Forced to Be Festive: a Lighthearted Forced Proximity

by Ruth Cardello

🎄

This cozy, spicy small-town Christmas romance is
about a guarded genius on the run and the billionaire
who refuses to let her face danger—or the holidays—alone.

Jo has survived on instincts, secrets, and quick exits. Christmas wasn’t supposed to be on her calendar, but neither was hiding out in a quiet mountain town while she fights to clear her father’s name. When her refuge lands her in Nate Keaton’s path, the last thing she expects is a man who makes her feel seen, safe, and dangerously tempted to stay.

Nate has inherited a farm he doesn’t want, in a town he barely remembers, from an uncle he hadn’t spoken to since childhood. His search for closure takes a sharp turn when he’s met with an armed, stunning stranger who insists she has permission to be on the property. One unexpected encounter later, Nate’s holiday plans now include protecting the woman who just upended his entire world.


Perfect for fans of cozy holiday romance filled with heat, heart, found family, and a hero who loves with his whole chest.

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Ruth Cardello hit the NYTs and USA Today for the first time back in 2012. Millions of sales are evidence that her books are akin to potato chips, addictive from the first one. She has created a multi-series billionaire world with a combination of escapism and realism that has gained her a faithful following of readers.

What Kindle Reviewers write about her:

"Wow hot at every page. Heart stoping, fear raging, mind blowing wonderful."

"I'm a true fan of Ms. Cardello. I ran on to her first book a few years back and have been hooked ever since. I could go on and on about the story like of this book, but I'm not. All of her books are total page turners, unique, heart wrenching, and I love them all. There isn't two alike in the bunch and I feel like i know the characters personally. I personally read 97 authors books. And I buy every book they put out. This author is in my top 10. Great job and keep them coming."

"Love this series. Got me to start reading again. I look forward to the next book. Thank you for giving me the love of reading back."

Ruth Cardello was born the youngest of 11 children in a small city in northern Rhode Island. She spent her young adult years moving as far away as she could from her large extended family. She lived in Boston, Paris, Orlando, New York--then came full circle and moved back to New England. She now happily lives one town over from the one she was born in. For her, family trumped the warmer weather and international scene.

She was an educator for 20 years, the last 11 as a kindergarten teacher. When her school district began cutting jobs, Ruth turned a serious eye toward her second love- writing and has never been happier. When she's not writing, you can find her chasing her children around her small farm or connecting with her readers online.

Email Notice of New Releases: www.RuthCardello.com/Signup

You can find her on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/RuthCardello

Follow her at Twitter @RuthieCardello

If you'd like to email her directly, you may contact her via her website: www.ruthcardello.com

Lone Star Burn Series
Book 1: Taken, Not Spurred
Book 2: Tycoon Takedown
Book 3: Taken Home
Book 4: Taking Charge

Want to hear the song Charles proposed to Melanie with? https://youtu.be/SGZT5nVKfMs

The Legacy Collection
Book 1: Maid for the Billionaire (FREE on Amazon!)
Book 2: For Love or Legacy
Book 3: Bedding the Billionaire
Book 4: Saving the Sheikh
Book 5: Rise of the Billionaire
Book 6: Breaching the Billionaire: Alethea's Redemption
Book 7: (Novella) A Corisi Christmas

The Andrades:
Book 1: Come Away With Me (FREE on Amazon)
Book 2: Home to Me
Book 3: Maximum Risk
Book 4: Somewhere Along the Way
Book 5: Loving Gigi
Christmas Novella: A Recipe for Love (Maddy and Richard)

The Barrington Billionaires:
Book 1: Always Mine
Book 2: Stolen Kisses
Book 3: Trade It All
Book 3.5: A Billionaire for Lexi
Book 4: Let It Burn
Book 5: More than Love
Book 6: Forever Now
Book 7: Never Goodbye
Book 8: Reluctantly Alpha
Book 9: Reluctantly Rescued
Book 10: Reluctantly Romanced
Book 11: Loving a Landon
Book 12: Loathing a Landon


For a more complete list visit her website at www.ruthcardello.com

Reviews

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining story

I liked this story. There was a lot of mystery behind Jo and what she was trying to figure out to help her dad. Nate came to see the farm with no intentions except to let it go to auction. He had a lot of confusing feelings about his uncle Silas and the summer he spent at the farm. I enjoyed the attraction between Jo and Nate, and how they slowly got to know and trust each other.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, emotional, and thrilling story.

I was completely captivated by Nate and Jo! Their meet-cute was intense and thrilling, and I loved how the sparks flew between them. Nate is coming back to his late uncle Silas’s farm in New Hampshire for the first time since he was ten. The Bostonian is looking to survey the property and put it up for sale. He doesn’t want to be here; there are too many memories, but at the insistence of his aunt, here he is, staring down the barrel of a gun. Josephine has been on the run since her father was falsely accused and arrested for stealing (his own) tech, and she knows she’s one mistake away from being put right next to her father in prison. Silas was a friend of her father’s and offered his farm for her to hide and continue her father’s work. Meeting his nephew this way wasn’t in her plans; she wanted to be gone before he showed up.

I got so much more than I anticipated in this Christmas book. Ruth Cardello packs all the emotions, laughs, and steam into this riveting story. There are enough feelings to bring tears as we learned about the family and friends around Silas, moments to laugh out loud at the quirky townspeople, some nice steam between Nate and Joe that had me fanning my Kindle, and many wonderful people who know how to love. All with the backdrop of Christmas in a small town. You can’t beat a gripping story with likable and fun characters and two stunning draft horses living their best lives. Another fantastic read from Ms. Cardello!

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intense prologue and way to start this story. First impression between Jo and Nate is that Jo can definitely take care of herself as evidenced in her encounter with Nate but with that being said, with what she’s gone through in her life she just needs someone to be there for her where she can be herself. It was nice that she did have a few trusted people and it was nice learning about the Silas connection but when Nate’s security team showed up and then he kept pushing to be part of what she was working on, I thought this was a bad situation. I have to admit when he wanted to involve his friend Tanner and then other people, this was a huge red flag to me and I was concerned it was all going to blow up and not literally. However, Nate came through and watched her work to help clear her father’s name and when she was soooo close to having it perfected, the call came through courtesy of Tanner and everything seemed right in Jo’s world. Even with all the precautions that were being taken, when they were at the airport, I kept expecting an ambush or shots being fired or something similar but when nothing happened, I actually breathed a sigh of relief. This author did a great job of walking a fine line of one minute we had suspense and he wanted her gun and the next they were ‘acting’ like a couple enjoying the small town. This is a great book and the story is definitely unexpected but it all worked.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable but not what I’d call a true light hearted holiday romance.
A few things just didn’t gel for me, but we ended up with a big happy holiday mess of people.
Jo was too hot and cold for me, and though she had her unorthodox upbringing reasons for being so, her mean attitude annoyed me.
Her father, though he apologises, deserved less than what he gets.
Nate started out as this arrogant, rich city boy, but his mellowing and the realisation of how his life was not what he truly wanted was pleasant reading.
But then he goes all big gun protectiveness, without knowing everything. Just gut instinct.
The sadness and forgiveness at Ethan’s past behaviour didn’t feel right for me. I agreed with everything said and time to rectify things comes and goes before one is ready. But the instant forgiveness for his past bad behaviour was too easy.
I also couldn’t get my head around all the secret underground stuff we never got to see. Dark Web associates, taking on a huge conglomerate, never ending energy battery sources. I believe stuff like this happens but it was told and glossed over. All tell, no see.
Loved the ending with the horses more than the story I think.
Read through KU.

[Sharon in SF · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so much more than the author wrote in her description. The story takes place in a small mountain town outside of Boston. Part of the stipulation of his inheritance requires our MMC, Nate Keaton, to visit the ranch where he spent a summer with his Uncle Silas. Silas, though deceased, plays a major role in breaking apart Nate's apathy about the ranch, and his grinchy-esque attitude about Christmas. Everyone in town already knows about him, including our FMC, Jo, who's trying to keep a low profile while she works to clear her father's name.
The story is full of "nosey" townspeople who love a good romance, a beautiful holiday tradition on the farm Silas created, and intrigue surrounding what Jo is doing to free her father.
I don't know how this author manages to weave some suspenseful intrigue into a Hallmark-like Christmas romance between the young, successful businessman from Boston and the woman who has spent her entire life trusting no one but her eccentric father, but Ruth Cardello does it seamlessly! Perfect story to cozy up with during the holidays!

[Nancy Lauricella · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. Loved all of the characters; Nate, Jo, Libby, Bibi and all of the town folks.
I don’t think I have read about Jo in previous books but she is a whirlwind. Working on her special project and never giving up, which makes Nate really take a good look at her. And also himself.
The story is about suspense, new challenges, remorse and forgiveness. It’s about a big city guy coming down to the town and country folks, and finding himself and what he had lost while visiting his uncle when he was a boy. All of those memories came around and made changes in his life as well as the girl who was taking up residence on his property.
It is a story that awakens your thinking outside the box. Also about someone who lost his loved ones, became a recluse, died and left his property to someone who could appreciate it. Just a very heartwarming holiday (any day) story. Could not put it down and read it very quickly.
Thanks Ruthie!!

[Maritza Galarza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly great book that I could not put down.
What a great story. Loved all of the characters; Nate, Jo, Libby, Bibi and especially Butter! 🤣🤣
The small town was a great setting for Jo to hide in and I loved how everyone looked out for her… Nate took it all in stride and this made him a wonderful partner for Jo with her quirkiness and strength. Jo was relentless in working on her battery and never giving up on clearing her fathers name. Being with Jo and being around the town made Nate realize that he didn’t want to be just a CEO which opens his eyes to her and himself.
The story is about challenges, remorse and forgiveness. I definitely recommend this book! I could not put it down! If you’ve never read one of Ruth Cardello’s books this one would be a great start, but be warned once you read one book you will want to read them all!!! IHAVE🥰

[Liz Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful Christmas story, with mystery and intrigue.
Nate and Jo find themselves in his Uncle’s old homestead, as Christmas drawers nearer and nearer.
There is instant attraction between the two of them, but after one amazing night, Jo tells Nate to leave. He does, but when he gets home to the city, he realises that he left his laptop at the farm. He goes straight back, and arrives as Jo is about to make her getaway. He stops her from going anywhere until he learns who she really is and why she has been staying at the farm.
Needless to say, among all the intrigue and secrets, the towns people decide that they are a great match for each other.
They become closer and finally Jo tells Nate the truth.
Ruth never disappoints with her stories, and this is no exception. Congratulations on another roaring success.

[Hershey Pyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Cardello is an incredible writer who has gifted us with this holiday delight!! Holidays can be a wondrous, joyful time with friends and family but for some it can be lonely and heartbreaking. Ruth uses intrigue, humor and romance to address generational trauma, stunted relationships, awkward and uncomfortable conversations without trauma, without judgment, and without guilt.
Even beautiful things can't survive neglect. Home, family, relationships require tending. Show up for one another. Even if you don't think so at the time, it matters!! Even if you show up and are unwelcomed, do it anyway. Maybe never, but, maybe, just maybe, the efforts we make, will start to soften the edges.
Perhaps reading Forced to be Festive could provide someone encouragement, or even a blueprint, to tend/ mend a difficult relationship. Blessings to Ruth Cardello, her family and friends!!

[Anne Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great, fun , festive read. Ruth Cardello has written a book with characters that really shouldn’t work together, a grumpy wealthy business owner who inherits a farm he doesn’t want and a woman living there while working secretly on developing a scientific programme started by her father that will clear his name and get him out of prison. Before long Nate finds himself more and more drawn to Jo and starting to question his own life. There are some twists and turns that hold your attention , and a great collection of quirky characters from the nearby town. A really enjoyable seasonal romance with a mixture of intriguing plot, a developing love story and a generous amount of snow and festive traditions and fun.

[Nancy Ghiloni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful heartwarming story that Ruth has written. Jo is hiding out in a small town where people watch out for one another trying to clear her father’s name in order to get him released from prison. Nate appears at his Uncles farm in order to clean up his affairs so he can sell the property. It is love at first sight for Nate and Jo. Nate wants to protect Jo and Jo needs to put trust in Nate and others as well. They work together with the help of others in order to accomplish Jo’s goal.
The attraction between Nate and Jo is ever present. A great story with Christmas Wishes, forged friendships and seeking a happily ever after.

[Janice Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate and Jo’s story have all the makings of a great Hallmark Mysteries move! This story has intrigue, laughter, trust and of course love! I found myself laughing and crying and totally caught up in the story of how two very different people found a common goal that was worth fighting for and that required a lot of faith and trust in each other. Along the way you meet other great characters like Martin who appears when you least expect it to give everyone sleigh rides and Libby and Bibi who believe they can say and do just about anything at their age and get away with it. This is a must read over the holidays, so settle in with a hot cup of tea or cocoa and prepare to be entertained!

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forced to Be Festive by Ruth Cardello is a stand alone, holiday read. 4.5 stars

When Nate inherits a farm in a town he barely remembers from his uncle who he stayed with in his childhood. He really doesn’t want the farm, but he decides he needs closure, but what he doesn’t expect is to find Jo… possibly the woman of his dreams. What happens next is secrets, on the run, clearing her father‘s name, upending his life, nosy town folk and both finding what’s been missing in their lives…a forever home with each other and a town full of holiday spirit!

I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Karen Lathbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate Keaton reluctantly goes to his late Uncle Silas’s farm to get it ready for auction but is surprised, not expecting to find himself looking down at a gun. More surprising is the beautiful woman holding it. Jo, has been on the run, hiding from the people who put her father in jail so they could steal the project he was working on. This is a great story for the holidays, a small town full of fun people and traditions, some created by Silas, that mends a father and son, reunites father and daughter and two people fall in love. While pointing these out there is so much more, fun characters, laughter, tears to make this a great read. Ruth really worked her magic.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It was full of emotions and realness and people figuring out how to have the courage to get out of their way so they can become better, richer people from the inside out. In an age where people seem so focused on image, this story took focusing on the heart and on one’s character instead and really bonded us to our romantic pair Nate and Jo and the community of people in their lives. I see offshoot stories for multiple characters we met in “Forced to be Festive” and I look forward to meeting them all again. This a great read and December is the perfect time to read this book!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like starting off the holiday season with a touching, romantic book with a little suspense mixed in. I love how the author incorporated strong female characters like Jo and Aunt Claire into the story. Also enjoy the comic relief from Libby and Bibi. My favorite part, of course was the romance building between Jo and Nate, especially reading how Jo dropped her defenses to let Nate in. This book was a great read, and I actually read it within 24 hours. I loved how the author described that small town feeling of community and family during the holidays.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these stories set in small towns featuring an anticipation of Christmas. Pay attention, this is not only about all the jingle and the fun, it is about a woman who is on the run, trying to find evidence in order to release her father from prison and a man who has to get his childhood back. I loved how the author has matched the hero and the heroine; the trust they build during those difficult moments while dealing with trouble, it makes me believe that true love still exists. A really warming and cozy book to read.

[Jennifer Artiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate and Jo meet under unusual circumstances and appear to be polar opposites at first. Jo is desperately trying to clear her father of a crime he didn't commit while Nate is trying to rid himself of an inheritance he didn't want. Neither trusts the other until circumstances push them into doing so. Their chemistry is immediate and forceful but fear from her and patience from him keep them from moving forward. I love them as a couple and as partners in saving her father, followed closely by all the secondary characters who add so much love and humor to this story. Highly recommended.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book to read. Josephine (Jo) is used to running away while she tries to stay safe and proving her Dad is innocent. Loved the instant heat between her and Nate. Had some tears when we find out why there’s a rift from his Dad and his deceased Uncle Silas. Loved the town. How can Nate get Jo to trust in him, to give them a chance and to stay? It’s a very heartwarming book and I loved their happy ever after. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I recommend this book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good story. Nate inherited a ranch he didn't want and found Jo hiding out in the barn. She had a good reason, but it took awhile for her to tell him. Nate used to go their to stay with his uncle when he was young and he was very happy there. Now he is in the city being a CEO and has forgotten the joy he had there. Between Jo and Nate, they need each other to discover the joy of christmas again. Plus Jo has a huge secret that will make a huge difference to the country that some people don't want out.

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for the holidays

This book showed up in my recommended reads and I'm glad I found the time to read it quickly.

I loved the dual PIG's and felt the author did a fantastic job with the seamless transitions. I felt like I was given enough of both Mate and No to fully their personalities and motivations. I also liked how both of them had flaws they accepted in themselves.

The small town seeing was perfect and the day if characters were so childhood I've drawn pictured of each of them in my mind. I found myself smiling more often than not at their antics.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo is used to leaving at the drop of a hat. Now she is hiding to help her father. Nate comes to his uncle's property to see it one last time before he lets it go to auction and finds Jo there. Things aren't always as they seem. Can this small town warm Nate's heart? A loving story of past mistakes, finding forgiveness and being with family and friends. The people of this small town were a hoot. The Winston sisters, Libby and Bibi were hilarious. Loved this story!!

[Terri Tutor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun holiday read. Both Jo and Nate never really celebrated Christmas the way it was meant to be celebrated. They find the true meaning of the holiday at Silas’ farm. Although Nate finds himself there not by choice, he finds what he’s been missing in his life. Jo has never had a place to call home and always had to be on guard with everyone around her. What they find will change the rest of their lives.

[Jeanne Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate Keaton drives to the small mountain town to check out the ranch inherited from his uncle.
He discovers upon arrival that Jo, a beautiful, secretive woman has been staying there.
The intent was to sell but Nate is intrigued by the mysterious Jo, and the locals involve him in holiday traditions that were started by his uncle Silas.
A wonderful story about community, love and forgiveness that resonates within your heart saying it's never too late!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Ruth Cardello displays the depth of her creativity. Not only is this a story about two people who appear to have an extreme dislike of Christmas but also an attempt to create a solution to the energy problems worldwide. Nate and Jo distrust each other from the outset, as well as distrusting the friendliness and kindness of the small town in which they find themselves. As they learn to trust others as well as themselves, a fascinating story unfolds. A great read.

[Manisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a small town trope with nosy townspeople and a strong female lead.

The story between Nate and Jo started off intense but in the prologue but the story was so engaging and the perfect setting for the winter holiday season! Ruth Cardello really knows how to write to her loyal audience and new readers alike.

If you've never read anything by this author, this is a great start and perfect time of year to hit ALL THE FEELS!!!.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forced to Be Festive: a Lighthearted Forced Proximity is by Ruth Cardello. This wonderful holiday read.

I really enjoy reading Ruth's book. I get the lost the story. I love the storyline and the romance that comes with it.

If you are looking for a great author you will find it with Ruth Cardello. Her book don't disappoint. She has wonderfully beautiful way of telling story.

The the story was easy read. I give it 5 stars.

[Cobblos8 Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carrillo just gets better and better.

No and Hate start their meet up like circling sharks but end up encircled by a village who are loudly vocal with their approval of seeing them together. Dangerous people are pursuing Jo's where about but Hate offers her protection before he knew what he was protecting her from. This is a wonderful slow burn romance with lots local characters thrown into the picture. Good reading!

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the holiday book I had been waiting for and didn't even know it. Nate and Jo's story actually had some elements or events that could be classified as romantic suspense. At the same time, it was full of small town life, love, loyalty, friendship, and humor.

I enjoyed the way everyone and everything came together with nothing but feel good moments that left a smile on my face.

[Andrea Oczvirkova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was really beautiful. It was sweet, dramatic, full off love, glitters, Christmas lights and snow. When you read it, you are in magical winter wonderland in nice small town, where everything is possible. This book was fantastic, really relaxing and balm on soul. And the horses... And the sweetest epilogue with eldery horses rescue. I love this book so much.