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The Holly Project
It’s two days ‘til Christmas … and she’s on the run.
Holly Driver despises Christmas. She prefers to spend the holidays alone without tinsel or turkey, thank you very much. However, this year, she can't avoid her client’s Christmas party.
But when a drinking game gets out of hand, Holly wakes to a viral TikTok of her antics and she can’t remember a thing. Mortified, she escapes the city and bumps into Bailey, the chef she met at the party, who’s full of festive cheer.
With her train cancelled, Holly reluctantly agrees to spend the night at his family home - only to discover it's Christmas on steroids. Even worse, everyone assumes she’s Bailey’s girlfriend and he doesn’t correct them.
What's he playing at? Is he deliberately trying to annoy her or is there a deeper intention behind his fake dating ruse?
If you like humour, great characters and a sprinkling of spice, you’ll love this funny, fake dating Christmas rom-com. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Kinsella.
Holly Driver despises Christmas. She prefers to spend the holidays alone without tinsel or turkey, thank you very much. However, this year, she can't avoid her client’s Christmas party.
But when a drinking game gets out of hand, Holly wakes to a viral TikTok of her antics and she can’t remember a thing. Mortified, she escapes the city and bumps into Bailey, the chef she met at the party, who’s full of festive cheer.
With her train cancelled, Holly reluctantly agrees to spend the night at his family home - only to discover it's Christmas on steroids. Even worse, everyone assumes she’s Bailey’s girlfriend and he doesn’t correct them.
What's he playing at? Is he deliberately trying to annoy her or is there a deeper intention behind his fake dating ruse?
If you like humour, great characters and a sprinkling of spice, you’ll love this funny, fake dating Christmas rom-com. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Kinsella.
260 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2023
107 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Angela Pearse
16 books81 followersANGELA PEARSE writes contemporary and historical romcoms, and has recently added paranormal romance to her lineup. Known for her quirky humour, Angela’s books are often described as "page-turners", ranging from lighthearted escapades to darker satire.
A freelance editor with an MA in English, Angela is originally from New Zealand but now calls Edinburgh home, finding endless inspiration in its rich history and atmospheric streets.
Dive into her new vampire romance series - Fanged and Flirty!
Book 1: Flossed In Love - available now (read for free with Kindle Unlimited)
Book 2: Enthralled By You - available now (read for free with Kindle Unlimited)
Book 3: Biting My Knight - coming 4 February 2026 (available for pre-order)
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A freelance editor with an MA in English, Angela is originally from New Zealand but now calls Edinburgh home, finding endless inspiration in its rich history and atmospheric streets.
Dive into her new vampire romance series - Fanged and Flirty!
Book 1: Flossed In Love - available now (read for free with Kindle Unlimited)
Book 2: Enthralled By You - available now (read for free with Kindle Unlimited)
Book 3: Biting My Knight - coming 4 February 2026 (available for pre-order)
* Sign Up To Mailing List
* Visit Website
* Book Playlists
* Follow on Amazon Author Page
* Follow on BookBub
* Follow on Instagram
* Follow on Threads
* Follow on Tiktok
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
January 5, 2024
3.5⭐ - this was cute, but their relationship and all the things happening around it was kinda meh. Still a cute quick holiday read!
November 5, 2023
Cuteness overload!
This is a fast-paced and feel good holiday read.
Holly is a major Scrooge and she meets a guy, Bailey, who is so full of Christmas spirit that he dresses up as an elf. I personally loved it lol. Holly obviously does not. Some stuff happens and while Holly is trying to escape for Christmas, she runs into Bailey. Bailey convinces her and her doggy to tag along to his family’s house for the holiday. When his dad comes to pick them up he assumes they’re dating and Bailey doesn’t correct him.
So you got a holiday book with an anti Christmas girl and Christmas loving guy. Fake dating. Forced Proximity. One bed. A cute dog. And lots of family craziness.
This is very fast paced since it takes place over a few days. It’s very Hallmark-y and I love it! I really loved that the book is told from Holly’s grumpy POV. It was kind of fun to see her slowly opening up and being happy along the way. You also learn why she’s so anti Christmas too and it makes a lot of sense.
I think this is a perfect feel good holiday read. Highly recommend if you’re just looking for a warm hug from a book this holiday season.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a fast-paced and feel good holiday read.
Holly is a major Scrooge and she meets a guy, Bailey, who is so full of Christmas spirit that he dresses up as an elf. I personally loved it lol. Holly obviously does not. Some stuff happens and while Holly is trying to escape for Christmas, she runs into Bailey. Bailey convinces her and her doggy to tag along to his family’s house for the holiday. When his dad comes to pick them up he assumes they’re dating and Bailey doesn’t correct him.
So you got a holiday book with an anti Christmas girl and Christmas loving guy. Fake dating. Forced Proximity. One bed. A cute dog. And lots of family craziness.
This is very fast paced since it takes place over a few days. It’s very Hallmark-y and I love it! I really loved that the book is told from Holly’s grumpy POV. It was kind of fun to see her slowly opening up and being happy along the way. You also learn why she’s so anti Christmas too and it makes a lot of sense.
I think this is a perfect feel good holiday read. Highly recommend if you’re just looking for a warm hug from a book this holiday season.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐️
The Holly Project is a very cute, warm and cosy Christmas rom-com set in rural Scotland. We follow the journey of Holly, who is a real-life Grinch, and Bailey, an absolute over-the-top Christmas fan. Despite wanting to be alone on Christmas, Holly ends up living what she thought would be her worst nightmare: spending a hallmark-like holiday with the family of the boy she randomly met at a party she didn't even want to go to. Initially, I found Bailey quite irritating, but I did fall in love with him. He is genuine and kind despite coming across as a bit full-on and shallow at the start. Holly also goes on a journey. She shows her sensitive side and mellows down by the end. I was satisfied to see them bringing the best out of each other at the end of the story!
The book has everything readers can wish for in a feel-good rom-com. Fuelled with mishaps, unexpected emotions and over-the-top gestures, The Holly Project is a perfect, fun, quick read to keep you entertained over the holidays. It's quite fast-paced. I only wished to see a deeper exploration of some events and relationships (hence, 4.5 stars).
Either way, I totally recommend it. I love Angela's rom-coms and will continue reading them!
I was given an arc of The Holly Project in exchange for an honest review.
The Holly Project is a very cute, warm and cosy Christmas rom-com set in rural Scotland. We follow the journey of Holly, who is a real-life Grinch, and Bailey, an absolute over-the-top Christmas fan. Despite wanting to be alone on Christmas, Holly ends up living what she thought would be her worst nightmare: spending a hallmark-like holiday with the family of the boy she randomly met at a party she didn't even want to go to. Initially, I found Bailey quite irritating, but I did fall in love with him. He is genuine and kind despite coming across as a bit full-on and shallow at the start. Holly also goes on a journey. She shows her sensitive side and mellows down by the end. I was satisfied to see them bringing the best out of each other at the end of the story!
The book has everything readers can wish for in a feel-good rom-com. Fuelled with mishaps, unexpected emotions and over-the-top gestures, The Holly Project is a perfect, fun, quick read to keep you entertained over the holidays. It's quite fast-paced. I only wished to see a deeper exploration of some events and relationships (hence, 4.5 stars).
Either way, I totally recommend it. I love Angela's rom-coms and will continue reading them!
I was given an arc of The Holly Project in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2023
3.5⭐️super cute christmas book that i literally read within one day!
January 13, 2024
'Todavía no estoy exactamente segura de cómo, pero Bailey ha logrado por sí solo atravesar mi comportamiento frágil y suavizarme. Me siento como una versión de mazapán más maleable de mí misma.'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
The Holly project de Angela Pearse
Argumento:
Faltan dos días para Navidad... y ella está huyendo.
Holly Driver desprecia la Navidad. Ella prefiere pasar las fiestas sola sin oropel ni pavo, muchas gracias. Sin embargo, este año no podrá evitar la fiesta de Navidad de su cliente.
Pero cuando un juego de beber se sale de control, Holly se despierta con un TikTok viral de sus travesuras y no puede recordar nada. Mortificada, escapa de la ciudad y se topa con Bailey, el chef que conoció en la fiesta, que está lleno de alegría festiva.
Con su tren cancelado, Holly acepta a regañadientes pasar la noche en la casa de su familia, solo para descubrir que es Navidad con esteroides. Peor aún, todos asumen que ella es la novia de Bailey y él no los corrige.
¿A qué está jugando? ¿Está tratando deliberadamente de molestarla o hay una intención más profunda detrás de su falsa artimaña de citas?
Mi humilde opinión:
The Holly project es un romance con relación falsa, proximidad forzada, heroína gruñona y héroe fanático de la navidad.
Primero y principal me gustó la sensación festiva que me transmitió la historia. La nieve y el ambiente. Amé la bulliciosa familia escocesa McAdams y su acogedora casa, la deliciosa comida, sus tradiciones y juegos. Me hicieron querer ponerme uno de los ridículos pulovers de Bailey y sentarme a la mesa con ellos en navidad. Me divertiria un montón!
La idea de la parte romántica me gustó porque la protagonista empieza detestando al protagonista luego de querer ponerle a la fuerza un gorro de Santa. Exagerado no? Pero para una persona que no le gusta la navidad es un tema serio. Holly no es fan del brillo y la alegría de todo lo que tenga que ver con esta mágica época del año. Después de decir lo que piensa sobre eso en un video de Tik Tok pasada de copas tiene que escapar de la ciudad y el vídeo que se vuelve viral. Le suceden muchas cosas desafortunadas como el tren que no puede seguir por el clima, el autobús no le permite subir con su mascota y se queda sin opciones en la estación donde vuelve a encontrarse a Bailey que llegó a casa para navidad. Le ofrece un lugar en su casa para pasar la noche pero cuando la presenta le da a entender a la familia que es la novia. Esto hace que le agrade él mucho menos que antes. Así que hay una especie de enemigos a amantes sucediendo al principio.
Holly me daba pena porque entendí su rechazo a todo lo navideño y dijo lo que opinaba estando borracha, no lo hubiera hecho de lo contrario. Lewis no tenía que grabarla y la novia celosa no tenía que postearlo. Me pareció que ninguno de los dos le pidió a Holly debidas disculpas por eso. Holly tuvo que pasar cosas duras con su familia adoptiva, así que no me molestó que fuera una Grinch porque me pareció genuina. Dentro de todo se nota su crecimiento a lo largo del libro y al final alegré un montón que los McAdams y Bailey le hicieran cambiar su opinión sobre la navidad. Por cierto, Crumpet era adorable y se notaba cuánto lo quería su dueña. Fue un fiel amigo para ella a lo largo del libro.
Bailey no fue mí favorito. Me fastidió su falta de seguridad. Me gustaba su entusiasmo y amor por la navidad, que fuera un chef que vistiera tartán pero esperaba más de él como héroe. No pude entenderlo. Creí que le gustaba Holly, que quería seguir viéndola, después parece que no y la deja ir? Ella solo quería saber si eran algo pasajero o podían ser más. Tan difícil era decirle cómo se sentía? La verdad, la escena fue bastante incómoda y molesta. Sobretodo al final con la cena de año nuevo. Sentí que la hizo sufrir sin razón.
En cuanto a su relación, el comienzo me emocionó. A ella no le gusta Bailey pero mientras finge ser la novia lo comienza a ver con otros ojos y ya no le fastidian tanto sus ridículos disfraces navideños. O sea, me pareció divertido verla cambiar de opinión sobre él. Me convenció ese inicio con ellos pero me pareció que pasan a los besos y otras cosas muy rápido. No sentí que me dieron la pasión o trasmitieron la química. Era como que no sabían lo que estaban haciendo, era como: me lanzo a los besos y no conozco en realidad a esa persona.
Todo el drama que sigue es justamente por eso, Holly no sabe lo que están haciendo, tiene en claro que no quiere algo pasajero y Bailey dice que tampoco sabe lo que quiere con ella. Esta situación hizo que fueran frustrantes!
En general disfruté el libro, fue fácil de leer, súper festivo, tuvo sus partes lindas y divertidas, la heroína era interesante.
November 14, 2023
Absolutely loved this book! I could NOT put it down! Read in less than 5 hours! Such a great Christmas/winter book! I received an advanced readers copy from booksirens , but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
December 11, 2023
●The Holly Project by Angela Pearse●
This was such a romantic and festive book to get into the Christmas spirit!
From the very beginning we learn that the main character Holly is very anti-Christmas and people, she's unintentionally funny and has a quirky narrative. The story begins when a TikTok video goes viral she freaks out and runs away for the holidays with her dog Crumpet, but everything that can go wrong does, which means she's stuck with Bailey and his very festive family for some time.
Bailey was the definition of a golden retriever, he was so optimistic and caring, he's also the number one fan of Christmas...I loved his over the top jumpers and celebrations for the season, he looked after Holly whenever he could and truly made her happy. The fake dating and forced proximity aspects of the romance were done so well, seeing them both begin to develop feelings for each other was so cute, and I liked how Bailey and his family wholeheartedly embrace Holly.
The McAddams family were lovely, it felt like a massive Christmas movie with the decorations and general warm fuzzy feelings. Learning Holly's backstory was sad but we do learn why she's so against aspects of Christmas, thankfully Bailey is there to lift her up and dust her off, bringing a smile to her face once more.
I did feel like the third act breakup was a little unnecessary and more dramatic than it needed to be, but in true romance cliché fashion the resolution was needed to bring them together at last. The ending was fluffy and has a lovely happily ever after, leaving Holly and Bailey in love and festive yet again!
4/5 🌟
This was such a romantic and festive book to get into the Christmas spirit!
From the very beginning we learn that the main character Holly is very anti-Christmas and people, she's unintentionally funny and has a quirky narrative. The story begins when a TikTok video goes viral she freaks out and runs away for the holidays with her dog Crumpet, but everything that can go wrong does, which means she's stuck with Bailey and his very festive family for some time.
Bailey was the definition of a golden retriever, he was so optimistic and caring, he's also the number one fan of Christmas...I loved his over the top jumpers and celebrations for the season, he looked after Holly whenever he could and truly made her happy. The fake dating and forced proximity aspects of the romance were done so well, seeing them both begin to develop feelings for each other was so cute, and I liked how Bailey and his family wholeheartedly embrace Holly.
The McAddams family were lovely, it felt like a massive Christmas movie with the decorations and general warm fuzzy feelings. Learning Holly's backstory was sad but we do learn why she's so against aspects of Christmas, thankfully Bailey is there to lift her up and dust her off, bringing a smile to her face once more.
I did feel like the third act breakup was a little unnecessary and more dramatic than it needed to be, but in true romance cliché fashion the resolution was needed to bring them together at last. The ending was fluffy and has a lovely happily ever after, leaving Holly and Bailey in love and festive yet again!
4/5 🌟
December 6, 2023
My brain has been fried the last few weeks and I really needed something easy to read, so this was perfect! I almost hated Holly at first for being such a Scrooge lol but I kind of grew to love her by the end! The story was silly in a fun goofy way and it made me smile so it’s really done it’s job here! I recommend for anyone needing a Christmas read this year!!!!
December 29, 2023
What a fun, cozy holiday read! I read The Holly Project in one night! Couldn’t put it down.
The heat level is fade to black. There is kissing and lots of attraction between these two opposites. It was refreshing that the male lead (Bailey) is the one who is super into Christmas. I loved his family.
The angst/confrontation with the antagonist Lewis was also a good balance for a cozy read. Meaning there’s a lot of big feelings on Holly’s part on what happened with Lewis, but it’s not a catastrophic blow up.
I would have liked Bailey to have gone to bat for Holly a little more, especially since Lewis is his friend. (FYI, Lewis seems like a shitty friend. Not sure why Bailey hangs out with him.) And his girlfriend is a real piece of work.
I can’t wait to read more by Angela Pearse!
I downloaded this book for free from The Indie Authors Winter Wonderland event.
The heat level is fade to black. There is kissing and lots of attraction between these two opposites. It was refreshing that the male lead (Bailey) is the one who is super into Christmas. I loved his family.
The angst/confrontation with the antagonist Lewis was also a good balance for a cozy read. Meaning there’s a lot of big feelings on Holly’s part on what happened with Lewis, but it’s not a catastrophic blow up.
I would have liked Bailey to have gone to bat for Holly a little more, especially since Lewis is his friend. (FYI, Lewis seems like a shitty friend. Not sure why Bailey hangs out with him.) And his girlfriend is a real piece of work.
I can’t wait to read more by Angela Pearse!
I downloaded this book for free from The Indie Authors Winter Wonderland event.
November 17, 2023
Holly is a strong independent project manager for a hotel and she hates everything Christmas and holiday related….and I connect with her on that. Something happens at a holiday work party and she decided to leave town for a few days. She bumps into a coworker at the train station and one thing leads to another. Will Holly get her HEA? If you like holiday romcom, fake dating, forced proximity tropes then this is the book for you!
December 29, 2023
Such an enjoyable Christmas book! I loved every second of it! It was the funny feel good book I was seeking this Christmas season! I highly recommend it!
November 29, 2024
Holly is insufferable
December 24, 2023
A quick and heartwarming holiday read.
Holly. Hates. Christmas. Her idea of the perfect Christmas is time alone in with her dog. But things quickly get out of hand when she's forced to go to a client's Christmas party. The next thing she knows she's running for the hills and ends up stranded in a train station miles from home thanks to the heavy snow. Surely things can't get any worse right?
Wrong. Cue Mr. Christmas himself. Holly already disliked him from their brief interaction at the party but now it seems he's her only way out of this mess she has found herself in. He offers to bring her home so that she doesn't have to sleep at the train station... only his family immediately assumes they are dating and he asks her to roll with it!
Can a stay with the Christmas-loving McAdams clan change Holly's mind about Christmas? Maybe she was right and this last-minute escape trip will prove to be just what she needs to have a Happy Christmas for once. Or... perhaps it will prove to be the most awkward and uncomfortable Christmas of her life.
This was such a cute read. I am so glad I managed to snag it during Indie Author Winter Wonderland 2023! The combination of the jaded Holly and the ever-festive, warm-hearted Bailey was such a great match. Honestly, I didn't read the blurb on this one beforehand so I definitely thought we were going to end up with a different pairing when I first started reading!
I love the way the entire McAdams clan welcomed Holly with open arms. It's clear that they're a warm and loving family and that the word "stranger" just isn't in their vocabulary. Christmas can be such a complicated time for people, especially those whose home life isn't ideal or who have lost loved ones and Angela is able to not only showcase this in a way that isn't obnoxious or heavy-handed but also shows us just how much of a difference love and acceptance of a person can make.
Holly. Hates. Christmas. Her idea of the perfect Christmas is time alone in with her dog. But things quickly get out of hand when she's forced to go to a client's Christmas party. The next thing she knows she's running for the hills and ends up stranded in a train station miles from home thanks to the heavy snow. Surely things can't get any worse right?
Wrong. Cue Mr. Christmas himself. Holly already disliked him from their brief interaction at the party but now it seems he's her only way out of this mess she has found herself in. He offers to bring her home so that she doesn't have to sleep at the train station... only his family immediately assumes they are dating and he asks her to roll with it!
Can a stay with the Christmas-loving McAdams clan change Holly's mind about Christmas? Maybe she was right and this last-minute escape trip will prove to be just what she needs to have a Happy Christmas for once. Or... perhaps it will prove to be the most awkward and uncomfortable Christmas of her life.
This was such a cute read. I am so glad I managed to snag it during Indie Author Winter Wonderland 2023! The combination of the jaded Holly and the ever-festive, warm-hearted Bailey was such a great match. Honestly, I didn't read the blurb on this one beforehand so I definitely thought we were going to end up with a different pairing when I first started reading!
I love the way the entire McAdams clan welcomed Holly with open arms. It's clear that they're a warm and loving family and that the word "stranger" just isn't in their vocabulary. Christmas can be such a complicated time for people, especially those whose home life isn't ideal or who have lost loved ones and Angela is able to not only showcase this in a way that isn't obnoxious or heavy-handed but also shows us just how much of a difference love and acceptance of a person can make.
December 28, 2025
This Christmas novel was just what I needed: cute, funny, sweet, and swoony. I giggled my way through it and I really enjoyed this story set in a Scottish Winter Wonderland 🥰❄️
Christmas Grinch Holly just went viral on TikTok after drunk-ranting about how she hates Christmas. Afraid that her haters are after her, she runs away but fins herself stuck in the snow in a small town in Scotland. She bumps inter one of her most annoying Christmas-lover colleague chef Bailey, who offers her to stay the night at his parents' place instead of freezing to death at the station. His father thinks they're dating and Bailey doesn't correct him. Holly is then thrust into the midst of his giant family and spends her first real Christmas with. Until her tiktok shows up and it ruins everything. Will confort food, a man in a kilt, and elf ears be enough to thaw Holly's frozen heart? Or will it all be for nothing?
Favorite quotes out of context:
🎄 "Besides, it's freezing and it's Christmas." Why do people keep saying that? Is Christmas the only time you're meant to be kind and helpful? You can be an arsehole any other time of the year, but if it's Christmas, you should buck up your ideas?
❄️ "You could sleep on the floor?" (...) "No way, it's wooden floorboards. I'm not that much of a gentleman. If it makes you feel better, we can put a barrier down the middle."
🎄 Feeling the urge to kiss him properly, I lean forward brush my lips against his, and he pulls me to him. (...) Bailey gives a deep sigh. "Finally."
Tropes include:
❄️ Fake Dating
🎄 Unhinged Christmas jumpers
❄️ Baking
🎄 One bed
❄️ Tinsel bowed doggie
🎄 A man in a kilt
❄️ Fade to black
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ (swoony kisses and 1-2 Fade-to-black scenes)
Christmas Grinch Holly just went viral on TikTok after drunk-ranting about how she hates Christmas. Afraid that her haters are after her, she runs away but fins herself stuck in the snow in a small town in Scotland. She bumps inter one of her most annoying Christmas-lover colleague chef Bailey, who offers her to stay the night at his parents' place instead of freezing to death at the station. His father thinks they're dating and Bailey doesn't correct him. Holly is then thrust into the midst of his giant family and spends her first real Christmas with. Until her tiktok shows up and it ruins everything. Will confort food, a man in a kilt, and elf ears be enough to thaw Holly's frozen heart? Or will it all be for nothing?
Favorite quotes out of context:
🎄 "Besides, it's freezing and it's Christmas." Why do people keep saying that? Is Christmas the only time you're meant to be kind and helpful? You can be an arsehole any other time of the year, but if it's Christmas, you should buck up your ideas?
❄️ "You could sleep on the floor?" (...) "No way, it's wooden floorboards. I'm not that much of a gentleman. If it makes you feel better, we can put a barrier down the middle."
🎄 Feeling the urge to kiss him properly, I lean forward brush my lips against his, and he pulls me to him. (...) Bailey gives a deep sigh. "Finally."
Tropes include:
❄️ Fake Dating
🎄 Unhinged Christmas jumpers
❄️ Baking
🎄 One bed
❄️ Tinsel bowed doggie
🎄 A man in a kilt
❄️ Fade to black
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ (swoony kisses and 1-2 Fade-to-black scenes)
November 13, 2023
This was such a fun book!
Holly is a Christmas hater, and is trying to flee town after a social media post starts going viral. Bailey is a Rudolph sweater wearing Christmas lover that Holly cannot stand. Just add a transportation failure, a horrible inn and a warm and loving family to complicate everything for Holly.
I love a good Christmas themed romance and this was a fun story with a wonderful grumpy cheerful theme as well as the classic close proximity trope. Holly’s tough exterior and underlying history brought more depth to this story than I expected. It was funny, so well written and the characters were compelling.
I loved the book and highly recommend it!
Thank you Book Sirens, Clamp Publishing and Angela Pearse for the opportunity to review this book. I did receive this advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⏰ Read in one day!
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Once it goes there, it heats up, but without being explicit
⚠️ Childhood abandoment, Feeling unloved/unwanted as a child
🏷️
#RomCom
#ChristmasRomance
#CloseProximityTrope
#GrumpyCheerfulRomance
#BookSirens
#ClampPub
#AngelaPearseAuthor
Holly is a Christmas hater, and is trying to flee town after a social media post starts going viral. Bailey is a Rudolph sweater wearing Christmas lover that Holly cannot stand. Just add a transportation failure, a horrible inn and a warm and loving family to complicate everything for Holly.
I love a good Christmas themed romance and this was a fun story with a wonderful grumpy cheerful theme as well as the classic close proximity trope. Holly’s tough exterior and underlying history brought more depth to this story than I expected. It was funny, so well written and the characters were compelling.
I loved the book and highly recommend it!
Thank you Book Sirens, Clamp Publishing and Angela Pearse for the opportunity to review this book. I did receive this advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⏰ Read in one day!
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Once it goes there, it heats up, but without being explicit
⚠️ Childhood abandoment, Feeling unloved/unwanted as a child
🏷️
#RomCom
#ChristmasRomance
#CloseProximityTrope
#GrumpyCheerfulRomance
#BookSirens
#ClampPub
#AngelaPearseAuthor
December 25, 2023
Finished just in time for Christmas, and I loved it.
If you are looking for a cute, Christmasy, grumpy-sunshine romance read, this is for you!
Holly is an introvert who hates the commercialism of Christmas, and after getting horribly drunk with a work associate, she discovers that he uploaded a TikTok video of her slating all things Christmas. And the video goes viral! Feeling humiliated and distraught, she decides to flee Edinburgh, only to find herself stranded, and the only person to offer her shelter is Bailey - an extravert, who is the living, breathing embodiment of Christmas.
Holly finds herself caught up in Bailey's family bubble of Christmas joy, and somehow, they all think she is Bailey's girlfriend.
Well, I couldn't put this book down. It was a fun, flowing, easy read, which was perfect to chill with during the run up to Christmas. I loved the complexity to Holly's character and Bailey was just adorable.
I'm really glad I found this book. Just go and read it!
If you are looking for a cute, Christmasy, grumpy-sunshine romance read, this is for you!
Holly is an introvert who hates the commercialism of Christmas, and after getting horribly drunk with a work associate, she discovers that he uploaded a TikTok video of her slating all things Christmas. And the video goes viral! Feeling humiliated and distraught, she decides to flee Edinburgh, only to find herself stranded, and the only person to offer her shelter is Bailey - an extravert, who is the living, breathing embodiment of Christmas.
Holly finds herself caught up in Bailey's family bubble of Christmas joy, and somehow, they all think she is Bailey's girlfriend.
Well, I couldn't put this book down. It was a fun, flowing, easy read, which was perfect to chill with during the run up to Christmas. I loved the complexity to Holly's character and Bailey was just adorable.
I'm really glad I found this book. Just go and read it!
November 29, 2023
Such a cute Christmas read! I just want to say thank you for allowing to read this as an arc.
Holly Driver despises Christmas. She prefers to spend the holidays alone without tinsel or turkey, thank you very much. However, this year, she can't avoid her client’s Christmas party.
But when a drinking game gets out of hand, Holly wakes to a viral TikTok of her antics and she can’t remember a thing. Mortified, she escapes the city and bumps into Bailey, the chef she met at the party, who’s full of festive cheer.
With her train cancelled, Holly reluctantly agrees to spend the night at his family home - only to discover it's Christmas on steroids. Even worse, everyone assumes she’s Bailey’s girlfriend and he doesn’t correct them.
What's he playing at? Is he deliberately trying to annoy her or is there a deeper intention behind his fake dating ruse?
Holly Driver despises Christmas. She prefers to spend the holidays alone without tinsel or turkey, thank you very much. However, this year, she can't avoid her client’s Christmas party.
But when a drinking game gets out of hand, Holly wakes to a viral TikTok of her antics and she can’t remember a thing. Mortified, she escapes the city and bumps into Bailey, the chef she met at the party, who’s full of festive cheer.
With her train cancelled, Holly reluctantly agrees to spend the night at his family home - only to discover it's Christmas on steroids. Even worse, everyone assumes she’s Bailey’s girlfriend and he doesn’t correct them.
What's he playing at? Is he deliberately trying to annoy her or is there a deeper intention behind his fake dating ruse?
December 24, 2023
This was such a magical read to lose myself in right before Christmas! I adored Bailey. He bucked the trend of the stereotypical buff male lead and made me smile so much with his obsession for Christmas. How could Holly not be seduced by him, even if she is a self-confessed Grinch? Throw in an idyllic Scottish back drop, a sprinkle of spice, a cute dog called Crumpet, and some social media shenanigans for the perfect mix of festive fun. In a busy and competitive romcom book market, it's often hard to find stories that stand out from the Hallmark vibe/stereotypical trope crowd, but Angela Pearse is fast becoming a foolproof author for unique books that give all the feels!
November 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
➖Fake dating
➖reverse grumpy/sunshine
➖one bed trope
➖found family
➖rom/com
“I want you. I pretty much knew when I first saw you that I wanted you. Even though you hated my guts.”
Cute easy Christmas read
Holly best description was the grinch lol & Bailey, he was such a sweetheart always wearing jumpers & elf costume. After a tiktok went viral during her work Christmas party she has to go away & hide & she runs into bailey who offers a place to stay. For someone who dislike Christmas she’s very lovable by baileys family.
& the elf girlfriend was very cute
I received and advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🌶️
➖Fake dating
➖reverse grumpy/sunshine
➖one bed trope
➖found family
➖rom/com
“I want you. I pretty much knew when I first saw you that I wanted you. Even though you hated my guts.”
Cute easy Christmas read
Holly best description was the grinch lol & Bailey, he was such a sweetheart always wearing jumpers & elf costume. After a tiktok went viral during her work Christmas party she has to go away & hide & she runs into bailey who offers a place to stay. For someone who dislike Christmas she’s very lovable by baileys family.
& the elf girlfriend was very cute
I received and advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
This is one of those cuddly heart-warming books that you simply never want to end. I adored it from start to finish, and stayed up far later than is sensible on a work night because I didn't want to put it down.
Bailey... oh boy, I have a new book boyfriend again 😍 This festive fanatic is just what grinchey Holly needs!
I won't say too much more to avoid spoilers, but expect lots of humour and Christmassy vibes in snowy Scotland, following an unfortunate viral TikTok...
I want to read it again already!!!
Grab your copy as soon as it's available (15 November)
Bailey... oh boy, I have a new book boyfriend again 😍 This festive fanatic is just what grinchey Holly needs!
I won't say too much more to avoid spoilers, but expect lots of humour and Christmassy vibes in snowy Scotland, following an unfortunate viral TikTok...
I want to read it again already!!!
Grab your copy as soon as it's available (15 November)
November 15, 2023
I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to the author who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of her book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.
This book was absolutely perfect for me, it was full of Christmassy goodness and also featured one of my most favourite tropes too - fake dating!!
It was written really well and was such an easy book to read, the story just pulls you along and makes you keep reading more and more!
Unjolly Holly was a wonderful character and although she starts off as a bit of a Christmas grinch she soon comes to love Christmas too - after some help from the gorgeous, Christmas loving Bailey and his wonderful family.
This was such a heartwarming, festive and fun story and it left me full of Christmassy goodness…….
This book was absolutely perfect for me, it was full of Christmassy goodness and also featured one of my most favourite tropes too - fake dating!!
It was written really well and was such an easy book to read, the story just pulls you along and makes you keep reading more and more!
Unjolly Holly was a wonderful character and although she starts off as a bit of a Christmas grinch she soon comes to love Christmas too - after some help from the gorgeous, Christmas loving Bailey and his wonderful family.
This was such a heartwarming, festive and fun story and it left me full of Christmassy goodness…….
November 12, 2023
I saw someone else say this was cuteness overload and I can’t agree more. You fall in love with each character. All the people you’re meant to love, you truly easily do. I already went ahead and ordered a physical copy on Amazon. It’s arriving Monday (🥳🎊). I NEED this for Christmas season. It’s the type of feel-good book you reread again and again. Perfect holiday book to cozy up with!
P.S. in the light of no spoilers, I’ll be vague. We need a book about this next couple that ended up getting together near the end of the book!!!!!😉😩
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC copy for free. I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
P.S. in the light of no spoilers, I’ll be vague. We need a book about this next couple that ended up getting together near the end of the book!!!!!😉😩
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC copy for free. I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
November 15, 2023
❤️❤️❤️ The Holly Project is a SUPER cute rom-com based around Christmas. It feels like such a short read because it literally PULLLLLS you in. It's even got that happy ever after that we want to associate around Christmas. The story of Holly and Bailey is an absolutely PERFECT read this time of year. I'm not big on Christmas books, but I LOVED this one ❤️❤️❤️
November 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
The Holly Project by @angelapearseauthor
Ah! This was such a cute Christmas read! I’m sort of a grinch myself sometimes, so it was nice to read about a FMC who wasn’t into it either. Bailey was too adorable though, and I definitely wouldn’t mind his Christmas spirit… or the kilt! 💚
🌶️/5
The Holly Project by @angelapearseauthor
Ah! This was such a cute Christmas read! I’m sort of a grinch myself sometimes, so it was nice to read about a FMC who wasn’t into it either. Bailey was too adorable though, and I definitely wouldn’t mind his Christmas spirit… or the kilt! 💚
November 16, 2023
This was such a cute, funny, heartwarming Christmas RomCom. You follow the story of self-proclaimed recluse, Holly. She runs into Christmas loving, Bailey, at a Christmas party she didn't want to attend and is immediately annoyed and dismissive. When she runs into him again after a snowfall disrupts her train, things get weird. She spends Christmas as his fake girlfriend and...you'll have to read the book to see how it ends. Will it be Grinchmas or a Christmas miracle?
November 20, 2023
This was a very cute short Christmas book! I love Baileys love for Christmas! This is one of the biggest reasons I wanted to read The Holly Project. Holly could be looked at as the Grinch but maybe Christmas cheer will change that for her!
This is spice free so perfect for a cozy night reading by the Christmas tree and drinking hot chocolate! I recommend this book to help get in the Christmas mood!
I have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is spice free so perfect for a cozy night reading by the Christmas tree and drinking hot chocolate! I recommend this book to help get in the Christmas mood!
I have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2023
Ahhh I’ve really enjoyed this Christmas rom/com, I could totally imagine it as a movie. As a person from the Highlands I loved that it is set in Scotland. Even though it’s only a short story there was a lot of depth, part of the book had my eyes watering a little. Highly recommend this book, I can’t think of anything bad to say about it.
November 7, 2023
I loved this book!
I loved the story, I loved Holly and Bailey, I loved the Christmas vibes and all the funny things, but most of all I loved the humour.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
I loved the story, I loved Holly and Bailey, I loved the Christmas vibes and all the funny things, but most of all I loved the humour.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
November 12, 2023
I fell in love with The Holly Project before I even finished the first chapter. I adored meeting Holly and Bailey and watching these two very different people fall in love and find their HEA. Bailey is big on holiday spirit and everything it entails, while Holly is basically a modern Grinch. When Holly is forced to spend the holidays with Bailey’s family, this unlikely pair has to find a way to get along, but can they do it? I really had fun reading this book and now I need to read Angela’s other books because I thoroughly enjoyed The Holly Project.
November 21, 2023
I love coming across books set in Scotland.
This book starts in Edinburgh and then Holly makes a dash to the Highlands.
After getting stranded in the snow Bailey comes to the rescue.
A fun book full of Christmas family drama.
This book starts in Edinburgh and then Holly makes a dash to the Highlands.
After getting stranded in the snow Bailey comes to the rescue.
A fun book full of Christmas family drama.
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