The Great Charade

By: Gerri Hill

Narrated by: Abby Craden

Length: 6 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

Abby Carpenter is in a tailspin knowing she is about to spend 10 days in the company of her ex-girlfriend - who is now engaged to her brother - for a family holiday gathering in Red River, New Mexico. The same ex-girlfriend who last year at Christmas had lured her into bed. Abby’s solution? A pretend girlfriend for the holidays would surely keep her ex away and in her own room at night, right?

Nic Bennett’s life has been far from ideal and Christmas is her most dreaded holiday of all as she relives horrors from the past. When an attractive stranger approaches her with the offer of a chance to get away for ten days, she agrees but with a counteroffer that brings both anxiety and excitement to the desperate Abby.

Among the holiday lights and snow-covered grandeur, the lines between pretend and reality blur as the two women have the time of their lives while Abby learns it isn’t her ex she cannot resist and Nic learns what it means to be part of a family for Christmas.

A proposition, a counteroffer, and a Christmas charade heal two souls and meld two hearts into one.

©2021 Gerri Hill (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Gerri Hill & Abby Craden

Thank you!! I enjoyed this book very much. Never disappointed with Gerri Hill. And Abby Craden; the best!

A great holiday listen!

I really enjoyed this! And let's just get it out of the way at the outset - yes, I had the same feeling as others did about the "payment" Nic required to participate in the ruse. But ultimately I was happy with how all of that was resolved. Really - Nic is such a sweetheart that it almost seemed out of character once we got to know her. I have to believe Gerri more saw that more as a bit of bravado on Nic's part - that Abby wouldn't be able to resist her. But there was a moment in an early scene that really skirted a line and I was kind of surprised about that choice.
On to the rest of the book. I'm especially appreciative that this was something entirely new for Gerri Hill. I think I've read all of her books (well - except for one or two) and this is a story unlike any she's never told with characters we've never seen.
Both MCs were interesting. Imperfect, but great. I LOVED Abby, yet she had this distrust of herself when it came to her ex Holly. And what a loathsome character Holly was! We could have a whole discussion of Holly and Abby's brother Aaron's relationship, but that's a topic for another day.
Nic was such a relatable character in many ways because she didn't have positive relationship role models (understatement) so didn't think she would ever have a healthy, loving relationship herself. So watching these two characters' "fake" relationship evolve was quite lovely. And oh so sexy too. In the end I absolutely loved them both. I was especially impressed with how Abby handled things toward the end of the book.
There were also some really strong secondary characters in Abby's mother, Abby's lunch friend Sharon and Nic's best friends.
Abby Craden is so perfectly suited to narrate Gerri's books. She "goes there" with the internal angst, pain, sadness - and love. You feel every moment.
In the end, I liked this so much that I can see listening to it every holiday season. While it's not all good feels all the time, it hits all the right spots with the relationship building, heartwarming family moments and outcome. I'd like to see more of these characters down the road, in fact!

Unlikely Sappy and Perfect

Just like my title says, the story is unlikely, sappy, and for me, perfect. No fighting, no emotionally difficult events, just sweet and loving.

Perfect Holiday Romp!

This is a sweet little read that will give you a nicr holiday lift. I have read other reviews by people who clearly need to get a sense of humor. Don't take the "counter-offer" too damned seriously, and this story will actually give you a pleasant case of the warm fuzzies. The characters are interesting; the story a little goofy, but in a fun way. Also a major plus: the narration by Abby Craden is fabulous! She does all the voices distinctly differently
Excellent voice acting; never robotic, stiff, or forced, the way some narration often can be. Craden's voice is sexy as hell, too.

Loved it, BUT . . .

**some spoilers**
I just cannot get over the “stipulation”. How did this make it into a book in this day and age!?!? If this were a m/f story it would have been torn apart for suggestions of prostitution. I wish the author would have just made it more of a joking comment and teasing than a serious ‘you have to have sex or no deal’ situation. I almost stopped reading after the stipulation was agreed on. I made myself ignore that part and then really loved the story. I don’t think it will be a book I’ll listen to again though because of the forced agreement.

This book moved me to tears

I absolutely love this story and it makes me want to get out an date again just to find love like this.
Thank you for writing this book.

Girlfriend for the Holidays

Abby Carpenter has no desire to go home for Christmas to see the whole man who jilted her for her brother. So to protect herself she proposes a fake relationship with a stranger. Nic hates Christmas but says she’ll do it as long as they have sex. Aghast Abby is forced to accept thinking she can opt out. The power of Christmas and friendship brings two wounded souls together. Great narration.

Good One

I really enjoyed this book and the characters were well thought out. I always love Abby Craden as a narrator.

Loved these characters

I love how well they connected from the very beginning and how introspective the characters are.

Christmas charade

Abby Craden never disappoints, and neither did this story. Hill is a master author, no matter which trope. I adored both main characters, the guarded Nic and the verging on crazy Abby. The chemistry that snowballed between these two turned into a roaring blaze. Recommended? Yes, I would.

Biphobic AF

I love Gerri Hill's stuff normally but this book was enormously biphobic out of the gate. Maybe not being biphobic A-holes is part of the character growth but I'm not sticking around to find out and this level of bierasure is never okay. I also find it hard to believe that a slightly extortionate sexual relationship is central to these characters. Abby Craden is wonderful as ever and please try Gerri's other, less problematic books, but this a hard no from me.
Bisexuality is a thing!!!

Recommended

Another good story by Gerri Hill with the added bonus of being read by Abby Craden who brings these stories to life. I have enjoyed all by Gerri Hill and already downloaded another of he title's.

Amazing

I absolutely loved this book I listened to it in a day because I just couldn’t stop and then have already replayed it about 5 times. Christmas, love and beautifully read as always by Abby. What more could you want !!

A beautiful Christmas lesbian love story.

I loved this book! sadly I liked it so much i listened to the whole thing over two evenings (Christmas evening to be exact )

The characters were great I liked the holiday vibe it made my Christmas 🎄

Abby Craden and Gerri Hill are the perfect duo.

A second book would be great . I want to know the mums reaction to calling Nik the wrong name.

A really lovely Christmas romance.

This is a great festive feel good story. Will listen again next year I think!