Books › An Impossible Dream
An Impossible Dream
First published 1993 · 189 pages
A cozy, tension-filled holiday romp where a fake relationship meant to appease family expectations accidentally sparks very real passion.
What it feels like
A nostalgic, briskly paced dive into classic nineties romance, this novel wraps the reader in the cozy, high-stakes tension of a holiday family gathering. The mood is a delightful blend of festive warmth and crackling romantic anxiety, driven by the ever-popular fake-dating trope. As the protagonist navigates the suffocating weight of family expectations, the narrative maintains a playful yet earnest tone, balancing witty banter with moments of genuine vulnerability. The prose is direct and emotionally expressive, keeping the focus squarely on the simmering chemistry between the leads. It is a perfect comfort read for fans of vintage category romance who love watching a pragmatic arrangement melt into undeniable passion amidst the chaos of Christmas dinner.
- Mood
- cozy
- festive
- emotionally charged
- nostalgic
- Tone
- playful
- earnest
- dramatic
- romantic
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- fake dating · family expectations · holiday romance · unexpected attraction · vulnerability
- The writing
- Direct, dialogue-heavy, and emotionally expressive with a touch of vintage romance melodrama.
- The arc
- Moves from anxious insecurity and performative confidence to genuine vulnerability and passionate surrender.
- Who it's for
- Fans of classic nineties category romances who devour the fake-dating trope and cozy holiday family drama.
Content notes
- family pressure
- mild sexual content
About the book
He was the answer to Dani's dreams
Cameron McFarlane was handsome, rich and fairly famous--he was the bestselling author of The Psychology of Sex. More importantly, he needed Dani!
Cameron needed her to cater a dinner party. And Dani agreed--in exchange for his spending Christmas Day with her and her family. With a man like Cameron at her side, surely her family would finally consider her a success.
Cameron certainly seemed to like more than just Dani's cooking. His kisses excited and confused her. Was he just playing along, or was he playing for keeps?
Description from Open Library.
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