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The Friendsgiving Fake-out
Have you ever just flown across the country to be a stranger's fake date for Friendsgiving? Me neither. There's a first time for everything.
Based on a TRUE STORY!
In November, 2024, a reader tagged me in a post of a social media influencer (@kaelidance) on Instagram. A video creator who lived in L.A. popped into her DMs and they started chatting.
He mentioned needing a date to Friendsgiving. She flew from her home state (not Tennessee) to Los Angeles and went to his Friendsgiving.
Followers on Instagram went wild and kept “shipping” Sully and Kaeli. She mentioned in one of her posts about their trips back and forth to see one another that she would love to see a movie or story written about them.
So, I did it. It’s short. It’s sweet. And it’s only loosely based on them. But Sully and Kaeli, you inspired this novella.
Based on a TRUE STORY!
In November, 2024, a reader tagged me in a post of a social media influencer (@kaelidance) on Instagram. A video creator who lived in L.A. popped into her DMs and they started chatting.
He mentioned needing a date to Friendsgiving. She flew from her home state (not Tennessee) to Los Angeles and went to his Friendsgiving.
Followers on Instagram went wild and kept “shipping” Sully and Kaeli. She mentioned in one of her posts about their trips back and forth to see one another that she would love to see a movie or story written about them.
So, I did it. It’s short. It’s sweet. And it’s only loosely based on them. But Sully and Kaeli, you inspired this novella.
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 13, 2025
Listen, if you need a quick adorable little read - and have about an hour READ THIS STORY!
It was the cutest thing and I really enjoyed it!
It was the cutest thing and I really enjoyed it!
February 2, 2025
This was such a fun & sweet novella! You can read it as a stand alone, but it was also fun seeing a few characters & settings from some of the author's other works. This one just made me smile and feel happy as I finished reading it.
December 14, 2025
๋ ࣭ ⭑જ⁀✈︎๋ ࣭ ⭑જ⁀✈︎๋ ࣭ ⭑જ⁀✈︎๋ ࣭ ⭑જ⁀✈︎๋ ࣭ ⭑જ⁀✈︎
This was really cute and great for Thanksgiving/Pre Christmas time. The fact that this is loosely based on a true story is really cool because I personally have never seen something like that before. It didn't feel like insta love despite its short page count, it felt very well paced and the relationship felt believable. I enjoyed the fact that it really wasn't looks based for them obviously they find each other to be physically attractive but it's more about who they are as a person.
The characters
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
McKenna ~ I liked her. She was quirky.
Westley ~ he was so sweet!
Carli ~ liked her, she was a good friend and I liked how she played a role in this story.
Benji ~ he was alright.
Hailey ~ she was really nice and I loved how she helped make the ending more believable.
What to expect
✈️Fake Dating
✈️Thanksgiving Vibes
✈️Rom-Com
✈️Small Town Girl x Big City Boy
✈️ Social Media Influencer FMC
Quotes
~~~~~~~
“When you fall in love, you have to make some choices. And I’d far rather see you chase after this relationship than hold fast to your life here and lose what you might have with Westley. I know you. You’d regret that loss for years. You told me yourself that you know all the guys in Waterford. Not a spark of interest. But this guy, he’s had you on the best kind of pins and needles since the start. That says something.”
“Luke holds the camera. McKenna commands her Bluetooth speaker to play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line. She looks at me and nods and the two of us break into the dance she showed me. I bump into her once when I go the wrong direction. We crack up, but we keep filming. At the end, McKenna walks close to the camera and says, “Westley, friends. Isn’t he something?” and then she presses stop.”
Content
~~~~~~~
❤️🔥Romance| a kiss with no details, a kiss with minimal details, a cheek kiss
🤬Language| S-xy,
🗡️Violence| none
🏳️🌈LGBTQ| none
✝️ Religion/spirituality| none
⚠️Other| none
This was really cute and great for Thanksgiving/Pre Christmas time. The fact that this is loosely based on a true story is really cool because I personally have never seen something like that before. It didn't feel like insta love despite its short page count, it felt very well paced and the relationship felt believable. I enjoyed the fact that it really wasn't looks based for them obviously they find each other to be physically attractive but it's more about who they are as a person.
The characters
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
McKenna ~ I liked her. She was quirky.
Westley ~ he was so sweet!
Carli ~ liked her, she was a good friend and I liked how she played a role in this story.
Benji ~ he was alright.
Hailey ~ she was really nice and I loved how she helped make the ending more believable.
What to expect
✈️Fake Dating
✈️Thanksgiving Vibes
✈️Rom-Com
✈️Small Town Girl x Big City Boy
✈️ Social Media Influencer FMC
Quotes
~~~~~~~
“When you fall in love, you have to make some choices. And I’d far rather see you chase after this relationship than hold fast to your life here and lose what you might have with Westley. I know you. You’d regret that loss for years. You told me yourself that you know all the guys in Waterford. Not a spark of interest. But this guy, he’s had you on the best kind of pins and needles since the start. That says something.”
“Luke holds the camera. McKenna commands her Bluetooth speaker to play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line. She looks at me and nods and the two of us break into the dance she showed me. I bump into her once when I go the wrong direction. We crack up, but we keep filming. At the end, McKenna walks close to the camera and says, “Westley, friends. Isn’t he something?” and then she presses stop.”
Content
~~~~~~~
❤️🔥Romance| a kiss with no details, a kiss with minimal details, a cheek kiss
🤬Language| S-xy,
🗡️Violence| none
🏳️🌈LGBTQ| none
✝️ Religion/spirituality| none
⚠️Other| none
November 28, 2025
This was such a quick, sweet novella! The perfect read for today and the perfect intro to the Firemen of Waterford, TN series. Now I’m even more invested in that series!
I love that this book was loosely based on a true story. McKenna has realized that love may not find her locally and has all but given up… until a random dm shows up and changes everything. Westley takes a leap of faith and reaches out to McKenna after enjoying her videos and wanting to compliment her. That simple message opens the door to an instant friendship, and a fake date to Friendsgiving. They barely know each other, and yet something feels different. But she lives in Tennessee and he’s in California. How could it work? Still, they can’t ignore how drawn they are to each other. Could their chance encounter lead to a future they never imagined?
I loved this. It had insta-love vibes without moving too quickly. The pacing was perfect all the way through. At the end, I just wanted a little bit more… but maybe that’s only because I was enjoying it so much. I can’t wait to read (McKenna's Best friend) Carli’s story in the Waterford series. I have a feeling I know who her match will be, but no spoilers. Can’t wait!
Rating: 4.5 rounded to 5 stars!
I love that this book was loosely based on a true story. McKenna has realized that love may not find her locally and has all but given up… until a random dm shows up and changes everything. Westley takes a leap of faith and reaches out to McKenna after enjoying her videos and wanting to compliment her. That simple message opens the door to an instant friendship, and a fake date to Friendsgiving. They barely know each other, and yet something feels different. But she lives in Tennessee and he’s in California. How could it work? Still, they can’t ignore how drawn they are to each other. Could their chance encounter lead to a future they never imagined?
I loved this. It had insta-love vibes without moving too quickly. The pacing was perfect all the way through. At the end, I just wanted a little bit more… but maybe that’s only because I was enjoying it so much. I can’t wait to read (McKenna's Best friend) Carli’s story in the Waterford series. I have a feeling I know who her match will be, but no spoilers. Can’t wait!
Rating: 4.5 rounded to 5 stars!
November 27, 2025
Very cute Thanksgiving novella. I enjoyed it.
February 8, 2025
The Friendsgiving Fake-Out by Savannah Scott is a super sweet and totally endearing Contemporary Rom-Com. Coming in at about 70 pages, I was able to read this delightful story in just one sitting. I found the pacing very well done. McKenna and Westley’s relationship journey from strangers to friends to lovers moves in a very relatable and realistic timeline. Nothing felt too quick or too impossible. I found McKenna and Westley to both be well-crafted characters. McKenna is all things sunshine and goodwill and fun. Westley is sweet and vulnerable and gallant. They are a very good match for one another. I definitely cheered for these two characters the whole time. One of my most favorite aspects to this story is the idea of meeting your person. When you force the issue, at least in my experience, the one never seems to come. But when you relax and let life happen, lo and behold “the one” tends to show up in ways almost magical and unexpectedly. This is what happens early on in this story. McKenna laments about not having “the one” in her life. Her BFF, Carli, tells her to relax. Carli kiddingly states, “Who knows…maybe the next guy you meet will be the one?” And then Westley shows up in her DMs. It’s truly super cute!
The Friendsgiving Fake-Out is a really quick and fun story. I am so glad I spent time with these characters, and I definitely recommend this book!
I received a copy of this eBook edition as a newsletter subscriber to Savannah Scott. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Friendsgiving Fake-Out is a really quick and fun story. I am so glad I spent time with these characters, and I definitely recommend this book!
I received a copy of this eBook edition as a newsletter subscriber to Savannah Scott. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 31, 2025
A cute and fluffy, drama-free romance ☺️ (I love that it’s inspired by a true story.) And if you’re a Savannah Scott fan, this novella also has plenty of nods to her other books.
February 2, 2025
I adore Westley & McKenna's sweet, adventurous, loving story!
January 28, 2025
This story was very cute. I loved the characters and the way they meet. This is a fast read with very little drama.
January 29, 2025
A cute friendsgiving fake relationship novella!
January 26, 2025
This was such a fun, short and sweet novella! I loved the story and all the fun easter eggs the author included. Westly and McKenna were adorable!
January 27, 2025
Super cute and sweet! I absolutely love it!
January 26, 2025
Loved this novella. This is such a fun premise and the fact that it’s based on a true story is even more fun. Closed door and no language.
December 1, 2025
Westley finds McKenna's social media, trolls her videos, sends her a message, and the rest is romance history. Their story is sweet, romantic, and not long enough! Lol!
February 2, 2025
This is a quick read about a social media Influencer in Tennessee and an assistant director in Los Angeles who connect online and get together for Thanksgiving in a fake relationship.
This book was such a fun short read. I loved that this was based off a true story! It was also fun getting to meet some of the characters that will be in the firefighter series (I am so excited for that'll series!). I also loved the little Easter eggs from the Love Trippin series!
This book was such a fun short read. I loved that this was based off a true story! It was also fun getting to meet some of the characters that will be in the firefighter series (I am so excited for that'll series!). I also loved the little Easter eggs from the Love Trippin series!
February 8, 2025
This book was very sweet!
A social media influencer from Tennessee gets a DM from an assistant director in LA. After a great conversation she agrees to fly to LA to be his fake girlfriend for Friendsgiving. I couldn’t stop smiling reading this. McKenna and Westley were adorable together! I loved McKenna's enthusiasm. I also loved that this book is based on a true story. If you have read Savannah Scott’s other books you will love the Easter eggs throughout the story as much as I did and if you haven’t this is a great Segway to Savannah's other works.
A social media influencer from Tennessee gets a DM from an assistant director in LA. After a great conversation she agrees to fly to LA to be his fake girlfriend for Friendsgiving. I couldn’t stop smiling reading this. McKenna and Westley were adorable together! I loved McKenna's enthusiasm. I also loved that this book is based on a true story. If you have read Savannah Scott’s other books you will love the Easter eggs throughout the story as much as I did and if you haven’t this is a great Segway to Savannah's other works.
February 2, 2025
Sometimes a story seems too good to be true, but that’s not the case here. This novella was loosely based on something real according to the author’s note! Let me tell you, that makes me even more giddy!
An expected reel sparks a smile and a somewhat (at least initially) awkward DM conversation between two strangers. As luck would have it, one would need a date to a Friendsgiving celebration and the other would randomly agree! What transpires over this whirlwind story will bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face! Sometimes we must take that leap of faith to pay a compliment that could turn into something more than just filling the void of loneliness! This novella also serves as a great bridge in the Savannah Scott writing universe as she has recently wrapped up one series and is transitioning to a new one! Can’t wait to see what transpires out of the Easter eggs that she weaved into this tale! Job well done! Good luck to the real-life inspirations!
An expected reel sparks a smile and a somewhat (at least initially) awkward DM conversation between two strangers. As luck would have it, one would need a date to a Friendsgiving celebration and the other would randomly agree! What transpires over this whirlwind story will bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face! Sometimes we must take that leap of faith to pay a compliment that could turn into something more than just filling the void of loneliness! This novella also serves as a great bridge in the Savannah Scott writing universe as she has recently wrapped up one series and is transitioning to a new one! Can’t wait to see what transpires out of the Easter eggs that she weaved into this tale! Job well done! Good luck to the real-life inspirations!
February 5, 2025
This is a very brief novella that can be acquired free by joining the author's newsletter list.
It is a kisses only contemporary romcom. It is a nice way to be introduced to Savannah Scott's fictional worlds. You get a small taste of a couple of her other series. If you are already familiar with her work, you'll enjoy the Easter eggs she has in this one.
This is absolutely a standalone story that is inspired by a real event. The author's note will explain more about that as well as the connections to other books she mentions.
Since this is such a short novella, there isn't a lot of time for big story arcs or plot twists. You will just a lighthearted, swoony read for an hour or two.
It is a kisses only contemporary romcom. It is a nice way to be introduced to Savannah Scott's fictional worlds. You get a small taste of a couple of her other series. If you are already familiar with her work, you'll enjoy the Easter eggs she has in this one.
This is absolutely a standalone story that is inspired by a real event. The author's note will explain more about that as well as the connections to other books she mentions.
Since this is such a short novella, there isn't a lot of time for big story arcs or plot twists. You will just a lighthearted, swoony read for an hour or two.
February 2, 2025
This novella, based loosely off of a true story and is just the sweetest snack of a read. I read it in just under two hours and truly enjoyed every second.
The characters are fun to get to know, like I would want to be friends with them in real life. The story is so fun, and even though I followed the true story on instagram, it felt like it was straight out of a romance novel.
McKenna is an instagram influencer. She works hard to keep her content positive for her audience while protecting her privacy at the same time. Westley is a director in Hollywood, and upon finding McKenna’s account on instagram, he is impressed by her positivity and humor. He slides into her dms and they end up chatting and developing a bit of a friendship. When McKenna finds out that Westley is going to his friends’ house for Thanksgiving, but that he is the only one going alone, she offers to come with him as his fake date.
As far as fake dates go, they both had an incredible time, and are interested in considering if their fake relationship could become real.
Come along and watch as these two explore a cross country relationship that spans the distance.
This novella is closed door and has a HEA. Enjoy.
The characters are fun to get to know, like I would want to be friends with them in real life. The story is so fun, and even though I followed the true story on instagram, it felt like it was straight out of a romance novel.
McKenna is an instagram influencer. She works hard to keep her content positive for her audience while protecting her privacy at the same time. Westley is a director in Hollywood, and upon finding McKenna’s account on instagram, he is impressed by her positivity and humor. He slides into her dms and they end up chatting and developing a bit of a friendship. When McKenna finds out that Westley is going to his friends’ house for Thanksgiving, but that he is the only one going alone, she offers to come with him as his fake date.
As far as fake dates go, they both had an incredible time, and are interested in considering if their fake relationship could become real.
Come along and watch as these two explore a cross country relationship that spans the distance.
This novella is closed door and has a HEA. Enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2026
I just finished Smoke and Ash and I’m so glad I got to read McKenna’s story. Loving all of the Savannah Scott books!
February 9, 2025
Kind of cheesy but still a cute novella!
February 2, 2025
This little novella was a pure delight! An influencer meets a guy via her DMs and decides to fly across the country to be his fake date for a Friendsgiving dinner. It’s fun, sweet, packed with Easter eggs from Savannah’s other books, and I guarantee it will leave you smiling!
February 3, 2025
Omg! The Friendsgiving Fake-Out by Savannah Scott was such a cute & sweet romcom. It was short, perfect for a quick read in one sitting, but definitely did not lack in the story. I loved everything about this novella!
February 2, 2025
Such a fun quick bite of a story! I loved this super quick read and all the Easter Eggs that fans of Savannah Scott will find hidden in this book! Looking forward to the Firemen series she has brewing!
February 10, 2025
Sweet story about a Tennessee influencer who meets an LA movie industry executive. Well written.
February 2, 2025
I adored this cute story based off a real life experience 😻. West & McKenna were adorable together and I loved how they were just each other’s person. And the Easter eggs are🙌🏻
November 11, 2025
This was a cute refreshing read after I read a bad book.
McKenna and Westley had great chemistry and fake dating to real is becoming one of my favorite tropes!
Savannah Scott is a genius.
Also, the sweet plane ✈️ scene and McKenna’s brothers are hilarious 😂
Best quotes:
“ “When you fall in love, you have to make some choices. And I’d far rather see you chase after this relationship than hold fast to your life here and lose what you might have with Westley. I know you. You’d regret that loss for years. You told me yourself that you know all the guys in Waterford. Not a spark of interest. But this guy, he’s had you on the best kind of pins and needles since the start. That says something.”
“No kiss has ever meant more to me. I can’t imagine ever wanting someone or something as much as I want McKenna right now.”
“Luke holds the camera. McKenna commands her Bluetooth speaker to play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line. She looks at me and nods and the two of us break into the dance she showed me. I bump into her once when I go the wrong direction. We crack up, but we keep filming. At the end, McKenna walks close to the camera and says, “Westley, friends. Isn’t he something?” and then she presses stop.”
McKenna and Westley had great chemistry and fake dating to real is becoming one of my favorite tropes!
Savannah Scott is a genius.
Also, the sweet plane ✈️ scene and McKenna’s brothers are hilarious 😂
Best quotes:
“ “When you fall in love, you have to make some choices. And I’d far rather see you chase after this relationship than hold fast to your life here and lose what you might have with Westley. I know you. You’d regret that loss for years. You told me yourself that you know all the guys in Waterford. Not a spark of interest. But this guy, he’s had you on the best kind of pins and needles since the start. That says something.”
“No kiss has ever meant more to me. I can’t imagine ever wanting someone or something as much as I want McKenna right now.”
“Luke holds the camera. McKenna commands her Bluetooth speaker to play Cruise by Florida Georgia Line. She looks at me and nods and the two of us break into the dance she showed me. I bump into her once when I go the wrong direction. We crack up, but we keep filming. At the end, McKenna walks close to the camera and says, “Westley, friends. Isn’t he something?” and then she presses stop.”
January 26, 2025
This amusing and charming book is about an assistant director, Westley and influencer, McKenna. As they are both in a similar industry they connect easily and very quickly.
They start chatting when Westley sees one of McKenna's videos online and he sends her a direct message which progresses into daily chatting and her flying from her family's ranch two thousand miles to LA where Westley offers to show her around and for her to spend Thanksgiving with him and his friends, as his fake date.
Their friendship develops into something deeper but how do they navigate this long distance relationship?
This was a sweet read with only kissing and no swearing. The main characters were very endearing and likeable and the story was entertaining especially with all the auxiliary characters.
The book ends on a happy for now and it was an enjoyable read.
They start chatting when Westley sees one of McKenna's videos online and he sends her a direct message which progresses into daily chatting and her flying from her family's ranch two thousand miles to LA where Westley offers to show her around and for her to spend Thanksgiving with him and his friends, as his fake date.
Their friendship develops into something deeper but how do they navigate this long distance relationship?
This was a sweet read with only kissing and no swearing. The main characters were very endearing and likeable and the story was entertaining especially with all the auxiliary characters.
The book ends on a happy for now and it was an enjoyable read.
February 24, 2025
Oh my word! This was absolutely adorable! McKenna is an awesome heroine, and as a small town country girl myself and someone who practically lives on social media I found myself relating to her quite a lot!
Westley is such a wonderful hero, he’s so caring and thoughtful, and I just love him to pieces!
The story was so much fun, I’ve never been to L.A. or Tennessee but Savannah Scott’s writing is so vivid this story made me feel like I’ve visited both places!
I adore everything Savannah Scott writes and this novella was no exception! This little book is an absolute joy to read! Don’t miss out, download your free copy today!
I loved, loved LOVED this story and can’t wait for Savannah’s next book!
Highly recommend!
Westley is such a wonderful hero, he’s so caring and thoughtful, and I just love him to pieces!
The story was so much fun, I’ve never been to L.A. or Tennessee but Savannah Scott’s writing is so vivid this story made me feel like I’ve visited both places!
I adore everything Savannah Scott writes and this novella was no exception! This little book is an absolute joy to read! Don’t miss out, download your free copy today!
I loved, loved LOVED this story and can’t wait for Savannah’s next book!
Highly recommend!
November 19, 2025
If you are a prolific reader, who just wants a cute little novella to read for an hour or so, then go ahead and pick this up. If you read less and therefore you need to be more picky about your books- skip this one. I was really hoping to read a story with some Thanksgiving and holiday vibes and unfortunately that’s not what this is. Thanksgiving dinner is mentioned as is a Christmas tree a few weeks later, but there are no holiday vibes in this book. But it was fine. There wasn’t really anything wrong with it- it’s just a little forgettable. Except that I am actually quite worried about the FMC and her lack of safety as she goes live on social media and tells people where she is…😜
Clean, kissing only, no langauge
Clean, kissing only, no langauge
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews