I LOVED THIS BOOK 😍
This was such a cute read !! Thankyou for accepting me to arc read this one.
I’m such a sucker for fake dating to lovers stories
This was a perfect read to start off my Christmas tbr

Single POV, Spicy, Holiday Romance, Wrong Number Text, Slow Burn, Fake Dating, Golden Retriever MMC, Toxic Workplace, Meet Cute

Candace and Chase have some of the best banter I've ever read and the slow burn build up is worth the wait. Chase has a deliciously dirty mouth and he uses it expertly. After a wrong number mix up Candace feels embarrassed and wishes Chase well only he can't see to keep his distance and convinces her to go with him to his company's Christmas party as his fake date. The more Candace pulls away the more desperate Chase becomes to prove to her what they have is real. Hilarious side characters, Christmas in Florida vibes, and plenty of butterfly inducing moments.

This was such a cute holiday read! I loved reading Chase and Candace’s story so much. I’m not a fan of insta-love type books and their progression from awkward meet cute, friends, to lovers was slow and realistic. Their flirty text messages and banter to each other was so cute. Chase is a cinnamon roll to the core and was a swoon worthy book boyfriend. I also loved Candace’s quirky and loyal best friend Miles. There was just enough Christmas spirit in this novel to be cute but not too much. This book releases today (November 15) go grab your copy for the perfect sweet and spicy holiday read! Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!

This is the perfect read for when you feel like escaping reality for a little while.

To be honest, there isn't a whole lot going on plot-wise and we don't get an in-depth look into the characters' backgrounds, but for some reason you still fall in love with them. I like that Candace isn't out looking for the one and that she is proud of what she's achieved in her life. Chase is just an absolute golden retriever and I am so here for it.

The instant attraction, followed by a slow burn, a minimal amount of drama and the lack of major miscommunication make this a perfect feel-good romance.

Garvin’s descriptions of the holiday atmosphere are cozy and festive, adding the perfect backdrop for a heartwarming, snowy romance. The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is that the story hits some familiar beats for holiday romances, making the plot a bit predictable. But for fans of the fake-dating trope and holiday romances, When The Fake Snow Falls is a fantastic, feel-good read! Highly recommended for curling up with a cup of cocoa! My first Heather Garvin book but not my last!

Rating: 4.75/5

While standing in line behind a handsome man at the coffee shop, Candace checks out his hand to see if there's a ring on it – nope! To her surprise, she moves up to the counter and the man has left his receipt on the counter with "Number?" written on it while he goes to put cream and sugar in his coffee. 😍 She's in disbelief. She scribbles her number down and watches him return, take his receipt, and walk out of the shop back to his car like nothing happened. After texting back and forth for about a day, Chase texts, "When do they let you hand up the apron and stop serving coffee?" Candace realizes she wasn't the one Chase was interested in - it was the barista.

Candace confesses she was the woman behind him in line, not the barista, and Chase invites her out for drinks anyway - as friends. Knowing she wasn't the woman he intended to ask out, Candace has written him off as only a friend. After a few days of knowing each other, Chase asks Candace to be his date/fake girlfriend to his company's Christmas party. His boss has a thing for him and is constantly going after him... but at last year's, she kissed him at the party! He's hoping having a date will deter her. But Chase wants to make this seem legitimate - and thinks they should practice for their night out.

As an aside, I must mention Miles, Candace's roommate. I *need* a Miles in my life! He is the most supportive, outgoing, and honest best friend who doubles as Candace's biggest cheerleader. He takes care of Candace but keeps her in check. He is fierce, his adoration and love for Candace unbreakable. I love him more than I love Chase, I think.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is from Miles: "You are a hot, successful woman in your twenties. Start f*cking acting like it." Done and done!

When The Fake Snow Falls was my first holiday romance ever, and I'm so glad I picked it up! This book is such a charming, wholesome story that had me smiling throughout the entire book with its banter and flirting. I devoured most of it within one sitting. There's a lot of character development, but also a decent plot development. The only reason I knocked off 0.25 stars was because I found myself telling Candace to get a grip and give in already throughout the book, haha. She was so adamant on not dating or falling for Chase, even though she already had, so her remarks became repetitive.

Tropes:
• Golden Retriever
• Slow burn
• Open door
• Fake dating
• Lovable side characters

Thank you NetGalley & Heather Garvin for providing me with this ARC in exchange for a voluntary, honest review!

Review is on Goodreads. It will be posted on Amazon after reviews are allowed (I'll try on pub day), Instagram on 11/15, and TikTok on 11/15 (I'll try!) or by 11/22. Instagram & TikTok are @BuzzedOffBooks.

What a beautiful book! It's my first time reading this author, and what a lovely surprise it has been 🥹

The book starts with Candace buying herself a coffee, but she finds the guy standing in front of her very handsome, and she stares at him. He notices, so she pretends she was looking at something else. He proceeds to pick up his order, and at that moment, she sees him handing her his receipt. She thinks he’s asking for her phone number, so she gives it to him, and they start talking, buuut in a split second everything changes because she realizes he wasn't actually asking for her number, he wanted the number of the barista who served them 🧍🏻‍♀️

My Candace was like 🤡, but she and Chase kept talking, and they got along so well that he asks her to pretend to be his girlfriend at a company’s Christmas party. NONO THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD 🤌🏼

It's the perfect Christmas book to read with a hot chocolate. It has so many cute and sweet moments between the main characters. I loved how everything developed little by little—the tension, the laughs, and the little found family aspect that was so touching 🥹

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I don't like the lack of communication 😩 Candace clung to the whole "just friends" and "this is all fake" thing to the point where it got a little tiring, but I still love her, haha, and the ending was so cute 🤌🏼

Read this book because it has fake dating, a golden retriever main character, and so much tension you won’t want to miss ❤️

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a cute Florida Christmas read and I loved every page!

Change and Candace were adorable together and their fake dating turned real relationship was so well done! I loved this book so much. I can’t wait to go and read some of the authors other works.

This was my first book by Heather Garvin, and I really enjoyed it! When the Fake Snow Falls is a sweet Christmas RomCom, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Heather Garvin’s light, easygoing writing style and the appealing cover immediately draw readers into the story of Candace and Chase. With a charming fake-dating trope and a slow-burn development, the chemistry between these two characters is simply delightful. This heartwarming read will make you crave cozy Christmas vibes and a dash of romance!

This book was fun. I know I say this a lot, but this is another book where you get exactly what you expect. It’s a fun little holiday romcom with a fake dating troupe. If that’s what you’re looking for, look no further! It was enjoyable and a good time!

🔥Spice Ahead (varying degrees)🔥
Chapter 29
Chapter 37
Chapter 38



Thank you too NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC read When the Fake Snow Falls in return for my review.

Candace shoots her shot by writing her number in a receipt when she thought the cute guy ahead of her was asking for it. And Chase, oh Chase. He has no business being such a smooth talker and making me blush the way he does just by his cute texts. When the Fake Snow Falls was a cute holiday read and I loved the subtle nod to Jackson and Margot when American Thieves was mentioned.

The banter between Chase and Candace had me giggling from the first interaction about danishes until their last conversation in the book. Heather wrote these two characters and their relationship so perfectly that I felt like I was witnessing two friends fall in love with each other.

Additionally, Miles is the best friend and his little comments to Candace had me howling. I loved him so much. 4/5⭐

3.5 stars
Definitely in my Christmas era in November! Very cute cozy Christmas read !! I loved both characters and I loved the storyline of this book. I enjoyed the book a lot but it’s not something id pick up again and again. Once was good, and I’m ready for more by her and more holiday romances!

Heather Garvin does it again! This was such an easy romance to sink into, set in a small town in Florida with characters you can't help but love. The slow build up between Candace and Chase had me grinning at my ARC like an idiot. And don't even get me started on that scene featuring hair clippers. Just read it--you won't regret it.

In November, Christmas books are just perfect. I loved that 'When the Fake Snow Falls' had just the right touch of holiday spirit. Candace Hanes, who’s long sworn off serious relationships, unexpectedly finds herself falling for Chase Mitchell, the charming stranger she thought had been interested in her—only to discover he was actually aiming for the barista behind her. When Chase later asks Candace to be his "date" for his company’s Christmas party, sparks fly as they navigate their so-called "friendship" and a fake romance that quickly feels all too real.
The holiday setting adds just enough Christmas cheer to set a cozy atmosphere without overwhelming the romance. Christmas in Florida feels different, that's why the title makes more sense once you find out the location.
One of the most interesting twists is the presence of Chase’s overbearing female boss, a character as despicable as a modern Cruella. Her constant attempts to blur the lines of professionalism highlight an often-overlooked issue: power dynamics and abuse aren’t limited to male-dominated spaces. As she is also one of Candace's clients, I got enough of her ugly heart, and I felt like she could have used a slap sometimes.
Besides that, this is one romance that’s sure to bring some spice—and a few laughs—long after the season ends.

This book was so sweet. The characters are very loveable, even when they're working against their own self interest, I could easily have read a whole series about all of them.

Personally I relate a lot to our main character Candace. She's strong, independent, funny, stubborn, and does not let herself get stepped on by others.

Chase, the love interest, is successful, flirty, and absolutely smitten. He's willing to persist and slowly break down Candace's walls, and even if he couldn't break them down, I bet he would scale them for her to give him a real chance.

I was very pleased that it did not turn into a catfishing situation, and Candace immediately let him know, as soon as she realised the misunderstanding. Miscommunications also do not last for long, as they usually get resolved immediately, and it's very refreshing to read about characters, who actually communicate with each other, even if one is a little stubborn, but aren't we all when we're hurt?

I really enjoyed this book, and it managed to get me in a festive spirit in November, which isn't normal for me. Would highly recommend to readers, who are looking for a cosy winter romance.

4.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op & Heather Garvin for my advanced copy. These are my thoughts:

This was one of my favourite fake dating romances of the year. From the slow burn to the banter and Miles (he was the best roommate!).

This was such a fun story! Candace and Chase had great chemistry and I laughed throughout the whole book.

LOVED the plot twist!

Even though the story is set in Florida and Christmas involves palm trees, string lights and a roast chicken for Christmas lunch, you can feel the Christmas spirit!

Dare I say this is a 4.5 star romance novel. I loved this! It was amazing! I’m a sucker for a fake dating plot line and this book delivered! Perfect cozy romance for the holiday season!

I really enjoyed this book! It was a cute holiday rom-com set in central Florida.

The whole mistake aspect at the beginning was clever and super cute! I also really like how Candace felt fairly realistic. Maybe she didn't pick up on Chase's intentions quickly, but I know I personally would have probably done the same in their situation.

Overall, I highly recommend this book if you want a quick holiday romance book set in a warmer setting. If you love strangers-to-friends-to-lovers, face dating, and a golden retriever MMC, then you'll love this book!

Without spice this book would be a solid 3 stars. The mouth on the MMC during those parts was enough to pull it up almost a full star for me. The story is a cute concept, and once I was over the secondhand embarrassment of the miscommunication at the beginning I really enjoyed seeing Candace and Chase get to know each other. It’s relatively low conflict, and feels very Christmasy which is all I ever want from my holiday reads.

Love love love this book! 5 stars all the way. Perfect blend of slow burn and Christmas cheer wrapped into one book. The MMC leaves his receipt to get the number for the barista only for the Candace to think he left it for her, after quickly writing her number they go their separate ways. They start texting each other which sparks a “friendship” when she discovers he wanted the number for the barista.
They start hanging out regardless of them accidentally exchanging numbers, and the more they hang out the more she realizes he’s perfect and he’s already fallen for her.


🔹Christmas theme
🔹friends to lovers