Faking Christmas

Indie!

One little white lie.

That’s all it took. Now I’m suddenly having to fake-date my work nemesis to get me through a week at a Vermont Christmas lodge with my family.

The problem? I can’t stand Miles Taylor. Not only that, but I don’t date people I work with. But I can handle it. I’ve had practice faking my emotions for years. So it shouldn’t matter that Miles never lets me get away with anything. And that he happens to boil my blood hotter than a steaming pot of wassail. So when he throws his annoying grin my way or forces me on dates he knows I’ll hate, I’ll just grit my teeth and smile.

Or maybe not. Did I mention that Miles is the one person in the world I can’t seem to fool?

When my emotions begin feeling less like a sham and his arms feel way too comfortable, it makes me think that maybe Miles had a plan of his own. And I’m starting to like it a lot more than mine.

My Review:

published in 2022

Sarcasm and witty banter abound in this entertaining holiday rom/com.( I listened to the audio edition and narrator Justis Bolding’s performance really enhanced my ‘reading’ enjoyment.)

At first I thought Olive was way too uptight and judgemental and while she kinda was, she also has reasons and she has an epiphany further into the story which just added to my emotional investment in the romance. And, goodness, but her inner dialogue regarding Miles was hilarious!

The fake dating trope is played to perfection as it (almost) seamlessly weaves into the real thing. There are a few hiccups along the way, but Steel keeps even the darker moments lighter in honour of this being a seasonal read, I think, which I so appreciated. I was never on tenterhooks, anxiously worrying and angsting over Miles and Olive — I could just settle back and enjoy the show. Loved that.

Miles is definitely book boyfriend material. I am stifling the urge to list all the reasons why because you should definitely discover him for yourself, one delicious quality at a time. Let’s just say fainting couch recommended with smelling salts on hand. And be prepared for vigorous toe-curls. 🙂

This is a sweet, clean (kisses only — but oh my they sizzle!) romance with lots of holiday cheer and comedic action.

Book available on Kindle Unlimited and the audio book is on sale for $2.99 at Chirpbooks.

22 thoughts on “Faking Christmas”

  2. Love your review as always! Look at you go with all these indies! You rock! I have a book/FB friend who said she didn’t really like Illustrated covers, but I do. However, there are so many of them now I’m beginning to wonder if they’re all starting to look the same & are losing their pizzazz to me. Hmm . . . 🤔

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  3. I know some readers are creeped out by the featureless faces aspect trend. I’ve noticed some new books coming out with very cartoonish covers — like a child’s Disney illustration — and I’m not a fan of those. Don’t think I could bring myself to read one….I’m so influenced by covers. Happy Reading, Diane!

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    1. I agree about the cartoon-like covers. Def not a fan of this new trend in covers. Even if the subject matter is on the angsty side or is a little deep, it’s kind of hard to take a book with a cartoon cover serious. I’m totally a cover person & have probably missed out on some good books!

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  5. I loved this book too. I read it in August so apparently I read Christmas books throughout the year! I have enjoyed a few other books by this author also.

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    1. I’ll definitely be reading more of her books. I think she did on in that summer season I was reading a few months back – set on an island. Might have to read that one when I feel like getting some fictional warmth on a chilly winter day.

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  6. Thank you for your review on FAKING CHRISTMAS, which sounds like a great feel good book. I know I would enjoy reading it and I’d make sure to have my reading supplies handy. 🙂 Love reading a story that you can relax and just enough the story unfold – especially after reading a bunch of edge of your seat stories. Sounds like a good way to unwind from all the hectic activities of the holiday season.

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  9. I read my first book by Cindy Steel a few months ago and I loved it. Would love to read this one, too! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! Jolene – iwant2save34 at gmail dot com

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