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Christmas Escape
Faking Christmas
9H 59M
One little white lie.
That's all it took. Now I'm suddenly having to fake-date my work nemesis to get me through a week at a Vermont Christmas lodge with my family.
The problem? I can't stand Miles Taylor. Not only that, but I don't date people I work with. But I can handle it. I've had practice faking my emotions for years. So it shouldn't matter that Miles never lets me get away with anything. And that he happens to boil my blood hotter than a steaming pot of wassail. So when he throws his annoying grin my way or forces me on dates he knows I'll hate, I'll just grit my teeth and smile.
Or maybe not. Did I mention that Miles is the one person in the world I can't seem to fool?
When my emotions begin feeling less like a sham and his arms feel way too comfortable, it makes me think that maybe Miles had a plan of his own. And I'm starting to like it a lot more than mine.
One little white lie.
That's all it took. Now I'm suddenly having to fake-date my work nemesis to get me through a week at a Vermont Christmas lodge with my family.
The problem? I can't stand Miles Taylor. Not only that, but I don't date people I work with. But I can handle it. I've had practice faking my emotions for years. So it shouldn't matter that Miles never lets me get away with anything. And that he happens to boil my blood hotter than a steaming pot of wassail. So when he throws his annoying grin my way or forces me on dates he knows I'll hate, I'll just grit my teeth and smile.
Or maybe not. Did I mention that Miles is the one person in the world I can't seem to fool?
When my emotions begin feeling less like a sham and his arms feel way too comfortable, it makes me think that maybe Miles had a plan of his own. And I'm starting to like it a lot more than mine.
Audiobook
First published November 2, 2022
1726 people are currently reading
18277 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Steel
7 books1,741 followersCindy Steel was raised on a dairy farm in Idaho. She grew up singing Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire songs at the top of her lungs and learning to solve all of life’s problems while milking cows and driving tractors—rewriting happy endings every time. She met and married a handsome Idaho boy and is the proud mother of two wild and sweet twin boys. Which means she is also now a collector of bugs, sticks, rocks, and slobbery kisses. She loves making breakfast, baking, photography, reading a good book, and staying up way past her bedtime to craft stories that will hopefully make you smile.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,526 reviews
December 25, 2023
5🌟 WHAT A PERFECT CHRISTMAS READ 💌
the perfect holiday read doesn't exi- oohhhhhh but it does!! 🤍❄️
not so fun backstory, for the past 21 days I've been struggling to find a good holiday read 😞 a number of my amazing girlies recommended this. my little betty beanie 🧡 and the lovely, elena ♥︎, thank you smmmmmm 🥺💖. this book was ✨️everything✨️. then work started to get in the way of finishing this cozy, cuteeeeee christmas read but I did get a gift of free listen of audible and it was so perfect and exciting and came in handy because I could listen on the go even on my last minute holiday shopping and errands 🥰
if you love holiday themed work rivals-to-lovers in academia, you are going to love this!! i really adored the maturity of olive and miles and how the dynamic of their rivalry didn't come off as forced or snarky in an evil way but just teasing and very cute but also very hot 🥰🥰 definitely one of my favorite romcom reads this year ♥︎
find faking christmas on amazon/kindle/audible ❄️🎉🎑
the perfect holiday read doesn't exi- oohhhhhh but it does!! 🤍❄️
if you love holiday themed work rivals-to-lovers in academia, you are going to love this!! i really adored the maturity of olive and miles and how the dynamic of their rivalry didn't come off as forced or snarky in an evil way but just teasing and very cute but also very hot 🥰🥰 definitely one of my favorite romcom reads this year ♥︎
find faking christmas on amazon/kindle/audible ❄️🎉🎑
December 23, 2025
3.35 ⭐️
This was fun 🙂↕️ Tbh, I liked it more than Good Spirits, so that’s a win for me. Yayyyy 🤭
That said… this book was nothing special 😭 It’s an okay kind of read — definitely works as a palate cleanser 🙂↕️ The book is cute, no doubt, but if you’re planning to read it, I’d say go in with low expectations 😂
Both main characters, Olive and Miles, are really good. However… at first, there was no chemistry between them 😭 I genuinely couldn’t feel anything until around the 50% mark 😭 That’s literally halfway through the book. Then at exactly 61%, I finally felt a spark 💀 Just a spark. Still, overall, I liked both characters, they’re really good 🥹🫶
The banter, though?? Perfect 🤭 That’s what kept me going. It’s an easy, quick read, and the banter between them was spot-on. I enjoyed that part a lot 🤭🫶
All in all, I had a really fun time reading this 🥹☃️ And I had so much fun reading it with my group 🤭 Can’t wait to do more group reads with y’all.
Yea, that’s it, guys. Love y’all 🫶☃️
—————————————————
☃꙳·❅°*˖ pre-read ☃꙳·❅°*˖
Group reading with my bestieeees Vaishnavi, Ayeley, Joe, Anna, and Ace 🥹🫶 This Christmas read better DELIVER 😭☃️🩵👀
This was fun 🙂↕️ Tbh, I liked it more than Good Spirits, so that’s a win for me. Yayyyy 🤭
That said… this book was nothing special 😭 It’s an okay kind of read — definitely works as a palate cleanser 🙂↕️ The book is cute, no doubt, but if you’re planning to read it, I’d say go in with low expectations 😂
Both main characters, Olive and Miles, are really good. However… at first, there was no chemistry between them 😭 I genuinely couldn’t feel anything until around the 50% mark 😭 That’s literally halfway through the book. Then at exactly 61%, I finally felt a spark 💀 Just a spark. Still, overall, I liked both characters, they’re really good 🥹🫶
The banter, though?? Perfect 🤭 That’s what kept me going. It’s an easy, quick read, and the banter between them was spot-on. I enjoyed that part a lot 🤭🫶
All in all, I had a really fun time reading this 🥹☃️ And I had so much fun reading it with my group 🤭 Can’t wait to do more group reads with y’all.
Yea, that’s it, guys. Love y’all 🫶☃️
—————————————————
☃꙳·❅°*˖ pre-read ☃꙳·❅°*˖
Group reading with my bestieeees Vaishnavi, Ayeley, Joe, Anna, and Ace 🥹🫶 This Christmas read better DELIVER 😭☃️🩵👀
February 7, 2025
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 🎄 3.25 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 🎄 ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
This story is so cozy. Two English teachers in a small high school in NY are 'workplace rivals' as our MMC has taken the place of our FMC as the 'cool new teacher'.
It's only been a year since our FMCs father passed away right after Christmas, but now she is steeling herself to spend it with her family including her mom's new husband, and to her even bigger horror her ex.
To avoid people, and being set up, she lies about a boyfriend - her enemy teacher. Unfortunately to her complete shock, his family owns the lodge they are staying at - and now has to go along with being her fake boyfriend. Will they tear each other apart or realize opposites attract?
This was a delightful, romantic holiday read that hit all the right notes. It had the perfect blend of sweetness, humor, and festive charm, making it a wonderful seasonal escape.
So many laugh out loud moments - perfect to read by the fire on a cold night.
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romance with a dash of holiday magic, this one is a must-read. It’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling and feeling all the warm holiday vibes!
╰⪼ 🎄Hallmark Holiday Vibes
╰⪼ ☃️Cozy and Comforting
╰⪼ ❄️Work Place Rivals to Lovers
╰⪼ 🎄Clean Romance
╰⪼ ☃️Swoony MMC
╰⪼ ❄️Feel Good Story
╰⪼ 🎄Lots of Laughs/Banter
╰⪼ ☃️Fake Dating
╰⪼ ❄️No Third Act Break-Up
╰⪼ 🎄Holiday Cheer
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
This story is so cozy. Two English teachers in a small high school in NY are 'workplace rivals' as our MMC has taken the place of our FMC as the 'cool new teacher'.
It's only been a year since our FMCs father passed away right after Christmas, but now she is steeling herself to spend it with her family including her mom's new husband, and to her even bigger horror her ex.
To avoid people, and being set up, she lies about a boyfriend - her enemy teacher. Unfortunately to her complete shock, his family owns the lodge they are staying at - and now has to go along with being her fake boyfriend. Will they tear each other apart or realize opposites attract?
This was a delightful, romantic holiday read that hit all the right notes. It had the perfect blend of sweetness, humor, and festive charm, making it a wonderful seasonal escape.
So many laugh out loud moments - perfect to read by the fire on a cold night.
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted romance with a dash of holiday magic, this one is a must-read. It’s the kind of story that leaves you smiling and feeling all the warm holiday vibes!
╰⪼ 🎄Hallmark Holiday Vibes
╰⪼ ☃️Cozy and Comforting
╰⪼ ❄️Work Place Rivals to Lovers
╰⪼ 🎄Clean Romance
╰⪼ ☃️Swoony MMC
╰⪼ ❄️Feel Good Story
╰⪼ 🎄Lots of Laughs/Banter
╰⪼ ☃️Fake Dating
╰⪼ ❄️No Third Act Break-Up
╰⪼ 🎄Holiday Cheer
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
November 22, 2025
Best Christmas fake dating rom-com ever????
This was so adorably cute😭
There was banter, depth, kissing, family, Christmas vibes, and sweet confessions of love.
No language, only kissing. Highly recommend!
Just listened to the audio version and it was great! Like listening to a movie!
This was so adorably cute😭
There was banter, depth, kissing, family, Christmas vibes, and sweet confessions of love.
No language, only kissing. Highly recommend!
Just listened to the audio version and it was great! Like listening to a movie!
January 1, 2024
A 5 star rom com that has all things I love.
❤️ Great character development
❤️ Swoony male lead
❤️ Lots of laughter with tender, honest moments mixed in
❤️ Side characters that SUPPORT the story without stealing the show
❤️ Christmas. I love Christmas, and I love love at Christmas.
V cute, will reread.
❤️ Great character development
❤️ Swoony male lead
❤️ Lots of laughter with tender, honest moments mixed in
❤️ Side characters that SUPPORT the story without stealing the show
❤️ Christmas. I love Christmas, and I love love at Christmas.
V cute, will reread.
December 17, 2025
So happy to have finally read a Christmas romance that was actually a Christmas romance. This was super cute and an easy read for the holiday season.
November 25, 2022
4 stars
Fake dating, enemies to lovers, and a really sweet romance! I loved Olive and Miles story. Two English teachers who end up spending Christmas break together where Olive needs a fake boyfriend. I had so much fun reading this one. I adored Miles and Olive was great as well. A great holiday romance.
Fake dating, enemies to lovers, and a really sweet romance! I loved Olive and Miles story. Two English teachers who end up spending Christmas break together where Olive needs a fake boyfriend. I had so much fun reading this one. I adored Miles and Olive was great as well. A great holiday romance.
November 1, 2022
It feels impossible to summarize everything I loved about this story. It balanced that perfect combination of humour, romance, and emotional depth. All the stars!
To avoid her family attempting to set her up, Olive blurts out a lie that she is already dating a man named Miles. But she wasn't expecting THE Miles Taylor, her fellow English teacher rival, to actually appear at the exact same lodge in Vermont for Christmas. Whoops!
A relentless flirt in flannel (with a fine pair of hams, according to Olive. Ha!), I couldn't get enough of Miles. He made this accidental fake-dating arrangement SO fun!
Threaded throughout is a Christmas bingo checklist filled with adventurous activities and heart-bursting kisses. I loved the natural flow of this romance, and even more so Olive finding a slice of joy in her anti-Christmas plans.
And you know those final full-circle moments that have you closing your book in complete bliss? Yes! A must read this holiday season.
(heat level: kissing only)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
To avoid her family attempting to set her up, Olive blurts out a lie that she is already dating a man named Miles. But she wasn't expecting THE Miles Taylor, her fellow English teacher rival, to actually appear at the exact same lodge in Vermont for Christmas. Whoops!
A relentless flirt in flannel (with a fine pair of hams, according to Olive. Ha!), I couldn't get enough of Miles. He made this accidental fake-dating arrangement SO fun!
Threaded throughout is a Christmas bingo checklist filled with adventurous activities and heart-bursting kisses. I loved the natural flow of this romance, and even more so Olive finding a slice of joy in her anti-Christmas plans.
And you know those final full-circle moments that have you closing your book in complete bliss? Yes! A must read this holiday season.
(heat level: kissing only)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 13, 2025
4.5⭐
Genre ~ contemporary holiday romance
Series ~ Christmas Escape
Others in the series ~ are from different authors
Setting ~ New York and Vermont
Publication date ~ book ~ November 2, 2022, audio ~ October 3, 2023
Page Count ~ 344 (p+ 27 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 59 minutes
Narrator ~ Justis Bolding
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ teachers, enemies~ish to lovers, fake dating, no steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Olive (25) and Miles work together at a high school in New York. They didn't get off on the right foot when he started teaching there, so she considers him an enemy of sorts. I didn't really get much enemy vibes to be honest.
Now it's time for Christmas break and Olive is off to Vermont to spend a week with her family, which includes her mother's new husband, Russ. A man she married just 8 months after Olive's father passed away after a cancer battle only last Christmas. Needless to say she's not looking forward to it. On top of that her mother invited her ex-boyfriend, Glen, who she has no interest in getting back together with. Before she can even stop herself she's telling her family she already has a boyfriend named Miles.
Guess who's parents own the resort they are staying at? You guessed it, Miles. Luckily he's down with the fake dating plan, so they have a fun filled week of doing wintery things. I felt the bitter cold Vermont air coming off the pages.
This was so adorable and fun and sweet and cute and funny. The teasing is good natured and the characters are mature and relatable AND they know how to communicate! I would totally watch this if it was made into a Hallmark movie and that's not usually my jam.
Narration notes:
Justis did a great job. I have no complaints.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary holiday romance
Series ~ Christmas Escape
Others in the series ~ are from different authors
Setting ~ New York and Vermont
Publication date ~ book ~ November 2, 2022, audio ~ October 3, 2023
Page Count ~ 344 (p+ 27 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 59 minutes
Narrator ~ Justis Bolding
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ teachers, enemies~ish to lovers, fake dating, no steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Olive (25) and Miles work together at a high school in New York. They didn't get off on the right foot when he started teaching there, so she considers him an enemy of sorts. I didn't really get much enemy vibes to be honest.
Now it's time for Christmas break and Olive is off to Vermont to spend a week with her family, which includes her mother's new husband, Russ. A man she married just 8 months after Olive's father passed away after a cancer battle only last Christmas. Needless to say she's not looking forward to it. On top of that her mother invited her ex-boyfriend, Glen, who she has no interest in getting back together with. Before she can even stop herself she's telling her family she already has a boyfriend named Miles.
Guess who's parents own the resort they are staying at? You guessed it, Miles. Luckily he's down with the fake dating plan, so they have a fun filled week of doing wintery things. I felt the bitter cold Vermont air coming off the pages.
This was so adorable and fun and sweet and cute and funny. The teasing is good natured and the characters are mature and relatable AND they know how to communicate! I would totally watch this if it was made into a Hallmark movie and that's not usually my jam.
Narration notes:
Justis did a great job. I have no complaints.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
December 16, 2023
This was too painful to continue. Olive couldn't be more of a doormat if she tattooed "Welcome" on her forehead. When her family forced her to stay with her sister in order to give her single cabin/room to a guy they want to set her up with I was just done. Olive not packing back up into her car and leaving was just my last straw. Boundaries. They're a thing.
And yes, I know this is going to be all about Olive learning not to be a doormat and catching the delectable Miles while she's at it. And I just don't care. I like strong women and I might have been on board with Olive finding her inner warrior if she didn't start so far in the hole. Any transformation that bears any relationship to 'can happen' would take waaaaay longer than a single holiday vacation.
And yes, I know this is going to be all about Olive learning not to be a doormat and catching the delectable Miles while she's at it. And I just don't care. I like strong women and I might have been on board with Olive finding her inner warrior if she didn't start so far in the hole. Any transformation that bears any relationship to 'can happen' would take waaaaay longer than a single holiday vacation.
December 24, 2023
3.5 stars ✨
Such an adorable Christmas romcom that had me smiling like a fool. It delivered on the cozy vibes I wanted 🥰🎄
Fake dating, workplace rivals set in a family owned Christmas lodge resort. At its core it’s a lighthearted story, but it does touch on grief which gets a little heavy towards the end.
Overall it was a super quick, enjoyable read, though I don’t think it’ll be the most memorable. Hallmark movie vibes! Also no third act break up!!!
Such an adorable Christmas romcom that had me smiling like a fool. It delivered on the cozy vibes I wanted 🥰🎄
Fake dating, workplace rivals set in a family owned Christmas lodge resort. At its core it’s a lighthearted story, but it does touch on grief which gets a little heavy towards the end.
Overall it was a super quick, enjoyable read, though I don’t think it’ll be the most memorable. Hallmark movie vibes! Also no third act break up!!!
Currently reading
December 22, 2025
November 24, 2024
Super cute! Fun Christmas book.
January 5, 2023
I'm not the type of person to read Christmas romances during Christmas time. I think this is partly due to the fact that I live in the Southern Hemisphere, and reading cozy books while I'm dying from the summer heat just doesn't do it for me. (Can anyone else relate?)
However, I'm glad I picked this book up on a whim because even though I've been struggling to get through contemporary romances, this book ticked all my boxes. Faking Christmas is essentially about two English teachers and their fake dating arrangement to appease their parents and ward off unwanted suitors.
I have a soft spot for teachers but even then, these two main characters were loveable in their own right. Olive was a very relatable heroine for me. She's a people pleaser through and through, and is always willing to sacrifice her own needs for others which makes her a bit of a pushover. She also sees the hero, Miles, as her rival at work. Miles on the other hand, sees right through her facade. He teases her relentlessly and eventually teaches her to live a little. I'll be honest, Miles isn't my type. He's a bit too flirty and carefree for my liking, but I thought he was perfect for Olive.
The progression of the romance felt so natural. I loved rooting for these two. What really made their romance shine was the lack of unnecessary drama. Miles exhibited so much maturity (even admist the banter) which was so refreshing to see. He never lets Olive misunderstand him. I think the author also did a magnificent job in convincing me how an uptight heroine and a daredevil hero could possibly be together because I was a bit worried they were so different at first.
This book also touches on heavier themes such as cancer, death of a loved one and grief. This was executed well, and it certainly tugged on my heartstrings and made me teary eyed.
You definitely know a book is good, when you immediately finish it and start looking through the author's backlist, which is what I did. Cindy Steel is a new-to-me author but I can't wait to read more from her.
Note: This is a relatively clean romance.
Rating: 4.25/5
However, I'm glad I picked this book up on a whim because even though I've been struggling to get through contemporary romances, this book ticked all my boxes. Faking Christmas is essentially about two English teachers and their fake dating arrangement to appease their parents and ward off unwanted suitors.
I have a soft spot for teachers but even then, these two main characters were loveable in their own right. Olive was a very relatable heroine for me. She's a people pleaser through and through, and is always willing to sacrifice her own needs for others which makes her a bit of a pushover. She also sees the hero, Miles, as her rival at work. Miles on the other hand, sees right through her facade. He teases her relentlessly and eventually teaches her to live a little. I'll be honest, Miles isn't my type. He's a bit too flirty and carefree for my liking, but I thought he was perfect for Olive.
The progression of the romance felt so natural. I loved rooting for these two. What really made their romance shine was the lack of unnecessary drama. Miles exhibited so much maturity (even admist the banter) which was so refreshing to see. He never lets Olive misunderstand him. I think the author also did a magnificent job in convincing me how an uptight heroine and a daredevil hero could possibly be together because I was a bit worried they were so different at first.
This book also touches on heavier themes such as cancer, death of a loved one and grief. This was executed well, and it certainly tugged on my heartstrings and made me teary eyed.
You definitely know a book is good, when you immediately finish it and start looking through the author's backlist, which is what I did. Cindy Steel is a new-to-me author but I can't wait to read more from her.
Note: This is a relatively clean romance.
Rating: 4.25/5
December 19, 2025
Absolutely amazing. Fake dating rom com!
So cute
Family elements
Characters with depth
Full review to come
Definitely a 5 star favorite!
Content: kisses only, Innuendo here and there, grief shown from past loss of father, 2 bits of language: 1 h word, 1 d word
So cute
Family elements
Characters with depth
Full review to come
Definitely a 5 star favorite!
Content: kisses only, Innuendo here and there, grief shown from past loss of father, 2 bits of language: 1 h word, 1 d word
December 6, 2022
Are you in need of....
-A large dose of holiday cheer
-forced proximity fake dating
-a kissing book
-hilarious banter
-a book with depth to top it all off?
THIS IS YOUR BOOK. Faking Christmas is a book tucked in the snowy Vermont hills and it sets the scene for a nostalgic story that will have you wanting to re read as soon as you hit that last page. Cindy always writes these books that feel 100% relatable while also hitting you with the perfect notes of what it feels like to flirt and fall in love.
This is a story that brings out the best and worst of TRUE family dynamics, what it means to give of yourself and how to let go. I got emotional, and loved the heart to hearts that added the richness and emotional depth to this fun filled story. I can't say enough good things about Miles and Carrots...I mean Olive's relationship. It feels honest and doesn't mess around or lack for packing the punches. There is clear communication and it was so refreshing to not have the unnecessary drama thats usually tied up in a fake dating scenario.
There were SO many scenes that had me laugh, grinning like a fool but then there were those moments of swoon, and heart that I couldn't get enough of. It just kept getting better and better. You are not prepared for that final scene. Sexy and sweet and just another reason to love Cindy all the more!
I can't wait to go out and buy multiple copies to gift for Christmas this year. I might even gift one to myself (because duh).
-A large dose of holiday cheer
-forced proximity fake dating
-a kissing book
-hilarious banter
-a book with depth to top it all off?
THIS IS YOUR BOOK. Faking Christmas is a book tucked in the snowy Vermont hills and it sets the scene for a nostalgic story that will have you wanting to re read as soon as you hit that last page. Cindy always writes these books that feel 100% relatable while also hitting you with the perfect notes of what it feels like to flirt and fall in love.
This is a story that brings out the best and worst of TRUE family dynamics, what it means to give of yourself and how to let go. I got emotional, and loved the heart to hearts that added the richness and emotional depth to this fun filled story. I can't say enough good things about Miles and Carrots...I mean Olive's relationship. It feels honest and doesn't mess around or lack for packing the punches. There is clear communication and it was so refreshing to not have the unnecessary drama thats usually tied up in a fake dating scenario.
There were SO many scenes that had me laugh, grinning like a fool but then there were those moments of swoon, and heart that I couldn't get enough of. It just kept getting better and better. You are not prepared for that final scene. Sexy and sweet and just another reason to love Cindy all the more!
I can't wait to go out and buy multiple copies to gift for Christmas this year. I might even gift one to myself (because duh).
December 11, 2025
I have read this 6 times now, so that should tell you how good it is 😉
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: death of a loved one, brief mentions of cancer (side character)
Olive Wilson is not looking forward to Christmas Break. Not only is she still grieving the death of her father, but she's going to be spending a week with her mother and new stepdad as well as her ex-boyfriend. In a moment of panic, Olive claims to be in a fake relationship with her co-worker Miles Taylor in order to avoid a holiday set-up. But when Miles shows up at the Christmas retreat she staying at, her lies begin catching up to her. Now she and Miles have to pretend to like each other so that she can make her story believable. Soon Olive's feelings of hate begin to fade, romantic tension builds, and emotions run high. Will Olive's lie end up leading to true love?
For a book that's kissing only, this was the hottest thing I've ever read 🥵🔥 I felt every heated look, touch, and kiss to my very core. Seriously, does anyone have a fan? Miles was sexy, sweet, and mischievous in all the best ways. He broke down Olive's walls until she had to give in to all the emotions she had been hiding. These two had so many romantic moments- steamy kisses in a covered bridge, snuggles in a log cabin, and even a handsy moment in the woods that led to a new nickname for Olive (IYKYK). In addition to the epic romance, Olive's grief journey was handled so well. I had tears in my eyes several times as she dealt with the loss of her dad and eventually came to accept the new man in her mom's life. Miles had his own story as well, which was just as heartbreaking. Seeing them come together to share what they'd been through made their connection even more special. This story is definitely one I'll be rereading again soon, and is a top contender for my favorite book of 2022!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: death of a loved one, brief mentions of cancer (side character)
Olive Wilson is not looking forward to Christmas Break. Not only is she still grieving the death of her father, but she's going to be spending a week with her mother and new stepdad as well as her ex-boyfriend. In a moment of panic, Olive claims to be in a fake relationship with her co-worker Miles Taylor in order to avoid a holiday set-up. But when Miles shows up at the Christmas retreat she staying at, her lies begin catching up to her. Now she and Miles have to pretend to like each other so that she can make her story believable. Soon Olive's feelings of hate begin to fade, romantic tension builds, and emotions run high. Will Olive's lie end up leading to true love?
For a book that's kissing only, this was the hottest thing I've ever read 🥵🔥 I felt every heated look, touch, and kiss to my very core. Seriously, does anyone have a fan? Miles was sexy, sweet, and mischievous in all the best ways. He broke down Olive's walls until she had to give in to all the emotions she had been hiding. These two had so many romantic moments- steamy kisses in a covered bridge, snuggles in a log cabin, and even a handsy moment in the woods that led to a new nickname for Olive (IYKYK). In addition to the epic romance, Olive's grief journey was handled so well. I had tears in my eyes several times as she dealt with the loss of her dad and eventually came to accept the new man in her mom's life. Miles had his own story as well, which was just as heartbreaking. Seeing them come together to share what they'd been through made their connection even more special. This story is definitely one I'll be rereading again soon, and is a top contender for my favorite book of 2022!
Currently reading
December 23, 2025
December 4, 2023
This officially became my favorite Christmas book of all time. 🎄🎄
This was truly a fake dating book. Not an obvious attraction type book and they quickly get together and the fake dating only lasts for a few chapters. Not this one.
They fake-date the whole time. *chefs kiss*
It was really funny to see how Olive ended up fake-dating her so-called nemesis. To avoid being hooked up with her ex-boyfriend whom her mom is trying to set her up with on a Christmas vacation. So she made up that she started dating her nemesis, Miles. Hoping that was sufficient for Olive to get the anti-Christmas of her dreams. What she didn't anticipate was that the place where they were vacationing, Miles just so happened to be there as well. To keep up with the ruse, Olive struck a deal with Miles that they would do the Christmas Bingo card and keep Miles's parents off his back as well.
Miles and Olivia's banter with each other is hilarious. They seem to know how to get under each other's skin but at the same time be playful about it.
This was so cute and funny that it had me rolling in so many moments in this book.
Example:
Chiseled muscles are for opening pickle jars and lifting couches. *writes down wisdom* I am learning so much from this book. 😅🤣😂
Nicknames such as celery sticks, carrots, and spanks. 😃
I will warn you, that this book is heavy in a section about dealing with the regrets and grief of a lost parent. It was a little too heavy for me at the end there. I did skim just a little. But throughout the rest of the book, it doesn't overshadow it even though it is part of the plotline.
This is a spice-free romance.
This book is such a good book and highly recommend to help you get in the romantic Christmas spirit.
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This was truly a fake dating book. Not an obvious attraction type book and they quickly get together and the fake dating only lasts for a few chapters. Not this one.
They fake-date the whole time. *chefs kiss*
It was really funny to see how Olive ended up fake-dating her so-called nemesis. To avoid being hooked up with her ex-boyfriend whom her mom is trying to set her up with on a Christmas vacation. So she made up that she started dating her nemesis, Miles. Hoping that was sufficient for Olive to get the anti-Christmas of her dreams. What she didn't anticipate was that the place where they were vacationing, Miles just so happened to be there as well. To keep up with the ruse, Olive struck a deal with Miles that they would do the Christmas Bingo card and keep Miles's parents off his back as well.
Miles and Olivia's banter with each other is hilarious. They seem to know how to get under each other's skin but at the same time be playful about it.
This was so cute and funny that it had me rolling in so many moments in this book.
Example:
Chiseled muscles are for opening pickle jars and lifting couches. *writes down wisdom* I am learning so much from this book. 😅🤣😂
Nicknames such as celery sticks, carrots, and spanks. 😃
I will warn you, that this book is heavy in a section about dealing with the regrets and grief of a lost parent. It was a little too heavy for me at the end there. I did skim just a little. But throughout the rest of the book, it doesn't overshadow it even though it is part of the plotline.
This is a spice-free romance.
This book is such a good book and highly recommend to help you get in the romantic Christmas spirit.
Connect With Me:
BLOG ⟫ INSTAGRAM ⟫ PODCAST ⟫ TIKTOK ⟫
January 16, 2023
Loved it! 🤩
Full review soon...
Full review soon...
December 7, 2024
immediately 5 stars. miles taylor IS the man of my dreams. there, i said it. maybe cindy steel just knows how to write men!!
this was such a fun time. it’s a story of two english teachers who make an arrangement to fake date for their own various reasons, and then feeling start getting in the way.. i absolutely love the fake dating trope and this was done so well. it was all the things i love about fake dating while still feeling new and unique. it takes place on a property with a bunch of cabins in the snow in vermont and miles and olive have a bingo card full of things they have to check off in the week they’re there. oh and of course.. there’s a kiss under the mistletoe on there🤭
the story is fun, the side characters aren’t one dimensional, the romance is PERFECT, and there’s depth and meaning aside from the romance as well. olive lost her dad a year ago and is still working to heal and remember him while trying to adjust to the new man in her mother’s life. miles is working through his own trauma from the past. and they fit perfectly together ❤️. “he was my wings, and i was his nest”.
i love that this book embraced adventure and seizing the day, while also embracing sitting at home with a good book. life is about balance baby!!
okay let’s get back to miles taylor. because this man is everything to me. his flirty personality is MY FAVORITE!!! he always knows just what to say i swear.
it’s the fact that i had literal BUTTERFLIES in my stomach for so much of this book and the most they ever do is kiss?? i’m once again here to state my case that closed door romances are BETTER. the scene where they are watching home alone on the couch and his finger goes to grab her pinky??? BUTTERFLIES!!!! bring back men who yearn!!! why was out here giggling over a brush of hands?? that’s the power miles taylor has over me. i need him!!
this was so fun and wholesome and sweet and i think everyone needs to read it this christmas season❤️💚
this was such a fun time. it’s a story of two english teachers who make an arrangement to fake date for their own various reasons, and then feeling start getting in the way.. i absolutely love the fake dating trope and this was done so well. it was all the things i love about fake dating while still feeling new and unique. it takes place on a property with a bunch of cabins in the snow in vermont and miles and olive have a bingo card full of things they have to check off in the week they’re there. oh and of course.. there’s a kiss under the mistletoe on there🤭
the story is fun, the side characters aren’t one dimensional, the romance is PERFECT, and there’s depth and meaning aside from the romance as well. olive lost her dad a year ago and is still working to heal and remember him while trying to adjust to the new man in her mother’s life. miles is working through his own trauma from the past. and they fit perfectly together ❤️. “he was my wings, and i was his nest”.
i love that this book embraced adventure and seizing the day, while also embracing sitting at home with a good book. life is about balance baby!!
okay let’s get back to miles taylor. because this man is everything to me. his flirty personality is MY FAVORITE!!! he always knows just what to say i swear.
it’s the fact that i had literal BUTTERFLIES in my stomach for so much of this book and the most they ever do is kiss?? i’m once again here to state my case that closed door romances are BETTER. the scene where they are watching home alone on the couch and his finger goes to grab her pinky??? BUTTERFLIES!!!! bring back men who yearn!!! why was out here giggling over a brush of hands?? that’s the power miles taylor has over me. i need him!!
this was so fun and wholesome and sweet and i think everyone needs to read it this christmas season❤️💚
October 9, 2025
Forever one of my top favourite Christmas books! 😍
Oh my goodness. I don’t know whether to laugh or to cry over all the second hand embarrassment! Sending an email to the wrong person is one of my fears, and this story confirmed the disaster of such an event. 😂
If ever there was a people pleaser, it’s Olive Wilson. And boy oh boy did I even feel seen by her. The one everyone knows will pick up the slack. The paste-it-on smile. The never let them know how much it hurts. Saying yes to avoid the drama of saying no.
And if there was ever a person to help her break out of it, it’s Miles Taylor. I loved that he was a writer, too.
The romance was a smidgeon steamier in a couple places (although still clean) than I personally care for. BUT the themes and the relationship between Miles and Olive were SO SWEET. Because it wasn’t just about the romance. They both brought out qualities in each other and spoke hard truth when needed. I loved that!
This book seriously gets better & better with each reread! It’s golden & I love it! (And do yourself a favour and listen to the audiobook if you get a chance because it is phenomenal!)
Content: mild innuendo; physical attraction; mild language; euphemisms
______
October 2025
I’ve lost count of my rereads at this point and yet this book can still make me cry! 😭 Favourite Christmas rom com right here 💛
Oh my goodness. I don’t know whether to laugh or to cry over all the second hand embarrassment! Sending an email to the wrong person is one of my fears, and this story confirmed the disaster of such an event. 😂
If ever there was a people pleaser, it’s Olive Wilson. And boy oh boy did I even feel seen by her. The one everyone knows will pick up the slack. The paste-it-on smile. The never let them know how much it hurts. Saying yes to avoid the drama of saying no.
And if there was ever a person to help her break out of it, it’s Miles Taylor. I loved that he was a writer, too.
The romance was a smidgeon steamier in a couple places (although still clean) than I personally care for. BUT the themes and the relationship between Miles and Olive were SO SWEET. Because it wasn’t just about the romance. They both brought out qualities in each other and spoke hard truth when needed. I loved that!
This book seriously gets better & better with each reread! It’s golden & I love it! (And do yourself a favour and listen to the audiobook if you get a chance because it is phenomenal!)
Content: mild innuendo; physical attraction; mild language; euphemisms
______
October 2025
I’ve lost count of my rereads at this point and yet this book can still make me cry! 😭 Favourite Christmas rom com right here 💛
December 1, 2023
I absolutely loved this, miles + olive have my HEART. 😭😭 the fake dating, chemistry & banter between the two main characters had me SWOONING and kicking my legs in the air.
December 21, 2022
I’m such a hoe-hoe-hoe for Miles it’s not even funny anymore.
Welcome, welcome! Guess what Santa left under the Christmas tree? A big fat five-star rating, hooray!
I’m having one of the worst book hangovers I’ve ever had for a while. I am not ready to leave Vermont or the cozy Christmas longes behind. This book delivered everything I would ever want from a holiday book and more.
The setting was outstanding. From the adventurous Christmas bingo list to the whole community, I felt the holiday mood down to my bones. I loved it so much I hate myself for not being in the mountains of Vermont with my family and a hot person drooling over me. Speak of the devil…
Miles, the love interest, was amazing. He was flirty, actually nice, and was overall swoony. I loved his banter with Olive and his general persona. He was the embodiment of sunshine and I ate that shit up! Literally one of my updates while reading this book was; Cyra said “Miles can restore my tolerance for men.” This is honestly huge for me because I hate men and it’s like a personality trait for me at this point.
The tropes in this book were top-notch! Enemies to lovers, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, and forced proximity? SIGN ME UP.
I am a person who likes smut but does not look for it nor like it when there’s too much. For the first time, I found myself wanting, no scratch that, needing spice. These two were only kissing in this book and their make-out sessions were enough to make me sweat. Coming to think of it, maybe it’s good that this book didn’t have any spice because I probably would just have a heart attack or something.
These two only spent a week and it felt like forever. By their third day together, I was expecting them to tie the knot. This is how good the writing was because I never felt like their romance or feelings were rushed.
I will shut up now to stop myself from spoiling everything. Do yourself a favor and grab this book.
- - -
Don't ask me anything, I'm in my feels
RTC in a few because I need a moment
Welcome, welcome! Guess what Santa left under the Christmas tree? A big fat five-star rating, hooray!
I’m having one of the worst book hangovers I’ve ever had for a while. I am not ready to leave Vermont or the cozy Christmas longes behind. This book delivered everything I would ever want from a holiday book and more.
The setting was outstanding. From the adventurous Christmas bingo list to the whole community, I felt the holiday mood down to my bones. I loved it so much I hate myself for not being in the mountains of Vermont with my family and a hot person drooling over me. Speak of the devil…
Miles, the love interest, was amazing. He was flirty, actually nice, and was overall swoony. I loved his banter with Olive and his general persona. He was the embodiment of sunshine and I ate that shit up! Literally one of my updates while reading this book was; Cyra said “Miles can restore my tolerance for men.” This is honestly huge for me because I hate men and it’s like a personality trait for me at this point.
The tropes in this book were top-notch! Enemies to lovers, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, and forced proximity? SIGN ME UP.
I am a person who likes smut but does not look for it nor like it when there’s too much. For the first time, I found myself wanting, no scratch that, needing spice. These two were only kissing in this book and their make-out sessions were enough to make me sweat. Coming to think of it, maybe it’s good that this book didn’t have any spice because I probably would just have a heart attack or something.
These two only spent a week and it felt like forever. By their third day together, I was expecting them to tie the knot. This is how good the writing was because I never felt like their romance or feelings were rushed.
I will shut up now to stop myself from spoiling everything. Do yourself a favor and grab this book.
- - -
Don't ask me anything, I'm in my feels
RTC in a few because I need a moment
December 15, 2022
I have a lot of thoughts about this book. But let’s get one thing clear MILES TAYLOR BOOK BOYFRIEND OF THE YEAR. That man 100% carried this book on his shoulders. All the flirting, tension and chemistry between him and olive was UNREAL. Not to mention that he’s been obsessed with her since the beginning!
I didn’t love olives family in the beginning and felt like they didn’t care for her or really listen to her feelings but that was all resolved in the end. This was also a surprisingly deep book at times and the topics of grief were so real and relatable!
Also no third act breakup? YES MA’AM!! olive was also a really relatable character ! All in all a really cute Christmas book.
I didn’t love olives family in the beginning and felt like they didn’t care for her or really listen to her feelings but that was all resolved in the end. This was also a surprisingly deep book at times and the topics of grief were so real and relatable!
Also no third act breakup? YES MA’AM!! olive was also a really relatable character ! All in all a really cute Christmas book.
December 22, 2023
This was so heartwarming.
Just so pure.
SO PURE WE ONLY GOT A FEW KISSES.
DARN. The horny me can't even be mad, this was such a fun story.. 🥹
Fake dating your work nemesis in a Christmas wonderland. Yeah sounds pretty nice 🤭
Oh also the guy wears flannel shirts and knows how to use an axe. 🫣
Just so pure.
SO PURE WE ONLY GOT A FEW KISSES.
DARN. The horny me can't even be mad, this was such a fun story.. 🥹
Fake dating your work nemesis in a Christmas wonderland. Yeah sounds pretty nice 🤭
Oh also the guy wears flannel shirts and knows how to use an axe. 🫣
November 22, 2022
A new Christmas, literary standard has been set with this book and Cindy Steel has the gloves off. It's "game on" with this book!
SO MANY things to love. Olive loves a good checklist (as do I) so we'll run this down checklist style:
-The Characters:
Miles...if you're into the flirty, swoony, confident, always has a comeback, larger than life, lumberjack type of a character you'll be loving life.
Olive...Olive has the biggest character arc in this book and it is so fun to watch her heart open up little by little throughout this story (in all aspects of her life). This book is through Olives' POV and her inner dialogue is fantastic! Olive is extremely relatable and she has been written in such a fun way that you wont be able to help but love her.
-The Settings:
Starting off this book in the workplace really set the tone for and sold the enemies to more trope. The romantic tension could be felt across the school hallway in spades!
Listen, I'm not a snow fan but a trip to the Vermont mountains is sounding pretty idyllic right now. I absolutely loved how Christmas was portrayed from the community events to whatever Miles and Olive (I don't want to give anything away lol) were up to on this holiday getaway really set off the right vibe for a Christmas romance.
-Themes:
I was impressed to find so many themes spread throughout this book. Some heavier than others (I'll get to those in a minute) but this enemies to more/opposites attract/workplace romance/fake dating trope filled book was everything I hoped it would be, and more!
With the heavier tones Cindy portrayed grief, cancer, loss of a loved one, freak accidents, emotional disengagement poignantly and beautifully. These heavier tones don't take up much of the book, so don't let that dissuade you, but it is sprinkled about throughout and I found it touching. It gave the book a very tangible feel and I highlighted several passages that gave words to feelings that are hard to describe.
-The Romance
Miles and Olive are SUCH A FUN COUPLE!
The banter... OH THE BANTER! The comebacks (sarcastic and flirty) were hilarious. I knew when I was already laughing at 3% I wouldn't be putting the book down until I read the last page. I love a good fake dating trope and this book had several more tropes (mentioned earlier) that really sold this book as a 5 STAR, MUST READ kind of book. I loved seeing each character challenge the other to step outside of their comfort zone without taking it too far. The balance was perfect! The chemistry was undeniable. The touching moments were perfectly swoon worthy and I can't wait to re-read this book again and again!
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
SO MANY things to love. Olive loves a good checklist (as do I) so we'll run this down checklist style:
-The Characters:
Miles...if you're into the flirty, swoony, confident, always has a comeback, larger than life, lumberjack type of a character you'll be loving life.
Olive...Olive has the biggest character arc in this book and it is so fun to watch her heart open up little by little throughout this story (in all aspects of her life). This book is through Olives' POV and her inner dialogue is fantastic! Olive is extremely relatable and she has been written in such a fun way that you wont be able to help but love her.
-The Settings:
Starting off this book in the workplace really set the tone for and sold the enemies to more trope. The romantic tension could be felt across the school hallway in spades!
Listen, I'm not a snow fan but a trip to the Vermont mountains is sounding pretty idyllic right now. I absolutely loved how Christmas was portrayed from the community events to whatever Miles and Olive (I don't want to give anything away lol) were up to on this holiday getaway really set off the right vibe for a Christmas romance.
-Themes:
I was impressed to find so many themes spread throughout this book. Some heavier than others (I'll get to those in a minute) but this enemies to more/opposites attract/workplace romance/fake dating trope filled book was everything I hoped it would be, and more!
With the heavier tones Cindy portrayed grief, cancer, loss of a loved one, freak accidents, emotional disengagement poignantly and beautifully. These heavier tones don't take up much of the book, so don't let that dissuade you, but it is sprinkled about throughout and I found it touching. It gave the book a very tangible feel and I highlighted several passages that gave words to feelings that are hard to describe.
-The Romance
Miles and Olive are SUCH A FUN COUPLE!
The banter... OH THE BANTER! The comebacks (sarcastic and flirty) were hilarious. I knew when I was already laughing at 3% I wouldn't be putting the book down until I read the last page. I love a good fake dating trope and this book had several more tropes (mentioned earlier) that really sold this book as a 5 STAR, MUST READ kind of book. I loved seeing each character challenge the other to step outside of their comfort zone without taking it too far. The balance was perfect! The chemistry was undeniable. The touching moments were perfectly swoon worthy and I can't wait to re-read this book again and again!
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
December 13, 2022
This was a delight. Perfect fluffy christmas read.
January 12, 2023
WHAT was that!!!!! I was not expecting to love this book so much. What a blast. From the first moments of the book it just pulled me in. I did not want to put this down. I felt so much for this girl and her situation and then laugh so much as she came alive because of him. It was such a beautiful love story. I expected a nice hallmarky Christmas story but what I got was so beautiful and deep and fun. This is the best this author has written, in my opinion. So good!!
December 3, 2024
This was a very cute and funny Christmas rom-com!
I didn't know what to expect going into this book; I'm not typically a huge rom-com girly. I personally can only handle so much cheese, and I don't love how many rom-coms put such a focus on physical appearance or are surface level... but this one won me over! There were some hilarious one-liners and scenes that had me laughing. I was also pleasantly surprised by the deeper themes in this book (something I prefer in my books) and loved how the author incorporated them into the story.
I listened to the audiobook, and I highly recommend it✨
Content discretions: No spice (kissing; brief make-out), two minor swears (1 H & 1 D), death of a parent from cancer, parent's remarriage, accidental death
I didn't know what to expect going into this book; I'm not typically a huge rom-com girly. I personally can only handle so much cheese, and I don't love how many rom-coms put such a focus on physical appearance or are surface level... but this one won me over! There were some hilarious one-liners and scenes that had me laughing. I was also pleasantly surprised by the deeper themes in this book (something I prefer in my books) and loved how the author incorporated them into the story.
I listened to the audiobook, and I highly recommend it✨
Content discretions: No spice (kissing; brief make-out), two minor swears (1 H & 1 D), death of a parent from cancer, parent's remarriage, accidental death
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