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Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle
Discover a warm-hearted, uplifting, romantic read from the author of Finding Love at the Magical Curiosity Shop, Jaimie Admans.Praise for Jaimie
'This is Jaimie at her warm and whimsical best, a magical story to sweep you off your feet!' Bestselling author Tilly Tennant
'This beautiful story is perfect for those who need a sprinkle of fairy dust in their lives. Heartwarming, joyful, with some true laugh out loud parts. I can’t wait for more in the series.' Bestselling author, Rebecca Raisin
'A sparkling and enchanting romance sprinkled with love, laughter and a little bit of magic.' Bestselling author Holly Martin
'This is Jaimie at her warm and whimsical best, a magical story to sweep you off your feet!' Bestselling author Tilly Tennant
'This beautiful story is perfect for those who need a sprinkle of fairy dust in their lives. Heartwarming, joyful, with some true laugh out loud parts. I can’t wait for more in the series.' Bestselling author, Rebecca Raisin
'A sparkling and enchanting romance sprinkled with love, laughter and a little bit of magic.' Bestselling author Holly Martin
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2026
About the author
Jaimie Admans
29 books737 followersJaimie is a 32-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots.
She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.
She is the author of chick-lit romantic comedies The Chateau of Happily Ever Afters and Kismetology, and she has also written young-adult romantic comedies Afterlife Academy, Not Pretty Enough, and North Pole Reform School.
She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.
She is the author of chick-lit romantic comedies The Chateau of Happily Ever Afters and Kismetology, and she has also written young-adult romantic comedies Afterlife Academy, Not Pretty Enough, and North Pole Reform School.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 12, 2026
4.5 Stars
One Liner: What can I say? Lovee!
Lula Haines finds herself without a job a few weeks before Christmas after a window display goes viral. So, when she gets a chance to decorate Hollybrae Castle in Scotland for the holidays, she grabs the chance with both hands.
However, her new boss, Oliver Bracewell (Ollie), needs a fake wife for the season to secure a promotion that will save his family castle. He has been pretending to be a happily married man with two kids, and now his bosses want to meet this non-existent family.
Lula is happy to help initially, but as the festive season brings them together, she wonders if it could turn into reality and be the true love she wanted.
The story comes in Lula’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts
There’s a reason she is one of my favorite authors. Christmas in Scotland is a lovely setting, and when you have a remote castle waiting to be decorated, you don’t need anything else!
The description of the castle is so wonderful that I could see myself there. And that library? Love it! Should be among the #librarygoals.
The characters are sweet, kind, and honest. They are flawed, but in a way you empathize rather than scoff at them. This makes it very easy to root for them individually and as a couple.
The main side characters are just as good, especially the kids. God, they are so darn good! Everyone needs such fake kids, lol.
The romance is exactly what I expect from the author. Wholesome, touching, and so full of emotions and warmth. There’s honesty, openness, vulnerability, and peace. And of course, I literally live for these hugs… sigh!
This one and the previous book (also a standalone) have more humor. I laughed so much and chuckled even during emotional scenes. The first chapter itself is so good! I mean, yeah, she loses her job and all that, but man, that window display is hilarious.
Despite being less than 300 pages, it is a slower read. But at no point did I feel bored. Just not possible with the decorations and the budding romance. There are some sad themes, but there’s hope too—loads of it—and good memories that turn things bittersweet.
The grand gesture was funny and dramatic, probably the most dramatic part of the book. Then, the epilogue is heartwarming and a perfect ending.
To summarize, Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle is a funny, sweet, warm, Christmasy, and gently romantic story of finding oneself and hope when you’ve forgotten what it means to be truly happy.
Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
One Liner: What can I say? Lovee!
Lula Haines finds herself without a job a few weeks before Christmas after a window display goes viral. So, when she gets a chance to decorate Hollybrae Castle in Scotland for the holidays, she grabs the chance with both hands.
However, her new boss, Oliver Bracewell (Ollie), needs a fake wife for the season to secure a promotion that will save his family castle. He has been pretending to be a happily married man with two kids, and now his bosses want to meet this non-existent family.
Lula is happy to help initially, but as the festive season brings them together, she wonders if it could turn into reality and be the true love she wanted.
The story comes in Lula’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts
There’s a reason she is one of my favorite authors. Christmas in Scotland is a lovely setting, and when you have a remote castle waiting to be decorated, you don’t need anything else!
The description of the castle is so wonderful that I could see myself there. And that library? Love it! Should be among the #librarygoals.
The characters are sweet, kind, and honest. They are flawed, but in a way you empathize rather than scoff at them. This makes it very easy to root for them individually and as a couple.
The main side characters are just as good, especially the kids. God, they are so darn good! Everyone needs such fake kids, lol.
The romance is exactly what I expect from the author. Wholesome, touching, and so full of emotions and warmth. There’s honesty, openness, vulnerability, and peace. And of course, I literally live for these hugs… sigh!
This one and the previous book (also a standalone) have more humor. I laughed so much and chuckled even during emotional scenes. The first chapter itself is so good! I mean, yeah, she loses her job and all that, but man, that window display is hilarious.
Despite being less than 300 pages, it is a slower read. But at no point did I feel bored. Just not possible with the decorations and the budding romance. There are some sad themes, but there’s hope too—loads of it—and good memories that turn things bittersweet.
The grand gesture was funny and dramatic, probably the most dramatic part of the book. Then, the epilogue is heartwarming and a perfect ending.
To summarize, Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle is a funny, sweet, warm, Christmasy, and gently romantic story of finding oneself and hope when you’ve forgotten what it means to be truly happy.
Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
September 4, 2026
SENSATIONAL!!! Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
✨🎄A little Christmas magic, a sprinkle of fairy dust, and a whole lot of heart.🎄✨
Oh, what a sweet, heartwarming, uplifting, cozy, magical Christmas story!!
The Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle swept me away from the very first chapter and carried me somewhere between a Christmas fairytale and a warm hug. Magically romantic, hilariously funny, and tenderly overflowing with Christmas nostalgia, this was exactly the kind of festive escape my heart needed.
This was my first book by Jaimie Admans, and I completely fell in love with it!! There is something so exciting about discovering a new to me author and immediately knowing, I need to read more of their books. And yes, I certainly will!
Lula finds herself without a job just weeks before Christmas after a disastrous window display incident. Desperate for work, she jumps at the chance to decorate Hollybrae Castle in the beautiful, remote Scottish countryside for the holidays.
But her new boss, Oliver, has a rather unusual request.
He needs a fake wife!
Oliver has been pretending to his bosses that he's a happily married man with two children, and now they want to meet his nonexistent family. The promotion he's counting on could be the very thing that saves his beloved family castle, so suddenly Lula isn't just decorating for Christmas. She's stepping into the role of his wife and the mother of his two pretend children.
Fake wife. Fake family. Christmas at a gorgeous Scottish castle.
What could possibly go wrong?😂
From that very first chapter, I was laughing and chuckling so hard, especially during the Paddington Bear window scene. I knew right then that I was going to have so much fun with this book.
But beneath all the humor and festive chaos was something even more beautiful.
HEART.
There were moments that had me laughing, others that had me swooning, tender scenes that brought tears to my eyes, and bittersweet memories that tugged at something deeper.
And the romance? OH MY GOODNESS!!!
There was such a captivating push and pull between Lula and Oliver. Their playful banter had me smiling, while the quieter moments between them had me holding my breath. There was an undeniable spark between them, wrapped in all the awkwardness, tension, and uncertainty that comes with pretending to be something you're not.
Their chemistry was so much fun to watch unfold, and the slow-burn romance had just the right amount of longing to keep me completely invested. Every stolen glance, every teasing exchange, every moment when the air between them seemed to shift just a little had me turning the pages with the biggest smile on my face.
And then there was the mistletoe scene.🎄♥️
Loved it!!
It was exactly the kind of festive, swoony moment I live for in a Christmas romance.😂
And then there was Hollybrae Castle.
Oh, how I loved that castle.🏰
The remote Scottish countryside. The cozy rooms. The twinkling lights. Tinsel and glitter everywhere. Christmas music. Christmas movies. Jingling socks. A Christmas tree in every room waiting to be decorated. Festive games and complete chaos. And, of course, the poinsettias.😂
Was it 100?
According to Oliver, yes.
According to Lula, more like 38.
And then somehow, we got up to 78.🤣
I loved this little running joke between them. It was just one more glimpse of their playful relationship and the easy back and forth that made their time together so much fun to read.
The Christmas atmosphere was so vivid I could practically hear the music, see the lights glowing through the windows, feel the warmth of the fire, and smell all the delicious food coming from the kitchen.
This is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up beneath a blanket in front of a crackling fire with a cup of cocoa, Christmas lights glowing around you, and your favorite book in your lap.
Except now I need one thing. Someone to sweep me away to a castle in Scotland.😍
I fell head over heals for the characters, too. The children were truly wonderful, and the friendships, family dynamics, and the found family relationships brought so much warmth to the story. Hollybrae Castle became more than a setting, it became a home.
And Nancy! Nancy can COOK!!
Those scrumptious mince pies alone had me wishing I could climb straight through the pages and pull up a chair at their table.😂 Everything she made sounded mouthwatering, but those mince pies sounded like Christmas in every bite.
And ya'll...The library in the tower!!! To. Die. For.
It was breathtaking. I could picture myself curled up in there for hours, surrounded by books, winter, and the quiet magic of the old castle.
Honestly, I could see the entire story playing out on a screen. It has that irresistible Christmas movie magic. The kind that makes you want to step right through the screen and into the story.
And can we please talk about this cover for a minute.🥰
Adorable. Stunning. Magical.
It immediately made me want to read this book, and thankfully, the story inside was just as enchanting.
Yes, parts of this story are cheesy. Yes, parts are predictable. But honestly? That's romance.
We often know where a romance is going to take us. We know there will be a happily ever after waiting at the end of the road. But for me, it's never really about whether I can guess the destination.
It's about the journey.
It's about the winding road they take to get there. The moments that make you laugh, the ones that make you ache, the tender glances, the yearning, the impossible choices, and those times when you want to reach through the pages and tell them what they're too afraid to say themselves.
It's about watching two people find their way toward each other and discovering who they become along the way.
And Lula and Oliver's journey was one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Because sometimes predictable isn't a flaw. Sometimes knowing you're headed toward a happily ever after is exactly what makes the journey so comforting. And this story is so much more than Christmas sparkle and romance.
At its heart, it's about finding yourself and discovering what truly makes you happy. About realizing that the sensible choice isn't always the choice that makes your heart sing and having the courage to take a leap of faith when fear tells you to stay safely where you are.
It's about choosing happiness, choosing love, choosing hope, and daring to take a chance on the life you truly want instead of simply accepting the life that seems sensible.
There are painful memories here, heart-wrenching moments, and bittersweet reminders of the past. But even in the sadness, there is light. There is the beautiful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected beginnings can grow from the places that once broke our hearts.
And perhaps that's what I loved most. The hope. The possibility. The courage to believe that something beautiful might be waiting just beyond the fear.
And without saying anything that could spoil the ending, that final stretch of the story completely got me. My heart was full, my emotions were everywhere, and yes, there were definitely tears. 🥹♥️ And the epilogue? Perfect It wrapped everything up beautifully and left me with that warm, satisfied feeling you get when a story has given you heart exactly what you didn't know you needed.
The Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle felt like stepping into a Christmas fairytale. By the time I reached the final page, I had totally fallen under Hollybrae Castle's spell, and I wasn't quite ready for the magic to end.
This is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite Christmas reads, and that's saying something considering its only September and I read A LOT of Christmas books. 😂 Don't judge me. I normally start in July!
This book deserves all the stars! Not five! Not ten! ALL the gazillion stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Please read this book! I wholeheartedly recommend it!
Jaimie Admans, you have officially gained a new reader.❤️
Now, if you will excuse me, I'll be over here dreaming about a Scottish castle, a tower library, twinkling Christmas lights, a crackling fire, scrumptious mince pies, and perhaps a certain handsome boss...
WHAT A MASTERPIECE!!!🎄🏰⭐️
✨🎄A little Christmas magic, a sprinkle of fairy dust, and a whole lot of heart.🎄✨
Oh, what a sweet, heartwarming, uplifting, cozy, magical Christmas story!!
The Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle swept me away from the very first chapter and carried me somewhere between a Christmas fairytale and a warm hug. Magically romantic, hilariously funny, and tenderly overflowing with Christmas nostalgia, this was exactly the kind of festive escape my heart needed.
This was my first book by Jaimie Admans, and I completely fell in love with it!! There is something so exciting about discovering a new to me author and immediately knowing, I need to read more of their books. And yes, I certainly will!
Lula finds herself without a job just weeks before Christmas after a disastrous window display incident. Desperate for work, she jumps at the chance to decorate Hollybrae Castle in the beautiful, remote Scottish countryside for the holidays.
But her new boss, Oliver, has a rather unusual request.
He needs a fake wife!
Oliver has been pretending to his bosses that he's a happily married man with two children, and now they want to meet his nonexistent family. The promotion he's counting on could be the very thing that saves his beloved family castle, so suddenly Lula isn't just decorating for Christmas. She's stepping into the role of his wife and the mother of his two pretend children.
Fake wife. Fake family. Christmas at a gorgeous Scottish castle.
What could possibly go wrong?😂
From that very first chapter, I was laughing and chuckling so hard, especially during the Paddington Bear window scene. I knew right then that I was going to have so much fun with this book.
But beneath all the humor and festive chaos was something even more beautiful.
HEART.
There were moments that had me laughing, others that had me swooning, tender scenes that brought tears to my eyes, and bittersweet memories that tugged at something deeper.
And the romance? OH MY GOODNESS!!!
There was such a captivating push and pull between Lula and Oliver. Their playful banter had me smiling, while the quieter moments between them had me holding my breath. There was an undeniable spark between them, wrapped in all the awkwardness, tension, and uncertainty that comes with pretending to be something you're not.
Their chemistry was so much fun to watch unfold, and the slow-burn romance had just the right amount of longing to keep me completely invested. Every stolen glance, every teasing exchange, every moment when the air between them seemed to shift just a little had me turning the pages with the biggest smile on my face.
And then there was the mistletoe scene.🎄♥️
Loved it!!
It was exactly the kind of festive, swoony moment I live for in a Christmas romance.😂
And then there was Hollybrae Castle.
Oh, how I loved that castle.🏰
The remote Scottish countryside. The cozy rooms. The twinkling lights. Tinsel and glitter everywhere. Christmas music. Christmas movies. Jingling socks. A Christmas tree in every room waiting to be decorated. Festive games and complete chaos. And, of course, the poinsettias.😂
Was it 100?
According to Oliver, yes.
According to Lula, more like 38.
And then somehow, we got up to 78.🤣
I loved this little running joke between them. It was just one more glimpse of their playful relationship and the easy back and forth that made their time together so much fun to read.
The Christmas atmosphere was so vivid I could practically hear the music, see the lights glowing through the windows, feel the warmth of the fire, and smell all the delicious food coming from the kitchen.
This is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up beneath a blanket in front of a crackling fire with a cup of cocoa, Christmas lights glowing around you, and your favorite book in your lap.
Except now I need one thing. Someone to sweep me away to a castle in Scotland.😍
I fell head over heals for the characters, too. The children were truly wonderful, and the friendships, family dynamics, and the found family relationships brought so much warmth to the story. Hollybrae Castle became more than a setting, it became a home.
And Nancy! Nancy can COOK!!
Those scrumptious mince pies alone had me wishing I could climb straight through the pages and pull up a chair at their table.😂 Everything she made sounded mouthwatering, but those mince pies sounded like Christmas in every bite.
And ya'll...The library in the tower!!! To. Die. For.
It was breathtaking. I could picture myself curled up in there for hours, surrounded by books, winter, and the quiet magic of the old castle.
Honestly, I could see the entire story playing out on a screen. It has that irresistible Christmas movie magic. The kind that makes you want to step right through the screen and into the story.
And can we please talk about this cover for a minute.🥰
Adorable. Stunning. Magical.
It immediately made me want to read this book, and thankfully, the story inside was just as enchanting.
Yes, parts of this story are cheesy. Yes, parts are predictable. But honestly? That's romance.
We often know where a romance is going to take us. We know there will be a happily ever after waiting at the end of the road. But for me, it's never really about whether I can guess the destination.
It's about the journey.
It's about the winding road they take to get there. The moments that make you laugh, the ones that make you ache, the tender glances, the yearning, the impossible choices, and those times when you want to reach through the pages and tell them what they're too afraid to say themselves.
It's about watching two people find their way toward each other and discovering who they become along the way.
And Lula and Oliver's journey was one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Because sometimes predictable isn't a flaw. Sometimes knowing you're headed toward a happily ever after is exactly what makes the journey so comforting. And this story is so much more than Christmas sparkle and romance.
At its heart, it's about finding yourself and discovering what truly makes you happy. About realizing that the sensible choice isn't always the choice that makes your heart sing and having the courage to take a leap of faith when fear tells you to stay safely where you are.
It's about choosing happiness, choosing love, choosing hope, and daring to take a chance on the life you truly want instead of simply accepting the life that seems sensible.
There are painful memories here, heart-wrenching moments, and bittersweet reminders of the past. But even in the sadness, there is light. There is the beautiful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected beginnings can grow from the places that once broke our hearts.
And perhaps that's what I loved most. The hope. The possibility. The courage to believe that something beautiful might be waiting just beyond the fear.
And without saying anything that could spoil the ending, that final stretch of the story completely got me. My heart was full, my emotions were everywhere, and yes, there were definitely tears. 🥹♥️ And the epilogue? Perfect It wrapped everything up beautifully and left me with that warm, satisfied feeling you get when a story has given you heart exactly what you didn't know you needed.
The Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle felt like stepping into a Christmas fairytale. By the time I reached the final page, I had totally fallen under Hollybrae Castle's spell, and I wasn't quite ready for the magic to end.
This is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite Christmas reads, and that's saying something considering its only September and I read A LOT of Christmas books. 😂 Don't judge me. I normally start in July!
This book deserves all the stars! Not five! Not ten! ALL the gazillion stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Please read this book! I wholeheartedly recommend it!
Jaimie Admans, you have officially gained a new reader.❤️
Now, if you will excuse me, I'll be over here dreaming about a Scottish castle, a tower library, twinkling Christmas lights, a crackling fire, scrumptious mince pies, and perhaps a certain handsome boss...
WHAT A MASTERPIECE!!!🎄🏰⭐️
August 30, 2026
⭐️3.5 Stars
Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle is a cute, cozy holiday romance that was enjoyable to read. I especially loved that the story takes place in a castle—it added an extra bit of charm and made the Christmas setting feel even more magical.
Lula is down on her luck after being fired from her job and is desperately looking for a new opportunity. When she comes across a job posting for a holiday decorator at Hollybrae Castle, she applies and is interviewed by Oli. She gets the job and heads to the castle to spend Christmas and the holidays working alongside him.
The story is sweet, festive, and easy to get into, with plenty of holiday charm. That said, the plot was very predictable, and I could see many of the developments coming well before they happened. Still, sometimes a predictable Christmas romance is exactly what you want, and this one was a pleasant and cozy read.
Overall, I enjoyed my time at Hollybrae Castle and would recommend this to readers looking for a light, feel-good holiday romance.
Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle is a cute, cozy holiday romance that was enjoyable to read. I especially loved that the story takes place in a castle—it added an extra bit of charm and made the Christmas setting feel even more magical.
Lula is down on her luck after being fired from her job and is desperately looking for a new opportunity. When she comes across a job posting for a holiday decorator at Hollybrae Castle, she applies and is interviewed by Oli. She gets the job and heads to the castle to spend Christmas and the holidays working alongside him.
The story is sweet, festive, and easy to get into, with plenty of holiday charm. That said, the plot was very predictable, and I could see many of the developments coming well before they happened. Still, sometimes a predictable Christmas romance is exactly what you want, and this one was a pleasant and cozy read.
Overall, I enjoyed my time at Hollybrae Castle and would recommend this to readers looking for a light, feel-good holiday romance.
September 1, 2026
With every book she writes, I become more and more convinced that she and I would get along swimmingly in real life — her Christmas spirit is absolutely astounding!
This book reminded me of a mash-up of the movies Christmas in Connecticut and Just Go With It. Unceremoniously fired from her job creating a Christmas window display at a London department store, Lula, desperate for a job accepts the position of decorating a castle in the Scottish highlands for Christmas (and also agrees to pretend to be the wife of the owner).
This was so festive and fun! I loved seeing Lula’s creativity with the decorations. And the castle itself, complete with its own library, was an amazing setting. I kept picturing a slightly smaller version Highclere Castle from Downton Abbey.
I also really liked the connection between Lula and Oliver. They just got along so well together and had so much in common. I loved that Oliver embraced Lula’s creativity and just let her run wild with the decorating. The kids they “borrowed” were also very funny and there were many amusing moments with them. I wish they had been in the story more! The resolution of the Lamborghini was quite funny.
I liked seeing both Lula and Oliver find themselves and find happiness as well. The secondary characters like Oliver’s coworkers and Lula’s family were also fun and I loved the housekeeper (I wanted to try some of her recipes because they sounded interesting and delicious).
Packed to the brim with Christmas cheer, this is definitely a book to add to your holiday TBR!
Thank you to the publisher, Boldwood Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This book reminded me of a mash-up of the movies Christmas in Connecticut and Just Go With It. Unceremoniously fired from her job creating a Christmas window display at a London department store, Lula, desperate for a job accepts the position of decorating a castle in the Scottish highlands for Christmas (and also agrees to pretend to be the wife of the owner).
This was so festive and fun! I loved seeing Lula’s creativity with the decorations. And the castle itself, complete with its own library, was an amazing setting. I kept picturing a slightly smaller version Highclere Castle from Downton Abbey.
I also really liked the connection between Lula and Oliver. They just got along so well together and had so much in common. I loved that Oliver embraced Lula’s creativity and just let her run wild with the decorating. The kids they “borrowed” were also very funny and there were many amusing moments with them. I wish they had been in the story more! The resolution of the Lamborghini was quite funny.
I liked seeing both Lula and Oliver find themselves and find happiness as well. The secondary characters like Oliver’s coworkers and Lula’s family were also fun and I loved the housekeeper (I wanted to try some of her recipes because they sounded interesting and delicious).
Packed to the brim with Christmas cheer, this is definitely a book to add to your holiday TBR!
Thank you to the publisher, Boldwood Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 4, 2026
A huge thanks to Netgalley for this ARC!
This book gets ALL the stars! ❄️🎄 Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle is going straight onto my favorite Christmas reads of all time shelf.
This book had me laughing out loud almost immediately and then, because apparently I wasn’t emotionally stable enough already, had me sobbing like a baby. 😂😭
Getting paid to decorate a gorgeous castle in Scotland for Christmas while fake married to its dashing owner? Excuse me while I move into this book permanently. It is basically a Christmas fairytale wrapped in tartan, twinkle lights, and romance.
I absolutely adored both the MCs. Their chemistry, their banter, and especially the yearning were perfection. The slow-burn emotional tension had me completely invested, and every little romantic moment had me melting a little more.
And the Christmas nostalgia! This book is absolutely packed to the brim and overflowing with that warm, magical, nostalgic Christmas feeling that makes you want to curl up under a blanket with a hot drink and a ridiculous number of twinkle lights.
It’s sweet. It’s cuddly. It’s swoony. It’s emotional. And somehow it turned me into one enormous puddle of holiday goo. ❤️🎄
If you love Christmas romance, fake marriage, gorgeous Scottish castles, yearning, and a romance that makes your heart simultaneously ache and sparkle, READ THIS BOOK.
One of my new all-time Christmas favorites.
This book gets ALL the stars! ❄️🎄 Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle is going straight onto my favorite Christmas reads of all time shelf.
This book had me laughing out loud almost immediately and then, because apparently I wasn’t emotionally stable enough already, had me sobbing like a baby. 😂😭
Getting paid to decorate a gorgeous castle in Scotland for Christmas while fake married to its dashing owner? Excuse me while I move into this book permanently. It is basically a Christmas fairytale wrapped in tartan, twinkle lights, and romance.
I absolutely adored both the MCs. Their chemistry, their banter, and especially the yearning were perfection. The slow-burn emotional tension had me completely invested, and every little romantic moment had me melting a little more.
And the Christmas nostalgia! This book is absolutely packed to the brim and overflowing with that warm, magical, nostalgic Christmas feeling that makes you want to curl up under a blanket with a hot drink and a ridiculous number of twinkle lights.
It’s sweet. It’s cuddly. It’s swoony. It’s emotional. And somehow it turned me into one enormous puddle of holiday goo. ❤️🎄
If you love Christmas romance, fake marriage, gorgeous Scottish castles, yearning, and a romance that makes your heart simultaneously ache and sparkle, READ THIS BOOK.
One of my new all-time Christmas favorites.
September 9, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my review copy. These are my thoughts.
This was a cute Christmasy romance. It was sweet and cosy and felt very much like a Hallmark film.
I really enjoyed the setting of Hollybrae castle. Lula is hired to decorate the castle and does an incredible job of dressing it for Christmas and infusing the otherwise big and somewhat empty/cold castle into a cosy Christmas retreat.
You can tell Lula and her new employer, Oliver, have an instant connection from the moment they meet during their online interview. As the story progresses, their chemistry becomes even more apparent and their attraction harder to deny. They share very sweet and vulnerable moments, subtle touches and kisses. They end up living in a sort of "new love" bubble, leading up to Christmas and the arrival of Oliver's guests.
I have to confess that the fake marriage and deception plot bothered me a little. Especially because they even had fake children - which were adorable and helped them build the story of their fake relationship. I was always waiting for the lie to blow up in their faces, which made me anxious. I really liked the side characters and how supportive they were, but I also felt like they played along very easily into the fake marriage lie and it felt a little odd. I know there was a lot at stake for Oliver if he didn't get his promotion but still.
I also felt that at times, the story dragged on a bit and I found myself losing interest, but I was too far in not to see how it would all played out in the end.
Overall, this was sweet romance, with a touch of "Christmas magic".
[No spice. Kisses only].
This was a cute Christmasy romance. It was sweet and cosy and felt very much like a Hallmark film.
I really enjoyed the setting of Hollybrae castle. Lula is hired to decorate the castle and does an incredible job of dressing it for Christmas and infusing the otherwise big and somewhat empty/cold castle into a cosy Christmas retreat.
You can tell Lula and her new employer, Oliver, have an instant connection from the moment they meet during their online interview. As the story progresses, their chemistry becomes even more apparent and their attraction harder to deny. They share very sweet and vulnerable moments, subtle touches and kisses. They end up living in a sort of "new love" bubble, leading up to Christmas and the arrival of Oliver's guests.
I have to confess that the fake marriage and deception plot bothered me a little. Especially because they even had fake children - which were adorable and helped them build the story of their fake relationship. I was always waiting for the lie to blow up in their faces, which made me anxious. I really liked the side characters and how supportive they were, but I also felt like they played along very easily into the fake marriage lie and it felt a little odd. I know there was a lot at stake for Oliver if he didn't get his promotion but still.
I also felt that at times, the story dragged on a bit and I found myself losing interest, but I was too far in not to see how it would all played out in the end.
Overall, this was sweet romance, with a touch of "Christmas magic".
[No spice. Kisses only].
September 6, 2026
Absolutely. I’d keep this one quite personal because the fact that it made you laugh, smile and cry says so much about how much you connected with it.
I’m a sucker for a good love story, and Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle was everything I could have wanted and more.
This was such a wonderful read. It had me laughing, smiling and, at times, crying too. I became completely caught up in the story and the characters, and there were moments when I really wasn’t sure how everything was going to work out.
I don’t want to say too much about what happens because I definitely don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I will say that I’m so glad it turned out the way it did. There were plenty of emotions along the way, which made the ending even more special.
It’s one of those books that gives you all the feels – romance, laughter, tears and those lovely heartwarming moments that make you smile while you’re reading.
An absolutely amazing read that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. If, like me, you’re a sucker for a love story, I would definitely recommend Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle. ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m a sucker for a good love story, and Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle was everything I could have wanted and more.
This was such a wonderful read. It had me laughing, smiling and, at times, crying too. I became completely caught up in the story and the characters, and there were moments when I really wasn’t sure how everything was going to work out.
I don’t want to say too much about what happens because I definitely don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I will say that I’m so glad it turned out the way it did. There were plenty of emotions along the way, which made the ending even more special.
It’s one of those books that gives you all the feels – romance, laughter, tears and those lovely heartwarming moments that make you smile while you’re reading.
An absolutely amazing read that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. If, like me, you’re a sucker for a love story, I would definitely recommend Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle. ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 27, 2026
I just loved Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle. I was absolutely hooked from the opening pages, despite the terrible scenes from the Christmas display. I could imagine the scenes as the animatronic Santa destroyed our much-loved Paddington Bear. You could be forgiven for assuming that this was not the best premise for a gorgeous Christmas book, but you would be wrong. In fact, I was chuckling away at the imaginary carnage.
Lula Haines was a delight. Her passion for Christmas was infectious, and I found myself dreaming of ribbons, bows and fairy lights despite it still being August. It’s fair to say that life had definitely been giving her lemons, and her malfunctioning display was the proverbial icing on her cake. Yet, despite all that, she didn’t feel sorry for herself; she simply dusted herself down and focused on what could be next. My kinda gal!
Oliver Bracewell was the victim of his own web of fibs. His desire to honour his late father’s memory led him down a path of deception that simply snowballed. I never disliked him; in fact, I was drawn to him and wanted him to come through his challenges unscathed.
Hollybrae Castle sounded stunning. I would love to visit and roam through the grounds. Enjoying the sights of the wildlife and dramatic scenery. There’s something rather special about the thought of a Scottish Castle generally, but at Christmas, it becomes quite magical.
Of course, fake marriage is not a new trope, but it’s always a rich source of fun and often hilarious situations. I can’t recall this extending to fake children before, but this was handled beautifully.
I would hate to include any spoilers, so I will cautiously close this review with reference to the absolute WOW! Conclusion. As grand gestures go, this one is up there as one of the greatest. I am even going to call it my Christmas book of the year.
Lula Haines was a delight. Her passion for Christmas was infectious, and I found myself dreaming of ribbons, bows and fairy lights despite it still being August. It’s fair to say that life had definitely been giving her lemons, and her malfunctioning display was the proverbial icing on her cake. Yet, despite all that, she didn’t feel sorry for herself; she simply dusted herself down and focused on what could be next. My kinda gal!
Oliver Bracewell was the victim of his own web of fibs. His desire to honour his late father’s memory led him down a path of deception that simply snowballed. I never disliked him; in fact, I was drawn to him and wanted him to come through his challenges unscathed.
Hollybrae Castle sounded stunning. I would love to visit and roam through the grounds. Enjoying the sights of the wildlife and dramatic scenery. There’s something rather special about the thought of a Scottish Castle generally, but at Christmas, it becomes quite magical.
Of course, fake marriage is not a new trope, but it’s always a rich source of fun and often hilarious situations. I can’t recall this extending to fake children before, but this was handled beautifully.
I would hate to include any spoilers, so I will cautiously close this review with reference to the absolute WOW! Conclusion. As grand gestures go, this one is up there as one of the greatest. I am even going to call it my Christmas book of the year.
September 14, 2026
A lovely, warm , Christmasy book . Oliver and Lula are 2 lost people who meet at this exciting time of year. It's a must read
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've told myself it's OK to start reading Christmas-themed books in August, and I picked the perfect one to read first--Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle. I was not familiar with the prolific Jaimie Admans' books, but now I wil l definitely be looking for more.
Lula, a window dresser at a prestigious London store, is summarily fired when the store window she designed suddenly goes awry, disgusting outraged parents, scaring children, and potentially ruining Christmas for those who view the carnage. Bad news for Lula, who can hardly afford renting a room in her married-with-child sister's house, even with a job. She is determined to find a new gig right away and comes upon an ad from a man who needs help to lavishly decorate his "small" castle in a remote area of Scotland. Due to a glitch in reservations for his employer's annual offsite Christmas celebration, Oliver has offered his castle as a place for a multiple-day celebration of the holiday, including his bosses, a troublesome colleague, and their families.
There's just one problem: Oliver told his family-oriented bosses he is married and has two children, barely managing to find excuses why they have never met his wife. So Lula will be called upon to be his fake wife as well as his decorator, and his housekeeper's two grandchildren, aged 10 and 8, will be substituting for his non-existent children. What's at stake is a promotion he is seeking, which would earn him enough money to deal with the upkeep of a castle that may be crumbling. Lula is desperate, and charmed by the idea of decorating a castle, so she agrees to all of the terms and leaves for Scotland for the four-week assignment.
Despite the wild premise, this is one of the most charming books I have read this year. From the start, it is clear that Lula and Ollie are meant to be together, which helps them to be convincing fake spouses and perhaps more. Oliver hasn't been himself for 15 years since the death by car accident of his parents and has become a workaholic, shunning such frivolous occasions as Christmas, while Lula has been frustrated by a restrictive job that hasn't allowed her to exercise her creativity. Both need help, and they find it in each other.
The planning and decorating activities alone are beautifully described. The children are all in, and they hilariously rehearse the fake spouses in what they need to know about each other and how they met. The housekeeper is constantly whipping up delicious-sounding delicacies. And Ollie and Lula are finding it ever easier to pretend to be spouses. But it will all come down to the promotion, being sough also by the troublesome colleague, and whether that is a worthy goal, given a lot of other factors. This charming book was so delightful that I didn't want it to end. Happily, the two protagonists didn't have to deal with the miscommunications that are common in this type of book, and there is a very satisfying epilogue.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
Lula, a window dresser at a prestigious London store, is summarily fired when the store window she designed suddenly goes awry, disgusting outraged parents, scaring children, and potentially ruining Christmas for those who view the carnage. Bad news for Lula, who can hardly afford renting a room in her married-with-child sister's house, even with a job. She is determined to find a new gig right away and comes upon an ad from a man who needs help to lavishly decorate his "small" castle in a remote area of Scotland. Due to a glitch in reservations for his employer's annual offsite Christmas celebration, Oliver has offered his castle as a place for a multiple-day celebration of the holiday, including his bosses, a troublesome colleague, and their families.
There's just one problem: Oliver told his family-oriented bosses he is married and has two children, barely managing to find excuses why they have never met his wife. So Lula will be called upon to be his fake wife as well as his decorator, and his housekeeper's two grandchildren, aged 10 and 8, will be substituting for his non-existent children. What's at stake is a promotion he is seeking, which would earn him enough money to deal with the upkeep of a castle that may be crumbling. Lula is desperate, and charmed by the idea of decorating a castle, so she agrees to all of the terms and leaves for Scotland for the four-week assignment.
Despite the wild premise, this is one of the most charming books I have read this year. From the start, it is clear that Lula and Ollie are meant to be together, which helps them to be convincing fake spouses and perhaps more. Oliver hasn't been himself for 15 years since the death by car accident of his parents and has become a workaholic, shunning such frivolous occasions as Christmas, while Lula has been frustrated by a restrictive job that hasn't allowed her to exercise her creativity. Both need help, and they find it in each other.
The planning and decorating activities alone are beautifully described. The children are all in, and they hilariously rehearse the fake spouses in what they need to know about each other and how they met. The housekeeper is constantly whipping up delicious-sounding delicacies. And Ollie and Lula are finding it ever easier to pretend to be spouses. But it will all come down to the promotion, being sough also by the troublesome colleague, and whether that is a worthy goal, given a lot of other factors. This charming book was so delightful that I didn't want it to end. Happily, the two protagonists didn't have to deal with the miscommunications that are common in this type of book, and there is a very satisfying epilogue.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴.”
“𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲, 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗯 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲. 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 '𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲'.”
When an unfortunate Christmas-window display mishap gets her fired, Lula lands a new one decorating Hollybrae Castle for the holidays. The only catch? Her new boss needs a fake wife to impress his superiors and secure the promotion that could save his family’s castle.
But pretending to be married while spending Christmas together at a gorgeous castle has a way of making fake feelings feel very real.
I read Jaimie Admans when I started Bookstagram in 2019, and I’ve always loved her single POV and the way she describes her settings. I have a limited imagination so when an author describes a setting so well that I can actually picture it in my head, I’m all for it.
Anyway, I love the fake marriage trope. I’ve been reading a lot of it this year and I like seeing how different authors play around with it.
The whole fake family situation was funny. Because Rory and Maisie, these two. They were hands down the best fake children I’ve read. Every time they showed up I knew I was going to be entertained. They made the whole fake marriage/fake family situation even better.
As for Lula and Ollie, I loved watching their relationship slowly change as they spend more time together. It was nice seeing them figure out what they actually wanted and choose to take a chance on something that would make them happier. And that ending! I can’t spoil it, but it gave me such a rom-com movie moment. You know when you’re watching a film and the male lead does THAT thing? Oh the grand gesture! I wanted more.
Anyway, I know it’s only September but is it ever too early for Christmas?! Absolutely not.
This was such a fun read and I’m really glad I picked up another Jaimie Admans book after all these years.
Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle by Jaimie Admans is out on September 9! Be sure to check it out if you’re looking for a cosy Christmas romance.
Thanks to the author, publisher Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.
“𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲, 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗯 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲. 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 '𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲'.”
When an unfortunate Christmas-window display mishap gets her fired, Lula lands a new one decorating Hollybrae Castle for the holidays. The only catch? Her new boss needs a fake wife to impress his superiors and secure the promotion that could save his family’s castle.
But pretending to be married while spending Christmas together at a gorgeous castle has a way of making fake feelings feel very real.
I read Jaimie Admans when I started Bookstagram in 2019, and I’ve always loved her single POV and the way she describes her settings. I have a limited imagination so when an author describes a setting so well that I can actually picture it in my head, I’m all for it.
Anyway, I love the fake marriage trope. I’ve been reading a lot of it this year and I like seeing how different authors play around with it.
The whole fake family situation was funny. Because Rory and Maisie, these two. They were hands down the best fake children I’ve read. Every time they showed up I knew I was going to be entertained. They made the whole fake marriage/fake family situation even better.
As for Lula and Ollie, I loved watching their relationship slowly change as they spend more time together. It was nice seeing them figure out what they actually wanted and choose to take a chance on something that would make them happier. And that ending! I can’t spoil it, but it gave me such a rom-com movie moment. You know when you’re watching a film and the male lead does THAT thing? Oh the grand gesture! I wanted more.
Anyway, I know it’s only September but is it ever too early for Christmas?! Absolutely not.
This was such a fun read and I’m really glad I picked up another Jaimie Admans book after all these years.
Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle by Jaimie Admans is out on September 9! Be sure to check it out if you’re looking for a cosy Christmas romance.
Thanks to the author, publisher Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.
September 13, 2026
Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle by Jaimie Admans
[AD PR] I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
A Scottish castle, a fake marriage… and one very real Christmas romance?
After a window display goes disastrously viral – thanks to a malfunctioning animatronic Santa and an unfortunate encounter with Paddington Bear – Lula Haines finds herself without a job just weeks before Christmas. So she jumps at the chance to decorate Hollybrae Castle in Scotland for the holidays.
There’s just one complication: her handsome new boss, Oliver Bracewell, needs a fake wife for the festive season. To secure a promotion that could save his family’s castle, Ollie has been pretending to be a married father-of-two to impress the family-focused firm where he works. Now his bosses are coming to stay at Hollybrae over Christmas… expecting to meet his non-existent wife and children.
At first, playing along is easy as Lula is swept up in the magic of turning Hollybrae into the perfect festive escape with Ollie. But as Christmas draws nearer and she and Ollie grow closer, Lula begins to wonder if Hollybrae could become more than a temporary escape… and if the man she’s only pretending to love might actually be the one she’s been waiting for all along.
My Opinion
Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle was a delightful novel. I read this book in one sitting as it was impossible to put down. A heart-warming tale with some lovely characters and a stunning setting. With a wonderful writing style, Jaimie Admans has written another magical festive novel that I would highly recommend.
Rating 5/5
[AD PR] I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
A Scottish castle, a fake marriage… and one very real Christmas romance?
After a window display goes disastrously viral – thanks to a malfunctioning animatronic Santa and an unfortunate encounter with Paddington Bear – Lula Haines finds herself without a job just weeks before Christmas. So she jumps at the chance to decorate Hollybrae Castle in Scotland for the holidays.
There’s just one complication: her handsome new boss, Oliver Bracewell, needs a fake wife for the festive season. To secure a promotion that could save his family’s castle, Ollie has been pretending to be a married father-of-two to impress the family-focused firm where he works. Now his bosses are coming to stay at Hollybrae over Christmas… expecting to meet his non-existent wife and children.
At first, playing along is easy as Lula is swept up in the magic of turning Hollybrae into the perfect festive escape with Ollie. But as Christmas draws nearer and she and Ollie grow closer, Lula begins to wonder if Hollybrae could become more than a temporary escape… and if the man she’s only pretending to love might actually be the one she’s been waiting for all along.
My Opinion
Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle was a delightful novel. I read this book in one sitting as it was impossible to put down. A heart-warming tale with some lovely characters and a stunning setting. With a wonderful writing style, Jaimie Admans has written another magical festive novel that I would highly recommend.
Rating 5/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved it!!! Such a cute and magical story. Lula loses her job after a disastrous window display goes viral. It wasn't Lula's intention to have an animatronic Santa kill Paddington Bear. Lucky for Lula she finds an ad looking for someone to decorate a castle for Christmas. Not only does Oliver need his Scottish castle decorated, he also needs someone to pretend to be his wife. His bosses believe he's married with two children. You can only make so many excuses for your wife and children not being around. Oliver definitely got creative. What could go wrong when you pretend to live in a castle with your "husband" and "children?" Maybe falling in love? Lula's sister is convinced Oliver is a serial killer looking for his next victim. My question from the start was how do you find children to be your pretend children? Also, how do you convince parents to give you their children over Christmas? It just seemed so creepy. Oliver is doing all of this just for a promotion for a job that he pretty much hates. Oliver already works nonstop, the new job will have him working even more. Even if Oliver and Lula can pull it off, how will he explain there no longer being a "Lucy" or children in his life? It was very weird that they didn't have any photos of themselves in the castle. You can't use the excuse that they don't like their picture taken. At the very least they would have pictures of their babies. Maisie and Rory were the best pretend children. I loved how they told Ollie and Lula they were horrible at being married. I knew Ollie and Lula would be perfect for each other. I definitely need a Nancy in my life. Everything she cooked sounded delicious.
I definitely recommend the book. It's full of Christmas magic and perfect for the holiday season, even if you read it in August. I loved the story, characters and writing style. It would make the perfect romcom movie. I loved Hollybrae castle. I would love to live there, maybe not want to pay the heating bill or the price of upkeep. The library in the tower would be worth every penny. I look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Boldwood Books, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I definitely recommend the book. It's full of Christmas magic and perfect for the holiday season, even if you read it in August. I loved the story, characters and writing style. It would make the perfect romcom movie. I loved Hollybrae castle. I would love to live there, maybe not want to pay the heating bill or the price of upkeep. The library in the tower would be worth every penny. I look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Boldwood Books, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 2, 2026
Thank you to the Author and Publisher for the ARC provided via Netgalley
Normally I don't really go for Christmas, or for modern romance at all for that matter. Something I am starting to learn about myself is, if you take those two and put them together, set it in Scotland... Well my opinion can be changed.
Starting off, I just want to say I LOVE that the MCs were late 30s early 40s. I feel like not enough romance novels focus on that age range. Love is something that is for all ages. You may not meet your soul mate in your 20s, so its fair to say that's true in the fictional world also. It gave a sense of maturity to the book that was refreshing.
Something I am also coming to terms with is fake relationship is one of my favorite tropes. This book excels at it. Sometimes with tropes it can feel overdone, frustrating, or exaggerated. That was most certainly not the case here. I felt like the it was a sugar dusting on a pastry. The book was already and it was just the perfect amount of extra sweetness to add to it.
The humor to drama ratio I felt was also quite well done. I kept laughing so much while reading my husband thought I was texting a friend. This book could make even me, a huge grinch, hope for christmas magic in the upcoming season.
I could go on and on, but altogether this book was simply a sweet delight to read. You don't have to love Christmas to love this book, but side effects of reading may include that changing.
Read with a cuppa (milk, one sugar) .
Normally I don't really go for Christmas, or for modern romance at all for that matter. Something I am starting to learn about myself is, if you take those two and put them together, set it in Scotland... Well my opinion can be changed.
Starting off, I just want to say I LOVE that the MCs were late 30s early 40s. I feel like not enough romance novels focus on that age range. Love is something that is for all ages. You may not meet your soul mate in your 20s, so its fair to say that's true in the fictional world also. It gave a sense of maturity to the book that was refreshing.
Something I am also coming to terms with is fake relationship is one of my favorite tropes. This book excels at it. Sometimes with tropes it can feel overdone, frustrating, or exaggerated. That was most certainly not the case here. I felt like the it was a sugar dusting on a pastry. The book was already and it was just the perfect amount of extra sweetness to add to it.
The humor to drama ratio I felt was also quite well done. I kept laughing so much while reading my husband thought I was texting a friend. This book could make even me, a huge grinch, hope for christmas magic in the upcoming season.
I could go on and on, but altogether this book was simply a sweet delight to read. You don't have to love Christmas to love this book, but side effects of reading may include that changing.
Read with a cuppa (milk, one sugar) .
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🎄✨ BOOK REVIEW: Fake I do, Real Holly-Jolly Drama! ✨🎄
Title: Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle Vibe: Fake marriage meets Scottish castle magic with a heavy dose of Christmas chaos.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If your holiday reading list needs a mix of cozy Scottish scenery, laugh-out-loud mishaps, and top-tier tropes, this one completely delivers!
What It’s About: After an animatronic Santa and Paddington Bear wreck her job (yes, really 😂), Lula Haines takes a gig decorating the stunning Hollybrae Castle in Scotland. The catch? Her gorgeous new boss, Ollie Bracewell, lied to his ultra-traditional firm about having a wife and kids to snag a promotion. Now his bosses are spending Christmas at the castle, and Lula has to step into the role of fake wife before the secret unravels.
Why You’ll Love It:
* Top-Tier Tropes: Fake marriage + forced proximity + festive workplace romance.
* The Laughs: The viral window display disaster sets a hilarious, chaotic tone right from page one.
* The Setting: Hollybrae Castle sounds like absolute heaven—sparkling lights, snowy grounds, and endless cozy holiday vibes.
* The Chemistry: Watching Lula and Ollie go from awkward co-conspirators to is-this-actually-fake? tension will give you all the butterflies.
Final Verdict: A warm, witty, and deeply romantic festive read that feels like wrapping yourself in a hand-knit tartan blanket with a cup of hot cocoa. Add this to your December TBR immediately! ☕️
Have you read this one yet, or is fake marriage your favorite romance trope too? Tell me in the comments! 👇👇
Title: Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle Vibe: Fake marriage meets Scottish castle magic with a heavy dose of Christmas chaos.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If your holiday reading list needs a mix of cozy Scottish scenery, laugh-out-loud mishaps, and top-tier tropes, this one completely delivers!
What It’s About: After an animatronic Santa and Paddington Bear wreck her job (yes, really 😂), Lula Haines takes a gig decorating the stunning Hollybrae Castle in Scotland. The catch? Her gorgeous new boss, Ollie Bracewell, lied to his ultra-traditional firm about having a wife and kids to snag a promotion. Now his bosses are spending Christmas at the castle, and Lula has to step into the role of fake wife before the secret unravels.
Why You’ll Love It:
* Top-Tier Tropes: Fake marriage + forced proximity + festive workplace romance.
* The Laughs: The viral window display disaster sets a hilarious, chaotic tone right from page one.
* The Setting: Hollybrae Castle sounds like absolute heaven—sparkling lights, snowy grounds, and endless cozy holiday vibes.
* The Chemistry: Watching Lula and Ollie go from awkward co-conspirators to is-this-actually-fake? tension will give you all the butterflies.
Final Verdict: A warm, witty, and deeply romantic festive read that feels like wrapping yourself in a hand-knit tartan blanket with a cup of hot cocoa. Add this to your December TBR immediately! ☕️
Have you read this one yet, or is fake marriage your favorite romance trope too? Tell me in the comments! 👇👇
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It felt just like there was Christmassy magic in the air when I read my advanced copy of “Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle” Jaimie seems to wave a magical wand every time she writes to create the best romantic, fairy tale stories out there. This book had me laughing, crying and jumping with joy at the antics of the two main characters Oliver and Lula. They initially come together as a business arrangement to get both of them out of a bind but things begin to change as the delights of the season and opportunities to share parts of themselves they normally keep hidden start to take hold.
Oliver needs to awe his bosses with his perfect family and beautiful castle. Lula has recently lost her job as a window dresser in London after a very public mishap and needs to get a new job. The problem is the castle is cold & functional and Oliver only heats and lives in a couple of the rooms and the family is made up! Lula accepts a job decorating the castle and madly agrees to pose as Oliver’s wife over Christmas.
Their journey together fills the pages with seasonal charm, light and warmth. It made me look forward to Christmas and gave me the immediate desire to snuggle up on the sofa with my own very real family and enjoy time together watching a movie, playing games or building Lego. A perfect Christmas novel.
Oliver needs to awe his bosses with his perfect family and beautiful castle. Lula has recently lost her job as a window dresser in London after a very public mishap and needs to get a new job. The problem is the castle is cold & functional and Oliver only heats and lives in a couple of the rooms and the family is made up! Lula accepts a job decorating the castle and madly agrees to pose as Oliver’s wife over Christmas.
Their journey together fills the pages with seasonal charm, light and warmth. It made me look forward to Christmas and gave me the immediate desire to snuggle up on the sofa with my own very real family and enjoy time together watching a movie, playing games or building Lego. A perfect Christmas novel.
September 9, 2026
Lula works at Calloways department store in London. This year she has been tasked with staging the front window of the store for Christmas. She stayed very late the night before finishing everything up perfectly. Due to her late night, she arrives a bit late only to find disaster. It turns out the mechanical Santa has malfunctioned and now the Santa is slurring his words and has destroyed the Paddington bear he had on his shoulder. Oh dear! To top it off, Lula has been called to see her boss, Patricia. And yes - she’s fired!
Lula starts looking for another job and finds an ad for someone to decorate a Scottish castle for Christmas. Intrigued, she applies. Oliver Bracewell owns the castle and has invited his boss and some co-workers to his castle for Christmas. He has told them he is married and has two children which he truly doesn’t, so he needs her to not only decorate the castle but act as his wife and he will “borrow” two children. It sounds wonderful to Lula and she accepts.
We see how both Lula and Oliver delve right into decorating the castle for Christmas and how much joy it brings them. The Christmas event itself is nice and while predictable, there is a hiccup near the end that is heartbreaking. All in all, this is a nice, cozy Christmas story. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Lula starts looking for another job and finds an ad for someone to decorate a Scottish castle for Christmas. Intrigued, she applies. Oliver Bracewell owns the castle and has invited his boss and some co-workers to his castle for Christmas. He has told them he is married and has two children which he truly doesn’t, so he needs her to not only decorate the castle but act as his wife and he will “borrow” two children. It sounds wonderful to Lula and she accepts.
We see how both Lula and Oliver delve right into decorating the castle for Christmas and how much joy it brings them. The Christmas event itself is nice and while predictable, there is a hiccup near the end that is heartbreaking. All in all, this is a nice, cozy Christmas story. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 13, 2026
I've been looking forward to reading this and starting off my festive reading. And it was such a warm hug of a book, i loved Lula from the first page i frequently have moments where a perfectly planned out thing goes horribly wrong so i had instant empathy for her. She was just a lovely FMC, so brilliantly written that I'm sure everyone could see a little of themselves in her. Then there was Oliver, such a Cinnamon roll MMC that you couldn't help but fall in love with him. I loved the way instantly hit it off and were comfortable with one another and it made the whole fake wife scenario so brilliant to watch unfold. I've never read anything by Jamie Admans before but her writing style was an instant hit for me and her character building was spot on so i have every intention of adding more of her books to be bulging tbr! Now of all the characters she wrote in this book i have to say my favourites had to be Rory and Maisie, their comic elements and timing were just so perfect in the situations and brought a smile to my face every time.
This has been the perfect book to get me into those -Ber months mood, and dare i say it a Christmas mood. The descriptions of the decorations that Lula did around the castle have already got me thinking about my decorating plans for this year, and I'm not mad about thinking about it in September. It was just what i needed to read this weekend.
This has been the perfect book to get me into those -Ber months mood, and dare i say it a Christmas mood. The descriptions of the decorations that Lula did around the castle have already got me thinking about my decorating plans for this year, and I'm not mad about thinking about it in September. It was just what i needed to read this weekend.
September 15, 2026
After being introduced to this author's books several years ago I haven't missed reading anything she's written. Her books are really relatable.
The story starts off with a hilarious mishap, I mean I really wouldn't want to have been in Lula Haines shoes but it sure makes for a comedy of errors.
When the dust settles or should I say stuffing she finds herself without a job right before Christmas.
At this point desperation leads her to accept a job decorating Hollybrae Castle in Scotland. Oh my, the description especially with the castle all gussied up for the holiday's is marvelous. Talk about a fairytale castle.
When her new boss needs her to play along to help him get a promotion she has to pretend to be his wife along with caring for their nonexistent children.
The hilarity continues as the boss and his wife ask her questions about past events she should know about concerning her "husband" and herself and she really fudges it, can't be prepared for everything in this fake relationship.
When does the pretense start feeling oh so real and her leaving after Christmas when the job is done seems like the last thing she wants to do now.
This kept me spellbound as I read. A fairytale romance in a fairytale castle. What more could you ask for?
Absolutely loved this one!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The story starts off with a hilarious mishap, I mean I really wouldn't want to have been in Lula Haines shoes but it sure makes for a comedy of errors.
When the dust settles or should I say stuffing she finds herself without a job right before Christmas.
At this point desperation leads her to accept a job decorating Hollybrae Castle in Scotland. Oh my, the description especially with the castle all gussied up for the holiday's is marvelous. Talk about a fairytale castle.
When her new boss needs her to play along to help him get a promotion she has to pretend to be his wife along with caring for their nonexistent children.
The hilarity continues as the boss and his wife ask her questions about past events she should know about concerning her "husband" and herself and she really fudges it, can't be prepared for everything in this fake relationship.
When does the pretense start feeling oh so real and her leaving after Christmas when the job is done seems like the last thing she wants to do now.
This kept me spellbound as I read. A fairytale romance in a fairytale castle. What more could you ask for?
Absolutely loved this one!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Visiting the little worlds that Jaimie Admans creates is a pleasure, and I loved being at Hollybrae Castle, set around the Mull of Kintyre.
Lula is a window dresser in a prestigious department store in London, and all the hard work she has done to create a perfect display bites her on the backside when it all goes horribly wrong.
Unemployed near Christmas, with little chance of finding another job like it, she responds to an advert for a short-term vacancy in a castle in a remote part of Scotland, to decorate it for Christmas.
Ollie, the owner of the castle, is quite gorgeous, in every sense of the word - looks and personality - and Lula finds herself in a surreal situation.
This is where the Hallmark vibes kick in, when she finds herself not only employed for a month, but with a fake husband to boot!
The whole fake marriage adds another dimension, and getting to know more about Ollie, the reasons behind his wanting his castle jazzed up, and watching them slowly fall into the conclusion you want is just dreamy!
A brilliant cast of characters supports this fake couple, including their brilliant pretend children, Rory and Maggie.
I loved this easy-to-read festive book because who says Christmas is only for December?
Lula is a window dresser in a prestigious department store in London, and all the hard work she has done to create a perfect display bites her on the backside when it all goes horribly wrong.
Unemployed near Christmas, with little chance of finding another job like it, she responds to an advert for a short-term vacancy in a castle in a remote part of Scotland, to decorate it for Christmas.
Ollie, the owner of the castle, is quite gorgeous, in every sense of the word - looks and personality - and Lula finds herself in a surreal situation.
This is where the Hallmark vibes kick in, when she finds herself not only employed for a month, but with a fake husband to boot!
The whole fake marriage adds another dimension, and getting to know more about Ollie, the reasons behind his wanting his castle jazzed up, and watching them slowly fall into the conclusion you want is just dreamy!
A brilliant cast of characters supports this fake couple, including their brilliant pretend children, Rory and Maggie.
I loved this easy-to-read festive book because who says Christmas is only for December?
September 10, 2026
This is one of my favourite festive reads so far. Despite the fact that it is only September, I seem to have read quite a few already! Lula finds herself in a strange situation, in a Scottish castle, pretending to be a fake wife but it all makes perfect sense when you read it. Lula is an entertaining and very likeable character. Although she knows that her current job is one that she has always wanted, she also feels that it lacks creativity and is rather corporate. She feels that she is stuck in her present life, renting a room in her sister's house and sometimes feels that she is in the way. The freedom she feels when she arrives in Scotland energises her.
Life in Scotland does seem rather idyllic but she discovers that Ollie has frustrations of his own, career -wise. There is plenty of humour to be found in the characters and situations and there is a real warmth in the people Lula meets who are locals. Even Ollie's guests discover an enjoyment in the traditional Christmas they are offered- all except one. There is plenty of romance and festive sparkle in this delightful read
In short: unexpected new beginnings
Life in Scotland does seem rather idyllic but she discovers that Ollie has frustrations of his own, career -wise. There is plenty of humour to be found in the characters and situations and there is a real warmth in the people Lula meets who are locals. Even Ollie's guests discover an enjoyment in the traditional Christmas they are offered- all except one. There is plenty of romance and festive sparkle in this delightful read
In short: unexpected new beginnings
September 12, 2026
Where do I begin? Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle by Jaimie Admans is everything I could ever want in a Christmas romance!
I absolutely loved Lula and Ollie. Their relationship begins with a rather unusual arrangement, but watching their connection grow from pretending to something much deeper was so much fun. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I loved the moments when they began letting their guards down and revealing the people behind the façade.
Jaimie Admans does a wonderful job creating that feeling of being wrapped up in a warm Christmas blanket while watching the magic unfold around these characters. What I especially loved was that this wasn't simply a lighthearted Christmas romance. Beneath all the festive fun are themes of family, belonging, second chances, and following your heart. Lula and Ollie's journey is about so much more than pretending to be in love—they both have to figure out what happiness truly means to them.
Jaimie Admans has created a beautiful Christmas escape filled with plenty of holiday magic. I found myself completely invested in Lula and Ollie's happily-ever-after. Definitely a must-read for the holiday season!
I absolutely loved Lula and Ollie. Their relationship begins with a rather unusual arrangement, but watching their connection grow from pretending to something much deeper was so much fun. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I loved the moments when they began letting their guards down and revealing the people behind the façade.
Jaimie Admans does a wonderful job creating that feeling of being wrapped up in a warm Christmas blanket while watching the magic unfold around these characters. What I especially loved was that this wasn't simply a lighthearted Christmas romance. Beneath all the festive fun are themes of family, belonging, second chances, and following your heart. Lula and Ollie's journey is about so much more than pretending to be in love—they both have to figure out what happiness truly means to them.
Jaimie Admans has created a beautiful Christmas escape filled with plenty of holiday magic. I found myself completely invested in Lula and Ollie's happily-ever-after. Definitely a must-read for the holiday season!
September 17, 2026
Take me to the castle
Is it too early to start Christmas reads?
Lula has just been sacked after a disaster involving the UK‘s most famous bear, Paddington, and Santa Claus. She accepts a job offer in a remote Scottish castle where she also agreed to pretend to be the owner Ollie’s wife.
This book, despite its title, is an emotional one and will make you feel all the feelings. It rings true of what the holidays can be in the light of grief.
I enjoyed it. From the start, there was no dull moment. The author pulled readers right in from Oxford Street to the Mull of Kintyre and it was a jolly good ride.
I loved the characters, especially the children, who delighted and delivered with cheeky wit and innocent wisdom. Their grandparents were also fantastic. The chemistry between the main characters was done just right. It wasn’t cheesy or over the top.
I love the castle and all that happened in it. I loved how the library was described and showcased- a bookworm’s dream.
Simply put, the author nailed it and delivered.
If you’re looking for a fun, cozy Christmas story with a beautiful setting, this is your book.
Is it too early to start Christmas reads?
Lula has just been sacked after a disaster involving the UK‘s most famous bear, Paddington, and Santa Claus. She accepts a job offer in a remote Scottish castle where she also agreed to pretend to be the owner Ollie’s wife.
This book, despite its title, is an emotional one and will make you feel all the feelings. It rings true of what the holidays can be in the light of grief.
I enjoyed it. From the start, there was no dull moment. The author pulled readers right in from Oxford Street to the Mull of Kintyre and it was a jolly good ride.
I loved the characters, especially the children, who delighted and delivered with cheeky wit and innocent wisdom. Their grandparents were also fantastic. The chemistry between the main characters was done just right. It wasn’t cheesy or over the top.
I love the castle and all that happened in it. I loved how the library was described and showcased- a bookworm’s dream.
Simply put, the author nailed it and delivered.
If you’re looking for a fun, cozy Christmas story with a beautiful setting, this is your book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very sweet, slow-burn Christmas romance, with Lu agreeing to be in a fake relationship with her gorgeous new boss Ollie who owns a castle on the Isle of Mull. I hope it doesn't come across like a backhanded compliment to say this is an undemanding, easy read, full of gorgeous food descriptions, festive decorations and Christmas Hallmark movie vibes. 🎄💫❤️ An excellent, festive comfort read for readers wanting pure escapism.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I asked for this book on NetGalley because I was instantly drawn to the cover and the description. Lula Haines’s Christmas window display at a toy store on Oxford Street goes horribly wrong, goes viral and she loses her job. She quickly finds another job decorating a Scottish castle for Christmas - though the job comes with a side mission - she also has to pretend to be the castle owner’s wife. He’s handsome and charming, but can they really pull off such a big white lie, especially with two fake children completing the family? If you think it sounds crazy, you’re right, but it’s Christmas in a Scottish castle with the most beautiful library in a tower, and two lovely main characters trying to convince their colleagues that they’re a happy family. It has all the festive feels, with about 38 poinsettias, lingering looks over Christmas movies and Christmas trees in every room. It’s witty, festive, touching and romantic, and I absolutely loved it! It’s a standalone novel, but I would love the author to take us back there sometime! I highly recommend this for your Christmas reading!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I initially put the book back down after starting it as it seemed so far fetched. A couple of days later I decided I'd try again as maybe I'd been in the wrong frame of mind and I am very glad I did as I really enjoyed it! You couldn't help but like the two main characters. They were both maybe too trusting and as Lu's sister was worried there could have been serious consequences to her actions and it's certainly not something I'd ever feel safe doing. But then sometimes in life you need to forget about the negativity and nastiness in the world and enjoy a book that you can switch off too and this book was certainly it. The setting sounded idyllic especially as I love Scotland. The fake wife storyline was far fetched but it showed that you can have the most highly paid job in the world and you are miserable and make your family miserable with it. It's true, money doesn't buy happiness. I will certainly be looking up more books from the author as it made me smile!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
September 12, 2026
My second Jaimie Admans book, and apparently all it takes to make me want to abandon my responsibilities is a Scottish castle decorated for Christmas. 😂
Lula loses her job right before Christmas and ends up at Hollybrae Castle as its holiday decorator. Oliver needs a promotion that could help save his family castle. Small problem. He's told his bosses he has a wife and two children, and now they want to meet them.
Enter Lula and one very fake Christmas family.
I loved Lula and Oliver's banter and all the yearning that came with pretending to be married. The story is definitely predictable in places, but sometimes I WANT my Christmas romance to be cozy, cheesy, and headed exactly where I hope it's going.
The castle was wonderful, Nancy's cooking made me hungry, the poinsettia argument cracked me up, and I would like to formally claim the tower library as my new residence.
Thank you to the publisher, the author, NetGalley, and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lula loses her job right before Christmas and ends up at Hollybrae Castle as its holiday decorator. Oliver needs a promotion that could help save his family castle. Small problem. He's told his bosses he has a wife and two children, and now they want to meet them.
Enter Lula and one very fake Christmas family.
I loved Lula and Oliver's banter and all the yearning that came with pretending to be married. The story is definitely predictable in places, but sometimes I WANT my Christmas romance to be cozy, cheesy, and headed exactly where I hope it's going.
The castle was wonderful, Nancy's cooking made me hungry, the poinsettia argument cracked me up, and I would like to formally claim the tower library as my new residence.
Thank you to the publisher, the author, NetGalley, and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 18, 2026
Winter Magic at Hollybrae Castle by Jaimie Admans by the author is a romance about Christmas, Scotland, Castles, and a fake marriage! All of my fav's and the author wrote this one so well! Our two characters are Lula Haines, who is looking for a new job right before Christmas. She happens upon a job in Scotland, decorating Hollybrae Castle! The Castle is owned by Oliver Bracewell who needs a fake wife to secure a promotion that will save his family castle. Ollie has been lying to his bosses and telling them that he is happily married with kids and now he needs help! Lula is happy to help and how can you not love those fake kids also? This is such a great warm and wholesome romance for Christmas lovers and romance lovers alike! I loved the characters and the setting, my favorite spot in the castle was obviously the library! I mean as a book lover how can you not with that library, it reminds me of beauty and the beast one of my favorite books of all time. I want to visit that library, even though it isn't real! I love this author and am now a fan of her work!
September 9, 2026
A gorgeous festive rom com that will tug at your heartstrings! I do love a fake marriage and even more so when it involves a handsome Scot with a fancy castle!
Despite being a slightly unrealistic premise, it actually felt very real. Lula was hesitant (who wouldn't be!) and Oliver did his best to reassure her that he was actually a normal human being, he had just got himself involved in a very tricky situation.
The chemistry between Lula and Oliver was pretty hot from the get go, it was so obvious that they were into each other, but he was the perfect gentleman and insisted on sticking to their agreement.
I loved the chaos over Christmas and the various characters that made their whole predicament even more funny.
The ending was absolutely perfect and the whole book put me in a really festive mood. If you want a festive read with little angst, little drama and lots of love, this is the perfect one for you.
Despite being a slightly unrealistic premise, it actually felt very real. Lula was hesitant (who wouldn't be!) and Oliver did his best to reassure her that he was actually a normal human being, he had just got himself involved in a very tricky situation.
The chemistry between Lula and Oliver was pretty hot from the get go, it was so obvious that they were into each other, but he was the perfect gentleman and insisted on sticking to their agreement.
I loved the chaos over Christmas and the various characters that made their whole predicament even more funny.
The ending was absolutely perfect and the whole book put me in a really festive mood. If you want a festive read with little angst, little drama and lots of love, this is the perfect one for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a lovely book I couldn't put it down. Lula has just lost her job as a window dresser because her display went disastrous wrong. So accepts a job to go to a castle in Scotland to decorate it for a works Christmas party and at the same time agree to pretend to be Ollie's wife. He has invited his work colleagues for Christmas to meet his wife in an effort to impress for a big promotion. The attraction between them sparks from the beginning and it is fun to read how they negotiate the visit and pretend to have kids using his housekeeper grandkids it is great fun. Happily at the end they both realise that neither of them want a high powered job in London. This is the first book that I have read by this author but will definitely search for more
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy
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