The Peppermint Bark Proposal

(A Sweet Holiday Romance)

Wanted: Fake Boyfriend

Becca Barnes has just two problems: a cheating ex and a mother who’d love to see her married before age thirty. Heartsore and frustrated, Becca decides her family’s camp in Northern California is the perfect place to spend Christmas—alone.

Except she’s not.

The neighboring cabin owner, Jake Bannister, is charming. He has the cutest dog. And when Becca’s family arrives, outraged she’d spend the holidays by herself, Jake becomes the answer to her parental woes. She convinces him to pretend they’re dating so her mother won’t meddle in her love life. Jake’s even sweeter than she expected, a friend she didn’t know she needed. Everything is great.

Except it’s not.

Becca’s ex shows up, looking for another chance to ruin her life. Now, she’s torn between her ex’s threats and her growing feelings for Jake. Will this holiday house of cards topple, or can a fake romance lead to real Christmas magic?

Excerpt from THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL

For a few minutes, Becca heard only the turning of pages, then the clink of a teaspoon as Jake added sugar to his coffee. Finally, he cleared his throat. “Umm…?”

She pivoted to face him. “Yes?”

He met her gaze with that endearing, awkward grin on his face again. He slid an elbow onto the table, then gave her a nonplussed shrug. “I don’t even know your name."

Relief forced a laugh out of her. “Oh, my gosh. I’m an idiot. Becca Barnes.”

The sound of a car in the graveled drive brought her attention to the front windows. “Were you expecting anyone?” she asked.

He glanced to the window. “No. It’s just me up here.”

Becca moved to the window to investigate, and her heart crashed into her fuzzy cabin socks. “Oh, no.”

“What’s the matter?”

“My parents are here.”

“Is that bad?”

She groaned. “It’s not ideal.”

He pushed his chair back from the table. “Should I go?”

“No,” she blurted, so fast and loud that Jake’s brows inched up. Heat flushed Becca’s cheeks. “I’m sorry. I mean, no, please stay."

Back to Books

Read it in print!

Get THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL in print, along with another heartwarming holiday read from Nicki Greenwood!

HOLIDAY HEARTS: An Ice Cream Novellas Anthology

• THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL by Nicki Greenwood
• THE GINGERBREAD SHRED by Nicki Greenwood

Signed copies by special order from Nicki Greenwood. Click the image to learn more and order up a festive serving of romance!

Back to Books

Praise for THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL:

"A warm holiday romance...a delicious fun read!" ~ Amazon reviewer

Back to Books

Category:

The Ice Cream Novellas, Contemporary Romance, Sweet Romance, Holiday Romance, Christmas Books

Back to Books