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First Comes Love #3
A Christmas Date
No one wants to be single at the holidays.
Even Little Miss Grinch, Nikki, a successful and independent woman, must face her bachelorette status at the most horrible time of the year.
December is her personal version of holly-jolly hell: a merry torture made of couples kissing at every corner, forced vacation days, and an inescapable family reunion.
And when her baby sister announces she's engaged--to Paul, the man Nikki is secretly in love with--and that he's spending the holidays with them, Christmas starts looking bluer than ever.
Nikki can't possibly survive an entire week trapped home as the family's spinster. But she has no time to meet men or to try the newest dating app, she's too busy working as a video producer for an advertising agency.
So what's a girl to do?
Nikki has the perfect solution: to hire a fake boyfriend.
Luckily, her job gives her access to an endless catalog of gorgeous actors to choose from.
But Nikki will soon discover that keeping business and pleasure from mixing isn't so easy, and that she might not be immune to a little mistletoe magic. Especially not when she picked out the perfect man as her Christmas date...
Even Little Miss Grinch, Nikki, a successful and independent woman, must face her bachelorette status at the most horrible time of the year.
December is her personal version of holly-jolly hell: a merry torture made of couples kissing at every corner, forced vacation days, and an inescapable family reunion.
And when her baby sister announces she's engaged--to Paul, the man Nikki is secretly in love with--and that he's spending the holidays with them, Christmas starts looking bluer than ever.
Nikki can't possibly survive an entire week trapped home as the family's spinster. But she has no time to meet men or to try the newest dating app, she's too busy working as a video producer for an advertising agency.
So what's a girl to do?
Nikki has the perfect solution: to hire a fake boyfriend.
Luckily, her job gives her access to an endless catalog of gorgeous actors to choose from.
But Nikki will soon discover that keeping business and pleasure from mixing isn't so easy, and that she might not be immune to a little mistletoe magic. Especially not when she picked out the perfect man as her Christmas date...
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2018
202 people are currently reading
4150 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Isley
54 books2,931 followers
Camilla is an engineer who left science behind to enter the whimsical realm of romantic fiction.
She writes contemporary rom-coms. Her characters have big hearts, might be a little stubborn at times, and love to banter with each other. Every story she pens has a guaranteed HEA that will make your heart beat faster. Unless you're a vampire, of course.
Camilla is a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She's a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn't want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 587 reviews
October 29, 2018
I absolutely adored and loved every single word in this book!
If you could see me you would see that I have a BIG smile on my face, I have found me another wonderful author! I love a book that completely engages you and captures your heart! The storyline in this book was not original, in fact it has been done many times before and the author even mentions that in the book... but these characters were so electric, they completely drew me in!
Nikki is not in the holiday mood, in fact she wouldn’t mind skipping the entire month of December... when she finds out her sister is bringing her new fiancé to Christmas she goes into full Scrooge mode... The worst part her sister’s fiancé Paul, a man she’s had a crush on since college.... determined not to go home for Christmas single and with no time to find a date Nikki decides to hire a date.... as I said this is a popular trope that has been done before, but I have to admit it is one of my favorites!
Nikki is a fantastic character I loved her, I mean what’s not to love the girl is a cat lover! She is also smart and sassy.... I adored her relationship with her BFF Blair... but most of all I loved the banter and chemistry between Nicky and hired date Diego.... Diego was such a good guy, down-to-earth and genuine, the kind of guy you would want to take home to your parents... not to mention he was tall, dark, and handsome... The perfect go to parade in front of your sister, I make her a little bit jealous.... add in some family drama, Christmas festivities, gluten-free food, adorable animals, and you have got yourself one wonderful story!
Absolutely recommend, this is one of the best Christmas romances I have Red this season!
*** A huge thank you to the author and Rachelle for my copy of this book ***
If you could see me you would see that I have a BIG smile on my face, I have found me another wonderful author! I love a book that completely engages you and captures your heart! The storyline in this book was not original, in fact it has been done many times before and the author even mentions that in the book... but these characters were so electric, they completely drew me in!
Nikki is not in the holiday mood, in fact she wouldn’t mind skipping the entire month of December... when she finds out her sister is bringing her new fiancé to Christmas she goes into full Scrooge mode... The worst part her sister’s fiancé Paul, a man she’s had a crush on since college.... determined not to go home for Christmas single and with no time to find a date Nikki decides to hire a date.... as I said this is a popular trope that has been done before, but I have to admit it is one of my favorites!
Nikki is a fantastic character I loved her, I mean what’s not to love the girl is a cat lover! She is also smart and sassy.... I adored her relationship with her BFF Blair... but most of all I loved the banter and chemistry between Nicky and hired date Diego.... Diego was such a good guy, down-to-earth and genuine, the kind of guy you would want to take home to your parents... not to mention he was tall, dark, and handsome... The perfect go to parade in front of your sister, I make her a little bit jealous.... add in some family drama, Christmas festivities, gluten-free food, adorable animals, and you have got yourself one wonderful story!
Absolutely recommend, this is one of the best Christmas romances I have Red this season!
*** A huge thank you to the author and Rachelle for my copy of this book ***
November 6, 2018
Oh how I LOVED this book! This is my first Camilla Isley book and I can’t wait to read all her others! I have been searching high and low for the perfect romcom and I’ve finally found it. Best Christmas book of the season!
Nikki is a successful, single career woman who is reluctantly going home for the holidays. After finally deciding that she’s had enough with her family questioning why she’s still single, she decides to take matters into her own hands.
I loved these characters and their antics and the oh so perfect and smoldering love interest. I mean, a beautiful man who is nice AND cleans up after himself? That’s a keeper!
This also has the perfect amount of Christmas atmosphere – from snowman building to holiday meal prep – you will find yourself catching the holiday spirit while reading.
There is something to be said about a book that can make you laugh out loud and you will find that here. If you’re like me and read for entertainment, you will most definitely find yourself entertained!
Thank you again to Rachel and Camilla. This book is now available!
Nikki is a successful, single career woman who is reluctantly going home for the holidays. After finally deciding that she’s had enough with her family questioning why she’s still single, she decides to take matters into her own hands.
I loved these characters and their antics and the oh so perfect and smoldering love interest. I mean, a beautiful man who is nice AND cleans up after himself? That’s a keeper!
This also has the perfect amount of Christmas atmosphere – from snowman building to holiday meal prep – you will find yourself catching the holiday spirit while reading.
There is something to be said about a book that can make you laugh out loud and you will find that here. If you’re like me and read for entertainment, you will most definitely find yourself entertained!
Thank you again to Rachel and Camilla. This book is now available!
Want to read
August 20, 2021This is my first Christmas story ... I hope it'll make you feel as warm and fuzzy as a hot chocolate sprinkled with marshmallows. It's a book filled with plenty of holidays spirit, good and bad family behaviors, a fake boyfriend, kittens, and lots of snow, humor, and romance ....
Get it wherever books are sold:
Amazon
Apple Books
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
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Happy Reading!
Love,
Camilla
Get it wherever books are sold:
Amazon
Apple Books
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Kobo
Happy Reading!
Love,
Camilla
December 2, 2018
4 super cute and funny stars to A Christmas Date! 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄
After not being much of a holiday book reader in my reading life, this year, I’ve been on a spree of collecting holiday reads. A Christmas Date is a standout amongst the pack.
Nikki is not a fan of the holidays. Being single and independently so is hard this time of year. When she would rather be working, she is forced to take time off and observe how romantic everyone feels about Christmas.
Everything comes to a head wine Nikki’s sister announces her engagement to a man Nikki has feelings for (but no one knows). Not only that, but he is spending the holidays with the family in celebration.
Nikki needs to survive this week at home and look good doing it, so she hires a fake boyfriend. She quickly finds a handsome actor to play the part. However, what will happen if Nikki finds the magical romance of the holidays charming her, too?
A Christmas Date is an endearingly funny romantic comedy perfect for an holiday pick-me-up. It’s soothing, comforting, and super cute. I read it in one quick sitting. Thanks to my friends, Melisa and Berit for the recommendation.
Thanks also to the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
After not being much of a holiday book reader in my reading life, this year, I’ve been on a spree of collecting holiday reads. A Christmas Date is a standout amongst the pack.
Nikki is not a fan of the holidays. Being single and independently so is hard this time of year. When she would rather be working, she is forced to take time off and observe how romantic everyone feels about Christmas.
Everything comes to a head wine Nikki’s sister announces her engagement to a man Nikki has feelings for (but no one knows). Not only that, but he is spending the holidays with the family in celebration.
Nikki needs to survive this week at home and look good doing it, so she hires a fake boyfriend. She quickly finds a handsome actor to play the part. However, what will happen if Nikki finds the magical romance of the holidays charming her, too?
A Christmas Date is an endearingly funny romantic comedy perfect for an holiday pick-me-up. It’s soothing, comforting, and super cute. I read it in one quick sitting. Thanks to my friends, Melisa and Berit for the recommendation.
Thanks also to the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
November 3, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Nikki has been in love with Paul for many years since they were teenagers but when Paul started dating her younger sister Julia a couple of years ago she knew he was out of bounds forever and it broke her heart.
When her sister announces, just before Christmas, that the two are engaged Nikki puts on a brave face but is absolutely devastated. Then she learns that when she goes home to her parents for Christmas the loved-up Julia and Paul will be staying too, upset about being around the pair for a week she takes drastic action.
Nikki hires male model Diego, to be her ‘boyfriend’ for the holidays and with Diego being Julia’s ideal man, Nikki is even more impressed with her choice as she can’t wait for her sister to be so jealous of her. But will her plan work?
I love Camilla Isley’s books as they bring together lots of humour, great characters and romantic moments that are always bursting at the seams. A Christmas Date is no exception.
From opening the first page to the very last, I was addicted. The bickering sisters, parents who are at the ends of their wits with their daughters, a handsome fake date and the best, best friend a girl could ask for, plus a dog that thinks he’s a cat!! What’s not to like?
This book is pure enjoyment the whole way through. The plot was a little predictable at times, but this didn’t lessen my enjoyment as Camilla’s writing style is so engaging and exciting.
This is the third book in a series, though it can be read as a stand-alone too. It wasn’t until I was partway through that I realised that I had read book two in the series as well – Doh.
If you love rom-coms this is the book to read, especially at this time of year with it being set over Christmas. It is just delightful. It is also heart-warming too and will put a smile on your face.
Nikki has been in love with Paul for many years since they were teenagers but when Paul started dating her younger sister Julia a couple of years ago she knew he was out of bounds forever and it broke her heart.
When her sister announces, just before Christmas, that the two are engaged Nikki puts on a brave face but is absolutely devastated. Then she learns that when she goes home to her parents for Christmas the loved-up Julia and Paul will be staying too, upset about being around the pair for a week she takes drastic action.
Nikki hires male model Diego, to be her ‘boyfriend’ for the holidays and with Diego being Julia’s ideal man, Nikki is even more impressed with her choice as she can’t wait for her sister to be so jealous of her. But will her plan work?
I love Camilla Isley’s books as they bring together lots of humour, great characters and romantic moments that are always bursting at the seams. A Christmas Date is no exception.
From opening the first page to the very last, I was addicted. The bickering sisters, parents who are at the ends of their wits with their daughters, a handsome fake date and the best, best friend a girl could ask for, plus a dog that thinks he’s a cat!! What’s not to like?
This book is pure enjoyment the whole way through. The plot was a little predictable at times, but this didn’t lessen my enjoyment as Camilla’s writing style is so engaging and exciting.
This is the third book in a series, though it can be read as a stand-alone too. It wasn’t until I was partway through that I realised that I had read book two in the series as well – Doh.
If you love rom-coms this is the book to read, especially at this time of year with it being set over Christmas. It is just delightful. It is also heart-warming too and will put a smile on your face.
October 28, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
Oh, come on… You sleep in the candy shop every night, and you want me to believe you’ve never thought of tasting the candies?
If Diego was a real boyfriend, and not one paid to endure my family, I’d be dying of shame at their ill-concealed eagerness. Mom and Julia look like wolfhounds with the scent of a bone fresh in their nostrils.
“Your mom and your old crone of an aunt always complain you’re never going to find a man. But I told them how wrong they were, and bet Dora a pie you’d be married before forty, which is the new thirty.”… I’m not sure what makes me angrier: the fact that my mom openly discusses my dating life with the whole town; or that, apparently, the prize of my happiness is a pumpkin pie.
…that doesn’t justify her calling me fat and old. She’s so petty.” “I don’t remember Julia calling you fat or old.” “But she did, in female code language.” “You girls have a secret language?” “All gals do; it’s Bitchenglish.”
My Review:
My first exposure to the witty comedic style of Camilla Isley, and I am an instant fangirl. I smirked my way through this lively and clever tale that sure, it has been done before, but this version was much more fun. While they may have been adults, sleeping in their childhood beds seemed to harken them back to their surly teen and childish whining behaviors. The characters were competitive, stressed to a toxic level, and nearing the obnoxious register on the pettiness scale with life-long sibling rivalries reaching a scalding level. But what family holiday gathering isn’t complete without several meltdowns and a messy food skirmish? It’s not even Halloween yet and I’m already in the Christmas spirit and dreaming of the heavily laden table – bring on the pie.
Oh, come on… You sleep in the candy shop every night, and you want me to believe you’ve never thought of tasting the candies?
If Diego was a real boyfriend, and not one paid to endure my family, I’d be dying of shame at their ill-concealed eagerness. Mom and Julia look like wolfhounds with the scent of a bone fresh in their nostrils.
“Your mom and your old crone of an aunt always complain you’re never going to find a man. But I told them how wrong they were, and bet Dora a pie you’d be married before forty, which is the new thirty.”… I’m not sure what makes me angrier: the fact that my mom openly discusses my dating life with the whole town; or that, apparently, the prize of my happiness is a pumpkin pie.
…that doesn’t justify her calling me fat and old. She’s so petty.” “I don’t remember Julia calling you fat or old.” “But she did, in female code language.” “You girls have a secret language?” “All gals do; it’s Bitchenglish.”
My Review:
My first exposure to the witty comedic style of Camilla Isley, and I am an instant fangirl. I smirked my way through this lively and clever tale that sure, it has been done before, but this version was much more fun. While they may have been adults, sleeping in their childhood beds seemed to harken them back to their surly teen and childish whining behaviors. The characters were competitive, stressed to a toxic level, and nearing the obnoxious register on the pettiness scale with life-long sibling rivalries reaching a scalding level. But what family holiday gathering isn’t complete without several meltdowns and a messy food skirmish? It’s not even Halloween yet and I’m already in the Christmas spirit and dreaming of the heavily laden table – bring on the pie.
December 8, 2021
A Christmas Date by Camilla Isley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolutely adorable heartwarming and very predictable Christmas read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolutely adorable heartwarming and very predictable Christmas read.
November 3, 2018
4☆ A Cosy Festive Romance.
First of all I want to start by saying how festive the cover is I love it, it sums up A Christmas Date.
A Christmas Date is the third book in the series, but my first book. I had absolutely no problem quickly settling into the story.
I really enjoyed reading this Warm, Cosy, feel good, light hearted Romp.
It had Romance, Fun, Family Drama, sibling rivalry, Mishaps, Sass, Fake Dates, Secrets, all around the Festive Season.
Nikki hates Christmas, but most of all she hates spending it with her judgemental family.
You see Nikki's sister Jules is perfect in every way and now she is about to blow Nikki's world apart!
Jules has just announced shes engaged to boyfriend Paul.
Why would that bother Nikki???...... well Nikki is head over heels... hopelessly in Love with Paul! They knew each other from way back But Nikki missed her chance.
After hearing the news about the engagement, Nikki decides the only way she is going to get through the holidays is to hire herself a Fake Boyfriend.
So she enters a few details into her Advertising works database and.... finds Diego!
Five thousand dollars later, a promise of an Audition for the Super Bowl Commercial and Diego is hired!
Diego is Tall, Dark, Handsome and Smouldering HOT!!.... everything that Nikki's sister Jules finds sexually attractive.
But in order for them to make their Fake Relationship work, Nikki decides to move Diego into her flat temporarily so they can become acquainted with each other.
Ok so..... Nikki has hired Diego to make Jules jealous, shut her family up, and make going home for Christmas that lil bit more bearable.
I mean what could possibly go wrong?!?!
Camilla has created a captivating, witty and fun Romantic Romp.
The characters are likeable, endearing, real, and Nikki and Diego quickly became my favourite characters. I loved their cheeky flirty banter between them.
The pace just flows along, I simply devoured it in two nights.
I highly recommend this adorable book if you are wanting a festive feel good read, that will sweep you away with Romance, Drama and Cheeky Banter the perfect Rom Com / Chick Lit.
So grab a hot chocolate and snuggle down.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...
First of all I want to start by saying how festive the cover is I love it, it sums up A Christmas Date.
A Christmas Date is the third book in the series, but my first book. I had absolutely no problem quickly settling into the story.
I really enjoyed reading this Warm, Cosy, feel good, light hearted Romp.
It had Romance, Fun, Family Drama, sibling rivalry, Mishaps, Sass, Fake Dates, Secrets, all around the Festive Season.
Nikki hates Christmas, but most of all she hates spending it with her judgemental family.
You see Nikki's sister Jules is perfect in every way and now she is about to blow Nikki's world apart!
Jules has just announced shes engaged to boyfriend Paul.
Why would that bother Nikki???...... well Nikki is head over heels... hopelessly in Love with Paul! They knew each other from way back But Nikki missed her chance.
After hearing the news about the engagement, Nikki decides the only way she is going to get through the holidays is to hire herself a Fake Boyfriend.
So she enters a few details into her Advertising works database and.... finds Diego!
Five thousand dollars later, a promise of an Audition for the Super Bowl Commercial and Diego is hired!
Diego is Tall, Dark, Handsome and Smouldering HOT!!.... everything that Nikki's sister Jules finds sexually attractive.
But in order for them to make their Fake Relationship work, Nikki decides to move Diego into her flat temporarily so they can become acquainted with each other.
Ok so..... Nikki has hired Diego to make Jules jealous, shut her family up, and make going home for Christmas that lil bit more bearable.
I mean what could possibly go wrong?!?!
Camilla has created a captivating, witty and fun Romantic Romp.
The characters are likeable, endearing, real, and Nikki and Diego quickly became my favourite characters. I loved their cheeky flirty banter between them.
The pace just flows along, I simply devoured it in two nights.
I highly recommend this adorable book if you are wanting a festive feel good read, that will sweep you away with Romance, Drama and Cheeky Banter the perfect Rom Com / Chick Lit.
So grab a hot chocolate and snuggle down.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...
December 30, 2022
Dannnnnnng y’all. I sure hope Santa wasn’t relying on my Christmas spirit to get his sleigh to fly! How can the fake dating trope end up a flop for me??? Wellllllll lemme tell you - unlikeable characters, no story (and we’re talking a holiday romcom so it’s not like I expected a whole lot) and instalove with zero chemistry) to name a few things. ⭐️⭐️ and back to the murder books I go!
(I did make these cool “what I read ornaments” in case you missed it, though, so at least one Christmas trend wasn’t a flop for me.)
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
(I did make these cool “what I read ornaments” in case you missed it, though, so at least one Christmas trend wasn’t a flop for me.)
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
November 6, 2018
So so good! I’m feeling the Christmas spirit in November and this is not like me. Camilla Isley won me over and I’m totally in love with my new book boyfriend Diego (Mr Perfect).
I’m a fan of fake relationships and this one is perfectly executed. Nikki is very successful in her career. She is not very lucky when it comes to love. In fact, her sister is dating the man of her dreams and Nikki just wants to get through the holidays unscathed. In the run-up to Christmas Nikki tries to avoid long conversations with her family in the hope of not being roped into too many unpleasant memories. Unfortunately this year her sister is about to spring the ultimate unbearable news. Paul is coming home for Christmas with her and they are getting married. Nikki wants to make it through the holidays without all the synthetic family members wondering when she’s going to settle down. After the idea is given to her she decides to get herself a little Christmas present. A man for Christmas.
Diego O’Donnell is a struggling actor picked right out of a catalogue. He’s tall, dark and half Italian. He has green smouldering eyes and a badass bike. He’s Nikki’s sister's dream man and perfect for the job. Little does Nikki know he is also sweet, caring and a beautiful person.
A Christmas date is fun, festive and loveable. I was hooked on every minute. Yes, it’s cliche and maybe Diego is too perfect for the real world but isn’t that what Christmas is all about? This is the perfect heartwarming Christmas read and I loved it. I will definitely be looking at this authors other books. I think I’ve just become a new fan. Fingers crossed.
5 out of 5. It’s great.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
I’m a fan of fake relationships and this one is perfectly executed. Nikki is very successful in her career. She is not very lucky when it comes to love. In fact, her sister is dating the man of her dreams and Nikki just wants to get through the holidays unscathed. In the run-up to Christmas Nikki tries to avoid long conversations with her family in the hope of not being roped into too many unpleasant memories. Unfortunately this year her sister is about to spring the ultimate unbearable news. Paul is coming home for Christmas with her and they are getting married. Nikki wants to make it through the holidays without all the synthetic family members wondering when she’s going to settle down. After the idea is given to her she decides to get herself a little Christmas present. A man for Christmas.
Diego O’Donnell is a struggling actor picked right out of a catalogue. He’s tall, dark and half Italian. He has green smouldering eyes and a badass bike. He’s Nikki’s sister's dream man and perfect for the job. Little does Nikki know he is also sweet, caring and a beautiful person.
A Christmas date is fun, festive and loveable. I was hooked on every minute. Yes, it’s cliche and maybe Diego is too perfect for the real world but isn’t that what Christmas is all about? This is the perfect heartwarming Christmas read and I loved it. I will definitely be looking at this authors other books. I think I’ve just become a new fan. Fingers crossed.
5 out of 5. It’s great.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
December 10, 2020
4,25!! This was SO CUTE
November 10, 2018
Beautifully written with wit, humour, romance and festive high jinx. A Christmas Date was a real festive treat that I enjoyed from page one. (The parent guilt trip! – Yep, been there!) To the wonderful ending.
I guess that this is a festive trope that will never grow old for me and I love new twists on it. What I go here was a refreshingly funny – I mean really funny- tale. The stressful family Christmas situation, the embarrassment and the arguments that end up being less awful than was expected. This one added so much more Christmas sparkle with the laugh out loud moments and festive warm fuzzies!
I am smiling and full of festive spirit
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and Camilla Isley for providing me with a review copy of A Christmas Date in exchange for my honest review.
I guess that this is a festive trope that will never grow old for me and I love new twists on it. What I go here was a refreshingly funny – I mean really funny- tale. The stressful family Christmas situation, the embarrassment and the arguments that end up being less awful than was expected. This one added so much more Christmas sparkle with the laugh out loud moments and festive warm fuzzies!
I am smiling and full of festive spirit
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and Camilla Isley for providing me with a review copy of A Christmas Date in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2018
If you are thinking what I think, then you guessed it right. This is the textual Christmas version of 'The Wedding Date', but far better than the original book 'Asking for Trouble' of which the movie is based. So we could pretty much see the story through the blurb itself, but that won't deter the reading pleasure a bit. After all, this is a different setting, different girl and if you can visualise someone better looking than Dermot Mulroney, well, then we have a too good to be true hero in our hands.
This is the third in the 'First Comes Love' series but can be read as a standalone. Filled with festive spirit, family moments and siblings rivalry, the book makes an unforgettable read which will warm you like a sweet cup of hot chocolate. Nikki and Diego make a charming couple and their love story is as exciting and intriguing as their respective personalities. Within no time, we get attached to both of them and the impact of the fake date arrangement on Jules was priceless. I enjoyed every twist and turn of the plot and the ending was really fitting to a Christmas story. Highly recommended !!!
This is the third in the 'First Comes Love' series but can be read as a standalone. Filled with festive spirit, family moments and siblings rivalry, the book makes an unforgettable read which will warm you like a sweet cup of hot chocolate. Nikki and Diego make a charming couple and their love story is as exciting and intriguing as their respective personalities. Within no time, we get attached to both of them and the impact of the fake date arrangement on Jules was priceless. I enjoyed every twist and turn of the plot and the ending was really fitting to a Christmas story. Highly recommended !!!
June 13, 2022
perfect 👏 christmas 👏 book 👏
it’s literally the cheesiest, cliché christmas book which is what makes it so ‘purrfect’ hahahasorryyouneedtoreadthebookforthis
i don’t even celebrate christmas or it’s never too cold for snow but i miss it all so much now 😭
imagine hiring one of the models from your agency or whatever as your fake date to spite your sister and show your parents then falling in love with him within those two weeks (mind you,he falls in love with you too, that too very deeply and you’re all he can think about)
and the best part is: he doesn’t turn out to be a psycho or 🥣🔪 but the most sexiest and loving and caring person you’ve ever met 🥰
but i’m not even joking, during certain scenes in this i felt like someone is using my heart as a stress ball- hence the five stars
it’s literally the cheesiest, cliché christmas book which is what makes it so ‘purrfect’ hahahasorryyouneedtoreadthebookforthis
i don’t even celebrate christmas or it’s never too cold for snow but i miss it all so much now 😭
imagine hiring one of the models from your agency or whatever as your fake date to spite your sister and show your parents then falling in love with him within those two weeks (mind you,he falls in love with you too, that too very deeply and you’re all he can think about)
and the best part is: he doesn’t turn out to be a psycho or 🥣🔪 but the most sexiest and loving and caring person you’ve ever met 🥰
but i’m not even joking, during certain scenes in this i felt like someone is using my heart as a stress ball- hence the five stars
November 28, 2020
Funny. Smart. Sassy. I liked this one and recommend it as it's a quick holiday read for anyone in the mood for something with kick.
November 4, 2018
First of all, I think this book has the longest synopsis ever, so I won’t repeat what it is about, just read them if you’re interested (or don’t if you’re like me, and like to go into books blind).
Camilla Isley is the author who’s books I noticed before and some of them are on my tbr list, but I still didn’t read them for one reason or another (you know how it goes, too many books, so little time and similar excuses).
When I saw her email in my mailbox I was surprised, to say the least. I always admired her from away, and to see that she knows who I am and wants me to review her book was a pleasant shock.
I had so much fun reading A Christmas Date. It was quick and quirky, and it made me laugh out loud.
I liked the story. It does have some cliches, but I didn’t mind them.
What I liked the most was the writing style. Reading this novel was easy as drinking, I just flew through it, and before I realized, the story was over.
It was short and sweet, just like a chick-lit novels should be.
I mean, A Christmas Date is a chick lit at it’s best.
What I also liked about this book is how it explores siblings relationship, including rivalry and affection.
I liked almost all the characters from the book. The only one I wasn’t a fan of was Nikki’s sister, but then again, since Nikki has love/hate relationship with her, and the story is written from Nikki’s POV, I think Julia was ment to be unlikeable.
This is a festive read, but since Nikki has somewhat Grinchy approach to holidays, it was refreshing to read about Christmas in a different light.
However, even Nikki’s grumpy attitude couldn’t kill the Christmas spirit of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading A Christmas Date and am looking forward to read Isley’s other books.
I would recommend this book to everyone who is in the mood for some merry chick lit.
Camilla Isley is the author who’s books I noticed before and some of them are on my tbr list, but I still didn’t read them for one reason or another (you know how it goes, too many books, so little time and similar excuses).
When I saw her email in my mailbox I was surprised, to say the least. I always admired her from away, and to see that she knows who I am and wants me to review her book was a pleasant shock.
I had so much fun reading A Christmas Date. It was quick and quirky, and it made me laugh out loud.
I liked the story. It does have some cliches, but I didn’t mind them.
What I liked the most was the writing style. Reading this novel was easy as drinking, I just flew through it, and before I realized, the story was over.
It was short and sweet, just like a chick-lit novels should be.
I mean, A Christmas Date is a chick lit at it’s best.
What I also liked about this book is how it explores siblings relationship, including rivalry and affection.
I liked almost all the characters from the book. The only one I wasn’t a fan of was Nikki’s sister, but then again, since Nikki has love/hate relationship with her, and the story is written from Nikki’s POV, I think Julia was ment to be unlikeable.
This is a festive read, but since Nikki has somewhat Grinchy approach to holidays, it was refreshing to read about Christmas in a different light.
However, even Nikki’s grumpy attitude couldn’t kill the Christmas spirit of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading A Christmas Date and am looking forward to read Isley’s other books.
I would recommend this book to everyone who is in the mood for some merry chick lit.
June 29, 2023
Did I just read a christmas book in the middle of summer? Well, yes and I liked it. It seems that I don’t have to have cold weather for me to enjoy stories set around the festive time. And when it’s paired with fake dating, this can’t go wrong.
I liked the characters. Diego was swoon-worthy and I think the perfect guy for the job of (fake-)boyfriend. Even before they started to have feelings for each other he was so nice and chill with Nikki. Nikki was great, too. She is married to her job, but she does her job really well.
A lot of problems Nikki has, could have been fixed with a normal conversation with her sister, but this book wouldn’t have existed without it. Also, the third act drama was purely miscommunication and seemed so fabricated that it annoyed me. You couldn’t have taken five more minutes to explain why you have to follow and fix it now?
Except for this one thing, I liked the book and I’m happy to read about Christian in the next book. We met him briefly in ‘I have never’ and I think this could be fun.
I liked the characters. Diego was swoon-worthy and I think the perfect guy for the job of (fake-)boyfriend. Even before they started to have feelings for each other he was so nice and chill with Nikki. Nikki was great, too. She is married to her job, but she does her job really well.
A lot of problems Nikki has, could have been fixed with a normal conversation with her sister, but this book wouldn’t have existed without it. Also, the third act drama was purely miscommunication and seemed so fabricated that it annoyed me. You couldn’t have taken five more minutes to explain why you have to follow and fix it now?
Except for this one thing, I liked the book and I’m happy to read about Christian in the next book. We met him briefly in ‘I have never’ and I think this could be fun.
November 24, 2020
I felt like this book had potential. I liked the story line and love a good fake relationship trope.
Unfortunately, I just didn't feel the chemistry between Nikki and Diego. It felt like it went from very friendly to all of the sudden they were in love. The book needed to be another 50-100 pages to fit in all the tension that there needs to be to in order to execute a fake relationship properly. There was no slow burn or discussion of feelings. Then, as typical cliche romances go, they broke up because of a dumb miscommunication. We got no insight into Diego's head as to what his feelings were towards Nikki and it all just felt weird and disconnect.
I hate the dynamic between Nikki and her sister. It felt bratty and immature for two people who were supposed to be adults.
Unfortunately, I just didn't feel the chemistry between Nikki and Diego. It felt like it went from very friendly to all of the sudden they were in love. The book needed to be another 50-100 pages to fit in all the tension that there needs to be to in order to execute a fake relationship properly. There was no slow burn or discussion of feelings. Then, as typical cliche romances go, they broke up because of a dumb miscommunication. We got no insight into Diego's head as to what his feelings were towards Nikki and it all just felt weird and disconnect.
I hate the dynamic between Nikki and her sister. It felt bratty and immature for two people who were supposed to be adults.
December 11, 2022
Camilla Isley has a knack for flushing out characters and delivering believable chemistry in a short period of time. There were multiple times when I found myself smiling or chuckling out loud.
For one thing, the fake boyfriend scenario is one of my favorite Rom-Com storylines. I think my favorite part is that Nikki is rough around the edges, but still completely lovable.
What I found most endearing was that Nikki found support not only in Diego, but also in Blair. It’s so refreshing to see women supporting women. Also love that Blair got Diego’s fingerprints before allowing him to temporarily live with Nikki because at first I was like Nikki is crazy for suggesting they live together!
For one thing, the fake boyfriend scenario is one of my favorite Rom-Com storylines. I think my favorite part is that Nikki is rough around the edges, but still completely lovable.
What I found most endearing was that Nikki found support not only in Diego, but also in Blair. It’s so refreshing to see women supporting women. Also love that Blair got Diego’s fingerprints before allowing him to temporarily live with Nikki because at first I was like Nikki is crazy for suggesting they live together!
January 1, 2021
3.5 STARS
This story is a good time! Nothing too serious and fun.
Full review here: https://youtu.be/B5GKiYKgQgk
timestamps for titles in description
This story is a good time! Nothing too serious and fun.
Full review here: https://youtu.be/B5GKiYKgQgk
timestamps for titles in description
October 8, 2018
I had been a bit worried going into reading this that I had read something in theory similar sounding only a few months ago, and was worried I wouldn't find this particularly original as a result.
Well I was completely wrong - ok the hiring of a fake date for whatever reason has been done before and the book even makes a point of referencing some films where that is the case in it - so although you are going into this with a fairly good idea of how it may all end up - the journey is still incredibly enjoyable.
I absolutely loved this book and found myself whizzing through it. The first thing that amused me about this book is the main character's name - Nikki Moore - as I have read some wonderful books by a real life Nikki Moore. No idea if it was sheer fluke, but I kept thinking of the other one every time the name was written in full!
I loved the motivation for Nikki to hire her fake date, and the reasons she had for the criteria of what sort of man she was looking for. I also fell for the man rather fast, he was gorgeous and had a really great vibe to him.
The connection between Nikki and Diego was evident the whole time, and there are so many amusing moments in the book .
This really is an enjoyable read, and another lovely book from an author that I enjoy more and more each time I read her.
Thank you to Camilla Isley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Well I was completely wrong - ok the hiring of a fake date for whatever reason has been done before and the book even makes a point of referencing some films where that is the case in it - so although you are going into this with a fairly good idea of how it may all end up - the journey is still incredibly enjoyable.
I absolutely loved this book and found myself whizzing through it. The first thing that amused me about this book is the main character's name - Nikki Moore - as I have read some wonderful books by a real life Nikki Moore. No idea if it was sheer fluke, but I kept thinking of the other one every time the name was written in full!
I loved the motivation for Nikki to hire her fake date, and the reasons she had for the criteria of what sort of man she was looking for. I also fell for the man rather fast, he was gorgeous and had a really great vibe to him.
The connection between Nikki and Diego was evident the whole time, and there are so many amusing moments in the book .
This really is an enjoyable read, and another lovely book from an author that I enjoy more and more each time I read her.
Thank you to Camilla Isley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 27, 2020
While A Christmas Date had one of my favorite rom-con tropes which is fake relationships, I felt the story had potential but I couldn't feel the chemistry between Diego and Nikki. The story definitely had room for it to be longer, exploring the relationship and expanding on their chemistry to make it more believable in my eyes.
I feel unable to explain my discomfort and dissatisfaction without spoilers, so don't read if you plan on picking this book up.
The relationship went from to complete strangers to friends to lovers in a matter of days, and count me crazy, but I would NEVER accept a perfect stranger with basically open arms into my apartment, yet alone give him a set of keys. Like I was constantly with the WTF is happening here face.
While it was sold as a fake relationship there was no build-up with zero discussion of feelings and it definitely lacked a slow burn to at least satiate some semblance of romance within me. It was just sex and the only indication Nikki had that Diego was into her was her mom saying so by the way he looked at her? WTF, I know right?!?!
I think this book could have done with an extra perspective specifically aimed at Diego because most of the time he felt detached like he was a cardboard cutout, there to look pretty, play the part, and not much else.
Then there is a trope that I personally loathe which is miscommunication that inevitably is the reason for their breakup.
Let's move away from Nikki and Diego because I'm a bit touchy with their interactions, another one I can't fathom is the siblings relationship, to sum it up in one word it was... horrible. Nikki and her sister -which I can't recall her name- had this I'm going to get back at you for X and Y but then I'll sacrifice everything because I love you. They felt petty, immature, and like little brats trying to outshine one another.
Honestly, this book killed a few brain cells and made my head hurt one too many times. I'm grateful I heard the audio book for it and not physically bought it I would have been too annoyed at myself for spending my money.
I wish I could have told you that I enjoyed the Christmas-y vibes this book gave off, unfortunately it did not even satisfy those cravings. So for everything I was looking for which was a fun rom-con with an entertaining fake relationship and sprinkle in some holiday spirit it just did not deliver.
I feel unable to explain my discomfort and dissatisfaction without spoilers, so don't read if you plan on picking this book up.
The relationship went from to complete strangers to friends to lovers in a matter of days, and count me crazy, but I would NEVER accept a perfect stranger with basically open arms into my apartment, yet alone give him a set of keys. Like I was constantly with the WTF is happening here face.
While it was sold as a fake relationship there was no build-up with zero discussion of feelings and it definitely lacked a slow burn to at least satiate some semblance of romance within me. It was just sex and the only indication Nikki had that Diego was into her was her mom saying so by the way he looked at her? WTF, I know right?!?!
I think this book could have done with an extra perspective specifically aimed at Diego because most of the time he felt detached like he was a cardboard cutout, there to look pretty, play the part, and not much else.
Then there is a trope that I personally loathe which is miscommunication that inevitably is the reason for their breakup.
Let's move away from Nikki and Diego because I'm a bit touchy with their interactions, another one I can't fathom is the siblings relationship, to sum it up in one word it was... horrible. Nikki and her sister -which I can't recall her name- had this I'm going to get back at you for X and Y but then I'll sacrifice everything because I love you. They felt petty, immature, and like little brats trying to outshine one another.
Honestly, this book killed a few brain cells and made my head hurt one too many times. I'm grateful I heard the audio book for it and not physically bought it I would have been too annoyed at myself for spending my money.
I wish I could have told you that I enjoyed the Christmas-y vibes this book gave off, unfortunately it did not even satisfy those cravings. So for everything I was looking for which was a fun rom-con with an entertaining fake relationship and sprinkle in some holiday spirit it just did not deliver.
November 26, 2021
lets.... not make eating disorders an insult. thanks.
December 13, 2022
I was gonna give this 2.5 but after sleeping on it i think i was right to give it 2 stars.
Nikki our main character is kinda insufferable, she constantly talks about how much she hates Christmas which i can get behind if it wasn’t mentioned practically every few sentences. In a book about Christmas you can only imagine how many times she brought it up.
Secondly she keeps saying she’s unlovable because she’s grumpy and dark, etc. which who actually refers to themselves like that.
I think the love interest Diego and her best friend Blair are the only likable characters.
Until the last 3rd of the book they’re all unbearable and then you finally start to like Nikki and her sister and the rest of the family, which is also completely unrealistic about Nikki because she goes from completely hating christmas to sleeping with Diego and then suddenly she loves Christmas and her family, quite literally happens over night and only then was i able to tolerate her.
Nikki our main character is kinda insufferable, she constantly talks about how much she hates Christmas which i can get behind if it wasn’t mentioned practically every few sentences. In a book about Christmas you can only imagine how many times she brought it up.
Secondly she keeps saying she’s unlovable because she’s grumpy and dark, etc. which who actually refers to themselves like that.
I think the love interest Diego and her best friend Blair are the only likable characters.
Until the last 3rd of the book they’re all unbearable and then you finally start to like Nikki and her sister and the rest of the family, which is also completely unrealistic about Nikki because she goes from completely hating christmas to sleeping with Diego and then suddenly she loves Christmas and her family, quite literally happens over night and only then was i able to tolerate her.
December 8, 2024
3,5 stars.
It's cute and Christmas-y, and I enjoyed it overall.
Nikki won't make it as a favourite character, since some of her attitudes were quite immature.
I have been enjoying these books by Camilla Isley and, since she has quite a few Christmas stories, I intend to read them during this festive season.
It's cute and Christmas-y, and I enjoyed it overall.
Nikki won't make it as a favourite character, since some of her attitudes were quite immature.
I have been enjoying these books by Camilla Isley and, since she has quite a few Christmas stories, I intend to read them during this festive season.
December 9, 2025
A cute story with a fake dating plot. Gave all the winter and Christmas feels. I always hate 3rd act breakups and this one lasted a bit too long, with the resolution at the very end of the book. Would’ve loved another chapter with the couple back together.
December 3, 2021
I thought that this book was good
October 31, 2018
I loved everything about this book. Yes, the fake-boyfriend story has been done a million times already but Camilla has a way of taking an old trope and make it fresh and exciting and witty to boot!
The story was hilarious, and Nikki was a wonderful protagonist. I could identify with her so easily, and the best part was that she was able to admit her imperfections (especially to her best friend Blair--they really have the perfect friendship) and still go over the top a little with her crazy solutions.
The story has everything from the holidays cheer and mood (notwithstanding Nikki's initial resistance to it), to warm chocolate, Christmas tunes and decoration, family, friendship, an array of super-cute side-kick pets both cats and a cute dog... there are food fights, hilarious sisterly meltdowns, a magical sparkling romance, and a swoon-worthy leading man you'll just want to crown as your next favorite book-boyfriend!
A perfect holiday read!
The story was hilarious, and Nikki was a wonderful protagonist. I could identify with her so easily, and the best part was that she was able to admit her imperfections (especially to her best friend Blair--they really have the perfect friendship) and still go over the top a little with her crazy solutions.
The story has everything from the holidays cheer and mood (notwithstanding Nikki's initial resistance to it), to warm chocolate, Christmas tunes and decoration, family, friendship, an array of super-cute side-kick pets both cats and a cute dog... there are food fights, hilarious sisterly meltdowns, a magical sparkling romance, and a swoon-worthy leading man you'll just want to crown as your next favorite book-boyfriend!
A perfect holiday read!
October 29, 2018
This book is the third part of a series, but even though I have not read the other ones, I did not have any difficulty in picking up the story.
Although Nikki is not really keen on Christmas, this year she might receive more than she bargained for or will it all go up in smoke?
I truely enjoyed this book. It's funny, it's playful but it also has a more serious underlayer about rekindling certain relationships and revelations.
Winter is slowly creeping up on us as well, so if you want to shut the world out for a few hours, I suggest you snuggle under a blanket, get yourself a hot drink and enjoy this heartwarming and fluently written story.
I hope the sequel will be published in the near future. 4 stars.
Thank you, Camilla Isley and RachelsRandomResources
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Although Nikki is not really keen on Christmas, this year she might receive more than she bargained for or will it all go up in smoke?
I truely enjoyed this book. It's funny, it's playful but it also has a more serious underlayer about rekindling certain relationships and revelations.
Winter is slowly creeping up on us as well, so if you want to shut the world out for a few hours, I suggest you snuggle under a blanket, get yourself a hot drink and enjoy this heartwarming and fluently written story.
I hope the sequel will be published in the near future. 4 stars.
Thank you, Camilla Isley and RachelsRandomResources
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
February 23, 2022
A cute Christmas "fake boyfriend" story to delight and entertain. I listened to this one on audio and must say that the narrator did an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life and enhancing the plot. I will say this is one story of taking sister rivalry to extremes, but it was a fun listen and I'm always up for a Christmas rom com.
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