Member Reviews

This was cute- I've been trying to read more of fake dating and this as pretty good! She accidentally gave her number to a guy interested in the barista's phone number. I love that when she told him the truth, he gave her a chance and didn't just end it there-

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

- fake dating - slow burn - witty banter - Christmas romcom - lovable side characters - Golden retriever MMC - Open door - Single POV -

What happens when you give the hottie in line in front of you your number but find out after texting that he thinks you are the barista? Agree to be his fake date to his company christmas party so his boss won't try to make moves on him, of course.

When The Fake Snow Falls has all the feelings of a Hallmark christmas movie, but add spice! This story take place in central Florida during the holiday season, which had me immediately relating to the characters as I myself live in Florida and complain about it never actually feeling like the holidays because of the climate here, just like our FMC. The banter and interactions between all the characters feel very natural throughout. And the slow burn between our FMC and MMC is worth it with all the banter, flirting, and the tension building up to the open door spice scenes which were well written and not overly done.

I will definitely be recommending this book to anyone looking for a cute holiday romcom read.

#whenthefakesnowfalls #netgalley #heathergarvin #holidayromcom #arcreview

Was this review helpful?

tropes: holiday romance, strangers to friends to lovers, texting & fake dating 🎄
rating: 3.5/5
spice: 2/5

when the fake snow falls is a cute holiday romance! you have candace who ends up in a situation where she is texting a cute stranger she meets at a coffeeshop who thinks that they're interested in her but finds out they were actually hitting on someone else instead.

will say the spice in this book I really enjoyed and will have to say that chase is a man who knows how to talk.. because whew :)

I wanted to shake candace throughout the book and let her know to put her guard down and think about herself. You just wanted to scream at her to admit her feelings for Chase and be done with it instead of running around in circles. I enjoyed candace as a character but didn't feel like I got to really know Chase. Felt like I would have enjoyed them more as a couple if you saw a little more depth to chase. Really wished there would have been more of a holiday aspect to the book but I still enjoyed how the title of the book was featured within the book.

this is my first time reading this author and I'm excited to continue to support them! thank you netgalley, heather gavin and the publisher for an arc review in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions <3

Was this review helpful?

Fake dating and a Christmas setting? Sign me up!

I found it refreshing after with the aspect of the wrong girl having the recipt with his number.

The romance was so cute and the spice was just right!

Ideal romcom for the festive season.

Was this review helpful?

I am typically not a contemporary romance kinda gal, however books like “When The Fake Snow Falls” makes it so easy to love and enjoy. I’m a huge sucker for anything Christmas related so I KNEW I needed to read this and it did not disappoint. The characters were so lovable (aside from one of course) and I couldn’t help laughing out loud, blushing and swooning. This is the perfect holiday read and I think fake dating may be one of my new favorite tropes now! Thankful I was able to ARC read this book through NetGalley. 5/5 stars from me highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

I want to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Heather Garvin for the advanced copy of When the Fake Snow Falls.

Where do I even begin? This book had me gushing like a teenager in love. First off, the cover is absolutely stunning—it's one of the main reasons I was drawn to this book. If you know me, you understand my obsession with beautiful book covers. The enticing description was the second factor that hooked me.

When the Fake Snow Falls is an adorable holiday romance that centers around Candace and Chase. The story kicks off with Candace waiting to order her favorite coffee when she spots a strikingly handsome man in front of her. Their playful banter (which arises due to the fact that she was ogling him) leads to a delightful meet-cute, and Candace feels a spark that makes her think she might have found a genuine connection. Her excitement peaks when she discovers he left his receipt with the question 'Number?' on it. Giddy with anticipation, she writes down her number, only to find out later that he was actually after the barista's number, not hers. Her heart sinks as she realizes that just when she thought she had a chance, it slipped away.

While the steamy scenes are somewhat lacking, the witty dialogue, passion, and undeniable chemistry more than compensate for it. It would have been fantastic to get Chase's perspective as well. This book is packed with everything from fun teasing and attempts to friendzone each other to fake dating.

Some of my favourite lines:
"The fact that you let me make that pretty mouth of yours so swollen and red thrills me like you wouldn't believe."


"You got a Christmas tree..... You have the wine I like too."

This guy, who believes that Christmas decorations are a waste of time and space in his apartment, went ahead and bought a tiny Christmas tree for her.

"Of course not. You wouldn't try to seduce me with wine and an adorably short Christmas tree."

Chase clinks his glass with mine. "I would do no such thing."

I let out another light laugh before taking a sip. "Despicable."


And two of my most favourite lines in this entire book:
"Good girl. Take all of me. I want you to feel me long after tonight."

"Would you like it if I made you my wife?"


This is one of the best holiday romances I've encountered this year, ideal for readers like me who appreciate low angst and charming holiday tales. This is my first experience with Ms. Garvin's writing, and I am thoroughly impressed!

Was this review helpful?

I am a sucker for the fake dating trope and Heather Garvin delivered it beautifully. This book is absolutely adorable and filled with Christmas magic. The banter & tension that is written between Chase & Candace left me wanting more. Chase was so loving and attentive to Candace throughout the book, even though all that was between them was fake. He even bought a Christmas tree for her ❤️🎄. The spice was top tier and delivered beautifully. This book easily became a top favorite for me to read around Christmas time. I would highly recommend if you love fake dating, Christmas time vibes, cozy feels, and lovable side characters.

Was this review helpful?

ok this book is soooo good. this book comes out november 15 on ku and let me tell yall you should definitely put it on your tbr. i didn't think i could love a character as much as i did chase. get ready for him to become your new book boyfriend. this man had me blushing and giggling and kicking my feet. not to mention i related so much with candace. if you're from the south like i am then you will definitely relate to this book which takes place in florida in december. it's a perfect holiday read. it's so fast paced and such an easy read. it's like a hallmark movie with spice lol. it's my first time reading a book by @heathergarvinbooks but let me tell you after this it won't be the last. i really enjoyed her writing. ⭐️5

Was this review helpful?

When the Fake Snow Falls (e-arc)

Special thanks to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for genuine review!

Rating: 5/5
Spice: 2/5

“I accidentally asked you out, and it was the best mistake I’ve ever made.”

“I liked you, Candace. Even then. But when I asked you out for drinks, you had already written me off. You were adamant about us being only friends, and I knew I fucked up. I knew you wouldn’t agree to a date, but I thought you might agree to a fake one. I thought it might be the only way you’d give me a chance.”

Thoughts:
THE WAY I ATE THIS BOOK UP! It was such a fast-paced easy read! It took me like 6hrs to finish the whole book! I could not stop smiling and giggling! This book made me soooo weak in the knees! I like the whole fake dating/relationship and will never get tired of it! Candace and Chase has my whole heart! From their meet-cute(?) or mishap at the cafe, to the texting and then their fake dates!! The way my heart broke every time Candace brought up the fact that it was a fake date because she was scared of falling hard for Chase!! And then the whole confession comes out where it was never fake after the first date they went on /sigh/ I was so happy!! Also, Chase has become a new book boyfriend!! I love his golden retriever vibes and how straightforward he was with everything he said. His compliments and actions towards Candace made me love him even more!! Candace and Chase had such amazing chemistry and hot moments! I felt the pain that Candace went through in order to not get hurt! Then there’s the side characters, oh man they made me laugh so hard! TY MILES 🫶 Some of my favorite moments were the haircut that Candace gave Chase (hot), and for sure Chase’s confession of when he fell for Candace! Ate it all up! Also this is the first book of Heather Garvins’ that I have read! I must check out the rest because I loved this one so much! Once again, thank you for the e-arc!

Was this review helpful?

My rating: 2.5 ≈ 3

Tropes:
- strangers to friends to lovers
- golden retriever
- fake dating
- slow burn
- open door
- single POV

The book is written quite well, with some witty moments. However, unfortunately, I didn’t quite connect with the story. I didn’t get the Christmas story I was hoping for; to me (just my personal opinion, which may differ from other readers’), this book felt as far from it as possible. The main intrigue was very obvious to me, and I couldn’t ignore it. I’m usually fine with this, but this time it didn’t work for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

When The Fake Snow Falls is a sweet holiday romance that feels just like watching a cozy Christmas movie. The holiday atmosphere is spot on, with descriptions that make you feel like you're right there with the characters, surrounded by festive lights and snowy scenes. The storyline of Candace and Chase’s fake dating adventure is as entertaining as it is heartwarming.

Chase is charming and full of personality, quickly becoming a favorite. The chemistry between him and Candace is electric, especially as their fake dating turns into real feelings. Watching them go from friends to something more was truly wholesome, with just the right amount of romance to make you root for them.

If anything, I would have loved a few more spicy scenes, as each moment between them is well-written and leaves you wanting more. Overall, When The Fake Snow Falls is a great holiday read with amazing characters and a feel-good romance that’ll make you wish for your own Christmas love story.

For this next part we might have some spoilers so *SPOILER ALERT FROM NOW ON*

I also want to point out how much I appreciate that Candice is straightforward about not wanting kids, and Chase doesn’t try to change her mind at any point. Of course, we know Chase would make a great dad(dy), but the fact that the author respected her initial decision and didn’t have Candice change her mind by the end really made me appreciate the book. Nowadays, we often see stories where a woman starts off not wanting children but changes her mind for the male character—something that doesn’t happen here. So I really appreciate that aspect.

Was this review helpful?

Do not under any circumstances start this book right before bed. This book hooked me from the beginning and had a hold on me. I kept telling myself "just one more chapter" until I finally fell asleep. I'm pretty sure I even woke up multiple times thinking about the book until I finally realized that it was useless and that I just needed to wake up and finish it. This is probably one of my favorite meet-cutes that I've ever read. I loved all the characters. It was so refreshing to have more than just a MMC and a FMC to focus on. I loved her roommate! I will say that Heather makes you work for that happily ever after. I won't say this is the longest slow burn ever, but I was so very ready for them to quit faking it. I also love to hate a third act breakup and find that I never read faster than when I'm trudging through that part in hopes of them coming to their senses. This was such a fun and easy read. I highly recommend curling up with a cup of coffee during the cold months and cozying up to this book...but again, don't be like me and start it right before bed. You have been warned. spice 2/5

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this story!! I want Chase as a “fake” boyfriend!! He was so charming!! I loved Candace too! I only wish it was told in dual POV because it would have been fun to hear his side as well! I thought the meet cute was great even if she was the wrong woman originally. That’s what made the story great!! You could tell right away Chase was so into her. Her parents and her roommate were also hilarious!! A perfect book!!

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Was this review helpful?

This was an adorably good time. The romance was cuter and the Christmas themes were on point! I had a really good time!

Was this review helpful?

✨ "When the Fake Snow Falls" is the cozy holiday romance I didn’t know I needed! ✨

Picture this: Our girl has zero interest in all the holiday cheer, but to save her PR career, she’s going to have to fake it like a Hallmark pro.🎄And who gets roped into being her fake holiday boyfriend? The very grumpy, swoon-worthy guy she can’t stand (but maybe secretly likes a little).

Heather Garvin gives us so much charm, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a sprinkle of holiday magic that it’s impossible not to get hooked. Think slow-burn, stolen glances, and fake snowflakes turning real feelings into pure, tangible chemistry. If you love characters who clash, then melt, and all the winter vibes, this book is your next cozy binge. 🧣❤️

Was this review helpful?

When the Fake Snow Falls by Heather Garvin gets a perfect five out of five from me.

❄️ I’m a big fan of cozy, cute romance books, and Heather Garvin delivered a perfect one here! I devoured this novel in half a day; I just couldn’t put it down. The pacing was spot on, keeping me hooked, and I loved the on-page text exchanges, which added such a fun, modern twist to the flow.

❄️ Chase is definitely one of my favorite book boyfriends now. He’s charming, sweet, and refreshingly straightforward about what he wants, which made him so endearing. Candace, the female lead, is the perfect example of a modern heroine—confident, self-aware, and unapologetic about her standards. Their chemistry is amazing, and for once, I adored both characters as individuals and as a 'fake couple'.

❄️ Holiday romances are only made better with great side characters, and Garvin nailed that with Miles, Candace’s supportive yet hilarious gay best friend and roommate. He pushes her in just the right ways, adding warmth and humor to the story.

Overall, I loved this novel and will be adding more of Heather Garvin’s work to my TBR immediately. She has a gift for creating relatable, well-crafted characters and heartwarming romances.

I you like cosy holiday romances ❄️, slow burn and fake dating tropes, but also danishes 🥐🇩🇰 I highly recommend this book!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an ark in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to the author for writing Candace and Chase! This book was the perfect five star read for me I don’t have one complaint about this book. I loved the romance and damn that ending got me!!! Chase the man you are 🙏🏼. And I related to Candace in more ways then one and am happy they got their happily ever after! I also loved Miles and am happy he was able to get his kitten! This has now taken the spot of being my favorite Christmas book! ❤️🎄

Was this review helpful?

Heather Garvin's When The Fake Snow Falls is a delightful holiday romcom that combines humor, romance, and a touch of whimsy, making it the perfect escape into the festive season. From the moment I cracked open the book, I was instantly charmed by the witty banter and the vibrant characters that leap off the page.

At the heart of the story is the delightful misunderstanding between our female lead, a spirited hairdresser, and the golden retriever MMC. The mix-up over phone numbers sets off a series of comedic and heartwarming events that keep the reader hooked.

Garvin masterfully employs the fake dating trope, building a slow burn that keeps the tension simmering just beneath the surface. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, enriched by their humorous exchanges and endearing moments. The slow unraveling of their relationship is a joy to witness, and Garvin expertly balances the light-heartedness of the narrative with deeper themes of love and connection.

The pacing of the novel is brisk, making it an incredibly quick read—perfect for those cozy nights by the fireplace. Garvin’s writing is sharp and engaging, ensuring that every page is filled with laughter and warmth.

Overall, When The Fake Snow Falls is a festive treat that promises to leave readers smiling. It’s a charming blend of humor, romance, and holiday spirit that will make you believe in the magic of Christmas. If you're looking for a feel-good story to curl up with this season, this book is a must-read!

Was this review helpful?

I had so much fun reading this book. I ended up loving both main characters and the supporting characters made everything so enjoyable. I love a good holiday romance and this one delivered. The premise at first threw me for a loop, but it ended up being well done and well thought out! Even the miscommunication was solidly done and didn't give me major ick. So glad to get this holiday romance from NetGalley!

Was this review helpful?

I thought this book was pretty good. I’ve read a lot of Heather‘s other stories and they are really cute and enjoyable. The characters are really relatable. There’s always something in there that can hook you and keep you interested and engaged throughout the whole thing. I thought the female main character in the story was pretty good. There were times where she was a little annoying just because she was so oblivious to Chase being actually into her so that was a little bit of a struggle to kind of deal with as you continue to read the story. I felt that I missed getting to know Chase. This was written only in Candace’s POV. I think this could have been a better read if he got a few chapters in his pov. This to me isn’t really a Christmas story it just has some Christmas elements in it like a work party and talking about Christmas decorations/fake snow. Overall super enjoyable but just could have been better if certain characters had more of a chance to shine.

Was this review helpful?