Rating: 4 out of 5.

4.5 stars

This is a sweet and spicy fake dating, one bed, friends to lovers Christmas book that is part of the interconnected Christmas at Hideaway Harbor series. Piper and Brody grew up together in their small town. He left town and became a Hollywood heartthrob, ghosting Piper and the entire town. Piper loved Brody from a young age but when he left her and their town in the dust, she hardened her heart to him. Well, sort of.

Piper is fighting for her job during a corporate merger and Brody’s latest tabloid trainwreck finds him seeking a way to reform his image so he can land the role of a lifetime. The two reconnect through shenanigans and wind up agreeing to fake date for the holidays so Piper can bring a boyfriend home for the holidays as promised, and Brody can show the producers he’s mended his bad boy ways. Too bad there’s a lot of leftover business the two need to finish so they can make it through the holidays.

I love small towns with quirky characters and nosy matchmakers and Hideaway Harbor has its fair share. Piper is a sweetheart to everyone and I’m proud that she stands firm against Brody…at first. For his part, Brody knows he screwed up and while he initially let’s his pride stand in the way, his love for Piper and his hometown melts away his defenses. The couple are so cute together and I loved their witty banter and gentle teasing. They also know how to steam up the page and their chemistry is HOT. This book deals with tough issues like child abuse (off the page) and self-doubt and it’s wonderful how the MCs support each other to work their way through the issues.

This book is a warm hug after coming in from the cold and will touch your heart and funny bone. I love this author’s writing and she blends heartwarming characters and storylines with witty banter and spicy scenes. It’s the perfect combination to while away an afternoon.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a great job portraying the characters. They had the perfect combination of wit, humor, love, and steam. They brought the characters alive and made the book that much more entertaining.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.