The Accidental Holiday: A totally gorgeous and escapist romcom novel that will hook fans of Beth O’Leary and Emily Henry from the very first page!

by Mimi Deb

Escape to Mallorca with this cute, forced proximity romcom – the perfect beach read

A totally gorgeous and escapist romcom. Fans of Beth O’Leary and Emily Henry will be totally hooked from the very first page.

Readers loved Mimi's debut, Love on the

‘A delicious rom com! In Love on the Menu, Deb pens a stirring story about serendipitous connections and chasing your dreams that readers are sure to enjoy’ Kate Bromley, author of Talk Bookish to Me

‘This slow-burn rom com has the most delicious payoff! With hilarious and witty prose and characters who won’t leave your brain, Love on the Menu is a vibrant, fresh take on modern love!’ Farah Heron, author of Accidentally Engaged

‘A really sweet and warm-hearted read’ Niamh Hargan, author of Twelve Days in May

‘Love on the Menu is a delicious delight! A unique meet-cute that blossoms into a beautifully imagined, gorgeous love story. It's packed with wisdom, humour and brilliant characters and I adored every page’ Miranda Dickinson, author of All My Love

‘Oooff. This did things to my heart … what an innovative and totally unique novel. I loved every single second of it’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An absolute delight to read! The characters are well-developed and their journeys are both heartwarming and relatable … The descriptions of the food and the restaurant scenes are so vivid that I could almost taste the dishes being cooked.’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The idea is original and I love the writing’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An extremely compelling five-star read’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Romance, Holiday, Summer

352 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

A very cute holiday read.

[Sophie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would write an educated review but that book took my last 3 brain cells with it as soon as I finished.

[Zabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️2/5 🌶️3/5 🐚4/20 📚156/240

🇺🇸I recently read "The Accidental Holiday" by Mimi Deb, and unfortunately, it didn't work for me at all. The writing style just wasn’t my cup of tea. One of the main issues I had was with the constant back and forth in the timeline. While I usually appreciate flashbacks in a story, the way they were used here was frustrating. Flashbacks to events that happened just two hours ago felt unnecessary and disrupted the flow of the narrative.

Also, the FMC was especially annoying and her shenanigans with the flying company, the hotel and the overall booking of her holiday were so tiring and frustrating to read.

It's a shame because the premise had potential, but the execution left me disappointed. I found it hard to stay engaged with the story due to these timeline jumps, and it took away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

🇫🇷J'ai récemment lu "The Accidental Holiday" de Mimi Deb, et malheureusement, ça n'a pas du tout fonctionné pour moi. Le style d'écriture n'était tout simplement pas à mon goût. L'un des principaux problèmes que j'ai rencontrés était les allers-retours constants dans la chronologie. Bien que j'apprécie généralement les flashbacks dans une histoire, la façon dont ils ont été utilisés ici était frustrante. Des flashbacks vers des événements qui se sont produits il y a seulement deux heures semblaient inutiles et perturbaient le flux de la narration.

En outre, le FMC était particulièrement agaçante et ses manigances avec la compagnie aériene, l'hôtel et la réservation globale de ses vacances étaient vraiment fatigantes et frustrantes à lire.

C'est dommage parce que le concept avait du potentiel, mais l'exécution m'a laissée déçue. J'ai eu du mal à rester engagée dans l'histoire à cause de ces sauts dans le temps, et cela a nui à mon appréciation globale du livre.

[marion :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

En vrai c’était assez simple, mais j’ai beaucoup aimé et en plus je vais voir l’auteure soon donc je suis assez contente d’avoir découvert ce livre grâce à l’évent !

[Tracie Cohee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful book setting and fun story premise. Unfortunately, too slow of a slow burn for me. Strong, well written characters too. Thank you for the advance read Net Galley and Avon publishing. Grab your copy on July 4th and drive into Maya & Alex’s story.

[thereaderpolly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Even though the story started off on a good note, I could not get past the 60% mark. It was quite cliche as expected, which made the story rather boring. There were times when I had no idea what was happening and didn’t understand why certain parts of the story were relevant.

Another big red flag for me was how the characters were acting as if they have known each other for significantly longer than a few days. This was especially weird with the side characters. For example, who in their mind tells someone they have met 3 days ago that they will be proposing to their girlfriend and invite them to the dinner. It’s not like these characters have family members they could invite instead of some strangers.

I will stop ranting now! I hoped for this book to be something it wasn’t, maybe it will be a book you would enjoy?

[Aroosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book was an absolute delight to read under the warm sun! I was completely captivated by it, as it perfectly encompassed every aspect of a summer read that I adore:

☀️ I have a deep fondness for books that transport me to holiday destinations.
☀️ Where characters are brought together by chance and have a shared history they yearn to overcome.
☀️And let's not forget the delightful banter that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the story.

A few small thoughts on the book overall:

⛱️ Loved that the female character took on the grumpy role instead of the male mc.

⛱️ I felt more of Alex's grief/trauma was more apparent and out there in the book compared to Maya's.

⛱️ The pace of the story was exhilarating, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Straight to the point!

⛱️ Some heart wrenching moments that had my heart tugging from the strings. Especially, when it came to Alex.

⛱️ This book had it all! It wasn't your typical enemies-to-lovers trope, but rather a refreshing take on 'your presence here is an inconvenience'.

⛱️ Some aspects felt a little rushed. I feel like with holiday romance books, we could have had a whole lot more going on and used the location to our advantage. The development of the relationship between the characters felt a tad rushed, but given the limited time frame of a week-long holiday, it was understandable.

Overall, I enjoyed this book so much and it truly is a perfect summer read!

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, how would you feel?
Imagine you've been holding out for this one deal, and everything is riding on it. (I know you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket, but sometimes it's the only way.)
Then you get to the airport, and it appears someone else is getting all your perks! And then it happens at the hotel, too!
This is the case for Maya, a precise, methodical woman with a plan for everything.
Battling it out with Alex, a guy who appears to have no care in the world and seems to be winning the holiday lottery at every turn.
I enjoyed this light summer read about two different people thrown together after a booking mix-up.
Maya and Alex being chucked together in a luxury suite would always have consequences, wouldn't it?
They even overcome her list of roomie 'rules' and his inability to follow them. It's a total Grumpy vs. Sunshine thing going on here, with the FMC being the grumpy one!
It may sound simple, but there are deeper layers to the story, dealing with loss of trust and loss of belief in oneself, as well as coping with the loss of a loved one.
And the resort they end up at sounds amazing, too. I'd happily read this on the sun lounger there, with the tanning waiter at my beck and call!
A great one-bedroom forced-proximity story in a setting that is idyllic, too!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for an ARC.

[Gitte TotallyBookedBlog · Rating 3 out of 5]

’Why do I have to choose who I am? Why can’t I be every version? She doesn’t exist because of her past, but despite it. The words are as soulful as the melody.’

The Accidental Holiday by Mimi Deb is a sweet and fun romance in the sun. We loved how this story began, it was relatable, laugh out loud at times and somewhat chaotic in the very orderly structure set by Maya, who stressed us out at times, yet we understood her completely. It felt like we were swept up into her life and her lists almost immediately. And as we travelled to the beautiful sunny Mallorca with her, we fell in love with the scenery, the characters, and a good love story about finding yourself, embracing change, and relinquishing a tight and controlled hold on life. Maya and Alex’s story was a slow burn romance of opposite attracts and finding the strength to face your fears and accept surprises of friendships and love.

”I’m not a huge fan of goodbyes.”

“Do you mean goodbyes or endings?”

“Nothing ends if nothing begins.”

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable fun read as we escape to Mallorca with Maya and Alex. This novel is a slow burner, but I found myself warming to the main characters and eager to see how the novel unfolded. Yes it was predictable in places but still enjoyable. I would rate this 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one wasn't for me. The cover was cute but I just couldn't get into the story. I was able to power through til the end but only because the audiobook narrators did such a good job. Definitely not one to prioritize in my opinion. My first from Mimi Deb and probably my last....Sadly not one I loved.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I thought I was starting a somewhat clichéd story, as the title say The Accidental Holiday. But this is an unexpected story which I was blown away by. Maya and Alex both book an amazing bargain holiday of a lifetime, except there's only one holiday and two seprate bookings. Neither knows the other or that they have booked the same holiday. Maya comes across as a strictly organised routine following person to the point of being obsessed. Everything she does is thoroughly researched and double checked before she does anything. Whereas Alex seems to just go with the flow and see where he ends up. But both have hidden stories with different outcomes, but each of them are only living part lives. Can it really be that fate really does play a part or is it just another way of saying never judge anybody before you know their story. I loved how Maya grew into who she's meant to be and as the book says "Sometimes lifes biggest moments happen in an instant". But are they brave enough to believe it.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maya is a planner, she plans everything thoroughly, weighs the pros and cons and always takes the safe option. She never seems to take a chance on anything until she decides to book a luxury holiday, but even after reading the fine print multiple times, it still doesn't go to plan. There is no record of her flight reservation or her hotel reservation.

Alex is the complete opposite and never plans anything because he knows plans never work out the way you thought they would anyway. After attending a party he doesn't want to be at he books a last minute luxury holiday and arrives at the airport only a few minutes before Maya - effectively taking her booking.

When they both realise they're at the same resort they see they booked their reservations at the exact same time effectively cancelling one out. They decide to share the room and over the course of the week they get closer and start to open up to each other.

Neither character is particularly likeable, Maya is just irritating, constantly worrying about everything and creating rules to control ever. Alex is arrogant and doesn't seem to care about anyone or anything. The two are a very unlikely pairing and their connection never felt genuine or believable.

The story is disjointed with flashback scenes that were really unnecessary. They could easily just have had Maya and Alex opening up about their past experiences to each other without having to include flashbacks. They didn't feel natural either, they were just crowbarred into the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this hot summer read. The characters where fantastic and the location made me want to go there! A really beautiful love story of two people unexpectedly thrown together. Definitely destined to be together.

[Lisi Bee (Beth) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book, this is my objective review. Our fmc Maya is methodical and an over-thinker with the heart of a musician. She books a swanky vacation package in Mallorca after failing to get the theater job she wanted. Alex, our mmc, is currently working as a property developer in his family's business. Reeling from what he sees as his friends' betrayal, he impulsively books the same vacation package as Maya. The forced-proximity trope ensures that they must share the same room they both booked, and they get to know one another as they end up taking a joint vacation. There was a dryness to the writing that made it difficult for me to fully sink into the story, but I did enjoy the author's careful peeling back of the layers of both main characters. We are helped to see why both Maya and Alex are the way they are currently, as well as why neither are fully happy in their present-day lives. Maya is a bit rigid and Alex was smugly clueless at the beginning but mellowed some along the way. I'll be honest, for me these two made such a bland couple. And while I don't mind the opposites-attract trope, these two initially were so different that a relationship seemed unlikely. They gentled towards one another as the story went on, but I found the attraction difficult to fully believe in. Extremely slow burn, maybe a bit slow for me but I think others will enjoy the gentle progression. Also, the description calls this a romcom but there was very little in this book that was funny. Gently entertaining, but not comedic. I think this was written fairly well and is a gentle, very slow burn, individual growth-focused story with a romantic undertones. It just wasn't the book for me.

[Mandiisbooked08 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advanced copy of this book. This book was such a fun concept.
Maya plans everything down to the finest detail. She budgets, makes lists, and doesn't color outside the lines. She finds a steal of a deal vacation at a 5 star resort and takes a vacation that is years overdue.
When she goes to check in for her flight, they don't have her on the flight. When she goes to check into the hotel, they don't have her reservation. As a fellow type A personality, this gave me mad anxiety. I double check confirmations just like Maya. Turns out there was glitch in the booking system and another guest and her had booked at the exact same time.
This book is the case of opposites attract. The other guest who booked a last minute vacation in paradise is Alex. He goes with the flow, seemingly unbothered by the cluster that having booked the exact same room as a stranger causes. Because the resort is full, Alex invites Maya to sleep in the suite with him. It has a private pool, hot tub and is large enough for the two strangers to cohabitate. It is a slow burn full of vibrant characters as we watch both characters come out of their shell and explore the freedom of exploring something new.

Maya makes a rash decision at the end of the book that is uncharacteristically chaste and I felt like it didn't fit with the ending of the book.
This book was a refreshing concept and a fun, beach read. You will be aching for a vacation after finishing. Alex and Maya have perfectly balanced chemistry and the author gives us a full circle grand gesture at the end of the book.

[Jenny - TotallybookedBlog · Rating 3 out of 5]

’Why do I have to choose who I am? Why can’t I be every version? She doesn’t exist because of her past, but despite it. The words are as soulful as the melody.’

The Accidental Holiday by Mimi Deb is a sweet and fun romance in the sun. We loved how this story began, it was relatable, laugh out loud at times and somewhat chaotic in the very orderly structure set by Maya, who stressed us out at times, yet we understood her completely. It felt like we were swept up into her life and her lists almost immediately. And as we travelled to the beautiful sunny Mallorca with her, we fell in love with the scenery, the characters, and a good love story about finding yourself, embracing change, and relinquishing a tight and controlled hold on life. Maya and Alex’s story was a slow burn romance of opposite attracts and finding the strength to face your fears and accept surprises of friendships and love.

”I’m not a huge fan of goodbyes.”
“Do you mean goodbyes or endings?”
“Nothing ends if nothing begins.”

Come and say hi, at:

✲ TBB on Facebook
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✲ TBB on Twitter
✲ TBB on Pinterest

[Kimberly Sanchez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maya is a quirky, organized person who values structure, while Alex is the go-with-the-flow type who acts now and thinks later. Maya’s trip to Mallorca, Spain, has been perfectly planned and researched. Alex jumps at the chance when he comes across an amazing deal for a beautiful vacation. Upon arriving at their hotel in the beautiful city in Spain, their worlds collide when they discover a glitch in the system while booking their trip, so Alex and Maya end up sharing the same suite.

This book had everything I love in books: forced proximity in a sunny beach town, a slow-burn romance, and one-bed/same-room scenes, but I just couldn’t love this book. I felt like the main characters didn’t have any chemistry, so their romance felt forced and made it hard for me to connect with them.

Nevertheless, it was interesting to see how Alex and Maya ended up together since I thought they needed chemistry. I thought their character development was great throughout the book, but I found Maya’s character in the beginning frustrating. However, I guess that's realistic and part of her charm. Also, I mostly enjoyed the book's second half because that's where I felt the plot picked up. Overall, I thought the setting of this book was nice for a summer read.

This summer read releases on July 4, 2024.

Thank you, NetGalley, Mimi Deb, and Avon Books UK for the advanced eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gabbey F-A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, easy read. The perfect summer holiday book!



The supporting characters were fantastic (especially the women). Alexis, Chiara and Lana have so much potential to be main characters in their own novels!

I loved the way the author dealt with Alex’s feelings around his sister, and the way he remembered her. The feeling of life moving on, when we are stuck in the past, is one many of us can relate to.

Having loved the supporting characters, I didn’t warm to the main characters the way I wanted to. I felt that both of them routinely didn’t stay true to character.



I also felt that the slow-burn was too slow at the beginning. It didn’t feel as though there was going to be a romance at first! It felt like they weren’t attracted to each other at all, then suddenly were very much saying the other was attractive out of the blue. They certainly weren't 'enemies.'



I definitely feel that this book ‘saved the best for last’ and I felt much better about it upon finishing than I did mid-way through.

3.5 sunny stars.

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Accidental Holiday by Mimi Deb
Rating: 3/5
Release Date: 4 July 2024

Maya thrives on order and organisation, finding solace in meticulous planning. Before making any significant choices, she meticulously weighs the pros and cons, ensuring every decision aligns with her structured approach. Her dream getaway has been methodically crafted over time, each detail carefully considered.

In contrast, Alex adopts a laid-back attitude, having learned to roll with life's punches. Understanding the futility of controlling every outcome, he embraces spontaneity. Spotting an irresistible deal on a luxurious vacation, he seizes the opportunity without hesitation.

Their worlds collide when they both arrive at the opulent 5-star resort, only to discover an unexpected snag: they've been inadvertently assigned to the same room.

This book left me feeling indifferent. While the character development and plot were all superb, set against the charming backdrop of Mallorca with its delightful eateries and scenic locales, it failed to captivate me. Following Maya and Alex's journey from strangers to unexpected roommates held promise, yet for some inexplicable reason, the story fell short of resonating with me.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Avon Books UK, and the author, Mimi Deb, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

[Celine loves books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not my usual genre but it was really good I ended up really enjoying it and wanted to read it to see how it ended .If you are looking for a light fun summer read then this is it perfect for the suitcase or the plane it would put in the mood for your holiday and lazy days.

The characters Maya & Alex are brilliant it’s not just a little rom com with the typical enemies to lovers trait which at times is seen too many times in books. There story evolves from the beginning with Maya playing the mishap part instead of the man. The descriptions of Mallorca are so vivid even if you haven’t been you will get the feeling you have. It’s a lovely feel good love story that will make you laugh, and go aww or roll your eyes. It all comes together at the end with all the characters that you meet all tied up at the end and how they play a part in the story. As the book progresses the stories of both Maya and Alex start to unfold and you can see through their eyes why they are in this situation and how they actually compliment each other.

This definitely was a fun summer read though a shorter round up at the end might have made it a 5⭐️ though it might have made the characters lose a-bit of their appeal might have been lost. Definitely will recommend when released in July.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books uk for letting me take part in the ARC read for this author.

[Sarah Ullrich · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was extremely slow and not at all what I would consider a rom com, I think this should be classified as more general fiction. There was a lot of build-up and very little payout at the end for this "romance." I just didn't see any chemistry at all between Maya and Alex. In fact, both characters were slightly unlikable. Maya was extremely annoying and way too type A for me, and Alex's personality doesn't line up with him liking someone with Maya's personality, which made their entire relationship unbelievable and I found myself not rooting for them at all. This was way too slow of a slow burn for me, and by the time we got to the meat and potatoes of it, it was just them realizing they like each other and want to try and date long distance. Again, it's not something I can consider a rom com. I was also confused at several different points in the story, and a lot of the flashbacks we got felt unnecessary and didn't add a whole lot to the overall story. I felt that the flashbacks could have just been spoken dialogue between the characters and gotten the same impact and feel. Overall, this was not my favorite book ever, and I very nearly DNF'd this one many many times, but I pushed through, hoping it would get better, and it just never did.

[Nessa’s Book Reviews]

Title: The Accidental Holiday by Mimi Deb

Release Date: July, 4th, 2024

3.5 Stars


Maya is a planner who thrives on structure, while Alex is laid back and goes with the flow. When they both book the same luxury holiday and end up sharing a suite, they're forced to confront their differences. As they navigate their unexpected living situation, Maya and Alex may just discover that opposites attract.

The prose of "The Accidental Holiday" shines with brilliant character development and an engaging plot. Set in Mallorca, the vivid descriptions of quaint restaurants and scenic places evoke a dreamy atmosphere.

The book features beloved tropes like forced proximity and slow-burn romance, with the female lead bringing grumpy vibes. While her need for control may initially come off as rude, it evolves throughout the story, leading to a delightful conclusion. Each character plays a significant role, immersing readers deeply into the narrative.

It's a perfect summer read!


Thank you to The Publisher Avon Books UK | Avon , The Author Mimi Deb & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

[Kelly May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Summer, holiday vibes from this book and it was all round a great romance to kick off the Season.

I thought the descriptions in this book were clear as day, without having to say too much. I could picture where they were, the suite, everything. I’m a big forced proximity fan and this was a really funny and sweet way to do it!

Typically I’m not the biggest fan of slow burn unless it’s friends to lovers but this really worked for me, I certainly waited with baited breath for the romance to actually ✨kick in ✨.

I really vibed with Maya, found her charming and funny and realistic. She was maybe a bit abrasive at times that did have me cringing but honestly I prefer when characters aren’t totally perfect beings and have an edge of realism. I also really enjoyed her banter with Alex, I found their relationship to be really cute.

My one negative for this book was the story was also a bit slow to get going. Luckily Maya kept entertained enough that I powered through and loved it in the end.

Thank you for allowing me a ARC of this great read.

[Milly Coulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Mimi and NetGalley for gifting this gorgeous book!

Imagine turning up to the airport to find out your holiday booking doesn’t exist! That’s what happened to Maya, Alex is not only in her business class seat but he is also booked in her hotel room. Regardless of this, Maya has just booked her first holiday in a while and she’s determined to make the most of it no matter what dramas have already happened.

I absolutely adored this book, I was hooked from the start. Who doesn’t love a holiday romance! This was a very slow burn, so if you prefer them quicker you might not enjoy this as much. Maya and Alex were amazing main characters, who you come to realise have a lot of baggage and you learn so much about them both and their personalities. Just as they slowly do over the week, they learn about each other’s flaws and I adored how it made them like each other more.

I really recommend this to everyone, if you’re looking for a summer book to read whilst sunbathing by the pool then this one is for you!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was totally my sort of book and I read it pretty much in one sitting while on holiday.

It's definitely a fabulous holiday read, given it features a holiday itself.

It's set in Mallorca, predominately around Palma, which I don't know as well as the rest of the island but some of the descriptions certainly were real.

It's also a book where you are made to think that if a last minute holiday bargain looks and sounds too good to be true, there may be a reason for it.

For Maya and Alex both booking the night before flying, somehow end up both booked in the same suite. And thus you have the set up for a great forced proximity romance.

Maya and Alex couldn't be more different if they tried, and Maya sets all sorts of ground rules for the suite, many of which made me want to laugh.

This was really quick to read, and I'm now overjoyed to have discovered Mimi Deb's writing. Certainly a new rom-com author that I'm likely to be reading more from in the future.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[lottiereadsx_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't adore a holiday romance! The book revolves around Maya and Alex, both of whom book a holiday only to find themselves double-booked and sharing the same room. It starts their journey from strangers to roommates and beyond!

The book encompasses some classic tropes: forced proximity, slow burn, and sharing one bed/room. The character development and plot were excellent. The vivid descriptions allowed you to envision the places the characters visited. However, the female main character occasionally left you feeling frustrated. She has a need for control and rules, which sometimes came across as more rude than quirky. This reduces significantly after the first half of the book, and the conclusion is delightful!

Overall, I would rate the book 3.5⭐️ Perfect for those seeking a summer palette cleanser! However, be prepared to want a trip to Mallorca afterward!

Thank you to Mimi Deb, Avon Books and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantabulously sunny five-star read. What I would give to be in the Sunset Suite in the Sunset Paradiso, I would even happily share just for a nice break. I am so in need!! All of the characters play a great part, they pull you in and wrap you into the story so hard you can feel the sun on your skin you get pulled so far into the story. This story will have you dreaming about holidays and would make the perfect summer read you could enjoy it in the sunshine while sipping a sangria or enjoy it in the rain and it will make you feel like you are sipping sangria in the sunshine. This story will capture you; you will feel Maya when she feels like nothing else could possibly go wrong, or right as the case may be. Maya can be a little annoying at times, as she is a little dry at first, until she gets used to the sunshine and starts to relax a little. Once you get into this story it will work its way into you heart and never leave.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good and cute, but I found Maya a bit annoying, and the narrative was a bit confusing/almost misleading in places. I feel like Maya is definitely neurodivergent, and the author missed a big opportunity to actually acknowledge that her behaviours have a lot to do with her personality, and not just her previous experiences. The way that Maya’s previous experience was written made me think that it was Alex that ghosted her, and the way he felt sort of guilty was strange and supported that version of the narrative. I feel like his transition from carefree to extremely attentive and emotionally adept was too quick for it to feel genuine and not just a plot point to move the story forward. Also, a lot of the descriptions of the settings were very overly done - I appreciated the detail about the places they visited in Palms, but at some points it became too repetitive and I just skimmed over it. I did enjoy the story overall but it’s not a book that I’ll be thinking about too much.

[Laura Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Accidental Holiday is a sweet and refreshing romance novel which captures the ‘proximity trope’ really well.
Maya is a cautious and slightly naive character who decides to splurge on a last minute, 5 star holiday. She’s read the reviews of the hotel, visited Trust Pilot and knows she’s got herself a great deal, waiting until midnight to ensure her salary hits her bank account before booking the night before she leaves.
Happy go lucky Alex needs to get out of London, fast. He feels betrayed by some good friends who were with him at his lowest and now feels completely on his own. Stumbling out of a disastrous party, he sees the same ad Maya did and clicks to book - at the exact same time.
Forced together for the duration of the holiday, the novel weaves its way through their back stories and how they ended up in Mallorca at the same hotel.
This was actually a very refreshing read as there was no gratuitous swearing or sex for the sake of it. Well done to Mimi Deb for creating likeable characters (Alex I liked straight away but Maya definitely grew on me) and a plot that was interesting enough to keep me turning pages. Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.