I really liked Zoey and I loved how much she cared about her project and doing right by the town. I also really enjoyed the sibling relationship between Matt and Daphne. Their dynamic and interactions were super sweet and heartwarming. I loved the autism representation as well.

I would have loved to see more of the group of friends all together. Especially Charlee. I forgot how much I loved her. I know we got a few scenes with all/some of the friend group, but their interactions were so fun and I will never get enough of the found family trope, so I wouldn't have minded more.

I loved Unbearably Yours and I really enjoyed being able to come back to Pine Falls. I'm hoping we get Lola's story eventually because she's a huge book girlie and I just know her story would be great!

4 stars.

"Hoax and Kisses" by Elodie Colliard is a great fake-dating, small-town romance featuring two interesting main characters, Zoe and Matt, and some excellent side characters as well. This story is deceptively deep, dealing with parental trauma and parental expectations. I love the way Colliard created Daphne, who is Matt's younger sister and who is on the autism spectrum. Colliard doesn't shy away from the fact that, even within her own family, people do not accept Daphne for who she is. This makes for a compelling (but frustrating because I wanted to slap her mom!) dynamic between Matt and his parents, and eventually Zoe and his mother. I really admired how she portrayed Daphne and her autism diagnosis. It felt accurate and authentic, as if she used sensitivity readers to get the facts just right. I truly appreciate that!! The relationsip between Zoe and Matt starts out as pretty insta-lust-y, but fleeting feeling become rather serious pretty quickly. I love how Matt owned a flower shop and was dedicated to his sister. I love how Zoe eventually breaks out of her shell and starts putting herself first over her work life. The longer they are together, the more their walls come crashing down and they let each other in. I found this book to be mostly fast-paced, and I finished it rather quickly. It is well-written and quite fun with a good amount of humor and enough seriousness to balance it. was pleasantly surprised by this novel, and I can't wait to see if there will be another one set in this universe!

Thank you to NetGalley, Elodie Colliard, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

3.5 Stars.

Thank you to Eloise Collard, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book ahead of its release. I really enjoyed this book, and felt like it was a perfect transitional book from late summer into early fall. The coziness of our smalltown vibes that felt as a warm hug, alongside characters who felt equally as cozy. If you enjoy stories by authors like Hannah Bonam Young, then I think you will really enjoy this one.
While this story is about a “Fake Relationship” on the surface, it is very much a story that dives into discussions about self discovery and the ability to trust yourself and how love can be right around the corner.

Zoey, our FMC is a polished, driven businesswoman, determined to prove herself to her father and secure her place in his hotel empire. Her latest task takes her to a small town with a painful family history, where she must convince locals to sell land for a new hotel.
Matt, our MMC is the grumpy but deeply kind local florist, stretched thin running his shop and caring for his teenage sister Daphne as a support for herAs she navigates the world with Autism. The Autism representation was very delicately handled with Matt’s sister Daphne who he is taking care of throughout the novel. When these characters speak on this, it is treated with care, but it is also not used as a Daphne’s entire personality. It is just a piece of her character that Eloise makes special. Daphne was a very sweet character who gave us moments of comedic relief which was well appreciated.

Zoey and Matt’s worlds collide in a predictable “corporate city girl meets stubborn small-town man” setup. As we all know, it is only so long before these two give into their feelings and take us on a romance adventure. With a sweet and spicy twist that is just so very good.

If you like these Tropes:
✨Smalltown romance
✨Fake dating
✨Found family
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Autism representation
✨No third act break up

Hoax and Kisses is a charming, witty romance that had me smiling from start to finish. Elodie Colliard delivers clever banter, endearing characters, and a fun, twisty plot full of misunderstandings and surprises. The chemistry between the leads is delightful, with sparks flying in just the right moments, while the story balances humor and heart beautifully.

It’s a light, enjoyable read—perfect for fans of rom-coms with a playful, contemporary twist. The pacing is brisk, and the story wraps up satisfyingly, leaving a lingering warmth.

Hoax and Kisses screams Hallmark with Zoey, a big city businesswoman, falling for Matt, the grumpy small town florist. There was tons of snarky banter, crazy small town shenanigans, and my favorite trope—fake dating.

Perfect for anyone looking for something light, fun, and bingeable.

This book was a 5-star read for me within the first 3 chapters!

Tropes:
Small Town
Fake Dating
Enemies to Lovers
Grumpy MC
City Girl FMC
Angsty
Spice 3

Reading Hoax and Kisses was like peeling every layer of an onion. With each layer peeled we found something else about Matt or Zoey that I didn't execpt. Matt is everything and then some!
I thought with how the book started that there would be more spicy moments in the book, but was surprised it turned into a slow burn that kept me entertained.

This review was posted on Goodreads on August 15th 2025.

And we all say in unison: Thank you Elodie Colliard for writing a book with an incredibly hard-working and kind FMC, a supportive and caring MMC AND amazing autism rep!!



When Zoey marches into Matt’s small town to secure some land, they inevitably get off on the wrong foot. Matt thinks Zoey is a princess from the city, Zoey thinks Matt is a rude local. What they can’t deny though, despite their differences, is that they both find each other attractive.
 What neither of them expect is to find themselves in a fake-dating situation and for that to evolve into something deeper.



Starting this book, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. Matt was pretty rude for no reason and I wasn’t sure I could see these two in a relationship but wow did the author prove me wrong!
The pacing was great, as the story progressed you could feel how both Zoey and Matt let down their walls and how their true caring selfs surfaced. Both of them would do everything they could for their loved ones and I really thought the love was palpable even though the book is rather short. Zoey’s people pleasing was extremely relatable and Matt’s love and care for his sister was heart-warming.



Lastly, thank you to the author for the amazing autism rep! I speak from first hand experience and the author described extremely well how much love there is but that it can also be challenging at times to care for someone on the spectrum and how stigma still plays an essential role. It was truly spot-on.

This was an absolutely delightful, cozy and quick small-town romance read and I don’t think this will be my last book by the author!



Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the earc in exchange for an honest review!



„Hoax And Kisses“ is out August 26th, 2025!

A cozy, heartwarming romance that sneaks under your skin.

Returning to Pine Falls felt like slipping into a familiar, comforting world. Elodie’s signature charm is all over Hoax and Kisses—from the picturesque small-town setting to the witty, sharp dialogue that makes the characters feel instantly real. This story, at its heart, is about more than a fake relationship: it’s about self-discovery, trust, and learning that love can arrive where you least expect it.

Zoey Delacroix is a polished, driven businesswoman, determined to prove herself to her father and secure her place in his hotel empire. Her latest task takes her to a small town with a painful family history, where she must convince locals to sell land for a new hotel. Enter Matt Becker, the grumpy but deeply kind local florist, stretched thin running his shop and caring for his teenage sister. Their worlds collide in a predictable “corporate city girl meets stubborn small-town man” setup—but Elodie layers it with nuance and heart that elevates the story beyond the familiar trope.

The fake-dating arrangement is the catalyst for genuine connection. Zoey’s corporate polish clashes with Matt’s down-to-earth practicality, but what starts as strategy quickly becomes something tender and real. Watching Matt’s patience, devotion to his sister, and quiet strength slowly chip away at Zoey’s guarded heart is both satisfying and deeply moving. And Zoey herself is more than a “spoiled city girl”—her warmth, intelligence, and willingness to see the best in others make her instantly likable. Their romance blossoms naturally, full of visible, tender moments that feel earned, not rushed.

What truly sets this story apart is the way the secondary characters enhance it. Matt’s sister isn’t just a cute side note; her interactions with Zoey add genuine depth, warmth, and stakes to their growing bond. The town itself feels alive, each neighbor, shop, and street corner adding texture to the story. The narrative also balances humor, tension, and emotion perfectly—the witty banter keeps things lively, while quieter, unguarded moments give the romance weight.

By the end, the lines between business arrangement and true feelings blur in a way that’s both believable and swoon-worthy. Hoax and Kisses is a story about compromise, opening your heart, and discovering that love isn’t just about fireworks—it’s about quiet moments, trust, and shared life. Fans of cozy, small-town romances, slow-burn love, and heartfelt emotional stakes will be utterly enchanted.

Hoaxes and kisses

Such a great read!

The perfect small town romance with a drool worthy MMC 🥰

We have a badass strong FMC, who takes the small town by a storm ⛈️

I loved the found family and the different personalities of the side characters we meet 🫶🏻

I also loved the representation of autism throughout the book - as a someone with autism myself I really felt seen and felt the representation of relationships surrounding neurodivergence was on point!

Amazing easy cozy read 🥰

4.5

This was sooo good! I've loved every one of Elodie's books more and more and am so thankful for this early copy!

Zoey and Matt are both great characters and I loved them each. Matt was truly the softest and sweetest man and is my new favorite of Elodie's MMCs! Zoey is definitely somehow that needed to learn to relax and not feel like the weight of the world is on her shoulders. The way they interacted with each other and helped the other get over difficulties was great. I loved seeing how supportive Matt was and how he was gently encouraging Zoe to step away from the things that she didn't enjoy and caused further stress for her. And Zoey was incredible with Matt and supporting him with his sister and his worries about her and their sibling relationship.

If you want a book that has fake dating, small town romance, dual POV, and no third act break up then I’ve got a great rec for you!
First, what a gorgeous cover this book has! We all know the saying, but maybe we can judge just a little bit? 😍
This is a sweet book with a cozy setting. It has real characters with real flaws. You want to root for them and their personal growth. I definitely encourage you to give this book a shot when it comes out at the end of the month.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

3.5 ⭐️

Hoax and Kisses is basically a Hallmark movie without the tinsel...big city businesswoman, small-town grumpy florist...but with just enough sass, fake dating, and small-town chaos to keep you grinning like a fool. It’s got the cozy vibes, the Gilmore Girls–style backdrop, and enough business drama to spice up the flower arrangements.

Zoey is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for...driven, smart, and actually gives a damn about the people her work affects. Watching her slowly fall for Pine Falls (and its grumpiest resident) felt delightfully organic. Plus, seeing her finally snatch the steering wheel of her own life from her overbearing father? Chef’s kiss. And let’s just say his ending was deeply satisfying.

Matt… whew. He entered the chat with some unnecessary attitude...like, relax, sir, she’s just breathing in your general direction. But once the ice thawed, he turned out to be a total sweetheart with some serious “I will protect my sister at all costs” energy. Speaking of which...Daphne? MVP. The autistic rep was handled beautifully, her love of flowers was charming, and she completely stole every scene she was in.

Sure, the insta-lust was a little “okay, wow, we’re doing this fast,” some of the dialogue had more bite than necessary, and the ending dragged just enough to feel like I was fake dating the book to get through it. But the sweet moments, small-town charm, and floral-shop banter more than made up for it.

If you’re after a light, heartwarming romcom with grumpy/sunshine energy, fake dating, and flower-scented cozy chaos, Hoax and Kisses will hit the spot—like a comfort watch you didn’t know you needed.

"Hoax and Kisses" is a small town romance about Zoey, a businesswoman who is dispatched to a small town to try and convince them that her father's business should be allowed to build a lodge there. One of her biggest detractors is hunky florist Matt. One thing leads to another and they eventually decide to fake date to win over the town.

"Hoax and Kisses" has a big heart but way too much on its plate. It feels like there are endless tropes crammed into this book. The premise has promise and the main characters are endearing, but the execution feels a bit cluttered. The love scenes were high points, and the secondary characters probably need the most work.

4.5⭐️ Thank you Elodie for this arc! It was wonderful to return back to Pine Falls and fall in love Matt (the second man with a man bun who has captured my heart!), and Zoey who is such a fantastic and strong character.

The meet cute reminded me of a funny 2000s movie and had so many hilarious moments! I need more books like this. This book is so lovely and full of heart, a wholesome story about love, family, community, self-discovery, and tons of flowers 🌼🌷💐

I ROUTED for Zoey... how she built her career and how she wanted to change, wanted a life and not just a job. Her bond with Daphne (Matt's little sister) was so adorable. Her character is well rounded, relatable and her development was very well done... spoiler, she's a badass!

I will admit, it took me a while to warm to Matt as he was a bit rude to Zoey at times.. typical mmc trying to protect his town and their way of life. Those who know me, know that I do not like blonde MMCs🤭 but he is such a sunshine character and how he dotes on Daphne, his little sister, had me SWOONING! He was so so smitten with Zoey!

I love Elodie's writing so much, she's an author I was introduced to last year and I don't regret it. The covers drew me in, but her writing, her romances ... they live rent free in my heart and soul.
No need to read anything prior, however you'll love this more if you read her other books - especially 𝘜𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 (my ABSOLUTE FAV!) - as this is set in the same place with a cheeky appearance from Oliver and Charlee.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This romance really took hallmark movies and ran with it. The characters were well-developed and the small town really came alive. The main conflict was clear and made a lot of sense. I also loved the lack of a third act breakup. This one is definitely a romance worth reading!

📖✨ Small town charm? Check. Fierce heroine? Double check. A hero who loves his sister with his whole heart? Swoon overload! 🥹💖

From the very first chapter, Pine Falls wrapped me up in all its cozy, heartwarming magic 🏡🌸. This little town has the perfect mix of gossip, charm, and found-family vibes that make you want to pack your bags and move there immediately.

Zoey completely stole my heart 💪💫—she’s fierce, independent, and so determined to prove herself, but also has this softer side that shines through as the story goes on. Watching her open up and find a sense of belonging in Pine Falls was so satisfying.

And then there’s Matt 😍🌹. Not only is he a ridiculously swoony florist (seriously, flowers + a big heart = the dream 💐❤️), but his love and devotion to his sister Daphne absolutely melted me. The way he takes care of her, supports her, and puts her happiness first… chef’s kiss. 👏✨

Speaking of Daphne—she was an absolute gem 💕. Her personality lit up the pages, and the representation of her character was done with so much care and authenticity. Every scene she was in made me smile. 🥰

And can we talk about the side characters?! From quirky neighbors to loyal friends, every single one added depth, humor, and warmth to the story. I found myself secretly hoping each of them gets their own book. 😂

This is such a perfect blend of fake dating, small-town magic, found family, and heartfelt romance. There’s banter, there’s chemistry, there’s swoon-worthy moments… and yet it also tackles deeper emotions with so much heart. 💌🌟

4 stars! this was such a lovely read. honestly just what i needed. i love a small town romance, and a bit of a cliche, and the sweetness in this just hit the spot. the spice on the side was a perfect touch. getting to learn more about both of their pasts and relationships with family hit close to home. the autism representation was pretty bang on too (imo, as an autistic woman) and watching people stand up for each other was healing. loved this and would be so happy to read more from this author! thank you for the arc in exchange for an honest review <3

∞⭐

— "I think you and I were meant to meet at this exact comment in our lives. Neither of us would have been ready for such a profound change if it had come a few years ago."
— "You're the best decision I'll ever make in my life."
— "Home. It's him. He's my home."
— "You've been my new beginning for longer than you know."

*slams hand on table* Now, THIS is the kind of book I live for. As my first Elodie Colliard read, I genuinely didn’t know what I was walking into - but it blew me away. I wasn’t ready to love it as much as I did. Like… this book genuinely altered my brain chemistry. I finished it and just sat there like; “What do I even do with myself now?” That’s how good it was. I went in thinking it would be the typical small-town romance; florist meets city girl, some cute moments, a little fluff, and that's it. But oh, my heart. It turned out to be so much more than that. It had warmth, depth, and all these little emotional moments that totally caught me off guard. I was smiling like an idiot. It was soft, sweet, and just full of feelings in the best way. The romance between the Zoey and Matt (a.k.a MattyDaddy to me) is genuinely heartfelt. You could feel the chemistry through the pages. What made me love them even more was how respectful and understanding they were with each other. No unnecessary drama, no third act-breakup (bless), just two people communicating and growing together. Speaking of which, the character development in this book was vivid and beautifully realistic.
The relationship feels healthy and real, and that only made me love them even more than I already did. The spicy scenes were perfect for the story. They’re not too much or over the top. Elodie keeps it simple, not too detailed or graphic, but still keeps things interesting.
What blew me away is how effortlessly addictive Elodie's writing is. It flows naturally that the story just pulls you along, making it impossible to put the book down. She doesn't just focus on the main characters, I believe she puts herself in the minds of the side characters too, making sure their actions and reactions feel totally believable. That attention to detail makes the whole story feel fresh and original. Everything just fits together perfectly.

No notes. No criticism. Nothing negative. This book is pure perfection, and I will not hear otherwise. This is hands down one of my favourite reads this year.

Needless to say, Hoax & Kisses shot straight to the top of my small-town romance faves. I’m obsessed. I’ll be yelling about this book to anyone who’ll listen - non-stop, all day, every day. It’s that good. H&K is the first book in the "When in Pine Falls" series. It is fast-paced, bingeable, you-can-finish-it-in-a-day type of book. It's swoony, spicy, and has all the good stuff you'll like! Thank you Netgalley for sending over an early copy 💓

Tropes:
— ONS
— Fake dating
— Small town romance
— Dual POV
— No 3rd act break-up
— Found family
— Florist x City girl
— Rivals to lovers
— 🌶️🌶️.5

Another adorable romance book that makes me swoon.

I LOVE me a little fake dating and I feel like Elodie Colliard did it so well. Zoey and Matt had such great chemistry from the get go, they were so inevitable. I love the moment they go "is this still fake?" You bet it's not!!!

The small town and the people in it are so sweet and wholesome, I really hope that we see more books, because I absolutely adored Pine Falls and I would love to come back and visit!

Matt's character is so sweet and his care for his sister is so precious. Daphne as an autistic child has different needs and Matt is her biggest advocate. Taking care of her, even when her own mother can't. Watching him fall in love with Zoey, who just seems to get him and his responsibilities was sweet. Not too mention, him teaching her how to pursue what she actually wants and pushing her to take a new beginning.

If you love Lucy Score and sweet romances, this book is a must read. Absolutely adorable and I swear is the equivalent to a warm hug on a cold day.

*3.75 stars

This was so fun!

I love a romance with an actual driving plot. I love a small town story with lovable and interesting townsfolk (think the When in Rome books by Sarah Adams or Lovelight Farm books by B.K. Borison). This book definitely has lots to love!

I really enjoyed Matt and Zoey’s relationship and character growth, although the insta love/lust situation was nottttt for me. I also wish we spent a little more time earlier on with the building up of their relationship, but overall I really like both of them and them as a couple.

And my darling Daphne! Ugh, what an excellent character who added so much to the story. I, like Matt, would die for her.

Really the only issues for me were the book’s pacing and the relationship pace, too. I still recommend!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.*