Ex Mas by Kate Brian

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Aus
Pub. Date: October 6th 2009
Age Range: 12 and up
Pages: 288
Format: paperback
Source Of Copy: from publisher - S&S Aus

Seventeen-year-old Lila Beckwith's parents just left for vacation, and Lila's all set to throw the holiday party of the season. But when her Christmas-obsessed little brother, Cooper, discovers that global warming is melting the North Pole, he and his best friend, Tyler, take off on a runaway mission to save Santa. Lila has to get Cooper safely home before her parents get back on Christmas Eve. But the only person who can help her is Tyler's older brother, Beau -- a.k.a. Lila's musician, anti-everything ex-boyfriend. It'll take more than a Christmas miracle for Lila and Beau to overcome their differences and find their fugitive brothers. But could a journey destined for disaster help these polar opposites fall in love...all over again?


The first thing I felt about this book was that why I hadn't read it sooner. Why? Because it's the perfect read for the holidays - couple love, sibling love, winter love, Ex Mas has it all. It's also a very nice message of being yourself and still feeling happy.

The plot feels pretty common - a younger brother messes with his sister's life and the sister takes her revenge, causing something terrible to happen that she has to deal with without letting her parents know. Having said that, I still find something new, maybe because it's set in the best time of the year - Christmas. I also like the twist - the ex-es union and their journey to get their brothers back.

The Christmas spirit is felt strongly throughout the books. I could totally imagine a lovely season before my eyes just reading a first few chapters. The author also has a nice move - letting the couple go all over the places so you can sense the whole quiet but romantic atmosphere of winter. The appearances of the kids just bring more warmth to your heart. In addition, there's also a story of how Lila and Beau got together and broke up and how Lila became the popular (but unhappy) girl she is now. It's like reading two books at a time.

I quite like the characters here. They're not very outstanding individuals but together they make the book a great one. I love the hearty kids who want to save Santa, the girl who has lost herself but now with the help with the fearless guy, is trying to get her real life back. They're all so cute. And did I say how much I enjoy the bickering between Lila and Beau? They're definitely born to be together.

Super cute book. You will want to add it to your Christmas reading list.

Rating: 4/5