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Happily Ever Aprés
Two best friends. One fake marriage. 100% chance of falling.
Gemma would rather face a double black diamond than tell the truth. The quiet, reserved ski instructor has secretly been in love with her best friend since kindergarten circle time. But watching him date his way through half the population of Bozeman, Montana, has made it easy to keep up the facade.
But Gemma isn’t the only one hiding something.
Jake, a ski patroller with an avalanche dog and a history of flings that don’t make it past the end of the week, has also been hiding feelings for Gemma, convinced he’s not even good enough to kiss her ski boots. But when he runs into the ex he didn’t leave on good terms, and who happens to be the new board president of their ski resort, he panics and blurts out the worst possible lie of that Gemma is his wife.
With a mandatory staff dinner in their future, they have to sell their fake marriage to save the jobs they love because of a jilted ex and a well-timed bet. Cue weeks of practice dates, fake kisses, staged dinners, and a growing suspicion that pretending might be the most dangerous slope of all.
To survive this dinner—and their own feelings—Jake and Gemma will have to risk more than their paychecks. If they can’t sell it, they might lose the one thing worth falling for.
Gemma would rather face a double black diamond than tell the truth. The quiet, reserved ski instructor has secretly been in love with her best friend since kindergarten circle time. But watching him date his way through half the population of Bozeman, Montana, has made it easy to keep up the facade.
But Gemma isn’t the only one hiding something.
Jake, a ski patroller with an avalanche dog and a history of flings that don’t make it past the end of the week, has also been hiding feelings for Gemma, convinced he’s not even good enough to kiss her ski boots. But when he runs into the ex he didn’t leave on good terms, and who happens to be the new board president of their ski resort, he panics and blurts out the worst possible lie of that Gemma is his wife.
With a mandatory staff dinner in their future, they have to sell their fake marriage to save the jobs they love because of a jilted ex and a well-timed bet. Cue weeks of practice dates, fake kisses, staged dinners, and a growing suspicion that pretending might be the most dangerous slope of all.
To survive this dinner—and their own feelings—Jake and Gemma will have to risk more than their paychecks. If they can’t sell it, they might lose the one thing worth falling for.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
15 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Christina Hill
11 books109 followersChristina is a lover of love who has been writing stories in her head since middle school. She also holds the titles of ‘mom’ and ‘babe’ and lives in Montana with her four children, husband, and two cats.
When Christina isn’t reading or writing, she is wrangling her kiddos, homeschooling, taking baths, baking, or raising a glass into the wee hours with her book club ladies.
When Christina isn’t reading or writing, she is wrangling her kiddos, homeschooling, taking baths, baking, or raising a glass into the wee hours with her book club ladies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 29, 2025
Thank you to the publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing the his book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Fake marriage and friends to lovers are two of my favourite tropes and when a book has both I’m all in. I wanted to know what would happen when manchild Jake and kind hearted Gemma pretend to be married, would they both finally wake up and smell the roses and realise they both want to be together? Or would Jake find a way to ruin it? I didn’t initially warm up to Jake as I thought he was a bit of a manchild but as the book went on I did as he truly does care for Gemma, even if they scares him something silly. I loved Gemma from the get go, the fact that she adopted a blind and deaf elderly cat to give him a better life says it all for me. I was even surprised to find that I grew to like Heather, sign of a good author if you can make me care about a character I instantly detested.
I really enjoyed this book, sometimes I like to lose myself in a cosy romance especially when it makes me laugh out loud at some of the situations that the characters find themselves in. This was an enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it.
Fake marriage and friends to lovers are two of my favourite tropes and when a book has both I’m all in. I wanted to know what would happen when manchild Jake and kind hearted Gemma pretend to be married, would they both finally wake up and smell the roses and realise they both want to be together? Or would Jake find a way to ruin it? I didn’t initially warm up to Jake as I thought he was a bit of a manchild but as the book went on I did as he truly does care for Gemma, even if they scares him something silly. I loved Gemma from the get go, the fact that she adopted a blind and deaf elderly cat to give him a better life says it all for me. I was even surprised to find that I grew to like Heather, sign of a good author if you can make me care about a character I instantly detested.
I really enjoyed this book, sometimes I like to lose myself in a cosy romance especially when it makes me laugh out loud at some of the situations that the characters find themselves in. This was an enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it.
Want to read
December 6, 2025I don’t usually gravitate to these types of romances but I met my fiancé while we both worked at a ski resort, him as a patroller too, so this just feels too perfect to pass up. Hoping it’s good!
November 23, 2025
Overall this was cute. I love fake marriage and dating and the angst and slow burn it creates. This one however just didn’t hit the say. This would have played out better as fake dating. The marriage part just felt weird and forced.
The chemistry was def there and slow burn. But all the important parts felt rushed and the ending just was weird.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the gifted copy
The chemistry was def there and slow burn. But all the important parts felt rushed and the ending just was weird.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the gifted copy
December 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
I feel like this just missed the mark a little bit. I liked it, it was cute, and cheesy and hallmarky, but I just didn't love it.
The fake marriage was a little much. I think it would have been better as fake dating. Then the characters could have played into the "it's always been you" more and they would have been as frustrating to me. But since most of the book was just her pining and him sticking his foot in his mouth. It just missed for me.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
❄️Fake marriage
❄️friends to lovers
❄️reformed playboy
❄️slow burn
❄️small town
❄️workplace romance
Spice: 🌶️
I feel like this just missed the mark a little bit. I liked it, it was cute, and cheesy and hallmarky, but I just didn't love it.
The fake marriage was a little much. I think it would have been better as fake dating. Then the characters could have played into the "it's always been you" more and they would have been as frustrating to me. But since most of the book was just her pining and him sticking his foot in his mouth. It just missed for me.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
❄️Fake marriage
❄️friends to lovers
❄️reformed playboy
❄️slow burn
❄️small town
❄️workplace romance
November 12, 2025
Christina Hill did it again! As usual with her books, I absolutely loved this one and binged it as much as life let me. The classic childhood-friends-to-lovers plot—where each thinks the other doesn’t feel the same and is scared to ruin the friendship—gets a fresh twist here. They both work at the same ski resort, get caught up in a fake marriage to save their jobs, and as if things couldn’t get better, there are dogs involved in the story!
The writing is simple and flows really well, with lots of character development throughout. Jake is a bit of a playboy, but he has clear rules about dating and will do anything for his family and Gemma. Gemma is an introverted girl in love with her best friend. Their deep knowledge of each other is adorable (and, honestly, a tiny bit creepy), and sometimes I wanted to scream at both of them for acting so clueless, but it made the reading experience all the more fun. It felt like a scenario that could actually happen in real life—even if not everything is realistic, lots of little things are. There are a few spicy scenes, just enough to add flavor and bring the book to life. I also loved the subplot about Jake's mom’s illness—it wasn’t easy to read, but it added depth and made the story even more meaningful.
You can absolutely read this as a standalone, but I’d recommend picking up Tips Up to get Myra and Lincoln’s story, too.
Honestly, I could talk about this book for ages, but that would mean spoilers—so I’ll just end by telling you to read it! You won’t regret it.
The writing is simple and flows really well, with lots of character development throughout. Jake is a bit of a playboy, but he has clear rules about dating and will do anything for his family and Gemma. Gemma is an introverted girl in love with her best friend. Their deep knowledge of each other is adorable (and, honestly, a tiny bit creepy), and sometimes I wanted to scream at both of them for acting so clueless, but it made the reading experience all the more fun. It felt like a scenario that could actually happen in real life—even if not everything is realistic, lots of little things are. There are a few spicy scenes, just enough to add flavor and bring the book to life. I also loved the subplot about Jake's mom’s illness—it wasn’t easy to read, but it added depth and made the story even more meaningful.
You can absolutely read this as a standalone, but I’d recommend picking up Tips Up to get Myra and Lincoln’s story, too.
Honestly, I could talk about this book for ages, but that would mean spoilers—so I’ll just end by telling you to read it! You won’t regret it.
November 25, 2025
~ NetGalley ARC ~
Such a cute rom-com!! The playfulness between the two main characters was something I really enjoyed. I haven’t read many childhood best friends to lovers but this was just TOO GOOD 😍 I love a good slow burn as well! There were moments when I was like OMG JUST KISS HER ALREADY!! 🤣 the family dynamics that both main characters have, I really cherished and appreciated. Would definitely recommend!
Thank you NetGalley❤️
Such a cute rom-com!! The playfulness between the two main characters was something I really enjoyed. I haven’t read many childhood best friends to lovers but this was just TOO GOOD 😍 I love a good slow burn as well! There were moments when I was like OMG JUST KISS HER ALREADY!! 🤣 the family dynamics that both main characters have, I really cherished and appreciated. Would definitely recommend!
Thank you NetGalley❤️
December 9, 2025
What I liked:
🎿Strong sense of place. It was great to be whisked away to Bozeman, Montana and winter at the ski resort.
🎿The tight friendship between Gemma and Jake. They cared for each other & knew the other so well. I completely understand the hesitancy in not wanting to devulge your true feelings in case they lost that. This was handled so well and I loved the natural progression to giving in to those feelings. Plus their banter was so fun!
🎿The dinner party scene
🎿Their group of friends and family dynamics
Final thoughts: I had so much fun reading this, and it’s the only way o want to visit a ski hill. 😂😬 I completely fell for Jake and was so happy with their happy ever after. Spotting little Easter eggs from the authors previous series is always fun as well!
🎿Strong sense of place. It was great to be whisked away to Bozeman, Montana and winter at the ski resort.
🎿The tight friendship between Gemma and Jake. They cared for each other & knew the other so well. I completely understand the hesitancy in not wanting to devulge your true feelings in case they lost that. This was handled so well and I loved the natural progression to giving in to those feelings. Plus their banter was so fun!
🎿The dinner party scene
🎿Their group of friends and family dynamics
Final thoughts: I had so much fun reading this, and it’s the only way o want to visit a ski hill. 😂😬 I completely fell for Jake and was so happy with their happy ever after. Spotting little Easter eggs from the authors previous series is always fun as well!
December 10, 2025
This book is a nice winter read for someone looking for a slowww burn, childhood friends to lovers romance set on a ski resort.
⛷️ For Fans of:
- reformed playboy
- friends to lovers
- it’s always been you
- Contemporary romance
- winter
- ski resort
📖 Plot:
He's flirts with every woman who walks by but is secretly in love with his best friend, Gemma. Gemma pretends it doesn't bother her but is also secretly in love with him. Suddenly they find themselves in the situation where they need to fake their marriage. Too bad their feelings for each other aren't fake!
✍ Review:
The fake marriage plot felt a little forced but I did love them fake dating and the growth of their relationship. The MMC was also hard to fall in love with at first, but since this book was dual POV, it was great to let him speak for himself so you really get to understand his decisions.
It's not my favorite Christina Hill book, but since I absolutely LOVED her novella, Love At First Flight, I'll definitely keep reading her books!
📚 Book: Happily Ever Apres by Christina Hill
⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 5
🖤 Thank you to author Christina Hill for the digital advanced reader copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
⛷️ For Fans of:
- reformed playboy
- friends to lovers
- it’s always been you
- Contemporary romance
- winter
- ski resort
📖 Plot:
He's flirts with every woman who walks by but is secretly in love with his best friend, Gemma. Gemma pretends it doesn't bother her but is also secretly in love with him. Suddenly they find themselves in the situation where they need to fake their marriage. Too bad their feelings for each other aren't fake!
✍ Review:
The fake marriage plot felt a little forced but I did love them fake dating and the growth of their relationship. The MMC was also hard to fall in love with at first, but since this book was dual POV, it was great to let him speak for himself so you really get to understand his decisions.
It's not my favorite Christina Hill book, but since I absolutely LOVED her novella, Love At First Flight, I'll definitely keep reading her books!
📚 Book: Happily Ever Apres by Christina Hill
⭐ Rating: 3.5 out of 5
🖤 Thank you to author Christina Hill for the digital advanced reader copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
November 18, 2025
4,5 ⭐
Happily ever aprés was suuuuch a cute romance story!! I loved Jake and Gemma so much. I have to say I was very excited for a ski setting, with winter coming shortly. I would've loved a bit more of the ski resort setting, but I'm not mad because all the little moments that we got from Jake and Gemma instead were PERFECT. I absolutely adore their friendship, how they know each other deeply and care for each other. They made my heart melt the whole time. All the cute, funny, playful bickering moments made me remember why best friends to lovers is one of my favorite trope.
The only thing that bothered me a little was Gemma repeatingly going back on Jake's history with women. This might have been mentionned a bit too often in my opinion. That being said, the TENSION between both MCs?? You could literally cut through it with a knife. It was so well written, so realistic, I mean that kissing scene??? I still have chills.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
Happily ever aprés was suuuuch a cute romance story!! I loved Jake and Gemma so much. I have to say I was very excited for a ski setting, with winter coming shortly. I would've loved a bit more of the ski resort setting, but I'm not mad because all the little moments that we got from Jake and Gemma instead were PERFECT. I absolutely adore their friendship, how they know each other deeply and care for each other. They made my heart melt the whole time. All the cute, funny, playful bickering moments made me remember why best friends to lovers is one of my favorite trope.
The only thing that bothered me a little was Gemma repeatingly going back on Jake's history with women. This might have been mentionned a bit too often in my opinion. That being said, the TENSION between both MCs?? You could literally cut through it with a knife. It was so well written, so realistic, I mean that kissing scene??? I still have chills.
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
December 9, 2025
So many things to love about this book!!
🎄 Set in Bozeman MT (sort of local!)
🎄 Two best friends
🎄 One fake marriage
🎄100% chance of falling
🎄 All the slow burn
🎄Funny banter!
🎄 Ski lodge vibes
🎄 Practice dates, fake kisses 🤭
🎄The best karaoke scene!
May I suggest curling up to this funny book after a day of skiing? Apres-ski! (The social activities or entertainment following a day’s skiing)
Thanks for the #gifted ARC copy @authorchristinahill, you’re the
🎄 Set in Bozeman MT (sort of local!)
🎄 Two best friends
🎄 One fake marriage
🎄100% chance of falling
🎄 All the slow burn
🎄Funny banter!
🎄 Ski lodge vibes
🎄 Practice dates, fake kisses 🤭
🎄The best karaoke scene!
May I suggest curling up to this funny book after a day of skiing? Apres-ski! (The social activities or entertainment following a day’s skiing)
Thanks for the #gifted ARC copy @authorchristinahill, you’re the
November 14, 2025
I didn't have high expectations going into this book but after finishing it I really enjoyed it! I'm not a huge fan of fake dating because I feel like it can either be really bad or really good. I thought that this book did it really well! Also I know it wasn't supposed to be funny at all but the dinner chapter really made me laugh. I really liked this book and would recommend for anyone for the wintertime!
Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity.
Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity.
November 25, 2025
If you don’t mind the fake dating trope, you’ll dig this one. The mountain / ski setting is perfect for a cozy winter romance!
My first Christina Hill book and not my last. I devoured this one and was giddy for the HEA!
My first Christina Hill book and not my last. I devoured this one and was giddy for the HEA!
November 15, 2025
I will literally read anything Christina writes. She is hilarious and has the best one liners that make you laugh out loud. Plus, the location of the book is my favorite local ski resort. Jake & Gemma are 🥵
November 29, 2025
Rating: 4.5 stars
I feel like it’s been awhile since I’ve wanted to ignore all my responsibilities and just read all day. I wanted to do that with this book. I was fortunate to be a beta reader and then an ARC reader. Even reading it a second time as an ARC, I was devouring this one. I LOVE a good fake marriage, and this book had that. I loved that this was best friends to lovers and in a winter setting. This had some laugh out loud moments along with some serious times. I loved Christina Hill’s writing and how she always pulls you into the characters and the setting. Definitely recommend this one if you are looking for a spicy romance, winter read!
I feel like it’s been awhile since I’ve wanted to ignore all my responsibilities and just read all day. I wanted to do that with this book. I was fortunate to be a beta reader and then an ARC reader. Even reading it a second time as an ARC, I was devouring this one. I LOVE a good fake marriage, and this book had that. I loved that this was best friends to lovers and in a winter setting. This had some laugh out loud moments along with some serious times. I loved Christina Hill’s writing and how she always pulls you into the characters and the setting. Definitely recommend this one if you are looking for a spicy romance, winter read!
October 24, 2025
Hill is back at it again! HAPPILY EVER APRES made me laugh, smile, and swoon, all while secretly convincing me I need to learn to ski. 😆⛷️🍻
(The apres ski life just sounds SO fun, okay!)
Childhood friends-to-lovers is my absolute favorite trope, so it’s no surprise I loved this one. Hill created dynamic characters with an intriguing, complex plot, all set against the snowy backdrop of the beautiful Montana slopes. It was a fun and easy read, making it the perfect winter rom-com.
Check this one out if you love:
💞 Friends-to-lovers
💍 Fake marriage
🎤 Karaoke
⛷️ Skiing
🐕🦺 Patrol dogs
🤭 Secrets
Thank you, Christina, for allowing me to read an early copy. 🖤
(The apres ski life just sounds SO fun, okay!)
Childhood friends-to-lovers is my absolute favorite trope, so it’s no surprise I loved this one. Hill created dynamic characters with an intriguing, complex plot, all set against the snowy backdrop of the beautiful Montana slopes. It was a fun and easy read, making it the perfect winter rom-com.
Check this one out if you love:
💞 Friends-to-lovers
💍 Fake marriage
🎤 Karaoke
⛷️ Skiing
🐕🦺 Patrol dogs
🤭 Secrets
Thank you, Christina, for allowing me to read an early copy. 🖤
January 2, 2026
📚Happily Ever Apres
✍🏻Christina Hill
Blurb:
Two best friends. One fake marriage. 100% chance of falling.
Gemma would rather face a double black diamond than tell the truth. The quiet, reserved ski instructor has secretly been in love with her best friend since kindergarten circle time. But watching him date his way through half the population of Bozeman, Montana, has made it easy to keep up the facade.
However, Gemma isn’t the only one hiding something.
Jake, a ski patroller with an avalanche dog and a history of flings that don’t make it past the end of the week, has also been hiding feelings for Gemma, convinced she’s it, but Life (with a capital L) has been conspiring to keep them apart. But when he runs into the ex he didn’t leave on good terms, and who happens to be the new board president of their ski resort, he panics and blurts out the worst possible lie of all: that Gemma is his wife.
With a mandatory staff dinner in their future, they have to sell their fake marriage to save the jobs they love because of a jilted ex and a well-timed bet. Cue weeks of practice dates, fake kisses, staged dinners, and a growing suspicion that pretending might be the most dangerous slope of all.
To survive this dinner—and their own feelings—Jake and Gemma will have to risk more than their paychecks. If they can’t sell it, they might lose the one thing worth falling for.
My Thoughts:
Happily Ever Aprés by Christina Hill is a cosy, wintery rom com set at a Montana ski resort that delivers exactly what you’d expect from the trope lineup: best-friends to lovers, fake marriage, and a swoony slow burn with a touch of spice. Gemma, a ski instructor, and Jake, a ski patroller, accidentally end up pretending to be married and when the stakes grow beyond the joke, the sparks start flying. Gemma and Jake are perfect for each other. The fake marriage plot felt a little forced but I did love them fake dating and the growth of their relationship. The MMC was also hard to fall in love with at first, but since this book was dual POV, it was great to let him speak for himself so you really get to understand his decisions.
Thanks NetGalley, Hill Publishing House and Author Christina Hill for the advanced copy of "Happily Ever Apres" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#HillPublishingHouse
#ChristinaHill
#HappilyEverApres
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Christina Hill
Blurb:
Two best friends. One fake marriage. 100% chance of falling.
Gemma would rather face a double black diamond than tell the truth. The quiet, reserved ski instructor has secretly been in love with her best friend since kindergarten circle time. But watching him date his way through half the population of Bozeman, Montana, has made it easy to keep up the facade.
However, Gemma isn’t the only one hiding something.
Jake, a ski patroller with an avalanche dog and a history of flings that don’t make it past the end of the week, has also been hiding feelings for Gemma, convinced she’s it, but Life (with a capital L) has been conspiring to keep them apart. But when he runs into the ex he didn’t leave on good terms, and who happens to be the new board president of their ski resort, he panics and blurts out the worst possible lie of all: that Gemma is his wife.
With a mandatory staff dinner in their future, they have to sell their fake marriage to save the jobs they love because of a jilted ex and a well-timed bet. Cue weeks of practice dates, fake kisses, staged dinners, and a growing suspicion that pretending might be the most dangerous slope of all.
To survive this dinner—and their own feelings—Jake and Gemma will have to risk more than their paychecks. If they can’t sell it, they might lose the one thing worth falling for.
My Thoughts:
Happily Ever Aprés by Christina Hill is a cosy, wintery rom com set at a Montana ski resort that delivers exactly what you’d expect from the trope lineup: best-friends to lovers, fake marriage, and a swoony slow burn with a touch of spice. Gemma, a ski instructor, and Jake, a ski patroller, accidentally end up pretending to be married and when the stakes grow beyond the joke, the sparks start flying. Gemma and Jake are perfect for each other. The fake marriage plot felt a little forced but I did love them fake dating and the growth of their relationship. The MMC was also hard to fall in love with at first, but since this book was dual POV, it was great to let him speak for himself so you really get to understand his decisions.
Thanks NetGalley, Hill Publishing House and Author Christina Hill for the advanced copy of "Happily Ever Apres" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#HillPublishingHouse
#ChristinaHill
#HappilyEverApres
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 1, 2025
Happily Ever Après by Christina Hill delivers a warm and believable friends-to-lovers romance that feels naturally grounded in the characters' inner worlds. The dual POV structure was particularly effective—I loved getting both perspectives as each lead genuinely believed they were the only one wanting something more. His struggle to articulate his feelings added a relatable and endearing layer to the romance that kept me invested throughout.
The pacing flowed smoothly from start to finish, with the ski resort setting adding a sense of fun and escapism that lifted the whole experience. It's not a typical backdrop, and that freshness helped the story feel distinctive without overcomplicating the plot. The forced proximity and fake marriage elements worked seamlessly with the friends-to-lovers foundation, creating natural tension without feeling contrived.
Their friendship felt completely authentic, which made the transition to something deeper easy to accept. Even their families quietly rooting for them added a charming touch. The wider Après group brought extra energy—entertaining without overshadowing the main pair. I'd happily read future stories centred on them. The dinner party scene was a standout moment, filled with character interactions that nudged the couple forward without giving anything away.
Overall, this is an enjoyable and engaging read. It's light, fun, and perfect for a beach break or a ski weekend. It's predictable in the comforting way you hope for when picking up a friends-to-lovers romance. I stayed invested in how everything would unfold and felt satisfied by the ending. I'd recommend it to readers who want a relaxed, charming story without complex worldbuilding or heavy emotional turbulence.
Perfect for fans of: cosy romances, dual POV, ski resort settings, found family vibes
The pacing flowed smoothly from start to finish, with the ski resort setting adding a sense of fun and escapism that lifted the whole experience. It's not a typical backdrop, and that freshness helped the story feel distinctive without overcomplicating the plot. The forced proximity and fake marriage elements worked seamlessly with the friends-to-lovers foundation, creating natural tension without feeling contrived.
Their friendship felt completely authentic, which made the transition to something deeper easy to accept. Even their families quietly rooting for them added a charming touch. The wider Après group brought extra energy—entertaining without overshadowing the main pair. I'd happily read future stories centred on them. The dinner party scene was a standout moment, filled with character interactions that nudged the couple forward without giving anything away.
Overall, this is an enjoyable and engaging read. It's light, fun, and perfect for a beach break or a ski weekend. It's predictable in the comforting way you hope for when picking up a friends-to-lovers romance. I stayed invested in how everything would unfold and felt satisfied by the ending. I'd recommend it to readers who want a relaxed, charming story without complex worldbuilding or heavy emotional turbulence.
Perfect for fans of: cosy romances, dual POV, ski resort settings, found family vibes
November 26, 2025
"Love is something you're prepared for when it knocks you in the face.
It comes out of nowhere but is also inevitable, necessary, needed,
even."
•
Happily ever après is a romance standalone, here you’ll find:
🎿Friends to lovers
💍Fake marriage
🐾Reformed playboy
🍻Slow burn
I knew I was going to love this book from the moment I saw it—the fake dating/fake marriage tropes are some of my absolute favorites, and this one did not disappoint. This was my first Christina Hill book and I ended up really enjoying her writing style; it’s fun, warm, and incredibly easy to fall into.
The setting was one of my favorite parts. I’m a winter lover, and since I adore skiing, the mountain and ski-resort atmosphere was everything. It made the whole story feel extra cozy and magical.
Gemma was such a great character. I really liked her and found myself empathizing with her a lot. I do wish we had gotten a bit more depth regarding her parents’ divorce—you can tell it shaped so much of her, and I would’ve loved to explore that emotional layer even more.
Jake is the classic playboy, who’s in love with his best friend, and everyone sees it except him. Well… he does know, he’s just too scared to admit it because he thinks his past means he’s unlovable. His development and the way he slowly opens up made his character so easy to root for.
Overall, this was such a cute and cozy romance—sweet, fun, and full of charm.
It comes out of nowhere but is also inevitable, necessary, needed,
even."
•
Happily ever après is a romance standalone, here you’ll find:
🎿Friends to lovers
💍Fake marriage
🐾Reformed playboy
🍻Slow burn
I knew I was going to love this book from the moment I saw it—the fake dating/fake marriage tropes are some of my absolute favorites, and this one did not disappoint. This was my first Christina Hill book and I ended up really enjoying her writing style; it’s fun, warm, and incredibly easy to fall into.
The setting was one of my favorite parts. I’m a winter lover, and since I adore skiing, the mountain and ski-resort atmosphere was everything. It made the whole story feel extra cozy and magical.
Gemma was such a great character. I really liked her and found myself empathizing with her a lot. I do wish we had gotten a bit more depth regarding her parents’ divorce—you can tell it shaped so much of her, and I would’ve loved to explore that emotional layer even more.
Jake is the classic playboy, who’s in love with his best friend, and everyone sees it except him. Well… he does know, he’s just too scared to admit it because he thinks his past means he’s unlovable. His development and the way he slowly opens up made his character so easy to root for.
Overall, this was such a cute and cozy romance—sweet, fun, and full of charm.
December 4, 2025
3.5 stars of 'what did I just read..'
Lord save me from dim MMC’s. I don’t want to use ‘hero’, because one of them, Jake is not.
Gemma is in love with Jake.
Jake is in like with Gemma.
So, despite self-admitted feelings for Gemma, Jake decides to me a man-ho and date (and sleep with) the entire population, excluding Gemma. IN FRONT OF HER!!!
Frankly, I’m sick of the ‘I’m in love with her, but will sleep with everyone else to hide it’ trope, because it just screams that the feelings aren’t actually real.
He claims, ‘life is keeping them apart’, but it’s clearly Jake, and every excuse in the book.
That aside, this was equally funny and heartbreaking. The fact that their new boss is someone he used to sleep with was an interesting concept, but I really felt for Gemma. I can easily understand why she didn’t do or say anything to indicate her feelings, but I struggled with Jake. He had his moments, but I just couldn’t really get behind him.
Their group of friends was hilarious, from bets to secret meetings, roommates with death stares, they were supportive and tried to steer them in the right direction. I loved that they called him on his c.rap, and they were supporting Gemma. I just wish that the sympathy card wasn’t pulled for him, because for me, it just gave him a weak excuse to treat his ‘BFF’ like a doormat.
The ending? Downright strange, and didn’t make sense.
Lord save me from dim MMC’s. I don’t want to use ‘hero’, because one of them, Jake is not.
Gemma is in love with Jake.
Jake is in like with Gemma.
So, despite self-admitted feelings for Gemma, Jake decides to me a man-ho and date (and sleep with) the entire population, excluding Gemma. IN FRONT OF HER!!!
Frankly, I’m sick of the ‘I’m in love with her, but will sleep with everyone else to hide it’ trope, because it just screams that the feelings aren’t actually real.
He claims, ‘life is keeping them apart’, but it’s clearly Jake, and every excuse in the book.
That aside, this was equally funny and heartbreaking. The fact that their new boss is someone he used to sleep with was an interesting concept, but I really felt for Gemma. I can easily understand why she didn’t do or say anything to indicate her feelings, but I struggled with Jake. He had his moments, but I just couldn’t really get behind him.
Their group of friends was hilarious, from bets to secret meetings, roommates with death stares, they were supportive and tried to steer them in the right direction. I loved that they called him on his c.rap, and they were supporting Gemma. I just wish that the sympathy card wasn’t pulled for him, because for me, it just gave him a weak excuse to treat his ‘BFF’ like a doormat.
The ending? Downright strange, and didn’t make sense.
January 4, 2026
this was cute but sadly missed the mark a few times too often to be great.
starting with that the entire story felt rushed even though there was no need for it to feel that way, the characters felt completely underdeveloped and i honestly didn’t feel like the two mains read like the knew each other basically their entire lives and where best friends just as long.
also this book tried a bit too hard to be funny - i think? i am unsure what else it could have been with some of the moments and strange situations that just felt like a comedian trying out a joke that just sits there in the room with no reaction.
the ideas where there and this could have been great but it would have needed more work, the characters should have been developed better, their relationship made stronger and so clearly something that felts like more than a fleeting friendship and the whole fake marriage thing could have been great but it just felt unnecessary in this situation and how everyone reacted with it all.
for me this feels and reads more like a rough outline that still needs alls the details and work overs getting done to make it more than a could be good book.
as it stands it’s fine.
if you want something quick and to read without any thoughts and some sex scenes? go for it.
but if you want actual good writing, characters and just a general story that dienst just feel like bare bones, eh not sure this is the right pick for that.
starting with that the entire story felt rushed even though there was no need for it to feel that way, the characters felt completely underdeveloped and i honestly didn’t feel like the two mains read like the knew each other basically their entire lives and where best friends just as long.
also this book tried a bit too hard to be funny - i think? i am unsure what else it could have been with some of the moments and strange situations that just felt like a comedian trying out a joke that just sits there in the room with no reaction.
the ideas where there and this could have been great but it would have needed more work, the characters should have been developed better, their relationship made stronger and so clearly something that felts like more than a fleeting friendship and the whole fake marriage thing could have been great but it just felt unnecessary in this situation and how everyone reacted with it all.
for me this feels and reads more like a rough outline that still needs alls the details and work overs getting done to make it more than a could be good book.
as it stands it’s fine.
if you want something quick and to read without any thoughts and some sex scenes? go for it.
but if you want actual good writing, characters and just a general story that dienst just feel like bare bones, eh not sure this is the right pick for that.
December 12, 2025
What a cute friend's to lovers story. The fake marriage scheme only increases the intensity of the slow burn between these longtime friends to a raging inferno. Considering their story takes place in Bozeman during winter, that's accomplishing a lot!!
Gemma has always loved jake even through his player era and the many woman he dates. She's been a loyal friend, but longs for more
Jake may get women numbers that are have short stays in the area, but Gemma is his endgame. His hesitation is their friendship and not to change the dynamic of it.
Until his Ex enters back into the picture as someone who could potentially ruin Jake's and his friends' careers working at the ski resort they love.
Jake concocts a plan of using the ruse of marriage to Gemma to show the Ex he's a serious man with a wife, stable career and future. Glossing over that the Ex was the one that contributed to Jake's avoidance of commitment. Gemma goes along cause she wants her best friend not to make a fool out of himself and what would it hurt to pretend they were married for a week?
What ensues is witty banter, spicy moments and realizing the benefits of loving your best friend and committing to matrimony in real life.
Gemma has always loved jake even through his player era and the many woman he dates. She's been a loyal friend, but longs for more
Jake may get women numbers that are have short stays in the area, but Gemma is his endgame. His hesitation is their friendship and not to change the dynamic of it.
Until his Ex enters back into the picture as someone who could potentially ruin Jake's and his friends' careers working at the ski resort they love.
Jake concocts a plan of using the ruse of marriage to Gemma to show the Ex he's a serious man with a wife, stable career and future. Glossing over that the Ex was the one that contributed to Jake's avoidance of commitment. Gemma goes along cause she wants her best friend not to make a fool out of himself and what would it hurt to pretend they were married for a week?
What ensues is witty banter, spicy moments and realizing the benefits of loving your best friend and committing to matrimony in real life.
December 31, 2025
If there is a dog on the cover, I am going to want to read it! Christina Hill is a new author for me, I am always so thankful to NetGalley for introducing me to new authors. This book did not disappoint. The main troupe is friends to lovers and through in a fake marriage. These are two of my favorite tropes to read. When it has both and a dog on the cover, I am 100% invested. Enter the 2 main characters, Jake and Gemma who pretend to be married, but will they admit their true feelings or sabotage it. Gemma and Jake both work at the same ski resort, get caught up in a fake marriage to save their jobs, and as if things couldn’t get better, there are dogs involved in the story!
The story flows really well, with lots of character development throughout. Jake is a bit of a playboy, but he has clear rules about dating and will do anything for his family and Gemma. Gemma is an introverted girl in love with her best friend. I loved Gemma from the get go, the fact that she adopted a blind and deaf elderly cat to give him a better life says it all for me. There were several laugh out loud situations that the characters find themselves in. This was an enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it. Thank you again to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
The story flows really well, with lots of character development throughout. Jake is a bit of a playboy, but he has clear rules about dating and will do anything for his family and Gemma. Gemma is an introverted girl in love with her best friend. I loved Gemma from the get go, the fact that she adopted a blind and deaf elderly cat to give him a better life says it all for me. There were several laugh out loud situations that the characters find themselves in. This was an enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it. Thank you again to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
November 24, 2025
⭐️ 4.2 ⭐️
This was the cutest winter-vibe romance ever. I don’t read a lot of friends-to-lovers stories, but this one completely won me over. The snowy setting, the cozy lodge atmosphere, and the absolutely adorable dynamic between Gemma and Jake made it such a fun and warm read. The fake marriage plot was surprisingly charming, too, and it fit their relationship in a really satisfying way.
Gemma was such an amazing character, and I loved following her arc. I do wish we had gotten more depth about her parents’ divorce because it clearly shaped so much of who she is. Jake had the same kind of emotional weight with his mom’s cancer, and I would have loved a bit more time spent exploring his past as well. Even without that, their connection was so sweet and so real. They were obviously in love long before they were willing to admit it, and it made me want to shake them every time they almost communicated but didn’t.
Overall, this was such a cozy and charming romance with the perfect winter atmosphere. Gemma and Jake have such believable chemistry, and I had the best time reading their story.
This was the cutest winter-vibe romance ever. I don’t read a lot of friends-to-lovers stories, but this one completely won me over. The snowy setting, the cozy lodge atmosphere, and the absolutely adorable dynamic between Gemma and Jake made it such a fun and warm read. The fake marriage plot was surprisingly charming, too, and it fit their relationship in a really satisfying way.
Gemma was such an amazing character, and I loved following her arc. I do wish we had gotten more depth about her parents’ divorce because it clearly shaped so much of who she is. Jake had the same kind of emotional weight with his mom’s cancer, and I would have loved a bit more time spent exploring his past as well. Even without that, their connection was so sweet and so real. They were obviously in love long before they were willing to admit it, and it made me want to shake them every time they almost communicated but didn’t.
Overall, this was such a cozy and charming romance with the perfect winter atmosphere. Gemma and Jake have such believable chemistry, and I had the best time reading their story.
December 14, 2025
This book was such a fun, easy, winter-y read!
Flipping between Gemma and Jake's perspectives, the main characters can't admit they've loved each other since high school, even though everyone around them can already tell.
After Jake runs into a ex (who was married when they went out), who is now his boss, he tries to save face, and their jobs, by saying he's married to Gemma. When the ex invites them to a big dinner party, they know they have to step up their performance. Annnnnd maybe they can turn the fake marriage to a real relationship like they both secretly want.
The dinner party turns out to be an epic disaster, but afterward, Gemma and Jake spice things up. Gemma admits her feelings, but Jake puts her in the friend zone despite his real feelings. A few days later he finally realizes he can't live without her.
The snowy mountain skiing vibes were perfect for a snowy weekend in front of the fireplace. I really like Gemma and Jake. But the last few pages of the book and the epilogue kind of fell flat for me.
Overall, I would still recommend this one!
⚠️: cancer
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Flipping between Gemma and Jake's perspectives, the main characters can't admit they've loved each other since high school, even though everyone around them can already tell.
After Jake runs into a ex (who was married when they went out), who is now his boss, he tries to save face, and their jobs, by saying he's married to Gemma. When the ex invites them to a big dinner party, they know they have to step up their performance. Annnnnd maybe they can turn the fake marriage to a real relationship like they both secretly want.
The dinner party turns out to be an epic disaster, but afterward, Gemma and Jake spice things up. Gemma admits her feelings, but Jake puts her in the friend zone despite his real feelings. A few days later he finally realizes he can't live without her.
The snowy mountain skiing vibes were perfect for a snowy weekend in front of the fireplace. I really like Gemma and Jake. But the last few pages of the book and the epilogue kind of fell flat for me.
Overall, I would still recommend this one!
⚠️: cancer
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Happily Ever Aprés by Christina Hill
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶.5
Gemma and Jake have been best friends since they were kids. When Jake runs into his new boss (and ex), he panics and says that him and Gemma are married. Now they must convince the new owner of the ski resort that they are married, while not blowing up their friendship in the process.
~~
I really liked the premise of this book. It had really great characters. Both the main and side characters had lots of backstory that made me invested in them. Ultimately this book did fall a little short for me and that was mostly due to the pacing of the book. The intro felt a little rushed, and i woild have liked to have seen more of Gemma and Jake’s relationship before they became fake husband and wife, since they do have such a great friendship. i felt like a decent portion of the book was deciding to fake date or not, and not enough time was spent on developing their relationship. Overall these were great characters and the story was great, just a little mistimed.
~~
Thank you to Christina Hill for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Happily Ever Aprés by Christina Hill
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶.5
Gemma and Jake have been best friends since they were kids. When Jake runs into his new boss (and ex), he panics and says that him and Gemma are married. Now they must convince the new owner of the ski resort that they are married, while not blowing up their friendship in the process.
~~
I really liked the premise of this book. It had really great characters. Both the main and side characters had lots of backstory that made me invested in them. Ultimately this book did fall a little short for me and that was mostly due to the pacing of the book. The intro felt a little rushed, and i woild have liked to have seen more of Gemma and Jake’s relationship before they became fake husband and wife, since they do have such a great friendship. i felt like a decent portion of the book was deciding to fake date or not, and not enough time was spent on developing their relationship. Overall these were great characters and the story was great, just a little mistimed.
~~
Thank you to Christina Hill for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 17, 2025
Happily Ever Aprés by Christina Hill is a cosy, wintery rom com set at a Montana ski resort that delivers exactly what you’d expect from the trope lineup: best-friends to lovers, fake marriage, and a swoony slow burn with a touch of spice. Gemma, a ski instructor, and Jake, a ski patroller, accidentally end up pretending to be married and when the stakes grow beyond the joke, the sparks start flying.
This reads very much like a Hallmark or Netflix holiday romance but with more steam and a slightly cheekier tone. The snowy mountain setting is charming, the chemistry between the leads is strong, and the light humour makes it a breezy, enjoyable escape.
That said, it does lean heavily on predictable rom-com tropes, and some emotional moments felt rushed or familiar rather than deeply developed. If you’re looking for something twist heavy or highly original, this may not be it but if you want a comfort read winter romance with well loved tropes and a warm, festive feel, you’ll be delighted. Thank you NetGalley and Christina for the ARC
This reads very much like a Hallmark or Netflix holiday romance but with more steam and a slightly cheekier tone. The snowy mountain setting is charming, the chemistry between the leads is strong, and the light humour makes it a breezy, enjoyable escape.
That said, it does lean heavily on predictable rom-com tropes, and some emotional moments felt rushed or familiar rather than deeply developed. If you’re looking for something twist heavy or highly original, this may not be it but if you want a comfort read winter romance with well loved tropes and a warm, festive feel, you’ll be delighted. Thank you NetGalley and Christina for the ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
❄️🫶🏻"We're hitched, chained together for all eternity."🫶🏻❄️
Gemma is a ski instructor—beautiful, warm-hearted, and always ready to help. She’s spent years quietly loving her best friend, hoping he’ll one day notice her the way she sees him. ⛷️🐈
Jake, a charming ski patrol officer and irresistible brunette heart-throb, has never been short on female attention. But when an unexpected crisis threatens both his job and Gemma’s, there’s only one person he can turn to for a pretend marriage that might save them both. ⛷️🦮
What starts as a simple favor soon melts into something far more real, as shared laughter, snowy nights, and long-buried feelings begin to blur the lines between friendship and love. 💕
Can their fake marriage turn into the happily-ever-after they’ve both been secretly wishing for?🤞🏻
A sweet, romantic friends-to-lovers tale. Full of cozy winter magic, a reformed playboy learning what love truly means, and a dash of meddling friends. 🩵
Perfect for curling up with on a snowy evening and sipping hot chocolate.🎤🏔️🏒🎮🎞️
|Netgalley| |ARC Review|
Gemma is a ski instructor—beautiful, warm-hearted, and always ready to help. She’s spent years quietly loving her best friend, hoping he’ll one day notice her the way she sees him. ⛷️🐈
Jake, a charming ski patrol officer and irresistible brunette heart-throb, has never been short on female attention. But when an unexpected crisis threatens both his job and Gemma’s, there’s only one person he can turn to for a pretend marriage that might save them both. ⛷️🦮
What starts as a simple favor soon melts into something far more real, as shared laughter, snowy nights, and long-buried feelings begin to blur the lines between friendship and love. 💕
Can their fake marriage turn into the happily-ever-after they’ve both been secretly wishing for?🤞🏻
A sweet, romantic friends-to-lovers tale. Full of cozy winter magic, a reformed playboy learning what love truly means, and a dash of meddling friends. 🩵
Perfect for curling up with on a snowy evening and sipping hot chocolate.🎤🏔️🏒🎮🎞️
|Netgalley| |ARC Review|
December 14, 2025
I received an ARC from the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Two best friends who fake a marriage in order for the MMC Jake to save their jobs. Gemma has been quietly pining away for him. As tensions grow and the chemistry burns hotter, they struggle to find the line between pretend and real life.
Plot:
I loved their chemistry as friends. You could tell that Jake and Gemma knew each other very well and could anticipate each other’s moods. I find that this made their romantic relationship very convincing. The pining on both sides was very palpable and believable. I actually enjoyed reading from Jake’s POV as it really fleshed out the story. I do think the conflict with his ex felt very silly once we knew more about her, but I guess that is life. I loved the practicing that they did!! A classic trope.
Technique:
I think the dual POV was very impactful in the story. The syntax and sentence structure made the book feel very easy to follow and get sucked into.
Overall:
4 stars! Would definitely recommend for a fun winter read.
Two best friends who fake a marriage in order for the MMC Jake to save their jobs. Gemma has been quietly pining away for him. As tensions grow and the chemistry burns hotter, they struggle to find the line between pretend and real life.
Plot:
I loved their chemistry as friends. You could tell that Jake and Gemma knew each other very well and could anticipate each other’s moods. I find that this made their romantic relationship very convincing. The pining on both sides was very palpable and believable. I actually enjoyed reading from Jake’s POV as it really fleshed out the story. I do think the conflict with his ex felt very silly once we knew more about her, but I guess that is life. I loved the practicing that they did!! A classic trope.
Technique:
I think the dual POV was very impactful in the story. The syntax and sentence structure made the book feel very easy to follow and get sucked into.
Overall:
4 stars! Would definitely recommend for a fun winter read.
November 20, 2025
This story was such a cute romance! It’s the classic best friends to lovers but as a skier, I loved that they work for at a ski resort and there’s an avalanche dog that’s part of the story too! I really enjoyed the tension between the main characters as the story continues. I think the story is well rounded and the characters have a lot of depth especially given all of the things that have kept them apart thus far. There is definitely some spice but it didn’t feel as if it was overpowering the story. I really enjoyed reading about these two friends trying to figure out if they are going to finally make more than friends work. I would definitely recommend reading this book if you’re looking for a fun romance that also has some depth to it!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Christina Hill for the early copy of this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Christina Hill for the early copy of this book!
November 22, 2025
Happily Ever Aprés-Christina Hill
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another 5-star read from Christina for me! I was lucky to read an advanced copy, and I cannot wait for everyone to experience this cozy, slow-burn perfection.
This story has everything I love: mutual yearning, best friends to lovers, fake marriage, and a delicious slow burn that kept me absolutely glued to the pages. The tension between these two is unreal, and their refusal to act on their feelings had my heart in a chokehold.
There’s a dinner scene that had my jaw on the floor and my nails bitten completely down.
Christina writes female characters like she has a direct window into my brain, painfully relatable in the best possible way. And finally watching these two get their HEA after years of holding themselves back? Pure perfection.
If you love small-town winter vibes, friendship that becomes something more, and emotional payoff that’s worth every page, add this one to your TBR immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another 5-star read from Christina for me! I was lucky to read an advanced copy, and I cannot wait for everyone to experience this cozy, slow-burn perfection.
This story has everything I love: mutual yearning, best friends to lovers, fake marriage, and a delicious slow burn that kept me absolutely glued to the pages. The tension between these two is unreal, and their refusal to act on their feelings had my heart in a chokehold.
There’s a dinner scene that had my jaw on the floor and my nails bitten completely down.
Christina writes female characters like she has a direct window into my brain, painfully relatable in the best possible way. And finally watching these two get their HEA after years of holding themselves back? Pure perfection.
If you love small-town winter vibes, friendship that becomes something more, and emotional payoff that’s worth every page, add this one to your TBR immediately.
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