Allison is, 364 days a year, completely good with being single. Her mother’s Christmas party is the one exception. Troy has no interest in a relationship, until he meets Allison. Mix in a charity bachelor auction, a quick agreement to be a fake boyfriend, volunteering with orphans, and a few meddling family members, and Welcome Home for Christmas is a delightful holiday read about second-chances and true love.
Below is an excerpt to help you get a feel for the book.
“So there’s one thing I now know about you. You’re a good liar.” Allison folded her arms at her chest.
“Good, maybe. But I value honesty. Sometimes lying to someone is for their own good, though. A little white lie never really hurt anyone. Here’s one for you,” he leaned in closer and lowered his voice, “I have absolutely no interest in dating you, either.”
Her cheeks flushed.
“And I don’t think you’re the most beautiful woman in this room, and the thought of taking you out does not appeal to me whatsoever.” He shook his head. “Nope, not one little bit.”
She smiled. “Now I know two things about you. You lie well and you’re a smooth talker. So, do you agree to my proposal?”
Troy could just say yes, but he was enjoying engaging her in a conversation. “You know, when I was kid, Christmas was always magical. I’d sit with the toy catalog and create this huge, mile-long list of the things I wanted. I never got so excited about a pencil and paper.”
“Did you get everything on the list?” she asked.
“Usually.”
“So your family had money?”
He nodded. His family practically owned the town he’d grown up in. He didn’t know what it felt like to want for something until his cousin Dale had died in 9-11, the deciding factor in him joining the military. “I figure the more money raised for those kids, the better their Christmas will be.”
“That’s my goal. I want this to be the best Christmas Mercy’s kids have ever had.”
“So, if I have to take you out . . .” He trailed off, smiling at her.
“We’re just going to talk. Have a meal or something together. No kissing, no handholding.”
Troy held up his hands. “I’m an honorable guy. I don’t force myself on women. Truth is, I usually have to fight them off.” He winked again.
“And you can’t act like that when you meet my mother.”
“Like what?” he asked.
“All flirty and charming. She’ll never believe that I’d fall for someone like that.”
He tried not to take offense because no matter what she was saying, she was attracted to him. He could see it in her dilated pupils and the way her chest rose just slightly under her racing pulse. “No? What kind of guy exactly would you fall for?”
Allison looked around the room. There was still a nice-sized crowd laughing and mingling. Christmas music filled the merry air. “I wouldn’t fall for any kind of guy right now. That’s why I’m pretending with you.”
I really would recommend this as a sweet holiday read, about family and redemption and finding your true self. There’s some adorable moppets as well, and it all moves very quickly. Easily a weekend read, preferably with a fire lit and hot chocolate in hand.
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Further Reading:
- More from Annie Rains
- Toys for Tots is a great organization that ensures kids have treasures under the tree this holiday season.
- It’s from a few years ago, but still a good list – Publisher’s Weekly rounds up 10 of their favorite holiday romances.
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I received a copy of this delightful book in exchange for participating in this blog tour from Tasty Tours. Thanks!
Thank you for hosting WELCOME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS today!