The Christmas Deal (Festive Fakes)

This book suckered me in but in a good way. I was a bit skeptical considering that the fake boyfriend trope often doesn't work that well for me in a story but I should have known better than to doubt Andrews. Logan and Seth both find themselves in situations in which they need help, leading to Jenna's scheme to pass the two off as a couple. Most importantly, the two men become friends, and it helps that Andrews makes this process very believable, letting the men lean on one another and give each other a sympathetic ear. Of course, this being a romance novel, more than a sympathetic ear gets lent, and the two move into friends with benefits - scenes which at times are pretty scorching in their chemistry.Even though the two MCs start developing feelings for one another rather quickly, it still feels believable, as both of them are dealing with a lot of emotional baggage from incidents that have weighed heavily upon them. The angst works to ground the characters as they learn to trust one another's feelings and learn to navigate the beginnings of a real relationship.Seth and Logan were both fun characters but credit must be given for an outstanding supporting cast, as well. Jenna, Logan's sister and friend to Seth, in particular shines. Connor, Logan's stepson, is a great character as well, and feels like a real teenager, with all the conflicting emotions accompanying. And Seth's new boss, has several good moments as well, lending some emotional support in surprising ways.All in all, another success for Andrews. Great read for those willing to put up with a bit of angst to get to the payoff of holiday cheer and their HEA.

Given an implausible plot and barely-believable circumstances, author Keira Andrews delivers a Christmas story that is an enjoyable holiday read, in turn funny, hot, adorable and charming. It might even cause you to shed a few tears (I did. Maybe more than a few). Andrews is a good writer, whose stories are effectively paced with strongly delineated (if sometimes two-dimensional) characters. She thinks carefully about how to build parallels, contrasts, and complimentary attributes across her characters and throughout the plot. So it seems strange that she should frequently take on outlandish plots, as she does in The Christmas Deal. My personal theory is that she chooses these kind of storylines as a challenge, just to see whether she can make gold from straw. In any event, The Christmas Deal is a fun story with likable characters that is well suited to the holiday spirit.So what is this book about? The implausible plot goes like this: To help thirty-something Seth get a big promotion, co-worker Jenna spins a tall-tale, for their liberal-but-family-oriented boss, that he's getting married to her brother, Logan. Logan, nearly 40 and straight, is a jobless widower with a troubled, 13 year old step son, Connor. Then, Jenna, upon finding out Logan is about to be evicted, orchestrates a Christmas deal: Logan, in return for pretending to be Seth's fiance to help Seth get the promotion, gets to move in with Seth until he and Connor are back on their feet. But the boss lady expects Seth and his pretend family to go on a winter retreat. For Logan, the trouble is that Seth brings out feelings he has never allowed himself to acknowledge just as Connor is facing his first Christmas without his mom.Yes, it's a story made for the Hallmark Channel - except for the very sexy scenes where Seth and Logan get in each other's pants. But it's effectively done. Especially in the scenes with young Connor, Andrews evokes intense, authentic feelings that I imagine a lot of readers can identify with. It's a winter wonderland Christmas romance that rewards your suspending disbelief and going where the author takes you.

Really boring and missed the mark for me. So, so unusual for me not to love a story by Keira.

I've always felt whole after finishing a story from Keira Andrews and this Christmas take was so gooood!!! Her characters feel real and their emotions are believable and the timing of their changes are comfortable. Even though I fell in love with my husband over 45 years ago (and still am...), her words can bring me back to those days so quickly of discovery, newly-realized feelings and the glow of beginning love! Bravo Keira! And I LOVED the Epilogue!!!

A wonderful, affirming Christmas romance. There’s a lot of hurt that these characters must wade through but rest assured that an equal amount of healing and recovery takes place.If you’re looking for fake boyfriends (one of my favorite tropes), a single dad (another fave), snow, sledding, found family, a salty thirteen year old mad at the world, then read this book!Added bonus: Some of the filthiest/hottest sex talk I think I’ve ever read. Filthy, i tell you.5 stars

I loved this story about a man and a boy who has had life take a swing at them. Then they meet a man who also have his wounds, can they make Christmas magic for each other.....No unnecessary descriptions of surroundingsLots of good dialoguesGreat chemistry between Logan and Seth that progresses in a slow but steady pace.Emotional and intense story with lot of feelings.5 hot stars recommended for all mm romance lovers.

I really liked the characters in this book and felt there was a lot more substance to the plot than the intro lead us to believe. It’s really worth your while to read this one.

I read this while eating deep fried cookie dough. They go together perfectly. Feels like watching a cute Christmas movie on Hallmark. But sexier :) I did wish it didn't rely so heavily on specific names of movies and TV shows. That can make it a lot harder to read in ten years (or even five).

4.25 stars from me for this 🎄⛄🎅❄ Christmas ❄🎅⛄🎄 read from Keira.Took me a long time to warm to Logan I have to admit, and the speed with which he and Seth said their I love you's was a little unnerving to be honest, especially as Logan had only just grudgingly accepted he was actually bisexual. Seth I loved as an MC, Connor had just lost his mum and was a teenager, so I cut him a lot of slack, and Jenna was a sister to be proud of. I thought they might have more problems with Mr Derwood [Logan and Jenna's dad], old and set in his ways, but that didn't seem to happen, and thank goodness Seth finally realised that his family would never accept him as he was, and cut all ties. That disgusting obituary in their local paper was enough to rip anyone's heart out 🙁.

If you're looking for something to snuggle up with on a cold winter evening, then this is for you. A sweet, low-angst romance (although there are some very angsty back stories!) full of snow, twinkling lights and cozy feels. A wonderful feel-good Christmas read.

Keira Andrew's story with Seth and Logan. She builds the story very well and then threw in a sulky teenager!! The fake boyfriend is a favorite trope of mine and she dies it so good!

The Christmas Deal is another great book by Keira Andrews. Three damaged souls; Seth, Logan and his step-son, come together find, love, create a family, all while enjoying the magic of the holidays.

4.5 Stars!I absolutely loved this fake boyfriend/bisexual romance with a heavy dose of family drama. It was the perfect Christmas read!