I was enjoying this book so much…. Until I hit about 30% then it went downhill from there. The spin at that point made me really upset with the FMC and for the next 40% of the book just ruined it for me entirely. I’m no stranger to dark romance and some characters being off their rocker and doing and saying some messed up things in the name of love, but everything the main characters did to progress their relationship felt like it immediately regressed when she would continue to do what she did at that 30% mark in the book and flashing it in the MMCs face almost I just couldn’t. The mystery that was shown in the prolog and all throughout the book and me liking the MMC is what kept me going and even those fell flat at the end. I felt like he was kind of pathetic by the end of the book she didn’t even gravel or really do anything to gain his affection back especially after all she did to him. And the mystery?! It was a shock but not a good one the author really had an opportunity with that one to make the FMC a little bit more likable and she made me dislike her more with the outcome of that. Overall this book was so close to being good but missed the mark.

Loved the idea of the story and the characters but I struggled to get into this book. The characters and plot felt like they were all over the place. Half way through and I still don’t understand exactly what was going on.

Thank you netgalley and Jaynhi Allen for the ARC!

Fake Flames is a rollercoaster of a story for those who love enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience with lots of angst and complex characters but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. I didn't really care for the plot and had issues with the pacing so yeah not my cup of tea even though the premise initially had me hooked.
I think anyone who enjoys their romance books a little bit dark and complex with a hint of mystery would love this!

Wow this book grabbed from right from the start the characters were easy to follow kept wanting to know more, would look to read more from this author really good read

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the advanced copy of Fake Flames by Jaynhi Allen!

This book follows the dual POVs of Julian Selrom and Leona Bentsil, who enter a fake marriage agreement that is anything but simple. Leona, heir to a corporate empire, is trying to buy time from her family's rigid expectations. Julian, on the other hand, could use the generous payout to completely turn his life and business around. What starts as a business deal turns into something far more complicated and a little unhinged at times.

✨ Rating: 4.25/5 stars
If you're a fan of the fake relationship trope, this one delivers with a twist: Leona is the grumpy, unhinged, slightly possessive one—and honestly, I was living for it. The gender role flip felt fresh and fun. I loved the emotional depth from both characters and how their vulnerability unfolded throughout the story.

🌀 What kept it from being a perfect read? The timeline was a bit confusing—I found myself unsure how much time had passed between chapters or the letters they exchanged. But the plot twists and character development made up for it!

This book was a great read overall. It had some points where I was questioning what exactly I was reading. The mysteries and plot twists kept me interested and intrigued in what was going on. The FMC was a very strong character and demanded/manipulated a lot of situations around her as a coping mechanism. I would definitely recommend to other and look forward to seeing more from this author.

Thank you, Victory Editing and NetGalley for this E-ARC!

[There will be spoilers in this review!]

If Masquerade and Little Rot had a kid, this would be it. I wandered into this book because I love fake dating, fake marriage—the lot of them! It was refreshing to see the boss and employee gender-rolls switch and the woman being stone-cold for once in a billionaire romance. I expected a little thrill, maybe some discomfort, but I didn’t expect full-on dark mode. I don’t do dark often and it’s rarely voluntary. There was only 40% of my kind of normalcy in this book: thirty at the beginning and ten at the end. I’ve never had a book take me through the ringer the way this one did.

I adored Selorm. He was the only reason I saw this through to the end. Like most of the characters, although he isn’t as deranged, he’s just as complex. And I loved the switch we see with him and Leona at the end. Him gaining control and her losing it was one of my favorite things to witness and what I enjoyed most. Getting to that stage was what twisted me up inside.

I went all over the rating spectrum while reading this; I’ve woken up at two a.m. and read until five with work on the horizon—that’s how hooked I was despite how unhinged I found these people—and I’ve been on the edge of DNFing multiple times. However, the deeper I went, the more I desperately needed to know how it ended. What solidified my rating was once I got to the 80% mark and realized I was rooting for Selorm and Leona. The sickening activities of the last three hundred pages were long forgotten and I believed they could work it out. (After raging to myself that I’d be pissed if they ended up together, mind you.) This story was a ball of contradictions, complexes, confusion, and, at times, predictability. But somehow… it’s an experience I don’t regret, no matter how disturbing and frustrating it was. It says so much about the writing and characterization if I can still root for love with all the toxicity that comes with it.

On the other hand! There were some things that weren’t wrapped up for me. We learned why Fifi married Naya, but I was more curious about why Naya married Fifi if she already knew everything that was happening. Why subject herself to that life if she didn’t need him for anything the way he did her?

Selorm's obsession with Leona majority of the book didn’t make sense to me. She treated him so horribly from the beginning. This woman had me crying for a man… let that sink in. That was irredeemable! So anyone can assume that my constant state reading this book was filled with emotions that made me want to rip my hair out. I sometimes felt like we didn’t necessarily need Leona’s POV because she had her hand in so much and we didn’t really see her grappling with most of it internally. For example, what her and Fifi had going on, and what happened with her father. I just felt like so much was missing on page when it came to her and she still feels like one large mystery to me.

I skipped the letters scattered throughout the book until I got close to the end because I’m not a fan of back-and-forth timelines. In this case, it wasn’t necessary to the story, and I figured those letters would contain spoilers. According to other reviews, they did. The perfect place for those letters to be placed would've been after Leona went missing because that’s when Selorm started writing them. Or simply (to the reader) skip them and go back after you finish the story. The letters also made it seem as if Leona was either dead or in prison by the end of the book (that’s one thing I couldn’t predict).

This definitely isn’t the kind of book I’d read again (maybe the ending though—like I said, that power switch was delicious); however, I would get it as a trophy, and I would recommend to people who like dark romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ARC. It was an interesting read and one that kept me on my toes. I loved Selorm as a character but I hate that he never grew a back bone. He was spineless even when there was an attempt to show him as strong. Leona was an unlikable character. She had multiple chances to become likable but could never be redeemed. And the big mystery fell flat for me. The resolution felt as if I couldn’t trust the story that was told and if it was the truth.

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/61155bbc-c45c-43ac-ad5b-bfe557baad39

First, huge thanks to Jaynhi Allen and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to dive into this story.

One of my favorite quotes from this story-“I’m already burning in her flames. And no matter how hard I try, I don’t think I’ll ever find my way out.”

This is my first read by Jaynhi Allen and from the first page, I knew this book was going to be a wild ride—twisty, unpredictable, and unlike anything I’d read before. I dove in without reading much about it beforehand, the cover is what drew me in and honestly, I’m so glad I did. The story hit harder that way. What starts as a classic marriage-of-convenience and fake dating trope quickly veers into darker, more dangerous territory. There's an edge to everything—the characters, the chemistry, the stakes.

Leona and Selorm’s relationship is anything but typical. It’s magnetic, chaotic, and at times, had me genuinely questioning if they could make it through. But that’s what made it so gripping. Once they collided, it was over. The spark was lit—and neither of them stood a chance.

I thought Leona was initially the obvious star of the story—beautiful, strong, determined, always in control—it was Selorm who quietly stole the show for me. He might come from humble beginnings, but he held his own with strength, intelligence, and an unwavering calm. The sunshine boy drawn into Leona’s storm, he fell hard and fast, and it was captivating to read. Their love was far from perfect, a bit dysfunctional at times, but rooted in mutual respect. And somehow, that made it work.

From start to finish this story had me in a chokehold. The letters throughout added a touch of mystery, teasing the future and kept me wondering what came next.

And the setting? Yes!! Absolutely stunning!! Set in Africa, the story is rich with culture, color, and cuisine—vibrant and immersive in a way that felt breathtaking. As a black woman I don’t see enough of this in mainstream romance, and it was such a welcome change.

I'd definitely recommend it to my book girlies!

I love when a fake love arrangement (whether it's fake dating, fake marriage/arranged marriage) becomes deeper or real! So from that tagline alone, my interest was piqued for this story!

Julian may be a man of many jobs, but that doesn't mean he isn't the man for Leona. Honestly speaking, I think Julian was the best fit for Leona's life in an intimate relation. I felt his love for her. Those around them felt his love for her. Leona is the only one with her eye on the prize of being at the top of her family's company. In addition to their romance, this story included drama/scandal and unexpected but good events.

I would recommend this story.

Leona is next in line to take over as CEO of her father’s company in Ghana. Cut-throat, fiery, and unyielding, she’s determined to claim her rightful place. But there’s one catch—the Board of Directors refuses to back her unless she’s married. Love and marriage were never part of her plan, but if that’s what it takes to secure her seat at the head of the table, she’s willing to make it happen.

Enter Selorm, a humble delivery driver just trying to make ends meet. Faced with an offer that could change his life, he must decide: will he marry Leona for a shot at luxury, or will her unrelenting fire consume him along the way?

Fake Flame is packed with unexpected twists and turns. Just when the path seems clear, the story veers in a new direction. Leona, a morally gray powerhouse, commands attention at every turn, while Selorm’s quiet resilience and fierce loyalty make him a compelling counterpart. Together, they form an unlikely duo that keeps readers guessing—and hooked—from start to finish. This book is honestly insane and every twist is more surprising than the last.

3.25 stars

Wheeeewwww this was a wild ride! Lenora and Selorm make a deal that requires a fake husband at an attempt to secure Lenora's inheritance. Their year+ pact is a wild ride of love, lies, plotting, scheming, betrayal, and ultimately decisions about how far each person is willing to go for love and each other.

Potential spoilers: ⚠️
- i enjoyed the descriptive writing but occasionally it did feel like overkill
- i fact that Lenora had this elaborate affair with her first cousin was weird. Why did it have to be her cousin, why not a close family friend or something?
- sometimes it felt like things happened just for plot sake. Not all of the twists/turns felt natural, more like a craziness of a daytime soap.
- imo, It got frustrating at some point that the characters actions and inner dialogue didn't match. Like I hate you I'm done but I still cook for you every night. Or I love you but I'm going to sleep with my cousin and tell you you're the scum of the earth. This can only happen so many times before I'm like okaaayyyyy let's get it together lol

Overall the book was interesting and I genuinely didn't know what was going to happen next. I gave it 3.25 stars because I felt some parts of the narrative were disjointed or dragged out. I did find myself rooting for the MCs even though they are both crazy in their own way lol

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

There were things about this book that I liked, and other things that I didn't like. From the beginning it has very strong enemies-to-lovers vibes, and I liked how the power discrepancy between the hero and heroine was opposite of what it usually is (in this book, she's more powerful and wealthier than he is).

The first interaction between these two is her firing him for not doing a good enough job at cleaning her space. There's a clear dislike between them, and I was ready for some good relationship building to happen to get them to finally like each other. Unfortunately, this book missed that mark for me. The fake marriage of convenience trope was well executed, but the move from fake to real never really hit for me. I didn't vibe with the heroine's behaviors at all, and I didn't ever feel like there were moments on page where these two started connecting in a way that made me feel like feelings and emotions were building. One minute the hero dislikes the heroine so much, and the next he's lustful and emotionally invested in her.

I also feel like I missed some important pieces of the puzzle. Some of the transitions from one scene to the next were disjointed. There were big time jumps that made me feel like I was reading an unfinished book. While there were some good unexpected twists (that sometimes warrant secrecy between characters), I don't think they were weeded out enough in this book to excuse away some of the behaviors.

4.5 ⭐️ | Completely devoured this book in about 24 hours. Great read the hooks you from the very beginning & I was definitely emotionally invested in this story, as I could literally feel the chemistry between the protagonists in this story. The title fits the story perfect as the flames in this book will definitely burn you. The characters had emotional depth, character development, were very complex & you will find yourself loving & hating them at the same time. I especially enjoyed the dual POVs from Leona & Selorm, it was good to hear the story from both of their views. I thoroughly enjoyed Jaynhi Allen’s writing style (even during the times I wanted to scratch Leona’s eyes out lol), and although my first read of hers it will definitely not be my last.

Overall a solid read that I highly recommend for fans of fiery romance novels, with a hint of mystery. I was pleased to receive this advanced reader copy & all opinions are my own.

this book took the romance genre title and threw it back in its face with an umph! as it amped that up to be so much more. there was definite moments of "what the" and "oh no she didnt" and "please.walk...no run away"
there was moments i thought could this girl just heal herself an be happy. there were moments i wanted him to please see sense and see this was just sticking with it for love, it was going to harm him. there was moments where i didnt know what was going on but was still addicted to the ride i was on.
this is a fiery and unafraid book. it managed to slip out of the realms of going too far that it wouldve headed into un uncomfortable genre and somehow kept you feeling all the feels for both our characters.
it was a really great story. a step up from a romance into something with so much more to explore. the location setting only added to the plot and almost became a character within itself. and i love love love that we had the different culture in there. we need more of this and ive tried my best to actively look for these books and have to say they smash it every time and so i hope more and more we give them there due space.

4.25 stars - thank you to NetGalley and Jaynhi Allen for an advanced reader copy! this book was a RIDE! one of my favorite tropes, probably my favorite one, is fake dating/marriage so I knew I would like it going into it! Leona and Selorm’s dynamic made me feel every kind of emotion: frustration, heartbreak, happiness, literally every kind of emotion! Leona was absolutely unhinged, possessive and dangerous and I loved that about her! I loved seeing both of their perspectives as they navigated their arrangement, and I have to admit I did enjoy the toxicity (guilty pleasure trope). I got a bit confused at the timelines at some points, but everything started to make sense as I kept reading! I also loved the letters thrown in and Selorm’s yearning it was the cherry on top! Such a fun yet frustrating (in a good way) book that I devoured!

This book is a must read! There was not a moment when my jaw wasn't on the floor. The banter between Leona and Julian was so good. At times I wanted to fight Leona for him!! lol. The twist and turns were not not predictable at all and I couldn't put this book down.

This book had all my favorite troupes, fake relationship, forbidden love, mystery! This book has it all. Sure to be a most talked about in 2025!

When I say this book is juicy… just believe me! I started off a little confused because I think I thought it was going to be fantasy. Maybe because the cover is so intriguing and dark? Sometimes my brain plays tricks on me. However, as I kept reading I realized our setting was in Ghana, a setting I’ve never had the luxury of being placed in before, and that we had two characters that were quick witted and was definitely going to keep the me, the reader, on my toes. By chapter 10, I was intrigued. By chapter 15, I was obsessed. By chapter 20, I started talking out loud to the book and screaming at God to free my man Julian from the shackles of insanity. This book was so twisty and so fun due to all the things that happen. If you’re a fan of kdramas, etc, I would highly recommend cause I had a time. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Also I’m of Caribbean descent and I’m not too familiar with Ghanaian culture. Being in this setting was amazing cause I got to learn about Ghanaian wedding customs and their food. I even googled Waakye to see what it looked like. Scrumptious! So I would also recommend this book if you want to read more diversely and travel without the hassle of going to the airport lol.

Ｅｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
🌟🌟🌟
I'm giving 3 stars for now. I DNF'd at 30% because of formatting issues, and I feel like this book deserves a fair chance. So, once the book is released, I will purchase or download it, read it, and then give it a true rating. But based on what I have currently read, this book is going to be good.

Thank you, NetGalley, and ARC provide for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Sadly a DNF for me. I got several chapters in and whilst the storyline sounds promising, the constant over description put me off. The constant focus on her wealth and his poverty as well as the description of opulence in both the environment and the way they looked really pulls from the storyline and is very distracting. The pacing also seems slow but this could be due to the constant description of people and the surroundings. Simply just not for me.