Thank you to the author and Victory editing for an eArc of this book!

It feels closer to a 3.5-3.75 for me but overall I enjoyed the book.

Matt is a small town boy who owns and runs his own flower shop and Zoey is the city girl who comes into town on a mission to develop a piece of land to secure her spot for upward movement in her fathers company. Matt and Zoey’s relationship goes from one-night stand, to animosity, to fake dating/friendship to woo the town into Zoey’s proposal.

Overall this felt very cozy. The town halls were giving Gilmore Girls. I couldn’t tell at times if Matt was a grump all the time or just toward Zoey. I really liked getting to see Zoey learn how to live a slower pace of life and start to see herself making in home in Pine Falls.

There were a couple things that I had a hard time with:
- the fake dating felt forced (I wish it had been a fake friendship to friendship/dating rather than fake dating.
- I’m still really confused at why Matt is paying for all of his sister’s schooling…
- some of the dialogue felt repetitive. There were some really heartfelt and beautiful moments between Matt and Zoey and then others that felt like more of the same

BUT I DID TEAR UP. There was a really beautiful scene of found family that got me tearing up. (No more info cause spoiler free)

Again I had a good time with this book and I will definitely read more of Elodie’s books in the future.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc !!

i absolutely adored this!!! it was so cute and so heartwarmingly sweet it honestly made my cheeks hurt with how much i smiled in parts!!
i loved all the characters and that there was such a big cast of them! as someone recently diagnosed as autistic and who has worked with autistic kids in the past, i loved Daphne’s character and thought the autism representation was done really well and i appreciated the authors dedication and care into researching!!

the setting was beautiful, the writing was super immersive and i really felt like i was in pine falls with these characters!
makes me wish i lived in a small town…

i highly recommend picking this up if you’re looking for a cute and cozy read that will fill you with joy <33

★★★★ Super cute and surprisingly heartfelt

This was such a fun read! I went in expecting a light fake-dating romcom, and while it definitely delivered on the swoony moments and small-town charm, it also had more emotional depth than I expected. Zoey and Matt have great chemistry, and I loved watching their relationship slowly shift from awkward business arrangement to something real.

Zoey’s character really grew on me—she starts off kind of guarded and out of place, but you see her soften and connect with the town in a way that feels genuine. And Matt? Total grump with a heart of gold. Their banter was great, and the side characters added a lot of warmth and humor.

I knocked off one star just because a few parts felt a little rushed, especially toward the end. But overall, it was sweet, funny, and left me smiling. Definitely picking up the next book in the series.

✨ Initial Vibes

Picked this up because I’m a sucker for a pink cover. I was expecting cozy vibes and low-stakes drama, and that’s exactly what I got—in a good way.

📖 What It’s About

Zoé (or Zooey) leaves the big city behind to win over the town of Pine Falls and build a luxury hotel—something her father failed to do. If she pulls it off, she’ll be next in line for his hospitality empire. But small towns don’t love outsiders, and Zoé’s ice-queen aura isn’t helping. Enter Matt, the town’s charming florist with a soft heart, a business he wants to grow, and a deal: he’ll fake date Zoé to soften her image if she helps him with his brand. What starts as a mutually beneficial scam gets complicated when feelings bloom.

❤️ What I Loved
• The fake dating vibes were adorable. We love when an entire town pretends not to notice that two people are falling in love in broad daylight.
• Matt is a smitten, golden-retriever-grade boyfriend and I am so here for it. He’s devoted, sincere, and just a little dorky—perfect contrast to Zoé’s poised ambition.
• The small-town setting is full of cozy, late-summer-to-early-fall energy—crunchy leaves, flower shops, community events. This would make a perfect seasonal read.
• Loved the glimpses of Zoé bonding with Daphne, Matt’s autistic younger sister. Her presence was sweet and steady.

💘 Romance Vibes

The chemistry is more soft glow than raging fire, but it works for this kind of story. Matt is 100% in his feelings, and Zoé starts off guarded and brisk, which makes it satisfying to watch her soften—not because of Matt, but because she finally feels safe enough to do so.
Fake dating works best when it’s emotionally risky, and while the stakes here were fairly low, I still cheered for them when they got together for real.

🤨 What Didn’t Work (for me)
• The hotel plot takes up a lot of space, so I was hoping for a more satisfying resolution. It kind of…fizzled.
• Zoé’s big shift—from corporate heir to maybe-nurse?—felt underdeveloped. There was one passing mention of nursing earlier in the book, but the decision still came out of nowhere.

💭 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet, low-conflict romance with small-town coziness and a cinnamon-roll MMC who falls fast and hard, this is a great pick. Read it on a porch with a warm drink. It’s warm, and sometimes that’s what you need.

🧠 Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

But what a beautiful book, and not just because of its cover. The story is one of those that leaves you with a warm feeling in your heart.

The story follows Zoey, a businesswoman who arrives in the small town of Pine Falls to prove to her father that she can take over the family business (we already know the father from the book Unbearably Yours, which is also set in this small town, and we don't like him). Upon arriving, she meets Matt, and let's just say they got off on the wrong foot, but also on the right foot.

The story is fast-paced, a little chaotic with everything that happens at the beginning, but I loved every moment of it (and I mean chaotic in a good way because of some of Matt's actions, so go read this book). I liked the romance because there wasn't a lot of drama between them. I liked that even though they were pretending, they were getting to know each other and falling in love a little more.

It was a light story with serious themes that were well handled. This is the second book I've read by this author, and I can say that I really like her writing style, so I'm looking forward to the other books in this series!

This book was such a delight! The romance unfolded quickly, but it never once felt rushed or insta-lovey. Basically: the kind of story you pick up for "just one chapter"... and suddenly it's midnight and you've read the whole thing😉

Zoey was such a standout-she's a fierce businesswoman but with a genuine heart that cares about the people around her. And Matt... okay, he's a little grumpy at first🙃, but once the walls come down, he's the sweetest ever. His bond with his sister had me soft the entire time🥰

Publishes: 08/26/25
Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!🌸

I went between wanting to binge this in a day to needing to drag it out because I loved the mmc and felt like I could relate well to the fmc.

Is Matt Becker kind of my dream man and am I actually really upset that he is fictional.... even as a happily married woman, yes.
1.) Loves his town and has fun friends
2.) Is a florist and has great hair
3.) He listens and plans dates/gifts/conversations accordingly
4.) Very supportive and anticipates needs
5.) *MOST important* The way he protects, defends, supports and loves Daphnie (his "autistic sister")

The first night I started reading I thought the plot was fun, the town was cute and the characters had enough tension and chemistry to make this a good book. Then the next night I picked this up and witnessed Matt standing up to his mother who is in denial about Daphnie's diagnosis and learned more about how he helps his sister thrive emotionally and financially. I have never been this in love with any character, but come on!....other than his name, sorry to all Matt's.

I have strong opinions on mama Becker but she tried to redeem herself so ill pretend this is dream world and she magically becomes a good supportive mother.

Is this the plot? No 🤣

I really had high hopes for this. It has all the good elements of a small town romance with the sunshine x grumpy trope, the city girl x country. boy trope but wow Matt was often insufferable. Still enjoyed reading this one but had to roll my eyes quite a bit.

𝗛𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝘀. 𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴?🚩
So, I fell in love with this cover on NetGalley and just had to request it, this was a total cover-buy (cover-request??) for me.

Let’s get the messy bits out of the way first:
- I hated everyone in this book at some point.
- Yes, her ex cheated (no forgiving that), but she didn’t exactly sound like a devoted partner either.
- The love interest HATES cats (!!!) and snapped at her SO FAST.
- She prepped for her small-town trip for a whole week but somehow never checked where her cabin was or what clothes she’d need??!
- Both families = a total disaster.
And if insta-lust/love isn’t your thing… this probably isn’t for you.

✨ BUT ✨
I could. not. put. this. down. It sucked me right in, and I was living in this Hallmark movie in my head for hours until I finished. Cozy small-town vibes, grumpy florist x city girl, fake-dating-basically rom-com catnip (even if he hates cats 🙄). Total vibes!

❓Have you ever bought a book because the cover was pretty? And did it live up to yout expectation?

PLEASE ERASE MY MEMORY AND LET ME READ THIS AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME. Matt and Zoey are so forking adorableeeee

If you love:
✨ slowburns
💍 fake dating
🌆 city girl vs small-town guy drama
☀️🌧 grumpy x sunshine chemistry

…then Hoax and Kisses by Elodie Colliard is everything you need.

Zoey shows up in this small town in her designer outfits, ready to prove herself in business, but underneath all that polish she’s funny, sweet, and has a huge heart. She’s determined to get what she came for—until a certain grumpy flower shop owner gets in her way. And Matt Becker?? Let’s all take a moment. The man is broody in the best way—hot, protective, a little stubborn, but with the softest love for his little sister and his town. He had me swooning the entire time.

The chemistry between Zoey and Matt was OFF. THE. CHARTS. Every scene with them had me kicking my feet. The fake dates, the tension, the banter, the slowburn build-up—it was just perfection. And when the lines started blurring between fake and real? I was gone.

What I loved most is that this wasn’t just romance (though it gave me more than enough of that!). There was plot, family dynamics, a sprinkle of drama, and just the right amount of spice. It felt like such a fresh mix of my favourite tropes, and it had the perfect balance of swoony romance and actual story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 — utterly intoxicating, sweet, and addictive. I wanted MORE. Their love was so cute, so believable, and so heartwarming. I already know I’ll be picking up every single book Elodie Colliard writes after this.

Summary
Hoax and Kisses by Elodie Colliard is a small-town fake-dating romance where florist Matt Becker, struggling to support his sister, strikes a deal with city executive Zoey, whose hotel project has turned the locals against her. What begins as a convenient arrangement soon feels real, with all the cosy charm and community warmth of a Gilmore Girls episode, sprinkled with found family and just the right touch of steam.

Review
I have so much love for this book. It gave me cosy romance, gorgeous small-town scenery, twists I didn’t see coming, and more than a few scenes that left me a little hot under the collar.

The setting was pure Gilmore Girls with a splash of Shondaland drama (iykyk)... comforting, dramatic, and completely addictive.

Matt? Honestly, a walking green flag. Yes, I’ll let the first town meeting outburst slide, but everything after that had me melting. His care for Daphne, his florist expertise (the man knows the perfect bouquet for any mood), and his unwavering support for Zoey made him the ultimate swoon-worthy hero.

Zoey was just as compelling. A people pleaser on the edge of burnout, trying to keep everyone happy… painfully relatable. The nod to her past as a paediatric nurse hit close to home for me, and her relationship with her dad was absolutely heartbreaking. His actions at the end were unforgivable, but her strength in facing him and protecting the people she grew to love... made me cheer for her all the more.

Daphne, though, stole my heart. Elodie’s portrayal of autism was careful, nuanced, and never boxed in. With a younger sister on the spectrum and being neurospicy myself, I recognised the authenticity in her character immediately. She was written with such respect and care, and it made her feel real.

And finally, the townspeople… oh, the townspeople. If you’ve ever wanted to live in Stars Hollow, this is your book. Their loyalty, their messy mix of anger and forgiveness, and ultimately their deep sense of community gave me the warmest fuzzies.

A cosy, heartfelt romance with characters who linger long after the last page. I can’t wait for the next instalment.

________________________________________________

Thank you Elodie Colliard and Netgalley for providing this ARC of Hoax and Kisses in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! ✨

This was such a sweet small-town romance that gave me all the cozy feels. Matt, the small-town man with a big heart, is busy taking care of his sister when Zoe, the city girl he assumes is a little too spoiled for his world, comes into his life. Cue fake dating (one of my favorite tropes!), slow-burn tension, and the kind of chemistry that makes you root for them from the start.

I loved how Matt fell so hard for Zoe—his grumpy-but-soft energy made him such a perfect book boyfriend. And Zoe? She proved she was so much more than the city girl stereotype. Together, they were the sweetest mix of opposites attract and found-family warmth.

If you love:
💕 Small town charm
💕 Fake dating shenanigans
💕 A hero who falls first & falls hard
💕 City girl meets country boy vibes

…then this one is for you!

"When I finally touch her lips, I'm home. She tastes like my favorite things: flowers and sunshine. Or maybe she is my new favorite thing."

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for early access to this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Elodie Colliard does it again👏👏

This book was very very good. I loved the small town vibes and the cameos from characters from Unbearably Yours. I really enjoyed the autism representation and the relationship between the main characters. I felt like the characters weren't as developed as I wanted them to be, which is why this isn't a five star. But I did enjoy this one overall!

4.5 ⭐
ARC provided by NetGalley & Elodie Colliard ❤️ thank you so much!! 💌

This was my first ever Elodie Colliard book and OMG I’m obsessed 😍 I am definitely in my small-town fake dating romance era, and I devoured this one!!

Also the cover has my heart!!! Its so beautiful 😭😍 I can stare at it every day🤭

The story had everything I adore: small-town charm, heartfelt moments, and chemistry that made me melt. Matt’s bond with his town folks — especially with his sister Daphne — completely warmed my heart. The autism rep with Daphne was beautifully done and added so much depth and authenticity to the story. I adored their sibling dynamic, the way he cared for her, and how it showed such a softer, protective side of him.

On the other side, Zoey’s journey was so powerful. The way she constantly felt like she had to prove she was “good enough” really tugged at my heart. Watching her struggle, stumble, and then slowly grow into her own was so inspiring. She deserved all the love and belonging she found in the end.

And can we talk about Zoey + Matt together?! Their chemistry was the perfect mix of tension, tenderness, and comfort. Every scene they shared felt electric in a sweet, small-town way 🥹 the kind that makes you root for them with your whole heart. 🥹💖

Elodie didn’t just give us a romcom, she gave us a story with heart. A balance of laugh-out-loud moments, emotional struggles, and a romance that feels both swoony and real. Her writing was so addictive, I swear I didn’t even realize how quickly I was turning pages until I was done.

Overall, Hoax and Kisses was such a wholesome, heartwarming romance that made me laugh, melt, and ache in the best way. I’ll 100% be picking up more of Elodie’s books after this 💖

If you’re craving a small-town, fake-dating romance with cozy feels, family bonds, and meaningful rep 🎀 this one’s for you!

⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3/5

Thank you to the endlessly lovely Elodie for the advanced copy!

This was just the romance I needed! Fake dating will forever be my favorite trope, and Hoax and Kisses delivered just that! Matt and Zoey were perfection! From their very unfortunate meet-cute in the rain, to their SUPER HOT one-night stand 🥵, and then to hating each other’s guts! What an entertaining start! But with every great fake dating romance, our MCs begrudgingly discover that there is something that could be theirs if they are successful in faking a relationship with the other (bc OF COURSE there is), and I could not get enough!

Every moment between Matt and Zoey had me grinning like an idiot. The chemistry between these two was undeniable, and the spiiiiiice! Wooooo-ey! When in Pine Falls, indeed!

Speaking of Pine Falls, this small town was adorable! I just loved how well developed it was and how each character introduced played a part. Small town romances are some of my favorites! I cannot wait to see more of the townspeople in future books! 👀

What I appreciated most in this story was the autism representation through Matt’s sister, Daphne. Her love for flowers was infectious and I cannot get over how Matt opened a flower shop and made it his career! Their sibling relationship was truly special and seeing Matt stand up and show up for her with every breath he took was so overwhelmingly heartwarming. But man oh man did I want to BOP their mother!

I really loved the callbacks to previous novels of Elodie’s. Seeing Charlee and Oliver again warmed my heart and knowing Charlee was responsible for Matt’s cocklection made me SO HAPPY! 😂

I simply cannot wait to see where this series goes and who we get to meet in Book 2! I know it’s going to be good!

Thank you so much Elodie Collard and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC. I read this so fast. I loved it! its a great end of summer beginning of fall book. It has fake dating, small town, no third act break up. I really loved the FMC and the MMC chemistry. I can't wait to read more from Elodie!

When I first started this book, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Matt—his attitude toward Zoey had me hesitant. But by the end, the way he loves and cares for her will absolutely make your heart swoon.

Pine Falls itself feels like a character in the story. I would love to visit and soak in all its beauty and charm. Watching Zoey find herself there, realizing she is worthy of love and tenderness after being broken down by men in her past, was so touching.

I also really appreciated the autism representation through Matt’s sister, Daphne. Elodie did such a thoughtful job showing what life can look like, and it added so much depth to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Elodie Colliard, and Victory Editing for the advanced copy of *Hoax and Kisses*💗💐

🗓 Publication date: August 26, 2025

💗 fake dating romance
💐 city girl / small town boy
💗 small town coziness
💐 autistic rep in a side characters
💗 found family
💐 healthy communication
💗 no third act breakup 👏🏼
💐 beautiful cover!😍

*Hoax and Kisses* by Elodie Colliard is a fake dating romance set in a charming small town that definitely gives Stars Hollow vibes. So cozy!
The main characters Zoey and Matt are both very lovable and honest and have great chemistry. They have personal challenges and hurt from their past to overcome but do so with each other's help. When mistakes are made, they communicate and apologize. Overall the story has a nice balance between tender and spicy moments while also offering a plot that kept me engaged beyond the love story.

Matt's sister Daphne is a wonderful addition to the story. She's such a sweet character! I really appreciate the way her autism diagnosis is presented very naturally and woven into the story in a big way. The way Matt cares for his sister is heartwarming!

Also, the people of Pine Falls and Matt's friends make the best side characters. They are funny, warm and quirky and bring so much to the story. I hope this becomes a series because I would very much like to return to Pine Falls!

💗 ARC review 💗

COSY COSY COSY!!!
small town charm and slow burn romance.. what more could you want??
such a wholesome book about love, family, finding yourself and a whole pile of flowers💐
💗💗💗💗/5

A round of applause for Elodie and her newest book Hoax & Kisses! When I read Unbearably Yours last year (which you definitely need to read ASAP!), I knew right away I wanted more of Oliver’s friends. Naturally, I spammed Elodie telling her how badly I needed Matt, Lola, and James’ stories. And now here we are with Book 1 of 3! I know you didn’t write this just for me, Elodie, but I’m absolutely going to pretend you did 🤭 thank you!

If you’re into a mean-but-protective MMC who eventually softens for a total boss babe FMC, then Hoax & Kisses is for you! (And don’t worry the “mean MMC” thing won’t scare you off, because Zoey can throw the jabs right back 👀) This book had everything: tension, drama, banter, flirting, and plenty of laughs. But what really stood out to me was how deeply the characters understood each other; their fears, doubts, and struggles. Even though their relationship had a rocky start, it blossomed into something truly beautiful. 🌸❤️

Additionally, I’d like to highlight the wonderful work Elodie did in writing Daphne. As a character on the Autism spectrum, Daphne was crafted with great care. Elodie took the time to educate herself about the lived experiences of individuals with Autism and also worked with sensitivity readers to ensure authenticity and respect in her portrayal. It was also truly beautiful to read about how Matt and Zoey cared so deeply for Daphne. They took the time to understand how she socializes, her repetitive patterns, and her sensory processing, showing a thoughtful and compassionate approach to her character.

A huge thank you to Elodie, the team at LoveNotes, & Netgalley for allowing me to read Hoax & Kisses prior to pub day!