I Really Can't Stay

by A.R. Rose

From author A.R. Rose comes a STANDALONE feel good holiday romance with fake dating, found family, and a cat named Potato...

A wise woman once told me no one should have to spend the holidays alone, and with my first Christmas after losing my family quickly approaching, I decide to take her advice to heart.

My plan is impulsive, but create a dating profile and attend a few Christmas parties throughout the month to combat the loneliness.

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect an avalanche of messages full of men eager for me to be their “holidate”. From office parties to family gatherings, there’s no shortage of festivities to fill my calendar.

And with my no strings rule, it should be simple, right?

That’s what I thought, too. Until I meet someone who piques my interest in ways I never imagined, and I single-handedly redefine what it means to ‘make an entrance’.

Now I can’t help but wonder if the term falling in love is more literal than it seems.


Holiday
Found Family
Fake Dating
Big City Girl / Small Town Guy
He Falls First
Cat Bestie Named Potato*
*Not a trope, but you're going to love him.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Fake Dating, Audiobook, Found Family

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2024

Reviews

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

- lumberjack x city girl
- fake dating
- insta love
- he falls first
- found family
- christmas romance
- there's a cat in it (and a dog!)

here's the twist, fake dating isn't between the H/h instead it what leads to them meeting and falling in love. h is lonely during the holidays after losing her family so she signs up for being a holidate, providing companionship to men without sex, just so that they don't have to show up to their holiday parties without a date.

so she meets 3 men and goes on date with one after the other. usually h going out with op would make me frown but this was done so artfully that i was rooting for h. you'll understand when you read the book. i don't want to spoil it any further cause this one is truly worth it. do check tw

a 10/10 Christmas romance for me ❤︎

[Courtney | romancereadswithcourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️

[Brittany Rudd · Rating 4 out of 5]

❄️ Holiday Read
❄️ Fake Dating
❄️ City Girl/Small Town Boy
❄️ He Falls First
❄️ Spicy
❄️ Found Family
❄️ Cat Bestie Named Potato

I absolutely adored this book. It was such a feel good, cozy read. I can’t recommend it enough. I need hallmark to pick this up and make it a movie because I’d jump to watch it. So so good.

RELEASES NOV 21st!!!

[Lark _thebookchamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great holiday read! I loved the main characters so much and absolutely loved the concept of Zee’s “holidates”! I was laughing throughout and when she took her walk to the tree farm I was so stinking giddy with the hilarious meet cute! Lincoln and Miller being cousins was the best and had me chewing my lip wondering if Miller was going to give her away to Lincoln’s parents 😂💖
Overall, a really great read that was perfect to get me out of the slump I was in!

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

After devastating losses, Zee is working Black Friday and struggling to keep up her false front of efficiency and cheerfulness to survive the day. After a hot bath and a bit of wine, she brainstorms an unorthodox way to navigate the rest of the weeks through Christmas: by posting a no strings, no intimacy date for men on a dating app feeling pressured by work or family to bring a date, but who for whatever reason are too busy to entertain serious dates or who aren’t inclined.

After agreeing to a work function, a low stress cookie making class, and two family gatherings, she decides to see where fate takes her. And it’s a sweet, funny, and often moving set of experiences.

On her last “holidate”, she’s out on a walk when fate intervenes. I can’t say much more without spoiling it, but it’s totally worth the read: I’ve found my favorite new holiday rom-dramedy. This book is chef’s kiss perfect 👌🏻 for realistic angst without depressing turns, a FMC who deserves her HEA, and a MMC who’s her perfect foil, with a few bumps along the way. Throw in a rambunctious feline sidekick, and it’s an all around winner.

I was generously furnished an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m very pleased to share my enthusiastic two thumbs up.

[Linna • linnareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one! It takes its time introducing the fmc at the start and you don’t actually meet the mmc until a ways into the book. It is VERY insta-love but that’s the whole point a novella that takes place over the holidays in my opinion. Two people that have an instant connection and dive headfirst into it. Despite how quick it happened, I felt mostly convinced that the characters really did love each other and would last! Overall, a 200 page novella that’s great to read this time of the year.

🫶🏻 strangers to lovers
🩷 insta love
📱 text messages
🐱 includes a cat
❄️ holiday novella

dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
2.5/5 spice level 🌶️

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely go into books blind—I like to know the plan from the start. Probably why I stick to romance; there’s always the promise of a HEA. But with I Really Can’t Stay by AR Rose, I took a chance and dove in blind—and honestly, that’s the best way to experience this one! Not knowing who the MMC would be added so much fun to the journey, and I won’t spoil that for you here.
Our FMC, Zee, is facing her first Christmas without her family after a devastating loss in the summer. Determined not to spend the holidays alone, she creates a fake profile on a dating app, offering to play the role of a holiday party girlfriend. No strings, no sex—just a little holiday cheer. What follows is a series of dates where Zee meets a few different guys, and for most of the story, you have no idea who she’ll end up with.
You get to meet not just the potential love interests but their families too, through festive, sometimes awkward, and always entertaining Holidates. The whole concept felt fresh and unique—a little different from your typical holiday romance. And that ending? So satisfying.
If you’re looking for something light, heartwarming, and a bit unconventional to add to your holiday TBR, I highly recommend this one. It’s a story about finding connection and love when you least expect it.

🎄Fake Dating
❄️Found Family
🎄Holiday Novella
❄️He Falls First
🎄City Girl/Small Town Guy

[Kristen Barfoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Thank you so much to A.R. Rose and her Team for this ARC!

I found A.R. Rose through one of her past books and knew she was an author that I needed to follow!
Her characters, descriptive scene, incredible spice, and fast paced writing always keep me in a chokehold!!

This is by far my favorite holiday read so far this season and the spice is absolute chefs kiss. It's a bit longer than the standard 'novella' that I read but for me, that was a TOTAL positive because I couldn't get enough of this story.

I want the fan art and can't wait to read the next story in this standalone series!

A.R. Rose has done it again with a swoon-worthy read where you can't help but root for the characters! Love it!

[Ally Griffeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 10/10⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶️
After going through one of the hardest summers of her life, Zee is dreading the Holiday's and how quiet they are going to be. She decides WHY NOT sign up for a dating website and find some HoliDates.. No strings. No sex. just dates to get her through the holiday's.

OMGOSH! MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY READ OF THE SEASON SO FAR.
When I tell you I've been slumpin' HARRRD I have been and I could NOT put this down
so thank you sm A.R for that cause i needed it! haha. This truly had everything. amazing banter.
perfect chemistry. & even the first like 30% had me guessing which direction it was going to go. SO PERFECT CAN'T RECOMMEND IT ENOUGH!

Tropes:
Potato the cat (he’s round like a potato)
Holiday
Found family
Fake dating
Spicy 🌶️
He falls first

[Kari Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun-filled Christmas rom-com and I was here for it! Holly doesn’t want to be alone for the holidays and makes a dating profile just to enjoy the holidays with someone. When a heartwarming turn of events happens. It changes everything. He falls first in this amazing novella that will have you all warm inside and out. I recommend this holiday novella for anyone who just needs to see that you can find love anywhere and the least likely of places!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Hallmark would just give us a bit of spice...I have their next book for them to make a movie out of.

-Holiday romance
-Cute tubby kitty
-Insta connection
-Fun holiday dates
-Small town boy meets city girl

This is just the perfect holiday, cute read with a hit of spice.

"Ever been tied up, Snow Angel?"

[Caitlin U. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect mix of feel good, spice and plot for a Christmas book! Zee literally comes crashing into Miller’s life and things change immediately for the both of them after that. Such a good ending to the book and I can’t wait for Lincoln’s story next!

[Kayla Rohlfsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holiday must read! Fake arrangement leads to fate.

[Kaija · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a cute holiday romance!!

This was SO cute!!
I love this holiday romance so much! Between Zee and Miller and the way they meet to everything in between and then their HEA and their pets!!
Gah it’s just so cute I love it!!

[Taylor Boutwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel so bad giving this a low rating because it honestly started off amazing. I couldn’t put it down, but the instalove was too much and totally unrealistic and took away from the experience.

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 rounded down, but for someone who is typically strictly dark romance…4.5 is extremely high praise and I can’t wait to read more.

Thank you so much to A.R. Rose for taking a chance on this dark romance girlie and gifting me with an advance copy of I Really Can’t Stay.

Zee is facing her first holiday alone since she lost her parents and sibling in a horrific car accident. After some wine, she has come up with a plan to combat that loneliness and keep herself distracted - offer herself on a dating site as a ‘holidate’ for anyone needing a +1 to various holiday events. She goes on a small run of adorable and fun dates that all adhere to her rules of nothing physical, strictly companionship. However, when she’s gearing up for the last one of the season, fate enters.

I don’t want to say too much more about the plot. There are a couple of twists, which is rare for a rom-com/rom-dram and I enjoyed that. Honestly overall, I just enjoyed this entire book. I was rooting for Zee and every boy she went on a holidate with, because she is just so easy to root for. You desperately want her to get her happy ending, she’s been through the ringer and is still such a pure and great person. Miller, who ends up being the MMC, is also great. I love when an author can expertly combine confidence and apprehension, which A.R. managed to do. There’s also an adorable cat, named Potato.

There were several ‘cute’ scenes, several serious scenes that tugged at the heartstrings a bit. It was cozy, it transported me to a beautiful holiday scene while I was still getting the ends of a summer that refused to leave

Some tropes you can expect to find are: found family / city girl x small town boy / fake dating / he falls first / instalove. (I’m hesitant to add that last one because honestly it’s such a turn off trope for me, BUT, this book was so dang cute and it didn’t bother me in the slightest in this instance).

This was my first A.R. Rose book but I am looking forward to checking out her backlist and anything else coming in the future!

[Pana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you A.R. Rose for a copy of this ARC.
My 1st holiday book❄️

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

This was so damn adorable. Driving in the sierras listening to a Christmas jazz playlist while reading this book was truly chef kiss 😌😌😌

After going through one of the hardest summers of her life, Zee is forced to have quite the quietest holiday season ever. She decides to take a chance on “her type of fate” all she requests is NO sex and NO strings.

A.R. Rose had me LMAO truly with these scenes. I had the best time reading this.

For lovers of Big city girl/small town guy, Christmas, and a big cat named Potato, give “I really can’t stay” a read when it arrives 11/21!

Tropes:
Potato the cat (he’s round like a potato)
Holiday
Found family
Fake dating
Spicy 🌶️
He falls first

[Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little holiday romance. It has all the makings of a spicy Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. I honestly loved the idea of the holidates that Zee set up to not be alone during the holiday season. I loved the two main characters in this, but I would have loved to see more build up between them. This was insta instalove. Maybe I just wanted more of these two together and to stay in their story a little bit longer. This was a great holiday read.

Zee is not looking forward to spending holidays alone. Or even worse, with her friend's family that will look at her with pity. So she opens up a dating app, makes a fake profile and posts that she is looking for a holidate: need a plus one for any of the parties or events that come with the holiday season? She's available. But what happens when you feel an immediate spark with someone while you are pretending you are someone else and with someone else?

[Kasie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely delicious! The icing on the cookie! I do not want to come down from this sugar high........ I'm definitely going to need more from where this came from! I love the idea behind the holidates, and reading each encounter was great. Lol, I really did laugh at some of them. This was written really well. I'm typically not a holiday themed reader, I think this is my first one, actually, but this has changed me! The perfect little hallmark to my holiday season. I did not want to put it down. It was sweet with a touch of spice, and everything nice.

[Ashley Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is nothing like your typical Christmas story. Zee, who lost her family, is told by a co worker to not be alone, so she comes up with this holidate idea. She will be a date for a guy’s work party, or Christmas party, a family gathering…anything you need she just has a few rules, no attachment, so no expectations for a future relationship, this is just for companionship and to not to be alone during the holidays, nothing more. She just had no idea how many men would be interested in this kind of arrangement. Weather to ward off the parents' typical questions “when are you going to settle down” or not wanting to be the third wheel.  This arrangement proves to be a lot of fun and doesn’t keep Zee so focused on the holidays without her family.

While Zee is on one of her dates with a very attractive doctor on Christmas Eve,finaly bringing home his “girlfriend” to meet mom and dad, a storm hits, and she has to weather it out and not return home until the storm slows down. She is actually having a good time when she realizes how much her dates family reminds her of her own. She becomes overwhelmed and decides to take a walk to clear her head. She has no idea she will litterly fall into the arms of a man she instantly falls for. The connection is felt both ways, but there are some pretty big road blocks and misunderstandings that happen that could keep Zoe and her lumberjack lookalike, Miller, apart. Plus, the idea that Zee has no intention of getting serious with anyone. But somehow….. wait, I am not going to give all the juicy details…trust me there really are, so I will not spoil it.

If this isn’t proof to go on that date, or try new things you just never know what date turns into a friend and introduces you to his cousin who is the man you are suppose to be with. You get what I am saying. As the story goes, you will find love when you are least expecting it. It's so true for Zee and Miller

Honestly, grab this one if you want a great story around the holidays. This absolutely isn’t a Hallmar* Movie. I am not knocking Hallmar*, I actually love them.  Difference is unlike the typical Christmas Movie or Christmas romance book this one is different. From the start, I was hooked from the first page. Some of these holidates are laugh out loud, entertaining, and some parts your heart breaks for Zee. But this is one you will not want to miss. So grab the hot coco and a warm fuzzy blanket and enjoy this one by a fire or even by your Christmas tree all little up. Either way, you will enjoy this one.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable Story . . .

This was the first Christmas Zee would experience without her family and she was still grieving. All of her family members had died when a vehicle t-boned their car and they did not survive the crash. It was difficult for Zee to hold back her tears with missing them all so much. But now, she has decided to find some way to make it through the holiday by creating a dating profile and offering herself for the occasional no strings dating, the kind many people need for an office party date, family gatherings, or something simple like that when they don’t have a steady partner. Just a fun night and no commitments. She was shocked at the number of guys that responded to her “holidate” offer. In no time at all, she filled her calendar and actually had fun. She attended work parties, cookie classes, family events, and it all worked out well.

After one of her dates, she goes for a walk and while absorbed with reading messages on her cell phone, she suddenly feels herself lurching forward off-balance and falling on the ground. She hears a strange noise and sees fir trees starting to fall like dominoes. A man races up to her, sees what is happening, and actually holds the closest tree so it doesn’t fall! Is he a mountain man? A lumberjack? He calls her “Snow Angel” and tells her not to sit up yet since she may have a concussion. It was then that she noticed a yellow extension cord on her boot and realized she had tripped over it and caused the tree incident. They tease each other as he asks her name, then tells her “Zee” is a letter, not a name. And she laughingly teases him back that “Miller Ryan” has a last name for a first name so he shouldn’t be making fun of her name either. After all of her previous holidates, this man seems so different and special. Will Fate step in and give her a HEA she never expected? Or will there be some trouble when Miller’s aunt and uncle think he “stole” his cousin Lincoln’s girlfriend?

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Really Can’t Stay
By A.R. Rose

⭐️ Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars

A.R. Rose has officially cemented her place as one of my auto-buy authors! After falling hard for Sins of Sorrow earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to dive into her holiday novella, I Really Can’t Stay. And wow, did she deliver! This story is a perfect blend of heartfelt emotion, humor, and swoon-worthy romance with just the right amount of spice.

The FMC, Zee, is navigating her first Christmas after losing her family in a tragic accident. Determined to avoid spending the holidays alone, she joins SparksFly, a dating app, and offers herself as a “holidate” for anyone needing a fake date for family or work events. Zee’s warmth and selflessness shine, even as she hides behind a fake name and keeps things strictly platonic—at least until she meets Miller.

Miller, the MMC and a literal lumbersnack (yes, please!), is introduced during one of Zee’s holidates with his cousin, Lincoln. Their meet-cute is laugh-out-loud funny, and Miller’s immediate connection to Zee is both heartwarming and electric. His commitment to making Zee feel loved and wanted is so swoon-worthy, from calling her “Snow Angel” (cue the melting heart!) to winning over her grouchy fat cat, Potato.

This novella masterfully balances humor, grief, healing, and steamy romance. Miller’s steadfast adoration gives Zee the strength to work through her survivor’s guilt and embrace the love she deserves. And while the story is centered on Zee and Miller, the side characters—especially Lincoln—add so much charm. Here’s hoping Lincoln gets his own love story next!

Whether you’re craving a quick, spicy holiday read or a romance filled with heart and healing, I Really Can’t Stay is a must for your Christmas TBR.

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

BookIG: @tequilamockingbirdlady
GR profile: mvporter

[EGotay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Really Can't Stay"
by A.R Rose

Awwwwe I ADORE THIS BOOK ♥️
And A.R. Rose did it again!!!! She just stole my heart with another of her books.
It's like a hallmark movie kind of read.. I hardly wish this book got into the big screen.
I always fall in love with a good Christmas Romance read and this one... was one of those books. A must have in my bookshelves.💯

Zee has isolated herself from the social outside world due to a sudden tragedy in summer. She only goes to work and returns her home with Potato, her fur cat.
It's Black Friday, and Zee is working. Also, she is forcing herself to put her best smile and hide her sadness while attending all the customers.

Christmas was getting close, and Zee wondered what she was going to do. Christmas was so close, but also, she didn't want to be alone.

She set up a dating profile using a fake name, Holly North. In that way, no one's will know her true identity, but also she includes some requirements for the fake holidates like not sex and no strings attached.

It's a heartwarming read with a lot of laughs here and there.
I love every single character, and the idea of holidates was absolutely something that I love.

It was a well-written book and fascinating page turner. Hard to put down once you start reading. I love Christmas season and this books is perfect to start the season this year. It's a perfect holiday read. ♥️🌲🐈

🫶🏼 I love the nickname he gave her... Snow Angel ♥️❄️
🌶 Oh! Did I mention about the spiciness? Well, Was perfect.♥️🔥


I received an advance free copy of the book 📖 by the author A. R. Rose and I'm giving my honest review.

Go grab your Is RELEASE DAY!!!! 🏃‍♀️💨💨💨💨💨

[Betsy Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚: I Really Can’t Stay by A.R. Rose


Tropes:
👉 Stranger to Lovers
👉 Instalove
👉 Holiday


TWs 😟: Mentions of family death, grieving


Main Takeaway 🏹: Story of healing and finding love again


Synopsis 📜: Zee is facing her first holiday season since her family died earlier in the year. To help distract herself, she sets up a profile on a dating app and offers to attend holiday parties with guys that don’t want to have to deal with comments about them not having a plus one. When she attends a Christmas Eve party with one of her matches, she has a meet cute with the owner of a Christmas Tree Farm while out for a walk. The only problem is, he ends up being her “date’s” cousin.


Personal Thoughts 🤔: I loved the way the story was formatted. Starting us off at Black Friday, where Zee is still fully in her grief for her lost family and not wanting to face a Christmas alone. As she goes on these fake dates with the matches she finds on the app, A.R. clearly shows her heart thawing out bit by bit and opening herself up to loving another human again. I liked Lincoln and part of me hoped that was who she ended up with but then we met Miller and my heart turned to goo immediately. Who doesn’t love a dreamy lumberjack that helps the damsel in distress?! The fallout with Lincoln’s family, who instantly loved Zee when they met her was built up really well and I felt the anxiety around that interaction bleeding off the page. It was easy to feel what the characters were feeling throughout the entire book and I’m so glad I got to read it!

[Sian Rice · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨

Lonely woman fakes her way into a welcoming family

𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛

Wholesome but smutty

𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛

Just not quite my jam

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨/𝙨𝙪𝙗 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨

Instalove
Fake dating
Christmas romance

𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨

Elizabeth (or Zee) lost her entire family in one go and is facing her first Christmas alone.

She warps her friend’s advice and decides to offer fake dates over the holiday season, because no one should be alone. Little does she know that one of her fake dates will have a family member that she has a true and instant connection with. Dun dun duuuuuun!

I enjoyed the premise of the book. A few fun, flirty dates to keep her busy and help her on the path to healing was such a cute idea.

I kind of understand why she gave a fake name, but at the same time it was just asking for trouble if she ever actually hit it off with one of the guys on a deeper level because she was being introduced to their friends and families as Holly…

But small snag aside, the thing I really struggled with was the instalove. It’s just a trope that gives me the ick - unless it’s a fated mates thing because for some reason my brain is ok with that.

Because it was such a big part of Miller and Zee’s story it was impossible to overlook unfortunately.

They were sweet, and cute, and basically like rabbits in heat…but the love within a day was just too much for me to cope with I’m afraid. This is nothing against the author’s writing, just a cringe trope for me personally!

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨

🤤🤤🤤
💦💦💦
🤣
😭😭
🌟🌟💫

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've learned that when I read one of A.R. Rose's books, whether it's a dark romance or romantic comedy, I'm in for a fun and steamy read with interesting and relatable characters. I Really Can't Stay features a heartwarming Christmas story that focuses on bookstore-owning, cat-loving city girl Elizabeth (Zee), who coincidentally finds her Mr. Right, tree-farm-owning, dog-loving small-town boy Miller, after going on a few "holidates" with strangers, including his cousin.

While instalove stories are not usually my favorite, Zee and Miller's hilarious banter and immediate, intense chemistry and mutual attraction made me root for them from the beginning (even though their relationship moved a little too fast to be realistic). I love how considerate of each other and their loved ones they are and that they make each other feel comfortable and loved.

Unlike the average holiday romance, I Really Can't Stay deals with heavy themes, including grief, guilt, and loss, which the author wrote realistically but thoughtfully. Fortunately, she also included a comedic and realistic depiction of a nurturing woman's relationship with her cute but demanding cat, adding many lighthearted moments to a bittersweet story.

Overall, this is a short and sweet Christmas romance with a beautiful HEA, and I'm excited to read its follow-up, Not Like Christmas At All, when it comes out in 2025.

[hannah_oac · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎁I Really Can't Stay🎁
By A.R. Rose

4⭐

~~

Ho-ho-holy moly, I am blushing!! 🤭

When I tell yall that reading this Christmas-y novella is exactly like giggling face-first into a big, squishy pillow while watching your fav comfort holiday romcom, I mean it in the very best way! I Really Can't Stay by A.R. Rose is a super quick story about putting yourself out there and taking risks, just to fall in the most unexpected way. SWOON!

Zee, a clumsy city girl with a heartbreaking past, stumbles her way into the beefy arms of small town Christmas tree farm owner Miller. This was definitely not in the cards Zee had meticulously laid out for her holiday season. Holidating was supposed to be her way of getting through a tough, lonely time- guaranteed fun and laughs with zero strings and absolutely no sex... Mhmm 😉

There’s dirty talk and yummy spice, cheesy and playful banter, a grumpy cat that runs the show, and a surprising, yet satisfyingly great amount of character development in such few pages. Essentially all the fixins for a lovely winter read! And dare I say holidating may be one of my new favorite micro-tropes?? 👀

Grab a fuzzy blanket and a warm beverage, friends! This one is a cozy holiday must-read!

Why you’ll love I Really Can't Stay
❄️ Holiday Novella
❄️ Dual POV
❄️ Fake Dating
❄️ City Gal/Small Town Guy
❄️ He Falls First
❄️ SPICY
❄️ Found Family
😻 Potato

[Missi · Rating 4 out of 5]

🄱🄾🄾🄺 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆 - 🄰🅁🄲
❄️𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲❄️
✍🏼 𝐀.𝐑. 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 | @authorarrose

I Really Can’t Stay by A.R. Rose was everything I didn’t know I needed in a holiday romance—funny, heartwarming, and surprisingly real. It’s the kind of book that sneaks up on you, blending laugh-out-loud moments with deeper, bittersweet emotions, and it left me obsessed with every page.

Zee is not in the holiday spirit. After losing her family over the summer, she’s just trying to survive Christmas without completely falling apart. But instead of drowning in Netflix and wine, she comes up with a genius idea: posting an ad for “holidates” on Sparks Fly, a dating app, where she can connect with guys who also need some no-strings-attached holiday company. Under the name “Holly North,” Zee throws herself into the dating experiment, and honestly? It’s brilliant.

The dates are pure gold. Mateo charms her with cookie decorating and a sweet goodnight kiss. Ethan, the corporate overachiever, sends her a hilariously detailed list of “pretend girlfriend rules” for his office party. Axel takes her ugly sweater shopping for a family party-turned-baking disaster that somehow feels like home. And then there’s Lincoln, a doctor who’s too busy for love but invites her to his family’s Christmas Eve dinner—where things really take a turn.

Because during a walk to a Christmas tree farm, Zee literally trips into Miller, Lincoln’s cousin. From that moment on, sparks fly. Zee and Miller’s connection is so instant and undeniable that it feels like fate decided to step in. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry is electric, and honestly? It’s everything. Sure, it’s a little fast, but sometimes the best love stories don’t wait around.

What makes this book stand out is how real it feels. Yes, it’s a cozy holiday romance, but it’s also a story about grief, healing, and finding joy again after heartbreak. A.R. Rose doesn’t shy away from the heavier emotions, but she weaves them into the story so thoughtfully that you’ll feel every high and low right along with Zee. And Potato, her sassy little cat? Iconic. He’s a perfect mix of comic relief and chaotic emotional support.

This book is like a modern Hallmark movie but with sharper humor, deeper feels, and just the right amount of spice. Zee’s journey is equal parts messy and beautiful, and her HEA with Miller is so satisfying. If you’re looking for a holiday read that’s fun, flirty, and unexpectedly emotional, I Really Can’t Stay is a total win.

🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂
🎄ʜᴏʟɪᴅᴀʏ
🎄 ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
🎄 ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ
🎄 ʙɪɢ ᴄɪᴛʏ ɢɪʀʟ / ꜱᴍᴀʟʟ ᴛᴏᴡɴ ɢᴜʏ
🎄 ꜱᴘɪᴄʏ
🎄 ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟꜱ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ
🎄 ᴄᴀᴛ ʙᴇꜱᴛɪᴇ ɴᴀᴍᴇᴅ ᴘᴏᴛᴀᴛᴏ*
*ɴᴏᴛ ᴀ ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʜɪᴍ.

[What_Jenna_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Really Can’t Stay is a cute and spicy holiday themed story. If you are looking for something with a Christmas Tree Farm, a sexy man who immediately falls for a woman, some random dates on a dating app and a happily ever after this is for you!

Zee is grieving the loss of her family and instead of being alone during the Christmas season she decides to join a dating app but ONLY to be a companion to a man who doesn’t want to show up to an event alone himself. No strings, no further promises, just a date for the night; a Holidate! I loved the scenes of her dating these other guys. They were really funny and I even found myself wanting more from them knowing it was just a one time thing.

Eventually Zee is set to go on a date however she finds herself randomly running into Miller. He is instantly attracted to her and something pulls on his heartstrings. He just can’t let her go even though there may be a few hurdles to overcome first.

Being only 200 pages I expected the romance to be pretty quick. To me it still came across as insta-love which I am not a fan of but I believe it’s to be expected either way this kind of story. The story is cute overall and definitely got me in the Christmas spirit!

[Erin Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW

I Really Can’t Stay - A.R. Rose

4/5⭐️

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This had such feel good Christmas vibes that made me so ready for the holiday season! Zee is now one of my favorite FMCs she is just such a vibe! Potato probably had to be one of the best side characters ever 🤣 i definitely have my own potato at home too 💗 After a bath and some wine Zee decides to make the best of her holiday season by posting on a dating up for no strings attached dates. Let’s just say Fate has other plans for her. This book definitely had me giggling and if you need the perfect holiday read please grab this one!

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If you like to read:
- Holiday
- Fake dating
- Big city girl x small town guy
- He falls first
- Found family
- Cat bestie Potato
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words.

✨what’s a holiday tradition for you?

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