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The Backup Christmas Crush
They’ve fought. They’ve ignored each other. But these two rivals have never spent Christmas together.
Living in New York City was a fun adventure, but Gemma’s ready to return to the small town she once snubbed and put down roots. Her family is excited to have her nearby just in time for Christmas, and so is her old friend Brant. He’s picking her up from the airport and spending the day with her. Maybe this time sparks will fly.
Callan has never done anything this sneaky before, but it’s all for a good cause. He’s saving his best friend from getting his heart broken. Again. Gemma has never been truly interested in Brant. She's trouble in a pretty package.
Step Callan will be the one picking her up from the airport.
Step He’ll distract her with his magnetic charm. That might be difficult, considering he likes books more than people and they've never gotten along before, but he’ll give it his best shot.
Step Fall for her himself? That wasn’t supposed to happen.
Curl up with this sweet Christmas romance about good intentions, twists of fate, and unexpected love.
Living in New York City was a fun adventure, but Gemma’s ready to return to the small town she once snubbed and put down roots. Her family is excited to have her nearby just in time for Christmas, and so is her old friend Brant. He’s picking her up from the airport and spending the day with her. Maybe this time sparks will fly.
Callan has never done anything this sneaky before, but it’s all for a good cause. He’s saving his best friend from getting his heart broken. Again. Gemma has never been truly interested in Brant. She's trouble in a pretty package.
Step Callan will be the one picking her up from the airport.
Step He’ll distract her with his magnetic charm. That might be difficult, considering he likes books more than people and they've never gotten along before, but he’ll give it his best shot.
Step Fall for her himself? That wasn’t supposed to happen.
Curl up with this sweet Christmas romance about good intentions, twists of fate, and unexpected love.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2024
53 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Rachel John
52 books516 followersRachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her husband, four crazy kids, and her desert tortoise.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 6, 2024
"...I like his friend. It's his best friend, Izzy. This is bad. It's so bad."
I loved the author's post when she wrote:
'He loves books more than people
It begins and ends with a road trip
They both love nerdy humor
Problematic insta-love'
Ummmm, yes, sign me up for that! These characters were fun and unique and I loved the fact that the MMC was trying to protect his best friend from the FMC. This is a journey y'all so you better buckle up. I felt like it was actually super relatable and I am curious coming into this book, being book 5, what I've been missing. Time to check the author's backlist!!
I loved the setting-small towns are just so spectacular at Christmas. I loved the broodiness of both main characters. Ones a trouble maker and one's making trouble lol. The flirting is swoony and entertaining. The side characters are a treat...I had a lot of fun reading this one!
If you like contemporary, Christmas romance you should give this one a try!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Trigger: mention of health issues, loss of loved ones, second chances, romance-kisses only.
I loved the author's post when she wrote:
'He loves books more than people
It begins and ends with a road trip
They both love nerdy humor
Problematic insta-love'
Ummmm, yes, sign me up for that! These characters were fun and unique and I loved the fact that the MMC was trying to protect his best friend from the FMC. This is a journey y'all so you better buckle up. I felt like it was actually super relatable and I am curious coming into this book, being book 5, what I've been missing. Time to check the author's backlist!!
I loved the setting-small towns are just so spectacular at Christmas. I loved the broodiness of both main characters. Ones a trouble maker and one's making trouble lol. The flirting is swoony and entertaining. The side characters are a treat...I had a lot of fun reading this one!
If you like contemporary, Christmas romance you should give this one a try!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Trigger: mention of health issues, loss of loved ones, second chances, romance-kisses only.
August 22, 2025
"Your face is hurting me. "
“Will you share your worries? Your face is hurting me.” Gemma’s jaw dropped, and Callan quickly backtracked. “I meant that I can feel your stress, but I don’t know what it’s about. I want to help.” “I know. I’m telling Brant you said that, though.” She laughed to herself. “Your face is hurting me. Legendary.”
"Or maybe that would be more awkward? Was awkwardness better spread out to a bigger group or concentrated? Hmm. He’d think on that later."
Two of the best literary quotes ever!
“Will you share your worries? Your face is hurting me.” Gemma’s jaw dropped, and Callan quickly backtracked. “I meant that I can feel your stress, but I don’t know what it’s about. I want to help.” “I know. I’m telling Brant you said that, though.” She laughed to herself. “Your face is hurting me. Legendary.”
"Or maybe that would be more awkward? Was awkwardness better spread out to a bigger group or concentrated? Hmm. He’d think on that later."
Two of the best literary quotes ever!
December 17, 2024
Awwww I love it
Gemma is hilarious. I love that she's an author and how that plays into the story! Callan is so witty! Plus he runs a bookstore= extra brownie points.
The two of them together are adorable, hilarious, and so flirty. I loved the growth of their relationship.
The side characters in this book were awesome and I'm rooting for an Alice and Jake story! (For reals, can that be next Christmas's novella?)
Loved loved loved it!
💋Sweet kisses
Gemma is hilarious. I love that she's an author and how that plays into the story! Callan is so witty! Plus he runs a bookstore= extra brownie points.
The two of them together are adorable, hilarious, and so flirty. I loved the growth of their relationship.
The side characters in this book were awesome and I'm rooting for an Alice and Jake story! (For reals, can that be next Christmas's novella?)
Loved loved loved it!
💋Sweet kisses
November 21, 2024
Genre: Christmas romance
Content: kisses
If you’re looking for a sweet Christmas romance with a, and I quote, “relationship pentagon”, look no further 🤣
In this story, Callan’s best friend, Brant, is supposed to pick up Gemma from the airport. Gemma is moving back home from NYC and Brant has always had feelings for her. At the moment though, Brant has been taking Callan’s sister, Alice, on dates. In order to protect both Brant and Alice, Callan meddles, which results in him picking up Gemma.
Though they were not fans of each other in high school, they are instantly attracted to one another now. This is…slightly problematic, given all the other people with feelings involved.
I appreciated that communication did happen between all parties so though initially awkward, it worked out without too much drama.
This one releases on 12/5!
Favorite Quotes:
📖 Magnetic alpha males who don't like to hear the word no should stay in books, because in real life, they were awful.
😂 "I'm glad you finally removed your hands. I was about to file a complaint against you."
"With the no-touching police?"
"Yeah. They share a department with the no-flirting police, so things aren't looking good for you, hat hair."
💋 "And what is it you think I want?" Now she was the one saying things breezily, but there was an underlying nervousness there that made him smile.
She poked his ribs. "Stop smiling like that, Callan."
"When you figure out what you want, you know where to find me." He turned to go, but she kept his arm and pulled him back, lifting on her toes to kiss him.
"You're infuriating," she whispered against his lips.
"Likewise." He kissed her in return, cupping the back of her neck as the intensity ratcheted up until she pulled away and stepped back, looking startled.
🐻 Callan's not an alpha. He's a teddy bear with a pocket protector.
❤️ "Did you just end your conversation by saying, 'Don't do anything dumb?’”
"It's pretty much like saying 'I love you.'"
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.
Content: kisses
If you’re looking for a sweet Christmas romance with a, and I quote, “relationship pentagon”, look no further 🤣
In this story, Callan’s best friend, Brant, is supposed to pick up Gemma from the airport. Gemma is moving back home from NYC and Brant has always had feelings for her. At the moment though, Brant has been taking Callan’s sister, Alice, on dates. In order to protect both Brant and Alice, Callan meddles, which results in him picking up Gemma.
Though they were not fans of each other in high school, they are instantly attracted to one another now. This is…slightly problematic, given all the other people with feelings involved.
I appreciated that communication did happen between all parties so though initially awkward, it worked out without too much drama.
This one releases on 12/5!
Favorite Quotes:
📖 Magnetic alpha males who don't like to hear the word no should stay in books, because in real life, they were awful.
😂 "I'm glad you finally removed your hands. I was about to file a complaint against you."
"With the no-touching police?"
"Yeah. They share a department with the no-flirting police, so things aren't looking good for you, hat hair."
💋 "And what is it you think I want?" Now she was the one saying things breezily, but there was an underlying nervousness there that made him smile.
She poked his ribs. "Stop smiling like that, Callan."
"When you figure out what you want, you know where to find me." He turned to go, but she kept his arm and pulled him back, lifting on her toes to kiss him.
"You're infuriating," she whispered against his lips.
"Likewise." He kissed her in return, cupping the back of her neck as the intensity ratcheted up until she pulled away and stepped back, looking startled.
🐻 Callan's not an alpha. He's a teddy bear with a pocket protector.
❤️ "Did you just end your conversation by saying, 'Don't do anything dumb?’”
"It's pretty much like saying 'I love you.'"
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.
January 2, 2025
Sweet, contemporary romance
Romance, sweet, contemporary; series but stand
Gemma and Callen were High School friends that were at odds with teasing, and different outlooks. An airport pickup that Callen arranged to help his sister starts an attraction for them both. Lots of complications, some big, some small, but the genuine attraction builds to something more.
Lovely, sweet romance, between two honest hearts made for a fun HEA. Loved how they kept discovering new things about each other and just found happiness.
More of a 3.5 for me as a reader. A but if a rushed ending and a bit ‘sweet’ but still overall a fun read so rounded up.
Romance, sweet, contemporary; series but stand
Gemma and Callen were High School friends that were at odds with teasing, and different outlooks. An airport pickup that Callen arranged to help his sister starts an attraction for them both. Lots of complications, some big, some small, but the genuine attraction builds to something more.
Lovely, sweet romance, between two honest hearts made for a fun HEA. Loved how they kept discovering new things about each other and just found happiness.
More of a 3.5 for me as a reader. A but if a rushed ending and a bit ‘sweet’ but still overall a fun read so rounded up.
November 25, 2024
SO SWEET!!
Gemma is coming back to town and Callan has one goal: play interference between her and his best friend Brandt...who is currently dating Callan's younger sister. But Callan's plans go completely awry when after spending time with Gemma, he realizes he is falling for her himself but she won't trust him now after figuring out his plan.
What you'll love:
opposites attract
dual pov
relationship "pentagon"
author and bookstore owner
rivals to lovers
"radical honesty"
mischief and matchmaking
holiday charm
super sweet first kiss!
snowball fight
"Kiss me."
I love this series so much! I know I will always find fun characters and unique plots with lots of Christmas and holiday charm! Callan definitely creates a tangled mess (read: relationship pentagon) when he sticks his foot in Brandt's business and I loved watching the characters try to untangle everything and figure out what they really want.
So many cute scenes (all the melty emojis for that first kiss!) and hello, an author and a bookstore owner? LOVE! And now I am pretty sure I need a valid excuse for keeping a box of books in the backseat of my car at all times. For emergencies, you know?
This one had all the cute Hallmark vibes and I loved that things never got too angsty or dramatic and the ending was perfect! Such a fun story for sweet romance readers to pick up this holiday season.
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Gemma is coming back to town and Callan has one goal: play interference between her and his best friend Brandt...who is currently dating Callan's younger sister. But Callan's plans go completely awry when after spending time with Gemma, he realizes he is falling for her himself but she won't trust him now after figuring out his plan.
What you'll love:
opposites attract
dual pov
relationship "pentagon"
author and bookstore owner
rivals to lovers
"radical honesty"
mischief and matchmaking
holiday charm
super sweet first kiss!
snowball fight
"Kiss me."
I love this series so much! I know I will always find fun characters and unique plots with lots of Christmas and holiday charm! Callan definitely creates a tangled mess (read: relationship pentagon) when he sticks his foot in Brandt's business and I loved watching the characters try to untangle everything and figure out what they really want.
So many cute scenes (all the melty emojis for that first kiss!) and hello, an author and a bookstore owner? LOVE! And now I am pretty sure I need a valid excuse for keeping a box of books in the backseat of my car at all times. For emergencies, you know?
This one had all the cute Hallmark vibes and I loved that things never got too angsty or dramatic and the ending was perfect! Such a fun story for sweet romance readers to pick up this holiday season.
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
December 21, 2025
This book was so fun! I loved the enemies and rivalry aspect of it. Gemma and Callan have a shared best friend, which led to their rivalry in high school. Callan picks up Gemma from the airport to keep his friend from falling for her again.
I loved how Gemma and Callan got to see how different they were as adults and how good they were together. Their banter and flirting was fantastic.
Favorite parts
-Their initial ride home from the airport.
-Callan’s shopping trip for Gemma
-the white elephant party
-Callan writing down Gemma’s thoughts for his bookstore.
-their music battle
-War and Peace
Favorite quotes:
She had always been cute, but now she was… dang it, she was plan-crushingly perfect in every way.
I loved how Gemma and Callan got to see how different they were as adults and how good they were together. Their banter and flirting was fantastic.
Favorite parts
-Their initial ride home from the airport.
-Callan’s shopping trip for Gemma
-the white elephant party
-Callan writing down Gemma’s thoughts for his bookstore.
-their music battle
-War and Peace
Favorite quotes:
She had always been cute, but now she was… dang it, she was plan-crushingly perfect in every way.
November 20, 2024
This book is so much fun. I love the characters. Callan is a bookstore owner that loves organization and his people. Gemma is an author and is outgoing. She also loves her lists. Callan and Gemma knew each other in high school but never really got along.
When Gemma decides to return to her small town, she is surprised to find that Callan is the one picking her up from the airport instead of their mutual friend, Brant. Things just might look different from what they were both expecting this Christmas.
This is a sweet, fun Christmas romance. I loved every minute of it.
When Gemma decides to return to her small town, she is surprised to find that Callan is the one picking her up from the airport instead of their mutual friend, Brant. Things just might look different from what they were both expecting this Christmas.
This is a sweet, fun Christmas romance. I loved every minute of it.
December 24, 2024
Fun Christmas Story
I loved Gemma and Callan together. Their personality are so fun. I loved the progression of their relationship and the tricky obstacles they had to overcome.
Spoiler alert
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I can't help but feel bad for Brant....the girl he has always liked falls for his best friend and then the girl he is currently "kind of" dating leaves him for his cousin! Poor guy.
I also struggled with Alice and Jake dating while his mom and her dad are dating it feels kind of awkward to me. But I did love the story.
I loved Gemma and Callan together. Their personality are so fun. I loved the progression of their relationship and the tricky obstacles they had to overcome.
Spoiler alert
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I can't help but feel bad for Brant....the girl he has always liked falls for his best friend and then the girl he is currently "kind of" dating leaves him for his cousin! Poor guy.
I also struggled with Alice and Jake dating while his mom and her dad are dating it feels kind of awkward to me. But I did love the story.
December 11, 2024
A Lovely Change of Pace ...
This new addition to one of my favorite series was a pure pleasure! It's a relationship development romance, so the conflicts are fairly low key, & the focus is mainly on enjoying the couple's journey to happily-ever-after.
It was the perfect cozy Christmas romance for hot cocoa & a snuggly blanket as the latest cold front is blowing in ❤️
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
This new addition to one of my favorite series was a pure pleasure! It's a relationship development romance, so the conflicts are fairly low key, & the focus is mainly on enjoying the couple's journey to happily-ever-after.
It was the perfect cozy Christmas romance for hot cocoa & a snuggly blanket as the latest cold front is blowing in ❤️
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
March 2, 2025
I love Gemma and Callan's story. Rivals in High School, many years have passed and Gemma returns to her small home town to help her sister. Needing a ride from the Denver airport, Gemma expects to see her old friend Brandt (who has had huge crush on Gemma since High School) but instead, Callan, Brandt's best friend picks her up. When attraction hits both of them, they fight it both wanting to save Brandt's feelings. A delightful read!
December 5, 2024
The Backup Christmas Crush
I chuckled, laughed, and smiled throughout this book! While not technically marketed as a romcom, there are still plenty of fun moments. Callan wants to protect his sister and his best friend, so he develops a plan: keep Gemma away from them.
This book has no swearing, good clean fun, no alcohol, and level 2 descriptive kissing only. Dual POV.
I chuckled, laughed, and smiled throughout this book! While not technically marketed as a romcom, there are still plenty of fun moments. Callan wants to protect his sister and his best friend, so he develops a plan: keep Gemma away from them.
This book has no swearing, good clean fun, no alcohol, and level 2 descriptive kissing only. Dual POV.
December 11, 2024
So cute!
The Backup Christmas Crush was such a fun book! Gemma is energetic, while Callen is definitely an introvert, and they're both so darn likable. I loved their chemistry and banter and how their relationship felt so natural.
And now, of course, I'm really hoping Callen's sister, Alice, gets her own book. I'm off to find out!
The Backup Christmas Crush was such a fun book! Gemma is energetic, while Callen is definitely an introvert, and they're both so darn likable. I loved their chemistry and banter and how their relationship felt so natural.
And now, of course, I'm really hoping Callen's sister, Alice, gets her own book. I'm off to find out!
December 5, 2024
Really sweet book, I did like this but I feel like I didn't connect to it. Rachel is a fave author, I've read most of her books and love them, even tho this book wasn't for me I do recommend it, it was clean, sweet, and alot of good quotes too!
This was an ARC copy, thanku so much!! ♡
This was an ARC copy, thanku so much!! ♡
August 4, 2025
Backup Christmas
A sweet Christmas romance. Gemma and Callen have known each other for years and when she moves back home he volunteered to pick her up from the airport so Brant wouldn't. This is kind of a love triangle story, but sweet and swoony and a fun read.
A sweet Christmas romance. Gemma and Callen have known each other for years and when she moves back home he volunteered to pick her up from the airport so Brant wouldn't. This is kind of a love triangle story, but sweet and swoony and a fun read.
November 25, 2024
An adorable Christmas romcom! All the Hallmark vibes with better kisses!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
December 16, 2024
Not much of a plot.
December 17, 2024
This book is enjoyable, Hallmark-esque, sweet and clean. Fun for a quick Christmas romance read.
December 23, 2024
Kisses only.
This is a sweet read. I’m glad Cal came clean to his sister pretty much from the get go. I feel bad for Brent though.
This is a sweet read. I’m glad Cal came clean to his sister pretty much from the get go. I feel bad for Brent though.
December 24, 2024
So fun, so sweet!!
December 28, 2024
"They’ve fought. They’ve ignored each other. But these two rivals have never spent Christmas together".
5th installment in this series. Funny, swoony.
Go and grab It!
5th installment in this series. Funny, swoony.
Go and grab It!
January 26, 2025
sweet love story
This is such a fun and beautiful love story, from childhood friend et now adults, we meet all the major characters and fall in love with them.
This is such a fun and beautiful love story, from childhood friend et now adults, we meet all the major characters and fall in love with them.
December 28, 2024
The Backup Christmas Crush has all the cozy feels you would want from a sweet romance story. Rachel John has been on my list of authors I know I will enjoy for quite some time and this book doesn’t disappoint. There’s a slight relationship roller coaster as Callan, Gemma, Brant, Alice, and Jake all navigate the dating world of a small town. Brant is interested in Gemma (but is he really or is he just stuck on an old crush) and Alice, but Alice may also be interested in his cousin Jake, and then Gemma and Cal are both trying their hardest not to fall for each other. Good thing everyone is fairly easy going. Yes, there’s a little bit of tension to keep the book interesting, but nothing that drags on and makes you just want to shut the book never to open it again. Despite claiming that they never really liked each other, Callan and Gemma both give off super cute together vibes early on.
Any time there is a combination of coffee, baked goods, and books, I mean, I am all in. As a bookworm, having a FMC who is an author and a MMC bookstore owner who actually reads a lot of the books so he can make recommendations is really all you can ask for in a book. Add in some Christmas charm, and it’s chef’s kiss. Now if you’re a strict reader of books in certain seasons, you may want to add this to next year’s Christmas TBR. However, I personally feel it can be read any time. I would definitely recommend picking up this book if it’s for right now, later in the winter, or even next Christmas season.
Any time there is a combination of coffee, baked goods, and books, I mean, I am all in. As a bookworm, having a FMC who is an author and a MMC bookstore owner who actually reads a lot of the books so he can make recommendations is really all you can ask for in a book. Add in some Christmas charm, and it’s chef’s kiss. Now if you’re a strict reader of books in certain seasons, you may want to add this to next year’s Christmas TBR. However, I personally feel it can be read any time. I would definitely recommend picking up this book if it’s for right now, later in the winter, or even next Christmas season.
Want to read
February 3, 2025This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews