Book Review: Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal

Last holiday season I read Meghan Quinn’s How My Neighbor Stole Christmas and really enjoyed it so I was excited to read the newest book in the Kringletown series, Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal.

The novel follows Atlas Maxheimer and Betty Yokel. Atlas was in the first book as Cole’s best friend. The lovable and goofy Atlas or “Max” as he’s known around town, helps run his family’s Christmas tree farm. One day while out walking around the property, he thinks he hears voices on the neighboring property that’s been vacant for years. No one believes him when he says he thinks someone is up to something over there. Lo and behold, his enemy in the small town of Kringletown, Dwight Yokel, secretly owns the property and has enlisted the help of his niece, Betty, to help him turn the land into a rival Christmas tree farm!

Atlas decides to make a “battle plan” a la Home Alone since this book takes inspiration from the classic movie, and plans to woo Betty and make her fall for him so she will change her mind about opening a rival farm. But what happens when it quickly becomes clear that Atlas actually likes Betty and doesn’t want to lie or manipulate her? And as the two spend more time together and feelings grow, what will happen if Betty finds out Atlas’ original plan?

I enjoyed this book and really liked Betty and Atlas, but Atlas really stole the show for me. He’s so upbeat and optimistic and so lovable. It actually really annoyed me throughout the book when people would not take Atlas seriously and/or didn’t believe him when he would try to tell them things. Justice for Atlas!

Overall, this was a fun book and I liked the storyline and again, loved Atlas. There is one more book coming out next year in this series and I can’t wait to find out who will be about!

Read this if you want a spicy small town holiday romcom with the enemies to lovers trope.

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