What do you think?
Rate this book
One Effed Up Holiday #1
One Forked Up Thanksgiving
For fans of all seasons, Claire Raye brings you a brand new four book series set around your favorite holidays featuring laughs, love and of course a little bit of steam. Each book can be read as a standalone and happily ever afters are guaranteed!
Chloe Adams is sick of men and sick of dating, having been through one bad relationship too many. All she wants is to go home for Thanksgiving, forget about her last failed relationship and enjoy the holiday with her family.
Seth Mitchell has crushed on his best friend Chloe for as long as he can remember. Not wanting to risk their friendship, he keeps his feelings to himself, even as he watches Chloe go from one wrong guy to the next.
But when Mrs. Adams starts in early with her questions about when Chloe’s going to find herself a nice man and settle down like her brothers, a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday seems like a long shot.
In an bid to put an end to her mother’s incessant questioning, Chloe decides to ask Seth to come home for the holidays with her…and pretend to be her boyfriend.
Will Seth be able to keep his feelings to himself and fake this Adams’ family holiday or will it be one forked up mess?
Chloe Adams is sick of men and sick of dating, having been through one bad relationship too many. All she wants is to go home for Thanksgiving, forget about her last failed relationship and enjoy the holiday with her family.
Seth Mitchell has crushed on his best friend Chloe for as long as he can remember. Not wanting to risk their friendship, he keeps his feelings to himself, even as he watches Chloe go from one wrong guy to the next.
But when Mrs. Adams starts in early with her questions about when Chloe’s going to find herself a nice man and settle down like her brothers, a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday seems like a long shot.
In an bid to put an end to her mother’s incessant questioning, Chloe decides to ask Seth to come home for the holidays with her…and pretend to be her boyfriend.
Will Seth be able to keep his feelings to himself and fake this Adams’ family holiday or will it be one forked up mess?
ebook
Published November 16, 2022
161 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Claire Raye
48 books574 followersSign up to our newsletter for two FREE books & all the gossip: http://bit.ly/2vbRBmA
Claire Raye are a BFF writing duo that love to drink wine, eat cheese and write about strong, sassy women and the men who love them.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!
https://www.claireraye.com
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/claire_raye...
JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/82705...
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/clairerayeau...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@clairerayeauthor
VISIT OUR AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://www.amazon.com/author/claireraye
Claire Raye are a BFF writing duo that love to drink wine, eat cheese and write about strong, sassy women and the men who love them.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!
https://www.claireraye.com
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM!
https://www.instagram.com/claire_raye...
JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/82705...
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
https://www.facebook.com/clairerayeau...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK:
https://www.tiktok.com/@clairerayeauthor
VISIT OUR AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://www.amazon.com/author/claireraye
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 23, 2022
“He’s really taking this thing to the next level. I’m starting to think he should be nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor in a fake boyfriend movie.”
Chloe begs her best friend Seth to come home with her for Thanksgiving weekend and pretend to be her boyfriend because she’s tired of being the only single one in her family and her mom is a total criticizing bitch.
This was ok but really should have been a novella. It was so redundant and repetitive with the same things being said by the two main characters over and over again:
1. Oh no, I’m in love with my best friend but don’t want to risk our friendship by saying anything.
2. Oh no, faking this relationship is torture because I want it to be real so bad.
3. Oh no, they keep mentioning Christmas or next Thanksgiving, but our fake relationship will be over by then and everyone will be so disappointed.
4. Oh no, how do I confess my feelings without ruining everything?
And on and on and on, over and over again. I literally started skimming pages to get to a climax or a reveal or something, ANYTHING.
And the steamy scenes lacked any real foreplay so felt totally inauthentic. And they used a condom for their first encounter, but no condoms were mentioned in any subsequent scene? Ok.
I don’t know. The more I think about this, the more disappointed I am. Chloe’s family started out cute but became annoying after awhile and there was never any resolution with her unnecessarily critical mother.
But they found a kitten in a Christmas tree.
Meh. Two stars.
Chloe begs her best friend Seth to come home with her for Thanksgiving weekend and pretend to be her boyfriend because she’s tired of being the only single one in her family and her mom is a total criticizing bitch.
This was ok but really should have been a novella. It was so redundant and repetitive with the same things being said by the two main characters over and over again:
1. Oh no, I’m in love with my best friend but don’t want to risk our friendship by saying anything.
2. Oh no, faking this relationship is torture because I want it to be real so bad.
3. Oh no, they keep mentioning Christmas or next Thanksgiving, but our fake relationship will be over by then and everyone will be so disappointed.
4. Oh no, how do I confess my feelings without ruining everything?
And on and on and on, over and over again. I literally started skimming pages to get to a climax or a reveal or something, ANYTHING.
And the steamy scenes lacked any real foreplay so felt totally inauthentic. And they used a condom for their first encounter, but no condoms were mentioned in any subsequent scene? Ok.
I don’t know. The more I think about this, the more disappointed I am. Chloe’s family started out cute but became annoying after awhile and there was never any resolution with her unnecessarily critical mother.
But they found a kitten in a Christmas tree.
Meh. Two stars.
![Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572307419i%2F47676940._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 26, 2022
How does one snag an invite to the Adams Family Thanksgiving weekend?! It sounds like such a fun weekend.
Chloe and Seth have been friends for five years and they are also neighbors. They are also secretly crushing on each other. I absolutely love the two of them. Their friendship is so much fun and the chemistry between them is definitely simmering below the surface. Their feelings for each other remain hidden and there were a few times I just wanted them to confess how they feel sooner versus later, but I was living for the tension it created.
This story is just a fun, hilarious holiday read! Even though it may be about Thanksgiving you can enjoy this anytime of the year.
If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, fake dating, holiday rom com this is one to check out!
Chloe and Seth have been friends for five years and they are also neighbors. They are also secretly crushing on each other. I absolutely love the two of them. Their friendship is so much fun and the chemistry between them is definitely simmering below the surface. Their feelings for each other remain hidden and there were a few times I just wanted them to confess how they feel sooner versus later, but I was living for the tension it created.
This story is just a fun, hilarious holiday read! Even though it may be about Thanksgiving you can enjoy this anytime of the year.
If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, fake dating, holiday rom com this is one to check out!
November 16, 2022
Chloe and Seth are the sweetest and their story is also so romantic and heartwarming. I couldn't get over it. These two are perfect together. This is a true rom-com that's not cliche at all. Absolutely amazing! I highly recommend it.
November 6, 2022
I loved this book so much! It is the perfect way to start off this new holiday themed series from Claire Raye. I have never read a Thanksgiving story before, and this was everything I could have wanted, didn’t know I needed and so much more!
I started laughing right away and felt like I didn’t stop. This is one of those book you can’t help but get sucked into and had you feeling good the whole time. I didn’t want it to end!
Chloe and Seth have been best friends for years, but this Thanksgiving Chloe has asked him to come home and pretend to be her boyfriend, saving her from the dreaded why are you still single questions from her mother.
I loved Chloe and Seth so much, they have a fantastic relationship, strong connection and easy chemistry. The familiarity and comfort they share makes their friendship the absolute best.
I enjoyed seeing the little bits of their past as they told stories to Chloe’s family. Seth had me swooning lots, he is exactly what Chloe needs, supportive and sweet but also jokes around with her. Chloe keeps him on his toes, and he is all for it! Their playful and flirty banter is nothing short of perfect.
It is a wonder why the are only pretending to be together.
The rest of the Adam’s family crew is the best addition to this story. I enjoyed seeing Chloe’s family life and her feelings about everything, but also the jokes, banter and love this family share is epic! The antics and traditions they have to celebrate Thanksgiving can’t be beat.
This book was exactly what I needed to read right now. It was wonderfully written and had all the feels-my heart melted a few times with Seth and Chloe.
I can’t wait to see what these authors have in store for One Elfed Up Christmas.
Highly recommend this one, if you are looking for a hilarious holiday story, friends to lovers, fake relationship with a crazy family who love their traditions! Grab this one, you will not be disappointed!
5 ⭐️
**ARC generously provided by author, this review and its opinions are my own**
I started laughing right away and felt like I didn’t stop. This is one of those book you can’t help but get sucked into and had you feeling good the whole time. I didn’t want it to end!
Chloe and Seth have been best friends for years, but this Thanksgiving Chloe has asked him to come home and pretend to be her boyfriend, saving her from the dreaded why are you still single questions from her mother.
I loved Chloe and Seth so much, they have a fantastic relationship, strong connection and easy chemistry. The familiarity and comfort they share makes their friendship the absolute best.
I enjoyed seeing the little bits of their past as they told stories to Chloe’s family. Seth had me swooning lots, he is exactly what Chloe needs, supportive and sweet but also jokes around with her. Chloe keeps him on his toes, and he is all for it! Their playful and flirty banter is nothing short of perfect.
It is a wonder why the are only pretending to be together.
The rest of the Adam’s family crew is the best addition to this story. I enjoyed seeing Chloe’s family life and her feelings about everything, but also the jokes, banter and love this family share is epic! The antics and traditions they have to celebrate Thanksgiving can’t be beat.
This book was exactly what I needed to read right now. It was wonderfully written and had all the feels-my heart melted a few times with Seth and Chloe.
I can’t wait to see what these authors have in store for One Elfed Up Christmas.
Highly recommend this one, if you are looking for a hilarious holiday story, friends to lovers, fake relationship with a crazy family who love their traditions! Grab this one, you will not be disappointed!
5 ⭐️
**ARC generously provided by author, this review and its opinions are my own**
November 16, 2022
“I want to mark her, remind her of this moment and what we’re about to do. Leave a mark that lets her know she’s mine now, that she always has been.”
🍁
One Forked Up Thanksgiving by Claire Raye. One Effed Up Holiday Book 1.
🍁
Claire and Raye gave me life when they announced both One Effed Up Holiday books. This story has the fake relationship trope, which I’m currently having mixed feelings about (overall), but if there’s a duo of authors who’d made me now read this trope, it would be Claire Raye.
I absolutely adored Seth and Chloe friendship, they truly know each other likes and dislikes, even though they have been clueless about their real feelings for each other. When Chloe needs a fake boyfriend so her family leaves her back, especially her mom, during her thanksgiving trip home, Seth doesn’t hesitate, at all, he’s all in and he’s going to enjoy the closeness with Chloe to the fullest.
What I also loved about this book was Chole’s family, the Adams are a troop! I’m so obsessed with all of them, even her crazy mom, but her brothers and their partners took the trophy! I laughed so hard with all their teasing, banter, thanksgiving events and craziness! I swear that I’d read all the books in the world about them.
Back to the main couple, I loved them, their connection and slowly giving their hearts to each other. Even though at some point they frustrated me, I was like: can you please confess your feelings already? I wouldn’t change their journey, it was super fun and steamy! Now I can’t wait to read the next holiday in the series, Christmas stories are my weakness!
🍁
One Forked Up Thanksgiving by Claire Raye. One Effed Up Holiday Book 1.
🍁
Claire and Raye gave me life when they announced both One Effed Up Holiday books. This story has the fake relationship trope, which I’m currently having mixed feelings about (overall), but if there’s a duo of authors who’d made me now read this trope, it would be Claire Raye.
I absolutely adored Seth and Chloe friendship, they truly know each other likes and dislikes, even though they have been clueless about their real feelings for each other. When Chloe needs a fake boyfriend so her family leaves her back, especially her mom, during her thanksgiving trip home, Seth doesn’t hesitate, at all, he’s all in and he’s going to enjoy the closeness with Chloe to the fullest.
What I also loved about this book was Chole’s family, the Adams are a troop! I’m so obsessed with all of them, even her crazy mom, but her brothers and their partners took the trophy! I laughed so hard with all their teasing, banter, thanksgiving events and craziness! I swear that I’d read all the books in the world about them.
Back to the main couple, I loved them, their connection and slowly giving their hearts to each other. Even though at some point they frustrated me, I was like: can you please confess your feelings already? I wouldn’t change their journey, it was super fun and steamy! Now I can’t wait to read the next holiday in the series, Christmas stories are my weakness!
November 16, 2022
4.25 Stars! 🧡🦃
Having read this duo's work many times before i always look so forward to their books! As soon as i found out they were releasing holiday books i was like "YES, please!" I couldn't wait to get into this story. I jumped right into the One Effed Up Holiday world! I really enjoyed it!
Chloe and Seth's journey pulled me in right from the get go! These two have been best friends for years. When Chloe's mom pressures her about a boyfriend, she asks Seth to come home with her for Thanksgiving. Can they handle the real between them? I couldn't wait to see how it'd all play out!
I was so happy that we got to dive into both Chloe and Seth's minds. I adored their friendship. I wasn't sure how they'd handle the fake dating, being around Chloe's family, and their feelings which was fun to read. The chemistry between these two was so fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed Chloe and Seth and fell for both of them.
Don't miss this holiday read this year!
With One Forked Up Thanksgiving, The Claire Raye duo have created such a great and entertaining read that kept me glued to my kindle! Definitely check this duo's work out if you haven't already! I can't wait to dive back into this series with the next installment, One Elfed Up Christmas! 🧡🦃
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the authors*
Having read this duo's work many times before i always look so forward to their books! As soon as i found out they were releasing holiday books i was like "YES, please!" I couldn't wait to get into this story. I jumped right into the One Effed Up Holiday world! I really enjoyed it!
Chloe and Seth's journey pulled me in right from the get go! These two have been best friends for years. When Chloe's mom pressures her about a boyfriend, she asks Seth to come home with her for Thanksgiving. Can they handle the real between them? I couldn't wait to see how it'd all play out!
I was so happy that we got to dive into both Chloe and Seth's minds. I adored their friendship. I wasn't sure how they'd handle the fake dating, being around Chloe's family, and their feelings which was fun to read. The chemistry between these two was so fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed Chloe and Seth and fell for both of them.
Don't miss this holiday read this year!
With One Forked Up Thanksgiving, The Claire Raye duo have created such a great and entertaining read that kept me glued to my kindle! Definitely check this duo's work out if you haven't already! I can't wait to dive back into this series with the next installment, One Elfed Up Christmas! 🧡🦃
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the authors*
November 10, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the first book in the One Effed Up Holiday series. Our first holiday to visit is Thanksgiving and this rom-com will have you ROFLAO.
Chloe is the youngest sibling in the Adam’s family and also the only girl. Her brothers are a lot and give her hell. She might be a daddy’s girl but her and her mom have never seen eye to eye. This Thanksgiving she doesn’t want all eyes on her as the only sibling without a partner along with all the questions about why and when she is going to settle down. So she begs her best friend Seth to pretend to be her boyfriend over the Thanksgiving holidays.
Seth has had a crush on Chloe since the first time he met her, when she set the chem lab on fire. When she asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend it’s a no brainer. He can finally touch and kiss on her as much as he has always wanted. Sign him up. He just hopes when they get back home he can finally get the nerve to tell her how he really feels.
This book gave me The Family Stone vibes. It was so funny. The banter and joking between these siblings was amazing! I can’t say enough good things about this book. Definitely a must read. 5+⭐️
Chloe is the youngest sibling in the Adam’s family and also the only girl. Her brothers are a lot and give her hell. She might be a daddy’s girl but her and her mom have never seen eye to eye. This Thanksgiving she doesn’t want all eyes on her as the only sibling without a partner along with all the questions about why and when she is going to settle down. So she begs her best friend Seth to pretend to be her boyfriend over the Thanksgiving holidays.
Seth has had a crush on Chloe since the first time he met her, when she set the chem lab on fire. When she asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend it’s a no brainer. He can finally touch and kiss on her as much as he has always wanted. Sign him up. He just hopes when they get back home he can finally get the nerve to tell her how he really feels.
This book gave me The Family Stone vibes. It was so funny. The banter and joking between these siblings was amazing! I can’t say enough good things about this book. Definitely a must read. 5+⭐️
November 18, 2024
I want to know how to get invited to the Addams family Thanksgiving. 🤣 Honestly, if my parents would allow the language and shenanigans I feel like this would be my 3 brothers and I over a holiday weekend.
Chloe knows her family is going to give her a hard time about being single during the holidays this year. All three of her brothers are cozily coupled up and as the baby, and only girl, she'll be picked on all weekend long. However, her best friend is a guy she's known for five years and moms love him. Seth has been in love with Chloe since they met, but he's never told her. He's just been the best friend living across the hall all this time.
Of course, her family thinks he's perfect and is ready to adopt Seth right away. He fit right in with her brothers, impressed her mom, and held his own during Black Wednesday drinking. It's too bad it's all fake....... I really loved this Thanksgiving romcom and already bought One Elfed Up Christmas to read next month! If it was nearly as fun to read as One Forked Up Thanksgiving then I'm going to love it too.
Chloe knows her family is going to give her a hard time about being single during the holidays this year. All three of her brothers are cozily coupled up and as the baby, and only girl, she'll be picked on all weekend long. However, her best friend is a guy she's known for five years and moms love him. Seth has been in love with Chloe since they met, but he's never told her. He's just been the best friend living across the hall all this time.
Of course, her family thinks he's perfect and is ready to adopt Seth right away. He fit right in with her brothers, impressed her mom, and held his own during Black Wednesday drinking. It's too bad it's all fake....... I really loved this Thanksgiving romcom and already bought One Elfed Up Christmas to read next month! If it was nearly as fun to read as One Forked Up Thanksgiving then I'm going to love it too.
November 7, 2022
One Forked Up Thanksgiving is a true holiday standalone in the One Effed Up Holiday Series. Brace yourself to lol, maybe roll on the floor too, and spray wine out your mouth at moments! Because I did all three…you’ve been warned.
Seth and Chloe are exactly what I need in friends-to-lovers romance they’re…
•angsty
•supportive
•tender longing
•ONE BED
•fake dating
•unrequited, not unrequited feelings
Anyways the list goes on. But Chloe and Seth are quite a dynamic duo. Their hilarious banter comes easy. Of course this will all come in hand when they’re up against Chloe’s family, the Adams. The Adams are an intense bunch but hilarious, and there are so many personalities! You will not be bored with this read.
Lastly, I’m pretty positive Claire Raye has set a new standard on taking tequila shots. Just read to find out. 🫠
[ARC generously provided by authors for a review. Review is my honest opinion.]
Seth and Chloe are exactly what I need in friends-to-lovers romance they’re…
•angsty
•supportive
•tender longing
•ONE BED
•fake dating
•unrequited, not unrequited feelings
Anyways the list goes on. But Chloe and Seth are quite a dynamic duo. Their hilarious banter comes easy. Of course this will all come in hand when they’re up against Chloe’s family, the Adams. The Adams are an intense bunch but hilarious, and there are so many personalities! You will not be bored with this read.
Lastly, I’m pretty positive Claire Raye has set a new standard on taking tequila shots. Just read to find out. 🫠
[ARC generously provided by authors for a review. Review is my honest opinion.]
November 13, 2024
How this book has an average of 4 stars is beyond me. I love cutesy predictable easy reads as much as the next person, but this one was too much. So much of it was repetitive that the book would have only been about 75 pages if they didn't remind you constantly about how much of a screw up the main character was.
On top of that the plausibity that the guy and girl have been best friends for 5 years and he's never been mentioned before to even her brothers whom she's so close with?
And the family was not cute. There's a lot of trauma bonding happening that she needs to talk to a therapist about before getting into a relationship...
On top of that the plausibity that the guy and girl have been best friends for 5 years and he's never been mentioned before to even her brothers whom she's so close with?
And the family was not cute. There's a lot of trauma bonding happening that she needs to talk to a therapist about before getting into a relationship...
November 16, 2022
Everyone knows I hate seasonal reads but I couldn’t go past this one and the entire seasonal collection (it’s comming!) from one of my favourite duets @claireraye
Chloe and Seth do the whole fake dating scene to calm their families farms for thanksgiving and it’s so much fun!! Thanks so much for my review copy
Chloe and Seth do the whole fake dating scene to calm their families farms for thanksgiving and it’s so much fun!! Thanks so much for my review copy
November 27, 2024
4 stars because the brothers act like they’re 12 years old and treat Chloe like a baby and it was annoying. Also, the mom is annoying. But cute friends to lovers story overall.
November 23, 2022
Thank you so much to the authors for an ARC to review.
This book was so much fun! I want to be adopted into the Adams Family. LOL!!
Chloe and Seth are best friends who have no idea they secretly pine for one another. Chloe is just trying to get her mom off her back about bringing a date to the family Thanksgiving and she blurts out that Seth is her boyfriend. She talks Seth into going as her fake boyfriend so that she doesn't have to be the black sheep of the family for another year.
I loved this book so much. You get duel POVs so you know what each character is thinking of the other and it left my heart going pitter patter the whole way through.
Chloe's family is also just the most fun! The banter and shenanigans that they all get into are just great.
I will definitely put this on my Thanksgiving re-reads list year after year.
This book was so much fun! I want to be adopted into the Adams Family. LOL!!
Chloe and Seth are best friends who have no idea they secretly pine for one another. Chloe is just trying to get her mom off her back about bringing a date to the family Thanksgiving and she blurts out that Seth is her boyfriend. She talks Seth into going as her fake boyfriend so that she doesn't have to be the black sheep of the family for another year.
I loved this book so much. You get duel POVs so you know what each character is thinking of the other and it left my heart going pitter patter the whole way through.
Chloe's family is also just the most fun! The banter and shenanigans that they all get into are just great.
I will definitely put this on my Thanksgiving re-reads list year after year.
November 18, 2023
Cute book, enjoyed the crazy family antics, but it could have been a lot better if all the repetitive "No way my best friend would want to date for real, too bad this is fake." Being reminded about it on every page is just too much.
November 17, 2023
Fun story but could have been WAY better if it hadn't been so repetitive throughout. Both main characters kept wailing over and over about harming their friendship if they took things to the next level...ay-yi. I couldn't give it more than 3 stars.
November 25, 2022
Ok this is I think the first ever Thanksgiving book I have ever read. And omg it was absolutely the best!! Claire outdid herself with this book!! Not only was it sweet and romantic but it was absolutely hilarious!!! Like I was laughing so hard at some parts tears were rolling down my face. And I know some my not find it has funny as me but lord I got so tickled at some of the hijinks this family got up too.. But also the way that Seth and Chloe actually loved each other was just perfect. I highly recommend this book. It will be the perfect holiday read for you!!!
November 11, 2023
Personally, I would have enjoyed the story more without all the four letter words.
June 19, 2023
Chloe is stressing about going home for Thanksgiving and her siblings and mother poking fun at her and giving her crap for being single and alone once again. So this year she tells her mom she’s bringing her boyfriend. Who is he you may ask? Well, Seth.. if he agrees to join her and play along. Seth is her best friend, so of course he agrees to come along and pretend to be her fake boyfriend. Did I mention he was secretly in love with her? This should be no problem right? Four days with the crazy Adams family for Thanksgiving, pretend to be a couple and then come home and everything will go back to how it was.. or will it? What happens when things start to feel too real? Will their friendship be ruined? Could it mean more? This story had me laughing out loud the Adams family and all their banter with one another was so great, including their Thanksgiving traditions as well. All of the feels. I’ve never read a Thanksgiving story before, but this one’s definitely my favorite!
November 26, 2025
The Adams Family is an unusual lot. They are a family of lawyers except for one holdout. The family is composed of both her parents Chloe’s father, George, who is all laid back, and her mother, Joyce, who has an anal-retentive personality about everything. There are her three brothers Brad, Mike, and Simon all older than Chloe, and they are all lawyers too like their parents. However, when you read this story you would never know it. You see Thanksgiving is their mother’s favorite holiday, so she expects all her children to be, and with her boys all in their thirties she expects them to be either married or engaged.
Check. And with Chloe pushing almost thirty she is expecting her to have a steady man and for him to be her plus one. Now here’s where things get interesting. She accidentally tells her mother she has a plus one, but then she starts doing her machine gun questions investigation. She felt cornered, so she gave her, her best friend’s name, Seth. There is just one huge problem with her plan. She hadn’t told Seth yet, he had just walked into her apartment to watch the Carolina Panthers game. Now it was all about pleading her case.
“Chloe, it’s your mother,” she says, like she always does, and Chloe responds the same way she always does. “Mom, you know you don’t have to tell me it’s you when I answer, right?” “I don’t understand why it bothers you,” she bites back, letting out a long, hard sigh. “Well, first of all, I’ve known you my entire life and can recognize your voice anywhere, and when I say anywhere, anywhere, I mean anywhere. Like that time you tried to leave me in Nordstrom, but you were arguing too loudly with the sales associate, and I found you.
And second, your name comes up on the screen of my phone.” Again with the hard sigh. “I didn’t try to leave you in Nordstrom. You just wouldn’t listen, so I walked away.” She always defends herself by reminding herself that she was and still is her most difficult child. “I am glad to know I’m at least saved in your phone.” “I mean you are saved as ‘Mommie Dearest’, and your ringtone is the theme from Jaws,” I say, knowing this will really set her off. “Chloe, why do you have to be this way?” her mother asked, but it’s a question that is tossed out into the wind, rhetorical and unanswerable, or at least not with the answer she wanted.
Throughout the whole book, Joyce can’t seem to help herself, and no one in her family seems to care or notice, how cruel her words are to Chloe. Maybe no one steps in because they don't want to be the next one to suffer her wrath. Overall, most of the activities they do surround drinking, their poor liver. The spouses and girlfriend had better heads on their shoulders. Seth really did fit in with her and her family. The thing is when their friendship was tested how could they possibly survive? Such a funny book of siblings who know how to push buttons yet in the next second would defend them to their death.
Check. And with Chloe pushing almost thirty she is expecting her to have a steady man and for him to be her plus one. Now here’s where things get interesting. She accidentally tells her mother she has a plus one, but then she starts doing her machine gun questions investigation. She felt cornered, so she gave her, her best friend’s name, Seth. There is just one huge problem with her plan. She hadn’t told Seth yet, he had just walked into her apartment to watch the Carolina Panthers game. Now it was all about pleading her case.
“Chloe, it’s your mother,” she says, like she always does, and Chloe responds the same way she always does. “Mom, you know you don’t have to tell me it’s you when I answer, right?” “I don’t understand why it bothers you,” she bites back, letting out a long, hard sigh. “Well, first of all, I’ve known you my entire life and can recognize your voice anywhere, and when I say anywhere, anywhere, I mean anywhere. Like that time you tried to leave me in Nordstrom, but you were arguing too loudly with the sales associate, and I found you.
And second, your name comes up on the screen of my phone.” Again with the hard sigh. “I didn’t try to leave you in Nordstrom. You just wouldn’t listen, so I walked away.” She always defends herself by reminding herself that she was and still is her most difficult child. “I am glad to know I’m at least saved in your phone.” “I mean you are saved as ‘Mommie Dearest’, and your ringtone is the theme from Jaws,” I say, knowing this will really set her off. “Chloe, why do you have to be this way?” her mother asked, but it’s a question that is tossed out into the wind, rhetorical and unanswerable, or at least not with the answer she wanted.
Throughout the whole book, Joyce can’t seem to help herself, and no one in her family seems to care or notice, how cruel her words are to Chloe. Maybe no one steps in because they don't want to be the next one to suffer her wrath. Overall, most of the activities they do surround drinking, their poor liver. The spouses and girlfriend had better heads on their shoulders. Seth really did fit in with her and her family. The thing is when their friendship was tested how could they possibly survive? Such a funny book of siblings who know how to push buttons yet in the next second would defend them to their death.
November 22, 2025
2025 Reading Challenge : A book set during Thanksgiving
I had high hopes for this book, and it started out okay. Cute premise of fake dating during the holidays to satisfy Chloe's family. But then it turned into endless, repetive chapters of Chloe's family just shtting all over her for no reason. She can't go golfing cause as an 8 year old child she crashed the golf cart, her brother always dumps cold water on her in the shower, everyone mocks the guys she brought home in the past. No wonder she hasn't had a serious relationship (at 22/23 no less, still in college), no one is good enough in her families eyes, even though they have an extremely low opinion of Chloe. It was like watching the part of Home Alone where everyone is mean to Kevin, but like that part was the whole movie. I couldn't figure out why the author wanted to really hammer this point home rather than focus on the budding relationship or why Chloe would even bother going home to be treated like that. Who needs enemies with family like that?
To add to the repetition, I get that Chloe and Seth are secretly lusting after each other, but there really is no build up of their relationship other than telling the same story over and over and over of how she set the lab on fire the first day they had class together. Once ariving at Chloe's home, Seth is immediately overly affectionate, and Chloe just rolls with it. There was no drama of her wondering why he's acting it up or questioning the moments he's still kissing her with no one around. And yet she is the one who blows the cover.
A better book of fake dating over holidays is Good Elf Gone Wrong.
I had high hopes for this book, and it started out okay. Cute premise of fake dating during the holidays to satisfy Chloe's family. But then it turned into endless, repetive chapters of Chloe's family just shtting all over her for no reason. She can't go golfing cause as an 8 year old child she crashed the golf cart, her brother always dumps cold water on her in the shower, everyone mocks the guys she brought home in the past. No wonder she hasn't had a serious relationship (at 22/23 no less, still in college), no one is good enough in her families eyes, even though they have an extremely low opinion of Chloe. It was like watching the part of Home Alone where everyone is mean to Kevin, but like that part was the whole movie. I couldn't figure out why the author wanted to really hammer this point home rather than focus on the budding relationship or why Chloe would even bother going home to be treated like that. Who needs enemies with family like that?
To add to the repetition, I get that Chloe and Seth are secretly lusting after each other, but there really is no build up of their relationship other than telling the same story over and over and over of how she set the lab on fire the first day they had class together. Once ariving at Chloe's home, Seth is immediately overly affectionate, and Chloe just rolls with it. There was no drama of her wondering why he's acting it up or questioning the moments he's still kissing her with no one around. And yet she is the one who blows the cover.
A better book of fake dating over holidays is Good Elf Gone Wrong.
November 28, 2025
This story is both surprising and frustrating. I was surprised at the relationships between one of the lead characters, Chloe, and her family. She is the youngest sibling and only girl. When they get together for Thanksgiving at their parent's house, they all pick on her...mercilessly. Even her mother gives her a hard time. Yet Chloe is resilient and gives as well as she gets.
The other main character is Seth, Chloe's neighbor and best friend for the past 5 years. Their apartments are right across the hall from each other and they see each other frequently. The problem is that they are very fond of each other but have never expressed their feelings to each other, which leads Chloe to ask Seth to be her fake boyfriend and go with her to her parent's for Thanksgiving. Of course he agrees to do that, thinking this might lead somewhere.
But their get-together for Thanksgiving is so full of family traditions, including a lot of alcohol and drunkenness, that getting to really know each other takes a back seat to everything else that goes on. And the frustrating thing about the story is how often Chloe keeps reminding herself that this is all "fake", that nothing happening between her and Seth is for real. Seth is more willing to admit that he actually loves Chloe, but Chloe is difficult.
Eventually the story gets to the point where Chloe announces in a fit of frustration that the boyfriend thing is all fake, and where things go from there is complicated. But actually that begins the most rewarding part of the story, and I shouldn't say any more. Just enjoy reading the book!
The other main character is Seth, Chloe's neighbor and best friend for the past 5 years. Their apartments are right across the hall from each other and they see each other frequently. The problem is that they are very fond of each other but have never expressed their feelings to each other, which leads Chloe to ask Seth to be her fake boyfriend and go with her to her parent's for Thanksgiving. Of course he agrees to do that, thinking this might lead somewhere.
But their get-together for Thanksgiving is so full of family traditions, including a lot of alcohol and drunkenness, that getting to really know each other takes a back seat to everything else that goes on. And the frustrating thing about the story is how often Chloe keeps reminding herself that this is all "fake", that nothing happening between her and Seth is for real. Seth is more willing to admit that he actually loves Chloe, but Chloe is difficult.
Eventually the story gets to the point where Chloe announces in a fit of frustration that the boyfriend thing is all fake, and where things go from there is complicated. But actually that begins the most rewarding part of the story, and I shouldn't say any more. Just enjoy reading the book!
November 29, 2024
Book Review: One Forked Up Thanksgiving by Claire Raye
I love these two they write such great books and this one is just the cutest thing and perfect for this time of year! It was the perfect way for me to end my day of cooking Thanksgiving and finishing this book.
I love their holiday themed books they are so funny, charming, and just gets you in the mood for that particular holiday!
I was laughing so hard throughout this book and it just gives you all the warm fuzzy feel good vibes!
I loved the two MCs they were friends for like five years and i loved how the story unfolded when Chloe asks Seth to fake date her for her family’s Thanksgiving holiday to avoid another long winded grilling from her mother on why she’s still so single.
Their friendship, relationship, chemistry just all of it had me rooting for these two right away.
Especially because in this case of fake dating they have history only now as they talk about it you see the little things between them. I was in a puddle several times in this book I just love Seth!
Claire Raye can write some damn good banter and it’s in spades in this book. You will love this sweet, funny, charming story like I said it was perfect for this Thanksgiving Holiday!
🦃 Angsty
🦃 Tender longing
🦃 One bed
🦃 Fake dating
🦃 Friends to Lovers
🦃 Mutual pining
🦃 Family dynamics
I love these two they write such great books and this one is just the cutest thing and perfect for this time of year! It was the perfect way for me to end my day of cooking Thanksgiving and finishing this book.
I love their holiday themed books they are so funny, charming, and just gets you in the mood for that particular holiday!
I was laughing so hard throughout this book and it just gives you all the warm fuzzy feel good vibes!
I loved the two MCs they were friends for like five years and i loved how the story unfolded when Chloe asks Seth to fake date her for her family’s Thanksgiving holiday to avoid another long winded grilling from her mother on why she’s still so single.
Their friendship, relationship, chemistry just all of it had me rooting for these two right away.
Especially because in this case of fake dating they have history only now as they talk about it you see the little things between them. I was in a puddle several times in this book I just love Seth!
Claire Raye can write some damn good banter and it’s in spades in this book. You will love this sweet, funny, charming story like I said it was perfect for this Thanksgiving Holiday!
🦃 Angsty
🦃 Tender longing
🦃 One bed
🦃 Fake dating
🦃 Friends to Lovers
🦃 Mutual pining
🦃 Family dynamics
October 14, 2023
This RomCom, friends to lovers, contemporary novel is about Chloe and Seth are best friends and neighbours who attend the same university. Chloe always receives flak from her family for still being single so she asks Seth to pretend to be her boyfriend. They have been friends for five years and Seth is secretly in love with Chloe so he readily agrees. But the more time they spend pretending, the deeper their relationship becomes and can they still remain best friends after this? Chloe's family is crazy and she is badly outnumbered by the number of male siblings who tease her relentlessly. Their antics were very amusing and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were engaging and the story flowed really well. I read it in almost one sitting as it was very entertaining. However I did find Simon's character to be a bit too over the top. What I did not enjoy was the amount of swearing - almost every sentence in the book. It was unnecessary and certainly did not add any value to the story except to detract from it and for this reason I have only rated it 4* even though the book deserves a 4.5* rating.
November 16, 2022
This is the first installment in the 'One Effed Up Holiday' series. A lighthearted romantic comedy, perfect for your holiday read.
In an attempt to avoid judgement from her overbearing mother and protective brothers over the Thanksgiving holiday, Chloe enlists her best friend Seth to her family home to act as her boyfriend.
Chaos, traditions and hilarity ensues! This is a laugh out loud read, with awesome secondary characters in the form of Chloe's brothers and their partners. By the end you'll wish you were part of the Adams family to take part in their traditions and pranks.
BUT you'll also be shouting at Chloe and Seth at every turn to just talk to each other and shouting at Mrs. Adams for how she treats Chloe at times.
My only reason for 4 stars for this read is because I felt like the towards the end there were a few too many obstacles prolonging the story which weren't necessarily needed. But definitely a good holiday read and one I would re-read!
𝑰 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌.
In an attempt to avoid judgement from her overbearing mother and protective brothers over the Thanksgiving holiday, Chloe enlists her best friend Seth to her family home to act as her boyfriend.
Chaos, traditions and hilarity ensues! This is a laugh out loud read, with awesome secondary characters in the form of Chloe's brothers and their partners. By the end you'll wish you were part of the Adams family to take part in their traditions and pranks.
BUT you'll also be shouting at Chloe and Seth at every turn to just talk to each other and shouting at Mrs. Adams for how she treats Chloe at times.
My only reason for 4 stars for this read is because I felt like the towards the end there were a few too many obstacles prolonging the story which weren't necessarily needed. But definitely a good holiday read and one I would re-read!
𝑰 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌.
November 22, 2023
Holiday Perfection
Story: 9/10
Spice:1/5
Spice Hierarchy: Open Door
Chloe is tired of being the constant third wheel at her family Thanksgiving. Her solution is to ask her neighbor and best friend to pose as her boyfriend. Seth is more than happy to agree to being Chloe’s fake boyfriend since he has been in love with her for 5 years. After spending days together with Chloe’s family, the lines are blurring between fake-dating friends, and friends in love.
This is everything you want from a holiday story. I was completely sold when I saw fake dating. The humor had me laughing so hard. The antics between Chloe and her brothers as well as the dynamic between Chloe and her parents allowed Seth to support her in the best possible way. There are not enough Thanksgiving stories and I am so glad I found this gem.
Story: 9/10
Spice:1/5
Spice Hierarchy: Open Door
Chloe is tired of being the constant third wheel at her family Thanksgiving. Her solution is to ask her neighbor and best friend to pose as her boyfriend. Seth is more than happy to agree to being Chloe’s fake boyfriend since he has been in love with her for 5 years. After spending days together with Chloe’s family, the lines are blurring between fake-dating friends, and friends in love.
This is everything you want from a holiday story. I was completely sold when I saw fake dating. The humor had me laughing so hard. The antics between Chloe and her brothers as well as the dynamic between Chloe and her parents allowed Seth to support her in the best possible way. There are not enough Thanksgiving stories and I am so glad I found this gem.
November 26, 2025
3.5 stars This book started off good and really funny. It was cool how close Chloe and Seth were, how well they seemed to know each other. The Adams family liked to laugh, rib each other, and give Chloe a hard time. Oh yeah, and drink and curse.It amazed me how little respect they had when around their parents. After awhile, they book got very repetitive and that's where the authors started losing me. That and the constant OMFG. Also, if the authors are going to use real places, at lest do your research. There is absolutely no way anyone can drive from Chapel Hill NC to Bklyn NY in 5 hours. There is also no where in Bklyn that you would find a house described like the one in the book.
Why did the husband continue to let the mother out Chloe down. He was whipped! Guess we see why the brothers think it is ok.
Why did the husband continue to let the mother out Chloe down. He was whipped! Guess we see why the brothers think it is ok.
November 9, 2022
Hands down I think this may be my very favorite book from Claire Raye!! The amount of times I laughed out loud while reading this was outrageous! This is the perfect book to get you in the holiday mood!
Chloe and Seth are serious perfection. They are two big personalities that complement each other in the best way. And their banter, oh my gosh it was next level hilarious. Throw in Chloe’s family and this book is the perfect recipe of laugh out loud, and sweet moments.
This book just made my heart so happy, truly it just filled me with the warm fuzzies in the best way! Chloe and Seth’s friendship was beautiful and seeing that blossom into more (without them truly realizing it) was beautiful. I can’t say enough good things about this book, it was truly amazing!!
Chloe and Seth are serious perfection. They are two big personalities that complement each other in the best way. And their banter, oh my gosh it was next level hilarious. Throw in Chloe’s family and this book is the perfect recipe of laugh out loud, and sweet moments.
This book just made my heart so happy, truly it just filled me with the warm fuzzies in the best way! Chloe and Seth’s friendship was beautiful and seeing that blossom into more (without them truly realizing it) was beautiful. I can’t say enough good things about this book, it was truly amazing!!
February 24, 2024
"One Forked Up Thanksgiving" by Claire Raye is a delightful and humorous novel that dives into the complexities of family gatherings during the Thanksgiving holiday. The story follows a quirky and relatable cast of characters as they navigate through misunderstandings, secret revelations, and unexpected events that turn their traditional celebration into a memorable and chaotic adventure. Raye's writing style is engaging and witty, making the reader feel like part of the family's dynamic. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments captures the essence of what makes the holiday season both challenging and rewarding. This book is a perfect read for those who enjoy a good laugh mixed with a touch of sentimentality.
December 2, 2023
The book started off fine, but soon grew to be immensely repetitive to the point I was skipping paragraphs or pages. Each chapter or every other page was a new mention of being afraid of ruining the friendship, wishing the situation was real, etc., like we needed a recap of the previous chapters ordeals.
When things finally get resolved, it made no sense to me Chloe went from bawling her eyes out to immediately sexy time after a brief conversation. No matter how in love you are who's doing that right after ugly crying?
I kept reading through the repetitiveness, hopeful that it would get better, but overall I wish I'd have DNF'd this book
When things finally get resolved, it made no sense to me Chloe went from bawling her eyes out to immediately sexy time after a brief conversation. No matter how in love you are who's doing that right after ugly crying?
I kept reading through the repetitiveness, hopeful that it would get better, but overall I wish I'd have DNF'd this book
November 28, 2025
2.5/5
I didn't hate this book, in fact it made me giggle on a few occasions. It was of course quite frustrating for a while waiting for characters to come to their senses. Unfortunately, it felt like on of those books where the romance/spice was the only point and the rest wasn't written that well. The author was a little repetitive in her writing, and over-explained some things (like positioning of arms and bodies while sitting and ya know stuff like that). But it was a quick read and I don't feel that I've wasted my time reading it or anything. Had fun reading 60% of it on Thanksgiving Day, haha!
I didn't hate this book, in fact it made me giggle on a few occasions. It was of course quite frustrating for a while waiting for characters to come to their senses. Unfortunately, it felt like on of those books where the romance/spice was the only point and the rest wasn't written that well. The author was a little repetitive in her writing, and over-explained some things (like positioning of arms and bodies while sitting and ya know stuff like that). But it was a quick read and I don't feel that I've wasted my time reading it or anything. Had fun reading 60% of it on Thanksgiving Day, haha!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews