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.*

Hoax and Kisses by Eloise Colliard was such a cozy little romance book. It was predictable, but I liked the small town vibes and the characters. I always enjoy a fake dating trope. The book had a few spicy scenes which I loved. It made me think of a Hallmark movie and reminded me of the town meetings in Gilmore Girls!

It’s giving early 2000s rom com in the best way. I loved their not so meet cute, and the instant chemistry. This book was an easy, cozy read. Sweet, yet spicy with plot. I also really enjoyed the accurate depiction of autism within this book.

Thank you so much for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I fear the main issue I came across reading this book was that it felt very cookie cutter, i think a less experienced romance reader could start this and fall in love with the genre through it, but as someone who has read about 500+ romance books, i fear this didn’t really excite me in any way?

The fact that I just discovered that this isn’t the first book in the Pine Hills series blows my mind. Cause Goodreads lists it as the first, but thanks to some fellow reviewers on here there are other books that take place with some of my favorite side characters of Pine Hills. I had no clue. But now I’m so excited to go back to Pine Hills and read some of these characters beginnings. But before I do that I have to go some major love and props to Hoax and Kisses because I absolutely loved and adored this book.

I went into Hoax and Kisses with zero knowledge and zero expectations. I’ll be honesty I totally requested this book because the cover is adorable. And thankfully the cover was only just the beginning of how much I’d enjoy this book.

Let’s talk about my Pros:
1. I loved our MFC Zoe so much. The constant pressure to live up to parents expectations is exhausting and excruciating. Everything she went through I could 100% relate to. I loved watching her rediscovery herself and finding the courage to stand up for herself.
2. Can’t forget our leading man, Matt! I absolutely loved him as well. His love for his town and his sister is infectious. Plus him and Zoe together was perfection. Watching them grow and change together for the better was refreshing.

And now for my very few Cons:
1. I think the ending with Zoe’s dad was rushed. I really wanted him to get karma dished back in full. And in a way he did, but it all happened so fast. I guess I wanted more drawn out to the drama. (Yes, I know I’m nitpicking)
2. My other small con again is the ending when the conflict arose it made me so mad how the town reacted at Zoe. Like I get it, but also you’ve spent weeks with this person surely you can’t flip on someone that quickly. Thankfully the town redeems themselves but I was a little disappointed in their reaction and treatment of Zoe.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. It’s a fun, sweet perfect for ending the summer romance. Thank you to NetGalley & Victory Editing for the ARC

Hoax and Kisses was a Hallmark movie with spice, in a good way!

It was very predictable and followed the typical formula, but I really liked Zoey's character growth. Matt felt like every other cinnamon roll hero, overprotective of his family and town and friends (but at least he can eat crow warm). Their relationship was very insta-love and I didn't quite grasp it, but it also felt like it was the exact same scenario Matt found himself in with his ex and I really wanted there to be more to it than that.

All in all, a sweet book and I look forward to seeing what else happens in Pine Falls in the future!

Elodie Colliard is not only a lovely human being, but she writes a wonderful, dialogue-heavy book that sucks you in on page one and doesn’t let go until you’ve reached the dedications.

The snark and banter between Matt and Zoey is almost addictive, but the one-night-stand in the beginning of the book kind of defeated the purpose of an enemies-to-lovers trope. Did they hate each other? Sure. But once you’ve fucked each other in the living room of your rental, are you really still enemies?
Matt and Zoey felt really fleshed out, with their hopes, dreams and desires all out there on the page, and maybe that’s why I didn’t even care that the enemies-to-lovers bit of the book is completely skipped after a few chapters. They fit together beautifully and I loved watching their relationship take shape during their fake relationship.

But while I loved these two characters, I’ve arguably gotten way more attached to Daphne. She’s Matt’s autistic little sister who just gets dumped on him because his parents are taking a cruise off…. somewhere? I don’t remember where they went, because honestly, I was too pissed off that they didn’t want to be there for her first day at her new school. Matt and Daphne are a super team together, but a little girl deserves to have parents who understand and love her the way she is.

Romance-wise, I have very few complaints. Matt and Zoey are smitten and they take every opportunity to show each other how much the other means to them. Some of the smut felt a touch… unbelievable in the logistics department, but I’ll let you be the judge of that when you run to the store to get your own copy!

It did al move a little fast for my liking (again, seeing that they banged their brains out in the first few chapters), but it works seeing that Matt, Zoey and the side characters are acknowledging this in the book itself.

And arguably the best part? There’s no third-act breakup! Matt and Zoey actually talk through their struggles like grown, proper adults! There’s plenty to be scared about, as they discuss together, but without taking the leap, you’ll never know how life will turn out! It was wonderfully refreshing and as much as I can enjoy the strife leading up to the break-up, I loved seeing that it’s not necessary for an addictive romance!

I honestly cannot wait to read more of what Elodie has written. If all her romances are like this, I’ll be sure to buy each book she’ll be publishing!

I really enjoyed this book, even more than I think that I originally intended. I was immediately drawn in from the author's notes in the start, and then almost couldn't put it down from then on. I finished it quickly and truly had a good time reading it the entire time. Zoe(y) and Matt were so lovely to read about, and I adored both of their characters so much that it was impossible for me to not root for their happiness in every sense of the word. I love a small town romance, and this had everything I love about them - townspeople who are far too into the MCs relationship, found family, town halls (I know this is niche but listen Gilmore Girls started this and I can't stop it).

I think everything about this book was well-thought out. I admire so much the detail that went into making sure that Daphne's autism was represented in an honest and caring way, and I want the WORLD for that girl (and all of the flowers she could ever wish for). Matt's care for his sister made me have a soft spot for him in my rankings of MCs for the rest of time. It was honest, loving, and he handled her with so much care without taking away her autonomy, which I loved. I also loved Daphne and Zoey's relationship so much, and how well they slotted together.

This book is not insta-love to be sure, but when they fall, they do fall fast. Sometimes that is hard for me to get behind, but I did honestly buy that they had strong feelings for each other rather quickly. It's still not my favorite (I am a slow-burn girl at heart, after all), but I was not put off by it in this book at all, which is a feat for me personally. I also thought overall their communication was great, which also influenced my feelings on their relationship moving quickly - it didn't feel like they were leaving things (important things, usually) out when they were talking about themselves and their lives.

This was a 4.5 star for me, and I will definitely keep reading on in this series! Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Elodie Colliard for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.

If you're up for a feel-good, steamy small-town romance where a fake date thing turns way more real than expected—and those Gilmore Girls vibes are your jam, Hoax and Kisses just might be your next cozy read.