First off, I love this cover. It’s so festive for the holidays.

A Christmas Date is the third book in the series, but my first book. I had absolutely no problem quickly settling into the story.

I really enjoyed reading this Warm, Cosy, feel good, light hearted Romp.
It had Romance, Fun, Family Drama, sibling rivalry, Mishaps, Sass, Fake Dates, Secrets, all around the Festive Season.

Looking for a light, fun, festive read over the holiday break? Pick up a copy of A Christmas Date by Camilla Isley. Not only is a quick, cute read, it is currently only on $2.99 on Amazon (for Kindle)!

The plot is taken straight from rom-com movies and Hallmark with an independent woman hiring a fake boyfriend to take back home with her for the holidays. Yes, you've seen it/read it before, but it is still fun!

In this short novel, the main character Nikki is likable and realistic. She is independent, but she is also envious of her little sister winding up engaged to the man of her (Nikki's) dreams. When she hears that her little sister and her dream guy/BFF will both be at her parents for Christmas, she takes matters into her own hands. And hires a guy right out of her sister's dreams.

Alas, family drama, comedy, and love occur during the Christmas visit. Nikki and her sister air out their grievances. Nikki realizes she can love again - possibly with the hunky actor she hired. But, like all good rom-coms, nothing is easy. Mistakes are made. Words are said. Hearts are broken.

But, again, because this is like a good rom-com, the ending is happy! So, if you need an escape from all the togetherness over the next few days, give this short little read a chance. If anything, it is guaranteed to make you laugh and roll your eyes.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this copy of the book to read and review.

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

This book delivers everything it’s supposed to and I was left very satisfied with reading it.

The Christmas Date was a sweet, feel good romance novel and I quite enjoyed it!

Thank you Netgalley and Pink Bloom Press for my copy of this novel!!

This was such a cute festive romance, and I’m so happy I found it just in time for the holidays! It had a very Wedding Date esque feel, and I read it in one afternoon. If you’re looking for a cute, feel good, holiday read, this book is definitely for you!

This was an incredibly cute and festive take on the whole fake boyfriend trope. Having never read this author before I was delightfully impressed with her writing style and ability to suck me into the story and fall in love with the characters with ease. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, fun, and sweet holiday read.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review

3.5 stars. This was a quick and fun read to indulge in over the Christmas holidays. I love a good Christmas romance, and this one crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's. Perfect to curl up with by the fire!

Another Christmas book down!  I received this book from NetGalley, so big thanks to you guys and the publisher!  This book fit so perfectly with my other holiday reads; it had a cute, heart-warming storyline and a sweet, happy ending.    

This book starts with Nikki, an independent who is going home for the holidays.  Sadly, she is single and her younger sister is engaged to marry that man that Nikki has been in love with since college.  Of course, neither of them know that.  Instead of facing her family and the love of her life single, she decides to use her position at a hiring firm to find a man to take home and pose as her boyfriend.  Nikki decides to add to her rouse by finding a man that fit all the categories of her younger sister's dream man.  The story, almost immediately, takes an interesting turn and the ending is a happy one.    

This book is so perfect for the holidays.  It doesn't have any explicit sex in it; the characters are wholesome and the story genuinely revolves around the relationships present.  There are a couple of sexual scenes, but they are well written and not bogged down.  Through these, you still get the impression that the connection between the characters is the most important part.  I enjoy reading books like this because when there are too many explicit sex scenes, one after another, I just end up skipping through them because, after the first couple, they are repetitive and boring. 

Perhaps the only thing that I didn't like about this book, or found to be unrelatable was how quickly everything happened.  After Nikki meets Diego (the hired boyfriend), their relationship goes so fast, as well as hers with her family members.  When I read books like this and see this sort of thing happening, I just have to suspend my belief for a little bit so I can enjoy the read.  It usually always works for me.    

I had never read anything by Camilla Isley but I enjoyed it.  I love her writing style and the use of details in the story.  Those are two things that can turn a bland romantic story set during the Christmas season into a well-done story with a solid plot and relatable characters.  There isn't anything negative or bad in this story.  Sometimes, that is the kind of thing you need to read during the holidays.  This book is part of the "First Comes Love" series of interconnected romantic novels.  While it is part of a series, I love that each book in the series can be read as a standalone.  When I received this book I didn't realize either of those things.  I will probably pick up the others since I met their characters in this book and want to read their stories too.  Isley is still writing books for this series; A Christmas Date was published on October 25, 2018, so when I received it, it was still pretty new.       

I gave this book three stars on Goodreads, only because it was a little more unrelatable than others I have read.  I loved the setting and the characters.  The storyline and plot were both fun and nice to read for the season.  I honestly have no real complaints about the book, other than my already discussed section.  I would happily read this again next year for Christmas, and maybe add it into permanent rotation.

This was an enjoyable afternoon's read. Even though the book is part of a series you can read it as a stand alone. WOW so much sibling rivalry in this book, and it highlights the difficulties between family members and outside relationships. A nice happy ending wipes out all that bitterness.

Camilla Isley is a new author for me - I have not read any of her previous books or the first two books in this series. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the first 2 books in the series.

A fantastic festive read guaranteed to put you in the Christmas mood. There is lots of humour, well written characters and romantic moments throughout the book which put a smile on my face.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

this book was great. It surpassed my Expectations. I thought it would just be a cute read for the holidays. But I felt as though I was actually there in the story. It set the atmosphere well and the characters were described in well planned out format. Loved it 😊

This was such a fun little romance. I love the Rent-A-Date trope and if loving it is wrong, I don’t wanna be right! If those made for TV holiday movies are a little too much for you, try this book instead. It captures the spirit of the holiday season, but leaves out the ugly Christmas sweaters, lessons from a wise, old villager, and the shrill voices of former child actors.

Nikki is in love with her old friend Paul, who has been dating her younger sister Julia for 2 years when Julia announces their engagement! When their mother asks Nikki to give up her bedroom back home for the newly engaged couple during Christmas vacation, Nikki does what any sensible single woman would do under the circumstances – lie. She’ll be bringing a boyfriend home, too. So what if her boyfriend Diego is a paid actor, who just happens to be her sister’s ideal man?

Nikki is a bit impulsive, but not recklessly so. She makes an intriguing main character that I think many modern, single women can relate to – hardworking, independent, and a strained family dynamic. Her best friend since childhood, Blair, is funny and supportive, but not blindly so. We all need a BFF to call us out on our shit sometimes and make sure we aren’t self-sabotaging ourselves.
Nikki’s sister Julia is hardest to like, but she is also the most like a caricature of all the things a suddenly- vegan Bridezilla can be. If that hits too close to home, just take a shot and keep reading. You know, like you do at your family gatherings.

This might be a bit predictable, but it really is fun and just the sort of book I needed right now – not too Christmasy, some kissing, a hot guy, some laughs, and a dog. After reading this I realized it is actually book 3 in a series, but it absolutely stands on it’s own. I found nothing lacking, but I do want to go back to the previous two books in the series. All opinions are my own, but I would like to thank Net Galley, the publisher, and author for providing a copy of the book.

A Christmas Date is a perfect book for the Hallmark Christmas movie fan in your life. This book is a cute romcom about a woman who can't face going home single for the holidays. I enjoyed this book curled up on my couch by the Christmas tree. Predictable - yes, but don't we all want a charming, home for the holidays, happy ending this time of year?

After not being much of a holiday book reader in my reading life, this year, I’ve been on a spree of collecting holiday reads. A Christmas Date is a standout amongst the pack.

Nikki is not a fan of the holidays. Being single and independently so is hard this time of year. When she would rather be working, she is forced to take time off and observe how romantic everyone feels about Christmas.

Everything comes to a head wine Nikki’s sister announces her engagement to a man Nikki has feelings for (but no one knows). Not only that, but he is spending the holidays with the family in celebration.

Nikki needs to survive this week at home and look good doing it, so she hires a fake boyfriend. She quickly finds a handsome actor to play the part. However, what will happen if Nikki finds the magical romance of the holidays charming her, too?

A Christmas Date is an endearingly funny romantic comedy perfect for an holiday pick-me-up. It’s soothing, comforting, and super cute. I read it in one quick sitting. Thanks to my friends, Melisa and Berit for the recommendation.

Thanks also to the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

'Tis the season! This is my first holiday book of the season. I had not read the first two in the series, but I don't think it was a problem. This novel stood on it's own just fine!

I enjoyed it a lot. The plot was a bit predictable and, as a reader, I knew exactly where it was headed, but I liked all the characters and I really enjoyed the story. The play between the sisters was especially cute. Those of us who have sisters can relate.

Thank you to Kobo Writing Life and Pink Ink Press for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review.

Do you ever read a book and you’re like “yes! This is why I love reading!!” ? That was this book for me. It wasn’t deep or intellectual or particularly challenging. Just good, lighthearted book. I was completely swept into the story. I love when reading a book is effortless and you lose all track of time. This book got me out of a book slump.

I have this think for books and movies that feature a woman hiring a fake boyfriend. So that initially caused me to choose this one. I will add that the budding relationship between Nikki and Diego believeable! And so cute. They captivated me as character from the beginning. Well written and fun. Perfect for the busy season of Christmas!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

First, I want to thank Camilla Isley, Pink Bloom Press, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Thanksgiving is over now this time of year is for watching Hallmark Channel Christmas Movies, listening to Pop Christmas music on the radio, and curling up on the couch with a good cup of hot tea and Camilla Isley’s new Christmas Book a Christmas Date (A Festive Holidays Romantic Comedy) First Comes Love Series Book 3. I was craving to read a Christmas book and this had every element that I was searching for and more.
Kudos to Camilla’s graphic designer on her book cover. This cover was amazing filled with amazing fonts, presents, I loved the Christmas border, the silhouette of the couple on the hill, and I could totally relate to the saying No one wants to be single on the holidays (as I am single and don’t want to be). This cover totally represents the book very well.

I had to laugh at the Dedication for all sisters who bicker a little at Christmas.

I loved the dynamic of Julia and Paul and how their relationship evolved even though Julia knew that her older sister had a thing for him. How Nicki feels so uncomfortable around them. Now years later Julia and Paul are getting engaged. On the same night Blair her roommate gives her the news that she is moving in with her boyfriend. My heart totally went out to her and wanted to give her a hug!! All this news before Christmas!! Before she is to go home to spend Christmas with her family! Camilla really did an amazing job with those two scenes.

The dynamic between Diego and Nickki started out one way but in my eyes turned out into something much more beautiful. I was incredibly happy for Nickki after years of pining over someone she could not have.
Camilla is a great story tell with a creative eye. I would gladly read and review for her again. Not just at Christmas time either.

This is interesting about Camilla. She is an engineer turned writer after she quit her job to follow her husband on an adventure abroad. She is a coffee addict and a shoe hoarder. She loves to read as well as write. She must have popcorn when going to the movies and she watches bad TV.

This was a combination of The Wedding Date + Something Borrowed, thrown together with a dash of Christmas. It was a quick read and entertaining at times, but the characters seemed very one dimensional, especially Diego. There was so much buildup to the actual family Christmas, and there wasn't a lot of time spent on those scenes. I'd rather have seen that than the 2 weeks that Nikki and Diego "lived" together. The turning point in the book was a big deal, where they realize after faking it for a couple weeks, they have actual feelings for each other, but it kind of came out of no where. And there should've been a conversation between them. There can still be drama and miscommunication even when there's a conversation and I think that would've helped that part of the book.

But all in all, it was a fun quick read for the holidays and since I only spent a day on it, it was a good day!

A bit predicable but its still a cute fast easy Christmassy read. This was my first book I've read by Ms Isley and I'm looking forward to reading her other novels including the first two books in this series.

Four stars: A funny holiday tale with some hilarious developments.

Nikki hates the holiday season, especially since a trip home is looming over her head. She keeps trying to avoid her mother and sister, but then her sister, Julia, shows up wanting to take her to lunch. Things go from bad to the worst when Julia brings Paul, Nikki’s best friend from college, whom she has been crushing on for years. Over lunch, Julia and Paul announce their engagement. The prospect of the holidays just got a whole lot unmerrier as Nikki grapples with the thought of returning home as a spinster and having to watch Julia and Paul together. Desperate, Nikki does something bold and brazen, she hires a boyfriend for the holidays. Diego is smoking hot and he has all the characteristics that Julia longs for in a boyfriend. Will Nikki pull off her fake boyfriend scheme?
What I Liked:
*The Christmas Date ended up being a delightful holiday read. I admit, it started off a bit rocky as I wasn’t a fan of prickly Nikki, but thankfully I stuck with it and was rewarded. This book is hilarious. It has fun characters, a charming romance and some family brawling. This one made me giggle.
*Nikki starts out as a holiday grinch. She has no patience for her mother and sister and she is sick of being single. I wasn’t a big fan of her in the beginning, especially in the way she treated her mom. Thankfully, I warmed up to her character. What I did like about her was her insecurity and her vulnerable side. She is complicated, but as the book goes on I warmed up to her as I saw her grapple with her insecurities. She truly transforms by the end of the book. I loved her at the end.
*Diego is the perfect love interest. He is genuine, kind, handsome and he sees through Nikki’s tough exterior to the vulnerable and sweet woman underneath. He handles all the uncomfortable situations with grace and charm. Loved him!
*What I loved the most about this one was the complex family dynamics. I thought the author captured the competitive sister relationship perfectly. Julia and Nikki definitely have some sister issues. In fact, they get down right bitchy with one another. No one can needle you like a sibling, and *I loved how the author conveyed the complicated parts of Julia and Nikki’s relationship. The kitchen scene was outstanding. When the food settles, Nikki makes it right because that is what sisters do. Loved this!
*The romance is adorable. It starts out under strange circumstances, but over time a friendship is formed before blooming into something more. I loved the heat and chemistry and how things progressed. It was perfect, even with the big stumble.
*This book is part of a series, but no worries, it is a companion book and it can be read as a stand alone so jump in.
*The ending was sweet and satisfying. It left me with a big, happy grin. This was the best holiday book I read this season.
And The Not So Much:
*As I mentioned, I was put off by Nikki during the first part of the book. She is jealous, self centered and she doesn’t appreciate her family. Thankfully, over time she gets it and evolves.
*This is the type of romance where I kept wanting the male perspective. I so wanted to get into *Diego’s head and see Nikki and her messed up family through his eyes.
I wished there was a tiny bit more progression in Nikki’s relationship with her mom.

The Christmas Date is a hilarious book that chronicles one woman’s desperate attempt to one up her younger sister. This one has romance, family fights, growth, holiday cheer and a food fight. What more do you need for the holidays?

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

The story of two sisters relationship, both with each other and with their current love interest. A trip home for Christmas, her sisters recent engagement to her college crush Paul pushes Nikki to hire an actor/model to be her boyfriend. Diego will be her saving grace this Christmas. No more snide remarks about aging eggs or not being a spring chicken by her mother and relatives.
It all falls apart after the food fight, that is when Nikki realizes she really has feelings for Diego.