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The Holiday Ex-Files
Once upon a time people called me the holiday queen. But catching my husband under the Christmas tree with another woman kind of did something to me. Like make me digitally crop him out of all our wedding photos and post them online. Who knew that post would go viral? Thanks to all the requests I received to do the same for other jilted partners, I started a new business called, the Holiday Ex-Files. And I couldn’t be happier. Well . . . at least I’m not unhappy.
Then along comes my ex-husband’s best friend, Noah Cullen. Yep, like the vampires. He’s extremely gorgeous like them too. He has a plan to help me believe in the magic of holidays again. But the more I’m around him, I begin to think he’s the magical one, and that perhaps I picked the wrong best friend to begin with. Maybe, just maybe, it will be a very merry Christmas after all.
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming holiday rom-com, perfect for any season, by USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel.
Then along comes my ex-husband’s best friend, Noah Cullen. Yep, like the vampires. He’s extremely gorgeous like them too. He has a plan to help me believe in the magic of holidays again. But the more I’m around him, I begin to think he’s the magical one, and that perhaps I picked the wrong best friend to begin with. Maybe, just maybe, it will be a very merry Christmas after all.
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming holiday rom-com, perfect for any season, by USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel.
310 pages, Audiobook
First published October 22, 2021
705 people are currently reading
5714 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
63 books1,362 followersJennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 598 reviews
December 11, 2022
I promise I'm trying to be gentle here.
Loved the idea of falling for the ex husband's best friend. I don't think I've ever read that before. It started off well but soon the Twilight and Harry Potter references started to grow old. The humor fell flat for me pretty quickly.
The characters Cami and Noah Cullen *suppresses laughter* anyway, they did nothing for me. The chemistry was kinda meh. Noah was there but less sparkly. But the worst was Cami, whose whole personality is just running a blog or whatever that was. I skimmed through okay?! So don't ask me any specific questions 🙈
It really wasn't for me, but might work for others.
I'm just hopeful my girl Cara doesn't see this review 👀🙈😂
Loved the idea of falling for the ex husband's best friend. I don't think I've ever read that before. It started off well but soon the Twilight and Harry Potter references started to grow old. The humor fell flat for me pretty quickly.
The characters Cami and Noah Cullen *suppresses laughter* anyway, they did nothing for me. The chemistry was kinda meh. Noah was there but less sparkly. But the worst was Cami, whose whole personality is just running a blog or whatever that was. I skimmed through okay?! So don't ask me any specific questions 🙈
It really wasn't for me, but might work for others.
I'm just hopeful my girl Cara doesn't see this review 👀🙈😂
December 8, 2021
So. Much. Cheese.
I just couldn't with this book. The heroine, burned by a cheater ex-husband, was oblivious to what was smacking her in the face (I think it was the above cheese fish*) and the hero was unrealistically patient and way too coy about his desire to start a relationship with his best friend's ex-wife. Or maybe it was ex-best friend?
The setup: Cami comes home early one day and catches her husband in the act with another woman under their Christmas tree (part of the reason she now can't stand Christmas). She photoshops their wedding pictures to crop him out and then posts them online. It's such a hit that she's now made a business out of doing it for other women, along with cautionary blog posts about never getting involved with men. Stay single!! Too bad for Cami that Noah Cullen is waiting to upend those plans.
I winced every time the the heroine had an inner debate with her giddy (but also wiser!) alter ego, Miss Sparkly, about the merits of falling in love, #NotAllMen, the joy of Christmas, living life to its fullest, etc. I never want to see the word "sparkly" again.
It's a very cutesy and squeaky clean contemporary romance, so if that's your jam and you adore cuteness in your chick lit, have at it! I breezed through it as quickly as possible (okay, skimmed is probably the better word for the last half) and returned it to Kindle Unlimited as soon as I finished.
* aka Guineafowl pufferfish (the yellow variant, obvs.)
I just couldn't with this book. The heroine, burned by a cheater ex-husband, was oblivious to what was smacking her in the face (I think it was the above cheese fish*) and the hero was unrealistically patient and way too coy about his desire to start a relationship with his best friend's ex-wife. Or maybe it was ex-best friend?
The setup: Cami comes home early one day and catches her husband in the act with another woman under their Christmas tree (part of the reason she now can't stand Christmas). She photoshops their wedding pictures to crop him out and then posts them online. It's such a hit that she's now made a business out of doing it for other women, along with cautionary blog posts about never getting involved with men. Stay single!! Too bad for Cami that Noah Cullen is waiting to upend those plans.
I winced every time the the heroine had an inner debate with her giddy (but also wiser!) alter ego, Miss Sparkly, about the merits of falling in love, #NotAllMen, the joy of Christmas, living life to its fullest, etc. I never want to see the word "sparkly" again.
It's a very cutesy and squeaky clean contemporary romance, so if that's your jam and you adore cuteness in your chick lit, have at it! I breezed through it as quickly as possible (okay, skimmed is probably the better word for the last half) and returned it to Kindle Unlimited as soon as I finished.
* aka Guineafowl pufferfish (the yellow variant, obvs.)
October 29, 2022
This is a sweet (though sometimes cheesy) story about family and new beginnings. The focus is Cami's journey after her divorce, and the way she helps others along the way. Cami and Noah are likable characters, perfect for this friends-to-lovers story.
If you enjoy seasonal reads, you'll be happy to know this story takes place during fall 🍂, Christmas 🎄, and other holidays as well. Based on the cover and blurb I'd expected a Christmassy story, but most of the story takes place during fall. Overall, I think this story would be fun to read any time of the year.
3.5 rounded up
If you enjoy seasonal reads, you'll be happy to know this story takes place during fall 🍂, Christmas 🎄, and other holidays as well. Based on the cover and blurb I'd expected a Christmassy story, but most of the story takes place during fall. Overall, I think this story would be fun to read any time of the year.
3.5 rounded up
December 12, 2022
Cami Jenkins is in the "Bah, humbug!" camp when it comes to the C-word. She does not want to see decorations, buy gifts, watch the seasonal Hallmark movies, and especially not put up a tree. Her ex-husband was unfaithful underneath their tree and she cannot separate his betrayal from the holiday. Not only that, but she is an influencer with a social media account called "The Ex-files" with inspirational posts for singles like her and has a successful business that photoshops your ex out of your photos for you. Cami has it all figured out -- or at least she thinks she does. She didn't plan on the adorable Noah Cullen working his way back into her life despite being her ex-husband's best friend. Can he bring the "Ho, ho, ho" to Cami's holiday outlook? This slow burn romance will warm your heart for the holidays. There was a little too much of Miss Sparkly for me, but loved the HEA ending!
December 8, 2023
I don't like to be a Grinch and hate on a holiday book 🙈 but this one was bad. I-can-hardly-believe-I-finished-reading-it bad. Spoilers ahead.
Cami Jenkins can't stand Christmas anymore, ever since she found her husband cheating around that time. After that she created a name for herself through a blog where she offers her services to crop out people's exes out of pictures.
So far so good, I thought the story had potential. But then along comes Noah, her ex-husband's best friend who is her main client, coming to her with pictures to edit, well, basically every week with another girl. Cami always found him attractive and a nice guy, but she only ever had eyes for his bf Ben who she'd end up marrying and later divorcing. Anyhoo, Noah keeps showing up with these girls to crop out of pictures and Cami starts asking questions. He then tells her that he is actually in love already and knows who the girl is that he's going to marry. He starts dropping hint after obvious hint that she's that girl, but she is oblivious about it. That became so damn annoying and frustrating, that it wasn't even funny anymore 😕 he has all but told her HER name, but she is convinced it's this other girl Anika. All this silly banter made the whole story feel immature somehow. I literally screamed at Cami a bunch of times and would have loved to shake some sense into her 🤦♀️😂
So yeah, that's the gist of it... but I want to mention one more thing - this is not a very christmasy story, as it only has a few holiday related moments thoughout.
also, trigger warning: a couple of mentions of miscarriage
Cami Jenkins can't stand Christmas anymore, ever since she found her husband cheating around that time. After that she created a name for herself through a blog where she offers her services to crop out people's exes out of pictures.
So far so good, I thought the story had potential. But then along comes Noah, her ex-husband's best friend who is her main client, coming to her with pictures to edit, well, basically every week with another girl. Cami always found him attractive and a nice guy, but she only ever had eyes for his bf Ben who she'd end up marrying and later divorcing. Anyhoo, Noah keeps showing up with these girls to crop out of pictures and Cami starts asking questions. He then tells her that he is actually in love already and knows who the girl is that he's going to marry. He starts dropping hint after obvious hint that she's that girl, but she is oblivious about it. That became so damn annoying and frustrating, that it wasn't even funny anymore 😕 he has all but told her HER name, but she is convinced it's this other girl Anika. All this silly banter made the whole story feel immature somehow. I literally screamed at Cami a bunch of times and would have loved to shake some sense into her 🤦♀️😂
So yeah, that's the gist of it... but I want to mention one more thing - this is not a very christmasy story, as it only has a few holiday related moments thoughout.
also, trigger warning: a couple of mentions of miscarriage
December 10, 2022
This was a solid 2.5 stars
I liked it but I didn't loved it.
“Those who are fearless aren’t that way because they’ve never been scared. It’s because they’ve stood in the face of fear and didn’t back down.”
A feel good holiday romance, despite all the cheesiness the story was good! It was more about finding yourself and healing from the trauma.
Cami is a Christmas queen she was a sparkle of life. She was a sass had an electric personality. But it all went down one day when on the Christmas day she found her husband fucking another women(whose name is Claudia cann💀)
And literally she is an influencer💀 her motto is
if Claudia Cann you can too 😭 interesting but no
Ever since then she hated the word Christmas as she says in book a C word. She doesn't watch any movies. She never do all those Christmas things, after that day. 😞
Noah Cullen is Cami's husbands best friend. AKA her best friend too. The three of them became best friend since high school and from the first day Noah fell in love with her but Cami chose Ben instead (who looks just like barbie's ben💀).
Noah was such a charming, sweet and handsome. The amount of patience this man got *salutes*. Cz this man waited for her all those years like... he was giving too many hints in the end and she couldn't be more dumb☺. She pushed him far through the book until the last couple of chapters... talk abt slow burn.
Cami's inner voice Miss sparkle was annoying alot of times!!!. And somethings were repeated in this book which I didn't liked! Also I needed more from Noah to like him more 😬
The book was too long for my liking it could been cut short imo. It's a very cutesy and squeaky clean contemporary romance. Honestly I skimmed through the second half😬😬
Ben's sister I forgot her name she was amazing 😂 I need her in my life.
And Ben can fuck himself or that Claudia 😐 I hate him sm
The step Cami took towards Ben's mother was👏👏👏 cz I think alot of women goes through that and alot of times it is not addressed well enough or sometimes it doesn't.
Sorry Cara I know you loved this book but I couldn't with Cami.😑 Although there were parts I liked it and it was fun!! 😘💝
I liked it but I didn't loved it.
“Those who are fearless aren’t that way because they’ve never been scared. It’s because they’ve stood in the face of fear and didn’t back down.”
A feel good holiday romance, despite all the cheesiness the story was good! It was more about finding yourself and healing from the trauma.
Cami is a Christmas queen she was a sparkle of life. She was a sass had an electric personality. But it all went down one day when on the Christmas day she found her husband fucking another women(whose name is Claudia cann💀)
And literally she is an influencer💀 her motto is
if Claudia Cann you can too 😭 interesting but no
Ever since then she hated the word Christmas as she says in book a C word. She doesn't watch any movies. She never do all those Christmas things, after that day. 😞
Noah Cullen is Cami's husbands best friend. AKA her best friend too. The three of them became best friend since high school and from the first day Noah fell in love with her but Cami chose Ben instead (who looks just like barbie's ben💀).
Noah was such a charming, sweet and handsome. The amount of patience this man got *salutes*. Cz this man waited for her all those years like... he was giving too many hints in the end and she couldn't be more dumb☺. She pushed him far through the book until the last couple of chapters... talk abt slow burn.
Cami's inner voice Miss sparkle was annoying alot of times!!!. And somethings were repeated in this book which I didn't liked! Also I needed more from Noah to like him more 😬
The book was too long for my liking it could been cut short imo. It's a very cutesy and squeaky clean contemporary romance. Honestly I skimmed through the second half😬😬
Ben's sister I forgot her name she was amazing 😂 I need her in my life.
And Ben can fuck himself or that Claudia 😐 I hate him sm
The step Cami took towards Ben's mother was👏👏👏 cz I think alot of women goes through that and alot of times it is not addressed well enough or sometimes it doesn't.
Sorry Cara I know you loved this book but I couldn't with Cami.😑 Although there were parts I liked it and it was fun!! 😘💝
October 29, 2021
2 VERY generous stars. I really don't know why I bothered to finish this. I thought the general idea for the story was good and there were occasionally some cute moments, but the execution really didn't work for me. It was very cringey and very cheesy. The very worst part of it for me was that the main character developed some sort of second personality in her mind she nicknamed Miss Sparkly that she argues with all the time. Plus "Miss Sparkly" was the former version of herself that she was trying to get back to and I can't imagine why anyone would would want anything to do with her. Poor Noah could have done so much better than her.
December 6, 2021
Loved the humor and heart in this fun read for the holidays! It was nice to see Cami come back to herself after the trauma she endured. A perfect balance of depth, witty banter, swoony romance, and hilarious scenarios!
October 3, 2021
If I could give hearts with my star ratings I totally would. *Happy, Happy Sigh* Y'all this book is just perfection! I honestly can't tell you how much fun I had while reading this book. I turned off the lights and had on my lamp, a soft crackling fire with piano Christmas music in the background and snuggled up in my comfy blanket. All that was missing was a big ol' mug of hot cocoa and lightly falling snow outside my window. Best way to read this book. I promise! The ambiance enhanced the charm of Cami and Noah's story. I'm not sure that Cami would agree with me for the first half of the book but, you know, she couldn't speak through the pages to tell me otherwise. Which is probably a really good thing because she would probably have told me that I needed to go sit outside on my deck in the sunshine in shorts and a t-shirt. You'll have to read her story to understand her thought process. ;-)
I am happy to tell you that there are two super cute dogs in this book. They had me giggling and smiling. Everybody needs a dog (you too Mara)! And your dog needs a friend like Noah because he's just so patient and loving. Trust me on this one (and read the book)!
Cami, oh Cami. I just feel for her. Her reasons are her own and aren't fully explained right away. But don't worry, everything is explained in the right timing. I had some guesses but couldn't say for sure until Cami started opening up and revealing more of herself and her pain and reasons. Oh girl, I'm with your dad, you need to find yourself. Trust yourself and trust that everything is going to be ok. You're just still hurting but if you give yourself time, you'll find your way.
Cami is such a fun character, even with her heartache. She is super witty and snarky and sparkly and loving, and hurting. Oh how I love her!!! You are seriously going to laugh. Her inner voice gets let lose and boy oh boy does she have some things to tell Cami. My family kept giving me looks while I was reading and laughing out loud (many times mind you)! Honestly, from the first page I laughed and giggled. Cami is one of those characters that you just can't help but to cheer for and feel like she's your best friend.
Speaking of best friend, I know someone else who wants to be Cami's best friend. Noah. *sigh* Yeah, he's pretty wonderful. Definitely best guy-friend material for sure! I would love to tell you so many things about Noah but I'm afraid if I do then I'll spoil something and this story is much too good to spoil. You need to savor it from beginning to end. You'll be ready to deck the halls with all of your Christmas decorations, go caroling, listen to Christmas music and have lots of inner sparkle.
You'll want to mark your calendars and clear your schedules because I can guarantee you are going to want to snuggle up with your favorite blanket, this book and be ready for your heart to be filled with sparkle, snark and laughter!
Content: Some mild swearing, mild innuendos, nothing more than kissing. Spoiler tag for some triggers.
I received a review copy from the author but will be purchasing my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I am happy to tell you that there are two super cute dogs in this book. They had me giggling and smiling. Everybody needs a dog (you too Mara)! And your dog needs a friend like Noah because he's just so patient and loving. Trust me on this one (and read the book)!
Cami, oh Cami. I just feel for her. Her reasons are her own and aren't fully explained right away. But don't worry, everything is explained in the right timing. I had some guesses but couldn't say for sure until Cami started opening up and revealing more of herself and her pain and reasons. Oh girl, I'm with your dad, you need to find yourself. Trust yourself and trust that everything is going to be ok. You're just still hurting but if you give yourself time, you'll find your way.
Cami is such a fun character, even with her heartache. She is super witty and snarky and sparkly and loving, and hurting. Oh how I love her!!! You are seriously going to laugh. Her inner voice gets let lose and boy oh boy does she have some things to tell Cami. My family kept giving me looks while I was reading and laughing out loud (many times mind you)! Honestly, from the first page I laughed and giggled. Cami is one of those characters that you just can't help but to cheer for and feel like she's your best friend.
Speaking of best friend, I know someone else who wants to be Cami's best friend. Noah. *sigh* Yeah, he's pretty wonderful. Definitely best guy-friend material for sure! I would love to tell you so many things about Noah but I'm afraid if I do then I'll spoil something and this story is much too good to spoil. You need to savor it from beginning to end. You'll be ready to deck the halls with all of your Christmas decorations, go caroling, listen to Christmas music and have lots of inner sparkle.
You'll want to mark your calendars and clear your schedules because I can guarantee you are going to want to snuggle up with your favorite blanket, this book and be ready for your heart to be filled with sparkle, snark and laughter!
Content: Some mild swearing, mild innuendos, nothing more than kissing. Spoiler tag for some triggers.
I received a review copy from the author but will be purchasing my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
October 28, 2021
This was a really sweet friends-to-lovers romance. And it had the added tension of Noah being the best friend of Cami’s ex-husband! It was a great mix.
I wouldn’t consider it a holiday romance, though. After finding her husband cheating under the Christmas tree, Cami has a permanent distaste for Christmas, yes, but the majority of the story is actually set in the fall.
Secretly pinning after Cami for years, Noah was such a gentle soul. With Cami being completely vulnerable to the idea of love, it was absolutely heartwarming to witness Noah allowing Cami to choose him at her own pace.
Some word choices and details within the story were repetitive, which hindered my enjoyment a tad (and the fact that I expected a holiday-filled romance), but this was still fun!
I wouldn’t consider it a holiday romance, though. After finding her husband cheating under the Christmas tree, Cami has a permanent distaste for Christmas, yes, but the majority of the story is actually set in the fall.
Secretly pinning after Cami for years, Noah was such a gentle soul. With Cami being completely vulnerable to the idea of love, it was absolutely heartwarming to witness Noah allowing Cami to choose him at her own pace.
Some word choices and details within the story were repetitive, which hindered my enjoyment a tad (and the fact that I expected a holiday-filled romance), but this was still fun!
December 31, 2021
Listen as much as this book was a holiday romance book, it was also about finding yourself and healing from past trauma. I absolutely adored it and Cami & Noah have my heart! 💛
September 28, 2021
You guys. I just had THE BEST day of reading. And man, did I need it today.
Where should I start? With the saint, Noah? Or Cami and her alter ego Sparkles? (I know, but man, Sparkles is so much fun) Okay, we're going to start with Cami. 😂 Poor Cami went through some stuff. She lost her sparkle. BUT, that sparkle is starting to find her voice again. She's like Tinkerbell, raining down sparkles on Cami. Cami tries to shake them off but you know how sparkles are, they stick and are hard to shake off. Little by little Cami becomes more sparkly and it's an awesome things to witness. Frustrating, but awesome too.
My inner snark was so entertained by Cami's (Sparkles) snark.
Enter Noah. The Saint. Saint Noah with endless patience. He's the coolest. I love how he loves Cami in all ways and always, always encourages her to be her true self. Noah is worthy of my biggest romantic sighs.
This book had everything I love. It was singing to my sweet spot. Entertainment, emotion, chemistry and LOVE. It just doesn't get any better than that.
Content: mild swearing, kissing, mild innuendo. Triggers: miscarriage, adultery.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Where should I start? With the saint, Noah? Or Cami and her alter ego Sparkles? (I know, but man, Sparkles is so much fun) Okay, we're going to start with Cami. 😂 Poor Cami went through some stuff. She lost her sparkle. BUT, that sparkle is starting to find her voice again. She's like Tinkerbell, raining down sparkles on Cami. Cami tries to shake them off but you know how sparkles are, they stick and are hard to shake off. Little by little Cami becomes more sparkly and it's an awesome things to witness. Frustrating, but awesome too.
My inner snark was so entertained by Cami's (Sparkles) snark.
Enter Noah. The Saint. Saint Noah with endless patience. He's the coolest. I love how he loves Cami in all ways and always, always encourages her to be her true self. Noah is worthy of my biggest romantic sighs.
This book had everything I love. It was singing to my sweet spot. Entertainment, emotion, chemistry and LOVE. It just doesn't get any better than that.
Content: mild swearing, kissing, mild innuendo. Triggers: miscarriage, adultery.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 23, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ - so much cheesy, holiday romance but I loved me some Noah and hey, I’m not embarrassed to admit - I love cheese. 😉
November 17, 2021
The first chapter of this story does a fantastic job of letting you know exactly what kind of book you're getting into. In that, Noah, the romantic interest in this novel, was so obvious with his intentions when he was introduced and I think he was trying to be subtle about it, but he wasn't.
So when the lead character shows exactly how oblivious she is to his VERY blatant methods to get her attention?
The book lost me.
And that was just the first chapter.
Everything after that just snowballed into a mess of utter proportions. From what I can remember, I had issues with:
I could go on, but at the end of the day, I just didn't like how the plot went down and I really didn't like any of the characters.
So call me a Grinch, but this was too Hallmark for me.
So when the lead character shows exactly how oblivious she is to his VERY blatant methods to get her attention?
The book lost me.
And that was just the first chapter.
Everything after that just snowballed into a mess of utter proportions. From what I can remember, I had issues with:
1. The fact that the lead character was supposedly in love with Christmas but because she caught her ex fucking an influencer underneath her Christmas tree, she can't even entertain the word in her vocabulary or anyone else's anymore. Which is a choice. Did I ever get the feeling that she was all that passionate about the holiday in the first place? Nope. And the use of the C-word, which was how she referred to Christmas throughout the novel? Not for me.
2. The ? Wasn't about how that was handled or introduced out of nowhere.
3. Noah. He was, to put it simply, annoying. But then again, so was Cami. They say love is patient and love is kind, but Noah was too much of all of that and I was not a fan. And Cami had way too many internal monologues with the voices in her head, and that's not even considering the fact that she named said voices on top of that.
I could go on, but at the end of the day, I just didn't like how the plot went down and I really didn't like any of the characters.
So call me a Grinch, but this was too Hallmark for me.
August 15, 2024
More of a 3.5 stars but imma give that extra point to Noah because he for real carried this book.
This intrigued me because divorcing your husband after you caught him doing the hanky panky in your house under the Christmas tree while you surprised visit him and ends up with you getting a surprise then you learning to heal and move on and also falling slowly in love with your ex-husband’s best friend…hello?? That’s a good premise no matter what.
The book was just too slooooow for me, I get that Cami did not fall out of love immediately with her ex but it’s too slow for my liking because come on! He cheated! He’s a trash. Or maybe I’m just too used to Jordan Silver’s FMCs where the falling out of love with cheating spouses is instantaneous 🤣
Anyways, Noah was so perfect and understanding, him giving her the space to process her feelings while also being pushy at the right times. The pure definition of “it’s always been you”.
I thought I would be weirder out by the Ms. Sparkly alter personality of Cami but surprisingly it got fun and I understood the purpose of it by the end.
This intrigued me because divorcing your husband after you caught him doing the hanky panky in your house under the Christmas tree while you surprised visit him and ends up with you getting a surprise then you learning to heal and move on and also falling slowly in love with your ex-husband’s best friend…hello?? That’s a good premise no matter what.
The book was just too slooooow for me, I get that Cami did not fall out of love immediately with her ex but it’s too slow for my liking because come on! He cheated! He’s a trash. Or maybe I’m just too used to Jordan Silver’s FMCs where the falling out of love with cheating spouses is instantaneous 🤣
Anyways, Noah was so perfect and understanding, him giving her the space to process her feelings while also being pushy at the right times. The pure definition of “it’s always been you”.
I thought I would be weirder out by the Ms. Sparkly alter personality of Cami but surprisingly it got fun and I understood the purpose of it by the end.
January 6, 2024
eu ia dar duas estrelas, mas eu fiquei de tão saco cheio dessa enjoada da cami, desse blog sem sentido e dessa história sem graça que eu estou dando uma estrela apenas pela mara e pelo noah.
o livro em si já é horrível, desde o começo. eu tentei mesmo dar uma chance até uns 40%, ainda mais por eu ter gostado do noah, mas pelo amor de deus, como pode a cami ser tão chata? ela literalmente passou o livro todo vivendo a vida ignorando todos os problemas dela e até tratando o noah com grosseria quando era ela que precisava de um tratamento. sem contar as cenas em que ela conversava com ela mesma, como se a antiga cami fosse outra pessoa a não ser ela (?) muita maluquice pro meu gosto, desculpa.
eu até entendo que ela tinha problemas de lidar com algumas questões do passado dela, mas jesus, que personagem irritante. ela não tinha uma única personalidade a não ser postar no blog dela e afastar o noah quando ele literalmente estava panfletando na testa dele um “eu te amo” a cada momento que a via. me irritava principalmente as conversas que ela tinha com essa srta. faíscas brilhantes, porque além de serem toscas, não fazia fazia sentido nenhum já que ela estava falando com a própria mente e agindo como se houvesse uma segunda pessoa ali… enfim.
o noah é um fofo, mas o casal é sem química e muito sem graça. eu adoro friends to lovers, ainda mais com essa trope dele ter amado ela desde sempre, mas não deu pra mim. muito bobo, muito patético, muito irritante. a cami é uma chata e sinceramente não consigo imaginar ou muito menos entender como o noah se apaixonou por ela, porque sinceramente…
1.5 apenas pros cachorrinhos e pro príncipe noah! 😉🩵
o livro em si já é horrível, desde o começo. eu tentei mesmo dar uma chance até uns 40%, ainda mais por eu ter gostado do noah, mas pelo amor de deus, como pode a cami ser tão chata? ela literalmente passou o livro todo vivendo a vida ignorando todos os problemas dela e até tratando o noah com grosseria quando era ela que precisava de um tratamento. sem contar as cenas em que ela conversava com ela mesma, como se a antiga cami fosse outra pessoa a não ser ela (?) muita maluquice pro meu gosto, desculpa.
eu até entendo que ela tinha problemas de lidar com algumas questões do passado dela, mas jesus, que personagem irritante. ela não tinha uma única personalidade a não ser postar no blog dela e afastar o noah quando ele literalmente estava panfletando na testa dele um “eu te amo” a cada momento que a via. me irritava principalmente as conversas que ela tinha com essa srta. faíscas brilhantes, porque além de serem toscas, não fazia fazia sentido nenhum já que ela estava falando com a própria mente e agindo como se houvesse uma segunda pessoa ali… enfim.
o noah é um fofo, mas o casal é sem química e muito sem graça. eu adoro friends to lovers, ainda mais com essa trope dele ter amado ela desde sempre, mas não deu pra mim. muito bobo, muito patético, muito irritante. a cami é uma chata e sinceramente não consigo imaginar ou muito menos entender como o noah se apaixonou por ela, porque sinceramente…
1.5 apenas pros cachorrinhos e pro príncipe noah! 😉🩵
December 18, 2025
Cheated on, heartbroken female angst, finding herself again. Friends to lovers holiday romance. Ex husband ex best friend MMC. Funny banter. Adorable characters. Relatable inner dialogue. Cheesy moments but so cute! Feel good read!
October 18, 2021
Just in time for the holidays!
Jennifer Peel has done it again! This story is a mix of heart and humor, held hostage by a dose of entertainment. Coming off a very surprising and bitter breakup, Cami has found her therapy in writing and posting snarky little notes to her fellow "ex-filers" and has risen to fame--or infamy. I think most readers can relate to Cami on some level--although hopefully not in the exact situation that she found herself in. The book spans one of my favorite times of year--from October through the C word season--and I found myself falling for Noah right along with Cami.
Noah is a man of extreme patience, full of swoon, gentle-manliness, and wit. That man is near perfection and I swooned over their interactions. Cami is a bag of snark with sparkles trying to reemerge and escape. It was a joy (for me) to watch her figure herself out.
I always think things in my mind and then expect my husband to read my mind, which never happens and I felt like Cami was as clueless as he is at times. She didn't pick up on hints and clues very well, yet that's what made the story that much more special and sweet.
In pages full of forgiveness, moving on, and adorable banter (both inside her head and out), this story was the perfect kick-off to the beloved holiday season.
Content: mild+ romance (some innuendo, talk of infidelity, kissing); mild language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Jennifer Peel has done it again! This story is a mix of heart and humor, held hostage by a dose of entertainment. Coming off a very surprising and bitter breakup, Cami has found her therapy in writing and posting snarky little notes to her fellow "ex-filers" and has risen to fame--or infamy. I think most readers can relate to Cami on some level--although hopefully not in the exact situation that she found herself in. The book spans one of my favorite times of year--from October through the C word season--and I found myself falling for Noah right along with Cami.
Noah is a man of extreme patience, full of swoon, gentle-manliness, and wit. That man is near perfection and I swooned over their interactions. Cami is a bag of snark with sparkles trying to reemerge and escape. It was a joy (for me) to watch her figure herself out.
I always think things in my mind and then expect my husband to read my mind, which never happens and I felt like Cami was as clueless as he is at times. She didn't pick up on hints and clues very well, yet that's what made the story that much more special and sweet.
In pages full of forgiveness, moving on, and adorable banter (both inside her head and out), this story was the perfect kick-off to the beloved holiday season.
Content: mild+ romance (some innuendo, talk of infidelity, kissing); mild language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
August 18, 2025
This was the perfect book to read on the plane on the way to my vacation. Its a holiday romance and an awesome example of friends to lovers gone right. The expression 'You'll Never Find Mr. Right If You Keep Changing For Mr. Wrong' definitely applies to the plot of those story.
This is the story of the FMC who absolutely hates holidays. Its been three years since she caught her cheating ex in a compromising position with his younger, bimbo mistress. She left him and filed for divorce. I used the expression above because she knew something was wrong but thought it was her..so she tried her best to change and became different so that he'd want her.
The thing is she didn't know her ex was having an affair. In the process of leaving her ex, she also pulled away from his best friend who was her best friend as well. She cares about the friend, the mmc but she sees him as a man whore and dating his photography clients. He also hints to her he is in love with someone and he gives her clues to who it is...completely blind to the reality of who he is and always has been waiting patiently for for decades.
It was a perfectly palette cleanser romance which had both angsty and funny moments. I especially liked the fmcs tough but oblivious outer shell.
This is the story of the FMC who absolutely hates holidays. Its been three years since she caught her cheating ex in a compromising position with his younger, bimbo mistress. She left him and filed for divorce. I used the expression above because she knew something was wrong but thought it was her..so she tried her best to change and became different so that he'd want her.
The thing is she didn't know her ex was having an affair. In the process of leaving her ex, she also pulled away from his best friend who was her best friend as well. She cares about the friend, the mmc but she sees him as a man whore and dating his photography clients. He also hints to her he is in love with someone and he gives her clues to who it is...completely blind to the reality of who he is and always has been waiting patiently for for decades.
It was a perfectly palette cleanser romance which had both angsty and funny moments. I especially liked the fmcs tough but oblivious outer shell.
November 2, 2021
finding yourself and falling in love on the way.
the minute i saw this cover i had to read this book, but from the cover i thought this was a enemies to lovers Christmas romance, but boy was i wrong.
this is an ex-husband's best friend holiday romance!
since she saw her husband cheating on her she hasn't been the same, and now she decides that is time to find that girl again, and who's better to help than your ex's best friend?
if you want to read about finding yourself, getting more confident, and a little bit of romance, that's the book, but if you want a hate to love Christmas romance, well, that's not your book
the minute i saw this cover i had to read this book, but from the cover i thought this was a enemies to lovers Christmas romance, but boy was i wrong.
this is an ex-husband's best friend holiday romance!
since she saw her husband cheating on her she hasn't been the same, and now she decides that is time to find that girl again, and who's better to help than your ex's best friend?
if you want to read about finding yourself, getting more confident, and a little bit of romance, that's the book, but if you want a hate to love Christmas romance, well, that's not your book
December 4, 2022
This book has more cheese then my go-to quarter pounder meal with extra cheese - and yet it still wasn't as satisfying.
December 28, 2022
DNF i really didn’t like the main character, i loved her sense of humour and the blog posts but otherwise the book was just boring and predictable (at least till 50%)
if you are thinking about reading it, just read the blog posts and save yourself some time
if you are thinking about reading it, just read the blog posts and save yourself some time
November 14, 2021
I don't want to be so cruel to say I wanted to crop this book out of my mind, but it's true. At times, this book was so completely cringy that I absolutely wanted to chunk it and not finish it. But DNF is not my style and I'm somewhat glad I pushed through.
Cami was one of the most annoying heroines I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Overall, she wasn't a bad character, but she was highly cynical and soooo stupid when it came to Noah that I wanted to smack her. Her cynicalness? was mostly explained by her past. The girl went through so much that I felt for her. But truly the annoying part of Cami was her inner dialogue. It wasn't a normal amount of inner dialogue. I mean, it was pages and pages of it. Not only does her conscience have a name, Miss Sparkly, but she literally argues with herself. And then tries to play it off like "I know I'm only one person" "I need to choose which one I want to be." I get it. Miss Sparkly was Cami's old self that she was trying to find again. I could've been on board with the whole thing if Miss Sparkly wasn't so present it was like having another main character. And if she wasn't arguing with herself on every other page. I honestly skimmed so much of this book because every time I read Miss Sparkly I found myself rolling my eyes. No way I would've made it through reading Cami argue with herself. So in summary, overall, Cami wasn't a bad character. Her attitude and general personality is explained away by her depressing past. It's her alter ego that drove me to almost not finish this book.
On the flip side, Noah was a shining star in this book. Dare I say he is the only reason that I finished it? It almost seemed that Noah and Cami were stars of two different books. That's how good he was and how much I liked him compared to her. He was the most caring, understanding, supportive, best friend and brother. He was constantly going out of his way to make sure Cami felt safe and understood even when she did her best to push him away. And honestly, the girl was straight up stupid when it came to him. He tried to express his feelings so many times, right from the start. And she was not getting the hint AT ALL. It was extremely frustrating.
Overall, this wasn't a bad book by any means but Cami's inner dialogue with herself, whom she named Miss Sparkly, was so distracting from the story that it led to me skimming most of the book and had me considering not finishing it. Without Miss Sparkly, this book really wasn't half bad. Noah and the great guy that he is made this book worth while. He was so patient and understanding when it came to Cami. He was truly selfless and clearly only wanted what was best for her and what made her happy. So again, while this wasn't a bad book, it took A LOT to get through the Miss Sparkly situation. But if you can make it through that, Noah and all his sweetness makes this story worthwhile. Noah is what got this story from 2 stars to 3.
Cami was one of the most annoying heroines I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Overall, she wasn't a bad character, but she was highly cynical and soooo stupid when it came to Noah that I wanted to smack her. Her cynicalness? was mostly explained by her past. The girl went through so much that I felt for her. But truly the annoying part of Cami was her inner dialogue. It wasn't a normal amount of inner dialogue. I mean, it was pages and pages of it. Not only does her conscience have a name, Miss Sparkly, but she literally argues with herself. And then tries to play it off like "I know I'm only one person" "I need to choose which one I want to be." I get it. Miss Sparkly was Cami's old self that she was trying to find again. I could've been on board with the whole thing if Miss Sparkly wasn't so present it was like having another main character. And if she wasn't arguing with herself on every other page. I honestly skimmed so much of this book because every time I read Miss Sparkly I found myself rolling my eyes. No way I would've made it through reading Cami argue with herself. So in summary, overall, Cami wasn't a bad character. Her attitude and general personality is explained away by her depressing past. It's her alter ego that drove me to almost not finish this book.
On the flip side, Noah was a shining star in this book. Dare I say he is the only reason that I finished it? It almost seemed that Noah and Cami were stars of two different books. That's how good he was and how much I liked him compared to her. He was the most caring, understanding, supportive, best friend and brother. He was constantly going out of his way to make sure Cami felt safe and understood even when she did her best to push him away. And honestly, the girl was straight up stupid when it came to him. He tried to express his feelings so many times, right from the start. And she was not getting the hint AT ALL. It was extremely frustrating.
Overall, this wasn't a bad book by any means but Cami's inner dialogue with herself, whom she named Miss Sparkly, was so distracting from the story that it led to me skimming most of the book and had me considering not finishing it. Without Miss Sparkly, this book really wasn't half bad. Noah and the great guy that he is made this book worth while. He was so patient and understanding when it came to Cami. He was truly selfless and clearly only wanted what was best for her and what made her happy. So again, while this wasn't a bad book, it took A LOT to get through the Miss Sparkly situation. But if you can make it through that, Noah and all his sweetness makes this story worthwhile. Noah is what got this story from 2 stars to 3.
December 18, 2021
Y'all! I absolutely LOVE The Holiday Ex-Files! It's one of my favorite Christmas books of the year! I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with all things Cami and Noah. I could NOT get enough of these too! Their story was just what the doctor ordered! I'll definitely be listening to this one over and over again!
Stefanie Kay did a fantastic job narrating this book! She had me busting out laughing and getting emotional several times. She did an AMAZING job portraying Miss Sparkly! All I can say is don't attempt to drink any liquids when Sparkles is around! 😂
This is another home run for Ms. Peel! I'm SO excited to see what she has in store for us next! 😍
Stefanie Kay did a fantastic job narrating this book! She had me busting out laughing and getting emotional several times. She did an AMAZING job portraying Miss Sparkly! All I can say is don't attempt to drink any liquids when Sparkles is around! 😂
This is another home run for Ms. Peel! I'm SO excited to see what she has in store for us next! 😍
January 30, 2022
I don't know how to begin this review other than to say I LOVED this book!! I listened to the audiobook which is fantastic thanks to the narrator Stefanie Kay, who perfectly captured Cami and her inner voice Miss Sparkles.
Cami loved all holidays, especially Christmas, until her ex ruined it for her and now no one is even allowed to say the "C" word around her. It's been 3 years since she divorced her cheating husband, who also happens to be her best friend Mara's brother. Thankfully Mara and Cami's relationship didn't go down in flames like Cami's marriage. Anyway, Cami took her heartache and turned into a profitable business and a popular blog--The Ex-Filers.
Noah was a friend of Cami and her ex before the divorce, and he wants to be friends with Cami again. He's sweet and adorable, and I love how he uses Cami's ex-files services to get close to her. I also loved how he talked to Cami's neurotic pooch. He's so patient with Cami while she resolves the lingering issues from her divorce.
I LOVED Cami's relationship with her BFF Mara! Everyone needs a friendship like those two have. They always support each other and yet know when to give that little push we sometimes need. Mara was all for Cami listening to Miss Sparkles, who was snarky and so much fun. I LOVED all the little holiday epilogues--it made me so happy to see Cami getting her sparkle back.
Jennifer Peel has written another winner. I'll definitely be reading/listening to this one again.
Cami loved all holidays, especially Christmas, until her ex ruined it for her and now no one is even allowed to say the "C" word around her. It's been 3 years since she divorced her cheating husband, who also happens to be her best friend Mara's brother. Thankfully Mara and Cami's relationship didn't go down in flames like Cami's marriage. Anyway, Cami took her heartache and turned into a profitable business and a popular blog--The Ex-Filers.
Noah was a friend of Cami and her ex before the divorce, and he wants to be friends with Cami again. He's sweet and adorable, and I love how he uses Cami's ex-files services to get close to her. I also loved how he talked to Cami's neurotic pooch. He's so patient with Cami while she resolves the lingering issues from her divorce.
I LOVED Cami's relationship with her BFF Mara! Everyone needs a friendship like those two have. They always support each other and yet know when to give that little push we sometimes need. Mara was all for Cami listening to Miss Sparkles, who was snarky and so much fun. I LOVED all the little holiday epilogues--it made me so happy to see Cami getting her sparkle back.
Jennifer Peel has written another winner. I'll definitely be reading/listening to this one again.
November 17, 2021
Dnfed. It was so incredibly repetitive like every chapter was the same. He is best friends with her ex-husband but he liked her all along and it's SO obvious it became annoying
October 14, 2021
5+ Stars!
*WARNING* Before starting this book make sure you clear your entire schedule and prepare for a major book hangover! Trust me! Y'all are in for one heck of a wild ride! And you're going to love every minute of it! I promise! And if you don't, well, then I guess we can't be friends! I'm kidding... maybe... 😉
Where in the world do I even begin to tell you guys not only how much I loved this book but how amazing it is?! I lost count of how many times I busted out laughing, how many times I let out little dreamy sighs, how many times I swooned over Mr. Noah Cullen. Y'all that man is a Saint!
But before I start gushing over Noah, lets get to know Cami a little bit.
*sigh*
Cami, Cami, Cami. Guys that woman has been through A LOT! Her conniving weasel of an ex-husband really did a number on her and now her strong, independent, happy, Christmas-loving self has been buried and lost amongst all the walls she's placed around her heart. But don't worry y'all. Good ol' Miss Sparkly (you guys are seriously going to LOVE her! 😂) and Swoony Saint Noah have decided enough is enough. They miss the real Cami and will do anything and everything in their power to find her and bring her back to life.
*dreamy sigh*
Y'all. I'm putting this out there right now. Noah Cullen is and will forever be my book boyfriend and I will fight everyone who tries to claim he's theirs or tries to take him away from me! He's all mine! Sorry not sorry! 😂 The lengths this man goes through for the love of his life will have you guys swooning like there's no tomorrow! It's going to be really hard not to fall in love with this man! But you're going to need to fight that feeling because, again, He's. All. Mine! 🤪😂
And speaking of feelings... y'all the feels are most definitely real in this book! You'll bust out laughing, get teary eyed, giggle, get angry, fall in love, swoon, and let out all the little dreamy sighs! When I said you're in for one heck of a wild ride, I meant it. But oh what a ride it'll be! This will definitely be a book you'll want to read over and over and over again! 😍
Y'all. I've never met a Ms. Peel book that I didn't love! Her writing is seriously amazing! She never fails to transport me to some fabulous destination where I'll eat, drink, breathe and live life right alongside her beloved characters, experiencing and feeling everything they are. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next!
And of course I cannot forget my casting! Y'all. I. Am. In. LOVE! 😍
*WARNING* Before starting this book make sure you clear your entire schedule and prepare for a major book hangover! Trust me! Y'all are in for one heck of a wild ride! And you're going to love every minute of it! I promise! And if you don't, well, then I guess we can't be friends! I'm kidding... maybe... 😉
Where in the world do I even begin to tell you guys not only how much I loved this book but how amazing it is?! I lost count of how many times I busted out laughing, how many times I let out little dreamy sighs, how many times I swooned over Mr. Noah Cullen. Y'all that man is a Saint!
But before I start gushing over Noah, lets get to know Cami a little bit.
*sigh*
Cami, Cami, Cami. Guys that woman has been through A LOT! Her conniving weasel of an ex-husband really did a number on her and now her strong, independent, happy, Christmas-loving self has been buried and lost amongst all the walls she's placed around her heart. But don't worry y'all. Good ol' Miss Sparkly (you guys are seriously going to LOVE her! 😂) and Swoony Saint Noah have decided enough is enough. They miss the real Cami and will do anything and everything in their power to find her and bring her back to life.
*dreamy sigh*
Y'all. I'm putting this out there right now. Noah Cullen is and will forever be my book boyfriend and I will fight everyone who tries to claim he's theirs or tries to take him away from me! He's all mine! Sorry not sorry! 😂 The lengths this man goes through for the love of his life will have you guys swooning like there's no tomorrow! It's going to be really hard not to fall in love with this man! But you're going to need to fight that feeling because, again, He's. All. Mine! 🤪😂
And speaking of feelings... y'all the feels are most definitely real in this book! You'll bust out laughing, get teary eyed, giggle, get angry, fall in love, swoon, and let out all the little dreamy sighs! When I said you're in for one heck of a wild ride, I meant it. But oh what a ride it'll be! This will definitely be a book you'll want to read over and over and over again! 😍
Y'all. I've never met a Ms. Peel book that I didn't love! Her writing is seriously amazing! She never fails to transport me to some fabulous destination where I'll eat, drink, breathe and live life right alongside her beloved characters, experiencing and feeling everything they are. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next!
And of course I cannot forget my casting! Y'all. I. Am. In. LOVE! 😍
October 31, 2024
This book was neither the best nor the worst I’ve ever read, but it certainly left me feeling frustrated. The female main character drove me to distraction with her stubbornness and lack of self-awareness. It was painfully obvious throughout the narrative that the male main character was completely and hopelessly in love with her. Despite his countless gestures of affection and the clear signs of his feelings, she consistently failed to recognize them, which was infuriating. By the end of the story, my annoyance with her choices had reached its peak, overshadowing any enjoyment I might have found. Overall, the reading experience was just okay; while there were a few enjoyable moments, they were ultimately marred by the fmc's frustrating decisions.
November 25, 2021
Cute and Sweet
Noah! Wow! I enjoyed this story. It was fun to read. Noah is one of the sweetest and most patient heroes ever. Poor Cami. My heart went out to her. So glad to see it all come together at the end.
This is a clean read with some mild curse words.
Noah! Wow! I enjoyed this story. It was fun to read. Noah is one of the sweetest and most patient heroes ever. Poor Cami. My heart went out to her. So glad to see it all come together at the end.
This is a clean read with some mild curse words.
December 19, 2021
3.5**
I really enjoyed this book, and I super loved Noah! in my opinion it took just a little to long to really get the story moving but other than that it was a really fun holiday read!
I really enjoyed this book, and I super loved Noah! in my opinion it took just a little to long to really get the story moving but other than that it was a really fun holiday read!
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