Only for the Holidays

This is my first Abiola Bello and it certainly won’t be my last - I am currently downloading Love In Winter Wonderland as I write this! Tia and Quincy are everything you want to see in a #yaromance. They are kind, they are caring and they are both a little worse for wear at the hands of their exes. (Something that I am certain some older teens will empathise with!) Bello has such a strong voice for #youngadultfiction. She plays the fine line between naïvety/immaturity incredibly well, showing a respect for her teen readers. For instance, Tia’s gripes with the going to the beautiful countryside at the expense of her ‘on a break’ boyfriend could have gone too far down the bratty road, but Bello reigned it in and showed her leading lady’s true self, which is one that values her family and friendship despite being a little clouded by a boy. I urge you to pick this one up for all the warm and fuzzies, the cosy winterish moments, as well as the luxuriousness of a grand ball.

I loved this book. I was really drawn in and fell in love with the characters. I definitely embarked on the journey of another feel-good young adult romance. The classic trope of fake dating intertwines seamlessly with authentic, loveable characters. The heartwarming quest for a happy ending for our main characters is irresistible, while the intriguing stories of two side characters add an extra layer of anticipation.

The novel was well-paced and the narrative is driven by Quincy and Tia, providing a rich and immersive experience. The story remains a compelling page-turner, effortlessly devoured in a single day. With its engaging plot, authentic character dynamics, and just the right touch of drama, this book was a 5 star for me and I would recommend it to all.