Books › An impossible dream
An impossible dream
First published 1994 · 229 pages
A cozy, classic fake-dating holiday romance where a transactional arrangement melts into genuine passion under the pressure of family expectations.
What it feels like
Reading this classic nineties romance feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, nostalgic blanket of beloved tropes. The brisk, dialogue-driven narrative pulls you effortlessly through a delightful fake-dating scenario set against the backdrop of holiday family drama. There is a distinct coziness to the atmosphere, balanced by the crackling, slightly dramatic tension of a transactional arrangement slowly giving way to genuine vulnerability. The prose is straightforward and emotionally expressive, leaning into the earnest angst of trying to prove one's worth to a critical family while accidentally falling in love. It is a perfect comfort read for those who devour vintage category romances, offering a satisfying emotional arc that moves from anxious insecurity to a deeply romantic, swoon-worthy resolution.
- Mood
- cozy
- festive
- warm
- nostalgic
- Tone
- playful
- earnest
- romantic
- dramatic
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- fake dating · family expectations · holiday romance · vulnerability and trust · transactional relationships
- The writing
- Direct, dialogue-heavy, and emotionally expressive, characteristic of classic nineties category romance.
- The arc
- Moves from anxious insecurity and a transactional arrangement to genuine vulnerability and passionate commitment.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love vintage Harlequin romances, holiday family drama, and the delicious tension of the fake-dating trope.
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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