ARC Review: Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk

Thank you to the author and Harper Collins UK for sending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb:

One fake romance. One magical Christmas. One chance to fall in love.

Laura was all set for a quiet solo Christmas – just her, a bottle of wine, and flat-sitting for a stranger. But when the stranger’s parents mistake her for his mystery girlfriend, she’s swept off to the snowy Scottish Highlands with Callum and his whole family.

Between the cosy sleeper train, charming pubs and breathtaking views, this could be the no-strings-attached Christmas of Laura’s dreams.

But stranger Callum is hot, hilarious and their ‘fake’ chemistry is off the charts.

So is this just a Christmas fling? Or the start of something more?

My thoughts:

Christmas Fling is a funny, lighthearted rom-com – making it the perfect festive read. Lindsey Kelk is an auto-buy author for me so I was so excited when I received an early copy. I couldn’t put the book down and read it in one sitting.

The story follows Laura who ends up being her future landlord’s fake girlfriend for the Christmas holidays after his parents are misled into believing they are an item. The plot itself leads to a lot of hilarious moments – especially as they try to make Laura’s alter ego, Caroline, completely horrid with the hope she won’t be invited back. The dialogue is witty and entertaining. Laura and her fake boyfriend Callum had a lot of banter and great chemistry too.

Set in the Scottish highlands, the scenery and backdrop of the book felt like a perfect winter movie. Callum’s home sounded so picturesque.

There were many great characters – from Laura’s best friends to Callum’s crazy family members. All of them added to the story and seemed like an integral part to the plot. I enjoyed the found family that Laura had with her friends and how they genuinely cared for one another even when they could see each other’s flaws.

In between the laughter, there are some tender moments and more heavier topics mentioned. This includes the loss of a family member and feeling disconnected to people who are still around. Kelk deals with grief well and shows how difficult it can be to let barriers down when life hasn’t always been so kind.

The main character’s job is fascinating too. It’s not often you read about a female neurosurgeon falling in love with a pastry chef. I loved the fact that the stereotypical gender roles were scrapped and Laura was one of the best in her field. The story felt very empowering.

From fake dating, close proximity, found family and more – there are plenty of tropes for all those who love a good rom-com. This book has the best feel-good vibes that I would recommend to read any time of the year.