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Holiday for Hire
After Jane Osborne is unceremoniously dumped by a rich man, and then invited to his Christmas Eve wedding, she decides to hire a date from Craigslist and pass him off as an upgrade.
Fake-boyfriend for hire Ian Brooks ends up being a delightful surprise—and a mysterious stranger she's definitely met before.
Could he be her Christmas wish come true?
**This novella was originally published as "Unmatchable" in Brenda Novak’s ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS anthology.**
Fake-boyfriend for hire Ian Brooks ends up being a delightful surprise—and a mysterious stranger she's definitely met before.
Could he be her Christmas wish come true?
**This novella was originally published as "Unmatchable" in Brenda Novak’s ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS anthology.**
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2017
97 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Laurelin Paige
116 books15.8k followersLaurelin Paige is the NYT, WSJ, USA Today Bestselling Author of the international sensation, The Fixed Trilogy. She's also written other popular books in the Fixed Universe as well as the Dirty Universe and has cowritten with both Kayti McGee and Sierra Simone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
December 13, 2019
Jane is a young rich socialite who needs to hire a date for her ex’s wedding. She’s a nice person but also stuck in the ways of how she believes the upperclass should behave.
It takes hiring Ian to mold him into the pretend rich man she wants others to see, for her to realize what she’s missing out on when he doesn’t fit the mold.
Holiday for Hire is a Christmas novella that takes on a bit of a role reversal. We are so used to getting that billionaire story where the rich guy hires a woman to be his date. It’s seen as a bit more romantic as a Cinderella love story.
It’s interesting to me that if you reverse those roles and make the heroine the rich one hiring the hero, it takes on a different outlook in their relationship. You can’t exactly call this a Cinderella trope.
Instead this novella was a beautiful way to show how sometimes we get too caught up in what others think of you to enjoy what you could have in you life. You may not like the way Jane behaves in this but you will love how Ian opens her eyes to the life she could be living.
This ended on a sweet outcome for these two with a little bit of Christmas magic thrown in.
It takes hiring Ian to mold him into the pretend rich man she wants others to see, for her to realize what she’s missing out on when he doesn’t fit the mold.
Holiday for Hire is a Christmas novella that takes on a bit of a role reversal. We are so used to getting that billionaire story where the rich guy hires a woman to be his date. It’s seen as a bit more romantic as a Cinderella love story.
It’s interesting to me that if you reverse those roles and make the heroine the rich one hiring the hero, it takes on a different outlook in their relationship. You can’t exactly call this a Cinderella trope.
Instead this novella was a beautiful way to show how sometimes we get too caught up in what others think of you to enjoy what you could have in you life. You may not like the way Jane behaves in this but you will love how Ian opens her eyes to the life she could be living.
This ended on a sweet outcome for these two with a little bit of Christmas magic thrown in.
December 12, 2019
4 star review of Holiday For Hire by Laurelin Paige & Kayti McGee
What's not to love? It's the most magical time of the year and also happens to be my most favourite holiday. I love any story that is centred on Christmas; it’s a time for family and friends to get together.
I have to say that this story made me a little sad. We really got an insight into the thoughts and feelings of Jane Osborne (sometimes a little too much) and there were times that my heart went out to her. Her thoughts show the vulnerability that she hides from the world.
Expecting a proposal, Jane is shocked,when instead the man she has been dating dumps her. Fast forward several months and he has the audacity to invite her to his Christmas Eve wedding.
Determined not to give him satisfaction, she decides to hire a date, a fake boyfriend. Ian Brooks, although someone she would never consider dating, is the man she decides on, all he needs is a make over. There is more to Ian than meets the eye and through Ian, Jane learns to believe in the magic of Christmas.
This is a fun, quick steamy story that will certainly get you in the mood for the holiday season.
What's not to love? It's the most magical time of the year and also happens to be my most favourite holiday. I love any story that is centred on Christmas; it’s a time for family and friends to get together.
I have to say that this story made me a little sad. We really got an insight into the thoughts and feelings of Jane Osborne (sometimes a little too much) and there were times that my heart went out to her. Her thoughts show the vulnerability that she hides from the world.
Expecting a proposal, Jane is shocked,when instead the man she has been dating dumps her. Fast forward several months and he has the audacity to invite her to his Christmas Eve wedding.
Determined not to give him satisfaction, she decides to hire a date, a fake boyfriend. Ian Brooks, although someone she would never consider dating, is the man she decides on, all he needs is a make over. There is more to Ian than meets the eye and through Ian, Jane learns to believe in the magic of Christmas.
This is a fun, quick steamy story that will certainly get you in the mood for the holiday season.
December 1, 2017
“… if you think you can only pretend that Christmas wishes come true, then you aren’t doing it right.”
Jane Osborne has always loved Christmas, but when the guy she’s been dating dumps her and mere weeks later invites her to his Christmas Eve wedding, it’s looking like it won’t be a very merry holiday this year. She doesn’t want her ex to think she’s been sitting around pining for him so she decides she’ll go to the wedding, now she just needs a date. With no prospects in mind, she turns to Craigslist and stumbles upon a guy willing to pose as her new boyfriend. The only problem? Ian Brooks is not the polished, wealthy man that her high society circle of friends would expect her to date. Not to worry, there’s still time before the big day to mold him into the perfect date. Will Ian prove to be the answer to her Christmas wish or will her high expectations for him only end up driving him away?
I thought this was a sweet holiday novella. It was a quick read but didn’t end up feeling too rushed. Jane was a hard character to relate to, but I think maybe that was the point. She’d been raised a certain way and that sometimes causes her to come across as stuck up or out of touch. I think in that regard, she stayed very true to her character and I enjoyed seeing her evolution over the course of the story and having her finally realize that maybe there’s more to life than societal expectations. I did find her love for Christmas and her zest for decorating to be endearing, I think that helped balance the more aloof side of her personality. I loved Ian, it’s easy to develop a soft spot for a “down on his luck” guy who’s just doing the best he can to help his family. He was a good guy and it was cute how he was up for anything. I felt bad for him when he was made to feel like he wasn’t good enough, because that couldn’t have been further from the truth. But don’t worry, this is a holiday romance after all so you’re sure to end up feeling warm and fuzzy by the end!
Jane Osborne has always loved Christmas, but when the guy she’s been dating dumps her and mere weeks later invites her to his Christmas Eve wedding, it’s looking like it won’t be a very merry holiday this year. She doesn’t want her ex to think she’s been sitting around pining for him so she decides she’ll go to the wedding, now she just needs a date. With no prospects in mind, she turns to Craigslist and stumbles upon a guy willing to pose as her new boyfriend. The only problem? Ian Brooks is not the polished, wealthy man that her high society circle of friends would expect her to date. Not to worry, there’s still time before the big day to mold him into the perfect date. Will Ian prove to be the answer to her Christmas wish or will her high expectations for him only end up driving him away?
I thought this was a sweet holiday novella. It was a quick read but didn’t end up feeling too rushed. Jane was a hard character to relate to, but I think maybe that was the point. She’d been raised a certain way and that sometimes causes her to come across as stuck up or out of touch. I think in that regard, she stayed very true to her character and I enjoyed seeing her evolution over the course of the story and having her finally realize that maybe there’s more to life than societal expectations. I did find her love for Christmas and her zest for decorating to be endearing, I think that helped balance the more aloof side of her personality. I loved Ian, it’s easy to develop a soft spot for a “down on his luck” guy who’s just doing the best he can to help his family. He was a good guy and it was cute how he was up for anything. I felt bad for him when he was made to feel like he wasn’t good enough, because that couldn’t have been further from the truth. But don’t worry, this is a holiday romance after all so you’re sure to end up feeling warm and fuzzy by the end!
December 14, 2019
Jane Osborne loves the holiday season, but with what she goes through at the start of Holiday For Hire makes the lights twinkle a little less and the holiday spirit a little more humbug, but if Jane has anything to say about it, she’ll reclaim her favorite time for the year, even if it means hiring a fake boyfriend to attend the wedding of the guy she thought she’d be marrying herself.
I admit…Jane is not one of my favorite Laurelin Paige heroines, but when she’s not getting lost in her head, overthinking everyone else’s words and actions instead of her own, or being an uppity and pretentious upper society woman, there are glimpses of the woman she could be with the right guy, even though if he’s not the one she envisioned in her 35 year plan.
Ian Brooks is a down-to-earth guy who may be rough around the edges but what’s underneath is well worth the effort it takes. His temperament and lifestyle contrast Jane’s in a variety of ways, but where it counts, he proves just how much he has to offer, even if it’s not in the monetary sense.
Holiday For Hire is a fast-paced, sweet read that embodies more than just romantic notions. And while Jane is not necessarily the female version of Scrooge, her views on life, goals, and even societal norms speak to someone who needs a new outlook on life and Ian is way better than the spirits who taught Scrooge to change who he is for the better.
4 Poison Apples
I admit…Jane is not one of my favorite Laurelin Paige heroines, but when she’s not getting lost in her head, overthinking everyone else’s words and actions instead of her own, or being an uppity and pretentious upper society woman, there are glimpses of the woman she could be with the right guy, even though if he’s not the one she envisioned in her 35 year plan.
Ian Brooks is a down-to-earth guy who may be rough around the edges but what’s underneath is well worth the effort it takes. His temperament and lifestyle contrast Jane’s in a variety of ways, but where it counts, he proves just how much he has to offer, even if it’s not in the monetary sense.
Holiday For Hire is a fast-paced, sweet read that embodies more than just romantic notions. And while Jane is not necessarily the female version of Scrooge, her views on life, goals, and even societal norms speak to someone who needs a new outlook on life and Ian is way better than the spirits who taught Scrooge to change who he is for the better.
4 Poison Apples
December 17, 2019
4.5 Stars for Holiday for Hire
This is a magical time of year and let’s be honest what’s not to love about the holiday season and Holiday for Hire is a perfect holiday read even though it starts off just a little bit sad it soon turns around to a beautiful holiday romance .
The last thing Jane expected was to be dumped by her long standing boyfriend even more unexpected was the invite a few months later inviting her to his Christmas Eve Wedding, determined not to let him win Jane decides to take a fake date to the Wedding and that’s where Ian Brookes comes in.
Ian is not the sort of man Jane would normally date but this man has a lot going for him and there’s a lot more to Ian than meets the eye. Will Ian be able to make Jane believe in the Magic of Christmas!!!!
A quick fun entertaining read that will really put you in the Christmas spirit. Characters with sizzling chemistry and a story that is hard not to love all help make this a magical read.
This is a magical time of year and let’s be honest what’s not to love about the holiday season and Holiday for Hire is a perfect holiday read even though it starts off just a little bit sad it soon turns around to a beautiful holiday romance .
The last thing Jane expected was to be dumped by her long standing boyfriend even more unexpected was the invite a few months later inviting her to his Christmas Eve Wedding, determined not to let him win Jane decides to take a fake date to the Wedding and that’s where Ian Brookes comes in.
Ian is not the sort of man Jane would normally date but this man has a lot going for him and there’s a lot more to Ian than meets the eye. Will Ian be able to make Jane believe in the Magic of Christmas!!!!
A quick fun entertaining read that will really put you in the Christmas spirit. Characters with sizzling chemistry and a story that is hard not to love all help make this a magical read.
December 12, 2019
Holiday for Hire is a short holiday story. Jane is dumped by her boyfriend and to her chagrin, she receives his wedding invitation. She decided it was too embarrassing to attend alone, so Jane puts in an ad on Craig’s List.
The story is funny, enjoyable and sexy.
Review copy was received for a honest opinion.
The story is funny, enjoyable and sexy.
Review copy was received for a honest opinion.
December 22, 2022
***ARC Provided by the Authors***
I am not a fan of holiday books.
I keep saying this, and then authors I adore keep writing them, and I refuse for there to be a book by either of these authors that I haven't read. So, I read it.
And, darn it, I enjoyed it. Pretty soon, I am going to have to retire the scrooge "I don't like holiday books" and replace it with "I will read them when they are by authors I like". Huh.
Holiday books, at least in my opinion, tend to use Christmas as the reason the story exists and the reason that the characters are together. While this also used Christmas in this way, the authors moved past Christmas and this became a story about 2 people falling in love...with red and green all around them. I loved this part of the story, that the characters were still what drove it and were still the focus of the story.
But, that said, I adored Jane and Ian. I loved that he was not perfect, that he was not what she thought she wanted. And, I loved the way her realization of this was handled.
The writing was strong and the characters were fully developed, which can be tough in a novella but worked well in this holiday book.
I recommend this title.
I am not a fan of holiday books.
I keep saying this, and then authors I adore keep writing them, and I refuse for there to be a book by either of these authors that I haven't read. So, I read it.
And, darn it, I enjoyed it. Pretty soon, I am going to have to retire the scrooge "I don't like holiday books" and replace it with "I will read them when they are by authors I like". Huh.
Holiday books, at least in my opinion, tend to use Christmas as the reason the story exists and the reason that the characters are together. While this also used Christmas in this way, the authors moved past Christmas and this became a story about 2 people falling in love...with red and green all around them. I loved this part of the story, that the characters were still what drove it and were still the focus of the story.
But, that said, I adored Jane and Ian. I loved that he was not perfect, that he was not what she thought she wanted. And, I loved the way her realization of this was handled.
The writing was strong and the characters were fully developed, which can be tough in a novella but worked well in this holiday book.
I recommend this title.
December 7, 2017
Holiday for Hire by Laurelin Paige and Kayti McGee is a quick read about finding what you need where you least expect it.
Jane Osborne was dumped by a man who she was supposed to be highly compatible with. The one she thought she could have a shared respectful and proper marriage with. But being the practical woman that she is, she moves forward. That is until she receives the invitation to the wedding, on Christmas Eve.
What is a girl to do? Hire a fake date of course! Ian Brooks turns out to be so much more than she expected. Now can she learn that there is so much more to life that what is expected. Sometimes you just need to live a little!
I loved Ian. He was a guy who was down on his luck, but he was always giving life his best. I loved this novella. It was sweet and charming and just right to read before the upcoming holiday!
Happy reading!
Jane Osborne was dumped by a man who she was supposed to be highly compatible with. The one she thought she could have a shared respectful and proper marriage with. But being the practical woman that she is, she moves forward. That is until she receives the invitation to the wedding, on Christmas Eve.
What is a girl to do? Hire a fake date of course! Ian Brooks turns out to be so much more than she expected. Now can she learn that there is so much more to life that what is expected. Sometimes you just need to live a little!
I loved Ian. He was a guy who was down on his luck, but he was always giving life his best. I loved this novella. It was sweet and charming and just right to read before the upcoming holiday!
Happy reading!
December 7, 2017
“But if you think you can only pretend that Christmas wishes come true, then you aren’t doing it right.”
I read this holiday novella very quickly. You could definitely read it while your family is making you watch another rendition of their favorite Christmas movie that you would rather not and read. What made this book 4 stars for me was the hilarious Christmas sexual innuendoes throughout the story! It's not my favorite holiday novella, but it hits that spot for a Christmas themed short story.
December 4, 2017
This was a fast sexy read.
Ian and Jane are prefect at playing a couple, but what happens when it becomes "real"?
Who doesn't love a Christmas novella...one with fun and sexy times? If you want a great HEA and a quick read then grab this book. It will make you smile.
Ian and Jane are prefect at playing a couple, but what happens when it becomes "real"?
Who doesn't love a Christmas novella...one with fun and sexy times? If you want a great HEA and a quick read then grab this book. It will make you smile.
December 14, 2019
Jane is a woman who is very concerned with ensuring she presents the right image and that means dating the right man as well. She thought she had made the perfect choice until he abruptly ended her relationship and three months later she is invited to his Christmas Eve wedding. She isn’t about to show up single and needy so desperate times call for desperate measures.
Ian is much different from Jane as his primary concern is those he loves and not appearances. When he is offered the opportunity to escort Jane to the wedding he agrees to help his family even if it means it involves her making him into the man she thinks that he should be.
This is a sweet and sexy story about two people who are brought together under the most unlikely of circumstances and realizing what truly makes you happy.
Ian is much different from Jane as his primary concern is those he loves and not appearances. When he is offered the opportunity to escort Jane to the wedding he agrees to help his family even if it means it involves her making him into the man she thinks that he should be.
This is a sweet and sexy story about two people who are brought together under the most unlikely of circumstances and realizing what truly makes you happy.
November 27, 2017
This was a Christmas novella so it can definitely be read in one sitting. When Jane finds herself in need of a fake boyfriend for a party, she can't believe her luck when she meet Ian. He is everything she needs to show up her ex. Jane definitely gets more than she bargained for.
This was a great way to start my holiday season. It was a good, quick read. My only complaint was that I really couldn't get into Jane's character. I felt like she was really stand offish and as she pushed Ian away, she pushed me away, too. I loved Ian though and the person he was and how he helped Jane to become a person she wanted to be. It was a good holiday read.
This was a great way to start my holiday season. It was a good, quick read. My only complaint was that I really couldn't get into Jane's character. I felt like she was really stand offish and as she pushed Ian away, she pushed me away, too. I loved Ian though and the person he was and how he helped Jane to become a person she wanted to be. It was a good holiday read.
December 13, 2019
What a way to spend your holidays reading about a young woman who's rich, handsome boyfriend dumps her for their match-maker and then sends her an invitation to their Christmas Eve Wedding. She hires a person from Craig's list to be her fake boyfriend who is a southie, that's Boston south side. You need to read the story to find out the rest of story.
November 26, 2017
Christmas Wishes
I loved that for the first time in a long time, the heroine had the money and power and she had to topple from her pedestal to get the guy! Sweet, sexy and the perfect amount of pine scented Xmas spirit
I loved that for the first time in a long time, the heroine had the money and power and she had to topple from her pedestal to get the guy! Sweet, sexy and the perfect amount of pine scented Xmas spirit
November 30, 2017
Meh. I'm not impressed. I just didn't feel it. Call me sexist, but a woman paying a man to date her? I can't. I need my man alpha. And the wealthy one. I don't care. This is fantasy.
December 13, 2017
Laurelin Paige writes some of the sexiest men you have ever read. And Kayti McGee writes some of the funniest characters/plotlines. So when they come together you would expect a book full of hysterical hotness. And you would be correct!
Jane Osborne was adopted as an infant and raised in a very traditional, white-collar, upper-class Boston home. She's prim. She's proper. And she's *very* concerned with the opinions of others. Raised to know her place and to fulfill her duty, she does ALL the right things. Goes to the right parties. Wears the right clothes. Belongs to the right clubs. And even dates the right men. Or at least she thought she did. Until she is dumped. Hard. Over creme brûlée. And worse, she's then invited so her former boyfriend's wedding. On Christmas Eve. Jane is nothing if not ambitious and calculating. So she makes a plan to show up at the wedding and to show off her new beau. Except, she doesn't *actually* have one. So where does one go when they're looking for something? Why, Craigslist of course!
Enter Ian Brooks. He's handsome and sweet, but trying to help his injured, out of work father pay the bills, while keeping tabs on his younger twin brothers. So he decides to hire himself out as a jack of all trades/date for all occasions in order to raise some extra money. His dates with Jane don't exactly go as they both intended, though.
Do Christmas wishes come true? Can two people from completely different paths find not only common ground, but true love? You'll have to read to find out. But know this, Laurelin + Kayti= sexytimes plus witty barbs, which makes for one great holiday read!
Jane Osborne was adopted as an infant and raised in a very traditional, white-collar, upper-class Boston home. She's prim. She's proper. And she's *very* concerned with the opinions of others. Raised to know her place and to fulfill her duty, she does ALL the right things. Goes to the right parties. Wears the right clothes. Belongs to the right clubs. And even dates the right men. Or at least she thought she did. Until she is dumped. Hard. Over creme brûlée. And worse, she's then invited so her former boyfriend's wedding. On Christmas Eve. Jane is nothing if not ambitious and calculating. So she makes a plan to show up at the wedding and to show off her new beau. Except, she doesn't *actually* have one. So where does one go when they're looking for something? Why, Craigslist of course!
Enter Ian Brooks. He's handsome and sweet, but trying to help his injured, out of work father pay the bills, while keeping tabs on his younger twin brothers. So he decides to hire himself out as a jack of all trades/date for all occasions in order to raise some extra money. His dates with Jane don't exactly go as they both intended, though.
Do Christmas wishes come true? Can two people from completely different paths find not only common ground, but true love? You'll have to read to find out. But know this, Laurelin + Kayti= sexytimes plus witty barbs, which makes for one great holiday read!
December 6, 2017
This is a fun and entertaining read. Especially since it is right around the holidays!
Jane Osborne thought she had found the perfect man until he dumps her instead of proposing. Going home alone, Jane stops in a Christmas shop to buy some decorations even though it's over 3 months until Christmas. While out she sees a stranger and when drops something, she picks it up and chases after him to give it back to him. She finds the stranger attractive and he mentions that he likes Christmas too. They leave and Jane never gives it much thought.
A couple of moths later, Jane gets a wedding invitation from her ex! The wedding is on Christmas Eve and Jane can't believe who the bride is! Jane is determined to find the perfect date to escort her to the wedding but he has to be "refine" and know how to act around rich people. Jane ends up finding her "date" on Craiglist. When they meet, it is the guy from that date months ago. His name is Ian Brooks.
The 2 of them spend time together so that they can get to know each other and Jane can shape Ian into the refine man that she think she needs to show off to her friends. The attraction they feel for each other continues to get stronger until they give in to it.
But Jane's view of what she thinks her perfect man should be isn't what Ian is and Ian refuses to be someone he is not. Jane needs to reflect on her life and re-evaluate what she really wants out of life.
Jane and Ian have fun when they spend time together and it just makes you root for them.
Jane Osborne thought she had found the perfect man until he dumps her instead of proposing. Going home alone, Jane stops in a Christmas shop to buy some decorations even though it's over 3 months until Christmas. While out she sees a stranger and when drops something, she picks it up and chases after him to give it back to him. She finds the stranger attractive and he mentions that he likes Christmas too. They leave and Jane never gives it much thought.
A couple of moths later, Jane gets a wedding invitation from her ex! The wedding is on Christmas Eve and Jane can't believe who the bride is! Jane is determined to find the perfect date to escort her to the wedding but he has to be "refine" and know how to act around rich people. Jane ends up finding her "date" on Craiglist. When they meet, it is the guy from that date months ago. His name is Ian Brooks.
The 2 of them spend time together so that they can get to know each other and Jane can shape Ian into the refine man that she think she needs to show off to her friends. The attraction they feel for each other continues to get stronger until they give in to it.
But Jane's view of what she thinks her perfect man should be isn't what Ian is and Ian refuses to be someone he is not. Jane needs to reflect on her life and re-evaluate what she really wants out of life.
Jane and Ian have fun when they spend time together and it just makes you root for them.
December 10, 2017
Aww, what a sweet and fun Christmas novella! Perfect to get you in the mood for the holidays. HOLIDAY FOR HIRE is a short feel-good, maybe even a little bit over-the-top story that had me grinning from ear to ear.
Jane Osborne loves Christmas, always has. And even an invitation to her ex’s Christmas wedding – mere weeks after he dumped her, no less – will not diminish her love for the holiday season. She is determined to attend, showing that she is not pining for him; now she just has to find the perfect candidate to be her date.
..she finds him in Ian Brooks. Well, he might be handsome, charming and sexy, but he is far from perfect, because he is not the wealthy, polished guy her high-end environment expects her to have on her arm. It’s because he is down on his luck that he agrees to the charade of pretend-date. And with a bit of time still at their hands, Jane is sure she can mold him exactly into her ideal man…
Oh, Jane… A slightly stuck-up, snobby woman who got certain values implemented into her entire being when growing up – she really wasn’t easy to like at times, provoking one or two eye rolls where I’m concerned. I loved her admiration for all things Christmas though, whichgot her some needed bonus points.
Ian, however, I loved immediately. He is a wonderful man doing everything to help his family. He deserves to world and a woman to accept him just the way he is, who shows him that he is enough. Because he definitely is!
Heartwarming, adorable and definitely romantic – this story is perfect for a cold December afternoon.
Jane Osborne loves Christmas, always has. And even an invitation to her ex’s Christmas wedding – mere weeks after he dumped her, no less – will not diminish her love for the holiday season. She is determined to attend, showing that she is not pining for him; now she just has to find the perfect candidate to be her date.
..she finds him in Ian Brooks. Well, he might be handsome, charming and sexy, but he is far from perfect, because he is not the wealthy, polished guy her high-end environment expects her to have on her arm. It’s because he is down on his luck that he agrees to the charade of pretend-date. And with a bit of time still at their hands, Jane is sure she can mold him exactly into her ideal man…
Oh, Jane… A slightly stuck-up, snobby woman who got certain values implemented into her entire being when growing up – she really wasn’t easy to like at times, provoking one or two eye rolls where I’m concerned. I loved her admiration for all things Christmas though, whichgot her some needed bonus points.
Ian, however, I loved immediately. He is a wonderful man doing everything to help his family. He deserves to world and a woman to accept him just the way he is, who shows him that he is enough. Because he definitely is!
Heartwarming, adorable and definitely romantic – this story is perfect for a cold December afternoon.
December 6, 2017
Such a cute holiday story!
You can’t be disappointed when these two ladies get together and write a story! This is a quick read to get you into the holiday spirit. Rich girl meets boy from the “wrong side of the tracks” who will never be good enough for her high society life...or will he?!
You can’t be disappointed when these two ladies get together and write a story! This is a quick read to get you into the holiday spirit. Rich girl meets boy from the “wrong side of the tracks” who will never be good enough for her high society life...or will he?!
December 1, 2017
Holiday for Hire is a short Christmas read that was enjoyable.
December 13, 2019
All the Stars! A Delight Jane and Ian are match made in Holiday Heaven
Need a sweet sexy holiday escape that leaves you at full grin and breathless, a story with swoon to spare? Holiday for Hire may be a warm holiday story, but it’s classic Paige & McGee and I loved every word.
Holiday is a touching role-reversed Christmas Carol wrapped in Pygmalion, with a crushing edge of your seat climax that leads to a sweet finish.
Jane is not happy. She overthinks and analyzes and worries way too much about everyone else. She’s too much in her head, shallow and much too uptight to actually enjoy her life and she's in danger of spoiling her favorite holiday. That's the premise where we begin and we are gifted with page after page of her Christmas transformation. All because of the fetching charmer, and world’s most patient lover, Ian. Thank god for Craig's list and second chances :)
Ian is a keeper, and his fall for Jane is bittersweet, because she is a handful, perfect for this story. Not that he really buys into her demands and material societal whims. In fact, Ian's aloof charm makes him irresistible—he’s got a great story—and THE perfect contrast to the uptight Jane.
By the end, of course Jane’s ridiculous plans are spoiled, she gets woke through a perfect old-fashioned Capra-esque moment, and she’s in the arms of her leading man, the one she once fantasized never existed. You’ll have to read it to see how their journey plays out. I loved loved loved this story cover to cover.
Holiday is a big happy surprise too. When I sat down to read, I thought, it’s Laurelin and Kayti, they write to the edge, never missing a chance to dig into every erotic or angsty morsel. I wonder what kind of sins they are cooking up for the holidays. *Bites lip* I was not expecting this sweet story. Yes, it’s sexy and fun and just the right amount of whatever we call those totally relatable moments when the heroine comes to her romantic revelations that bring us back over and over. But it's also a little parable on materialism and class, I love how it all was woven into the story.
Holiday has a great reverse Scrooge story going for it as well. Jane doesn’t think she’s a grump, but she’s set the bar so high for herself and everyone around her, she can’t help but create the mess she makes. Ian is the perfect foil and an amazing learning man. READ IMMEDIATELY. One click this true holiday romance that hits all the right notes.
Need a sweet sexy holiday escape that leaves you at full grin and breathless, a story with swoon to spare? Holiday for Hire may be a warm holiday story, but it’s classic Paige & McGee and I loved every word.
Holiday is a touching role-reversed Christmas Carol wrapped in Pygmalion, with a crushing edge of your seat climax that leads to a sweet finish.
Jane is not happy. She overthinks and analyzes and worries way too much about everyone else. She’s too much in her head, shallow and much too uptight to actually enjoy her life and she's in danger of spoiling her favorite holiday. That's the premise where we begin and we are gifted with page after page of her Christmas transformation. All because of the fetching charmer, and world’s most patient lover, Ian. Thank god for Craig's list and second chances :)
Ian is a keeper, and his fall for Jane is bittersweet, because she is a handful, perfect for this story. Not that he really buys into her demands and material societal whims. In fact, Ian's aloof charm makes him irresistible—he’s got a great story—and THE perfect contrast to the uptight Jane.
By the end, of course Jane’s ridiculous plans are spoiled, she gets woke through a perfect old-fashioned Capra-esque moment, and she’s in the arms of her leading man, the one she once fantasized never existed. You’ll have to read it to see how their journey plays out. I loved loved loved this story cover to cover.
Holiday is a big happy surprise too. When I sat down to read, I thought, it’s Laurelin and Kayti, they write to the edge, never missing a chance to dig into every erotic or angsty morsel. I wonder what kind of sins they are cooking up for the holidays. *Bites lip* I was not expecting this sweet story. Yes, it’s sexy and fun and just the right amount of whatever we call those totally relatable moments when the heroine comes to her romantic revelations that bring us back over and over. But it's also a little parable on materialism and class, I love how it all was woven into the story.
Holiday has a great reverse Scrooge story going for it as well. Jane doesn’t think she’s a grump, but she’s set the bar so high for herself and everyone around her, she can’t help but create the mess she makes. Ian is the perfect foil and an amazing learning man. READ IMMEDIATELY. One click this true holiday romance that hits all the right notes.
December 13, 2019
Christmas is a magical time that calls for hope and new beginnings. That is exactly the theme of Holiday For Hire by Laurelin Paige and Kayti McGee. It was a short steamy and emotional novella full of surprises and lots of festive happiness. Ian and Jane started as a contract but soon it develops into a swoony, sexy and emotional romance story!
Jane is from the upper rich society of the city. She has been brought up in an environment of showing off and abundance. She has bound herself with doubts about what other people in society thinks about her. And this very idea makes her hire Ian as her fake boyfriend to accompany to the wedding of her ex who has dumped her poorly. The charming, easy going and down to earth personality of Ian is breaking her stiff, straight and fixed ways. But can she embrace her true feelings? Or will she push Ian away by trying to change him?
Jane honestly comes across someone hypocritical. I am so glad she changed herself and stopped being too hard on herself. Ian is an amazing guy. He is honest and caring about people he loves. And he is not afraid to tell Jane about her mistakes. They have a nuclear hot chemistry which builds up slowly but surely. The holiday celebrations play a perfect back drop for this story!
If christams romance is your jam, you should not miss Holiday for Hire. It will make you the best kind of warm and fuzzy and swoony!
Received ARC for Honest review
Jane is from the upper rich society of the city. She has been brought up in an environment of showing off and abundance. She has bound herself with doubts about what other people in society thinks about her. And this very idea makes her hire Ian as her fake boyfriend to accompany to the wedding of her ex who has dumped her poorly. The charming, easy going and down to earth personality of Ian is breaking her stiff, straight and fixed ways. But can she embrace her true feelings? Or will she push Ian away by trying to change him?
Jane honestly comes across someone hypocritical. I am so glad she changed herself and stopped being too hard on herself. Ian is an amazing guy. He is honest and caring about people he loves. And he is not afraid to tell Jane about her mistakes. They have a nuclear hot chemistry which builds up slowly but surely. The holiday celebrations play a perfect back drop for this story!
If christams romance is your jam, you should not miss Holiday for Hire. It will make you the best kind of warm and fuzzy and swoony!
Received ARC for Honest review
December 1, 2017
"You're perfect how you are. I'm sorry it took me so long to figure that out."
I enjoyed this quick holiday story!
Jane was raised to put on airs. The image you portrayed should be one of class and elegance. She wasn't one to give in to love. When an arranged relationship goes south, and she finds herself dateless for here ex's wedding, what's a girl like her to do? The answer? Hire a boyfriend. No strings, no attachments, and she can mold him into anyone she wants him to be. But, when her Pygmalion experiment forces her to look at herself in the mirror and forces her to listen to her heart, is it too late?
Ian is from the wrong side of the tracks. Struggling financially to help support his father and siblings, he'll do just about anything for the money. He'll even put up with the arrogant and desperate Jane and be someone he isn't. He knows she feels the attraction, but will he ever be any more than a hired employee to her? Can he make her see who she really is, or will he be forced to walk away.
This is a novella, so there's not a lot of time to become invested in the characters. I loved Ian. He came across as genuine and the perfect counter-soul for Jane. However, I had a difficult time connecting with Jane. The elitist attitude was a little overpowering, and frankly, it didn't make much sense that Ian would have stuck around. But, overall, it was a cute read.
I enjoyed this quick holiday story!
Jane was raised to put on airs. The image you portrayed should be one of class and elegance. She wasn't one to give in to love. When an arranged relationship goes south, and she finds herself dateless for here ex's wedding, what's a girl like her to do? The answer? Hire a boyfriend. No strings, no attachments, and she can mold him into anyone she wants him to be. But, when her Pygmalion experiment forces her to look at herself in the mirror and forces her to listen to her heart, is it too late?
Ian is from the wrong side of the tracks. Struggling financially to help support his father and siblings, he'll do just about anything for the money. He'll even put up with the arrogant and desperate Jane and be someone he isn't. He knows she feels the attraction, but will he ever be any more than a hired employee to her? Can he make her see who she really is, or will he be forced to walk away.
This is a novella, so there's not a lot of time to become invested in the characters. I loved Ian. He came across as genuine and the perfect counter-soul for Jane. However, I had a difficult time connecting with Jane. The elitist attitude was a little overpowering, and frankly, it didn't make much sense that Ian would have stuck around. But, overall, it was a cute read.
February 2, 2021
Holiday for Hire or maybe It's the Luck of the Irish
This story takes place in Boston. Jane Osbourne had been seeing Blake Donovan through a matchmaker. What she thought was going to be the night of her proposal, she got dumped.
Jane Osbourne had been adopted by her parents from China. Her father was a workaholic banking mogul, while her mother played the traditional upper class women's role. They put her in private schools and taught her their conservative social norms. Before they died they encouraged her usless performance degree in 🎵🎶 music. She worked part time as the administrator of an arts education program for impoverished children. Jane was approaching thirty.
Her friend Ian Brooks the Irish Southie from Boston. Ian came home 🏠 from community school when his ma passed to help take care of his twin brothers and because his firefighter 🔥👩🚒🚒 father had injured his back. The twins had started high school. His dad is dating seriously.
The night Blake broke up with her she ran into Ian and he remembered her when they met up again by coincidence. This is a different type of story for Laurelin Paige but nevertheless it was a great story. Get this book 📚📖, it was a good read.
This story takes place in Boston. Jane Osbourne had been seeing Blake Donovan through a matchmaker. What she thought was going to be the night of her proposal, she got dumped.
Jane Osbourne had been adopted by her parents from China. Her father was a workaholic banking mogul, while her mother played the traditional upper class women's role. They put her in private schools and taught her their conservative social norms. Before they died they encouraged her usless performance degree in 🎵🎶 music. She worked part time as the administrator of an arts education program for impoverished children. Jane was approaching thirty.
Her friend Ian Brooks the Irish Southie from Boston. Ian came home 🏠 from community school when his ma passed to help take care of his twin brothers and because his firefighter 🔥👩🚒🚒 father had injured his back. The twins had started high school. His dad is dating seriously.
The night Blake broke up with her she ran into Ian and he remembered her when they met up again by coincidence. This is a different type of story for Laurelin Paige but nevertheless it was a great story. Get this book 📚📖, it was a good read.
December 19, 2017
OK. So this one is a little bit difficult for me to review. Though I love Laurelin Paige's work and her writing style, this story didn't exactly sit right with me. Though it is interesting and it can definitely put you in a holiday mood, I wasn't exactly crazy about some of the heroine's character flaws.
There are a lot of things I liked about the book. I mean, Ian is simply delicious with that deep voice and body a woman can dream of putting her hands on. And most of the time I loved the relationship that was being developed between Jane and him. But unfortunately, I can't say that Jane is one of my favorite characters. I found her behaviour quite bratty and ignorant for a big part of the story. And though she finds the error of her thinking and behaviour in the end of the book, I am still not a huge fan of hers.
As always, I did enjoy the writing style and the story in itself, hence the 4 star review. So if you are looking for a good holiday read, you should check this one out. And just a recommendation. Focus on Ian and not Jane. It will be worth it ;)
There are a lot of things I liked about the book. I mean, Ian is simply delicious with that deep voice and body a woman can dream of putting her hands on. And most of the time I loved the relationship that was being developed between Jane and him. But unfortunately, I can't say that Jane is one of my favorite characters. I found her behaviour quite bratty and ignorant for a big part of the story. And though she finds the error of her thinking and behaviour in the end of the book, I am still not a huge fan of hers.
As always, I did enjoy the writing style and the story in itself, hence the 4 star review. So if you are looking for a good holiday read, you should check this one out. And just a recommendation. Focus on Ian and not Jane. It will be worth it ;)
December 13, 2019
I really enjoyed "Holiday for Hire," a fun holiday-themed twist on the classic "My Fair Lady." The story was short, sweet, and amusing with some pretty great double entendres that made me laugh out loud.
I didn't find Jane, the female lead character, to be very likeable or relatable at first, but her relationship with the male lead character, Ian, really humanized her. She was so snobby and focused on all of the wrong things until he came along and shook up her world.
On the other hand, I really liked Ian immediately. He seemed like a good-hearted guy who was down on his luck after having given up his chance at college to help support his family. I loved that Ian had such a happy, positive outlook on life despite his situation, and he definitely deserved to have good things happen for him.
Overall, this was a nice, quick read that did a good job of getting me into the Christmas spirit, and I would recommend it.
*ARC provided by the author via Candi Kane PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
I didn't find Jane, the female lead character, to be very likeable or relatable at first, but her relationship with the male lead character, Ian, really humanized her. She was so snobby and focused on all of the wrong things until he came along and shook up her world.
On the other hand, I really liked Ian immediately. He seemed like a good-hearted guy who was down on his luck after having given up his chance at college to help support his family. I loved that Ian had such a happy, positive outlook on life despite his situation, and he definitely deserved to have good things happen for him.
Overall, this was a nice, quick read that did a good job of getting me into the Christmas spirit, and I would recommend it.
*ARC provided by the author via Candi Kane PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 14, 2019
Not a massive fan of holiday reads, but Laurelin Paige is a favorite of mine and Kayti McGee is a new to me author that I have wanted to read for a while now.
Jane was dumped by someone she thought she would end up marrying. It ticked all the right boxes,... Until he left her. So like most, she picked herself back up and tried to move forward. It wasn't until she got an invite to the wedding that she knew she had to find someone to take with her...
So that's when she goes and hires a fake date.
Enters Ian. He hasn't had the best luck, but he gives life his all. But in no way were these two expecting what they got out of this arrangement. It was meant to be an arrangement but lines get blurred and connections are made.
This was a short, entertaining, sexy and fun read. I rather enjoyed it and wish there was more. It was short but didn't really lack for much. It was the perfect, easy and fun read and perfect for the holidays!
5 Stars
-
Jane was dumped by someone she thought she would end up marrying. It ticked all the right boxes,... Until he left her. So like most, she picked herself back up and tried to move forward. It wasn't until she got an invite to the wedding that she knew she had to find someone to take with her...
So that's when she goes and hires a fake date.
Enters Ian. He hasn't had the best luck, but he gives life his all. But in no way were these two expecting what they got out of this arrangement. It was meant to be an arrangement but lines get blurred and connections are made.
This was a short, entertaining, sexy and fun read. I rather enjoyed it and wish there was more. It was short but didn't really lack for much. It was the perfect, easy and fun read and perfect for the holidays!
5 Stars
-
January 2, 2018
Jane was dumped by the man who she was to have a proper marriage with. She didn’t love him, but they were compatible and the right social standing to be a couple. Things are fine until she receives the invitation to the wedding set a month out.
She has to go, but can’t go alone, so she realizes that she needs to hire a date. Not just any date, but someone who will make her ex jealous. What starts out as an arrangement changes to more, but they can never work since he is not ‘right’ for her. When she realizes that she is more alone that ever before will it be to late to change her path?
I loved Ian. He was sweet and had some rough breaks in life, but he wasn’t going to give up. I loved the way Jane came to the resolution about what is really important even though she wasn't pleasant in the beginning of the book! An uplifting holiday read!
Hero 5 stars / Heroine 4 stars / Steam 4 stars / Plot 5 stars / Overall 4.5 Stars
Keys: Her POV, MF, holiday, sweet love.
#MSBB
She has to go, but can’t go alone, so she realizes that she needs to hire a date. Not just any date, but someone who will make her ex jealous. What starts out as an arrangement changes to more, but they can never work since he is not ‘right’ for her. When she realizes that she is more alone that ever before will it be to late to change her path?
I loved Ian. He was sweet and had some rough breaks in life, but he wasn’t going to give up. I loved the way Jane came to the resolution about what is really important even though she wasn't pleasant in the beginning of the book! An uplifting holiday read!
Hero 5 stars / Heroine 4 stars / Steam 4 stars / Plot 5 stars / Overall 4.5 Stars
Keys: Her POV, MF, holiday, sweet love.
#MSBB
December 12, 2019
What an enjoyable and romantic Christmas story. The Christmas spirit was alive and well in Boston with the beautiful decorations and frenzied shopping. Jane was in love with Christmas and all of its magic, but she would never think of decorating before Thanksgiving, and she would certainly never attend the wedding of her ex boyfriend. But an idea came to her, and she decided to search for the perfect and appropriate man to be her escort at the dreaded wedding. Jane hit the jackpot when she met Ian online, and she enjoyed talking to him on the phone. Would he be as perfect in person? It definitely wouldn’t hurt to look him up on social media, just to take a peek at her future wedding date. She was shocked when she recognized his handsome face smiling back at her. Would Ian remember her? Jane had never stopped thinking about him.
Will the stars in the Christmas sky shine down on Jane to show her what the holidays really mean?
Will the stars in the Christmas sky shine down on Jane to show her what the holidays really mean?
December 20, 2020
I cannot even begin to describe just how much I abhor Jane.
She's classist, a snob of the highest degree, degrading, controlling, patronising, unrepentant, fickle and to put it crassly, so far up her own arse she's practically a Christmas wreath.
Prickles and all.
...
Jesus.
Jesus.
For the entirety of this mean-mouthed little story, all I wanted to do was scream at Ian to run far, far away from this miserable little shit of a woman.
He could do better.
Hell, the reindeer excrement on Santa's boot could do better.
Ugh.
I wasn't expecting a Christmas story to make me so mad but I am.
I'm fucking livid.
Why can't all the characters in romance just be lovely cinnamon rolls who like to unashamedly bone it out?
Is that too much to ask?
IT'S CHRISTMAS, FOR FUCK'S SAKE!
...
She's classist, a snob of the highest degree, degrading, controlling, patronising, unrepentant, fickle and to put it crassly, so far up her own arse she's practically a Christmas wreath.
Prickles and all.
...
Jesus.
Jesus.
For the entirety of this mean-mouthed little story, all I wanted to do was scream at Ian to run far, far away from this miserable little shit of a woman.
He could do better.
Hell, the reindeer excrement on Santa's boot could do better.
Ugh.
I wasn't expecting a Christmas story to make me so mad but I am.
I'm fucking livid.
Why can't all the characters in romance just be lovely cinnamon rolls who like to unashamedly bone it out?
Is that too much to ask?
IT'S CHRISTMAS, FOR FUCK'S SAKE!
...
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