From New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy comes a standalone holiday romance with a grumpy, holiday hating Christmas tree farmer and a woman who embraces the holiday season with her whole heart… donating much of her time and wealth to various charities in the local area.
Charlie Sullivan despises Christmas. Though it keeps his family afloat, considering they own Sullivan Family Christmas Tree Farm, the main provider for Christmas trees on the Monterey peninsula. He’d much rather work among the trees versus have to deal with people.
But Charlie’s parents are taking on more philanthropic projects—and as their oldest child, they want him to be their official public representative. He just has to play nice and convince everyone he’s not a total holiday hater.
When Charlie’s mom asks Candice to accompany him to a variety of holiday parties and events, she reluctantly agrees. She thinks Charlie is a big ol’ Grinch, but is determined to change his mindset and help him spread Christmas cheer. Charlie finds Candice is too chatty, too sweet, too much. Do people like her really exist?
Why yes, yes they do. The more time they spend together—along with a few kisses under the mistletoe—the more they start to like each other. Hopefully Charlie can convince Candice he doesn’t have a heart that’s two sizes too small before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.
The Dating series are standalone romances with interconnecting characters. Each novel completely stands alone (no cliffhangers!) and can be read in any order, but you’ll enjoy reading them as a series!
Save The Date
Fake Date
Holidate
Hate to DateYou
Rate A Date
Wedding Date
Blind Date
more
It might be a little early for a holiday romance, but I couldn’t help myself.
This author has created a cute, sweet romance that appeals to my most fervent Christmas spirit. It features musical oldies, festive clothes, pine trees, lit-up decorations, and traditions upheld in a community of families and local businesses. Even a perfect gingerbread latte. You can’t go wrong with that
The couple is made of antagonists. Candice is a little lady, feminine and determined to bring Christmas joy to everyone and funds to charity events. On her crosshairs, we find her opposite, a grumpy and stubborn workaholic who’s lost his Christmas spirit and hates to waste his valuable time on unnecesary socializing.
The meet-cute is quite convoluted and absolutely crafty. I loved it so much! The setting, the bait, the twist and the outcome. Charlie and Candice engage in a tug-of-war of perspectives and social events that turns out to be sweet and heart-warming.
Their personalities may clash but also meld in surprisingly tender ways. I loved their outings together, the tree farm, the hectic season, the sweetness of slowly warming up to each other. The grumpy man starts to enjoy the sunny and compassionate company of this girl, and it really feels like a Hallmark movie.
I have to admit that I didn’t like Charlie’s mother. That woman behaved like an emotional tornado. Luckily, this adorable couple brings out the best in each other and the Christmas events end up as successfully as their cute romance.
It’s such a pretty story, the best in the series, and perfect to boost the last part of the year.
Thank you Social Butterfly PR for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Holidate
Dating #3
By: Monica Murphy
*REVIEW*
Every year, I drive my family nuts with Christmas movies starting November 1st. I just love them! Always have. I love Holidate because it’s so like those movies and because the cover is so perfectly done. Candice loves Christmas and giving and is full of Christmas cheer. Charlie hates Christmas and prefers the company of trees. Circumstances throw these two together for the holiday season. Can they get along while having such different perspectives? Can Candice find a way to show Charlie that Christmas is still magical? Yes, it’s cheesy (I actually can’t eat cheese at all(lol)), but it’s okay for Christmas to be cheesy. The older I get, the more I think this is exactly how it should always be. This book is a wonderful rendition about the spirit of Christmas and being open to the possibility of magic. It’s truly delightful, charming and entertaining, and I recommend for all of the Christmas movie lovers out there. Monica Murphy never disappoints!
Candice Gaines is extremely busy during the holiday season with copious amounts of volunteer work. Being in her early 20’s and still living at home, she has plenty of free time to fill, or more accurately distract herself from missing her mom who she lost to cancer when she was little. When Candice is approached by Isabel Sullivan, owner of a Christmas tree farm, who needs help convincing her son Charlie to take over the family business, she’s hesitant especially considering all she knows about Charlie is that’s he’s grumpy at best. After fainting and hitting her head Candice doesn’t really remember agreeing to help, but Isabel’s assured her that she has and introduces the two of them. Charlie immediately doesn’t like bubbly, chatty Candice, she’s too much. Candice isn’t sure about Charlie either but she’s not a quitter.
This is such a sweet book and has me ready to get all my Christmas decorations out in the middle of October. It’s very Hallmark-esque, in the best way possible, cranky son of a farmer, socialite who he thinks is ridiculous but later learns she has so much more depth, a breakup that’s short-lived and minimal conflict. It all made my heart happy. I was so sad for Candice and the real reason for all of the volunteer work that she does, loss is extremely difficult, especially during the holiday season. And Charlie, who doesn’t love a cantankerous hot farmer who smells like Christmas? I really enjoyed this story, perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun, flirty, and holiday season filled sweet story. This story is so cute and endearing.
Candice has been through some things and is a giving, helpful and caring person. Charlie who is grumpy and gruff even when his family sells Christmas trees. These two were amazing, I just loved how Candice changes Charlie to make him see outside his own box. I love how they meet. Even after the meet and the meddling that goes along the ways makes this story so heartwarming.
Candice and Charlie have that instant connection, but constantly bump their heads on things. Candice and Charlie start to connect and take you on a fun, bantering, and romantic filled holiday adventure.
A cute from start to finish holiday romance with two “couldn’t be more opposite” characters who are somehow perfect for each other. Candice is the type who throws her entire self into her charity and philanthropic work, but I couldn’t figure if she did it because she truly loves it, or because she’s trying to emulate her late mother. Either way, she thrives in that element and it’s clear to see how well she does during the holiday events she’s a part of. But she’s also insecure when it comes to relationships; she’s only had two and the last one seemed to have broken her spirit a bit, but she does strive to not let that deter her happiness.
Charlie seems to be a grumpy young man who only wants to work the family business, he has no patience nor desire to network with other business owners. Except his mom has decided he needs to be the new face of the family business. He reluctantly agrees, and the more time he’s with Candice the more we see a slight change in Charlie’s outlook. They really are cute together, Candice is able to get Charlie to smile more and be a bit more open when it comes to dealing with changes in routine.
The one thing I absolutely did not care for was the stunt Charlie’s mom executed to get her way; her behavior was sketchy AF, although I did like how Candice pretty much put her in check once the truth was revealed. Overall though, I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading more about the circle of friends we’ve met so far.
I loved Monica Murphy’s “Holidate” and would certainly recommend it. At one point, Candice, the female main character, tells one of her friends that she thinks her life is “about to become a Hallmark Christmas movie,” and I would have to agree with that assessment. I could definitely see this book translating to that type of movie!
I loved Candice as a supporting character in the previous book in this series, and she really shines as the lead character here. She consistently comes across as sweet, lovable, funny, and cute, but she’s actually hiding a lot of complex emotions beneath that sunny personality. Candice misses her mother terribly, and she also suffers from serious self-doubt because she thinks people judge her for not having a job. She doesn’t always recognize the important contributions she makes to the community through her charity work, so it was nice to see her recognized for those contributions in the end.
As for Candice’s love interest, Charlie, he didn’t immediately come across as very likeable to me, but as the story progressed and I got to know him better, I came to realize that he was just an overworked introvert who didn’t enjoy being pushed into social situations. I think he may also have been afraid of letting his family down if he let go of too much control over the family business, which might have suffered if he didn’t keep a close eye on its operations. I can certainly empathize with those feelings, and that made it easier for me to like Charlie. He also seemed to be happier and more pleasant as he spent more time with Candice, which didn’t hurt. She really seemed to bring out the best in him!
Overall, “Holidate” was a super fun, cute, and sweet story, perfect for getting readers into the holiday mood. I hope that Monica Murphy plans to continue writing books in this series, but whether it’s connected or not, I look forward to reading whatever book she comes out with next! (That said, for what it’s worth, I’d really love to see Stella, Eleanor, and Kelsey get stories of their own…)
*ARC provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR. All opinions expressed are my own.
Holiday Romance lovers rejoice! For everyone anxiously awaiting the season to start, rest easily. Holidate, a super cute and sweet standalone, is the perfect read to get everyone looking forward to the Christmas season. This is the third book in the Dating series, and anyone familiar with this series already knows, and loves, Candice Gaines. The young, sweet and altruistic heiress finds love when she least expects it, with the most unlikely candidate Charlie Sullivan, the original Grinch. This story is funny and adorable, and it feels like you’re slowly unwrapping a beautiful and thoughtful present. So sit back and enjoy this early gift!
Candice Gaines has too much time and money on her hands. She inherited her wealthy mother’s estate (she died when Candice was eight) and Candice has made charity work her full-time job, as a way to honor her mother’s memory. She’s always willing to help everyone and is considered by all as a sweet, proper, and well-liked society lady, like her mother was, something Candice has always wanted to imitate. There’s also a very sad reason Candice keeps busy by volunteering, especially during the holidays, one that few people know. As a result she’s on the board of many of the local committees, in charge of fundraising and decorating, and this is the reason most of the women she sees often, and gets together with, are old enough to be her grandmother. That is until recently. Luckily her brother’s new girlfriend and her besties have included Candice into their group, but she’s often intimidated by them.
“I may be good in crowds and parties, but I get a little freaked out when I’m with a group of women who are all around my age. Especially successful ones. I always feel like they look at me and think, What the hell is she doing with her life?”
Charles ‘Charlie’ Sullivan’s family owns Sullivan Family Christmas Tree Farm, a very successful family business. But as the oldest, his mother, Isabel, expects him to be more involved in their charitable work and to be more well-known within their community. But Charlie has no time or inclination to be social. It’s not in his nature; he’s usually grumpy and overworked, especially during the holiday season something he actually hates. And more so now that he’s been informed Isabel has asked Candice to help, by accompanying him at various social events. He did not sign up for this! He hates women who talk too much and are intrusive, something he’s sure Candice will be. Charlie doesn’t want to find out so he’s going to have to figure out a way to avoid her.
“I discovered that ever since I met Candice, I’m a person who really depends on a daily routine. She’s come into my life and ruined my routine completely. Yet for some reason—I’m happy.”
I loved these too! They both made assumptions, based on wrongly assumed expectations, and despite getting off on the wrong foot, they discovered that these opposites actually had more in common with each other. This story is incredibly sweet, if you catch my drift!
“You can be charming when you want to.”
“My problem is I never want to.”
Monica Murphy brings christmas cheer and LOVE in her latest release, Holidate! Man, I really loved this book. I’ve been a fan of her books for years now but I have to admit I think this series is a favorite of mine. Perhaps it’s the fact that each book deals with some sort of fake relationship? Or that the characters who end up falling for one another are complete opposites. Either way, each and every one of them has managed to put a HUGE smile on my face and fall in love.
If you are a fan of the previous books in the series (each of which are standalones) then you won’t want to miss this one! I will be doing a re-read closer to Christmas as it’s the perfect book to cozy up with next to the tree. Not only that, it’s like watching your favorite holiday movie on Hallmark, only here you get to read the words and live vicariously through the characters.
Monica Murphy
“Not that I think grumpy jerkface Charlie Sullivan is going to become my significant other, but maybe I could have him on my arm at various functions, and that might be…interesting.” Candace is definitely questioning this task. Asked by his mom, Candace has agreed (though she doesn’t recall agreeing) to escort Charlie to various holiday functions. To give him more exposure in the community. After all, his family does own the largest Christmas tree farm in the area.
Charlie does not want to rub elbows and socialize with people – any people. Well, except Candace. Maybe. What starts out as a terrible idea, in his opinion, becomes quite the opposite. Charlie starts to enjoy the interactions within the community. He is definitely enjoying his time with Candace.
This is such a wonderful story. I loved the characters – especially Charlie. Sort of a anti-hero, really. I love this author and this series!
3.5 stars
Holidate is my first book by this author and in this series, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. It’s clear while reading that some of the characters in the story are from previous books, but I didn’t feel left out. That being said, I am curious about the first two books and plan on picking them up.
But back to Holidate! Our main character, Candice, loves everything Christmas. Her mother left her money when she passed away, so she doesn’t have to work. So Candice devotes her time to charities and volunteering, especially around Christmas. Giving her time to plan a great Christmas scene and you’ll get what you need.
I enjoyed Candice’s character. Just like her, I love Christmas! I could go to all the events she talks about. It’s clear that there’s more behind her love for this holiday though. I can’t imagine what it’s like losing your mother, but I loved that she tried keeping her memory going with her charity work around the holidays. I can definitely relate to her though, because I’m just as nuts when it comes to Christmas. The music, movies, food and drinks are all things I love. It’s really the most happiest time of the year.
Charlie is in many ways the grinch of this story. He helps run his family’s Christmas Tree lot and will eventually take over. Charlie is very serious about his work and doesn’t think he has time for anything else. Especially social events to help promote the family business. Working in this field though has made it hard to Charlie to get the Christmas spirit. I loved that he slowly opened up to Candice during this book and started enjoying all the holiday things while seeing it through someone else’s eyes. I think he slowly learned that he’s more than just the company he works for.
While I did enjoy this book, it wasn’t the five star read I was hoping for and that was caused by a few things. I did not like Charlie’s mother and how she approached things. I would’ve loved to have seen this arrangement start for a different reason. This just didn’t feel right to me. Also, I needed more chapters from Charlie’s POV. I missed his thoughts throughout the story.
Also, the story is mostly Charlie and Candice going to events, planning to go to one, being rude to each other or complaining about each other. I missed the connection between the characters. It slowly starts to show near the end, but I didn’t get enough of them. I needed more interaction between them to complete this holiday romance. It wasn’t bad, but it felt a bit lacking at times.
Charlie and Candice are a really cute couple and I love how this story came to an end. The charity event organized and the grand gesture from Charlie at the end really melted my heart. That’s exactly the “Hallmark” feeling I was waiting to get from this story. Holidate definitely made me want to go get my Christmas tree and it’s only October! If you’re looking for a sweet and fun romance during the holidays, Holidate is one to enjoy sipping cocoa next to the decorated Christmas tree.
When I first read Fake Date a few months ago and got to know Candice a little bit, I couldn’t wait to read her story. And now with Holidate I could fall even more in love with her (and Charlie, of course). I liked this book very much, but what really made me fall in love with it was Charlie. He stole Candice’s thunder. He’s such a sweetheart! Yes, he’s grumpy but also so sweet. And then there’s Candice, she’s such a cheerful character. She’s generous, lovely and even feisty. I loved how she managed the whole situation in her own way. And I really loved to get to know her better in this book.
Holidate is a cute and fun holiday romance. It’s something different and I loved it. It’s just the perfect read for the holiday seasons.
Holidate is definitely a sweet and fun holiday romance…. And with the Sullivan Family Tree Farm it’s just the perfect fit for your own present under the Christmas tree.
I loved meeting Candice in Fake Date book 2 in Monica Murphy’s Dating series. Then when I met Charlie, the Grinch to Candice’s jollyness I just new this would be another fun romance.
Holidate is sweet, romantic and a tad whimsical everything a good holiday romance should be. Charlie and Candice seem like the classic opposites attract couple but then we realize there is more than meets the eye. Ms Murphy does it again with another great romance in such a great series.
This was such a cute and sweet book, Monica Murphy has a way of making your heart skip a beat. Holidate was about two people who are nothing alike, one of them is the type to think about others while the other only thinks of himself.
Candice has the biggest heart ever, she is so sweet, caring, and perfect. I love how big her heart is and how she is always trying to do the correct thing and help others. Charlie is someone who isn’t into the holiday spirit, he does what he needs and thinks of himself. These two were amazing, I just loved how Candice changes Charlie to make him see outside his own box.
This is a must read, you all will love Candice.
Oh my, Monica does it again! This was such a fun, flirty, and holiday season filled sweet story. Candice has been through some things and is a giving, helpful and caring person. Charlie on the other hand is some what reclusive, a grinch, and has to start taking on more aspects that he doesn’t want. These two are set up in order to help Charlie take on his soon to be new rule. Candice and Charlie have that instant connection, but constantly bump their heads on things. Candice and Charlie start to connect and take you on a fun, bantering, and romantic filled holiday adventure. This story will leave you in a happy, loving spirit and want more of Charlie and Candice
Holidate Book Book 3 in The Dating Series (can be read as a standalone)
by Monica Murphy
What an amazing, sweet, and fun read! I really enjoyed and loved!
“You’re smart and you’re generous, and you’re such a bright light, Candice.”
“All I want for Christmas is you.”
This book in this series surely didn’t disappoint! Can’t wait for more!
I was so excited for getting a holiday themed story in the Dating series. I couldn’t wait to fall in love with the characters, because c’mon, it was bound to happen.
I loved how opposites Candice and Charlie seem to be, but they both have such good hearts. I loved getting to know these characters, I loved reading about them falling for each other (slow burn, anyone?) and though their banter had me laughing out loud, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they two were giving me quite a few emotional moments. They had me giggling and swooning all over them.
Sweet, so sweet.
This is a cute, Christmas-y romance that’s definitely worth the read.
Charlie and Candice couldn’t be more different. She lives for the holiday season, Charlie sees it more from the business side of things. You’d think they wouldn’t mesh together but you’d be wrong. When Candice gets railroaded into helping Charlie, it’s the start of something neither of them was expecting. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are easy to like, I loved it when they were pushing each other’s buttons. This the perfect book to curl up with and lose yourself for a while.
Charlie can be quite smug at certain times, “he smirks at me, like he knew I was checking out his junk. “Jeans and a sweater? I can manage that.” Charlie is always trying to be helpful, “where’s he at? Want me to kick his *** for you? Call him out in front of everyone and humiliate him?” Charlie is sometimes shocked by his woman, “not really. I kept it long on top. Just for you.” His arms sneak beneath my coat to go around my waist, his hands making contact with my exposed back. “What the eff are you wearing?” I liked this book, I loved Charlie
This was okay for me. Be aware that this is a clean romance in the “heat” department, kissing is as far as it goes. There are Hallmark movie references in this book, and it very much reads like one. The writing flowed well for the most part, but I wasn’t a fan of how Candice “talked” to the reader. It was a weird and took me out of the story. Charlie was a likable hero, even though he starts off grouchy and standoffish. Candice, however, came across more like a teenager than a grown woman. She was very immature, and I didn’t connect with her at all. When the stuff hits the fan, and she stomps off like a child throwing a fit, it sealed the deal for me. The ending was sweet, and these 2 get their HEA. I really loved the premise of this story, unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it as much as I though I would.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
This book was so cute. It really made me impatient for Christmas.
You have Candice who was the sweetest, most festive. Then you have Charlie who was pretty much the grinch. Some of the story was predictable but it didn’t stop me from enjoying it! Holidate is my third book from Monica Murphy and I always look forward to reading her stories. This one really put me in a good mood and now I want to go to Target and decorate for the upcoming holidays