After a bad breakup with his ex, Richard has no choice but to return to his hometown Bolton. Being home for the holidays should be comforting, but when Richard runs into his middle school crush, Allison, he can’t decipher how he feels about his return. Caught in a battle of emotions trying to get over the traumas of his past relationship and what’s transpiring between him and Allison, things aren’t as simple as he’d like. His Ex's parting wasn’t mutual and she left him with a holiday present, a fake application for the town’s Secret Santa dating service. Forced to go through blind dating seems like agony but what’s worse is Allison runs the matchmaking service and the Mystery Girl and him are actually hitting it off.
THE HOLIDAY MATCH was a cute Christmas romance. ❄🎄❄🎄
Richard goes through a bad breakup just before the holidays and returns home, taking a job as a barista. He also signs up for a blind dating service and begins exchanging messages (I found these to be really cute) with a woman he really likes. But his former crush runs the dating service and Richard isn’t sure how to feel when there is still chemistry there but also with a woman whose face he’s never seen. Favorite moments: I really liked the friend group in this one! I also really liked the scenes at the coffee shop. The text exchanges were a favorite as well. This is a cute Christmas romance that I highly recommend! 5/5 stars.
A delightful, heart-warming Christmas romance. From the first pages, I enjoyed the narration of the story from the male POV. We join Richard as he realises his current relationship has run its course. As he returns to his hometown, he discovers he's been signed up to a match making site. With an abundance of Christmas (think Christmas drinks, tree decorating, etc...) and a budding relationship with a mystery woman, this book has everything a contemporary Christmas romance needs! An absolute joy to read and it's left me feeling wonderfully festive!
I enjoyed this lighthearted holiday read told in a male's point of view. I don't recall reading a story lately with solely a male's perspective. I found that refreshing! Richard has to navigate life and takes a journey of self-discovery during the holidays.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The way this book hooked me in with Richard’s inner thoughts! Even though this book has elements of romance to it, I absolutely adore the way it really focuses in on the aftermath of heartbreak and learning how to put yourself back out there again. The friendship dynamics in this book and the depiction of inner turmoil/anxiety was so visceral, it had me falling in love with the world and characters immediately because there was a such a tangible relatability. There is so much depth that is subtle and not overwhelming, in a way that piqued my curiosity of not just Richard, and the investment I have in his finding happiness, but also the side characters! I’m compelled to know more of these characters and their inner workings and lives. I read this book first in the Holi-Fate Series and though I wouldn’t call it a necessary order, since the series is comprised of pseudo-linked standalones, I am glad to have started with this book because it really gave me a road map to the rest of the characters. The Christmas element is cute and charming, and just enough to feel like Christmas vibes without being so Christmas-centric that I couldn’t read it at any point in the year. The real story is Richard, and my goodness if you don’t just want this man to heal and find love as you read.
This is the first romance I’ve read entirely from a male POV, which made it so unique! I loved witnessing Richard’s healing process after escaping a bad relationship. I loved his friends and their bond. I loved how real his character felt, and how relatable he was. There were so many times I smiled and laughed.
This was such an enjoyable read!
I think my only gripe was that I expected a bit more romance. But that’s mainly because of what I’m used to in the romance genre. Given how the story was structured, I’m not sure it would have hit the same way otherwise. Plus, the next book follows Margo, and I have a feeling I’m about to get tons more Margo/Richard moments!! Yay!!
Things you’ll find in this one:
— Male only POV — Healing from a bad relationship — Small town vibes — Secret Santa dating — Lots of close friendship moments — Coffee shop vibes — Finding oneself again
What Its Got 📚An epic bromance 🇨🇦Tons on Canadian content 🎅🏻A secret Santa match making app 📚A spin on the stereotypical guy manipulating the woman- roles are Reversed - I found this refreshing ☕️Peppermint mocha lattes
Thoughts This one felt more like a family drama. Richard (our MC) is going through some serious emotional shit . The potential romance with his mystery Secret Santa and/or his childhood sweetheart Allison took a backseat for me in this story (I know it picks up again in the next in the series The Boyfriend Countdown). It was more about Richard understanding he deserved better - and to make time for things that bring you joy. Overall, it had a slow start but by the third act I was completely invested. I hope Eric, Armen, and Tyler get their own loves stories in future 😏
3.5 ⭐️ Soo this book was good. The only reason I didn't give it a higher rating was because it is very slow (for my taste). This happens pretty much within a month. BUT I absolutely loved the characters. They are so funny, and I love the bond they had. I honestly thought I sknrw who the SS was, but you'll slowly see the clues. Can't wait to pick up the next book!
This is the first book I have read by this author. At first I thought it would be slow but as the story built & the characters story grew so did my like for this book. Truly this story is about someone growing up forgiving himself & finding a true love. The book is a sweet story through texts & the people around the male protagonist. Where the story ended made me what to know what next for these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 1 of the Holi-Fate series and it is told solely from Richard's perspective, which I thought was a nice change from the usual female centric or dual POV.
Richard moves back home after he realizes that his relationship with his girlfriend has just run its course and he's no longer happy. Once he gets there, besides spending more time with his 2 best friends, he is reunited with an old crush when he finds out that his ex signed him up for a Secret Santa dating service. Going from no girlfriend to two possibilities (he really starts to hit it off with his Mystery Girl as well as his crush Allison) leaves Richard a little confused as to what he should do, but it is a fun ride while he tries to sort everything out.
The book takes you on his journey of rediscovering himself with his new life choices, seeing into his thoughts, feelings and relationships, all being ones that you could totally see this as yourself or a friend.
Speaking of friends, I loved the strong male friendships between Richard and his two closest friends as well as his brother. This group are so fun in their interactions and I really enjoyed them. I hope they get their own stories as well.
This book is a fun, festive read and you will become invested easily in its characters!
Be sure to read the Boyfriend Countdown as well (the second book in this series) for some more love and fun with these characters!
A lighthearted, cozy holiday read primed for the Hallmark Channel 🎄
Initially, I believed that the story would follow a romance between its main characters, but was pleasantly surprised when it instead followed a heartfelt journey of rediscovering and re-learning to love oneself.
Told from Richard's perspective, it was refreshing to read from a male character's point of view. As he embarks on his journey of self-rediscovery, his thoughts and feelings are tangible and realistic enough that you will likely see yourself within the pages.
Most notably, I enjoyed the aspect of strong male friendships and their fearlessness in rejecting notions of toxic masculinity, allowing them to express themselves freely while also supporting each other.
The only thing that didn't always work for me was the pacing. At times, I felt that the book was dragging, and the storyline between Richard and his mystery WOMAN (iykyk) wasn't progressing.
I look forward to meeting Margo in the second installment of Tori Samuels' Holi-FATE Series, 'The Boyfriend Countdown!
I finally got around to reading The Holiday Match by Tori Samuels, and I’m glad I saved it for the Christmas season because it really hit the spot. The story follows a festive matchmaking idea that blends a secret Santa vibe with blind dates, and it’s all wrapped up in small-town charm. Without giving anything away, it’s a sweet rom com that leans into holiday magic, community spirit, and the ups and downs of finding love when you least expect it.
I’ll admit, it took me a little while to get into the rhythm of the book, but once I did, I was hooked. Richard’s character really stood out to me—I found myself relating to his insecurities and enjoyed watching him grow past them as the story unfolded. Margo’s presence added a fun dynamic too, and knowing there’s another book from her point of view makes me excited to dive back into this world.
The hometown setting was another highlight. Bolton, Ontario, gets its moment to shine, and as someone familiar with the area, I loved spotting references to local landmarks and nearby places like Toronto and Vaughan. It gave the whole book a cozy, familiar vibe that made me smile and made the story feel even more personal.
This is my first ever Christmas romance and it was a fun read.
Richard is fed up with his overbearing, snobby rich girlfriend dictating his life so he decides to break up with her and move back home with his brother. Unbeknownst to him, his childhood crush runs a holiday matchmaking service which he has been mistakenly signed up for. Throwing caution the the wind, Richard reluctantly plays his part, messaging his mystery girl, all the while harbouring feelings for his childhood crush who has convinced him to help out in her cafe.
While it is a holiday romance, I feel like the main story is about friendship and brotherhood as Richard’s two best mates, Eric and Armen, and his brother Tyler, help him move on from his crazy ex and caution him away from his childhood crush.
The twist with the mystery girl was great but I was disappointed that the story left off after they finally met. There will be another story in the Holi-FATE series next year and I hope we get to see where they end up, especially with the job that Richard’s uncle has lined up for him…
A Hallmark-style Christmas story but from the guy's perspective? Immediately interested!
This was so much more than what was advertised. Sure, it was about a guy going back home to his small town after his relationship ended. Yes, it was about him trying to find love again by taking part in a Secret Santa dating app. We even get to see how that plays out over the course of 12 days leading up to Christmas, while dealing with his ex, and being around his former crush all the time. That's all really well done but where this book absolutely shines is in showing his friendships with his brother and his two best friends while trying to ground himself in all the turmoil.
We get to see how he's feeling after a breakup, what led to it, the thoughts swirling in his head about his own sense of self. We get to know his past through these thoughts and see the strength of his friendships as they help him process it all.
I absolutely can not wait to see what happens in the next book, which continues the story but through a different character's perspective.
I was looking for a cozy holiday read and The Holiday Match fit that bill perfectly.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a holiday romance book from a male’s POV. It was a nice change of pace and I really liked Richard’s voice although sometimes I think there was a bit too much internal monologuing.
I also really liked how although the book did have romance in it, it focused a lot more on loving yourself and reconnecting with your friends and family. Richard’s story was one I think a lot of us can relate to and I liked how realistically the author portrayed him.
The ending was very sweet as well. Although I had guessed beforehand who the mystery girl was, I still enjoyed the reveal.
Overall, this book was sweet and fun to read, and I look forward to more Holi-Fate novels!
This is the first book in the Holi-fate series and for sure the place to start as she really sets the stage and sets up all her characters wonderfully. This book has all the things...heartbreak, coming home, amazing friends, healing and of course a little bit of romance. The friend group dynamics is awesome, Richard's heartbreak really pulls you in, topped with amazingly fun elements of the Christmas season and the hope of finding love again. I can't wait to see where this series goes and who's story gets told next as every character is important and has an amazing story to tell
If you're looking for a cute Christmas read this is a great place to start
Richard breaks up with his toxic girlfriend after a few years and decides to go back home to a small town. His crazy ex has put in an application to a holiday dating secret santa experience.
The book is told from Richard's point of view, which was enjoyable because I normally read romances that are from the females perspective. In this book, Richard grows and begins to see what the life he had with the ex wasn't the life he envisioned for himself.
The reason for the missing half star is because Richard couldn't make up him mind who he wanted and felt like he was stringing them both along. Plus, I felt like he couldn't make a decision for a while about anything.
I would recommend if you are looking for a no spice rom-com.
What an interesting take on a romance book! I have read dual POV books before, but this one is only from the MMC's POV. I enjoyed having a front row seat to the thoughts of Richard, who has come back to town after his relationship ends.
He is taken by surprise to find out his former girlfriend signed him up for a Secret Santa dating site. And then he finds out his secret love runs the site.
The thing I liked most about this book was the fact that Richard was not jaded toward love after the breakup.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A cute holiday romance. I really enjoyed this cute canadian based story. Richard tells this tale from his point of view, which I found intriguing. Like many adults, his life takes some twists and he ends up single and moving back to his hometown. His crazy ex thinks she's outsmarted him by entering him in a blind date secret Santa. The fun and adorable tale ensues from there. The characters are hilarious, crazy and full of life. Though at times I found the book a bit wordy, I would definitely read the next one. 3.5 stars.
loved it !! a great start for a new series !! love Richard and Allison... this is mostly his story... a fast paced rom/com drama... his POV .. so good !!! Richard went back home after his break up with his girlfriend... she signed him up for the secret Santa dating service.. and he starts corresponding with someone... and then, there's Allison his old crush... going from a break up to 2 possible ones... and he's spending time with his friends and family... so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved reading from the perspective of a male main character! An interesting storyline and unexpected ending from where I thought it was initially going to go.
I would recommend this for anyone who’s a lover of a sweet Christmas romance movie! Just a feel good, sweet story with sprinkles of Christmas cheer! AND a Christmas Day meeting!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for honest review.
A delightful and heartwarming Christmas romance told from the point of view of the main male character. It's a lighthearted story that is beautifully written and kept me very entertained. I really enjoyed reading the book from Richard's perspective and reading his thoughts. Great and refreshing change in my opinion to read just the male perspective.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book started out promising and though I did overall enjoy it, some parts very much so! There were just some events that didn’t pan out the way I anticipated they would, rather some parts felts rushed, certain situations could have developed better but nonetheless I still look forward to reading the second! It is a fun holiday book (3.5)
A very cute, Christmas romance with a male POV. The plot had such good writing to capture heartbreak and picking yourself up afterwards. A heart warming and charming read for the holidays and between books.
I enjoyed this book. Finding who you are after a breakup and reconnecting with friends and family is exactly what he needed to do to break the cycle. I am really happy with the ending. Great Book.
This book is number 2 in the Holi-fate series and follows Richard's experience with the Secret Santa match making.
Learning more about Richard and how he felt while getting to know Margo helps to understand why he acted certain ways in Book 1, The Boyfriend Countdown.
A clean sweet romance, which grows slowly over 12 days. Can not wait to read Book 3, The Sweetheart Wager.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had mixed feelings about this book. I really wanted to love it but there was too much different directions the story was going in. The ending was predictable. I liked it but didn't love it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I do not read stories revolving around festivals, but THE HOLIDAY MATCH by Tori Samuels proved to be a wonderful, exciting exception. Deceptively presumed to be a holiday romance, THE HOLIDAY MATCH is a beautiful play on human emotions, familial ties, and the journey of rediscovering and loving yourself told through the raw and whimsical perspective of Richard, the protagonist. Witty, charming, and delightfully hilarious, Tori Samuels shocks and delights you with a novel whose words stay with you for a long time and characters you can't help but root for (yes, even the ones presumed to be grey-shaded). I can't wait to read the sequels of this wonderful story. A must read!