Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Santa's Candy Cane

Rate this book
Christmas and I don’t mix.

Never have, never will.

Then my best friend’s little sister, the girl who once sat on my lap in a Santa suit and asked if I had a candy cane in my pocket, walks back into my life.

She’s sunshine. I’m frostbite.

She’s broke. I’m a billionaire with a reputation to fix.

So I make her a pretend to be my girlfriend until Christmas, and I’ll change her life.

Easy… until we land in NYC and the fake dates start feeling real.

Until her smile ruins me.

Until I’m kissing her like she’s the only gift I’ll ever want.

This was supposed to be a bet.

A stunt.

A win.

Instead?

She’s the one woman I can’t lose…even if she’s the only person who knows exactly how to melt me.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

1010 people are currently reading
188 people want to read

About the author

Ali Parker

26 books35 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
458 (46%)
4 stars
298 (30%)
3 stars
180 (18%)
2 stars
36 (3%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Lawson.
11 reviews
December 12, 2025
I’m not sure how I came across this book. I think just by searching Christmas Romance. The story was good and I love Clara and Luke. There were many times I almost DNF this book because the editing was so bad. So many wrong words used it just words missing from sentences. Even one time the brother Chris was written as Christ. I’m not sure how you put out a book without proper editing.
Profile Image for Lottie Hildenbrand.
355 reviews2 followers
December 6, 2025
This is a sweet, enjoyable holiday story. Luke and Clara make a cute couple. I thought the story was a little too cutesy and a little high school juvenile at times but overall it was a nice light read for the holidays.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Vicki Wayne.
128 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2025
The beginning of the book is the whole setup - so pay attention!! After this incident, it plagues our leading man for years. Although Luke is quite successful in his career in New York City, his brothers continue to tease him incessantly, so he tends to stay away from the family home. After finally getting guilted into going home for Thanksgiving, he finally tells his brothers to drop it. This ends in a bet - Luke's brothers will drop it, as long as he comes back home for Christmas - with a girlfriend.
Clara has had a crush on Luke forever, even after that unfortunate incident in high school. She is in a rough place, as her new job at the local theater is eliminated when the theater is closed down for repairs. She is forced to move back home, and her brother and his best friend, Luke, help her move her boxes.
Now Luke, desperate for a girlfriend for the bet, decides that Clara will make the perfect match for his scheme. He'll let her move to New York City when he goes back, so she can try to see if she can make a name for herself in that theater scene, as long as she pretends to be his girlfriend.
As many long time "HEA" readers can guess, this is not going to end well for this pair. The author does a great job of creating a meaningful Cinderella story for Clara and Luke, with some great adventures, a host of additional fun characters, and a few dreams coming true. Although predictable, this is a fun story full of holiday cheer. There is a bit of a surprise towards the end, however, that I don't think anyone saw coming. I think this wrinkle is a little bit extra, and is probably my least favorite part of the story, although it was still enjoyable.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick, holiday read, Ali provides another solid happily ever after, complete with a lovely closing extra chapter.
249 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2025
Luke Whitaker and Clara Snow are old high school acquaintances who were in the Christmas play together that became a legend in its own time aptly named the “candy cane incident,” and they are now both home for Thanksgiving under very different circumstances. When Clara needs help moving into her parents’ house, Luke and Clara’s brother Nic offer to help. Upon arrival, Luke is gobsmacked by her beauty, and Clara remembers him clearly.

What they don’t know it that each has been harboring feelings for the other since the last time they met, so when Luke, in order to win a bet with his brother, hires Clara to be his pretend girlfriend, the sparks fly. So, not knowing about the bet, Clara hops on a plane to New York to uphold her end of the bargain, which becomes much more when Luke, on live TV, plants a deep kiss on her lips, followed by making out in a limo after a gala and enjoying some naked Christmas magic in this boss’ office.

They fall harder and harder for real, but there is still a chance that the truth about the agreement will come to light, and sure enough, all it takes is a text from his brother to derail their emerging love.

Whenever Ali and Weston Parker collaborate, sparks of major proportions ignite, and the same holds true for Santa’s Candy Cane, a beautiful holiday romanric comedy that brings laughter and tears to your heart. I especially want only coal in Dixie’s stocking for the vitriol she spreads throughout the town, but I love the sincere brotherly love from Nic. Kudos to the brother and sister duo for another outstanding addition to their ever-growing collection!

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily offer my honest opinion.
137 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2025
Santa’s Candy Cane is a sweet, spicy, and totally addictive holiday romance that delivers all the cozy feels with a generous dash of drama. Luke Whitaker and Clara Snow reconnect after years apart, and what starts as an innocent favor quickly spirals into a whirlwind of chemistry, old memories, and unexpected second chances. Their shared past—especially the hilarious “candy cane incident”—adds a fun nostalgic charm that had me smiling from page one.

Clara’s return home comes with its own emotional weight, and Luke stepping in to help her feels natural… until the pretend-girlfriend arrangement adds a delicious layer of tension neither of them is prepared for. From cute small-town moments to steamy New York escapades, their chemistry only gets stronger, and you can’t help rooting for them as lines blur and feelings deepen.

Of course, a holiday romance wouldn’t be complete without a little chaos, and the truth behind Luke’s deal threatens everything they’ve built. The emotional fallout is believable and heartfelt, and the side characters—from Nic’s warmth to Dixie’s troublemaking—add all the right flavors to the story.

Ali Parker delivers another charming Christmas rom-com filled with humor, heart, and heat. Santa’s Candy Cane is perfect for readers who love fake-dating, slow-burn tension that finally explodes, and a festive love story worth melting for. A delightful holiday treat!

I received an ARC of this book and am sharing my honest opinion.

Profile Image for Anna-Marie Buchner.
937 reviews7 followers
January 8, 2026
I loved this read. Luke and Clara are perfect together.

The first few chapters will have you in stitches, especially the part where Luke is the stand in Santa for the High School Christmas play. OMG I couldn't stop laughing. For 10 years his brothers made fun of him and wouldn't let him live it down. When Luke finally came home for the holidays he made a bet with his brothers so if he won they would stop ribbing him about that night.
Clara on the other hand landed a great job in LA until it wasn't and she had to come home defeated. Basically because of an ex who ruined her reputation. Luke hearing this from his BFF Nic (Clara's brother) thought he could kill two birds with one stone. He propositioned Clara with $100K if she would be his fake girlfriend so he could prove to the higher ups he was maturing and settling down and they could trust him with more responsibility and he wasn't just a pretty face.
Clara with much reservation accepted the proposition. Heck she could be a fake girlfriend to impress Luke's bosses. Until it wasn't fake anymore. That's all you get you have to read the book to find out what happens. Little bit bumpy but so worth the outcome. You'll love it.
58 reviews
December 8, 2025
The beginning of the book is the whole setup - so pay attention!! After this incident, it plagues our leading man for years. Although Luke is quite successful in his career in New York City, his brothers continue to tease him incessantly, so he tends to stay away from the family home. After finally getting guilted into going home for Thanksgiving, he finally tells his brothers to drop it. This ends in a bet - Luke's brothers will drop it, as long as he comes back home for Christmas - with a girlfriend.
Clara has had a crush on Luke forever, even after that unfortunate incident in high school. She is in a rough place, as her new job at the local theater is eliminated when the theater is closed down for repairs. She is forced to move back home, and her brother and his best friend, Luke, help her move her boxes.
Now Luke, desperate for a girlfriend for the bet, decides that Clara will make the perfect match for his scheme. He'll let her move to New York City when he goes back, so she can try to see if she can make a name for herself in that theater scene, as long as she pretends to be his girlfriend.
47 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2025
I LOVE Ali and Weston individually but put them together and Bam! Grand Slam Home Run!!!!
Luke and Clara were in A Christmas play together back in high school and when a “mishap” happened it became know as the “candy cane incident” which has followed Luke years later especially by his older brother(s). Fast forward Luke and Clara are both home for Thanksgiving. Luke is now a millionaire and living in NY City and Clara has fallen on tough times and has moved back home. When they see each other again, it is obvious that they both still have feelings toward each other but neither will admit it. Between fake girlfriend, moving in together in NY, all Luke's friends and coworkers falling in love with Clara, off the chart sex and orgasms, mean hometown girl who loves causing trouble and you have a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat turning page after page. This truly is a great holiday read which will have you feeling very good at the end (was there any doubt?) READ THIS BOOK!!!!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
December 12, 2025
Due to an incident in high school Luke has always been on the receiving end of his family’s jokes even though he has made a success of his life. When he needs a girlfriend to bring home to his family he asks Clara to fill the role and in exchange he will help her with her career however he isn’t been completely upfront about the reasons.

Clara has been going through a difficult time professionally which has not only resulted in her returning to her hometown but living with her parents as well. When Luke, her brother’s best friend, offers her a deal she can’t turn down she agrees however secrets have a way of coming out when you least expect it.

Luke and Clara have always had feelings for each other and the chemistry between them is undeniable as they take us on a tumultuous and romantic ride.
945 reviews7 followers
December 18, 2025
This was a fun holiday romance, that started off with a hilariously embarrassing high school Christmas play, complete with a too tight Santa costume and its pocket candy cane. That moment haunted Luke for years, with his brothers bringing it up every chance they could. It served as the catalyst for their bet - if he showed up to Christmas with a girlfriend, they would never be allowed to mention it again...

Enter Clara. Fresh off losing her job and having to move back home, she was desperate for a do over. So when Luke offered her a boat load of money to pretend to be his girlfriend, it was an offer she couldn't refuse.

Clara quickly became a fixture in Luke's life, making an impression on all the right people. Like most fake romances, they fell hard and fast. Their story was a good mix of sweet and steamy, with a dash of holiday cheer mixed in.
Profile Image for Sheila Fowler.
Author 49 books546 followers
December 6, 2025
A sweet and spicy best friend’s sister romance. Throw in a fake girlfriend, and you have the start of a wonderful story.

Clara is down on her luck. She lost her career in LA because of an ex, her job at the local theater is being eliminated, and she has to move back in with her parents to make ends meet. Something has to turn around for her.

Luke is a former NFL star who never has time for a relationship. His brother makes a bet with him that he can’t make his mother happy by bringing home a real girlfriend. He takes the bet then thinks of Clara. The girl who made his candy cane rise all those years ago.

The banter is fun in this book. They are so relatable. Clara is just what Luke needs in his life. And vice-versa. This is a perfect Christmas RomCom. You will love it too.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,308 reviews46 followers
December 6, 2025
This is part of the Parker's Happily Ever After Holiday Series, but can be read as a standalone. Luke was Clara's brother's best friend and per the bro code she was off limits. A little crush, a jealous ex, an ill fitting Santa suit, a candy cane and more. Luke became a famous sports broadcaster after a knee injury ended his career. Fate brings them together again as his fake fiance. No shortage of drama in NYC or back in their hometown. Well written and hard to put down. The characters are likable and complex. A twist or two to keep you guessing. A fun read that you'll enjoy. A happy ending and no cliffhanger. I read a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
560 reviews
December 8, 2025
Clara Snow and Luke Whitaker. He is Clara's brother's best friend in highschool, but had feelings for Clara (and still does). She loves making sets for plays, and had done so in L.A. until a bad breakup, making her move back to her home town, where she got another job with the local theatre, until that got closed just prior to thanksgiving. Now in in Newyork, Luke, who was a football player, injured, now is on t.v. and is pretty famous. A bet between him and his brothers and an idea to help Clara at the same time...move to New York and be my fake girlfriend...what could go wrong, she can make her freams come true, he can win the bet....
This is a quick, spicy, and a bit of a rollercoaster Christmas book. Enjoy!!
I received a free ARC copy from the author and freely give my review
112 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2025
This story starts ten years ago when Luke and Clara are still at High School, Luke was press ganged into being Santa at the Christmas show, while Clara, had been demoted to Head Elf. Luke suddenly realised how attractive he found Clara, who is his best friends little sister and therefore off limits.
Years later their paths cross again, Luke is a successful sports commentator in New York and Clara was recently made unemployed when a local theatre closed. She is hoping to get to New York and work in Broadway, but will have some saving to do before that can happen.
Following a bet with his older brothers Luke makes Clara a proposition what will she say, how will things progress. A lovely festive story, which I received as an ARC.
Profile Image for Ashante Williams.
2,086 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2026
Luke & Clara: I really liked this.. it was cute and sexy and a little heartbreaking. Every since a humiliating moment in a Christmas play Luke has been the butt of his brother's jokes. this year for Thanksgiving, he comes home and makes a bet with one of them that requires him to bring home a girlfriend for Christmas. Clara is Luke's best friend's sister and just so happened to be in that same Christmas play all those years ago. she's always had a crush on Luke but he was older and had a girlfriend. now an adult she's come back home after meeting some hardships. Luke offers her a chance to rebuild herself by playing his girlfriend to make him look good to his boss. neither one of them expected to fall in love. I could not stop reading this. so good.
Profile Image for Kathy.
351 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2025
Luke and Clara have a perfect joyful Christmas story. The title is funny once you know what it means! I got some laughs and a few tears. Luke is meant for Clara, if nothing else than to believe in her! His connections can help her, if she will accept that she has talent! It's about letting an ex make you feel insecure and inadequate! And she has trust issues because of what he did to her! But the chemistry with Luke proves to her she has to let it go! Thank you, Ali and Weston for a great collaboration together, exceptional job and heartwarming real love. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
1,070 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2025
I enjoyed the way Clara and Luke have a history and a secret crush on each other🤗😉🫠! I feel for Clara because she has gone through some very trying times and returned home. Her self confidence has taken a huge hit. I loved her resilience and determination to get her life back on track. Luke has had his own challenges and he is now a sports commentator. His reputation could use a boost. Clara is just the type of woman to help. Luke has a suggestion that could benefit them both. How do things work out? What do they learn about each other? Do they admit their feelings?

This Bookfunnel ARC has angst, hope and touching moments.
Profile Image for Anna.
1,073 reviews4 followers
December 30, 2025
I loved this book. It was fun and flirty with a nice storyline Luke and Clara who have known one another since high school. When she needs help moving into her parents’ house her brother Nic and his friend Luke help her. Well, it’s been a long while since Luke has seen Clara and he was surprise at her beauty.
When he hires Clara to be his pretend girlfriend so that he can win a bet against Nic what he doesn’t realize is how he starts to fall for her.
Another great story from this dynamic duo. You won’t want to miss it.
I received an arc copy of this book and I am freely leaving my review.
153 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2026
Great as always!

The characters are wonderful, relatable, and likeable! The plot was like a winter wonderland of good vibes. Even the drama was enjoyable! Thank you, on a personal note, your book carried me through this season. I have very mixed feelings about the winter holidays. I had many difficulties through my life, and always at this time of year. Being alone right now does not help make them merry, but your book even gave me, the grinch, some holiday cheer if only vicariously. I highly recommend this book and all of Weston and Ali Parker's books. They are all marvelous! Enjoy!
Profile Image for Lyn Brownlie.
671 reviews15 followers
December 6, 2025
Loved this so much
I’ve never laughed so much in an opening chapter ever.
This was hilarious and had me rereading it again just for the fun of it!
From that moment on I knew I’d love this story, even when the humour subsided I loved the tension between the two main characters as they fought their attraction to each other.
Could Luke and Clara make a go of it or does Luke let the bro code take precedence over his feelings towards Clara.
A wonderful story from start to finish set around Thanksgiving and Christmastime.
Great storyline and even better characters.
I absolutely loved it!
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.4k reviews155 followers
December 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this story with Luke and Clara. He is the epitome of Scrooge and everything Christmas until his best friend's little sister reenters his life and turns it on its side. He needs ato fix his reputation and offers Clara a deal that will start them on a journey that will open Luke up in ways he never saw coming. It is a heartfelt story filled with heartfelt twists and turns that had me cheering this couple on to getting their chance for happiness.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
204 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2025
This was a sweet brother's best friend, high school crush delayed 10 years romance.  Luke, an NFL star quarterback turned sports analyst, and Clara, a set designer of movies and plays, cross paths while he is visiting his family for Thanksgiving.  He invites her to New York for a few reasons.  Things heat up between them, then fall apart.  They end up back in their hometown again for Christmas and finally get their HEA.  Everyone should like this one by the Parker siblings.
214 reviews
December 6, 2025
Luke and Clara know each other since high school. They are both home for Thanksgiving. Luke and his brother made a bet that involve Clara be his pretend girlfriend. Back in New York they start to fall hard for each other. What will happen when Clare finds out about the bet? This is an fantastic story that will make you laugh and want to cry. This story is a great start for the Christmas season. Great job Ali and Weston Parker. Grab a copy it is a must read.
5,610 reviews
December 6, 2025
Oh my gosh, I was laughing so hard!
Wait until you read the first chapter!

The Parkers wrote an exceptional Christmas story!
I didn't want to put it down!

Amazing characters, amazing dialogue!
A wonderful plot that totally had me captured!

Angst, emotion, steam!
This story had it all!

This is a Christmas story you won't want to miss!

"Santa's Candy Cane..." I just loved it!
Profile Image for Terra Oenning.
3,555 reviews
December 6, 2025
just in time for Christmas this book is absolutely fantastic and will definitely have you engrossed from the beginning until the end. its a best friends sister taboo and Christmas story with so much more. Luke was the star quarterback in high school and Clara was his best friends sister and off limits but years later Clara sees Luke again but when he gives her an offer she cant refuse will someone try to destroy her again? great story.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,587 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2025
Santa's Candy Cane

What a wonderful Christmas story about two friends that have had feelings for each other for years. The actions on each of their parts was to help show his work stability, and their friendship helped him, and then lines blurred. This story has always felt like more fore both of them, and she makes connections in her profession, that can take her to New York where she has hoped to be. This story will show you how friends can become more, trusting your ❤️.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
2,949 reviews25 followers
December 8, 2025
Luke and Clara have been attracted to each since forever, but here brother Nic had told them to stay away from each other. Luke went to NYC and became very successful but Clara was not so lucky. Then ten years pass and they are faced with each other again and find that they are still attracted to each other and after making an idiotic bet with his brothers at Thanksgiving he takes her back to NY with him. This heartwarming, captivating story is perfect for the season.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,280 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2025
So good. It’s that time of year. I love these stories that Ali does. This one stars Luke Whitaker and Clara Snow. They are a delight to read both knew each other from high school and there was a certain play - the Candy Cane Incident that will forever bind them. Many years have passed and they both are back home for Thanksgiving. This is where our story starts again - lots of twists and turns. Compelling and keeps you wanting to read.
Profile Image for Lauren Kitchen.
8 reviews
January 1, 2026
This was almost a DNF for me. in the first 150 pages I discovered at least 9 or 10 grammar or other errors and actually started marking them on my kindle after those for the manual more. whoever edited this books did a poor job. It felt like a juvenile writer wrote with all the terrible sentence placements and wrong words and punctuation. the story wasn't bad but it was annoying for every page to have something read so wrong.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.