An Ex for Christmas

Kelly Byrne encounters a mysterious fortune teller who predicts she will reunite with "the one who got away" before Christmas. This leads her to revisit her past relationships during the holiday season, wondering which ex-boyfriend might be her destined match. Mark Blakely, Kelly's best friend since childhood and current roommate, maintains his skepticism about the fortune teller's prediction. The two navigate their friendship through Kelly's quest to find her supposed true love, while preparing for the holidays in New York City. The story explores themes of friendship, fate, and the nature of true love. Through Kelly's journey, the novel examines how people's perceptions of romance and destiny can shape their choices and relationships.

Readers describe this as a friends-to-lovers romance featuring a protagonist who believes in signs and psychics. Most reviewers note it delivers traditional holiday romance elements with humor. Readers appreciated: - The friends-to-lovers dynamic and chemistry between Kelly and Mark - The Christmas atmosphere and New York City setting - Quick, light pacing fitting for a holiday novella - Humor and banter between characters Common criticisms: - Kelly's belief in signs frustrates some readers - Plot predictability - Short length leaves character development rushed - Some found the premise unrealistic Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 from 8,900+ ratings Amazon: 4.4/5 from 450+ reviews BookBub: 4.3/5 from 1,200+ ratings One reviewer noted: "Perfect blend of sweet and steamy with holiday charm." Another said: "Kelly's constant search for signs became repetitive and took away from the romance."

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🎄 The story takes place during the holiday season in New York City, where author Lauren Layne lives and sets many of her romance novels. 💝 The book features a unique plot element involving a psychic who predicts the main character's true love is someone from her past, setting off the story's events. 📚 This is a friends-to-lovers romance, one of Lauren Layne's signature tropes, which she has used successfully in other popular series like "Sex, Love & Stiletto." 🏆 Lauren Layne left a career on Wall Street to become a full-time romance writer, publishing her first book in 2013 and going on to become a USA Today bestselling author. 🎯 The book was published in 2017 as part of the "Love Unexpectedly" series, though it can be read as a complete standalone novel.