Friday, December 30, 2011

This Ex-Mas I'll Give It To Someone Special

Published: October 6th, 2009
Ex-Mas: A Love/Hate Story
By: Kate Brian
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ISBN-13: 9781416991519


Two Exes. One holiday adventure. Merry Ex-Mas?

Seventeen-year-old Lila Beckwith's parents just left for vacation, and Lila's all set to throw the holiday party of the season. But when her Christmas-obsessed little brother, Cooper, discovers that global warming is melting the North Pole, he and his best friend, Tyler, take off on a runaway mission to save Santa.

Lila has to get Cooper safely home before her parents get back on Christmas Eve. But the only person who can help her is Tyler's older brother, Beau — a.k.a. Lila's musician, anti-everything ex-boyfriend.

It'll take more than a Christmas miracle for Lila and Beau to overcome their differences and find their fugitive brothers. But could a journey destined for disaster help these polar opposites fall in love...all over again?

Review

   Lila Beckwith has been looking forward the opportunity to throw a part since she became friends with Carly Hollander and gained popularity.  But all of that is ruined when right before her parents leave for her Aunt and Uncle's house, her snooping little brother Cooper announces that her saw party plans on her computer.  Lila gets grounded and has to cancel the party so she won't loose the car her parents have promised her for her 18th birthday.  To get back at her brother, she shows him a class assignment about global warming entitled "Save Santa."  When Lila goes to get Cooper from his friend Tyler's house (also her ex-boyfriend Beau's younger brother), she discovers that he and Tyler have stolen her iPhone.  They decided to run away to the North Pole and warn Santa.  Now Lila and Beau have to put aside their differences and deal with each other as they race North, trying to catch the boys before they manage to leave the country.  Also, they have to be back in time for Christmas Eve when Lila's parents get back or she's toast.  At first I thought Lila was a complete and utter brat.  I did not like and her and couldn't sympathize.  But as she melts toward Beau again and learns what a mistake she made changing herself to be friends with Carly and be Eric's girlfriend, I melted too.  Lila has done and said stupid things, but she's just an insecure teenaged girl who thinks she isn't good enough when she's just herself.  I ended up really liking this book, it had a truly sweet heart to it and the characters were funny and real.  It was a fun, fluffy holiday read that I would recommend to anyone who wants to just enjoy a book without any deep connotations.

VERDICT:  4/5  Stars
Book # 1 of Challenge COMPLETE

*No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book is now available in stores and online.*

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