Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel
“You are a rush to me. Every time I make you smile, my heart rate goes through the roof. The way you blush and bite your lip and pretend to be annoyed when I tease you…” He patted his chest. “Straight shot of dopamine. Let’s not even talk about what your laugh does to me. But you’re not just my dopamine hit. You’re my soft place to land when I come back down. I don’t need you to go skydiving with me. Or rock climbing. I’m perfectly happy reading a book. Or hanging out watching a movie with you. But there are times when I’d want us to get out of our comfort zones. Make some memories. I want to pick our moments, whatever they are, and live them.”
If you’re looking for a cozy, Hallmark-esque Christmas romance with a unique twist, *Faking Christmas* is a delightful pick! This story follows Olive, a reserved schoolteacher still grieving the loss of her dad, and Miles, her charming, slightly smug workplace rival. When Olive impulsively tells her nosy family that her fake boyfriend is none other than Miles, the last thing she expects is to find him at the Christmas Lodge her family booked... because his family owns it!
What follows is a heartwarming and hilarious week filled with fake dating shenanigans, a Christmas bingo competition, polar bear plunges, and a showstopping (almost) mistletoe kiss. But it’s not all fun and games—Miles and Olive open up about their grief and struggles, adding a layer of depth that made me tear up more than once.
Miles is the perfect combination of teasing and supportive, pushing Olive out of her comfort zone while respecting her boundaries. Their banter is playful, his nicknames for her (“Celery Stick”) are adorable, and their chemistry grows beautifully throughout the story.
This isn’t your typical cookie-cutter Christmas romance; it’s filled with charm, emotion, and a unique plot that kept me hooked from start to finish. While I wished for a bit more spice, the clean romance still delivered. *Faking Christmas* will be an annual holiday read for me—highly recommend for anyone craving a cozy, feel-good holiday escape!
If you enjoy Hallmark-style Christmas romances that blend humor and emotional depth, *Faking Christmas* is a delightful addition to your holiday reading list. The story centers on Olive, a schoolteacher grappling with grief, and Miles, her charming yet smug workplace nemesis. Their unexpected fake relationship takes place at a picturesque Vermont Christmas Lodge owned by Miles' family, leading to hilarious and heartwarming moments. The plot includes festive activities such as a Christmas bingo competition and playful antics, including a polar bear plunge. One of the standout features of *Faking Christmas* is its exploration of grief and healing, which adds significant depth to the romantic storyline. As Miles and Olive navigate their personal struggles, readers will appreciate the tender moments amidst the light-hearted fun. Readers will also fall in love with the witty banter between the protagonists, with endearing nicknames like “Celery Stick” showcasing their growing chemistry. While the romance remains clean and cozy, the characters’ emotional journeys create an impactful narrative that resonates deeply. Fans of holiday romances searching for a feel-good escape will find this book a cherished addition to their festive traditions.