Dating For December

by Lyndsey Gallagher

He's an expert at breakups... but this Christmas, can he master a love that lasts?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Lyndsey Gallagher is THE QUEEN page turners!"




My perpetually single status hardly serves as a shining advertisement for HeartSync, the dating agency I own. Nor is it likely to convince my incredibly successful movie star brother, Nate, to invest in my business. Which is precisely why I agree to fake-date Cillian "can't-crack-a-smile" Callaghan for the month of December.

Sure, his role as a stoically single father and a notoriously grumpy divorce lawyer is far from ideal, but his silver eyes, sculptured shoulders and sharp tongue tick all the right boxes.

Even boxes that are supposed to remain, ahem, unticked...

One mistletoe kiss sparks a lust that could melt Lapland, and frosty fake dates blaze into something feverishly real…



I'm the country's most successful divorce lawyer. It doesn't take a genius to figure out why I don't date. Add in the fact that I'm a full-time single dad, even if I had the inclination, I don't have the time. But when my cheating ex blows back into town, the only way I can convince her it's over for good is by fake-dating someone else…

Enter Ava Jackson, with her infectious laugh, long legs, and luscious lips.

Throughout December, her witty one-liners and effortless bond with my daughter thaw my every defense.

She's everything I never knew I needed.

I'm an expert at breakups… but perhaps this Christmas, it’s time to master a love that lasts…


Perfect reading for fans of Tessa Bailey, Lucy Score, and Melanie Harlow.

This is a steamy, open-door romance. The characters ocassionaly use profanities because darn it just doesnt cut it sometimes!

❤️Single dad divorce lawyer
❤️Grumpy/ Sunshine
❤️An adorable six year old matchmaker
❤️Blush-inducing steam
❤️All the banter
❤️No third act break up
❤️Guaranteed happy ever after
❤️Standalone romcom with interlinking characters from a wider series


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ SARA MADDERSON- AUTHOR of A VERY LONDON CHRISTMAS
"Lyndsey Gallagher is THE QUEEN of s3xual-tension-filled page turners! I swear it. Her books get hotter and hotter."


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ GOODREADS REVIEWER
"It’s official, Lyndsey Gallagher is my favourite author!"


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ GOODREADS REVIEWER
"God, Lyndsey Gallagher just gets better and better."

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Holiday Romance, Fake Dating, Contemporary

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2023

Reviews

[Veronica Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best fake dating books I’ve read in a while. I am obsessed with Ava & Cillian. Their communication was perfect, their chemistry was hot and I enjoyed them so much. But there’s one tiny flaw that stopped me from giving this book a 5 star.





*massive, massive spoilers ahead*






*please don’t read ahead if you plan to read this*





I understand that Cillian has a lot of trauma from his ex, but he completely overreacted when he found out that Ava was “stalking him” for a year. That was ridiculous and really annoyed me. I hate when books always try to stir something up when it’s not necessary. Can I just read a romance book and have a happy ending the entire time, please?

But overall, this was an amazing read.

[ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

this had some of the best and worst side characters i have ever seen.

thank you to booksirens and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly love this book yet another one I couldn't put down. This is the second book in this series and just seems to get better each time. What happens when you have two people who believe in the totally opposite in romance, that's what you get with this book. Cillian has been burnt once and won't let it happen again. A single dad with a beautiful daughter and is a very successful divorce lawyer. The we have Ava a true romantic who is always unlucky in love. Yet she opens and runs a very successful dating agency, has a brilliant family and wants her own hea. How will this ever workout only time and honesty can tell. Although alot of the characters from the first book appear in this you can still read it as a standalone. There are plenty of laughs so have the tissues on hand. This book has it all wonderful Christmas markets, children's nativity and even a few cheesy rom com moments with tge added bonus of mam dancing on the table at the hen party. This is definitely one you don't want to miss. I was very lucky to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion and review of the book. I know you'll love ❤️ it.

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

I overall liked the story, but found the MMC extreme(!) phobia to any relationship or connection a bit annoying and overused. Also the break up absolutely didn’t need to happen, it was him just jumping to conclusions. But, there were some really fun & good moments that made up for it.

[Maye · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyndsey does it again with another heartfelt adventure. This time with the sister of Nate Jackson from The Christmas Crush, Ava Jackson.
Ava is a hopeless romantic, in love with all things love. She wants the fairytale ending, the romcom HEA, all of it. She just has horrible luck in dating.
Cillian is a cynic and the best divorce lawyer around. He grew up watching his father constantly cheat in his mother and his mother ignoring it. He doesn’t believe in lasting love or happily ever after.
Both need someone to date in December. So they strike a deal.
It was so much fun to watch these two interact and connect, change and grow. Throw in holidays, a precocious 6 year old, sex positive and crazy parents, and you have a recipe for a fantastic read.

[Danelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Cillian both need dates. Not a serious relationship. Just some one to get through the holidays. Enter Ava’s online match making service. Cillian fills out the interview form and hilarity ensues. Maybe Ava has found the perfect fake date to get her family off her back, get through her brothers wedding and secure her financial backer. Except things don’t feel fake. I really enjoyed this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Dating for December, the second book in the series. I adored The Christmas Crush and this one is just as good even slightly better. We have met Ava Jackson before in her brothers Nate book and she needs a fake date so enter grumpy divorce lawyer Cillian. Cillian doesn’t believe in love only for his daughter who is a star in this book. If you love a grumpy sunshine, single dad and fake dating tropes then you would love this one. I adored the family dynamics, the reoccurring characters and the dreamy Christmas vibes. I cannot wait to read the next instalment in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect Christmas book ❤️

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining Christmas romance

Dating for December is a very entertaining fake-dating Christmas romance. Cillian and Ava are a wonderful couple who lit up the pages!

[Clauee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyndsy Gallagher (Dating in the Deep End) writes a novel for adults to enjoy this Christmas Season. Dating for December is written from a first-person point of view. However, there is a catch. There are two voices here (Ava’s and Cillian’s). Some dates are highlighted, making me the reader like I am reading each diary of the main characters. The story begins on a Tuesday (November 28th) from Ava’s perspective. She peeks at a sexy stranger strutting by the frost-kissed sash window in her office, which she considers her favorite pastime. She knows nothing about him except that his cheekbones smite her and that he has exceptional and expensive taste in suits. She started a brand-new exclusive dating agency (HeartSync). Just like any new business, she needs some financial support from her brother. The only issue is that she needs to bring a date to his wedding. But it does not stop there; his brother's demand is specific. Ava needs to get a date that can potentially be her lover. Who could fit in with such a requirement? Fortunately, Cillian is also in deep waters. He needs a pretend girlfriend to keep his daughter's mother from swaying in and out of their lives. Cillian is a protective father of his daughter despite his suave outside exterior as a divorce lawyer. Cillian decides to sign up at the HeartSync agency. This irritates Ava, but at the same time, she cannot refuse his help. The reason is that Ava believes in fairy tales while Cillian does not believe in happy ever after. Despite all of this, after Ava confesses her past to Cillian, he promises her that not all men are the same. This novel is highly recommended for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey.

At first, I thought this was another variation of a novel similar to Fifty Shades of Grey. However, as it turns out this novel is much better. I will tell you why. Dating for December is written from two different perspectives. I witnessed how a woman falls in love in contrast with how men fall in love. Also, there is no power dynamics involved. The novel's turning point is based on the differences in their lives. Cillian is a single, protective father who promised to no longer introducing another woman to Phoebe after her mother left her. At the same time, Ava is a warm-hearted woman willing to open her arms to Phoebe. Another thing that I noticed is that the novel kept me interested in another twist and turn near the end of the story. Cillian’s masculine energy gets threatened as his past catches up to him. He was left to console his friends, who told him that having a relationship with Ava had made him way happier and believed in the possibility of true love—contradicting his fundamentals as a divorce lawyer. Also, I noticed that the woman's family possesses more power than the man's family. This is a story that a feminist can appreciate because there is a balance of power between the two main characters.

[READ ME ROMANCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

In December I like to read holiday romances and am so glad I took a chance on “Dating for December” by Irish author Lyndsey Gallagher. She’s a new-to-me author and I just loved her writing style, character development, and the entire feel of the book which is told in dual point of view.

While I started with “Dating for December”, the “Christmas Crush” was released first, and I will be reading that next as it features our heroine’s brother and his storyline carries over.

This is an opposites-attract and fake dating trope as Ava owns a matchmaking service, and our hero, Cillian, is a family law attorney, specializing in divorces. He’s jaded from a past relationship, but it resulted in the best thing that ever happened to him, his adorable six-year-old, Phoebe. He’s a doting dad and his stoic demeanor is nowhere to be found when she’s around.

Cillian's trying to get his ex to realize that he has moved on while Ava needs dates for upcoming events, and I just about smiled the entire time they were together. I would love to be Ava’s friend in real life. She’s a smart business woman, a wonderful daughter and friend, and such a sweet, genuine and compassionate person. She also experienced some trauma from her ex, and I so admired her positive attitude and not compromising her beliefs or goals when it comes to finding Mr. Right. But for the meantime, Cillian is looking pretty good as “Mr. Right now!”

Cillian is protective of his daughter, and so deserving of love. He swore off relationships, but when Ava breezed into his life unexpectedly with a proposal he couldn’t refuse, he found himself hopeful for the very first time. And also a little possessive of Ava and I loved it when he growled!

I just loved how smitten he was with Ava from the start, and how she noticed him from a far before they actually met and labeled him "Mr. Suave Suit Guy." The clever way they found one another had me cracking up. Their flirty banter was spot on and just my cup of tea! I loved her parents and how she embraced their uniqueness and how he supported his mom in wanting the best for her. When you find out his reason for becoming an attorney it will bring out all the emotions.

I found this book to be the perfect mix of sass, sexy times, and sweetness and will definitely be checking out this author’s backlist.

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this book is related to “The Christmas Crush” that was released earlier this month, it can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. I can say this because even though the first book is sitting on my kindle, I read this one first after receiving an advance reader copy. I had no problem following it. The book is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Cillian is a man with the world on his shoulders. As the father of a gorgeous six-year-old daughter, Phoebe, and owner of a thriving law firm he is busy. When his daughter’s mother bounces back into their life looking for a reconciliation, he is determined that she gets the message that it is never going to happen. Under his grumpy exterior, Cillian is really a marshmallow. At first the reader only really sees that in his relationship with Phoebe. Reading as he becomes that same way with Ava was heartwarming and joyful.
Ava is beautiful, intelligent, and strong as she is taking her business and making it a success. Past relationships have caused her to question her judgement in men, and she must learn to trust herself again when Cillian comes into the picture. I adored her kind heart. Her family and their outspokenness bring many moments of laughter to the book. I love how she not only is deeply attracted to Cillian, but she also recognizes how starved he is for real love. I especially adore the way she is with Phoebe. Ava’s innate maturity and goodness make where a wonderful heroine, and I could only cheer for to get her happy ending.
This was a steamy, tenderly emotional holiday read. I loved the author’s writing as she brought the story along. The use of alliteration in all the right places was perfect. One of my favorite scenes was Phoebe’s trip to Santa’s workshop. I was giggling so much I made the hubby listen as I read that whole scene out loud to him. Swoony, romantic scenes mixed with moments that made me giggle, a short wobble, and the grand gesture that I truly appreciated; this was a read that I absolutely loved.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.

[Books_on_my_shelve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dating For December

❤️📖 This is my ARC review, release day on 24.11.23📖❤️

This is a perfect spicy romance with the right dose of Christmas mood. So exactly everything you need in the book reading in december 😍🥵🎄.

Cillian may be at first sight a cold, emotionless divorce lawyer, he doesnt believe in romance and he alone has no luck and trust issues with women, but actually he's a guy who is able to give and show so much love and adoration for people who can give the same feelings back. He is a great dad and has a beautiful relationship with his daughter Pheobe, she is his Nbr. 1 and he makes everything to make her happy. And protect her from her own mother who believes Cillian can't forget her, so he has to makenher believe he moved on, he needs a fake-girlfriend. What he dosen't expect is a little tornado Ava. From the first phonecall she disrubts everything and he finds himself discussing everything he thought he knew about relationships and feelings.

Ava has selftrust issues, she is afraid to date again after her last partner lied to her. She tries to convince her family she can manage her dating company, but matching others people and being not able to find the right one for herself, makes it harder. So she need a fake-boyfriend.

They chemistry was so palpable from the forst meeting. I loved their banter, the escalating tension and when they both did give up, the fireworks of passion were 🌶️🌶️🥵🥵. The sensitive side of Cillian when he has to fight with himself and his feelings was nice refreshment in the story.

Ava's parents were very funny part of story 😂 hard to decided if I would like or not to have parents like them.

I did enyoj this story very much and I realised I missed Nate's and Holly's story so need to get it and I am looking forward to read Savannah's story next.

5⭐📖.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and I am voluntarily leaving a review ♥️📖.

[Book Nerdy 2020 · Rating 4 out of 5]

DATING FOR DECEMBER By Lyndsey Gallagher

My perpetually single status hardly serves as a shining advertisement for HeartSync, the dating agency I own. Nor is it likely to convince my incredibly successful movie star brother, Nate, to invest in my business. Which is precisely why I agree to fake-date Cillian "can't-crack-a-smile" Callaghan for the month of December.Sure, his role as a stoically single father and a notoriously grumpy divorce lawyer is far from ideal, but his silver eyes, sculptured shoulders and sharp tongue tick all the right boxes.Even boxes that are supposed to remain, ahem, unticked...One mistletoe kiss sparks a lust that could melt Lapland, and frosty fake dates blaze into something feverishly real…I'm the country's most successful divorce lawyer. It doesn't take a genius to figure out why I don't date. Add in the fact that I'm a full-time single dad, even if I had the inclination, I don't have the time. But when my cheating ex blows back into town, the only way I can convince her it's over for good is by fake-dating someone else…Enter Ava Jackson, with her infectious laugh, long legs, and luscious lips.Throughout December, her witty one-liners and effortless bond with my daughter thaw my every defense.She's everything I never knew I needed.I'm an expert at breakups… but maybe it’s time to master a love that lasts…

😊What i liked -

✔ Single Dad/Fake Dating/Christmas.
✔ Ava is such a sweet, strong and cute character.
✔ Loved the whole Fake dating premise.
✔ Her bond with her brother and his bond with his daughter was so cute.
✔ Loved the whole vibe to this one.

🤔What could have been better -

✔ Found Cillian's mom a bit annoying and his ex even more annoying.
✔ I understood the reason why he was skeptical but the break up was a little too much.


📚Who Should read :

👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💕Fake RelationshipRomance
🧑‍🍼Single Dad Romance


📈My Rating : 4/5


Thank you, Lyndsey Gallagher, for a copy.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars 


Ava owns a dating agency and, after somos one year running It, she needs her brother investing in It, but that comes with the price of having a date for the anniversary party. Cillian never thought he was going to need a dating agency, but he needs to get rid of his ex.

The first part of the book was perfect, the start with both needs matching perfectly and his "I don't care about anything" application form. Ava knows what needs to be done, she's perfect for the job. Cillian is what he needs to be, a cynical, but also a good person underneath.

The everything gets perfect, and the it's when I check where I'm at the book, and It is only 65%, so I wait for the other shoe to drop, and It does. The good things is that the "third act breakup" for this autor just means one of the two main characters feelings exactly what I feel in that moment, everything is too perfect, and It shouldn't, or should It? 

That everything is too good too soon os a feeling that I don't like, because I know there's hearbreak after that, and sometimes it's well delivered (It was the case) and sometimes It isn't.

I enjoyed the second story regarding his family and the surprising turn it took. I expect to get another story from that side, although there are still a few Jackson siblings waiting for their stories.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erin (Bellah Loves Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge Lyndsey Gallagher fan! Her books never fail to deliver steamy romances with swoon-worthy male main characters, and Dating for December is no different!

Ava is the owner of dating agency HeartSync but she is not the poster child that she should be for her company as she hasn't met "the one" yet and there are no prospects on the horizon. Until Cillian Callaghan, a highly successful divorce attorney, stumbles into her life when they agree to start fake-dating in order to benefit them both for the month of December. Ava needs to convince her family she is in a serious relationship to get funding for her company, and Cillian needs to convince his daughter's mother that it is officially over between them. What neither Ava nor Cillian realize is that they check all the boxes for each other and maybe they should date for more than just December.

While this wasn't my favorite of Lyndsey Gallagher's books, it was sweet and steamy and was everything I like in my romance novels. Likable characters, lots of steamy scenes, and chemistry and tension between the main characters. This one is a standalone in an interconnected series so while you don't need to read the previous books, the characters from other books are mentioned and do appear at times.

My one big complaint is that the phrase "it's still early days" was used a LOT. Like, too many times. And after a while, it became distracting for me.

I always recommend Lyndsey Gallagher to any romance lover and this is just the newest one to binge! This one, and all her other books, is available on Kindle Unlimited.

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the digital copy. My review is honest and voluntary.

[Stacey T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grumpy/sunshine romance with banter, spice, and family drama. Ava runs a dating agency even though she’s unlucky in love. If only she can get back into the saddle with the drool-worthy guy she’s crushed on for a year but doesn’t know. Now she needs to find a date to her brother’s wedding and prospects are low until one application catches the attention of the staff. Cillian is a top divorce attorney and a single dad. It’s no surprise that he doesn’t believe in lasting love especially given his ex and her lying, cheating ways. Filling out a dating form is the last thing he expected to do but he needs to get rid of his ex. Deciding to help each other out as a business arrangement might be exactly what they both wanted, but the chemistry between them is undeniable and may lead to what they both need.
I enjoyed the characters and the sexy and witty banter between them. The outrageousness of her parents was hysterical and Phoebe, his daughter is adorable. It was great to see how their relationship changed and how Cillian started to question his beliefs about love and marriage while Ava never gave up her longing for the fairy tale. In the end a great story that makes me want to read more by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and Cillian have a very engaging story. Ava has a very supportive family, including a brother who is a famous movie star and parents who are embarrassingly open and loving. Ava’s own dating record isn’t great although she dreams of falling in love. She is hoping to convince her famous brother that her new matchmaking company will be a good investment. Cillian is a wealthy divorce attorney and the single father of an adorable little girl. Cillian has a lot of family baggage that prevents him from believing in romance, along with a cheating ex who painfully floats in and out of his little girl’s life. After his ex reappears and appears to want another shot at a relationship, Cillian sarcastically submits an application to Ava’s matchmaking agency. When he and Ava meet up, they decide a fake relationship for a few weeks could be useful to each of them. The dual points of view in this book offer genuine insights into both of the characters, as they slowly move from lust to love. This romance story has loads of feelings, steamy sex, character development and a cute 6-year-old with her own ideas about a HEA. Loved this book! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Lyndsey Gallagher and her new series.

I love all her couple,but Ava and Cillian have to be my favourite couple.

They are complete opposites.

Cillian is a divorce lawyer and does not believe in love.The only thing important to him is his six year old daughter Phoebe.

Ava believes in love and happily ever afters,shame she doesn't have her own happily ever after.It is not good for the owner of a dating agency.

When Cillian's ex comes back into town he needs a fake girlfriend to get her off his back.

Ava needs a fake boyfriend for her brother's wedding and she also needs him to invest in her business.

The chemistry between them is hot,but the rules are no PDA's and no falling in love.

The bond Phoebe and Ava form is heartwarming.Phoebe is adorable.

Really enjoyed this heartwarming steamy festive romance with all the feels,a hot single dad,a sweet heroine,an adorable little girl,lots of laughs and a happily ever after.

Cannot wait for the next book by Lyndsey.

I recieved an advanced review copy of this book for free via booksirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series. I enjoyed the first one and decided to try this as well, and it did not disappoint! It's an absolutely adorable and fun fake-dating story that captured my attention from the start and kept me engrossed till the end. Ava is a true romantic, running a very successful dating agency. But ironically, she has been unlucky in love herself. In order to give more credence to her agency and convince her brother to invest, she decides to fake-date Cillian, a divorce lawyer and a complete cynic when it comes to love. He's a single dad and has been burned badly by love, and is determined not to let it happen again. For their own reasons, they both need someone to date and they strike a deal to fake-date. But we all know how that goes! The more time they spent together, the more they started to grow and connect, until fake wasn't so fake anymore.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the dynamic between Cillian and Ava. Their chemistry just sizzled and sparkled! This is one book you definitely want to add to your next Christmas TBR list!

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner by Lyndsay Gallagher! She just has this way with writing that sets an amazing pace, great story and SPICE that I crave!

I do enjoy a single parent troupe and this one is so cute because who doesn’t love a dad that dotes on his little girl! Add in some grumpy sunshine, fake dating, and Christmas and boom 💥 you have a book I loveeee 😍 and want everyone to read when it’s published on November 24, 2023!

I also related to Ava a lot as I was (still am) a hopeless romantic and all I wanted in my 20s was to find my better half! She is also such a kind and sweet FMC, with wit and sass, so I want to be her! 😅

The ONLY thing that I wanted more was a teeennnyyy bit more of a heart tug in the 3rd act. I don’t want to spoil anything though so I wont go into details…. And the end sort of fell a little flat for me? Hmm or Maybe I’m just tired 😴 and need more sleep 😜. But I still devoured this book in 48 hours and I cant wait to read the next one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story. It had everything: taking place during the spin-up to Christmas, in Dublin and surrounds, with relatable characters, and just the right amount of drama and fun. Ava is the founder of a dating agency who needs a date to her brother's wedding, and Cillian (great name!) needs someone to masquerade as his partner so his crazy ex will be convinced it's over. These two worlds collide, with the added factor of Cillian's 6 year old daughter Phoebe (another great name).

Ms. Gallagher brings the reader all the angles of this emotion driven situation, and watching Cillian and Ava find their way to each other is a delight. There is just the right amount of spice in their goings on to be convincing. Phoebe is one of those scene-stealing kids they tell you not to share a stage with. When she asks Santa for a new mom for Christmas because "my one only works intermittently" she earned a gold star from me!

This is the kind of story that has the reader engaged and cheering the main characters on, hoping for their eventual success at getting together. Well done!

Full disclosure: I was gifted a copy of this novel and was requested to post a review.

[Veronica Gavilanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava desperately needs a date for her brother Nate's wedding but after a bad situation with her previous boyfriend, she has not felt like dating. Cillian is done with his ex's erratic behavior, which upsets their daughter, and wants to show her that their relationship is really over. This is a fake-dating steamy Christmas RomCom about a single dad who does not believe in lasting love or marriage and a hopeful romantic who has had bad luck in the past.

What I liked: The book is entertaining, easy to read, and funny. I liked the characters and how their relationships developed. I laughed several times and wanted to keep reading. It was also refreshing that the author did not use some of the cliches that are common in RomComs, especially because the characters had good communication skills, so the plot was not based on miscommunication. I could feel the Christmas vibes, so it was a great read for this time of the year.

What I did not like: It is kind of weird how Ava refers to her parents by their names and last names every time she mentions them. I did not like Bonnie, maybe she was a little flat as a side character.

(I want to thank BookSirens and the author because I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

[Lisa Nizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas romance read

Cillian loves his daughter, her mother is a train wreck that tricked and wrecked him and flies in & out of his daughter’s life and he is left to pick up the pieces. Combine that with an adulterer father he’s a divorce attorney who helps the wronged and does not believe in love and marriage. Ava runs a dating service, she believes in true love and her parents are prime example, her siblings laugh at her profession given she can’t find someone herself. Ava has been hurt too by an ex and that’s another thing used as a joke by her siblings. She needs a date for her company party and her actor brother’s wedding, she needs him to invest in her company. Cillian fills out an application after drinking thinking he needed someone to be in his life so his ex would back off him. They strike a deal to Date For December. They both try not to fall for each other when they agree to benefits. Very enjoyable read and his daughter Phoebe is adorable. I read this as part of a Christmas romance binge and loved it.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t love it but would read future books by this author. The writing was good if a little cheesy at times. It's to be expected with the divorce lawyer vs matchmaker trope. The fake dating had a smooth transition into real dating when the MCs *gasp* talked about their wants and feelings...

I did get annoyed more than once when it felt like the drama was being dragged out repetitively. How many times do I have to read that the MMC doesn't believe in love or marriage? Heck, even the FMC cuts him off at one point because SHE KNOWS. WE ALL KNOW. YOU MONOLOGUE ABOUT IT FUCKING CONSTANTLY.

But the relationship between FMC and his daughter was sublime. Really loved how she didn't force herself into awkward situations or lied to the poor girl. She was kind and thoughtful and let dad set the boundaries. And when that's the most interested thing that happened, I know I won't reread it ever.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars

This was my second ARC for Lyndsey Gallagher and I think I'm going to have to add her to my auto-buy author list...

In this little gem we meet Ava (failing in love whilst running a dating agency) and Cillian (top divorce lawyer and single dad). It's the perfect grumpy/sunshine trope with a single dad and a likeable main female character who manages to be charming without being annoying. Throw in parents and siblings, exes and everything else going on and you've got yourself a winner.

This story was so good, I caught myself smiling while reading it. I also spemt waaaay more time reading it than I should've (including some time when I was *ahem* supposed to be working...).

Are there cliches? Yes. Do you know how it's going to end? Yes. Do we care? Noooooo. It's brilliant and a fantastic choice for the festive season (plus the little touches of spice are never not good). Brind on the next Gallagher book please!!

[Kesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cillian is a cynical divorce attorney who helps people who have been wronged. He doesn't believe in love and marriage because his wife cheated on him and left him with their little daughter. Ava runs a dating service and strongly believes in true love. However, an ex has hurt her, and her brother mocks her profession, thinking she can't find someone for herself. Ava needs a date for her brother's wedding to prove that she is good at her job, hoping he will invest in her company. Cillian needs someone to pretend to be his girlfriend to make his ex back off. Ava and Cillian are perfect for each other to fake-date. They make a pact to pretend a relationship for a month.

This story takes place in Dublin and the surrounding area during the lead-up to Christmas. The fascinating characters (Ava's parents and Phoebe especially) and the right amount of drama and comedy make it a wonderful story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret Amatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄What a delicious, sexy, Christmassy romcom! Lyndsey Gallagher never fails to deliver on page-turners and this was no exception.

❤️I loved everything about this story from page one to the very last word.

🧑🏻‍❤️‍💋‍🧑🏻It was full of humour and sass, had a very clever setup and characters I was invested in at every turn.

☀️Ava is full of sunshine and smiles but she has some insecurities she needs to work through. Cillian is just adorable. He's all gruff and stern on the outside but bit by bit we discover he's really a teddy bear inside. Both characters had such relatable journeys to their happy ending and I just couldn't stop reading... But it was that kind of story that as soon as I finished I wished I hadn't because I didn't want to leave them so soon.

🧑‍🎄If you read one book this Christmas, make it this one! You won't regret it.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dating For December is the latest holiday-themed book by Lyndsey Gallagher. Our main characters are Cillian, Ava, and Cillian’s daughter Phoebe. Cillian is a successful divorce attorney and Ava owns her own dating agency. Cillian has been hurt by love before and refuses to let his heart be broken again, while Ava is actively looking for her HEA but has been very unlucky in love.

When Cillian’s ex (and Phoebe’s mother) bounces back into their lives, Cillian is determined to get her out of his life, and he and Ava strike up a deal to fake date their way through the month of December. But as Ava bounds with Phoebe and grows closer to Cillian, will these two find they may be just what the other needs for a HEA? Lyndsey Gallagher has crafted another sweet, emotional, and fun romance that will get your heart beating a little faster.