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lezreadalot's review against another edition
3.0
“Do your hands ache? Like…when you think about…”
“Everything aches for you.”
This was cute! It was missing a little something for me, because I can't say I was totally convinced by this romance, but it had a lot of elements that I love. Age gap, fake dating, home for the holidays, best friend's mom. All tropes that I really like. But I have to admit, the characters didn't really win me over.
Iris doesn't have any plans for Christmas this year, so when her best friend asks her to go home with him and be his fake girlfriend for the holidays, she reluctantly agrees, even though they're both gay. He's nervous about coming out to his family, and thinks that his Type-A mother won't take it well. Meanwhile, Heidi, his mom, had her own lesbian awakening a while ago, and simply hasn't gotten herself to tell her family yet. This one one of those fake dating situations where not a lot of people actually buy into the fake dating lie, so that was a source of amusement by itself. Also, Iris and Heidi have a chance meeting and an intense connection before they realise who the other person is, and they're of course mortified when they figure it out. It leads to a lot of clandestine meetings, a lot of push and pull, everything you'd expect out of a good old forbidden romance. But honestly, the fact that the timeline for this is SO short really did stymie my enjoyment. 80% of the book takes place between December 21st to 25th. There have been books that convinced me that characters have fallen in love in shorter periods of time, but this didn't really manage that? I feel like I can count the number of conversations they actually had on one hand. They have a bunch of intense steamy sex and that was great, but the spark of romance wasn't really there for me. And honestly, I just didn't like either of these women a lot, particularly Heidi.
Spoiler
I wish there had been more acknowledgment of how Heidi mismanaged the situation with Sandy. Not that Sandy wasn't at fault, because she very much was! But it just felt a little weird. It was also a little irritating that the miscommunication between Heidi and Zac was so huge. The person he described was nothing like the Heidi we got to know, and it's baffling to think how he got that idea of her? I don't know, it felt like manufactured conflict.I did like a lot of the humour and quips, and it's always enjoyable reading a holiday romance with a huge family and a lot of cute Christmas traditions and activities. So that part of it was fun. Especially given the fact that so many other members of the family were queer. Even though I wasn't in love with Iris and Heidi's romance, there were parts that I really enjoyed. And the big dramatic blow up at the end managed to to fun and harrowing in a good way, rather than an annoying way. So I enjoyed this overall! Will definitely check out the author again.
reeg_reads's review against another edition
4.0
When Iris’s best friend, Zac, begs her to travel to his hometown for Christmas under the disguise of his girlfriend, she doesn’t expect to meet the most beautiful woman she’s ever seen on her first full day in town. Heidi, a bakery owner and closeted late-in-life-lesbian, is shocked when Iris flirts with her during her breakfast rush. Iris and Heidi have sizzling chemistry right away and leave their first meeting with a promise of reconnecting. Imagine their surprise when they realize who each other is - Iris, Zac’s (fake) girlfriend, and Heidi, Zac’s mom. Hilarious interactions of we shouldn’t do this with a dash of unstoppable chemistry make up most of the story and you can’t help but root for the couple to make it. If you’re a fan of Christmas magic, age-gap romance, and amazing secondary characters, then I highly recommend Home for the Holidays.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
verumsolum's review against another edition
4.75
This book was ever-so-nearly perfect. Maybe I should let loose and call it that. Because the premise and some of how it happens is kind of cheesy. Tropes that felt predictable and like they'd be at home on a sit-com. But despite that, I found that I cared about the characters, and so many of their interactions were so perfect that I couldn't gallop through this book: I had to read it a chapter at a time, because I wanted to live in their interactions, wanted to savor each stage of their getting to the point which seemed inevitable from the first time they met. (That said, I think I started that slow pace earlier, given the roommate trials before they traveled for the holiday.)
Very glad I've read this, even if it took me a few days into January to finish it!
Very glad I've read this, even if it took me a few days into January to finish it!
jennabeebs79's review against another edition
5.0
Oh! Erin Zak, you never cease to amaze me with your incredible writing skills! With Home for the Holidays, she’s told us the story using both Heidi and Iris’s points of view in alternating chapters. Being privy to both women’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions really enhanced the overall depth of the story for me.
Is it fair for me to say that I love absolutely everything about this book? Because I do! Heidi and Iris’s meet-cute is one of my favorite scenes of all time. Grown women who have both lived very full lives being gripped so hard by the presence of another is swoon-worthy. Iris is unable to form a coherent thought as she gazes at Heidi for the first time, making her cheeks pink and her ears red, which never happens to her. Heidi is just as captivated but is able to make herself function enough to make the best cappuccino Iris has ever tasted. The electricity between them sizzles and the flirting…yeah, the flirting. Dreamy sigh.
The insta-love connection is so believable, I think because Heidi and Iris are so completely blown away by what they feel and they continuously communicate their feelings with one another.
I’ve read this book several times already and each time I read it, I find something else I love. Heidi and Iris also spend a lot of time in this book coming to terms with their pasts in order to move toward a future…together. Heidi’s been closeted forever and the expectations she put on herself didn’t allow for her to really be true to herself. It seems meeting Iris not only allows Heidi to fully accept herself but also allows Iris to come to terms with the fact that her relationship with her mom impacted many of the decisions she’s made over the years. Erin Zak does an amazing job developing and executing these additional plot points which show how important trusting and leaning into vulnerability can be.
I’m a sucker for sapphic holiday tales and Home for the Holidays is a beautiful holiday romance that will leave you breathless. The deep emotions that are woven through the story combined with brilliant character arcs, humor, honesty, and loyalty make this one of the best books I’ve ever read. Coming out is an extremely difficult process and everyone’s journey is different and Home for the Holidays shows the power and freedom that come with being true to yourself when and only when you are ready. Iris and Heidi’s love story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I challenge any nonbelievers of love at first sight, to hold on to that belief after reading this story!
To see my full review, head over to TheLesbianReview
Is it fair for me to say that I love absolutely everything about this book? Because I do! Heidi and Iris’s meet-cute is one of my favorite scenes of all time. Grown women who have both lived very full lives being gripped so hard by the presence of another is swoon-worthy. Iris is unable to form a coherent thought as she gazes at Heidi for the first time, making her cheeks pink and her ears red, which never happens to her. Heidi is just as captivated but is able to make herself function enough to make the best cappuccino Iris has ever tasted. The electricity between them sizzles and the flirting…yeah, the flirting. Dreamy sigh.
The insta-love connection is so believable, I think because Heidi and Iris are so completely blown away by what they feel and they continuously communicate their feelings with one another.
I’ve read this book several times already and each time I read it, I find something else I love. Heidi and Iris also spend a lot of time in this book coming to terms with their pasts in order to move toward a future…together. Heidi’s been closeted forever and the expectations she put on herself didn’t allow for her to really be true to herself. It seems meeting Iris not only allows Heidi to fully accept herself but also allows Iris to come to terms with the fact that her relationship with her mom impacted many of the decisions she’s made over the years. Erin Zak does an amazing job developing and executing these additional plot points which show how important trusting and leaning into vulnerability can be.
I’m a sucker for sapphic holiday tales and Home for the Holidays is a beautiful holiday romance that will leave you breathless. The deep emotions that are woven through the story combined with brilliant character arcs, humor, honesty, and loyalty make this one of the best books I’ve ever read. Coming out is an extremely difficult process and everyone’s journey is different and Home for the Holidays shows the power and freedom that come with being true to yourself when and only when you are ready. Iris and Heidi’s love story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I challenge any nonbelievers of love at first sight, to hold on to that belief after reading this story!
To see my full review, head over to TheLesbianReview
laconni4's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
andreademara's review against another edition
2.0
I had to force myself to finish this book. How in the world is Iris a therapist? She has so many mommy issues and codependency issues with Zak. I did not find her likable. Heidi was lovable but also annoying and immature for her age. What I hated the most was the author’s language, and how many times both characters ended sentences with “hmm?” 39 is too many. It’s not cute, and it gave me the ick. Another part that made me cringe was the phrase “I could feel my orgasm peeking around the corner.” That’s fucking weird. I hated how fast these two hooked up in the beginning. It takes all the mystery and suspense out of the hookup. I liked the ending and the fact that it ended but that’s about it.
sterling_sapphic_reads's review against another edition
4.0
So what happens when Zac takes his lesbian roommate home as his fake girlfriend for Christmas because he's still in the closet to his family when said roommate has a thing for older women?! A stellar recipe for a fantastic age-gap, instalove, MILF joy! This was a fantastic holiday read. Perfect way to kick off the holiday season and oh am I ready for it. This was very much the perfect blend of sapphic hallmark vibes that flirts with an R rating. This is a hot mess express, laugh-out-loud funny, steamy queer family romcom that had some complexities I wasn't expecting. This was just a fun, light read (even with the heavier topics of self-acceptance and family healing) that brought me so much joy. A perfect holiday read!
I absolutely adored Heidi and Iris. Zac's whole family was utterly charming and I was obsessed with Maddie (because omg she's so precious).
Okay - also - confession: When I read Iris' name in this book, The Holiday film just ran free in my mind, and when Zak made mention of it in the book I legit laughed out loud.
Thank you to the author for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored Heidi and Iris. Zac's whole family was utterly charming and I was obsessed with Maddie (because omg she's so precious).
Okay - also - confession: When I read Iris' name in this book, The Holiday film just ran free in my mind, and when Zak made mention of it in the book I legit laughed out loud.
Thank you to the author for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
queerlitloft's review against another edition
5.0
Home for the Holidays is without a doubt the best of Erin Zak's work to date.
There's something about this book, a sprinkle of holiday magic if you like, a glimmer of something enchanting that catches your eye and reels you in. It's one of those rare stories where even before the end, you know you'll be picking it up again before long.
Truly great writers give us the ultimate gift, the pleasure of re-reading words that never cease to enrapture us just like the very first time. Authors who can conjure that sparkle re-read after re-read are few and far between; Home for the Holidays is one of those rare breeds.
It's also a story that is difficult to review without giving too much away; there's a 'Oh Holy F**k' moment in there that I wouldn't want to spoil for anyone!
So what can I divulge?
Well, Home for the Holidays is a spicy, age-gap, instalove story, which for a change is relatively believable. There are fabulous characters layered with Zak's signature wit, humour, inner self-talk, and banter which makes it impossible not to fall in love with both of the main characters; Heidi and Iris.
There is a whole heap of depth to these characters, and their individual stories are well thought out. Zak gives readers plenty to think about including a character who comes out later in life. She also explores the anxiety surrounding coming out to loved ones, and the complexities of being enough for your friends and family.
The themes at hand are nicely paired with the holiday season, and the inclusion of a bakery as a plot setting does convey that wintery yet cosy, small-town vibe -where all you want to do is join the characters for a hot drink and fresh bakes! The balance of the story is refreshingly less angsty than one might anticipate given the book's themes, and surprisingly there is a lot of real communication and discussion - no implausible miscommunication to be found here!
The book is written from two points of view, that of Heidi and Iris, however, there is a whole village of extended family and friends who help to bring this story to life. Yes, this is a romance novel, but there are so many more examples of platonic and romantic love intertwined around Heidi and Iris both as individuals and as a couple. Zak even made sure to cover the equally as important, but non-human love, with Maddie - an adorable golden retriever fluffball.
Self-discovery, self-acceptance and identity are at the core of Home for the Holidays. But ultimately, this is a contemporary love story, one which is at times both lovingly gentle and impulsively sexually charged. And the fun part is, it's set amongst the most wonderful (and quite often for some, the most infuriating) time of the year - Christmas! Zak's unique take on having the characters fall candidly into the messiness of interacting with their family and friends during the holiday season gives this book its soul, and the characters their growth.
Simply put, a magnificent story that I guarantee you won't be able to put down. The perfect balance of everything you could wish to find in a holiday season read.
I received an arc of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
There's something about this book, a sprinkle of holiday magic if you like, a glimmer of something enchanting that catches your eye and reels you in. It's one of those rare stories where even before the end, you know you'll be picking it up again before long.
Truly great writers give us the ultimate gift, the pleasure of re-reading words that never cease to enrapture us just like the very first time. Authors who can conjure that sparkle re-read after re-read are few and far between; Home for the Holidays is one of those rare breeds.
It's also a story that is difficult to review without giving too much away; there's a 'Oh Holy F**k' moment in there that I wouldn't want to spoil for anyone!
So what can I divulge?
Well, Home for the Holidays is a spicy, age-gap, instalove story, which for a change is relatively believable. There are fabulous characters layered with Zak's signature wit, humour, inner self-talk, and banter which makes it impossible not to fall in love with both of the main characters; Heidi and Iris.
There is a whole heap of depth to these characters, and their individual stories are well thought out. Zak gives readers plenty to think about including a character who comes out later in life. She also explores the anxiety surrounding coming out to loved ones, and the complexities of being enough for your friends and family.
The themes at hand are nicely paired with the holiday season, and the inclusion of a bakery as a plot setting does convey that wintery yet cosy, small-town vibe -where all you want to do is join the characters for a hot drink and fresh bakes! The balance of the story is refreshingly less angsty than one might anticipate given the book's themes, and surprisingly there is a lot of real communication and discussion - no implausible miscommunication to be found here!
The book is written from two points of view, that of Heidi and Iris, however, there is a whole village of extended family and friends who help to bring this story to life. Yes, this is a romance novel, but there are so many more examples of platonic and romantic love intertwined around Heidi and Iris both as individuals and as a couple. Zak even made sure to cover the equally as important, but non-human love, with Maddie - an adorable golden retriever fluffball.
Self-discovery, self-acceptance and identity are at the core of Home for the Holidays. But ultimately, this is a contemporary love story, one which is at times both lovingly gentle and impulsively sexually charged. And the fun part is, it's set amongst the most wonderful (and quite often for some, the most infuriating) time of the year - Christmas! Zak's unique take on having the characters fall candidly into the messiness of interacting with their family and friends during the holiday season gives this book its soul, and the characters their growth.
Simply put, a magnificent story that I guarantee you won't be able to put down. The perfect balance of everything you could wish to find in a holiday season read.
I received an arc of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
queerafictionado's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What do you get when a MILF loving lesbian goes home with her closeted gay BFF/roommate as his fake girlfriend for Christmas and the mom is a MILF who is also in the closet? You get one chaotic, merry mess and I loved every minute of it!
This was my first book by Erin Zak, and suffice it to say..I will definitely be reading more! Home for the Holidays was full of humor, drama, and an incredible cast of characters who are equally beautiful and flawed. It was a hot mess express, but it was also a heartwarming story about family and friendship, speaking your truth, and finding love in unexpected places. Plus the chemistry between Iris and Heidi was off the charts - and not just in the bedroom. But seriously…the sexual tension between these two is 🥵🥵! And did I mention there is an adorable dog named Maddie?
Zac isn’t ready to come out to his mom and he convinces Iris to come home with him to Indiana for Christmas. Iris initially agreed to go only as his friend/roommate, but ends up playing the role of his fake girlfriend. Which is fine. No big deal. That is...until she wanders down to the bakery her first morning there and becomes tongue-tied stupid over the gorgeous older woman behind the counter. Thinking she can have her cake and eat it too, Iris decides to have a side of MILF with her morning pastries. Which again…would have been fine. If not for the fact that the next time Iris saw this stunning woman was in her best friend’s house, finding out she’s his mom.
Heidi is in the closet. Zac is in the closet. Zac has no clue about his mom. But Heidi, along with pretty much Zac’s whole family, seem to suspect Zac isn’t as straight as he pretends to be. There are so many secrets, and hidden/forbidden relationships throughout this book. And when all those secrets finally come tumbling out…it is EPIC! I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to witness that moment. Chaos erupts. Secrets are exposed. Relationships are revealed. And everyone is in varying levels of shock.
There were times I was so aggravated with Zac and how he was behaving. I even messaged Erin about it while reading! Lol. But she told me to give him a chance, and I’m glad I did. Because he does grow and redeem himself by the end.
This is officially one of my favorite holiday romance novels and I can’t wait to read more of Erin Zak’s books!
🏳️🌈Rep: Lesbian MCs, gay and bi SCs
📝Tropes/Themes: Coming Out, Fake Dating, MILF, Best Friend’s Mom, Holiday, Age Gap, Instalust, Forbidden Love, Adorable Dog, Small Town, Mature 40+ Lead
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
This was my first book by Erin Zak, and suffice it to say..I will definitely be reading more! Home for the Holidays was full of humor, drama, and an incredible cast of characters who are equally beautiful and flawed. It was a hot mess express, but it was also a heartwarming story about family and friendship, speaking your truth, and finding love in unexpected places. Plus the chemistry between Iris and Heidi was off the charts - and not just in the bedroom. But seriously…the sexual tension between these two is 🥵🥵! And did I mention there is an adorable dog named Maddie?
Zac isn’t ready to come out to his mom and he convinces Iris to come home with him to Indiana for Christmas. Iris initially agreed to go only as his friend/roommate, but ends up playing the role of his fake girlfriend. Which is fine. No big deal. That is...until she wanders down to the bakery her first morning there and becomes tongue-tied stupid over the gorgeous older woman behind the counter. Thinking she can have her cake and eat it too, Iris decides to have a side of MILF with her morning pastries. Which again…would have been fine. If not for the fact that the next time Iris saw this stunning woman was in her best friend’s house, finding out she’s his mom.
Heidi is in the closet. Zac is in the closet. Zac has no clue about his mom. But Heidi, along with pretty much Zac’s whole family, seem to suspect Zac isn’t as straight as he pretends to be. There are so many secrets, and hidden/forbidden relationships throughout this book. And when all those secrets finally come tumbling out…it is EPIC! I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to witness that moment. Chaos erupts. Secrets are exposed. Relationships are revealed. And everyone is in varying levels of shock.
There were times I was so aggravated with Zac and how he was behaving. I even messaged Erin about it while reading! Lol. But she told me to give him a chance, and I’m glad I did. Because he does grow and redeem himself by the end.
This is officially one of my favorite holiday romance novels and I can’t wait to read more of Erin Zak’s books!
🏳️🌈Rep: Lesbian MCs, gay and bi SCs
📝Tropes/Themes: Coming Out, Fake Dating, MILF, Best Friend’s Mom, Holiday, Age Gap, Instalust, Forbidden Love, Adorable Dog, Small Town, Mature 40+ Lead
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Car accident and Toxic relationship