Rating: 4 out of 5.

I loved this contemporary LGBTQIA romance set during the Christmas holidays in Florida. After getting fired from his tv writing job, Eli returns to his childhood home in New Port Stephen, FL for the holidays. As he navigates dealing with his family and feelings, he runs into his high school ex Nick. Nick is divorced with a precocious 4 year old daughter and is running the local restaurant. Sparks fly between the couple, which only serves to confuse them both because the last time they dated, Eli was a teenage girl. At almost 40, he finally feels at one with his mind and body, and wants to selfishly protect the peace he’s found within himself, despite his attraction to Nick. For his part, Nick is surprised that his feelings for Eli are still there, even if Eli’s exterior doesn’t match up with Nick’s memories.

I really enjoyed the positive message of acceptance that runs throughout the book. All of the characters, except one, are accepting of Eli despite living in a state that would rather see him prohibited from entering it. Sadly, this felt a bit inauthentic to me because even though I and my friends are allies, the greater world around us is not. But, since the author can write any kind of book they want, set in any interpretation of the world they want, I can appreciate they wrote one in a world they would like to see.

I liked the way the author sprinkled terms and answers to questions that a lot of people may have to learn more about transgenders’ lives and physical transformation without it feeling like reading a clinical manual. I found myself looking up terms that I was not familiar with and discussing them with my friends, which helped us all learn more.

Eli and Nick were such an adorable couple. The instant rapport, teasing, and banter they seamlessly fell into after a long time apart showed the depth of their connection and shared history. It felt like cuddling up with a warm hot chocolate on a cold winter night. The obstacles they faced were realistic, even if the resolutions were a bit too clean and easy. As I previously commented above, it all felt a bit too smooth to give it authenticity. But, I didn’t care because I loved the characters and story so much.

If you’re looking for an uplifting, non-traditional holiday book, this is just the ticket. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books. All opinions are my own.