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When Ivy Met Mr. Holiday
Friends don’t let friends fake date alone.
Oscar Wilde once said, “Between men and women there is no friendship possible. There is passion, enmity, worship, love, but no friendship.” Ha! Wrong. Dead wrong. And I can totally prove it.
For the last seven years, I’ve been just friends with Jack Holiday—yes, that Jack Holiday. The swoon-worthy, ridiculously famous, self-proclaimed king of the silver screen. Passion? Love? Worship? Please. Unless you count how much Jack worships himself. Take that, Oscar!
Okay, have I thought about being more than friends with Jack? Sure. I mean, the man waters my plants, never forgets my birthday, and knows exactly which ice cream to bring me—whether for PMS or heartbreak. But when our unlikely friendship began, I swore we’d never cross that line—even if Jack, like Oscar, doesn’t believe men and women can really be just friends.
Then Jack drops a he wants to come home with me for the holidays. The guy who’s never cared about Christmas suddenly wants to play Mr. Holly Jolly. Worse, he needs me to pretend to be his fake girlfriend to save him from his ex. If that wasn’t bad enough, he’s laughing with my nieces and nephews, charming my family, and being . . . utterly, infuriatingly adorable.
And maybe—just maybe—we had to kiss.
Oh. Wow. So. So. So. Good.
So amazing, it’s making me want to swallow my pride and beg Oscar for forgiveness. But once you leave the friend zone, there’s no going back. There’s no safety net. Now, I have to ask myself, is risking our friendship worth the fall? And will Jack still be there to catch me?
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel presents the merriest friends-to-lovers story bursting with holiday magic and charm.
Oscar Wilde once said, “Between men and women there is no friendship possible. There is passion, enmity, worship, love, but no friendship.” Ha! Wrong. Dead wrong. And I can totally prove it.
For the last seven years, I’ve been just friends with Jack Holiday—yes, that Jack Holiday. The swoon-worthy, ridiculously famous, self-proclaimed king of the silver screen. Passion? Love? Worship? Please. Unless you count how much Jack worships himself. Take that, Oscar!
Okay, have I thought about being more than friends with Jack? Sure. I mean, the man waters my plants, never forgets my birthday, and knows exactly which ice cream to bring me—whether for PMS or heartbreak. But when our unlikely friendship began, I swore we’d never cross that line—even if Jack, like Oscar, doesn’t believe men and women can really be just friends.
Then Jack drops a he wants to come home with me for the holidays. The guy who’s never cared about Christmas suddenly wants to play Mr. Holly Jolly. Worse, he needs me to pretend to be his fake girlfriend to save him from his ex. If that wasn’t bad enough, he’s laughing with my nieces and nephews, charming my family, and being . . . utterly, infuriatingly adorable.
And maybe—just maybe—we had to kiss.
Oh. Wow. So. So. So. Good.
So amazing, it’s making me want to swallow my pride and beg Oscar for forgiveness. But once you leave the friend zone, there’s no going back. There’s no safety net. Now, I have to ask myself, is risking our friendship worth the fall? And will Jack still be there to catch me?
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel presents the merriest friends-to-lovers story bursting with holiday magic and charm.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
453 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
63 books1,359 followersJennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
October 18, 2025
************UPDATE FOR AUDIOBOOK************
Stephanie Rose and Neill Thorne were fantastic as the narrators for this delightfully fun and swoony Christmas story!!! I loved being back in this story while listening to the audiobook. These two narrators are a great duo that I love listening to! I always love when Stephanie Rose voices the characters of Jennifer Peel's books!!!
********************************************
My thought during and after reading Ivy and Jack's story was that I would be very happy and content for it to be Christmas all year long!!! Especially if it means that we can relive the magic of Jack discovering the beauty and importance of Christmas, family and love. Well, he already knows about love, because he is completely smitten with Ivy. She is his world and he's determined to help her finally see that and he's not going to this Christmas season pass by without her knowing he's all in!
Jack's love for Ivy makes me think of the Jane Austen quote, "If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." I loved having both his Ivy's POVs during this book. I loved knowing what he was thinking, seeing more fully into his thoughts and his whys. Seriously, you're going to fall in love with Jack, and his love for Ivy. I'm sitting here thinking about several specific scenes and the things he does or says and I just can't help but grinning. And wishing that everyone had a love in their lives like the love that Jack has for Ivy. It's not perfect. It's not always easy. But he's trying and open to admitting that he's a mess but he's better for having her in his life. *Happy Sigh*
"Believe me, this is no stunt. I love Ivy." *Smirks* Oh yeah! He's 1000% smitten.
And guess what? So is Ivy!!!
"'Ivy,' Jack whispered against my lips. My name, so tender on his lips, snapped me out of the trance his kiss had lulled me into."
Oh how I loved this book! It's one that I would be happy to experience reading it for the first time over and over again! But the magic of it all will make it feel that way every time I return to it. And it's definitely one that I want to listen to the audiobook of! It's going to be sooooooo good!!!! *Happy Dance*
Another big aspect of this book that I just adored is Ivy's family. They are wonderful. They felt like a big hug! They're loud and messy but fun and inviting and loving! Definitely a big hug! And they're funny! Especially her mom! And the grinch hat! *Giggling* You're going to love it all!!!
Clear your schedule and wrap yourself up in your comfiest blanket, grab a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows and nutella, and immerse yourself in this beautifully magical story of found family, love, friendship and the joy of Christmas.
Content: Some kisses but nothing further. The characters do share a room but nothing happens between them besides snuggling. Some mild swear words scattered throughout. Some mild innuendos.
I received a copy from the author but have also purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Stephanie Rose and Neill Thorne were fantastic as the narrators for this delightfully fun and swoony Christmas story!!! I loved being back in this story while listening to the audiobook. These two narrators are a great duo that I love listening to! I always love when Stephanie Rose voices the characters of Jennifer Peel's books!!!
********************************************
My thought during and after reading Ivy and Jack's story was that I would be very happy and content for it to be Christmas all year long!!! Especially if it means that we can relive the magic of Jack discovering the beauty and importance of Christmas, family and love. Well, he already knows about love, because he is completely smitten with Ivy. She is his world and he's determined to help her finally see that and he's not going to this Christmas season pass by without her knowing he's all in!
Jack's love for Ivy makes me think of the Jane Austen quote, "If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." I loved having both his Ivy's POVs during this book. I loved knowing what he was thinking, seeing more fully into his thoughts and his whys. Seriously, you're going to fall in love with Jack, and his love for Ivy. I'm sitting here thinking about several specific scenes and the things he does or says and I just can't help but grinning. And wishing that everyone had a love in their lives like the love that Jack has for Ivy. It's not perfect. It's not always easy. But he's trying and open to admitting that he's a mess but he's better for having her in his life. *Happy Sigh*
"Believe me, this is no stunt. I love Ivy." *Smirks* Oh yeah! He's 1000% smitten.
And guess what? So is Ivy!!!
"'Ivy,' Jack whispered against my lips. My name, so tender on his lips, snapped me out of the trance his kiss had lulled me into."
Oh how I loved this book! It's one that I would be happy to experience reading it for the first time over and over again! But the magic of it all will make it feel that way every time I return to it. And it's definitely one that I want to listen to the audiobook of! It's going to be sooooooo good!!!! *Happy Dance*
Another big aspect of this book that I just adored is Ivy's family. They are wonderful. They felt like a big hug! They're loud and messy but fun and inviting and loving! Definitely a big hug! And they're funny! Especially her mom! And the grinch hat! *Giggling* You're going to love it all!!!
Clear your schedule and wrap yourself up in your comfiest blanket, grab a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows and nutella, and immerse yourself in this beautifully magical story of found family, love, friendship and the joy of Christmas.
Content: Some kisses but nothing further. The characters do share a room but nothing happens between them besides snuggling. Some mild swear words scattered throughout. Some mild innuendos.
I received a copy from the author but have also purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
October 1, 2025
Oh, wow. I am completely in love with this book. It made me so happy. Not only is it full of Christmas magic and a family full of fun traditions, it's also full of yummy romantic tension and a guy that is seriously after his best friend, determined to make her see how much he loves her. Jack is my new favorite. I mean I like Ivy too, but Jack? Just wait, you are going to love him too.
I love the whole book, the ending and the epilogue. This is one of my favorite holiday books. Now that I've read it, the audiobook will be next. Holiday romance, here I come!
I love the whole book, the ending and the epilogue. This is one of my favorite holiday books. Now that I've read it, the audiobook will be next. Holiday romance, here I come!
November 8, 2025
“Do not fall for the Jacks of the world. The men who loved themselves more than anyone or anything.”
Ivy and Jack have been best friends for years and in a desperate attempt to escape the clutches of a woman determined to make him hers, he claims he and Ivy are in a relationship.
Dual POV ✅
Fake relationship ✅
Celebrity and normal person romance ✅
Holiday romcom ✅
Friends to more ✅
Forced proximity ✅
One bed ✅
Jack is an actor and is very confident and full of himself, but…sometimes acts are in place for protection and the secret of his heart is about to emerge. He is so devoted, snarky, loyal, and amorous–I couldn’t get enough of him, especially when it came to Ivy.
Ivy is full of sass and spunk and isn’t sure she’s ready to take this friendship to the next level, but through a series of family holiday traditions, tabloid stories, paparazzi, a grinch hat, and a woman scored, all that may change.
The way Peel writes the banter, wit, and connection, full of longing and chemistry, is sublime and I was swooning and smiling throughout the whole entire story. This is one of my favorites of hers so far (but aren’t they all?) and I would highly recommend this one for any holiday romance lover.
Content: mild+ romance (some innuendo); mild language
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Ivy and Jack have been best friends for years and in a desperate attempt to escape the clutches of a woman determined to make him hers, he claims he and Ivy are in a relationship.
Dual POV ✅
Fake relationship ✅
Celebrity and normal person romance ✅
Holiday romcom ✅
Friends to more ✅
Forced proximity ✅
One bed ✅
Jack is an actor and is very confident and full of himself, but…sometimes acts are in place for protection and the secret of his heart is about to emerge. He is so devoted, snarky, loyal, and amorous–I couldn’t get enough of him, especially when it came to Ivy.
Ivy is full of sass and spunk and isn’t sure she’s ready to take this friendship to the next level, but through a series of family holiday traditions, tabloid stories, paparazzi, a grinch hat, and a woman scored, all that may change.
The way Peel writes the banter, wit, and connection, full of longing and chemistry, is sublime and I was swooning and smiling throughout the whole entire story. This is one of my favorites of hers so far (but aren’t they all?) and I would highly recommend this one for any holiday romance lover.
Content: mild+ romance (some innuendo); mild language
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
November 25, 2025
Giving this one a generous two stars. The high ratings on this one are a real head scratcher to me. I listened to the audiobook so maybe the horrific narration added to my negative feelings, but wow this was just awful. There’s nothing that irritates me more than a book about two adults who can’t even communicate the simplest things to each other, and then creating drama about such stupid, immature “problems”. The constant ruminating on thoughts with these two characters, and never speaking them to each other had me so annoyed. The whole thing was unnecessary…one big eye roll for me. And unless you like listening to robots, definitely skip the audio version!
October 17, 2025
I love Jennifer’s writing and this book is now a top favorite!! There are so many epic one liners that made me giggle, grin so much my cheeks hurt, and made me fall in love with these characters!!
I love a fake dating/friends to lovers trope and Jack and Ivy are absolute perfection!! The tension and chemistry between these two is tangible!! The celebrity, forced proximity, and found family are also included in this story and I could not get enough!!
This is the perfect holiday romcom to get you in the holiday spirit!!
Audio review: Stephanie Rose and Neill Thorne did a wonderful job voicing these characters!
I love a fake dating/friends to lovers trope and Jack and Ivy are absolute perfection!! The tension and chemistry between these two is tangible!! The celebrity, forced proximity, and found family are also included in this story and I could not get enough!!
This is the perfect holiday romcom to get you in the holiday spirit!!
Audio review: Stephanie Rose and Neill Thorne did a wonderful job voicing these characters!
December 1, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Love a cinnamon roll man who is obsessed with the woman he loves….even if she doesn’t know it. Friends to lovers, fake dating, Cinderella esque, but not necessarily how you think.
A super sweet and clean story. Will for sure be coming back for more adventures in Aspen Lake
Love a cinnamon roll man who is obsessed with the woman he loves….even if she doesn’t know it. Friends to lovers, fake dating, Cinderella esque, but not necessarily how you think.
A super sweet and clean story. Will for sure be coming back for more adventures in Aspen Lake
October 24, 2025
love Jack and Ivy
Jennifer Peel is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. This book had the friends to lovers, fake dating and forced proximity…..some of my favorite tropes. Jack and Ivy was such a great couple and I loved seeing them get their HEA. Add in Christmas magic and quirky yet lovable family and all this equals a great read that I highly recommend!
Jennifer Peel is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. This book had the friends to lovers, fake dating and forced proximity…..some of my favorite tropes. Jack and Ivy was such a great couple and I loved seeing them get their HEA. Add in Christmas magic and quirky yet lovable family and all this equals a great read that I highly recommend!
November 25, 2025
I loved the concept and I could see certain points playing out in my mind, but I found the whole book felt a little, flat.
I think when I think about Christmas books, I want like, loveable, goofy side characters and lots of humour and although this was a cute story, it was missing those things that I believe really make some rom coms stand out.
I think when I think about Christmas books, I want like, loveable, goofy side characters and lots of humour and although this was a cute story, it was missing those things that I believe really make some rom coms stand out.
November 17, 2025
When Ivy Met Mr. Holiday is a perfect best friend to more Christmasy RomCom that will definitely steal your heart!
Ivy and Jack a.k.a. Mr. Holiday have been best friends for seven years after she fixed his orange hair in the salon she works at—despite trying to avoid him. While she has been content being besties, he has been harboring secret feelings for her. So, when Jack needs a fake girlfriend, it’s Ivy to the rescue! Add in a trip home for the holidays and some swoon worthy moments and kisses, and these two won’t be faking it for long!
Gosh, I loved these two so much! Jack was a dream (despite his actor arrogance at times 😏) and I loved how he adored and cared for Ivy! It was fun to see how crazy he was about her before she even knew it! Ivy was adorable and her family was a riot! I loved their time spent there, Jack’s change of heart about the holidays, and watching the cutest love story unfold!
Don’t miss this super cute Christmas story!!
Favorite quotes:
“Kissing was a gateway drug to bad decisions. Believe me, I had firsthand experience there. All it takes is one good-looking man, and if he’s any good at kissing, suddenly everything he says starts to sound amazing.”
“Friends and kissing don’t mix. Or at least they shouldn’t. Once you kiss your friend, there’s no going back.”
“If only the press could see this—Mr. Holiday in snow globe pajamas and a hat of humiliation. Unfortunately, none of it dimmed the infuriating fact that he was still stupidly hot.”
“We have to choose happy. I chose my happy. You.”
Ivy and Jack a.k.a. Mr. Holiday have been best friends for seven years after she fixed his orange hair in the salon she works at—despite trying to avoid him. While she has been content being besties, he has been harboring secret feelings for her. So, when Jack needs a fake girlfriend, it’s Ivy to the rescue! Add in a trip home for the holidays and some swoon worthy moments and kisses, and these two won’t be faking it for long!
Gosh, I loved these two so much! Jack was a dream (despite his actor arrogance at times 😏) and I loved how he adored and cared for Ivy! It was fun to see how crazy he was about her before she even knew it! Ivy was adorable and her family was a riot! I loved their time spent there, Jack’s change of heart about the holidays, and watching the cutest love story unfold!
Don’t miss this super cute Christmas story!!
Favorite quotes:
“Kissing was a gateway drug to bad decisions. Believe me, I had firsthand experience there. All it takes is one good-looking man, and if he’s any good at kissing, suddenly everything he says starts to sound amazing.”
“Friends and kissing don’t mix. Or at least they shouldn’t. Once you kiss your friend, there’s no going back.”
“If only the press could see this—Mr. Holiday in snow globe pajamas and a hat of humiliation. Unfortunately, none of it dimmed the infuriating fact that he was still stupidly hot.”
“We have to choose happy. I chose my happy. You.”
December 24, 2025
Audiobook Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5’s
I absolutely love Christmas reads from @JPeel_Author—they’re always festive, funny, and full of heart, and this one was no exception! When Ivy Met Mr. Holiday is the kind of holiday romcom that wraps you up in cozy cheer and leaves you smiling long after the last page.
From the fake dating setup to the forced proximity (hello, sharing a bunk bed 👀), this story delivers ALL the swoony, laugh-out-loud moments. Jack Holiday is a celebrity MMC who absolutely falls first, and watching very real feelings bloom between him and Ivy is pure holiday magic. The sharp, witty banter and Ivy’s hilarious inner monologue had me grinning the whole way through, and the found family vibes made it even sweeter.
🎧 Audiobook lovers—this one is a MUST. Narrated by Stephanie Rose and Neill Thorne, the audio was fantastic and brought the humor and heart to life beautifully. If you love clean romance with swoony kisses, festive charm, and romcom energy, this is such a great pick for your holiday TBR.
✨ Tropes & Vibes:
Holiday romcom • Fake dating • Friends to lovers • He falls first • Celebrity MMC • Forced proximity • Found family • Clean romance • Sharp banter • All the Christmas cheer
I absolutely love Christmas reads from @JPeel_Author—they’re always festive, funny, and full of heart, and this one was no exception! When Ivy Met Mr. Holiday is the kind of holiday romcom that wraps you up in cozy cheer and leaves you smiling long after the last page.
From the fake dating setup to the forced proximity (hello, sharing a bunk bed 👀), this story delivers ALL the swoony, laugh-out-loud moments. Jack Holiday is a celebrity MMC who absolutely falls first, and watching very real feelings bloom between him and Ivy is pure holiday magic. The sharp, witty banter and Ivy’s hilarious inner monologue had me grinning the whole way through, and the found family vibes made it even sweeter.
🎧 Audiobook lovers—this one is a MUST. Narrated by Stephanie Rose and Neill Thorne, the audio was fantastic and brought the humor and heart to life beautifully. If you love clean romance with swoony kisses, festive charm, and romcom energy, this is such a great pick for your holiday TBR.
✨ Tropes & Vibes:
Holiday romcom • Fake dating • Friends to lovers • He falls first • Celebrity MMC • Forced proximity • Found family • Clean romance • Sharp banter • All the Christmas cheer
November 8, 2025
Wow this was a good book!!
Blurb
Friends don’t let friends fake date alone.
Oscar Wilde once said, “Between men and women there is no friendship possible. There is passion, enmity, worship, love, but no friendship.” Ha! Wrong. Dead wrong. And I can totally prove it.
For the last seven years, I’ve been just friends with Jack Holiday—yes, that Jack Holiday. The swoon-worthy, ridiculously famous, self-proclaimed king of the silver screen. Passion? Love? Worship? Please. Unless you count how much Jack worships himself. Take that, Oscar!
Okay, have I thought about being more than friends with Jack? Sure. I mean, the man waters my plants, never forgets my birthday, and knows exactly which ice cream to bring me—whether for PMS or heartbreak. But when our unlikely friendship began, I swore we’d never cross that line—even if Jack, like Oscar, doesn’t believe men and women can really be just friends.
Then Jack drops a bombshell: he wants to come home with me for the holidays. The guy who’s never cared about Christmas suddenly wants to play Mr. Holly Jolly. Worse, he needs me to pretend to be his fake girlfriend to save him from his ex. If that wasn’t bad enough, he’s laughing with my nieces and nephews, charming my family, and being . . . utterly, infuriatingly adorable.
And maybe—just maybe—we had to kiss.
Oh. Wow. So. So. So. Good.
So amazing, it’s making me want to swallow my pride and beg Oscar for forgiveness. But once you leave the friend zone, there’s no going back. There’s no safety net. Now, I have to ask myself, is risking our friendship worth the fall? And will Jack still be there to catch me?
Blurb
Friends don’t let friends fake date alone.
Oscar Wilde once said, “Between men and women there is no friendship possible. There is passion, enmity, worship, love, but no friendship.” Ha! Wrong. Dead wrong. And I can totally prove it.
For the last seven years, I’ve been just friends with Jack Holiday—yes, that Jack Holiday. The swoon-worthy, ridiculously famous, self-proclaimed king of the silver screen. Passion? Love? Worship? Please. Unless you count how much Jack worships himself. Take that, Oscar!
Okay, have I thought about being more than friends with Jack? Sure. I mean, the man waters my plants, never forgets my birthday, and knows exactly which ice cream to bring me—whether for PMS or heartbreak. But when our unlikely friendship began, I swore we’d never cross that line—even if Jack, like Oscar, doesn’t believe men and women can really be just friends.
Then Jack drops a bombshell: he wants to come home with me for the holidays. The guy who’s never cared about Christmas suddenly wants to play Mr. Holly Jolly. Worse, he needs me to pretend to be his fake girlfriend to save him from his ex. If that wasn’t bad enough, he’s laughing with my nieces and nephews, charming my family, and being . . . utterly, infuriatingly adorable.
And maybe—just maybe—we had to kiss.
Oh. Wow. So. So. So. Good.
So amazing, it’s making me want to swallow my pride and beg Oscar for forgiveness. But once you leave the friend zone, there’s no going back. There’s no safety net. Now, I have to ask myself, is risking our friendship worth the fall? And will Jack still be there to catch me?
November 4, 2025
The Brief: Ivy meets Mr Holiday at the salon, but is unimpressed. So of course they must be best friends. And nothing else. But then he insisted himself to Christmas.
The Debrief: Ivy and Jack are besties. He’s famous and she’s not. But when he heads home with her to celebrate Christmas with her family everything changes. He’s flirty and they get put in a weird fake relationship and in true @ fashion you will laugh and melt. Tons of chemistry and angst. It didn’t feel like the same friends to more story and I enjoyed that. I adored Jack and the dual POV saved me. Loved the ending!
🎄the Grinch hat of shame
🎄family Christmas shenanigans
🎄her grand gesture
🎄scrapbooking
🎄he totally falls first
🎄taking Sienna down
🎄Ivy’s parents and Jack
🎄the confession
The Rhyme: Ivy is determined to prove that girls and boys can be friends and not fall in love. Until Mr. Holiday uses his charm and a fake relationship to give friendship a shove.
My thoughts. Aspen Lake is fun to visit and glimpse a past character or two, but absolutely stands alone. CWs Kissing only (tongue). Mild swearing. Neglectful parenting.
November 27, 2025
3.5 this was fine. I did the audio while driving for the Holiday. Listen, some male narrators do a great feminine voice. And some do a different job at it.
The story itself was really cute: fake dating, best friends to lovers, celebrity romance, etc. I think the most impossible element of this was that all of these adult siblings and their spouses are able to stay at one house for a solid week of Christmas activities. We run the roads all of November and December but I digress.
There was a lot of focus on bed squeaking, and period supplies.
All in, it was definitely a cute, quick listen. FOTMS: 🫑🫑🫑 tons of innuendo, completely closed door.
The story itself was really cute: fake dating, best friends to lovers, celebrity romance, etc. I think the most impossible element of this was that all of these adult siblings and their spouses are able to stay at one house for a solid week of Christmas activities. We run the roads all of November and December but I digress.
There was a lot of focus on bed squeaking, and period supplies.
All in, it was definitely a cute, quick listen. FOTMS: 🫑🫑🫑 tons of innuendo, completely closed door.
December 9, 2025
this is a holiday treat! it’s so sweet, funny, and swoony. the story features a pair of charming characters that are easy to root for. Jack, Mr. Holiday, is easy to love and i appreciate that Ivy was hesitant to reveal her true feelings for fear of potentially losing their friendship, something she valued dearly.
of course, i enjoyed the fake dating and the family dynamics between Ivy’s family that had me rolling my eyes and at the same time giggling with delight. if you want to read a book with cute holiday vibes, you have to read this! get the audiobook as well because the narrators are fantastic!! 🤩🎄🎁🥰💞✨
of course, i enjoyed the fake dating and the family dynamics between Ivy’s family that had me rolling my eyes and at the same time giggling with delight. if you want to read a book with cute holiday vibes, you have to read this! get the audiobook as well because the narrators are fantastic!! 🤩🎄🎁🥰💞✨
November 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers, he falls first holiday romance between Jack (aka Mr. Holiday), a movie star and the makeup artist, Ivy, who he falls hard for but makes an agreement that they can only be friends. Then they go home to her small town for Christmas and pretend to be dating only to have his fame cause chaos. Overall, a funny, heartfelt, family drama filled, sweet kissing only romance that was good on audio and perfect for fans of Hallmark Holiday movies.
December 12, 2025
3,75 ⭐️
I enjoyed this book. Coincidentally both books I’m currently reading have the semi same storyline but i’m enjoying both.
The chemistry between Ivy & Jack is relatable. A man and a woman cant be just “best friends” but someone is bound 2 fall in love. And the fact that Jack knew he was in love with her from the beginning and held it together for 7 years!? BLOODCLAAT JACK!!! But i’m happy with the ending.
Bookbabes girlies its on my audi if y’all interested.
I enjoyed this book. Coincidentally both books I’m currently reading have the semi same storyline but i’m enjoying both.
The chemistry between Ivy & Jack is relatable. A man and a woman cant be just “best friends” but someone is bound 2 fall in love. And the fact that Jack knew he was in love with her from the beginning and held it together for 7 years!? BLOODCLAAT JACK!!! But i’m happy with the ending.
Bookbabes girlies its on my audi if y’all interested.
November 23, 2025
Sweet and funny love story with a Christmas to remember
Loved the book and the premise that women and men can't be friends.
Loved the chemistry between Jack and Ivy, the family acceptance and protection as needed, and apologies that came quickly and honestly when needed.
Loved Ivy and her hesitation, Jack and his determination, and the sweet moments of the family Christmas.
I wish everyone could find their "Jack" and their own HEA!
Loved the book and the premise that women and men can't be friends.
Loved the chemistry between Jack and Ivy, the family acceptance and protection as needed, and apologies that came quickly and honestly when needed.
Loved Ivy and her hesitation, Jack and his determination, and the sweet moments of the family Christmas.
I wish everyone could find their "Jack" and their own HEA!
December 18, 2025
This was a sweet holiday romcom- closed door - best friends to lovers. There’s some drama, but overall it is a sweet coming to terms with feelings, full of holiday shenanigans and cheer.
The narration was great both of the female and the male narrators did an excellent job telling the story and I really enjoyed listening to it.
The narration was great both of the female and the male narrators did an excellent job telling the story and I really enjoyed listening to it.
November 10, 2025
Great job. Hits all the right notes.
November 14, 2025
Cute short festive romcom
November 22, 2025
3.5 rounded up
December 3, 2025
First book of December
December 18, 2025
What a cute and swoony closed door romcom! Good vibes, with some fake dating, he loved her first, Christmas goodness. Loved it!
October 14, 2025
I always know I can count on Jennifer Peel’s Christmas books to be fun and festive. This one was no exception. And it takes place in Aspen Lake which is quickly becoming a favorite location for me while reading!
Ivy is so convinced that men and women can be just friends and Jack’s goal is to prove her wrong.
I loved both of them together. I loved that Jack was completely willing to just be Ivy’s friend if that’s all he could have. Their relationship was so sweet and I loved all the antics that happened in this book.
This book has me so ready for all of the Christmas festivities. I loved Ivy’s family so much! And there was cookie baking, hot chocolate making, gingerbread house creating. There’s snowmen and ice skating, laughter, and fun. Seriously, the most wonderful setting imaginable for Christmas. And also the Grinch hats were so funny! Ivy’s mom was amazing!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
CW: mild language, estrangement from parents/parental neglect in past.
Ivy is so convinced that men and women can be just friends and Jack’s goal is to prove her wrong.
I loved both of them together. I loved that Jack was completely willing to just be Ivy’s friend if that’s all he could have. Their relationship was so sweet and I loved all the antics that happened in this book.
This book has me so ready for all of the Christmas festivities. I loved Ivy’s family so much! And there was cookie baking, hot chocolate making, gingerbread house creating. There’s snowmen and ice skating, laughter, and fun. Seriously, the most wonderful setting imaginable for Christmas. And also the Grinch hats were so funny! Ivy’s mom was amazing!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
CW: mild language, estrangement from parents/parental neglect in past.
October 10, 2025
This story was heartwarming, cozy, and absolutely adorable! This story is filled with EVERYTHING. From charm to humor, to the absolute perfect amount of holiday magic. Gah. Ivy is such a relatable character. She is fun, she is perfect and the chemistry she has with Mr. Holiday is SWOONY! This is the perfect holiday read. You will feel like you are right there with them in the cutest town too. It is the best. I wished this book never had to end.
December 1, 2025
I usually love Jenny Proctor’s books.But this one was too cliche, too cutesy and beyond the realm of reality for me. I had to push to get through it. I don’t recommend.
December 5, 2025
This is the PERFECT book to get one into the holiday spirit! It is full of holiday cheer and a family that lives for their holiday traditions. That makes the perfect backdrop for a romance that's years in the making, pages and pages of enticing romantic tension I've read several of Peel's books, and I love her writing. She excels at creating wit and banter, even more so at establishing deep connections between characters. And those qualities are definitely present in this book. Even beyond Ivy and Jack, it's seen in Ivy's family, who are maybe a touch obsessive but still adorably wonderful. Loud, messy, and full of love... especially Ivy's mom. So good!
October 22, 2025
Cute :) “I liked myself and had never felt the need to be anyone I wasn’t. Well, at least not since I was fourteen and wanted to be Vanessa Hudgens because she was dating Zac Efron.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
PURE HOLIDAY MAGIC!!!
For seven years, Ivy has been friends, and only friends, with Jack Holiday, the famous movie star who never seemed interested in anything serious. But when Jack suddenly wants to spend the holidays together and asks Ivy to be his pretend girlfriend to avoid his ex, their friendship takes an unexpected and romantic turn.
As Jack starts to show his romantic side, Ivy starts to wonder how much is pretend and how much is real, and if crossing that line is worth risking their close friendship. Now she has to decide if she willing to let herself fall for Jack, and if he’ll be there to catch her when she does.
What you'll love:
fake dating
dual pov
best friends to lovers
Hollywood heartthrob MMC
he falls first..and he falls harder
Christmas obsessed family
one (bunk) bed trope
found family
Jack’s gift + Ivy’s letter!
character cameos
Uncle Jack
every.single.kiss
perfectly perfect ending…and epilgoue…and bonus scene!
Christmas tree decorated? Check.
Gifts wrapped? Check.
Heart stolen by this holiday romance. CHECK!
This book has everything I love about holiday romances plus so much more!! I binged it in one sitting (yes, I sacrificed some sleep, and no, I regret nothing). That ending was magical and I could not rest until I knew Jack and Ivy found their happy ending!
It's no secret that friends to lovers isn't my go-to trope, but this book may have just changed my mind. The chemistry and tension was off the charts (oh mylanta, that bunk bed!!!)! I LOVED their adorable friendship and watching Jack slowly but sweetly win Ivy over gave me ALL THE HOLIDAY FEELS! And the way he takes care of her? Be still my heart!
Add in Ivy's chaotic and crazy and ah-mazing family, Jack discovering Christmas magic for the first time, flirty snowball fights, a squeaky bunk bed that deserves an award for stealing the show, some not-so-pretend kisses that could melt the North Pole, and yea, I'm declaring this book a TEN-STAR holiday read!
If you’re a fan of flirty friendship meets slow burn, cozy holiday charm, found family, and a leading man who falls hard, then add this one to your holiday TBR this year! You'll laugh and swoon and maybe even shed a few tears at the sweetness of it all, but you will love every single minute of it.
Content: kissing only (tongue mentioned), some minor swears, parental neglect (past)
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
For seven years, Ivy has been friends, and only friends, with Jack Holiday, the famous movie star who never seemed interested in anything serious. But when Jack suddenly wants to spend the holidays together and asks Ivy to be his pretend girlfriend to avoid his ex, their friendship takes an unexpected and romantic turn.
As Jack starts to show his romantic side, Ivy starts to wonder how much is pretend and how much is real, and if crossing that line is worth risking their close friendship. Now she has to decide if she willing to let herself fall for Jack, and if he’ll be there to catch her when she does.
What you'll love:
fake dating
dual pov
best friends to lovers
Hollywood heartthrob MMC
he falls first..and he falls harder
Christmas obsessed family
one (bunk) bed trope
found family
Jack’s gift + Ivy’s letter!
character cameos
Uncle Jack
every.single.kiss
perfectly perfect ending…and epilgoue…and bonus scene!
Christmas tree decorated? Check.
Gifts wrapped? Check.
Heart stolen by this holiday romance. CHECK!
This book has everything I love about holiday romances plus so much more!! I binged it in one sitting (yes, I sacrificed some sleep, and no, I regret nothing). That ending was magical and I could not rest until I knew Jack and Ivy found their happy ending!
It's no secret that friends to lovers isn't my go-to trope, but this book may have just changed my mind. The chemistry and tension was off the charts (oh mylanta, that bunk bed!!!)! I LOVED their adorable friendship and watching Jack slowly but sweetly win Ivy over gave me ALL THE HOLIDAY FEELS! And the way he takes care of her? Be still my heart!
Add in Ivy's chaotic and crazy and ah-mazing family, Jack discovering Christmas magic for the first time, flirty snowball fights, a squeaky bunk bed that deserves an award for stealing the show, some not-so-pretend kisses that could melt the North Pole, and yea, I'm declaring this book a TEN-STAR holiday read!
If you’re a fan of flirty friendship meets slow burn, cozy holiday charm, found family, and a leading man who falls hard, then add this one to your holiday TBR this year! You'll laugh and swoon and maybe even shed a few tears at the sweetness of it all, but you will love every single minute of it.
Content: kissing only (tongue mentioned), some minor swears, parental neglect (past)
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
October 23, 2025
I love Jennifer Peel's books, but I'm not a big fan of friends-to-lovers romances. Sometimes they're done well, but often it's too much of the old "I don't want to ruin our friendship". Thankfully, that's not the case with Ivy and Jack.
Here's their situation in a nutshell: Jack is a Hollywood hearttrob who believes men and women can't be just friends. Ivy's a down-to-earth hairdresser who believes the opposite and is determined to prove Jack wrong. They've have been best friends for 7 years, and out of the blue Jack wants to spend the holidays with Ivy and her family. Then after a run-in with an actress Jack's had an on-again, off-again relationship with, Ivy ends up being Jacks pretend girlfriend. These things have Ivy a little unsettled, wondering what's going on with him, and this is where the fun begins!
There's so much to love in this book:
🌲 Dual POV
🌲 He falls first & hard
🌲 All the Christmas activities
🌲 Ivy's family
🌲 Forced proximity
🌲 Squeaky bed
🌲 Grinch hat of shame
🌲 Swoony kisses
Ivy and Jack's love story is the kind that sneaks up on you. It's formed through laughter, inside jokes, and knowing each other so well. I loved every minute of their journey to love—Jack becoming vulnerable enough to let Ivy know about his childhood to Ivy finally admitting her feelings for Jack.
If you love fake dating, slow-burn chemistry, and banter that crackles off the page, this book will steal your heart faster than you can say “friends to lovers.” I listened to the audiobook and loved it! Stephanie Rose is one of my favorite narrators and Neill Thorne is fantastic! They made the story even better. If I could, I'd give way more than 5 stars!
All opinions in this review are my own.
Here's their situation in a nutshell: Jack is a Hollywood hearttrob who believes men and women can't be just friends. Ivy's a down-to-earth hairdresser who believes the opposite and is determined to prove Jack wrong. They've have been best friends for 7 years, and out of the blue Jack wants to spend the holidays with Ivy and her family. Then after a run-in with an actress Jack's had an on-again, off-again relationship with, Ivy ends up being Jacks pretend girlfriend. These things have Ivy a little unsettled, wondering what's going on with him, and this is where the fun begins!
There's so much to love in this book:
🌲 Dual POV
🌲 He falls first & hard
🌲 All the Christmas activities
🌲 Ivy's family
🌲 Forced proximity
🌲 Squeaky bed
🌲 Grinch hat of shame
🌲 Swoony kisses
Ivy and Jack's love story is the kind that sneaks up on you. It's formed through laughter, inside jokes, and knowing each other so well. I loved every minute of their journey to love—Jack becoming vulnerable enough to let Ivy know about his childhood to Ivy finally admitting her feelings for Jack.
If you love fake dating, slow-burn chemistry, and banter that crackles off the page, this book will steal your heart faster than you can say “friends to lovers.” I listened to the audiobook and loved it! Stephanie Rose is one of my favorite narrators and Neill Thorne is fantastic! They made the story even better. If I could, I'd give way more than 5 stars!
All opinions in this review are my own.
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