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Festive Fakes #2
The Christmas Leap
Fake romance shouldn’t feel this real…
Will: I've never been with a man.
Sure, I've thought about it. Wondered. Daydreamed. Imagined. But I wasn't ready to take the leap.
I have a reputation as a "ladies' man." No one has any idea how curious I am about men—not even my openly bi best friend. Make that former best friend. Michael ghosted me, and I have no idea why.
Michael: The man I love is straight.
It hurt like hell when I had to distance myself from Will. I’ve tried desperately to grow up and get over him, but my carefully constructed life just fell apart—and Will rushes to my rescue.
Now we’re pretending to be a couple to impress his boss at a holiday retreat. We’re holding hands and hugging.
We’re sharing a bed.
And Will just kissed me.
Is my best friend falling in love with me after all?
The Christmas Leap by Keira Andrews is a Christmas romance featuring friends to lovers, bi awakening, first times, and of course a happy ending. This standalone novel takes place in the same universe as The Christmas Deal.
Will: I've never been with a man.
Sure, I've thought about it. Wondered. Daydreamed. Imagined. But I wasn't ready to take the leap.
I have a reputation as a "ladies' man." No one has any idea how curious I am about men—not even my openly bi best friend. Make that former best friend. Michael ghosted me, and I have no idea why.
Michael: The man I love is straight.
It hurt like hell when I had to distance myself from Will. I’ve tried desperately to grow up and get over him, but my carefully constructed life just fell apart—and Will rushes to my rescue.
Now we’re pretending to be a couple to impress his boss at a holiday retreat. We’re holding hands and hugging.
We’re sharing a bed.
And Will just kissed me.
Is my best friend falling in love with me after all?
The Christmas Leap by Keira Andrews is a Christmas romance featuring friends to lovers, bi awakening, first times, and of course a happy ending. This standalone novel takes place in the same universe as The Christmas Deal.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published November 10, 2022
237 people are currently reading
768 people want to read
About the author
Keira Andrews
63 books3,067 followersKeira aims for the perfect mix of character, plot, and heat in her M/M romances. She writes everything from swashbuckling pirates to heartwarming holiday escapism. Her fave tropes are enemies to lovers, age gaps, forced proximity, and passionate virgins. Although she loves delicious angst along the way, Keira guarantees happy endings!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
November 23, 2022
*4.5 stars*
Sometimes the right book catches you at the right time, and that's how The Christmas Leap felt for me. I was feeling all of the sexuality discovery, friends-to-lovers, holiday romance vibes that I was looking for. When Keira Andrews works, she woooooorks.
While I don't think The Christmas Leap was quite at the same level as The Christmas Deal, they felt similarly satisfying for me. I'm not usually a huge fan of friends-to-lovers, but it really worked here with enough hurt and mending needed to build up my understanding of these characters and how they mesh together. I especially loved the (maybe) demisexual vibe of one of the MCs, and how their attractions and feelings for each other evolved over the course of the story. And the fake dating, natch, was a winning trope.
I sort of feel like the Festive Fakes series can't go wrong with me? Will it be my holiday fake-dating book tradition? Only time will tell, but I suspect YES. Plus, I adore the glimpses we get into the lives of former MCs (HEART EYES). The story is low-ish angst but high on charm, and I enjoyed the entire thing.
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Sometimes the right book catches you at the right time, and that's how The Christmas Leap felt for me. I was feeling all of the sexuality discovery, friends-to-lovers, holiday romance vibes that I was looking for. When Keira Andrews works, she woooooorks.
While I don't think The Christmas Leap was quite at the same level as The Christmas Deal, they felt similarly satisfying for me. I'm not usually a huge fan of friends-to-lovers, but it really worked here with enough hurt and mending needed to build up my understanding of these characters and how they mesh together. I especially loved the (maybe) demisexual vibe of one of the MCs, and how their attractions and feelings for each other evolved over the course of the story. And the fake dating, natch, was a winning trope.
I sort of feel like the Festive Fakes series can't go wrong with me? Will it be my holiday fake-dating book tradition? Only time will tell, but I suspect YES. Plus, I adore the glimpses we get into the lives of former MCs (HEART EYES). The story is low-ish angst but high on charm, and I enjoyed the entire thing.
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November 21, 2022
Ehhh, this 2nd book in the series was fine and entertaining enough, however, the 1st book had more of a spark of magic and more feels, if I'm remembering correctly.
So 3.25 stars this time around.
Toward the end of this story, there was some groundwork laid for Logan and Seth's college-aged son, Connor, possibly getting his own book, which I'd definitely read. 🙂
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November 17, 2022
Sadly, this story was a big disappointment. It's the sequel to the amazing Christmas romance 'The Christmas Deal', so expectations were naturally high.
But Will & Michael? They were the flattest couple ever.
The fake boyfriend trope is a great one. It's been told a million times and never gets old. The issue with this story was totally the characters, though.
I don't even find the motivation to dissect in detail why I didn't like it very much.
Luckily, Guilherme left a comment on my reading status that sums up PERFECTLY what's wrong with the characters:
Michael's entire personality: insecure
Will's only trait: Scottish
LOL, I couldn't say it better myself, so let this be my review :-)
Oh, but it's interesting that we get to meet characters from other great books here, like The Christmas Deal, Flash Rip (with the gorgeous lifeguards, OMG!!) and apparently Logan and Seth's son Connor will also have his own book soon. Please let it be good !!
2 stars!
But Will & Michael? They were the flattest couple ever.
The fake boyfriend trope is a great one. It's been told a million times and never gets old. The issue with this story was totally the characters, though.
I don't even find the motivation to dissect in detail why I didn't like it very much.
Luckily, Guilherme left a comment on my reading status that sums up PERFECTLY what's wrong with the characters:
Michael's entire personality: insecure
Will's only trait: Scottish
LOL, I couldn't say it better myself, so let this be my review :-)
Oh, but it's interesting that we get to meet characters from other great books here, like The Christmas Deal, Flash Rip (with the gorgeous lifeguards, OMG!!) and apparently Logan and Seth's son Connor will also have his own book soon. Please let it be good !!
2 stars!
November 17, 2022
This is another fun, feel-good, pretend-boyfriend caper from Keira Andrews.
When Michael gets into a lose-lose fight with a Christmas tree, is unceremoniously dumped by his fastidious boyfriend, and ends up stranded on the side of the road a few days before Christmas, he calls his one-time best friend Will.
Will is bewildered to hear from Michael after two years of radio silence but rushes to save the day (or at least salvage what's left of it).
What follows is Operation Fake Boyfriend for Christmas 2.0.
MCs: Michael (cute and clumsy) and Will (with his adorable Scottish brogue)
Secondary characters: Seth and Logan, as well as boss lady Angela and her family, from A Christmas Deal (for maximum enjoyment, read this book first)
Setting: cozy glamping in snowy woods, followed by sunny Australia (with a cameo appearance from our favorite lifeguard couple)
Romance: best-friends-to lovers, slow burn, bi-awakening, kisses on the beach, and all the sweet feels
Steam: plenty (the saucy scene in the shower is XXX steamy)
HEA: definitely (that epilogue will melt the coldest of hearts)
Christmas goodness: YES! (friends, family, mistletoe, and Kevin the Surfer Koala)
When Michael gets into a lose-lose fight with a Christmas tree, is unceremoniously dumped by his fastidious boyfriend, and ends up stranded on the side of the road a few days before Christmas, he calls his one-time best friend Will.
Will is bewildered to hear from Michael after two years of radio silence but rushes to save the day (or at least salvage what's left of it).
What follows is Operation Fake Boyfriend for Christmas 2.0.
MCs: Michael (cute and clumsy) and Will (with his adorable Scottish brogue)
Secondary characters: Seth and Logan, as well as boss lady Angela and her family, from A Christmas Deal (for maximum enjoyment, read this book first)
Setting: cozy glamping in snowy woods, followed by sunny Australia (with a cameo appearance from our favorite lifeguard couple)
Romance: best-friends-to lovers, slow burn, bi-awakening, kisses on the beach, and all the sweet feels
Steam: plenty (the saucy scene in the shower is XXX steamy)
HEA: definitely (that epilogue will melt the coldest of hearts)
Christmas goodness: YES! (friends, family, mistletoe, and Kevin the Surfer Koala)
March 18, 2025
3.5 Stars
A decent sequel to The Christmas Deal, featuring more fake-relationship shenanigans, plenty of lovely familiar faces, and more festive Christmastime fun.
At the centre of the story are two estranged best friends, Will and Michael, who are wistfully brought back together over the holidays, due to some perfectly timed serendipity and some desirable forced-proximity scenarios, which help remind them both that their effortless friendship is worth holding onto, while also laying the groundwork for new, deeper feelings to take hold and truly blossom.
I liked the way Michael’s long-time pining for seemingly straight BFF Will was presented, and how the story began in the aftermath of his eventual decision to distance himself in self-preservation from more heartbreak and longing. I also appreciated how Will’s unwitting reactions to Michael’s ghosting came to light, as they found themselves not only re-connecting and coming to terms with their recent distance, but this time forging a new unexpected path in their relationship, as Will began discovering his bi-sexuality and his mutual feelings for Michael.
I enjoyed the links to book one, appreciating the cameos of past characters, now further in their own lives and relationships. I also enjoyed Will’s Scottish background and the opportunity he got to travel to Australia for a working holiday (with Michael in tow) over Christmas. As an Aussie, it was nice to see a different, more summery Christmas experience on-page, as it’s true to my own experience yet not often present in any of my annual holiday romance reading. In that way, the Australia portion of this book was a very welcomed change of pace from the usual snow-filled, wintery vibes most are use to this time of year.
Although I enjoyed the story well enough, particularly liking the friends-to-lovers dynamic between Michael and Will, and Will’s authentically explored bi-awakening, I will say that I wasn’t quite as emotionally invested in this story as I was to its predecessor—which had the bonus element of making me cry (I rate higher for that) with its heart-wrenching themes of loss, grief, and healing at its centre.
Still, a lovely addition to the series.
******************************
Festive Fakes series
Book 1 - The Christmas Deal (4 Stars)
Book 2 - The Christmas Leap (3.5 Stars)
Book 3 - The Christmas Veto (pending…)
A decent sequel to The Christmas Deal, featuring more fake-relationship shenanigans, plenty of lovely familiar faces, and more festive Christmastime fun.
At the centre of the story are two estranged best friends, Will and Michael, who are wistfully brought back together over the holidays, due to some perfectly timed serendipity and some desirable forced-proximity scenarios, which help remind them both that their effortless friendship is worth holding onto, while also laying the groundwork for new, deeper feelings to take hold and truly blossom.
I liked the way Michael’s long-time pining for seemingly straight BFF Will was presented, and how the story began in the aftermath of his eventual decision to distance himself in self-preservation from more heartbreak and longing. I also appreciated how Will’s unwitting reactions to Michael’s ghosting came to light, as they found themselves not only re-connecting and coming to terms with their recent distance, but this time forging a new unexpected path in their relationship, as Will began discovering his bi-sexuality and his mutual feelings for Michael.
I enjoyed the links to book one, appreciating the cameos of past characters, now further in their own lives and relationships. I also enjoyed Will’s Scottish background and the opportunity he got to travel to Australia for a working holiday (with Michael in tow) over Christmas. As an Aussie, it was nice to see a different, more summery Christmas experience on-page, as it’s true to my own experience yet not often present in any of my annual holiday romance reading. In that way, the Australia portion of this book was a very welcomed change of pace from the usual snow-filled, wintery vibes most are use to this time of year.
Although I enjoyed the story well enough, particularly liking the friends-to-lovers dynamic between Michael and Will, and Will’s authentically explored bi-awakening, I will say that I wasn’t quite as emotionally invested in this story as I was to its predecessor—which had the bonus element of making me cry (I rate higher for that) with its heart-wrenching themes of loss, grief, and healing at its centre.
Still, a lovely addition to the series.
******************************
Festive Fakes series
Book 1 - The Christmas Deal (4 Stars)
Book 2 - The Christmas Leap (3.5 Stars)
Book 3 - The Christmas Veto (pending…)
Read
October 8, 2022Meet Will and Michael! The gorgeous cover is by Dar Albert, and you'll have the book in your hot stickies November 10!
Preorder now: https://readerlinks.com/l/2887369
Will and Michael's BFFs-to-lovers story is in the same universe as The Christmas Deal. It can definitely be read as a standalone, but you'll get to check in on Logan and Seth, and Angela Barker plays a big role in the fake-boyfriend shenanigans once again.
It was such a joy to write Will and Michael. In my humble opinion, their romance is sweet--and steamy!--and heartwarming. Perfect for the holidays! I'm really proud of it, and I hope you love Will and Michael and this universe as much as I do!
Audio fans: Greg Tremblay/Boudreaux is recording the audio now! I've heard the first chapter and Greg knocked it out of the park as always! The book will also be in paperback.
Preorder now: https://readerlinks.com/l/2887369
Will and Michael's BFFs-to-lovers story is in the same universe as The Christmas Deal. It can definitely be read as a standalone, but you'll get to check in on Logan and Seth, and Angela Barker plays a big role in the fake-boyfriend shenanigans once again.
It was such a joy to write Will and Michael. In my humble opinion, their romance is sweet--and steamy!--and heartwarming. Perfect for the holidays! I'm really proud of it, and I hope you love Will and Michael and this universe as much as I do!
Audio fans: Greg Tremblay/Boudreaux is recording the audio now! I've heard the first chapter and Greg knocked it out of the park as always! The book will also be in paperback.
November 14, 2022
First read of xmas romance season!
Michael is in love with his best friend, who is straight as far as he knows. In an attempt to overcome his unrequited love he tries to put some space between them, but he ends up ghosting Will.
A few years later, Michael overhears a conversation between his boyfriend and his boyfriend's sister. Apartently, his boyfriend has been wanting to break up with him for months, but didn't want to do it during the holiday season...
Distraught after the break up with a man he wasn't sure he ever even loved, Michael goes on a drive to clear his head. Then his car breaks down and he finds himself stranded on a snowy deserted road. While waiting on road side assistance, there's only one person he wants to call.
Will is understandably annoyed that his best friend ghosted him, but when he recieves the call there's nothing that'll stop him from helping Michael. Even if that means taking a detour on his way to a weekend holiday work retreat to pick him up.
But when the two arrive, people assume they're boyfriends. Will is quick to correct the wrong assumption, but his collegues suggest that the boss seems more likely to show support to couples. Will and Michael agree to let others believe they are boyfriends.
However the ruse isn't just for the weekend, as Will's boss offers him the oppoutunity to spend two weeks in Australia for the company expansion.
The longer Will and Michael pretend to be boyfriends, the more they both don't want it to just be pretend.
__
I love fake dating, and The Christmas Leap does it perfectly. There's so much chemistry between Will and Michael. There's even some 'second-chance' as they were best friends who had drifted apart. And of course, to top it all off there's only one bed ;)
There's also some cameo's from other Keira Andrews books, which was great. We get to see more of Logan and Seth from The Christmas Deal. And we get a small cameo from Liam and Cody from Flash Rip, which I haven't read yet but am now really excited to!
We hear about Connor at the end of this book, it's like a end credit scene hinting at the next book 😂. And Keira confirmed he's getting his book next christmas, which I'm super excited about!! From the bit we get at the end of The Christmas Leap, it sounds like it's going to be a best friend's older brother age-gap romance. Sounds like it'll be another great entry to this series!
Michael is in love with his best friend, who is straight as far as he knows. In an attempt to overcome his unrequited love he tries to put some space between them, but he ends up ghosting Will.
A few years later, Michael overhears a conversation between his boyfriend and his boyfriend's sister. Apartently, his boyfriend has been wanting to break up with him for months, but didn't want to do it during the holiday season...
Distraught after the break up with a man he wasn't sure he ever even loved, Michael goes on a drive to clear his head. Then his car breaks down and he finds himself stranded on a snowy deserted road. While waiting on road side assistance, there's only one person he wants to call.
Will is understandably annoyed that his best friend ghosted him, but when he recieves the call there's nothing that'll stop him from helping Michael. Even if that means taking a detour on his way to a weekend holiday work retreat to pick him up.
But when the two arrive, people assume they're boyfriends. Will is quick to correct the wrong assumption, but his collegues suggest that the boss seems more likely to show support to couples. Will and Michael agree to let others believe they are boyfriends.
However the ruse isn't just for the weekend, as Will's boss offers him the oppoutunity to spend two weeks in Australia for the company expansion.
The longer Will and Michael pretend to be boyfriends, the more they both don't want it to just be pretend.
__
I love fake dating, and The Christmas Leap does it perfectly. There's so much chemistry between Will and Michael. There's even some 'second-chance' as they were best friends who had drifted apart. And of course, to top it all off there's only one bed ;)
There's also some cameo's from other Keira Andrews books, which was great. We get to see more of Logan and Seth from The Christmas Deal. And we get a small cameo from Liam and Cody from Flash Rip, which I haven't read yet but am now really excited to!
We hear about Connor at the end of this book, it's like a end credit scene hinting at the next book 😂. And Keira confirmed he's getting his book next christmas, which I'm super excited about!! From the bit we get at the end of The Christmas Leap, it sounds like it's going to be a best friend's older brother age-gap romance. Sounds like it'll be another great entry to this series!
December 24, 2022
This was pretty good, but I liked the first book better!
January 5, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
How did I ever think I could get by without Will in my life? My plan had been doomed from the start. Even if he’d never love me back the way I wanted, I’d take everything I could get. It would have to be enough.
This book has a lot of stuff I don’t normally go for (fake relationship, best friends to lovers, pining), BUT, if you’re not sick of christmas books yet, I very highly recommend this one. It was absolutely fabulous, and had just the right amount of pining and sweetness to make it amazing. The two MCs fell out of touch because one of them had been in love with the other for ages, and couldn’t take being close to him anymore. It sounds more angsty and sad than it was, which I’m thankful for. It wasn’t overly christmas-y either really, as a big chunk of it is set in a warmer climate.
Rarely do I care too much about what the spice is like in the books I read (as long as there is some), but my friend sent me a screenshot of their dynamic in bed, and I immediately wanted to read it. Think ‘I’ll-hold-you-down-and-make-you-feel-how-I’m-in-charge-while-I-also-call-you-sweet-names-so-you-know-I-love-you’ kinda deal. Fucking swoon. The whole book made me feel warm and fuzzy.
The truth was undeniable: I was happy. Joyfully, deliriously happy. I wished Will could keep driving all night. I wanted to escape with him and go… Anywhere. Everywhere.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Fake dating
(Former) best friends to lovers
Sexual awakening/realization
Pining
Christmas themed
Only one bed
Slow burn
Mild D/s dynamic (in bed)
Scottish MC
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Near-drowning experience
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary holiday romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
MC age: 30 and 30
Pages: 230
[…] “Goodness, what happened to your face?” I wished I could wear a sign around my neck that read: Life and a Christmas tree kicked my ass. I won’t be taking questions at this time.
I’d never loved anyone as much as I loved Will, and I couldn’t imagine how I ever would. Will would never be mine, but I’d always have our kiss under plastic mistletoe in the sunshine.
“Ohh, ‘lothario,’ huh? That’s a twenty-five-cent word.” I laughed. “More like a dollar at least with inflation these days. A pound-fifty in the UK.”
How did I ever think I could get by without Will in my life? My plan had been doomed from the start. Even if he’d never love me back the way I wanted, I’d take everything I could get. It would have to be enough.
This book has a lot of stuff I don’t normally go for (fake relationship, best friends to lovers, pining), BUT, if you’re not sick of christmas books yet, I very highly recommend this one. It was absolutely fabulous, and had just the right amount of pining and sweetness to make it amazing. The two MCs fell out of touch because one of them had been in love with the other for ages, and couldn’t take being close to him anymore. It sounds more angsty and sad than it was, which I’m thankful for. It wasn’t overly christmas-y either really, as a big chunk of it is set in a warmer climate.
Rarely do I care too much about what the spice is like in the books I read (as long as there is some), but my friend sent me a screenshot of their dynamic in bed, and I immediately wanted to read it. Think ‘I’ll-hold-you-down-and-make-you-feel-how-I’m-in-charge-while-I-also-call-you-sweet-names-so-you-know-I-love-you’ kinda deal. Fucking swoon. The whole book made me feel warm and fuzzy.
The truth was undeniable: I was happy. Joyfully, deliriously happy. I wished Will could keep driving all night. I wanted to escape with him and go… Anywhere. Everywhere.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Fake dating
(Former) best friends to lovers
Sexual awakening/realization
Pining
Christmas themed
Only one bed
Slow burn
Mild D/s dynamic (in bed)
Scottish MC
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Near-drowning experience
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary holiday romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
MC age: 30 and 30
Pages: 230
[…] “Goodness, what happened to your face?” I wished I could wear a sign around my neck that read: Life and a Christmas tree kicked my ass. I won’t be taking questions at this time.
I’d never loved anyone as much as I loved Will, and I couldn’t imagine how I ever would. Will would never be mine, but I’d always have our kiss under plastic mistletoe in the sunshine.
“Ohh, ‘lothario,’ huh? That’s a twenty-five-cent word.” I laughed. “More like a dollar at least with inflation these days. A pound-fifty in the UK.”
December 1, 2022
Cute. I always try to look over some of the things that would normally bug me when it comes to reading Christmas stories, because, well, Christmas, but I did struggle just a bit with some of this one.
But, I'll just pretend and stand with my cute statement.
The cameos were fun and the setup looks cool.
But, I'll just pretend and stand with my cute statement.
The cameos were fun and the setup looks cool.
November 11, 2022
Sweet, Christmas fake boyfriends romp. TBH, fake relationship is not a trope I absolutely love, and I did find the excuse for it suuuuuper thin here, to the point where it did detract from my enjoyment. This is also the second in a series, and though I read the first book when it came out 3 years ago, I didn't love it, and I remembered absolutely nothing about it--I didn't think that would be an issue, and it wasn't a big one, but many characters and events from that book are referenced here to the point where I felt a bit lost (even though I'd read the book!), and it's pretty clear that one of the side characters from book one is going to be getting their own book at some point. I don't love when series overlap characters so intensely like this if they're following different couples, as it ends up feeling distracting, particularly if you don't remember them well, or know them at all.
As for the character in *this* book, they were fine? I actually really appreciated the author's depiction of a break-up that wasn't a crazy OTT cheating/asshole boyfriend situation. But I never strongly connected to either main character or their connection. I enjoyed this book OK enough, but it wasn't memorable, and I suspect by the time book 3 inevitably comes out, just like book 1, I'll have forgotten absolutely everything about this one.
As for the character in *this* book, they were fine? I actually really appreciated the author's depiction of a break-up that wasn't a crazy OTT cheating/asshole boyfriend situation. But I never strongly connected to either main character or their connection. I enjoyed this book OK enough, but it wasn't memorable, and I suspect by the time book 3 inevitably comes out, just like book 1, I'll have forgotten absolutely everything about this one.
November 21, 2022
Aaaawwww, so much fun! Best friends to lovers, fake boyfriends, first time gay, bi-awakening, and a magical Christmas holiday in Australia. Keira Andrews puts her fun and festive twist on all of it. If you're ready to start celebrating the holiday season, The Christmas Leap is a great place to start.
Beautifully narrated by Greg Broudreaux, do The Christmas Leap in audio. You won't regret it!
an audiobook copy of The Christmas Leap was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
Beautifully narrated by Greg Broudreaux, do The Christmas Leap in audio. You won't regret it!
an audiobook copy of The Christmas Leap was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
November 7, 2022
Thank you to GRR for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Listen, it's not Christmas unless you're reading a Keira Andrews holiday novel or novella, okay? It just isn't.
It's been a couple years since I read The Christmas Deal, but when I first heard that The Christmas Leap was being released I was SO EXCITED. And honestly, this book was so good. It was low angst, unrequited love (or is it heheh), friends to lovers (which I normally don't like) and jdfdgd. There was only one bed (a god-tier trope tbh) AND THEY WENT TO AUSTRALIA. Peep the Flash Rip cameos, k?
Michael and Will were adorable together and I just loved every second of this book. And Connor's book is coming out next year. EXCUSE ME KEIRA ANDREWS I NEED IT NOW.
This is definitely going in my re-read pile and I can't wait until next Christmas!
Listen, it's not Christmas unless you're reading a Keira Andrews holiday novel or novella, okay? It just isn't.
It's been a couple years since I read The Christmas Deal, but when I first heard that The Christmas Leap was being released I was SO EXCITED. And honestly, this book was so good. It was low angst, unrequited love (or is it heheh), friends to lovers (which I normally don't like) and jdfdgd. There was only one bed (a god-tier trope tbh) AND THEY WENT TO AUSTRALIA. Peep the Flash Rip cameos, k?
Michael and Will were adorable together and I just loved every second of this book. And Connor's book is coming out next year. EXCUSE ME KEIRA ANDREWS I NEED IT NOW.
This is definitely going in my re-read pile and I can't wait until next Christmas!
November 20, 2023
✰3.75-4 stars✰
Listen, I know friends to lovers isn’t everyones thing. But the trope of one best friend being in love with the other for years and pining? Yeah, I don’t know but that just really works for me sometimes because it adds a layer of depth to the angst.
Add that to a holiday fake dating romance? Yes pleaaasssee.
I did like the first book in this series just a little bit better, but this one is still held my attention all the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, the charm of it was wonderful, the cheese and awkwardness were almost a touch to much at times but hey hey hey it works in this kind of romance.
I think if you’re looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit over the next month, this series is such a fun quick read to do just that!
It was one of the reasons I loved him. And yeah, fuck me. I still loved him.
Listen, I know friends to lovers isn’t everyones thing. But the trope of one best friend being in love with the other for years and pining? Yeah, I don’t know but that just really works for me sometimes because it adds a layer of depth to the angst.
Add that to a holiday fake dating romance? Yes pleaaasssee.
I did like the first book in this series just a little bit better, but this one is still held my attention all the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, the charm of it was wonderful, the cheese and awkwardness were almost a touch to much at times but hey hey hey it works in this kind of romance.
I think if you’re looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit over the next month, this series is such a fun quick read to do just that!
November 17, 2022
Oof. The only thing that prevented me from DNFing this was Greg’s narration.
This was… painfully generic. The characters were boring. Michael was… a wet rag of a man. I’m not really sure what Will saw in him. The plot (bi-awakening best friends and fake boyfriend) has been done over and over and over. I can only listen to 7 hours worth of audio of “but it’s not real/but this isn’t real and won’t last/but he isn’t actually my boyfriend” over and over and over before I want to throw my phone out the window. I won’t lie, I don’t like the fake boyfriend trope. I don’t like that the whole thing relies on lies and miscommunication. But even without that? This was… not great. Keira is pretty hit or miss for me but I decided to take a chance with this one and… nope.
Also, whoever f*cked up the cover, put it on amazon, and… left it there… needs to be fired. It’s embarrassing that it even made it past several people and was even submitted (the fixed cover is on here and Audible however). I just can’t get over every time I opened it on my kindle that I was looking at the shoddiest photo editing I’ve ever seen. It’s… really cringey. 😬
I think it may be time I hang my hat on this author. My list of reliable MM authors is getting smaller and smaller book by book. 🥴
This was… painfully generic. The characters were boring. Michael was… a wet rag of a man. I’m not really sure what Will saw in him. The plot (bi-awakening best friends and fake boyfriend) has been done over and over and over. I can only listen to 7 hours worth of audio of “but it’s not real/but this isn’t real and won’t last/but he isn’t actually my boyfriend” over and over and over before I want to throw my phone out the window. I won’t lie, I don’t like the fake boyfriend trope. I don’t like that the whole thing relies on lies and miscommunication. But even without that? This was… not great. Keira is pretty hit or miss for me but I decided to take a chance with this one and… nope.
Also, whoever f*cked up the cover, put it on amazon, and… left it there… needs to be fired. It’s embarrassing that it even made it past several people and was even submitted (the fixed cover is on here and Audible however). I just can’t get over every time I opened it on my kindle that I was looking at the shoddiest photo editing I’ve ever seen. It’s… really cringey. 😬
I think it may be time I hang my hat on this author. My list of reliable MM authors is getting smaller and smaller book by book. 🥴
November 22, 2022
Sweet & Angst-Free
Simple and sweet Christmas story.
Friends to lovers
Bi-awakening
New York, and
Down Under
HEA
Great narration by Greg Boudreaux!
Simple and sweet Christmas story.
Friends to lovers
Bi-awakening
New York, and
Down Under
HEA
Great narration by Greg Boudreaux!
November 11, 2024
cute, mindless christmas cozy-rom, i will not be taking questions at this time
December 10, 2022
2.5 rounded up because it was fine. That's my overall feeling it was fine and had nice moments but the characters were 2 dimensional at best. Michael is doing everything to please his boyfriend and his family, going along things that make him uncomfortable: why? We don't get to know. He has a complex relationship with his parents but that is not really explored. We don't know what his job is. At the start of the book he overhears his boyfriend say to someone that he wants to break up with Michael but wants to wait to do it. The break up scene was actually great and felt earned. Then we learn that in fact Michael has been in love with his best friend Will for a very long time and has ghosted him 2 years prior because he thinks Will is straight so he ghosted him. The reason for the ghosting is kind of dumb, Michael never really grovels but what pissed me off the most is the amount of time the reason was NOT aired out. The lack of communication with Will was too much for me. That may be because I have just read a Riley Hart who always has great communication 🤷♀️but still. Now onto Will he is allegedly scottish but he really isn't. We are told he has a scottish accent but can't see it, he barely uses scottish words and makes almost no reference to scottish culture, he does not feel scottish and he moved to the US at 16 so really it should have been a part of his personality. There is a bi-awakening on his part but barely, prior to the book he has already been watching gay porn for years. He is very hurt by Michael's behaviour but forgives really easily and does not really fear that Michael is gonna ghost him again which should really have been a concern.
Finally, there are a LOT of reference to book 1 of the series and a cameo from the couple of Flash Rip and that felt too much like advertisement. I've read both books so I knew the couples but still, I wasn't a fan. Book 1 was basically summarized here which was convenient if you don't remember it but it took too long for people whose connection to the MCs seem tenuous.
All in all not a bad book but not great either.
Finally, there are a LOT of reference to book 1 of the series and a cameo from the couple of Flash Rip and that felt too much like advertisement. I've read both books so I knew the couples but still, I wasn't a fan. Book 1 was basically summarized here which was convenient if you don't remember it but it took too long for people whose connection to the MCs seem tenuous.
All in all not a bad book but not great either.
January 13, 2025
3.5 rounded up mainly because I love this author's writing and it was nice to see a lil cameo from another book i enjoyed. ☺️
Tho the relationship...it just felt like something was missing... 🤔
or maybe nothing pleases me anymore 😂
Low angst ♡
Tho the relationship...it just felt like something was missing... 🤔
or maybe nothing pleases me anymore 😂
Low angst ♡
November 19, 2022
2.5…. Maybe???
I was very underwhelmed by this book. I felt like the reason for them fake dating wasn’t very strong. I’m not big in fake dating stories though so that’s probably just me. I just didn’t really think the book was that great for a KA book. I am disappointed.
I liked the setting in Australia and how easily Will accepted his bisexuality but everything seemed a bit too easy.
I was very underwhelmed by this book. I felt like the reason for them fake dating wasn’t very strong. I’m not big in fake dating stories though so that’s probably just me. I just didn’t really think the book was that great for a KA book. I am disappointed.
I liked the setting in Australia and how easily Will accepted his bisexuality but everything seemed a bit too easy.
November 30, 2022
Sweet fake relationship romance
I liked returning to this setting of Keira's and catching up with Logan, Seth and their bunch of friends.
There's slso a cool guest appearance from Logan & Cody, the Aussie lifeguards, which I very much appreciated.
Essentially at heart this book combines a best friends to lovers romance with a fake boyfriend one and dies it well.
Michael and Will have some things to work through, but it's clear from as soon as they reconnect that there's true emotion in both sides.
It was fun being along for the ride as Will worked out his bisexuality and possible demisexuality while he snd Michael played at dating on a work trip.
I'll also delighted to read that we'll be back I'm this setting for next Christmas' release too with Logan's stepson Connor.
I liked returning to this setting of Keira's and catching up with Logan, Seth and their bunch of friends.
There's slso a cool guest appearance from Logan & Cody, the Aussie lifeguards, which I very much appreciated.
Essentially at heart this book combines a best friends to lovers romance with a fake boyfriend one and dies it well.
Michael and Will have some things to work through, but it's clear from as soon as they reconnect that there's true emotion in both sides.
It was fun being along for the ride as Will worked out his bisexuality and possible demisexuality while he snd Michael played at dating on a work trip.
I'll also delighted to read that we'll be back I'm this setting for next Christmas' release too with Logan's stepson Connor.
November 30, 2022
4 Christmassy best friends to lovers romance!! ❤️❤️❤️ MCs we’re sweet, plot was very low angst and although there was a little bit of the gay friend pining for straight friend trope as well as fake boyfriends trope.. It all led to a steamy Christmas m/m romance.. 🎄🎁🎅 Highly recommended to all fans of holiday romances👍🏻👍🏻
November 28, 2022
3,5 stars
I do love the fake relationship and friends to lovers tropes and thoroughly enjoyed the first instalment of this Christmas series.
This second one is all cute, with lots of (maybe too many?) Christmas happy vibes, but somehow it didn’t really conjure up any strong feelings.
There’s some good UST and pining, but it did not do a lot to raise my blood pressure. And you might think that’s unhealthy anyway, but I could have done with a little bit more oomph all the way.
I do love the fake relationship and friends to lovers tropes and thoroughly enjoyed the first instalment of this Christmas series.
This second one is all cute, with lots of (maybe too many?) Christmas happy vibes, but somehow it didn’t really conjure up any strong feelings.
There’s some good UST and pining, but it did not do a lot to raise my blood pressure. And you might think that’s unhealthy anyway, but I could have done with a little bit more oomph all the way.
November 21, 2022
3.75 stars for the story:
Fake Boyfriends
Bi-awakening
Best friends to lovers
These are a few of my favorite things.
Michael is dumped right before Christmas. He calls on his reliable friend, Will, to help him in his time of need. Although they have not spoken in 2 years, for reasons, Will is happy to help. Somehow they end up at Will's work retreat pretending to be together.
It was a fun, sweet read.
5 stars for narrator:
The audio was fantastic. Greg Boudreaux is top notch and one of my favorites.
Fake Boyfriends
Bi-awakening
Best friends to lovers
These are a few of my favorite things.
Michael is dumped right before Christmas. He calls on his reliable friend, Will, to help him in his time of need. Although they have not spoken in 2 years, for reasons, Will is happy to help. Somehow they end up at Will's work retreat pretending to be together.
It was a fun, sweet read.
5 stars for narrator:
The audio was fantastic. Greg Boudreaux is top notch and one of my favorites.
December 4, 2023
This is a super swoony best friends to lovers/ Unrequited love Christmas 🎄romance
Its cute but it gets pretty hot 👀. I just really love this series.
•bisexual awakening
5/5 audio
Its cute but it gets pretty hot 👀. I just really love this series.
•bisexual awakening
5/5 audio
December 2, 2022
it’s that time of year again when holiday reads are flooding our feeds!! *pretends not to contemplate our transitory existence as humans as we approach the end of another year* 🥳
the story needs to simmer in my brain for a little while longer, because while i thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to the characters and the way they found themselves back in each other’s lives (after one ghosts the other because of unrequited love 🥲), i have to admit that my attention waned in and out as the story went on. maybe i was hoping for more communication? the steam is quite ~steamy~ if you’re in the mood for that 🔥
ngl i blame it on the Gregory Ashe effect as my reception to other stories has been relatively ambivalent across the board - if this is a case of timing, i would not be surprised in the slightest.
no matter what though, if you are a fan of the fake boyfriend trope and holiday reads, you can’t go wrong with suspending some disbelief and giving this book a chance 😌
FRTC
Thank you to GRR and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of the book. This is my honest review :)
the story needs to simmer in my brain for a little while longer, because while i thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to the characters and the way they found themselves back in each other’s lives (after one ghosts the other because of unrequited love 🥲), i have to admit that my attention waned in and out as the story went on. maybe i was hoping for more communication? the steam is quite ~steamy~ if you’re in the mood for that 🔥
ngl i blame it on the Gregory Ashe effect as my reception to other stories has been relatively ambivalent across the board - if this is a case of timing, i would not be surprised in the slightest.
no matter what though, if you are a fan of the fake boyfriend trope and holiday reads, you can’t go wrong with suspending some disbelief and giving this book a chance 😌
FRTC
Thank you to GRR and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of the book. This is my honest review :)
October 23, 2022
What a lovely, fun, best friends to fake boyfriends to forever-after romance! Add in the Christmas holidays, an MC who is a Scot, a trip to Australia, a revisit with Logan and Seth from The Christmas Deal, and a ton of open honesty and forgiveness and you have the perfect holiday treat.
As the story opens, Michael is confronted with the cold hard truth of his life—his boyfriend’s dishonesty—when he hears him telling someone on the phone that he really needs to break up with Michael but might wait until after the holidays. Michael is so startled he fumbles the Christmas tree he’s just lugged into the house, resulting in face scratches and the beginning of a run of bad luck that’s topped off by his car breaking down on a deserted lane in the midst of a snowstorm. Yep, the perfect setup for a mayday call to his former bestie, Will. Why former? Well, Michael’s been in love with him forever and the unrequited love was intolerable, so he decided to ghost him for the past two years in hopes of getting over him. But when push comes to shove, it’s Will he reaches out to and the gorgeous Scotsman is ready and willing to come to his rescue.
Once they meet again, Will undergoes a slow sexual awakening as he realizes that his occasional fantasies about Michael are true feelings and that his thoughts of being bisexual are more than mere thoughts. A large cast of characters provide a supporting role for this story, including Logan and Seth, whom we get to see after they’ve been together awhile. Plus, we get a sneak peek at next year’s holiday story, which will feature Connor, Logan’s stepson.
Without going into details and spoilers, I can honestly say this story flowed well, the drama made sense, the holiday cheer was not overdone, and the romantic moments and sexy times were a delightful spicy treat. I highly recommend this as a sweet stocking stuffer.
As the story opens, Michael is confronted with the cold hard truth of his life—his boyfriend’s dishonesty—when he hears him telling someone on the phone that he really needs to break up with Michael but might wait until after the holidays. Michael is so startled he fumbles the Christmas tree he’s just lugged into the house, resulting in face scratches and the beginning of a run of bad luck that’s topped off by his car breaking down on a deserted lane in the midst of a snowstorm. Yep, the perfect setup for a mayday call to his former bestie, Will. Why former? Well, Michael’s been in love with him forever and the unrequited love was intolerable, so he decided to ghost him for the past two years in hopes of getting over him. But when push comes to shove, it’s Will he reaches out to and the gorgeous Scotsman is ready and willing to come to his rescue.
Once they meet again, Will undergoes a slow sexual awakening as he realizes that his occasional fantasies about Michael are true feelings and that his thoughts of being bisexual are more than mere thoughts. A large cast of characters provide a supporting role for this story, including Logan and Seth, whom we get to see after they’ve been together awhile. Plus, we get a sneak peek at next year’s holiday story, which will feature Connor, Logan’s stepson.
Without going into details and spoilers, I can honestly say this story flowed well, the drama made sense, the holiday cheer was not overdone, and the romantic moments and sexy times were a delightful spicy treat. I highly recommend this as a sweet stocking stuffer.
November 12, 2022
So can we expect a book about Connor? I’d read that.
December 13, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a sweet, low angst, friends-to-lovers story. I liked Michael and Will being mostly drama-free and open with each other. What I didn't like was not getting a Christmas feel from the story at all. Yes, it was set at Christmas, but Will was on a work trip and I just didn't feel the holiday spirit.
This was a sweet, low angst, friends-to-lovers story. I liked Michael and Will being mostly drama-free and open with each other. What I didn't like was not getting a Christmas feel from the story at all. Yes, it was set at Christmas, but Will was on a work trip and I just didn't feel the holiday spirit.
January 14, 2023
4.2⭐
This was such a lovely book.
This was a wonderful, sweet story of two best friends finding each other again, but this time both of them wanting more.
It's a feel-good, heartwarming story with very low angst , actually I don't think there's any angst here, just pining.
So much sweet pining and unspoken words, that I wish I'd read this book in December already, it fits right into that festive, warm feeling with a cocoa in one hand an a warm blanket over you.
💙 Only one bed
💜 Ex-best friends-to-lovers
🧡 Fake boyfriends
🤍 Bisexual
💚 Low angst
🌶️ Medium spice
❤️ Wonderful hea and epilogue (I did expect a proposal in the epilogue, though, it would fit right in)
Michael and Will have been best friends since college. They're in their 30's now and not speaking to each other.
Michael ghosted Will when he started his first serious relationship, but that wasn't the main reason. The main reason was that he was desperately in love with Will and had to get some distance to get over him.
When Michael and his boyfriend broke up, he finally called Will and the universe aligned for them to share a weekend together at Will's place of work, where we met wonderful characters from the first book again.
After prolonging the work trip and having to play fake boyfriend's for a few more weeks , Will finally catches on and realises he has feelings for Michael and wants him just as much.
Sweet, emotional, sexy, but most of all very endearing characters, especially Michael, who just longs for someone to take the reins and guide him through his wants and desires.
I'm back in this Universe and I love it.
In this book I met Cody and Liam, the lifeguards from Flash Rip and I haven't read the book yet, so that's next for me.
I'm glad to hear the author is continuing the series, and with Connor , nonetheless, wow, Connor is in Harvard already, so all grown up!
Can't wait.
This was such a lovely book.
This was a wonderful, sweet story of two best friends finding each other again, but this time both of them wanting more.
It's a feel-good, heartwarming story with very low angst , actually I don't think there's any angst here, just pining.
So much sweet pining and unspoken words, that I wish I'd read this book in December already, it fits right into that festive, warm feeling with a cocoa in one hand an a warm blanket over you.
💙 Only one bed
💜 Ex-best friends-to-lovers
🧡 Fake boyfriends
🤍 Bisexual
💚 Low angst
🌶️ Medium spice
❤️ Wonderful hea and epilogue (I did expect a proposal in the epilogue, though, it would fit right in)
Michael and Will have been best friends since college. They're in their 30's now and not speaking to each other.
Michael ghosted Will when he started his first serious relationship, but that wasn't the main reason. The main reason was that he was desperately in love with Will and had to get some distance to get over him.
When Michael and his boyfriend broke up, he finally called Will and the universe aligned for them to share a weekend together at Will's place of work, where we met wonderful characters from the first book again.
After prolonging the work trip and having to play fake boyfriend's for a few more weeks , Will finally catches on and realises he has feelings for Michael and wants him just as much.
Sweet, emotional, sexy, but most of all very endearing characters, especially Michael, who just longs for someone to take the reins and guide him through his wants and desires.
I'm back in this Universe and I love it.
In this book I met Cody and Liam, the lifeguards from Flash Rip and I haven't read the book yet, so that's next for me.
I'm glad to hear the author is continuing the series, and with Connor , nonetheless, wow, Connor is in Harvard already, so all grown up!
Can't wait.
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