Who knew a fake holiday relationship could be so fun?Kayla Summers has had enough of her mother’s insistence that she find a man and get married. At thirty-three, she’s a successful attorney and has a fantastic life. Knowing her mother will grill her constantly over the upcoming holidays about her single existence, she dreads the visits home.Carter Manheim is a self-proclaimed bachelor, dead set … existence, she dreads the visits home.
Carter Manheim is a self-proclaimed bachelor, dead set on seducing every beautiful woman in Manhattan. And why not? His parents’ disastrous marriage and divorce proved that lifelong commitments just aren’t viable. As his mother’s health worsens, his only wish is to give her one last happy holiday, even if it entails bringing home a girlfriend.
When Kayla’s sexy neighbor proposes they take each other home for the holidays as fake partners, she’s floored. However, getting her mother off her back is her number one priority and she agrees to the arrangement. Now, if she can only keep her heart from becoming emotionally entangled with the player of the century, she’ll be just fine…
This is a 40,000 word book filled with fast-paced, fake relationship shenanigans, and steamy scenes designed to melt your Kindle. The main character’s mother has late-stage cancer and there are adult situations and language, so please consider that before you read. Here’s hoping this funny, romantic story can give you a few hours of escape during the holidays! Enjoy!
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This is book 1 in Asher’s Manhattan Holiday Loves series and I love it! The narration was outstanding – loved the dual narrators! The storyline was sweet, sexy, sad and satisfying. I loved Kayla’s character. Her humor was great and I loved the strength that her character developed thru this read. I hate that she was so critical of herself but I get that was part of the character growth. A heartwarming holiday themed romance that ignites some sexy scenes and satisfy your romance reading heart!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
His Holiday Pact
Manhattan Holiday Loves, Book 1
By: Ayla Asher
Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Ayla Asher, where have you been hiding? This is my first listen of hers, and I loved it! Quick, easy fake romance, and I was invested completely in this couple. Kayla is constantly being bothered by her mother about finding a boyfriend. Her neighbor across the hall, Carter has a sick mother who would love to see her son settled before she goes. So what do these too do? They make a deal for the holidays. When the lines between real and fake begin to blur, what happens though? Will their love survive past Christmas? I love these two. Kayla is not the model perfect woman. She is ordinary which makes this so much more realistic and fun for me! Carter, even though his reputation proceeds him turns out to have much more to him than expected. The families are warm and friendly and interfering and it’s one of the best Christmas in July listens I have had!
Brought to life by Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross, the story is pure entertainment. These two bring out the chemistry in the characters from the first time they speak. They give the listen that feeling of warmth as well as passion, giving their characters good foundations. I loved their performance.
https://adbl.co/2BQl2OH
Wonderful Story & Narration A Heartfelt Delight!
His Holiday Pact
Manhattan Holiday Loves, Book 1
By: Ayla Asher
Narrated by: Kai Kennicott, Wen Ross
Wow, this is an awesome book, while the story is set around the holidays it can be enjoyed anytime of the year, it is so much more than a holiday story and romance. This is my first book written by Ayla Asher, she is a gifted author, the storylines she created are interesting and original, the book grabbed my attention right from the start and held it captive straight to the end. The characters are realistic, easy to relate and connect with. I adored Kayla Summers, she is a strong and successful career woman, her one weakness is her self image, her mother’s constant insults did a number on her self esteem. She actually got accustomed to writing things off as oh she is not pretty enough or he is out of her league. This included her hot and so swoon-worthy neighbor, Carter Manheim, she sees the type of women who parade in and out of his place and knows she does not stand a chance. Carter is a player and professes to never get into a serious relationship. When his mothers cancer returns he wants to do something to make her happy, that would be to show her he has someone special in his life. He and Kayla got to talking and come up with a pact, to be each others fake boyfriend/girlfriend for when they visit their family for the upcoming holidays. I loved these two together, the chemistry between them was undeniable and smoking hot. I loved how the story plays out, it is nicely plotted and there is never a dull moment with plenty of drama, a touch of angst, some great humor, some heartfelt and emotional moments, some sexy times and a wonderful romance. Ayla Asher, thank you for this great story, the laughs and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross are fabulous narrators and voice artists. They do an awesome job portraying the characters, bringing them to life, humanizing them, giving each their own voice and personality. Their duet performance enhances the story another level, you could hear the chemistry between the characters as well as their emotions and passion. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another wonderful listen
Sweet, sexy holiday read!
I really enjoyed Carter and Kayla’s story. This one was a quick, steamy read which made me smile on several occasions. The characters felt real and their struggles so human and relatable. I loved how it was low drama and whilst tackling some heavier topics, they were handled really well and only deepened the story for me.
Grab this if you want a quick, sexy read with a wonderful HEA!
We all know how frustrating the holidays can be with not only our own expectations but those of our family as well. In HIS HOLIDAY PACT by Ayla Asher we are given a fun and sexy holiday romance that has two people helping one another out in order to satisfy their families.
Carter’s mom is sick and doesn’t have much longer to live so he wants to give her the best holiday possible even if it means lying to her. Personally I can understand this I myself had been diagnosed with cancer right before the holidays six years ago and let me tell you it makes for one heck of a sobering wake-up call. As you can tell my diagnosis wasn’t as grave as Carter’s mothers but I can tell you I understand where his thoughts were coming from because I saw it in my own children’s eyes. Carter is a playboy of sorts and his mother would love nothing more than to know he has found the one and is on his way to settling down before she passes.
Kayla, (who shares a name with my daughter) has a successful career and great friends, she’s happy in her life except when her mother harps on her about her weight, her looks, and her lack of a husband. YIKES! I really like Kayla and really dislike her mother.
Carter and Kayla are neighbors, friendly neighbors but not much more….although Kayla wouldn’t mind a little more with the hottie next door. 😉 So when Carter proposes this Fake Relationship pact of his to Kayla over beers at the local bar one night she’s surprise and intrigued. Can’t say I blame her.
Their chemistry is great and I loved the way Carter’s family was with Kayla. There was some angst in the story but that was inevitable because how would they get their HEA without a little shakeup?
If you are looking for a hot and spicy holiday read or if you just enjoy the fake relationship trope I would recommend this book to you. It’s approximately 125 pages so you can definitely read it in an afternoon if you choose to.
Happy Reading!!!
This was a great way to start a series. The characters were endearing while the story line was engaging. The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life.
I received a copy of the audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Kayla and Carter have been neighbors for three years. They have the opportunity to help each other out by agreeing to a “fake relationship” where they accompany each other to family holiday activities. As these friends spend time together they realize it could lead to something more, but is that what either of them wants?
I enjoyed this steamy story by Ayla Asher. I felt for the characters and could totally sympathize with the situations they found themselves in.
Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross did a great job with the narration. They really brought out the feelings and emotions that the characters were experiencing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Note: I listened to this as part of a box set (exclusive to Chirp.) of the series. At the time of this review it’s still on sale for $3.99. Ebook available in KU.
This was my first experience with Ayla Asher. This is best enjoyed when you’re in a mood for a shorter book with *lots* of sex. Neighbors, and somewhat frenemies, Carter & Kayla decide to embark on a fake relationship. Carter’s mom is dying of cancer and Kayla’s mom is a judgmental harpy – this is a way to make the moms happy that their children have found love. Set over Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays this was a fun addition to my holiday-themed listening.
As with fake relationship tropes – things become more serious. While this had more sex than I usually prefer (whoah was it hot though), I appreciated that Asher gave plenty of “get to know you” for the MCs. This ends on an HFN, but as the other two books are centered on Kayla’s friends – I’m hoping there will be more about Carter & Kayla throughout the series.
I enjoyed the duet narration by Kai Kennicott & Wen Ross. They brought together a seamless production that works really well with Asher’s writing. Both have wonderful voices and it was an easy listen.
Kayla hates when her mother asks when she’s going to find someone. Her mother wanted her married by 30. She’s 33 and there’s still no one. Carter is a bachelor and is planning to stay that way. Since Kayla knows her mom won’t stop bugging her to find someone and Carters mom needs a good Thanksgiving they both decide to help each other out and pretend to date. What could go wrong?
I always thought I would hate the fake dating trope but I actually love it!
Kayla is upset because her mom thinks she’s a loser. Carter has never had a girlfriend before or even cuddled with a woman. He’s not sure why he’s finally noticing more about Kayla. I feel so bad for how her mom treats her. Why would anyone want someone, especially their mother, to talk down to them. Carter caring about how she looks was so sweet. He has smooth words. His mother, brother and sister-in-law were so sweet to Kayla. She loves his family. The end was hurtful and funny and beautiful. I can’t believe that I loved this. What a great ending.
If you enjoy light-hearted, funny romance and you’re a sucker for happy endings, you will love “His Holiday Pact” by Ayla Asher 🙂