Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
From page 1 I found the language in this book extremely stilted and unrealistic. By the time I had read almost 10%, and read the descriptions of the secretary as 'of that ilk' and a 'creature' I didn't want to read any more. If I'd been reading an historical novel it would have been atmospheric, but it seemed to be an unsuccessful attempt to increase the word count.

If you like steamy mills and boons reads that ooze chemistry and just sizzle then you need to add
The Christmas He Claimed The Secretary to your to read list as it has it all.

This is the first book in a 2 book series called 'The Outrageous Accardi Brothers'. For this book we focus on younger brother Tiziano and his love interest Annie. Their story is told over the course of 12 Chapters.
This book is easy to get stuck into and this pairing could not be more opposite. Annie is a secretary, whose sister has left a mess behind. While Tiziano is the playboy heir who doesn't want to do what big brother Ago wants him to.
Throughout this story you learn not only about the main couple but also Ago. It gives readers enough information to make them curious about his character as well as his story.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

An author I have read before
I enjoyed this

To be honest I found the whole story boring. Way too much thoughts that I struggled to get past the second chapter. The main characters are lackluster not drawing me in to wanting to know their story, to keep on turning the pages which is unusual for me as I love Mills and Boons books. I've been a fan of them for years but this time I'll give them a pass.

Annie has had to drop out of her History of Art degree and work as a secretary to pay off credit card debt racked up by her sister stealing and using her credit card before feeling to Australia.
Tizanio has helped build a family empire but now his reputation as a womaniser means he is being forced into a marriage he doesn’t want to praise his elder brother and salvage his reputation.
He meets Annie and decides they can have a faux fling and pretend romance which will scupper the upcoming engagement, in return Annie will have her debts paid off and be able to start again debt free.
Sparks fly and end in a Christmas reunion.
Not really a Christmas romance. Doesn’t evoke a feeling of Christi the reader. Hardly any mention until the last chapter. Not much angst, drama rather forgettable and whilst not disappointing, it is well written with well thought out characters, there is no charm to this book. It is instantly forgettable: I wouldn’t rush to reread. I normally really enjoy this author’s books but I think if this was my first encounter I wouldn’t rush to read anymore of her books which is a shame, a let down, just like the Christmas secret santas!

A sweet mills and boon classic. I like the new books they have warmth and depth.
This is a classic rags to riches story of
The beautiful secretary and her billionaire boss fake dates, beautiful dresses, lots of fake meets and then wham bam thank you mam!
Love happens too!
Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Not so run of the mill billionaire romance as feisty Annie fights back and pushes Tiziano to his limit. The mean circles they have to spend time in are well described along with Annie’s commentary on the paparazzi. A good last few chapters test their relationship and a lovely epilogue ties it all up in a bow.

It's a festive fake romance with a billionaire player hero and a hardworking heroine. There is good chemistry between the two protagonists, and while you know where the story is going, there are plenty of internal and external conflicts on the way. Apart from some stereotypical descriptions of the English and London, this is an engaging romantic read.

I like the dynamic between the couple.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Great story with fantastic characters.. I loved Annie’s sparkiness but sometimes felt that too much time was spent on exploring feelings rather than focus on plot. There seemed a strange lack of time spent together. Loved their chemistry but needed more time with them being together.

A fun, flirty and emotion fuelled read. Great chemistry bouncing of the pages and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Oh, this was so fabulous. I love Caitlin Crews writing. She is outstanding in her skill and artistry with the English Language. She’s never frightened of intense emotion, of painful reveals or insights into her characters and usually draws in the reader as if they’re spellbound.

I’ve struggled with some of her recently written books. I’ve found them less than satisfactory, as the characters were so unbelievable, cruel and one dimensional. However, with Tiziano and Annie’s story, she is totally back on sparkling form.

The author’s skill with language really is outstanding. Even in the books that I’ve not liked, I have always loved the literary elements of her language. She uses word like an artist uses brushes and oils to produce such satisfying prose and dialogue. Her ability to fill interior monologues with emotion and insights is really fabulous.

This story of a ‘fake mistress as a PR exercise’ is so cleverly done that one suspends disbelief and simply armoires the developing story. I loved it. loved the characters - the story, the language, - everything!