This is the perfect hallmark movie in book form. From the premise of a break up leading to a vacation getaway and love found during an island getaway, there are plenty of moments to love along the way. The main character's quirks might have been a bit easier to buy if her love of Christmas was embedded from the start of the tale, but that wasn't enough to put me off from reading the journey from start to finish. I would have also loved if the epilogue had focused more on the two characters I followed throughout, though I have a feeling it was a both a cleanser from the original tale, as well as a peek into a future one to come.

The mystery behind Nico's background and reasons for being secretive coming undone in the manner it did felt a bit out of left field and I would have loved a dual POV of the tale to see more of his journey. I enjoyed that Cozi didn't budge in her decision after the inciting incident towards the latter portion of the book upon her return home and it ultimately felt like a good Christmas gift wrapped in a bow and set on a solid sandcastle.

This was such a cute read! I felt like I should definitely pick up a light hearted Christmas romance with the festive season coming up and I absolutely loved this one. The characters were all adorable and even if it felt a little bit unnatural at some points with the interactions between Nico and Cozette I still thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing was great and it was interesting have the last chapter in a different POV so we have an idea of what the second book will be about.

4/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this copy to review.

The app was just a bit of the time to read it all i I wanna am so I was super good at finding it and I absolutely adored this app and I am i I like you too but i hate the world

Loved everything about this holiday romance! The perfect way to blow off some stress of the holiday season is hanging out with on this amazing island full of loveable characters and a romance worth chasing after!

“I told you, I’m out, done, finito. It’s the motherfrolicking end scene, James.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cozette Fay is an absolute badass. Right in the opening chapter she leaves her boyfriend in the run up to Christmas, and after realising she had no one to spend Christmas with, she gets her travel agent to book somewhere hot and Christmassy. Straight off the plane, the attractive bus driver, Nico, gives her his T-shirt to help “cover-up”. From there follows the fun-filled holiday of a lifetime.

I loved this book. The characters were so easy to connect to, and the storyline was always so further from what I expected, it was a constant page-turner right from the start! I think I finished this in less than 24 hours, because it really was pure brilliance!

If you’re wanting a light-hearted holiday read, I definitely recommend this! And I’m already impatient for book two!!!

Thank you to @owlcitybooks, @poppyminnix and @netgalley for providing me with a copy!

Pub date: AVAILABLE NOW!!

Review live now on GoodReads, Instagram and Amazon.

Turn up the heat because this book is spicy! This book is amazing!

I honestly cannot fault it… except I wanted more! I didn’t want this story to end.
I love how the main character is confident in herself, she is strong and doesn’t let men tell her what to do. She doesn’t dwell over decisions but makes moves instead!

The story started off strong and continued strong the whole way through! I can’t wait for the follow up!

I also love a story about Christmas in a warm location, as a New Zealander I have never experienced a winter Christmas so I love how relatable this was!

And the spicy! I was not expecting so much sexual tension and smut! It turned up the heat for sure!

This book was a solid book, but I think that it was kind of rushed. I would've liked the book a lot more if it was longer because it's unrealistic. She breaks up with her boyfriend (Good for her because he was a horrible person) but then she goes and wants to fuck another guy hours later? It just doesn't make sense to me.

I also didn't think that this book was very Christmas-y, it was pretty bland in the Christmas department.

*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, and 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*

Yes, yes, yes 🙌🏽 🙌🏽 🙌🏽

If you’re like me and have watched every single Christmas/Holiday rom-com on Netflix then READ 👏🏽 THIS 👏🏽 NOW 👏🏽!!! This is definitely giving me Operation Christmas Drop and Resort to Love vibes and I am all for it!

I was so lucky to have gotten a free copy from Netgalley and I cannot be thankful enough for this opportunity!

This book has it all!
Grumpy and moody but sexy love interest ✅✅✅
Sunshine and happy main character ✅
Festive holiday outfits and curses ✅
Set in a tropical paradise for a holiday getaway ✅
The brooding but only smiles for HER trope ✅✅✅

Seriously!!! I loved everything about this book! It was such a fast paced read that left me feeling ready to go on my own Holiday getaway to a tropical paradise!

(Thank you Netgalley and City Owl Press for the eARC in exchange for a review)

It's December, which means it's the most beautiful time of the year, and I couldn't wait to start my romance holiday book as I rightly should! — which is also why I started this book as soon as my request was approved.

Hotel Holiday follows Cozette Fay as she recovers from a devastating breakup with an island retreat; where she meets a van-driving beach-hunk who secretly owns the hotel on private Simona Island.

I was expecting a cast down or someone depressing, but Cozette surprised me with her strength, perseverance and confidence. This book centrepiece would be around Cozette's growth which is its strongest suit. I relish the part that she stood up for herself for the same reason she put up on her previous relationship.

The romance was eloquently written, especially considering that you're writing about a character who moved from a two-year relationship to meeting someone new in a brief period. Cozette and Nico didn't feel forced or superficial. Despite the book's short length, they both had compelling backstories (I would say Nico's was satisfactory). Their adventures were a lot of fun, and I liked all of the side characters as well.

Nevertheless, the book progresses steadily on a three stars mark because as much as I enjoy reading this, the plot and execution were mediocre at best. But it plummets when the conflict arises because I find them trivial especially when Nico was simply assuming. I get that he had been through unimaginable tragedy, then used for fame and fortune but his issue wasn't fleshed out as much as I hope it would be; which is why I failed to take on board with whatever beef he had when he knew that Cozette knew his secret. I think having a dual POV might help this case.

Also, the epilogue was at odds because it hinted at the other character for the next book in the series. I wished we could get more Cozette and Nico.

Overall, the book was garden-variety. It was okay but I've found myself reading something better. I would see the right people to truly enjoy this though. I initially wanted to rate this with two stars but I just checked on my highlight and bookmark and realized that one remarkable thing about the author is her writing. And credit should be given when it's due.

I adored this. I've been looking for a Christmas romance and Cozette and Niko delivered exactly the vibes I've been looking for!

this is such an amazing christmas read!! it's perfect for the holidays and this time of year! i loved every second of this and it was just so cute and precious and you should definitely read it immediately!!

Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..

I'm in love with this cover... Holiday Hotel was a cute reading this book got me in the Christmas spirit. One of my favorite reads. Can't wait to preordered 5 star read.. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟



Happy Reading Lisa 📚

I have finally found a steamy holiday romance! I love that it’s a unique story about spending Christmas in the tropics. I loved Cozi’s personality and how she loves life! Nico was so sweet with Cozi and I fell for him right away. I liked that for the most part the characters talked through the problems.
Definitely recommend if you want a steamy holiday romance!

Holiday Hotel by Poppy Minnix
Rating : 4.5 stars

Synopsis:

Holiday Hotel is the first book in the Simona Island series. Cozette Fay lives with rather plain boyfriend in New York. Her attempts to spice up their relationship and get back on track backfires causing Cozette to break up with her boyfriend. This sends her running and trying to find new last minute Christmas plans. She calls her travel agent and the next thing she knows, she's off to Simona Island for Christmas. Upon arriving on Simona Island, she meets Nico who catches her eye and from there we see them try to navigate the instant sparks.

Review:
This was a surprising read that made me fall instantly in love with the main characters, the side characters, and the island that sounds like it would be a wonderful place to visit. I could clearly visualize the setting of the island and the hotel throughout the entire book. I also really enjoyed the elements of French that were incorporated to give the characters some depth.

Cozette is an amazing character who finds joy in who she is, she is also not afraid to go after what she wants. She is done chasing men who take her for granted and I loved seeing the development in her character from the beginning to the very end. She's driven and passionate about what she does, I found myself laughing and enamored by her shenanigans. I also really enjoyed Nico, while he was guarded and kind of sketchy, I found myself liking that about him and he is definitely favorite of mine now. He tries to make her experience on the island as positive and fun as possible. He is sexy, confident, smart, and you can genuinely tell that he cares for Cozette. The only issue that I have with Nico, is that I would have loved to learn more about his past in detail and some of the issues that he encountered.

This was a great holiday read, I truly enjoyed the Christmas vibes while also wishing I was on a tropical island as well. The romance, the tension, and the spice = amazing . I can not wait for the next book.

I will also be posting a review to goodreads and it will be posted as of 12/6/2021.

*Thank you so much to the author Poppy Minnix, Netgalley, and City Owl Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

A steamy, instalove, rom-com set during the aftermath of a disastrous breakup. The heroine tries to flee from her troubles with a tropical getaway. Strong female lead, great chemistry and tension. Overall a solid, entertaining read.

This steamy, tropical-island Christmas romance was adorable!🎄

Holiday Hotel is the first book in the Simona Island series. Cozette Fay lives with her boyfriend in New York and tries to spice things up by dressing up in a naughty Santa costume but when her partner does not take the surprise well, she decides to finally break up with him. She calls her travel agent and the next think she knows, she's off to Simona Island for Christmas. She meets Nico there and we follow them as they try to navigate this off-the charts chemistry between them.

I think that the tropical island and the beachy vibes, all was written perfectly well. I could clearly imagine the setting of the island and the hotel as the author went on to describe them. The yummy food descriptions, the treasure hunt Cozette organizes for Nico on Christmas, all was done really well. However, I did find it difficult to connect with the characters in the first half of the book.

Cozette is a strong character who isn't afraid to go after what she wants, but is rightfully done chasing men who take her for granted. She's driven and passionate about what she does, and genuinely makes the reader laugh out loud with her curse words and fun thoughts. I like how she accepts her flaws and works on them. The witty banter, flirting and teasing between her and Nico was amazing. He truly tries to make her experience on the island a memorable one. He is sexy as hell, confident and dreamy. His sense of humor was fun to read as well but I believe that his character could have been explored more since there was not much detail given about his past after the conflict.

As much as they flirt with each other, Nico puts a stop to it especially with a “no fraternization policy” between a staff and guest. However, the more time that the spend together, the more that the chemistry gets stronger. Will Nico be able to let his guard down to Cozette? Will Cozette be able to walk away from their vacation fling?

Overall, the books is great if you're craving a Christmas in tropical paradise situation, adventure on the island, a romance like no other and something like a vacation fling!

*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘖𝘸𝘭 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*

Holiday Hotel - Poppy Minnix

I read this book in less than a day!
From the first chapter I was hooked!

This contemporary romance follows Cozette after she ends her relationship of 2 years with her boyfriend James just days before Christmas.
After realising that she can't go back to her parents for the holidays, she decides to instead spend a week with sun, sand and, most importantly, far away from her ex.
This is how she ends up at El Escape Azul resort on Simone Island.
As soon as she lands on the island she meets the gorgeous Nico, an employee of the resort.

Cozette is a fantastic main character that is strong and knows what she wants.

This story is hot and steamy and had me wanting more!

This is definitely one of my top reads of the season and I can not wait for the second book in the series.

The Simona Islands series begins with Holiday Hotel. Cozette is living in New York with her boyfriend when she tries to spice up their relationship because it has grown monotonous. She feels like she is the only one in the relationship who is putting forth all of the efforts, and she recognized he was transforming her into someone she didn't want to be. She decides to surprise him. Her partner, on the other hand, did not take her surprise well, leading her to pack random items into her luggage and leaves. But, with only a few days until Christmas and just about everything is booked, she has nowhere else to go. She certainly won't be able to visit her parents because they went to Canada and rented out their home to another family.

She contacts her travel agent to find her a place to stay since she has nowhere to go. Next thing you know, Cozette is on her way to the Simona Islands. Once she arrived in Simona, she was greeted by Nico, who graciously took off his shirt for her to wear, although all she was wearing was a seductive Christmas outfit she hadn't had time to change out of before leaving, before taking her to the hotel where she would be staying.

Nico and Cozette spend more and more time together as the days pass. Although, at times throughout their talk, Nico rapidly shifts the conversation's focus to something else rather than answering a question Cozette had asked. Cozette was never pushy in getting an answer from him.

However, after looking him up on Google, she realized why he would change the topic after seeing all the sad and horrible things that have happened to him in the past.

Cozette has been adored by everyone since she first arrived at Simona. The more she and Nico hang out, the stronger their desire becomes, to the point where the entire hotel staff is rooting for them to get together. But will their be a somewhat long-awaited discussion jeopardizing everything they've worked for? Nico is the owner of the hotel, and Cozette has known this since it was spilled from one of the hotel staff, but because Nico wants to keep it a secret, she hasn't told anyone, not even him, that she knows he is the boss. So, what happens when Nico finally tells her and discovers she already knows? Will this dispute jeopardize all they've worked so hard for? What will happen when it is time for her to return home?

*thank you for the arc in exchange for an honest review*

A fair holiday story of Cozette (made me think of a car) and Nico. A little rushed on the romance, and holding back on communications is always a bad idea, but overall an easy read for the holidays. Might just be my age of over 50, but must admit I found her a bit annoying at times. That being said, I would still recommend.

The story of Cozette and Nico, who meet while she is on holiday. She finds out that he actually owns the island, but doesn't tell him she knows. After he has been hurt in the past will he forgive her not telling him?