Margot agrees to help Ben by being his fake girlfriend during Christmas. However, she finds herself falling for his sister, Ellie.

This reminded me a lot of Kiss Her Once for Me except set in England. The writing wasn’t as much for me as that one and I found it hard not to compare the two. British holiday romance fans should enjoy this one overall.

My first Christmas book of the season, and it did not disappoint! I love a fake dating situation. Such a cute book. I was rooting for the characters, and I loved every minute of The Chrismas Swap.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC of this book.

3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to Penguin and Netgalley for the ARC!

I chose this because of the adorable cover, and it really delivered on the cozy Christmas romance vibe. Margot is fresh out of a breakup with nowhere to go at Christmas, and her friend Ben invites her to his parents country manor to pose as his fake girlfriend. When Ben’s sister Ellie shows up, sparks fly among all the holiday traditions and mistletoe.

I loved all three of the main characters - all had some growth over the book, and the way both Ellie and Ben supported Margot through her realizations about her former relationship was so uplifting to read. The book also touched on some serious family-related topics (grief at family loss and seeing a beloved grandparent struggle with dementia) without feeling bogged down and heavy.

On the negative side, the book dragged a bit for me - the story built slowly and I was never glued to the page. I also thought the end conflict felt a bit over dramatic compared to the softness of the rest of the book.

All in all, though - a sweet story in a lovely setting, very cozy. Low steam, kisses and a few make-out sessions, but it felt right given they were sharing a house with Ellie’s entire family.

This was a super cute, fun wlw holiday romance. It gave me Hallmark vibes (Hallmark, if you're listening.... I would like to see it) and it was sweet and cheesy and just what I want in a holiday romance.

Talia Samuels' "The Christmas Swap" is a heartwarming holiday treat that blends humor and wit seamlessly. The story's picturesque countryside manor is painted so vividly that it feels like a cozy escape. The side characters, especially the comical grandpa, add an extra layer of enjoyment to this festive tale.

I'm already looking forward to revisiting this charming story closer to the holidays; its enchanting atmosphere and sweet romance make it a perfect seasonal read. The book's sapphic romance and engaging plot even evoke the warm feelings of a Hallmark movie, making it a delightful addition to the genre.

Following the journey of Margot, a pragmatic businesswoman, and Ben, an endearing unlucky-in-love guy, as they navigate a faux relationship is a joy. Their pact to play mates for the holidays leads to unexpected emotions and hilarious situations. When Margot meets Ben's skeptical sister, Ellie, the story gains depth as their connection evolves.

The mystery of whether Margot and Ben can uphold their charade despite Ellie's suspicions keeps the pages turning. As Ellie and Margot's bond grows stronger, the question lingers: Will they risk honesty and embrace something real, even if it challenges their initial plans?

In the end, "The Christmas Swap" is a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of the holiday spirit, love, and unexpected connections. Talia Samuels' debut is a must-read for those who adore sapphic romance, and anyone seeking a delightful, feel-good story to enjoy during the festive season.

I loved the sapphic twist in this rom com (I don’t feel like I’m giving anything away as it is mentioned in the description) The book takes us on a very fun and twisty holiday adventure!

Perfect holiday read!!!!


Thank you soooooo much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗
"I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

“The Christmas Swap” is a very cute meet cute story.

Like a Hallmark Christmas movie rom-com. Quite predictable but a lot of fun in getting there.

I really liked this feel good book.

Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Newly single Margot has nowhere to spend the holidays so her friend offers her the chance to spend Christmas with his family, the only catch? She has to pretend to be his girlfriend all the while trying not to fall for his sister. Margot has just broken up with her long term girlfriend, the very same girlfriend who was emotionally abusing her. She has no one to spend the holidays with so her friend Ben Gibson offers her to spend it with his family but she has to pretend to be his girlfriend to get his family off his back. It shouldn't be an issue because Margot is only interested in girls.. but the moment she meets his beautiful sister and accidentally motorboats her, things are going to get complicated because said same sister thinks something is up. and that Margot might be a gold digger after her brother (whoops). Thus ensues holiday mischief and misunderstanding! This was an okay Christmas one, the third act fallout/makeup was a bit much for me and the resolution to the big fight didn't really feel all that resolved because of how big the fall out was. I wanted a bit more on the resolution between Margot and everyone because oh boy was it a big mess of a fallout. Overall it's a pretty cute sapphic Christmas read that you should add to your tbr~

*Thanks Netgalley and Alcove Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

A very cute Christmas romance! I loved this book!

Margot agrees to pretend to date her friend Ben so he doesn't have to go home for Christmas looking like a sad single. The only problem is Ellie, Ben's sister is just Margot's type! I love the way the fake dating trope is turned a bit on its head in this book. Ellie initially thinks Margot is a gold digger but once they clear that misunderstanding up, the two of them can't resist each other.

Throw in Christmas shenanigans, late night picnics, and a mysteriously pregnant rottweiler and you have a fun holiday romance!

Margot agrees to be Ben's fake girlfriend at his family Christmas. She has just gotten broken up with by her girlfriend and is still hurting about her nana's death. Then Ellie, Ben's sister arrives for Christmas too, and suddenly everything gets complex.

There are a ton of misunderstandings, a very pregnant dog mystery (who got her pregnant) and a whole lot of family drama. As all this goes on Ellie and Margot get closer, but, it's in a very jerky and halty way.

If I'm honest, I didn't love the character of Ellie, or even of Margot, although, a lot of her story was sad. I'm not really one for hetero romances, but, I really wish that this book had been focused on Just Ben. His character was my favorite, and I wish we'd had more time for him. Overall it was an ok book, I just didn't get sucked in, and putting it down and picking it back up wasn't too hard to do.

So stinking cute!

I loved it so much!!

Please read this one. Loved the characters and the Christmas vibes

This book was super wholesome! I loved the slow buildup of the book. It wasn't exactly an enemies-to-lovers trope, but their relationship did start off a bit rocky. A few of the other tropes in this book that I enjoyed are forced proximity and fake dating. I was a bit hesitant when the 3rd act breakup started because I am not usually a fan of that trope, but I thought the author did a good job writing it. I also thought the author did a good job showing how hard it can be to recover from emotional abuse. The topic was handled with care and sensitivity, but without any pity, which I appreciated.

This was a cute twist on the fake dating trope. Instead of falling for the man she agrees to fake date, Margot falls for his sister, Ellie. While the books definitely has some classic tropes in it, it was still a fun story overall.

When it came to the two main characters, I liked Margot a little more. She seemed like a great friend, especially to Ben. I really enjoyed her chapters. Ellie, however, was less likable. I found her a little flat as a character, especially in comparison to Margot. I also didn't really care for the way she was so against Ellie at first. I get being a protective sibling, but Ellie went a little overboard. She was so out to catch Margot it became her obsession and weighed down the storyline.

The romance aspect was also a little lacking. While I did think Margot and Allie are compatible and cute together, I didn't really sense any chemistry between the two. I think this came down to how quickly they were thrown into a romance together. They literally went from I have to hide my attraction" and "I absolutely hate and can't trust this girl" to "OMG I'm obsessed with you and can't stand to be away form you for a single minute" overnight. After dragging out their potential romance for nearly half the book, them getting together was rushed. It gave me whiplash and didn't really feel natural at all. And on top of that, Margot was clearly not ready for a new relationship given everything that was happening with her ex, making the rushed romance feel forced and out of place. Honestly, I was more invested in Ben's love life than Margot and Ellie's.

The pacing was overall pretty smooth, expect for some parts pf drama that weighed down the plot. I did enjoy the writing style, though some parts were very colloquial and got a little lost in translation to this American reader. (But I'm not holding that against the book.) Overall it made for a quick, enjoyable holiday read.

3.5 Stars Rounded Down
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC.

I LOVE queer holiday books but this one was just not for me. The writing style felt juvenile, and the characters were flat and child like. I barely got through this one, and hate that it's compared to Kiss Her Once For Me. Yes they're both fake dating fall in the love with the sister, but KHOFM is far superior!
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

This was good, but not excellent. I liked the main character but it felt a little forced. Was a fine read, but probably wouldn't purchase it for myself!

This was an easy going sapphic romance and I really enjoyed it. There wasn’t to much drama or over the top Christmas mayhem.

I really enjoyed Ben and Maggots friendship that part of me wish they knew each other a bit better then this last minute exchange and sudden BFFness.

Ellie and Magot together was just cute and relaxed. At first I wasn’t keen on Ellie as I felt how she was acting extremely childish.

This however is a feel good Christmas book which I recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley / author for an arc copy.

I would also like to mention that the book cover art is beautiful.

“The Christmas Swap” by Talia Samuels is a sweet, queer holiday romance. I love fake dating and holiday-theme books; this was good but not great.

It is a dual-POV novel about Margot Murray agreeing to fake date Ben Gibson (because he’s never had a girlfriend home for the holidays when his siblings have, and her girlfriend recently dumped her and she does not want to spend the holidays alone), but who actually falls for his sister, Ellie.

There were comedic moments, but I would not call this a humorous book. There is some fun with Ellie suspicious of Margot’s motivations for dating Ben. Ellie thinks Margot is after Ben’s money, when really her behaviour is suspicious because of the fake dating / being attracted to Ellie.

There were some serious items addressed – such as abusive partners, suffocating parental expectations, a grandparent’s dementia, mental health considerations, etc. It is tough to balance more serious topics in the romantic comedy genre. I’m not sure this was entirely successful, as it was all a bit more superficial than I would have liked, but I’m not sure I would want to read heavier during the holidays.

There is third-act conflict that I thought felt a bit forced, some obvious plot points that were cute.

The spice is kissing, with no indication of going further.

This is a made-for-television holiday movie in book format. A quick read that doesn’t ask too much from a reader, but delivers an entertaining Christmas story.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley, but the review is my own.

Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher, for allowing me to read the arc of The Christmas Swap. Now i love a good Christmas story—any romance with a good premise I always love. The Christmas swap was a story that was a rollercoaster. This story had comedy and touched on topics not written in many books today. Ellie and Margot's stories and background were that they had much growing up to do. The story was in Margot and Ellie's POV but focused on Ben and Margot. The topic of abuse was mentioned, and Ben was such a good man that he suggested that Margot get help. She and Taylor were toxic, and it skrewed her up. The story ended well, but their journey to where they were at the end was not how I thought it would end. Again, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc.

A perfect holiday read with a fun twist. The story of Ben and Margot and Ben’s family turns out to be a really great one. You learn so much about every character and see how they develop throughout the whole book. Everyone grew throughout the book and I couldn’t put it down- I needed to keep in the story!