I post an ad on a paid dating site because I’m drowning in medical school debt. I never expected a billionaire to offer me millions to be his for December or that I’d say yes.

In my defense, the listing was a joke. I didn’t think anyone would answer, especially not Thatcher Frost. This December, he needs a fake girlfriend to get his parents off his back. And if I pretend to be his until the day after Christmas, his sister wins a family bet about his love life.

The deal comes with rules: make it believable and no falling in love.
Saying no isn’t an option.

Spending the month with him means kissing and snuggling by the fireplace, but the mutual attraction turns into something more. We’re so good at being a couple, his family falls for it and asks about wedding plans. And both of his exes? They can’t stand the sight of us. Playing his girlfriend is too easy, but knowing what’s real isn’t.

By Christmas Eve, no one doubts we’re in love, including him. This season, I’m the only one who needs convincing.

My Review

Thank you so much to Lyra Parish for this ARC! I couldn’t wait to dive into this book. It is right up my seasonal alley!

Thatcher Frost is in Pine Haven, enjoying a few days to himself before the family holidays begin. He has one little problem: he needs a girlfriend. So, naturally, he searches for a girlfriend for hire—and things get deliciously interesting from there! He also believes he’s cursed, considering every woman he’s been involved with seems to find true love shortly after him.

Winter is happy, sophisticated, buried in debt, and looking for a little fun. I loved how she connects to Autumn and Zane from Fall I Want. Her terms are outrageous, but then again, so are his. Together, they set the stage for a holiday season that gets off to a wonderfully entertaining start.

A dinner, a business arrangement, and a fake relationship—all in the first chapter! I was smiling and enjoying this story almost immediately. I adore the thoughtful connections that tie the characters and stories together, adding even more depth to the world.

Oh, the banter! The winter and holiday vibes had me swooning. This has all those Hallmark-style elements I crave during the holiday season. Winter is smart, funny, and charming, while Thatcher? Whooey! He gives off all kinds of naughty energy and brings plenty of drama, but underneath it all, he has a heart of gold—and a bank account to match!

Is Thatcher actually cursed, or is it something that runs in his family? That mystery makes for an intriguing connection throughout the story. And if the sweet winter atmosphere isn’t enough to tempt you, the food just might! The descriptions and ambiance had me hungry.

This book is filled with all the things that make the holidays special: memories, meaningful moments, love, laughter, and found family. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of curses, romance, and life-altering decisions.

The ending was absolutely amazing, and I already can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I especially love how the story connects to other books set in the same city and brings different families together. Winter and Thatcher’s romance is one for the books. It’s sweet, packed with banter and sizzling moments, but also full of dreams, passion, and joy.

What more could you want in a holiday read? I hope you’ll consider picking up this Hallmark-style holiday romance. I’m sure glad I did! It has me even more excited for snow, cozy nights, and the holiday season! ❄️❤️

If you would like to add Candy Cane Crush by Lyra Parish, to your holiday reading you can grab this new release on Amazon. As an Amazon Assocaite, I earn on qualifying purchases.

If you like this book you may also enjoy books with these tropes and categories: Holiday Romance, Winter and Fake Dating.