I really enjoyed this book. The two main characters are Carly and Noah. Carly own an ice cream shop and Noah is a firefighter. Carly needs a fake boyfriend for an engagement party for her ex boyfriend. Noah says he will be her fake boyfriend. For this pretend date they have to get information on each other. So they meet for lunch go on motorcycle rides. They go to the engagement party and Carly breaks up with Noah. They can’t stand to be apart. They declare their love for one another.

Cherry Red by Darlene Fredette

Publication from Blacklit PR

A great light read full of descriptive and captivating characters between a young female entrepreneur running an ice cream business and the un-datable in Carley's mind a firefighter. The young protagonist is dead set on never dating a firefighter again or because like her father or brother in the dangerous profession but when push comes to shove she has no other option then take the handsome firefighter Noah as her date to her ex's engagement party or face the ridicule of going alone.

"Mr. Firefighter...Noah sure had a way about him. Grimacing, she wondered why she mistook him for a stripper. Maybe he was the real deal. Which was even more reason to avoid him. Then why did her heart skip a beat at the thought of seeing Noah again?"
Between a battle of attraction and strong will can Carley stay away from Noah?

The battle is great between mind and heart in this book in an overall amazing read the only downfall was not continuing to read more between this heated couple...from the characters to the plot this is an addicting novel leaving readers to want more of the "fire and ice" combo. Cannot wait to read more great books from this author!

This was a great story. I really enjoyed it. It was on the shorter end which was nice and I liked the overall story. It was well written, fast-paced, and the characters were good.

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Up and coming entrepreneur Carly Redd has a lousy history with men. In fact, she’d rather devote her life improving her new business than spend her precious time off with a man who will only end up leaving her.

Firefighter Noah “Blaise” Harding comes from a strong, loving family whose bonds rewrote the book for lasting marriage. He’d looking for the forever type of woman—and is prepared to wait a lifetime for her.

They meet under unusual circumstances—she’s creating interesting titled beverages that combine her passion for ice cream with “adult” additives. In walk a group of hot looking firemen whom she has reason to believe are part of the “adult” entertainment for the event. She’s not about to think twice about a man who removes his clothes for pay—and lets him know immediately. Noah on the other hand is struck deaf, dumb and blind at the first meeting, and is willing to do anything and everything to win over the energetic Carly.

Our Review: Again, author Darlene Fredette treats the reader to a fast and fun example of interesting, relatable characters with crisp, snappy dialogue. Toss in the charm of historic Halifax, Nova Scotia and a host of diverse and colorful secondary characters. Fans of Darlene as well as the One Scoop or Two Series out of the Wild Rose Press are in for a treat.

On a scale of 1-5, Cherry Red deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

A fake relationship.
A girl who swore off firefighters.
A guy who wants her.

Carly Redd made a promise to herself to never get involved with another firefighter. Not after that tragic night that caused all her fears to come true. Now, Carly’s focused on expanding her ice cream business and creating new ice cream flavours. However, her past is back in the form of her ex, and to make matters worse, he’s engaged and throwing an engagement party. Carly has to attend, but going without a date is a sure way to get people talking.

Noah Harding knows there is a rule set in place between the firefighters, never flirt or date the Chief’s daughter. That rule goes out the door when he agrees to fake date Carly Redd, at least until the party.

Getting Carly to trust Noah is like a wildfire that can’t be put out, but Carly knows that Noah won’t stop until he has her trust. Everyone knows Noah is the fire to her ice, but it’s up to Carly to open her heart and take the step she promised never to take again.

My Review:

I always love a story involving firefighters, and Cherry Red was no exception! 😍

I loved the concept of the story, and I even enjoyed the personalities of the two main characters, Noah and Carly. As for the side-characters, I did find it disappointing that they didn’t get involved in the story as much as I hoped they would, they always add a certain depth to a book that makes it more immersive! 🤗

The two main characters definitely had chemistry between them, but the relationship escalated rather quickly. It would’ve been a bit more realistic if their relationship had more time to develop and grow that would have created a deeper connection, even for the reader.

I still loved the story though! There was definite potential in this book, and I liked Darlene Fredette’s writing style! My eyes will be open to other books by Darlene Fredette!

I would recommend this book to those who love fast reads, insta-love, and a bit of romance! 💛

My Rating: 2.5/5 ✨
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My review is published on my Instagram account, (x_chrissieb_reads_x) on my blog (Chrissie B's Book Blog) and my Goodreads (itschrissieb) which should all be tagged!

Carly lives for her small ice cream business so when a friend asks to bartend for her party she see an opportunity to promote her shop, she takes it which is where we meet Noah who she mistakes as one of the stripping firefighters. Only thing is that Carly's ex is getting married and she needs a plus one but is she willing to give her heart up again? I felt that their connection was real and I love how supportive Noah is.

Right of the bat it was an adorable book. I was able to read it in one sitting straight though and at moments I felt the true emotions of the characters. Overall it was a cute romance novel. There could have been more character development all around and the story could have gone more in depth to give us more action between Carly and Noah. I didn’t get too much of a sexy tension vibe between the two which I would have appreciated. I would have also enjoyed more moments between Carly and Declan.

Having family that's Canadian I thought that I would read one of their books. I do not know if we are in fact related but it sounds like we might be. Cherry Red is considered a romantic love story and my genre is definitely mysteries and thrillers. However, I really enjoyed this short story about two people who were not suppose to be in love, but in fact fell into love with everyone knowing that the outcome was to be love, but that they didn't have a clue. This is a change from the noir books that I read, and is a breath of fresh air in my reading. I was surprised in how easy it was to follow and yet you always had the hope that they would end up together. Darlene came through.

Carly is laser focused on business. When she’s not working at Cherry Red her ice cream hut she’s busy creating new flavours. She’s helping out as a bartender when she first meets Noah. The attraction is instant but Carly doesn’t have time for a boyfriend. Plus she mistakes him for a stripper. Then she finds out it’s worse than that he’s a firefighter.

Noah steps in to be her fake boyfriend since she has to go to her ex’s engagement do. And the more time they spend together the more they fall for each other. But Carly is nothing if not stubborn and she fights against the attraction.

“I still don’t understand why you have to break up.”

None of us do Josie, none of us do.

“We fit so well… Like we belong together.”
“Because you do. Why won’t you follow your heart?”

A question I’ve been asking myself, repeatedly.

This is such a sweet adorable (and clean) read. Yes Carly’s stubbornness is annoying at times. But it’s a light feel good romance.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publishers and NetGalley.

Carly needs a date for her ex's engagement party and a meet-cute fueled by a funny misunderstanding puts Noah, an excellent prospect, in her path. They definitely have chemistry, but can Carly be convinced that Noah is worth taking a chance on?

This is a short, sweet, PG-rated, low-angst romance with nice, appealing MCs who are both easy to root for. I loved learning about Carly's ice cream business (yum!) and really enjoyed the detail about Halifax that came through in their story as well--it sounds like a lovely place to visit!

Pick this up for a light treat--it's perfect for a smile!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!