Christmas Honeymoon (For One): An Enemies to Lovers Contemporary Holiday Romance (Sweet Paradise Resort) by Hope August 

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Non-review Rant

I am losing track of the time I read the book, the time I draft a review and when the book review comes out. This book I read in January 2024, 7th of Jan, to be specific while travelling from Nagpur to Pune.

You know the famous line “you had me at hello”? For me, that moment in the book was Chapter 1, Page 2; a line that made me open my eyes wide open and with shivering hands highlight the line.

Holding her thumb over the power button, she held her breath until it lit up and turned on. But just like earlier, the screen darkened before she could even open the airline app. What a malfunctioning piece of junk.

I digress.

Let’s get back to the book.

Recap

This story is about Kate who got dumped right before her wedding and it forced to take the honeymoon trip. For the Bollywood afficianados, this would instantly remind them of Queen. But this story is far from it.

They run into each other, once, twice, thrice, so often that they had no option but to be nice to each other. Neither Kate nor Liam Neither are looking for love but when the resort throws them together for the couples activities they can’t help but get close.

In this episode, we witness Kate’s struggle as she navigates through the aftermath of being left by her ex-fiance for another woman. The emotional turmoil is palpable as she grapples with the financial burden of non-refundable honeymoon bookings and wedding expenses, all while dealing with a broken heart and empty pockets. Despite her initial reluctance, Kate decides to embark on the honeymoon trip alone, hoping to find closure in the midst of her pain. Little does she know that this journey will lead her down a path she never expected.

On the other hand, we are introduced to Liam, a man grappling with his own tragedy. Having lost his beloved to cancer, he joins the trip as a way of fulfilling a promise made to his late fiance. However, fate has other plans in store for him as a misunderstanding threatens to create a rift between him and Kate. Their individual struggles and unexpected meeting set the stage for a compelling narrative that delves into themes of loss, healing, and the unpredictable nature of love.

Review

While I found this book enjoyable, it didn’t quite capture my heart in a swoon-worthy embrace. The “enemy to lover” trope felt more like a brief skirmish than an epic battle of wills. Kate and Liam, our charming protagonists, certainly had their moments, but the sparks of passion didn’t quite ignite into a full-fledged inferno.

Kate and Liam, both endearing in their own right, embarked on a journey that was more about rediscovering themselves than finding love. Liam, with his quiet strength and unwavering determination, stood out as the more compelling character, while Kate seemed to fade into the background at times. As they navigated the highs and lows of their trip, both characters underwent personal growth, shedding the weight of their pasts to embrace the possibility of a new romance.

In the end, while the book didn’t quite reach the dizzying heights of passion I had hoped for, it still offered a heartwarming tale of resilience and second chances. If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted read with a dash of romance and a sprinkle of humor, this book might just be your perfect match.

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Stay tuned for more book reviews in my “one book review per month” series. This month, I have published two. Isn’t that nice?

Until next time, happy reading!