**Book Review: *Christmas In Spite of You* by K.C. Mills**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*Christmas In Spite of You* by K.C. Mills is a delightful holiday romance that perfectly captures the magic and emotions of the Christmas season. With a mix of heartwarming moments and a bit of holiday drama, this book provides an enjoyable escape for anyone in need of a festive, feel-good read.

The story centers around two characters who have a complicated history, finding themselves thrown together during the holiday season. What starts as a story of forced proximity quickly blossoms into a heartwarming journey of rediscovery, forgiveness, and second chances. K.C. Mills does a great job of making the characters’ chemistry palpable, while also showing their personal growth and how they overcome past issues.

The holiday setting adds an extra layer of charm to the story. From the Christmas lights to the cozy traditions, the book perfectly encapsulates the warmth of the season, while the characters’ evolving relationship serves as the heart of the story. The pacing is just right, with a good balance of romantic tension and emotional depth, keeping you hooked throughout without feeling rushed.

The secondary characters are also a lovely addition, creating a well-rounded atmosphere of family and community that adds to the overall warmth of the novel.

*Christmas In Spite of You* is a charming, heartwarming read that will leave you with a smile.

Opposites attract especially when both parties are willing try. Noel and Kanton make a not great situation become the opportunity for love. Noel uses her love for Christmas to start changing Kanton's life while he uses his business knowledge to help Noel follow her dream. I loved this story and it definitely made the holidays feel jolly.

Fun and quick read with lots of build up. Can’t go wrong with forced proximity and flirty main characters!

A Heartfelt and Swoon-Worthy Holiday Romance! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

K.C. Mills delivers a beautifully written holiday romance with Christmas in Spite of You, capturing the magic of love, redemption, and second chances. From the very first page, the chemistry between the main characters crackles with tension and warmth, making it impossible to put this book down.

Mills masterfully weaves a story filled with emotional depth, witty banter, and just the right amount of holiday cheer. The characters feel real—flawed yet endearing—and their journey toward love is both heartwarming and deeply satisfying. The festive atmosphere adds an extra layer of coziness, making this book the perfect companion for a winter night.

If you’re looking for a holiday romance that balances passion, emotion, and Christmas magic, Christmas in Spite of You is a must-read. K.C. Mills has crafted a story that lingers in your heart long after the final page. Highly recommended!

Christmas in Spite of You 🎄🔑
By: K.C. Mills
Story: ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ 4/5
Narration: N/A

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for an e-arc of this book. Noel Anderson is desperate for money. After putting almost all of her money into a dream business that hasn’t quite worked out, she needs a plan and fast. Since Noel usually goes home to spend the holidays with family anyway, what better way to make money than to rent out her space as an Airbnb? Everything sounded good until Kenton Joesph showed up.

Kanton Joseph absolutely hates the holidays. The only present he wants during the week of Christmas is to score a huge business deal for his company. So when he books an airbnb to try and peacefully get some work done, he never could have imagined the owner would also be staying too. What happens when the Christmas Scrooge spends the week rooming with who is sure to be one of Santa’s favorites? Find out in “Christmas in Spite of You” by K.C. Mills.

For those who don't know me, my name is Chanel and I'm everyone's favorite self-proclaimed Book Tea Spiller.

What did I think of this book? See below for my Final Sip ☕️:

There’s never a wrong time to read a Christmas story. Especially in July when I had the opportunity to read this one. Something about a Black Christmas story just makes you sing “Let It Snow” by Boyz II Men on repeat in your head. This one was such a feel good read. I found myself excited to return to it whenever I had the chance. No matter the season, I would recommend this book again and again.

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.