Hallmark meets Gilmore Girls but make it spicy! Yes please! This book was everything I wanted in a small town romance and beyond. One of my favorite things about a small town romance is the found family but this was on another leave the intense sense of community is what really shown through the entire book and creating the life you want no matter how old or established you are. Matt and Zoey relationship is impeccable from the over all depth to the tension and sexy banter I was 100 percent here for it. I loved seeing Zoey grow into the person she wanted to be with the help of Pine Falls. Eloide make you want to live in pine falls through this book. 5 stars with be on permanent rotation on my shelves when released!

A fun emotional take on small town romance with fake dating! This was such a sweet book. Matt is such a golden retriever and will do anything for his loved ones. His relationship with his sister will melt your heart. Zoey is the perfect balance for Matt. She’s so caring and hardworking.

The romance itself was very much insta lust but it was well written. There was lots of chemistry from the start making their love story believable. The spice was delicious 🤤. Nothing better than starting a story with two hot strangers and one night stand.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I devoured it in a day. If you’re wanting an emotional yet lighthearted book this fall, this is a perfect read.

3.5 stars ⭐️

Elodie served small town vibes and I was here for it. 🩷

I was pleasantly surprised with this beautiful story and its character. The book had everything I enjoyed: A nice plot and romance. I could really see myself in Pine Falls among everyone else. I was very surprised by Matt and Zoey's story. I enjoyed how their story developed and the way the both faced their inner conflicts.

I do feel like a need to disclaim that unfortunately, there were times were I felt like some dialogues were a bit too... harsh for me. I understand that our character's are going through stuff but I feel like their lashings were a bit off putting.

Other than that, "Hoax and Kisses" is going to be thoroughly enjoyed by romance readers that love a good old small town romance with cozy vibes.

Hoax and Kisses is a medium-to-fast-paced big-city-meets-small-town romance that’s as cute as it is heartfelt. The story follows Zoe, who comes to Pine Falls to prove to her father and his company’s shareholders that she’s ready to take over the business as he nears retirement. Her mission is to succeed where her father failed years before—but she doesn’t anticipate the deep grudge the town still holds against him… and by extension, her.

Matt, our heartwarming golden-retriever-type male lead, has a big heart and a traumatic past of his own—one that’s tied to Zoe’s father’s mistakes and casts a shadow over their every interaction in the beginning. Realizing they could both benefit from working together, Zoe and Matt agree to fake date to help convince the town that she isn’t the villain they believe her to be. In doing so, they hope to secure support for her project—which in turn would benefit Matt’s growing flower business through a mentorship program her company offers.

As they spend more time together, Zoe and Matt slowly open up, proving not only to the town but to themselves that her intentions are genuine. Their communication throughout the entire book feels authentic and steady, creating the sense of a genuine, well-developed connection. Even though they come from very different backgrounds, the charming setting of Pine Falls brings them—and the entire community—closer together, highlighting what they’d both been missing before they met. The timeline, which spans a few weeks to months, never feels rushed, and the natural push-and-pull as obstacles arise keeps you hooked.

The autism representation is handled with care, and it’s clear the author did her research—both through her own work and with the help of others who brought these characters to life. If you’re looking for a heartfelt small-town romance with layered characters, a sweet fake dating twist, and two people who truly grow together, Hoax and Kisses deserves a spot on your TBR.

Hoax and Kisses
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This book was just what I needed! This is the small town romance I have been waiting for! I loved Matt and Zoey so much!

Zoey is a city girl and moves to a small town to try and get permission to built a lodge hotel type thing on some land. Here she meets Matt who ruins her plans within the first few days of her being there. They end up fake dating as part of his apology and to gain her reputation back in the town.

Honourable mentions that need taking about:
✨Matt’s relationship with his autistic sister is perfect. Chefs kiss.
✨Zoey’s dad is an arse!
✨I want to go to Lola’s bookstore

First of all, I want to thank Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for the ARC.
And, I just want to say that this cover was love at first sight! How could it be otherwise?! 🥰🤍

4.25⭐️
Hoax and Kisses is the beginning of a romantic series set in the small town of Pine Falls. Where the atmosphere screams blankets and tea, and where the community is more than that, it's family 🤍

The writing is simple, easy to read. Not childish, you know? Right there, you already earn a lot of points. And rejoice because the third act breakup is outside the story 🙌🏼

We have a good dose of comedy (which I love), family drama (great on both sides), and even tension between them that will be incredible to follow.
I'll admit that the beginning left me hesitant. A lot happens in the first 15% of the book that didn't make sense to me. I missed that initial chemistry, you know?

Their first meeting couldn't have been more disastrous. What started as a “f*ck it” moment ended in a fake-dating scheme for their own benefit.
The two find themselves needing each other to advance their business. With obstacles along the way and a lot of tension in between, they decide to embark on an adventure with a deadline.

Matt and Zoey couldn't be more different. He's a florist and she (almost) owns her own business. And they complement each other in a way neither of them expected.
He deals with the fact that his mother doesn't know how to deal with his younger sister, who is autistic (and very well represented in this book, in my opinion), and she has a father pressuring her to continue in the family business. I can only say that things aren't going well for her. And that's what kept me hooked until the last pages 🤍

After that, this is a great enemies to lovers story, which has zero enemies in this relationship 🤭, between a country boy and a city girl to warm your heart 🤍

The ending couldn't have been any different. It was emotionally perfect. And now I can't wait to continue following this incredible family.

This book will be out on August 26! Sooo save the date!

Please check my review on my Instagram and Goodreads 🤍

I really enjoyed this... it was a fun read. Small town romance with fake dating - city girl & small town man. The autism representation was great (MMC;'s sister) and I loved how awesome a big brother he was - even standing up to his mother.

I only had 2 reservations with this book.

1. I found the first intimate encounter a bit odd. It was very sudden and personally I didn;t find it remotely believable as the characters didn't have much interaction beforehand. They just went for it and that was it, Maybe in a different setting this would have worked.... eg. in a bar but it just didn't do it for me.
2. After he completely blasted her in front of the town I felt that realistically there wasn't enough time for it to seem like they put there issues aside and started dating.

I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.

4⭐️
2🌶️

Release Date: Aug 26, 2025

This was the sweetest, coziest palate cleanser — think Hallmark vibes without the Christmas backdrop, but with every ounce of charm. It delivers small-town warmth, a grumpy-but-protective hero, and a romance that blossoms from fake dating into something real and tender.

After being burned by a cheating ex, fake friends, and a father who never truly valued her, Zoé heads to Pine Falls. There she meets Matt — the small-town florist with a protective streak a mile wide and a soft spot for his sister, Daphne (a wonderfully written autistic rep 💐). Their first meeting? A little tense. Their connection? Instant sparks. 🔥

What I adored most was how the book balanced lighthearted, rom-com banter with more heartfelt moments — from earning the trust of the town, to cutting ties with toxic family dynamics, to finally finding a place where you belong. At under 300 pages, it still felt complete, with zero dreaded third-act breakup 🙌. Just two people growing, trusting, and choosing each other every time.

And Matt calling her by the right pronunciation — Zoé — when nobody else bothered? Swoon city.

Elodie, you have not let me down! Another great book, for the books!!

Tropes:
🌸 Small Town Romance
💼 Rich City Girl / Small Town Boy
🔥 Enemies to Lovers (misunderstanding-based)
💍 Fake Dating → Real Feelings
🌸 Sibling Bond & Caregiver Brother
🧠 Autistic Rep
🪻 Florist MMC

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op & Elodie Colliard 💐

I LOVED this book. It was the perfect amount of enemies to lovers. Sometimes you just want to read a romance where the MMC knows what he wants and goes for it, while the FMC just accepts it. I loved that there was a bit of trauma from past relationships that made them second guess things, but ultimately there was good communication and they managed to work through their issues quickly. I was offered to read this story early, and it came at the perfect time since I was in need of a light hearted, happy romance. I highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing and the author for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

This had all the makings of a cozy small town romance, fake dating, city girl vs. grumpy local, Gilmore Girls vibes and I was here for it. But whew… Matt came in swinging with the attitude for no real reason. Like sir, calm down she’s just existing. I eventually warmed up to him, but the end started dragging so much I felt like I was fake dating this book just to get through it. Still, there were some sweet moments and small town charm sprinkled in, so if you like your romance with a side of grumpy florist and business drama, it’s worth a shot.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc💗

Thank you to NetGalley, Elodie Colliard and Victory Editing for allowing me to ARC read ‘Hoax and Kisses.’

The ‘Romance’ book market is a very saturated one, but this felt like a breath of fresh air to read.

The cover art? Stunning!

This had all of my favourite tropes (fake dating, spice, small town, he falls first), and they were done well.
There was a solid plot to this book, with two well developed main characters. I loved Zoey’s sense of ‘drive,’ and Matt’s passion. I loved their chemistry, also.
It was lovely to get to know some of the other ‘locals’ in this book, as well.

I loved how sensitively autism spectrum disorder was represented, and the fact that it was done in such a positive light, we need more of that in the world!

I LOVED that there was no third act breakup needed to create last-minute ‘action,’ and it was so refreshing that this couple actually communicated.

I totally want to live in Pine Falls now.
If you want a new romance story to swoon over, this one is the book you should read!

Oh.. My… Gosh….. this was CUTE!!!! I mean how could it not be… have you seen the cover? But seriously this book is one of those sweet and charming, mushy gushy palette cleansers that just oozes romance, has you grinning from ear to ear and has you making heartfelt sighs from all the precious little love comments made throughout the book.

“I want to live the kind of love that leaves you breathless. And honey, I can never catch my breath with you” - eeee….see what I mean? *sigh*

Zoey is trying to prove her place as CEO at her father’s company by securing a deal to build a hotel in small town Pine Falls. As she tries to get settled in, she runs into local floral shop owner Matt. You can’t convince me this man doesn’t look like Thor with a bouquet. The instant sexual tension between them leads to what they think will be a one night stand only but ends up turning into so much more.

Both FMC and MMC are just beautiful, caring and loving people. I just adored Daphne (Matt’s autistic teenager sister) and how special Matt and hers relationship is. The man is stretched thin and doesn’t hesitate to put his sister’s well being and care needs first. Throw in Zoey and how supportive and understanding she is. They literally could not be anymore perfect together.

🏡 Small Town Romance
🔥Slow Burn
💍Found Family
💋One Night Stand
🤫 Fake Dating
💕Autism Rep

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️

Thank you @netgalley and @elosreadingcorner for the advanced read.

Hoax and Kisses is a perfect cozy romance to wrap up the summer season and slide into fall - with our oversized sweaters and pumpkin flavoured drinks in hand! This book has all the themes I love in a romance - small town, fake-dating, found family - I was hooked at the one-night stand! Elodie has a beautiful way of giving characters depth and feeling and had me blushing, kicking my feet and shedding a few tears. This book is a giant hug on a cool day and it had me packing my bags for Pine Falls in search of a man in plaid!

First book I’ve read by Elodie Colliard, and it definitely won’t be the last! I genuinely think that you could never go wrong with small-town romances and this book proves that!

Zoey. She is honestly such a strong and resilient woman. Imagine having to constantly push yourself just to meet your father's expectations—trying so hard to make him proud that it eventually leads to an existential crisis. She’s incredibly career-driven, dedicated to her goals, and it’s truly unfortunate that her father can’t recognize or appreciate that. I really feel for her because it’s clear she’s trying so hard to gain his approval, but no matter what she does, he just won’t acknowledge her efforts. I'm glad she eventually comes to the realization that she’s more than just a daughter seeking validation from someone who barely seems to care. She deserves so much more than that.

Matt. Okay, seriously—why was Matt such a jerk in the first few chapters?! I honestly couldn’t stand him at first because of how terribly he treated her. I remember thinking, “There’s absolutely no way I’ll ever like this guy.” That said, he did try to make things right later on, and I respect that. Still, I can’t help but feel a little annoyed about how he acted in the beginning.

The book leans heavily into the insta-love trope, so if that’s not your thing, it might not be the best fit. However, if you’re going through a reading slump, this could be the kind of light and easy read that pulls you back in. One of the strongest elements of the story is its small-town setting, where the sense of community truly shines. Everyone looks out for each other, lends a hand when needed, and warmly welcomes newcomers, which adds a cozy and heartwarming layer to the plot. Another standout aspect is the autism representation, which is handled with care and sincerity. It highlights that autism isn’t something to be fixed or pitied—it simply means someone experiences the world in a different, but equally valid, way. Overall, this was a comforting and feel-good read. Zoey’s journey of self-discovery and her evolving relationship with Matt were both compelling, and I’m excited to see how their story continues in the upcoming books of the series.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

I previously read Unbearably Yours, and was really pleased when the author announced a new series set in Pine Falls and featuring some of Oli's (and now Charlee's). Hoax and Kisses was an excellent opener for the series. I know the city girl/small town guy thing is pure Hallmark, but there's nothing rote or unoriginal about Colliard's writing; on the contrary, it packs an emotional punch because the characterisation is complex and feels messy and complicated in a really truthful way. I loved the dynamic between Matt and Zoey, and Zoey's journey through the story is one of self determination and self love as she finds a place that she can be brave and face the truths she's been avoiding whilst trying to live up to her dad's expectations. I also really enjoyed the complex family dynamic that Matt had, his love for his sister, and the struggles with wanting his mum to accept Daphne. It felt thoughtfully handled and nuanced, and it's good to see more representation of neurodivergent characters.

There was a good balance between romance, plot and spice, and I also appreciated getting to explore the Pine Falls setting and getting to know its inhabitants - I want to visit now! All in all, a perfect small-town, autumn read and a super-promising start to a new series by an author who's becoming a firm favourite.

"Hoax and Kisses" delivers all the romance and swoon of the best kind of Hallmark movie. Big city gal meets small town guy perfection!

It was just lovely to go back to Pine Falls. I loved "Unbearably Yours", so getting to revisit this world and it's characters was just a joy.

Zoey heads to Pine Falls set with the task of succeeding where her father failed, to secure land for a new hotel venture in the picturesque town. She initially makes an awful first impression on local florist, Matt. However, sparks fly and they share a night of passion. After discovering why she's in town, Matt writes her off. After all, he's had his heart broken by a city gal before.

Elodie Colliard is one of those writers who just gets the balance between swoon, character development and authentic representation right. I loved the chemistry between Zoey and Matt and also the way in which their relationship grew throughout the novel. The relationship that Matt shared with his Autistic sister, Daphne, was so tenderly and honestly written. These are the types of characters that will stay with you after you've finished reading.

🏙️ City gal FMC
💐 Small town florist MMC
❤️ One night stand to fake dating
🩷 He cares for his sister
🌶️ Yes

Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing Co-op for the opportunity to read this title.

Oh god this book.

Small town romance has its charm, but to have it this way?? where the community is well knit- especially in a way that everyone is there fore each other?? I just adored it.

Zoé is a city girl dmc, who has only known as to how to work for her dad and be in his good light. When her dad tells her that to inherit this company, you would have to secure the land deal, that fell out 2 year ago in a small town. She knows she will do it. She wants her touch in the project and on a tight timeline, she goes to Pine Falls.

Matt is a florist, a sweet grump who loves his town and family. He knows better than to fall for a city girl. He wants to work hard for expansion- to get more money so that he can pay for school for his sister Daphne who is autistic and in finally a school who would accommodate her needs and help her flourish.

What starts with a not so meet cute ends up being a fake dating setup which would at the end help both of them. But when feelings, attraction and mutual admiration are brought into the mix, the sparks are meant to fly.

I loved the entire autism representation and how parents who are slightly older struggle to balance what they have known and what that is actually there. daphne's character brought the glitters in this already colourful story and I enjoyed it wholeheartedly.

This is a perfect weekend read where you want to just snuggle in your blanket and forget about the world.

Thank you Love Notes PR, Elodie Colliard, and Netgalley for this e-ARC. I will be giving my honest review.
Hoax and Kisses follows Unbearably Yours, taking place in Pine Falls and focusing on Matt. I would recommend reading Unbearably Yours first, but you don't have to. Matt, Pine Falls, and some background plot was introduced in Unbearably Yours. Matt has lived in this small town for most of his life with his parents and his younger sister. He has always been protective of his younger sister because she is neurodivergent. He ends up looking after her for a month, and has to juggle his responsibilities of his flower shop. Zoe comes from a wealthy family who owns a hotel chain. She wants to take over the business, but has to prove herself by sealing a hotel deal in Pine Falls. Zoe proposes to fake date Matt to help her with the hotel deal, and Matt agrees because it will benefit his business as well.
I had conflicted feelings about Zoe. She had all the stereotypes of a 'big city girl' in the beginning. She was unlikable to me at first. She did grow on me, but some of her trauma felt superficial. She definitely developed and grew as a person. I liked Matt's personality and he made me laugh. He brought out the best of everyone around him. His love for his little sister pulled on my heartstrings throughout the book. He was multidimensional; very strong and manly yet very in tune with his emotions. He was so down bad for Zoe from the beginning.
I would recommend Hoax and Kisses, but I personally like Unbearably Yours more.

Elodie Colliard's books were some of my random finds on Etsy one day recently. I devoured the three books she had on there and was beyond ecstatic to get this ARC. Y'all....she can do NO WRONG!! This book was amazing! The coziness, the spice, the relationship dynamics....all of it was perfect!!

i am typically all for “grumpy” characters but i absolutely draw the line at the way matt acts. he is mean and erratic, i feel like one moment hes reeling me in just to push me off a cliff in the next. i was really hoping to love this one but i cannot get on board with how this man acts, if i were zoey i would literally always be on edge and walking on egg shells not knowing what’ll set this man off next.

as i am in the minority of not liking this book it very well may just be that its not for me but i cannot for the life of me find anything romantic about this man or any redeeming qualities that would make it worth continuing this book.