Book Boyfriends and Booze

In How My Neighbor Stole Christmas, the festive spirit of Kringletown, Colorado collides with the grumpy charm of Cole Black, who would rather skip the holiday season entirely. His world is turned upside down when his Christmas-loving nemesis, Storee Taylor, moves in next door to care for her aunt. Storee’s determination to win the town’s Christmas Kringle contest sparks a rivalry with Cole, who begrudgingly enters the competition to beat her at her own game. But as their fake friendly relationship takes a surprising turn toward real feelings, the holiday magic brings unexpected warmth to their frosty dynamic. Filled with humor, heart, and holiday cheer, this story explores love, rivalry, and helps stretch the spirit of Christmas one more week before we turn to the New Year.

A Small Town Holiday Romance

Cole Black is the quintessential small-town grump who gets caught in the crossfire of holiday cheer when his childhood friend and now competitor, Storee Taylor, returns to Kringletown after 10 years. As a book boyfriend, Cole embodies the “hurt and healing” archetype, where past emotional wounds hinder his ability to fully embrace love. While his character is endearing at times, especially when the story dives into his tender moments with Storee, his hesitations and insecurities prevent him from fully stepping into the confident, take-charge role often expected in fictional romances.

The friends-to-enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Cole and Storee is well-executed, creating tension that keeps the reader invested. Their history of shared Christmases gone awry adds a nostalgic charm, and their rivalry in the town’s Kringle contest offers a lighthearted and humorous backdrop. Once their romance heats up, the spice between them is undeniably enjoyable, with Cole surprising readers by revealing a dominant and passionate side during intimate moments. However, the buildup to these scenes feels slightly delayed, and more frequent bursts of chemistry might have better balanced the pacing. It’s one of those slow burns that just took a bit too long.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Cole as a Book Boyfriend

Cole’s moments of vulnerability add depth to his character, showcasing his emotional struggles and the scars of feeling abandoned by Storee’s long absence. However, his hesitance and tendency to jump to conclusions—particularly when he doubts Storee without hearing her out—detract from his appeal. While he eventually redeems himself, his initial inability to take decisive action and fight for Storee leaves a lingering sense of dissatisfaction. In the fictional romance realm, readers often seek a male lead who exudes unwavering confidence and steadfast loyalty, and Cole falls short in these areas. But perhaps this felt more realistic and if that is for you, then this is your book boyfriend!

The Audiobook Advantage

For readers who enjoy audiobooks, How My Neighbor Stole Christmas is a standout experience. The full cast narration breathes life into Cole and Storee, especially during the spicy scenes where the performances enhance the emotional and physical tension. The humor and festive vibes are also better conveyed in the audio format, making it a recommended medium for experiencing this story, especially in still cleaning up from end of year hosting or starting to take down your holiday decorations.

Final Verdict on Cole Black and Overall Enjoyment of the Book

While the book has its merits—lighthearted humor, festive cheer, and enjoyable spice—it struggles with pacing and could benefit from trimming some of the extensive background details. For readers looking for a cozy holiday romance to extend the Christmas spirit, this book is a fun, albeit lengthy, option. However, it may not leave a lasting impression compared to other standout holiday romances.

As a book boyfriend, Cole Black is charming but not particularly memorable. His sensitive and grumpy demeanor adds some appeal, but his indecision and moments of doubt weaken his overall impact. While Cole and Storee’s romance has its sweet and steamy moments, Cole doesn’t quite hit the mark as a top-tier book boyfriend, landing somewhere in the middle of the pack. This is a light, festive read for those wanting to savor the holiday spirit a little longer, but it’s not one to prioritize over your next spicy January read.