The Holiday Hookup List

I went into this expecting a light, fluffy holiday rom-com, and I got something far more addictive: a story that balances snark, steam, and a healthy dose of *what the hell are you doing?* energy. Ramona Master and Noah B. Perez make this audiobook a performance you’ll want to listen to in one sitting. Master’s portrayal of the chaotic, list-making protagonist is brilliant—she nails the self-deprecating humor and the slow-burn realization that her rival might actually be what she needs. Perez, meanwhile, oozes that classic rom-com alpha-male energy, but with a twist: his character is just smug enough to be infuriating, yet charming enough to make you root for him despite yourself. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their banter feels organic, even when the plot strains credibility. That said, this isn’t without flaws. The pacing occasionally wobbles, especially in the middle act where the holiday hijinks feel more like filler than forward motion. And while the premise is a standout, some of the secondary characters blur together in a way that makes the cast feel thinner than it should be. Still, the production more than makes up for it—the audio quality is crisp, the pacing is brisk, and the narration keeps the energy high even when the plot lags. If you’re craving a rom-com that’s as smart as it is sexy, this one delivers. Just don’t expect to listen at work unless you’ve got headphones handy.