The Holiday Honeymoon Switch


I absolutely adored this book and devoured it in one sitting. The way the story unfolded kept me hooked from start to finish. While I'm not usually a fan of third person narrative, I found it to be charming and well-executed in this book. The characters, Holly and Ivy, were so endearing and relatable, and I couldn't help but root for them throughout the entire story.

Holly's meticulous planning and Ivy's free-spirited nature created an interesting dynamic between the two best friends. The unexpected turn of events that led to them swapping their upcoming trips added an exciting twist to the story’s plot. It was heartwarming to see how this decision ultimately changed the course of their lives. Despite a few minor editing issues and my personal preference against insta-love books, I would still give this book a solid 4-star rating for its captivating storyline and lovable characters.

The book beautifully captures the essence of friendship, love, and the unpredictability of life. The author did a fantastic job of creating a heartwarming and engaging story that resonated with me on so many levels. The setting of Hawaii and upstate New York added a wonderful backdrop to the unfolding events, making the story even more immersive. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming and uplifting read. It's a delightful story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

This book is perfect for the holidays. It’s giving off a lot of the movie, the Holiday, vibes in the best way. I loved the friendship between Holly and Ivy and the guys? Swoon. I also loved googling all the places in Hawaii.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I was so worried we were going to have new men thinking each woman was the other but that didn't happen and I LOVE THAT!

Holly and Ivy are BFFs from the night they met. Their boyfriends were good friends and introduced Holly and Ivy at a party that neither particularly wanted to be at. They discovered how much in common they had and decided on the spot to be friends no matter what. Ivy and her at that time boyfriend are long over but Holly is about to marry the man she's been with since that time. That is until he decides they're not getting married because they're not really in love and there is someone else he would like to explore a relationship with. OMG WHAT?! Dick. In the fall out Ivy insists that Holly use her secluded cabin reservation to hole up and get her thoughts together. Holly decides that Ivy needs to change locations of her annual writing retreat to Hawaii since Holly doesn't want her nonrefundable honeymoon to go to waste.

I really love Holly and Ivy's friendship. They're so sweet, caring, and supportive of each other. I don't have a single complaint about this book.

This was a different holiday story yet I think it could have happened at any point in the year. While the infusion of some Christmas elements such as the characters being named "Holly" and "Ivy" who became best friends and a wedding that was supposed to happen during the holiday season, it really wasn't about the effects of the season leading to a romance. However, that being said, I enjoyed the concept of the switched honeymoon and once a year artist retreat as well as the second chance at love theme that both Ivy and Holly experienced. The story goes back and forth between these two characters to tell their story and yet they remain connected. This could be read anytime and was a pleasure to read, another feel-good book that there is hope after heartbreak. Many thanks to #netgalley #juliamckay #theholdiayhoneymoonswitch for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is such a cute and fun holiday book!!! I loved getting to know both Holly and Ivy’s characters and seeing their stories evolve. The romances were sweet, but I loved how the focus was more on friendship. This book was a quick and easy read. If you're a fan of holiday and vacation romances, you will love this one too!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Putnam Group for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

this was a pretty interesting concept - 2 best friends switching their holiday vacations after a mishap and meeting the love of their lives on those trips! we get to experience 2 storylines and follow the journey of 2 couples. unfortunately, i don’t think it was executed very well. first off, this was in third person which already made it hard for me to get into and feel connected to the main characters. the writing was super choppy. although julia mckay did a great job at setting the scenes and giving all the details, there were quite a few parts that felt jumpy. because we follow 2 couples, it seemed like they moved pretty fast in their relationships and they honestly felt forced and really awkward. i also did not really understand some parts of the book: why was ivy hiding from matt? why was alexa so rude? why did oliver act so weird about not wanting ivy to come with him to the waterfall? i wish there was a little bit more depth to the story and more relationship building between the characters. i was barely sold on the friendship between ivy and holly.

✨✨✨ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖✨✨✨

𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝓁𝒾𝒹𝒶𝓎 𝐻𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓎𝓂𝑜𝑜𝓃 𝒮𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒸𝒽
by: Julia McKay
Release: 9/24/24

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🌶️

ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
𝘚𝘺𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴

Thank you to @netgalley and GP Putnam's Son for this advanced reader copy!

This book was a sweet read on how we can find our person in our friendships. Someone who understands you like no one else and maybe better than you understand yourself. Holly and Ivy were these type of friends. Friends who came from different backgrounds but connected on their love of wine, Joe Black and luke warm feeling towards the Christmas holiday.

I loved their friendship and the way they supported and loved each other. There is romance but the book focuses on self discovery and taking chances. Learning you are more than enough and your passion is worth pursuing. I loved how McKay wrote this dual POV story. She was able to provide clear insight to Holly and Ivy's world. I truly enjoyed this sweet read!

This was a cute story, and I love the premise, but the execution was a little lackluster. It just did hold my attention and I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I think their similarities were intended to be charming but I felt like it was a little overdone. I did end up DNFing at about 40%. Thanks for the opportunity to read early!

"The Holiday Honeymoon Switch" is a heartwarming Christmas tale that beautifully explores the themes of friendship and new beginnings. The story follows two friends who decide to swap their planned vacations after one is left at the altar just before her wedding. Amid the festive backdrop, both women embark on unexpected journeys that lead them to discover new love and rekindle the joy of life. The book is filled with charming characters and delightful settings, capturing the magic of the holiday season. It also highlights the strength of their friendship, showing how support and love can help heal broken hearts. The plot is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader invested. Overall, it's a feel-good read that reminds us of the power of friendship and the joy of second chances.

4 out of 5. My first question when I started to read the book as there was a list of the authors previous books was, Why does Julia McKay have so many names or different pen names? But to the actual important matter of the book, it was a lovely take on Friendships even more than romance. It gave me some The Holiday vibes (which is never a bad thing i love that movie) and the difference in the locations was fun, beach vs snow and all the activities. It is absurdly predictable in that of course they both find a perfect partner in their switch, but then again we are in Christmas romance world and predictable but nice is what we expect, and we learn to love. But yes, sometimes its hard to believe that one relationship can happen but two is a stretch, but then again it is the Holiday vibes all around and I just embraced it. I loved the description of Ivy’s paintings they were so vivid. In the end I really enjoyed how the two friends were there for one another and that really more than finding a Significant Other, The friendship is the most important thing that has lasted over all the breakups and heartaches.

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch is sort of like The Holiday movie…almost. Best friends Holly and Ivy don’t care much for Christmas, but after Holly gets left at the altar, Ivy takes her Hawaiian honeymoon and Holly goes to a cabin in the Hudson Valley. To be honest, I was much more invested in that story, with all the snow and the small town holiday magic! Not that I didn’t like Ivy, I just don’t care for the beachy tropical climate as much. Overall a sweet little story about friendship and waiting for true love.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

I love how holly and ivy's friendship is shown. The story plot is so fun and exciting. Everything is described beautifully and I couldn't be happier with how this book ended!

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay is a captivating friends-swapping-places romance that offers a delightful blend of mistletoe and make-outs, as well as sun, sand, and swoon. This novel features not just one, but two gorgeously romantic and heartwarming love stories set in two of the most idyllic locations imaginable. It is the perfect book to cozy up with this winter.

This is the first book I’ve read by Julia Mckay. I enjoyed this holiday read. I love Holly & Ivys friendship. I loved the two parallel stories about each girls new journeys after switching vacations and the love they find along the way. Very cute plot!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

In "The Holiday Honeymoon Switch," Julia McKay crafts a delightful tale of friendship, self-discovery, and unexpected romance wrapped in the warmth of the holiday season. This charming novel introduces readers to Holly Beech and Ivy Casey, two inseparable best friends whose lives take a turn when Holly's fiancé suddenly leaves her at the altar. Stranded with a nonrefundable honeymoon trip to Hawaii, Holly hatches a plan that will lead them both on an unforgettable journey of self-realization and rekindled connections. McKay's narrative begins with Holly’s despair, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has experienced heartbreak. Her character is relatable, capturing the complexities of emotional upheaval, particularly during what is traditionally seen as a joyous season. The decision to switch places with Ivy offers a clever twist, allowing Holly to retreat into solitude while her friend ventures into the sun-soaked paradise of Hawaii. This premise not only sets the stage for comedic misunderstandings but also emphasizes the strength and loyalty of their friendship. Once Ivy arrives in Hawaii, the narrative takes an intriguing turn as her annual solo art retreat is unexpectedly disrupted by Holly’s ex-fiancé and his new girlfriend. This development creates a compelling conflict for Ivy, who is not only faced with the sight of her best friend's former love but also with a blossoming attraction to a charming bartender. McKay excels at intertwining the lives of Holly and Ivy, juxtaposing their distinct experiences while showcasing their growth through adversity. Holly's time in the Hudson Valley, juxtaposed against Ivy's Hawaiian escapades, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-reflection. Holly’s encounter with her rugged Airbnb host—her high school rival—adds an unexpected layer to her character development. As they navigate their past rivalry, readers witness a beautiful evolution from competition to camaraderie, further enriched by the glow-up her rival has undergone. McKay effectively captures the essence of second chances, not only in love but also in personal growth. The author's writing style is engaging and imbued with humor, making for an enjoyable read. The dialogue flows naturally, and the vivid descriptions of both Hawaii's breathtaking landscapes and the cozy Hudson Valley cabin create a tangible sense of place. McKay's ability to blend lightheartedness with deeper themes of resilience and friendship is a testament to her storytelling prowess. "The Holiday Honeymoon Switch" is a heartwarming rom-com that perfectly balances the chaos of life’s unexpected turns with the magic of the holiday season. As Holly and Ivy navigate their respective journeys, readers are treated to a narrative filled with laughter, love, and the power of true friendship. Julia McKay reminds us that even in the midst of heartbreak, joy can be found, and sometimes, a little switcheroo can lead to the most magical moments. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a charming escape filled with festive spirit and relatable characters. Grab a cozy blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and lose yourself in this delightful holiday tale!

3.5⭐️

🌴Platonic Soulmates
❄️FMCs POV/3rd Person
🌴Vacation Swap
❄️He Falls First (x2)

This was a cute read that gave me all ‘The Holiday’ vibes! I would have preferred if this book was written in the first person but I did enjoy that the book was from Ivy and Holly’s POV. Their love for each other was the most beautiful aspect of this book but I enjoyed how each lady found her romantic soulmates who in the end all compliment each other. Aiden and Oliver were so sweet and fall first and hard. I love Christmas time so of course I loved how Holly and Ivy come to enjoy the Christmas season all because they have fallen in love. But also they don’t do a complete 180, staying true to who they are. While the book takes place over Christmas, it’s not overwhelmingly full of Christmas.

This was a fun read! I love that by swapping their holidays they both found their forever loves and also helped them re-evaluate their work lives.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin group for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Thank you Penguin Group Putnum, Julia McKay, and NetGalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This is a really cute little holiday romance. I found myself enjoying both story lines and the different settings. I simultaneously wanted to be at a cabin in New York (though maybe not an eco cabin) and on the beach in Kauai.

I love the friendship between Ivy and Holly: it’s kismet. Both guys are so sweet and perfect for their respective women. I love Oliver’s sense of adventure and I love that Aiden is so helpful and supportive to the people in his town. The fact that Aiden is described as being Henry Cavill-esque is also a winning attribute. The side characters, with the exception of Aiden’s sister, are all really endearing and help fill out the story.

My only complaint is I don’t love how in the epilogue the way that the characters catch us up on what’s happened in the last year is through their conversation with eachother. It feels a bit awkward and forced and not how people actually talk. Otherwise this was really cute and I would recommend it!

Thank You Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam

Publish Date: October 8th, 2024

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Holly Beech and Ivy Casey are best friends and when Holly's fiance leaves her completely in shock with a nonrefundable honeymoon, Holly convinces Ivy to switch places with her. Ivy would go on the Hawaiian honeymoon her best friend doesn't want the burden alone. and Holly ends up going to Ivy's rented Hudson Valley cabin to heal from her broken heart. Holiday vibes were perfect

I Loved Holly and Ivy's friendship and how supportive they were of each other

I highly recommend it once it comes out in October!

Holly and Ivy are your typical ride or die besties—they’ve even been told they are doppelgangers. So, when Holly’s fiancé breaks things off, she’s left with a nonrefundable honeymoon. Ivy is ready to cancel her annual solo art retreat to help Holly deal with her broken heart. Until Holly makes the decision for them to switch places. Holly’s good looking Airbnb host turns out to be her high school rival and Ivy finds herself homeless after Holly’s ex-fiancé shows up on his “honeymoon” with another female. Both friends set off on their individual journeys, only to encounter unforeseen challenges along the way.

This book may appear to focus solely on Holly and Ivy’s romantic relationships; however, I believe one of the key connections highlighted is their strong female friendship. During different instances, both characters examine if they are following their own path or submitting to the external pressures from family or society. Through their self-exploration, they uncover their genuine desires, leading them to unexpectedly fall in love and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
This is a fun, quick, holiday read publishes on 10/8/24 and will get you into the Christmas spirit.

Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and Julia McKay for the ARC.