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An Irish Rockstar for Christmas

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They say there is no place worse to be during the holidays than the airport. When my flight is delayed due to weather up north, I start to agree.

That is until a sexy Irishman with an accent that makes my panties melt and a smirk that makes me blush sits down across from me in the bar I'm killing time in.

We start with drinks and a game of truth and I quickly learn why our waitress and every other person in the bar can't take their eyes off him.

Turns out, my sexy Irishman is a famous rockstar. But it's the man I can't seem to get enough of and don't want to say goodbye to.

Lucky for both of us, we're on the same flight. And after driving me home, I convince him to stay the night at my parents' house so he doesn't have to drive to Boston in the snow. Plus, he has no family of his own to spend the holidays with.

Only... when we step inside, I'm hit with an unexpected and unwanted blast from my past.

My ex-boyfriend has decided to come home with my brother, his best friend, and spend Christmas trying to win me back.

So what does my sexy Irishman do when he thinks there might be some competition? He tells everyone he's my new boyfriend.

And that's only the beginning of our Christmas fiasco.

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2022

254 people are currently reading
859 people want to read

About the author

J. Saman

57 books4,152 followers
J. Saman is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 bestselling author who writes sassy, swoony, and scorching contemporary romances. She is addicted to Diet Coke, sour candy, and indie rock. She swears way too much (especially after a glass of wine) and has a penchant for sarcasm (or so her husband and children like to tell her).

J. is an admitted lover of second chance romances, enemies to lovers, and the perfect amount of angst. She is best known for writing funny and emotional romances filled with smart, strong women, and sexy alphas who have a softer side - especially for their women.

Want to learn more about J. Saman? You can check out her website http://www.jsamanbooks.com

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5 stars
1,000 (56%)
4 stars
537 (30%)
3 stars
205 (11%)
2 stars
33 (1%)
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10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,856 reviews59 followers
February 16, 2023
This is my favorite meet cute romance novella. These two are just meant to be and no amount of angry ex’s or concert tours can keep them apart. This is the best kind of insta-love with an amazingly well developed story for a novella. I just loved Vivian and Cian romance set against the backdrop of Viv’s crazy family. Merry Christmas indeed!!
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
April 24, 2023
Delightful short Christmas story.
Profile Image for AJ.
3,260 reviews1,072 followers
November 28, 2025
What happens when two people who might be right for each other meet at the wrong time?

5 stars!


This standalone Christmas novella by J. Saman is a fantastic read! A celebrity, fake-relationship romance with romance, heart and epic chemistry, and I adored this little story.

Cian and Vivian meet in an airport bar while waiting out delays on their flights. He’s a rockstar who’s instantly captivated the moment he spots her, while she—having no idea who he is—is immediately drawn in by his good looks, Irish accent, and effortless charm. They flirt and banter over drinks and their shared flight, and the intensity of their attraction take them both by surprise. When Cian offers to drive Vivian from the airport to her parents’ house, she can’t bring herself to say goodbye. And with a snowstorm rolling in, she invites him to stay the night.

The fun twist comes when they arrive to find that Vivian’s ex—who also happens to be her brother’s best friend—is staying with her family for the holidays, determined to win her back. Cian is unexpectedly furious and, without thinking, blurts out that he’s Vivian’s new boyfriend. Caught in the moment, they agree to keep up the ruse for the ten days until Cian has to leave for his world tour.

It’s a fun set up, made all the more awesome by the absolutely sizzling chemistry between them. Neither of them have ever experienced anything like it, and they cannot get enough of each other. And as they spend time getting sucked into family Christmas shenanigans with Vivian’s fabulous family, their connection becomes undeniable. Luckily, all of the sweet touches and hot looks all contribute to their story, and the tension is absolutely fantastic!

“This is insane to do with a stranger.”
“Vivian, I don’t know what it is about ye, but ye don’t feel like a stranger to me. I’m not sure ye ever did.”

The sexual tension is sizzling, and the sense of anticipation just waiting for something to happen is so freaking good. And when they can’t resist anymore, ‘fake’ gets thrown out the window, and we get a fast-paced yet sexy and emotionally intense love story that completely swept me up.

“I want ye, darlin’, I want ye like mad. I don’t want anyone else. I think yer it for me. I know that might sound crazy, but it’s where my heart and mind are.”

They’re both at a bit of a crossroads in their lives, and they have some personal dramas that they’re dealing with, and they’re open and honest about all of it, which only draws them closer. And as the end to their time together draws near, they both have a lot of soul searching to do to figure out what the future holds, and I loved watching them figure it all out.

“I’m not giving up on us. And my heart will never let you go.”

It’s a short read, but it’s a beautifully heartfelt journey, and I was completely sucked in from start to finish. I laughed, I swooned, and I loved every moment of this one. It’s such a great read.

5 stars.

Profile Image for Hazel.
67 reviews11 followers
January 5, 2026
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spicy 🌶🌶
Chemistry 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

Tropes; Christmas novella, Fake dating, Insta-love, Forced proximity, Rockstar MMC, Romance author FMC, Open door spice

This was such a sweet Christmas novella that warmed my heart from start to finish. It was the perfect under-the-blanket, warm coffee, full-on Christmas spirit kind of read.❄️☃️🎄
I loved it soooo much. I honestly wish Vivian and Cian’s story had been longer because I would have devoured every single page without hesitation.

And Cian… ehehehe 🫠🥵 How do you manage to be that hot and that sweet at the same time? My brain simply cannot process it.
Congratulations, you’ve officially secured your spot on my 2026 favorite book boyfriend list already.👉🏻👈🏻❤️‍🔥

I also want to say a few words about the author. Every single book I’ve read by them so far has been an absolute hit for me. They’ve officially entered my “I’ll read anything they write” author list — no questions asked.
Profile Image for Catherine.
267 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2023
Maybe it's because I just read a crime book, but I really thought he was going to murder her...
Also, it was meh.
Profile Image for Sheila Schoenauer.
1,099 reviews12 followers
December 19, 2022
This was hands down one of the best meet cute, love at first sight books I have read all year. It was a short, sweet, and "hot" story. Cian and Vivian meet while waiting for a flight. Vivian reminds me of myself in the fact that she wasn't aware of who Cian was and didn't care once she figured it out. She was the breath of fresh air that he needed. It only takes them 6 days to realize that they can't live without each other. Realistic? It's a possibility. I do believe in the saying "when you know you know."

I love how Cian got jealous and came to Vivian's rescue by claiming to be her boyfriend. I love how he put up with her family and I love how he dotted on her. Vivian was a wild card for me. She was so unsure on the outside but knew what she wanted on the inside. Hunter didn't help. But I'm glad she stood her ground, and I'm glad she had Cian by her side.

I love how this was connected to past books as we get a few name drops. This was a fun Christmas novella with a HEA that I loved.

"I voluntarily read copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
380 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2024
An Irish Rockstar For Christmas would have been a five-star read for me, but the way the family handled Hunter was too awful for me. He was an aggressive, infantilizing, misogynistic, disrespectful, handsy bully, and no one did anything about it. In fact, Vivian’s brother, Peter, seemed to encourage it. Cian and Vivian handled the situation perfectly, but I couldn’t digest the apathy everyone else showed toward it all. It didn’t vibe with the picture the author was trying to paint of how close, quirky, and Griswold-y the family was. Very weird. I get that Hunter was there for conflict and forced the fake relationship trope, but ick. No means no dude.
Profile Image for Raquel.Reads.
214 reviews57 followers
November 24, 2024
Hallmark meets spice

You know the warm feeling you sometimes get from a great holiday movie? Yes, this is it plus a swoon worthy romance and hot spice… this book was perfection. I hardly ever read a novella that is so well written it feels like a 300 plus page book. Since the moment they meet at the airport bar I felt the sparks fly and the promise of things to come. I was not disappointed, Cian and Vivian have amazing chemistry and their relationship developed so naturally that it didn’t felt rushed especially for a novella.
Profile Image for Michele.
444 reviews35 followers
February 23, 2024
Oh my gosh...I couldn't put it down! Such a cute holiday story with a bit of spice in it too. What happens when an Irish rock star meets a red headed author in the airport bar? Why, after a long layover, you let him drive you home, then invite him to stay for the holidays so he won't be alone, of course! I mean, who doesn't do that? The chemistry between these two is off the charts! Throw in her whole family; the Christmas holidays AND an ex boyfriend determined to win her back! I LOVE these characters! I could hear Cian's Irish accent in my head as I read this story.
Profile Image for Jane.
510 reviews20 followers
January 20, 2025
I think this is my first 5-star romance read rating for 2025! I loved it all - the setting, the characters, the fake-boyfriend, the family, the other guy and the ending. My second book by J Saman and I'm happily going to read more.
Profile Image for Alyvia Paige.
Author 8 books103 followers
November 30, 2023
Gah! I just loved this Christmas story. Start to finish, the laugh out loud moments, the swooning, the heat… perfection just as J Saman is known to provide. This was the perfect escape and I cannot wait to continue to dive into the worlds she creates.
Profile Image for Cat.
156 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2024
J. Saman never disappointes!

4🌟 because I'm not an "Instant love" fan but from time to time, there are some books with that trope that I actually enjoy and this was the case! Cian and Vivian just make sense together!
Profile Image for Bambi Sommers.
Author 9 books19 followers
November 5, 2023
So much fun!

Who wouldn’t love an Irish rock star? A thick brogue, a big heart and love-at-first-sight feelings he doesn’t know how to deal with? Couple that with an American writer who writes hot romances but really has no experiences to draw from. What’s not to love?
Profile Image for Mar.
2,246 reviews43 followers
December 1, 2023
4 stars

This was soo freaking adorable 😍
Profile Image for Morgan.
663 reviews40 followers
December 16, 2023
This is just Niall Horan fan fic and it’s not very good. I liked the beginning but it went off the rails pretty quickly. I was going to give this 3 stars but the ending was so bad and cheesy. It also ends in surprise pregnancy! Blech!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Krystin.
779 reviews26 followers
November 21, 2024
This was cute and quick but I am HERE for the ‘brings a fake date home for the holidays bc the ex is going to be around’ trope.

*whispers* pssst….anyone got anymore recs for that?!
Profile Image for Laura.
1,454 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2023
It took me 4 days to read this novella. I think that should probably be a sufficient review, but I'll do my best to articulate why this didn't work for me.

Cian, an Irish rockstar, and Vivian meet in the airport when their plane is delayed. Cian has no where to go for Christmas and Vivian is trying to avoid an old boyfriend, so they end up in a fake dating situation. Feelings quickly feel real, but can they make it work in the real world?

This book is insta-love at its finest. I struggled to get into it to see what the rave reviews were about, but the over-the-top cheesiness and cringy sexual innuendos really didn't help. How many times can her "panties get drenched" in the first 10 pages? Answer: At least 3. I may have been in the wrong head space for this book. Oh well, I'm on to the next Christmas novella and still looking for that jewel.
Profile Image for KatReadsRomance.
603 reviews19 followers
January 21, 2025
I so love this book!

My third year and every time I forget how perfect it is until I read it again!

This is my second year read of An Irish Rockstar for Christmas, by Julie Saman and it’s officially my last book read in 2023. It is now in my Christmas rotation for every year.

Cian O’Connor is the perfect book boyfriend and Vivie is so lovely. I believe in love and love at first sight. Incredibly touching and pretty much perfection.
Profile Image for Serena Books.
2,018 reviews108 followers
December 31, 2024
Beso-y-luces-navide-as
’Me gustaste al instante. Antes de hablar contigo. Me gustó tu cabello y el hecho de que tu cara sonriente estuviera enterrada en tu lector electrónico, ajena al caos y la frustración de las personas que te rodeaban. Pero cuando levantaste la vista y rápidamente miraste a tu alrededor, supe que no iba a ningún otro lugar que a tu lado.’




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




An Irish Rockstar for Christmas de J. Saman

Argumento:

Dicen que no hay peor lugar para estar durante las vacaciones que el aeropuerto. Cuando mi vuelo se retrasa debido al clima en el norte, empiezo a estar de acuerdo.

Eso es hasta que un irlandés sexy con un acento que hace que mis bragas se derritan y una sonrisa que me hace sonrojar se sienta frente a mí en el bar en el que estoy matando el tiempo.

Comenzamos con bebidas y un juego de la verdad y rápidamente aprendo por qué nuestra camarera y todas las demás personas en el bar no pueden quitarle los ojos de encima.

Resulta que mi sexy irlandés es una famosa estrella de rock. Pero es el hombre del que nunca me canso y del que no quiero despedirme.

Por suerte para los dos, viajamos en el mismo vuelo. Y después de llevarme a casa en coche, lo convenzo de que pase la noche en casa de mis padres para no tener que conducir hasta Boston bajo la nieve. Además, no tiene familia propia con la que pasar las vacaciones.

Sólo que... cuando entramos, me golpea una explosión inesperada y no deseada de mi pasado.

Mi ex novio ha decidido volver a casa con mi hermano, su mejor amigo, y pasar la Navidad intentando reconquistarme.

Entonces, ¿qué hace mi sexy irlandés cuando piensa que podría haber competencia? Les dice a todos que es mi nuevo novio.

Y esto es sólo el comienzo de nuestro fiasco navideño.



Mi humilde opinión:


Romance navideño con relación falsa, desconocidos a amantes, polos opuestos, atracción instantánea, proximidad forzada.

El es un musico de una famosa banda de rock y ella escritora popular de romances, son el uno para el otro pero se conocieron en el momento equivocado…

Me encantan esos romances con un encuentro casual donde los protagonistas simplemente hacen click y presientes que cosas mágicas van a pasar y eso fue lo que me dieron Cian y Vivian, un amor a primera vista lindo, sexy y cálido que me llego al corazón, bueno eso lo logró Cian, gracias J. Saman por darme otro novio rockero de libro que encima es irlandés!

Esta autora logra que me crea que la atracción instantánea y que al final los sentimientos se convirtieron en amor real, un amor destinado a ser, lo que es difícil de hacer en una novela de corta duración. La tensión era tan entre los protagonistas que se saltaban chispas con cada una de sus interacciones con un desarrollo de su relación tan sincero que no lo sentí rápido o forzado.

Vivian era simplemente luz, era adorable, divertida y cálida. Me gustó que se soltara con Cian y se animara a romper un poco las reglas… con la charla sucia del rockero como para no romperlas! No esperaba lo que ella hizo después de que Cian se fue, tomo el riesgo por amor sin saber a donde la llevaría y eso fue algo muy valiente para hacer. Cian fue un amor de hombre, lo amé desde el momento en que le dice a Vivian que no se sentaría en otro lugar que junto a ella. Él adoraba a Vivian y me encanto verlo caer tan rápido por ella enamorándose por primera vez en su vida y lidiando con sentimientos que eran nuevos para él. Como los celos y lo posesivo que era con ella, estas situaciones me hicieron reír, no sé como se aguantó la curaduría de Hunter, el ex de Vivian! Además, tuvo lo detalles mas lindos, como que le escriba una canción y su regalo especial de navidad.

Puedo decir que Cian y Vivian son una pareja que me robó el corazón, su historia es sobre el amor que sucede cuando menos lo esperas, es sobre dar el salto y darse una segunda oportunidad, es sobre esa persona que te inspira en lo que haces. Es sobre estar solo en navidad y encontrar una familia que te recibe con amor y te hace parte.

Otra historia navideña perfecta de J. Saman. Había leído Holiday Fling hace unos días y me quede con ganas de leer mas de esta autora. Realmente me da todas esas lindas sensaciones en el romance y el ambiente festivo de las navidades. Seguramente voy a estar chequeando mas libros de ella.
Profile Image for Donna.
325 reviews210 followers
November 24, 2023
“No, this is only going to be a stolen moment in time. Something I’ll remember and keep with me. The night I met the most incredible girl and found myself wishing that everything could be different. Even if it never will be.”

🎄 Holiday Romance
🎄 Strangers to Lovers
🎄 Airport Meet Cute
🎄 Fake Boyfriend
🎄 Right Person, Wrong Time
🎄 Opposites Attract
🎄 Instalove
🎄 Forced Proximity
🎄 HEA

I absolutely loved this holiday novella!! Cian and Vivian were simply perfect together! This was exactly the way instalove should be!

Cian was a sexy as sin famous Irish rockstar with a bad boy reputation and a heart of gold. He met Vivian, a romance author, in an airport bar and was a total flirt, instantly drawn to her. She was good girl, a rule follower, going home to her family for Christmas. Cian offered to drive her home before heading to his place in Boston. It was late and a snowstorm hit so Vivian asked Cian to stay the night. When she realized her ex-boyfriend, her brother's best friend, was also at her family's home trying to win her back, Cian stepped in and pretended to be Vivian's new boyfriend. But then sparks flew between Cian and Vivian and lines started to become blurred.

“Woman, ye taste like the sweetest heaven and feel like the dirtiest sin.”

I loved Cian's possessive jealousy, how he cared for Vivian and worshipped her, showing his vulnerability as he started to fall for her like he never had before with any other woman. Everything between them felt natural, as if they were destined to be together. I loved Cian's dirty talk and the way he made Vivian uncharacteristically bold and impulsive and reckless. The tension between them was so intense and built like a fire until it absolutely combusted into flames! I just couldn't get enough of their whirlwind romance!

“I’m going to ride this train till it crashes and burns in my face and then I’ll pick myself up out of the ashes and be reborn like a phoenix.”

But what would happen when their fake relationship started to involve real feelings and they didn't want to let go? Cian was supposed to go on tour for four months and Vivian was still trying to figure out where to go next on her life's path. They didn't want to say goodbye, feeling empty and lost without each other, but staying together simply didn't make sense. Can you really fall so fast? What happens when you meet the right person at the wrong time?

“Life is what happens when you allow yourself to let go and experience it. Fear is what holds you back and gives you regrets.”

This was a story about living in the moment and falling in love when you least expect it. I was so caught up in Cian and Vivian and could feel everything right along with them. I loved how they inspired each other, artists each finding their muse. And I loved how welcoming Vivian's parents were to Cian, giving him the sense of family he was missing. Both Cian and Vivian were hurt in the past and adverse to relationships but they found exactly what they needed in each other. This was the first book I've read from J. Saman and I loved it so much that I already want to read more!

“Ah, darlin’, that’s easy. It doesn’t. True love stories never end, especially ones like ours.”
Profile Image for Brittani.
193 reviews
December 10, 2023
“I need this man and neither heaven nor hell can keep me from him and these eight remaining promised days.”

✨Holiday Romance
✨Fake Dating
✨Insta-Love
✨Rockstar MMC
✨Romance Author FMC
✨Opposites Attract

A perfect holiday novella with an adorable meet cute with all of the Christmas feels and a flirty, jealous MMC. What more could you ask for this holiday season?

Vivian is patiently waiting for her delayed flight home, when a sexy Irishman, Cian, comes up to her asking to sit with her. She’s hesitant, but agrees. Cian and Vivian get to know each other and eventually flirt back and forth while playing a game of truth or drink. She has no idea until hours later that Cian is a famous rockstar, but she doesn’t seem to care and Cian appreciates her for it. Eventually they find out they’re on the same flight, and Cian agrees to drive her home since it’s so late at night. When they arrive to Vivian’s family home, she finds out her ex-boyfriend and brother’s best friend is there to celebrate with them this year. Cian realizes who he is and tells everyone him and Vivian are dating. Which is fine because Cian leaves for tour the following week, so feelings won’t develop, right?

I absolutely loved this book and thought it was such a perfect read for the holiday season. The tension between Vivian and Cian was so addicting to read—I could feel myself blush throughout the majority of this book. There was an immediate connection between the two, and you can’t help but root for them the entire book. Vivian was constantly back and forth on whether she wanted to fully pursue a relationship with Cian, knowing they just met days prior and he’s leaving on a 4-month tour soon. Which can be annoying, but to be fair, I’d do the same thing. I also loved Vivian’s family and how they welcomed him with open arms, minus Vivian’s brother. To be fair, they knew who he was (being famous and all), but still. It was cute to read, knowing Cian was going to be alone for the holidays.
Cian is the perfect definition of a flirty gentleman—he’s polite in front of her family, but then takes her on the kitchen countertop while they’re in the other room. I love how he got jealous when seeing Vivian’s ex at her home and took matters into his own hands. With only knowing each other for just a few hours and doing something bold like that? A perfect meet cute for a Christmas story.

Overall, such a cute, spicy novella. I loved the pacing and the writing of this one—I literally read this in one sitting and there were many times I forgot I was reading. Read this one. Just do it. You won’t regret it.
Profile Image for Vicky Johnson.
426 reviews
December 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this novella.

I'm not usually a fan of rock-star romances as the guy is usually a dick until the last chapter but not Cian. He was smitten with Vivian the second he laid eyes on her and he liked the fact she didn't know who he was straight away.

They meet in the airport when there flight is delayed and end up having a nice together chatting and getting a bit drunk. They end up sat together on the plane and Vivian falls asleep on him. When they land the weather is really bad and he offers to drive her home. When they get there she realises he will be alone for Christmas so invites him to stay. He agrees to stay the night as its late and the weather is bad but when they get inside and she is ambushed by her ex, Cian puts his arm around her and introduces himself as her boyfriend

He ends up staying a lot longer while they pretend to be together while basically been together anyway while doing lots of Christmassy stuff. Obvs the ex blows it all up. They said they had been together 6 weeks and he finds pics of Cian in another country with another girl (Viv does think he clearly isn't interested in that girl he isn't even looking at her). Her dad stands up for Cian and said he knew it started as fake all along but he was grateful to him for keeping her slimy ex away which the ex does not like.

It was a cute story and all the side characters were great, especially the dad and nieces. It was nice to read about a rock-star who had it together.

The only reason this wasn't a 5 star even with the great epilogue was the non-communication. She kept thinking 'he will never love me like i love him' and he was thinking 'my feelings are stronger than hers'. She wanted him to stay he wanted her to go with him on tour but they never say that. It was a bit frustrating but still a nice Christmas read

Profile Image for Anna Lucas.
299 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2024
⭐️5 🌶️2.5

I’m now fully convinced that Julie Saman cannot write a bad book! This one really stole my heart.

A romance author on her way home for Christmas gets stuck in an airport only to meet who? Only an Irish rockstar (but she has no idea who he is) who pretends to be her fake boyfriend just to extend the time they have together on a plane. Then he continues the ruse when he meets her family and her ex-boyfriend because he cannot let her go. It’s instalove, it’s sexy and spicy, it’s Irish accents (praise God for that masterpiece) and a golden retriever of a man who falls head over heels for her.

I loved this book. Absolutely loved it. Sweet, sexy, hot, protective and swoony. Cian is a loveable sweetheart of a man covered in tattoos, is the lead singer and guitarist of a rock band so has that bad boy image we fall so hard for, and is the most soulfully kind person to boot. Throw in his sexy looks, Irish charm, dirty talk and deep hitting poetic words and wow. Hook, line and sinker.

Vivian is a romance author who can’t seem to catch a break in her own love life. Boyfriends that cheat, take advantage and just don’t treat her the way she deserves. She longs to be a Samantha and not the Charlotte she’s always been and damn girl, I feel ya on that one!! She’s vivacious and full of sarcastic comebacks that make her so funny and relatable and I loved her for it!

They certainly have passion and that undeniable chemistry going on. I couldn’t put this down and only read it in two sittings because, well, life 😂 But if I’d had the chance to I wouldn’t have stopped and I’d live a full length novel with these two!

Another fantastic book by Julie and another great holiday book to add to the collection ❤️
Profile Image for Katy.
1,210 reviews110 followers
December 23, 2023
Trigger Warnings include:
mentions of cancer, the loss of loved ones, spousal/child abuse, cheating (not between MCs)

Thanks to cancellations and delays just days before Christmas, two strangers get to enjoy each other’s company over drinks. And then after enjoying a flight together, and a long drive, they get to spend the night under the same roof…And then more nights becoming very familiar with each other. Because, of course, when she gets to her parent’s house, her terrible ex boyfriend is there. Cian doesn’t hesitate to jump in to defend her and protect her. And he never stops! Boy is that man a SMOOTH talker! Plus, he quotes Jane Austen with an Irish accent. I loved how easy their connection was. How they never seemed like strangers. Vivian and Cian’s connection is what epic love songs are written about, and Cian would know since he writes them!

Vivie Girl: 7
darlin: 26


My Favorite Quotes:
• “Christ, you’ll be the death of me, and I haven’t even had a taste.”
• “You’re very respectful.” “Doesn’t mean my thoughts are.”
• “I can’t pretend to be yer man if I don’t know what ye taste like.”
• “Oh god, yes! All of it. Smack me, f!ck me, choke me, lick me, I don’t care. I want it all. Just give it to me.”
• “I want it to be mine and I want to ruin ye for all other men after me.”
• “I wanted to taste how sweet ye are before ye have yer drink so I can compare it to after.”
• “Tell me what it is, dirty girl, and I’ll give it to ye.”
• “My heart will only ever be yours.”

7/10 Dirty Birdy
4/10 Fake Relationship
5/10 Forced Proximity
5/10 Instalove
523 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2023
J Saman is quickly becoming a top romance/smut author for me. I'm working through her backlist and every book is a treat. This short story is no exception and even though it was fairly short I didn't feel like we were deprived of a full story or the development of the characters. In fact, I loved that much of the story took place in Vivian's childhood home around her family at Christmas time so that there was plenty of outside character interaction that I feel is missing in many authors' works.
This is a story of instalove between strangers in an airport bar (sigh) that morphs into fake dating and 'forced' proximity. They only have a week together before he's going on tour across the world for 4 months. Neither of them wants their time to be over.
This Irish man can sing, has dimples and can quote her favorite book...Persuasion...to her...swooon
One thing I love about J Saman's books is that it feels like the dual POV is equally dispersed and not just a chapter from the MMC here and there.

This book has:
-1st person/dual POV
- instalove
- a delightful meet cute where she doesn't recognize him and they play a drinking game waiting for their delayed flight
- snow storm that leads to forced proximity
- sucky ex shows up and he claims her as his cuz jealousy and protection
- fake dating
- meddling but loving family
- rock star
- main characters are 26 & 28
- HEA
- oh and let's not forget the spiiiiiice...I'd say it was a 2-3 on a scale to 5 but what was there was excellent.
Profile Image for Yugie Caroline.
328 reviews7 followers
December 17, 2024
Oh my heavens, this book just blew me away and sent me to cloud nine. Rarely do I find myself smiling and swooning over a book, and that happened to me with this book literally from start to finish. I was just truly swept away.

From their delightfully charming meet-cute (oh, the flirting between them was just fabulous!), to the sudden declaration of their fake relationship (,they never saw it coming!), to their mutual admission of a rapidly deepening affection that was of a magnitude they've never before felt for anyone else, and to a painful separation that they could not stop from happening - this story just had me in its blissful grip all throughout. This book was truly about answering the question: what should two people - who find that they are perfect for each other - do when they meet at such a wrong time in their lives? It's the wrong time because they know what they share at that moment cannot last, no matter how real and deep and meaningful it is for them now. Do they enjoy the gift of their unmistakable connection while it lasts and then learn to let go when it's time? Or do they fight hell and high water to make it last despite the circumstances that threaten to keep them apart? I could barely put this book down because I couldn't wait to see just exactly how the characters were going to deal with this life-changing crossroad of their lives. When they finally did ..I was just overcome with emotion, truly. Like I said, I was just swept away. This book will live in my thoughts rent-free for a long time.
1,089 reviews10 followers
January 10, 2024
Brilliantly executed, Cian & Vivian's meet-cute turned forever after was lovely...

...especially as Cian was an insanely popular rock star who was drawn to Vivian in a crowded Airport lounge/bar, and Vivian hadn't a clue about who he actually was. She blushed because he was gorgeous, and also because she had zero vanity or any idea how beautiful she was. I liked that she took her time in first agreeing to his company, then getting to know him.liked

This storyline was compelling in its natural evolution of their relationship that wasn't real at first into something powerfully realistic and perfect. Cian's every touch, the way he looked at her, smiled just for her, paid attention to her, were powerfully revealing, especially to Vivian's father. I wondered why he never said anything in protest to Cian continuing to sleep in her room, or why he never protested their inclination to gravitate to each other. Their chemistry was palpable, and breathed off nearly every page! All kinds of hotness, but so sweet and lovely because Cian was so honest and sincere --he showed it in his thoughtfulness not only with Vivian, but everyone who he actually liked. His generosity, kindness, and sincere appreciation for being welcomed to this family Christmas visit were genuine, and it was clear hysteria much it meant to him. Beautifully crafted and written, especially liked how perfectly the storyline resolved itself. Four and a half stars.
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