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Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

As the concluding entry in Amazon’s Under the Mistletoe Collection, following works by Ali Hazelwood (Cruel Winter with You), Tessa Bailey (Merry Ever After), Olivia Dade (All by My Elf), and Alexandria Bellefleur (Merriment and Mayhem), Alexis Daria’s Only Santas in the Building delivers a perfect blend of holiday cheer, authentic representation, and steamy romance.

Story Overview

Comic book illustrator Evie Cruz is struggling through her first Christmas after her grandmother’s passing, buried in work deadlines and surrounded by unpacked boxes in her new apartment. Her only distraction is her attractive upstairs neighbor, Theo Winters, who seems to always catch her at her worst moments. When mysterious handmade ornaments begin appearing on her door and a building-wide Santa-themed party approaches, Evie decides it’s time to take control of her romantic narrative.

Character Development Excellence

Daria excels at creating layered, relatable characters. Evie emerges as a fully realized protagonist, dealing with:

Theo proves to be more than just the attractive neighbor, revealing depth through:

Writing Style and Narrative Structure

The author demonstrates particular skill in:

Strengths

Authentic Representation

Daria seamlessly integrates:

Romance Development

The relationship builds naturally through:

Setting and Atmosphere

The apartment building becomes a character in itself:

Areas for Improvement

While largely successful, the novella has minor weaknesses:

Technical Elements

The novella demonstrates strong technical execution in:

Pacing

Point of View

Holiday Integration

Christmas elements enhance rather than overwhelm the story through:

Thematic Depth

The novella explores several compelling themes:

  1. Processing grief during the holidays
  2. Finding home in new places
  3. Balancing creative work with personal life
  4. The courage to be vulnerable

Impact and Resonance

Only Santas in the Building succeeds in:

Comparison to Author’s Other Works

Fans of Daria’s You Had Me at Hola and A Lot Like Adiós will recognize her talent for:

Rating and Recommendation

Only Santas in the Building earns a solid 3 out of 5 stars for its:

Ideal Reader Profile

This novella will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:

Similar Works to Consider

Readers might also enjoy:

Technical Proficiency

Daria demonstrates particular skill in:

Publishing Context

As part of Amazon’s Under the Mistletoe Collection, Only Santas in the Building maintains high standards while offering a unique perspective on holiday romance.

Conclusion

Alexis Daria’s contribution to the Under the Mistletoe Collection proves why she’s become a trusted voice in contemporary romance. Despite its shorter length, Only Santas in the Building delivers a complete and satisfying story that will leave readers believing in the magic of holiday romance while craving more of Daria’s work.

The novella succeeds in balancing humor, heart, and heat while maintaining authentic character development and strong sense of place. While there are minor areas that could be strengthened, the overall execution makes this a standout entry in the holiday romance genre and a worthy addition to any romance reader’s collection.

The story particularly shines in its representation of creative professionals, urban life, and Latino culture, all while delivering a romance that feels both fresh and timeless. It serves as a fitting conclusion to the Under the Mistletoe Collection, demonstrating the enduring appeal of well-crafted holiday romance.

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