Firstly, can we please the cover because it's absolutely gorgeous to me!!! Anyways, back to the book, now this book excels at its combination of hilarious and heartfelt moments. The relationship struggles between the main characters, Eva and Sean, are portrayed genuinely, with their individual doubts and concerns handled well and in a way that I really appreciated.

The book follows a rom-com format but avoids the cliché of characters not communicating with each other which was such a breath of fresh air!

However, there are some moments in the book that felt a bit forced or unfinished to me. The fake dating trope is seen as forced and only obvious because it is explicitly stated. The plotline involving an ex's escalation is considered incomplete and could have been removed from the book without much impact. More context for the ex's pursuit of reconciliation would have justified this subplot.

The book stands out for its exploration of the topic of having kids. The author, Adele Buck, I applaud you for treating this topic with the seriousness it deserves, and the way so carefully you handled it! Just like the previous scenes that dealt with grand gestures, autonomy, and parental dysfunction. The depth and care put into exploring these topics and developing the characters are evident throughout the book!!!

Overall, "Fake Flame" is a good book, despite some plot points that could have been further developed. The writing style and the author's attention to these important topics make it worth recommending. And furthermore, it was just such a sweet and romantic story, so if you are in the mood for that I definitely say go for it! I may also be interested in exploring Adele Buck's other published works and anticipating more traditionally published titles from her in the future!

Thank you to Negalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange of an honest review!

I was really excited when I read the description and saw the cover. Unfortunately it was just meh.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This book was SO CUTE. Super fast read for me. Spice level was a 2.5 for me. A very cutesy romance with a little bit of suspense thrown in. FMC parents are insufferable but I LOVED how the MMC always stood up for her. Firefighter + teacher combo was such a vibe and loved that they bonded over reading. Such a feel good read.

For the sake of transparency, I was drawn to this book because one of the love interests is a hot firefighter. Fake Flame did fulfill my desire to read about a hot firefighter, but I did not think the story itself was very well written. After the initial “meet-cute”, the plot was all over the place and the eventual ending was anticlimactic.

In conclusion, I have a great time reading this contemporary romance. what stood out to me was the age of the MCs. I am finding it harder to find books that find a sweet spot when its comes to older characters find love later in life. Eva and Sean's romance felt organic enough given the meet cute between a professor and a firefighter. It did swerve a little into the lifetime movie of the week territory for the plot with the ex. But nothing so bad as to pull me out of the experience.

Thank you to Harlequin - Romance, Afterglow Books by Harlequin, and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

I absolutely adored this book. It's a mature, very adult romance, realistically showing the progression of a relationship, from something unsure, to something real and substantial. All the problems are realistic and the way Sean and Eva tackle them and their coming together felt true and genuine.

The two Eva (a college professor) and Sean (a firefighter) meet during a call to the campus due to an incident with Eva's ex who won't take "no" for an answer (his behavior over the book becomes increasingly dangerous and troubling, but in a way that didn't feel soap-opera-esque but instead like something scary which could happen to a real person). They enter into a fake relationship, not because Eva is desperate for one to keep her ex away, but because both of them aren't exactly sure how to approach the fact that they're interested in each other after such an odd meeting.

The relationship quickly turns real and again, the problems they encounter (family expectations and relationship parameters) are both essential and normal. Their chemistry is amazing so you root for them to navigate the choices they have to make, or more what seem like sacrifices, but ultimately are small compared to the HEA that they earn as a couple. An excellent, excellent contemporary romance that I highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.
I wanted to like this. I LOVE stories that focus a bit on bookish people and I am a child in a firefighting family. So this is something I would normally be drawn to: a college professor and a firefighter in a fake dating romance trope.
But man: it was incredibly hard to connect to these characters. Their meet cute is actually really weird and their romantic turn didn't feel like it was paced right. I rarely get upset when characters fall into bed together quickly, but this was too quick.
I pushed through this but definitely did not enjoy.

I really really enjoyed this little book, it’s the perfect short and sweet romance and these characters are absolutely adorable.

Reverse age gap, which I actually really enjoyed I liked that both characters were over 25 and that it didn’t feel predatory or weird at any times. The fmc was incredibly put together and I really loved her and I will definitely be recommending this book!

Thank you NetGalley for this arc !

Fake Flame follows Eva, a college professor who is being harassed by her ex and agrees to a fake dating scheme with a firefighter she meets while trying to avoid her exes advances. This book is told in dual third person perspectives.

I probably would have DNFed this book around 40% if I hadn’t received an ARC. I found that I really couldn’t connect to the storyline. The characters were not relatable to me and the plot seemed to never resolve itself. The entire plot line with Eva’s ex was just not finished at all? I also got the ick every time he called her “woman.” I hate third person POVs to begin with but this story kept switching POVs mid chapter without giving any indication that it switched or whose POV we were currently in. I found myself trying to quickly read through chunks of chapters just to finish. This book just sadly was not it for me.

Unfortunately, I could not finish this one. The premise had so much promise, but I found myself not caring about the characters and a little bored (which I never want to be when reading a romance). I also thought it handled pretty heavy subject matter with a frivolity I couldn't get behind.

In Adele Buck's novel, "Fake Flame," readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as they follow the tumultuous journey of literature professor Eva Campbell and the charming firefighter Sean Hannigan. What starts off as a seemingly innocent act of defiance against a cheating ex quickly spirals into a whirlwind of unexpected events that challenge Eva's perceptions of love, trust, and self-discovery. The story kicks off with Eva finding herself in a predicament that many can relate to—a toxic relationship that has left her feeling disheartened and disillusioned. However, when Sean, the handsome firefighter with a heart of gold, enters her life, everything changes. Their fake relationship soon blurs the lines between reality and fiction, leaving Eva questioning her own feelings and desires. Buck's narrative is both humorous and poignant, with well-developed characters that feel incredibly real and relatable. Eva's witty inner monologue and Sean's genuine kindness make them a delightful duo to root for. The author deftly weaves together themes of love, forgiveness, and second chances, creating a story that is as heartwarming as it is compelling. What sets "Fake Flame" apart is its exploration of the complexities of relationships and the idea that sometimes, the most unexpected connections can lead to the greatest rewards. As Eva and Sean navigate the highs and lows of their fake romance, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and growth that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Overall, "Fake Flame" is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance and anyone looking for a story that will tug at their heartstrings. Adele Buck's engaging writing style and well-crafted plot make this novel a must-read for anyone in search of a captivating love story with a fiery twist.

🔥 Tropes 🔥

🔥Fake dating
🔥Firefighter MMC & Professor FMC
🔥He Falls First
🔥Reverse Age-Gap

A woman can only be pushed so far before she cracks…
and Eva has reached her limit. Unfortunately, her breakdown happens in front of an audience at her workplace. With a makeshift torch held to her gaslighting ex’s piano, she’s aware that it may not be her best idea but how else can she make him understand that they are over? Thankfully, a hot, sweet firefighter talks her down and offers to help her out with her problem. His solution- fake dating each other until her ex gives up.

Man was her ex a piece of work! He oozed toxicity of the highest level.
I looved how Sean instantly carried a flame for Eva and went on the pursuit! It was a joy to watch them fall for each other. I also liked that the main characters were “older” (late 30s' & early 40s' ) and the way the author didn’t ignore it but leaned into how that would impact their choices and problems.

The biggest thing that wasn’t working for me was the heavy 3rd person POV switching back and forth, particularly at the beginning of the novel. When the POV was focused on one person: it was fine. But in my opinion, the back and forth ended up taking away from the story.

Overall it was a good, quick, sweet, and spicy romance!

**Thank you NetGalley , Adele Buck, and Harlequin Romance for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review**

Funny and sexy and silly. It's got a great premise and sparks fly with our main leads from the start. It starts off and is so good you can't put it down!

Fake Flame is a sweet fiery romance, pun intended. We follow an english professor Eva Campbell and firefighter Sean Hannigan who decide to fake date due to Eva’s terrible ex who won’t take a hint. Eva and Sean hit it right off the bat over their love for books. Like the book description says, Sean is a bookish firefighter who likes classics, but also reads a romance from time to time. The banter between them made me smile and giggle. Sean is also the best fake boyfriend and treats Eva the way she deserves to be treated.

The first part of the book started out great. It’s a typical fake dating romance where Eva and Sean are navigating boundaries and getting to know each other so the relationship is believable. We als get moments where Eva’s ex pops in to challenge the relationship and Eva herself (still trying to win her back). Her ex gave me the ick. Sean always stepped in and was her knight sweeping her off her feet with romantic words and acts of kindness.

After the first intimate interaction between the main characters, the story kind of fell flat. I thought that the moment happened very early on in the book and came out of nowhere. Their romance felt very insta-love following this interaction. The plot also became all over the place. The toxic ex is the main plot focus but family issues also surface which then makes it hard to follow the point of the book. I wished it was clear with where the story was going, or if the author would have chosen one issue over the other.

Overall, the story is a cute sweet romance. Sean being a firefighter really sold me on the book, just because there aren’t many firefighter themed romances out there. The characters being on the “older” side was also different and refreshing.

Thank you, NetGalley, and Harlequin-Romance for the ARC

Swoony? Check. Firefighter? Check. Swoony firefighter? Check check and check!! I enjoyed this novel from start to finish and will be front facing it in my store!

Seems I'm reading a lot about abusive exes lately... fake dating a firefighter seems like a reasonable way to ward off a stalking, manipulative ex, right? Trauma bond, anyone?

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced ePub.

I thought this was a cute quick read. A rom com with a stalker.. it was witty with duel POVs. Over all I give it 3 stars

3.25 stars

This book was fine, not amazing not terrible. Some of the dialogue came off cringey but I think the plot made sense. I actually appreciate the reasoning and the handling of the third act breakup. I think there is a good bit of potential from the author and this series!

Thank you the the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

I wanted to like this book SO. BADLY. I mean... an English professor meets a hunky, Jane Austen-loving firefighter? Sounds like the perfect book for me.

Unfortunately, it just didn't hit the mark for me. Everything felt a bit cartoony-- the dialogue, the villainous ex, even the plot itself. It was just lacking for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

DNF @ 32%
I wanted to love this. It had such a strong start and hooked me but I made the mistake of putting it down to read other new releases and when I picked it back up, the magic was gone. I didn’t like how frequently the POV bounced between the two characters, it really threw me off.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review all opinions expressed are my own.