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Ida Romance #2
Faking It for the Holidays
Sam and Kaila have been best friends their whole lives. Thirteen years ago, they made a pact never to date to protect their friendship. But when their well-meaning mothers keep setting them up on terrible blind dates, they decide to fake date through the holidays. With a set of rules in place, they won't break the pact, right?
Sam
What the hell was I thinking? Fake dating? Fake dating the girl I've been madly in love with for most of my life? I'm an idiot. Of course, as always, I said yes to her. Like always, I'd do anything to make her happy. And, okay, maybe I thought If we pretended to be together, she'd realize how amazing we could be and forget about the pact. Instead, I'm more in love with her than ever and have no idea if she'll ever allow herself to see me as more than her best friend.
Kaila
This is fine. It's all fine. We're just fake dating. We have our rules. We have the pact. We're best friends: always and only best friends. But the longer we fake date, the harder it's becoming to ignore the spark I feel between us. It's always been there, but I've always ignored it. I've focused on our friendship because I can't risk what Sam and I have. But his touch makes my heart race and his arms feel safer than ever before. It's okay. I can handle this. Stick to the rules. Abide by the pact. This will all be fine, right? Fine, fine, fine.
Faking it for the Holidays is a hot cocoa romance; warm and sweet with a bit a steam. Recommended for ages 17+
Sam
What the hell was I thinking? Fake dating? Fake dating the girl I've been madly in love with for most of my life? I'm an idiot. Of course, as always, I said yes to her. Like always, I'd do anything to make her happy. And, okay, maybe I thought If we pretended to be together, she'd realize how amazing we could be and forget about the pact. Instead, I'm more in love with her than ever and have no idea if she'll ever allow herself to see me as more than her best friend.
Kaila
This is fine. It's all fine. We're just fake dating. We have our rules. We have the pact. We're best friends: always and only best friends. But the longer we fake date, the harder it's becoming to ignore the spark I feel between us. It's always been there, but I've always ignored it. I've focused on our friendship because I can't risk what Sam and I have. But his touch makes my heart race and his arms feel safer than ever before. It's okay. I can handle this. Stick to the rules. Abide by the pact. This will all be fine, right? Fine, fine, fine.
Faking it for the Holidays is a hot cocoa romance; warm and sweet with a bit a steam. Recommended for ages 17+
ebook
Published November 10, 2021
19 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Monaco Smith
41 books193 followersBethany Monaco Smith is a writer-mom. When she’s not busy hanging with her boys, she’s writing cozy small town romances with lots of heart, a bit of steam, and all the feels. She loves happily-ever-afters and cries at every emotional moment, whether reading, writing, or watching. When she’s not mom-ing or writing, you can find her binge-reading on Kindle Unlimited, spending too much time on Instagram, and supporting fellow indie authors. Bethany survives on coffee, rewatching the same TV shows over and over, and her KU subscription. She lives in the Southern Tier of NY with her husband and two sons. You can find out more about Bethany and what she’s working on next on Instagram @bethanymonacosmith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 25, 2021
This novel was one that grabbed me from the very beginning. Kaila and Sam are both very likable and well developed characters readers fall in love with instantly. As wonderful as they are, they both have flaws, and the conflict that develops in the story kept me 100% engaged.
I love a good friends to lovers romance, and Bethany didn't disappoint with this one! She included all the important parts! The secret love they both have for each other, the fear that they'll ruin their friendship and lose each other forever, the inevitable wake-up, and the conflict that threatens to destroy everything.
This novel could absolutely be read any time of the year, but if you're looking for a great holiday romance as we close in on Thanksgiving and Christmas, this one is darn near perfect!
I love a good friends to lovers romance, and Bethany didn't disappoint with this one! She included all the important parts! The secret love they both have for each other, the fear that they'll ruin their friendship and lose each other forever, the inevitable wake-up, and the conflict that threatens to destroy everything.
This novel could absolutely be read any time of the year, but if you're looking for a great holiday romance as we close in on Thanksgiving and Christmas, this one is darn near perfect!
November 5, 2021
Thank you Bethany Monaco Smith for giving me exactly what I have been wanting. I love pretty much all romance novels because they follow a predictable pattern that involves falling for each other via whatever trope is involved, then there is the big conflict that tears them apart, then a really short part at the end where they make up and live HEA. That last part is what I want more of. I don't want the quick, smiling, end-of-episode freeze frame like from old 70s TV shows. Yes, I know there are epilogues and they are fine but they are never enough for me. I want ALL of the info on what happens after the making up part. And while I won't go into details because spoilers, I was so thrilled to finally get to read a book with more on the back end of the relationship.
If you like a friends-to-lovers romance with some fake dating thrown in, then Faking It for the Holidays will be a great pick for you. Kaila and Sam have been besties pretty much since birth, but have made a pact never to date for fear of destroying their friendship. When they decide to fake date to get their mothers off their backs about their love lives (or lack thereof), the whirlwind begins. And what a whirlwind it is! Their story is so sweet that your teeth will ache, and your cheeks will be sore from smiling. I can't wait to read more from this author!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you like a friends-to-lovers romance with some fake dating thrown in, then Faking It for the Holidays will be a great pick for you. Kaila and Sam have been besties pretty much since birth, but have made a pact never to date for fear of destroying their friendship. When they decide to fake date to get their mothers off their backs about their love lives (or lack thereof), the whirlwind begins. And what a whirlwind it is! Their story is so sweet that your teeth will ache, and your cheeks will be sore from smiling. I can't wait to read more from this author!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2021
Don't start this book at night; if you do, remember you have been warned. You will need extra coffee in the morning, because it is un-put-down-able. It's also a good book to read after spiking your cocoa! The steam was just the perfect level that it won't leave you pining for more by any means, nor will it bore you because it spans too many pages (nor is it so overtly descriptive that you couldn't read it on an airplane). Sam is absolutely my book boyfriend, his charm oozes off the pages as does his chemistry with Kaila. Their friendship was beautifully written, even as I cursed The Pact because I wanted them to just realize already that what they were looking for was right there in front of them. It took them awhile to get there, but it was a fun and hilarious journey! I also "bought" their reason for faking the relationship over the holidays, because who doesn't want a little peace from their strings of bad dates? I particularly liked the supportive characters and their families, as well as their good friends (Steph and Lauren are spitfires and I will be sorely disappointed if they don't get their own books in the future!), and the witty banter throughout the book. It kept me laughing and rooting for the couple from start to finish. 5/5 because there is nothing more I could possibly ask of a Christmas-themed love story. (And I hate Christmas...this made me want to put up a tree!!!) Thanks to the author for the lovely read.
December 5, 2021
This was an adorable best friends to lovers fake dating story! Sam and Kaila's relationship made my heart happy and I loved seeing them having to navigate the feelings they finally admit to each other. It did bother me a little bit that a surprise pregnancy trope got thrown in as the novel took a very unrealistic turn after this occurred. I thought the first 60% was amazing, with true emotions and realistic character development. I wish that would have continued throughout the entire thing as I for sure thought this was going to be a 5 star read for me.
November 2, 2021
Oh my sweetness!! This story is beyond cute! That’s not the right word to describe it. It’s spicy in all the right places. Kaila and Sam. Sam and Kaila, best friends forever and then something more. The more is fake at first or is it? Sam has always had feelings for Kai that’s been obvious to their friends and family, but he’s always wondered about her feelings. There is drama to be found in their story along with love and fun. I finished this book so fast and really really enjoyed it. To me there is something to be said about love finding a way and friends to lovers is close to my heart. ♥️
Here is my favorite quote from the book:
“There’s a learning curve to loving someone, you just have to trust that that person is on the ride with you for every twist and turn.”
Here is my favorite quote from the book:
“There’s a learning curve to loving someone, you just have to trust that that person is on the ride with you for every twist and turn.”
November 10, 2021
Sam and Kaila wrecked me. I loved every page of this amazing story. Friends to lovers with a fake relationship and the holidays, say no more. Bethany Monaco Smith absolutely killed her debut novel! I can’t wait for more! Grab this book, a fuzzy blanket and hot cocoa and enjoy the ride! I promise you will laugh at the witty banter and swoon at the chemistry.
December 5, 2021
Shhhhhh. I have to admit a secret … best friends secretly in love with each other is not my favorite trope. I spend most of time yelling at the main characters to just be honest with each other. I mean if they know each other sooooo well, then how in the world do they not know the other has feelings for them? Blergh.
Faking It for the Holidays by the Bethany Monaco Smith is the exception. A huge exception. Best friends since they were babies, Kaila and Sam are just plain adorable together. Adorable as best friends. Adorable as a fake couple. Just plain adorable. They simply understand each other without saying a single word.
From concerned best friends to meddling moms to a lifelong pact, Kaila and Sam’s story is filled with hilarious moments, touching surprises, and honest conversations. Thanks to Smith’s even pace and effortless writing style, I didn’t want to yell once at Kaila and Sam because they were so completely honest with one another. Now if other writers follow Smith’s example in the “best friends in love with each other” trope, I just might learn to love the trope after all.
Faking It for the Holidays by the Bethany Monaco Smith is the exception. A huge exception. Best friends since they were babies, Kaila and Sam are just plain adorable together. Adorable as best friends. Adorable as a fake couple. Just plain adorable. They simply understand each other without saying a single word.
From concerned best friends to meddling moms to a lifelong pact, Kaila and Sam’s story is filled with hilarious moments, touching surprises, and honest conversations. Thanks to Smith’s even pace and effortless writing style, I didn’t want to yell once at Kaila and Sam because they were so completely honest with one another. Now if other writers follow Smith’s example in the “best friends in love with each other” trope, I just might learn to love the trope after all.
November 23, 2021
Sweet & hot romance. Kaila & Sam have been friends since they were babies and promised each other they would never be more as their friendship was too important. When their parents start messing in their love lives they decided to throw a spanner in the works and ‘fake’ date each other. There are misunderstandings galore as well as lovely and heated moments. Kaila is scared of losing her best friend and having her heart broken, Sam is scared of losing the chance to finally tell Kaila how he truly feels. You can tell they are meant for each other instantly and want them to get their happily ever after. I would have like a little more to the fake part of the story and a bit more Christmas spirit, there was some, but I would have liked more. This to me was a best friends to lovers romance and a thoroughly enjoyable one!
November 3, 2021
This book starts in the past. Sam is comforting his teenage best friend Kai after a breakup and remembering about other amazing friendships. They have a fantastic friendship, but one of them secretly hopes for more. However, they make a pact to always and only ever be friends.
Jump forward in time to Kai's point of view. Kai, who is almost thirty now, has a successful business but not successful love life. She has an interesting relationship with her best friend, Sam, living with him now but acknowledges he is hot.
Sam is a sweetheart but obviously not oblivious to his best friend's needs. This book does jump to his point of view. He seems to have an issue with blind dates, too, and relationship issues as well.
They decide to fake being in a relationship. It is for their mothers to get them to stop setting them up. This should be interesting. Somehow the faking actually unlocks the reality. Then this book gets steamy as they explore their fantasies with each other.
The family in this story is overbearing, obnoxious, meddling, and oh so wonderful. This book truly has the holiday spirit in it in all the moments with family and friends. Omg, this book wrecked me. I guess I was so overly involved with the ups and downs of the characters that I couldn't help the ugly emotional crying. This story is a whirlwind from one major milestone to the next in a short time period. Still, the characters do live happily for now. I love the playlist at the end of the book.
I would definitely call this story an intriguing holiday romance.
I really loved how the author included the dates at the top of the chapters. It really helped with the swift timeline of this book. The story is super sweet by I loved that both characters had their faults and loved each other despite them. The blending of all their families makes this story a bit rowdy, but it is so amazing. I absolutely love that they were so close with their entire family and, of course, all the people on the plantation they grew up with. I really liked how this story started out and the meddling that started the whole fake relationship. It was fun to read and definitely added charm to the story. One event to the next, talk about instant love but not really as their characters were friends before lovers and always fell back on their understanding of each other in difficult times. This was overall a fantastic read and really got across all the family and holiday feels.
November 28, 2021
First of all, this book doesn't have a ton of holiday content in it. There's a little bit, but it's definitely not the focus.
I adored the first half of this book! Fake dating and best friends to lovers? Yes please! It was everything I want in a book! About halfway through though, I started to get bored. There was a lot of repetitive conversations and arguments with each other and with their meddling moms. They were already together, but more and more kept happening to try to make their relationship/the story more and more dramatic. I would have loved this book way more if it ended about halfway through.
I adored the first half of this book! Fake dating and best friends to lovers? Yes please! It was everything I want in a book! About halfway through though, I started to get bored. There was a lot of repetitive conversations and arguments with each other and with their meddling moms. They were already together, but more and more kept happening to try to make their relationship/the story more and more dramatic. I would have loved this book way more if it ended about halfway through.
November 8, 2021
"This is more than the little spark I usually feel. It's a whole damn fire."
I loved this best friends to lovers romance. Sam is such a perfect hero. As the story goes on I feel more and more under his spell. This story will make you laugh and smile so big you won't be able to stop. This def needs to be on your TBR pile!
I loved this best friends to lovers romance. Sam is such a perfect hero. As the story goes on I feel more and more under his spell. This story will make you laugh and smile so big you won't be able to stop. This def needs to be on your TBR pile!
November 18, 2021
So I am all about the holiday reads. If you are a seasonal reader make sure you grab this for your stack of holiday reads.
Sam and Kai are best friends. They have made a pact to never date in order to not ruin their friendship. They have such an amazing friendship and cherish it, but secretly one of them wishes they were more than friends.
Fast forward to them being adults they both are not succeeding in the dating department. With the holidays approaching they both desperately want to avoid their mothers horrible setups. So they decided to fake being in a relationship. Then things start to get a bit steamy..
This story gave me so many different emotions. I am a sucker for a happily ever after. And I normally prefer an enemies to lovers trope but I’m officially a huge fan of fake dating. I’m so grateful this book kicked off my holiday reads. This has a dual POV which is my absolute favorite when reading a romance. This book will hook you and you really aren’t going to want to stop reading. Grab some coffee, a blanket and snuggle up because you won’t be moving once you pick up this book.
This is available now!
Thank you Bethany Monaco Smith for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. This was the perfect read to kick off my holiday reads.
Sam and Kai are best friends. They have made a pact to never date in order to not ruin their friendship. They have such an amazing friendship and cherish it, but secretly one of them wishes they were more than friends.
Fast forward to them being adults they both are not succeeding in the dating department. With the holidays approaching they both desperately want to avoid their mothers horrible setups. So they decided to fake being in a relationship. Then things start to get a bit steamy..
This story gave me so many different emotions. I am a sucker for a happily ever after. And I normally prefer an enemies to lovers trope but I’m officially a huge fan of fake dating. I’m so grateful this book kicked off my holiday reads. This has a dual POV which is my absolute favorite when reading a romance. This book will hook you and you really aren’t going to want to stop reading. Grab some coffee, a blanket and snuggle up because you won’t be moving once you pick up this book.
This is available now!
Thank you Bethany Monaco Smith for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. This was the perfect read to kick off my holiday reads.
November 12, 2021
I've enjoyed Bethany's unique writing style from the moment I read her short story, Reckless For You, where Sam and Kaila make an appearance. If you like small town, friends to lovers, and lots of "you-know-what-ing," then you'll love this book. Sam and Kaila are fake dating for the holidays after living under a pact for years. What could go wrong?
This book did not disappoint. I love the town Bethany has created and the people in the town. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Sam is my new favorite book boyfriend and this is a great holiday read.
I've never been to NY, but I want to desperately visit Ida. 🙃
This book did not disappoint. I love the town Bethany has created and the people in the town. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Sam is my new favorite book boyfriend and this is a great holiday read.
I've never been to NY, but I want to desperately visit Ida. 🙃
December 21, 2021
This INCREDIBLE Book!!! A Must Read
Can I give this book ten stars!!! Soooo good! Sam and Kaila are amazing!!! Best friends who don’t want to cross the line of best friend but then they do and sparks fly!!! Holy incredible book. It has everything, brilliant writing, incredible chemistry, and steamy hotness! What more could you want!
You must read this, not just because it will give you all the feels, but Bethany’s writing is phenomenal!!! Ten plus stars!!! I can’t wait to read what else she writes!!!
Can I give this book ten stars!!! Soooo good! Sam and Kaila are amazing!!! Best friends who don’t want to cross the line of best friend but then they do and sparks fly!!! Holy incredible book. It has everything, brilliant writing, incredible chemistry, and steamy hotness! What more could you want!
You must read this, not just because it will give you all the feels, but Bethany’s writing is phenomenal!!! Ten plus stars!!! I can’t wait to read what else she writes!!!
November 22, 2021
This book had so many of my favorite things:
**Fake Dating
**Friends to Lovers
**Amazing friend groups
**holiday themes
**a HEA
**Getting to see past the I Do
I loved Kaila and Sam so much. They were amazing characters and I honestly wish I could be a part of their friend group. Their love story was so sweet and I really liked getting to see their relationship develop. This is a great holiday read and definitely one to put on your list!
**Fake Dating
**Friends to Lovers
**Amazing friend groups
**holiday themes
**a HEA
**Getting to see past the I Do
I loved Kaila and Sam so much. They were amazing characters and I honestly wish I could be a part of their friend group. Their love story was so sweet and I really liked getting to see their relationship develop. This is a great holiday read and definitely one to put on your list!
December 29, 2021
Amazingly hot read!
Faking it for the holidays is an amazingly hot read perfect for the holiday season.
Long time friends Sam and Kai agree to fake date over the holidays to get their meddling mothers off their backs. Little do they realize their feelings for each other run hotter than just best friends.
Abs Sam… wow. The is the perfect book boyfriend. Sexy, caring, attentive. He’s got it all! I can’t wait to read more from Bethany Monaco Smith!
Faking it for the holidays is an amazingly hot read perfect for the holiday season.
Long time friends Sam and Kai agree to fake date over the holidays to get their meddling mothers off their backs. Little do they realize their feelings for each other run hotter than just best friends.
Abs Sam… wow. The is the perfect book boyfriend. Sexy, caring, attentive. He’s got it all! I can’t wait to read more from Bethany Monaco Smith!
October 28, 2021
I'll preface this buy saying that the friends to lovers trope is not my favourite, and in particular I find the fake relationship trope even more difficult as it tends to be something that reads as a massive contradiction the whole way through.
If 'they' are such great and wonderful friends (and the characters are adults), I expect them to be able to communicate at least to some degree, in a way that is genuine and reflects their age and relationship status.
The older I get, the harder it is to get invested in stories and characters when they are supposed to be adults but communicate like teenagers. It ends up feeling like I'm reading YA, just with explicit scenes.
But I digress.
Faking It For The Holidays was a fun quick read. It had a decent pace and didn’t keep you waiting for the steamier scenes. The relationship does progress at speed and wraps up nicely. The communication between characters did feel a bit young and convenient at times, however, in the spirit of the book, trope, and intended audience, it mostly hit the mark.
If you like sweet, fun and holiday themed romances with a HEA ending then this might be a winner for you. It's not a bad read, just not my bag or trope.
If 'they' are such great and wonderful friends (and the characters are adults), I expect them to be able to communicate at least to some degree, in a way that is genuine and reflects their age and relationship status.
The older I get, the harder it is to get invested in stories and characters when they are supposed to be adults but communicate like teenagers. It ends up feeling like I'm reading YA, just with explicit scenes.
But I digress.
Faking It For The Holidays was a fun quick read. It had a decent pace and didn’t keep you waiting for the steamier scenes. The relationship does progress at speed and wraps up nicely. The communication between characters did feel a bit young and convenient at times, however, in the spirit of the book, trope, and intended audience, it mostly hit the mark.
If you like sweet, fun and holiday themed romances with a HEA ending then this might be a winner for you. It's not a bad read, just not my bag or trope.
November 11, 2021
enjoyed!!
I really enjoyed this story. I love best friends to lovers and the fake dating aspect was fun too. But what I really loved is that their relationship wasn’t perfect…it was a downright hot mess at times but their love never wavered. It felt very real and honest which are my favorite types of romances.
I really enjoyed this story. I love best friends to lovers and the fake dating aspect was fun too. But what I really loved is that their relationship wasn’t perfect…it was a downright hot mess at times but their love never wavered. It felt very real and honest which are my favorite types of romances.
November 10, 2021
This sweet love story is fantastic! I fell in love with these characters when I read Reckless love and I could not wait for their story. This book gave me all the feels and everything you love about faking dating. Sam is by far one of the most perfect book boyfriends I have read to date. The way he treats his girl before she is even his girl….well that is just boyfriend goals. I have truly fallen for this little town and this big family. I cannot wait to see what comes next from this new author.
December 5, 2021
2.5 rounded up
Ok so massive shoutout to Bethany for providing me with an arc of this cute holiday romance
If you like the friends to lovers and fake dating tropes then this is definitely for you.
This is definitely a HEA romance, it’s fairly steamy and it’s super cute.
The first 50% of the book was right up my alley, the yearning and pining for each other was *chefs kiss* I couldn’t help but binge read. I absolutely loved the cosy small town festive vibes and really came to love the main characters (especially sam, what a precious angel)
It sort of lost me when the accidental/unplanned pregnancy trope appeared, now I’m the first to admit that this trope really, really, REALLY is not for me, I’ll be honest, usually I find children/babies/pregnancy in books completely insufferable. So the unplanned trope pops into existence and genuinely, it did effect my personal enjoyment of the book- but that is purely down to personal preference, and nothing to do with the quality of the book, writing or story itself.
Overall, I’d say if you enjoy a HEA, steamy, best friends to lovers, festive themed romance story then this will be something you will absolutely adore, the vibes are immaculate and the writing is easy to get through if you prefer to binge read. I would definitely recommend this.
Ok so massive shoutout to Bethany for providing me with an arc of this cute holiday romance
If you like the friends to lovers and fake dating tropes then this is definitely for you.
This is definitely a HEA romance, it’s fairly steamy and it’s super cute.
The first 50% of the book was right up my alley, the yearning and pining for each other was *chefs kiss* I couldn’t help but binge read. I absolutely loved the cosy small town festive vibes and really came to love the main characters (especially sam, what a precious angel)
It sort of lost me when the accidental/unplanned pregnancy trope appeared, now I’m the first to admit that this trope really, really, REALLY is not for me, I’ll be honest, usually I find children/babies/pregnancy in books completely insufferable. So the unplanned trope pops into existence and genuinely, it did effect my personal enjoyment of the book- but that is purely down to personal preference, and nothing to do with the quality of the book, writing or story itself.
Overall, I’d say if you enjoy a HEA, steamy, best friends to lovers, festive themed romance story then this will be something you will absolutely adore, the vibes are immaculate and the writing is easy to get through if you prefer to binge read. I would definitely recommend this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 8, 2021Thanks to bookfunnel and Bethany for sending me this E-ARC in exchange for honest review.
This is the perfect Christmas rom com for curling up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and a blanket. It’s super easy to binge read, you can get through it so fast - I finished it in just a few hours.
Sam and Kai are super likeable, I liked Steph and Andre as well.
I liked the build up of their relationship and the already established friendship. I loved the angst while fake dating, the stolen glances, the physical touch.
The steam was great!
However I’m not really sure why this was called Faking It For the Holidays when the fake dating ends before the book hits 40%? They literally fake date for maybe a week or so and it mainly happens in November - the holidays is when they’re actually together.
The surprise pregnancy trope is one I personally do not gel with at all so that affected my experience with the book too.
I felt like after 40% the rest of the book was a lot of word repetition - I got super frustrated at everyone saying various denominations to the word “react” and treating Kai like a fragile, hysterical woman. The phrase “I love you” was repeated so much it had no meaning by the end, so I had no emotional connection to the love story.
All in all a fun quick read if you’re a fan of friends to lovers, fake dating and family tropes, but not my cup of tea. I’ve left the star rating blank for this reason.
This is the perfect Christmas rom com for curling up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and a blanket. It’s super easy to binge read, you can get through it so fast - I finished it in just a few hours.
Sam and Kai are super likeable, I liked Steph and Andre as well.
I liked the build up of their relationship and the already established friendship. I loved the angst while fake dating, the stolen glances, the physical touch.
The steam was great!
However I’m not really sure why this was called Faking It For the Holidays when the fake dating ends before the book hits 40%? They literally fake date for maybe a week or so and it mainly happens in November - the holidays is when they’re actually together.
The surprise pregnancy trope is one I personally do not gel with at all so that affected my experience with the book too.
I felt like after 40% the rest of the book was a lot of word repetition - I got super frustrated at everyone saying various denominations to the word “react” and treating Kai like a fragile, hysterical woman. The phrase “I love you” was repeated so much it had no meaning by the end, so I had no emotional connection to the love story.
All in all a fun quick read if you’re a fan of friends to lovers, fake dating and family tropes, but not my cup of tea. I’ve left the star rating blank for this reason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2021
Where do I begin? Ah, I loved Bethany's writing. It pulled me in and kept me reading. Her writing style was so easy to read. And Sam and Kaila were so cute together. In fact, they were perfect! I loved everything about them and truly rooted for them to be together.
This is a true friends to lovers romance. All the characters in the book know that Sam and Kaila are meant to be together. Well, everyone but Kaila. (Sam has always known, but ya know!) It isn't until Kaila decides they should fake date for the holidays that she realizes maybe there's more to them than simply friends. Her fear of losing Sam gets in the way several times and creates some animosity between the two, but they find their way to a happy ending.
If you love a sweet Christmas romance with steam, this book is for you! I promise you will not be disappointed.
This is a true friends to lovers romance. All the characters in the book know that Sam and Kaila are meant to be together. Well, everyone but Kaila. (Sam has always known, but ya know!) It isn't until Kaila decides they should fake date for the holidays that she realizes maybe there's more to them than simply friends. Her fear of losing Sam gets in the way several times and creates some animosity between the two, but they find their way to a happy ending.
If you love a sweet Christmas romance with steam, this book is for you! I promise you will not be disappointed.
November 23, 2021
Well well well... this was everything i expected and everything i didnt.
So many emotions going through this story from the characters and myself.
Sam & Kaila have the most beautiful friendship.. but one half of the duo has a secret... when all is out in the open will sam and kaila have a chance with the people they choose to give their hearts?
Is the pact really there for the reasons you think??
The author did an amazing job of including other characters to the story but on a more minimal basis as it truly allowed the story to grow with the main characters rather than investing too much time on a fluffy side story.
Love love love this story.
Will there be a happy ending at the end of the story? Will having good bones be enough.?
You definitely need to read to find out.
So many emotions going through this story from the characters and myself.
Sam & Kaila have the most beautiful friendship.. but one half of the duo has a secret... when all is out in the open will sam and kaila have a chance with the people they choose to give their hearts?
Is the pact really there for the reasons you think??
The author did an amazing job of including other characters to the story but on a more minimal basis as it truly allowed the story to grow with the main characters rather than investing too much time on a fluffy side story.
Love love love this story.
Will there be a happy ending at the end of the story? Will having good bones be enough.?
You definitely need to read to find out.
December 17, 2021
♥️♥️
This is one of those feel good holiday romances that makes you continuously smile. I fell in love with Sam the moment I met him and needed him to find his HEA.
While it’s not all smooth sailing, Sam and Kai show us how wonderful love can be if you take a leap of faith. Plus, with the supportive of their big family unit they can conquer anything.
If you want a small town romance with heart, humor, and lots of holiday fun, be sure to check out this great read.
I can’t wait to read other books in this series.
This is one of those feel good holiday romances that makes you continuously smile. I fell in love with Sam the moment I met him and needed him to find his HEA.
While it’s not all smooth sailing, Sam and Kai show us how wonderful love can be if you take a leap of faith. Plus, with the supportive of their big family unit they can conquer anything.
If you want a small town romance with heart, humor, and lots of holiday fun, be sure to check out this great read.
I can’t wait to read other books in this series.
November 22, 2022
After reading book one in the Ida Romance series, I was hoping something would happen between Sam and Kaila. And holy crap, this book did not disappoint!!! Sam and Kaila’s love story was one crazy, wild, and emotional ride, but I loved every second of it. Sam was so swoony, and I loved how sweet he was and how protective he was of Kaila. And Kaila was such a fun character to read about because I could relate to her impulsivity. I also loved her kind and caring nature. And their chemistry… it could light a room on fire! I definitely recommend!!!
October 13, 2024
‼️MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS‼️
Best Friends to Lovers ✅
Fake Dating ✅
Swoon worthy ✅
Sam and Kaila have been friends all their lives. They made a pact at 15 that they would never act on any feelings towards one another. After a series of bad dates they agreed to fake date each other to get their mothers off their backs. What happens though when lines blur and feelings change? Guess you’ll have to read their story to see it unfold fully.
Sam and Kaila have a beautiful, whirlwind, and intense love story that I highly recommend. You may not be able to put it down once you pick it up.
Best Friends to Lovers ✅
Fake Dating ✅
Swoon worthy ✅
Sam and Kaila have been friends all their lives. They made a pact at 15 that they would never act on any feelings towards one another. After a series of bad dates they agreed to fake date each other to get their mothers off their backs. What happens though when lines blur and feelings change? Guess you’ll have to read their story to see it unfold fully.
Sam and Kaila have a beautiful, whirlwind, and intense love story that I highly recommend. You may not be able to put it down once you pick it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2022
sometimes faking it can be fun
Loved the dynamic of this story. Both characters having their own motives behind their actions. Realistic behavior from Kai was what I loved most. She was reactive and over reacted at times which made her relatable and not the “perfect” person like you see in other books was nice to see a story written when the characters seem to be real.
And of course that epilogue. ;) awesome book
Loved the dynamic of this story. Both characters having their own motives behind their actions. Realistic behavior from Kai was what I loved most. She was reactive and over reacted at times which made her relatable and not the “perfect” person like you see in other books was nice to see a story written when the characters seem to be real.
And of course that epilogue. ;) awesome book
February 12, 2022
Sweet and steamy read!
I love fake relationships and this didn't disappoint. Sam and Kaila best friends deciding to have a fake relationship to please their families had me interested from the start! Their were quite a few swoony and steamy scenes 🔥
I love fake relationships and this didn't disappoint. Sam and Kaila best friends deciding to have a fake relationship to please their families had me interested from the start! Their were quite a few swoony and steamy scenes 🔥
November 22, 2022
Wow this book was incredible!! I loved their story. I understand why they made a pact and I’m so glad they decided to break it! I think if they broke it sooner, then their relationship wouldn’t have been as strong as it was! I cannot wait for book three!! Thank you for letting me arc this!
March 11, 2025
I loved Kaila and Sam, especially Sam! Honestly, this book could’ve ended at the half way point and still been great. The second half was a little long for me, but buttons up the happy ending that most people are dying for.
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