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a_ab's review
2.0
Too many tropes and too much sex for such a short story, and, unfortunately, not enough of anything else. But that's no surprise — there simply wasn't space for anything else. So the characters are flat and trope-defined, the plot is nonsensical beyond endurance, and the ending didn't feel as happy and hopeful to me as the author seems to think it. The book left me with the impression of aggressive 'meh'.
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
This was a fun grumpy/sunshine, fake dating holiday romance novella. Lots of Canadian charm and heartwarming family fun (including gingerbread making competitions) over Christmas as the MCs deal with only one bed and an undeniable attraction to one another that gets all too real. Great on audio narrated by Emily Woo Zeller!
Steam level: open door
Steam level: open door
nelsonseye's review
4.0
Her Pretend Christmas Date arrived on my kobo this morning and I found the time to read throughout the day. I don't always like novellas, but this one worked very well for me. I liked that Julie and Tom had a "past" to build on (brief though it was) and I enjoyed reading about them getting to really know each other. The confrontation with Julie's parents worked well and I really liked the details that went into the gingerbread making contest.
dhee_reads's review
5.0
This is perfect example of turn around done right. Julie has some baggage. I think she's mean to Tom on their first date and even after he agree to fake dating plan. I get why she's on the offensive. It's unkind and low key brutal to watch especially since it has nothing to do with Tom. And he gets the brunt of it. But Lau works with it so well. She takes this situation a) makes it romantic b) has imperfect mcs c) amends behaviors d) does it in way that doesn't feel martyr-ish. I love Julie as a character. She has the right to live her life on her terms and not to be disrespected for it. That's large part of why Julie jumps the gun on assuming someone like Tom might judge her life. We need more characters with a broader range of relationships with their career and work.
jessoehrlein's review
3.0
The opposites-attract working so well in the (absolutely ridiculous in the best way) gingerbread competition was a lot of fun.
And I'm glad the main issue between Julie and her parents was really addressed and was part of the climax here, not just the setup!
And I'm glad the main issue between Julie and her parents was really addressed and was part of the climax here, not just the setup!
mindfullibrarian's review
3.0
Cute holiday novella and I loved the family! The writing (especially steamy scenes) just didn’t work perfectly for me in this one though.
elizelizelizeliz's review
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up.
This did what i could hope for with a novella--pleasant setting, some character growth (not much--see again, it's a novella), charming side characters, enjoyable activities. The parents putting on a fake sugar rush competition about gingerbread houses was perfect! Loved their weirdo energy! It's not overly memorable, but i had a nice time while listening. It's well narrated!
This did what i could hope for with a novella--pleasant setting, some character growth (not much--see again, it's a novella), charming side characters, enjoyable activities. The parents putting on a fake sugar rush competition about gingerbread houses was perfect! Loved their weirdo energy! It's not overly memorable, but i had a nice time while listening. It's well narrated!