What happens when you agree to a fake engagement just to learn you are in love with their sister? Pretend you don't know each other. Duh.
Kiss Her Once For Me is that second novel by Alison Cochrun, who also wrote The Charm Offensive. It is a queer, adult romantic comedy that takes place in Portland, OR.
The story follows Ellie Oliver, who is feeling incredibly lost in life after losing her dream job and working at a coffee shop that barely allows her to pay rent. When the landlord, Andrew, proposes an idea to her, a fake engagement so he can get his inheritance, that he will share part of. Only if she can survive Christmas with his family. With nothing else to lose, Ellie agrees. Upon reaching Andrew's family's cabin, Ellie is in for a surprise when she realizes the woman she had a one-night fling with last Christmas is Andrew's sister. As the lies pile up and the family Christmas antics ensue, Ellie slowly figures out who she needs in her life, and how maybe she hasn't lost everything.
From family skiing, to Christmas Tree hunting, to a gaggle of drunken grandmas this book was a great read for the holiday. I found myself rooting for everyone as much as I was hoping someone would just tell the truth and get the pain over with. Every character is unique and flawed in their own way, and even with some miscommunications, find their ways back to each other.
Another aspect of this book I enjoyed was how not all of Ellie's problems just disappeared at the end. She finds a new, small place, to live and has to work on fixing the relationships that were left a little broken by lies. I enjoy when even though there is a happy ending, its not necessarily perfect.
Overall, this book was a 4 of 5 stars for me and I would recommend for anyone who likes a little more drama with their romance. This book will leave you wishing you were cozied up in a cabin in the mountains, especially when you live in the flat Midwest like me.
Find more information about Kiss Her Once For Me on Goodreads, linked below:
For those who are interested in buying the book, may I recommend finding it at your local Indie bookstore! For those who want a link, Red Balloon in St. Paul is a personal favorite of mine (I don't get anything, just want to support local to me):
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