Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.
Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?
Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the promotion isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.
Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?
Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the promotion isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.
MY THOUGHTS
I absolutely loved this story! It's one of the best books I've read this year. I loved that even though it's a fun rom-com full of hilarious laugh-out-loud moments, there was a lot of depth there too. It tackles some real-life issues with grace and honesty. I laughed a lot throughout this book, but I also shed a few tears.
Mackenzie is one of the most relatable characters I've ever read about. She has social anxiety (like me), and a lot of her reactions, doubts, fears, awkwardness, and overthinking were very familiar to me. I saw a lot of myself in her, and I can't express how much it meant to me to read about a character like her.
I really liked Jeremy. He was a great uncle, and I loved seeing him be such a good "parental" to his niece and nephew. I also loved watching him get to know the real Mackenzie that hid behind her shy exterior.
This was a well-rounded and delightful romance. It's full of Christmas spirit and joy but can be enjoyed year-round. I know I'll be rereading it again and again.
I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
FIVE STARS
The fact that it's one of the best books you've read this year speaks volumes, because I know you've been reading a lot of really good books. Mackenzie and Jeremy really do sound like great characters.
ReplyDeleteI was pretty sure I was gonna like it because I've enjoyed other books by this author, but it blew my expectations out of the water. :D
DeleteThe combination of humor, relatable characters, and genuine emotions seems to have made it a standout read for you. I'm adding this one to my Holiday reading TBR!
ReplyDeleteYes! You summed up what I loved the most about the book so well. It's so good! :)
Delete