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Christmas in the City Collection #2
A White Lie Christmas
There's no place like home for the holidays, right? Not for Juliana, a doctoral student who's dreading heading home to endless chatter about her golden child younger sister's wedding. In a last minute effort to ditch her family's celebration, she tells a little white lie about spending the holiday with her non-existent boyfriend that she just invented, and heads back to her empty apartment.
... Except it's not so empty, thanks to her roommate promising the place to a childhood friend. Chris hates Christmas and wants nothing more than to spend it forgetting the fact that he's got no one to share it with. But that plan seems destined for failure when Juliana shows up, no idea Chris would be there, and with every intention of showing him the door.
When Juliana's mom calls with the 'good news' that the family has decided to come visit her in Boston for the holiday, Juliana needs to manufacture a boyfriend, and fast. Luckily, Chris is right there in the next room. She'll leave him alone and let him stay til Christmas... as long as he agrees to be her fake boyfriend in front of her family. A guarded and grieving Chris is initially reluctant to say yes, but something about Juliana has him agreeing to this absolutely ridiculous arrangement.
Thrown together by fate and faking it, these two just might discover that what they really want for Christmas is each other. But they'll need to decide if something built on a lie can become something real, turning their white lies into a white Christmas.
... Except it's not so empty, thanks to her roommate promising the place to a childhood friend. Chris hates Christmas and wants nothing more than to spend it forgetting the fact that he's got no one to share it with. But that plan seems destined for failure when Juliana shows up, no idea Chris would be there, and with every intention of showing him the door.
When Juliana's mom calls with the 'good news' that the family has decided to come visit her in Boston for the holiday, Juliana needs to manufacture a boyfriend, and fast. Luckily, Chris is right there in the next room. She'll leave him alone and let him stay til Christmas... as long as he agrees to be her fake boyfriend in front of her family. A guarded and grieving Chris is initially reluctant to say yes, but something about Juliana has him agreeing to this absolutely ridiculous arrangement.
Thrown together by fate and faking it, these two just might discover that what they really want for Christmas is each other. But they'll need to decide if something built on a lie can become something real, turning their white lies into a white Christmas.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
4 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Suzy Langevin
11 books23 followersSuzy Langevin loves love, even though she forgot how to say it in Latin when she was a contestant on Jeopardy! She is the winner of the 2024 RWA Golden Heart Award. Her career as a clinical social worker, along with her own experience living with autoimmune disease and ADHD, allow her characters to embrace the tough stuff without it becoming a cliché, incorporating themes related to mental health and addiction with authenticity, heart, and humor. An experienced trainer and consultant, she has been a featured presenter at regional and national conferences on a variety of topics related to mental health, substance use, trauma and recovery. Suzy lives and writes in central Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 1, 2025
˚.༄ Thank you to the author Suzy Langevin for the provided eARC in exchange for an honest review! 💌 ꒷·˚ ༘
4 ⭐️
Okay, so this is a bit hard for me to review, since it is my first ever novella! But I’m a sucker for cute Christmas romances and this definitely ticked all of the boxes and had all the vibes!
The way Juliana (Juju) and Christian (Chris) met was such a fun and different approach than most of the meet-cutes out there. Definitely a fun way to start up the story.
Their story progressed pretty fast, but since this is a novella, the pace was good and mostly necessary for the story as a whole.
The mental health rep was also really well done and portrayed the struggles accurately, but it wasn’t overpowering. And the plus size rep and the way Chris rushed to Juju’s defense every time? I didn’t love the whole toxic family dynamic, BUT I think it was necessary for the story itself and I’m sure there’s families like that out there.
The fact that Chris doesn’t like Christmas and Juju tried to make the whole thing easier on him was so sweet. I mean - the Christmas tree scene(s)? Iykyk.
Overall this was a really sweet and vibey Christmas novella, that’s definitely a quick and cozy must read for the holidays!
4 ⭐️
Okay, so this is a bit hard for me to review, since it is my first ever novella! But I’m a sucker for cute Christmas romances and this definitely ticked all of the boxes and had all the vibes!
The way Juliana (Juju) and Christian (Chris) met was such a fun and different approach than most of the meet-cutes out there. Definitely a fun way to start up the story.
Their story progressed pretty fast, but since this is a novella, the pace was good and mostly necessary for the story as a whole.
The mental health rep was also really well done and portrayed the struggles accurately, but it wasn’t overpowering. And the plus size rep and the way Chris rushed to Juju’s defense every time? I didn’t love the whole toxic family dynamic, BUT I think it was necessary for the story itself and I’m sure there’s families like that out there.
The fact that Chris doesn’t like Christmas and Juju tried to make the whole thing easier on him was so sweet. I mean - the Christmas tree scene(s)? Iykyk.
Overall this was a really sweet and vibey Christmas novella, that’s definitely a quick and cozy must read for the holidays!
October 28, 2025
This book was a super cute wintery Christmas book! Cozy up with a mug of hot chocolate by your tree with a blanket and you’re good to go! Bonus points if you queue up a ‘real fireplace’ on YouTube!
I did think the book read a little fast, and not because it was short and sweet, but because there were parts that I felt were a little rushed. That aside, it really is a feel good book and the characters are easy to love. The story line progressed mostly smoothly and I would read more from this author!
I loved the medical representation and all that included from really all the characters (the ones we like anyways lol), and I loved that the character descriptions are not typically what you find in a book. Plus sized FMC and skinny MMC? I’m all for it!! We love to see body size representation and on the same level, love to see normalized mental illnesses!
I did think the book read a little fast, and not because it was short and sweet, but because there were parts that I felt were a little rushed. That aside, it really is a feel good book and the characters are easy to love. The story line progressed mostly smoothly and I would read more from this author!
I loved the medical representation and all that included from really all the characters (the ones we like anyways lol), and I loved that the character descriptions are not typically what you find in a book. Plus sized FMC and skinny MMC? I’m all for it!! We love to see body size representation and on the same level, love to see normalized mental illnesses!
October 24, 2025
~ Review ~
I absolutely loved this book! The way Juliana and Chris meet is hilarious and had me giggling. They both fall fast (it is a novella after all), but I didn’t feel that the story was rushed. I loved how Chris stood up for Juliana and how Juliana helped Chris open up about his grief. The mental health rep in the book was excellent and showed true struggles of dealing with depression and side effects of medications. This was my first time reading a book by Suzy, but her books will be going on my list of “read immediately” because her story telling and writing is so enjoyable.
I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy:
~ Holiday romance with a Hallmark movie feel
~ a plus size FMC who is career driven
~ a geeky MMC with tattoos and glasses
~ mental health rep
*Disclaimer*
I received this copy for free as an ARC - I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to Suzy Langevin for the honor to read and review this book!
I absolutely loved this book! The way Juliana and Chris meet is hilarious and had me giggling. They both fall fast (it is a novella after all), but I didn’t feel that the story was rushed. I loved how Chris stood up for Juliana and how Juliana helped Chris open up about his grief. The mental health rep in the book was excellent and showed true struggles of dealing with depression and side effects of medications. This was my first time reading a book by Suzy, but her books will be going on my list of “read immediately” because her story telling and writing is so enjoyable.
I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy:
~ Holiday romance with a Hallmark movie feel
~ a plus size FMC who is career driven
~ a geeky MMC with tattoos and glasses
~ mental health rep
*Disclaimer*
I received this copy for free as an ARC - I was not paid to review this book, these are my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you to Suzy Langevin for the honor to read and review this book!
November 18, 2025
A bit of fake dating, a lot of forced proximity, a splash of family drama - it’s A White Lie Christmas.
Juliana can’t go home for Christmas. She cannot bear to be around her family as they dote on her golden child sister and plan her wedding. So she tells her family she needs to stay home to support her boyfriend. But then they flip the script and announce they’re bringing Christmas to her and expect to meet the boyfriend.
There’s just one problem - she has no boyfriend. So you can imagine her surprise when she gets home to discover a naked man in her bathroom.
Chris hates Christmas. It also happens to be his birthday, so he hates his birthday too. Every year he finds somewhere to escape to. This year, it’s a friend’s place that will be empty. Or, at least it should be empty.
After a little bit of explaining, the solution becomes obvious- Chris will stay for Christmas and be Juliana’s fake boyfriend. What could possibly go wrong?
This was a delightful treat. It was tender and touching, with some laugh out loud moments. There’s a Christmas tree made out of books, Chekhov’s epi-pen, and some really good depression/antidepressant use rep. It’s a slow burn, open door romance.
The book deals with parents playing favourites and setting unrealistic expectations, golden child issues, anaphylaxis, grief and fatphobia.
This little novella would be a lovely afternoon read. I’d definitely recommend it for fans of contemporary romance.
Juliana can’t go home for Christmas. She cannot bear to be around her family as they dote on her golden child sister and plan her wedding. So she tells her family she needs to stay home to support her boyfriend. But then they flip the script and announce they’re bringing Christmas to her and expect to meet the boyfriend.
There’s just one problem - she has no boyfriend. So you can imagine her surprise when she gets home to discover a naked man in her bathroom.
Chris hates Christmas. It also happens to be his birthday, so he hates his birthday too. Every year he finds somewhere to escape to. This year, it’s a friend’s place that will be empty. Or, at least it should be empty.
After a little bit of explaining, the solution becomes obvious- Chris will stay for Christmas and be Juliana’s fake boyfriend. What could possibly go wrong?
This was a delightful treat. It was tender and touching, with some laugh out loud moments. There’s a Christmas tree made out of books, Chekhov’s epi-pen, and some really good depression/antidepressant use rep. It’s a slow burn, open door romance.
The book deals with parents playing favourites and setting unrealistic expectations, golden child issues, anaphylaxis, grief and fatphobia.
This little novella would be a lovely afternoon read. I’d definitely recommend it for fans of contemporary romance.
November 13, 2025
Do you like vulnerable men who go to therapy and are Down Bad for their fake girlfriend? Then this is the holiday novella for you!
I really related to Juliana in a lot of ways. She's wicked smart and motivated. She desperately needed someone like Chris in her life because of the lack of familial support. As someone who has also gone no-contact with family, I get her.
I also loved Chris instantly. He's so sweet and sincere. I just want to wrap him up in a weighted blanket, give him a mug of hot chocolate, and kiss his head. He knows Juliana for like a week and becomes her biggest cheerleader. Granted, that's not hard to do with how AWFUL her family is. I have never wanted to punch minor characters as quickly as I wanted to punch her mom and soon-to-be brother-in-law. Peter makes me want to call that Red Flag Guy from TikTok.
If you're looking for a super fast read to reach your reading goal, definitely pick this one up.
*I received this as an ARC from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily*
I really related to Juliana in a lot of ways. She's wicked smart and motivated. She desperately needed someone like Chris in her life because of the lack of familial support. As someone who has also gone no-contact with family, I get her.
I also loved Chris instantly. He's so sweet and sincere. I just want to wrap him up in a weighted blanket, give him a mug of hot chocolate, and kiss his head. He knows Juliana for like a week and becomes her biggest cheerleader. Granted, that's not hard to do with how AWFUL her family is. I have never wanted to punch minor characters as quickly as I wanted to punch her mom and soon-to-be brother-in-law. Peter makes me want to call that Red Flag Guy from TikTok.
If you're looking for a super fast read to reach your reading goal, definitely pick this one up.
*I received this as an ARC from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily*
November 3, 2025
4.5 Star Review:
A White Lie Christmas was a wonderfully heartwarming story about two people determined to avoid Christmas at all costs.
I loved these two characters right from the start. Suzy Langevin has a fantastic writing style that draws you right in. I felt all their insecurities and fumbling awkwardness while also feeling their genuine warm and caring nature. I wanted to give them both a huge hug and tell them everything would be OK. But thankfully, they did that together.
The spicy scenes were a little too spicy for my taste. (Too graphic for me) And I did find the story a bit rushed at the end. Even the characters sort of mentioned how quickly things were moving. This is why I rated at 4.5.
Overall, it was a fun, heartwarming, enjoyable Christmas read to get you into the holiday spirit. Would definitely read more from this author.
I received a free ARC copy of this book. I have reviewed it of my own free will, with my own opinions. I thank the author for this free copy.
A White Lie Christmas was a wonderfully heartwarming story about two people determined to avoid Christmas at all costs.
I loved these two characters right from the start. Suzy Langevin has a fantastic writing style that draws you right in. I felt all their insecurities and fumbling awkwardness while also feeling their genuine warm and caring nature. I wanted to give them both a huge hug and tell them everything would be OK. But thankfully, they did that together.
The spicy scenes were a little too spicy for my taste. (Too graphic for me) And I did find the story a bit rushed at the end. Even the characters sort of mentioned how quickly things were moving. This is why I rated at 4.5.
Overall, it was a fun, heartwarming, enjoyable Christmas read to get you into the holiday spirit. Would definitely read more from this author.
I received a free ARC copy of this book. I have reviewed it of my own free will, with my own opinions. I thank the author for this free copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
This is so cuuuuuuute! I bloody love a Fake Dating trope and this is everything.
Our FMC: Juliana is a doctoral student who works hard and just wants some peace for the holiday season. Instead, she has to spend Christmas with her family who are just awful! At the last minute, she decides she’d rather tell a little white lie than spend her holiday with them.
Our MMC: Chris is a little broken, hates Christmas with a passion and would rather hide in a hole than be anywhere near the festivities. Chris and his slutty glasses end up front and centre in Juliana’s lie.
This story is so wholesome, adorable and so beautifully written. It is Laugh-out-loud funny and also Say-Out-Loud-Whilst-Reading-Aaawwww! 🥰
Both characters have their own tragedies and demons, they just fit. I love this so, so much!🥰
Our FMC: Juliana is a doctoral student who works hard and just wants some peace for the holiday season. Instead, she has to spend Christmas with her family who are just awful! At the last minute, she decides she’d rather tell a little white lie than spend her holiday with them.
Our MMC: Chris is a little broken, hates Christmas with a passion and would rather hide in a hole than be anywhere near the festivities. Chris and his slutty glasses end up front and centre in Juliana’s lie.
This story is so wholesome, adorable and so beautifully written. It is Laugh-out-loud funny and also Say-Out-Loud-Whilst-Reading-Aaawwww! 🥰
Both characters have their own tragedies and demons, they just fit. I love this so, so much!🥰
November 20, 2025
When Julianna decides at the last minute to skip Christmas with her toxic family, she is beyond surprised when she finds a nearly naked man in her apartment. She has conveniently forgotten her roommate saying that her childhood friend would be staying there over the holiday. To make matters worse she not only lied and said she had a boyfriend that needed her there, but now her toxic family is coming to Boston first Christmas. What starts out as a fake dating relationship to save her from her family quickly turns into something more. Chris for his own reasons hates Christmas, but agrees to help Julianna against his better judgment. I absolutely adored the dynamic between Julianna and Chris. They both truly see each other and accept each other just as they are. What a wonderful holiday romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by bookfunnel.
November 17, 2025
Do you need a short story for Christmas? Then look no further. It's a wonderful short story that packs a solid punch. I am so impressed with Langevins writing. The ability to pack so much characterisation, back story, and packed plot in so few pages is remarkable.
A lovely warm holiday romance, with two folk desperate to be seen, understood, and cared for. They both navigate family trauma and negative feelings and somehow find themselves in a fake dating situation 👀
The only downside for me was one of pure personal preferences. The term 'romance novel' was used far too often, and after the first handful of times, it started to pull me out of the story as I read it. But this might be absolutely fine for you, I appreciate my brain works a bit differently!
A lovely warm holiday romance, with two folk desperate to be seen, understood, and cared for. They both navigate family trauma and negative feelings and somehow find themselves in a fake dating situation 👀
The only downside for me was one of pure personal preferences. The term 'romance novel' was used far too often, and after the first handful of times, it started to pull me out of the story as I read it. But this might be absolutely fine for you, I appreciate my brain works a bit differently!
December 8, 2025
This novella is a bag full of emotions. Our main characters form a reluctant partnership when her overzealous family decide they're coming to visit Juliana and the boyfriend she told them she had. Enter Chris, and she has a proposal for him, agree to be her fake boyfriend and he can stay in on her apartment until Christmas.
Hilarity ensues.
Juliana learns during the story to set healthy boundaries for herself and he's there to support her. Chris for his part, learns to appreciate the holiday. But the most important journey, they find each other.
If you are into family drama stories set during the holidays, this is your book. This author handled the tricky human relationships with care.
Hilarity ensues.
Juliana learns during the story to set healthy boundaries for herself and he's there to support her. Chris for his part, learns to appreciate the holiday. But the most important journey, they find each other.
If you are into family drama stories set during the holidays, this is your book. This author handled the tricky human relationships with care.
December 22, 2025
Adorable
The perfect cute cozy romance for the holidays! I am not usually a fan of 3rd person romances, but this author has such a wonderful style and way with character depth, that I hardly even noticed. Really cute set up and premise, felt very connected to the characters, and related to the FMC on several levels. Truly adorable MMC that fits my favorite type, the adorkable guy!
The perfect cute cozy romance for the holidays! I am not usually a fan of 3rd person romances, but this author has such a wonderful style and way with character depth, that I hardly even noticed. Really cute set up and premise, felt very connected to the characters, and related to the FMC on several levels. Truly adorable MMC that fits my favorite type, the adorkable guy!
November 7, 2025
This was such a cute Christmas story. I really enjoyed it. I love how both Chris and Juliana are smart and successful but vulnerable too. The amount of family drama involved with the four people makes me so happy for my family.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave this honest review.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave this honest review.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
November 16, 2025
There’s nothing better than laughing out loud with a book!
The FMC is amazing—hilarious and very clever.
The references to other romance books are such a nice touch.
And I love Chris! It made me realize you don’t always need a tall, broad-shouldered, alpha-type hero. He reminds me of my husband ♥️
It’s a short story, very fast-paced, and I promise you’ll enjoy every second of it!
The FMC is amazing—hilarious and very clever.
The references to other romance books are such a nice touch.
And I love Chris! It made me realize you don’t always need a tall, broad-shouldered, alpha-type hero. He reminds me of my husband ♥️
It’s a short story, very fast-paced, and I promise you’ll enjoy every second of it!
November 19, 2025
Such a great way to start my holiday romance season!! I really enjoyed this story and the MC's are likeable and you want to see them together becausethey deservesome goodness in their lives. I also loved that it was a quick read, but didn't jump around and leave you asking questions. The story flowed very well and the ending made me smile. I would read again and again and totally recommend.
December 1, 2025
Very quick read, the second book in “Christmas in the City”. I am a sucker for the fake dating trope, and enjoyed this one being deeper than the first novel, despite being so short. Look forward to seeing more from this author.
November 19, 2025
Amazing read!
Great story, and a space for all those who don't always "fit". Nice to read something that isn't always "perfect" can still be perfect for someone else!
Great story, and a space for all those who don't always "fit". Nice to read something that isn't always "perfect" can still be perfect for someone else!
November 19, 2025
a quick cutie little holiday read!!
November 23, 2025
4.8 stars
November 24, 2025
a heartwarming holiday love story!
Loved this book from start to finish! A feel good, Christmas love story and the perfect read to get into the holiday spirit!
Loved this book from start to finish! A feel good, Christmas love story and the perfect read to get into the holiday spirit!
January 14, 2026
Loved this book! It was easy read and perfect for the holidays.
January 31, 2026
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Definitely a must read. Suzy Langevin knocked it out of the park yet again. If you love the fake dating trope then you will love this book. So wholesome and a wonderful read! Highly recommend! Also check out her first book in the series and yes they are standalone books all taking place in the city.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews