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Going Viral for Christmas
They’ve been internet enemies for months. Now they’re fake dating for the fans... and just in time for Christmas.
Ava Bell is the reigning queen of sweet romance on ShelfSpace—sharp, self-assured, and not afraid to drag a fantasy author or two when their emotionally vacant warlords mistake violence for vulnerability.
Soren Pembry is the brooding darling of dark fantasy—gruff, magnetic, and the man who once called Ava’s favorite trope “a glitter-coated delusion for the weak-hearted” on a livestream.
Their online feud is legendary, and has captivated readers, sparked heated debates, and turned them into icons of genre warfare.
So when their tension finally boils over during a live author panel, complete with crackling chemistry and barely restrained loathing, the internet goes wild. In the wake of their viral fame, their managers strike a fake date through the holiday promo circuit and turn all that heat into hype.
Ava sees a PR nightmare.
Soren sees the opportunity he’s been waiting for.
Because while she’s spent months calling him insufferable, Soren’s been hiding a he’s completely, inconveniently, into her. And now, he’s got four magical chances to turn pretend into real before the ball drops and their fake romance runs out of time.
Sparkling with wit, heat, and holiday charm, Going Viral for Christmas is a festive enemies-to-lovers romp full of fake dating antics, forced proximity, and a slow-burn that blurs the line between acting and everything Ava’s terrified to feel.
Ava Bell is the reigning queen of sweet romance on ShelfSpace—sharp, self-assured, and not afraid to drag a fantasy author or two when their emotionally vacant warlords mistake violence for vulnerability.
Soren Pembry is the brooding darling of dark fantasy—gruff, magnetic, and the man who once called Ava’s favorite trope “a glitter-coated delusion for the weak-hearted” on a livestream.
Their online feud is legendary, and has captivated readers, sparked heated debates, and turned them into icons of genre warfare.
So when their tension finally boils over during a live author panel, complete with crackling chemistry and barely restrained loathing, the internet goes wild. In the wake of their viral fame, their managers strike a fake date through the holiday promo circuit and turn all that heat into hype.
Ava sees a PR nightmare.
Soren sees the opportunity he’s been waiting for.
Because while she’s spent months calling him insufferable, Soren’s been hiding a he’s completely, inconveniently, into her. And now, he’s got four magical chances to turn pretend into real before the ball drops and their fake romance runs out of time.
Sparkling with wit, heat, and holiday charm, Going Viral for Christmas is a festive enemies-to-lovers romp full of fake dating antics, forced proximity, and a slow-burn that blurs the line between acting and everything Ava’s terrified to feel.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2025
84 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 4, 2025
Ava Bell and Soren Pembey are two writers have become mortal enemies and at a book festival there interactions are so electric that their publicists hatch a plan for them to fake date to increase their following. Soren has developed a secret crush on Ava and his goal is to make her fall in love with him while they are fake dating. Ava has been badly scarred from a previous relationship and is scared to take the leap. Will they end up together this holiday season?
My thoughts:I enjoyed this book. It was full of emotion and I was rooting for them to end up together. I found it really touching especially Soren’s interaction with Ava’s family. This book is spicy for all those whom enjoy a little steam in their romance!
The book is festive and filled with emotion. It was also humorous at times and I always love when authors add an epilogue to tie the story together and see what happens to characters in the future.
This was my first Cedar James read and it won’t be my last!!
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to review.
December 7, 2025
Loved this from start to finish.
Going Viral for Christmas is the first book I’ve read by this author and I ate it up!This is one of those books that’s just flat-out enjoyable. Here I thought I was settling in for a fun holiday story but what I ended up with was something much deeper. Ava and Soren’s rivalry-to-something-more had me grinning and kicking my feet the whole way through. I loved how real their emotions felt, the hesitation, hope, fear, longing all weaved throughout their story perfectly. Their banter was chef’s kiss, the tension and spice was definitely hot and the emotional struggles the characters went through pulled on my heart strings. James had a way of writing that pulled you into their story as if you were right there with them.
This is one that is hard to put down, it will go from making you snort laugh to tearing up to kicking your feet. Definitely one of my favorite holiday reads this year.
Going Viral for Christmas is the first book I’ve read by this author and I ate it up!This is one of those books that’s just flat-out enjoyable. Here I thought I was settling in for a fun holiday story but what I ended up with was something much deeper. Ava and Soren’s rivalry-to-something-more had me grinning and kicking my feet the whole way through. I loved how real their emotions felt, the hesitation, hope, fear, longing all weaved throughout their story perfectly. Their banter was chef’s kiss, the tension and spice was definitely hot and the emotional struggles the characters went through pulled on my heart strings. James had a way of writing that pulled you into their story as if you were right there with them.
This is one that is hard to put down, it will go from making you snort laugh to tearing up to kicking your feet. Definitely one of my favorite holiday reads this year.
November 5, 2025
This is my first Cedar James book and I want to read more!
This story follows Soren and Ava and they do not like each other (or so you think) they are constantly battling it out online between sweet romance and fantasy. But when they are put in front of a live author panel their chemistry cannot be denied, and the readers ate it up! So when their teams decided to make them fake date each other, I knew it was gonna be so good!
This story had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt, had me crying in some parts because not only did Cedar touch so well on the romcom aspect but also the emotional aspect! I truly felt like I was watching the characters come to life on the page!
This was such a good read, and I would highly recommend if you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, romcom, but also has emotional ties in there!
This story follows Soren and Ava and they do not like each other (or so you think) they are constantly battling it out online between sweet romance and fantasy. But when they are put in front of a live author panel their chemistry cannot be denied, and the readers ate it up! So when their teams decided to make them fake date each other, I knew it was gonna be so good!
This story had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt, had me crying in some parts because not only did Cedar touch so well on the romcom aspect but also the emotional aspect! I truly felt like I was watching the characters come to life on the page!
This was such a good read, and I would highly recommend if you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, romcom, but also has emotional ties in there!
November 15, 2025
If you’re looking for a holiday novel filled with witty banter, sarcastic humor, with both heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes, and real, raw, and relatable characters, run, don’t walk to add this to your TBR.
The character development is unsurpassed. You can feel Ava’s struggle. Soren’s longing bleeds off the pages. I love an emotionally intelligent MMC, and Soren delivers in spades. His unwavering faith in Ava, despite her constant running and impenetrable walls, is the stuff legendary book boyfriends are made of.
This is my first Cedar James read, and will certainly not be my last.
The character development is unsurpassed. You can feel Ava’s struggle. Soren’s longing bleeds off the pages. I love an emotionally intelligent MMC, and Soren delivers in spades. His unwavering faith in Ava, despite her constant running and impenetrable walls, is the stuff legendary book boyfriends are made of.
This is my first Cedar James read, and will certainly not be my last.
December 7, 2025
The author Cedar James has done it again. This is such a great love story. Oh, and the spice. It is off the charts in this book as well. If you love banter between the main characters and a wildly, crazy and endearing family, this book is for you. The author by far has created the best book boyfriend ever.
October 30, 2025
5🌟 Our girl has done it again!! So thankful I was able to be one of the ARC readers for this book! Ava and Soren's love story is absolutely beautiful! Their banter, perfection! The spice is 🥵 Cedar I will never be able to eat cinnamon rolls the same again!🤣 Soren is the sweetest, most patient golden retriever book boyfriend and our Ava is so well written for people who have been in toxic relationships who fight to overcome their scars and fears...please read the triggers! Overall this book was so sweet, comforting, a little tear jerking at times but all so worth it! Perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit!❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
Thank you for reading!
From the bottom of my book-loving heart, thank you for spending your time with my story. When you turn the pages, highlight quotes, and take the time to review, it means the world.
I write for the readers who feel deeply, laugh loudly, and believe in love even when it’s messy, and oh so complicated.
If you enjoyed Going Viral for Christmas, I’d love to hear what you thought! Your reviews and ratings help stories like mine find their way into more hands (and hearts).
Here’s to more swoons, banter, and bookish chaos ahead.
—Cedar James
From the bottom of my book-loving heart, thank you for spending your time with my story. When you turn the pages, highlight quotes, and take the time to review, it means the world.
I write for the readers who feel deeply, laugh loudly, and believe in love even when it’s messy, and oh so complicated.
If you enjoyed Going Viral for Christmas, I’d love to hear what you thought! Your reviews and ratings help stories like mine find their way into more hands (and hearts).
Here’s to more swoons, banter, and bookish chaos ahead.
—Cedar James
December 6, 2025
This book absolutely hit every single thing I love: sexy moments, swoony romance, and banter that had me smiling the whole time. LOVED IT!!!
October 27, 2025
Thank you, Cedar James, for trusting me with an ARC of your hard work 🫶 📖
I'm excited you were able to move up the release date so everyone can meet the viral rivals Bell and the Blade sooner 😉
From rivals.. to fake dating.. to... 🤷🏼♀️
Cozy up and grab some coffee in your "oversized mug" because Christmas has come in October 🎄🎁
If you want boxes checked like..
Fake Dating ✔️
Rom-Com ✔️
Holiday Romance ✔️
Golden Retriever ✔️
Banter ✔️
Spice ✔️
This Hallmark meets HBO Rom-Com "Going Viral for Christmas" by @authorcedarjames needs to be added to your shopping cart 🤌 And lucky for you... You can do that today! October 27th, 2025!
I'm excited you were able to move up the release date so everyone can meet the viral rivals Bell and the Blade sooner 😉
From rivals.. to fake dating.. to... 🤷🏼♀️
Cozy up and grab some coffee in your "oversized mug" because Christmas has come in October 🎄🎁
If you want boxes checked like..
Fake Dating ✔️
Rom-Com ✔️
Holiday Romance ✔️
Golden Retriever ✔️
Banter ✔️
Spice ✔️
This Hallmark meets HBO Rom-Com "Going Viral for Christmas" by @authorcedarjames needs to be added to your shopping cart 🤌 And lucky for you... You can do that today! October 27th, 2025!
October 28, 2025
I love a good rom-com. All the banter and spice and everything nice, give me it all. But a rom-com with serious depth? HOOK ME UP!
Two rival authors, fake dating for a boost in sales & numbers, found family, and a connection neither ever expected for themselves outside of the pages they write for others.
This book was so much more than I was expecting. Raw, hilarious, deep. I’m truly in love with all things Soren & Ava. Everything about this book is a true masterpiece!
Soren being vulnerable?
Soren planning date night?
Soren desperate to rewrite his childhood & show only Ava the real him and not his persona?
Soren LISTENING!
S T U N N I N G
Soren is top book boyfriend material and not just because his PR team crafted him that way. His unwavering devotion and heartfelt words put to paper... everything! I cannot get over how he loves her!
Ava being guarded?
Ava desperate to feel something real?
Ava saying the loud things quietly?
B E A U T I F U L L Y real!!
Ava is so fierce and strong. This girl has walls that give Guantánamo a run for its money. I felt her inner turmoil on a deep level. I love her so much!!
I cannot brag on Cedar and her words enough. Her description and the book puns/references, pure gold. Her heart bled through these pages and it’s a story that is going to sit with me for a long time.
The little cameos, perfect! I was completely giddy when they showed up. When interconnected moments appear… I eat those moments up!
If you are looking for a holiday rom-com that is going to settle deep in your heart and not let you go, this is the one!!
Two rival authors, fake dating for a boost in sales & numbers, found family, and a connection neither ever expected for themselves outside of the pages they write for others.
This book was so much more than I was expecting. Raw, hilarious, deep. I’m truly in love with all things Soren & Ava. Everything about this book is a true masterpiece!
Soren being vulnerable?
Soren planning date night?
Soren desperate to rewrite his childhood & show only Ava the real him and not his persona?
Soren LISTENING!
S T U N N I N G
Soren is top book boyfriend material and not just because his PR team crafted him that way. His unwavering devotion and heartfelt words put to paper... everything! I cannot get over how he loves her!
Ava being guarded?
Ava desperate to feel something real?
Ava saying the loud things quietly?
B E A U T I F U L L Y real!!
Ava is so fierce and strong. This girl has walls that give Guantánamo a run for its money. I felt her inner turmoil on a deep level. I love her so much!!
I cannot brag on Cedar and her words enough. Her description and the book puns/references, pure gold. Her heart bled through these pages and it’s a story that is going to sit with me for a long time.
The little cameos, perfect! I was completely giddy when they showed up. When interconnected moments appear… I eat those moments up!
If you are looking for a holiday rom-com that is going to settle deep in your heart and not let you go, this is the one!!
October 27, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
A friend recommended Cedar James' Text Me Later' for its great banter. I read it and agreed. When I heard about Viral for Christmas, I knew I was going to read it. Luckily, I didn't have to wait until its November 4th release date when I received an e-ARC.
Ava Bell is a romance author seeking redemption for a flop. Soren Pembry is a handsome dark fantasy author, secretly down bad for Ava. Their online battle of wits comes to a head at a book convention that results in both PR teams presenting them with the opportunity to collaborate..romantically, of course. Fake dating their way through the holidays. Ava is reluctant but needs help, and Soren is all in with the hopes of winning Ava's heart.
TROPES
Enemies to Lovers
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Secret Letters
Cinnamon Rolls 😘
Okay, tropes aside, Going Viral does touch on some sensitive subjects like parental abandonment, manipulation by a partner (not between FMC & MMC), and self-worth/love. So, please be mindful of these if you find those triggering. Your mental health matters more than your reading goal.
All in all, Cedar offers a hilarious, heartfelt, and spicy story with some of the best side characters I have read since..well, since Text Me Never. I can't wait for the audiobook and look forward to reading more by Cedar.
🌶🌶🌶
A friend recommended Cedar James' Text Me Later' for its great banter. I read it and agreed. When I heard about Viral for Christmas, I knew I was going to read it. Luckily, I didn't have to wait until its November 4th release date when I received an e-ARC.
Ava Bell is a romance author seeking redemption for a flop. Soren Pembry is a handsome dark fantasy author, secretly down bad for Ava. Their online battle of wits comes to a head at a book convention that results in both PR teams presenting them with the opportunity to collaborate..romantically, of course. Fake dating their way through the holidays. Ava is reluctant but needs help, and Soren is all in with the hopes of winning Ava's heart.
TROPES
Enemies to Lovers
Fake Dating
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Secret Letters
Cinnamon Rolls 😘
Okay, tropes aside, Going Viral does touch on some sensitive subjects like parental abandonment, manipulation by a partner (not between FMC & MMC), and self-worth/love. So, please be mindful of these if you find those triggering. Your mental health matters more than your reading goal.
All in all, Cedar offers a hilarious, heartfelt, and spicy story with some of the best side characters I have read since..well, since Text Me Never. I can't wait for the audiobook and look forward to reading more by Cedar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
This book has it all!
•He falls first
•Enemies to lovers
•Fake dating
•Banter
•One bed
•Spice
I like a spicy read but I also want a plot so I tend to prefer a slow burn with some tension. Ha! This was both in the best kind of way and I loved everything about it. It was so much more than I was expecting.
First off, this story takes place during the holiday season but it’s not ABOUT the holidays! There’s no Christmas competition or punny character names … though elves do play a part! 😉
I love books about books and bookish things so a little peek into the lives of the author characters was fun. Both the FMC and the MMC were flawed in the most perfect and realistic way. I love that he fell first and I love that she had some hurt in her past that played into who she was, but didn’t become her storyline. I just feel everything was very well written! The humor was great. The banter was spot on. The spice was genuine. And the plot pulled you right in. 🗡️🧝♀️♥️📖📚🌶️
I have found a new author to add my list. I already ordered another book by Cedar James. I like her writing. It’s not super “fluffy” - more flirty, sarcastic (funny), but still genuine and sweet.
•He falls first
•Enemies to lovers
•Fake dating
•Banter
•One bed
•Spice
I like a spicy read but I also want a plot so I tend to prefer a slow burn with some tension. Ha! This was both in the best kind of way and I loved everything about it. It was so much more than I was expecting.
First off, this story takes place during the holiday season but it’s not ABOUT the holidays! There’s no Christmas competition or punny character names … though elves do play a part! 😉
I love books about books and bookish things so a little peek into the lives of the author characters was fun. Both the FMC and the MMC were flawed in the most perfect and realistic way. I love that he fell first and I love that she had some hurt in her past that played into who she was, but didn’t become her storyline. I just feel everything was very well written! The humor was great. The banter was spot on. The spice was genuine. And the plot pulled you right in. 🗡️🧝♀️♥️📖📚🌶️
I have found a new author to add my list. I already ordered another book by Cedar James. I like her writing. It’s not super “fluffy” - more flirty, sarcastic (funny), but still genuine and sweet.
October 26, 2025
ARC Review: Going Viral for Christmas by Cedar James
First off, I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted so much in my Kindle as I did while reading this book. Going Viral for Christmas is everything you could want in a rom-com — and then some! Cedar James had me laughing out loud one second, swooning the next, and blushing more times than I can count.
There were so many funny moments that genuinely made me giggle, sweet ones that melted my heart, and spicy ones that had me fanning my face. But what really got me? Soren. His yearning. His dedication. The man is a walking, talking holiday heartthrob.
And let’s not forget the cameos! When I saw some familiar names pop up, I literally said “AHHH!” out loud. The interconnectedness of Cedar’s worlds feels like a warm hug — and this book was a perfect mix of cozy, chaotic, and completely addictive holiday magic.
Cedar James knows how to write a rom-com that feels like Christmas morning — full of joy, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief. 🎄✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 — Festive, funny, and full of heart.
First off, I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted so much in my Kindle as I did while reading this book. Going Viral for Christmas is everything you could want in a rom-com — and then some! Cedar James had me laughing out loud one second, swooning the next, and blushing more times than I can count.
There were so many funny moments that genuinely made me giggle, sweet ones that melted my heart, and spicy ones that had me fanning my face. But what really got me? Soren. His yearning. His dedication. The man is a walking, talking holiday heartthrob.
And let’s not forget the cameos! When I saw some familiar names pop up, I literally said “AHHH!” out loud. The interconnectedness of Cedar’s worlds feels like a warm hug — and this book was a perfect mix of cozy, chaotic, and completely addictive holiday magic.
Cedar James knows how to write a rom-com that feels like Christmas morning — full of joy, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief. 🎄✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 — Festive, funny, and full of heart.
November 20, 2025
ARC Review —
This was my first Cedar James book, and I’ll admit I was a little hesitant going in. I’m Jewish and don’t celebrate Christmas, so I wasn’t sure how much I’d connect with the story. I’m so glad I didn’t let that stop me. This book had me laughing, crying, and even wanting to reach for my husband more than once.
The story follows Ava Bell and Soren Pembury, two authors who are viral enemies. They write in completely different genres, and exchange banter back and forth. The banter was Goooood. They are forced to fake date, and it slowly becomes clear that there’s nothing fake about their chemistry. I loved learning about Ava’s struggles with trust and opening her heart after being hurt—it actually reminded me of my husband when we first met. And Soren with his abandonment issues hit home too.
Overall, this was such a fun read: emotional, charming, super spicy, and an absolute good time.
And just so you know… cinnamon rolls are now officially a staple in this household. Wink wink.
This was my first Cedar James book, and I’ll admit I was a little hesitant going in. I’m Jewish and don’t celebrate Christmas, so I wasn’t sure how much I’d connect with the story. I’m so glad I didn’t let that stop me. This book had me laughing, crying, and even wanting to reach for my husband more than once.
The story follows Ava Bell and Soren Pembury, two authors who are viral enemies. They write in completely different genres, and exchange banter back and forth. The banter was Goooood. They are forced to fake date, and it slowly becomes clear that there’s nothing fake about their chemistry. I loved learning about Ava’s struggles with trust and opening her heart after being hurt—it actually reminded me of my husband when we first met. And Soren with his abandonment issues hit home too.
Overall, this was such a fun read: emotional, charming, super spicy, and an absolute good time.
And just so you know… cinnamon rolls are now officially a staple in this household. Wink wink.
October 31, 2025
This isn’t your typical Hallmark holiday novel, it’s real, raw, and packed with emotion that hit me straight in the heart. I felt this story all the way to my core. Ava was such a relatable main character. From her chaotic family to her emotional journey, I saw so much of myself in her.
And Soren? Everyone deserves a Soren. Broody, charming, secretly soft. The way he cared for Ava had me absolutely melting. He’s the kind of character that makes you believe in slow-burn love all over again.
Everything was there: the banter, the plot, the characters, the yearning, the slow burn, the he falls first, the one-bed trope, found family, and forced proximity. Literally everythinggg and it was written so damn well.
Cedar, girl, you have outdone yourself.
I’ll 1000% be buying a physical copy for my personal library.
And let’s just say… I’ll never look at cinnamon rolls the same way again and honestly, I’m not even mad about it 🤣
And Soren? Everyone deserves a Soren. Broody, charming, secretly soft. The way he cared for Ava had me absolutely melting. He’s the kind of character that makes you believe in slow-burn love all over again.
Everything was there: the banter, the plot, the characters, the yearning, the slow burn, the he falls first, the one-bed trope, found family, and forced proximity. Literally everythinggg and it was written so damn well.
Cedar, girl, you have outdone yourself.
I’ll 1000% be buying a physical copy for my personal library.
And let’s just say… I’ll never look at cinnamon rolls the same way again and honestly, I’m not even mad about it 🤣
October 22, 2025
I loved this book from the dedication to the Author notes. The emotions I felt through this book were nonstop.
Soren, a fantasy author. A very popular author who never expected to fall for a rival author.
Ava, a romance author who has had many ups and downs in her life, is trying to turn her life around after a couple of disappointing books. She never expected her life to change during one convention.
All it took was one in-person meeting and a feud panel to bring together two authors who battle it out on social media. Leave it to their publicist to come up with a plan to help both their careers soar. The only thing was that the publicist and managers never thought about what would happen when you put two stubborn authors together in hotel rooms or romantic venues.
Oh, and yes this book gets spicy! I was not expecting it from the Author, but wow!
Soren, a fantasy author. A very popular author who never expected to fall for a rival author.
Ava, a romance author who has had many ups and downs in her life, is trying to turn her life around after a couple of disappointing books. She never expected her life to change during one convention.
All it took was one in-person meeting and a feud panel to bring together two authors who battle it out on social media. Leave it to their publicist to come up with a plan to help both their careers soar. The only thing was that the publicist and managers never thought about what would happen when you put two stubborn authors together in hotel rooms or romantic venues.
Oh, and yes this book gets spicy! I was not expecting it from the Author, but wow!
November 2, 2025
Omg!!! If you love rivals to lovers with the BEST banter, this is the book for you. This book is perfect for anytime of the year not just for the holidays. I absolutely fell in love with Soren and his undying faithfulness and love for Ava. The letter he wrote based on her book was the sweetest and most romantic thing ever!! Once going through horrible things and heartbreak it’s hard to break down those walls to let someone in and Ava had to learn that. And the fact that Soren was patient and listened to her but didn’t give up made him the perfect golden retriever book boyfriend.
This is one of my favorite romcom books to date! Plus who didn’t love a spicy grandma with no boundaries? 🤣
This is one of my favorite romcom books to date! Plus who didn’t love a spicy grandma with no boundaries? 🤣
November 12, 2025
Holiday RomCom with depth. This is such a beautiful love story filled with banter, spice, and so many swoony moments. It made me laugh and feel so deeply for the characters.
Soren easily became one of my favorite golden retriever MMCs. He’s patient, caring, and romantic. And Ava is so relatable to anyone who’s ever been in a toxic relationship and had to face the fear of letting someone love them right. It beautifully captures that journey of healing and learning to trust again.
“Let go, Ava. I’ve got you.”
“It stopped being fake the second Soren felt like home.”
"You’re my story now. And I’m not letting the last page turn without you."
Soren easily became one of my favorite golden retriever MMCs. He’s patient, caring, and romantic. And Ava is so relatable to anyone who’s ever been in a toxic relationship and had to face the fear of letting someone love them right. It beautifully captures that journey of healing and learning to trust again.
“Let go, Ava. I’ve got you.”
“It stopped being fake the second Soren felt like home.”
"You’re my story now. And I’m not letting the last page turn without you."
December 4, 2025
This was so cute! Cedar James has that magical ability to make you laugh on one page and cry on the next — and I’m absolutely here for it. 💖
We’ve got Ava, a romance author, and Soren Pembry (major swoon alert 😍), a fantasy author — and the two are dubbed rivals. The character development? Chef’s kiss. The side characters? Loved them. The pacing? Perfect. Even the little cameo from Text Me Never was such a sweet touch!
Tropes? Fake dating ✔️ He falls first ✔️ And yes…there’s definitely some spice. Let’s just say it involves cinnamon rolls 🤭🔥
It’s not strictly a Christmas read, so you can dive in any time of year — and I definitely recommend you do.
We’ve got Ava, a romance author, and Soren Pembry (major swoon alert 😍), a fantasy author — and the two are dubbed rivals. The character development? Chef’s kiss. The side characters? Loved them. The pacing? Perfect. Even the little cameo from Text Me Never was such a sweet touch!
Tropes? Fake dating ✔️ He falls first ✔️ And yes…there’s definitely some spice. Let’s just say it involves cinnamon rolls 🤭🔥
It’s not strictly a Christmas read, so you can dive in any time of year — and I definitely recommend you do.
November 9, 2025
INFINITY STARS. MORE THAN THAT. this is one of the best rom coms ive read. hope you have room at your table meghan quinn cause cedar deserves a seat. SOREN FREAKING PEMBRY. I didnt think anyone could take Nolans spot from her previous book text me never but Soren is BOOK HUSBAND.
it has everything you need. the witty banter is TOP TIER. the tension the yearning. THE SPICE. her family is crazy and I loved every second. but it also has such a deeper layer to it of those who have been hurt before. im in love IN LOVE. I will be screaming this book from the hill tops.
ITS A MUST READ.
it has everything you need. the witty banter is TOP TIER. the tension the yearning. THE SPICE. her family is crazy and I loved every second. but it also has such a deeper layer to it of those who have been hurt before. im in love IN LOVE. I will be screaming this book from the hill tops.
ITS A MUST READ.
November 30, 2025
This book is easily a size star read for me!!! 🌟
Between the delicious witty banter to the notes!!! Be still my heart!!
Cedar has a way of pulling you in and whispering delicious filth into your ear the entire story and I’m here for it!!
If you love both heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes, relatable characters, the wittiest of witty banter (because Cedar is quickly climbing the ranks to Meghan Quinn status in my opinion) and just overall an amazing Christmas story then you NEED to read this book!!!
Between the delicious witty banter to the notes!!! Be still my heart!!
Cedar has a way of pulling you in and whispering delicious filth into your ear the entire story and I’m here for it!!
If you love both heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes, relatable characters, the wittiest of witty banter (because Cedar is quickly climbing the ranks to Meghan Quinn status in my opinion) and just overall an amazing Christmas story then you NEED to read this book!!!
December 8, 2025
oh my gosh oh my gosh! I loved this book! Definitely is a reread for me once the audiobook is out!! Such an amazing fake dating to real dating he fell first!!!! I ate this book up. “Someone made me feel safe. Right before they taught me that I wasn't.” Definitely one of the quotes that hit my heart. The story is one you can really relate to if you’ve ever built walls and slowly someone broke them down. I can’t rave enough. She knocked this one out of the park, her books are an automatic buy for me :)
October 28, 2025
Fantastic holiday time read!
Fake dating
Forced proximity Single dad
One bed
He falls first
Cedar James gives us another great story. Her writing is fun, witty, flirty and spicy.
I always love a book that can make you literally laugh out loud. I laughed so much my husband was looking at me like I was outta my mind. Cedar writes swoon worthy book boyfriends and some really great banter.
I highly recommend adding this to your holiday TBR!
Fake dating
Forced proximity Single dad
One bed
He falls first
Cedar James gives us another great story. Her writing is fun, witty, flirty and spicy.
I always love a book that can make you literally laugh out loud. I laughed so much my husband was looking at me like I was outta my mind. Cedar writes swoon worthy book boyfriends and some really great banter.
I highly recommend adding this to your holiday TBR!
November 13, 2025
Going Viral for Christmas by Cedar James is a breath of fresh air for this holiday season! This was my first time reading a Cedar James book and it did not disappoint! Ava Bell and Soren Pembry are both authors who have been internet rivals. Well, they are rivals at least until they start “fake” dating! The banter in this book will having you laughing out loud! You can’t help fall in love with both these main characters! This is a must read this holiday season!
November 17, 2025
Going Viral for Christmas was such a fun read! Love the chase for the girl who is damaged goods. No one is perfect and to have someone like Pembry fight so hard for you....perfect! Fake dating turned into real, sign me up just like Ava. And G-ma was absolutely hilarious as well as Ava's mom. Well written and will keep you wanting more. Cedar James just has a way with words and knows how to pull you in!
December 7, 2025
In true Cedar James Fashion, she did it again!! The banter, the spice, the swooning, the SLOW BURN! Man oh man!!! You all have to read this.. Ava and Soren were one for the history books! The way that Soren broke down all the walls, and the way that Ava fought him the entire way!! oh man and don't even get me started on FISHER! He was HILARIOUS! Then to tie Nolan and Rorie into this as well!! *CHEF'S KISS*
I cannot wait to read more, however i think FISHER and EMILY need their own book!!
I cannot wait to read more, however i think FISHER and EMILY need their own book!!
November 8, 2025
Ok this was so cute! I ate it up! I was pleasantly surprised being a holiday rom com I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was just what I was looking for. I loved how they were both writers and all of the bookish details and their fandoms. If you love books and romance tropes and are looking for a holiday romance with some spice. Read this!
November 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The banter was top tier — witty, spicy, and absolutely captivating! I couldn’t put this book down. The characters pulled me in from the very first page, the chemistry between the characters was 🔥🔥
This book quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year!! Fantastic job Cedar! Highly recommend!
The banter was top tier — witty, spicy, and absolutely captivating! I couldn’t put this book down. The characters pulled me in from the very first page, the chemistry between the characters was 🔥🔥
This book quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year!! Fantastic job Cedar! Highly recommend!
November 13, 2025
Banter A+
This one I couldn't read in bed as I kept giggling and waking my husband up. The banter it top teir (like almost the whole book is highlighted), the spice is spot on but the best bit? Its got heart. Soren showed us that showing up, again and again, consistently, even when its hard, is what melts the walls around our hearts.
This one I couldn't read in bed as I kept giggling and waking my husband up. The banter it top teir (like almost the whole book is highlighted), the spice is spot on but the best bit? Its got heart. Soren showed us that showing up, again and again, consistently, even when its hard, is what melts the walls around our hearts.
November 17, 2025
Oh The Swoon
This story is so good! Every snarky comment from Ava, every swoon worthy comeback from Soren and every heartfelt realization of underlying love from both was epically written! I absolutely love enemies-to-lovers tropes, they just hit so much harder with the banter and the falling in love! I think the boy falling first is my favorite part! Cedar, well done and can’t wait for more!
This story is so good! Every snarky comment from Ava, every swoon worthy comeback from Soren and every heartfelt realization of underlying love from both was epically written! I absolutely love enemies-to-lovers tropes, they just hit so much harder with the banter and the falling in love! I think the boy falling first is my favorite part! Cedar, well done and can’t wait for more!
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