. The Christmas vibes were great and the chemistry between Noel and Kanton were off the meter.

A cute forced proximity Christmas story between an unlikely pair. There was quite a bit of character development as the main characters were both pretty stubborn to begin with. I really loved that most of the story took place in a one bedroom apartment. I loved seeing the depiction of Black family Christmas, friendships, Black owned business, and Black wealth.

Christmas in Spite of You but K. C. Mills gave me big city Hallmark movie vibes. Loved the MCs and the plot points. You need to read this book.

Okay, y'all, listen up because I just finished the cutest, most Christmassy book ever, and I need to scream about it! It's called Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills, and seriously, Netflix, Amazon Prime, MTV Studios, or HULU needs to get on this, like, yesterday. This has "instant holiday classic movie" written all over it.

You know how some authors just never disappoint? K.C. Mills might be one of those for me. I adored Noel and Kanton, the two main characters. The whole story just played out like a movie in my head, with all the best tropes of a Christmas romance: grumpy/sunshine, cheesy Christmas activities, and a grand, swoon-worthy gesture. I literally wanted to run and decorate my house in the most Hallmark Christmas way as soon as I finished.

Big shoutout to K.C. Mills, Black Odyssey Media and NetGalley for the ARC! I had such a blast with this book. It gave me all the warm, fuzzy Christmas feels with a beautiful Black love story at its center. The holiday banter was hilarious, watching Noel slowly but surely transform Kanton's Grinchy attitude was so heartwarming, and there were even some hints of spice to keep things interesting. It was just refreshing.

The basic premise is that Noel, who's a Christmas-obsessed whirlwind of holiday cheer, ends up having to share her apartment with Kanton, a total neat-freak Scrooge, during Christmas week. Talk about opposites attract! Their interactions are so funny, and the tension between them is just perfect. K.C. Mills really nailed the mix of humor, tension, and holiday magic. It’s the perfect escape.

Seriously, this might be one of my favorite Christmas reads ever. It has the perfect balance of sweet romance and a compelling storyline. I was hooked from beginning to end, which is saying something because sometimes Christmas romances can be a little predictable. But not this one!

Noel is trying to get her new interior design business off the ground, and things are a little tight financially. So, she decides to list her apartment on a sharing site to make some extra cash. Meanwhile, Kanton is in Atlanta for a huge business deal, and because it's Christmas week, finding a hotel is impossible. So, he books Noel's apartment. But when he shows up, Noel's still there! Cue the forced proximity and hilarious shenanigans.

The "how it started vs. how it ended" is just perfect. It starts with "There's no place like home for the holidays" and ends with "That's why darling, it's incredible, that someone so unforgettable, thinks that I am unforgettable too." Ugh, my heart!

This book is like Hallmark met BET+ and gave us the cutest, most heartwarming forced proximity romance. Noel is the traditional, kind of Christmas lover—real tree, all the decorations, Christmas movies, fuzzy socks, the whole nine yards. And Kanton? Well, let's just say he gets a serious dose of Christmas spirit thanks to Noel.

There are so many great moments: Noel's gifts for Kanton were so thoughtful, Kanton's efforts to make Noel happy were adorable, and Noel's best friend Simone giving her hilarious advice was just the cherry on top. If you're looking for a sweet, angst-free, feel-good Christmas story, this is it. It’s so cute!

I also loved the banter between Noel and her best friend. It felt so real and added so much humor. I did wish we'd seen a little more of Noel's "boss lady" side, but overall, it's a good solid holiday read. Go add Christmas in Spite of You to your TBR right now. You won't regret it!

This was such a fun holiday read! Noel and Kanton are the ultimate opposites—a Christmas-obsessed whirlwind and a neat-freak Grinch—forced to share the same space during the most wonderful time of the year. Their banter is hilarious, and the sparks flying between them add just the right amount of spice to this festive romance. K.C. Mills delivers a delightful mix of humor, tension, and holiday magic, making this story a perfect seasonal escape!

I’ve had this book for quite some time but I wanted to save it for the holidays. This is a very hallmark/ lifetime type of book… like I could literally see it playing out on tv as I was reading it. It was slow paced in a way that made them fallin for eachother believable to me. Too often these type of stories tend to get cringey but this one remained cute. Adored Noel’s relationships with all of her friends.

This was a spicey holiday read. I'd probably give it somewhere between 4 and 5 flames. It's a strangers to lovers story, but I'd warn those who don't like fast love romances against it.

This was such a fun little Christmas romance!

We follow Noel, who loves Christmas and is struggling with her business and Kanton, a successful business man who hates Christmas.

Noel rents out her apartment for Christmas since her plan was to earn some extra money whilst she was celebrating Christmas with her parents, however she gets sick and cancels the trip to her parents and the reservation someone made on her apartment. At least that's what she thinks.

Turns out she did not in fact cancel when Kanton shows up, expecting to be alone in the apartment, and sees Noel still being there.

This book has lots of holiday cheer, Christmas spirit, forced proximity, and the typical Hallmark movie vibes! Perfect little holiday read.

This was such a cute holiday read. The plot was setup well though a little predictable but I am a sucker for him falling first or at the same time. Instant chemistry between the two MCs. They were likable and the little backstory of each was just right. My only critique is the inner monologue was a bit cringe.

Someone get Netflix on the phone because I need to be watching an adaptation of Christmas In Spire of You next year!!!! KC Mills never disappoints so it’s not surprising how much I loved Noel and Kanton. It really read like a movie and had all the things I love in a Christmas story. The grumpy/sunshine, the corny Christmas activities, and the grand gesture. Made me want to decorate my tree immediately! Thanks so much to KC Mills and Black Odyssey Media for the ARC.

Noel had big plans for Christmas, ready to celebrate the holiday with her family while renting out her apartment. But just when she thought everything was set, she fell ill. In the chaos, she forgot to cancel the booking, unaware that Kanton would arrive as scheduled. What unfolds when Ms. Christmas, full of festive cheer, is unexpectedly paired with Mr. Scrooge, a man who seems to embody the spirit of bah humbug? As they navigate the week together, can a sprinkle of Christmas magic transform their perspectives on life and love?

I rated this book a 4.5 star. I really enjoyed the banter between Noel and Kanton! It was top tier! Their relationship seemed really organic, and the chemistry was so good! Simone provided the comedic relief that I didn't even know I needed! I think that this was a good balance between lighthearted Christmas vibes and emotional romance/love story. K.C, Mills is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to see what it released next.

🎄📚 Book Review: Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills. 📚🎄

Tropes:
-Holiday Romance
-Forced Proximity
-Grumpy/Sunshine

What happens when you list your house for the holidays and forget to cancel it when your plans change? Well, you share a one bedroom apartment with a broody businessman, duh! Man this sounds just like the Noel's favorite Christmas Movies. She loves all things Christmas so of course the stranger sharing her apartment would not care about anything Christmassy! It's not a problem because Noel's makes it her mission to make Kanton see the joy in Christmas.

I absolutely love K.C. Mills as a author and I was so excited to get the chance to read this cute forced proximity Christmas Romance. I love the chemistry between the characters and let me be honest. Who wouldn't fall for Noel? She is such a sweet and caring character. If you are looking for love, motivation and all things Christmas, you are going to want to read this one.