What do you think?
Rate this book
Holiday Hoax
Aidan Hunter is tired of city living and shallow women who only want to date him for his money and family legacy. Dubbed “The Pasta King” and named most eligible bachelor in New York City, he escapes to his cabin upstate to figure out what he wants. He hopes to meet a woman who will love him for who he is…but he never counted on a certain schoolteacher to throw his world into chaos.
Isabella Summers is shocked at the sexual attraction she feels for the rude worker on the Christmas tree farm. But when he shows up at a friend’s party and seeks her out, she finds she no longer wants to fight their attraction…but she never counted on love with a stranger carrying a secret.
Can love and truth triumph?
Isabella Summers is shocked at the sexual attraction she feels for the rude worker on the Christmas tree farm. But when he shows up at a friend’s party and seeks her out, she finds she no longer wants to fight their attraction…but she never counted on love with a stranger carrying a secret.
Can love and truth triumph?
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2012
32 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Probst
123 books10.3k followersJennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.
She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.
She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
December 27, 2014
That was quick, light, warm, romantic holiday story. If you liked Jennifer Probst's The Marriage Merger series then you'd like this one too. Drama free, with a Christmas spirit, just enough to enjoy the ride while reading, a bit of steam too!
January 5, 2019
Беше една приятна книга, с една коледна любов и няколко малки тайни, които можеха да окажат голямо въздействие, но романтичният дух на сюжета си остана въпреки тайните.
November 17, 2015
Short and sweet Christmas romance.
April 28, 2019
Нямам идея какво да чета ;(
December 22, 2012
Cute novella about finding love and finding what you really want in life, featuring a schoolteacher, a heir to a chain of restaurants who wants to find a woman to love him for himself not for his money or social status. It all begins with an ugly christmas tree and ends up with a HEA.
July 28, 2017
Too short, too cheesy and too stupid for me.
January 2, 2013
Reviewed on: http://readyourwrites.blogspot.com
For Read Your Writes Book Reviews
The book is called Holiday Hoax, referring to Christmas. But the good part about this book is that you can read it anytime. Unlike most Christmas/holiday romances, the season isn't constantly thrown in your face. Yes, Aidan works at a Christmas tree lot and yes, there's mention of a Christmas program and decorations, but for me the story is more than the holiday season. You can substitute anytime of year and this story still works out.
I've read several of Jennifer's books so far. She has a thing for millionaires and billionaires. Holiday Hoax is no different. I love the concept of this story. A guy with tons of money, just wanting to meet and fall in love with a girl who loves him for him and not for the size of his bank account or what he can do for her. What better way to do that than to pretend you aren’t super rich?
Upon first meeting and talking to Isabella, Aidan felt an immediate attraction to her. She was feisty and stubborn and wouldn’t back down. Isabella felt an attraction for him as well but she didn’t want to admit it.
There’s more to Isabella than meets the eye. Unlike a lot of women, she’s not looking for someone rich. She has her reasons and actually shares those with Aidan. Of course, Aidan still doesn’t tell her the truth about him. The night he finally decides to confess to her, things happen and the truth is put out there. Sometimes a lie is just a lie, no matter how good your intentions are. And sometimes when you’re busy trying to fool someone else, the person you actually end up fooling is yourself. I enjoyed this story and I’m sure you will too.
Source: Personal Purchase
For Read Your Writes Book Reviews
The book is called Holiday Hoax, referring to Christmas. But the good part about this book is that you can read it anytime. Unlike most Christmas/holiday romances, the season isn't constantly thrown in your face. Yes, Aidan works at a Christmas tree lot and yes, there's mention of a Christmas program and decorations, but for me the story is more than the holiday season. You can substitute anytime of year and this story still works out.
I've read several of Jennifer's books so far. She has a thing for millionaires and billionaires. Holiday Hoax is no different. I love the concept of this story. A guy with tons of money, just wanting to meet and fall in love with a girl who loves him for him and not for the size of his bank account or what he can do for her. What better way to do that than to pretend you aren’t super rich?
Upon first meeting and talking to Isabella, Aidan felt an immediate attraction to her. She was feisty and stubborn and wouldn’t back down. Isabella felt an attraction for him as well but she didn’t want to admit it.
There’s more to Isabella than meets the eye. Unlike a lot of women, she’s not looking for someone rich. She has her reasons and actually shares those with Aidan. Of course, Aidan still doesn’t tell her the truth about him. The night he finally decides to confess to her, things happen and the truth is put out there. Sometimes a lie is just a lie, no matter how good your intentions are. And sometimes when you’re busy trying to fool someone else, the person you actually end up fooling is yourself. I enjoyed this story and I’m sure you will too.
Source: Personal Purchase
November 4, 2012
My Review:
Fast book = Fast review.
Flat out, this was a fast, enjoyable contemporary read. Even though the word count is low (like 15,000 words) this story didn't seem short-changed at all. The story takes place over a month's time and I felt like the romance really worked. They waited and let the feelings develop before the sex did. Add to that the fact that this is a holiday story and it was just perfect. I loved the elements of the romance although they were fairly predictable for this genre (super-wealthy hero hiding who he is so that the heroine falls for who he really is and not his wealth). For me, this all worked.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Fast book = Fast review.
Flat out, this was a fast, enjoyable contemporary read. Even though the word count is low (like 15,000 words) this story didn't seem short-changed at all. The story takes place over a month's time and I felt like the romance really worked. They waited and let the feelings develop before the sex did. Add to that the fact that this is a holiday story and it was just perfect. I loved the elements of the romance although they were fairly predictable for this genre (super-wealthy hero hiding who he is so that the heroine falls for who he really is and not his wealth). For me, this all worked.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 6, 2014
4 stars
It's a short story and I finished it within few hours. I liked the story. Hero, Aidan and heroin, Isabella/Izzy had a cute meet and to me, their relationship is sweet.
So Aidan finally found a woman he wanted. He truly loves Izzy and he left his life in the city just to be with her, pursue his dream as a restaurateur at someplace that's far from hectic life. He's happy to know she loves him for his soul, not for his money, fame, and image.
From my reading, the story's about your choices in life and follow your heart's content. Eventually you will deal with the latter result but all that may seem no matter if you are so in love and the person you want to be with have this calm, happy feeling, and heartwarming.
Recommended. Merry Christmas!
It's a short story and I finished it within few hours. I liked the story. Hero, Aidan and heroin, Isabella/Izzy had a cute meet and to me, their relationship is sweet.
So Aidan finally found a woman he wanted. He truly loves Izzy and he left his life in the city just to be with her, pursue his dream as a restaurateur at someplace that's far from hectic life. He's happy to know she loves him for his soul, not for his money, fame, and image.
From my reading, the story's about your choices in life and follow your heart's content. Eventually you will deal with the latter result but all that may seem no matter if you are so in love and the person you want to be with have this calm, happy feeling, and heartwarming.
Recommended. Merry Christmas!
April 15, 2013
The Holiday Hoax by Jennifer Probst is a sweet, quick holiday read that will definitely put you in the spirit of the season. Ms. Probst has penned a delightful read with charismatic characters who are lonely and looking for love. Read More...
February 27, 2018
This is a way short story ever I read this year (and why toooo short?? I want more!!). But I love the story anyway. Simple, easy to read and the story fits perfectly to my current mood. Haha. I love Aidan Hunter!! So my rating is definitely 4 ☆☆☆☆
October 3, 2024
I cannot believe I finished this book
December 7, 2020
This is my very first book by Jennifer Probst but I have to say I loved it. It was a short and sweet read with the emphasis on sweet. It's a nice mix of billionaires, friends to lovers, and a touch of enemies to lovers as well. Isabella meets Hunter at a Christmas tree farm. If I was single, which thank the good Lord above that I am not, and I met a guy like that I would think that was really romantic. Surrounded by all the sights and smells of Christmas plus a hunky guy to help me lug my tree back to my car to boot? Yes, please!
Hunter is worried about showing who he really is because he has been taken advantage of before. Isabella has been hurt before and is worried about letting someone in past her guards. Recipe for disaster, right? Being the reader, I can understand both sides of the story and the whole time sitting here chewing on my fingernails in anticipation of what is to happen. Honestly, if I hadn't been reading this book at night while the hubby slept then I would have wanted some popcorn to eat while reading this.
They are so sweet together and the attraction and sexual tension is intense. I love these kinds of books because it's just like watching a movie on tv and yelling at the tv in frustration lol. Personally, I think anticipation makes it that much more exciting.
Fantastic story, I cannot wait to throw myself into her other books. Jennifer Probst has a new fan in me. :D
This book definitely put me in the Christmas spirit.
Hunter is worried about showing who he really is because he has been taken advantage of before. Isabella has been hurt before and is worried about letting someone in past her guards. Recipe for disaster, right? Being the reader, I can understand both sides of the story and the whole time sitting here chewing on my fingernails in anticipation of what is to happen. Honestly, if I hadn't been reading this book at night while the hubby slept then I would have wanted some popcorn to eat while reading this.
They are so sweet together and the attraction and sexual tension is intense. I love these kinds of books because it's just like watching a movie on tv and yelling at the tv in frustration lol. Personally, I think anticipation makes it that much more exciting.
Fantastic story, I cannot wait to throw myself into her other books. Jennifer Probst has a new fan in me. :D
This book definitely put me in the Christmas spirit.
December 15, 2021
Jennifer Probst has done it again and has delivered another incredible romance with The Holiday Hoax, a wonderful holiday love story. Who does not love a forced proximity love story? Jennifer Probst has once again provided her readers with amazing characters. I love how Jennifer Probst always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy men. Jennifer Probst continues to deliver all that and so much more. She has once again shown that she is an amazing storyteller. The Holiday Hoax did not disappoint; I could not put it down and loved every moment on every page. I enjoy how Jennifer Probst writes from the perspective of the two main characters. That way you get to know what is going on in of their minds. The Holiday Hoax is a wonderful love story and is filled each with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud and the bittersweet moments that pull at my heartstrings that cause me to sigh, as I read the heartbreaking moments eyes filling with tears. The Holiday Hoax is filled with such moments, and with so much more. It is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a Jennifer Probst love story, especially the poignant and bittersweet moments that filled this page turner. The Holiday Hoax is the story of third grade schoolteacher, Skye Summers, and Hunter Barone, “The Pasta King” heir and one of NYC most eligible bachelors. Skye and Hunter meet at a Christmas tree farm, where Skye is looking to purchase a “Charlie Brown” tree. Hunter has escaped to his family’s cabin to get away from all the publicity surrounding his being named as one of the most eligible bachelors. He is just helping at the tree farm. Later they meet at a party that each of their friends invited them to. As Hunter and Skye spend time together, things quickly heat up between the two of them. I love the chemistry between Hunter and Skye. Then an unexpected plot twist that changes everything that they had built with each other, and Hunter decides what he really wants in life. I love how Hunter decides to take matters into his own hands and creates the changes in himself if wants to have a life with Skye. My favorite part are the Christmas gifts that Skye and Hunter exchange with each other. I loved the story and am so glad that both Skye and Hunter got their happily ever after. I love all the surprises that Jennifer Probst has included in The Holiday Hoax. My favorite part in the book is the happily ever after, and it did not disappoint. The Holiday Hoax contains all the elements that I have love most in a Jennifer Probst story, romance, great characters and setting, bittersweet moments and the plot twist that ties it all together. Amazing story. I could not put it down. Highly recommend this holiday love story.
December 11, 2020
Hunter and Skye meet by happenstance. He has taken some time off to find himself and she comes to the tree farm where he has accepted a temporary job selling trees. She decides she doesn't like him based on her preconceived notions. He decides that she might be high maintenance. They each realize they were wrong about the other. However, their story had Hunter trying to figure out how to tell Skye the truth. It was odd that her friend, Liz, would be so up in her business. Who sets someone up on a blind date, but then decides she needs to check out the man her friend is interested in? It was a bit much and kind of overbearing. Also, why would Skye acted like kind of a brat and I wasn't a huge fan of hers. It was a quick, easy read.
October 2, 2020
Books which have a slow build up of the chemistry between the two characters is always intriguing. But this book started off with boy meets girl, decides she is the one, a few dates and then they sleep together and they are in love. She finds his true identity, leaves him, he realizes he wants her back and professes his love for her again and they live happily ever after. It was like a movie which need to be finished in 1.5 hrs. It was too predictable. No witty dialogues. Nothing. I just read it because it was JP novel. But I am disappointed.
December 5, 2020
What a great holiday story by Jennifer that will help you get in the spirit! 5 holiday stars for this!
Aidan needed a break from the city, and his father so he takes a trip to their cabin in upstate New York, and takes a rewarding job working hard on a Christmas tree farm. When he meets Isabella, he's immediately taken with her, gives her a hard time about the tree she's chosen for herself, but he likes her, she has no clue who he really is and he likes that.
Relax and grab a cup of cocoa and read along as their story unfolds!
Aidan needed a break from the city, and his father so he takes a trip to their cabin in upstate New York, and takes a rewarding job working hard on a Christmas tree farm. When he meets Isabella, he's immediately taken with her, gives her a hard time about the tree she's chosen for herself, but he likes her, she has no clue who he really is and he likes that.
Relax and grab a cup of cocoa and read along as their story unfolds!
December 9, 2020
This was a fun and sexy holiday novella. I really enjoyed getting to know Skye and Hunter and watching them get to know each other. Though they have vastly different families, they discover they actually have a lot in common. I liked that Hunter's "hoax" wasn't really intentional or mean-spirited. He just wanted to escape for a few weeks. And I appreciate why he was afraid to tell Skye but he honestly did try, but of course, the timing was off as is often the case! Definitely recommend this one for those who enjoy holiday romance.
December 27, 2020
I loved the scene at the Christmas tree farm! From the moment they meet, she can't stand him. He just loved teasing her. The sparks were there. He was searching for someone to love just him not his wealth. The elementary school teacher has such a way with children and rescuing dogs. Just when he thinks he is about to get all he wants, it all goes crazy. He knows what he wants and how he is going to achieve it. Love the ending!
March 10, 2024
This was a sweet short story! Hunter is looking for a woman that would love him for him and not his money. He meets Skye and realizes that she is different from the women he usually dates. When he meets her again he decides that he needs to get to know her. Skye gives Hunter a different look at life and he realizes she makes him happy. Skye is looking for a guy that has the same values that she does. This two are really cute together!
December 8, 2020
He’s the cities most eligible bachelor & is set to take over the family business. She’s a small town teacher who has been burned by rich men in the past. Is he who he says he is? Will she be able to look past his fortunes and find true love?
This was a quick, low drama novella that I flew through! I don’t always go for insta love/attraction, but it worked for Hunter and Skye. I enjoyed the overall message of finding what makes you happy in life and going for it. Overall, I give Holiday Hoax 4⭐️!
This was a quick, low drama novella that I flew through! I don’t always go for insta love/attraction, but it worked for Hunter and Skye. I enjoyed the overall message of finding what makes you happy in life and going for it. Overall, I give Holiday Hoax 4⭐️!
October 11, 2021
This is a very short romance story that is able to be read any time and anywhere. There is a slight mention of a Christmas tree farm, but the book doesn't stay focused on it. That just leads you into the story. Well written, and I loved it.
December 1, 2025
A cute Christmas novela. Hiding his identity, Hunter wishes to find someone who loves him for himself he is not expecting to find Skye and fall in love with her only to have her reject him because of who he is. This is a cute romance with a hint of drama and a touch of steam to keep it interesting.
December 28, 2017
Quick read, but was not engaged in it at all, a subpar novella from this author.
October 28, 2018
A little underdeveloped but still an a sweet Christmas read. Happy reading/listening!
December 21, 2018
Quick read, but well written so that the predictability of the story isn't bothersome.
January 11, 2019
It was a very basic romance book. There wasn't much to it to set it apart from any other basic romance books.
November 28, 2020
Cute & pretty predictable...but short enought that it was worth the time to read.
November 29, 2020
Cute, fast read. And being the Pasta Prince...as I like to think of him...is a hoot. Just for me, though, as it really does a number on Hunter. Great read!
November 30, 2020
A Good Christmas read short but has what all romance books need, laughter, drama, and romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews