I love Christina Lauren and the strike again! This was such a fun read and I stayed up all night reading it. Amazing as always and got me in the holiday spirit!

After a full month of reading nothing but thriller/mystery/suspense books, this book was very much needed to lighten the mood. Also, with that being said, I am very much in the Christmas mood and ready for all the holiday feels. This book was super cute & constantly put a smile on my face. I’m a sucker for a good love story and this is the perfect one!

Okay, this book isn't quite five stars but I really loved it so much and it was the perfect cozy holiday romance I needed. Christina Lauren fans will love this one and it actually might be my FAVORITE one yet. Highly recommend!

What a delightful book to get you in the holiday mood. Bring on the cozy cabin, hot chocolate and a warm fluffy blanket.

When Mea finds out one of her favorite things in life is about to change it starts a chain of events that help her discover herself and what truly makes her happy. I loved Mae journey and how she got there. The chemistry between Mae and Andrew is sweet and adorable with a bit of heat.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good Groundhog’s Day theme with a sweet romance. It is a light uplifting read that gets you in the mood for the holidays. This is my first read by Christina Lauren and it definitely won’t be my last.

I want to thank NetGalley, the author and publisher for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.

3.5 out of 5 wine glasses.

Here's the thing - I enjoyed this book. Not as much as The UnHoneymooners or The Honey Don't List, and DEFINITELY not as much as the Beautiful Bastard and Wild Seasons series (I think I've finally resigned to the fact that we're not going to get those types of stories from the writer duo anymore and that's okay - I just needed to reset my expectations), but it was good. The writing is wonderful - there are several passages that are quote worthy and I may even go back through my hard copy of the book and tab them. The story is cute as well. But it took (what felt like) forever for me to finish it. Once I got past chapter 11, the pacing picked up and was more enjoyable, but still it just felt slow. And also a bit vague. I can tell you what Alexander looks like and that's about it. I think there might have been one (or two) too many characters to allow them proper page time to make a solid impression so it just muddy the water a bit. The message of trusting your gut, knowing yourself, and pursuing the things that will make you happy is a great one, but In a Holidaze, despite its quirky, Groundhog's Day twist and likable characters came off as a bit surface level. I don't think these characters (or the story in general) will stay with me like other Christina Lauren books I've read. That being said, I don't mourn the time I spent reading the book (and, as I stated, it took me a while to get through it), and the author duo will remain on my must read list - this just wasn't a new fave from them.

I loved loved loved this book! All the best parts of the holidays in one excellent romcom. I loved the Groundhog Day theme and all the mishaps Maelyn goes through trying to figure out why she keeps restarting her family's holiday celebrations. I also loved the friends-to-lovers romance, with all the feel good moments you crave in a good holiday story. All the characters were so lovely, I wanted to be a part of this family! I read the whole book in one sitting, and honestly might reread again in December because it was that perfect.

In a Holidaze is a unique book. It's a little hard to explain, but basically, it's a Christmas romance based on the Groundhog Day idea. Our heroine, Mae, is having a hard time, but the annual Christmas getaway with her family and close friends should fix everything. It doesn't. This just go off the rails. The book has a great cast of side characters, from a goofy younger brother to a stoner uncle figure.

While In a Holidaze is not your standard romcom, I really enjoyed it. I needed a fluffy book to escape into, and it delivered perfectly.

In a Holidaze is a classic Christina Lauren novel: endearing, clever, great characters, witty banter and a unique storyline that keeps you wondering what's coming next. This novel has upbeat charm and reminded me of their earlier novels. I enjoyed it immensely!

I'm sure every review of this book will note that it's Groundhog Day meets Christmas. But, it still needs to be said. And it is also delightfully sweet and fun. Thank goodness Mae works out the clues and only jumps back in time a handful of times so the story moves forward quickly. The bulk of the story is a darling friends-to-lovers romp that is entertaining and heartwarming.

I love the emphasis of chosen family in the story. The entwined families and their shared lives enhance the holiday aspect of the story, but it's not overwhelmingly-Christmasy. They're a crazy crew I would love to spend a holiday with them AND I would love to know who the other brother ends up with!

If you're struggling (because 2020) and feeling overwhelmed or just looking to jumpstart the holiday spirit, you should definitely pick up a copy of In a Holidaze! It's a perfect gift for you! An advance copy of this book was received. The reviewer purchased the audiobook copy. Receipt of the advance copy did not impact the content or independence of this review. BFF Book Blog also uses a set of icon ratings. This book received additional icons for: butterflies, character development, funny, hero, heroine, romance, supporting characters, sweet and happily ever after.

Initial Thoughts: I'm a sucker for a Hallmark holiday movie and that's exactly how I like my books. If it sounds like a Hallmark movie it's something I would read for enjoyment. I'm also a sucker for a pretty illustrated cover and Christina Lauren's cover pulled me in.

Review Notes:

'In a Holidaze' is a Christmas season novel with a few interesting twists and turns. It has a Groundhog Day premise that made me a bit anxious and had me worrying that the last go around might restart at any moment.

One of the major themes of the novel is finding happiness and letting go of what you think you should be doing and embrace what you want. Finding happiness can come from living life authentically and letting go of the fear that’s holding you back from your life.

Another important theme is the fact that you can’t erase mistakes, you have to face them head on and figure out how to resolve things.

In a Nutshell: I enjoyed this one. An overall theme of honesty, family, love, and the beauty of tradition and family holidays.

Have you ever seen the movie Groundhog Day? If you thought the movie needed a bit more romance and a lot more snow, you'll love In a Holidaze. Maelyn Jones and her family spend Christmas every year with their chosen family-- her parents' best friends from college-- in an idyllic cabin in Utah. Mae has been in love with Andrew ever since she can remember-- even secretly hiding a message about her unrequited love on the bottom of a unicorn mug. But in a haze of eggnog and desperation at Andrew's seeming lack of interest, she makes out with Andrew's younger brother Theo. To make matters worse, just before everyone leaves, Theo and Andrew's parents announce they're selling the cabin.

After making a wish that the universe would show her happiness-- Mae is sent straight back to the beginning of Christmas week to try to make things right. Can she fix her mistake, save the cabin, and maybe even find love with the right brother?

Ok, so it took me a while to read this book. I read a couple chapters and then put it down, would wait a few days then tried again. It was a hard read until the last half of the book. Slow moving, like reading the same chapter over and over, frustrating. Like the movie groundhogs day. Until I reached the last few chapters. It Finally hooked me in and I really enjoyed the end of the book. Actually loved the way it ended. Maelyn Jone and her family go to their close family friends Utah cabin every Christmas since she could remember. But this year as her family is leaving, Tires screech, they are in a bad car accident and, everything goes black. But when Mae wake up, she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same Christmas all over again.. Rough start but great ending for me.

My first time reading this author. I thought it started a little quirky and almost didn't finish because of the similarities to events in stories like ''Groundhog day'' and ''50 First Dates". I thought if I had to read the beginning of the story done over one more time I was tossing it, but thankfully there was not another repeat. I did not connect with the characters or events until almost the end of the book when events were a little more realistic and conversations were more dimensional. A quick read and comical in some parts. Overall an okay read for a holiday story but without a lot of character depth or story. Take it at face value and enjoy.
I was provided an advanced copy of the book and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

Funny, quirky, and sexy! In a Holidaze by the friend duo known as Christina Lauren is a Christmas time treat that you will adore. Maelyn Jones is a twenty-something young woman who has found herself living back home, working at a job she doesn't like and just can't find "the one". While at a cabin for the holidays, Mae is given an opportunity to make things right after making a recent huge mistake...or two. I adored this story and getting to know these characters and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a little holiday romance in their life. 4 stars.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

3.75 Hearts This is Groundhog day meets Christmas. Every year Mae and her family head to Utah but this year with her parents divorced and her mom remarried they do not attend but Theo and Andrew do. After leaving the cabin for what she believes is the last time she wakes up after an accident heading TO Utah not home.

And with this weird timeloop continuing she Mae has a chance to get what she has always wanted and with who she always wanted it.

Great story to get you into the holiday/Christmas spirit. Grab your fuzzy slippers, your cozy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy this wonderful story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren is like the adult version of 16 Candles. A woman who has had a crush on Andrew for many years, is stuck in a rut with her job, and dealing with the loss of her family's cabin gets to go through all the events over again. Until she gets it right. She made a wish with fate hoping for a new beginning. Boy, did she get her wish. Stuck replaying previous events until she finds the strength and courage to follow her own path. A path that might just lead her to the man of her dreams. I laughed along with the cast of characters. They charming, fun, and full of quirks. I loved the characters and their dilemmas. The writers behind this book, have once again proved they are the romantic comedy queens of the universe. It's difficult to not fall in love with their books. I was lured in deep and have fallen again...

Being a huge fan of this author I was very excited to be able to review her newest book. I absolutely loved this story and the characters the author developed. Mae has anything but good luck. She’s about to lose her job, her apartment and is anything but lucky in love. When she gets to her family cabin for their annual Christmas trip in Utah she ends up reliving her day over and over. It’s a great story that has some predictability but not in a way that made me mad.

Thank you to the publishers and to Netgalley for allowing me to review this book.

What a treat! I love Christina Lauren and this was such a fun holiday book. A take on Groundhog's Day, Mae wakes up the day after Christmas realizing she's made a terrible mistake, but a freak accident gives her the opportunity to try again ... and again. I found the hero to be a little bland, but the personality that came through in the supporting family members really raised the bar on this one.

Even though their last couple of books have been misses for me, I am a longtime Christina Lauren fan and continue to give their new releases a try. In A Holidaze was SUCH a treat to read and totally reminded me why CL books have been among my favorite reads! This was a really sweet, feel-good, friends-to-lovers romp that got me in the holiday spirit and made me smile the whole way through. A perfect book for the upcoming holiday season that I can't wait to recommend to my patrons!

After a few recent Christina Lauren books felt flat and underdeveloped, this one is a welcome surprise. I didn’t want to leave the characters and the comforting world of the book.

The Groundhog Day/Life After Life premise is always entertaining. The cast of characters was so well done and added to the cozy Christmas feel, very Family Stone. And the romance was on point.

Maelyn was funny and lovably confused as she tried to figure out what was going on and how to fix her life. Andrew was adorable and cuddly and vulnerable. The book is full of lovely details that make you feel like the characters really have known each other forever and that they have shared jokes and quirks.

My only criticism would be that they maybe needed one more reset to round out the Groundhog Day theme.

In A Holidaze was such a fun book.

Mae is 26 and her and her family are on their traditional Christmas vacation. Every year they go to a cabin with lifelong friends. It is her most happy place in the world. Her parents’ college friends and their two boys. She still sleeps in the same bunk bed room she has for years. But this year looks a little different. She has had a crush on the older brother, Andrew, since she was 13 and her feelings have only intensified over time. However, one night, her and the younger brother, Theo, end up kissing after an evening of drinking and the next morning she wished it had never happened. They leave after Christmas and all Mae keeps thinking is she wishes the universe would just show her what would make her happy. They end up getting in a car crash and Mae wakes up back at the cabin but at the beginning of the Christmas vacation. Without giving away too much of the story.... Mae makes certain decisions and the week starts over again and again. (Like the movie Groundhog’s Day). Finally she makes the right choices and her week does not start over and her life plays out how it is supposed to.

It took me a little while to get into this book. I did not really like the beginning and how the story kept replaying itself. I kept putting the book down disappointed because I was so excited to read this book yet I didn’t like it. However, once the story got moving and the week did not start over, it developed into a sweet love story and I couldn’t put it down.