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Our Totally, Ridiculous, Made-up Christmas Relationship

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All families have secrets, and Jules Stone’s is no exception. Deciding not to follow in her family's Oscar-winning footsteps, Jules chooses to take a more behind-the-scenes career in one of the Top 10 Talent Agencies in Chicago. After being dumped five hours before spending Christmas with her dysfunctional family, she needs a plan to avoid their judgmental eyes.

Enter: Kayden Reece.

Kayden is the black sheep of his family, being the one actor drowning in a world of doctors and lawyers. Never really getting a jumpstart at his acting career or landing a big time role, he can feel his dad’s disappointment soaking into his spirit.

When Kayden gets a chance to meet and sign with a big name agent at Walter and Jacks Talent Agency, he’s ready to prove everyone wrong. Jules stumbles into the building in shambles, ugly crying, and begging to pay an actor a big sum of money to be her made-up boyfriend for five days, Kayden jumps at the opportunity—finally able to say he landed a role.

When secrets start to unravel, Kayden and Jules must learn that all families have their baggage, sometimes co-stars fall in lust, and it’s important to always have invisible mistletoe hanging around.

This holiday season join the two fake lovebirds as they partake in the role of a lifetime.

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2014

87 people are currently reading
1747 people want to read

About the author

Brittainy C. Cherry

57 books18.1k followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Kyle.
2,611 reviews5,401 followers
January 20, 2016
4.5 Sexadorable Stars

”My heart beats a slower rhythm, and it’s easier to breathe. It’s beautiful this made-up relationship.”

description

What to do when one of your favorite author’s is currently working on her next novel and you’re in the mood for more of her words? Double check her book list- this one is actually free on Kindle Unlimited and I feel like I found a four leaf clover because I absolutely adored this story!!!!

The heroine Jules Stone is simply wonderful. She is: weird, desperate, funny, exaggeratedly emotional and so darn lovable! Jules works at a casting agency and when her boyfriend Richard dumps her right before their Christmas vacation where she will have to face her sister and her ex-boyfriend Danny’s relationship, she offers to pay anyone to go with her to face them.

”I am in need for an actor for a five-day trip to my parents’ cabin to pretend to be my boyfriend.”

Sitting amongst the group of male actors and too darn depressed to leave, Kayden Reece jumps at any chance to act. He has been struggling to become an actor and has failed at every turn. He takes Jules up on her arrangement and off they head to the cabin she mentioned… which is actually a mansion and it turns out that she’s the daughter of Hollywood royalty. Kayden also shows Jules during the vacation that she is worthy of love and doesn’t have to be so desperate.

”I want you to make me work for it, work for you because you need to be chased after, longed for, desired.”

description

Kayden and Jules’ attraction, chemistry and relationship was so fantastic the addition of both their families as well as the looming turn of not being Richard leads to both character’s reevaluating themselves and finding something so very wonderful together!
Profile Image for Barbie.
109 reviews359 followers
February 1, 2020


My thoughts in a nutshell
The Christmas season is over. I'm writing this review after I read it 2 months ago. I'm a seriously picky girl, I hate almost all of the perfect Christmas love story, but it was just adorable.
I definitely knew how it will end and it has not bothered me at all. I adored the characters. I remember so many funny parts. (I have really selective memory.)
What can I say? Perfect holiday book.
You should add to your 2020's Christmas TBR right now.
I gave it 4 stars because I had so much fun with it.
Profile Image for Just One Indie's Opinion.
14 reviews167 followers
December 4, 2013



My Review:

** ARC Provided for an honest review**

"Well then..." I clear my throat once. "You are a fantastic actor," I say, breathless, and emotionally drugged up on Mr. Sexdorable."

I feel like Santa came a little early for me! I have loved everything of Brittainy's that I have read so far :)



5 Sexdorable, perfect stars!!
Seriously!


Our Totally, Ridiculous, Made-Up Christmas Relationship is told in the two main characters' POV, Kayden Reece and Jules Stone.  Both of them come from dysfunctional families that will make you giggle and gasp all in the same breath.  The story has tons of adorable, sexy moments between the two.  I almost felt like this was a coming of age story because both learn so much about themselves and grow as individuals throughout that story, it's incredible.

Kaydan is so hot and thoughtful, I am in love with him!


And Jules is quirky and messed up but all in the best ways.


Between their interactions with their families and each other I was laughing most of the time.  I have to say that I have never read a book in a day until this Saturday.  I did not get out of bed other than to pee for the better part of the day, until my boyfriend dragged me to dinner against my will because I only had fifty pages left.

There were a few moments I cried right along with the characters and every time they were happy I actually giggled out loud, I must have looked like a crazy person!  Thankfully I was locked away in my room so no one saw me!

Other than this story being a little too short, I loved it! I would love to see more from these two in the feature, (hint hint, Brittainy!!)

My favorite parts of the book was Kayden's "wall pep talks" with Jules!!!


By the end I was smiling from ear to ear and had a serious book hangover!





My Kayden and Jules:





Even though this book is a Christmas themed story, it could be enjoyed any time of the year! I am thrilled that I was given this book to review! It was simply amazing!!




About The Author:
For information about this awesomely talented new indie author, please see my interview with Brittainy C. Cherry here!


Stalker Sites:
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Just One Indie's Opinion - Book Blog
Profile Image for Elle.
298 reviews
December 18, 2013
Our Totally, Ridiculous, Made-up Christmas Relationship is absolute perfection! Brittainy C. Cherry delivers one of the most enjoyable books of 2013 with this novella, and it’s a definite must read for me.

I didn’t know what to expect when I got my hands on this ARC, but I was totally sold on the title before I even opened the book. This lighthearted story is the perfect anecdote to any book hangover. It’s a quick read that had me laughing and left me with a goofy smile. In my opinion, it’s often hard to convey humor in a story without it being over the top or under whelming. Brittainy C. Cherry completely nails the wit and delivery of jokes from each of her characters. The story is upbeat and has minimal drama – actually most of the drama is quite humorous. There is no angst, no gut wrenching cliffhangers, just pure satisfaction.

Each character is unique and quite eccentric. Despite all of their flaws or quirks, you can’t help but love each one. Yes, even the villains. The chemistry between Jules and Kayden is playful and witty, a step away from the monotonous passion, lust, and instant-love you often see in romance novels these days. The awkward moments and uncomfortable tension between the Stone family are something I think everyone can relate to. No family gathering is perfect and people often dread spending the holidays with their extended families. I know I do.

This novella is charming; heart warming, and a story everyone should read during the holiday season. Our Totally, Ridiculous, Made-Up Christmas Relationship by Brittainy C. Cherry is utter comedic bliss!
Profile Image for Amy Queau.
Author 10 books109 followers
December 14, 2013
LOVED this! This is one of my favorites of 2013.

I don't know if it this caught me in just the right mood, but I'd been looking for a heart-warming quick read for the holidays, and this was absolutely perfect!
Brittainy Cherry made me laugh to the point of snorting in this wonderful, light, cheery, awkward, and sexdorable story!
The pace, dialogue, wit, and plot was perfect - and it shows how well the author crafted this story, because it's tricky to get the reader to care about characters in a novella with it having limited pages. But I did! I loved every character and found myself reading slowly and sipping on my cocoa, not wanting it to end.

So if you're looking for something to make you laugh, cry, and get some serious warm fuzzies this holiday season, this book is for you!

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Nicola Hudson.
Author 4 books71 followers
November 19, 2013
I was lucky enough to beta read this...a review will follow when it's released :-)
Profile Image for Nat.
2 reviews
December 18, 2013
Awesome and so cute! A very enjoyable read!! :)
Profile Image for Suleika Santana -All About Books .
738 reviews23 followers
December 17, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
5 stars for sure. LOVED this story!!! The very first paragraph had me laughing. Read the first page and thought I'm gonna love this one, and I did. I really enjoyed all of it. The story starts with Kayden going over to his parents house during the holidays. He has one of those families that make you not want to go visit. His dad does not approve of his choice of employment. His brother (the lawyer) does not speak to him over something that happened years back. His sister (the Dr.) is not really the loving sister kind. Kayden loves his mom and aunt. He is a bartender and he wants to be an actor but has not landed a job yet. His aunt with the help of his mom got him an interview at an agency, but he does not make it because of his lacking resume. While he was at the agency he meets Jules Stone. She is the daughter of a very famous actor and a very famous actress, her sister Lisa is also a very famous actress. Jules works at the agency where Kayden was trying to audition and interview but did not get the job. Jules who had a boyfriend gets dumped that day and she is in need of a boyfriend to go spend the holidays with her family. Her family is absolutely nuts. She ends up hiring Kayden to be her pretend boyfriend. Many funny things happen during the days they spend together and of course they fall in love at the end. It is a HEA ending with a bonus surprise at the very end. You'll have to read to know what it is.
The story kept me entertained, I laughed so many times and sometimes I laughed till I had tears. The author's writing style is flawless. If I could give this story more than 5 stars I would, that is how much I loved it. If you want to read something fun during the holidays then definitely pick this one up.
Profile Image for Staci Bailey.
57 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2014

I absolutely adore stories that are romantic AND funny! This one was just too perfect. In a good way!

Jules, the heroine of the novella, reminded me of myself. She is witty, romantic and an emotional wreck. (Yep, that's me). She loves too much and falls too fast. Unfortunately, as we find out, that is her downfall. Just when she thought she was settling down for good, her boyfriend, Richard proved just how naive she is. Enter SEXDORABLE Kayden.

OHMIGOD, this man is just too much for words! Kayden decides to make some extra cash and pretend to be Jules' boyfriend. When he meets Jules, he thinks she's a little weird, not to mention she wears her heart on her sleeve. What he doesn't know is that she is exactly what he needs.

I don't want to give away too much of the story. What I will say is: there might be a lot of snow in this story but there is nothing cold about it! It is H-O-T!!!!! The way Kayden handles Jules' craziness is sexy. In a world where Fifty Shades is the new fad, I must say that while I do love a dominant male, I prefer one that is realistic. Kayden is everything you would want in a boyfriend and THEN SOME.

Ms. Cherry earned all 5 stars with this one. It was sexy AND witty; I laughed, I cried and I felt like I was part of the family after reading it. Please, Please, Brittainy...tell us that we are going to see more of Kayden and Jules because this is going to be one HELL of a book hangover!

You can also see my review on my blog: http://authorstacibailey.wordpress.co...
Profile Image for Jackie's Book Review.
301 reviews48 followers
December 16, 2013
Such a sweet and funny Christmas story!

I'm not really one for Christmas Romance stories but this story really threw me for a loop. I loved the storyline and the POV's from the main characters Kayden Reece and Jules Stone.

Both Kayden and Jules really have had some hard knocks coming at them lately, and suddenly it all seems to change in a blink of an eye. After accidently meeting Kayden offers to help Jules out by going home with her at Christmas pretending that he is her boyfriend (you will have to read the book to get more details of the meeting). Both characters have some heavy duty personal issues with their families and so together they seem to be a perfect fit for each other!

This story has everything that you could want in a holiday tale. It is sweet, funny, heartwarming,charming and just makes you feel so good when you read it. I cracked up at some points in the book! The author did a great job with the chemistry between Kayden and Jules.

You really don't have to read this book during the holidays, anytime of the year this book is just a great read.

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jaime Fiction Fangirls.
1,664 reviews153 followers
December 19, 2013

Awe I'm sad that this story ended. It was so sweet and funny. I really just love Kayden and Jules. Yes, it was sort of an insta-love but done in a really good way.



They were made for each other really. Both of them being the "black sheep" of their families and therefore giving them an instant connection/bond.


Kayden's dad really pissed me off but Jules's family drove me bat shit crazy. I mean really she is just supposed to be cool with her sister and ex-boyfriend AND their daughter?


Kayden was truly so sweet an really did always say the most perfect things. I loved the playfulness between him and Jules. So sweet and funny.


This is my first read by this author but if this is the writing I can expect I'm definitely going back for more!!


*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Nerd Alert.
143 reviews14 followers
December 20, 2013
~~~~~We received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review~~~~

Gorgeous blonde Julie is a walking neon light sign flashing “damaged goods” who is anxiously awaiting her Christmas trip with her ‘boyfriend’ Richard to visit her parents for the first time at their lodge in Wisconsin. This is the first time she has been there since the blowup with her sister and ex-boyfriend, Danny. Despite what her friends at the retirement home or her friends at the acting agency say, Richard is finally THE ONE! He has to be the one, considering what her mother thinks of her and she has to prove her sister and her ex wrong! She is beside herself when she finds a ‘ring’ and, I use that term very loosely, under her bed. She is convinced that he will propose. When those plans go awry she must find a replacement

…enter Kayden..

Kayden, the struggling, sleeping-on- my- brother’s- couch-actor, who is desperate for his big break into acting despite what his family says, to the rescue. He also has his fair share of family issues. Kayden is a struggling actor who happens to find Julie in her time of need, after a ‘sudden’ breakup.
They decide that they could pull off being a couple in front of her family in order to help her get through her Christmas vacation with her family. Little did they know that sparks would fly and boundaries would be tested.
This is a brilliantly written book that reads like an on-screen romantic comedy. Ms. Cherry makes the reader feel as if we all are a part of these crazy families. We all have relatives like this and just because their famous doesn’t mean they aren’t crazy!

Kudos to Ms. Cherry and I wish we could get more of Kayden and Julie Ann, but this book ends on a gread HEA. Such a good short read! Well done! This book is a certified Nerd Alert Book Love A+.
August 6, 2016
This was such an adorable Christmas story! Maybe I should call it Chrisdorable! It reminded me of a mix between two movies… Holiday’s In Handcuffs and The Wedding Date.

Jules thinks her boyfriend, Richard, is going to propose for her while visiting her parents for Christmas. Unfortunately the worst possible thing happens…. He actually dumps her and wants to propose to his other girlfriend. WHAT??!!!! Talk about CRAZY! So, now Jules is left going to go visit her family alone yet again which isn’t an option she wants to consider. She then decides to hire someone to be her fake boyfriend and pretend they are Richard.

Kayden is looking for an acting job but just hasn’t had any luck. He goes to an agency hoping to be signed but doesn’t. He is down on his luck until Jules comes in offering to pay someone to be her fake boyfriend for the week!

The chemistry between Jules and Kayden is great. Immediately there is an attraction there and feelings start to build. Jules brings out a better side of Kayden. I would have to say that my favorite part of the story is the snow angel scene. Fantastic!

If you are looking for a cute, short Christmas read this story is for you!
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
December 17, 2013
What a fun, cute novella! I felt like I was watching a really funny Christmas movie in my head. I was seriously laughing out loud many times! Kayden and Jules were so cute and fun. I know I keep saying fun, but really fun is what keeps popping into my mind. This was just a sweet, feel good Christmas story! I definitely recommend this sweet little book to everyone who wants to laugh and just be happy. I give this book 4.5 AMAZEBALLS stars!!

An ARC was given in exchange for a honest review.

Review done by Tabitha
Profile Image for Stacie.
651 reviews16 followers
December 23, 2013
Perfect Little Holiday Read. Sweet and Sexdorable! LOVED Kayden!!! Thank you Brittainy C. Cherry! You did it again. You showed us that we all have totally ridiculous screwed up families, but that is okay. That someone can still LOVE us no matter how weird and screwed up we feel. That it is even NORMAL. That is the beauty of this. What is Normal anyway, there is no normal. LOVE can find a way REGARDLESS, and sometimes we need to be reminded of that!
Profile Image for Rumpled Sheets Blog.
925 reviews70 followers
January 1, 2014
Funny. Adorable. Sweet story.

I laughed out loud so hard. A really great story to read during this holiday season.



≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦

>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
Profile Image for Lindsey Gray.
Author 24 books139 followers
December 17, 2013
This was such a great, fun read. Jules was a hot mess and Kayden was right there with her. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Robin H.
404 reviews15 followers
December 4, 2014
4.5 stars

I LOVED IT! I loved Kayden! I loved all the funny old people! I loved Jules' rambling! A wonderfully fun and quick Christmas read!!! Go get it!!! NOW!!!
Profile Image for Rebecca Edwards.
243 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2013
I Received An ARC Of This Book In Exchange For My Honest Review!

Laugh out loud funny at times. I stayed up until 3:00 am to finish this book. I was worried that I was gonna wake my hubby up a few times I was laughing so hard.

Kayden is sexdorable. This is the word the Jules made up for him the first time she saw him at the agency she works at. He's there looking to get hired so that he can get into acting and just be a bartender. Unfortunately due tot he fact that he has no experience he doesn't get the job. Jules came into the agency on her way home for the Holidays looking to hire an actor to play her boyfriend who just broke up with her. She hires Kayden thinking he's an actor that works for the agency she's a office worker for.

That is when the fun begins. This story is full of things that will make you laugh and things that will frustrate you to know end. Like all families Jules family isn't perfect. She actually feels like the black sheep of the family which explains part of the reason her and Kayden hit it off so well. Kayden and Jules have chemistry and I love watching it spark between them. The "wall pep talks" he gives to Jules are just WOW.

A refreshing a great Holiday read. This book does come with a HEA which is what you want after meeting Jules and Kayden. The author throws a little surprise into the end of the book too but you will have to read the book to find out what that is. Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great romance story with a guaranteed Happy Ever After.
Profile Image for Melody.
2 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2013
Our Totally, Ridiculous, Made-up Christmas Relationship was an entertaining and fun read that draws you in and leaves you feeling warm and happy. I found myself relating to the characters and their situations and really enjoyed the story. Its a good, short read that I couldn't put down and I think it would put a smile on anyone's face.

I can't wait for the next release from Brittainy!

(I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
Profile Image for Ivy.
1,205 reviews58 followers
January 15, 2020
The best festive read I had this season. It's sweet and feel-good but also actually a great story. Leave it to Brittainy to write a Christmas story that would be a good read at any time.
It's cute and fun, has depth, sad moments and lots that made me laugh out loud.

”My heart beats a slower rhythm, and it’s easier to breathe. It’s beautiful this made-up relationship.”

Julie needs a boyfriend for five days. She's not ready to face her parents and their judgement after anouncing she'd come with her boyfriend. Not to speak of her super successful sister and her super successful ex, who now have a love child together.
With his lawyer-brother and his doctor-sister, Kayden, the not so successful actor is the family's disappointment. And his first big role is not at all what he imagined. But it might be the role of his life.

These two are both the black sheep of their family. But not only because of that they're so good together. Their chemistry is on point and, of course, the invisible mistletoe comes in handy. They have lots of adorable moments while individually growing and learning about their broken families.

Jules is such a great heroine, all weird and messed up, funny and emotional and so desperate. And Kayden is really special. I mean, he needs to grow up but I loved how he shows her that she's worthy of love and his against-the-wall pep talks.

Both their families are a great addition but, same as Kayden, I wanted to slap someone when the Hollywood weirdos bullied that little girl. But her grandma, the naughty Tinkerbell, was hilarious.
Profile Image for Agapibooks.
646 reviews85 followers
October 21, 2022
3.75/5
Tout ce qu’on pouvait attendre d’une romance de Noël !

🎄 Cette courte histoire hivernale était le dernier roman de l’autrice qu’il me restait à lire. Je voulais attendre décembre pour le découvrir, mais je n’ai pas su résister ! J’avais besoin de quelque chose de léger, d’addictif et avec des personnages attachants, et c’est ce que j’ai eu.

🎄 Dans l’ensemble, cette romance reprend tous les codes classiques. Des problèmes familiaux à résoudre autour d’un grand repas, du temps passé en cuisine et un amour qui se forme au pied du sapin. En plus de ces éléments, j’ai eu le droit à l’un de mes tropes chouchous : le fake dating. J’ai adoré la façon dont il a été introduit et développé, c’était fun ! Et cette famille complètement farfelue (coucou mamie), c’était hilarant. Honnêtement l’ensemble de la situation aurait fait un très bon film de Noël aussi.

🎄 La romance à proprement parler était un chouïa rapide, bien que ce ne soit pas étonnant au vu du genre. Je ne m’attendais peut-être pas à autant si vite. Mais comme on fait la rencontre de personnages hyper attendrissants, ça ne m’a pas dérangée outre mesure : j’étais juste heureuse qu’ils se soient trouvés ces deux-là, parce que leur alchimie était folle ! Je recommande.
Profile Image for Michelle Shock.
13 reviews17 followers
December 28, 2013
Loved it!- some semi mini spoilers

Loved this book! Then first chapter had me hooked! Kayden and Jules both come from dysfunctional families. When Jules irrationally hollers out the need of a boyfriend for the weekend in the middle of the lobby at an agency office, I fell in love with her character. She is completely neurotic and yet totally loveable. Hayden appears to be a playing but it turns out he is super sweet and just hurting from his past.

The book had me laughing and crying. The characters come to life quickly. The author did an amazing job in building Jules and Kayden as well as the rest of the characters. This story could have lasted longer. I loved the last chapter and the closure it provides for Jules and Kayden.

One of the funniest scenes is when grandma and her boyfriend come into the kitchen and Jules and Kayden hide. I laughed the whole time while feeling grossed out along with Jules! My favorite scene was probably when they were in the snow, making the snow angels. I really felt like I connected with Jules and Kayden on a new level.
Profile Image for Kate .
2 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2016
The perfect feel good, entertaining read for the HEA lovers! Great way to get me in the holiday mood!!
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