Tour Review - - The Christmas Competition

The Christmas Competition

by Zoe Allison

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: October 20, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

The local rumor mill in Nisa Ansari's small highland town is swirling about the downfall of her marriage, and in desperate need of a distraction, she enters her town’s Christmas house-decorating competition. The competition comes with the added bonus of getting on neighbor Kerr Murdoch’s last nerve. It’s the least she could do, considering her ex-husband left Nisa for Kerr’s girlfriend. And maybe if Kerr smiled or cracked a joke—just once!—his girlfriend would’ve stayed, and Nisa wouldn’t find herself alone during the holidays.

Introverted Kerr has trouble feeling comfortable around people he doesn’t know well. Newly single, he decorates his house in remembrance of his mother, who always had a soft spot for Christmas lights. But when Nisa's and Kerr’s decorations end up nearly identical, he incurs Nisa’s wrath.

This means all-out war, complete with gaudy wreaths, twinkle lights, and too many reindeer to count. Never mind that Nisa can’t keep her eyes off Kerr’s toned forearms. Or ignore that he’s a pet-loving veterinarian with a heart of gold. After conceding to her husband’s wishes for years, Nisa is determined to get her way. But as Christmas draws near, Nisa must decide what she actually wants: the familiar rivalry she’s had for years with Kerr, or opening herself up to the chance to fall in love with someone new.

PJ's Thoughts:

Talk about messy relationships. Nisa and Kerr live across the street from one another and have never had what you would call a close friendship. Or any friendship. It doesn't help that Nisa's husband ran off with Kerr's girlfriend. Or that Nisa believes Kerr hit her cat then lied about it (more about that later). Not to worry, the cat is fine. The cat also seems to love Kerr. Now the two are engaged in a cut-throat community Christmas decorating competition that is throwing them together in ways that are bringing unwanted - and unexpected - feelings to the surface. 

I really enjoy Allison's characters. They are well developed, messy, and relatable. I like that she takes them on an organic journey of growth, individually and as a couple. There are plenty of hijinks and humor but it's nicely paired with emotional depth and personal reflection. So, fun but also feelings. 

Another thing I enjoy about Allison's stories is her ability to create an immersive atmosphere. I may be sitting on my Florida patio while reading The Christmas Competition but with each page I turn, I feel like I'm bundled up, walking through the snow in a small Highland village. Yes, please. 

If your reading jam is enemies-to-lovers contemporary, set in a small Scottish village, with humor, heart, emotional depth, and holiday fun, check out The Christmas Competition. And, if you enjoy this one, take a look at Zoe Allison's previous books, listed below. Click on each title to read my review. 

The Ex-Mas Holidays

The Wedding Engagement