Friends or Flames

The Calm Chapter Mandi Wiencek

All the feels and squeals at this feel good bliss read by the one and only Ellie Hall . She’s a surefire winner like a chicken dinner to get your heart racing and those home fires burning and yearning so sweet.

A real treat of a story that is bathed in glory as well as an adversary so foul with his lies and ever so testy ,but she has gained an army of allies thanks to her bestie. So much strife she could howl. Putting fires out he’s devout, does what he has to , is he good at cooking up a storm in the romance department too?

Would be great ,if Austin ‘James ’ Bond wasn’t hung up on his best mate. His best friend forever who he doesn’t half treasure and wish she were more.
Fi/Fiona does adore him too. She wishes she could have it all. Especially when romancing as well as dancing at the Fireman’s ball.
Instead of the mess she’s got herself into by prying, now she’s the one crying with another man’s ring stuck on her finger ,from fake dating no less ! Oh what a mess!…

Now she’s back in Huckleberry Hill to beg her best friend a favour ,cos he fits the bill. A fake dating profile . Does he say he will? Well it would thrill them both . But on their oath ,they both wish that it was true….. unbeknownst of course to each other.

Be careful what you wish for they do say . It might come true….in due course. One day.
It’s exciting ,it’s fun it has romance. Has you in a trance with these two.

Perchance to get you in the right spot for a romantic and frantic comedy read that you can immerse yourself in with a big fat grin. It has the lot. A great plot. Hits the spot where your giggle muscles are working overtime as well as the
heart. Because this storyline is divine. It’s sublime.

The antics are on par for this author. You could say she set off a spark with these two Friends that pays dividends to the Flames that took over. With these best friends to lovers. I lapped up their storyline from cover to cover. It’s simply superb and I loved every bit, well look at the blurb. The storyline plot. It’s by Ellie Hall, it has the lot.

Ellie dear ,I have to stand up and cheer my dear, it’s grand ,yup. I had a Fireman’s Ball with this ,it’s absolutely bliss with a big fat chef’s kiss.

235 reviews12 followers

🔥Friends or Flames 🔥
((SPOILER-FREE ARC Review))

Title- Friends or Flames
Author- Ellie Hall
Genre- Contemporary Romance

Trope City-
🔥 Lifelong Best Friends
🔥 Firefighters Who Bake
🔥 Fake Dating
🔥 Forced Proximity
🔥 Found Family

Fiona (FMC) is a botanist working in Sacramento. She’s doing what she always assumed she should.. she left home, got a serious corporate position and works countless hours a week. Fi notices there’s some sketchy business going on with her boss that could affect her professional future. To gain more intel, she does what we all would- fake dates him 😂. He’s unaware the arrangement is fake but close proximity to Fi aids in him using her to get ahead. Somehow, he decides to propose after a few weeks of fake dating. Fi enlists her lifelong best friend and fireman, Austin (MMC) to jump on the fake dating train. His mission is to imply Fi simply can’t agree to marry her scummy boss because they’ve reunited in a romantic way. The journey through this one made me giggle. I like a little mystery and investigative detail too. That part kept me intrigued. I needed to stick around to see what was in store for this nightmare of a man Fiona was almost fake engaged to. This sweet, small town in Nevada really took Fi in as one of their own. She finally starts to see that joy can be part of what’s expected of you as an adult. You can live where you feel loved and welcome. You can be with someone who loves you for all of you. You can be like a book character and run a flower shop. I’m on Ellie’s content team and I just love her sweet little romances.

Thank you Ellie for sharing your work with me! 🫶🏻🔥

Lindsey Adams

1,594 reviews35 followers

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

This may be the first book I had read that has a fake relationship start to end another fake relationship that turned out a bit more serious than planned or hoped. Book 2 in the Love Ablaze series, Friends or Flames can be read as a standalone. Ellie Hall writes a wonderful, sweet romance about childhood friends who have been there for each other since day one. With hidden feelings, secret pining, and a fake relationship that, of course, feels more real than fake, this book is the perfect book to read after a more serious, darker toned book.

Fiona and Austin became friends when they were kids and have been best friends ever since. They have kept their relationship platonic, but Fiona has been hiding the feelings she has for him pushed down for some time. When she needs Austin’s help in thwarting a co-worker, he doesn’t hesitate to be there for her. Fiona had helped out this colleague with a fake relationship, but the co-worker took it too far and now her job could be on the line due to his position.

While Austin and Fiona agree to pretend to be ex’s who have rekindled things to get her co-worker off her case, fake feelings soon begin to feel too real and serious for Fiona to not wonder if maybe, just maybe, Austin likes her too. His glances are filled with heat, the way he holds her feels too real, and when they dance, she can’t tell if it’s her or his heart about to pound out of their chest. She doesn’t want to lose him as a friend, but can she really go back to just friends after this?

I always enjoy Ellie’s books and sweet stories. She is a must read, auto buy author of mine and I am never disappointed by her stories. Always lighthearted, yet passionate, her books can pull me out of a reading slump, book hangover, or just provide a few hours of escape. I highly recommend her and her books for anybody who calls themselves a romance reader.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
❤️Small Town Romance
🔥Firefighter Romance
❤️She Falls First
🔥He Falls Harder
❤️Friends to Lovers
🔥Found Family
❤️Childhood Friends
🔥Forced Proximity
❤️Closed Door Romance

Sophie Toovey

Author 15 books110 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

September 12, 2026

If you’re a fan of friends to lovers stories with heart, humour, and a dash of small‑town charm, Friends or Flames is an absolute delight.

I’ll be honest — my Kindle has been overflowing with ARCs lately, and I really thought I couldn’t squeeze in one more. But when I saw Ellie Hall’s name pop up, I caved… and I’m so glad I did. This book is pure joy from start to finish.

Ellie is the undisputed queen of friends‑to‑lovers romance (A Fool for April still owns a piece of my heart), and she brings that same magic here. The blend of small‑town life with the firefighter crew? Chef’s kiss. It’s cosy, warm, and full of the kind of community vibes that make you want to pack up and move there.

What surprised me most, though, was Fiona’s storyline. Her scientific work, the scandal she’s forced to untangle, and the fight to clear her name added such depth and intrigue. I didn’t expect to be this invested in the STEM plotline, but it was compelling, smart, and beautifully woven into the romance. Watching her learn to put down roots — and take the risk of becoming more than “just friends” with Austin — made the emotional payoff so satisfying.

This is a story about coming home… and how sometimes, home is a person, not a place.
Extra kudos for the women‑in‑STEM representation and the gorgeous symbolism of the wrong ring vs. the right one. Ellie nailed it.

A joyful, heartfelt read that I’m so glad I made room for.

Lynn Meeuwissen

189 reviews

Thank you Ellie Hall for the gifted copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.

This is such a delightful, heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance about coming home, trust and discovering where and with whom you truly want to be. And maybe I too am now homesick for a place I’ve never lived (iykyk) 😉

I’ve said it before: I love it when a romance has more substance than just the romantic storyline. That was certainly the case here, with the plot involving the professional scandal Fiona gets caught up in, her investigation, and her fight to do the right thing. I was genuinely invested in her struggle to defend her reputation and her work.

I love the "friends-to-lovers" trope because I truly believe that a strong love can grow out of friendship. It worked so well here because you can really sense the shared history between Fiona and Austin—they know each other inside out. Yet, that very closeness makes them cautious about acknowledging what everyone around them sees so clearly; after all, giving in to the romantic side carries a significant risk for the friendship if things don't work out. Add a layer of "fake dating" to the mix, and the mutual pining becomes incredibly intense—and so much fun to read!

Huckleberry Hill is such a delightful setting, with its quirky residents, firefighter-bakers, and small-town meddling, but also the way the community comes together and stands united.

Mitzi Neiderhiser

95 reviews

October 10, 2026

Friends or Flames by Ellie Hall is sweet romance based on a life-long friendship between the main characters that might or might not be more. But you have to hang on for an amazing ride to get your answer.

The main characters, Austin James, firefighter in Huckleberry Hill and Fiona Palmer, botanist at Nature Nexus have been friends since grade school. After a kiss at the Fireman’s Ball, these friends-only feelings may have changed, and no one wants to admit aloud so they go on as if nothing happened or changed. In everyday life, Fiona has discovered that her boss at Nature Nexus has been up to no good and is trying to drag her down instead of himself. So, she hatches a terrible plan to “fake” date him to get the facts and set the record straight, but when that backfires, she runs to her best friend to get help setting the record straight again through another “fake relationship”.

Who would have thought that two fake relationships would make a right? Well, dah, no one. This book caught my attention and kept me turning pages anxious to see what would happen next. Between ring removal remedies, Silver Sam, Buttercup, Oreo the dalmatian and Smash Cakes, there is so much fun and activity the reader never knows what will happen next.

I highly recommend this book. Make sure you have enough time set aside before you get started.

I received an advanced copy of this book. I am leaving my honest, unbiased opinion.

Coffeenbooks

2,221 reviews39 followers

2026 launch-teams reviewed

- Friends to more
- Fake dating
- Small town romance
- Mutual pining

I loved this book so much! Fiona is such an interesting character. She is serious and straight laced, but creates so much chaos with her choices! Her not so great idea to fake date her sl1my boss to find out what shady things he was doing ended up with her getting a (possibly fake, but definitely shiny) engagement ring stuck on her finger. Without actually accepting! So, she does what one does when facing a crisis of that magnitude...run to your handsome firefighter best friend and fake pretend that you are now his girlfriend. What could possibly go wrong?

Firefighter/baker Austin (James Bond) is all of the green flags in existence rolled up into a tall drink of water. He has been in love with his bestie for years, but never told her. But when they shared a kiss a few months ago at a Fireman's Ball, he started to think that he needs to change that.... However, with some committment issues, that is not an easy task for him!

Now he has no problem pretending to be Fiona's boyfriend. In fact, he begins to like it all too much.

I could not put this book down! I was totally invested in both Fiona's spy games and the mystery surrounding her employer. I also loved the cameo from a previous book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Amy

463 reviews13 followers

September 21, 2026

I really loved this story! Fiona and Austin have the kind of friendship that makes the friends-to-lovers trope so much fun, especially when they start pretending to be together and realize there might be more feelings involved than either of them wants to admit.

I especially loved watching Fiona learn to trust herself and recognize what is truly best for her. Austin has his own journey of learning to trust himself and, ultimately, trust their relationship. Their relationship felt sweet, supportive, and full of the kind of comfort you'd expect from two people who have known each other for years.

One thing I wish had been explored a little more was Austin's anxiety. We get to see him think about it and work through it on his own, but I would have loved to see Fiona become more involved in that part of his journey and have them actually talk about it together. Their relationship was such a strong part of the story that I think those conversations could have added even more depth to their connection.

Overall, Friends or Flames was a sweet, fun, closed-door small-town romance with plenty of banter, butterflies, and a firefighter who bakes. I loved watching two best friends figure out that maybe the love they've been looking for has been right in front of them all along.

I received an advanced reader copy. This review is my own, honest opinion.

Kelli M. Stowers

226 reviews4 followers

September 22, 2026

This is such a swoony friends to lovers fall romance!

Fiona is smart and quirky and finds herself in more than one pickle. I loved that her first instinct when finding something shady going on was to fake date the suspect to get more info. Feels like maybe something I’d do…I loved her mental “seed catalog” where she files away all the things happening around her. She grows so much during this story and it was lovely to see.

Austin is wonderful. He doesn’t always see that though. He is such a support to everyone around him, but feels it necessary to put on the “James Bond” persona.

I loved Austin and Fiona together. Their friendship is so fun and easy. I love that Austin sees Fiona for who she is and doesn’t try to change her. Fiona sees the “Bond” persona AND the real Austin. They are both there for each other every step of the way through the story.

I have to mention the found family in this story. Both Fiona and Austin have so many people on their side. Fiona becomes part of the Huckleberry Hill community so easily and Austin will always have his firehouse to support him on his journey.

This friends to lovers, fake dating romance is the 2nd book in the Love Ablaze series about the firefighters of Huckleberry Hill, Nevada. I cannot wait to see the rest of these firefighters find their happily ever afters!

Liberty Munson

905 reviews4 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

September 12, 2026

4.5 stars

A charming, heartfelt friends-to-lovers story with lovable characters, plenty of chemistry, and a romance worth waiting for, even if the journey takes a little longer than necessary.

Austin and Fiona have such a strong foundation of friendship that their eventual romance feels natural, believable, and incredibly sweet. Their chemistry is obvious from the start, and it was easy to root for them every step of the way.

My biggest issue was that the conflict felt drawn out a little longer than necessary. Both Austin and Fiona were so afraid of risking their friendship that they spent a lot of time going back and forth over their feelings. While the fear of losing something so important made sense, it also led to a few frustrating moments where I just wanted them to finally be honest with each other.

Their history, trust, and understanding of one another made them feel like a genuinely perfect match. Once they finally took the leap, it was impossible not to smile. Austin and Fiona complement each other beautifully, and their love story is a reminder that sometimes the best romance is the one that's been right in front of you all along.

Lisa Benison

646 reviews17 followers

Review of advance copy

September 12, 2026

Clean, Small Town Romance With Quirky Characters- BFFs to More?

Fiona and Austin have been BFFs forever who are now dealing with adult attraction and feelings. Fiona's life is currently a complete mess, so she runs to Austin and his wonderful quirky small town that immediately feels like home. I liked almost everything about this book - the town, amazing background characters, Austin and his firehouse (and bakery crew - so hungry for a smashcake or several!) and the scenery. However, I often couldn't understand for as clearly intelligent Fiona was in her career, how she just couldn't seem to find her way out of her predicament at work without all of that crazy scheming and how long it took her to actually figure out what would make her happy. Andt took a lot of "fake" relationship for such supposedly good friends to communicate their actual feelings, and to see what everyone else did - that their feelings were quite real! The book is part of a series, but is easily read as a standalone and I am lookg forward to the next one in the series - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Meg (thyme.for.books)

777 reviews21 followers

best-friend-to-lovers clean-romance fake-relationship

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Fiona notices her boss acting suspiciously, she decides that the only way to find out what he’s up to is to fake a relationship with him. Things progress much faster than expected and her boss ends up proposing to her. In order to get out of marrying a man that she didn't even really want to date, she enlists her best friend Austin to pretend to be in love with her.

Friends or Flames is the second book in the Love Ablaze series and can be read as a stand-alone. This is a closed-door romance.

This one’s got a little bit of everything. It may be the first time I've ever come across a fake dating love triangle though. Things do get a little bit messy but it’s not overly angsty. There are soap opera level shenanigans afoot but everything plays out so well. Ellie Hall always produces just the right levels of humor and sweetness.

Overall, another fun small-town romance from one of my favorite closed-door authors.

bookishWife

1,343 reviews

September 24, 2026

The whole ring drama felt unnecessary. Honestly, it brought the story down because of how ridiculous it was. First of all, they already knew the ring was fake, and Austin is a firefighter. Using a bolt cutter to cut off a stuck ring should be right up his alley. Second, the way the ring finally comes off is ridiculously anticlimactic. I mean… just like that?

Anyway, the rest of the story was okay—sweet, even. Both of them had no idea how deeply they had already fallen for each other, and it was frustratingly cute to watch. Austin, his house, his bakery—all of it is because of Fiona. Meanwhile, Fiona is completely in denial. She’s afraid of what might happen if she acknowledges her feelings, so she never even lets herself really think about what she feels for Austin.

The book moves slowly, but in a way that feels necessary for their relationship to develop. It’s sweet and swoony, and I really enjoyed that part of the story. I just wish Austin had been more open about his feelings instead of treating every little moment of vulnerability with Fiona like it was some kind of sin.

Michelle Dodge

678 reviews11 followers

Review of advance copy

September 11, 2026

This is a clean romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

Fiona is in a pickle when she ends up with an an engagement ring she can't get off, in an engagement she didn't agree to, trying to figure out why her co-worker is trying to set her up. She runs away to Huckleberry Hill where her best friend, Austin, lives and works as a firefighter. Can he help her get the ring off? Can he also keep her safe from her co-worker?

This was a really cute rom-com. I enjoyed both the main characters as well as the side characters. We find out about the fire station's bakery and how the crush cakes were named. Throw in a stalker, two grandma's fighting on who makes the best brownies, a miner with a donkey, and you have a lot of interesting things going on. It definitely kept my attention. A good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Barbara Hackel

3,214 reviews51 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

September 4, 2026

I'm trying to be very chalant about my review of this delightful book in a wonderful series by a favorite author. (Read the book and you will understand my choice of the unfamiliar word in that first sentence! I first laughed at the word, but then considered it carefully...and then I had to admit it was perfect!)

Perfection is also reading this book and slipping into the community of Huckleberry Hills. Who wouldn't want to imagine a friendship/romance like Austin and Fiona have! The calm pacing of the book that slowly but surely built to an ending better than what could be imagined.

I became lost in the story, happy to spend more time in this fun fictional town that has wonderful characters, quirky schemes, and loads of interesting details about plants, baking, and people. I am looking forward to reading more of this series as the books are available.

.

Kaci Bonar

472 reviews10 followers

September 6, 2026

We are back for the second installment of the “Love Ablaze” firefighter series by Ellie Hall! This time we focus our attention on Austin James (Bond) and his childhood best friend, Fiona Palmer.

Fiona is a botanist for Nature Nexus and currently out to find evidence of something she has suspected is off in the research findings and while trying to process of the newly acquired data, she finds herself engaged to the man in possession of the records. So, what’s a girl to do when she is unwillingly saddled with the wrong man… flee to the man who owns her heart! Also, the ring is stuck on her finger, whoops!

Austin is the calm, levelheaded, sweet as the Crush Cakes he bakes, firefighter! The little community of Huckleberry Hill has warmed to the Texas native and take him into their fold as if he has always been there. When his longtime bestie has been sending somewhat cryptic texts and then unexpectedly turns up in town, his gears get turning as much as his heart starts racing! He’s never told her how he feels but he’s willing to go along with anything Fi throws at him, even if that means pretending to be her ex that she recently reconciled with.

These two and how the town interact with them brings out all the quirky one could ever want! On the flipside, Ryatt and Malia are the perfect baddies! Let’s not forget Oreo, the loveable station dalmatian! And for the record, we still don’t know which Golden Grandma has the superior treat! I love this community of misfits, who either love you as one of their own or want to have Buttercup donkey kick you out of town so fast that you can hardly blink. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

Marie Bourgery

3,913 reviews20 followers

September 19, 2026

Best Friends Austin and Fiona are afraid to risk admitting their romantic feelings for each until she asks him to fake date to get her boss who tried to force an engagement on her to cover up that he’s been falsifying company records in her name. Austin also has a persistent former date who tries to force a relationship on him that he hopes a fake relationship with Fiona will deter her, but it only makes her worse. I’m surprised she didn’t try to hurt Fiona through her allergy. I can’t imagine being allergic to chocolate. Fiona’s boss is also persistent, trying to pin everything on her. Fiona has a problem of not speaking up about what’s wrong and what she wants. Austin has similar issues and as a result they dance around their true feelings. There were plenty of funny moments with the townspeople of Huckleberry Hill in this fake relationship romance.

Kristen

410 reviews6 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

September 5, 2026

I love the little town of Huckleberry Hill: beautiful scenery, quirky residents, small town shenanigans, and found family. Austin and Fiona were 20 years in the making, best friends from childhood. These two are perfect for each other, but both are stunted in the adult communication department. The story got a little frustrating because they ignored so much and just pretended things didn’t happen, for too long. I get the ignoring something and hoping you don’t have to deal with it, but that’s usually with unpleasant things. Why they would want to ignore love, I’m not sure. Thankfully they had some nudging from their loved ones around them. I’m looking forward to more love stories in this little town.

arc-books

Denice

1,616 reviews8 followers

This is such a fantastic story, Fiona and Austin have been best friends forever, when she needs to get away from the work drama, she goes to the cute town of Huckelberry Hill to spend time with him. The fun begins with a fake relationship. I loved this sweet best-friends to more story with fun banter, sweet and swoony romance and the firefighter bakery, what more could you want. The protagonist was so arrogant that I was hoping through the whole story that he would get what he really deserved. “Because you’re not a rest stop, Fi. You’re not somewhere I’m waiting out the weather. You’re the – you’re the reason I don’t want to leave.” Such a fun story with just what I want in a romcom, laughter, emotion, and a happily ever after!

Elaine Coghlan

1,636 reviews16 followers

Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy

Friends or Flames is another fantastic read from Ellie Hall! From the very beginning, I was drawn into the story and completely invested in the characters. The friends-to-lovers romance is beautifully developed, with plenty of chemistry, heartfelt moments, and emotional depth.

Ellie Hall does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, making their journey feel authentic and relatable. Their growing relationship unfolds naturally, keeping me turning the pages and rooting for them every step of the way.

If you enjoy sweet, engaging romances with wonderful characters and a satisfying happily-ever-after, this book is a must-read. I highly recommend Friends or Flames and look forward to reading more from Ellie Hall!

2,355 reviews80 followers

Ellie Hall never fails to deliver with a little sass, plenty of humor and adorable characters.

This friends to lovers romance is one of those books that you will dive into and not come up for air until you finish it.

Austin and Fiona have a deep bond of friendship, which gives them a wonderful foundation to start a romantic relationship. I love the town of Huckleberry Hills which is a great place full of friends and crush cakes. The description of those cakes make my mouth water.

The swoon, the undeniable chemistry between great friends and the ongoing banter make this one a wonderful afternoon delight.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Nancy

709 reviews7 followers

I loved this story where lifelong friends pretend to fake date and need to get her boss and the whole town to believe it. This is book 2 in the Love Ablaze series and it brings back all the characters we got to know in the first book. Since there are references from the story in the first book, reading them in order may be best.

Fiona and Austin have been best friends for twenty years. They support one another and go to each other for help. Fiona made a mistake fake dating her supervisor Ryatt Mott to try to discover what he was up to at work. Then after only four weeks of faking a relationship with him, he proposed to her at a company awards dinner and without her response pushed a huge engagement ring on her finger. A ring that won't come off no matter how many online tips she tries. Running from Sacramento to Austin seemed to be the answer and before she got a chance to update him, she realized Ryatt had followed her to Huckleberry Hill. Now she will need to signal to Austin to act like her boyfriend.

Austin was getting concerned about Fiona after their last series of text messages. Something seemed to be troubling her and now she wasn't responding. When she showed up at a town BBQ, he could see that she was upset and then he saw the engagement ring on her finger. Who is the guy who showed up just after she arrived and why was she signaling him to act like he was her boyfriend? The way he felt about Fiona, he would do anything she needed and acting like a boyfriend would be noooo problem.

These two have been best friends and even though they both have more than friendship feelings for one another they keep it to themselves. Something changed when they shared a kiss last year at the Fireman's Ball and since then they haven't discussed that kiss. So when they pretend to be dating to stop the situation with Ryatt, everyone around them can actually see the truth. What will it take for them to finally reveal their true feelings? How is she ever going to get that ring off her finger?

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

Shauna Jones

836 reviews22 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

September 8, 2026

Can friendship become more
Austin and Fiona have been best friends since elementary school. Now Fiona has a corporate job in San Francisco while Austin is a fireman in Huckleberry Hill a few hours away. When Fiona discovers her supervisor has been forging her signature and then receives an unwanted marriage proposal, there is only one place to go and one person to run to, Austin. With her unwanted “ex” pursuing and threatening her and her professional career on the line, Fiona and Austin have to decide if they ignore the attraction they feel or put it all on the line for a chance on love. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

Jenny x Carolena

330 reviews8 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

Small-town charm done the Ellie Hall way! I honestly haven't found a book of hers that I haven't loved, and Friends or Flames gave me all the feels. Austin and his firefighter-slash-baker situation? Add in best friends, fake dating, and years of feelings sitting right there under the surface, and I was completely sold.

This one had the humor, the heart, and ALL the swoons. I loved Austin and his relationship with Fiona, and there were so many little moments between them that had me smiling. It was sweet, funny, and just so much fun to read. I really enjoyed this one!

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

arc-2026

Reann

136 reviews3 followers

Ellie Hall does it again! As one of my favorite authors, she always delivers, but Friends or Flames was truly impossible to put down—I ended up reading almost the entire book in one sleepless night.

Austin and Fiona are so relatable and charming that it was amazingly easy to fall in love with the characters right from the start. The small-town fake dating dynamic was packed with so much warmth and fun banter, leading up to a wonderful, heart-warming ending. If you're looking for a cute, sweet, closed-door rom-com that will completely hook you, I can't recommend this one enough!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Lori R

2,805 reviews21 followers

It was amazing how one lie escalated in this sweet romance. Fiona decided to fake date her boss, but she never told him and boy did that give her a huge surprise she never saw coming. Of course that didn’t stop the lie from escalating even further when Fiona visited Austin, her best friend since grade school. Now Austin’s part of the lie too. I couldn’t put the book down because I had to know how everything would turn out and if Fiona and Austin would remain best friends or part ways.

I especially enjoyed the humor and fun banter that the author is so good at writing. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

Dale Kruser

39 reviews

October 4, 2026

Friends or Flames!

I loved it!! Having so much time between book 1 & 2… I had to jog my memory a couple of times, in a good way! I’ll just say, I love everything Ellie Hall writes!! Whether it’s hockey or roommates or Christmas time books… I don’t care, give me all the books, all the time!! These two are more than super sweet!! It just took them forever to stop being afraid of each other!! Sheesh! But, what a sweet, sweet read!! I can’t wait for Valentine’s Day… I think that’s the next one in the series. Then I’ll patiently… not really, patiently wait for the others! Thanks again for such a good time, sweet read!

Kim Roc

62 reviews

Ellie has done it again!
This book follows Fiona to her best friend Austin after she gets into a bit of a work situation.
Follow their story from just friends, to fake fiancés, to finally showing their real feelings for each other.
Through some craziness, drama, and Fiona’s boss trying to ruin her life this was a feel good, small town, no spice, sweet book.
Be careful try not to fall for the delicious sounding cakes that the firefighters bake, or want a Dalmatian named Oreo!!
Thank you Ellie for ARC copy

Bernadette Cinkoske

4,906 reviews41 followers