READ-2-REVIEW - HOLIDAY CONTEMPORARY - FAKE IT 'TIL CHRISTMAS by Claudia Burgoa

Fake it 'Til Christmas
by Claudia Burgoa
November 19th 2025

From USA Today Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa comes a fake-dating holiday romance filled with slow-burn tension, awkward family dinners, and one grumpy man who might just ruin Christmas for anyone else.

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All I agreed to was a fake relationship.

A weekend of pretending I’m in love with my grumpy, emotionally constipated, private-jet-commuting neighbor.

Easy, right?

Except nothing about Soren Thorn is easy.

He doesn’t believe in horoscopes, hates throw pillows, and treats feelings like they’re contagious.

He’s all sighs, black coffee, and unreadable expressions—and for reasons I still don’t understand, he needs me to be his girlfriend for one very public, very awkward family event.

I thought I could handle it.

Play the part. Make it cute.

But then he started trusting me—with real pieces of himself.

Now I know his favorite coffee, some of his secrets, and the exact look he gives when he's about to self-destruct but pretends he’s fine.

And I’m starting to realize this whole fake dating thing might be getting too . . . well, not fake.

Because I don’t just want to survive the weekend.

I want to know what it would feel like if none of it were pretend.

 What to expect:

 Grumpy/Sunshine

 Neighbors to Lovers

 Fake Dating Shenanigans

 Holiday Mayhem

 Frenemies-to-Lovers

 Romeo & Juliet vives (minus the tragedy)

 All the cozy, spicy, small-town romance feels

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . FAKIN IT TIL CHRISTMAS . . . The Only Thing Fake Is Their Relationship!

Get ready to snuggle up with a mug of black coffee (Soren's choice, of course) and a whole lot of holiday shenanigans! Fake it 'Til Christmas is a deliciously witty, fabulously detailed, and profoundly heartfelt slow-burn romance that perfectly captures the chaos and cozy magic of the season.

This story is built on the most electric of foundations: Frenemies-to-Lovers, Fake Dating, and Grumpy/Sunshine. Our heroine is the wonderfully ambitious Winnifred Wendalyn Wolfcraft, aka Fred, the lovable "black sheep" who is determined to win her family’s annual Holiday Olympics title. Her grand plan hits a snag, however, leaving her desperate for a solution before heading back to their rival hometown, Winterberry Cove.

Enter her annoying, private-jet-commuting neighbor, Soren Thorn. Soren is the embodiment of "grumpy," a man who hates throw pillows, thinks feelings are contagious, and is dreading the engagement party with his demanding family. When Fred throws out the ridiculous idea, a lightbulb moment strikes: they’ll be each other’s fake dates to survive their respective family rivalries and holiday obligations!

The genius of this book lies in the execution of the slow burn. What begins as hilarious "frenemies, neighbor edition" head-bonking quickly morphs into something deep and real. As Fred and Soren navigate the awkward family dinners and Christmas mayhem, they start to trust each other with the real, vulnerable pieces of themselves. Watching the prickly Soren melt for the sunny, determined Fred is so worth the wait. This cleverly plotted journey is the perfect balance of drama, laugh-out-loud humor, emotional shenanigans, and a genuinely earned Happily Ever After.

The audio production turns this fabulous story into a five-star immersive experience.

• Jason Clark is flawless as the grumpy, emotionally constipated Soren Thorn. Clark’s delivery of Soren’s sighs, his disdain for throw pillows, and the subtle shift in his tone as he allows Fred past his massive walls is pure magic. He expertly handles the reserved side of the slow burn.

• Grace Grant brings the warmth and determination necessary for Fred. She captures the fun of the sunshine dynamic and makes Fred's desire to win and her struggle with family expectations relatable and deeply emotional.

Together, Clark and Grant master the witty banter and the escalating sexual tension, making the inevitable moment when their "fake" feelings turn real feel explosive and genuinely earned. This is a must-listen holiday treat!

 Ready to binge? One-click on Amazon or start reading for free in Kindle Unlimited:

 https://geni.us/fitxmaszon

 ➺ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHF8JS6Z

 ➺ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FHF8JS6Z

 ➺ https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0F5GDSFF5

 ➺ https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0F5GDSFF5

 Audio lovers, you’re gonna love this one. Narrated by @msgracegrant and @jasonclarkereads: https://geni.us/FiTCAudio 

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY HOLIDAY - A NOCHE BUENA FOR LONELY HEARTS by J.L. LORA

A Noche Buena for Lonely Hearts
A Love for All Seasons Novella
by J. L. Lora 
November 14th 2024

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One Christmas Eve, a chance for healing awaits lifestyle influencer Luciana “Lux” Blake in “A Noche Buena for Lonely Hearts,” a heartwarming holiday romance.

Luciana is surrounded by holiday cheer that feels painfully out of reach. While she hides her heartache behind a flawless façade, past trauma crashes the fiesta, prompting her to escape familial chaos.

Fate intervenes when she bumps into family friend Oliver Amador, a sexy single papi, longing to escape the shadows of his pain.

When he offers her a ride, their journey takes an unexpected turn, setting the stage for a magical Noche Buena.

One that promises to change everything.

As they bond over their shared heartbreak, Luciana and Oliver strike a one-night deal to create the perfect Christmas Eve together and then go their separate ways. Under the glow of the lights, their connection deepens through shared stories, slow dancing, and steamy kisses that set their souls on fire.

But as the clock ticks down to their bittersweet goodbye, the ghosts of the past come barging in. Will Oliver and Luciana find the courage to embrace a new beginning or let their past overshadow the magic of an unforgettable night?

A Noche Buena for Lonely Hearts is a companion piece (prequel) to my upcoming novel, The Spring in My Heart, the next full installment in my A Love for All Seasons series.

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . A NOCHE BUENA FOR LONELY HEARTS . . . In "A Noche Buena for Lonely Hearts," J. L. Lora presents a poignant and heartwarming holiday romance that explores the thin line between public perfection and private pain. Luciana “Lux” Blake is a lifestyle influencer whose flawless facade is beginning to crack under the weight of past trauma and familial expectations. Her escape from the holiday chaos leads her to Oliver Amador, a family friend who is also navigating his own shadows.

The "one-night deal" trope is handled with exceptional emotional maturity. What begins as a temporary pact to survive the night evolves into a profound connection rooted in shared vulnerability. As Lux and Oliver bond over their pasts, the setting of Noche Buena provides a rich, vibrant backdrop for their healing. The narrative successfully balances steamy tension with the quiet, tender moments of slow dancing and storytelling under the glow of Christmas lights.

This is a beautiful interracial holiday romance that truly warms the heart and soul. As a prequel to "The Spring in My Heart," it does an excellent job of establishing the series' emotional stakes while functioning as a satisfying standalone story. It is a testament to the idea that the right person can help turn a night of loneliness into a season of new beginnings.

My Final Word: A soulful and evocative read that captures the true spirit of the holidays through healing and hope. It is a must-read for those who appreciate romance with depth and cultural resonance.

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY HOLIDAY - STRANDED WITH THE ONE by Heidi McLaughlin

 Stranded with the One 

by Heidi McLaughlin
Release Date: December 12th 2023 
Genre: Holiday Romance 

New York Times bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin takes you on a holiday journey . . . trains, planes and automobile style. 

Holly Saint and Christian Lane grew up together and were best friends until he fell in love with someone else. Now, years later they find themselves stranded—both trying to get back to their hometown for Christmas, that’s if Jack Frost will allow them.

*Readers, please take note: this novel was previously published under the pen name, Darby Blake. The content is the same.*

AMAZON| APPLE BOOKS| NOOK| KOBO

  

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . STRANDED WITH THE ONE . . . This years visit your past and your future. Holly and Christian finds themselves in the same airport this pre-holiday season. Neither expecting the other or the fact that they would have their flight to their hometown canceled due to weather. A second chance to make the first time special. Holly and Christian were derailed the first time. Will this holiday season give them that one chance the should have had years ago. Sweet and heartwarming. Come find out just what the future could be like when you have the one you love by your side.

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers. Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs. In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl. Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018, and is now available on DVD & Digital. To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY HOLIDAY - SNOWBOUND by Freya Barker

Snowbound
by Freya Barker 
Release Date: December 4th 2023 
Genre: Holiday Romance 

Had she known ‘doing the right thing’ would land her jobless, homeless, and snowed in with a moody bear of a man guarding her, Bobbie Strada might’ve thought twice.

Last thing US Marshall Dag Toland needed was to get stuck protecting a witness as tempting as this one. Especially when forced to share a small mountain cabin in the middle of a snowstorm. 

*Short story. *Previously released in the Chill Factor anthology

AMAZON | APPLE BOOKS | NOOK | KOBO 

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . SNOWBOUND . . . This holiday she is alone, away from home, and on the run or at least that is how she feels. This holiday season Bobbie is in hiding. She is the witness in the trail to end all trials. She witnessed a murder. Not just any murder. She witness one of the most wanted crime bosses committing a murder. Now she is running for her life. The only thing of comfort is her cooking. There was her and the agent assigned to protect her. Then there was the one that did not like her. She was happy he was not here. Then things all go wrong. 

In the midst of Bobbie being found and bullets flying, she finds the one person she thinks hates her, US Marshall Dag Toland. Dag was on his way to relieve the current person on duty when he gets a distress call. In the nick of time he gets there to rescue Bobbie from being the next one to die. She then finds herself on the run with Dag and very little clothing/shoes. A couple quick stops and thing change between the two of them. After an avalanche, bullets flying again, a second rescue, and seclusion, Bobbie finds that she has a lot of things to make a decision on. 

Freya Barker give a short holiday romance that has its own twist and turns. But either way we get a happy holiday. 

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories. With forty-plus books already published, she continues to create characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy. Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, and Finalist for the 2020 Kindle Book Award with “When Hope Ends”, Freya spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

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READ-2-REVIEW - HOLIDAY ROMANCE - CHRISTMAS WITH AN ALIEN: A Sci-fi Alien Holiday Romance by Tana Stone

Christmas With an Alien

A Sci-Fi Alien Holiday Romance

by Tana Stone

October 27^th 2023

Kindle Unlimited

When an alien comes to Earth during the holidays with a list, personal shopper Caroline is tasked to help him find everything he wants…but what he wants is a bride.

 

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Caroline isn’t a Scrooge, but the weeks leading to Christmas are not her favorite. The personal shopping department where she works is insanely busy and the clients have crazy requests. Plus, this is her first holiday being single after a bad breakup. When her last appointment of the day is a gorgeous, blue-skinned alien, she isn’t too surprised. After all, everyone knows that aliens are real since a species of interstellar warriors revealed themselves and the fact that they’d been defending Earth for decades.

What does startle Caroline is that Griff isn’t looking for unique Christmas presents. He’s on Earth to find a mate.

Although she reluctantly agrees to help him, finding a bride for an alien isn’t as easy as it might seem, especially when word gets out that the hottie is on the market. Between the alien-obsessed women swiping right on his new dating profiles and the paparazzi dogging them, Griff is no closer to finding a bride. He is much closer to his personal shopper, though. If only she didn’t think loyal guys were as much of a fantasy as flying reindeer.

Can Griff melt the ice in Caroline’s heart and convince her that good things do come in big, blue packages?

Christmas with an Alien is a standalone, sweet and steamy, sci-fi, Christmas, he falls first, romantic comedy. It’s loosely connected to the Tribute Brides of the Drexian Warriors series, but it can be read on its own without having read any books in that series.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/46609Ys

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/christmaswithanalien

Add to Goodreads:https://bit.ly/3RsTnHY

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . CHRISTMAS WITH AN ALIEN . . .   For one woman and an alien, this holiday they will find something one is looking for an the other wants nothing to do with. Griff and Caroline find they are working together to find that very special gift on one holiday list. Griff was visiting Earth to find the one thing he could not find on his home world. He had his list in hand with everything he was looking for. On the advice (or push) from another, Griff finds himself at the mercy of a personal shopper. Not the one he was sent to see, but nonetheless a personal shopper that will make his list easier. He was in ready for what this shopping experience had in store for him. 

Caroline was ready for her day to be over. She was over the holiday season. She was over the hustle and bustle of filling every whim of someone's personal holiday list. She was coerced to take one more customer for the day. She was a good friend. She found the list from this next customer to be one that she may not be able to fill. I enjoy this holiday hunt to be light, fun, and blue. 

I was so ready for Miranda to get what was coming to her. I would have loved to experienced that. I wanted the ex and mother to get there moment to eat humble pie. Will Olivia get a story? Will there be a follow up to see where Griff and Caroline end up? Thanks Tana for a delightful holiday read. 
 

Author Info

Tana Stone is the USA Today Bestselling author of steamy sci-fi romance. She loves feisty heroines and heroes with tails and BIG personalities. Her favorite superhero is Thor (with Aquaman as a close second because, well, Jason Momoa), her favorite dessert is key lime pie, and she loves Star Wars and Star Trek equally.

She has one husband, two teenagers, two dogs, and one neurotic cat. She sometimes wishes she could teleport to a holographic space station or be stranded on a barbarian planet (for the peace and quiet).

She loves hearing from readers! Email her any questions or comments at tana@tanastone.com

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