Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

by Kay Red

She writes his favourite books. He might just be her HEA.

Christina Hopeland is a fraud. Her devoted readers think she’s living her own happily ever after, but the truth is, her life looks more like the first chapter of one of her novels. She’s thirty-five, in the middle of a divorce, and fighting a brutal case of writer’s block. And worst of all—her useless husband left her without a plus one for her high-school reunion.

If Christina doesn’t want to relive the humiliation of her high-school years, she can’t show up in Hollyfields alone.

Enter Jake.

Jake Frost loves romance. His own love life leaves a lot to be desired, but he is not one to dwell on the negative. As he waits for his turn, he passes the time in fictional worlds.

When he meets a gorgeous red-haired goddess at a cozy cafe in New York, who also turns out to be his favourite author, Jake is desperate to keep the connection. And how convenient it is that she needs a replacement husband for a trip to her hometown right before Christmas.

Armed with his charms and her endless well of romance knowledge, Jake and Cristina are determined to make this an easy and fun Christmas adventure.

But they should know better than anyone that fake dating is the most dangerous trope of them all.

Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is a steamy holiday novella featuring a romance writer and her biggest fan, a small town full of nosy neighbours, and some festive spicy good times. It’s a love letter to the romance community, its fiercely loyal readers and endlessly talented indie authors.

Genres: Christmas, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2025

About the author

Kay Red writes romance quickies with heat and heart. She lives with her husband wherever their passports can take them. When she’s not writing she can be found consuming books in any format known to woman.

Reviews

[gi_reads30 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Forehead kisses.” I smile to myself. “They’re as good as I imagined.”

Thanks to Kay Red for the e-ARC of Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas in exchange for an honest review.

Just like I mentioned with the review of The Revenge Deal, I am not one for spicy books. Meaning, I like them, I just want more plot than spice, which is why I never go out of my way to read novellas. HOWEVER...I LOVED The Revenge Deal (Kay's first novella) because it managed to have a plot, have you cared for the characters in a way they stick with you, and the banter was funny, endearing and a good time, which is why I was excited for this new novella. I am pleased to say, SHE HAS DONE IT AGAIN FOLKS!!!!!!!!

I am a sucker for fake dating, and this one was just what I needed. A cute novella with heart, banter, chemistry and spice. A novella than in a couple of pages made me care for the main characters (SPECIALLY YOUUU CHRISTINA, my sweet angel you deserve so much). I loved it. Again, great writing by Mrs Red, I can't wait to see what's next. (AND IDK IF THIS IS RUDE OF ME TO ASK, BUT WHEN WILL A FULL LENGHT NOVEL WILL BE UPON US?)

[Cdoc's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two things that I love are spicy novella's and the Christmas season. Put those two things together and you already have me hooked. Then have Kay Red write it, and it is an instant holiday smash!!

🎄 Fake Marriage
🌟 Romance Author & Her Biggest Fan
🎄 Cinnamon Roll Boy
🌟 Age Gap (She's 6yrs Older)
🎄 Small Town
🌟 Festive Bedroom Activities 👀

When Christina, a secret romance writer, is invited back to her small town by the same people who bullied her in highschool she's determined to show them just how good she's doing now. One of those things being bringing her husband with her... the only problem is Christina is in the middle of getting divorced 😬

Jake, a photographer and romance novel enthusiast, loves Crystal Hope's books. When he happens to stumble across Christina in a coffee shop and discovers that she is the author of all his favorite books... he may loose his mind just a tad 😅. Then when he realizes she is in need of a fake husband to bring home for the holidays, he jumps at the chance to help.

I was hooked from the very first line, and could not stop reading! This being less than 200 page novella made it really easy to read in almost one sitting.

Fake Dating and the holidays go together like milk and cookies. It just works so well! Jake and Christina took it to another level with the it being a fake marriage (I loved the "my wife" and "my husband" slips 🤭). Their banter and chemistry was so fun. I didn't expect the "let me help you research for your book" plotline to be hot, but MAN IT WAS! 🔥 Jake and Christina brought it all and I was here for it.

Call me crazy, but I love a tortured hero who has been treated poorly by an ex-partner and is in desperate need for someone to step and finally treat them right. Christina has been through so much with her ex, and I was so glad Jake was up to the task of showing her everything that she deserves.

This was a quick read, but it packed an emotional punch. A solid plotline, characters with so much heart, and a pairing of spice that will be sure to keep you warm this winter. I absolutely adored this and I cannot wait for whatever is in store next from Kay Red!!! More novella's, the elusive Lily and Oliver full length novel? 👀... WHATEVER THIS WOMAN WRITES I AM HERE FOR IT OKAY!! 🙌🏼

** Thank you to Kay Red for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review 🫶🏼

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so fake!

An uninspired romance author, her biggest fan, and an impending high school reunion - that’s the set up for Fake Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

With her reunion looming, Christina is have a little bit of a breakdown. She had planned to take her husband home to show everyone that she wasn’t hopeless, as they’d nicknamed her. But that’s off the cards now she’s divorcing him.

Instead of worrying about that, she’ll focus on updating her author profile. Christina is, in fact, a very successful romance author under a pen name…and sitting across from her at the cafe is a man reading one of her books.

Photographer Jake is startled to discover his favourite author sitting opposite him. After they get talking he discovers her dilemma and suggests a plot straight out of one of Christina’s books - he could be her fake husband for the reunion.

This age gap novella was a great read. It was spicy and fun, with a focus on reclaiming identity. The spice is open door and medium burn. It deals with marital breakdowns, bullying and grief.

Easy to devour in an afternoon, this book is a perfect Christmas snack. I’d recommend it to fans of romantic comedies.

[Marian. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta historia me pareció súper entretenida. Christina es una autora de romance (bajo un seudónimo) que está en pleno divorcio de un hombre que odiamos, así de sencillo. Justo antes de su reunión de secundaria, una reunión donde tiene que volver a su pueblo natal y ya había quedado en ir con su “marido” conoce a nuestro protagonista Jake en una cafetería por cosas del destino: ÉL LEE SUS LIBROS Y AMO MUCHO ESTO, él termina por hacerse pasar por su marido y déjenme decirles que FUE LA MEJOR DECISIÓN.

Amo una buena lectura navideña, y esta novela se sintió así, Jake es de esos protagonistas que amas desde el primer momento, el cómo ayudó mucho a Christina es lo que mas me gusto y ya conociendo los otros libros de la autora (LA CUAL AMO) la química acá no se hizo esperar, cada escena, cada palabra, TODO, de verdad mi único pero es que sea una novela corta pero solo eso.

*****

I found this story super entertaining. Christina is a romance author (under a pen name) who is in the middle of divorcing a man we hate, plain and simple. Just before her high school reunion, a reunion where she has to return to her hometown and had already agreed to go with her “husband,” she meets our protagonist Jake in a café by chance and because of fate: HE READS HER BOOKS AND I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. He ends up pretending to be her husband, and let me tell you, IT WAS THE BEST DECISION.

I love a good Christmas read, and this novel felt like that. Jake is one of those protagonists you love from the very beginning. How he helped Christina so much is what I liked the most, and already knowing the author's other books (WHICH I LOVE), the chemistry here was immediate. Every scene, every word, EVERYTHING. Really, my only complaint is that it's a short novel, but that's it.

📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.

[Christine Miraflores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:
Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is a steamy holiday novella featuring a romance writer and her biggest fan, a small town full of nosy neighbors, and some festive spicy good times. It’s a love letter to the romance community, its fiercely loyal readers, and endlessly talented indie authors.

ARC Review:
Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is the most appropriate banlaw read for me after consuming 4 mystery-horror-thriller books. There is so much to love about this book, and my favorite would have been how the male lead is sooo obsessed with romance books. This one’s important to me, because women have been easily stigmatized to read a lot of romantasy, romance, dark romance and all kinds of romance, as if that’s a sin, and here we were given a man who is as much a fan as any of us. And he is proud. And he is unapologetic about it. I love that for him, and I love that for us, romance girlies.

“He looks like he could chop wood with one hand and pleasure his woman with the other.”

Jake is fitting to be paired with an indie romance author. Imagine how much material can be inspired by him, and that’s what exactly happened!! It also felt good how Christina was able to resolve her issues with her past relationship, her current struggles, and how she was able to find her place with the help of Jake.

I would have thought I am done with the cliches and the small-town romances, because how much more can these tropes offer me, right? But no, Kay Red is a wonderful author. She gave adorable quirks for both the leads and it was such a fun read to see them develop their relationship throughout the book.

Most importantly, the smut is just enough. BUT the tension, the yearning, the want, is sooo deliciously written!!

TLDR: I loved the book, and I am telling you that you will too. So go ahead and read it.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5.
Incredibly witty and funny, featuring a man with a wonderfully open personality who isn’t afraid to feel or express love. A meet-cute so sweet it almost feels too good to have been imagined. He becomes the inspiration she needs to face her fears, confront her reality, and grow more comfortable in her own skin.

Christina/Crystal offers the reader a clear case of intertextuality with her books and other works of romance fiction, bringing the characters vividly to life—a woman whose stories and reality seem to merge seamlessly.

Jake is the purest representation of a man written by a woman: the embodiment of the romantic heroes he so obsessively reads about—and he’s not afraid to admit it. He enters her life to open her eyes and make her believe in the very love stories she writes.

Although I would have liked a sharper, more visual conclusion regarding her divorce, the story’s real message shines through—seeing her whole, happy, and loved, even by a younger man who is deeply and madly in love with her, just like the romances she creates.

Fast-paced and charming, it feels like one of those Christmas films you can’t stop binge-watching every year. It definitely is a novella to recommend.

Thank you, , for this purely enjoyable ARC read—and for the spicy scenes that will definitely keep readers warm this winter.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina is a best-selling romance author, forced to hide every part of her identity by her ex husband, who was happy to live off her income, but embarassed to reveal where the money came from. Trying to move on without him, she is planning to return to her hometown, but she has one problem: after 10 years of refusing, she has finally agreed to attend her highschool reunion, only her husband had agreed to go with her before everything fell apart, and now she doesn’t want to have to face her former bullies alone.

Despite a painful past, Jake is a die hard romantic, and loves romance books, especially those written by his favourite author. So when he runs into a beautiful woman in a coffee shop, only to find out that she is the one who wrote the book he is reading, he is blown away. And when he finds out her predicament, he makes her an unlikely offer: he will play her husband for her reunion.

I received a copy of this novella from the author and absolutely loved it! The banter between the characters was hilarious, and their chemistry was off the charts. I loved that outside of the standard fake relationship trope, these two were able to let their guards down with each other while enjoying some spicy holiday hijinx. Christina and Jake were both let down by love in the past, so watching them get their second chance together was absolutely magical!

[Elle Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake dating + holiday charm + a devoted fanboy MMC? Say less.

This story was quick, cute, and exactly the kind of holiday escape I love. Christina Hopeland is a romance author going through a messy divorce and gearing up to return home for her high school reunion, aka facing the bullies who made her life miserable and the small-town gossip about her love life.

Enter Jake Frost: Christina’s biggest fan, the sweetest cinnamon-roll with just enough edge, and a man more than willing to step in as her fake husband for moral support. Their dynamic is adorable from the start, and Jake’s constant reassurance, quiet strength, and genuine admiration for her made him such an easy MMC to root for. Plus… his contributions to her book research? 10/10, highly entertaining 👀😉

The bullying felt a little cliché at times, but the way Jake stood by her through every awkward encounter totally made up for it. And the friend group? So fun. I’d love to see more stories set in this circle.

Overall, this is a light, easy holiday read with sweetness, comfort, and just enough spice to keep things warm. Perfect if you’re in the mood for fake dating, fandom-boy energy, and a little Christmas cheer 🎄💫

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christina, a romance writer, is in the middle of a divorce from her pretentious, unsupportive husband, just before her high school reunion. She’s already told everyone that she’ll be at the reunion, but her old bullies don’t even believe she’s married. Now that she’s mid-divorce, she’s rethinking going back to her small town and facing her old enemies. Enter Jake, a sexy younger guy Christina meets at her favorite coffee shop, reading one of her books. As she tells him her problems, he offers to be her fake husband, just like the plot of her book. Jake is everything she’s ever dreamed of, but is that only because he’s her biggest fan? Can she trust her heart to another man?

Fake Yourself A Merry Little Christmas is a sweet and spicy fake relationship to real lovers story that you’ll devour in no time. I highly recommend!

[Ivuli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this little Christmassy story! It was heartfelt and, despite what the cover might suggest, it wonderfully steered clear of typical, cringe-worthy holiday tropes. I am totally here for books about book writers and their fans! Fake dating is usually not my favorite trope, but here it was expertly executed that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The characters were incredibly easy to fall in love with. I truly appreciated how they helped each other overcome the ghosts of their pasts—I was genuinely angry at how poorly their previous partners treated them. Also, the scene where Jake helped Christina find inspiration for her spicy book was extremely hot, and the bonus scene was just as delicious.

I was even more impressed when I learned that English was not the author's first language; it's a true testament to how beautifully written this story is.

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faced with the end of her marriage, Christina is in need of a husband for her High School reunion. Enter the charming photographer Jake, who's all too willing to help out his favourite steamy romance author. One house, ten days and a fake marriage. What could possibly go wrong?
Well merry Christmas to all of us because this story is SO FUN! I was laughing and smiling through most of this sweet little holiday novella. Christina and Jake fall hard and fast, have amazing chemistry and care deeply for each other, despite knowing each other for such a short time.
Get up your Christmas lights, make yourself a hot chocolate and start reading, because "Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is out now!!

[Bojana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But maybe happiness is not something you earn. Maybe it's something you allow yourself to feel whether you think you're worthy of it or not."

Aaaaah these two were so amazingly perfect for one another. I was dying of cuteness overload, then from feelings and hotness and in the end I just straight up started crying because I was just so happy for them! The story was written so well that it explores their feelings and issues and manages to go deep even though it is just a novella, like how? It was just a whole experience that I loved every second of and the best start for my holiday romance era.

[Laura W · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4

I received an early copy of this holiday novella, and it delivered everything you want in a seasonal read. The story was heartwarming and exactly what I needed to get into the holiday spirit. Christina, the FMC, was compassionate, vulnerable, and full of kindness. Jake, the MMC, did not disappoint and had me cheering for him from the start. He was thoughtful, protective, and a true romantic despite the challenges in his past. I prefer when the spice complements the story rather than overshadows it, and this had a great balance of both. If you enjoy Hallmark movies, this one will be perfect for you.

[Kayleigh Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite of 2025!!
Kay Red completely captured me with the story of Christina Hopeland and Jake Frost. I absolutely adore romance stories that have writer/book references so reading this has made my year! The author certainly delivered a heart melting, yet sizzling hot story perfectly gift wrapped for the festive season.
There was so much warmth, humor and love woven into the characters I found myself actively beaming when reading! I was completely besotted and I'd happily re-read this each year. 🎄🛍

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t let this little book’s small size fool you. It is a spicy good time! There’s also plenty of plot sprinkled in to keep the story moving. It’s a fluffy and fun holiday read. 🎄📕

FMC Christina Hopeland
Secretly a romance writer using a pseudonym

MMC Jake Frost ❄️
That’s such a great name for an MMC in a Christmas book! I love the cheekiness!
He’s a good book boyfriend with a fun name.

This book has some great spice—including one of my favorite spice scenes ever.
Scene: Jake is helping Christina with research for her next novel.
Christina is typing at her computer. Jake is under her desk. He will only pleasure her while she’s typing. He stops if she stops. This brainstorming scene was so hot, it nearly melted my Kindle! ❤️‍🔥

Thank you to author Kay Red for this fun ARC opportunity!

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tbh fake dating isnt usually my thing but i love anything with spice and christmas, so that was the reason i picked this book

Saying that this novella was such a fun read it had banter, chemistry, emotion and all the feels of a small town christmas

The characters were fun and easy to connect with and i loved how intouch the mmc was with his emotions

This was a very well written and excuted story and a great read

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short cozy Christmas novella is what I need during a stressful week!

Love a golden retriever MMC who falls first, and it has dual POV! Pacing was not too fast nor too slow, overall good spicy scenes, but I would love to see elaboration on Christina's divorce battle and how Jake supports her through it (tho that doesn't really affect the storyline, just more of a personal preference)! :)

[Chloe Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Good idea. As the first step, how about you stop looking so miserable when you say the words us and married?”

I will start of by mentioning how utterly happy I am that Jake got his happy ever after. He’s been THAT character since he was mentioned in The Revenge Deal, and his story matches him so so well 🫠💗
If I am being honest, I found it a little bit harder to get into this book than the other novella, but I am so glad I stayed 🙂‍↕️
This book gave off this very small-town christmassy vibe that I absolutely ate up 😌👀
The character development was THERE. Tell me how I knew that I would like Christina from the first page that she narrated??
And Jake? What else is there to say but that he’s unbelievably funny 🤭🤭 (keep being you and I’ll keep liking you 🤷🏻‍♀️💗)
This book was not as emotional (for me, but that might be because I was expecting an HEA oops 🫠🫣) but definitely a fun read. It had me laughing out loud and smiling like I was possessed.
I don’t typically read seasonal/holiday-themed books, but this one? Had me taking out and decorating the Christmas tree in my mind, seriously! I mean, is it ever too early for a christmassy read? (Yes, but I make exceptions 😌🙂‍↕️)

Would highly recommend to readers who enjoy:

-Age Gap (she’s older by nine years 👀)
-Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine 🤭💛
-Small-Town Holiday Vibes🎄🤎
-Spice and Banter ❤️‍🔥
-Writer x Her Biggest Fan 💗
-Fake Dating 💋

As romantics, romance has failed them. Christina and Jake found in each other, a second chance at love. ❤️‍🩹

Overall Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (I’m quite indecisive, so I’ll leave my rating somewhere near here!!)

Thank you author Kay Red for this ARC! I am so incredibly happy that I was granted the chance to read and review this 🥹💗

[Stacy Gogolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After receiving this lovely book for my honest review, I'm excited to tell you exactly what I think.

I'm a huge fan of Hallmark Christmas movies. My favorite part of this book was reading about all the things they don't show you in this movies. I am not usually a wholesome kind of book reader, but this one made me smile.

I hope we hear more for every holiday.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is a perfect holiday season read !!

A quick & short read but still has plot and character progress, so i liked it. Plus Kay's great writing made me care for the main characters, even in under 200 pages.

You can never go wrong with a fake dating book where I'm concerned. Or in this case a fake marriage, since Christina and Jake pretend to be married for her high school reunion.

Really enjoyed the meet-cute moment when Christina (a romance author) finds Jake reading one of her books in the café she uses as her writing spot. They have chemistry and great banter from the start, and the fake marriage plan follows quickly. Kay's written it really well, and there are quite some interesting scenes between our romance author and her biggest fan.

Really enjoyed reading this quick romance. Loved the early holiday vibes and found their unique Christmas gifting inspiring.


Thanks Kay Red for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimberley_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

- I read this in about an hour and I LOVED it so much!
Our FMC: Christina “Crystal Hope” Hopeland is a bestselling author with secrets.
Our MMC: Jake is her biggest fan with a plan!
This is a small town, fake dating, Christmas story and I bloody love it so much! It is laugh-out-loud funny, wholesome, angsty and oh so spicy. What more do you want? READ IT IMMEDIATELY!

[Chelsea Ream · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: man oh man this was so cute and so heartfelt. Christina had to go through the emotions and brutal attacks from everyone. She had to over come her bullies and husband and she survived it all with a man who worshiped her from the ground. This was an amazing story and I loved it all.

I Received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Angela Hankins Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever finished a novella so quickly. I fell in love with Christina and Jake from page one and I absolutely loved all the gushy cute moments they had together. I can’t wait to see more of them- if that’s is the future plan!

[KwentongKuneho · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very quick read. You’ll get an emotional rollercoaster - from feeling frustrated, mad, rage, sad, to giddy, aroused, and in love. It’s like reading the novel being written inside the novel come to life. A truly happy ending.

[SKIIBHAD · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
★ ★ ★ ★ ★!!

I loved thisssss!! It was so refreshing. A real lifetime love story🥹 The main characters are such a cutie.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this was the 4 story I had read that got me in to the winter mood..

[FN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake husband trope comes to live for the FMC! With a willing MMC who happens to be her fan. "Straight from book", but a lot more better! Short, fun read and i love it!

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was very well written. I love the come back of the FMC. If you love a small town romance with an age gap then this is the book for you!!!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

uhm, I can't believe I forgot to rate and review this one. Will paste my review SOON

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun quick read, perfect for the chaos of the holiday season! This steamy read will definitely help you escape for a few hours.

When Jake discovers his favorite romance author sitting in a coffee shop, he quickly offers to help her out of a jam by posing as her fake husband. What starts out as fake though quickly becomes real as they both discover they are the answer to helping the other heal from past hurts.

My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer!