Just finished My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely and I'm officially in love! Fake dating, festive vibes, flirty banter, and all the holiday swoons 😍❤️ A perfect mix of sweet + sexy! It’s dual POV that gives insight into both leads, a strong supporting cast, and plenty of holiday cheer. It’s sexy but sweet, playful yet heartfelt. A great pick for readers who love their romance wrapped in mistletoe and sprinkled with humor.
My Favorite Holidate is a heartwarming, laugh out loud holiday romance that perfectly balances festive fun with emotional sincerity. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to revisit every December or any time you need a romantic escape

Thank you Netgalley; Atria Book publishing & author Lauren Blakely for sending me this e-arc for my honest review

Cute little holiday romance. A fake dating slow burn that leaves you on a sizzle then throws you into the boil.

I love a good fake dating trope, especially when there's an asshole ex to destroy. Fable and Wilder (yes, those are really their names), are the best man and maid of honor in a Christmas wedding. Fable has recently caught her bf cheating on her and Wilder is tired of being set up by his meddling aunt. They end up pretending to be a couple for the wedding and getting the aunt off his back and to show up the ex. Both MCs are convinced they don't need romance in their life, so naturally they fall hard for each other and deny it all the way. It's ok, that's why we love the fake dating trope. Bonus here because it's also billionaire, single dad, one bed and he falls first. I enjoyed this. I totally enjoyed Brady getting what he deserved.

I really enjoyed the holiday atmosphere in this book—it gave off strong Hallmark movie vibes, the kind that make you feel warm, cozy, and ready to curl up beside a Christmas tree. The festive charm was definitely a highlight.

However, the romance between Wilder and Fable didn’t quite feel real for me. While I typically enjoy both the fake-dating and boss-employee tropes, their connection felt a bit forced and lacked the chemistry I was hoping for. The plot also felt a little predictable, and at times the writing seemed to circle back on itself rather than moving forward.

That said, it was a quick, festive read that definitely put me in the holiday spirit—even if I was left wishing for a romance that felt a bit more grounded and genuine.

This was so fun. Fake dating, hot billionaire, revenge against the ex, and Christmas competition? Say less. I've read a few Lauren Blakely books and they are great. Wilder is "chef's kiss." The banter was on point and the chemistry was hot. I did feel like the book dragged a little. I can't exactly put my finger on what felt too drawn out, but I just felt like it could have been shorter, maybe. I did just realize that this book is part of a longer interconnected series, so maybe if I read those I would have felt a little more invested in the story? I really did enjoy the banter and the steam! I'd say 4 solid stars!

4 stars out of 5.

I really enjoyed this laugh out loud holiday romance. I was invested from the beginning and could not turn the pages fast enough. Think of this book as a spicy Hallmark movie. I really liked both the MC's and Wilder was an amazing boyfriend. The reason I docked a star was due to the 3rd act breakup. The whole situation surrounding that was weird and childish and really not necessary. Overall thought, I definitely recommend reading this, it had everything you could want in a holiday romance book.

In My Favorite Holidate, we meet Fable who works for a professional football team doing merchandising. The owner and her boss is Wilder. Fable caught her boyfriend cheating with the chef at Thanksgiving dinner so she gets an idea to have a fake relationship because her sister is getting married. She and her ex are in the wedding party and her ex is bringing the girl he cheated on Fable with as his plus one. Wilder and Fable come up with this agreement and it would only be temporary. But then they both start having feelings for each other but will it last?

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely is a warm, funny, and emotionally satisfying holiday romance that begins with heartbreak but soon transforms into something beautiful, filled with genuine chemistry, supportive relationships, and a love story worth rooting for.

We’re introduced to Fable, whose world is turned upside down during a Thanksgiving dinner when she discovers her partner’s betrayal in the most humiliating way. Choosing not to ruin her sister’s big moment, she puts on a brave face, even as she dreads facing her ex again at the upcoming Christmas wedding.

Enter Wilder, Fable’s charming boss with a secret crush and a meddling aunt determined to set him up. When he learns of Fable’s heartbreak, he sees his chance not just to help her get her revenge, but to show her what it means to be truly cherished. Their decision to fake-date quickly gives way to a connection that’s real, sweet, and undeniably steamy.

Blakely does a great job of layering the romance with meaningful family and friend dynamics. Wilder’s adorable bond with his daughter, Fable’s loyalty to her sister, and both characters’ complicated relationships with their fathers add depth without overwhelming the central love story.
The romantic tension is perfectly balanced, being spicy without rushing, heartfelt without being too heavy. Wilder is protective and affectionate with a deliciously dominant streak, while Fable is confident, caring, and unafraid to take the lead.

If you’re looking for a holiday romance with a strong, swoon-worthy hero (but not a stereotypical alpha), a smart, resilient heroine, and a blend of festive charm and emotional warmth, My Favorite Holidate is a perfect pick.

Many thanks to publisher Lauren Blakely Books, the author herself, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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?