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:
- Professional pressures as a comic book artist
- Grief over her grandmother’s passing
- The challenges of starting over
- Self-image issues that feel genuine rather than manufactured
Theo proves to be more than just the attractive neighbor, revealing depth through:
- His thoughtful actions
- Professional competence
- Emotional intelligence
- Genuine interest in Evie’s work and well-being
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
The author demonstrates particular skill in:
- Balancing humor with emotional depth
- Creating natural dialogue that reveals character
- Building sexual tension through meaningful interactions
- Incorporating cultural elements authentestly without making them the story’s focus
Strengths
Authentic Representation
Daria seamlessly integrates:
- Latino cultural elements
- Family dynamics
- Professional challenges faced by creative professionals
- Realistic New York City apartment living
Romance Development
The relationship builds naturally through:
- Meaningful interactions
- Shared understanding of work-life balance
- Physical chemistry grounded in emotional connection
- Realistic obstacles and solutions
Setting and Atmosphere
The apartment building becomes a character in itself:
- Rich community dynamics
- Diverse cast of neighbors
- Holiday decorations that advance the plot
- Authentic New York City details
Areas for Improvement
While largely successful, the novella has minor weaknesses:
- Some secondary character relationships could be further developed
- The resolution of Evie’s family conflicts feels slightly rushed
- A few convenient plot developments
- Limited exploration of certain emotional themes
Technical Elements
The novella demonstrates strong technical execution in:
Pacing
- Natural progression of events
- Well-timed emotional reveals
- Balanced scenes between romance and character development
- Effective use of limited timeframe
Point of View
- Clear character perspectives
- Emotional depth in narration
- Balanced internal and external conflict
- Effective use of past and present
Holiday Integration
Christmas elements enhance rather than overwhelm the story through:
- Organic incorporation of holiday traditions
- Creative use of seasonal decorations
- Meaningful gift-giving
- Community celebration that advances the plot
Thematic Depth
The novella explores several compelling themes:
- Processing grief during the holidays
- Finding home in new places
- Balancing creative work with personal life
- The courage to be vulnerable
Impact and Resonance
Only Santas in the Building succeeds in:
- Creating authentic emotional connections
- Building believable romance
- Establishing strong sense of community
- Delivering satisfying character arcs
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:
- Creating compelling character dynamics
- Writing authentic dialogue
- Building romantic tension
- Crafting satisfying emotional payoffs
Rating and Recommendation
Only Santas in the Building earns a solid 3 out of 5 stars for its:
- Strong character development
- Engaging romance
- Authentic representation
- Skilled writing execution
Ideal Reader Profile
This novella will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Contemporary urban romance
- Holiday stories with depth
- Diverse representation
- Creative profession storylines
Similar Works to Consider
Readers might also enjoy:
- You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
- The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
- Other titles in the Under the Mistletoe Collection
Technical Proficiency
Daria demonstrates particular skill in:
- Scene construction
- Dialogue writing
- Character voice
- Emotional resonance
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.
