Christmas off Script

A Sweet Christmas Themed Romance

Leo and Ella's story was a best friend romance where the two are unaware of their feelings for each other. Reading this story at the start was a bit challenging. I found Ella's character irked me. She wants to be so good and struggles to put herself first. She will continually do things for others even when she doesn't want to. She is a complete juxtaposition from Estelle who I really resonated with. Ella is often timid, quiet and while I wanted to feel badly for her I struggled to find sympathy. I think the reason her character bothered me so much is because I'm a recovering people pleaser. I often said yes to things I didn't want to do because I didn't want to disappoint people around me. I feared failure and wanted to make my family proud. Even though my family was never horrid to me and always supported me. Which Ella does not get to experience and that is why her character bothered me.

There were many instances where if she just communicated many concerns could have been avoided. Within the first few chapters her entire life has fallen into pieces around her. Her long term relationship suddenly ends and she has no where to turn. It was a very cute concept to have Ella's life mimic Cinderella.

Leo, while confident and capable, is as bad at communicating as Ella is. Many issues arise from the lack of open and honest conversation. I found it incredibly frustrating. I wanted to shout at the both of them. Given chaos that becomes her life, Ella moves into Foxbrooke Manor and ends up playing in the Panto. Between old partners returning, bad family relations, Ella gets treated with terrible regard. I wish at times, she had had a moment of rage and let out her inner feelings. Though I know this isn't real life and often people will suffer in silence.

The story really ramps up closer to the end and I found myself cheering for the love of Leo and Ella. The miscommunications and accidental misunderstandings were still quite prevalent. But we saw a light at the end of the tunnel. As with all Evie books this one does end in an HEA and we get there in the end.

My thoughts on the story overall, I always commend an author that can make me feel strong emotions about a character. Be it positive or negative feelings that illustrates excellent work by the author. Evie definitely made me feel things with these two characters. I wanted to shake them both but they truly found a place in my heart. I think because the two of them are so different from anyone in my life it was challenging to empathize but I really did enjoy their story and their finding happiness together. There was incredible growth and development for both Leo and Ella. I am looking forward to more in this world and I hope we get to see some Summer and Finn action. Additionally, I love the spice index that Evie is credited for coining. It makes finding our favourite parts very easy. I love Evie books because I know they are feel good and they allow for a different narrative than my usual morally grey books. These ones are fun, hilarious and bring a different perspective. I have been a fan since Highland Games and will continue to be for eternity because no one makes me laugh quite like she does! Great work and I cannot wait for more.