I feel like I have been waiting for Wilder Blaine's book forever. He is the billionaire business owner and Renegades team owner who has been in the background of the Lauren Blakely universe for a while. 

It's the holidays and Fable Calloway, his lead designer for merchandise, just had a breakup and is in need of a wedding date. And he needs a shield to hold off his Aunt's matchmaking. A fake relationship for Christmas? It seems like a win-win for a fake holiday romance for a bit of matchmaking deflection, a dash of revenge, and to see how a woman should really be treated. And to compete in the Christmas games surrounding the holiday wedding. Boss and employee, teammates, fake dates...what could go wrong?

Wilder has had a bit of a crush on Fable for a while but kept it hidden. Fable would not even entertain the idea before. But now his attention to detail and fake dating skills are making her see him in a whole new light. But they cannot get swept up in the secrets, attention, flirting, fun, snow, or romance. It is all supposed to be completely in control, only for show, and have an end date. Both have their reasons for not trusting in love and they also have to preserve their working relationship. But the lust and longing are there along with the fear of getting hurt. 

Wilder is such a wonderful hero. He is a billionaire with a heart of gold. He is smart, witty, charming, generous, caring, patient, and generous. He listens, he responds, and he loves to make her feel appreciated and happy. And she is bright and fun. She challenges him and keeps him on his toes while being such a temptation for him. But they both have their fears and their set personal rules to limit their expectations and keep things on the fake spectrum. They live in denial as they are more real with each other than they are with almost anyone, they are just afraid to admit it. Because admitting it opens them up to a chance of real hurt. They find it hard to trust themselves as well as each other and that things could work out. 


This is a sweet, swoony, sexy, witty holiday story about favors and fake romance, practice makes perfect, memorable moments,  holiday shenanigans, and fun. There is a lot of emotional growth needed for these two to even consider transitioning from fake romance to trying for something real. There are matchmakers and mischief makers. There is an antagonist that I hated so much, but also so many sweet side characters and some old friends that make you want to spend the holidays with them in this lovely little Christmas town.