Book Review: Winter's Kiss: The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols

The Ex Games 

By Jennifer Echols 

Release Date: January 3, 2012

Summary: Brace yourself for the battle of the exes... 

Hayden and Nick used to be a hot item, but their brief affair ended with a highly publicized breakup. Now the two are "just friends," excluding the occasional flirtation. 

When Hayden wins the girls' division of a local snowboarding competition, Nick is unimpressed, claiming that Hayden wouldn't have a chance against a guy. Hayden calls Nick's bluff and challenges him to a head-to-head boarding contest. Their mutual friends quickly take sides, the girls on Hayden's and the boys on Nick's, making for an all-out battle of the sexes. This friendly competition is bound to get heated—and they might end up igniting some old flames.

Review: There is no doubt that I love Jennifer Echols, so of course I had a blast reading her winter romantic comedy! The Ex Games was published in 2009, but was republished in a volume with The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Catherine Hopka this month. Even though it's been around for three years, it was still the perfect book to cozy up with while the snow fell outside. 

Hayden and Nick have a rocky past; they dated four years ago but broke up soon after when Nick broke Hayden's heart. Since then, they have bickered like an old married couple, yet never got back together. Winter break changed everything when Nick and Hayden challenge each other to a snowboarding contest. Snow wasn't the only thing that's falling (in love that is) that winter! 

Hayden is such a strong character who has had to deal with her feelings for Nick for four years. She puts her heart and soul into snowboarding, and I couldn't help but root for her during everything she went through. Even though she's strong on the outside, she always has a part of her that can't help falling for Nick over and over again. Who wouldn't? He is gorgeous, talented, and underneath his teasing is a heart of gold. 

I loved the whole premise of Hayden and Nick competing against each other in a snowboarding contest; they literally have a game of the exes. It was cool how everyone's relationship was invested in the competition, everything riding on the chance to win Poser concert tickets from their significant other. Everything about this book was super cute and I was so sad when it was over. If you're looking for a heart-warming read on a cold winter's day, pick up The Ex Games!