Ashlyn meets Jamie when she temporarily returns to town to help out her parents. Covering for them, will her and Jamie be able to sort out everything in town, and what will happen when she is she to leave town? I liked how it was told from both points of view. Looking forward to the next books in this series.

A perfect romance book with so much more. Not only do you fall in love with the characters, but you fall in love with Maple Falls too. Family emergency, town emergency, ex-girlfriend, bear infestation, Phillip, and fires. Ashlyn and Jamie had a lot to figure out, and I enjoyed seeing it all play out.

My biggest complaint is that it was too short. It was a quick easy and fun read. I love the series and enjoy the characters.

Return to Maple Falls! I definitely did not expect this, but I could not be more thrilled. Last year a number of romance writers delivered an absolutely wonderful collection of book in the form of the Love on Thin Ice series. It was centered around hockey players getting together on a team (the Ice Breakers) for a charity game in the small town of Maple Falls. While each could be read as a standalone, together they delivered a shared narrative. Each romcom was an absolute delight. Now it appears that history s repeating itself as Whitney Dineen delivers Face-Off with Fate, the first book in the Love in Maple Falls series. Clearly from the name of the series you can already guess this series once again takes place in Maple Falls. And once again the stories will be centered around hockey players falling in love.

This volume centers around Jamie and Ashlyn. Ashlyn is originally from Maple Falls. Ashlyn receives a call from here mother, who makes it clear that her marriage is on extremely rocky ground, so Ashyln rushes home to Maple Falls to see if she can help set things straight with her parents. As for Jamie, he’s come to Maple Falls to captain the new official Ice Breakers team and love is the last thing on his mind, but as the title implies…fate has other plans. This is a enchanting and sweet romance which I devoured in a single day, and an absolutely wonderful kickoff to this new series. I can’t to read the next one. And if you’ve never read any of Whitney’s work this is as good a place to start as any. I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with her style and want to check out more, and highly recommend her Pity series as well as her Gamble on Love Mom Com series.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R29S4IEV7WR1TO/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

4 Star Review Fake-Off With Fate (Love in Maple Falls #1) by Whitney Dineen

This is closet designer Ashley and hockey player Jamie’s story set in Maple Falls, Washington.

When Ashlynn returns home to Maple Falls the last thing she expects is to become the acting mayor.

Meeting Jamie also wasn’t planned but sometimes fate plays tricks on people. Neither of them were looking for love and yet they cannot ignore the attraction that sizzled between them.

This was an entertaining, well written story that ticked numerous boxes for me. It was a witty, fun book with characters whose story you cannot help but be drawn into.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book!

This book was the perfect cozy, fall, romance with a little bit of hockey.
The story was cute and the friends to lovers romance was well written.
I would highly recommend this to someone who’s looking for a cute no spice romance!
3 stars ⭐️

4⭐

First of all, I want to thank NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for sending me the ARC of this little book.
I must say I was very surprised! I have to admit I didn’t know the author or this series, but the cover and the blurb won me over.
If you’re looking for a hockey, small-town romance, fake dating, and slow burn – this is the perfect book. I loved the vibes of Ashlyn trying to save her Christmas Village, the fact that everyone has known each other since childhood, the whole situation with her parents and how she was a key part in rebuilding their love, and even her relationship with Jamie. Jamie really surprised me, because when I saw Allegra come back, I genuinely thought the third-act breakup was going to be bad, but it wasn’t. He turned out to be a man who doesn’t let himself be fooled and who stands by his convictions. I loved the way the author first wrote their friendship and how they had little moments together along the way.

I’ll admit I was expecting a bit more romance scenes, since there were only two kisses (no smut), and we could have seen more moments of them together, but since the book is quite short, it’s understandable. I also thought we’d get to see more of Mapple Falls in the autumn, but it wasn’t much in that sense.

Still, it’s definitely a cozy read, and I can’t wait to read the next books in the series 🍂

I love these multi author closed door romances and couldn’t be more excited for return to the fictional town of Maple Falls.

Unfortunately this was not a very good start to a new series. The premise was absolutely ridiculous; a 30 year old woman saving her parents marriage? Her job was silly, her character was silly and I didn’t really care where her story went. The male character was better but there was nothing unique about him to get me interested.

Some of the comments and jokes were cringy and come on, I’m a Canadian who actually doesn’t eat poutine so please don’t stereotype us thanks!

Dnf at 30%

Once again, Whitney Dineen does a great job of introducing a whole new cast of characters, while simultaneously including, or at least name-dropping, many of the previous characters, both main characters and supporting cast.

In this case, we have the mayor’s daughter, who returns to town from working with the stars of Los Angeles because she fears her parents’ marriage is about to implode. She buys them a trip to Barbados and convinces her father, the mayor of Maple Falls, that she can keep people from knowing he has left town and take care of his duties for the week. A natural disaster turns that week into a full month—which is good for the developing relationship between Ashlyn and Jamie!

Jamie is having some trouble with the transition from New York City to little Maple Falls. Especially since there are bears in the woods adjoining his home. He is not too manly to scream when the father bear growls at him, even when Ashlyn is there. It’s a funny moment.
Although she barely knows him, Ashlyn confides in Jamie quite early on about the threat to the town. He’s the only one who knows that her father the mayor is stranded in Barbados. Thus, they have to spend a lot of time together as he supports her in problem solving. Ashlyn has no intention of staying in Maple Falls once she has saved her parents’ marriage. She definitely isn’t looking for love. (When are they ever?) When she is forced to leave town for an emergency, she uses it as an excuse not to continue with Jamie, though she definitely has feelings for him.

Naturally, she comes to her senses, or we wouldn’t have our happy ending!

This book has the witty banter and funny events that we expect from Whitney Dineen. A couple of team members are mentioned that are dropped in the following two books, particularly one that is initially presented as an antagonist for Jamie. We get glimpses of the blossoming relationships of other couples to be featured in following books.

As a teacher, I object to the fact that the school offers extra credit to students who do odd jobs around the town and donate the money they receive. Grades should reflect learning, not fundraising. I’ll get off my soapbox now.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Ashlyn mentions finding things like whips in some of the closets she organizes. Porn is mentioned. Kissing. Deceiving the town about the mayor’s whereabouts. Mention of praying for the victims of a hurricane.

Who might like this book:
If you like witty banter, humor, hockey, and romance, here you go!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

#NetGalley #BookReview #Biblioquacious #RomCom #Hockey #FriendsToLove #FakeDating #WhitneyDineen #FakeOffWithFate

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2025/08/welcome-back-to-maple-falls.html

4.25⭐️
Small town romance + hockey player = my cozy weekend read 💕

This was such an easy, wholesome read — absolutely no spice, just all the warm fuzzy vibes. It’s technically a hockey romance, but honestly? The hockey takes a backseat to the charming small-town setting (and yes… the bears 🐻 had me laughing way more than expected).

It’s set over about two weeks, but weirdly didn’t feel rushed or fast-paced. You just kind of drift along with the story. I do wish the characters had been fleshed out a bit more — we didn’t get a ton of detail on them — but they were still likable and fun to root for.

If you’re in the mood for something light, cute, and a little swoony with quirky humor and a big dose of small-town charm, this is a great pick. Perfect for when you want to feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket 🫶

ARC review
Fake off with Fate by Whitney Dineen

I really enjoyed it - it was such a cute, funny romance story.
It really gave me small town vibe and felt like the kind of book you'd read in the fall.

On the other hand, I would have liked more romance and interaction between the main characters - but I still ate this up.
I liked how their story developed, even if it seemed a little rushed at times.
I wanted - I don't know, more sparkle between the main characters, but overall they were very cute.

I also wish it had been funnier, with more comedic scene, especially since it is a rom com.
I loved the scene with Jamie and the bears - he is so cute, like a little baby!
That part was both funny and adorable.
So yes, it was a enjoyable story overall.

Thank you Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for a copy of this book. 🥰🏒🤍

Amazing book loved the characters and plot. I couldn't stop reading I stayed up all night. I loved the book so much thank you for the arc.

This was a fun and lighthearted read. The fake relationship setup had me grinning right from the start, and the humor kept me turning pages. I enjoyed the main characters—their chemistry felt natural, and their banter made me laugh more than once. There were a few moments where things got a little over-the-top for my taste, but overall, it was charming, sweet, and exactly the kind of feel-good romance I enjoy escaping into.

Fake Off With Fate by Whitney Dineen reads like the perfect Hallmark movie in book form—sweet, charming, and full of small-town warmth.

The story follows Ashlyn, who returns home to help rekindle her parents’ romance. With her father serving as the mayor, small-town drama is unavoidable, especially as she tries to hold everything together while her parents enjoy a much-needed vacation. Along the way, she meets Jamie, the new hockey team captain, and together they navigate the quirks and challenges of small-town life.

It’s a quick, delightful read with an easily lovable storyline and heartwarming characters. A feel-good romance through and through.

Thank you to Whitney Dineen and NetGalley for the ARC.

Ashlyn, a professional organizer returns home to help save her parent's marriage. In doing so, she must take over her dad's job as mayor while pretending he didn't leave town. Jamie, the new small town's pro NHL team's captain for the new expansion team is feeling a little unsettled in the wilds of this small town having grown up in the big city. Jamie meets Ashlyn for a dinner he thought was with the mayor. Things don't go great at first but, in an effort to save the city from big billionaire, they band together and form a lasting friendship turned to love.

I swear every trope was thrown into this, it's really a vague outline for a Hallmark movie. While simplistic, it's a cute book with a satisfying ending. One thing really bothered me is the whole book revolves around some billionaire is claiming town lands should belong to him and no one though to consult the town's authority, and that's just overlooking the fact that someone could get away legally with doing mayoral duties when they're not an elected official.

Wildfires and hurricanes and bears, oh my! Fake-Off with Fate is jam packed with natural disasters and wildlife. While nature is a force to be reconned with, so is Whitney Dineen’s writing.

Brief Synopsis-
Professional closet organizer, Ashlyn, returns home (Maple Falls, Wa.) to find her parent’s marriage on the brink of divorce. As mayor of Maple Falls, her father is mismanaging his commitments, choosing the community over his wife. Desperate to find a solution before it is too late, Ashlyn arranges a spontaneous, romantic getaway. But she is met with resistance. A compromise is reached stipulating she will stay and serve as acting mayor should a problem arise. And boy do they!

Blindsided by a breakup, Jamie requests a trade to the Ice Breakers (an NHL team). Despite being named team captain, he hopes to keep a low profile. But when the media refuses to stop prying into his personal life, he must find a way to escape the spotlight.

Teaming up, Ashlyn and Jamie decide to work together to solve both of their problems. Will they be successful in their endeavors, or will they make a bigger mess of it all?

ARC REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Fake-Off with Fate by Whitney Dineen is the first book in the Love in Maple Falls Series. This is a multi-author, interconnected series that was born out of the success of Love on Thin Ice. The same wonderful group of seven writers are back to bring more hockey love stories from the picturesque, small-town readers know and love as Maple Falls, Wa.

This fast-paced, laugh-out-loud story serves as the perfect book to kick off the series. Composed of effortless prose, relatable characters and grounded plot points, readers are bound to devour this in one-sitting.

Read this book for:
-small town setting
-fake dating
-friends-to-more
-hilarious moments
-all the feels, none of the spice
-hockey romance

Special thanks to Netgalley and Whitney Dineen for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much for this ARC! I really enjoyed this book. Jamie and the bear scenes were so funny and I laughed so hard at Ashlyn and phillips antics. Jamie is such a sweet guy and Ashlyn is a great mayor and strong fmc. I enjoyed seeing Ashlyn and Jamie's relationship blossom. What I enjoyed the most though was Ashlyn's character. Her strength and growth were a highlight of this book. Thanks again for this ARC and be sure to check out this book and the rest of the series!

To start with, I want to thank Whitney Dineen and Netgalley for this arc copy and introducing me to this series. I was so grateful to be given this opportunity.

Fake-Off with Fate is a romance between a closet organizer from LA who returns home to save her parent's marriage and fill in as acting mayor in the process, and a heartbroken hockey team captain who moved to Maple Falls to get away from his ex girlfriend.

It was a super cute, super cozy, rom-com filled to the brim with fall vibes. From the Maple Festival, to the settings, to the food and townspeople, this was the perfect feel-good, autumn romance. It was easy to read, fluffy, and so many laugh out loud moments. Jamie and Ashlyn were adorable and compatible, and their relationship felt so natural as I was reading. The bears in particular left me laughing every time they were brought up.

All in all, this is the perfect book to curl up with a blanket on a rainy day when you want to tune out the world.

3 stars!

Such a cute and cozy read! The story follows our FMC Ashlyn who had to return to Maple falls to save their parents marriage and where she end up filling in as a mayor for her dad while they went on vacation to fix their marriage. Our Mmc Jamie is a hockey player who came as a captain of Ice Breakers. Both Jamie and Ashlyn weren't exactly looking for love but then fate brought them together.

Jamie and Ashlyn well there wasn't much romance or tension between them but still the book kept me hooked. The plot was bit predictable for me, but i still enjoyed it. There wasn't much romance maybe uh 80-ish% of the book then we got a kiss between the characters. it was more of a strangers to friends trope and more focused on Ashlyn issue regarding the land as a mayor but we still gotten some moments between two. I feel like the ending was kind of rushed, overall i think the writing was good. It was a cute cozy read.

Thank you Netgalley and Whitney Dineen for complimentary copy of the book!

Fake Off with Fate is book one in the new Love in Maple Falls series by Whitney Dineen.
I loved Love on Thin Ice so I’m way too excited for this next set!
A fun and entertaining fake dating romance story with endearing characters.
The pacing is well-done, keeping the reader invested in the characters’ journey without feeling rushed or drawn out. The romance is clean yet emotionally charged, and by the end, you’ll be rooting for Ashlyn and Jamie.
There's no spice, but the romance is refreshingly heartwarming, and honestly, it's a nice change of pace to just enjoy the pure connection between the characters.
This book ticked all my boxes, the characters are easy to bond with, the story is well written but what made this story was the chemistry this couple share.
This was a great book. And I can’t wait for the next six books to hit!
Onto the second book Offside and Off-Limits by Kate O’Keefe!

Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the opportunity to read it.