The Break-up Plot

by Portia MacIntosh

Cara and Millsy have broken up... sort of.

After years of being everyone's favourite couple, always up for a party and having fun wherever they go, things have fizzled out.

But when they realise they have a whole calendar of events and celebrations with friends and family coming up, Cara and Millsy can't face letting them down.

So they decide to make a pact: just convince everyone they're as madly in love as ever and get through the festivities without causing suspicion, and then deal with the break up in the new year. How hard can it be...?

Swept up in the festive spirit, will Cara and Millsy fake it til they make it? Or will they realise they are meant to be after all...?

Join top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh for the ultimate fake relationship romantic comedy. If you loved The Plus One Pact, you can't miss this!

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Christmas, Fiction, Second Chance, Contemporary Romance

Unknown Binding

About the author

Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.

From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.

Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.

Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com

Reviews

[mck boe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portia MacIntosh's, The Faking Game, is a captivating fake-dating romcom that will leave your heart pounding and aching. This romance follows Cara and Millsy in their journey of fake dating for the Christmas Holiday even though they broke up a year ago, to keep their families spirits up. With high tensions and suspicions will they be able to get through the festive spirit?

I absolutely devoured this book, the romance in this was so cute but sizzling. The tension between them caused by jealousy made their relationship all the better. The few times we did see them alone together were so intense, it showcases their pure relationship and chemistry with each other.

The authors writing style is incredible, the fast pace and high intensity mood she sets makes for a captivating fast read. The plot and narrative were fascinating, the two families combined although high pressured, were mostly sweet. I'm not that big of a fan of love triangles- which this one was, but it did make for a spicy read.

I would definitely recommend reading this if you're in the mood for a fun, festive, fake dating romcom. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: 5 October 2023

--- 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally love a Portia MacIntosh novel, but this one didn’t deliver for me at all, to the point that I was glad to finish it. It was only when I reached the end of the book did I find out that this is a follow-on story to an earlier novel, which would explain why I just did not believe in the supposed deep romance between Cara and Millsy.

Readers are introduced to Cara and Millsy at a very strained point in time. They have agreed to separate but, for the sake of their families and the Christmas celebrations already planned, have decided to pretend they are together. This appealed to me because it sounds like the cheeky story that I like from MacIntosh and these moments were certainly the most entertaining for me. There are many cringy but funny scenes and comments in the book that had me equally laughing and blushing with embarrassment. I enjoyed this the most about the story but, on reflection, these were more disjointed sections that did not bring the plot together.

For the most part, I struggled to see what Cara and Millsy had as a couple. He is selfish and absorbed; Cara is pining after someone who is deliberately showing little interest… although Millsy sends mixed signals to keep her dangling. The characters of Tally and Charlie made me think there were new couples on the horizon and I was disappointed not to see Cara move on; she deserves someone like Charlie and I thought it a shame that MacIntosh did not explore this in the story more.

Family get togethers at Christmas are always full of “moments” and I think the writer captures this brilliantly. At the same time, I don’t think the family members were particularly memorable and I did start to get confused about who was who. Furthermore, it felt like, especially in the latter half of the novel, that chapters jumped around and I struggled to keep up with what the characters were supposed to be doing next. This then impacted how I felt about the ending: it seemed rushed and a convenient way to draw characters back together.

I always look forward to reading books from this author but this became a challenge to get through. I was bored by the plot development and frustrated by the main characters. I simply could not believe in their romance and I think, had I known there was a prequel to this, I would have either avoided this book, or gone to read the other one first.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[costitanza (onetoomanybooks) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc. What a struggle. The premises of this book were so good, second chance, fake dating, hot actor MMC and smart funny FMC? I was sold.

Problem was the story was so meh. Millsy, our MMC, wasn't doing it for me. I kind of hope for all the book that she ends up with the co-worker Charlie. At least he is cute and funny.

I didn't se angst, pining and love, all the emotions were very bland. I'm not usually this harsh, but... The plot was meh, character development zero, banter okish… Really I have no words.

Definitely disappointed.

[ree · Rating 2 out of 5]

After years of being everyone’s favourite couple, always up for a party and having fun wherever they would go, things have started to fizzle out.
But when they realise they have a whole calendar of events and celebrations with family and friends coming up, Cara and Millsy can’t face letting them down.
So, they both decide to make a pact; just convince everyone they’re as madly in love as ever and get through the festivities without causing suspicion and deal with their break up after new years.

I was going through the authors books on goodreads, just to see if there were any other books I might enjoy and add them onto my tbr and I found that there's already a book about Cara and Millsy called ‘the plus one pact’ so I’m not sure if Im suppose to read that book first or what but maybe the author could've made this a sequel to the other book??

But tbh I didn’t really enjoy this book, it sounded great but it fell flat for me and I didn’t connect with the two main characters, starting losing interest in the book and just wasn't invested in the couple.
And Millsy gave nearly all his attention to Tally (didn’t like her either, too annoying) and inviting your voice/accent coach to spend the holidays with your family and girlfriend's family?

I did like the premise of the book but unfortunately this book just wasn't for me.

Thank you to Boldwood books for this ARC. The faking game comes out on the 5th of October.

[CatsBnB · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

The synopsis for this book sounded incredible and I was super excited to read it. I mean who doesn't like a fake dating, second chance romance rom-com?!? Unfortunately, it was just okay for me! After reading the book, I discovered that this is a sequel to "The Plus One Pact" that picks up with the same couple from three years ago. I believe the story would have worked better for me if I had read the previous book. For example, I really struggled to connect or care about the characters. I am not sure why the marketing for this book does not state its a sequel.

In addition, the story had the painful miscommunication trope. Ugh, like grow up and communicate like mature adults already! I get that authors will use this trope to create drama but when you add that to not caring about the characters it tends to make me lose interest. Plus I felt like it did not work for this story.

I know it sounds like it was all bad but I promise that it is a cute holiday read! I am glad I finished reading the book and did not give up. However, I would strongly recommend reading the first book before this one.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute fake dating/second chance romance romcom that will get you in the holiday spirit.
Cara and Millsy started out as friends and it gradually turned into something more, and they’ve been together for several years now, but when he goes to LA for a movie role, the distance proves to be too much and they break up but decide not to tell their families because the holidays are coming and they’ve all booked a trip to Scotland together and Cara and Millsy don’t want to upset everyone. So they decide that when he gets back for the holiday, they’ll just keep acting like they’re still together until after the new Year, and then tell everyone they broke up. The only problem is that the more time Cara spends with Millsy, the more she realizes that she doesn’t want to be broken up-she still loves him and wants to be with him. But he’s brought his dialogue coach with him and seems to have moved on, so she has to pretend she’s ok with it and goes on dates to make him jealous. Classic miscommunication which drives me crazy typically and after a bit it kinda wore on, but it did work for this story.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Bevany · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. A holiday romcom with a cute second chances story. The story was fun and cute and entertaining. Recommended for holiday romance lovers.

[iris [updating reviews] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I just found out this was the follow-up to The Plus One Pact by the author where Cara and Millsy first meet. I wish it was mentioned in the beginning of the book so I could've read it first.

This was a wonderfully written second chance romance book but it honestly could have been better. The lack of communication between Cara and Millsy was kind of off-putting. The book would've been half its length if they'd just sat down and had a proper conversation like mature adults.

Other than that, it was an alright book.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

The chemistry between Joe and Cara, the intimacy of their relationship.and history was really well done. I felt the pull between them throughout.

I just didn't like the plot. The reason they broke up was really shallow and underdeveloped. They both came across like immature teenagers throughout, not speaking to each other and trying to outdo or make the other jealous. The red herrings of possible other love interests was over played with Jay, Tally, Charlie, and all the other dates....

The same with the series of bad dates and then the series of the two of them messing up and solving whatever had happened, It was so repetitive.

I think as a rom.com film, it may have worked because a lot of the jokes were quite visual, but on a book I was reading thinking oh not again. With the maid costume, why on earth would she not just ask them if they'd signed for her parcel?? It was just so underdeveloped as an event.

It just felt like the focus was off. The Tally/accent situation was not needed at all. It was super annoying. Yet when they were both at their restaurant with other people, which could have been a huge emotional wringer for both, it was abruptly cut short and continued off page, so we lost any impact.

Some elements I enjoyed, but as an overall, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Read via Netgalley.

[☆ Driti ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first romance read so I have nothing to compare this to. Nevertheless, it was such a cute book with a lot of tension and banter. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would like to read more of Portia Macintosh!

[_alesbookshelf_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.75⭐️]
Portia MacIntosh confirms herself as a master romance writer with this sweet little book.
This is a funny, light and fluffy rom-com perfect for the upcoming holiday season and that will put you already in Christmas mood. With her witty humor the author bring you along in a book that you can’t physically put down so if you’re into the fake dating and the second chance tropes I think you should totally give this book a chance

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Publication date: 5 October 2023

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for sending me this arc!

When I stumbled upon this book en read the blurb, I got really excited. It looked like this book was going to be a fun, relaxing and quick read. Having read the book now, I can say that it was those things, but... just not enough. It was fun... but not fun enough... You get what I mean. It just did not live up to my expectations, and this is why:

The first chapter really had my hopes up, we instantly got thrown into the family drama. And let me say a lot of the extended family is quite problematic. So I understand why Millsy and Cara decided not to announce their breakup just yet. But the good feeling about this chapter quikly ended, when I felt like chapters were often just lose chapters. It happend very often that the characters were going somewhere, and then suddenly in the new chapter they were somwhere else again, and it was just like a time jump. The book was not very long, so I think the author could have spend more time on writing those scenes that we are missing now, and it would not have meant a insanely large amount of pages.

This also causes the story to move quite quickly. I feel like I would have wanted to see more of Millsy's emotions, because that made the ending feel quite rushed and even unrealistic. I will come back to the ending of this book later, cause there were some feelings about that.

Another thing that bothered me, is that we never really get into the details of why they broke up. It is just mentioned that they broke up. I would want to know what happened that led to that decision. You only find out a little about it, and that is at the end of the book.

I also wanted to say that the characters were all a bit flat, like I did not really get to know them that well. And honestly I even feel like I can't really understand why everyone was supposed to like this couple so much. It is made such a big thing in the blurb, but in the end I ask myself why, because I did not see it in the book, there were so many family members who did not really give a damn about them. And honestly I did not feel it either. This made me defenitely hope that Cara would end up with someone else.
It is Charlie, I wanted her to end up with Charlie. He was sweet and charming, and honestly perfectly right for her

Now for the ending I will also put a spoiler warning, so be aware:
I honestly thought that the proposal was way too rushed. First you break up, then you act like you are together for you family. And suddenly he proposes and all is well. Like, I don't have much relationship experience, but I think it would be wise to talk about why you broke up in the first place, right?!

In the end, I did find this a enjoyable read, but nothing more than that. It is not groundbreaking, it is not terrible, there were just things that bothered me a bit, and I started to think about them more and more after finishing it. I did finish it in one day so it reads quick for sure. I just think it could have been so much better.

[because_she_reads (Mira Jade) · Rating 2 out of 5]

How is this a love story?

Millsy showed so many red flags, he wasn’t sweet at all. I don’t even get why she wanted to still be with him when he continuously chose his job and Tally over her.

He missed so many signs that he should’ve caught..
and the chocolates. My god. I was pissed the whole time.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Cara and Millsy have broken up... sort of.

After years of being everyone's favourite couple, always up for a party and having fun wherever they go, things have fizzled out.

But when they realise they have a whole calendar of events and celebrations with friends and family coming up, Cara and Millsy can't face letting them down.

So they decide to make a pact: just convince everyone they're as madly in love as ever and get through the festivities without causing suspicion, and then deal with the break up in the new year. How hard can it be...?

Swept up in the festive spirit, will Cara and Millsy fake it til they make it? Or will they realise they are meant to be after all...?’
________________________________

2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars.

The Faking Game by Portia MacIntosh is a fake dating rom-com set during Christmas.

The synopsis sounded really promising and I thought this would be a fun, quick read. Overall it was amusing, but I didn’t enjoy it like I thought I would. I didn’t feel overly connected to the characters and I found it really frustrating that neither of them would take the time to have a meaningful conversation at any point about their relationship and breakup.

It turns out that this is actually a sequel to one of the author’s earlier books, The Plus One Pact, which I hadn’t realized. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this book more had I read the preceding book, although it was not necessary to have read these in order. Maybe give that a try if you plan to read this book though. So this was an alright read, but I wouldn’t reread it. I would probably give another book by this author a read.
_____

I would like to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sharing an eARC of The Faking Game by Portia MacIntosh with me. This is my honest review.

[Laura Avila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d like to start this review by thanking NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Portia Macintosh for the Arc access to this book!

The Faking Game is the follow up novel to Mills’s and Cara’s romance story. After they break up, they end up faking their relationship until the family holidays are over.

Even though they are not together anymore, they still know each other's likes and dislikes. They created a little routine of things they do together, like Cara eating the frosting from the cupcakes Mllsy eats because he doesn’t like it. Adorable! Also, these two (mostly due to Cara’s clumsiness) end up in the most awkward situations and have to come up with a way of solving it together.

I thoroughly despised the other woman scenario, in which Millsy was always with Tally and she was always getting in their way. Half of the time it felt like her only purpose was to drag the book instead of contributing to the plot. Additionally, the lack of communication between Millsy and Cara almost drove me crazy! It was clear that they still loved each other and if one of them had had the guts to say something about it they would have spared themselves from a lot of heartache.

Overall, this was an entertaining book. Not a five star read, but it had a couple scenes that made me laugh and fall a little bit in love with the characters. If you’re looking for a romcom book that’s easy and fast to read then this might be for you (after you’ve read “The Plus One Pact” Ofc).

[b · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel so bad but it’s just so boring

[Janie kidder · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could be half the length & still have the same plot line if it wasn’t for the long descriptions of architecture. It wouldn’t be a problem if the main character had any relation to architecture but her career is in game development. Also there’s about three paragraphs to describe every new setting but only a five minute conversation or anything of substance in each setting. At 60% into the book, I could count on possibly one hand every interaction between the main characters & they have absolutely no chemistry. There was more chemistry with a side character and I might have enjoyed the book more if his relationship with the main character developed more. Also from reading other reviews, this is a sequel so maybe I’m missing something, but it’s been such a struggle to make it through this book. Also, aside from the fmc adoring Millsy & maybe the trip to Scotland , what did they really have to stay together for ? The only event that they really interacted with for longer than maybe an hour ( in story time) was karaoke with a high school sports team that he wasn’t even really part of ? And she was the only spouse there? They could have just broke up for good or had a convo when they first reconnected because I’m just really not feeling anything for these two.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was this what I hoped for? No.
Will I ever stop automatically listening to every available Portia MacIntosh RomCom audiobook? Also no.

This one was very low on the Rom and the Com. It was more of the angsty kind but in an annoying way where the only issue is MISCOMMUNICATION!
I love Cara and Millsy as a couple but they weren't one for the bigger part of the book soooo...

2.75 stars, rounding up.


Overview Portia MacIntosh (audiobooks):


Just Date and See

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

final conflict ⭐,5 /5


Faking It

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐/5

final conflict ⭐⭐⭐/5


Your Place or Mine?

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐/5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐,5 /5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

final conflict ⭐⭐,5 /5


Life's a Beach

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐/5

final conflict ⭐⭐⭐/5


The Meet Cute Method

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐/5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐,5 /5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐/5

final conflict ⭐⭐,5 /5


Stuck on You

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐/5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐/5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

final conflict ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5


No Ex Before Marriage

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐/5

final conflict ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5


The Plus One Pact

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

final conflict ⭐⭐,5 /5


Will they, won't they?

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

final conflict ⭐⭐⭐/5


Better Off Wed

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐/5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐/5

general plot ⭐⭐,5 /5

final conflict ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5


Honeymoon for One

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

final conflict ⭐⭐,5 /5


Single All the Way

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐/5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐/5

final conflict ⭐⭐/5


My Great Ex-Scape

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐/5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐/5

general plot ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

final conflict ⭐⭐,5 /5


The Faking Game

protagonist ⭐⭐⭐,5 /5

couple's chemistry ⭐⭐⭐/5

general plot ⭐⭐,5 /5

final conflict ⭐⭐/5

[Kriti Dalmia · Rating 3 out of 5]

•book review•

The Faking Game by Portia MacIntosh

Cara and Millsy, once popular and fun-loving, have broken up. They face a busy schedule with family and friends, so they make a pact to pretend they're still in love and survive the festivities without suspicion. Will they fake it or realize they're meant to be together?

I read The Plus One Pact by the author, which is the book where the story of Cara and Millsy started. I enjoyed reading that one and couldn't wait to get back to where they are now.

This is a cute holiday read that is funny and entertaining. The fake dating and second-chance romance worked well hand in hand. The premise was good and had family drama, if you like it.

I would recommend reading The Plus One Pact to get to know the characters well.

The only thing that didn't work for me in this one was too much miscommunication, kind of ignoring the characters interest. I kind of got irritated with both of them, even when it was evident that they still loved each other. especially when Millsy gives too much attention to Tally. The ending was rushed too.

Overall, it was an okay read for me.

Thank you, @netgalley and @boldwoodbooks, for the arc.

[Karen Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cara and Joe have been together for years and they’re surrounded by family members who think they’re perfect together. So, rather than ruin Christmas by admitting they’ve broken up, the pair plan to go along with the big family Christmas and hope nobody finds out what they’re hiding.
Naturally, this doesn’t quite go according to plan.
The pair are quite entertaining and there’s plenty of opportunity to show us how good they are together. There’s some misunderstandings and a couple of potential banana skins to navigate.
From the start you sense how this will go. It delivers an entertaining read, while sticking safely to our expectations.

[tin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up! the second half definitely saved this book cause why was it so short but felt so long?? but the angst HIT and their communication was so good by the end!🫶

[Abby Furness · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 ⭐️

I listened to the audiobook. 🎧

Super cute book with a fast moving plot. Cute little rom-com

[red · Rating 2 out of 5]

read the first page and i thought i was gonna like it because there's nothing more i hate and relate to than toxic relatives overstepping their boundaries every chance they get. should've known i was jinxing it myself. the story wasn't really investing and neither were the characters. the writing was basic and the story wasn't something out of the box. female MC was kinda likable i guess but that didn't stand a chance against her ridiculousness. her matcher dates were hilarious so those were something i had fun reading because they are so true irl. coming to the male MC, didn't like, didn't care. u shouldn't be dragging your accent coach to every family festivities like that so unprofessional and so unnecessary but whatever i didn't like her either. the holiday vibes and that damn marriage proposal pretty much saved the plot as nothing else was sailing the couple and yeah thats it because i've nothing more to say tbh.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND THE AUTHOR FOR THE E-ARC IN EXCHANGE OF AN HONEST REVIEW

[ReneeReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Faking Game has a great premise and I was excited to start reading but unfortunately I just could not connect with the characters of this book. After reading some other reviews I see that this is (possibly?) a sequel to another book although it doesn't state that anywhere (to my knowledge). I did also feel that the reason for them staying together and faking it was a bit weak. Ultimately I just couldn't get into this book, but will most likely read more by this author in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.

[Lila S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. For the majority of it, I did not enjoy it. The back description looked cute since I am a major fan of the fake dating trope, but I was mostly sad and angry for Cara. Like seriously! Tally has to look like a Kardashian and then goes to their friend’s wedding, wearing her outfit, sitting next to her “boyfriend” while Cara sits at the Singles Table!?! So unfair! At 50% into the book and I'm still upset. I'm crying for Cara. He took Tally to their restaurant!?! Why does she feel like she needs to get Milsy in love with her again?! If Milsy has moved on, then she should too. It sucks, but she deserves better than holding onto someone who seems like he's moved on. I never really knew where Milsy stood and having Tally there was like a third wheel of the worst kind. They get their HEA but getting there was so tough on my heart. Maybe I connected too much to Cara, but the brokenhearted feelings I felt through most of the book were only slightly lifted at the end.

[✿ Druti ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite romance reads! This book was eye-catching🤩 and gripping from the start till the end. It was so good that I read it in one day! I will recommend this book and will read more of Portia MacIntosh's books✨.

[Karen Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expect nothing but hilarity from Portia and this one didn't disappoint.

Cara made me chuckle from start to finish. Despite their split, Cara and Millsy's chemistry is electric.

It's a fun read that eases you in to Christmas, the ending was the perfect end to such a fun filled book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

GENERAL INFO: The Faking Game

Year Pub/Re Pub: 10/5/23, read 10/3/23.

Format: e-ARC// Source: Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books for this ARC ❤️! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Page Count: 275

Setting: England and Scotland

Genre: Adult Fiction, Rom-Com, Women's Fiction

Tropes: love triangle, 1 bed, fake dating, Christmas, family drama

Standalone/Cliffhanger/Part of a Series: Read as a standalone but is the sequel to The Plus One Pact

HEA/HFN ending: HEA

Epilogue Included: no

Character(s)POV Spoken: Cara, the heroine

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Synopsis/Plot Summary: Cara and Millsy broke up six weeks ago, but their families planned to spend the holidays together. They agree to pretend they are still together. There are bad dates, jealousy, and plenty of hijinks as they fight their decision to break up.

M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F

Contains Cheating: no

Contains Children: Flora's 3 kids make an appearance or two

Flashbacks: a little in talking about the family feuds (Aunt Mary vs. everyone and Jay vs. Millsy), how they started

Jealy/Possy/OTT H/h : yes, both Cara and Millsy make each other jealous with Cara going on dates and Millsy with his dialect coach.

Amount of Sex In The Book: kissing and 1 scene w/H/h OFF PAGE

Overall Smex Rating: 1

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

Hero: Joe "Millsy"

Hero Description: 30s, body double turned actor. Went to LA to start a new role in a biopic.

Hero Likability Rating: 4

Heroine: Cara

Heroine Description: 32, designs escape rooms via phone app.

Heroine Likability Rating: 4

Secondary characters:
Tally-Millsy voice dialect coach shadowing him to help w/ his accent for the new Billy Gill movie

Annie and Ted Brooks-Cara's parents

Oliver-Cara's younger brother, a PHD student

Aunt Mary-Annie's adopted sister, very negative and critical of everyone

Flora-Mary's daughter, has husband Tommy (Cara doesn't like him) +3 kids

Mhairi-Millsy's stepmother w/ his father Rod, and stepbrother Jay (Cara doesn't like him)

Charlie-nerdy tech guy who helped Cara w/ the app; Iona-Millsy's grandmother.

H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO

Endearments: n/a

OW/OM/Exes: Cara goes out on a few dates from the Matched dating app, but they end badly. Millsy hasn't been w/ anyone since the breakup.

Cheating Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship: Cara and Charlie fake date to make Millsy jealous but are just friends.

CONTENT WARNINGS/TRIGGERS: unwanted touching, kissing

AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Portia MacIntosh

New or read before & any favorites: new author to me

PERSONAL OVERVIEW

Overall Rating: 4

Do You Recommend This Book: yes

Will You Re-read This Book: yes

Would You Read More Books by this Author: yes

COMMENTS/NOTES:

I loved the drama Cara and Millsy got themselves into. They brought games for Flora's baby shower after getting the wrong thing. They became Santa and an elf for Flora's son b-day after assaulting Santa and putting him in the hospital. The wine spill with nonalcoholic wine replaced with the real thing was hilarious. They were a great team together, but the lack of communication kept them from a HEA. I didn't like them lying for their families' sake when some of them only cared about themselves and what Cara and Millsy could do for them. Overall, a cozy rom com for the holidays!

[Julie Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the ARC I'm exchange for an honest review!!

I found this to be a just-okay story. I found out from other reviews that this is a sequel - which I don't recall seeing anywhere in the book description or on NetGalley, which to me is a little strange. Had I known, I probably would've tried to read the first book first. I struggled to vibe with the characters in this book; I feel like I got a lot of info, yet I barely know them. Perhaps I wouldn't have struggled as much had I read the first books before it.

This book clearly is meant to be a rom com. I can see where it attempts to be funny - however, I ended up finding a lot of those parts either cringy or annoying. Cara's family particularly bugged me - the aunt and the cousin especially! I know that was done on purpose, but they kept making me angry. The repetition of Cara and Millsy getting into scrapes and having to work together to get out again was also tedious, in my opinion.

There were some parts I enjoyed. The dates were funny. I liked Cara's business partner, Charlie. The plot was okay; the second half of the book was better than the first half, in my opinion. But all in all I found this book to be quite... Average. I think I would've preferred it as a film, which I'd kill a couple of hours watching one night, rather than a book that's taken longer to read. But all in all it was okay. I think you'd like this if you like the written version of a Christmas romcom film.

[Lynn Butterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Cara and Millsy have just broken up. The problem is that nobody knows, and nobody can no, or it’ll ruin Christmas for both of their families! This is the tale of them both trying to get through the Christmas period in peace and harmony, without any unwanted guests or tricky situations… with the added complication of a super keen, obsessive woman who fancies her chances pouncing on Millsy now that he’s single…

Ultimately, Cara and Millsy need to figure out either: how they break the news to their families, or whether they have got enough fire in the belly to try again.

This really is a tale filled with laughter including naughty elves, spontaneous wedding dates and the allure of four poster beds.
✨

I loved reading this. This is my second Portia Macintosh novel and I’m finding she is an ‘auto-buy’ for me now! I would say that the thing Portia does best, is creating very specific characters, all with different qualities and personality traits - each of them as memorable as the next. Portia creates characters that you can’t help but have a first impression of. She allows us to really ‘feel’ her characters and relate them to people we may know in our own lives.

I can’t wait to read more of her work!