Holiday rule #1: Never get drunk and agree to fake-date your boss.
Olivia Hartley’s Christmas falls apart the moment she learns her cheating ex is getting engaged to her cousin over the holidays.
Shocked, humiliated, and two airport whiskeys past her limit, she does the one thing she’d never do sober: confide in her hot-as-sin billionaire boss, Alexander Castellano.
Alexander is desperate to escape his own family’s holiday chaos, so he proposes an unbelievable solution: he’ll travel with Olivia to Silverbell Hollow as her boyfriend. Drunk and out of options, Olivia says yes before she can talk herself out of it.
But Olivia didn’t expect him to fit into her family’s Christmas so perfectly. She didn’t expect the warmth beneath his icy exterior. And she definitely didn’t expect the way he touches her when no one is watching.
She keeps telling herself it’s pretend.
But do fake boyfriends kiss you till your toes curl? Do they make you forget your name when they’ve got their hands all over you? And do they leave you wondering if you’re the only one faking it?
Because if this is pretend… Alexander clearly didn’t get the memo.
(A cozy, spicy, small-town Christmas romance for readers who love fake dating, forced proximity, and a billionaire who melts only for her.?
A Merry Misdeal The Silverbell Hollow Series Book One Author : KJ Raffat
Well this is the first time I got picked to do an ARC review. I am very excited to do this and I hope I do it justice. Also this will be my very first festive book to read. Already loving the cute cover!
Thank you once again @authorkjraffat for giving me a chance. 🥹🫶
The story begins with our FMC Olivia Hartley a.k.a. Livie, who for the longest time (11 whole months to be exact) tried to make crafted excuses to her family living in North Carolina, specifically in Silverbell Hollow ("where kindness rings louder than any bell"), about work emergencies and crucial meetings and projects, just so she could put off the disaster that has been waiting for her back home (broke up with Chase, her now ex-boyfriend just a year ago).
She is working as an executive assistant in New York under CEO Billionaire Mr. Alexander Castellano for a period of six years straight. Since it's the festive season, she took a "time off" for a month to spend Christmas back home with her family. Well or so she thought, since things took a sharp turn and made everything quite interesting (well at least for me!). 💁♀️
I must say, for a first time in a long time that I haven't read romance story types, this was on another level! Not gaudy nor vicious in a vulgar sense (IYKYK). 😏
This was a one-shot romantic-comedy plot of a crazy pair, which I literally devoured so fast, that I could not put the book down.
Thumbs up for the smooth and fluid flow of the plot. I especially liked the interchanging POVs of the lead characters, as well as their respective personality traits. Makes them more loveable than they already are. The backstory including their past experiences and family backgrounds were somehow relatable that I could resonate with them. There were melancholy, short and cute moments, as well as hilariously sarcastic ones that made me crack up!
I especially loved how Bob (Livie's father) bonds with Alexander. The heart-to-heart talks, how he so proudly showed him his tools as a plumber, his intense love for Christmas and the decos, and how he called him "son" or straight up "son-in-law" with pride - it all made me tear up. It was just chef's kiss.🥹🤌❤️
Overall, this rom-com with a touch of slice-of-life is definitely the perfect book to read this festive season! I am eager to check out the other books (Wilder Brothers Series for example), since this has been such an enjoyable experience!
P.S.
Omg shout out to Rick or Ricky the bartender for being low-key supportive. Him being bewildered after what happened between the two idiots at the airport made me rolling in the aisles. 😂
P.P.S.
Omfg the bonus scene yesss I silently prayed for this ending! 🥹🫶
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
P.S. If anyone wants to follow my book reviews I am on Instagram & Goodreads (bookwormdenz), as well as Threads (denz.kaye). Let me know so we can connect! 📚
This was so sweet and for me it ticked all the right boxes. At first sight a grumpy Hero but he's really not. Dual POV which helps as you see in chapter 2 he's totally in love with the heroine but has been biding his time. Other man drama in form of her ex, he doesn't stand a chance. And other woman drama in form of the heroine's cousin who the ex is now with. The Hero is amazing, he doesn't flirt with anyone else. The scenes withnhim and her dad are so sweet.
Xmas theme. Fake relationship premise which is never fake for him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
we meet Olivia, dutiful assistant to hotshot CEO Alexander. shes finally going home for Christmas after being away for a year but when she learns that her ex-boyfriend is going to propose to het cousin...whiskey is the answer in an airport bar. and the next thing she knows he boss is sitting beside her at thr bar..WTH! Alexander proposes a fake relationship that will be mutually beneficial....her to stick to her Ex and him to show his parents he's in a stable relationship. Whatever possessed Olivia to accept is beyond her and whiskey neats. Alexander shows how attentive a boyfriend should be. he never had much christmas' growing up and he feels welcomed by Olivias family. He is also harboring a secret...he's been in love with her for 6 years. Olivia is none the wiser and needs to remind herself it is fake. but at one point does pretend become real? and what's thr worst thing that could go wrong?
*ARC Review* A Merry Misdeal by KJ Raffat 5 Star read, the perfect holiday book!
I fully enjoyed this book. From the beginning I was drawn in and wanted to know more about the characters. So many tropes in the story from boss/employee, fake dating, revenge, and one MC is already in love just waiting for the other catch up.
This story was such a page turner and I highly suggest you do not start this near the time you should be sleeping.
Key notes: *The spice is there.. a mirror?? Yes, please! 🥵 *Revenge for your fake father in law, epic! *You will fall in love with Olivia’s family *Ricky needs his own story *Telling off the cousin & ex… bravo 👏🏽
KJ Raffat did it again with this story, a true must read for the holiday season!
This is my first book by KJ Raffat and I am obsessed! This is a Christmas that you'll want to add to your winter tbr ❄️
This had tension, fake dating, holiday cheer, spice and revenge. That's right revenge! Our FMC Olivia has a horrid cousin who always tries to upstage her and even goes as far as to steal her boyfriend. (yes, we strongly dislike Amber). So expect some scheming and revenge against Amber and Chase. It's so satisfying 😌
Enough about them, let's talk about Olivia and Alexander 👀 They were just so adorable! Alexander falls first and HARD. He could have pursued her, but didn't because he's a decent human being and knew she was in a committed relationship, (Alex:1 - Chase:0), but as soon as he found out she was single? Well that's a different story. Seeing Alexander go above and beyond to show Olivia how she should be loved and cared for tugged on my heartstrings. Olivia deserved so much better than what she had been settling for and I loved seeing her shine return. Olivia was such a sweetheart. Chase is lucky she stayed with him as long as she did. I'm just glad she stood her ground and kept building her career and life despite all the digs and comments he made. But you don't need me to bad mouth him. I can guarantee you'll want to punch him the second you are introduced to him 🙃 I loved seeing her bloom throughout this book and gain more confidence. The way she stood up for herself was incredible and I loved seeing her tell Amber and Chase. It made me so proud 🥹
If you love these tropes, then you should go and pick this up right now 🤭 - Fake Dating - Boss x Assistant - Christmas Romance - Revenge on your Ex - He Falls first and HARD - He Notices All The Small Details (instant win) - HEA
Thank you so much to the author for the e-arc! All opinions are my own.
A Merry Misdeal was an absolute delight! Was it predictable? Yes. Was it cliché? Also yes. Did I devour it while kicking my feet and grinning like an idiot? Absolutely.
This book checks so many of my favorite boxes: fake dating, cozy small-town vibes, swoon-worthy flirting and banter, and a slow burn that you feel in your chest. And billionaire romance? A trope I didn’t know I’d love this much, but I’m officially a fan.
The story follows Olivia (our FMC) and Alexander (our MMC) as they navigate the holiday season. Olivia is reluctantly returning to her hometown of Silverbell Hollow for Christmas, where she’ll be forced to face her ex-boyfriend… and his new girlfriend, who also happens to be her cousin. Yikes! Dreading the whole situation, Alexander steps in with the perfect solution: fake dating to save face and make the month at home far more bearable. Bonus points to Ricky the bartender for helping set it all in motion 😉.
Alexander fully commits to his role as the fake boyfriend, all while secretly harboring a crush on Olivia since the moment they met. Their chemistry, banter, and flirting were everything. I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time.
The cozy small-town atmosphere is done so well, and the family dynamics add so much heart. Olivia’s father is an absolute standout, his playful rivalry with the neighbor had me smiling every time. Sophie, the younger sister, was smart, energetic, and endlessly entertaining. Her rambling and wit were such a joy.
This is a billionaire romantic comedy with a big heart, just the right touch of real-life emotion, a nice dash of spice, and all the festive cheer you could want in a holiday read. Fair warning though: don’t start this one at night—you will be up way past your bedtime.
Thank you to KJ Raffat for the ARC copy of this book!
Edit: The Bonus Chapter from her website is perfect! Ricky! 💕
I have really loved The Wilder Brothers Series by KJ Raffat but this?? This book is my absolute favorite so far!! My favorite storyline, my favorite MMC just all of it was addictive. I started reading this book at 8pm at night and didn’t stop until I finished it past 6am, and I would do it 10 times over!
Alexander is definitely my favorite MMC that KJ Raffat has created so far. Not only did she write a man that can make you drool with a few words, this man has me trying to find a way to crawl through the pages! I loved their fake dating more than any other book I have read, and considering this is one of my favorite tropes that’s saying ALOT. The way he constantly stuck up for her, made it a priority to connect with her family and just all in all was a phenomenal person the entire story, I can’t say enough about him! And Olivia! I loved Olivia so much, she was so funny at times while also trying to navigate everything that was happening in her life. Alexander and her together made such a good couple, just ugh I want more!
There were so many good scenes I highlighted and bookmarked (5 pages in my Kindle clippings to be exact) The thrift shop scene specifically had me clutching my pearls and foaming at the mouth simultaneously. It might just be in my top ten scenes of all times.
The family dynamic was refreshing, it ends up being completely different then what you expect. Every detail was thought about, there was even a little mystery that you don’t find out until the end. And once again she included a feet kicking Epilogue that has me practically begging for the next Wilder Brothers book.
Did I have time to reread this? Nope, not even a little, but I did anyway. I am without a doubt buying the physical copy of this on my next bookstore run and will be watching like a hawk for the next Silverbell Hollow book!
Olivias boss of 6 years Alexander, “All that bone structure wasted on someone with the emotional warmth of a tax audit.” I laughed so hard at this line. Fake dating has got to be one of my favorite tropes ever. Especially when he falls first and hard. When Alexander runs into Olivia at the airport is comical. She’s flying home to Silverbell Hollow for the 1st time since her breakup almost a year ago with Chase her childhood sweetheart. Chalk up another 5 star win for author KJ Raffat. Oh why can’t these men be real…”Amber’s face flushes an angry red, her composure finally cracking. “She’s just with you for your money,” she spits out, her voice shrill and desperate. “That’s all Olivia cares about. She’s always been a gold digger, climbing her way up—” Alexander’s smile widens, but there’s nothing warm about it. “Good,” he interrupts smoothly. “I have plenty of it.” The casual dismissal in his tone makes Amber’s mouth snap shut.” He definitely put them in their place. I adore that Alexander and Bob have so much interaction and him and Sophie. Finding the perfect Christmas tree 🎄. Carol making him the ugly sweater. Be still my heart. Ugh and Alexander says “As You Wish” heart officially melted ❤️ KJ Raffat has me hooked forever a reader. I want an Avery book now! Thank you so much to the author for writing this book and giving us hope. Loved every minute. A definite MUST READ!!
Olivia, was resilient and so detailed oriented I thought my favourite thing about her was that she was detail oriented and was exactly what Alexander, needed and I really liked that she was had the balls to talk back. Also, I really adored the fact that she was strong and was able to get on Alexander’s nerves and driving him mad for her.
Alexander, was really good at giving into temptation falling for his assistant and I really enjoyed reading about him trying resist and uncover Olivia’s boundaries and try to juggle all of it while pretending to be each other’s boyfriend and girlfriend.
I liked the chemistry that was pulling them by the strings and seeing it play out in front of me it was a really exciting and thrilling reading experience where I gave this story 5 stars it was thrilling to read about them falling in love and trying to resist temptation.
I thought Alexander, was so careful with Olivia and I liked that about him and how gentle he was with it showed me such a healthy strong relationship and how they both grew stronger while together and the effort they put in each other’s happiness.
I would say my favourite trope in this book was the grumpy/sunshine trope it was intriguing to read about and got me hooked by the blurb. I can wait to what else KJ Raffat writes because this was a fascinating read and I can’t wait to read of what else comes next in this series.
ARC Review ✨ First I would like to say a big thank you to KJ for letting me be apart of this ARC Team! Rate: 5/5⭐️ Spice: 2.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading A Merry Misdeal; -Fake Dating -Workplace romance -Boss x Employee -Holiday Romance
This is book one of the Silverbell Hollow series! You get to follow Alexander and Olivia. Firstly I want to say this cover is so stinkin cute and honestly all of KJs covers are! Secondly KJ is added to my ‘will read anything they put out author list’ because the two books I’ve read of hers have become some of my favorites and I wish I could read for the first time again.
Okay now back to the Olivia and Alexander! Olivia is head home to some unwanted drama, putting a damper on her holidays. Alexander is trying to avoid his family so what better way to tag along with each other. Olivia thinks her boss is hot but totally off limits, because everything they are doing is just pretend, right?
I laughed so much reading this story. The chemistry between Olivia and Alexander was amazing! The way he was with everyone literally melted me! Like how can I get me one of him!
Side notes: -Love Sophie!!!! -Avery 🥹 -Mirror🥵
Fav Quote: •”Trust me, Miss Hartley. You are the only one who has my attention.” •”Don’t be Stingy” •”Olivia. You’re not in charge here, darling.”
This was an ARC ebook that I received last weekend.
Olivia has been putting off returning to her small home town since last Christmas when she discovered her boyfriend of 10 years was cheating on her with her cousin, no less.
She is persuaded to return home but whilst waiting for her flight, discovers her ex, Chase, intends to propose to Amber, in front of the whole town this Christmas.
Two drinks in at the airport bar, she agrees to fake date her boss during the holiday season. Unbeknownst to her though, her boss Alexander is not faking.
I absolutely loved this book! It has a great romantic comedy, with the magic of small town vibes. The story progresses smoothly, there is some smut, but it actually adds to the story rather than smut for the sake of it.
I loved seeing Amber and Chase get their comeuppance, how easy Alexander fit into Olivia's family life, throws himself into their Christmas traditions and, shows Olivia she deserves better than a boyfriend like Chase.
I think it could have been easy for this to be a cheesy/cringe read but it wasn't. The comedic effect of the writing balanced it out so well.
Would definitely recommend once the book is available to read!
Olivia doit aller voir sa famille pour les fêtes de Noël, mais au fond d’elle, elle a cette boule au ventre… Pas parce qu’elle déteste sa famille, au contraire, mais parce qu’elle appréhende les commérages sur sa récente rupture avec le chouchou de la ville (malgré que sa fait déjà un an.)
Alexander (le Boss d’Olivia), va savoir qu’elle prends deux mois de congé pour les fêtes et pour lui il est hors de question qu’il se passe d’elle. Il ce sent perdus et dépassé par les événements. Il ne veut pas ou ne peut pas s’éloigner d’elle (haha).
Sauf que Olivia va quand même partir (lol), et notre Boss extrêmement séduisant va ce retrouver comme par hasard au même airport qu’elle !? (Coïncidence ou pas ? ) haha Et, pour la première fois en six ans il va la voir différemment, il va voir la vraie Olivia.
Ils vont décider de faire un deal, fake dating le temps des fêtes elle pour sauver la face, lui pour sa famille (mais ece que c’est tout ce dont ils rêvent ?)… J’ai adoré cet histoire, l’ambiance de Noël, la famille, comment Olivia et Alexander sont tombés amoureux, la ville et la vibes Noël. Tout été absolument incroyable. Je te recommande vivement ❤️💯
MERCI À L’AUTRICE DE M’AVOIR ENVOYÉ UNE COPIE E-BOOK DE SON LIVRE❤️
Omg, this book was so good I genuinely didn’t want to put it down, despite the fact that I definitely should’ve been studying for an exam. All I want for Christmas now is Alexander Castellano, because wow… he is the softest softie in the best possible way. He falls first and he falls hard. Knowing he’s been quietly loving Olivia for six years, long before she ever saw him that way completely melted my heart.
Olivia is still healing from the heartbreak of leaving her boyfriend of ten years, and Alexander steps in to “fake date” her. Except… it’s only fake for her. For him, it’s been real all along. The things he does for her, the slow burn of their chemistry, and the warm, hilarious dynamic he builds with her entire family made this such a cozy, swoony read. Bob was iconic, and I absolutely adored Sophie and Carol too.
The writing style was engaging, addictive, and full of charm. I already had K.J. Raffat’s other books on my TBR, but after this one? I think it’s finally time to dive into the rest of her work.
Highly recommend if you love heartfelt longing, fake dating with real feelings, and a hero who’s been in love for years. Perfection.
✨Arc Review ✨ Olivia’s going home, she misses her family. she’s avoided going back due to her cheating ex boyfriend and cruel cousin but she can’t hold out anymore. When Alexander appears infront of Olivia like its fate, he offers her a deal she can’t say not to. He will help her out pretend to be the perfect boyfriend to show everyone she hasn’t been that wounded. She’s suspicious of his intentions, she just doesn’t know that helping her out has lead him to plan something greater. Something that has been long overdue.
Kj Raffat, has this way of getting to me. Everything she writes I love. Alexander Castellano has become one of my favorite mmc, a man that will do anything even take revenge for the women he’s fallen for. Let’s not forget Olivia I love how she’s so sure of herself until her whole going back ordeal, I love to see her relying on him seeing him be that someone that can give her more.
This is my third ARC from this author and this is by far my favourite so far! I absolutely loved this story. It was such a great feel good story. The villains are villainous and our heroes end up on top. It just had me smiling at every turn of the page.
I also LOVE Alexander and Olivia. Their characters were well written and I instantly fell in love with them. I love the strength and vulnerability of her characters. I love a good rom com novel, and this one feels like a cozy hallmark movie that I would rewatch every Christmas.
KJ Raffat is quickly turning into one of my favourite authors and I will be following and eagerly waiting for future Silver Bell Hollows books and basically any other books she will write.
*****Arc Review****** I was send this arc early before the release and I am very thankful for the opportunity once again. Thank you to the author. this story was so good in so many ways, it had the magic of Christmas, small town vibes and of course an amazing love story. It made me laugh and swoon. The characters are so like able except for the ex who I really wanted to kick. The main characters were adorable though. Alexander castellano was my favorite, as the main male character he was perfect. he had me smiling and wishing he was real. The family dynamic in this story with the female main character was so nice, her parents are so supportive and fun. this book just made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s all you want for a Christmas holiday time
This is my second time reading a book by KJ Raffat and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
A Merry Misdeal is about Olivia and her boss Alexander. Initially Alex seems cold and self-centered. Once we get his point of view, we quickly learn that this is a means of preservation for Alex. He has actually been in love with Olivia for 6 years, but kept himself at a respectable distance because she was in a relationship (with a loser).
Olivia is completely clueless about Alex's feelings, so she is shocked when he suggests a fake relationship to quiet the ex (who happens to now be dating Olivia's awful cousin) and get his own family off his back about settling down. Finally able to act on some of the feelings he's had for the last 6 years, Alex falls into the role of boyfriend seamlessly. Olivia quickly finds herself fighting her attraction to him and tries hard to keep a level head. She doesn't and it's wonderful.
KJ has the ability to create stories that are so easy to envision. They are cozy and warm, but also funny and emotional. It's like a perfect holiday romantic comedy in book form. I loved this book and look forward to the next in the series!
This book had me laughing when I read the first chapter. MMC is her boss and forcing his way into her family Christmas by setting up a “fake relationship” .. but let’s just top it off, he’s a billionaire too. But he turns into a charmer, one that FMC can’t deny… but the fake relationship was all set up just to get back at a douche bag ex and to prove to MMC family that he won’t end up alone.
I love all the sabotage within this, from not just exes but also to old family neighbourhood feuds…
It also turns very spicy and he turns very dominant.
Overall I did enjoy the book, but didn’t love love it, but those that are deep into Christmas spirit might. Hence the 4 stars.
If you’re after a cute, cozy Christmas read, this is for you!
I love that Alexander had been secretly in love with Olivia for 6 years when she first started working for him. Olivia is taking a whole month off work and when Alexander bumps into a drunk Olivia at the airport they agree to a fake dating relationship to help Olivia deal with returning to her small town where her ex lives and cheated on her with her cousin! Her cousin!!! Honestly what did the ex think would happen.
Throughout the story Olivia falls for Alexander and it was so cute. I teared up. I smiled. I felt everything. Alexander shows his affectionate side and I love the golden retriever MMC so much.
KJ Raffat is an amazing author! I highly recommend any of her books. All have the feel good romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Can you imagine dating someone for ten years just for them to cheat on you with your cousin? Tuh!! This book had me hooked. It delivered all the Christmas vibes—warm, romantic, and sprinkled with just the right amount of spice without going overboard.
There were a few mentions of New Year’s, but it didn’t develop into anything. I do wish that part of the story had been explored a bit more. Still, I often found myself gasping or making audible comments because the audacity! lol
If you’re in the mood for a Christmas-themed romance that’s fun, festive, and full of heart, this is the one! 🎄✨
Real snow falls soft and silent over mountain ridges, dusting pine trees and turning main street into something out of a storybook. Real snow smells like woodsmoke and cinnamon. This? This is just frozen precipitation with a attitude problem, the kind that turns manhattan sidewalks into death traps and makes taxi drivers even more homicidal than usual
Thank you for this arc book!! Love love love all the books for her, the growth each character she writes I love that in my books to read A boss secret in love for six years waiting for his chance…. Chef kisses. The way he was accepted in her family and how much he enjoys that, his first christmas with a family
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had the absolute pleasure to review another one of KJ Raffat’s books and she did not disappoint with this lovely christmas story.
Reading how Olivia’s and Alexanders masks transform from professionalism to longing was such a ride. Was Alexanders plan sly? Yes. Did i love it? Ab-so-lutely. That man saw a chance and took it with full determination. He doesn’t do anything halfassed, including taking revenge.
I’m a sucker for small town romances and Silverbell Hollow just is the perfect combination of nosy neighbours, cosiness and holiday spirit!
This book was a total delight, and just perfect as a holiday read. (Extra points if you have a fire and hot cocoa to snuggle up with while reading.) The characters are charming. The house decorations are gaudy and over the top in a wonderous way, with the Hartley house being that one you drive by again and again to give you warm fuzzies. The steamy moments between Olivia and Alexander may be some of the best the author has written to date. I highly recommend! It's just the right read for distracting a mind from all those real life holiday stresses by enjoying someone else's.
5 ⭐️ Thank you to KJ Raffat for providing me with this arc!
Another 5 star read from KJ Raffat!
I absolutely adored this one! Christmas and fake dating are two of my favourite things so the fact that it was combined into a romance book (another of my favourite things) was perfect!!
I honestly couldn’t fault this book at all! Alexander and Olivia were perfect together!
I won’t stop thinking about this book for a while now!
LOVED this book so much! Alexander took his chance and wow, he didn’t disappoint. He's taking care of it all! I love KJ Raffat’s writing, and this is my favorite book so far. The suspense had me hooked from the beginning, it was a total page‑turner! I had some good laughs, and the spicy scenes were on point. The bonus chapter featuring a nod to the Wilder brothers was a delightful surprise!
What a cute Christmas romance 🤩. This is my last read for the year 2025 and I enjoyed it. The plot is simple but yeah it's cute. I really like the author's writing and thank you for choosing me as the ARC reader 😊.