The Christmas Curse by Alix Kelinda: Book Review

The Christmas Curse is the debut novel by Canadian author Alix Kelinda. Expected to be released on October 20, 2026, it takes readers to a small Calgary neighborhood where two neighbors argue over holiday decorations. Devra has hated Christmas for as long as she can remember, because everything goes wrong. Bradley loves the holiday season and looks forward to the new beginning of living on his own. To Devra’s dismay, Bradley’s new home is next to hers, leaving her no choice but to take a knife to his inflatable snowman. Or does she have a choice?

I want to thank Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Christmas Curse. All opinions presented here are my own.

Synopsis from Goodreads

It’s the most perilous time of the year…

Devra’s family is cursed. There’s simply no other explanation for the catastrophes that have tormented them every December for the last thirty odd years—a house fire from exploding string lights, severe burns from spilled hot cocoa, breakup after breakup, always in the lead-up to Christmas. So, she does what anyone with a family curse would do: she goes into hiding and scorns the holidays. But when Bradley, “Mr. Christmas” himself, moves in next door and ruins her perfectly un-festive space with every twinkling, shimmering, blaring decoration imaginable, Devra is certain he’s been sent by the curse to upend her quiet life.

Bradley’s days are looking up. He’s one year sober, with a new home, and what better way to celebrate his fresh start than by honoring his family’s tradition of extravagant holiday decorating. The only problem: his festive spirit has somehow offended his prickly new neighbor, sparking a feud that just might end in attempted snowman murder.

But while Devra seems hell-bent on driving Bradley away, Bradley becomes fixated on solving the riddle that is Devra. And somewhere along the way, their over-the-fence antics spark something deeper: feelings.

Except was Bradley sent by the curse? Or is he the answer to finally breaking it—once and for all?

My Opinions

I added The Christmas Curse to my TBR when I learned about its release because the synopsis sounded good. A family curse that only seems to happen during the holiday season, and a sexy new neighbor who may be able to break the curse. What’s not to like about that? That plus, I enjoy reading and hyping Canadian authors.

The sexual tension between Devra and Bradley is almost palpable. It’s almost deliciously palpable. You know from the moment they meet that they will end up in bed. That said, their first couple of encounters, while hot and steamy for certain, were a bit unusual given their personalities. And the last encounter- is that really possible? Maybe I’m just too old to do that anymore. LOL!

Devra and Bradley both bring family issues and trauma to the table. It was refreshing that they didn’t try to outdo each other by competing for the most trauma. Thankfully, the book gives each of them a chance to explore their past and come to terms with how it impacts their future. However, I would have loved to see more attention to Bradley’s experiences, as they felt like an afterthought and were rushed through in the final few chapters.

While I enjoyed the second half of the book, I struggled to connect with it at the beginning. That may have been more of a me issue, as I had unexpected company for a week. Once I could relax and sink into the book, I enjoyed it.

Overall, I think anyone looking for a fun holiday read with some spice would enjoy reading The Christmas Curse.

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.