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The Sterling Family #7
Just One More Date: A Sterling Family Holiday Novella
Leo Watson needs a pretend wife for a business Christmas party.
Could the cute barista who serves his favorite coffee drink play the part?
Camille Hendricks is willing… for a price—an interview at his sister’s PR company.
The game seems easy but their attraction is all too real.
When sexy lines are crossed, both Leo and Cammie stand to lose something more important than business.
They risk losing each other.
Could the cute barista who serves his favorite coffee drink play the part?
Camille Hendricks is willing… for a price—an interview at his sister’s PR company.
The game seems easy but their attraction is all too real.
When sexy lines are crossed, both Leo and Cammie stand to lose something more important than business.
They risk losing each other.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2025
98 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Carly Phillips
398 books9,779 followersNY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
November 18, 2025
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***
In Phillips’ latest release, we get a holiday novella in Just One More Date. This steamy holiday romance packs punch and will leave you swooning and rooting for the characters until the very end!
Leo Watson might have the looks and money to attract the opposite sex, but not even that will help him find a fake girlfriend at the last minute to take to his company Christmas party. All to impress a future client that will not sign with the firm if he doesn’t think that Leo can commit at all. So in an effort to gain his trust, Leo will do anything including getting a fake girlfriend in order to sell that he can be in a serious relationship. Not expecting for his all the woman in his life to be busy this Christmas. Leo turns to an unexpected choice, the cute barista who is always cheery and happy to see him every time he goes to the coffee shop. Without realizing that Camille Hendrick was going to completely change his life forever.
While working at Forth and Grind, Camille Hendricks has seen her fair share of businessmen coming for their coffee after work. But non of them could hold a candle to Leo. They have never shared a conversation, but she has quickly developed a crush on him. So when he asks to talk to her at the coffee shop one day, Camille assumes that he is going to ask her out. But that’s not what she gets, instead he offers her a job, crushing her dreams in the process. It’s when she finds out that he happens to be related to the woman she’s been wanting to see for moths, Camille accepts the offer. In exchange Leo promises to get her an interview with his sister’s PR company. Yet, not matter how much she tries to protect her heart, Camille starts to fall for the man she can’t have. She’ll have to decide if putting her heart at risk is worth it or if it’s time to walk away.
I absolutely loved reading Just One More Date, the characters were relatable and their instant chemistry was sizzling! Leo quickly becomes protective of Camille, even though he doesn’t want to be in a serious relationship. Her joy for the holidays is what he doesn’t quite understand at the beginning, but the more time they spent together, the more it became clear that they might be just meant for each other. All in all, this was such a great holiday novella that I would highly recommend checking out this Christmas, you will not regret it! :)
***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***
In Phillips’ latest release, we get a holiday novella in Just One More Date. This steamy holiday romance packs punch and will leave you swooning and rooting for the characters until the very end!
Leo Watson might have the looks and money to attract the opposite sex, but not even that will help him find a fake girlfriend at the last minute to take to his company Christmas party. All to impress a future client that will not sign with the firm if he doesn’t think that Leo can commit at all. So in an effort to gain his trust, Leo will do anything including getting a fake girlfriend in order to sell that he can be in a serious relationship. Not expecting for his all the woman in his life to be busy this Christmas. Leo turns to an unexpected choice, the cute barista who is always cheery and happy to see him every time he goes to the coffee shop. Without realizing that Camille Hendrick was going to completely change his life forever.
While working at Forth and Grind, Camille Hendricks has seen her fair share of businessmen coming for their coffee after work. But non of them could hold a candle to Leo. They have never shared a conversation, but she has quickly developed a crush on him. So when he asks to talk to her at the coffee shop one day, Camille assumes that he is going to ask her out. But that’s not what she gets, instead he offers her a job, crushing her dreams in the process. It’s when she finds out that he happens to be related to the woman she’s been wanting to see for moths, Camille accepts the offer. In exchange Leo promises to get her an interview with his sister’s PR company. Yet, not matter how much she tries to protect her heart, Camille starts to fall for the man she can’t have. She’ll have to decide if putting her heart at risk is worth it or if it’s time to walk away.
I absolutely loved reading Just One More Date, the characters were relatable and their instant chemistry was sizzling! Leo quickly becomes protective of Camille, even though he doesn’t want to be in a serious relationship. Her joy for the holidays is what he doesn’t quite understand at the beginning, but the more time they spent together, the more it became clear that they might be just meant for each other. All in all, this was such a great holiday novella that I would highly recommend checking out this Christmas, you will not regret it! :)
***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***
December 11, 2025
This follows Leo who is a financial analyst that is looking at a big promotion and needs to impress the board and he believes looking like he is in a committed relationship will help. The first problem was finding a date for Christmas Eve.
I loved this short little Christmas novella. It had the perfect amount of storyline with just the right touch of chemistry between the two main characters. If you’re looking for something festive or need a quick read to help hit your yearly goal, I definitely recommend this!
Lastly, I really enjoyed the audiobook. I love Sean and Mackenzie’s work, so I knew it would be great.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 2hrs 38mins
Narrators: Sean Masters and Mackenzie Cartwright - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Third Person
Series or Standalone: Part Of The Sterling Family Series
Tropes or Themes: Fake Dating, Grumpy Sunshine, Holiday Read, Christmas, Novella, Chemistry, Bullying, Alcohol and Sexual Content
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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I loved this short little Christmas novella. It had the perfect amount of storyline with just the right touch of chemistry between the two main characters. If you’re looking for something festive or need a quick read to help hit your yearly goal, I definitely recommend this!
Lastly, I really enjoyed the audiobook. I love Sean and Mackenzie’s work, so I knew it would be great.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 2hrs 38mins
Narrators: Sean Masters and Mackenzie Cartwright - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Third Person
Series or Standalone: Part Of The Sterling Family Series
Tropes or Themes: Fake Dating, Grumpy Sunshine, Holiday Read, Christmas, Novella, Chemistry, Bullying, Alcohol and Sexual Content
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
December 14, 2025
Leo & Cami are a fast and fun romance. Cami brings Leo around to the love of the holidays with all her festive cheer. I loved Leo stood up for her well never making her feel less than. He was her support and devoted admirer. There’s is a sweet and tender story of a man who fell long before their first date. I love how despite their money, the characters in this series are all down to earth and appreciate those who may not have the same wealth, understanding the value of the person over the status. A great holiday novella.
Mackenzie Cartwright is such a fun and fresh voice to listen to. She did a great job with Cami, embracing all her festivity and nuance. Sean Masters is at once a voice I am drawn to. As Leo he carried off his status but truly shone when Leo became all about the holiday cheer. The lighthearted tones were both sweet and sexy. A great vocal duo to bring all the feels to this story.
Mackenzie Cartwright is such a fun and fresh voice to listen to. She did a great job with Cami, embracing all her festivity and nuance. Sean Masters is at once a voice I am drawn to. As Leo he carried off his status but truly shone when Leo became all about the holiday cheer. The lighthearted tones were both sweet and sexy. A great vocal duo to bring all the feels to this story.
December 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
Just One More Date is a super quick novella with fake dating and some slight holiday vibes.
Leo Watson needs a fake date for his office Christmas party to show his client he is in a serious relationship and not just a playboy. He asks the cute barista he has been flirting with to be his fake girlfriend. Cammie was bummed because she has had a crush on him for a while and she thought he was finally asking her out. She agrees if he helps her get an interview with his sister's PR company.
Leo has been obsessed with work, but he starts to realize there is so much more important things as he starts spending more time with Camille. They had great chemistry and feelings come into play pretty quickly.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Dual narration by Sean Masters and Mackenzie Cartwright
Sean Masters and Mackenzie Cartwright did an amazing job with their narration. This was a quick audiobook that listened to in one sitting.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.
🌶️🌶️.5
Just One More Date is a super quick novella with fake dating and some slight holiday vibes.
Leo Watson needs a fake date for his office Christmas party to show his client he is in a serious relationship and not just a playboy. He asks the cute barista he has been flirting with to be his fake girlfriend. Cammie was bummed because she has had a crush on him for a while and she thought he was finally asking her out. She agrees if he helps her get an interview with his sister's PR company.
Leo has been obsessed with work, but he starts to realize there is so much more important things as he starts spending more time with Camille. They had great chemistry and feelings come into play pretty quickly.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Dual narration by Sean Masters and Mackenzie Cartwright
Sean Masters and Mackenzie Cartwright did an amazing job with their narration. This was a quick audiobook that listened to in one sitting.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.
December 1, 2025
3.75⭐️
This was so cute & christmasy!! Set in New York *swoon* it’s the perfect holiday vibe. In this novella, we get fake dating between a barista & her hot, rich, playboy or a customer. Leo is looking for a fake girlfriend to take to his business Christmas party & cammie’s dream is to be a graphic designer for a company who Leo’s sister just happens to be a part of! But as the two spend more time together, feelings start to grow and lines begin to blur between what is fake and real.
I enjoyed listening to this story 😌🎄🎅🌲 thanks must love audio!!
The vibes:
🎁 Fake romance
🎁 holiday romance
🎁 grumpy sunshine
🎁 she's out of his league
This was so cute & christmasy!! Set in New York *swoon* it’s the perfect holiday vibe. In this novella, we get fake dating between a barista & her hot, rich, playboy or a customer. Leo is looking for a fake girlfriend to take to his business Christmas party & cammie’s dream is to be a graphic designer for a company who Leo’s sister just happens to be a part of! But as the two spend more time together, feelings start to grow and lines begin to blur between what is fake and real.
I enjoyed listening to this story 😌🎄🎅🌲 thanks must love audio!!
The vibes:
🎁 Fake romance
🎁 holiday romance
🎁 grumpy sunshine
🎁 she's out of his league
November 25, 2025
Just One More Date is a fun, flirty, and feel-good romance that hits all the right notes. The chemistry is instant, the banter is addictive, and the second-chance spark keeps the pages flying. Carly Phillips delivers exactly what you want in a swoony escape—heart, heat, and characters you can’t help rooting for. If you love quick, charming reads with plenty of emotion tucked between the laughs, this one is a total win.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2025
Amazon / Apple / B&N / Google / Kobo
Leo needs a date to appease a client, but none of his usual go to's are willing to go to the party with him during the holiday season. Who should he ask now? Maybe the adorable barista at his favorite coffeeshop that serves his favorite peppermint mocha. Cammie is very different than the usual women he hangs out with, but that's probably why he's so attracted to her. But there are rules for this fake date - no feelings involved, just her giving his client the idea that he's a family man, involved in a long term relationship with a wonderful woman. But spending time getting to know her so they can get their story together is actually leading to feelings that he never expected but isn't exactly upset about.
Cammie is determined to get her grumpy coffee patron to get into the magic of the holiday season now that they're going on a fake date. Even though it's a fake date, she still likes Leo and wants him to appreciate the beauty and the magic of New York during the holiday season. And just maybe the feelings they're developing will help this fake date turn into a real relationship.
Cammie and her Grinchy Leo are so sweet and spicy as they morph from acquaintances to a fake date to forever in magical holiday fashion. Leo starts off as just another grumpy Grinch, but falling in love with Cammie brought out his hidden compassionate heart that was just waiting for her. Their chemistry is red hot from the very beginning, gaining in intensity with each interaction, a strong background for their even stronger emotional connection. My holiday reading streak is going strong with Cammie and Leo making me smile as they fall in love this Christmas.
ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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November 21, 2025
Just One More Date is book 7 in The Sterling Family series. It is a holiday novella that follows Charlie Sterling's best friend, Leo, as he navigates fake dating a woman in order to further his career.
Leo was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He and his sister, Jenny, never wanted for anything. Both are very successful business people and workaholics. Leo is not in to Christmas. Some might even say he is a grinch. Has he always been this way?
Cammie lost her dad many years ago when he had a heart attack the day after retiring. He was always a workaholic, but did not always love what he did. Cammie swore she would do what she loved. In her final year of college, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Cammie dropped out of school to take care of her. She would never trade the time she had with her mother for a degree, but she is finding it hard to obtain a full time job in graphic design because she does not have one.
When Leo's boss strongly suggests that he bring a date to the Christmas party to show his client he is in a committed relationship, he contacts the women he would normally ask to attend with him. However, since the party is scheduled for Christmas Eve, they are all busy with other plans, leaving him without a date.
When Leo meets Charlie for lunch at the coffee shop by his office, he decides to ask the pretty barista if she would be his date and pretend to be his girlfriend. This is not what Cammie was expecting, but once terms are agreed to, she is on board. But what has she gotten herself in to?
Spending time with Leo is only causing Cammie to fall harder for him. She has had a crush on him since he started coming to the coffee shop. But now she is in love with him. But she cannot let him know how deep her feelings run. This is just a means to an ends and he does not have feelings for her. Or does he?
Leo is indifferent to Christmas. I can't say he hates it. He just does not decorate or partake in any of the festivities. Cammie, on the other hand, loves Christmas. She always has and always will. She decorates for the holiday. She wears holiday accessories. She loves shopping for presents, wrapping them, and enjoying all of the holiday goings on around the city.
Although this is supposed to be one night to impress his client, Leo is drawn to Cammie. There is a chemistry between them. He has never felt this before. But when she overhears his conversation with his sister, she is hurt. So much so that Leo does not know how to fix his own screw up. At this point he does not even care about impressing his client. All he cares about is that Cammie will be alone again on Christmas. Because of him.
When Cammie runs in to Charlie, she learns a lot about Leo from his best friend. Will she trust that what Charlie has told her is the truth? She cannot believe that Leo, Charlie and Jenny stood up for her and boycotted the store that made her feel embarrassed and less than. But the final straw is the gift and note Leo has delivered to her. It will melt your heart.
Leo was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He and his sister, Jenny, never wanted for anything. Both are very successful business people and workaholics. Leo is not in to Christmas. Some might even say he is a grinch. Has he always been this way?
Cammie lost her dad many years ago when he had a heart attack the day after retiring. He was always a workaholic, but did not always love what he did. Cammie swore she would do what she loved. In her final year of college, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Cammie dropped out of school to take care of her. She would never trade the time she had with her mother for a degree, but she is finding it hard to obtain a full time job in graphic design because she does not have one.
When Leo's boss strongly suggests that he bring a date to the Christmas party to show his client he is in a committed relationship, he contacts the women he would normally ask to attend with him. However, since the party is scheduled for Christmas Eve, they are all busy with other plans, leaving him without a date.
When Leo meets Charlie for lunch at the coffee shop by his office, he decides to ask the pretty barista if she would be his date and pretend to be his girlfriend. This is not what Cammie was expecting, but once terms are agreed to, she is on board. But what has she gotten herself in to?
Spending time with Leo is only causing Cammie to fall harder for him. She has had a crush on him since he started coming to the coffee shop. But now she is in love with him. But she cannot let him know how deep her feelings run. This is just a means to an ends and he does not have feelings for her. Or does he?
Leo is indifferent to Christmas. I can't say he hates it. He just does not decorate or partake in any of the festivities. Cammie, on the other hand, loves Christmas. She always has and always will. She decorates for the holiday. She wears holiday accessories. She loves shopping for presents, wrapping them, and enjoying all of the holiday goings on around the city.
Although this is supposed to be one night to impress his client, Leo is drawn to Cammie. There is a chemistry between them. He has never felt this before. But when she overhears his conversation with his sister, she is hurt. So much so that Leo does not know how to fix his own screw up. At this point he does not even care about impressing his client. All he cares about is that Cammie will be alone again on Christmas. Because of him.
When Cammie runs in to Charlie, she learns a lot about Leo from his best friend. Will she trust that what Charlie has told her is the truth? She cannot believe that Leo, Charlie and Jenny stood up for her and boycotted the store that made her feel embarrassed and less than. But the final straw is the gift and note Leo has delivered to her. It will melt your heart.
November 24, 2025
My favorite part of the holidays coming is all the authors getting into the spirit by sending us short holiday novellas tied to some of our favorite series, and we get one of the best from Carly Phillips this year. I was thrilled to see this story though I didn’t recognize the name of the character that tied to the Sterling series immediately, but we quickly learn the connection as Leo explains himself and we see him interacting with friends and family. Leo Watson, good friend to Charlotte “Charlie” Sterling is in need of a fake girlfriend to impress the bigwigs at his company Christmas party this year and he goes out on a limb and asks the sexy-cute barista at his favorite coffee spot to fill the spot. Camille “Cammie” Hendricks is struggling to make it through the holidays and when Leo offers her a chance interview with his sister’s prestigious PR firm in exchange for being his data at the party she jumps at the chance, especially since she’d have said yes to the date anyway since he’s gorgeous. As they spend time getting to know one another, you know to make the “girlfriend” thing more realistic at the party, Cammie and Leo quickly begin to develop feelings for one another and their relationship becomes less a fake situation and much more of the real thing, but can two such different people find love before Christmas, or will the Grinch win again this year? I loved this story from start to finish; filled with humor, sweetness, loving gestures and the bravery of two people that have both been hurt in the past and are stepping out on a limb in order to find a chance together, Carly takes on a trip through love and healing. Cammie is the perfect Christmas elf, filled with love, determination, hope and happiness, even when she is kicked, let-down, and the darkness seems to be all around her. Leo has always been the kind of guy that lets the holidays happen around him instead of participating, but with Cammie he begins to really see the beauty of the season and experience the love and joy of the holidays in an all-new way. The passion between them was burning from start to finish and even when they were just teasing one another was obviously perfect. I am sad to see this series end, but in the same vein it was such a wonderful journey I can easily see myself returning to this family again and again.
December 2, 2025
Jumping into this series with a holiday novella #7, and I already can't wait to head back to the beginning and read this series in full.
Thanks to Must Love Audio for the ALC - dual narration by Sean Masters and Mackenzie Cartwright, and produced by East House Productions. There are my honest thoughts.
This was a spicy + sweet holiday novella about Leo Watson, a finance bro who needs a serious woman to play the part of his fake girlfriend at his work's holiday party to land a client. When all of his usual hookups are unavailable on Christmas Eve, Leo's mind immediately goes to Cammie, the barista at his favorite coffee shop. They've been flirting and bantering for awhile now, and Leo takes his shot at asking her to be his fake date. Needless to say, Cammie's disappointed because she's had a crush on him forever, and would've loved if he wanted to ask her on a real date. Instead, she gets a fake date to "get to know him," his black credit card to go buy a fancy holiday dress, and some icky feelings about not being worthy enough because of her financial status.
However, as Leo discovers things about Cammie, he likes her even more. Every little nugget of information endears him to her, and when he finds out why she had to drop out of college, where she lives, how much joy she brings to the world (and especially to him), and how she's mistreated, he gets that "burn the world down for you" feeling that he's never experienced before. When fake dating and real attraction collide, Leo discovers that maybe he is ready for something more serious.
Read if you love:
- NYC at the holidays
- Fake dating
- Let's make a deal
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Banter for days
- Alpha male
- Billionaire x Barista
- "Who stole your smile?"
The audiobook was done SO WELL. I loved Sean Masters as Leo... he was the perfect grumpy alpha billionaire with a soft spot for Cammie. Mackenzie Cartwright was JUST RIGHT as Cammie, bringing her holiday joy and the happy spirit to life. This is a quick listen, with a run time of about 2 hours and 40 minutes. It went so fast and the pacing was immaculate. Perfect to listen to while you wrap presents and drink cocoa!
Thanks to Must Love Audio for the ALC - dual narration by Sean Masters and Mackenzie Cartwright, and produced by East House Productions. There are my honest thoughts.
This was a spicy + sweet holiday novella about Leo Watson, a finance bro who needs a serious woman to play the part of his fake girlfriend at his work's holiday party to land a client. When all of his usual hookups are unavailable on Christmas Eve, Leo's mind immediately goes to Cammie, the barista at his favorite coffee shop. They've been flirting and bantering for awhile now, and Leo takes his shot at asking her to be his fake date. Needless to say, Cammie's disappointed because she's had a crush on him forever, and would've loved if he wanted to ask her on a real date. Instead, she gets a fake date to "get to know him," his black credit card to go buy a fancy holiday dress, and some icky feelings about not being worthy enough because of her financial status.
However, as Leo discovers things about Cammie, he likes her even more. Every little nugget of information endears him to her, and when he finds out why she had to drop out of college, where she lives, how much joy she brings to the world (and especially to him), and how she's mistreated, he gets that "burn the world down for you" feeling that he's never experienced before. When fake dating and real attraction collide, Leo discovers that maybe he is ready for something more serious.
Read if you love:
- NYC at the holidays
- Fake dating
- Let's make a deal
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Banter for days
- Alpha male
- Billionaire x Barista
- "Who stole your smile?"
The audiobook was done SO WELL. I loved Sean Masters as Leo... he was the perfect grumpy alpha billionaire with a soft spot for Cammie. Mackenzie Cartwright was JUST RIGHT as Cammie, bringing her holiday joy and the happy spirit to life. This is a quick listen, with a run time of about 2 hours and 40 minutes. It went so fast and the pacing was immaculate. Perfect to listen to while you wrap presents and drink cocoa!
November 16, 2025
JUST ONE MORE DATE is the seventh instalment in Carly Phillips contemporary, adult STERLING FAMILY romance series, interconnected with the author’s DARE, KINGSTON and STERLING worlds. This is financial analyst Leo Watson, and barista Camille ‘Cammie’ Reed story line. JUST ONE MORE DATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Leo is friends with Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Kendall JUST ONE MORE AFFAIR #5.
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Leo and Camille) JUST ONE MORE DATE focuses on Leo Watson’s search for a date for the company’s annual Christmas Eve part, a date to play the part of his ‘temporary’ girlfriend but when his friends turned him down, Leo approaches the beautiful barista who serves his daily peppermint mocha latte, a woman with whom Leo will fall in love. As Leo and Cammie begins to dance around one another, not one but two betrayals begin to push Cammie out of his life.
The world building covers but a few days in the life of our story line couple as Cammie and Leo get to know one another but Cammie is not part of the world in which Leo was raised, and in this, or heroine finds herself on the outside looking in, feeling like she doesn’t belong.
The relationship between Cammie and Leo begins with an offer of a fake relationship; a one night party that will quickly turn into something more. As Cammie struggles to fit in, Leo is determined to claim our heroine as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Leo’s best Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Kendall, and his sister Jenny Watson.
JUST ONE MORE DATE is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and energetic.
copy supplied for review
Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Leo and Camille) JUST ONE MORE DATE focuses on Leo Watson’s search for a date for the company’s annual Christmas Eve part, a date to play the part of his ‘temporary’ girlfriend but when his friends turned him down, Leo approaches the beautiful barista who serves his daily peppermint mocha latte, a woman with whom Leo will fall in love. As Leo and Cammie begins to dance around one another, not one but two betrayals begin to push Cammie out of his life.
The world building covers but a few days in the life of our story line couple as Cammie and Leo get to know one another but Cammie is not part of the world in which Leo was raised, and in this, or heroine finds herself on the outside looking in, feeling like she doesn’t belong.
The relationship between Cammie and Leo begins with an offer of a fake relationship; a one night party that will quickly turn into something more. As Cammie struggles to fit in, Leo is determined to claim our heroine as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to Leo’s best Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Kendall, and his sister Jenny Watson.
JUST ONE MORE DATE is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is entertaining and captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and energetic.
copy supplied for review
November 10, 2025
*An advance reader copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.*
Leo Watson needs to find a woman who will pretend to be in a serious relationship with him to take to his company’s holiday party to butter up to a potential new client. The problem is that he only dates casually and being that the party is on Christmas Eve, all his “dates” have family plans they won’t break for him. It strikes him while ordering his peppermint mocha at the coffee shop that he frequents that the flirtatious barista may do the trick. It turns out she will, for a price.
Camille “Cammie” Hendricks had to drop out of college to care for her dying mother and wasn’t able to finish her degree. She’s been pouring coffee while she figures out how to get a job as a graphic artist. Leo’s sister runs one of the best firms in the City, which is on the top of Cammie’s wish list of places to work, and Cammie will pretend for Leo if he’ll get her an interview with his sister. It’s also a plus that Cammie’s had a crush on Leo for months.
As they start spending time together to get to know one another, feelings start to be mutual, which is new for Leo. There’s even a great “Pretty Woman” moment that made me smile. Of course, as things are looking up for both Leo and Cammie, Cammie overhears a phone conversation between Leo and his sister that she shouldn’t have. Leo worst fear is that Cammie isn’t going to show up at the party. But even worse than that, is that he won’t be able to explain. Will Cammie do what was agreed upon and come to the party? Or will Leo have to find another coffee shop to get his peppermint mocha fix, even though he always went to the same one because Cammie was there.
Carly Phillips knows how to give her readers a good time. I wish this was longer than a novella, but nevertheless it was a fun, festive holiday story.
Leo Watson needs to find a woman who will pretend to be in a serious relationship with him to take to his company’s holiday party to butter up to a potential new client. The problem is that he only dates casually and being that the party is on Christmas Eve, all his “dates” have family plans they won’t break for him. It strikes him while ordering his peppermint mocha at the coffee shop that he frequents that the flirtatious barista may do the trick. It turns out she will, for a price.
Camille “Cammie” Hendricks had to drop out of college to care for her dying mother and wasn’t able to finish her degree. She’s been pouring coffee while she figures out how to get a job as a graphic artist. Leo’s sister runs one of the best firms in the City, which is on the top of Cammie’s wish list of places to work, and Cammie will pretend for Leo if he’ll get her an interview with his sister. It’s also a plus that Cammie’s had a crush on Leo for months.
As they start spending time together to get to know one another, feelings start to be mutual, which is new for Leo. There’s even a great “Pretty Woman” moment that made me smile. Of course, as things are looking up for both Leo and Cammie, Cammie overhears a phone conversation between Leo and his sister that she shouldn’t have. Leo worst fear is that Cammie isn’t going to show up at the party. But even worse than that, is that he won’t be able to explain. Will Cammie do what was agreed upon and come to the party? Or will Leo have to find another coffee shop to get his peppermint mocha fix, even though he always went to the same one because Cammie was there.
Carly Phillips knows how to give her readers a good time. I wish this was longer than a novella, but nevertheless it was a fun, festive holiday story.
November 19, 2025
Just One More Date by Carly Phillips, a holiday novella that is book six in the Sterling Family series, is an enjoyable, heartwarming, fake dating holiday story. Leo Watson is a workaholic successful financial analyst who needs to impress a potential new client at his company’s holiday party. This client is a big family values guy and looking for a family man to work with. His boss tells Leo he needs a fake girlfriend to attend the party in order to sway the client. Leo has little time to date and any of the women he’s previously been involved with all have family plans on Christmas Eve and refuse to break them for him. While ordering his favorite seasonal drink at the coffee shop he often goes to that maybe the flirtation barista could fit the bill. Only problem, this smart gal has her own goals and will pretend for a price.
Camille “Cammie” Hendricks was on the fast track at NYU to become a graphic designer. When her mother became seriously ill, she dropped out in order to take care of her; unable to complete her degree. While pouring coffee, Cammie dreams of finding a job as a graphic artist. When she learns that Leo’s sister runs the firm Cammie has dreamt of working at, she tells Leo she will pretend to be Leo’s girlfriend if he can get her an interview with his sister.
As they spend time together getting to know one another, they find that they really enjoy each other's company. Soon the lines blur between fake relationship and real feelings. Cammie's shopping trip to find a dress was the worst shopping experience a person can have. Upon hearing about it, Leo pulls out the stops for some revenge involving his sister and his best friend Charlie. Overhearing a phone conversation between Leo and his sister that she shouldn’t have also stresses Cammie out, causing her to ask for some space. This is enjoyable story set at Christmas time in New York, filled with some holiday magic; turning a Grinch into a believer.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#JustOneMoreDate #CarlyPhillips #SterlingFamily
Camille “Cammie” Hendricks was on the fast track at NYU to become a graphic designer. When her mother became seriously ill, she dropped out in order to take care of her; unable to complete her degree. While pouring coffee, Cammie dreams of finding a job as a graphic artist. When she learns that Leo’s sister runs the firm Cammie has dreamt of working at, she tells Leo she will pretend to be Leo’s girlfriend if he can get her an interview with his sister.
As they spend time together getting to know one another, they find that they really enjoy each other's company. Soon the lines blur between fake relationship and real feelings. Cammie's shopping trip to find a dress was the worst shopping experience a person can have. Upon hearing about it, Leo pulls out the stops for some revenge involving his sister and his best friend Charlie. Overhearing a phone conversation between Leo and his sister that she shouldn’t have also stresses Cammie out, causing her to ask for some space. This is enjoyable story set at Christmas time in New York, filled with some holiday magic; turning a Grinch into a believer.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#JustOneMoreDate #CarlyPhillips #SterlingFamily
November 8, 2025
A sweet and sexy holiday story about a side character from earlier in the series!
Leo Watson (best friend of a heroine from an earlier book) needs a fake girlfriend ASAP. He has an important client to schmooze at his work's Christmas Eve party, and he needs to appear to not be the casual playboy that he in fact, is.
Camille Hendricks is a barista at Leo's favorite coffee shop, but she has dreams of a different career path, in graphic design. Due to a personal tragedy, she didn't complete her degree, so she can't get hired in her field. She's always been attracted to Leo, so when he asks to speak with her, she's hoping he's about to ask her on a date...
Cammie doesn't want to agree to be Leo's fake girlfriend, as she worries she'll end up even more into him, and be left brokenhearted. But, when she finds out his sister is the person she's dreamed of working for, she agrees to a quid pro quo: an interview with his sister, in exchange for filling in as his date. But, as best laid plans can go, everything goes awry when they both start having big feelings, as they get to know each other better in prep for the party.
This was a delightful little holiday morsel, while still retaining the ability to deliver real feelings to the reader. I really enjoyed myself!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
Leo Watson (best friend of a heroine from an earlier book) needs a fake girlfriend ASAP. He has an important client to schmooze at his work's Christmas Eve party, and he needs to appear to not be the casual playboy that he in fact, is.
Camille Hendricks is a barista at Leo's favorite coffee shop, but she has dreams of a different career path, in graphic design. Due to a personal tragedy, she didn't complete her degree, so she can't get hired in her field. She's always been attracted to Leo, so when he asks to speak with her, she's hoping he's about to ask her on a date...
Cammie doesn't want to agree to be Leo's fake girlfriend, as she worries she'll end up even more into him, and be left brokenhearted. But, when she finds out his sister is the person she's dreamed of working for, she agrees to a quid pro quo: an interview with his sister, in exchange for filling in as his date. But, as best laid plans can go, everything goes awry when they both start having big feelings, as they get to know each other better in prep for the party.
This was a delightful little holiday morsel, while still retaining the ability to deliver real feelings to the reader. I really enjoyed myself!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
November 16, 2025
Christmas with Leo & Cammie
If you love Hallmark Christmas movies then you are going to adore Carly Phillips' JUST ONE MORE DATE, which was fun, sweet and thoroughly enjoyable.
Leo Watson is in need of a girlfriend, he needs to appear to be in a committed relationship to impress a potential client. Who can he take to the complany's Christmas party. A visit to his favourite coffee shop gives him an idea. Camille 'Cammie' Hendricks is a barister at that coffee shop, but she has dreams of working as a graphic designer, but they were shattered when a family illness put a stop on her gaining her degree. Cammie has a huge crush on Leo, so when he approaches her with a request, one which she agrees to with her own condition ... he gets her an interview with his sister who owns one of the best design firms in the city.
I adored Cammie and Leo. Already friends, I enjoyed seeing their firndship deepen with the more time they spent together. Feelings weren't part of the agrement though, and as they grow the certainty of a broken heart is not far away. I loved that Cammie was able to get Leo the Grinch to actually enjoy Christmas, she was the sunshine to his grumpy. Naturally their relationship has a few hiccups, Cammie's shopping trip and when she overhears a phone conversation between Leo and his sister. Will Christmas and love win out?
JUST ONE MORE DATE was a wonderful Christmas read, with relatable characters and plenty of fun, steam, and romance. Carly Phillips never disappoints.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
If you love Hallmark Christmas movies then you are going to adore Carly Phillips' JUST ONE MORE DATE, which was fun, sweet and thoroughly enjoyable.
Leo Watson is in need of a girlfriend, he needs to appear to be in a committed relationship to impress a potential client. Who can he take to the complany's Christmas party. A visit to his favourite coffee shop gives him an idea. Camille 'Cammie' Hendricks is a barister at that coffee shop, but she has dreams of working as a graphic designer, but they were shattered when a family illness put a stop on her gaining her degree. Cammie has a huge crush on Leo, so when he approaches her with a request, one which she agrees to with her own condition ... he gets her an interview with his sister who owns one of the best design firms in the city.
I adored Cammie and Leo. Already friends, I enjoyed seeing their firndship deepen with the more time they spent together. Feelings weren't part of the agrement though, and as they grow the certainty of a broken heart is not far away. I loved that Cammie was able to get Leo the Grinch to actually enjoy Christmas, she was the sunshine to his grumpy. Naturally their relationship has a few hiccups, Cammie's shopping trip and when she overhears a phone conversation between Leo and his sister. Will Christmas and love win out?
JUST ONE MORE DATE was a wonderful Christmas read, with relatable characters and plenty of fun, steam, and romance. Carly Phillips never disappoints.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
November 18, 2025
Leo Watson needs a pretend girlfriend to accompany him to a work Christmas party. A huge client will be there that Leo wants to work with but the man believes in strong family values, not the playboy lifestyle that Leo is used to. When all of Leo's usual woman decline, Leo gets the idea to ask the cute barista who he visits every day.
Camille "Cammie" Hendricks, 24 yr old may be working serving coffee but she would love to get a job in PR. She was so close in finishing her degree but because of other circumstances she had to drop out. If only she could get that big break. When her drop dead gorgeous customer asks to speak to her, she thinks he is going to finally ask her out. When she finds out that he wants her to act as his pretend girlfriend for a party she is a little disappointed until she founds out that Leo is siblings with Jenny Watson, owner of a huge PR firm that she would love to interview for. Cammie will be Leo's girlfriend in exchange for an interview with his sister.
Of course the more time Cammie and Leo spend together, they quickly find out that is explosive chemistry between the two of them. Everything is going extremely well until old haunts start to invade Cammie's head. It will take a little reassurance for Cammie to realize that what she has found with Leo is actually real and that she may have finally found her happy ever after.
I just adored this fake girlfriend love story. Leo and Cammie were just wonderful together and had such great chemistry that you were all too happy rooting for them to get together. In the end they both found something that neither of them was even looking for.
Camille "Cammie" Hendricks, 24 yr old may be working serving coffee but she would love to get a job in PR. She was so close in finishing her degree but because of other circumstances she had to drop out. If only she could get that big break. When her drop dead gorgeous customer asks to speak to her, she thinks he is going to finally ask her out. When she finds out that he wants her to act as his pretend girlfriend for a party she is a little disappointed until she founds out that Leo is siblings with Jenny Watson, owner of a huge PR firm that she would love to interview for. Cammie will be Leo's girlfriend in exchange for an interview with his sister.
Of course the more time Cammie and Leo spend together, they quickly find out that is explosive chemistry between the two of them. Everything is going extremely well until old haunts start to invade Cammie's head. It will take a little reassurance for Cammie to realize that what she has found with Leo is actually real and that she may have finally found her happy ever after.
I just adored this fake girlfriend love story. Leo and Cammie were just wonderful together and had such great chemistry that you were all too happy rooting for them to get together. In the end they both found something that neither of them was even looking for.
November 19, 2025
Just One More Date is book seven in The Sterling Family series and is the story of Leo and Cammie. This is a strangers to lovers, fake dating romance.
Leo needs a date to his company Christmas party to impress a client who values family values but Leo has buried himself in work since his last breakup and all his usual hookups aren't available. While contemplating his options, he sees his favorite barista and wonders if she would be his fake girlfriend for his company party.
Cammie has been working at a local coffee shop after dropping out of school for graphic design to help care for her mom. Day after day a gorgeous customer comes into the coffee shop and her crush on him grows until one day he asks her about remembering his order. Something changes between them in that exchange and Leo decides to ask Cammie to be his fake girlfriend. With an offer Cammie can't refuse, she agrees but is cautious to guard her heart against Leo as her fear of feeling more for him than he does for her, scares her.
This was such a sweet and sexy story with lots of swoon worthy moments between Leo and Cammie. There was a little spice and what was there was perfect but there was also a connection that Leo nor Cammie could deny. While the story is short, it packed a lot of emotional punch, sweet moments of sharing the holiday spirit and had Leo realizing that he was missing out on the best parts of living by hiding behind work.
This is the perfect little Christmas novella with fun characters, great friends, spice and emotional and sweet moments. I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving an honest review as a show of my appreciation.
Leo needs a date to his company Christmas party to impress a client who values family values but Leo has buried himself in work since his last breakup and all his usual hookups aren't available. While contemplating his options, he sees his favorite barista and wonders if she would be his fake girlfriend for his company party.
Cammie has been working at a local coffee shop after dropping out of school for graphic design to help care for her mom. Day after day a gorgeous customer comes into the coffee shop and her crush on him grows until one day he asks her about remembering his order. Something changes between them in that exchange and Leo decides to ask Cammie to be his fake girlfriend. With an offer Cammie can't refuse, she agrees but is cautious to guard her heart against Leo as her fear of feeling more for him than he does for her, scares her.
This was such a sweet and sexy story with lots of swoon worthy moments between Leo and Cammie. There was a little spice and what was there was perfect but there was also a connection that Leo nor Cammie could deny. While the story is short, it packed a lot of emotional punch, sweet moments of sharing the holiday spirit and had Leo realizing that he was missing out on the best parts of living by hiding behind work.
This is the perfect little Christmas novella with fun characters, great friends, spice and emotional and sweet moments. I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving an honest review as a show of my appreciation.
November 24, 2025
Cammie and Leo met when he became a regular at the coffee shop where she works. They both come from different sides of the tracks. She was the daughter of a single mom without a lot of money and he came from a family with lots of “old” money. Every time he came in she would dream of him asking her out, he thought she was beautiful. Then one day he comes in and asks her to do something neither ever thought would happen. Pretend to be his girlfriend at a work gala in order for him to get the client. Her one stipulation, land an interview with his sister’s PR firm.
As they go on their “first” date they have an instant connection and he wants to do everything for her. He gives her his credit card to buy what she needs, and she is blown away by that. When she has a bad experience at the boutique, he makes sure he sets the owner straight, because as he puts it no one treats the people close to him like that.
When she over hears him talking to his sister, she gets upset and leaves. He doesn’t like what happened and feels horrible. When Cammie runs into his best friend Charlie she finds learns just what he did at the boutique because he cares so much for her. He then proves it over when he she comes to the gala and they leave together. She finds out that he really did listen when she talked about her past and made cinnamon rolls like her mom use to so he could bring them to her on Christmas morning.
This was a cute, spicy holiday novella. While they are perfect together, and their story is perfect I wish we got more! I wouldn’t change anything on how they met, the events that happened and who doesn’t love a holiday romance!
As they go on their “first” date they have an instant connection and he wants to do everything for her. He gives her his credit card to buy what she needs, and she is blown away by that. When she has a bad experience at the boutique, he makes sure he sets the owner straight, because as he puts it no one treats the people close to him like that.
When she over hears him talking to his sister, she gets upset and leaves. He doesn’t like what happened and feels horrible. When Cammie runs into his best friend Charlie she finds learns just what he did at the boutique because he cares so much for her. He then proves it over when he she comes to the gala and they leave together. She finds out that he really did listen when she talked about her past and made cinnamon rolls like her mom use to so he could bring them to her on Christmas morning.
This was a cute, spicy holiday novella. While they are perfect together, and their story is perfect I wish we got more! I wouldn’t change anything on how they met, the events that happened and who doesn’t love a holiday romance!
November 24, 2025
Leo is an important businessman that needs a serious girlfriend for an upcoming business Christmas party. The problem is he doesn’t have a serious girlfriend; he doesn’t even have a non-serious girlfriend. For Leo to get the business of the new client Leo has to find someone to be his “fake girlfriend”.
Cammie is a barista at the local coffee shop. She is a beautiful, down to earth, friendly woman. A woman that is secretly hugely attracted to Leo. When Leo comes into the coffee shop one morning trying to figure out where to get a fake girlfriend he considers Cammie for the job. When he sits down with Cammie to lay out the details of the plan, she at first denies, that is until he’s willing to trade her, her company for the night of the Christmas party for an interview at his sister’s PR firm which so happens to be Cammie’s dream job.
But what happens when Leo and Cammie must spend time together before the Christmas party to get to know each other to make the relationship seem real? Will they be able to get along? Will they be able to not fall in love considering Leo is a workaholic that isn’t looking for any kind of relationship?
What happens if Leo can’t get Cammie an interview at his sister’s company? Will Cammie be able to forgive him or think it was all a set up and think he lied and never intended to get her an interview?
I enjoyed this story. HEA and a good read. I recommend this read.
Cammie is a barista at the local coffee shop. She is a beautiful, down to earth, friendly woman. A woman that is secretly hugely attracted to Leo. When Leo comes into the coffee shop one morning trying to figure out where to get a fake girlfriend he considers Cammie for the job. When he sits down with Cammie to lay out the details of the plan, she at first denies, that is until he’s willing to trade her, her company for the night of the Christmas party for an interview at his sister’s PR firm which so happens to be Cammie’s dream job.
But what happens when Leo and Cammie must spend time together before the Christmas party to get to know each other to make the relationship seem real? Will they be able to get along? Will they be able to not fall in love considering Leo is a workaholic that isn’t looking for any kind of relationship?
What happens if Leo can’t get Cammie an interview at his sister’s company? Will Cammie be able to forgive him or think it was all a set up and think he lied and never intended to get her an interview?
I enjoyed this story. HEA and a good read. I recommend this read.
November 11, 2025
Just One More Date: A Sterling Family Holiday Novella is a fun short story set at Christmas time to the following Christmas time and is book seven in The Sterling Family Series. It can be read as a standalone book. It has few references to the previous characters.
Cammie was on the fast track at NYU to becoming a graphic designer when she had to drop out to care for her dying mother. Now she is working as a barista in the local coffee shop where Leo stops most days.
Leo a successful financial analyst. The client he is trying to win over at the work Christmas party, to secure his promotion, is a big family values guy. Leo is a "girlfriend for the night" kind of guy, when it is handy with his workaholic life. He needs a date to pretend to be his serious relationship girlfriend. His usual black book list of ladies have plans for Christmas eve. Leo takes a chance asking his barista as his "date" and in return Cammie wants an interview with his sister who owns a PR firm.
They meet a few times to get to know each other and make it easier to seem like a long-term couple. During that time, they both really enjoy each other's company. Soon the lines blur between fake relationship and real feelings. Can they sort things out before someone gets hurt along the way? Enjoy this short story set at Christmas time in New York of Cammie and Leo as they slowly fall for each other.
Cammie was on the fast track at NYU to becoming a graphic designer when she had to drop out to care for her dying mother. Now she is working as a barista in the local coffee shop where Leo stops most days.
Leo a successful financial analyst. The client he is trying to win over at the work Christmas party, to secure his promotion, is a big family values guy. Leo is a "girlfriend for the night" kind of guy, when it is handy with his workaholic life. He needs a date to pretend to be his serious relationship girlfriend. His usual black book list of ladies have plans for Christmas eve. Leo takes a chance asking his barista as his "date" and in return Cammie wants an interview with his sister who owns a PR firm.
They meet a few times to get to know each other and make it easier to seem like a long-term couple. During that time, they both really enjoy each other's company. Soon the lines blur between fake relationship and real feelings. Can they sort things out before someone gets hurt along the way? Enjoy this short story set at Christmas time in New York of Cammie and Leo as they slowly fall for each other.
November 11, 2025
Just One More Date is an enjoyable holiday novella.
Leo Watson needs a date for the holiday office Christmas party in order to help him land a big account. The problem is that he is a casual dater and all of the women he would typically bring have plans, which is understandable since the party is on Christmas Eve! He needs to find someone who will be able to go with him, but will also be convincing.
Camille "Cammie" Hendricks is a barista with dreams of working as a graphic artist, but needing to leave school to take care of her ill mother has stalled those dreams. Cammie has noticed Leo every time he comes into the coffee shop to pick up a peppermint mocha.
Leo realizes that Cammie might be the solution to his problem and so he asks her to attend the party with him and in exchange, he will get her an interview with his sister since she runs a graphic design firm. As the two spend more time together, it becomes obvious that while it might have started as just a crush on Cammie's part, the feelings are mutual. Will these two be able to make something work between them or will it end after the Christmas party?
This was a quick and enjoyable read. One I'd recommend picking up!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Leo Watson needs a date for the holiday office Christmas party in order to help him land a big account. The problem is that he is a casual dater and all of the women he would typically bring have plans, which is understandable since the party is on Christmas Eve! He needs to find someone who will be able to go with him, but will also be convincing.
Camille "Cammie" Hendricks is a barista with dreams of working as a graphic artist, but needing to leave school to take care of her ill mother has stalled those dreams. Cammie has noticed Leo every time he comes into the coffee shop to pick up a peppermint mocha.
Leo realizes that Cammie might be the solution to his problem and so he asks her to attend the party with him and in exchange, he will get her an interview with his sister since she runs a graphic design firm. As the two spend more time together, it becomes obvious that while it might have started as just a crush on Cammie's part, the feelings are mutual. Will these two be able to make something work between them or will it end after the Christmas party?
This was a quick and enjoyable read. One I'd recommend picking up!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
November 14, 2025
Our MMC, workaholic, Leo, is hoping to earn a promotion at his firm and knows that securing the new client he's been pursuing could do the trick. His boss points out that the new client highly regards individuals who hold stable family relationships. This tidbit has Leo searching for a date who will act as his long time girlfriend to his firm's upcoming Christmas party that the potential client will be attending. When none of his normal hook-ups are available, he's mulling over his options at his favorite coffee shop wher our FMC, Cammie, works. Her holiday spirit and friendly nature finally catches his attnetion even though he's been stopping by for months. She a little disappointed when she hears his proposal but then agrees when he's offering her a favor in return.
Without expectations beyond getting to know one another in preparation for the roles they'll need to play at the party, Leo and Cammie share a few fun and festive "dates" that turn a bit romantic. A misunderstanding jeopardizes their original plan causing Leo to re-think the life he's been leading.
I really liked this couple and wished it could have been a little longer to encompass a few details that I thought were left unaddressed. Fun and quick read for the holidays though.
Without expectations beyond getting to know one another in preparation for the roles they'll need to play at the party, Leo and Cammie share a few fun and festive "dates" that turn a bit romantic. A misunderstanding jeopardizes their original plan causing Leo to re-think the life he's been leading.
I really liked this couple and wished it could have been a little longer to encompass a few details that I thought were left unaddressed. Fun and quick read for the holidays though.
November 17, 2025
Leo Watson? I mean… come ON. Grumpy, gorgeous, needs-a-fake-wife Leo who has been low-key obsessed with the barista who knows his coffee order better than his own family? Inject it directly into my veins. And Camille —my girl. She’s got goals, she’s got grit, she’s got that sunshine energy that makes Leo unravel in the BEST ways. Their little deal-for-a-date? Yeah, it goes up in flames the second they have to touch.
The Christmas party scenes had me kicking my feet like a teenager. The lingering looks, the “we’re just pretending” tension, the way Leo is one soft exhale away from forgetting the entire concept of fake anything… I could FEEL it. And when those sexy lines get crossed? GOOD. LORD. Carly Phillips does not play fair.
But what got me the most was the HEART. Beneath all that swoon and steam was this sweet, aching fear of losing something real just when they finally find it. Watching them fall—messy, fast, and completely—was everything I wanted and more.
If you want cozy holiday vibes, explosive chemistry, a heroine with backbone, a hero who is down bad and doesn’t even know it, AND a fake-date setup that turns dangerously real… this book delivers in every single way.
Totally unputdownable. Totally adorable.
The Christmas party scenes had me kicking my feet like a teenager. The lingering looks, the “we’re just pretending” tension, the way Leo is one soft exhale away from forgetting the entire concept of fake anything… I could FEEL it. And when those sexy lines get crossed? GOOD. LORD. Carly Phillips does not play fair.
But what got me the most was the HEART. Beneath all that swoon and steam was this sweet, aching fear of losing something real just when they finally find it. Watching them fall—messy, fast, and completely—was everything I wanted and more.
If you want cozy holiday vibes, explosive chemistry, a heroine with backbone, a hero who is down bad and doesn’t even know it, AND a fake-date setup that turns dangerously real… this book delivers in every single way.
Totally unputdownable. Totally adorable.
November 18, 2025
Just One More Date is the seventh story in The Sterling Family series. It is a short holiday novella and is very good.
Leo is in need of a date to his company's Christmas party. He wants someone to play his fake girlfriend in order to impress people. He decides to ask Cammie who works at the coffee shop he frequently goes to. Cammie has had her eye on Leo from when he first started coming into the shop. When he asks her to the party and be his fake girlfriend, he makes her an offer. She has dreams of becoming a graphic artist. She was taking classes when her mother became sick so she had to drop out. Leo assures her he can help and get her an interview with his sister's company.
Leo and Cammie decide to get to know each other so they have a few dates. As they get closer, he sees the person she is. She is bright and bubbly while he is on the grumpy side. Cammie begins to have feelings for him until she overhears a conversation she wasn't meant to hear. What will happen with her and Leo?
I absolutely loved this story. It was so well-written. I loved the chemistry between Leo and Cammie. A fun holiday story. I look forward to the next one.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Leo is in need of a date to his company's Christmas party. He wants someone to play his fake girlfriend in order to impress people. He decides to ask Cammie who works at the coffee shop he frequently goes to. Cammie has had her eye on Leo from when he first started coming into the shop. When he asks her to the party and be his fake girlfriend, he makes her an offer. She has dreams of becoming a graphic artist. She was taking classes when her mother became sick so she had to drop out. Leo assures her he can help and get her an interview with his sister's company.
Leo and Cammie decide to get to know each other so they have a few dates. As they get closer, he sees the person she is. She is bright and bubbly while he is on the grumpy side. Cammie begins to have feelings for him until she overhears a conversation she wasn't meant to hear. What will happen with her and Leo?
I absolutely loved this story. It was so well-written. I loved the chemistry between Leo and Cammie. A fun holiday story. I look forward to the next one.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
December 19, 2025
This novella was short and sweet, but had so much heart, steam, and was filled with holiday magic. When Leo needs a date for his company’s Christmas party, who can pretend to be his fake girlfriend to impress an important client, he quickly discovers all his usual casual hookups are busy. That’s when he gets the great idea to ask the barista he comes to see at his favorite coffee shop. Camille initially thinks it’s a bad idea, until Leo offers to facilitate an interview with his sister at her PR firm. As the days pass approaching the holiday party, sparks fly and these two discover there might be more than just chemistry between them in this fake relationship, grumpy sunshine, holiday romance.
I loved how Leo and Camille accidentally fell for one another while they went on dates to get to know each other before the party. I couldn’t get enough of how Camille is filled with joy as she showed Leo all her favorite things about this time of year and how Leo continually showed Camille how he valued her as a person. I just really enjoyed their short, sweet, and steamy story, which was only made better by the amazing job Sean Masters and Mackenzie Cartwright did performing this novella. I ate this story up in one “sitting,” and couldn’t take my headphones out. I was dying to know how things came together for these two and the ending was just perfect with all the good feels.
I loved how Leo and Camille accidentally fell for one another while they went on dates to get to know each other before the party. I couldn’t get enough of how Camille is filled with joy as she showed Leo all her favorite things about this time of year and how Leo continually showed Camille how he valued her as a person. I just really enjoyed their short, sweet, and steamy story, which was only made better by the amazing job Sean Masters and Mackenzie Cartwright did performing this novella. I ate this story up in one “sitting,” and couldn’t take my headphones out. I was dying to know how things came together for these two and the ending was just perfect with all the good feels.
November 15, 2025
This was short and sweet but it kinda left me wanting more. I'm not sure why I'm not falling head over heals in love with similar characters like Leo and Cammie but the last few books (not just this author) it just feels off somehow. Maybe i'm turning into my Grinch self since Christmas is around the corner and after New year i'll be back to loving it but who knows...
Now back to our MC; I liked Cammie very much. She was feisty and funny. Despite enduring heartbreak, she has not let it get to her or bring her down. When Leo comes with his proposal, she's all for it. I mean who wouldn't want to send time with her crush?
Leo has me conflicted. I know this was a short story but l didn't get the whole i can't live without you feeling a always get while reading Carly Phillips books and he's the main reason this is get a 3.5*. I know he defended her (love the Pretty woman scene) but i needed more from him.
Hopefully i'll be in a better mood in 2026 and the spark will be back from me but today is as said above 3.5* rating.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Now back to our MC; I liked Cammie very much. She was feisty and funny. Despite enduring heartbreak, she has not let it get to her or bring her down. When Leo comes with his proposal, she's all for it. I mean who wouldn't want to send time with her crush?
Leo has me conflicted. I know this was a short story but l didn't get the whole i can't live without you feeling a always get while reading Carly Phillips books and he's the main reason this is get a 3.5*. I know he defended her (love the Pretty woman scene) but i needed more from him.
Hopefully i'll be in a better mood in 2026 and the spark will be back from me but today is as said above 3.5* rating.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
December 15, 2025
Just One More Date by Carly Phillips
This is such a short and sweet Christmas read, perfect for getting you in a festive mood. This is definitely one of those books for readers who want a quick festive read or listen, whether you are in the mood for a Christmas romance or need something to help you get a little closer to your reading goal. The perfect fake dating, holiday romance with a hint of billionaire, as well as a little grumpy/sunshine.
Leo is in desperate need of a fake date for a Christmas party, which might just help him project the image he needs to secure a deal. When finding someone to go with him is slightly harder than he expected, he turns to the barista at his favourite coffee shop. Cammi has had a crush on Leo for a while and is super happy when he finally makes a deal and asks her to be his fake date.
The deal is that she will be his fake date, and in return, he will get her an interview at his sister’s PR company. The problem is, she overhears a conversation between him and his sister about the interview that leaves her with a slightly bitter taste in her mouth.
This is such a short and sweet Christmas read, perfect for getting you in a festive mood. This is definitely one of those books for readers who want a quick festive read or listen, whether you are in the mood for a Christmas romance or need something to help you get a little closer to your reading goal. The perfect fake dating, holiday romance with a hint of billionaire, as well as a little grumpy/sunshine.
Leo is in desperate need of a fake date for a Christmas party, which might just help him project the image he needs to secure a deal. When finding someone to go with him is slightly harder than he expected, he turns to the barista at his favourite coffee shop. Cammi has had a crush on Leo for a while and is super happy when he finally makes a deal and asks her to be his fake date.
The deal is that she will be his fake date, and in return, he will get her an interview at his sister’s PR company. The problem is, she overhears a conversation between him and his sister about the interview that leaves her with a slightly bitter taste in her mouth.
December 17, 2025
Narrated by Sean Masters and Mackenzie Cartwright
Thank you Must Love Audio & Carly Phillips for the ALC
Tropes:
Fake dating
Grumpy Sunshine
Holiday Novella
Billionaire MMC
Barista FMC
3rd person POV
Sean and Mackenzie did a phenomenal job bringing Cammie and Leo to our ears. Leo is a billionaire looking to get a promotion at work and needs to look the part of a committed partner... when his date falls through, he asks his favorite barista Cammie to help in out, in exchange for something she really wants.
Mackenzie expressed all those emotions in Cammie, the hope she feels and then the hurt. Cause there has to be a little drama in our books right?! Sean has that really great voice for a billionaire who isn't looking for love, and it scaring him when he finds it.
Their chemistry was pounding in my ears!!! I loved this story and little girl gang his friend and his sister form with Cammie. They quickly took to her defense when Leo asked for their help.
Cammie is not rich by any means, she had to drop out college and Leo wants to help her get back to her dream.
Without realizing it these two go from fake to real, real quick.
Thank you Must Love Audio & Carly Phillips for the ALC
Tropes:
Fake dating
Grumpy Sunshine
Holiday Novella
Billionaire MMC
Barista FMC
3rd person POV
Sean and Mackenzie did a phenomenal job bringing Cammie and Leo to our ears. Leo is a billionaire looking to get a promotion at work and needs to look the part of a committed partner... when his date falls through, he asks his favorite barista Cammie to help in out, in exchange for something she really wants.
Mackenzie expressed all those emotions in Cammie, the hope she feels and then the hurt. Cause there has to be a little drama in our books right?! Sean has that really great voice for a billionaire who isn't looking for love, and it scaring him when he finds it.
Their chemistry was pounding in my ears!!! I loved this story and little girl gang his friend and his sister form with Cammie. They quickly took to her defense when Leo asked for their help.
Cammie is not rich by any means, she had to drop out college and Leo wants to help her get back to her dream.
Without realizing it these two go from fake to real, real quick.
November 5, 2025
Great short Christmas novella
If you are looking for a nice holiday story, then look no further. We get to see more of Leo Watson, who is friends with Charlie who we met in Just One More Affair. Poor Leo is in dire need of a date for a holiday party and he can’t find anyone to go with him seeing as it’s on Christmas Eve. When Leo walks into his favorite coffee shop, he sees Camille, who works there and always has a smile for him. He finally convinces Cammie to pretend to be his date in exchange for him getting her an interview with his sister’s PR company. Poor Cammie secretly has a crush on Leo and thought he was asking her out for real, but she’s will to date him for that interview. I loved watching Cammie pull Leo out of his “grinch” attitude and turn him onto the holiday spirit. These two had great chemistry and even though he denied it, Leo needed Cammie to help him realize that there’s more to life than work. Not to give anything away, but I totally loved it when Leo went all alpha on behalf of Cammie with a store owner. Think Pretty Woman. I loved it!!!
If you are looking for a nice holiday story, then look no further. We get to see more of Leo Watson, who is friends with Charlie who we met in Just One More Affair. Poor Leo is in dire need of a date for a holiday party and he can’t find anyone to go with him seeing as it’s on Christmas Eve. When Leo walks into his favorite coffee shop, he sees Camille, who works there and always has a smile for him. He finally convinces Cammie to pretend to be his date in exchange for him getting her an interview with his sister’s PR company. Poor Cammie secretly has a crush on Leo and thought he was asking her out for real, but she’s will to date him for that interview. I loved watching Cammie pull Leo out of his “grinch” attitude and turn him onto the holiday spirit. These two had great chemistry and even though he denied it, Leo needed Cammie to help him realize that there’s more to life than work. Not to give anything away, but I totally loved it when Leo went all alpha on behalf of Cammie with a store owner. Think Pretty Woman. I loved it!!!
November 18, 2025
✨Tropes✨
🎄Holiday Romance
🎄Fake Dating
🎄Alpha Billionaire Hero
🎄Billionaire & the Barista
🌶️🌶️ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“You’ve got it bad, girl. Like, doodling Mrs. Peppermint Mocha in your notebook and obsessing over his Instagram posts, kind of bad.”
This was a cute Sterling Family Holiday novella. It can be read as a standalone. Billionaire Leo needs a date to his office Christmas party on Christmas Eve to impress a client but Leo doesn't really date. Since none of his regular hookups are available he takes a chance on the cute barista. Cammie would love to go out with Leo but when he asks her to be his "fake" girlfriend she's wanted to say no. But when Leo mentions that his sister is the woman she's been trying to interview with, she reluctantly accepts. These two have great chemistry from the beginning. It feels like real dating from the start. When things start to get spicy it's really good. The fitting room 🥵. I loved the "Pretty Woman" vibes when Cammie went shopping. It was great to see Charlie's character. I loved the "Christmas in New York" setting.
🎄Holiday Romance
🎄Fake Dating
🎄Alpha Billionaire Hero
🎄Billionaire & the Barista
🌶️🌶️ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“You’ve got it bad, girl. Like, doodling Mrs. Peppermint Mocha in your notebook and obsessing over his Instagram posts, kind of bad.”
This was a cute Sterling Family Holiday novella. It can be read as a standalone. Billionaire Leo needs a date to his office Christmas party on Christmas Eve to impress a client but Leo doesn't really date. Since none of his regular hookups are available he takes a chance on the cute barista. Cammie would love to go out with Leo but when he asks her to be his "fake" girlfriend she's wanted to say no. But when Leo mentions that his sister is the woman she's been trying to interview with, she reluctantly accepts. These two have great chemistry from the beginning. It feels like real dating from the start. When things start to get spicy it's really good. The fitting room 🥵. I loved the "Pretty Woman" vibes when Cammie went shopping. It was great to see Charlie's character. I loved the "Christmas in New York" setting.
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