Member Reviews

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.</i>

3.5 stars rounded down

This was very hallmark movie vibes, an easy fluffy read with fun banter (roommate Miles may be my absolute favorite!) and a little twist that I personally didn’t see coming. A great kick off to Christmas reading, but wasn’t overly Christmas-y

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** spoiler alert ** I had never heard about this author until I came across this book. I loved this story I’m in my romance era and this hits all the love feels. Plus I really liked how I was unsure of why certain details mattered until his Christmas party came to be and I finally put the 2 & 2 together Nicolette is a horrible person and I LOVE that she got hers you never really read about to many aggressive women who try to take advantage of men. And Chase standing up for Candace the way he did UGH so hot. Anyways read the book you’ll love it 😄

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Warning:
This is not your average meet cute.

Candice meets perfectly put together Chase and thinks he's attractive.

Chase likes blondes and everything that Candice is not.

The twists ... The turns... the friendship that blossoms... The romance... This book and Candice's lack of being able to recognize the flashing, neon green signals made my heart so happy!

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A fun fake dating holiday romance.

I found this book to be entertaining. It has strangers-to-lovers, fake dating and a fun setting. I thought it was different to set a holiday romance in Florida so that made this unique to me.

I liked the chemistry between the characters. liked the characters' dynamic. These two were funny and charming together. I was also pleasantly surprised by the steamy scenes.

A cute, hilarious holiday romcom that's also a quick read. Would recommend!

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I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

There is nothing I love more than a corny holiday rom-com and this checked all my boxes.
Christmas-time ✅
Fake Dating ✅
Hot MMC ✅
Witty Banter ✅


I felt so much chemistry between Chase and Candice. Their accidental meet cute was so precious and I loved seeing their relationship blossom. I love when he falls first and harder and this story definitely progressed that way. I was in a reading slump and still read this in one day. It’s such a cute book to put you in the holiday spirit. Grab your fake snow and hot chocolate and get reading.

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Thanks to NetGalley for providing me this ARC.

This was such a fun easy read. I really enjoyed this book but i missed more of the christmasy feeling I expected this book to have. But overal i truly enjoyed this book!!

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There truly is nothing like the fake dating trope. This was a perfect wintery read to get you in all the Christmas feels

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✨ARC Review✨

Uhm. I'm in love with this book.

There's not many books I've found myself constantly smiling at my phone for. The giddiness I felt reading this and the butterflies I felt for these two is crazy. I legit could not put this book down and I'm genuinely sad it's over.

This had the most wholesome yet heated moments. The slow burn just had me so damn invested. Every time these two had an almost I felt like I needed to wipe the drool from my face from staring so damn intently. I was invested. I was hooked so hard into this love story.

The plot was so much fun. Candace is visiting her local coffee shop when a super attractive man comes in. They acknowledges each other but carry on with their orders. Except when she looks down, she notices he left his number on a note for her. Conversations are had, flirting has begun. But Candance soon realizes he didn't leave his number for her but the barista.

THE SECONDHAND EMBARESSMENT I HAD WAS SO STRONG when she made the realization. I felt so damn bad but was like "OMG BUT YOU GUYS ARE SO CUTE ALREADY". I was really hoping Chase would understand and be cool about it. Not only was he cool about it but he was like "hey, I need a favor...please pretend to be my date at a holiday work party because my boss is obsessed with me". I mean, the story just kept getting better.

We have a really fun plot but even better characters. I'm a little obsessed with them.

Candace is so relatable it hurts. Her views on dating were just so damn accurate that I wanted to yell into the book "SAME GIRL SAME". She only wants something that's going to last. She doesn't want all the talk, she wants the actions to match. She was a really good FMC. I loved her personality. I loved her career as a hair stylist. I loved her relationship with Miles. I really loved how her wants in life are different from most FMCs but it was so uniquely her.

Chase is my love. I kept picturing a dark haired Logan Huntzberger. They way he flirts and jokes and banters...be still my heart, they are the same person. Maybe it was the cockiness but oof, I loved it. I don't know if this man could actually be around me because I'd be a puddle for him. Words wouldn't form and it'd be hard to look him in the eyes. I'd be SMITTEN. He says ALL THE RIGHT THINGS DAMMIT. He is just so damn charming and I found myself blushing way too much for this man.

These two together had my heart going on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Just when you think they'll give in to each other, they do the damn mature thing and walk away. I felt myself holding on for dear life when these two were around each other. I loved their banter. It was so playful but also so damn intense. It was heated and spicy and you just knew this "friendship" bullshit wasn't going to last. I was rooting so damn hard for them. When Candace got a text from him, I felt like I was getting a text from him. Like, I have a crush on this man too.

And when that slow burn was finally ignited. OH LORD SOMEONE SEDATE ME!!!

With our main conflict also comes a surprise twist I didn't actually see coming. But I can't at all talk about it without giving anything away. So just know I was frazzled. But all that means is we get drama and a third act breakup/fight/whatever you wanna call it. It was written so well though.

I can't forget to acknowledge all the Christmas vibes in this. It may be taken place in Florida but I was feeling festive AF. I loved all the fake snow inside jokes. I loved the Jack Frost usage and how that came full circle. I loved it all.

Honestly, this is definitely one of my top holiday romance reads. I loved absolutely everything about this book. Mark my words, I will reread this book again and hopefully that will be in an audio format because I NEED IT TO BE.

Thank you so much to Heather Garvin and NetGalley for the arc copy!!

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When the Fake Snow Falls by Heather Garvin

I'll tell you what! This book had my attention on the 1st page.... the 2pm coffee pick me up, the 86 degree southern winters, and a number exchange?! Okayyyy, we love a productive queen!! Except that number exchange wasn't actually meant for Candace- it was meant for the coffee barista! Awkward! After a few texts and a drinks date, Candace realizes that she might actually really like Chase. Does she want to accept the fact that she wasn't first choice? Is Chase just a pretty boy playboy who is sexy and flirty as hell? Throw in a fake girlfriend holiday date for the company Christmas party and you've got a recipe for either absolute disaster or a happily ever after. Will Candace finally find "the one" in Chase? Will his flirty boss ruin everything? Curl up and enjoy this festive Christmas book and see what happens!

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There were some things that didn’t work for me and I posted a few angry updates, but that’s maybe because I was so invested. Overall I enjoyed it so 3,5 stars rounded up.

Candace found a note from a hot guy asking for her number. She gave it to him obviously, because who wouldn’t, but as it turned out, the note was intended for someone else 😬💀

I liked the whole mixup with phone numbers, it was a fun way to start the story and I wouldn’t even call it OW drama. There were women interested in him, but the girl who was supposed to get the note was a non issue. I mean she was an issue, but only in Candace’s head. Sigh.

Unfortunately the “let’s be friends” thing was overdone and annoyed me a bit. Chase was an adorable cinnamon roll, but Candace was her own worst enemy. He kept telling her and showing her that he was into her and she was so blind and mulish it was getting on my nerves. The third act breakup was so stupid and unnecessary! Luckily it didn’t last long, but still 🙄

However, I really enjoyed the writing and I had trouble putting down this book. I was rooting for them, even if I wanted to smack Candace with my kindle once or twice. It was a fun read and I hope to read more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

——

Posted on Goodreads, 1 Nov 2024

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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-

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

- 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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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