Ex-mas

Seventeen-year-old Lila Beckwith has her Christmas vacation meticulously planned out. When her young brother Cooper runs away to find Santa at the North Pole, Lila must team up with her ex-boyfriend Beau to track him down before their parents discover he's missing. The search leads Lila and Beau on an overnight road trip through California in a race against time. Their journey forces them to confront their past relationship and unresolved feelings while trying to locate Cooper before Christmas morning. The story navigates themes of sibling responsibility, second chances, and the true meaning of the holiday season. Through their adventure, both characters face personal growth and must reconsider what matters most during Christmas.

Readers describe Ex-mas as a light, quick holiday read targeting young teens. The story follows a high school student's quest to find her brother on Christmas Eve. Positive reader comments focus on: - The fast-paced 24-hour timeline - Chemistry between the main characters - Holiday atmosphere and winter setting - Age-appropriate romance Common criticisms include: - Predictable plot points - Underdeveloped secondary characters - Unrealistic logistics of the road trip - Repetitive inner monologue One reader noted: "The premise is fun but the execution falls flat with too much telling rather than showing." Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (40+ reviews) Barnes & Noble: 3.8/5 (25+ reviews) Most readers categorize it as an easy, forgettable holiday story suitable for younger YA readers but lacking depth for older audiences.

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan Two New York teenagers engage in a scavenger hunt through Manhattan during Christmas break that leads to romance.

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston A girl's extended family sets her up on ten different holiday dates after her breakup, leading to unexpected connections.

My True Love Gave to Me by Stephanie Perkins and others A collection of twelve holiday romances follows different teens as they navigate love during the winter season.

The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan A couple works to restore Christmas spirit in New York City while facing relationship challenges during the holiday season.

Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle Three interconnected stories follow different teens whose paths cross during a Christmas Eve snowstorm in a small town.

🎄 Before writing "Ex-mas," Kate Brian penned the bestselling "Private" series under the same pen name. Her real name is Kieran Scott. 📚 The book's 24-hour road trip storyline mirrors the urgency and time constraints often found in classic Christmas Eve tales like "A Christmas Carol." 🚗 The novel takes place in Seattle and follows the characters on a journey to Portland, a route that typically takes about 3 hours but becomes much more complicated in the story. ❄️ Kate Brian's portrayal of sibling relationships was influenced by her experiences growing up with her own brother, which helped shape the dynamic between Lila and Cooper. 🎅 The book explores the modern phenomenon of children tracking Santa online, incorporating real-world technology like NORAD's Santa Tracker into its plot.