The Christmas Swap Paperback – 23 November 2023

This book was delightful! It was funny, sweet, romantic and has a bit of angst thrown in as well. The characters were interesting and loveable and I couldn’t help but root for things to work out for Margot Murray and Ellie Gibson. Whether read as a holiday book or an any time of year book, you should read this book!Sincerely, Bonnie A. Welch

This book was really fun to read. It put a nice spin on the fake dating trope, which is already one of my favourites. Definitely worth the read. Ps. Have a few tissues nearby.

Oh my god I loved The Christmas Swap!Margot Murray is newly single with nothing to do for the holidays, but gets an offer she can’t refuse from her client, Ben, who asks her to come home with him for Christmas and pretend to be his girlfriend so no one will try and set him up. Except when they arrive, Margot meets Ellie, his sister, who is immediately suspicious that Margot is up to no good.Talia Samuels takes a great approach to the fake date the brother fancy the sister trope, by making Ellie so desperately suspicious of Margot. I loved spending time in Ellie’s head along with Margot’s, finally allowing us a view through the family’s eyes in a fake dating situation. It’s not quite enemies to lovers, but Ellie’s investigative scheming adds a layer of tension that I found totally addictive.It all takes place in a big country hotel outside of Manchester — it’s always such a delight to read Northern romcoms!There’s also a honest, well handled exploration of past toxic relationships as Margot is hounded by her ex Taylor, and works out how to move forward (just wanted to flag this for any readers who might need to know beforehand!)This is a book full of food and feelings. Heartaches and heartbreak. Midnight picnics and Brie on chips. I absolutely loved The Christmas Swap and I cannot wait to read more from the utterly brilliant Talia Samuels.

What a funny and sweet book, love books set in UK. Cannot wait for your next book Ms Samuels. Highly recommended.

Loved this book! Although the characters do seem a bit too childish for their age! Would definitely recommend if you love sapphics, fake dating, and fluffy romance!