What do you think?
Merry Ex-Mas
Which man from her past will make the perfect Christmas present?
Fall in love again and again in this irresistible holiday time loop rom com perfect for fans of In a Holidaze and The Holiday Swap.
All Marygrace Silva wants for Christmas is a date to impress her big, boisterous family. Instead, a disastrous setup and an awkward run-in with her ex-best friend Robbie leave her wishing for a holiday miracle instead.
Then a slip on the ice lands her in a time loop—reliving Christmas Eve with a different ex each time. There’s Flynn the finance bro, Dale the rising music star, Jamie the fitness influencer.
Glamorous? Sure. Perfect? Not so much.
Between caroling and cookie baking, Marygrace is checking exes off her list—but somehow, Robbie keeps showing up too. Maybe the love she’s been searching for has been there all along…
With a sprinkling of sugar and just the right amount of spice, this romance about family, friendship, finding your voice, and the promise of “what-if” is a holiday treat you won’t want to miss.
Read for these Holiday romance Friends to lovers Small town romance Time loops Second chance romance Big family
Fall in love again and again in this irresistible holiday time loop rom com perfect for fans of In a Holidaze and The Holiday Swap.
All Marygrace Silva wants for Christmas is a date to impress her big, boisterous family. Instead, a disastrous setup and an awkward run-in with her ex-best friend Robbie leave her wishing for a holiday miracle instead.
Then a slip on the ice lands her in a time loop—reliving Christmas Eve with a different ex each time. There’s Flynn the finance bro, Dale the rising music star, Jamie the fitness influencer.
Glamorous? Sure. Perfect? Not so much.
Between caroling and cookie baking, Marygrace is checking exes off her list—but somehow, Robbie keeps showing up too. Maybe the love she’s been searching for has been there all along…
With a sprinkling of sugar and just the right amount of spice, this romance about family, friendship, finding your voice, and the promise of “what-if” is a holiday treat you won’t want to miss.
Read for these Holiday romance Friends to lovers Small town romance Time loops Second chance romance Big family
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 7, 2026
I simply adored this book. It was just so much fun! I devoured this book in one sitting because I was having so much fun and didn’t want to put it down. I love time loop books. There is just something about them that makes me so happy especially with romance books. I love when the characters have to reflect and learn lessons and it makes me wish that I could have the same chance in life. MaryGrace is such a sweet character and I was rooting for her from the start, the same with Robbie. I just loved him so much. I loved how the author foreshadowed their relationship in every loop, it was well done and flowed perfectly. I also really appreciated the variety of different relationship that MaryGrace had been in. It helped played into the theme that love is more important than things.
This is the perfect book to get you in the holiday mood.
This is the perfect book to get you in the holiday mood.
September 29, 2026
Marygrace slips on the ice and gets sentenced to spending Christmas Eve with a rotating lineup of her exes, which is honestly the most aggressive performance review I have ever seen. She only wants one decent man to bring to Noche Buena so her huge family will stop treating her single status like a seasonal emergency. Instead, the universe opens the archives and starts pulling old boyfriends from storage one by one. Merry Christmas, babe. Here is every decision you thought time had softened.
We have Flynn the finance bro, Dale the rising music star, and Jamie the fitness influencer, because apparently Marygrace’s romantic past was assembled by a casting director with a very specific LinkedIn filter. On paper, these men look impressive. Money. Fame. Abs. The kinds of details relatives can repeat proudly while passing pancit. Then Marygrace actually has to live inside each possible future and discovers that “looks good in a family update” is not the same thing as “I want to wake up beside this person every day.”
And Marygrace is SO committed to finding the correct ex. She treats each loop like she is comparing health insurance plans. Maybe Flynn is the answer. Maybe Dale. Maybe Jamie has somehow become tolerable near carbohydrates. Girl, you already broke up with these men. The data has been collected. Why are we reopening closed cases during Christmas dinner?
Meanwhile Robbie keeps appearing in every timeline like the universe is standing behind him with both hands pointing. Robbie, her ex-best friend, the man who knows her family, her history, and exactly how she behaves when she is pretending everything is fine. He is not subtle. The situation is not subtle. At some point I wanted the time loop to pause, dim the lights, and project ROBBIE IS IMPORTANT across the living room wall.
But Marygrace cannot look directly at Robbie because that would require addressing what happened between them, and apparently reliving multiple relationships is easier than one vulnerable conversation. She can revisit an old boyfriend’s entire personality but cannot ask her former best friend why they stopped being best friends. That is not emotional avoidance. That is emotional tourism.
The family made all of this even better because Noche Buena is not a quiet little gathering where Marygrace can disappear behind a centerpiece. Everybody is there. Everybody is eating. Everybody has questions. Her relatives love her with the full force of a group chat that never sleeps, and each repeated Christmas Eve comes with the same pressure, the same food, the same feeling that everyone else’s life is moving forward while hers is stuck on refresh. I was hungry, stressed, and emotionally adopted.
And the food. Good God. Every loop resets the relationship situation, but I would have been perfectly happy reliving that dinner indefinitely. Marygrace is out here investigating her romantic destiny while I am mentally standing beside the table asking whether anyone finished the lumpia. The men could sort themselves out. I had priorities.
What finally got me was realizing Marygrace is not actually trying to find love. She is trying to find a life that looks convincing enough that nobody will question whether she is happy. She wants the right boyfriend, the right picture, the right story to tell at Christmas. But every loop keeps handing her a different man and the same discomfort. You cannot date your way out of not knowing what you want. Rude, but correct.
By the end, I was ready to physically rotate Marygrace toward Robbie and hold her there until she processed the obvious. This man keeps showing up. He sees her. He knows her. He irritates her in the deeply specific way only someone who matters can. The universe has given her multiple timelines, several exes, repeated Christmas dinners, and one man who refuses to disappear. At some point the answer key is no longer hidden.
Merry Ex-Mas gets 3.5 stars from me. Marygrace was occasionally so dense I worried the ice had done more damage than reported, but I had a great time watching every ex expose a different fantasy she had mistaken for happiness. The family chaos felt real, the food sounded incredible, Robbie had the patience of a man trapped in a holiday escape room, and I will never again trust Skee-Ball enough to turn my back on it.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Making One Woman Re-Date Her Entire Personal Archive Before Noticing Her Best Friend Has Been Standing in Every Timeline Like a Human Clue
Thank you to Requited and NetGalley for the ARC, and for trapping me inside multiple Noche Buena celebrations where the relatives were loud, the food was perfect, and Marygrace kept reopening relationships that had already failed quality control. I would gladly repeat the dinner. The finance bro can remain deleted.
We have Flynn the finance bro, Dale the rising music star, and Jamie the fitness influencer, because apparently Marygrace’s romantic past was assembled by a casting director with a very specific LinkedIn filter. On paper, these men look impressive. Money. Fame. Abs. The kinds of details relatives can repeat proudly while passing pancit. Then Marygrace actually has to live inside each possible future and discovers that “looks good in a family update” is not the same thing as “I want to wake up beside this person every day.”
And Marygrace is SO committed to finding the correct ex. She treats each loop like she is comparing health insurance plans. Maybe Flynn is the answer. Maybe Dale. Maybe Jamie has somehow become tolerable near carbohydrates. Girl, you already broke up with these men. The data has been collected. Why are we reopening closed cases during Christmas dinner?
Meanwhile Robbie keeps appearing in every timeline like the universe is standing behind him with both hands pointing. Robbie, her ex-best friend, the man who knows her family, her history, and exactly how she behaves when she is pretending everything is fine. He is not subtle. The situation is not subtle. At some point I wanted the time loop to pause, dim the lights, and project ROBBIE IS IMPORTANT across the living room wall.
But Marygrace cannot look directly at Robbie because that would require addressing what happened between them, and apparently reliving multiple relationships is easier than one vulnerable conversation. She can revisit an old boyfriend’s entire personality but cannot ask her former best friend why they stopped being best friends. That is not emotional avoidance. That is emotional tourism.
The family made all of this even better because Noche Buena is not a quiet little gathering where Marygrace can disappear behind a centerpiece. Everybody is there. Everybody is eating. Everybody has questions. Her relatives love her with the full force of a group chat that never sleeps, and each repeated Christmas Eve comes with the same pressure, the same food, the same feeling that everyone else’s life is moving forward while hers is stuck on refresh. I was hungry, stressed, and emotionally adopted.
And the food. Good God. Every loop resets the relationship situation, but I would have been perfectly happy reliving that dinner indefinitely. Marygrace is out here investigating her romantic destiny while I am mentally standing beside the table asking whether anyone finished the lumpia. The men could sort themselves out. I had priorities.
What finally got me was realizing Marygrace is not actually trying to find love. She is trying to find a life that looks convincing enough that nobody will question whether she is happy. She wants the right boyfriend, the right picture, the right story to tell at Christmas. But every loop keeps handing her a different man and the same discomfort. You cannot date your way out of not knowing what you want. Rude, but correct.
By the end, I was ready to physically rotate Marygrace toward Robbie and hold her there until she processed the obvious. This man keeps showing up. He sees her. He knows her. He irritates her in the deeply specific way only someone who matters can. The universe has given her multiple timelines, several exes, repeated Christmas dinners, and one man who refuses to disappear. At some point the answer key is no longer hidden.
Merry Ex-Mas gets 3.5 stars from me. Marygrace was occasionally so dense I worried the ice had done more damage than reported, but I had a great time watching every ex expose a different fantasy she had mistaken for happiness. The family chaos felt real, the food sounded incredible, Robbie had the patience of a man trapped in a holiday escape room, and I will never again trust Skee-Ball enough to turn my back on it.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Making One Woman Re-Date Her Entire Personal Archive Before Noticing Her Best Friend Has Been Standing in Every Timeline Like a Human Clue
Thank you to Requited and NetGalley for the ARC, and for trapping me inside multiple Noche Buena celebrations where the relatives were loud, the food was perfect, and Marygrace kept reopening relationships that had already failed quality control. I would gladly repeat the dinner. The finance bro can remain deleted.
October 4, 2026
I received a copy of this book for free for promotional purposes.
This was a super cute Christmas romance!
Earlier this year, I read the author’s YA debut (Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights) and loved it. This book is her adult debut and I devoured it!
The premise is so fun! The main character, Marygrace, gets stuck in a time loop where she relives Christmas Eve with a different ex each time. I loved it! The time loop was so well executed and highly entertaining. I enjoyed meeting all her exes and seeing how each time loop would play out.
Since the author is Filipino, the book is big on Filipino representation. I’m Filipino as well so I’m always thrilled to encounter Filipino representation. I loved that Marygrace had such a big Filipino family. I liked that the Filipino tradition of Noche Buena was included. Also, what really made the story feel so authentically Filipino were the nicknames. Filipinos love to give loved ones cute nicknames. Marygrace’s nickname was Mimi. Her sister’s was Wit Wit (real name Teresita).
The romance was adorable. It’s friends to lovers with a bit of second chance mixed in which made for a very sweet connection.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. I flew through this book just as I had with her previous novel. There’s something so easy and addicting about her writing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a Christmas romance to read this holiday season, put this one at the top of your list!
This was a super cute Christmas romance!
Earlier this year, I read the author’s YA debut (Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights) and loved it. This book is her adult debut and I devoured it!
The premise is so fun! The main character, Marygrace, gets stuck in a time loop where she relives Christmas Eve with a different ex each time. I loved it! The time loop was so well executed and highly entertaining. I enjoyed meeting all her exes and seeing how each time loop would play out.
Since the author is Filipino, the book is big on Filipino representation. I’m Filipino as well so I’m always thrilled to encounter Filipino representation. I loved that Marygrace had such a big Filipino family. I liked that the Filipino tradition of Noche Buena was included. Also, what really made the story feel so authentically Filipino were the nicknames. Filipinos love to give loved ones cute nicknames. Marygrace’s nickname was Mimi. Her sister’s was Wit Wit (real name Teresita).
The romance was adorable. It’s friends to lovers with a bit of second chance mixed in which made for a very sweet connection.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. I flew through this book just as I had with her previous novel. There’s something so easy and addicting about her writing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a Christmas romance to read this holiday season, put this one at the top of your list!
October 5, 2026
All Marygrace Silva wants for Christmas is a date to impress her big boisterous family. Instead a disastrous and awkward run-in with her ex-best friend Robbie leaves her wishing for a holiday miracle. Then a slip on the ice lands her in a time loop - reliving Christmas Eve with a different ex each time. There's Flynn the finance bro, Dale the rising music star, Jamie the fitness influencer. Glamorous? Sure. Perfect? Not so much. Between carolling and coolie baking, Marygrace is checking exes of her list - but somehow, Robbie keeps showing up too. Maybe the love she's been searching for has been there all along....
Although I've read a few Christmas themed ARCs, I still find it strange reading a Christmas story at the beginning of October.
MaryGrace slips on the ice and ends up living in a time loop - she wakes up, it's Christmas Eve, but each time it's with a different ex. The only constant in her time loop was Robbie.
I quite enjoyed this fun read. A romantic story that felt a bit like a groundhog day. The characters were well-developed and likeable. This book would make a lovely stocking filler.
Published 29th September 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #CCDador for my ARC of #MerryExMas in exchange for an honest review.
Although I've read a few Christmas themed ARCs, I still find it strange reading a Christmas story at the beginning of October.
MaryGrace slips on the ice and ends up living in a time loop - she wakes up, it's Christmas Eve, but each time it's with a different ex. The only constant in her time loop was Robbie.
I quite enjoyed this fun read. A romantic story that felt a bit like a groundhog day. The characters were well-developed and likeable. This book would make a lovely stocking filler.
Published 29th September 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #CCDador for my ARC of #MerryExMas in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2026
Merry Ex-Mas is everything that I wanted out of a holiday romance!
Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys @celesteadador for the #gifted copy of "Merry Ex-Mas" [Pub Date: OUT NOW]
💭 Thoughts: When I read Christmas books, I want to be wrapped in the warmth that the holiday feels & Celeste brought that magic with this story! I am still thinking about the time loops & the quirky fortune teller slash taxi driver that brought the fate on to Marygrace. I will never listen to Last Chrismtas by Wham the same way again because of the adventures through time that our fmc went on. Im so glad I was the reader & not in her shoes because being in the position to marry an ex really does come with big life lessons (as Marygrace finds out)
The end where we find out the true meaning behind Robbies nickname "MGS" nearly knocked me out. I seriously cried happy tears when I read that scene.
Reading the synopsis & seeing the chaos of being sent to relive your life with all your exes made me need to read Celestes latest asap but I learned that my heart adored this book for Marygrace finally understanding that life is the brightest when you LOVE & CHERISH yourself. That defining moment really made this story special.
Add this to your holiday tbr (or just read it now) if you love books that feel like warm hugs, a sprinkle of quirky magical realism, and big chaotic families!
🎧 I listened to the audiobook on Spotify + I wasn't sure if it was edited like this but it was hard to enjoy the narration when it felt like there were random long pauses in the middle of a chapter. Its almost like the narrator took breaks in the middle of reading, paused the recording and then continued on. It was very strange.
🎁 Read if you love:
▫️ Hallmark vibes
▫️ Time loops
▫️ Friends to lovers
▫️ Realizes your exes are the WORST
▫️ Being around family for the holidays
▫️ Unique holiday celebrations
▫️ Learning about new cultures
▫️ Fortune teller who also moonlights as taxi driver
▫️ Second chance
Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys @celesteadador for the #gifted copy of "Merry Ex-Mas" [Pub Date: OUT NOW]
💭 Thoughts: When I read Christmas books, I want to be wrapped in the warmth that the holiday feels & Celeste brought that magic with this story! I am still thinking about the time loops & the quirky fortune teller slash taxi driver that brought the fate on to Marygrace. I will never listen to Last Chrismtas by Wham the same way again because of the adventures through time that our fmc went on. Im so glad I was the reader & not in her shoes because being in the position to marry an ex really does come with big life lessons (as Marygrace finds out)
The end where we find out the true meaning behind Robbies nickname "MGS" nearly knocked me out. I seriously cried happy tears when I read that scene.
Reading the synopsis & seeing the chaos of being sent to relive your life with all your exes made me need to read Celestes latest asap but I learned that my heart adored this book for Marygrace finally understanding that life is the brightest when you LOVE & CHERISH yourself. That defining moment really made this story special.
Add this to your holiday tbr (or just read it now) if you love books that feel like warm hugs, a sprinkle of quirky magical realism, and big chaotic families!
🎧 I listened to the audiobook on Spotify + I wasn't sure if it was edited like this but it was hard to enjoy the narration when it felt like there were random long pauses in the middle of a chapter. Its almost like the narrator took breaks in the middle of reading, paused the recording and then continued on. It was very strange.
🎁 Read if you love:
▫️ Hallmark vibes
▫️ Time loops
▫️ Friends to lovers
▫️ Realizes your exes are the WORST
▫️ Being around family for the holidays
▫️ Unique holiday celebrations
▫️ Learning about new cultures
▫️ Fortune teller who also moonlights as taxi driver
▫️ Second chance
September 29, 2026
Heartwarming, full of joy, and downright magical, MERRY EX-MAS is the perfect friends-to-lovers story that will sweep you off your feet from the first page to the very last. You can’t help but root for Marygrace, laugh alongside her lovable family, and drool over the delicious Filipino food at her mother’s Noche Buena parties. It’s a feel-good, dazzling holiday romance that I couldn’t put down, and you won’t be able to either!
October 2, 2026
Thank you to @celestedador @readrequited and @bookedwiththeemilys for the #gifted e-book!
This was a charming, cozy holiday read that quickly drew me in.
Marygrace gets the chance to glimpse a different version of her future with each of her ex-boyfriends. With every possibility, she learns a little more about herself and what she truly wants. As the story unfolds, she finds herself in each revelation, learns to trust her instincts, and realizes she needs to choose the life that makes her happy, not the one her family and friends expect of her.
I especially enjoyed the time loop, with each new day beginning alongside a different ex-boyfriend, as well as the Filipino cultural details woven throughout the story.
A delightful tale of second chances, past loves, and Christmas magic. This book is available now.
This was a charming, cozy holiday read that quickly drew me in.
Marygrace gets the chance to glimpse a different version of her future with each of her ex-boyfriends. With every possibility, she learns a little more about herself and what she truly wants. As the story unfolds, she finds herself in each revelation, learns to trust her instincts, and realizes she needs to choose the life that makes her happy, not the one her family and friends expect of her.
I especially enjoyed the time loop, with each new day beginning alongside a different ex-boyfriend, as well as the Filipino cultural details woven throughout the story.
A delightful tale of second chances, past loves, and Christmas magic. This book is available now.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Netgalley, Requited and Hachette Canada for the complementary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oh I LOVED this book. I am such a sucker for a Groundhog's Day scenario and this one was such a fun twist. Instead of repeating the same day over and over again, Marygrace instead lived the same day one year in the future, with a different ex-boyfriend every time. Every reset, she woke up on Christmas Eve a year ahead and had to figure out who she was with, what her life looked like now, and if they were her true love that would end the cycle.
I loved the underlying theme of Marygrace finding herself and what she stood for, and falling in love with everything that makes her happy, instead of whatever she can do to be that person for someone else. Seeing her living so many different scenarios and yet never putting herself first was heartbreaking, but also made such a great character arc when she finally chose herself and what made her happy. Also, I absolutely loved all of the detailed references of different Filipino food. I may have filled my notes app with new recipes to look up and try, just based on how mouthwatering the author made them sound!
All in all, this was a sweet and spicy time loop romance, with the perfect happily ever after.
Oh I LOVED this book. I am such a sucker for a Groundhog's Day scenario and this one was such a fun twist. Instead of repeating the same day over and over again, Marygrace instead lived the same day one year in the future, with a different ex-boyfriend every time. Every reset, she woke up on Christmas Eve a year ahead and had to figure out who she was with, what her life looked like now, and if they were her true love that would end the cycle.
I loved the underlying theme of Marygrace finding herself and what she stood for, and falling in love with everything that makes her happy, instead of whatever she can do to be that person for someone else. Seeing her living so many different scenarios and yet never putting herself first was heartbreaking, but also made such a great character arc when she finally chose herself and what made her happy. Also, I absolutely loved all of the detailed references of different Filipino food. I may have filled my notes app with new recipes to look up and try, just based on how mouthwatering the author made them sound!
All in all, this was a sweet and spicy time loop romance, with the perfect happily ever after.
September 24, 2026
This is a fun romance to get you in the holiday spirit. This story was a festive take on groundhogs day where we get to see Marygrace experience December 24th over and over again as she tries to find her true love. It’s easy to empathize with Marygrace and her feelings of inadequacy when compared to her siblings. I enjoyed seeing her different relationships and how they impacted who she became in life. While I enjoyed the ‘it’s aways been you’ vibes of the story (because we all knew where this was going from page one), I wanted more time between Marygrace and her true love. I felt like so much of that was just telling rather than letting the relationship unfold with the main focus being on the wrong loves in her life. Overall, though, it’s an enjoyable holiday romance.
eARC courtesy of Booked with the Emilys, the author, and Requited
eARC courtesy of Booked with the Emilys, the author, and Requited
October 3, 2026
MaryGrace just wants to bring home a partner for the holidays. She feels judged by her family and wants to be part of a couple. In a magical twist, she gets to revisit her exes and learns some lessons along the way. This felt New Adult to me as there was a lot of personal growth (needed!!). It was a cute, quick holiday read.
Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just finished this ARC and guys it’s great! Merry Ex-Mas by was the perfect groundhogs day (ish) Christmas read. Imagine reliving a day with every one of your exes…this was that but make it a cute romance. It was a perfect mix of Hallmark holiday with second chances. If you’re looking for a new holiday read this one comes out September 29th! Go preorder now!
September 20, 2026
Why am I reading a Christmas book in September? Because Celeste (C.C.) Dador wrote it. I was absolutely swept away by her YA debut, so when I saw the opportunity to join the street team for her adult debut…I was not missing my chance. This one publishes September 29th and it’s an absolute must for your holiday reading list this year.
I was so excited to read my eARC ahead of finally meeting her in person at the Carroll Book Festival and then of course misplaced my kindle in the strangest place in the house (because, life with four kids and three dogs). But I found it and immediately came home and devoured Merry Ex-Mas.
So while I did not get to tell her in real life how much I adored my new favorite holiday book - I can tell the world!
Merry Ex-Mas is a heartwarming, cozy time loop novel full of holiday spirit and the ghosts of exes past. As post-grad Marygrace dreams of bringing the right person home to share a life together, and holidays with her lovingly large family, a string of failed relationships has deflated her morale. Could revisiting past loves bring her to her right match?
This one is full of so much heart, humor, and every sort of merriment that makes the season bright (but also challenging). C.C. Dador brings layers though and what resonated so deeply for me was the metaphor of empty plates at the table after losing a parent and the strength of a supportive family to carry you through the roller coaster of life.
I was so excited to read my eARC ahead of finally meeting her in person at the Carroll Book Festival and then of course misplaced my kindle in the strangest place in the house (because, life with four kids and three dogs). But I found it and immediately came home and devoured Merry Ex-Mas.
So while I did not get to tell her in real life how much I adored my new favorite holiday book - I can tell the world!
Merry Ex-Mas is a heartwarming, cozy time loop novel full of holiday spirit and the ghosts of exes past. As post-grad Marygrace dreams of bringing the right person home to share a life together, and holidays with her lovingly large family, a string of failed relationships has deflated her morale. Could revisiting past loves bring her to her right match?
This one is full of so much heart, humor, and every sort of merriment that makes the season bright (but also challenging). C.C. Dador brings layers though and what resonated so deeply for me was the metaphor of empty plates at the table after losing a parent and the strength of a supportive family to carry you through the roller coaster of life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kindly received an ARC copy from the author and NetGalley for an honest review
Merry Ex-Mas by C.C. Dador
Releasing September 29, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
🎄 Holiday Romance
🎁 Friends to Lovers
🎄 Small Town Romance
🎁 Time Loops
🎄 Second Chance Romance
🎁 Big Family
This was such a sweet Christmas time loop book filled with romance and cozy vibes. I really enjoyed reading Mary Grace's story from singing to handling her Filipino family expectations! This book teaches a lot about learning from ones past.
I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas novel and it was my first read by C.C. Dador and I highly recommend it to all those who love friends to lovers romance!
I can relate all to well to wishing you had the perfect boyfriend, life, or story to bring home for the holidays. One thing I must tell you as a reader though, you are already enough just as you are.🩷
Merry Ex-Mas by C.C. Dador
Releasing September 29, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
🎄 Holiday Romance
🎁 Friends to Lovers
🎄 Small Town Romance
🎁 Time Loops
🎄 Second Chance Romance
🎁 Big Family
This was such a sweet Christmas time loop book filled with romance and cozy vibes. I really enjoyed reading Mary Grace's story from singing to handling her Filipino family expectations! This book teaches a lot about learning from ones past.
I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas novel and it was my first read by C.C. Dador and I highly recommend it to all those who love friends to lovers romance!
I can relate all to well to wishing you had the perfect boyfriend, life, or story to bring home for the holidays. One thing I must tell you as a reader though, you are already enough just as you are.🩷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
All I want for Christmas… is a boyfriend? Marygrace wants a date she can take to meet her family. But after she slips on some ice, instead she find herself in a time loop, which finds Marygrace replaying Christmas Eve with a different boyfriend from her past. Whilst there is cookie baking (yes please) and caroling (not with my voice), it’s fair to say there is a lot of awkwardness and festivities. But why does her ex-best friend Robbie keeps appearing each time too?
Which ex will be Marygrace’s best Christmas present... if any?
The Pros:
1) I am a fan of a Christmas holiday romance. The festivities, the snow, the family time.
2) I will always love a bad date plot and an Ex storyline
3) There is a romance you can root for and the two main characters are so likeable.
4) Marygrace’s character ARC
The Cons:
1) There is a character called Diamond and I feel she needed to be featured more in the story (can you guess what she is?... lol) *coughsCATcoughs*
The Quotes:
1) “... Happiness is but a lens through which you view the world. Change the lens, and the world itself may change.”
2) Another morning alone.
Day: Christmas Eve.
Mood: Low.
Expectations: Lower.
3) “You’re like a relationship chameleon. You’re a different person with each new boyfriend.”
The Summary:
Oooh this story had so many of the elements I really enjoy in a book. I am always a fan of a story set around Christmas, for a start. Magical realism (in this case a time loop) is also a favourite of mine. Plus add in bad dates and ex-boyfriends and this is a book for me! I totally related with Marygrace and the fact she felt lonely, whilst all her other siblings are coupled up - you always feel so much more single around a holiday. Both main characters are really likeable and you can’t help but root for them to get together. Overall I really enjoyed this fun, magical, festive romance!
Summed up in a sentence?:
Marygrace gets caught in a time loop at Christmas, and spends it with an Ex each time
I rated the book 4.25 stars, rounded down to 4.
A big thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
Which ex will be Marygrace’s best Christmas present... if any?
The Pros:
1) I am a fan of a Christmas holiday romance. The festivities, the snow, the family time.
2) I will always love a bad date plot and an Ex storyline
3) There is a romance you can root for and the two main characters are so likeable.
4) Marygrace’s character ARC
The Cons:
1) There is a character called Diamond and I feel she needed to be featured more in the story (can you guess what she is?... lol) *coughsCATcoughs*
The Quotes:
1) “... Happiness is but a lens through which you view the world. Change the lens, and the world itself may change.”
2) Another morning alone.
Day: Christmas Eve.
Mood: Low.
Expectations: Lower.
3) “You’re like a relationship chameleon. You’re a different person with each new boyfriend.”
The Summary:
Oooh this story had so many of the elements I really enjoy in a book. I am always a fan of a story set around Christmas, for a start. Magical realism (in this case a time loop) is also a favourite of mine. Plus add in bad dates and ex-boyfriends and this is a book for me! I totally related with Marygrace and the fact she felt lonely, whilst all her other siblings are coupled up - you always feel so much more single around a holiday. Both main characters are really likeable and you can’t help but root for them to get together. Overall I really enjoyed this fun, magical, festive romance!
Summed up in a sentence?:
Marygrace gets caught in a time loop at Christmas, and spends it with an Ex each time
I rated the book 4.25 stars, rounded down to 4.
A big thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 8, 2026
🎄Marygrace wants one simple thing: a date to bring home for Christmas so her big, loving, and very in your business family will stop treating her single status like a national emergency.🫠
So she finds herself trapped in a Christmas Eve time loop with a different ex every single time.😳. Nightmare or eye opening?👀👀
Flynn the finance bro.
Dale the rising music star.
Jamie the fitness influencer.
But then there’s Robbie.👀🥹
Her former best friend who keeps appearing throughout every loop and BABES… the universe was basically standing there holding a giant neon sign. ROBBIE. IT’S ROBBIE. I was evening yelling PICK ROBBIE at my book.💀😂 He stole a piece of my heart every single time. I mean come on…
“I’ll sing lead.”
“And I’ll always be you your backup.”🥹😭😭
This story wasn’t about finding the “perfect” man. It was about Marygrace figuring out what SHE actually wants instead of trying to build the life she thinks everyone else expects her to have. I related a lot to that especially my younger self.
I also loved the Filipino representation and Noche Buena were woven into the story. OMG BABES…not going to lie all the food descriptions had me ready to invite myself to Christmas dinner.😂🍽️
I truly enjoyed each time loop was a way for Marygrace’s life to reveal another little piece of what she needed to learn.
So if you’re like me and love Christmas magic, chaotic families, friends to lovers, can’t forget the second chances, Filipino representation, and a heroine learning that she doesn’t need to settle for the life everyone else picked for her. Then you know what to do, go grab it because it’s now available🤌🏾🔥
🎁 Holiday Romance
⏰ Time Loop
💕 Friends to Lovers
❤️ Second Chance Romance
🏡 Small Town Romance
👨👩👧👦 Big Chaotic Family
🇵🇭 Filipino Representation
🎄 Noche Buena
✨ Christmas Magic
💭 Finding Yourself
🫶🏾 Self Love & Growth
🍪 Cozy Holiday Vibes
So she finds herself trapped in a Christmas Eve time loop with a different ex every single time.😳. Nightmare or eye opening?👀👀
Flynn the finance bro.
Dale the rising music star.
Jamie the fitness influencer.
But then there’s Robbie.👀🥹
Her former best friend who keeps appearing throughout every loop and BABES… the universe was basically standing there holding a giant neon sign. ROBBIE. IT’S ROBBIE. I was evening yelling PICK ROBBIE at my book.💀😂 He stole a piece of my heart every single time. I mean come on…
“I’ll sing lead.”
“And I’ll always be you your backup.”🥹😭😭
This story wasn’t about finding the “perfect” man. It was about Marygrace figuring out what SHE actually wants instead of trying to build the life she thinks everyone else expects her to have. I related a lot to that especially my younger self.
I also loved the Filipino representation and Noche Buena were woven into the story. OMG BABES…not going to lie all the food descriptions had me ready to invite myself to Christmas dinner.😂🍽️
I truly enjoyed each time loop was a way for Marygrace’s life to reveal another little piece of what she needed to learn.
So if you’re like me and love Christmas magic, chaotic families, friends to lovers, can’t forget the second chances, Filipino representation, and a heroine learning that she doesn’t need to settle for the life everyone else picked for her. Then you know what to do, go grab it because it’s now available🤌🏾🔥
🎁 Holiday Romance
⏰ Time Loop
💕 Friends to Lovers
❤️ Second Chance Romance
🏡 Small Town Romance
👨👩👧👦 Big Chaotic Family
🇵🇭 Filipino Representation
🎄 Noche Buena
✨ Christmas Magic
💭 Finding Yourself
🫶🏾 Self Love & Growth
🍪 Cozy Holiday Vibes
October 8, 2026
Merry Ex-Mas 🎄✨review✨ thank you so much @bookedwiththeemilys @celestedador @readrequited for the free book + goodies!
About the book 👇🏽
Merry Ex-Mas
by C.C. Dador
out now!
All Marygrace Silva wants for Christmas is a date to impress her big family. But after an awkward run-in with her ex-best friend Robbie, a slip on the ice sends her into a time loop, forcing her to relive Christmas Eve with a different ex each time! Between holiday traditions and revisiting old flames, Marygrace might discover that the love she’s been searching for has been right in front of her all along.
🎁 My thoughts:
I didn’t think I was ready for a holiday book just yet this year, but I was wrong! I love magical realism, and a time loop was a fun way to tell this story. Marygrace literally relives the same day over and over, with a different ex showing up each time, but underneath it all is the same lesson she needs to learn… we lead me to devour this one! I loved the big, boisterous family and watching Marygrace discover more about herself, what truly makes her happy, and what she wants out of life. And surprisingly this story stuck with me more than I expected. After sitting with it for a day, I realized this was a five star read for me. I even caught myself choosing what I wanted to do this morning instead of automatically letting someone else call the shots. And you know what? It felt really good. So here’s to taking a page out of Marygrace’s book and learning to choose ourselves a little more.
What to expect 👇🏽
🎄Holiday romance
💋Friends to lovers
⏳Time loops
💞Second chance romance
🫂Big family
Happy reading 📖 🎄🎁
About the book 👇🏽
Merry Ex-Mas
by C.C. Dador
out now!
All Marygrace Silva wants for Christmas is a date to impress her big family. But after an awkward run-in with her ex-best friend Robbie, a slip on the ice sends her into a time loop, forcing her to relive Christmas Eve with a different ex each time! Between holiday traditions and revisiting old flames, Marygrace might discover that the love she’s been searching for has been right in front of her all along.
🎁 My thoughts:
I didn’t think I was ready for a holiday book just yet this year, but I was wrong! I love magical realism, and a time loop was a fun way to tell this story. Marygrace literally relives the same day over and over, with a different ex showing up each time, but underneath it all is the same lesson she needs to learn… we lead me to devour this one! I loved the big, boisterous family and watching Marygrace discover more about herself, what truly makes her happy, and what she wants out of life. And surprisingly this story stuck with me more than I expected. After sitting with it for a day, I realized this was a five star read for me. I even caught myself choosing what I wanted to do this morning instead of automatically letting someone else call the shots. And you know what? It felt really good. So here’s to taking a page out of Marygrace’s book and learning to choose ourselves a little more.
What to expect 👇🏽
🎄Holiday romance
💋Friends to lovers
⏳Time loops
💞Second chance romance
🫂Big family
Happy reading 📖 🎄🎁
September 29, 2026
Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the gifted early copy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I knew from the moment that I heard the plot and seen the gorgeous cover that Merry Ex-Mas was going to be a must-read for me!! I loved Celeste’s YA debut earlier this year and her debut adult romance was perfection!
We follow our FMC, Marygrace, who gets the most magical (and entertaining) surprise when a slip on the ice ends with her stuck in a time loop reliving Christmas with a different ex from her past! I feel like you really got to know Marygrace getting to see through the lens of her life while also seeing what each of her relationships entailed.
I loved getting to learn about Marygrace’s family traditions and the Filipina culture as representation is so important! 🫶🏻 It was such a special experience watching our FMC discover herself more with the turn of every page! I want to keep this spoiler free so…
If you’re looking for a cozy winter read with all the time loop whimsy, family love, and a dash of spice… go add this one to your bookshelf asap! 🥹🎄🎁
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I knew from the moment that I heard the plot and seen the gorgeous cover that Merry Ex-Mas was going to be a must-read for me!! I loved Celeste’s YA debut earlier this year and her debut adult romance was perfection!
We follow our FMC, Marygrace, who gets the most magical (and entertaining) surprise when a slip on the ice ends with her stuck in a time loop reliving Christmas with a different ex from her past! I feel like you really got to know Marygrace getting to see through the lens of her life while also seeing what each of her relationships entailed.
I loved getting to learn about Marygrace’s family traditions and the Filipina culture as representation is so important! 🫶🏻 It was such a special experience watching our FMC discover herself more with the turn of every page! I want to keep this spoiler free so…
If you’re looking for a cozy winter read with all the time loop whimsy, family love, and a dash of spice… go add this one to your bookshelf asap! 🥹🎄🎁
October 3, 2026
Remember me? The girl who said I won’t ever read a holiday book before November. Anyways this is my fifth one of the year. 💀
This was such a cutie!! And a must read to your holiday reading list!
It was such a quick, fun read that I finished in about 24 hours - which never happens these days. I loved Marygrace as she discovered herself and what she wants for her life from reliving Christmas Eve over and over again…each time with a different ex-boyfriend. It was fun and sweet. I loved her big family and their love for Noche Buena/Christmas (these ex-boyfriends without a Christmas tree is an immediate 🚩!)
I’ve read time loops books before, but this one felt so fresh in that trope - as each day is technically the same day, but so vastly different. It was a fun take on the trope!
If you’re a fan of In a Holidate or Groundhog’s Day, you need this one in your life!
What You’ll Find:
🔁Time loop
💖Friends to lovers
✌️Second chance
🫶Large Filipino family
🎄Small town
This was such a cutie!! And a must read to your holiday reading list!
It was such a quick, fun read that I finished in about 24 hours - which never happens these days. I loved Marygrace as she discovered herself and what she wants for her life from reliving Christmas Eve over and over again…each time with a different ex-boyfriend. It was fun and sweet. I loved her big family and their love for Noche Buena/Christmas (these ex-boyfriends without a Christmas tree is an immediate 🚩!)
I’ve read time loops books before, but this one felt so fresh in that trope - as each day is technically the same day, but so vastly different. It was a fun take on the trope!
If you’re a fan of In a Holidate or Groundhog’s Day, you need this one in your life!
What You’ll Find:
🔁Time loop
💖Friends to lovers
✌️Second chance
🫶Large Filipino family
🎄Small town
September 29, 2026
Imagine Groundhog Day meets a Hallmark Christmas movie. Marygrace slips on the ice and finds herself reliving Christmas with a different ex each time the day resets, giving us a chance to see why only one love is truly meant to last and may be who you least expect.
I loved all the cozy holiday festivities woven throughout the story from baking cookies and singing carols to spending time with family. The festive atmosphere made it easy to get swept up in the Christmas spirit.
At its heart, this book is a reminder that sometimes what we're searching for has been right in front of us all along. If you're looking for a heartwarming holiday romance filled with second chances, festive charm, and a touch of magic, this is the perfect book to put you in the Christmas spirit.
I loved all the cozy holiday festivities woven throughout the story from baking cookies and singing carols to spending time with family. The festive atmosphere made it easy to get swept up in the Christmas spirit.
At its heart, this book is a reminder that sometimes what we're searching for has been right in front of us all along. If you're looking for a heartwarming holiday romance filled with second chances, festive charm, and a touch of magic, this is the perfect book to put you in the Christmas spirit.
September 29, 2026
This is a Hallmark movie waiting to happen. This book is not only a heartwarming, emotional story but it’s written exceptionally well. Everything about this book is a warm hug and that deep emotional feeling you get inside at the holidays. Hope, joy, nostalgia, love, everything, wrapped up in the beautiful pages of this book. I absolutely love Marygrace and her groundhog’s day Christmas Carol journey through her past to find her future! I can’t say anything to spoil it but I will say of all her ex’s, Jamie was absolutely my favorite(almost)! 🤭🤭 IYKYK
I cried multiple times during the book, the Christmas tree🎄 lighting took it out of me in the best way and her self realizations and true love were literally everything. MG forever 😍
I cried multiple times during the book, the Christmas tree🎄 lighting took it out of me in the best way and her self realizations and true love were literally everything. MG forever 😍
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
C.C. Dador's "Merry Ex-Mas" is a cozy, Christmas romantic comedy that follows the main female lead, Marygrace, as she time loops through different scenarios with her ex-boyfriends to find who she truly loves and would want to bring home to her family on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve traditional celebration in Filipina culture). From the point of view of Marygrace, readers get a chance to understand her choice in her STAR-bae quality of ex-boyfriends and why they even became exes in the first place. Marygrace is looking for a man to bring home to her rambunctious, but loving family on Noche Buena and is praying for a Christmas miracle that it will lead her to the love of her life. With spicy, open door romance and Christmas puns along with a nod to traditional Filipina foods, I enjoyed following Marygrace as she ultimately learns that the path to love is finding oneself and having time to reflect on what is important. May readers enjoy her whirlwind romances and a joyous Christmas happy ending.
October 2, 2026
Thank you to the author and NETGALLEY for this arc! 🎄
BOOK REVIEW
Book: Merry Ex-Mas
Author: C.C Dador
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Characters: Marygrace Silva
Honest Review: This book was really good! It was a good friends to lovers story and was really intriguing. I love a holiday romance book and the vibes of Christmas is perfection in this book. Marygrace living Christmas Eve over and over again with a different person from her past and she’s trying to figure out how to break the cycle. I love how Marygrace realizes what she’s worth and that she can choose herself and that’s enough! Definitely add this to your bookshelf! 🎄✨
BOOK REVIEW
Book: Merry Ex-Mas
Author: C.C Dador
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Characters: Marygrace Silva
Honest Review: This book was really good! It was a good friends to lovers story and was really intriguing. I love a holiday romance book and the vibes of Christmas is perfection in this book. Marygrace living Christmas Eve over and over again with a different person from her past and she’s trying to figure out how to break the cycle. I love how Marygrace realizes what she’s worth and that she can choose herself and that’s enough! Definitely add this to your bookshelf! 🎄✨
Want to Read
July 5, 2026🎄⏳ Merry Ex-Mas ⏳🎄
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Holiday Romance
• Time Loop
• Friends to Lovers
• Second Chance Romance
• Small Town Romance
• Big Family Dynamics
• Christmas Magic
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 29, 2026
Thank you to Requited and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Holiday Romance
• Time Loop
• Friends to Lovers
• Second Chance Romance
• Small Town Romance
• Big Family Dynamics
• Christmas Magic
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 29, 2026
Thank you to Requited and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Would you enjoy reliving all of your old relationships to see if one of them possibly was your true love? Seeing how your life would turn out if you gave it one more chance? MaryGrace desperately wanted to find her true love and bring them home for Christmas with her family. She got the opportunity to see what it would be like with all of her exes to see if she had true love but let it slip away from her. Would one of them be her true love, or would it be somebody else she never considered before?
I loved this book! I felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie with this one. I loved seeing how MaryGrace would grow from each experience, and see things about herself that she hasn't realized before. I loved watching her finally realize that she needs to love and put herself first, which she typically does not do. I loved the HEA at the end!! It was a Christmas story that had such a good feeling and I could re-read over again!
I loved this book! I felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie with this one. I loved seeing how MaryGrace would grow from each experience, and see things about herself that she hasn't realized before. I loved watching her finally realize that she needs to love and put herself first, which she typically does not do. I loved the HEA at the end!! It was a Christmas story that had such a good feeling and I could re-read over again!
September 23, 2026
Thank you Requited, Celeste Dador and Booked with the Emilys for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the time-loop concept. We’ve all probably wondered at some point what our lives would have looked like had we made a different choice, right? Marygrace gets the chance to experience a different version of her future with one of her exes each time. I liked how every round revealed something to her, not just about that specific relationship, but, more importantly, about what she truly values and seeks in a relationship and in her life.
At the same time, the concept started to lose a bit of its magic for me halfway through. With each new ex, the pattern became more predictable, so some of the scenarios could have been shorter.
I really enjoyed the time-loop concept. We’ve all probably wondered at some point what our lives would have looked like had we made a different choice, right? Marygrace gets the chance to experience a different version of her future with one of her exes each time. I liked how every round revealed something to her, not just about that specific relationship, but, more importantly, about what she truly values and seeks in a relationship and in her life.
At the same time, the concept started to lose a bit of its magic for me halfway through. With each new ex, the pattern became more predictable, so some of the scenarios could have been shorter.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Merry Ex-Mas was a delightfully cozy read full of holiday spirit, romance, family, and personal growth. It was humorous and heartwarming, and I enjoyed watching Marygrace find her joy! Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Merry Ex-Mas was such a fun, feel-good Christmas read and exactly the kind of book that puts you in the holiday spirit.
From the beginning, it gave me In a Holidaze vibes — which is definitely not a bad thing! I really enjoyed the time-loop concept and getting to see Marygrace experience different versions of her life depending on which past relationship she stayed in.
What I liked most was that the time loops weren’t only about figuring out who she was supposed to love. Each one showed her a different version of herself — personally, professionally, and emotionally. It became less about “Which guy should I have chosen?” and more about “Would I actually be happy with the person I became if I made that choice?” I thought that added a really nice layer to what could have otherwise just been a cute holiday romance.
I also loved watching one particular person continue to find his way into her life no matter how things changed.
C.C. Dador did such a great job with the setting and descriptions. I felt like I was transported into each situation with Marygrace, and the big-family atmosphere was one of my favorite parts. All of the traditions, gatherings, and Christmas details made the story feel especially warm and festive.
Overall, this was an easy, cozy read with family, second chances, past loves, a little Christmas magic, and a sweet message about trusting yourself and choosing the life that actually makes you happy.
It genuinely made me want to turn on Christmas music and start baking cookies. 🍪🎄
A feel-good holiday romance that was easy to get lost in and left me completely ready for Christmas.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: Let the holidate time loop begin ⏳ Marygrace is home for the holidays without a date. When a series of events leads to a psychic uber driver and a fall on the ice her holiday plans take a turn. Marygrace finds herself in a time loop on Christmas Eve with a different ex each time 🤭
A speech language pathologist who loves the holidays and doesn’t have the best dating history? Marygrace was a very relatable character for me 😅 She is supportive of everyone she dates, to a fault. With each timeline Marygrace discovers not only how her romantic future would be with each guy, but also who she would become. While this is a holiday romance book, it’s also a reflection on personal growth and learning to find yourself again.
If you enjoy hallmark vibes and a sprinkle of spice this book is for you! It’s never too late for a second chance at love and going after your dreams 💫
P.S. You may never listen to “Last Christmas” the same way ever again 🎶❄️
Tropes
✨ Second chance romance
💙 Friends to lovers
⏳ Time loop
🎄 Holiday Romance
Release Date: September 29th
Thank you C.C. Dador and Netgalley for the advanced copy for review ✨
A speech language pathologist who loves the holidays and doesn’t have the best dating history? Marygrace was a very relatable character for me 😅 She is supportive of everyone she dates, to a fault. With each timeline Marygrace discovers not only how her romantic future would be with each guy, but also who she would become. While this is a holiday romance book, it’s also a reflection on personal growth and learning to find yourself again.
If you enjoy hallmark vibes and a sprinkle of spice this book is for you! It’s never too late for a second chance at love and going after your dreams 💫
P.S. You may never listen to “Last Christmas” the same way ever again 🎶❄️
Tropes
✨ Second chance romance
💙 Friends to lovers
⏳ Time loop
🎄 Holiday Romance
Release Date: September 29th
Thank you C.C. Dador and Netgalley for the advanced copy for review ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This gave me Freaky Friday vibes. Waking up every day hoping the cycle has ended. Just to wake up to a different ex. A holiday romance about second chances, unexpected love & a little Christmas magic. Which man from her past will make the perfect Christmas present? Or is the saying true that exes are exes for a reason
I absolutely loved the book!!! It was a cute and fun read. This story is a beautiful reminder to always be yourself and never change who you are for anyone else. Never take the people you love for granted and always cherish every moment you have together. I love how much I can relate to the Filipino American culture mentioned in this book and the importance of family and spending time with your loved ones
I absolutely loved the book!!! It was a cute and fun read. This story is a beautiful reminder to always be yourself and never change who you are for anyone else. Never take the people you love for granted and always cherish every moment you have together. I love how much I can relate to the Filipino American culture mentioned in this book and the importance of family and spending time with your loved ones
Review of advance copy received from Author
A big thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book that's releasing on September 29, 2026.
C.C. Dador serves up the perfect cup of holiday cheer in this time loop Christmas rom-com. We get to travel through several of Marygrace’s exes as she goes on a quest to find her true love. After having to head back home for the holidays and a wedding without a date yet again, we find Marcygrace stressing over telling her family that she still wasn’t in a relationship. A chance encounter with a mysterious Uber driver and a slip on the ice leave Marygrace experiencing what her future would look like with several of her exes all while a familiar friend keeps making an appearance. Which guy will it be? You’ll have to get cozy with a festive latte by the fire and read the book to find out! I really enjoyed experiencing what a big family holiday in the Filipino culture is like. Noche Buena sounds like such an amazing tradition and this book leaves you feeling a part of it.
Tropes:
🎄 Holiday romance
🎁 Small town romance
🎄 Friends to lovers
🎁 Big family
🎄 Second Chance romance
🎁 Time Loops
C.C. Dador serves up the perfect cup of holiday cheer in this time loop Christmas rom-com. We get to travel through several of Marygrace’s exes as she goes on a quest to find her true love. After having to head back home for the holidays and a wedding without a date yet again, we find Marcygrace stressing over telling her family that she still wasn’t in a relationship. A chance encounter with a mysterious Uber driver and a slip on the ice leave Marygrace experiencing what her future would look like with several of her exes all while a familiar friend keeps making an appearance. Which guy will it be? You’ll have to get cozy with a festive latte by the fire and read the book to find out! I really enjoyed experiencing what a big family holiday in the Filipino culture is like. Noche Buena sounds like such an amazing tradition and this book leaves you feeling a part of it.
Tropes:
🎄 Holiday romance
🎁 Small town romance
🎄 Friends to lovers
🎁 Big family
🎄 Second Chance romance
🎁 Time Loops
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