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The Holiday Honeymoon Switch
8 hours, 32 minutes
When doppelgänger best friends trade one’s cabin Christmas vacation for the other’s Hawaiian would’ve-been-honeymoon, both might just find love they weren’t expecting.
Holly Beech and Ivy Casey are bury-the-body besties. They’re so in sync, they even look alike. So when Holly’s fiancé jilts her, leaving her in shock and with a nonrefundable honeymoon, Holly convinces Ivy to switch places. Ivy will go on the Hawaiian honeymoon her best friend can’t bear to take alone, while Holly escapes to Ivy’s rented Hudson Valley cabin to binge-watch holiday movies and heal.
But Holly’s wallowing is interrupted when her rugged Airbnb host turns out to be her high school academic rival who’s had a major glow-up. Meanwhile, Ivy’s (now Hawaiian) annual solo art retreat is upended when Holly’s ex-fiancé checks into the honeymoon suite—with a new woman. Raging and bedless, the last thing Ivy expects is for the hot hotel bartender to come to her rescue. Against all odds, this Christmas might prove the most magical yet.
When doppelgänger best friends trade one’s cabin Christmas vacation for the other’s Hawaiian would’ve-been-honeymoon, both might just find love they weren’t expecting.
Holly Beech and Ivy Casey are bury-the-body besties. They’re so in sync, they even look alike. So when Holly’s fiancé jilts her, leaving her in shock and with a nonrefundable honeymoon, Holly convinces Ivy to switch places. Ivy will go on the Hawaiian honeymoon her best friend can’t bear to take alone, while Holly escapes to Ivy’s rented Hudson Valley cabin to binge-watch holiday movies and heal.
But Holly’s wallowing is interrupted when her rugged Airbnb host turns out to be her high school academic rival who’s had a major glow-up. Meanwhile, Ivy’s (now Hawaiian) annual solo art retreat is upended when Holly’s ex-fiancé checks into the honeymoon suite—with a new woman. Raging and bedless, the last thing Ivy expects is for the hot hotel bartender to come to her rescue. Against all odds, this Christmas might prove the most magical yet.
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First published September 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,701 reviews
May 27, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Julia McKay, and Penguin Group Putnam for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
What an adorably sweet Christmas rom-com that is perfect for the holiday season!! When a doppelgänger best friends swap a cozy Christmas cabin getaway for the other's sun soaked Hawaiian would-be honeymoon, they each stumble upon unexpected love in the most surprising places. Though romance blooms along the way, the heart of the story centers on the unshakeable bond between Holly and Ivy, whose strong friendship takes center stage amid the backdrop of their unexpected holiday adventures. I absolutely loved this cozy, feel-good holiday read and I highly recommend it!! 🩵🩵🩵🩵
What an adorably sweet Christmas rom-com that is perfect for the holiday season!! When a doppelgänger best friends swap a cozy Christmas cabin getaway for the other's sun soaked Hawaiian would-be honeymoon, they each stumble upon unexpected love in the most surprising places. Though romance blooms along the way, the heart of the story centers on the unshakeable bond between Holly and Ivy, whose strong friendship takes center stage amid the backdrop of their unexpected holiday adventures. I absolutely loved this cozy, feel-good holiday read and I highly recommend it!! 🩵🩵🩵🩵
November 22, 2024
3.5~
This was so wholesome!
I loved Aiden but Oliver was really cute too.
This was one of the better holiday books I read and it was a good time.
"You're definitely enough, Holly. You always have been."
“… you, with your artistic soul and your incredible talent, your strength, your heart, your casual sexiness, your beauty that comes from inside you, too…I feel like you’re exactly the person I’ve been looking for.” Now he kisses her, slowly, gently. “So, who says we’re falling for each other? Well, I’m falling for you. Hard. And I had to say that to you.
--------------------------------
When my sister recommends me a holiday book (something that I never thought would happen), I just have to drop everything else and read it.
This was so wholesome!
I loved Aiden but Oliver was really cute too.
This was one of the better holiday books I read and it was a good time.
"You're definitely enough, Holly. You always have been."
“… you, with your artistic soul and your incredible talent, your strength, your heart, your casual sexiness, your beauty that comes from inside you, too…I feel like you’re exactly the person I’ve been looking for.” Now he kisses her, slowly, gently. “So, who says we’re falling for each other? Well, I’m falling for you. Hard. And I had to say that to you.
--------------------------------
When my sister recommends me a holiday book (something that I never thought would happen), I just have to drop everything else and read it.
December 16, 2024
this book was so well written and paced! truly a refreshing read i needed
December 12, 2025
Meet cutes ❤️ holiday style 🎄
November 16, 2024
This had a promising start with its unique setup. Jilted by her fiancé, Holly swaps her Hawaiian honeymoon plans for Ivy’s secluded, wintry cabin in the Hudson Valley. Meanwhile, Ivy takes Holly’s place in Hawaii. The contrast in settings—balmy beaches vs cozy, snowy woods—was perfect, offering the best of both worlds.
I really liked the friendship between Holly and Ivy. Their bond felt so genuine and heartfelt. It was this relationship that kept me invested in the story. They were always there for each other, always ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice. It was sweet.
As you might expect, they each meet someone special during their travels. Splitting the focus between two couples is fun, but I felt there wasn’t enough depth here. The characters themselves were certainly likeable, but the insta-love was unbearable—especially in Holly's situation. She’d just been engaged, and within a week, she’s in love with someone new. It felt way too fast and unrealistic to me.
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, mild details)
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really liked the friendship between Holly and Ivy. Their bond felt so genuine and heartfelt. It was this relationship that kept me invested in the story. They were always there for each other, always ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice. It was sweet.
As you might expect, they each meet someone special during their travels. Splitting the focus between two couples is fun, but I felt there wasn’t enough depth here. The characters themselves were certainly likeable, but the insta-love was unbearable—especially in Holly's situation. She’d just been engaged, and within a week, she’s in love with someone new. It felt way too fast and unrealistic to me.
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, mild details)
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 26, 2024
couldn’t give less of a fuck if i tried
August 23, 2025
Here we meet Ivy and Holly whom some would say are each other's doppelganger. The night before her wedding, Holly's fiance calls off the wedding. Not wanting her non-refundable honeymoon to go to waste. She's convinces Ivy to swap vacations. While Holly takes Ivy ( art retreat) cabin in isolation. Ivy gets to have fun in the sun..in Hawaii! Along the way they discover what it's like to be loved and to take risks. This book definitely gives me Hallmark vibes. It was a charming and sweet holiday read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Julia Mckay for the copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and Julia Mckay for the copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 5, 2025
Holly and Ivy first met at a party years ago, and from that night on, they’ve been the kind of best friends who always show up for each other. Now, nearly a decade later, Holly is preparing to get married… until everything unravels at the last minute. With the wedding called off and both friends facing unexpected free time, they hatch a plan to swap trips: Holly takes Ivy’s quiet mountain getaway, while Ivy steps into Holly’s would-be honeymoon.
What follows is a story told in alternating perspectives as each woman faces heartbreak, new challenges, and the possibility of romance in the most unlikely of places. Ivy finds herself drawn to someone who pushes her to live a little more freely, while Holly meets someone who reminds her she’s stronger and more worthy than she realizes.
I’ll be honest… I struggled with this one. The third-person narration wasn’t my favorite, and I learned I much prefer a single love story over two happening side by side. I felt more invested in one couple, so whenever the chapters switched, my attention drifted. That said, the book was still a sweet, easy read with a fun premise. I’ve enjoyed Julia McKay’s writing before, but this one didn’t quite click with me the same way. 😔
One part I really, really loved was the friendship between Holly and Ivy. It was easily one of my favorite aspects of the book. No matter what else was going on, their support for one another shined through and gave the story a lot of heart. That was definitely the highlight of the story for me. 👏🏼
Overall it was charming and lighthearted, with a creative “honeymoon swap” setup, but not a standout for me personally.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
"And after the night I met you," Holly is
saying, "I had a soulmate best friend, too.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🎄 dual pov
✨ third person pov
🎄 ride or die besties
✨ dual romance
🎄 holiday romance theme
A huge thank you to Netgalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and Julia McKay for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
What follows is a story told in alternating perspectives as each woman faces heartbreak, new challenges, and the possibility of romance in the most unlikely of places. Ivy finds herself drawn to someone who pushes her to live a little more freely, while Holly meets someone who reminds her she’s stronger and more worthy than she realizes.
I’ll be honest… I struggled with this one. The third-person narration wasn’t my favorite, and I learned I much prefer a single love story over two happening side by side. I felt more invested in one couple, so whenever the chapters switched, my attention drifted. That said, the book was still a sweet, easy read with a fun premise. I’ve enjoyed Julia McKay’s writing before, but this one didn’t quite click with me the same way. 😔
One part I really, really loved was the friendship between Holly and Ivy. It was easily one of my favorite aspects of the book. No matter what else was going on, their support for one another shined through and gave the story a lot of heart. That was definitely the highlight of the story for me. 👏🏼
Overall it was charming and lighthearted, with a creative “honeymoon swap” setup, but not a standout for me personally.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
"And after the night I met you," Holly is
saying, "I had a soulmate best friend, too.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
🎄 dual pov
✨ third person pov
🎄 ride or die besties
✨ dual romance
🎄 holiday romance theme
A huge thank you to Netgalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and Julia McKay for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
December 6, 2024
the Holiday but with a Christmas cabin and a tropical Hawaiian retreat
December 30, 2024
Apparently I saved the best holiday book for last!! Loved it! Review to come
April 21, 2024
This book gave me all the holiday vibes! Seriously, best friends switching vacations and falling in love ugh it was so good! I loved Holly and Ivy’s friendship and how supportive they were of each other and of course who wouldn’t love Aiden and Oliver. This book was such a fun read. This would be the perfect read for Christmas time!
July 9, 2024
I was excited for this book based on the description but I was left wanting so much more out of it.
This book was heavy on the insta-love. Both female main characters meet guys who they fall in love with over a period of 9 days. Oh and one of them was JUST dumped the night before her wedding.
I really didn’t enjoy the writing style of this book. It was written in third person, but that wasn’t the issue. It lacked variety in sentence structure to the point where I felt like I was just reading a play-by-play description of what was happening rather than enjoying a book. You’d read four sentences in a row that started with “She” or the same character’s name. I’m certain there are better ways to express how someone is feeling than saying “She feels emotion when…”. It really felt like the writing wasn’t at the level it needed to be.
Thank you to Julia McKay, Putnam Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Holiday Honeymoon Switch comes out on October 8, 2024.
This book was heavy on the insta-love. Both female main characters meet guys who they fall in love with over a period of 9 days. Oh and one of them was JUST dumped the night before her wedding.
I really didn’t enjoy the writing style of this book. It was written in third person, but that wasn’t the issue. It lacked variety in sentence structure to the point where I felt like I was just reading a play-by-play description of what was happening rather than enjoying a book. You’d read four sentences in a row that started with “She” or the same character’s name. I’m certain there are better ways to express how someone is feeling than saying “She feels emotion when…”. It really felt like the writing wasn’t at the level it needed to be.
Thank you to Julia McKay, Putnam Books, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Holiday Honeymoon Switch comes out on October 8, 2024.
December 24, 2024
Review coming soon.
Read
November 1, 2024I only finished it because I didn’t had another book with me on the train and I wish I could save my eyes from reading all these cringe lines and insta love dovey stuff . My face will never return to its normal features cause the whole time I looked like this 🥴🥴
December 23, 2024
If a hallmark movie was a book
December 22, 2024
This was such a sweet holiday romance! I only limit myself to a few select holiday romance reads each year and I’m so glad this was one of them!
I loved the holiday swapping theme-think The Holiday vibes but instead of strangers, it’s best friends swapping vacations after one is left single on her wedding day. And regardless of whether you’d rather read a cozy, small town, more traditional snowy, cabin Christmas setting or a tropical beach, Hawaiian vacay Christmas setting, you’re covered with both here. I adored how picturesque both settings were. The two separate love stories were well thought out with their own unique attributes so as to not get confusing while switching between POVs and scenarios. And while I loved all of the above so much, my favorite part was the friendship between Holly and Ivy. It made this book all the more special as a holiday read. The romances did the genre justice and there was the perfect balance of spice in it for me.
Also if you’re an audiobook lover this one is narrated by one of my very favorites, Brittany Pressley! As usual she did an incredible job with her voice work making this particular set up of two couples plus the people around them, entirely unique and easy to differentiate! Overall this is a must read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy and wanting to hug your bestie!
•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 •
+ one love story is set in Kuaii, Hawaii
+ one love story is set in a Hudson Valley small town
+ strong female friendship
+ HS acquaintances to lovers/ it’s always been you trope
+ insta-infatuation turned friends to lovers
+ found family
+ two love stories
+ The Holiday vibes
+ themed of healing from heartbreak, pursuing your passion, and opening yourself up to new opportunities
+ open door spice but minimal details
+ cute moments: caves, glass beaches, waterfalls, a video rental store filled only with Christmas videos, eco cabin in the forest, river ice skating, Hawaiian Christmas tree lighting ceremony
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: October 8, 2024
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance • Christmas
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: Audiobook 🎧 (8h 33m)
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Brittany Pressley
@britpressley
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞: Solo
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★★ 𝟓
𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: I loved it!
✨Thank you so much @prhaudio @putnambooks for my #gifted ALC! 🎧
I loved the holiday swapping theme-think The Holiday vibes but instead of strangers, it’s best friends swapping vacations after one is left single on her wedding day. And regardless of whether you’d rather read a cozy, small town, more traditional snowy, cabin Christmas setting or a tropical beach, Hawaiian vacay Christmas setting, you’re covered with both here. I adored how picturesque both settings were. The two separate love stories were well thought out with their own unique attributes so as to not get confusing while switching between POVs and scenarios. And while I loved all of the above so much, my favorite part was the friendship between Holly and Ivy. It made this book all the more special as a holiday read. The romances did the genre justice and there was the perfect balance of spice in it for me.
Also if you’re an audiobook lover this one is narrated by one of my very favorites, Brittany Pressley! As usual she did an incredible job with her voice work making this particular set up of two couples plus the people around them, entirely unique and easy to differentiate! Overall this is a must read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy and wanting to hug your bestie!
•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 •
+ one love story is set in Kuaii, Hawaii
+ one love story is set in a Hudson Valley small town
+ strong female friendship
+ HS acquaintances to lovers/ it’s always been you trope
+ insta-infatuation turned friends to lovers
+ found family
+ two love stories
+ The Holiday vibes
+ themed of healing from heartbreak, pursuing your passion, and opening yourself up to new opportunities
+ open door spice but minimal details
+ cute moments: caves, glass beaches, waterfalls, a video rental store filled only with Christmas videos, eco cabin in the forest, river ice skating, Hawaiian Christmas tree lighting ceremony
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: October 8, 2024
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance • Christmas
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: Audiobook 🎧 (8h 33m)
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Brittany Pressley
@britpressley
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞: Solo
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★★ 𝟓
𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: I loved it!
✨Thank you so much @prhaudio @putnambooks for my #gifted ALC! 🎧
November 25, 2024
Two best friends, Holly and Ivy, swap holiday vacations in this latest Christmas romcom from one of my fav Canadian author, Marissa Stapley (writing as Julia McKay). I loved the dual POV, completely opposite holiday settings and the new chance at love romance storylines. Perfect for fans of Hallmark Holiday romcoms and anyone who is as big a fan of The holiday movie as I am (it's one I watch EVERY year). Great on audio narrated by my very fav, Brittany Pressley. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!!
December 15, 2024
Not just a fun little romance read - reminiscent of the Holiday film, but an incredible story of friendship and how friends really are the pillars of our lives ❤️
December 23, 2024
Don’t be deterred by the title. This is a new author to me but definitely reminded me of Christina Lauren, Emily Henry, or Abby Jimenez. A perfect romance to read in December. Better than a Hallmark movie, I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day.
July 2, 2024
Not going to lie, Holly AND Ivy are my absolute favorites. They're so much alike, yet different. I loved how hardcore of besties they were. I literally hate Holly's ex. I loved how both switched their trips with one another and everything that ensued following that. I loved the "happenstance" moments as well. Plus, Aiden is literally dreamy 😍 This was a cute twist on the typical holiday reads. I truly enjoyed reading this. It gave me all of the feels. The ending also didn't disappoint me. A wonderful "Christmas in July" read for me as Holly went to Hawaii! Lol so I loved the mixture of the two opposite weather in the holiday season.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and GP Putnam's Sons to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and GP Putnam's Sons to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
September 5, 2024
I enjoyed the premise of this book and I felt the author did an exceptional job of executing the story and pacing the dual storylines.
I will say that one of the storylines was more appealing to me than the other, but both were well-developed. I appreciate the journey both of the FMCs went through and the secondary characters that added to their found family.
On the other side, the “third act conflicts” felt a little forced and unnecessary even though I get why it was included. Also……. MATT FREAKING SUCKS!!!! 😂
Thank you NetGalley, Putnam, and Julia Mckay for allowing me to review this ARC and offer my honest review. 🧚
I will say that one of the storylines was more appealing to me than the other, but both were well-developed. I appreciate the journey both of the FMCs went through and the secondary characters that added to their found family.
On the other side, the “third act conflicts” felt a little forced and unnecessary even though I get why it was included. Also……. MATT FREAKING SUCKS!!!! 😂
Thank you NetGalley, Putnam, and Julia Mckay for allowing me to review this ARC and offer my honest review. 🧚
December 10, 2024
This book was frustrating at best. Annoying characters, horrible plot, hardly any Christmas spirit. This was not the book I was looking for!
January 8, 2025
Are you looking for a holiday read with Hallmark vibes and a touch of spice? Then look no further because Julia McKay has got you with The Holiday Honeymoon Switch! I loved the friendship between Holly and Ivy most of all, and it is always refreshing to see a strong female bond in any book, but especially a rom-com. They had their own little meet cute that was absolutely adorable, and I found myself wishing I had an instant bestie sitch like this. The romances are both equally on point with Holly finding someone from her past in Hudson Valley and Ivy meeting someone new in Hawaii. I loved the variation the two different locations gave me as well and I loved the two besties POVs equally.
The audiobook is delightful as well with the fabulous Brittany Pressley voicing both characters. I do wish we would have had another female narrator to add a bit of differentiation between voices but since Pressley is one of my top 5 favorite narrators, this didn’t bother me as much as it could have. I would definitely recommend the audiobook but I’m sure reading would be good as well! I hadn’t realized that McKay was the pen name for Marissa Stapley who also writes under the pen name Maggie Knox, but I had a feeling this wasn’t a debut, and I love her, so it makes sense. I loved everything about this breezy read that is packed to the brim with sweetness!
Read this if you enjoy rom-coms with a focus on friendship, a holiday read that isn’t too in your face about it, and plenty of insta-love!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The audiobook is delightful as well with the fabulous Brittany Pressley voicing both characters. I do wish we would have had another female narrator to add a bit of differentiation between voices but since Pressley is one of my top 5 favorite narrators, this didn’t bother me as much as it could have. I would definitely recommend the audiobook but I’m sure reading would be good as well! I hadn’t realized that McKay was the pen name for Marissa Stapley who also writes under the pen name Maggie Knox, but I had a feeling this wasn’t a debut, and I love her, so it makes sense. I loved everything about this breezy read that is packed to the brim with sweetness!
Read this if you enjoy rom-coms with a focus on friendship, a holiday read that isn’t too in your face about it, and plenty of insta-love!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 27, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up because of that absolutely adorable cover ❤️
As soon as I heard about this book coming out, I was super excited to read it! Between the festive names of the characters (Holly and Ivy!), the swapping lives plotline, and Christmas feels (both tropical and wintry), this sounded absolutely adorable.
This story follows Holly and Ivy, inseparable best friends, swapping lives for Christmas. When Holly’s fiancé breaks up with her just before the wedding, Ivy goes to Hawaii for Holly’s honeymoon and Holly takes Ivy’s off-the-grid art retreat. Of course, there are romances for both of them that develop.
This was really cute. I liked the Christmas traditions in both locations, particularly Ivy in Hawaii. I loved Santa and Mrs Claus arriving on a boat pulled by dolphins! All of the tropical traditions were interesting and fun to read about. I also loved Holly’s small town Christmas. That town sounded absolutely adorable!
While there are definitely romances, at its core, this book is about female friendship and I loved that so much! Holly and Ivy were great friends and had many inside jokes and such.
However, there were a couple of things that missed the mark a bit for me. First off, it’s a personal preference of mine, but I am not a fan of the third person present tense. I find that it makes it more difficult for me to connect with the story, so that detracted a bit. I also found the steamy scenes a little out of place in what had been a very cute read up until that point. In general, I prefer my Christmas reads to be on the cleaner/sweeter end, but again, that is my personal preference. Overall this is definitely one I’d recommend!
As soon as I heard about this book coming out, I was super excited to read it! Between the festive names of the characters (Holly and Ivy!), the swapping lives plotline, and Christmas feels (both tropical and wintry), this sounded absolutely adorable.
This story follows Holly and Ivy, inseparable best friends, swapping lives for Christmas. When Holly’s fiancé breaks up with her just before the wedding, Ivy goes to Hawaii for Holly’s honeymoon and Holly takes Ivy’s off-the-grid art retreat. Of course, there are romances for both of them that develop.
This was really cute. I liked the Christmas traditions in both locations, particularly Ivy in Hawaii. I loved Santa and Mrs Claus arriving on a boat pulled by dolphins! All of the tropical traditions were interesting and fun to read about. I also loved Holly’s small town Christmas. That town sounded absolutely adorable!
While there are definitely romances, at its core, this book is about female friendship and I loved that so much! Holly and Ivy were great friends and had many inside jokes and such.
However, there were a couple of things that missed the mark a bit for me. First off, it’s a personal preference of mine, but I am not a fan of the third person present tense. I find that it makes it more difficult for me to connect with the story, so that detracted a bit. I also found the steamy scenes a little out of place in what had been a very cute read up until that point. In general, I prefer my Christmas reads to be on the cleaner/sweeter end, but again, that is my personal preference. Overall this is definitely one I’d recommend!
October 17, 2024
This was such a cute book! I really enjoyed it. The dual storyline and locations are so fun! Two best friends, Holy and Ivy, switch vacations after life took a u-turn.
Read if you like:
🌊Vacation reads
❄️Dual storyline
🌊Best friends
❄️Holiday
🌊Secret past love
❄️He falls first
I highly recommend this quick and sweet read for the holiday!
Thank you to NetGalley and Julia McKay for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read if you like:
🌊Vacation reads
❄️Dual storyline
🌊Best friends
❄️Holiday
🌊Secret past love
❄️He falls first
I highly recommend this quick and sweet read for the holiday!
Thank you to NetGalley and Julia McKay for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2024
such a cute and fun holiday book!!!
i loved getting to know both Holly and Ivy’s characters while watching their stories unfold. originally i was nervous about keeping up with two different stories at the same time, but the writing was super fun and easy to read!!!
read if you like:
-best friends
-dual pov
-third person
-holiday romance
-vacation romance
thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Putnam Group for the arc!!!
i loved getting to know both Holly and Ivy’s characters while watching their stories unfold. originally i was nervous about keeping up with two different stories at the same time, but the writing was super fun and easy to read!!!
read if you like:
-best friends
-dual pov
-third person
-holiday romance
-vacation romance
thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Putnam Group for the arc!!!
December 19, 2024
this whole story could have been airlifted and put in any other time of year. ZERO CHRISTMAS VIBES.
December 27, 2024
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch
Author: Julia McKay
Holiday Romcom
The holiday season is unfortunately coming to an end, and I’m filled with a wave of depression at this. I have a few last minute holiday romance reviews if anyone is wanting to try and keep the holiday spirit alive, or add any of these to next years TBR. This one was perfect to wrap up the season. Two best friends that look alike end up swapping Christmas vacations when one of their fiancés calls off their wedding. Holly is devastated at this news, but convinces her best friend Ivy to still go on her all expenses paid for honeymoon trip to Hawaii. Ivy reluctantly agrees, but insists that Holly goes on her trip to her remote cabin in her place too. Of course, nothing goes as planned from the beginning. Ivy runs into Holly’s ex also on the trip with his new girlfriend… and Holly runs into her high school nemesis.. Ivy now has nowhere to go, but she ends up being offered to stay with the hot bartender she met at the hotel. This book was full of so much emotion, mixed with the perfect amount of humor I absolutely adored it. I love destination books where they go on trips because then I feel like I am going on one too. It made me laugh out loud several times. I loved all of the characters, and for me it was the perfect amount of cheesy holiday romance, with good ass story. Love reading books that take place in Hawaii, my home. I hope I convinced someone to read 🎅🌺
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch
Author: Julia McKay
Holiday Romcom
The holiday season is unfortunately coming to an end, and I’m filled with a wave of depression at this. I have a few last minute holiday romance reviews if anyone is wanting to try and keep the holiday spirit alive, or add any of these to next years TBR. This one was perfect to wrap up the season. Two best friends that look alike end up swapping Christmas vacations when one of their fiancés calls off their wedding. Holly is devastated at this news, but convinces her best friend Ivy to still go on her all expenses paid for honeymoon trip to Hawaii. Ivy reluctantly agrees, but insists that Holly goes on her trip to her remote cabin in her place too. Of course, nothing goes as planned from the beginning. Ivy runs into Holly’s ex also on the trip with his new girlfriend… and Holly runs into her high school nemesis.. Ivy now has nowhere to go, but she ends up being offered to stay with the hot bartender she met at the hotel. This book was full of so much emotion, mixed with the perfect amount of humor I absolutely adored it. I love destination books where they go on trips because then I feel like I am going on one too. It made me laugh out loud several times. I loved all of the characters, and for me it was the perfect amount of cheesy holiday romance, with good ass story. Love reading books that take place in Hawaii, my home. I hope I convinced someone to read 🎅🌺
October 7, 2024
Hopeful, romantic, and cosy!
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch is a fresh, uplifting tale that takes us into the lives of both Holly Beech, a young woman who after recently being left at the alter heads to a cabin in the Hudson Valley to regroup and heal, and Ivy Casey, her talented best friend who, after giving up her planned painting retreat, heads to Kauai on the honeymoon that should have been to rest, relax, and perhaps paint more than just the beautiful scenery.
The prose is light and witty. The characters are sweet, attentive, and sympathetic. And the plot is a delightful mix of life, love, family, introspection, support, drama, merry preparations, taking chances, new beginnings, and the power of friendship.
Overall, The Holiday Honeymoon Switch is an amusing, festive, adorable treat by McKay that is brimming with sweet romance, idyllic locales, relationship drama, and a whole lot of holiday cheer.
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch is a fresh, uplifting tale that takes us into the lives of both Holly Beech, a young woman who after recently being left at the alter heads to a cabin in the Hudson Valley to regroup and heal, and Ivy Casey, her talented best friend who, after giving up her planned painting retreat, heads to Kauai on the honeymoon that should have been to rest, relax, and perhaps paint more than just the beautiful scenery.
The prose is light and witty. The characters are sweet, attentive, and sympathetic. And the plot is a delightful mix of life, love, family, introspection, support, drama, merry preparations, taking chances, new beginnings, and the power of friendship.
Overall, The Holiday Honeymoon Switch is an amusing, festive, adorable treat by McKay that is brimming with sweet romance, idyllic locales, relationship drama, and a whole lot of holiday cheer.
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