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Falling For You

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Charlotte Whitaker only wanted to survive Christmas without embarrassing herself in front of her ex…and his shiny new fiancée. But thanks to her meddling little sister blurting out that Charlotte’s already dating someone, she’s now stuck bringing a plus-one who doesn’t exist.

Enter Sebastian Montgomery—cocky, gorgeous, and the man Charlotte spent one unforgettable night with. He’s also her brand-new coworker, which makes their chemistry inconvenient at best and explosive at worst. When he accepts to play the role of doting boyfriend for her family’s holiday getaway, Charlotte knows it’s a terrible idea.

Now they’re tangled up in every Whitaker family tradition—competitive cookie decorating, awkward mistletoe moments, and Charlotte (a world-class skier in her own mind) swallowing her pride as Sebastian insists she try snowboarding…and face-plants spectacularly every time. Every lingering touch and stolen kiss threatens to burn through their careful boundaries. And the more they pretend, the harder it is to remember why this was supposed to be just an act.

Charlotte wants to save face.
Sebastian wants another taste.
But with family watching and sparks flying, they might not make it to Christmas without breaking every rule.

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

22 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Nicole Lenz

2 books61 followers
Nicole Lenz is a Texas transplant, wife to her high school sweetheart, and proud mom of three. When she’s not wrangling kids or sipping alanis, she's diving headfirst into the world of writing—crafting angst-filled contemporary romances and gripping romantic suspense stories that tug at the heart.

Her debut novel has received glowing reviews from early readers, fueling her passion and giving her the confidence to keep chasing her dream. With more stories on the horizon, Nicole is just getting started—and she can’t wait to share what’s coming next.

When she's not plotting her next twist or swoon-worthy moment, you can find her sharing her writing journey on social media or curled up with a good book.

📬 Contact: authornicolelenz@gmail.com

📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

🌐 Website: authornicolelenz.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicol...

📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@author.nicole...

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5 stars
72 (76%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Christy.
4,542 reviews35.9k followers
December 26, 2025
4.25 stars

I'm so happy I was able to squeeze in this fantastic holiday read! Falling For You is Nicole Lenz's sophomore novel and I liked it even more than her first. This one was so much fun! I had a blast reading it and the chemistry between Bash and Charlie was *chefs kiss* perfect. These two had 'meant to be' written all over them and the ending had me smiling so big. Such a great read!
Profile Image for Rachel Dane.
240 reviews11 followers
November 29, 2025
Gaaaaahhh OMG ITS SO GOOOD. 1. we love a fake dating but this THISSS. 1. the sister relationship feels so real. 2. I LOVE the bro banter between bash and Tyler. 2. BAAAAASH YESSSSS BOOK HUSBANDDDD. the TENSIONNNN and SPICE. its funny and spicy and AAAH I JUST WANTED TO THROTTLE HER EX BOYFRIEND. 100/10 recommend and I cant wait to see what Nicole does next cause shes only going up from here.
Profile Image for Kristen.
8 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2025
Falling for You is such a sweet and heart-warming Christmas romance!

The banter between Charlie and Bash is fantastic—witty, genuine, and full of chemistry—but honestly, Bash and Tyler almost steal the show with their bromance. Their dynamic is one of my favorite parts of the whole book.

Bash is truly one of the best book boyfriends out there. He’s caring, attentive, and notices all the little things that matter. We all deserve someone who treats us the way he treats Charlie. And that family game night? Easily one of my all-time favorite scenes. 😂

I believe that this story is about healing, rebuilding trust, and finding the courage to open your heart again after it’s been broken. It’s also about rediscovering your worth and realizing you deserve a love that feels safe, joyful, and full. And sometimes, taking a crazy risk—like inviting a “fake boyfriend” on a family vacation—can lead to something real and unexpectedly beautiful. 😂

I especially loved Bash’s chapters. Getting a glimpse into his inner thoughts as he slowly falls for Charlie and fully commits to what was supposed to be just an act made the story even richer.

I absolutely adore this book and their love story. ❤️
Profile Image for Melissa  Hankemeier .
50 reviews8 followers
December 4, 2025
Holy Shortcake, you hit this off the half-pipe!!(too cheesy!?)

what a wonderful read and a way to portray how people you date can either help you succeed or hold you back. I absolutely adored this so much and hard to put down when it's time to sleep or work!!!
Profile Image for Megan Scott.
21 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2025
FALLING FOR YOU • Nicole Lenz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Nicole has done it again! I didn’t think she could top her debut novel and the way she writes but boy did she. I have fallen for her writing style so much! As a mom of four reading can be tricky sometimes but the writing in this book is just captivating. I particularly loved that it started out in Texas(Texan born and raised!) and jumped to the snow of Colorado in December! Polar opposites that go together very well just like Charlie(FMC) and Bash(MMC)! This is a great book to pick up if you like Christmas/winter time and want a great December first read to get you in the cozy vibes with some playful banter but add in possessiveness and a little spice(pearl necklace and ohhh the shower scene 🥵)!The side characters in this book will leave you wanting to know more about them and where their story leads. You’ll love Charlie’s spitfire of a sister just as much as you’ll fall in love with Bash’s comical best friend. I really hope we see more from this story, maybe a little romance from the sister and the best friend 😉

“There’s a full house, Shortcake and you promised me you’d be quiet while I enjoyed my dessert.” - Bash

👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Fake Dating
🛏️ One Bed
🎄 Holiday Traditions
🎿 Winter Sports
🙅🏼‍♂️ Ex In Close Quarters
💙 Protective MMC
Profile Image for Michelle Patton.
279 reviews7 followers
December 2, 2025
Nicole Lenz has once again knocked it out of the park. The chemistry between Bash and Charlie jumps off the page, and their banter is everything. The antics from Bash’s best friend and Charlie’s sister add the perfect amount of humor and heart. The story flows beautifully without dragging, and I especially loved that Nicole avoided the predictable “fake dating exposed” trope. And that epilogue? Absolutely perfect.
Profile Image for Nikki Winkler.
135 reviews8 followers
November 30, 2025
FIVE FULL FREAKIN FABULOUSLY FUN STARS! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The chemistry between the two main characters (Charlie and Bash) is sizzling when they first meet! That first night together was inevitable ❤️‍🔥 but it didn’t take long for his mistake to cause turmoil!

These two were an open flame next to gasoline! Bash made me adore him with his seemingly endless supply of veiled insults to Charlie’s ex, the king douchebag himself! I wanted to kick my feet every time an insult landed!

Charlie’s progression from angry and jaded to the woman she was supposed to be through the story made me cheer for her after being cheated on and then having the new fiancée flaunted in her face! She deserves a man like Bash and these two just made me smile through the whole book!

Side note: best side character goes to Bash’s niece! Would love to see a spin off book with her as an adult! She’s full of talent and sass! Just the kind of main character energy that would make for a great story!
Profile Image for Nicole Hill.
26 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2025
Loved this holiday romance! Fake dating, revenge, spice and a hot MMC yes please! Charlie and Bash had chemistry from the very beginning! This was such a sweet romance and loved how Bash kept fighting for Charlie. A true story about learning to open yourself up to love again no matter how scary! Also who doesn’t love great side characters and banter!!❤️ can’t wait to see what’s next!
Profile Image for K.reads.daily 📚🥀.
23 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2025
If I could give this book 6 stars I would.
Nicole Lenz is quickly becoming one of my fav authors!
This book had me cackling, had me crying, had me hot, had me angry!
Nicole knows how to write emotions.
I loved this story! I love Bash and Charlie SO SO SOOOO much!
An absolute banger of a book!
It was a pleasure to read this ARC ♥️
Profile Image for Lyndsay.
95 reviews9 followers
December 5, 2025
“I’m in trouble here. This isn’t just attraction or chemistry or the thrill of the chase. This is something deeper, there’s a pull towards her that feels both exciting and terrifying.”

Y’all, Nicole has done it again!!
Grab your favorite drink and cozy blanket and snuggle in this holiday gem! I completely DEVOURED this book. Charlie and Bash are complete magic. A one night stand with no last names and a fear that left no numbers behind turned co-workers. But it doesn’t stop there, oh no, a family trip Charlie can’t get out of, and a desperation to make her ex and his new fiance’ jealous takes this buried attraction one step further… Christmas fake dating. Oh yes, it’s that good!

Bash is new in town. He’s starting over after a successful pro snowboarding career was stopped short due to an injury and he is not looking for a relationship. Charlie is out for a night with the girls to erase the horror of seeing the guy she spent years with’s social media post of proposing to the girl she was told “she has nothing to worry about.” These two are absolutely magnetic with each other! Like gird your loins y’all because hot damn! They are so much deeper than just their sexual connection though. Their banter and the way they can read each other is magical.

The way Nicole crafted this holiday romance is one of my favorites! Witty, soulful, bone deep coziness. I desperately want to go with the Whitaker family to Aspen for the annual holiday games. Seriously, they are such a close knit family and they fun they have together is fantastic! They are authentic as they come. The way they accept Bash (and his family) completely melted my heart. I could go on an on about this book. It will be an annual read for me without question.

If you love banter, chemistry that’s off the charts, found family, healing, finding your worth, characters that grab ahold of your soul and wrap themselves into your fibers, this is the one for you. I felt every emotion within these pages.
Profile Image for Leilani.
198 reviews
December 13, 2025
This is a holiday romance done right.

The fake dating setup was perfection, their chemistry was palpable, and the spice was delicious without overpowering the story. The humor made me blush and cackle, and the pacing kept me fully engaged from start to finish.
Bash is a walking green flag. He fell first and hard, was emotionally present, supportive, and respectful, and never once made me want to throw the book. Watching him show up for the FMC, especially while she was navigating the fallout of a controlling, cheating ex, was incredibly satisfying.
Charlie is strong, smart, and refreshingly self aware. I loved that she took no nonsense, set boundaries, and still allowed herself softness and joy. And yes, seeing the cheating ex get humbled was the cherry on top.
I also really loved the relationships between Charlie, Bash, and their friends and family. That tight knit energy just added to the coziness of the story.
Festive, spicy, funny, and deeply satisfying. This one had me cackling, swooning, and immediately wanting to shout about it to anyone who loves a great holiday romance. Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
158 reviews4 followers
December 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-STAR READ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Charlotte Whitaker just wanted to survive Christmas without humiliating herself in front of her ex and his shiny new fiancée… but thanks to her chaos-loving sister, she suddenly “has a boyfriend.” Spoiler: she absolutely does NOT. 😂❄️

Cue Sebastian Montgomery—cocky, gorgeous, unforgettable… and the man she had one mind-blowing night with. Now he’s her brand-new coworker AND her fake holiday plus-one. What could possibly go wrong? (Everything. Absolutely everything.)

From cutthroat cookie decorating to mistletoe mishaps to Charlotte’s hilarious snowboarding fail-fest, these two fake daters keep getting tangled in Whitaker family traditions—and each other. Every stolen kiss and lingering touch makes it harder to pretend this is just an act.

Charlotte wants to save face. Sebastian wants another taste. And with sparks flying brighter than Christmas lights, they’re one tradition away from breaking every rule… and maybe falling for real. 🎄❤️✨

A cozy, chemistry-loaded holiday romance you won’t want to miss
Profile Image for Ashley.
100 reviews
December 6, 2025
This was my first book by Nicole Lenz and she did not disappoint! I was obsessed with this book! I am so glad I got the opportunity to read this during one of the best times of the year! It's a perfect little holiday/wintery romance to add to your holiday TBR.

Charlie and Bash's banter and chemistry was knocked out of the park and it left you wanting more.
Honestly I didn't want this book to end. It was such a fun read for me and definitely a 10 out of 10 highly recommended book in my opinion. Charlie deserves someone who treats her right and Bash is definitely that for her.

When Charlie goes out with her sister her goal was the spend the holiday season without embarrassing herself in front of her ex and his new fiancée her sister goes and blurts out that Charlie has a new man. Charlie finds herself having to bring a plus one that doesn't exist. Bash spends one incredible night with Charlie finds out they are now coworkers. Sebastian decides to help play boyfriend for Charlotte for a family holiday getaway. Charlotte thinks it's a bad idea mixing work and personal life together but she finds herself breaking every rule she made for this arrangement.


Thank you Nicole for the ARC and I am now obsessed with your books. I am now off to read Finders Keepers 🥰🩵
Profile Image for Jade's Bookshelf .
6 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2025
This was absolutely a favorite cozy read of the holiday season ❄️

Charlotte (Charlie) Whitaker just wanted to get through the holiday season after finding out her ex boyfriend who "wasn't ready for marriage", now engaged, is still going to their annual family vacation with his new fiancée. As an attempt to save face, Charlie decides to ask her new coworker to pretend to be her boyfriend for a week. However, Sebastian (Bash) Montgomery is more than just a coworker.. and their pretend relationship might end up being more than they anticipated 🎁

The banter is top tier 👌
The sister and best friend are hilarious 😅
And be ready to have a new book boyfriend 😉

One Night Stand ✔️
Fake Dating ✔️
Second Chance ✔️
Forced Proximity ✔️
Spice ✔️
Rule Breaking ✔️
Meddling Sister ✔️
Family Traditions ✔️
Ex In Close Quarters ✔️
Protective MMC ✔️
Healing FMC ✔️

Grab a fluffy blanket and cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate so you can fall in love with "Falling For You".
Profile Image for Jessica Cam.
502 reviews5 followers
December 24, 2025
Charlie and Bash instantly connect when they meet in a club. Sparks are flying and I was living for it. Sebastian being a ma who’s afraid of commitment is an idiot the next morning. A couple days later, at work Charlotte meets her new coworker who just happens to be the one and only Sebastian. Her one night stand. Her good looking, professional ex-snowboarder, hot co-worker. While Bash tries to explain and apologize to Charlie, she’s not having it. Until she needs his help at her family’s cabin for a week in Aspen. These two had some major chemistry even when they were trying to deny it. I loved every second of this not so fake, fake relationship!

If your not following or reading Nicole what are you even doing?
Profile Image for Miranda.
118 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2025
ARC Review: Falling for You by Nicole Lenz

This ARC was such an honor to read! My sister and I absolutely adore Nicole, and her talent just continues to blow us away. Falling for You is packed with so many layers—real, raw, and beautifully relatable. The emotions hit deep, and Nicole’s writing is so immersive that I swear I could feel the Colorado air on my skin right alongside the characters.

This story had heart, tension, growth, and the kind of authenticity that keeps you turning pages long after you should’ve gone to sleep. Nicole deserves an X Games gold medal for this one—no question.

Absolutely phenomenal. 💛📚🏔️
35 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2025
ARC Reader Review 😊

I love this book so much! I’ve already started adding this author’s other books to my TBR. The story of Charlie and Bash is fan-freakin-tastic! I could not put this book down with how heart-warming it was. Between the banter and “pretending”, ugh I was hooked. Add in the best friend and sister and it was great all the way around. I easily wanted to believe the ex-boyfriend was worse than he turned out to be. I am glad things ended up the way they did with that part of the storyline.

A Great Holiday Romance!
Profile Image for Lesa  Stewart.
141 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2025
ARC Review

Overall 5/5
Spice 3.5/5

Tropes:
🤞Revenge Fake Dating
🥵One Night Stand
🔥Single Bed
🤭Forced Proximity
😉Coworkers
❤️Mutual Attraction
☺️He admits it first

Bash and Charlie are just so amazing. The chemistry between them oozes off the pages. That epilogue for Bash is so swoon worthy. Emily, Charlie’s sister is a great side character-I would love a story for her. Speaking of side character you have Tyler, Bash’s best friend. Who is just as much of a character as Emily. Honestly, I’d love Tyler and Emily hooking up.

Bash has commitment issues- always been the one and done gone before the sheet dry type of guy, until Charlie.
Charlie is “broken” from her ex ending their relationship claiming he wasn’t ready for marriage despite being engaged. Then he goes and gets engaged 6 months later to a coworker of his.

Altho those family Christmas traditions and watching Bash fall for Charlie and how much he pays attention to. Pure love.

This is phenomenal I loved this so much.
Profile Image for Maegan G.
48 reviews
December 4, 2025
Oh man I loved this one! I started this Saturday afternoon and finished it by that evening, it was so easy to get lost in the world. The fake dating trope always gets me because you know it is never not real for at least one of them. Bash and Charlie have wonderful banter and I was giggling while kicking my feet the whole way through. This is not the romance you’ll find on the hallmark channel because the spice was there and Nicole has me blushing at times. I also found myself loving the side characters just as much, I need more Emily and Tyler in my life. Romance is not my usual genre, so the fact that this not only captured my attention, but held on to it just goes to show you how good this is! The pacing was perfection for me and if you’re looking for something to just vibe with and put a smile on your face then this is it! I will immediately read anything Nicole write from now on.
Profile Image for Kim Bowers.
53 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2025
I’m not even sure where to start!
This was simple amazing!
Nicole’s writing style is truly amazing and how she pulls you into the story I have no words for.
I love a story that can make you feel you are right there apart of it all.

Charlie and Bash is just ahhh I can’t even! And I don’t want to give away any spoilers because you have GOT to read this!
I love the siblings bantering back and forth makes me think of my girls arguing and going back and forth like they do.

But this with the fake dating.. learning to rebuild trust and learning to love again is perfect!!

Thank you for this Nicole truly amazing!
17 reviews
December 8, 2025
Nicole did it again

My goodness. All I can say is please read this!! Well no that’s not all I can say but definitely the most important:) this book has banter, spice, which made me clutch my pearls iykyk, the best ending literally sobbing because it was as sweet as cookies. Again Iykyk. I loved Bash and Charlie, Nicole really did the thing again. Thank you Nicole for sharing this story with all of your readers. Will definitely be rereading once the audiobook comes out! Nicole Lenz is most certainly an automatic buy for me because she knocked this one out of the park.
Profile Image for Alyssa✨ |apvreads|.
42 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2025
This book was phenomenal. I was so grateful to receive an ARC, and I ended up reading the whole thing in just 12 hours because I was completely hooked. Sebastian and Charlotte’s relationship was everything—watching him fall first (and hard!) while she worked through the challenge of being around her ex made their dynamic even more compelling. The writing was strong, the pacing addictive, and the overall vibe was just a good time. It’s the perfect read for the holiday season!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cari Rees.
96 reviews16 followers
December 8, 2025
I SO loved everything about this book! Charlie has a one night stand with Bash. She wakes up and he’s gone. She’s really hurt by it bec she thought they had a moment. She walks into work Monday and she has a new coworker…. This book made me feel all the feels!! You know how you get all giddy inside? I felt like that through out so much of the book. The way Bash shows so much care for Charlie. It’s the perfect holiday read! I highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Cheyenne.
4 reviews
December 10, 2025
It was like reading a Hallmark Christmas movie, without the cheesiness! Charlie and Bash are everything, and more. Their banter, and playfulness had me giggling kicking my feet. I smiled so much throughout this book. Nicole really has a way with words that makes you feel like you’re right there in the story. The spice was spicing without taking away from the plot (Bash, I can’t even 🥵). This is a must read, especially for the holiday season!
Profile Image for Sweetpreads.
41 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2025
Thank you for choosing me as a second time ARC reader! I have loved every story you have written so far, our mutual love for the Ravenhood series has brought me to you and I’m so thankful for that. I normally read dark romance pitch black books.. I love to sit back and enjoy some Green flags every once in a while 😉 I am excited for any future book you write! Beautiful story 🥰 a very easy 5 star, such a wonderful cozy Christmas read :)
Profile Image for Harper.
6 reviews
November 29, 2025
Full review to come after publication.

For now, the absolutely-no-spoilers review: I laughed, I cried, I hollered in anger, cried some more and stayed up entirely too late when "just one more chapter" lead me straight to the finish line. Perfect cozy vibes to usher in this holiday season and I can't wait until everyone can get their hands on it.
Profile Image for Emilie Hopkins.
14 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2025
Omg I absolutely loved Charlie and Bash. The banter between the main characters together and with the side characters was amazing. I wish I could have a Bash for myself, but even just being friends with these characters would be amazing.
Nicole you are absolutely amazing at writing your main characters. Thank you for allowing me to ARC read your book. 💜
Profile Image for Liz Osborn .
4 reviews
December 4, 2025
I loved Bash and Charlie's journey to love, if your looking for a holiday rom-com with fake dating, one bed, revenge, and a spice of something naughty and nice. You absolutely need to add this to your cart and add it to your holiday TBR today.




(My only bad take away would probably be if your aren't a fan of graphic language this book may not be for you)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carissa Riggs.
392 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2025
Omg! This was an absolute DELIGHT to read! Bash and Charlie are just perfect! Both confident and stubborn with chemistry that lights up the pages. The fire at the start followed by the rocky part followed by the slow fall. Where fake starts to feel less and less fake. If you’re looking for a great winter read, I definitely recommend this one!
Profile Image for Kristi Schatz.
264 reviews12 followers
December 12, 2025
I loved the vibe of this book—low drama, high charm, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of quick read that makes you feel good long after you finish, with characters who are impossible not to root for.

If you love fake dating, sweet chemistry, and romances that leave your heart full, this one belongs on your TBR. 💕📚
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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