When the Fake Snow Falls

by Heather Garvin

Candace Hanes is no stranger to the dating scene. In fact, she’s been on nothing but casual dates since her last serious relationship ended years ago. But as soon as Chase Mitchell asks for her number on a discarded receipt, she’s smitten.

Except, he hadn’t asked for her number at all. He was more interested in the barista working behind the counter.

As soon as Candace realizes this irresistible man isn’t interested in her, she knows she needs to keep him at a distance. No one that suave, that charismatic, that hot has any business being just her friend.

Easier said than done. Especially when Chase admits he needs a fake date for his company’s Christmas party to keep his insufferable boss from cornering him under the mistletoe. . . again.

Now, Candace has to find a way to make it through practice dates, subtle touches, and fake kisses unscathed.

Will their performance simply keep his boss at bay, or will Candace get a love that lasts for Christmases to come?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Fake Dating, He Falls First, Contemporary, Slow Burn

294 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2024

Reviews

[Fairuz ᥫ᭡. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars! 🌟 So here’s the deal: I didn’t hate this book, but I didn’t absolutely love it either. It’s one of those middle-of-the-road, cozy reads that’s nice, but not one I’ll be obsessed with for ages. I’m ALL about holiday romance magic, but this one didn’t quite deliver the Christmas vibes I was hoping for. It had its moments, though—hello fake dating trope and some super cute moments! But I still ended up feeling a bit underwhelmed by the lack of holiday spirit. 🎄

Tropes & Fun Vibes:
✧ Fake Dating 💘
✧ Slow-Burn Romance 💕
✧ Golden Retriever MMC (YUM!) 💓
✧ Black Cat FMC 🖤
✧ Witty Banter 💬
✧ Single POV 📝
✧ Friends-to-Lovers 💗
✧ Holiday Rom-Com 🎄

What I Loved:

✧ Chase—the golden retriever energy? Chef’s kiss 💓 He’s swoony, charming, and has all the right things to say. Like, where do I find my own Chase?

✧ The witty banter between Candace and Chase had me giggling, no lie. Those lighthearted moments were totally my jam!

✧ Miles—honestly, the real MVP. He was hilarious and stole the show every time he showed up. Can we get a whole book about him, please? 🙌

✧ The slow-burn romance was sweet and kept me hooked! Though I totally would’ve appreciated a little kiss action sooner—just saying. 😘

What Didn’t Quite Hit:

✧ The Christmas vibes were meh. There was some fake snow, a work party, and a casual mention of Christmas, but it didn’t feel like that magical, festive romance I wanted. 🎄

✧ Single POV—ugh, why?! I LOVE dual POVs, and not getting inside Chase’s head was a letdown. His side of things was definitely missing, and I think it would've made the story 10x better!

✧ Candace’s obliviousness to Chase’s feelings was frustrating! Like, girl, can you not see the signs?! 🙄 A little less tension, and more talking it out would’ve been a vibe.

✧ The back-and-forth drama of “we can’t be together” was cute, but also... why not just be honest and have a convo already? 😅

Overall, this book was a fun read, with some cute moments. If you’re looking for something light, easy, with a swoony MMC and fake dating fun, it’s a solid pick. Just don’t go in expecting all the holiday magic you might be craving. ✨🎄

[Dab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day!

Hi, hello, it’s me, the person who posts five angry book updates and then gives the book four stars.

There were some things that didn’t work for me (hence the 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.

[Anna (annareadit) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 (from the first appearance of Chase’s boss), 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.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Awww that was such a cute story !! I swear Chase kept saying all the right things all the time and how they met ? That’s the reason why i had added this book to my tbr to begin with.

I just have to ask why when situations when they “can’t” be together (quotes cuz they could if Candace didn’t have the brilliant idea to make her whole business depend on one client and her acquaintances’ money), one of them has to lie about their own feelings ? Like can’t they just go like “i really wanna be with you but i can’t” instead of “i don’t like you” ? And the audacity to be disappointed by the other person’s reaction and assume their feelings.

Anyway these are the two things that bothered me.

Other than that it was so so cute i giggled at so many of their interactions!

[Brooke Reno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It had such great festive in Florida vibes. It was such a fun time, and the chemistry between the two main characters will have you giddy! I can't wait for everyone to read this one. 🎄 Perfect read for the Holiday season!

[alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

florida christmas representation rise up!!! 🎄

this book was short and sweet (cue sabrina)! a golden retriever MMC will do it for me every single time. plus there was really cute banter! both chase and candance were well-thought out and had very good personalities. i love when romances have strong characters and heather garvin gave us exactly that.

i wish this was longer! i feel like romances are getting shorter and shorter but i would do anything to just read more of them. please give us a novella or spin-off i am begging you. 🙇‍♀️

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this recommended by an author I love, and I am SO glad I took a chance on this because this is everything I want from a romance. I stayed up late reading this because I was too busy giggling and kicking my feet to fall asleep.

What drew me in immediately is that the author really knows how to set a scene. Her descriptions are vivid and detailed, which made me feel transported into the story. The chemistry between these characters is SOOO good, and even though the book is single POV, it was very clear how Chase felt about Candace, even if Candace herself didn't see it.

[Em Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS WAS SO FUCKING CUTE I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF THIS

[Alexandra Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so damn cute, hilarious, festive, Florida holiday vibes (which since I am currently living in Florida is great lol)

Heather Garvin is one of my favorite authors and is always on point.

If you want a cute, steamy, hilarious, adorable, Christmas-y book just under 300 pages, PLEASE read this one! ❤️🎄

Thank you to Heather Garvin for the advanced reader copy

[Kathe · Rating 5 out of 5]

LO AMÉ!!
A pesar de las inseguridades de Candece y la falta de comunicación que tenían, me encantó mucho 🥹❤️ me tenían gritando porque no se decían las cosas, realmente sentí cosas y eso que no me gustan los navideños 🤭

[Geneva Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was LIVING for the banter in this book! 🎄🤌🏼. “It’s still 85 degrees, but I refuse to let Florida win.” I feel this in my Floridian soul heading into Christmas.

[faye ✮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

— ARC Review : 5 stars ✰

tropes :
🎄 holiday romance
❄️ fake dating
🎄 on page texts
❄️ golden retriever mmc
🎄 open door

╰┈➤ When the Fake Snow Falls by Heather Garvin is a delightful and engaging slowburn romance that starts with a hilarious, disastrous meet-cute and evolves into a beautifully developed relationship. The chemistry between the main characters, Chase and Candace, is electric, and the pacing of their connection feels authentic and realistic.

Chase is a total golden retriever type—charming, determined, and adorably persistent. He knows what he wants from the start, and it’s so refreshing to see a character who’s not afraid to go after it. His double-text game is strong, and sometimes he even triple texts!! What really stood out to me was how genuine his conversations with Candace felt, with both of them truly wanting to understand each other on a deeper level. He’s humble, respectful, and such a gentleman, especially in how he handles the obvious sexual tension between them. Chase’s patience and respect for Candace’s boundaries made him all the more admirable.

“I always hold back when it comes to touching you.”
“But the last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable.”
- need I vouch for him more?

Candace meanwhile, is delightfully down-to-earth. I loved how she stayed true to her values, never coming across as desperate for attention. She knows her worth and has solid boundaries, which made her an empowering and relatable character. And her best friend, Miles, added such a fun dynamic to the story. He had me laughing throughout and I couldn’t get enough of his lively personality.

“Never mind. Don't sleep with him. You look like I just suggested getting a root canal with no drugs.” LOL this was indeed funny!

The witty banter between Chase and Candace, their perfectly awkward meet-cute, and the intimate moments they share are all incredibly well-written. Everything about their journey together feels natural and it’s impossible not to root for them.

────୨ৎ────
Thank you to Heather Garvin for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Anca A · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Review: *When the fake snow falls* - Heather Garvin [18+]
4.9/5✨
2.5/5🌶️

If Heather Garvin writes a new book, I need to read it🤭. So, it was the obvious step to sign up for a copy of this book when it was possible. Thank you so, so much Heather for accepting me!

Another Christmassy read for me this month, where the main characters are Candace and Chase. They were two complete strangers, who randomly met in a coffee shop. Candace was surprised when she saw that this man offers her a white piece of paper and she thought he was asking for her number. So, she jotted down her number and he took it. But later on, a strange situation appears regarding this whole matter.

Chace and Candace had a great chemistry while they were texting and soon enough they will set a face to face date. Or a fake date😂. Because Chace needed someone at his side for his Christmas office party, where he needed to have a cover against one of his female co-workers. But while practicing this whole fake dating thing, both of them are quickly starting to feel something else flourishing inside them.

In this scenario, Candace is the one who builds up her walls, because she considers that Chace is only with her for the fake dating part and not because he likes her. She really liked Chace, not only for his absolute gorgeous looks, but for his personality too and it's hard to let him go. So, Chace will be the one to fight for their relationship and try to convince her that what they have is real.

Heather creates such amazing men that I cannot help but fall for them. Here, Chace is initially acting like such a playboy, but he quickly becomes pretty obsessed with everything regarding Candace, from the way she looks, to her way of being. She might be scared to go further with this whole thing, because it can ruin her future, but Chace will be there to come in rescue. Even that little drama from the end of the story didn't ruin my pleasure of reading this book.

For me, Heather writes such amazing stories, where you can easily fall in love with the characters. This may be the main reason why I love her books and why I would always adore her stories. They are always fun, crazy and sensitive, in a pretty great mix.

✨Tropes
#StrangersToLovers
#FakeDating
#GoldenRetriever
#SlowBurn
#ChristmasRomcom
#LovableSideCharacters
#OpenDoor
#OnPageTexts

[Linna • linnareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

When The Fake Snow Falls by Heather Garvin ❄️

A cute holiday rom-com that will have you blushing and swooning over the mmc and relating hard to the fmc! I loved this one so much. The characters were all super fun to read about (except for one that you'll figure out pretty quickly) and the story was really fun. A bit of a twist on the fake dating scenario shifting from strangers with a unique meet cute, to friends who obviously have feelings for each other and using the "fake" dates as practice, to finally admitting their feelings for each other. I really liked how the story progressed through each of these points.

The story is told fully from Candace's point of view and it's one of those books where while I love Chase so much, his POV isn't needed. Staying in Candace's head and only knowing her thoughts made the story so enjoyable. The meet cute between them is at a coffee shop where he is in line in front of her. They have a brief interaction and when Candace moves up to order, she sees a reciept left by him asking for her number. They text back and forth a bit until she realizes that when Chase asked for her number, it wasn't actually her number he wanted but instead the barista. She understandly feels awkward about it but agrees to be friends with Chase because there's chemistry there and she doesn't want to cut him out completely. Plus she makes him work for it and grovel quite a bit to prove it's actually her that he wants. Then comes the fake dating aspect where Chase asks her to be his date to his compay Christmas party. They go on a few fake dates before that as practice but the entire time Candace is trying to not act on her feelings while questioning if Chase might feel the same way for her (spoiler alert, he does).

Something small but I want to call out is I loved how there was a brief mention of Candace saying she doesn't want kids and Chase not even batting an eye at it. It's refreshing to see when romances so often end with them having kids.

🫶🏼 strangers to friends to lovers
🤍 "fake" dates
🤭 lots of banter and flirting
❄️ holiday
📱 text messages
🦮 golden retriever hero
❤️‍🔥 slow burn

single POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
1.5/5 spice level 🌶️

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good banter on this one, especially in the text messages after they first met. My only quibble would be at a certain point, she should have realized he was into her. I mean, he told her and showed her, and her thinking didn't make sense. Overall, I really liked it much more than I was expecting. Definitely will read more by author. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[val · Rating 5 out of 5]

a cute and fun Christmas romance that's absolutely perfect for the holidays. what a sweet, and spicy read❤️ho ho ho happy holiday reading! ❄️☃️

[Lauren ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did someone say my first ever arc read?! Yeah… let’s get into it!!

Oh Heather, you wonderful human being. This book was such a joy to read, so much so, I barely put it down! From the first chapter I knew this was going to be a good read, Candace had me wrapped around her finger straight away and I hung on her every word for the entirety of the novel.

Don’t hate me but… I’ve never read a seasonal book (e.g. an autumn/winter/Christmas themed story) however this one now has me scrambling to bookstagram and Amazon to seek out my next holiday fix!

The whole meet-cute super hot guy thing had me reeling and laughing out loud in my bed, as… I also would have definitely given Chase my number! He honestly sounds like the perfect man and I’m lowkey jealous of Candace… a literal fictional character.

Miles, oh Miles. He is the gay best friend every girl deserves. He had me giggling to myself every other chapter. Especially the use of ‘Zaddy Chase’ … he is so me!!

Did my heart break during chapter 39? Yes, very much so. However chapter 44 onwards stitched me right back together, good as new!

Spice? There was a full chapter of spice, plus some extra hot pages sprinkled in between. However, the focus of this book was on the slow burn and the casual flirting, which was actually really refreshing. The book was so fast paced I didn’t feel myself missing the ‘every other chapter is a spicy chapter’, honestly this time, once was enough for me!

The only negative thing I could possibly say about this book (and it’s not even really negative) is that I CRAVED Chase’s perspective!! I just need to know what he was thinking, how he saw Candace… his POV in the bedroom…

But yeah, overall I thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!! Thank you for choosing me as an arc reader Heather, you’re the best x

[( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

I honestly expected more from this book. The slow burn I was promised didn't exist. 😐 I liked Chase, but Candance was honestly pissing me off for almost the entire book. I just couldn't stand her at all.
So yeah, this book was just like... meh, okay.

[yami๋༊*·˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When it comes to you, I want to know everything.”❤️🎄

Que libro más lindoooo, es mi primera vez leyendo a esta autora y que sorpresa más bonita me he llevado🥹

El libro comienza con Candace comprándose un café pero el hombre parado enfrente de ella se le hace muy guapo y se le queda viendo, este se da cuenta y ella finge que estaba viendo otra cosa, por lo que él procede a ir por su pedido y en eso ella ve que el extiende su ticket de compra y ella piensa que le está pidiendo su número de teléfono, ella se lo da y comienzan a hablar perooo en un segundo todo cambia porque se da cuenta que en realidad no fue a ella a quien le pidió su número si no a la barista que les atendió🧍🏻‍♀️

Mi Candace quedó así🤡 pero ella y Chase siguieron hablando y se llevaron tan bien que él le pide que finja ser su novia en una fiesta de trabajo NONO QUE BUEN LIBRO🤌🏼

Es el libro navideño perfecto para leer con un chocolatito caliente, tiene momentos muy cutes y tiernos entre los protagonistas.
Me encantó como todo se fue desarrollando poco a poco, la tensión, las risas y el pequeño found family que hay me encantó🥹

La única razón por la que no le doy 5 estrellas es porque no me gusta la falta de comunicación😩 Candace se aferro mucho a lo de “solo amigos” y “todo esto es falso” que llegó un punto en donde me harto pero la amo jajaja y el final lindisimo🤌🏼

Lean este libro porque hay fake dating, un prota golden retriever y mucha tensión que no se pueden perder❤️

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

Inglés:

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.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨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!!

[♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
5 ⭐️

Okay I really don't know from where to start. Firstly, I'm in LOVE with this book. It felt like a sweet and soft read that spreads warmth into your heart when you never thought you needed it. In other words, it's a cup of hot chocolate on a very cold winter night. 🥹 I love love love the premise of the story and the cute meet up in the beginning because my romcom girlie self is GIGGLING!!! Not only that, but the mini plot twist in the beginning? IT HAD ME SCREAMING BECAUSE FATE HELLO!! (I got way too excited but hey, we're talking about this masterpiece of a book, so..) And I absolutely loved Chase's character building and overall foundation of his part of the story. The way it broke me and healed me at the very same time? Wow. This book has the CUTEST and most adorable side characters ever!! I'm rambling but this book is one of those books you MUST read once in your life, at the very least. Also, can we please talk about Heather's writing style? How is it SO captivating? I shall never know but what I do know is that it won't be the last book i'll read of hers and she's automatically now one of my favourite authors! 🥹

Tropes / Microtropes:
✩ He got a christmas tree just for her! 🥹🎄
✩ Cutest side characters EVER
✩ Sweetest on page text messages
✩ Golden retriever mmc
✩ Fake dating
✩ Adorable bantering
✩ Slow burn
✩ Christmas romcom! 🎄✨🩷

Thank you Heather for sending me an ARC of your beautiful book! (Also, thank you for becoming one of my favourite authors!) ✨

[✿ Dev ✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t bad I did really enjoy this and I flew through it. I was hooked which is difficult because this is now the beginning of finals week for me and I kept wanting to read it. It was entertaining and pretty cute but a few things fell short for me.

Issue #1 - No dual pov?? I would’ve loved to have his pov and I really wish it was included bc I wanted to read his thoughts so bad.

Candace was hella annoying and came up with some of the most bs excuses to push him away when he was waving big flags screaming how much he likes her genuinely throughout this entire book. I get possibly having some relationship insecurities which makes it hard to believe a new partner but there was none of that, he seemed pretty clear with his intentions the entire time. The 3rd act miscommunication trope was so confusing and misplaced and forced when they literally just needed to have a 2 sentence conversation it’s like she kept finding dumb reasons to think he didn’t want her. She was completely oblivious to it all which was frustrating and irritating when even without his pov, it was obvious he was enamored and wanted something with her.

Another issue- Not much of a Christmas vibe. I get this story takes place in Florida so it’s a little more complicated to include, but it was put very much on the back burner for how much the cover and synopsis tries to pitch that this is a Christmas love story.

But ignoring all of my other complaints they were really cute together and I enjoyed a majority of this it was a really cute book just with some minor issues that bumped it down for me.

[Анастасія ꒰⁠⑅⁠ᵕ⁠༚⁠ᵕ⁠꒱⁠˖⁠♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Це дратувало. Я не можу сказати, що аж прям погано, але більше 3 зірок поставити не можу.

Почнімо ми з початку, коли Кендіс казала про те, що Чейз це «ходячий червоний прапорець, бо обирає дівчат тільки білявок», хоча там потім він пояснював, що у нього немає типажу, воно само так виходить. Але я про інше, але ми очі закриємо на те, що Кендіс буквально сказавши декілька слів бувши в черзі за кавою, подумала що Чейз саме їй залишив свій номер на серветці на столику у баристи, і вони перед цим розмовляли, але жгг була у своїх фантазіях і все прослухала, але вирішила, що номер на серветці це точно для неї🗿 вибачте, але якщо хлопець зацікавлен саме у тобі, то логічно подумати що він номер тобі дасть сам? І головне, вона не думала про нього як "нерішучого", але тут так протупити.

Троп фальшиві стосунки тут хоча б зрозуміли, так підлеглий боїться що якщо він поскаржиться на домагання від свого боса, йому можуть не повірити і т.п. і він вирішує знайти фальшиву дівчину. Але вся ситуація подальша викликає крінж.

Коли вже після їхнього заходу його бос/клієнтка написала про те, що якщо вона не відстане від Чейза вона сама піде від неї, як від її перукаря, і забере тих, кого привела, то Кендіс вирішила, ну правильно нахуй ті незрозумілі стосунки, краще обслуговувати особу, яка постійно їй на сеансах дратувала, але гроші головніше. Окей, гроші важливі, але буквально на наступний день вона огризнулась на Ніколетт і та пішла😕 Хочеться запитати, і що це було? Тобто, реально людина думала, що все буде ок, якщо вона кине хлопця за чиїмсь наказом і буде потім ще її спокійнісінько обслуговувати? І взагалі, а якщо в наступний раз Ніколетт би сказала "якщо ти не зламаєш ногу, то всі клієнти, яких я привела підуть". Ідіотизм повний😐

[Flavia Florean-Dumitru · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m inhaling these Christmas books like powdered sugar and I do not regret a thing.

First of all, the DEDICATION note! I love books which start with a little pick-me-up: “To all the girls, both naughty and nice, here’s the perfect book boyfriend to bring you some spice”.

This was such a cute, 1🌶️ steamy, light romance with fake dating, a green flag MMC and really well written banter.

A slow smile tugs at his lips. "No, Candace." He says my name pointedly, a spark of mischief behind his eyes.
"There are only two words I hope to never hear from you." He holds a finger for each. "Jack and Frost. And if I start saying filthy shit, you'll say both."
I roll my eyes.
"You and I are friends. You deserve respect."
I have never wanted to be disrespected more in my life.


ALSO THIS:

He lifts an eyebrow. "You like margaritas?"
I nod. "Love them."
He practically groans. "The thought of kissing you while you taste like tequila and lime is doing unspeakable things to me, Candace. I hope you know that."

The only reason I’m giving it 4* and not 5 is because I didn’t fully enjoy the 3rd act break-up. Something did not add up and I think she should have done something as well. Ugh, it’s so easy to be a critic hidden behing a keyboard.

But all in all, the story is really cute and it deserves more attention 🫶🏻

[Vlada · Rating 4 out of 5]

«Іноді безлад — це весело».

Люблю такі історії, які показують, що ніщо в цьому світі невипадково. Іноді трохи безладу — це саме те, що може змінити життя. Як і в історії Чейза та Кенді.

Плутанина з номером призвела до дружби, а згодом і до кохання. І це було прекрасно. Листування, фейкові стосунки, практика дотиків, удавані побачення. Я сміялася і насолоджувалася усім цим.

Єдине, що мене засмутило — це вирішення проблеми від Кенді наприкінці книги. Ця ситуація не мала для мене жодного сенсу. Я розумію її занепокоєння щодо справжності стосунків, але завжди можна поговорити.

Ця історія викликала в мене посмішку і залишила після себе приємний післясмак, тому ставлю тверду 4⭐.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect holiday read! It’s full of banter, flirty moments, drama, lots of cute and funny moments. I truly felt like getting my Christmas pjs on, a warm cup of hot chocolate and getting into the Christmas spirit while reading this.

Candace and Chase are literally perfect for each other, the moment they met I knew it was going to be such great chemistry! Ugh I truly loved this book so much and I’m so thankful for being able to receive arc of it.

Please if you love the holidays, fake dating, banter and a some good drama & spice, pick this one up asap! 10/10 recommend!

5/5 ⭐️
Spice : 🌶️ 🌶️.5

[Jan (Kavanagh's wifey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spice rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Now, I've never been a fan of friends to lovers trope, but this book just became an exception. This book made me realise one thing, I love it when there's tension between the lead characters 'cause I was squealing and giggling and blushing and kicking my feet in the air while reading this book.

The male lead, Chase, as a friend, is a gentleman, but as a boyfriend, he's daddy. I'm telling you, this book is what I'm asking for when I say, 'don't judge a book by its cover'. The cover is all cute and I actually wasn't expecting any smut in this book, but their first kiss itself had me blushing hard.

If you're looking for a cute but spicy Christmas romance, this book is highly recommended.

Also, I abso-FVKING-lutely hate his boss.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ . 5

I absolutely loved this book! Chase and Candace had such an incredibly charming relationship from beginning to end. This was a great palate cleanser for me after much fantasy burnout!

The plot consists of a girl named Candace who gives her number to Chase in a coffee shop. It starts with him thinking it’s the cute barista who is just his type and turns into a surprise that it is Candace herself. Let it commence the “fake” dating and rom- com Christmas fun everyone is looking for.

Tropes / vibes
🎄 fake dating
🎄 Christmas love
🎄 hallmark love story
🎄 golden retriever MMC
🎄 slow burn
🎄 some open door spice
🎄 witty and lovable roommate

This book had me kicking my feet and blushing the entire time! I loved it so much! I’m so thankful that I got this arc copy. The only reason I give it 4.5 is because of overuse of just “friends” and let’s not forget my least favorite third act break up! Other than that, absolutely adored it for a simple holiday rom com with heart, charm, banter, and great chemistry of main characters. 🥰 💕

Thank you NetGalley, Heather Garvin and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC copy for an honest review.
#WhentheFakeSnowFalls #NetGalley.

[jordan εїз · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟 LOVEDDDD THIS AND I LOVEDDDD CHASECANDACE 💇‍♀️📢❄️ their meet cute was chefs kiss 💋 and i loved the tension build up 🤭 this couple was crazyyyy cute!!! chase was so sexy and i really liked the way candace made the first move 🤞 the miscommunication at the end was honestly more confusing than frustrating but i still really loved this 💝

(this is hella late) but a special thank you to netgalley and tuskan publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

[Надія · Rating 4 out of 5]

Дуже сподобалось❤️ мила історія, приємні і адекватні гг. Чейз взагалі🫠🫠🫠 і присутність переписок 🫶🏻 (хоч зовсім мало було), хімія між героями 🔥 Але не без нюансіків. Розрив у третьому акті😐 і через що?🤦🏻‍♀️ взагалі вся ситуація зі «злодієм» в цій книзі здалась дуже дивною. Чому Чейз нічого не робив із ситуацією на роботі? Чому терпів цейво? Тому мінуснула зірочку. Якось не вистачило мені завершеності. Але історія коротка, то може це я прискіплива дуже.