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Dating #3
Holidate
Candice Gaines loves Christmas. Not only does she bask in the twinkling lights, sing Christmas carols and go crazy with the decorations, she’s also in the giving spirit, donating much of her time and wealth to various charities in the local area.
Charlie Sullivan despises Christmas. Though it keeps his family afloat, considering they own Sullivan Family Christmas Tree Farm, the main provider for Christmas trees on the Monterey peninsula. He’d much rather work among the trees versus have to deal with people.
But Charlie’s parents are taking on more philanthropic projects—and as their oldest child, they want him to be their official public representative. He just has to play nice and convince everyone he’s not a total holiday hater.
When Charlie’s mom asks Candice to accompany him to a variety of holiday parties and events, she reluctantly agrees. She thinks Charlie is a big ol’ Grinch, but is determined to change his mindset and help him spread Christmas cheer. Charlie finds Candice too chatty, too sweet, too much. Do people like her really exist?
Why yes, yes they do. The more time they spend together—along with a few kisses under the mistletoe—the more they start to like each other. Hopefully Charlie can convince Candice he doesn’t have a heart that’s two sizes too small before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.
Charlie Sullivan despises Christmas. Though it keeps his family afloat, considering they own Sullivan Family Christmas Tree Farm, the main provider for Christmas trees on the Monterey peninsula. He’d much rather work among the trees versus have to deal with people.
But Charlie’s parents are taking on more philanthropic projects—and as their oldest child, they want him to be their official public representative. He just has to play nice and convince everyone he’s not a total holiday hater.
When Charlie’s mom asks Candice to accompany him to a variety of holiday parties and events, she reluctantly agrees. She thinks Charlie is a big ol’ Grinch, but is determined to change his mindset and help him spread Christmas cheer. Charlie finds Candice too chatty, too sweet, too much. Do people like her really exist?
Why yes, yes they do. The more time they spend together—along with a few kisses under the mistletoe—the more they start to like each other. Hopefully Charlie can convince Candice he doesn’t have a heart that’s two sizes too small before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.
276 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2019
690 people are currently reading
6045 people want to read
About the author
Monica Murphy
107 books18.7k followersNew York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 376 reviews
December 1, 2020
4 stars
This was such a fun and sweet holiday romance! I love a good grumpy hero and Charlie was perfect! I loved the banter and chemistry between Charlie and Candice. It made me so happy!
Candice loves Christmas and she's full of cheer. She spends her days volunteering and planning and the holidays is her time to shine. She's at event to event and she enjoys it. Charlie Sullivan's family owns the biggest tree farm and he is a bit of a grouch. He definitely has no interest in going to any holiday events or parties, even if it would be good for business. Charlie's mom has a brilliant idea- to get Candice to help Charlie at these events.
Charlie can be a grump, but he can also be really sweet. I loved watching him warm up to Candice and watching her see him open up and see the softer side of him. The end of this book made my heart so happy and if you're looking for a holiday book to make you smile and get in the holiday spirit, I highly recommend this one!
This was such a fun and sweet holiday romance! I love a good grumpy hero and Charlie was perfect! I loved the banter and chemistry between Charlie and Candice. It made me so happy!
Candice loves Christmas and she's full of cheer. She spends her days volunteering and planning and the holidays is her time to shine. She's at event to event and she enjoys it. Charlie Sullivan's family owns the biggest tree farm and he is a bit of a grouch. He definitely has no interest in going to any holiday events or parties, even if it would be good for business. Charlie's mom has a brilliant idea- to get Candice to help Charlie at these events.
Charlie can be a grump, but he can also be really sweet. I loved watching him warm up to Candice and watching her see him open up and see the softer side of him. The end of this book made my heart so happy and if you're looking for a holiday book to make you smile and get in the holiday spirit, I highly recommend this one!
Audio book source: Downpour (audio arc)
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Virginia Rose and Teddy Hamilton
Narration Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length:7 hours and 5 minutes
September 5, 2022
Candace volunteers as a decorator and event planner for charitable organizations in memory of her mother. It’s Christmas, and one of the donors, who owns a Christmas Tree farm, begs her to help her socially awkward son navigate the social scene for Christmas so he can assume his role at the helm of the family business. Charlie was super cute and an awkward “I just want to be out on the farm with my trees” lumberjack type. I completely loved this one and their enemies to friends to lovers romance. So cute and Christmasy.
December 26, 2019
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2.5 Stars
Alright, let’s do another one. If you are so basic of a white girl that your family thinks your Pinterest only consists of things like the following when it comes to Christmas gifts you might wish for . . . . .
This is the book for you. It is 100% a Hallmark Christmas movie in written format. Gorgeous curmudgeon (whose family just so happens to own the local Christmas tree farm) gets paired with a Christmas loving philanthropist via way of some convenient amnesia, attend various holiday functions together and fall in love. Pick your favorite Hallmark hunk to picture or, if you’re like me, focus on your favorite leading lady . . . .
She is the Queen of Christmas, after all.
2.5 Stars
Alright, let’s do another one. If you are so basic of a white girl that your family thinks your Pinterest only consists of things like the following when it comes to Christmas gifts you might wish for . . . . .
This is the book for you. It is 100% a Hallmark Christmas movie in written format. Gorgeous curmudgeon (whose family just so happens to own the local Christmas tree farm) gets paired with a Christmas loving philanthropist via way of some convenient amnesia, attend various holiday functions together and fall in love. Pick your favorite Hallmark hunk to picture or, if you’re like me, focus on your favorite leading lady . . . .
She is the Queen of Christmas, after all.
September 18, 2021
Yes it's September and yes I'm ready for Christmas. This was an ADORABLE grumpy/sunshine holiday romance. He hates Christmas yet sells Christmas trees and she loves the holiday. I would've loved if it was steamier but it's perfect if you like Hallmark movies!
February 19, 2020
Oh wow! This book is that perfect hallmark christmas movie. So sweet and full of that toes curling swooning. And there is no steamy, dirty sex. Just a cute warm kissing.
There is that how Candice turns Charlie into a warm vulnerable hero. I adore Charlie. He is the Grinch. He really is. The romance is not cheesy OTT.
Gosh, I like it very much.
4 stars
There is that how Candice turns Charlie into a warm vulnerable hero. I adore Charlie. He is the Grinch. He really is. The romance is not cheesy OTT.
Gosh, I like it very much.
4 stars
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October 15, 2019
December 1, 2022
If a cute and cozy Hallmark Christmas movie was a novel, this is it. I liked this immensely better than the first two books, even with it being devoid of spice! We met Candice in the last book, she is Jared's adorable little sister who doesn't curse, has a kind word for everyone, and has total heart eyes for Christmas. Just ask everyone on every single (considerably large number of) committees she's on.
So when a desperate Christmas tree farm owner asks Candice if she will help her son with his non-existent people skills navigate the holiday season of events, she's not so sure that she has the time. And when she finds out that he's a notorious grump and doesn't even want her help, she's even more sure. But then she meets him...
Charlie Sullivan hates Christmas. Can you even believe it? His family owns a Christmas tree farm and he hates the holiday. But he can't fight his attraction to Candice and his mother practically forced him to accept her help, so here he is getting drug all over town to attend parties and Christmas tree lightings...and little by little, he starts to soften up, if not towards Christmas, then definitely towards Candice. He's gruff, grumpy, and a grinch, but he sure is a babe! So of course these two get together in the most PG, Hallmark way possible.
This was just cute mindless holiday fun. I really liked both of them, even Charlie with his grouchiness, because I for one can attest that people and too many of them, are just the worst. But I do love Christmas, so there. This was a really sweet story about two people coming together, and the ending was precious and touching. A quick and easy read, and a fun way to kick off the first day of December!
So when a desperate Christmas tree farm owner asks Candice if she will help her son with his non-existent people skills navigate the holiday season of events, she's not so sure that she has the time. And when she finds out that he's a notorious grump and doesn't even want her help, she's even more sure. But then she meets him...
Charlie Sullivan hates Christmas. Can you even believe it? His family owns a Christmas tree farm and he hates the holiday. But he can't fight his attraction to Candice and his mother practically forced him to accept her help, so here he is getting drug all over town to attend parties and Christmas tree lightings...and little by little, he starts to soften up, if not towards Christmas, then definitely towards Candice. He's gruff, grumpy, and a grinch, but he sure is a babe! So of course these two get together in the most PG, Hallmark way possible.
This was just cute mindless holiday fun. I really liked both of them, even Charlie with his grouchiness, because I for one can attest that people and too many of them, are just the worst. But I do love Christmas, so there. This was a really sweet story about two people coming together, and the ending was precious and touching. A quick and easy read, and a fun way to kick off the first day of December!
December 17, 2020
There’s nothing better than a super cute book with a grump as the main character!! Charlie was mess and I loved him. Hahahaha
I thought Candice was super sweet and engaging when we meet her in Fake Date. Friendly, quirky, and sweet. I was happy to see those characteristics carried over into this installment.
Things I loved:
So, Christmas is my jam. Anything Christmas and I’m here for it, so obviously the promise was a win for me.
Cameos - we see characters from the previous books and get a mini catch up on them.
Grumpy Charlie who gives zero f*cks!
Great dialogue, cute premise, amazing narration— those are the main factors for my rating. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I thought Candice was super sweet and engaging when we meet her in Fake Date. Friendly, quirky, and sweet. I was happy to see those characteristics carried over into this installment.
Things I loved:
So, Christmas is my jam. Anything Christmas and I’m here for it, so obviously the promise was a win for me.
Cameos - we see characters from the previous books and get a mini catch up on them.
Grumpy Charlie who gives zero f*cks!
Great dialogue, cute premise, amazing narration— those are the main factors for my rating. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 9, 2019
Holidate is the third book in the Dating series. It does read as a standalone though. We met Candice in the second book, as she is Jared’s sister. She didn’t leave the best impression in that book and I wasn’t sure I would even like her in this one. But, in this book, you get to know Candice much better and she is super sweet, generous, has a heart of gold and she loves Christmas! In a twist of events, Candice gets roped into helping an older woman, Isabel, with her son, Charlie, during the Christmas season. Charlie hates Christmas but runs his family’s Christmas tree farm and therefore, he is needed at variety of holiday parties and events. Candice reluctantly agrees to take Charlie with her to a few events. The two had great chemistry. It was more emotional than I was prepared for, but the sweetest story. The book reads like a great Hallmark Christmas movie. I would definitely recommend this one.
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 28, 2019
What a perfect setting to fall in love in - the Monterey Peninsula! One of my favorite places to visit in the world. Surrounded by Christmas tree farms and of course the world famous Carmel By The Sea.
Cue, the ever so fashionable Candice Gaines who at 28 yo chairs a few committees raising money for various local charities. She has a huge heart and generous with her wealth.
What is a cute romance without the doting mother who takes advantage of Candice’s generosity and introduces her son Charlie Sullivan, the antisocial heir to the Sullivan Family Christmas Tree Farm, the main provider for Christmas trees on the Monterey peninsula, who despises everything about the Christmas holiday!
As the two tackle the festivities and Candice’s social calendar, their attraction for each other was simply undeniable. There were plenty of laugh out loud and tender moments that will surely make the heart flutter! Guaranteed!
Cue, the ever so fashionable Candice Gaines who at 28 yo chairs a few committees raising money for various local charities. She has a huge heart and generous with her wealth.
What is a cute romance without the doting mother who takes advantage of Candice’s generosity and introduces her son Charlie Sullivan, the antisocial heir to the Sullivan Family Christmas Tree Farm, the main provider for Christmas trees on the Monterey peninsula, who despises everything about the Christmas holiday!
As the two tackle the festivities and Candice’s social calendar, their attraction for each other was simply undeniable. There were plenty of laugh out loud and tender moments that will surely make the heart flutter! Guaranteed!
October 17, 2019
This was a fun holiday story about two people not looking for love but finding it when they least expect it. Charlie runs his family’s Christmas tree business and is an all-around grumpy guy. He never makes time for anything but work. Candice loves the holidays! She is approached by Charlie’s mom to help him as he attends social events on behalf of the business. Candice looks at this as a challenge and throws herself in to it. As they make their way around the social scene, they grow closer and their attraction escalates. This is such a wonderfully magical story; it is sweet, funny and the Christmas ambiance just makes it that much better. Loving the characters in this series and I am eagerly looking forward to more.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
December 25, 2021
3 stars??? Nothing I particularly liked or hated about this book but it was not what I was expecting. Our heroine has some dark and deeper shit she has to work through on her own but she was depicted as the sunshine happy character from the synopsis. I just felt like it wasn't as cute as everyone said.
April 11, 2024
Thank you Social Butterfly PR for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Holidate
Dating #3
By: Monica Murphy
*REVIEW* 🎄🎄🎄🎄
Every year, I drive my family nuts with Christmas movies starting November 1st. I just love them! Always have. I love Holidate because it's so like those movies and because the cover is so perfectly done. Candice loves Christmas and giving and is full of Christmas cheer. Charlie hates Christmas and prefers the company of trees. Circumstances throw these two together for the holiday season. Can they get along while having such different perspectives? Can Candice find a way to show Charlie that Christmas is still magical? Yes, it's cheesy (I actually can't eat cheese at all(lol)), but it's okay for Christmas to be cheesy. The older I get, the more I think this is exactly how it should always be. This book is a wonderful rendition about the spirit of Christmas and being open to the possibility of magic. It's truly delightful, charming and entertaining, and I recommend for all of the Christmas movie lovers out there. Monica Murphy never disappoints!
Holidate
Dating #3
By: Monica Murphy
*REVIEW* 🎄🎄🎄🎄
Every year, I drive my family nuts with Christmas movies starting November 1st. I just love them! Always have. I love Holidate because it's so like those movies and because the cover is so perfectly done. Candice loves Christmas and giving and is full of Christmas cheer. Charlie hates Christmas and prefers the company of trees. Circumstances throw these two together for the holiday season. Can they get along while having such different perspectives? Can Candice find a way to show Charlie that Christmas is still magical? Yes, it's cheesy (I actually can't eat cheese at all(lol)), but it's okay for Christmas to be cheesy. The older I get, the more I think this is exactly how it should always be. This book is a wonderful rendition about the spirit of Christmas and being open to the possibility of magic. It's truly delightful, charming and entertaining, and I recommend for all of the Christmas movie lovers out there. Monica Murphy never disappoints!
November 25, 2019
I was definitely underwhelmed. The characters came across as YA to me, including Isobel. Who was supposed to be a grandmother! I ended up skimming a good part of the story and never really felt like I missed anything. Candice and Charlie don't really get together until almost the end and then the conflict was pretty stupid, IMO. It could have been cleared up in 2 seconds.
December 25, 2020
A cute, quick holiday romance ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
December 2, 2020
UPDATE - It's even better in audio! So cute! The narrators did an amazing job.
I'm not going to lie to anyone, I don't love Christmas. I am pretty grinchy and I definitely share some of the same feelings as Charlie in this book. So when I saw the description of this book I was concerned, but as always, I trust Monica to give me something I love. This was no exception. I actually ended up liking this book WAY more than I expected and even got a little teary eyed at the end. It was the perfect holiday read. Candice loves Christmas and the holidays, but not for the reasons you would expect, and I like that. Charlie is just a grinch and I LOVE THAT. Reading about the two of them together was pure magic and there were a lot of scenes that gave me butterflies in my belly.
I'm not going to lie to anyone, I don't love Christmas. I am pretty grinchy and I definitely share some of the same feelings as Charlie in this book. So when I saw the description of this book I was concerned, but as always, I trust Monica to give me something I love. This was no exception. I actually ended up liking this book WAY more than I expected and even got a little teary eyed at the end. It was the perfect holiday read. Candice loves Christmas and the holidays, but not for the reasons you would expect, and I like that. Charlie is just a grinch and I LOVE THAT. Reading about the two of them together was pure magic and there were a lot of scenes that gave me butterflies in my belly.
December 19, 2019
***AUDIOBOOK***
3 Okay CROWNS
I’ve really enjoyed this series, but this one underwhelmed me. The heroine was very over-the-top Christmas and very naive, but it wasn’t developed enough to seems authentic. I really enjoyed the hero.
Their relationship is enjoyable but there is zero steam, making their relationship seem very YA. The conflict, while fitting their characterization wasn’t substantial. I just needed more overall.
Monica Murphy is a really great author, and I’ll be reading more of her. This one just happened to be a miss for me.
I will say the narrators were fantastic!
3 Okay CROWNS
I’ve really enjoyed this series, but this one underwhelmed me. The heroine was very over-the-top Christmas and very naive, but it wasn’t developed enough to seems authentic. I really enjoyed the hero.
Their relationship is enjoyable but there is zero steam, making their relationship seem very YA. The conflict, while fitting their characterization wasn’t substantial. I just needed more overall.
Monica Murphy is a really great author, and I’ll be reading more of her. This one just happened to be a miss for me.
I will say the narrators were fantastic!
October 28, 2019
This was a perfectly cheesy holiday read and very reminiscent of a Hallmark Christmas movie. The main characters were enjoyable and had decent chemistry. The reason for their conflict was a bit silly but since this is supposed to be a fluffy Christmas book, it worked. 3/5 stars.
kindle-freebies
December 16, 2021kindle freebie 12/16/21
https://www.amazon.com/Holidate-Monic...
https://www.amazon.com/Holidate-Monic...
November 20, 2020
This was a cute Hallmark type Christmas read. Full of Christmas cheer, no angst and no steamy boom boom scenes. This one is a completely clean read which I didn't mind but I must say I was expecting to get a little something in the way of some heat. A very pleasant holiday read.
November 18, 2019
3 Stars / 1.5 Steam Fans
If you are looking for a sweet, fun, and cute Christmas setting romance then this is the book for you. I like my romances with a little more steam if it is going to be this cute. I also like a bit more angst and less talk about how the characters have a lot of money but live modestly. I thought the premise was fun but there was something left to desire with the execution of the completed storyline and character development.
Video review available in Week 46 Nov 10 – 16 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk
If you are looking for a sweet, fun, and cute Christmas setting romance then this is the book for you. I like my romances with a little more steam if it is going to be this cute. I also like a bit more angst and less talk about how the characters have a lot of money but live modestly. I thought the premise was fun but there was something left to desire with the execution of the completed storyline and character development.
Video review available in Week 46 Nov 10 – 16 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk
December 30, 2020
Holidate was a cute and fast paced holiday read. Hallmark style. Don't expect any sexy times in this book. But you really don't need it. Just some good and clean fun for the holidays.
I was feeling a little grinchy this holiday season, so I thought I should embrace it. But Monica Murphy created a fun and feel good story with a Christmas lover in Candice and a total Grinch in Charlie. It was the perfect balance for me and my current state. While this is a part of Murphy's Dating series, you do not need to read in order or any of the previous books to enjoy this one. I've been reading them all out of order (*gasp*) and I don't feel like I'm missing anything.
Candice and Charlie's story starts with Charlie's mother trying to convince Candice to start taking Charlie to all the holiday events because he needs to promote their Christmas Tree Farm. But he is the least social person and he honestly does not like people. But with the right person by his side, he could become more. But what happens when our holiday loving, event going Candice tries to convince Charlie that the holidays are worth it?
Holidate was cute, fun and even had a few serious moments thrown in for the feels. I enjoyed the characters and the supporting characters that made up the story. I didn't completely feel the connection between Charlie and Candice, but it felt like it was just beginning when the story ended. I wished there was more build up and sexual tension that exploded. It felt like it was almost there, but didn't quite get over that hump. I wouldn't mind them joining in more of the Dating series to see how they progress. I will definitely have to check out more of the books to see what all the supporting characters are up to. Overall, it was an enjoyable holiday read for the season.
I was feeling a little grinchy this holiday season, so I thought I should embrace it. But Monica Murphy created a fun and feel good story with a Christmas lover in Candice and a total Grinch in Charlie. It was the perfect balance for me and my current state. While this is a part of Murphy's Dating series, you do not need to read in order or any of the previous books to enjoy this one. I've been reading them all out of order (*gasp*) and I don't feel like I'm missing anything.
Candice and Charlie's story starts with Charlie's mother trying to convince Candice to start taking Charlie to all the holiday events because he needs to promote their Christmas Tree Farm. But he is the least social person and he honestly does not like people. But with the right person by his side, he could become more. But what happens when our holiday loving, event going Candice tries to convince Charlie that the holidays are worth it?
Holidate was cute, fun and even had a few serious moments thrown in for the feels. I enjoyed the characters and the supporting characters that made up the story. I didn't completely feel the connection between Charlie and Candice, but it felt like it was just beginning when the story ended. I wished there was more build up and sexual tension that exploded. It felt like it was almost there, but didn't quite get over that hump. I wouldn't mind them joining in more of the Dating series to see how they progress. I will definitely have to check out more of the books to see what all the supporting characters are up to. Overall, it was an enjoyable holiday read for the season.
November 28, 2020
It took me some time to connect with this book, I was only about 30% in when I finally got into the story - truthfully I don’t think it was because of the book or the plot, but I was sadly in a big reading slump and I just couldn’t get myself to open my Kindle. But once I dived in, I couldn’t stop reading.
Candice was super cute and I enjoyed her Christmas spirit, although it was evident how broken she still was inside. Funny, because when she got to help Charlie as his Holidate through all the Christmas events, it was more him that helped her - to move on from past and open herself truly and not just her cheerful self. I loved Charlie because something about his grumpy attitude was just whoaah. But we’re used to me being connected to grumpy or arrogant heroes so no surprise here. Especially with Charlie, because he learned to behave in the end and was adorable around Candice.
Monica really beautifully wrote their growing relationship. Their story was fun to read and I definitely recommend if you want to get into the Christmasy mood!
***
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Candice was super cute and I enjoyed her Christmas spirit, although it was evident how broken she still was inside. Funny, because when she got to help Charlie as his Holidate through all the Christmas events, it was more him that helped her - to move on from past and open herself truly and not just her cheerful self. I loved Charlie because something about his grumpy attitude was just whoaah. But we’re used to me being connected to grumpy or arrogant heroes so no surprise here. Especially with Charlie, because he learned to behave in the end and was adorable around Candice.
Monica really beautifully wrote their growing relationship. Their story was fun to read and I definitely recommend if you want to get into the Christmasy mood!
***
Follow me on Instagram for book edits.
December 31, 2023
I thought the characters often acted younger than they were supposed to be but this was still a cute Hallmark holiday movie type romance.
October 13, 2019
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
As soon as fall rolls around I become a sucker for holiday romances, I just can't help myself. I knew I wanted to read Holidate as soon as I saw the cover. Romance, a Christmas tree farm, grinchy man, heart-of-gold girl...yes I will take a one way ticket please. And this book did not disappoint! It had all the cheesy-ness of a Hallmark movie and all the tender moments of a Monica Murphy novel, a recipe for endless swooning.
First off, I am obsessed with this plot. A meddlesome mother arranges Candice to help her son network and socialize within the community...over the course of these parties and events, Candice and Charlie fall in love. *Insert all the heart-eyed emojis.* Candice is wholesome and good to a fault. She is just a good girl, who wants to give back and do her mom's memory justice. In comparison, Charlie is harsh edges, unrefined, and would rather spend his days surrounded by trees than people. He is a rugged outdoors man but don't let that fool you, he can turn on the charm and clean up really well when he wants to.
These two had so many giggle worthy moments, I found myself blushing and laughing out loud throughout the course of the story. Candice and Charlie are both stubborn and determined. Charlie doesn't want Candice's help and Candice is determined to help Charlie, what could possibly go wrong? Their chemistry was off the charts, talk about a slow burn, I thought I was going to die before they finally kissed. And while the romance doesn't go past kissing, all the tender moments and heartfelt words make the story that much better.
These characters just get each other. And I love it when that happens, the characters are relatable and I felt like I was in the middle of every Christmas tree lighting ceremony with them. This book truly captured the magic of Christmas and in doing so, the love story captured my heart. I will definitely re-read this every year at Christmas time.
As soon as fall rolls around I become a sucker for holiday romances, I just can't help myself. I knew I wanted to read Holidate as soon as I saw the cover. Romance, a Christmas tree farm, grinchy man, heart-of-gold girl...yes I will take a one way ticket please. And this book did not disappoint! It had all the cheesy-ness of a Hallmark movie and all the tender moments of a Monica Murphy novel, a recipe for endless swooning.
First off, I am obsessed with this plot. A meddlesome mother arranges Candice to help her son network and socialize within the community...over the course of these parties and events, Candice and Charlie fall in love. *Insert all the heart-eyed emojis.* Candice is wholesome and good to a fault. She is just a good girl, who wants to give back and do her mom's memory justice. In comparison, Charlie is harsh edges, unrefined, and would rather spend his days surrounded by trees than people. He is a rugged outdoors man but don't let that fool you, he can turn on the charm and clean up really well when he wants to.
These two had so many giggle worthy moments, I found myself blushing and laughing out loud throughout the course of the story. Candice and Charlie are both stubborn and determined. Charlie doesn't want Candice's help and Candice is determined to help Charlie, what could possibly go wrong? Their chemistry was off the charts, talk about a slow burn, I thought I was going to die before they finally kissed. And while the romance doesn't go past kissing, all the tender moments and heartfelt words make the story that much better.
These characters just get each other. And I love it when that happens, the characters are relatable and I felt like I was in the middle of every Christmas tree lighting ceremony with them. This book truly captured the magic of Christmas and in doing so, the love story captured my heart. I will definitely re-read this every year at Christmas time.
October 10, 2019
5 Star Review of Holidate (Dating #3)by Monica Murphy
What’s not to love? Christmas is the most magical time of the year. It’s a time to reflect and celebrate life.
Candice Gaines is my kind of woman, just like me she loves anything to do with Christmas.
Charlie Sullivan on the other hand is just like my husband and dislikes Christmas. Ironically his family owns a Christmas Tree Farm.
When circumstances bring Candice and Charlie together attending some holiday events, Candice hopes to change his mind about the festive season.
Can these two opposites come together and forge a path together?
Monica Murphy is a relatively new author to me and I find myself being drawn in to the stories she weaves.
I really liked Candice, she is someone that I could easily be friends with. There is something about Charlie that drew me to him, he is most certainly swoon worthy and I loved the slow burn of the relationship as it built with Candice.
This is a sweet, romantic, love story that ticked the boxes for me. Extremely well written this story will take you on a fabulous journey that will leave you with a smile on your face.
What’s not to love? Christmas is the most magical time of the year. It’s a time to reflect and celebrate life.
Candice Gaines is my kind of woman, just like me she loves anything to do with Christmas.
Charlie Sullivan on the other hand is just like my husband and dislikes Christmas. Ironically his family owns a Christmas Tree Farm.
When circumstances bring Candice and Charlie together attending some holiday events, Candice hopes to change his mind about the festive season.
Can these two opposites come together and forge a path together?
Monica Murphy is a relatively new author to me and I find myself being drawn in to the stories she weaves.
I really liked Candice, she is someone that I could easily be friends with. There is something about Charlie that drew me to him, he is most certainly swoon worthy and I loved the slow burn of the relationship as it built with Candice.
This is a sweet, romantic, love story that ticked the boxes for me. Extremely well written this story will take you on a fabulous journey that will leave you with a smile on your face.
September 7, 2021
I'm gunna start this 4-star review with a rant, so LISTEN UP, bitches.
What in the LITERARY BLUE BALLS?!!! This author revs the reader up the entire book, even going so far as explain IN DETAIL that the female lead has only ever had so-so sex in the missionary position. Then there's a hot leading man, all scruffy and with a dirty mouth...AND WE GET A FEW KISSES?!!!! Not even a boob graze?!! What. The. Hell.
Also, this book is part of a series. A very R RATED series. And them the author throws us a PG romance. Keep the SMUT CONTINUUM going!!! I feel personally attacked by the smut level of this book.
Okay, everything else about this book is FANTASTIC. Grumpy man. Sunshine woman. Christmas Tree Farm. Sweet story and adorably satisfying finish. I loved it...except for that whole "no sex" issue.
The characters are both complex and so likable! I loved Candice and her sweet and giving nature! She is so loving and truly cares about others! And grumpy Charlie was my fave! I love reading as his character changes and grows (and softens). These two are so swoony!
This was a great holiday read, especially if you like a lower steam book!
What in the LITERARY BLUE BALLS?!!! This author revs the reader up the entire book, even going so far as explain IN DETAIL that the female lead has only ever had so-so sex in the missionary position. Then there's a hot leading man, all scruffy and with a dirty mouth...AND WE GET A FEW KISSES?!!!! Not even a boob graze?!! What. The. Hell.
Also, this book is part of a series. A very R RATED series. And them the author throws us a PG romance. Keep the SMUT CONTINUUM going!!! I feel personally attacked by the smut level of this book.
Okay, everything else about this book is FANTASTIC. Grumpy man. Sunshine woman. Christmas Tree Farm. Sweet story and adorably satisfying finish. I loved it...except for that whole "no sex" issue.
The characters are both complex and so likable! I loved Candice and her sweet and giving nature! She is so loving and truly cares about others! And grumpy Charlie was my fave! I love reading as his character changes and grows (and softens). These two are so swoony!
This was a great holiday read, especially if you like a lower steam book!
December 5, 2020
2.75-3 stars
Aside from the last few chapters(which is mostly why I'm even giving it the rating I'm giving.), I found most of the writing flat throughout. Idk. The style of writing just didn't match the previous books in the series & it oddly felt like a less experienced writer. I'm sort of puzzled by it from that standpoint. I didn't dislike Candice, but she wasn't really my jam either most of the time. She often seemed so unrealistically naive for a teen, let alone a 23 yr old young woman. I don't think we got to know Charlie enough & imo, more than a few times the examples to show off his grouchy behavior in the beginning hardly seemed to match the reactions of others to him & more or less seemed like they were the ones overreacting. So basically not terrible. Just kinda meh.
Aside from the last few chapters(which is mostly why I'm even giving it the rating I'm giving.), I found most of the writing flat throughout. Idk. The style of writing just didn't match the previous books in the series & it oddly felt like a less experienced writer. I'm sort of puzzled by it from that standpoint. I didn't dislike Candice, but she wasn't really my jam either most of the time. She often seemed so unrealistically naive for a teen, let alone a 23 yr old young woman. I don't think we got to know Charlie enough & imo, more than a few times the examples to show off his grouchy behavior in the beginning hardly seemed to match the reactions of others to him & more or less seemed like they were the ones overreacting. So basically not terrible. Just kinda meh.
December 18, 2021
I hated this book. I wanted to like it. I even put a hold on it at the library, but I was so so tempted to stop reading it. The main character was annoying and her inner monologue came across as a 13 year old (even the use of "OMG"). The male lead was better, but some of his thoughts and words were not things a "flannel wearing, tree farm working man" would say, such as worrying if someone would think he was "flakey". Also this man would not know what "peep toe shoes" are, let alone comment on them.
The storyline with the memory loss was completely unbelievable. And the way the 2 love interests view each other progressed RELLY fast without any believable drama and deliberation.
The storyline with the memory loss was completely unbelievable. And the way the 2 love interests view each other progressed RELLY fast without any believable drama and deliberation.
October 15, 2019
So cute and sweet with a push and pull between the hero and heroine that I loved! This is the perfect get-you-in-the-mood-for-the-holidays story! I didn't want it to end. <3
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