Great premise but the POV change is what didn't do it for me. I felt like it was a little hard to follow. The story was ok and the characters were ok, but the change made me annoyed which soured me to the story a bit. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved this book!

First, the plot was fun: ex-boyfriend turns out to be a possessive stalker and new fake boyfriend intends to be around long enough to make the ex disappear voluntarily.

But of course fake boyfriend turns out to be a winner and soon the relationship is very real.

I could have some without a few gratuitous situations that were totally unnecessary to the main plot but that’s personal opinion. I’m sure most readers wouldn’t agree with me…

Got a free ARC of this title from Harlequin but all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed Fake Flame. It's one of those books that had hilarious and heartfelt moments that complemented each other. The actual relationship struggles between Eva & Sean were genuine. Their individual doubts and concerns were handled very well, Fake Flame does follow the rom-com format with a 3rd act break, but it's not the "ugh, just talk to each other" trope.
Even though I enjoyed the book overall and will still recommend it, there were some moments that felt forced or unfinished. The fake dating trope was forced, and only obvious because we were told "this is what's happening." I think the ex's escalation plot line was incomplete. As it stood now, it could've been taken out of the book with minimal impact. More context for why he's aggressively pursuing a reconciliation would've justified this continuing thread for me. The discourse around grand gestures being manipulative despite their prevalence in pop culture and around snobby parents blaming their daughter for her ex's failings were excellent, but they happened before the climax of that subplot.
What ultimately really struck me about this book was the discourse around having kids. Buck did an excellent job with this and treated it with the gravitas that this topic truly deserves. When I got to this section I wasn't surprised that she wrote this so well since previous scenes around grand gestures, autonomy, and parental dysfunction were all handled with this depth and care.
All in all, Fake Flame was good. There were plot points that I wish had more to them, but the writing style and the care that clearly went into exploring these topics and building these characters was evident. I will probably explore her other published works, and I look forward to seeing more traditionally published titles from Adele Buck.

A cute cover with a great title. This is a true romance read (with a fake dating trope)

What I liked:
- Sweet MMC (firefighter, he falls first vibes)
- Some romantic spice
- Supportive boss and self defense classes

What I didn't love (potential spoilers):
- The 3rd act breakup (over wanting kids or not)
- The awful abusive (physical and gaslighting) ex
- The TERRIBLE parents

I found this book easy to read and I liked the chemistry of the two main characters overall. There were times where I would've liked the see the story line playing out more and other parts that I wish were cut out all together. Overall 3/5

Many Thanks to NetGalley, Adele Buck, and Harlequin Romance for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This book was a satisfying, quick read. I liked that the two MCs were a bit older. The POVs changed midchapter and sometimes it was confusing as to its current POV. Eva's (the MFC) ex-boyfriend was incredibly narcissistic and I didn't care for how the whole situation was handled.

*ARC courtesy of the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. I want to thank the valued author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy.*

This was such a fun romance to read. I liked that the characters were of a more 'mature' age (late 30s-early 40s) than in typical stories of this type. The main characters have great chemistry and work through what starts as a fake relationship and quickly turns into something very real for them both.
If you're looking for a quick read with endearing characters (and a few steamy scenes), then this is a great choice!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this ARC.

Firefighter Sean Hannigan's meet cute with Professor Eva Campbell began when her ex-boyfriend dragged a baby grand out in the college quad to preform their song as a grand gesture. She tried to make a home blowtorch and the fire department was called. Sean, talked her down, ending the conversation with the advice that she should get a restraining order.

Why I started this book: Requested the ARC from Netgalley as I am searching for my romance authors and I liked the premise and title.

Why I finished it: This was good romance that dealt with some real-life issues of manipulative exes. And the pressures of family expectations... and I wasn't expecting that at all. I was looking for a little more fluff. This will be a great romance for anyone looking for a story with a more solid issue than miscommunication.

3.5 stars

"She preferred either to be entirely unseen or to be able to manage how people perceived her."

This cheeky, fake dating romance was predictably enjoyable. All our favorite tropes are here: an unlikely pair, opposites attract, a golden retriever love interest, and a slow burn romance (but not too slow thank goodness!) Eva and Sean are #couplegoals

I loved that, even while they were fake dating, the pair's initial attraction blossomed into a friendship first. The miscommunication trope is still here, but thankfully it only lasts for a couple chapters. Eva and Sean's flirty banter is AMAZING. Some of my favorite moments between them were:
"I made an English teacher stop thinking about books. I consider that a major accomplishment."
"'I can let myself in and out of vehicles, you know.' 'I know. But I like taking care of you.'"
"Sean had never heard her voice sound so flat or small before. He hated it."
"She's too good for both of you. Have a nice evening."

What sets this story apart is that even though Sean thinks he wants kids but Eva doesn't, the surprise pregnancy trope is no where to be seen! He respects her boundaries, even before they officially get together. And in the epilogue, the author makes it clear that a couple can have a dog and no kids and still be perfectly happy. As someone who isn't interested in having kids myself, this ending really hit home with me.

My final thoughts: What drew me in was the way Sean immediately believed her when Eva described her stalking issue with her ex. This book takes domestic violence and harassment seriously and it isn't afraid to include this topic. Specifically, the courthouse scene is something I'm glad the author really took the time to include, especially for female readers to know that help is available (and can be accessible). Otherwise, I also love that Sean and Eva exchange book recommendations?! That was such an adorable start to their romance.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

This book had me giving a contented sigh at the end. I love their dynamic and the fact that they struggled with some real life issues.

If you enjoy witty banter and a steamy love story, this is for you.

Tigger warning - there is a stalker ex involved in the story.

I wanted to read this one because my husband is a firefighter. I did like that this firefighter was sensitive and well read. I didn't like how fast their relationship happened and how fast they fall for one another, even though I know it can happen. Cute romance.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

When Eva's ex hauls a grand piano onto the quad to serenade her, threatening to set the piano on fire seems like a good idea. He just will not leave her alone, and this is the last straw. Unfortunately, someone calls the firefighters in, and Eva is intercepted by Sean. Sean and Eva have a good conversation, and when Sean checks in on Eva a while later, he finds himself offering to be her fake boyfriend to run interference with her creepy ex. They both fall for each other pretty quickly, but their age difference might be the thing that breaks them.

The story wasn't anything spectacular or new, but it's a fun little read if you're looking for a fake dating trope or like to read firefighter romances. The characters are likable, and the premise is fun, so I can confidently recommend this title during RA.

I had no idea this was the insta love trope when I requested it and unfortunately that trop just never works for me. It was also very confusing as the POV changed without notify the reader, it was a bit of a mess. I had to DNF.

🌟 3.25

POV: 3rd person

I really liked the premise of the book. My biggest turnoff was the 3rd person POV and, honestly, the ending.

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I hate when characters change their life plans because the other doesn't want it. If it were to happen the other way around, and the FMC wanted to have kids, the MMC would have put aside his qualms and helped her pursue her dream and have had kids. Does it happen this way in the book??? No, no, it does not. The MMC wanted kids, and the FMC didn't. There was no compromising or support for the MMC. I was mad on his behalf. Don't get me wrong, I understood why the FMC didn't want kids but hated how it was delivered.

I enjoyed the book for the most part, don't get me wrong! I enjoyed the meet-cute of the MCs and even loved the spicy scenes...

My favorite part of the book!😍🥵

“What are you doing down there?”
“Hoping,” he said, laying his hands gently on her hips. A smile almost trembled at the corners of her lips.“Hoping for what?”
“Hoping you’ll let me taste you.”

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

Eva is a college professor tired of her ex-boyfriend trying to get her back. When his latest attempt to win her over with a very public grand gesture doesn’t go as planned, the fire department is called to the campus where they both work. Sean, the firefighter called on scene, listens to Eva and her and has a solution to her situation: be her fake boyfriend to get her persistent ex off her back.

It took me a little longer to get into but I really liked the premise and the characters. The structure and pacing felt off to me. There were parts of the book that lagged and other parts that felt rushed. I enjoyed the dual pov, but in the first half of the book the frequent shifts between Sean and Eva’s perspectives were frustrating, especially when it was a scene where they weren’t together.

Once the book picked up for me I enjoyed it. I really liked Sean and Eva, separately and as a couple. I also liked all the family drama in the book as well as the conflict at the end. Family expectations, and whether or not to have kids are some of the very real topics this book touches on.

Overall, a cute, sweet, and spicy fake dating romance!

Fake Flame releases April 23rd, 2024!

✨ insta love
✨ fake dating
✨ he falls first
✨ golden retriever hero
✨ professor x firefighter
✨ dual pov

Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Romance, Afterglow Books by Harlequin Romance, and Adele Buck for providing me an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Fake dating, insta-love, he falls first, all tropes that I love in a romance novel.

Sean is a firefighter called to a scene where Eva, a college professor, is threatening to set ablaze the piano her cheating ex-boyfriend is seranad her with to try and win Eva back. Sean then offers to fake date Eva to get Eva's ex to back off. As the arrangement continues the relationship becomes less and less fake for both Sean and Eva.

The novel touches on several deeper topics, gaslighting and emotional blackmail, unrealistic family expectations, and the choice and expectation of bringing children into a relationship.

Overall I think the premise of the novel is there. The changing dual POV multiple times in the chapters often made it harder to follow which character was narrating, particularly when it would change mid scene. May have been more successful for me as a reader if each chapter was narrated by one character or the narration only switched once per chapter.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, Harlequin - Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review.

It was okay. It felt like the book was on fast forward with no real plotting in between. Not too bad for a fake dating, firefighter and professor romance!

Thank you for the early copy NetGalley in exchange for a honest review! 🤍

Fake flame is a fake-dating romance ft. A pop culture professor and a firefighter who engage in a fake dating scheme to keep the FMC’s cheating creepy ex away from her.

This book was a quick read! Timmy the dog was probably my fav character, I love a cute dog in books 🫶🏼

Apart from that I’m gonna be honest, nothing in particular stood out to me about the book. I wish the fake dating didn’t feel as rushed as it did, I feel like the dual pov within 1 chapter is one of the reasons why it felt so rushed. If you were to ask me, I’d say this book was very insta- love.

Along with that the ending felt super anti-climatic, given how the creepy ex-boyfriend was supposed to be a bigger plot of the story, I figured that the ending would have involved him a little more.

I also wasn’t a fan of the modern day references such a TikTok and “taking the L (this sentence was actually in the book)”

Overall, this book was pretty meh 🫤

Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it more than ~20% of the way through this book. Chapter 5 kept switching between the POVs of the two main characters mid-scene. It was extremely disruptive to the flow and made the narrative too choppy. I enjoy dual POV novels but MUCH prefer the switches occur between chapters and not mid-scene.
Despite the POV switches, Fake Flame otherwise seemed lighthearted and cute.

I kept getting whiplash from the start of this one. However on he whole it was cute probably a 4 ignoring the character switch issues. Taking that into consideration 3.25 or 3.