This book was a very enjoyable read. I read it in a few sittings and was hooked after just a short time reading. The story was well paced and the characters were well developed.

This was Very Cute - like a Hallmark Christmas movie on a page. A fun, quick read for the holiday season.

A baker, a Christmas tree farmer, fake dating AND dogs? Yes, please.

It is the third installment of a series but it works as a stand-alone perfectly. Wilson gives enough context to know who all the main characters in Bluebonnet, Texas are and how they are intertwined. If I read the first two books, I know I'd be hoping Adaline gets her own book and happy every after. She's so kind, open hearted, and giving. Past boyfriends chastised her for being "too much" but that's exactly what makes her so lovely.

This is a sweet romance that doesn't feel forced or twee. There's a lot of heart and depth in these characters and this community of Bluebonnet. Just perfect for holiday reading.

Thank you to Harlequin - Romance | Harlequin Special Edition and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. I am required by law to disclose this. #FaLaLaLaFakingIt #NetGalley

Fa-La-La-La Faking It by Teri Wilson, book three in the Comfort Paws series, is a sweet, small-town holiday story with a lot of charm that is about friendships, family, and a fake relationship that feels quite real.

Adaline Bishop loves to bake, and fortunately for the town, she owns the local bakery, Cherry on Top, where she sells pies, cakes, and other sweet treats. Twice a week, she takes her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Fuzzy, to the senior living center as part of the volunteer group, Comfort Paws; a group training puppies as therapy dogs. She visits her grandmother at the senior center, with her dog, Fuzzy, connecting with the person who nourished her love for baking. While visiting the seniors, she also visits Mr. Martin, a grumpy old man with no Christmas spirit. One day, Adaline runs into his great-nephew, Jace; who she realizes is the same boy who tormented her in fifth grade. Jace, meanwhile, is trying to figure out why Adaline is so cold toward him.

Jace Martin returned to Bluebonnet to care for his dying uncle. When Adaline realizes who Jace is, she is furious as fifth grade memories of how Jace embarrassed her in front of the whole school return. Things between them worsen when Jace sets up a Christmas Tree Lot in the county square, ruining Adaline’s plan to hold a holiday fundraiser for Comfort Paws. Tensions rise, and Jace goes out of his way to make it up to her, even though he did nothing wrong. When Jace overhears Adaline telling her Gram about a fake boyfriend, he steps up, fulfilling the role. Jace tries to make up for what had happened years ago, playing the perfect boyfriend.

This story had all the holiday feels, from fake relationships to family bonds. I enjoyed the background story about Uncle Gus. With the help of their friends, the seniors, the therapy dogs, and even Uncle Gus, Jace hopes to convince Adaline to make their fake relationship a real one.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #Harlequin

So fun!

I enjoyed this book, just like all the other Teri Wilson books that I've read. I didn't read the previous book in this series, but that's ok, don't worry about it. You'll catch on really quick just like I did.

When Adaline is forced to jump into a fake relationship with her former grade school crush, she is doing it to satisfy her grandma, who isn't doing well health-wise. She hasn't seen Jace for many years, but they immediately recognize each other. Jace is in town to help out his Uncle, who also happens to know Adaline and her therapy-dog-in-training, Fuzzy. Put all these ingredients together into one of Cherry On Top's blenders and you get a sweet, easy to read romance set at Christmas in a small town...perfect!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Potential triggers, though none are in great detail: elementary school bullying, death of a loved one x2, caring for elderly person with apparent dementia.
Spice level: kissing only, so zero
Noted tropes: enemies to lovers, fake dating, (view spoiler).

The short review:

A fun, but busy Hallmark movie in book form.

The long review:

Though obviously part of a series, Fa-La-La-La-Faking is perfectly able to stand on its own. It does make me want to go out of find the other two books in the series though. I am interested in how Comfort Paws got started.

Adaline Bishop is the local baker and proud owner of Cherry on Top bakery, where she sells all kinds of sweet confections. Twice a week, she takes her young dog, Fuzzy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, to the local seniors home as part of the dog volunteer group, Comfort Paws. Adaline and her friends are the proud founders of this dog therapy volunteer group and are hoping to continue growing the organization via fundraising to get a space to train more people and dogs. As part of their twice a week visits includes a grumpy, sick old man named Mr. Gus Martin. It turns out Gus’s nephew is back in town to spend time with his uncle knowing that Gus is terminally ill. This nephew is none other than Jace—a boy she had a crush on in elementary and the same boy who used to torment her.

So I only had two minor issues with this book, and I am going to start with them to get it out of the way. First issue being that teasing is fine so long as it's a genuinely misguided attempt to display affection. Second issue being the amount of 0ther, not actually necessary, stuff going on in the book.

One) the use of “he only teased you because he liked you” that is Jace teasing Adaline in grade 5.
While what Jace did isn’t quite to the level of being a full-blown bully, giving people unflattering nicknames they hate, teasing them, and then asking them to the dance only to tell all your friends that you don’t like her at all, an outright lie about it we come to learn, is kind of a douche-y start as a romantic plotline. Yes they were children and sure, he’s better now, but Adaline was still holding onto that hurt as an adult, so it obviously made a strong impression on her. The idea that she can hold that hurt and still like a person is baffling to me, personally. He was mean and said mean things behind her back, but she still crushed on him after hearing some of it? Interesting.

Two) the number of other things going on at the same time.
While somewhat realistic of some people’s real lives, felt like a lot of filler for the pages in the book. Most books having a heroine fall in love while running a bakery while also volunteering twice a week with her dog and that would be the full story. This one, however, brings in a bunch of subplots. So, you have Jace and his tree lot interfering with Adaline’s fundraiser as a plot device to bring everyone together, which is fine. This gives you hot and heavy looks at each other over hot chocolate and trees as she volunteers her time, and he looks after his tree lot. Literally the launch point for the story. Fine. But the ice storm and yet ANOTHER unnecessary plotline that pops out of it didn't actually serve any real purpose to the main plot line. It was filler.
You got her volunteering at the senior center which introduces her Gram, who seems to have dementia going on a bit (good representation of what it can be like to care for an aging loved one), and Jace’s uncle, who is terminally ill. Instead of stopping there we tack on Gram meddling in Adaline’s love life which leads to the fake dating, Ford’s wedding, the wedding cake, Gram’s robotic dog, etc For Gus you get his terminal illness and his surly disposition, but you also get his little ‘why he is the grinch’ side story tossed in towards the end of the book, thanks to the ice storm bit.
So now you have Adaline running a business, making a replica of her grandma’s wedding cake for her brother’s wedding, filling special orders for Christmas, while volunteering twice a week, while running a hot chocolate stand every other evening for her charity, while running the finances of said charity, while trying to secure a space for the charity, THEN throw on the solving of what happened to the mystery woman. Like, wow, busy lady, lots of side ‘quests’.

The second issue does make this book feel more like a slice of life book with a romantic interest tossed on top. This isn't a bad thing overall. I did enjoy the book. It's just something I noticed and thought I should comment on for those who are just looking for a straight Christmas fluff read. This book has a lot of additional stuff going on.

That said, I did, again, enjoy the book. It was 100% a guiltless holiday read, exactly what I was hoping for! It had a lot of Christmas similes/metaphors thrown in there for a while, which was cute. It was a Christmas tree farmer and a baker so you can’t really go wrong. Jace grew up into a nice, health, mostly well-adjusted man. I quite liked him and how he treated Adaline, as an adult. when they were together. He was also incredibly kind and patient with this uncle and random children, and obviously took his job very seriously.

Adaline was also a likeable character. For someone who is portrayed as having some anxiety due to past relationships, she really never let it get in the way and sometimes I felt like it was just occasionally tossed in there for zero effect. She is obviously passionate about her job, her volunteer work, and her family. She is an all or nothing type of gal and I respected that. Her and Jace had obvious chemistry.

Fuzzy, the dog. For an animal who is constantly by Adaline’s side, he didn’t get as much page time as I thought he would. He also got zero walks by my count and never went outside to the bathroom. I know bathroom stuff is generally glossed over by the majority of writers, but one instance to just acknowledge it's a thing goes a long way with me. Like feeding the dog. Author mentioned it once and I was happy. Obviously the dog gets fed consistently, even if it's not mentioned consistently. It's just a weird tick of mine. lol

Conclusion?
It’s a wonderful, Christmas-filled, fluff read perfect to help get you in the holiday spirit! Just a cute, clean, fun romance story, with a few side stories going on, about a town’s baker and a coniferous tree farmer falling in love while caring for their elderly loved ones, and maybe their siblings. 😉

Very cute, PG holiday romance. Jace was a great leading man, and I enjoyed his story arc with his uncle. This was a sweet and easy read.

Teri Wilson has delivered a delightful holiday rom-com with this one! This book has everything you’d want in a Christmas read… fake dating, quirky family dynamics, and a swoon-worthy romance set against a backdrop of holiday cheer. The chemistry between the characters is charming, and the fake relationship trope is executed with just the right amount of humor and warmth.

The festive setting really brings the Christmas spirit to life, and I found myself grinning through most of the book. While there were a few predictable moments, it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment. It’s a perfect pick if you’re looking for a lighthearted, feel-good holiday romance to cozy up with.

Highly recommend for fans of Hallmark movies and anyone looking to get into the holiday mood!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

The perfect Christmas romance! Has all the elements to make you say awwwweee! Adaline whose first love is baking, family, her dog in training to be a therapy dog. Along with her three BBFs and their therapy dogs. Trying to launch a training program and finding a place is Adaline main mission, well one of any. When her 5th grade nemesis spoils her fundraising plans she is trying to figure out her next move. Jace feels bad that he ruins the efforts of Adaline and offers her to run a hot chocolate stand at his Christmas tree lot. Their paths cross at the nursing home where Jace Uncle Gus is in extended care and Adaline Grandma is there also.
The sparks still sizzles, but they do have issues to overcome. A sweet Christmas romance that has all the Hallmarks markings. #FaLaLaLaFakingIt

Another cute Christmas story from Wilson - I could absolutely see this one turning into a brilliant hallmark movie, like several of her others.

I really enjoyed the second chance storyline between Adaline and Jace, the therapy dogs, and his grumpy uncle. Her grandmother and the wacky matchmaker service gift card Christmas present leading to them having to fake date to get out of accepting it gives us this very sweet book. A definite recommendation from me!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Harlequin Special Edition, and this is my honest feedback.

Sweet story. Adaline owns the local bakery and is an active member of Comfort Paws, an animal therapy group. As the book opens, she takes her dog, Fuzzy, to the local assisted living facility to visit the residents. Adaline meets Gus, who could give the Grinch a run for his money. On the way out of his room, she encounters Gus's great-nephew, Jace, her fifth-grade nemesis.

Jace lived with Gus for a year while his dad was undergoing cancer treatment. Then he went back home to his parents. He's never forgotten the time he spent with Gus. When he learns that Gus is ill, Jace packs up his life and returns to the small town. Gus is the only family Jace has left, and he's determined to spend Gus's remaining days with him.

Jace is happy to see Adaline again. He fondly remembers the bubbly, larger-than-life girl from school. He doesn't understand why she is so cold to him. The strain continues when Jace unknowingly interferes with a planned Comfort Paws fundraiser.

I liked Jace and Adaline. Jace is a good guy. When he finds out about the fundraiser, he finds a way to help them. I liked how he cleared the air with Adaline about the past and opened the door to renew their friendship. Adaline loves helping her friends and tends to go all in on any project she takes on.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Jace and Adaline. Once they got past the initial antagonism, they quickly discovered that they liked each other. When Adaline's grandmother signs her up for a matchmaking service, Adaline panics and claims she has a boyfriend, even though she doesn't. Jace comes to the rescue and claims that it is him. As they spend time together, their feelings for each other grow, but neither is ready to risk rejection by saying so,

Things get complicated when Jace and Adaline discover a secret about Gus's past. This causes a rift between Jace and Gus, stirring up Jace's insecurities. Instead of staying and working it out, Jace runs. I hurt for him and the loneliness he feels. I also hurt for Adaline, who had other bad news. Jace's departure was a final blow that hurt more than she expected. I loved that she didn't let it stop her for long. I laughed as she read Gus the riot act and hoped it would have the necessary effect on him. The ending was terrific. I loved Jace's big moment and the surprise he had for her. The epilogue was sweet and emotional, with a happy outlook for Jace, Adaline, and Comfort Paws.

I adored this book!!

The cozy small town Christmas setting was right up my alley.
I work with elderly so I loved the assisted living element.
And the puppies! Oh my goodness.

It was all so heartwarming.
And Jace was a total golden retriever

Thank you so much for the ARC

I’m one of those channel-surfing romance readers who pauses to watch any Hallmark Christmas movie to its saccharine end . They’re trite in every way: dialogue, characterization, candy-cane small towns with houses and halls decorated with explosions of dollar store Christmas gewgaws. You’d think, given its Hallmark Christmas ethos, I’d find Wilson’s Fa-La-La-La Faking It cloyingly sweet. Nope. I kinda loved it. Because Wilson writes with wit and humour; her characters are charming, funny, and self-effacing; the dogs, adorable. There are some serious thematic tackles here too, treated with sensitivity and care. Still, if you’re looking for Christmas treats, cupcakes with festive piping, cute dogs donning reindeer antlers bringing unconditional love and comfort where needed, and a humbling, loving hubba hero with eyes the colour of Christmas trees, HSP heroine with boundless energy…well, you’ve come to the right romance. For the deets, to the blurb:

It’s beginning to look a lot like kiss…er…Christmas!
Matchmaking services as a Christmas gift? No thank you! It’s bad enough that, to save her grandmother’s feelings, Adaline Bishop fibs and says she’s seeing someone. It’s worse when Jace Martin, her grade school crush turned nemesis, volunteers that he’s the someone. Now Adaline will have to fake it until Jace’s flannel-shirted, piney-scented goodness leaves town in a couple of weeks.

Jace would like to make up for his past transgressions and for his elderly uncle’s meaner-than-the-grinch behavior during Adaline’s therapy dog visits. In the spirit of peace and goodwill toward all, Jace will happily be her fake boyfriend. It’s just that what began as a lie as big as Texas is starting to feel like the magic of a Christmas wish come true.

Cute and Hallmarky as Fa-La-La Faking It appears to be, I appreciated its gravitas. Adaline and Fuzzy, her cute-as-a-button Cavalier King Charles spaniel (google them, you’re sure to voice an “aw”) visit a senior care facility. Adaline and Fuzzy bring affection and comfort, but Adaline also watches her beloved gram descend into dementia and Jace, no matter how grumpy his uncle, he is his only family and dying. (Jace has made his way to Bluebonnet, Texas, leaving his Christmas tree farm, a years-long dream project, to be with him.)

The backstory is Adaline and Jace’s elementary school friendship. Jace liked Adaline; Adaline liked Jace. She made him cupcakes, doted on him, and looked forward to seeing him. Puppy love? Sure. But puppy love, if not of the Fuzzy variety, hurts. When Adaline overheard Jace making fun of her to his friends, she was hurt. Growing up to realize her emotions run high, one too many boyfriends telling her she was too much, she’s come to her late twenties deciding she isn’t loveable. Jace, on the other hand, with little boy pride, didn’t want to be seen to like a girl. Puppy love. Sure. Except Jace was living with his uncle while his parents dealt with heavy stuff at home. Painful and scary to a child. Wilson’s romance isn’t heavy, but it’s also not fluffy-frivolous. And it’s definitely not trite.

Out of these if-not-tragic difficult times, Jace and Adaline are forged with goodness: generous, giving, and gentle. They’re also funny, witty, and likeable. Just like Fuzzy. And this is thanks to Wilson’s lovely turns of phrase; I shouldn’t quote, given the publisher’s finger-wagging warning, but I can’t resist Wilson’s prosy charms. Here is Adaline’s first glimpse of Jace’s handsomeness: “Her legs went wobbly, like she’d stepped inside a snow globe and someone had given it a good, hard shake.” And funny, when Adaline registers who Jace is, her elementary school crush and ghoster: “She glared at Jace, and it all came rushing back–the tears, humiliation, the heartbreak. ‘It’s you.’ ‘It’s me,’ said Jace. ‘I’m sorry.’ He didn’t have any idea what he was apologizing for, but judging by the way the woman was glaring at him, an apology was definitely in order.” Not only is this amusing, it shows us a lot about what Jace is like, warm, affectionate, funny, and smart. Wilson’s droll voice achieves this.

This isn’t an event-full romance and I’m okay with that. If there is drama, it centres around whether Adaline and her friends can get funding to expand Comfort Paws? will Jace stay or leave? mainly, it focusses on Jace and Adaline trying to make their beloved elder relatives’ lives good ones as they near their ends. They also have to fake their way to their la-la-la-HEA, but they’re too loving, affectionate, and the word that best describes them, tender, not to realize how big their feelings are and how much they want to be together, commit to each other and their friends and family right where they were happy and are and will be even more so together. If I have one criticism for Wilson’s lovely holiday romance, it’s that she kept Jace and Adaline apart too often as they considered and ruminated, but that comes from how wonderful they were as a couple. A minor quibble; Miss Austen agrees and we say Wilson’s Fa-La-La-La Faking It is evidence of “a mind lively and at ease,” Emma.

Teri Wilson’s Fa-La-La-La Faking It is published by Harlequin Books. It releases today, October 22nd. I received an e-galley, from Harlequin Books, via Netgalley. The above is my honest, AI-free opinion.

A wonderful holiday story about the fake relationship that segues into reality. When Adeline's grandmother offers matchmaking services a fake boyfriend steps forward. But when pretend becomes reality, can Adeline and Jace accept their emotions and find a future together?

As his uncle, and last surviving relative approaches his final days a past is uncovered that raises questions and a rift develops sending Jace running. When Adeline confronts Gus will he contact Jace?

A heartwarming book about true love, second chances, and forgiveness. Although part of a series, this story can be read as a standalone book.

Although I received a free ARC ebook from net galley and the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

To avoid hurting her grandmother’s feelings over a Christmas gift gone awry, Adaline pretends to have a boyfriend—her childhood nemesis, Jace. Their fake relationship, intended to be a short-term fix, unexpectedly blossoms into something real as Christmas magic unfolds.

What a cute book! I really love Adaline and Jace together—they’re adorable. This holiday rom-com is as funny as it is heartwarming.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Adaline Bishop owns the local bakery, Cherry on Top, where she sells pies, cakes, and other sweet treats. Twice a week, she takes her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Fuzzy, to the senior living center as part of the volunteer group, Comfort Paws. On their route, they visit Mr. Martin, a grumpy old man with no Christmas spirit. One day, Adaline runs into his great-nephew, Jace—who she quickly realizes is the same boy who tormented her in fifth grade. Jace, meanwhile, is trying to figure out why Adaline is so cold toward him.

Things get worse when Jace sets up a Christmas Tree Lot in the county square, ruining Adaline’s plan to hold a holiday fundraiser for Comfort Paws. Tensions rise, and Jace goes out of his way to make it up to her, even though he did nothing wrong. Soon, Jace overhears Adaline telling her Gram about a fake boyfriend, and he steps in to fill the role.

This book delivers all the Christmas feels, from fake relationships to family bonds. It’s easy to get lost in the sweet, small-town charm, but I couldn’t help wondering: how is it that Fuzzy is always in the bakery? Isn’t that a health code violation? Anyway, you’ll root for Adaline and Jace, and love the side plot with Uncle Gus. Romance readers who love Christmas, fake relationships, and small-town vibes will find this book delightful. Five stars.

Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

FA-LA-LA-LA- FAKING IT – Teri Wilson
Comfort Paws, Book 2
Harlequin Special Edition
ISBN: 978-1335402066
October 22, 2024
Contemporary Series Romance

Bluebonnet, Texas – Present Day

Adaline Bishop runs a bakery in town, and in her spare time, is part of a group that brings rescue dogs to visit the residents of a senior living center where her grandmother lives. One of the residents is Gus Martin, who is grouchy and continually rebuffs Adaline when she brings her beloved Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy, Fuzzy. One day while making another attempt to engage with Gus, a man speaks up behind her. It is Jace Martin, a menace from her school days who mercilessly teased her. He left the town while in high school after spending a year with his Uncle Gus. He is now back and temporarily living on Gus’s ranch.

Adaline vows to ignore Jace while he is in town, but she can’t after he outbids her for the use of a prime town outdoor space that she and her friends at Comfort Paws planned to use for an animal rescue fundraiser. Instead, Jace is selling Christmas trees. After he learns what happened, he offers to let them use space on his lot to sell hot chocolate. While the offer is generous, she worries that she won’t be able to hide her growing attraction to him. As it turns out, they do continually run into each other. Then one day, her grandmother gifts her a matchmaking gift card. Adaline announces to her grandmother that she won’t need it because she is seeing someone. While she is trying to figure out how to get out of her lie, Jace appears and announces that he is her boyfriend. A fake romance is born!

FA-LA-LA-LA- FAKING IT is one of these pleasant romances that leave you feeling good and happy, knowing a happily-ever-after is in the cards. Adaline is devoted to her grandmother who is slowly being lost to dementia. She will do anything to keep her grandmother happy—but agreeing to a date through a matchmaking service? No way! Luckily, Jace steps in and helps out. Well, at first Adaline isn’t sure about the offer but he will come in handy as a plus one at her brother’s upcoming wedding to her best friend. As they get to know one another, Adaline and Jace begin to see each other in a different light and are soon falling in love. But his business and life are actually not in Bluebonnet. Will their romance end after the holidays when he returns to his ranch?

Readers will fall in love with Adaline and Jace, plus by the end, learn why Gus hates Christmas and dogs. As a bonus, her friends and their dogs help provide for an adorable tale. Love is in the air and readers are in for a treat as a couple start out faking their relationship and soon find it’s the real thing. Don’t miss the joyful fun by grabbing a copy of FA-LA-LA-LA- FAKING IT.

Patti Fischer

Adaline Bishop, who loves baking and training therapy dogs, often visits her grandmother at a senior center and tries to cheer up the grumpy Mr. Martin. When Jace Martin returns to town to care for his dying uncle, Adaline is reminded of how he embarrassed her in fifth grade. Despite their past, she reluctantly asks Jace to be her fake boyfriend for her brother’s wedding.

Set during the Christmas season, this romance blends the enemies-to-lovers and fake relationship tropes, with therapy dogs adding charm to the story. Adaline’s vibrant personality and her bond with her grandmother, along with Jace’s redemption, make for a fun and heartwarming read.

This was definitely a tear jerker for me! It gave me all the feels! Adaline and Jace were just perfect. I loved Jace. And I loved Adaline. She had the biggest heart around. She loved with all her heart, right along with her puppy! I love stories about dogs so this was perfect. Her Gram and Jace Uncle Gus are perfect additions to the story as well. It was a sweet and emotional story! But fast paced as well. Don’t miss out on this sweet Christmas story!

Something right off the Hallmark channel. I could imagine the scents of Christmas trees and cookies reading this book. This was a sweet reuniting of childhood enemies that agree to partner up together to create the magic of Christmas for their elderly family members, friends and their fur babies! A great read to put you in the Christmas spirit! Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily