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.
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