I initially read this book on audio as a part of my pre-Christmas rom-com binge and loved it. I was so excited to revisit this story after catching up with the Love & Hockey series.

I love the way Lauren ties her books together (even between separate series), whether it's an offhand comment about a friend-of-a-friend, or an actively-involved side character, my Swiftie brain has so much fun catching all the Easter eggs! I loved getting to read Fable's story, while also checking in on all her other girlfriends.

Fable and Wilder were such great, complex characters, and Lauren does a great job of rounding out her leads, giving them full lives and compelling stories outside of each other. Neither character feels like their only role is to just be each other's love interest.

Wilder's relationship with the women in his family, especially his daughter, was incredibly endearing, though the conflict with his father fell a little flat and was resolved a little too easily to feel realistic, after having been built up as this life-long struggle between them. If sending him to rehab was as easy as making a single phone call, why did it take Wilder so long to try that? I would think an intelligent and resourceful billionaire would have considered that option before now??

Aside from that, I loved the fun winter games, and the relationship between Fable and her sister was very sweet. Not to mention a little ex-revenge always hits the spot!

Plus, I mean come on, it's the book version of a Hallmark movie- what's not to love??

This was a fun holiday read. What a way to make your ex jealous by having someone else kiss you under the mistletoe? I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would highly recommend.

I always love a Christmas book and this was so fun! I received this as an ARC from netgalley and I loved it! Fable and Wilder plan a fake dating/relationship to get through her sister's wedding and to beat her terrible ex-boyfriend in the Christmas games before the wedding. Add in a billionaire trope, one bed, holiday drama, and of course a 3rd act fight - this was just a super fun read. Lauren Blakely also really knows how to do a spicy scene - this had some HOT pages! Kept me reading til after midnight b/c I couldn't put it down. This is a must read towards the holiday time - comes out in October.

my review is posted on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7609252786

my review is also posted on instagram

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Trope(s): Holiday Romance, Friends to Lovers
Spice: 🔥🔥.75

Fable and Wilder have been best friends forever, so agreeing to be each other’s plus-ones for her sister’s wedding sounds simple enough—until the mix of holiday cheer, romantic pressure, and lingering glances throws everything off balance. As the Maid of Honor and Best Man, they’re basically stuck together through every glittery event, from gingerbread house competitions to awkward encounters with exes. The magic of the season starts to blur the lines between platonic and something more, and soon they’re wondering if their fake “holidate” status might be hiding some very real feelings.

This book definitely brought the cozy vibes—it felt like a Hallmark movie with a touch more sass and spice. Fable and Wilder’s banter was sweet, their chemistry believable, and the holiday setting gave everything an extra dose of charm. It leaned a little long in places, but the warmth of the characters and the festive fun helped keep it light and enjoyable.

If you're in the mood for a cute, easy holiday read with a swoony best-friends-to-lovers storyline, this one delivers a solid dose of cheer and just enough heat to keep things interesting.

I some how have already had the pleasure of reading this book ! and I truly loved it ! Thank you netgalley for allowing me the chance to have this book back in my prescene. !

5 ⭐️ - Lauren Blakely is one of my favorite authors when it comes to romance, comedy, and lots of spice. It’s never too early for a holiday romance book! Fable and Wilder embark on a fake dating, billionaire single-dad romance and it includes hilarious banter, a one bed only room, a sassy but also too smart for her own good daughter, and a spicy Christmas tree scene! Wilder is a dream billionaire single dad *swoon* and Fable is a hilarious sister and friend who really deserves to be treated right. I enjoyed every minute of this book, watching the sparks fly and the little petty vendettas against her ex-boyfriend! Lauren Blakely always knocks it outta the park and this one checked all the boxes in what I want in a holiday romance. I’m convinced I need to read it on audiobook now!

** Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books, and Lauren Blakely for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review **

My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely was such a fun spin on a fake romance storyline. Wilder Blaine, the owner of the football team and Fable, the quirky, fun, and creative designer with big aspirations finds herself and the Wilder, the best man in an agreement that suits both of their needs. Wilder gets his aunt Bibi from her matchmaking antics off his back and Fable gets to show her ex, Brady that she isn't pining for him, even in the slightest. A fake romance sounds like a great idea, unless each person has been secretly pining for the other...but what could go wrong in that scenario? This story had some literal laugh out loud moments and lots of smiles. I'm a sucker for a good holiday story and this one didn't disappoint.

Lauren Blakely delivers a delightful holiday romance with My Favorite Holidate. The story follows Fable Calloway, who, after catching her boyfriend cheating, enlists her billionaire boss, Wilder, to pose as her fake date for her sister's wedding.

The chemistry between Fable and Wilder is electric, and their fake relationship quickly becomes something more. Blakely's writing is witty and heartwarming, capturing the festive spirit perfectly. The inclusion of Wilder's daughter adds depth and charm to the narrative.

If you're looking for a feel-good, steamy holiday read with lovable characters and a satisfying romance, My Favorite Holidate is a must-read.

This book was everything I wanted in a holiday romance—fun, flirty, festive, and full of heart. Lauren Blakely nails the fake dating trope in the most charming way, and I couldn’t get enough of Fable and Wilder. Their chemistry was off the charts, but what really got me was how genuine their connection felt underneath all the holiday fun.

Fable is such a relatable main character—smart, creative, and navigating heartbreak with humor and strength. Wilder is equally swoon-worthy, with just the right mix of confidence and kindness (and the single dad element added such warmth!). I loved watching their relationship develop from playful banter to real emotion. And don’t even get me started on the adorable scenes with Wilder’s daughter, Mac—she totally stole my heart.

The holiday vibes were so cozy and vivid—I felt like I was right there decorating the tree and competing in the Christmas games. There’s a great balance of laugh-out-loud moments, romantic tension, and heartfelt scenes that left me with a big smile on my face.

If you love fake dating, office romance, or stories that feel like a Hallmark movie with a lot more spice, you’re going to love this. It’s the perfect feel-good holiday escape, and I already know I’ll be re-reading it in December!

This holiday romance sees billionaire boss Wilder and his work colleague Fable enter into a fake dating scenario in order to escape his aunt's matchmaking and deter her ex. Obviously we know how it will play out but the journey to get there was oh so enjoyable! This book was a mixture of steamy and sweet. Wilder was the perfect guy - Fable really lucked out! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one and can't wait to read more by the author.

A Hallmark style holiday book, with a solid amount of spice? YES THANK YOU! The character development and ongoing story of secondary characters was excellent. I had the pleasure of reading this ARC while in the mountains, and while everyone may not have that opportunity, I assure you - wherever this book is read it will be a hit! Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.

My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely looks to be getting a new cover and it will be released on October 7, 2025! This book is full of good banter and it also features the fake dating trope. The main female character Fable needs to bring home a new boyfriend to make her ex boyfriend jealous. There was an attraction between Fable and Wilder, the main male character, and it was fun to watch them try to fight their mutual attraction to each other.

A Hallmark movie full of cheeky smut! Fable and Wilder’s fake romance has no one fooled, except maybe themselves. What starts out as an arrangement for him to avoid being match-made by a meddling aunt and for her to prove to an ex that she’s totally moved on, quickly becomes the romance of the season- the only question is can they get over their fears and trust that what started as fake is now totally real?

Absolutely loved this book. It made me wish it was the holidays. It was a quick read because I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters, the story line and the romance. The only thing that would make this book better is if I was in front of a fireplace reading with the Christmas tree lit and snow falling outside.

Lauren Blakely delivers with yet again another spicy and hilarious rom com that I couldn’t not stop devouring!! I loved every minute of this book and had been dying for Wilder & Fable’s story! The tension between them and the spice when it hits is perfect! I also love how freaking hilarious Wilder’s daughter Mac is! She honestly is my favorite character besides our main couple and I couldn’t stop listening/reading this book!

ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇꜱ:
-Holiday romance
-Billionaire
-Single dad
-Small town
-Fake dating
-One bed
-Workplace romance

Thank you so much to Lauren Blakely, Atria Books, and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Five star for me! Hands down. Loved the chemistry between these two and the slow burn! And HELLO Wilder! Can we say new book boyfriend unlocked! He can boss me around anytime! This book is full of spice and holiday puns that will make you jolly! Just skip the eggnog for this book. Great holiday read or anytime really!

Spicy, fun, and a good read whether it's 40 below or 140 outside! Highly rec if you want something to shake up your reading in the ~spiciest~ way possible!

This was such a cute read. I'm a sucker for Romance books. It had its cheesy moments, but still cute. Especially in the Winter and during Christmas............what more can you ask for. This story had me all in my feelings. From wanting to uppercut Brady hahahaha.......and then Wilder shows up....If this was a movie, I'm on Wilder and Fabel's side hahaha. Family getting together, in a cabin setting, falling in love. I would definitely recommend this read..

honestly this was a pretty cute holiday romance, just not for me. I do however see how someone would LOVE this book. like I said.. it just wasn't for me.

I just absolutely adore reading Lauren Blakely’s books. This is a steamy, fake dating Christmas romcom. Fable wants to make her ex boyfriend jealous and what is the best way to do it other than have a pretend boyfriend who is also a super hot billionaire. Wilder is a single dad to a teenage daughter who is sweet and pretty funny.
It can be pretty swoon worthy and laugh out loud moments . Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review.