The Holiday if it was inclusive of all sexualities and minorities, and if it was only American based. I was not expecting the spice level on this. Very left-field, but I didn't hate it. They have some interesting names but are a little forgettable in personality. What was the trap part? Just because it was a switch like The Parent Trap? But it was The Holiday, so… huh? ( )

This is the first book in a while that kept my interest. Loved the sense of community. ( )

In The Holiday Trap, author Roan Parrish weaves an entertaining LGBTQ holiday romantic comedy tale that follows the self-defining journeys of two people who swap houses for the month of December.

Greta Russakoff lives in Owl Island, Maine, and works for her family owned real estate business. Greta feels that her family doesn't understand her LGBTQ lifestyle, and after her older sister Sadie and mom Nell volunteer her for the annual charity auction for a dinner date at the hometown holiday fair, she is so upset and wants to leave town.

Truman Belvedere is an accountant who lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. Truman finds out that he is in a secret relationship with his boyfriend Guy, when he stops unannounced at Guy's house to drop off his Christmas gift, only to find that Guy has a husband and an eight year old daughter! Truman is so upset that Guy had a secret family that he wants to leave town.

Greta and Truman's mutual friend Ramona suggest that they swap houses for the month. What ensues over the month of December is a parallel journey of self-discovery, and the chance to make lifestyle choices for both Greta and Truman that will ultimately change their lives.

Author Roan Parrish weaves a sassy tale full of humor and drama that easily draws the reader into Greta and Truman's story as they swap houses for a month, which leads them to discovering a chance to choose to live the life that they want. Along the way, they deal with the challenges in their lives, discover their true passion for the type of work that has in the past been only hobbies, meet supportive new friends, make lifestyle choices and decisions, and a chance at finding love.

The Holiday Trap is the first LGBTQ holiday romantic comedy that I read during the holiday season, and while it is not a usual genre that I read, I did enjoy the story, but I wasn't used to the queer trope or the explicit sex scenes that are usually not included in a generic rom-com story. That being said, I couldn't help but follow along as Greta and Truman's house swap gave them time for self-discovery, and a chance at romance, throughout an angsty and emotional roller coaster ride of a holiday month.

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of the book from my monthly subscription to The Ripped Bodice Book Box.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-holiday-trap-by-roan-parr... ( )

Very cute and well written but the f/f relationship was hella toxic. ( )

This was a fun, holiday romance and reminds me of "The Holiday" but with LGBTQ representation.
Natalie Duke, Pete Cross, and Hillary Huber did a great job of narrating this audiobook. I will definitely look for more books narrated by these individuals in the future. ( )