The Christmas Leap: A Tender MM Holiday Romance with Fake Dates and Real Feelings

What if pretending to be in love during the holidays leads to the one thing you never thought you’d find—something real?

In The Christmas Leap, part of the Festive Fakes collection by Keira Andrews, readers are treated to a warm, slow-burn MM holiday romance that’s as emotionally fulfilling as it is cozy. Set against a backdrop of snowy towns, twinkling lights, and long-buried feelings, this story brings two childhood friends back together through one of the most beloved tropes in romance: the fake relationship.

But this isn’t just lighthearted fluff. Beneath the charming setup lies a story about trust, vulnerability, and the quiet ache of second chances. For readers who love emotionally immersive storytelling with just the right amount of heat and heart, The Christmas Leap delivers a comforting yet deeply satisfying ride.

A fake relationship. A festive reunion. And the leap of faith that changes everything.

When Ryan needs a date for his sister’s holiday wedding, he turns to his best friend Declan, the one person who’s always been there for him. The twist? They’ve been out of touch for years, and Declan has never quite forgotten how close—almost too close—they once were. Agreeing to pose as Ryan’s boyfriend means more than playing along. It means putting his heart back on the line for someone who doesn’t know how deeply he’s already fallen.

Set in a small town glowing with Christmas spirit, The Christmas Leap explores the tension of unresolved longing and the comfort of coming home. It’s a story that asks: what happens when the person you’re pretending to love is the one you’ve always loved for real?

From the awkward tension of reuniting to the slow unraveling of buried feelings, every scene feels heartfelt and authentic. Andrews doesn’t rush the connection—she lets it simmer, and that makes the eventual emotional payoff incredibly rewarding.

Themes & Characters: Second Chances, Found Family, and a Love Worth Risking

Ryan: confident, loyal, and scared to feel too much

Ryan is charismatic and funny, but underneath the charm is someone who’s learned to guard his heart—especially when it comes to Declan. His journey is one of self-acceptance and honesty, not just with Declan but with himself. The emotional tension he carries—wanting connection but fearing change—is relatable and deeply moving.

Declan: quiet strength, unspoken love

Declan is the quieter half of the duo, the kind of character who feels everything and rarely says it out loud. Watching him navigate his reawakening feelings for Ryan—while pretending everything is just for show—is both heartbreaking and beautiful. His character brings the emotional depth that anchors the romance, especially for readers who love slow burns and unrequited love turning real.

Emotional tension meets holiday charm.

While there are all the trappings of a classic holiday romance—family dinners, snowstorms, twinkling lights—the emotional landscape is where this book truly shines. The Christmas Leap blends found family dynamics, queer identity exploration, and the bittersweet tenderness of reconnecting after time apart.

The tension is not built on drama, for drama’s sake. It’s built on real fear, honest miscommunication, and the vulnerability of love that never got a chance to begin.

Tropes and Themes Romance Readers Will Love

• Fake dating with real feelings
• Second chance romance
• MM holiday romance
• Friends-to-lovers
• Small town, close-quarters tension
• Snowy Christmas setting with found family warmth
• Slow burn with emotional payoff and tender steam

Who Will Love The Christmas Leap?

• Readers who adore holiday MM romance with emotional authenticity
• Fans of friends-to-lovers stories with gentle tension and deep affection
• Anyone craving fake relationship tropes that bloom into something real
• Romance lovers who want comfort reads with depth—more than just Christmas fluff
• Fans of Keira Andrews’ previous work or authors like Roan Parrish, Annabeth Albert, or Lucy Lennox

Final Thoughts

The Christmas Leap is more than a sweet holiday read—it’s a beautifully written, character-driven romance that reminds us how healing love can be when you finally let it in. Keira Andrews crafts a story filled with yearning, forgiveness, and hope—all wrapped up in festive lights and warm winter blankets.

If you’ve ever loved someone quietly or wondered what might happen if you had one more chance—this book will speak straight to your heart. So go ahead: make The Christmas Leap. You might just fall in love.