Book Review: This Is Not a Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley

Rating: 4/5 Stars

The holiday season might be about peace and goodwill, but for Nina Thompson and Tristan, it’s all-out war… until it isn’t. This Is Not a Holiday Romance by Camilla Isley delivers a perfectly festive enemies-to-lovers story, complete with snowball fights, family hijinks, and just the right amount of holiday cheer.

Nina and Tristan have a shared history that can only be described as a battle zone of escalating pranks. Years of animosity (and unresolved tension) bubble over when Tristan unexpectedly joins Nina’s family for Christmas. Things quickly spiral into hilarity as their one-upmanship continues, only to be complicated by a massive snowstorm that leaves them stuck under the same roof. What follows is a slow-burn unraveling of their “hatred,” revealing buried feelings and undeniable chemistry.

Isley’s strength lies in her ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion. Nina’s sharp wit and Tristan’s charm make their banter electric, and their pranks provide laugh-out-loud moments. However, it’s the vulnerable, tender moments—like late-night conversations by the fireplace—that truly steal the show.

The supporting cast of quirky family members adds a layer of warmth and chaos, reminding readers why holiday gatherings can be both maddening and magical. The snowed-in setting feels cozy, yet it heightens the tension, making every glance and accidental touch between Nina and Tristan sizzle.

If there’s one small critique, it’s that the ending wraps up a bit too neatly. The journey is so fun and unpredictable that the resolution feels slightly rushed. But even so, Isley keeps the reader rooting for Nina and Tristan from start to finish.

This Is Not a Holiday Romance is the perfect winter read for anyone who loves humor, heart, and a good dose of holiday mischief. Whether you’re curled up by a fire or just daydreaming of snow, this book will leave you smiling and warm inside.

Would I recommend? Absolutely—just be ready to add “instigating a prank war” to your Christmas to-do list!