It has been a while since I've picked something up from Gerri Hill, which I honestly can't explain as they're always great offerings. Perhaps it's because I think one day it won't quite hit the mark. Today wasn't that day. I really enjoyed The Great Charade. A story that has been delivered many times by many authors, but Gerri Hill still managed to deliver something a bit different and well worth reading.

This was the Christmas book of this season.

The whole Abby situation with her brother and her ex-fiance, parents in denial was bananas. Not your standard plot.

Enter Nic the landscaper who works for Abby's company. Nic agrees to fake date Abby to take the pressure off and keep Abby's ex-fiance at bay.

It was a fun read. The only minor detail I had issues with was Nics counteroffer to be Abby'fake date. It was kinda cru for a rom-com plot and a dent in Nics character. BUt Nics show herself to be trustworthy.

I think this was a fun read. I love the fake dating trope so I definitely was excited to pick this up. I think it was well executed, the characters were well written and the backstories added a lot to the story. I do think something was missing, I didn't feel te need to finish the book as soon as possible, this could be because of how the book was paced. But I did enjoy it and would recommend it.

This was a pretty solid sapphic romance, though I didn't love the insistence by some characters that philandering Holly was really "gay/lesbian," and not clearly bisexual. Seemed...very old-fashioned and problematic. Also didn't love the quid-pro-quo that involved seemingly semi-coerced sex, though the writing and characters were strong enough that by the end (or really the middle) these issues were mostly resolved, unless I thought about them too hard...

ARC received via Bella Books in exchange for an honest review.

This was my third Christmas book for the month, and probably my favourite. Gerri Hill is a pretty safe bet and this was an enjoyable romance, although not without flaws.

So, this features MC Abby, who is facing Xmas with her ex, Holly, who is now dating her brother, they met two years ago when Abby took Holly home for Xmas but Holly then slept with Abby’s brother, Aaron. Then next year when they all spent Xmas together Holly pursued Abby again and they slept together, Abby is worried this will happen again and so decides she needs a fake girlfriend to keep Holly at bay.

Enter MC Nic, who works at her uncle’s landscaping business. Abby spots Nic when she’s part of the crew who do the gardening at Abby’s work and eventually works up the nerve to ask her to help with her fake girlfriend plan. Nic doesn’t really like Xmas, with good reason, but agrees, though only if Abby also agrees that sex will be part of her ‘compensation’. Abby’s not comfortable with this, but is desperate enough to agree.

By virtue of this setup, the two spend a lot of time together, and unlike some fauxmances, actually get to know each other and discuss life stories, favourite things, and in Nic’s case, past tragedies. They are also both super sweet, and surprisingly compatible.

Most of the story takes place during Xmas, so Abby’s parents and Aaron and Holly feature a lot. Abby’s parents are having their own issues, and Holly is a mean bitch who appears to make Aaron miserable, and also seems to realise she picked the wrong sibling.

I really enjoyed Nic and Abby’s relationship, loved the way they talked to and supported each other. I also loved Nic’s wide eyed wonder as she experienced her first real Xmas, especially in light of what is revealed about why the holiday is difficult for her. Most of the supporting characters are enjoyable, particularly Abby’s mother and Nic’s BFFs, who are lovely and supportive.

There are a few flaws here though, first, I was uncomfortable with the ‘compensation’ aspect, I really wish Hill hadn’t included it. Even though everything they did was consensual, the first time had an element of coercion or expectation that I didn’t enjoy. I also couldn’t fathom why Abby’s parents, especially her mother, didn’t seem to realise til partway through this Xmas that Holly was a bitch and blamed Abby for any awkwardness. It was just weird. Holly as a character was also deeply unlikable, so much so that I couldn’t see what either sibling had seen in her, or why an obviously miserable Aaron persisted with his relationship. On the positive side, this doesn’t feature a contrived breakup, and there’s no manufactured drama.

Overall, this is a lovely romance between the MCs, who have great chemistry and a good basis for the HEA to be believable. The flaws are the reason I’ve knocked off a star. 4 stars.

I have such mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, it's a Christmas-themed fake girlfriend trope that is just so darn readable, but on the other there is a super gross "counteroffer" that made me very close to tossing the book aside the moment it became clear that that was going to be a plot point and not immediately walked back. Abby is headed home for the holidays but so is her brother and his girlfriend, who had been Abby's girlfriend two years prior until sleeping with her brother during the holiday and breaking up with Abby immediately thereafter--then sleeping with Abby again the previous Christmas. Rather than get sucked back into this cycle, Abby decides it's a great idea to bring along a fake girlfriend--cue Nic, the "I don't do relationships" random landscaper outside her office building. Nic's counteroffer to Abby's "free White Christmas in the mountains" is a sex requirement and despite this literally bringing Abby to tears, she agrees. So let's stop here for a moment...how in the hell is this okay? At no point is Nic called out on this behavior and multiple times throughout the book, they refer to sex as "payment". This took me out of the story and made it extremely difficult to like Nic. And yet, I mostly still did, against my better judgment. Her character has an extremely compelling backstory and it's great to see Christmas through her eyes. Abby on the other hand is the weaker character and it was a chore to get behind her; she's whiny, conceited, and a bit morally bankrupt. Again, even so, this is STILL such a readable and enjoyable book! It defies logic! Maybe I'm just a sucker for Christmas stories.

I’d read a few Christmas romances recently that were really mediocre so I was desperate for an engaging read and I knew Gerri Hill would deliver. The book was so well written I finished it in one sitting. The main characters started out with tons of chemistry which later transformed into the sweetest romance. They were very cute together and I rooted for them. I especially connected with Nic who had gone through some awful things and the author had depicted these very sensitively without sensationalising violence. I loved Abby’s protectiveness over Nic and how the two of them worked through their issues like reasonable adults, which can sometimes be a rarity in romance! I had some minor issues with Nic’s counteroffer at the beginning as it made me uncomfortable from a consent point of view but this was worked out in the end.

I started reading Gerri Hill book's quite a number of years ago, I've never been disappointed yet!

The Great Charade, a Christmas romance, about ex's, a winter wonderland setting and family. It's a fantastic read and defiantly get you into the Christmas spirit! With loveable characters and a heartwarming storyline, you just can't go wrong with this novel.

I've given The Great Charade a 4 star,

What a beautiful and fun read. For those that enjoy Christmas and all the traditions that go with it, this is the read for you. Abby Carpenter, business women with an unsettled past with her ex and an estranged relationship with her brother. She is looking for a fake girlfriend to take home for the holidays. Nic Bennett, landscape artist, due to past childhood events, she is not looking for a relationship. Serving as a fake girlfriend is perfect. Little due both women know is a memorable Christmas is about to unfold. The ex-girlfriend, all I can say is wow. Unsure what words to say about the laid back brother. The parents and friends were wonderful.

This read had me thinking about family and friends as we gather around for the holidays. which person or persons are going to be the center of attention this year and why. Ho Ho Ho, what fun!!

I am a big Gerri Hill fan. I really like her romances, and her holiday love stories are especially good. The Great Charade, her newest Christmas themed novel is just more proof of this.

Ms. Hill uses one of the best tropes for a love story in this book, the fake romance. There are so many things you can do with this trope, and the author takes full advantage of that.

In this story Abby Carpenter is in desperate need of a fake girlfriend. She will soon have to spend 10 days (Christmas through New Year’s) with her family in the resort town of Red River, New Mexico. This wouldn’t be so bad if the family didn’t include her brother and his fiancée…the woman who used to be Abby’s girlfriend before she cheated on Abby. The same person who lured Abby into a one night stand. Abby finally finds Nic Bennett who is willing to go with her to Red River and pretend to be her girlfriend, but Nic has a counter offer that Abby is not sure she’s willing to accept.
This is a wonderfully crafted story with a lot of conflict coming from several different directions.

There is also an underlying layer of angst, from Abby’s rather dysfunctional family dynamics to Nic’s past. Ms. Hill handled the romance between Nic and Abby perfectly. They start out as strangers and the author slowly lets them become friends. The chemistry they have together takes them further as the story continues through the holiday season and beyond. The setting is almost magical, and definitely worthy of a holiday story. I even caught a few Easter eggs from some of Ms. Hill’s past books.

The Great Charade really is a heartwarming, romantic holiday book that I’m really glad I was able to read this season. If you’re looking for a great novel to read this holiday, this may be the one you are looking for.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.

This has been a beautiful Christmas season story, recommended for its setting and for its plot. If you also like to read about false romance, this has been a good one too, no dramas, sugarcoated even. Abby has been a bit difficult to like, with all the mess with her ex and her family. Nic on the other hand, even before we know her past, it's more interesting, really.

And what should it be like for an adult to experience a real Christmas for the first time? Surely very similar to what Nic lives here, although I would have liked a greater immersion for her, more joyful, more holy, more merry.

But it is still a nice Christmas story nonetheless.

Well this is why Gerri Hill is one of my favorite authors. She took an old storyline of "Faux Romance" and made it into something special.
It was a little slow getting started but from the time they got into the car, to drive to Abby's parents house, it was full of clever dialog, warmth and romance.
I loved the two main characters, Abby and Nic. They had so much chemistry. I loved viewing Abby's parents home, the Christmas decorations and of course the snow, through Nic's eyes. It was magical and child like all at the same time.
In addition to the developing romance, there were several other important side stories. Abby's ex-girlfriend is now engaged to Abby's brother; the parents troubled marriage and Nic's secret past. All were very interesting, entertaining and important to the story.
My only disappointment was the abrupt ending. I actually thumbed back and forth thinking something was wrong with the pages. No, it can't end just like that. Where was the epilogue? I wanted more. That's the only reason I rated it 4 stars.
And I just discovered the audiobook is available narrated by Abby Craden (Another one of my favorites) Oooh I can already imagine Nic's voice.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For me, this was a perfect Christmas book. Not only does it nail the Christmas theme, the premise is so engaging from the very first page - Abby needs a fake girlfriend to take home for the holidays because her ex is now dating her brother. This crazy scenario hooked me in from the get go and I read this book in 24 hours - a feat for me at the moment. It was a real page turner.

Although you'd think a premise like this would cause a lot of angst, this book focuses moreso on the relationship development between Nic and Abby. They are strangers at first, and over the course of a week or so they get to know each other and this is what then kept me turning the pages. The way their relationship develops was a joy to read and felt so organic.

The backstory of Nic was gut-wrenching, but I loved the way Abby engages with her once she knows. It was a really beautiful part of their story and I loved that it wasn't blown out of proportion or used in a way that made it feel overly constructed.

I absolutely adored this Christmas novel and it’s definitely one of my favourites from Gerri Hill.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Gerri Hill is an author like no other. She has 40-ish books under her belt, and there's not a dud in the bunch. This could have easily been a throw-away Christmas romance novella, but she took that trope and set it on its head.

I know a lot of readers love the fake relationship trope, but it's not one of my favorites. Or wasn't. The Great Charade is easily my favorite fake relationship book but also my favorite Christmas-themed book! There's a lot of craziness here - your ex leaves you to marry your brother, but has a fling with you and goes back to him? That's crazy! No one but Gerri Hill could carry that off. And agreeing to trade sex in exchange for being your fake girlfriend for ten days? That's crazy! Gerri Hill made something so unpalatable into a fantastic story that made me realize my family isn't crazy at all.

In addition, there's an underlying theme that landscaper Nic "isn't good enough" for businesswoman Abby or her family. It reminded me of that scene in Just Jorie (an all-time favorite) where Lena's friends told her that if she is now a lesbian they can fix her up with someone more suitable than Jorie, a mechanic. Turns out that the heart wants what the heart wants.

This is the kind of book, an unassuming holiday romance, that made me so sad to finish it, even though I couldn't put it down. The perfect holiday surprise for readers.

**One pet peeve ... Shiner Bock is spelled Shiner Bach three or four times. I have it in my fridge, I know it's Bock.
Thanks to Bella Books for letting me read!

“The Great Charade” is a fauxmance romance set in the mountains of Red River, NM during Christmas.

Abby Carpenter is looking for a fake-girlfriend. Her ex, Holly, who is now engaged to her brother, will be at their family Christmas and has made it known she’s up for an affair. Abby isn’t strong enough to deny Holly so she decides to ask a stranger to go with her on the 10-day trip. She meets Nic, a landscape artist, in the common grounds at her office. Nic is the exact opposite of Holly and agrees to go with Abby to keep Holly away.

Honestly, I read this without reading the blurb and that was a mistake. Had I known this was about cheating with your sibling’s significant other I wouldn’t have read this. I find the situation very cringey and I don’t like to read about it. Something else that bothered me was Nic’s counteroffer in exchange of going with Abby. She doesn’t come across very well and it made me not like her in the beginning.

Getting that out of the way, I’m glad I persevered as I ended up really liking this. Nic becomes someone I really liked once you get to know her and her background. I liked the chemistry and relationship that developed between Abby and Nic and thought they were a good fit. They get to know one another and support each other when the times call for it. Their romance ended up being very sweet and caring and I was happy I stuck with it.

I recommend this if you’re wanting a mostly sweet, heartwarming festive romance. There is some light angst and things get a little darker than I expected at one point but this mostly had me smiling while I read. And I really liked the cover after I saw how it was incorporated into the story.

I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I do like a good 'fake girlfriend' story and Ms. Hill has a great spin on it in her latest book. Abby is going home for the holidays and her ex will be at the house (I won't spoil it to say why but dang...) so she asks a total stranger to help her out. Nic, short for Nicky (loved that, you will understand when you read the book), steps in and they are off to fake everyone out for 10 days.

To me this story has a few threads running through it-the fake girlfriend relationship so Abby can keep her ex at arms length, the growing romance between Abby and Nic, but what really grabbed me was the dynamics of working class experiences, Nic, countered with the richer class of the Ex, Holly, and to some extent Abby's family. I don't want to give to much away, but as Ms. Hill expertly spins, no matter what upbringing, all families have issues, ok Nic more than most, but still Ms. Hill shows that everyone has problems. I loved that Nic could really put Holly in her place, yes I just wanted to slap Holly, but I think Ms. Hill wanted us to feel that way..smile...

One of the big loves I had for this book, among other things, was it is so full of rich dialog. I am a sucker for running dialog that fills a story, it gets me to relate to the characters even more because you just have their voices and direct interaction running in your minds eye throughout the story and Ms. Hill does this brilliantly. There isn't much angst in regards to the MCs, just a heartwarming holiday story, which can be read anytime of the year, of Nic just trying to make it through the holiday (again no spoilers, but me wiping away a few tears) and Abby slowly falling for Nic. .Oh and also, the bedroom scenes could melt the icicles off the roof <wink>.

I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, but would have written the same opinion if I had come across this author on my own.

To see my Amazon review, it is under CC-Heartwarming growing love

Gerri is one of my favorite authors and she didn't disappoint with this story about fake girlfriends leading to something else. I loved how the friendship and romance grew between both MC. It was quite touching how understanding and supportive Abby was with Nic as she had her first Christmas ever. Well done, I recommend.
4.5 stars

Thank you Bella Books and NetGalley for this ARC

Abby Carpenter, Market managing her own small crew works in a consulting firm. She likes her job but the highlight of her working days is her daily lunch she shares with her friend Sharon. Her parents retired and moved to Red River, NM and now in order to share her Christmas with them she has to go there. This year her parents are planning for her to stay 10 days. And usually she’d find herself overjoyed just for the chance to get some skiing in. But this year's guests include her older brother and his girlfriend, Holly. Three years earlier she was the one to bring Holly as her girlfriend but Holly, being Holly, decides it’s a good idea to sleep with Abby’s brother. The next Christmas finds her brother Arron, bringing his girlfriend Holly. So last Christmas it was Abby sharing a night with Holly. I think I got that right. Anyways, now faced with another celebration she decides to bring her own girlfriend. Not a problem but for the fact that Abby didn’t have a girlfriend. Maybe, just maybe she could find someone willing to travel with her pretending she was Abby’s GF.
Nic Bennett works as a landscaper alongside her uncle who is the owner and Nic’s only living relative. She has two great friends Addison and Eric who are expecting a baby and need Abby to be the baby's aunt. When she’s approached by the strange lady with the insane offer of a 10 day skiing trip and agreement that Nic would be introduced as Abby’s Girlfriend. After much debate Nic decides why not. It might be fun. Christmas is always such a hard day for Nic she tells Abby she will go, acting as her gf.
Ms Hill can and does write books that you find yourself unable to put down. Great characters with a generous splash of humor make this a very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books

Abby Carpenter dated her ex, Holly, for about six months before Holly moved onto Abby's brother, Aaron. Then last year at her parent's home in Red River, New Mexico, Holly and Abby were drinking wine and Holly enticed Abby into bed while Holly was still dating Abby's brother. Now Christmas is approaching once again and Abby is hesitant is join her family for Christmas since she is worried about a repeat event even though Holly and Aaron are now engaged to be married. Abby tells her work colleague and lunch buddy, Sharon, that she needs a fake girlfriend to accompany her on the holiday visit to Red River this year.

Abby is running out of options for a fake girlfriend, but has noticed an attractive person who sometimes eats lunch in the same courtyard where she and Sharon dine. She decides to ask the person and learns that her name is Nic and she is a landscaper who maintains the grounds of their office complex. Abby offers her a ten day vacation to an idyllic winter wonderland setting with free skiing and other outdoor activities. Nic seems interested but counteroffers with a stipulation that includes something that make Abby initially hesitate, but she eventually accepts, since she is so desperate.

Reading the description for The Great Charade one could get the impression that would be a straight-forward fake girlfriend turned lovers story. However, this is far from a light romance and instead is a multi-layered, heartwarming book. As the reader begins to learn more about Nic and how she grew up, we begin to understand how her past has shaped her view of the holidays as well as her relationships. I'll admit that I shed a few tears when Nic's past was revealed and as she began to develop a deeper relationship with Abby. This book also has a nice balance of humor, especially with the foil being Abby's ex, Holly. When Holly and Nic first meet and comment on each other's holiday names you know that the holiday visit to Red River will not be all sweetness and pleasantries. 5 stars

I received an ARC from Bella Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Two years ago Abby Carpenter took her girlfriend Holly home with her for Christmas. Holly slept with Abby's brother, Aaron, while they were there. Last year Holly went home by herself and promptly slept with Holly behind her brothers back. Now, she's going home again for Christmas and Holly and Aaron are engaged. So, of course, she needs a fake girlfriend to take with her so she doesn't get seduced by Holly again. And that's where landscape artist, Nic, comes in. Abby asks Nic, a complete stranger, to accompany her for ten days to her family's home for the holiday. Nic agrees with one stipulation. 

Gerri Hill's books were some of the first I read when I began reading lesfic. She has written some fantastic books. This book has some good moments but getting to those was difficult. The sexual ping pong Holly does between brother and sister is cringeworthy along with Nic agreeing to go along with the charade in exchange for sex. Once Abby and Nic arrive at Red River, the book becomes more enjoyable. 

The chemistry between the two characters is convincing and I actually grew to like them a lot. Nic isn't as callous and arrogant as she seems in the beginning. She has endured a great deal of trauma in her life and has serious walls around her heart to protect herself. The scenes with Nic enjoying snow for the first time were delightful. She displayed such a childlike innocence that Abby couldn't help but get drawn in. Abby is a good character as well, although her weakness where Holly is concerned bothered me. 

Along with the two main characters, Abby's mom, is my favorite. She is kind and supportive and helps to give Nic the kind of Christmas she never had growing up. The scenes with Abby, her mom and Nic are lovely, as are the ones in Red River with Abby and Nic exploring the idyllic town. It wasn't enough to help me get over Nic demanding sex in exchange for going with Abby or Holly sleeping with both siblings with no regard to eithers feelings. This wasn't my ideal Gerri Hill book but it might be the one for you. 

ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley for an honest review