Alexis Daria delivers a charming conclusion to Amazon’s Under the Mistletoe Collection, following strong entries from Ali Hazelwood (Cruel Winter with You), Tessa Bailey (Merry Ever After), Olivia Dade (All by My Elf), and Alexandria Bellefleur (Merriment and Mayhem). “Only Santas in the Building” beautifully combines professional ambition, personal healing, and holiday romance into a satisfying package.
Story Foundation
The narrative follows Evie Cruz, a talented comic book illustrator struggling with grief and professional deadlines, and her attraction to Theo Winters, her capable and caring upstairs neighbor. Their story unfolds in a New York apartment building where mysterious handmade ornaments begin appearing on Evie’s door, adding a touch of holiday magic to their budding romance.
Character Development Excellence
Daria excels at creating fully realized characters within the novella format. Evie emerges as particularly well-crafted, balancing professional dedication with personal vulnerability. Her grief over her grandmother’s passing and displacement from her former home feel authentic and nuanced. Theo’s character development is equally strong, presenting a modern male lead who’s both competent and emotionally available.
Writing Style and Craft
The author demonstrates exceptional skill in several areas:
- Natural dialogue that reveals character
- Seamless integration of backstory
- Effective use of professional details
- Strong sense of place and community
Strengths
Professional Life Integration
The story stands out for its authentic portrayal of creative work:
- Detailed insight into comic book illustration
- Realistic depiction of freelance challenges
- Natural integration of work-life balance issues
- Professional obstacles that feel genuine rather than contrived
Romance Development
The relationship between Evie and Theo unfolds naturally through:
- Organic meeting opportunities
- Believable attraction build-up
- Shared understanding of work demands
- Meaningful emotional connection
Community Building
The apartment building setting provides:
- Rich cast of supporting characters
- Authentic neighbor interactions
- Strong sense of community
- Natural holiday atmosphere
Areas for Improvement
While largely successful, the novella has minor weaknesses:
- Some supporting character relationships could be further developed
- The resolution of Evie’s grief feels slightly rushed
- A few plot points rely on convenient timing
- The ending might benefit from more emotional complexity
Holiday Elements
The Christmas theme integrates naturally through:
- Creative use of handmade ornaments
- Authentic holiday party scenes
- Seasonal atmosphere that enhances the plot
- Holiday traditions that drive character development
Technical Execution
The novella demonstrates strong technical skills:
- Smooth scene transitions
- Well-paced emotional development
- Effective use of multiple settings
- Strong dialogue construction
Thematic Depth
The story explores several meaningful themes:
- Processing grief during holidays
- Building chosen family
- Finding balance between work and life
- Creating home in new places
Cultural Representation
Daria skillfully incorporates:
- Authentic Latinx representation
- Natural integration of cultural elements
- Realistic family dynamics
- Genuine bilingual moments
Romance Genre Elements
The novella succeeds in delivering:
- Strong physical chemistry
- Emotional connection
- Realistic relationship obstacles
- Satisfying resolution
Impact and Resonance
Only Santas in the Building achieves:
- Emotional authenticity
- Relatable character struggles
- Satisfying romance development
- Meaningful holiday spirit
Comparison to Author’s Other Works
Fans of Daria’s work (including You Had Me at Hola and A Lot Like Adiós) will recognize her strengths in:
- Creating authentic characters
- Writing natural dialogue
- Building romantic tension
- Incorporating cultural elements
Rating and Recommendation
The novella earns 3 out of 5 stars for:
- Strong character development
- Authentic emotional depth
- Skillful writing execution
- Natural holiday integration
Target Audience
This story will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Contemporary romance with depth
- Creative professional settings
- Holiday stories with heart
- Strong community elements
Similar Works
Readers might also enjoy:
- You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- Other titles in the Under the Mistletoe Collection
Final Analysis
Only Santas in the Building stands out in the holiday romance genre by offering:
- Deep character development
- Authentic professional elements
- Natural holiday integration
- Strong emotional core
Conclusion
Alexis Daria’s contribution to the Under the Mistletoe Collection demonstrates her skill in crafting engaging contemporary romance. Despite its shorter length, the novella delivers a complete and satisfying story that will leave readers believing in both holiday magic and second chances. While there are minor areas that could be strengthened, the overall execution makes this a standout entry in the holiday romance genre and a fitting conclusion to the collection.
The novella successfully balances professional ambition, personal healing, and romantic development while maintaining authentic character voices and strong sense of place. It proves that holiday romance can be both festive and meaningful, offering readers a perfect escape for the season while still addressing deeper emotional themes.
Publishing Context
As the final entry in Amazon’s Under the Mistletoe Collection, Only Santas in the Building maintains the high quality established by its predecessors while offering its own unique charm. It demonstrates the potential for holiday novellas to deliver both depth and entertainment, setting a strong standard for future collections in this format.