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Go Back to December: A Holiday Hustle Romance
Fake-dating the Scrooge trying to destroy her café wasn’t on her Christmas list.
Melody’s downtown café is on the rise, and her holiday dreams of escaping to Paris are finally within reach. Until cold-hearted negotiator Baz orchestrates a corporate buyout that could crush everything she’s built.
But when Mel heroically saves Baz from an armed attacker (long story), he makes her an offer she can’t fake-date him through the holidays, fend off his estranged family’s relentless meddling, and he’ll save her café from the deal he was charged with closing.
It’s blackmail. It’s ridiculous. And it’s Mel’s only chance to secure her future.
What starts as a holiday ruse quickly turns into something more than a game of pretend. And as Mel uncovers the heartbreak behind Baz’s cold exterior, she’s in danger of catching real feelings for him.
Falling for Baz means risking everything she’s worked for. But the man who could take it all from her might be the one thing Melody can’t live without.
While You Were Sleeping meets The Hating Game in a holiday rom-com featuring fake dating, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and a hard-fought happily ever after.
Melody’s downtown café is on the rise, and her holiday dreams of escaping to Paris are finally within reach. Until cold-hearted negotiator Baz orchestrates a corporate buyout that could crush everything she’s built.
But when Mel heroically saves Baz from an armed attacker (long story), he makes her an offer she can’t fake-date him through the holidays, fend off his estranged family’s relentless meddling, and he’ll save her café from the deal he was charged with closing.
It’s blackmail. It’s ridiculous. And it’s Mel’s only chance to secure her future.
What starts as a holiday ruse quickly turns into something more than a game of pretend. And as Mel uncovers the heartbreak behind Baz’s cold exterior, she’s in danger of catching real feelings for him.
Falling for Baz means risking everything she’s worked for. But the man who could take it all from her might be the one thing Melody can’t live without.
While You Were Sleeping meets The Hating Game in a holiday rom-com featuring fake dating, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and a hard-fought happily ever after.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2026
About the author
Lille Moore
5 books27 followersLille Moore writes romance with a twist on time-honored tropes and tales. Her first career in public diplomacy and strategic communications took her across five continents and six of the Seven Seas and spurred a lifelong love affair with uncovering new worlds through storytelling. Lille lives with her spouse in Texas
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 15, 2026
4🌟 | 2.5🌶️
Fake dating, Christmas chaos, and a grumpy hero with a soft side? This romance had me hooked on the dynamic between Melody and Baz!
Their shared history made every interaction more interesting, and watching their banter slowly turn into genuine affection was such a treat. The chemistry was there, and the forced proximity only made things more fun.
Melody’s determination to save her café made her easy to root for, while Baz gradually won me over as more of his personality came to light. Beneath his grumpy exterior was a man with complicated family relationships and plenty of feelings he struggled to express. Between the only-one-bed moments, meddling relatives, and second-chance romance, there was plenty to keep me smiling.
I also appreciated the themes of family expectations and the challenges small businesses face, which added something extra to the festive setting. The holiday atmosphere, humour, and romantic tension made this a cosy, entertaining read, and seeing these two finally get their chance was satisfying.
It’s the kind of Christmas romance that leaves you smiling and ready for more festive matchmaking!
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Lille Moore and Happily Booked PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Fake dating, Christmas chaos, and a grumpy hero with a soft side? This romance had me hooked on the dynamic between Melody and Baz!
Their shared history made every interaction more interesting, and watching their banter slowly turn into genuine affection was such a treat. The chemistry was there, and the forced proximity only made things more fun.
Melody’s determination to save her café made her easy to root for, while Baz gradually won me over as more of his personality came to light. Beneath his grumpy exterior was a man with complicated family relationships and plenty of feelings he struggled to express. Between the only-one-bed moments, meddling relatives, and second-chance romance, there was plenty to keep me smiling.
I also appreciated the themes of family expectations and the challenges small businesses face, which added something extra to the festive setting. The holiday atmosphere, humour, and romantic tension made this a cosy, entertaining read, and seeing these two finally get their chance was satisfying.
It’s the kind of Christmas romance that leaves you smiling and ready for more festive matchmaking!
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Lille Moore and Happily Booked PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
September 15, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy
This was such a fun, cosy holiday romance! Fake dating, only one bed, second chances, family drama… basically everything I want in a holiday romance.
I loved Melody and Baz together, especially watching all that old hurt and tension slowly turn into something real. Baz’s whole cold exterior hiding a much softer side absolutely got me, and the chemistry between them was SO good. The café storyline added a nice bit of stakes too, and I really enjoyed seeing Melody fight for something she cared about while trying not to fall for the one person standing in her way.
This was such a fun, cosy holiday romance! Fake dating, only one bed, second chances, family drama… basically everything I want in a holiday romance.
I loved Melody and Baz together, especially watching all that old hurt and tension slowly turn into something real. Baz’s whole cold exterior hiding a much softer side absolutely got me, and the chemistry between them was SO good. The café storyline added a nice bit of stakes too, and I really enjoyed seeing Melody fight for something she cared about while trying not to fall for the one person standing in her way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m a little conflicted about this one. While I enjoyed it, some parts felt a little slow to me.
Melody doesn’t really hate Baz… she just wants to throttle him. He shows up at her café every day, complains about everything, tips well, and somehow becomes her only resort for saving the café and her employees. All she has to do is pretend to be in a relationship with him in front of his family to get them off his back… although that doesn’t work quite as well as they hoped. The events surrounding their fake relationship were both fun and sad. Fun because of the family dynamics, the friends, and all the chaos that comes with a big family, and sad because the holidays aren’t a happy time for everyone, and because of the company’s no-dating-between-employees rule. I also found the corporate side interesting, especially the contrast between companies cutting budgets and putting small businesses at risk while spending ridiculous amounts on lavish events and parties.
Baz and Melody have a second chance at something they never really got to have, but their inability to be honest with each other keeps getting in the way. There’s a slow burn, so much tension, friendship, love, family, spice, and second chances. And then there’s the “Money Honey”… I noticed it… A LOT. Even though it wasn’t really to my liking, I found it an interesting way to describe people who have money and seem to have everything except real love. At times, the way Melody talked about the “Money Honeys” even made me wonder if she was a little envious of them, and that was interesting too.
Still, I really love Lille Moore’s writing style. I’ve read her before, and there’s something about the way she writes that feels elevated, almost literary, and I absolutely love that about her books. And yes, Baz may be a Money Honey who likes nice things… but he might also be the kind of Money Honey who does some good with all that money…
Melody doesn’t really hate Baz… she just wants to throttle him. He shows up at her café every day, complains about everything, tips well, and somehow becomes her only resort for saving the café and her employees. All she has to do is pretend to be in a relationship with him in front of his family to get them off his back… although that doesn’t work quite as well as they hoped. The events surrounding their fake relationship were both fun and sad. Fun because of the family dynamics, the friends, and all the chaos that comes with a big family, and sad because the holidays aren’t a happy time for everyone, and because of the company’s no-dating-between-employees rule. I also found the corporate side interesting, especially the contrast between companies cutting budgets and putting small businesses at risk while spending ridiculous amounts on lavish events and parties.
Baz and Melody have a second chance at something they never really got to have, but their inability to be honest with each other keeps getting in the way. There’s a slow burn, so much tension, friendship, love, family, spice, and second chances. And then there’s the “Money Honey”… I noticed it… A LOT. Even though it wasn’t really to my liking, I found it an interesting way to describe people who have money and seem to have everything except real love. At times, the way Melody talked about the “Money Honeys” even made me wonder if she was a little envious of them, and that was interesting too.
Still, I really love Lille Moore’s writing style. I’ve read her before, and there’s something about the way she writes that feels elevated, almost literary, and I absolutely love that about her books. And yes, Baz may be a Money Honey who likes nice things… but he might also be the kind of Money Honey who does some good with all that money…
October 9, 2026
This was an excellent Christmas book with not only the holidays, but meddling family, some unresolved issues, and romance. It would have been super easy to dislike Baz, but like most grumps, he was a genuinely good person and his grand gestures were extreme (in a good way)! This book was a quick read, action packed, and emotional on top of everything else.
Melody is a great FMC with goals to keep her café going and to be accepted into a fellowship that would take place in Paris. Of course, she is not only thinking about saving the café for herself, but for everyone she employees.
Baz is the grumpy lawyer that comes in everyday for breakfast and is always complaining about something. He is also handsome which makes him more annoying.
The truth is Melody doesn’t know that much about Baz except for what she sees at the café. She has no idea about his work or personal life. So, when she agrees to fake date him to make the holidays a little easier on him in exchange for him helping save the café; things spin out of control. She gets to know him, his family, and really wants to help him improve his relationships within the family. Melody finds herself in a lot of uncomfortable situations, for instance when she finds herself at a funeral and is asked to recite the poem… that is not in English!!
This is a laugh out loud, sweet, sassy, and heartfelt read for the best time for the holidays.
Melody is a great FMC with goals to keep her café going and to be accepted into a fellowship that would take place in Paris. Of course, she is not only thinking about saving the café for herself, but for everyone she employees.
Baz is the grumpy lawyer that comes in everyday for breakfast and is always complaining about something. He is also handsome which makes him more annoying.
The truth is Melody doesn’t know that much about Baz except for what she sees at the café. She has no idea about his work or personal life. So, when she agrees to fake date him to make the holidays a little easier on him in exchange for him helping save the café; things spin out of control. She gets to know him, his family, and really wants to help him improve his relationships within the family. Melody finds herself in a lot of uncomfortable situations, for instance when she finds herself at a funeral and is asked to recite the poem… that is not in English!!
This is a laugh out loud, sweet, sassy, and heartfelt read for the best time for the holidays.
October 8, 2026
This was such a fun, festive second-chance romance with plenty of chemistry, humour, and just the right amount of Christmas chaos.
Melody and Baz have history, so watching them get thrown back into each other’s lives was definitely entertaining. Mel is determined to save her café and escape to Paris, while Baz is dealing with his own complicated family situation. Their fake-dating arrangement is already a recipe for trouble, but add forced proximity and an only-one-bed situation, and things inevitably start getting complicated.
I really enjoyed the banter between these two. What starts out as a ridiculous arrangement gradually becomes something much more genuine, and I liked seeing them slowly peel back the layers and discover what was really behind all the resentment and hurt from their past.
Mel is easy to root for, especially with everything riding on saving her café and securing her future. Baz initially comes across as cold and difficult, but getting to see the softer side of him made his character much more interesting. Their second-chance romance has plenty of emotional moments alongside the lighter, more amusing ones.
The festive setting, family drama, fake dating, forced proximity, and old feelings coming back to the surface made this a really enjoyable holiday read. If you like Christmas romances with plenty of chemistry, complicated history, and a grumpy hero who eventually shows his softer side, this one is definitely worth picking up.
A fun, romantic, and feel-good Christmas read with plenty of heart.
Melody and Baz have history, so watching them get thrown back into each other’s lives was definitely entertaining. Mel is determined to save her café and escape to Paris, while Baz is dealing with his own complicated family situation. Their fake-dating arrangement is already a recipe for trouble, but add forced proximity and an only-one-bed situation, and things inevitably start getting complicated.
I really enjoyed the banter between these two. What starts out as a ridiculous arrangement gradually becomes something much more genuine, and I liked seeing them slowly peel back the layers and discover what was really behind all the resentment and hurt from their past.
Mel is easy to root for, especially with everything riding on saving her café and securing her future. Baz initially comes across as cold and difficult, but getting to see the softer side of him made his character much more interesting. Their second-chance romance has plenty of emotional moments alongside the lighter, more amusing ones.
The festive setting, family drama, fake dating, forced proximity, and old feelings coming back to the surface made this a really enjoyable holiday read. If you like Christmas romances with plenty of chemistry, complicated history, and a grumpy hero who eventually shows his softer side, this one is definitely worth picking up.
A fun, romantic, and feel-good Christmas read with plenty of heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Go Back To December is part of the Holiday Hustle Series.
I love fake dating and then add in having it around Christmas, and you've got a great read. Melody is fighting the corporation buyout from Baz. However, when he saves him from an armed individual, he seizes his chance and begs her to be a buffer between his family and himself. This gives her the chance to fight for her cafe and get him to change his mind about his plans. There was a lot of banter between them which made for a fun read.
I love fake dating and then add in having it around Christmas, and you've got a great read. Melody is fighting the corporation buyout from Baz. However, when he saves him from an armed individual, he seizes his chance and begs her to be a buffer between his family and himself. This gives her the chance to fight for her cafe and get him to change his mind about his plans. There was a lot of banter between them which made for a fun read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one was funny. It has three fake dating, one bed, he falls first, leave and ill follow.
Some of it was slightly frustrating because the miscommunication but some i can see because of scenarios.
Some of it was slightly frustrating because the miscommunication but some i can see because of scenarios.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spice: 🌶🌶
Chemistry: 💣💣💣💣💣
Humor: 😂😂😂😂
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Melody and Baz met one night in college, only for unexpected circumstances to pull them apart before they could exchange info. Years later, Baz is the most loathed customer in the corporate office restaurant Melody runs. When budget cuts threaten the restaurant and Melody's long-term dreams, Baz offers to help in exchange with her being his fake girlfriend through the holidays.
This book has no explicit spicy scenes but a large amount of humor and excellent chemistry. I loved the various plot twists and how things came together. The family dynamics are great as well. I loved Oscar's scenes!
Chemistry: 💣💣💣💣💣
Humor: 😂😂😂😂
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Melody and Baz met one night in college, only for unexpected circumstances to pull them apart before they could exchange info. Years later, Baz is the most loathed customer in the corporate office restaurant Melody runs. When budget cuts threaten the restaurant and Melody's long-term dreams, Baz offers to help in exchange with her being his fake girlfriend through the holidays.
This book has no explicit spicy scenes but a large amount of humor and excellent chemistry. I loved the various plot twists and how things came together. The family dynamics are great as well. I loved Oscar's scenes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
No spoilers because...just read it.
I am a SUCKER for romcoms and my imagination definitely played this book like a sweet, funny, and all time great holiday movie!
I also finished this book in a day lol I couldn't out it down!
I am a SUCKER for romcoms and my imagination definitely played this book like a sweet, funny, and all time great holiday movie!
I also finished this book in a day lol I couldn't out it down!
October 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️
The perfect mixture of holiday romance, family shenanigans, and fake dating. Go Back to December by Lille Moore is a fun read that I found myself laughing and swooning at. Both of our MCs have their own ideas of what the holidays should look like and when one needs the help of the other, the spirit of the season wins out. This is my first time reading a book by Lille and her writing style is easy to lose yourself in. She has a few other books that I will definitely be adding to my forever growing TBR.
Melody and Baz are not fans of each other. Melody will stop at nothing to keep her struggling cafe from being bought and changed into something else. It is not what she needs to be worrying about during the holiday season, but such is life. Whenever these two interact the tension is thick and their past history brings a complication. They may have met in college, but nothing ever came of it. Even knowing this book would end with a happy ending, it was so much reading about how these two got there. When Melody saves Baz, he makes her an offer that could save her cafe. How hard can fake dating really be with someone who you can’t stand?
With each situation they find themselves in, the lines begin to blur between fake and real. Melody refuses to admit she is falling for the enemy and it is just the magic of the holiday season seeping in. Baz is sweeter than he seems and he has layers. We come to find out his hard exterior is due to a hurt from his past, which Melody finds herself determined to help him heal. Super sweet moments, heartfelt romance, and only one bed made them falling so enjoyable to read.
There are some miscommunications throughout the book, but it actually brings a sense of realness to the relationship. I mean, miscommunication happens, but how you handle clarifying and clearing it up is what matters most. I wouldn’t let this keep from reading this book. I loved seeing both our MCs layers get peeled back as they truly got to know each other. Lille does a great job taking these two from enemies to lovers with the help of some holiday magic.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
❄️Holiday Romance
🍵Second Chance Romance
❄️Workplace Romance
🍵Grumpy x Sunshine
❄️Enemies to Lovers
🍵Forced Proximity
❄️Family Hijinks
🍵It’s Always Been You
The perfect mixture of holiday romance, family shenanigans, and fake dating. Go Back to December by Lille Moore is a fun read that I found myself laughing and swooning at. Both of our MCs have their own ideas of what the holidays should look like and when one needs the help of the other, the spirit of the season wins out. This is my first time reading a book by Lille and her writing style is easy to lose yourself in. She has a few other books that I will definitely be adding to my forever growing TBR.
Melody and Baz are not fans of each other. Melody will stop at nothing to keep her struggling cafe from being bought and changed into something else. It is not what she needs to be worrying about during the holiday season, but such is life. Whenever these two interact the tension is thick and their past history brings a complication. They may have met in college, but nothing ever came of it. Even knowing this book would end with a happy ending, it was so much reading about how these two got there. When Melody saves Baz, he makes her an offer that could save her cafe. How hard can fake dating really be with someone who you can’t stand?
With each situation they find themselves in, the lines begin to blur between fake and real. Melody refuses to admit she is falling for the enemy and it is just the magic of the holiday season seeping in. Baz is sweeter than he seems and he has layers. We come to find out his hard exterior is due to a hurt from his past, which Melody finds herself determined to help him heal. Super sweet moments, heartfelt romance, and only one bed made them falling so enjoyable to read.
There are some miscommunications throughout the book, but it actually brings a sense of realness to the relationship. I mean, miscommunication happens, but how you handle clarifying and clearing it up is what matters most. I wouldn’t let this keep from reading this book. I loved seeing both our MCs layers get peeled back as they truly got to know each other. Lille does a great job taking these two from enemies to lovers with the help of some holiday magic.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
❄️Holiday Romance
🍵Second Chance Romance
❄️Workplace Romance
🍵Grumpy x Sunshine
❄️Enemies to Lovers
🍵Forced Proximity
❄️Family Hijinks
🍵It’s Always Been You
October 15, 2026
Go Back to December by Lille Moore is a holiday, fake dating, second-chance, enemies-to-lovers(ish) romance. It follows Melody and Baz, who share a complicated history dating back to college but now have a completely adversarial relationship. Their banter throughout the book was one of its highlights and kept me entertained from start to finish.
Baz initially comes across as cold, difficult, and somewhat unfeeling. After a dangerous event, Melody finds herself spending more time with him and his family through a bit of forced proximity. She agrees to fake-date him in exchange for his help saving her café, allowing her to protect her employees and potentially pursue a fellowship opportunity in Paris. As she gets to know Baz and his family better, she becomes determined to help him repair some of his strained relationships. Unsurprisingly, this leads to plenty of uncomfortable and often entertaining situations.
The biggest source of conflict between Melody and Baz is their inability to be honest with each other. So many of their problems stem from misunderstandings and assumptions that could have been avoided with better communication. Still, I enjoyed watching them gradually work through their issues. What begins as a ridiculous arrangement slowly develops into something genuine, and I liked seeing both characters grow and heal from the wounds of their pasts.
I especially appreciated seeing Baz's softer side emerge as the story progressed. He became a much more interesting and sympathetic character once his emotional walls started coming down. There were a few issues with repetition, particularly the frequent use of phrases like "money honey," which became noticeable after a while. However, despite those minor drawbacks, this was a quick, dramatic, and adorable holiday read that delivered plenty of romance, humor, and heart.
Baz initially comes across as cold, difficult, and somewhat unfeeling. After a dangerous event, Melody finds herself spending more time with him and his family through a bit of forced proximity. She agrees to fake-date him in exchange for his help saving her café, allowing her to protect her employees and potentially pursue a fellowship opportunity in Paris. As she gets to know Baz and his family better, she becomes determined to help him repair some of his strained relationships. Unsurprisingly, this leads to plenty of uncomfortable and often entertaining situations.
The biggest source of conflict between Melody and Baz is their inability to be honest with each other. So many of their problems stem from misunderstandings and assumptions that could have been avoided with better communication. Still, I enjoyed watching them gradually work through their issues. What begins as a ridiculous arrangement slowly develops into something genuine, and I liked seeing both characters grow and heal from the wounds of their pasts.
I especially appreciated seeing Baz's softer side emerge as the story progressed. He became a much more interesting and sympathetic character once his emotional walls started coming down. There were a few issues with repetition, particularly the frequent use of phrases like "money honey," which became noticeable after a while. However, despite those minor drawbacks, this was a quick, dramatic, and adorable holiday read that delivered plenty of romance, humor, and heart.
October 13, 2026
This book was such a good read. I thoroughly enjoyed a classic enemies to lovers, fake dating storyline. I make no secret of the fact fake dating is probably my all time favourite trope.
Baz starts out as being someone you want to despise, he’s arrogant, grumpy and has no consideration for anyone in the cafe he frequents for breakfast every morning. The owner of the cafe, Melody, is kind, considerate and generous. She’s also not afraid to stand up to Baz when he’s behaving like a douche.
When she saves his life, injuring him in the process, he persuades her to pretend they are a couple and insists she stays with him to help him whilst he heals. In exchange, he’ll help her save the cafe he had a hand in closing down.
I loved watching Baz and Melody get to know each other. Although they had met previously when they were younger, there is still so much they don’t know, more personal things. And the more they got to know each other, the closer they became.
As the book is told only from Melody’s point of view, we learn more about her and her feelings than we do about Baz. I would have loved some chapters from his POV so we discovered more about this intriguing man.
The supporting characters were also engaging, mainly Baz’s family. The story was good enough to make you keep reading, to find out why Baz was so estranged from them, when it was clear how much they cared about him. I also loved Dooley, he was a riot, fiercely protective of Baz but also not hesitant to wind him up when the need arose.
Baz starts out as being someone you want to despise, he’s arrogant, grumpy and has no consideration for anyone in the cafe he frequents for breakfast every morning. The owner of the cafe, Melody, is kind, considerate and generous. She’s also not afraid to stand up to Baz when he’s behaving like a douche.
When she saves his life, injuring him in the process, he persuades her to pretend they are a couple and insists she stays with him to help him whilst he heals. In exchange, he’ll help her save the cafe he had a hand in closing down.
I loved watching Baz and Melody get to know each other. Although they had met previously when they were younger, there is still so much they don’t know, more personal things. And the more they got to know each other, the closer they became.
As the book is told only from Melody’s point of view, we learn more about her and her feelings than we do about Baz. I would have loved some chapters from his POV so we discovered more about this intriguing man.
The supporting characters were also engaging, mainly Baz’s family. The story was good enough to make you keep reading, to find out why Baz was so estranged from them, when it was clear how much they cared about him. I also loved Dooley, he was a riot, fiercely protective of Baz but also not hesitant to wind him up when the need arose.
October 20, 2026
It's only October, but apparently I'm already ready for Christmas romances! And Go Back to December was just the cozy holiday read I needed.
Melody is a café owner trying to keep her business afloat, protect her employees, and hopefully make it to Paris for her dream fellowship. Baz is her grumpy, seemingly entitled regular customer who always manages to get under her skin. When a particularly disastrous day leads to an unexpected fake-dating arrangement (he needs a date for his family gatherings, and she needs help saving her café), things get interesting! What follows is a mix of complicated family dynamics, forced proximity, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of holiday chaos.
What I enjoyed most was watching Melody and Baz slowly discover who the other person really was. Beneath Baz's grumpy exterior is someone carrying the weight of family expectations and feelings he struggles to express. And Melody has her own dreams, fears, and assumptions to work through. Their relationship becomes so much more interesting when they begin having honest conversations and seeing beyond their initial impressions. This was my first Lille Moore book, and I really enjoyed it! A sweet, charming romance with just the right amount of holiday magic. Perfect for curling up with on a cool fall day, preferably with a warm drink in hand. Highly recommend!
October 12, 2026
This was a fun, quick read! Lower on the spice scale, but honestly, I appreciated that it never felt cheesy or forced. Sometimes spicy books try a little too hard, and this one lets the romance happen naturally.
We have Melody, who's trying to keep her café afloat and secure its funding renewal, and Baz (Sebastian), an attorney in the pro bono/goodwill department of the same company. They technically met years ago, but after Melody's father passed away, they missed their chance at a connection. Meanwhile, Baz has been pining away and choosing to show up at her café every morning… not for breakfast, but for HER. 🥹
Of course, Melody has absolutely no idea and is appropriately stunned when she finds out, because apparently we're contractually obligated to have a little rom-com disbelief! 😂
What made this one fun, though, was all the twists and turns along the way. Their path isn't easy, and they're not magically handed a relationship just because they finally connect the dots from the past. We get to know them, watch them work through the complications, and actually enjoy the journey toward their HEA.
A sweet, entertaining romance that doesn't need to crank up the spice or lean too hard on the clichés to deliver a satisfying love story!
We have Melody, who's trying to keep her café afloat and secure its funding renewal, and Baz (Sebastian), an attorney in the pro bono/goodwill department of the same company. They technically met years ago, but after Melody's father passed away, they missed their chance at a connection. Meanwhile, Baz has been pining away and choosing to show up at her café every morning… not for breakfast, but for HER. 🥹
Of course, Melody has absolutely no idea and is appropriately stunned when she finds out, because apparently we're contractually obligated to have a little rom-com disbelief! 😂
What made this one fun, though, was all the twists and turns along the way. Their path isn't easy, and they're not magically handed a relationship just because they finally connect the dots from the past. We get to know them, watch them work through the complications, and actually enjoy the journey toward their HEA.
A sweet, entertaining romance that doesn't need to crank up the spice or lean too hard on the clichés to deliver a satisfying love story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2026
Thank you to Happily Booked PR for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
For me this book had a bit of a rough start, because I had a hard time forming an opinion of Mel, and I couldn't care less about all the corporate talk. Luckily that did turn around a bit, because Baz is just a great character. I wanted to know all his motivations, his secrets, et cetera. His family as well as his friend/coworker Dooley were also great side characters that I had no problem picturing in my head. It's hard not to love them.
I really liked the bickering and banter between Mel and Baz, however... The way these 2 did not honestly communicate with each other was just a little bit too frustrating for me at times. And as much as I liked Baz, I noticed I didn't really care for Mel? She was so quick to constantly jump to conclusions and I would have liked to see some more character growth. And less obsessing over coats, haha.
Now, this isn't just a fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers romance story. It's also a story about second chances, guilt, grief, trauma, family, and not giving up on your dreams. The author did a great job braiding it all in the story.
Definitely an enjoyable winter read.
For me this book had a bit of a rough start, because I had a hard time forming an opinion of Mel, and I couldn't care less about all the corporate talk. Luckily that did turn around a bit, because Baz is just a great character. I wanted to know all his motivations, his secrets, et cetera. His family as well as his friend/coworker Dooley were also great side characters that I had no problem picturing in my head. It's hard not to love them.
I really liked the bickering and banter between Mel and Baz, however... The way these 2 did not honestly communicate with each other was just a little bit too frustrating for me at times. And as much as I liked Baz, I noticed I didn't really care for Mel? She was so quick to constantly jump to conclusions and I would have liked to see some more character growth. And less obsessing over coats, haha.
Now, this isn't just a fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers romance story. It's also a story about second chances, guilt, grief, trauma, family, and not giving up on your dreams. The author did a great job braiding it all in the story.
Definitely an enjoyable winter read.
October 16, 2026
This was such a fun holiday romance! I really enjoyed the fake dating, forced proximity, only-one-bed situation, and second-chance romance. Melody and Baz had me hooked with their complicated history and all the tension between them.
I loved Melody’s determination to save her café and follow her dreams. She was strong and knew what she wanted, even when things got messy. Baz came across as cold at first, but getting to see the heartbreak behind his walls made me understand him more. Their relationship started with a deal, but watching their feelings slowly become real was one of my favorite parts.
There was a good mix of emotional moments, romantic tension, and sweet holiday vibes. I also enjoyed the family drama and the way being forced together gave Melody and Baz a chance to face their past and figure out what they really wanted.
Overall, this was a cute, heartwarming holiday romance with just the right amount of angst and chemistry. If you enjoy fake dating, second chances, and grumpy characters who slowly let their guard down, this is definitely worth picking up!
I received a complimentary copy from Happily Booked ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I loved Melody’s determination to save her café and follow her dreams. She was strong and knew what she wanted, even when things got messy. Baz came across as cold at first, but getting to see the heartbreak behind his walls made me understand him more. Their relationship started with a deal, but watching their feelings slowly become real was one of my favorite parts.
There was a good mix of emotional moments, romantic tension, and sweet holiday vibes. I also enjoyed the family drama and the way being forced together gave Melody and Baz a chance to face their past and figure out what they really wanted.
Overall, this was a cute, heartwarming holiday romance with just the right amount of angst and chemistry. If you enjoy fake dating, second chances, and grumpy characters who slowly let their guard down, this is definitely worth picking up!
I received a complimentary copy from Happily Booked ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 8, 2026
This was a surprisingly good book. It felt slow in the beginning, but the comedy kept me reading. There’s a lot of banter in this book between all the main characters, and Dooley may be my favorite character, the man has so many quips.
There’s a lot packed in this book. There’s a lot of character development, literally every single character has some sort of growth on page. There’s tragedy, and healing, breaking, and coming together. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions. There was even a time I was chuckling as I was crying.
I do think the attempt at other woman drama was unnecessary, and there were too many misconceptions happing for people who have to be at least mid-twenties. All frontal lobes would have been developed. The near constant running instead of talking things out got annoying. And there’s an unexplained month long time jump in the last chapter that leaves a hole in the story.
It’s a fade to black book, safe-ish for teenagers to read, the most you get is heavy petting on page. And it’s LATE into the book.
There’s a lot packed in this book. There’s a lot of character development, literally every single character has some sort of growth on page. There’s tragedy, and healing, breaking, and coming together. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions. There was even a time I was chuckling as I was crying.
I do think the attempt at other woman drama was unnecessary, and there were too many misconceptions happing for people who have to be at least mid-twenties. All frontal lobes would have been developed. The near constant running instead of talking things out got annoying. And there’s an unexplained month long time jump in the last chapter that leaves a hole in the story.
It’s a fade to black book, safe-ish for teenagers to read, the most you get is heavy petting on page. And it’s LATE into the book.
October 13, 2026
I really enjoyed this festive romance filled with chaos, old feelings, and Christmas magic (also fake dating, my favourite trope)
Melody is doing everything to keep her café afloat, while Baz is dealing with family expectations he would rather avoid. When circumstances push them into a fake dating arrangement over the holidays, what starts as a practical solution quickly becomes a lot more complicated. They already have history between them, and spending so much time together makes it impossible to ignore the feelings.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Melody and Baz. They challenged each other constantly, and their conversations were my favourite part of the book.
The Christmas setting was so beautiful just like the cover. The book also explored more serious topics like loneliness, family pressure.
I liked the storyline surrounding Melody's café. I am a coffee lover so the cafe angle worked well for me. It made me even more invested in her journey.
A good balance of Christmas spirit, humour, emotions and romance.
Melody is doing everything to keep her café afloat, while Baz is dealing with family expectations he would rather avoid. When circumstances push them into a fake dating arrangement over the holidays, what starts as a practical solution quickly becomes a lot more complicated. They already have history between them, and spending so much time together makes it impossible to ignore the feelings.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Melody and Baz. They challenged each other constantly, and their conversations were my favourite part of the book.
The Christmas setting was so beautiful just like the cover. The book also explored more serious topics like loneliness, family pressure.
I liked the storyline surrounding Melody's café. I am a coffee lover so the cafe angle worked well for me. It made me even more invested in her journey.
A good balance of Christmas spirit, humour, emotions and romance.
October 15, 2026
Sebastian “Baz” Johnson lived submerged in grief and guilt, a traumatic event created a deep rift between him a his family.
For Melody Johnson was the fear of losing someone that she loved, that kept her from finding true happiness.
Sometimes we cross paths with someone that causes a big impact in our lives and sometimes something unfortunate happens and live take us in a different path, I do believe that if you are meant to be with that person, destiny will bring us together.
We change, we constantly move and evolve, time passes, nothing is static, Melody let her apprehension win, she kept Baz at arm length, she didn’t let herself feel and fall for him, she was scared and he thought that he wasn’t deserved of her, the his actions were unforgivable.
Both of them were extremely hard workers with clear paths and goals, Baz went above and beyond to assure that everyone has a fair chance in life, he was truly a good person, once they realized that they indeed deserve each other, I loved how everything worked out at the end.
For Melody Johnson was the fear of losing someone that she loved, that kept her from finding true happiness.
Sometimes we cross paths with someone that causes a big impact in our lives and sometimes something unfortunate happens and live take us in a different path, I do believe that if you are meant to be with that person, destiny will bring us together.
We change, we constantly move and evolve, time passes, nothing is static, Melody let her apprehension win, she kept Baz at arm length, she didn’t let herself feel and fall for him, she was scared and he thought that he wasn’t deserved of her, the his actions were unforgivable.
Both of them were extremely hard workers with clear paths and goals, Baz went above and beyond to assure that everyone has a fair chance in life, he was truly a good person, once they realized that they indeed deserve each other, I loved how everything worked out at the end.
October 8, 2026
4.25/5...This was such a fun, festive second-chance romance! I loved the fake-dating setup, the forced proximity, and especially the only-one-bed situation. Mel and Baz had the kind of chemistry that made their constant push-and-pull incredibly entertaining, while their history added just enough emotional depth beneath all the holiday chaos. I really enjoyed watching Baz slowly let his walls down and seeing the softer side of him emerge. Mel was such a strong, determined heroine, and I was completely invested in her dreams, her café, and the choices she had to make along the way. The holiday setting, family meddling, banter, and slow-burn feelings made this an easy, cozy read. There were definitely moments when I wanted to shake both of them for their communication choices, but it ultimately made their journey feel more satisfying.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2026
Go Back to December by Lille Moore was a sweet holiday read filled with romantic tension, fake dating, and the possibility of second chances. I enjoyed the combination of Christmas charm and the emotional ups and downs that come with complicated relationships. Melody and Baz brought an interesting dynamic to the story, and their arrangement added plenty of opportunities for witty banter and unexpected feelings. I also liked that Melody had goals of her own and is determined to save her café, giving the story more depth than romance alone. The holiday atmosphere made this a great choice for readers like me looking for a cozy seasonal romance with a little drama mixed in. Overall, Go Back to December is a charming pick for romance lovers who want a festive story with heart, emotional moments, and a little Christmas magic!
I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Melody is trying to save her café, Baz is a frequent customer who always complains tet always come back. Then when an incident leaves him injured he makes a deal with her to help save the café. Seems simple right? Wrong. As the tension gets higher and the deadline draws nearer secrets come out. Some draw them closer and some do the opposite. When the biggest secret of all is revealed...even I was stunned. Turns out one of them has been playing the long game just hoping for a chance the other would give them a chance.
Seeing Melody learn to be bold and to take charge was amazing, she just needed a nudge from someone who would tell her like it is. As for Baz, he needed to learn how to forgive himself for the past and she helps him with that.
Melody is trying to save her café, Baz is a frequent customer who always complains tet always come back. Then when an incident leaves him injured he makes a deal with her to help save the café. Seems simple right? Wrong. As the tension gets higher and the deadline draws nearer secrets come out. Some draw them closer and some do the opposite. When the biggest secret of all is revealed...even I was stunned. Turns out one of them has been playing the long game just hoping for a chance the other would give them a chance.
Seeing Melody learn to be bold and to take charge was amazing, she just needed a nudge from someone who would tell her like it is. As for Baz, he needed to learn how to forgive himself for the past and she helps him with that.
October 8, 2026
Baz & Mel
Go Back to December is a holiday romance which covers these wonderful tropes; enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, & family chaos. When we meet Melody (Mel) she is struggle bussin' it to save her business. & Baz gives her an offer she can't really refuse. My only grip with this story is the miscommunication (a trope that can be good and bad). If only people would TALK, then this miscommunication or receipt of information wouldn't be a barrier for the main characters.
Baz and Mel's fake relationship does turn into something real once the moments they share vulnerabilities with one another. These two characters not only heal wounds but the emotional depth in this book is so well written. It gives the story layers (even though it's a shorter book).
Overall, this is a good read for the holiday season because who doesn't love the only-one-bed trope?!?!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Go Back to December is a holiday romance which covers these wonderful tropes; enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, & family chaos. When we meet Melody (Mel) she is struggle bussin' it to save her business. & Baz gives her an offer she can't really refuse. My only grip with this story is the miscommunication (a trope that can be good and bad). If only people would TALK, then this miscommunication or receipt of information wouldn't be a barrier for the main characters.
Baz and Mel's fake relationship does turn into something real once the moments they share vulnerabilities with one another. These two characters not only heal wounds but the emotional depth in this book is so well written. It gives the story layers (even though it's a shorter book).
Overall, this is a good read for the holiday season because who doesn't love the only-one-bed trope?!?!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
October 13, 2026
I got this book as an ARC by Happily Booked! Thanks for sending it to me!!
This was such a cute book with so much hidden yearning from his side and tension that you just kick your feet and smile.💕 this book reminded me of ‘While you were sleeping’ but if the love interest in the beginning wasn’t in a coma and had a heart of gold under his a-hole exterior. When he said he came to the cafe every morning to see her and that he loved pissing her off because them she felt something strong for him *swoon* this guy had it bad!!! They had met years prior at a party in December but both didn’t think they remembered each other. They fit into an enemies roll even though he definitely didn’t hate her🫣💕 this was a fade to black romance but the tension and connection between them didn’t need any spice. This was awesome and I loved it!✨🎄💕
This was such a cute book with so much hidden yearning from his side and tension that you just kick your feet and smile.💕 this book reminded me of ‘While you were sleeping’ but if the love interest in the beginning wasn’t in a coma and had a heart of gold under his a-hole exterior. When he said he came to the cafe every morning to see her and that he loved pissing her off because them she felt something strong for him *swoon* this guy had it bad!!! They had met years prior at a party in December but both didn’t think they remembered each other. They fit into an enemies roll even though he definitely didn’t hate her🫣💕 this was a fade to black romance but the tension and connection between them didn’t need any spice. This was awesome and I loved it!✨🎄💕
October 21, 2026
Such a sweet story! These characters really so well developed that you can really "feel" with them.
I really loved how this took place over the Holidays. Our MFC has worked to get her own cafe and will fight tooth and nail to keep it.
After our MMC comes into the picture, he is pushing to take her cafe from her, and she is not having it. So, he proposes a deal that if she will act like his "fake" girlfriend around his family over the Holidays he will leave her cafe alone.
So here we go with the close proximity (1 bed), family and friends' different personalities and past situations cropping up.
They start having feelings and have to figure how to navigate through their pasts.
Can they make something more work out? What happens when they go back home and the Holidays are over?
Read to find out! I LOVED this one!
I really loved how this took place over the Holidays. Our MFC has worked to get her own cafe and will fight tooth and nail to keep it.
After our MMC comes into the picture, he is pushing to take her cafe from her, and she is not having it. So, he proposes a deal that if she will act like his "fake" girlfriend around his family over the Holidays he will leave her cafe alone.
So here we go with the close proximity (1 bed), family and friends' different personalities and past situations cropping up.
They start having feelings and have to figure how to navigate through their pasts.
Can they make something more work out? What happens when they go back home and the Holidays are over?
Read to find out! I LOVED this one!
Read
October 6, 2026❄️ARC REVIEW❄️
Go Back to December was an amusing and emotional romance that was incredibly easy to get lost in.
The events surrounding Melody and Baz’s relationship was both fun and sad, fun because of the family dynamics, friends, and all the chaos, but sad since christmas isn’t a happy time for everyone.
What stayed with me most was the emotional connection between the leads.
Their relationship felt layered and heartfelt, making the moments of vulnerability and tension feel that much more meaningful. I also loved the contrast between the lighthearted moments and the more emotional parts of the story.
If you love fake dating, slow burns, family chaos, and romances filled with longing and second chances, this one is worth picking up.
Go Back to December was an amusing and emotional romance that was incredibly easy to get lost in.
The events surrounding Melody and Baz’s relationship was both fun and sad, fun because of the family dynamics, friends, and all the chaos, but sad since christmas isn’t a happy time for everyone.
What stayed with me most was the emotional connection between the leads.
Their relationship felt layered and heartfelt, making the moments of vulnerability and tension feel that much more meaningful. I also loved the contrast between the lighthearted moments and the more emotional parts of the story.
If you love fake dating, slow burns, family chaos, and romances filled with longing and second chances, this one is worth picking up.
October 8, 2026
I really loved this read and appreciated how much depth there was I wasn’t expecting. Another judged by the cover, I assumed it’d just be cutesy feel good Christmas. This story is packed with family dynamics, compassionate discussion of addiction, and finding your way to what’s right for you. Fake dating goes all awry as Melody’s cafe is in the crosshairs of Baz’s corporate takeover.
Five Star Quote: “I hate mornings like this. They start without a hitch. A smooth beginning swindles you into believing the day ahead is a shiny blank canvas of promise and possibility. Then, one small hiccup lights a fuse that blows up your entire life. These mornings are a b!tch in sheep’s clothing.” If this ain’t me 🤣 I loved Melody the FMC, she was fun to read and relatable.
Five Star Quote: “I hate mornings like this. They start without a hitch. A smooth beginning swindles you into believing the day ahead is a shiny blank canvas of promise and possibility. Then, one small hiccup lights a fuse that blows up your entire life. These mornings are a b!tch in sheep’s clothing.” If this ain’t me 🤣 I loved Melody the FMC, she was fun to read and relatable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and the author for the chance to read this book as an ARC!
I did not love this one. Maybe I'm not the target audience but the FMC drove me up a wall. My entire 2 star review is based around how unlikeable she was to me. Her behavior felt very immature at the best of times and often very unrelatable. When it comes to romance genres I have a hard time putting myself into the story if the main characters are unrelatable as she is. The MMC was a decent character but I really just couldn't get with the FMC at all in this one.
Overall the story isn't bad, I realize this is a petty gripe for a book. I think I do have some friends I would recommend this book to but I didn't enjoy it much.
I did not love this one. Maybe I'm not the target audience but the FMC drove me up a wall. My entire 2 star review is based around how unlikeable she was to me. Her behavior felt very immature at the best of times and often very unrelatable. When it comes to romance genres I have a hard time putting myself into the story if the main characters are unrelatable as she is. The MMC was a decent character but I really just couldn't get with the FMC at all in this one.
Overall the story isn't bad, I realize this is a petty gripe for a book. I think I do have some friends I would recommend this book to but I didn't enjoy it much.
October 8, 2026
- Fake dating
- Second chance
- Christmas romance
- Only one bed
I am here for the fake dating trope. Plus I love Christmas romances. Combine the two and I know I'm in for a good time.
In a classic Christmas theme, Melody is trying to save her cafe from big corporation. Baz is one of her grumpy customers. The two of them have a history, and the chemistry is still there...
Baz wants to swoop in and save Melody's cafe, but she is determined to save it on her own. Of course, we all know how this ends. :)
I really liked watching Baz mature as a character and start to embrace his softer side.
This is a super slow burn, considering their history, with enough tension to keep things interesting!
- Second chance
- Christmas romance
- Only one bed
I am here for the fake dating trope. Plus I love Christmas romances. Combine the two and I know I'm in for a good time.
In a classic Christmas theme, Melody is trying to save her cafe from big corporation. Baz is one of her grumpy customers. The two of them have a history, and the chemistry is still there...
Baz wants to swoop in and save Melody's cafe, but she is determined to save it on her own. Of course, we all know how this ends. :)
I really liked watching Baz mature as a character and start to embrace his softer side.
This is a super slow burn, considering their history, with enough tension to keep things interesting!
October 13, 2026
Go Back to December by Lille Moore was such a cute holiday romance! I loved the mix of Christmas vibes, fake dating, romantic tension, and second-chance possibilities. Melody and Baz had an interesting dynamic, and I enjoyed watching their arrangement turn into something more complicated as unexpected feelings started to come into play. There was plenty of banter, emotional moments, and relationship drama to keep things interesting.
I also liked that Melody had her own goals and was fighting to save her café. It gave the story something extra beyond just the romance. The festive atmosphere made this such a good read for the holiday season, especially if you love a cozy Christmas romance with a little angst, lots of feelings, and the hope of getting a second chance at love
I also liked that Melody had her own goals and was fighting to save her café. It gave the story something extra beyond just the romance. The festive atmosphere made this such a good read for the holiday season, especially if you love a cozy Christmas romance with a little angst, lots of feelings, and the hope of getting a second chance at love
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