4.25/5 ⭐

Can I preface this by saying that I no longer care for Hot Girl Summer, and now I'm all for Elodie Colliard Summer? Seriously, I live to be able to read her books in the summer.

Okay, back to Hoax and Kisses.

After meeting Oliver's friends in Unbearably Yours last year, I couldn't wait to find out more about them, and Elodie DELIVERED!!! That being said, you don't *need* to read her previous book to enjoy this one!

Matt and Zoey's story is pretty classic, but that didn't stop me from falling in love with their story. What can I say, I'm a sucker for books with city girls falling in love with small-town guys, and a book written by Elodie? Yeah, I knew I was going to love it. Plus, the way she balances this sweet romance with more complex themes got my heart aching.

I loved Zoey so much, and I'll admit I didn't expect her character to be this emotional. All she wanted was to be seen and understood, especially by her dad whom she looks up to. City girl and businesswoman through and through, one might think she would have felt like a fish out of water in Pine Falls, yet it's where she found herself, and where she found her family.

But if I loved Zoey, it's nothing compared to Matt. Seriously, where can I find myself a man like him? And I'm not asking for a friend. The guy's a florist, takes care of his autistic sister (whom he loves more than anyone else in this world, might I add), is emotionally mature, a bit grumpy but is actually a real soft romantic on the inside? Be still my heart. Also, when he told Zoey he would be her support system? SWOON.

Anyhow: I was made to fall in love with these two and their story.

Hoax and Kisses had everything I could hope for: a heartwarming romance that made me swoon more than once, amazing main characters (and side characters!) that I absolutely adored and a small town with a great community that added so much to the setting.

There is no third-act break up, and thank god for that because I'm getting tired of these.
The romance does progress a bit too quickly to my liking, and if I loved Zoey and Matt's relationship, I would have loved for things to take more time to evolve between them, but it's really a me thing. And I still loved everything else.

I'm kinda sad to be done with it already, but I'm still excited for the next books in the series! And I know I'll eventually reread this one because why should I limit myself to only one read?

📅 Hoax and Kisses comes out on August 26th, and will be available on Kindle Unlimited. Save the date!

This book was such a pleasant surprise! There's nothing better than finding a story written in such a way that you don't realized it has sucked you in until you've been reading for hours in what feels like a blink.

I really loved this book and everything in it. It contains some of the greatest tropes: small town, one night stand turned to fake dating, found family...

Zoey arrived in Pine Falls like a fish out of water in an attempt to succeed where her father had failed and convince the town to accept her lodging project. Unfortunately, the whole thought they had her all figured out as nothing better than her genitor, Matt leading the charge. But as their interests collided, Matt and Zoey agreed to enter a fake relationship which ended up being the best decision of their life.

I've enjoyed Zoey and Matt immensely! I loved that their relationship started out as slight animosity, which did nothing to counteract the sizzling attraction that brought on their ONS, then back to animosity, which eventually progressed to "You've been my new beginning for longer than you know."

I can't recommend this book enough if you love small town romance and fake dating. You'll come for the long-haired muscled florist and stay for the great community and found family!

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC!

I adored this book, both characters were amazing. I loved how the story was brought and how the fake dating was brought. I also found the third act conflict quite interesting.
I, absolutely, recommend this book.

« 𝗛𝗼𝗮𝘅 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 » by Elodie Colliard

💐🏠🌷☕️🌹📖🕯️

« - 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦 ?
-𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 ? »

𓍼
It all begins with this perfect cover and summary. I know I would be overwhelmed by this book, but it turned out to be even better than I excepted!

“Hoax and kisses” is the perfect balance between heartbreaking moments, love, healing, found family and tenderness. It’s sooo comforting to see Matt and Zoey grow together and more than everything take the time to heal together and respect each other time to process.

Matt and Zoey are two different characters and at the same time they experience so much common pain. They’re exactly what each other needs. They’re the definition of : right person at the right moment.

I honestly fell in love with Matt. This man has such a tender heart. The perfect brother ever and first reason I fell for him. The best boyfriend too : so patient, loyal and attentive. I can’t stop thinking about the dinner scene 😮‍💨 It’s all the little gestures and moments that mean everything! And of course, his romantic and florist side. I mean isn’t he the dream man ever ???

I love so much too this small town. Pane Falls and its people are amazing. I enjoyed so much my time with them ! The cozy atmosphere and all the characters was perfect. My fav will always be Daph, the little sister underrated and she needs her own story !

I have been so heartbroken for Zoey. That’s such powerful, strong and sensitive woman. She deserves so much even if she doesn’t believe it. And the difficulties for her to accept every gesture of Matt heals me and kills me at the same time. It was so emotional and perfect at the same time. I’m still so sad about everything she experienced with her family.

If you want to read a perfect cosy and spicy story between two strangers you will fall for Matt and Zoey too. This books is such tenderness, heartbreaking and healing.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this ARC @elodie and @netgalley

Hoax and Kisses is a sweet romance set in a rustic small town, with strong themes of self-discovery and community.

Zoey and Matt were both strong, established characters, but each had their own nuance. I loved the way Matt provided safety and assurance for Zoey, and how Zoey connected with Daphne. Most of all, their trust and respect for each other made this such a smooth and satisfying read.

The fake dating trope feels quite done at the moment, but I really enjoyed it here. but I enjoyed this. Zoey and Matt fell into it almost naturally, and it didn’t have the usual obtuse denial when they start to fall for real. I did struggle to get into the story at first - the initial conflict of having no one to care for Daphne felt overly contrived. But the rest of the story flowed in an authentic and heartwarming way, making this an easy and warm read.

Overall this is a warm and heartfelt read for anyone who enjoys small-town romance and books where new relationships help characters rediscover their sense of purpose.

Thank you to the publisher for an early copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Hoax and Kisses by Elodie Colliard
Book 1 in the When in Pine Falls series (can be read as a standalone!)

Zoey is a driven, Type-A workaholic set to inherit her father’s hotel empire—until the board decides she’s not the right fit. To prove them wrong, she sets out to land the deal her father couldn’t: build in the quaint town of Pine Falls. But the town isn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat.

Enter Matt: a sweet, grounded small-town florist juggling his business and caring for his autistic sister. After a disastrous town meeting, Zoey and Matt hatch a fake dating plan—she plays the charming girlfriend to win town approval for her hotel, and he earns a spot in her company’s investment program to help his shop grow.

Of course, fake feelings turn very real. 💕

What I loved:
• Opposites attract done right—city girl meets small-town heartthrob
• Neurodivergent rep through Matt’s sister, who totally stole my heart
• Steamy scenes? Oh yes. Elodie, thank you for those 🔥
• No third act breakup! Just drama, growth, and payoff (bless)
• Watching Zoey realize her worth outside of her toxic father and build her own version of family

Matt was such a soft cinnamon roll, and Zoey’s growth was satisfying to watch. The ending hit all the right notes—I only wish we saw more of her dad getting what he deserved!

✨ A heartwarming, spicy small-town romance with a fake dating twist and a whole lot of heart. Can’t wait for more Pine Falls love stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher!
3.5 stars.

What a fantastic story set in small town British Columbia! I loved every second of it, and can’t wait for others to read it so I can gush about the characters and way this story pulled at my heartstrings.

Tears were shed, giggles bubbled, and the open-door spicy scenes had my full attention. What more can you ask of a book?

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op & Elodie Colliard for providing me with this ARC!

4.75 Stars✨

Hoax and Kisses is a fascinating story about community, responsibility, love, family, and self-discovery. The story centres on Matt Becker, a well-known florist in Pine Falls and one of the fine bachelors in the small town, and Zoey Delacroix, a businesswoman aiming to prove herself as her father's heir apparent CEO. What ensues is a journey of personal growth and newfound happiness as she learns to value the significance of community and connections over ambition and success.

While some may argue that the plot leans on familiar romantic tropes and predictability, Hoax and Kisses' strongest suit lies in the authenticity of its characters.
First, the sensitive writing style of the autistic representation allows readers to understand this condition and experience Daphne's character's poignant moments without exaggerating them.
Second, as a character in and of itself, Pine Falls epitomises the tranquillity and splendour that it delivers as well as the sense of community that the small town inspires.
Last but not least, Matt's devotion, emotional maturity, and responsibility, as well as Zoé's fortitude and bravery in overcoming her vulnerability, have all been masterfully written - providing an excellent character development, incredible chemistry, and a satisfying happily-ever-after.

It's effortless to come up with stories about passion and sex. The ability to idealise the loved one and revel in self-absorbed happiness as a consequence of being loved by such a paragon is what love requires. The belief that two people only have eyes for each other takes precedence over dialogue, storyline, and everything else. Hoax and Kisses is a charming novel since Matt and Zoé succeeded in evoking that emotion for me.

In its essence, Hoax and Kisses weaves heartfelt moments with thought-provoking conversations that examine themes of personal growth, resilience, taking risks, embracing change, small-town charm, and the idea that happiness often emerges in unexpected places.
This is the first book I've read from Elodie Colliard, and I am looking forward to discovering more of her novels. Also, the book's cover is stunning!😍

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy and am sharing my honest review based on my personal experience. Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for trusting me to read this book in advance.

I really enjoyed this book so much, it had everything I love in a romance. The story felt warm and full of heart, and I connected with both Zoey and Matt right away. Their chemistry was strong and their relationship felt very natural. Matt was such a green flag, kind, steady, and thoughtful. And Zoey brought such a strong and refreshing energy. I liked how they both grew and supported each other in real ways. The small town setting added a cozy feeling I didn’t know I needed. I smiled a lot, got emotional in some parts, and finished the book feeling very happy. Total comfort read. Definitely a 5 star for me. Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.

<i> Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review! </i>

2.5/5 stars

Just a very predictable plot, written in a way that was uninteresting at best. I feel like I've read books like this one over and over and over again and I'm becoming less interested in doing so.

Okay but this book is Adorable. I fully thought I was just in for some fake dating fun, and then suddenly I was emotionally invested and grinning like an idiot. Matt is grumpy in the best way, Zoey is chaotic but lovable, and their vibe together. Magical 🥹😭💕. Super cute. Loved every second. Comes out August 25th

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

I was so excited for this after reading the blurb - fake dating is one of my favourite tropes. Here we meet Zoey and Matt, Zoey has just left a rubbish relationship and has a horrible dad, Matt is running his flower shop (I mean come on?!) and taking care of his autistic sister.

I just loved this book so much, I found it so easy to read and I was hooked from the first chapter. I kept thinking about it and wondering when I could read more when I had to put it down.

The relationship is so lovely and loving, I really liked the small town vibes and the autism representation is done really well. I was really rooting for Zoey and I really hope we get more Pine Falls books! The spice was *chefs kiss* and I love a confident man!

Thank you to Net Galley, Victory Editing and Elodie Colliard for this ARC!

This was such a sweet small town, fake dating romance. I loved Zoe and Matt, the chemistry between them and the slight enemies to lovers had me swooning. The way the autistic representation was done was really good and didn’t feel like it was just thrown in. I really found this was an easy read with all the swoon worthy romance.
Thanks NetGalley and victory editing.

zoey's dad was a major assole for the duration of this book. i would push him off a cliff and then have a nonalcoholic drink to celebrate.

✨✨✨

slight spoilers ahead----

i rooted for zoey from the very first chapter. with a shitty dad, a horrible ex, and awful friends, she had nowhere to truly belong. then she went to pine falls, and everything changed for her. her life had meaning again, and she finally found a place where she could be herself. i loved this development so much.

the townspeople were judgemental at times, rioting and screaming, and i wanted to cry with zoey when it happened. but they were also so forgiving and understanding. i loved that she won the town over in the end, and they loved her in return—except for patty ofc.

before the fake dating began, i both liked and disliked matt. he was protective of his town, which made him seem like a jerk. thankfully, he quickly redeemed himself, and i fell absolutely in love with him. plus he owns a flower stop ok.

matt's relationship with daphne was heartwarming and comforting. i loved how much he cared for her and how good he was at being her brother. their mum wasn't the best, but people can change, and deborah did as well. i still don’t completely like her, but with matt supporting daphne 100%, it’s okay that she’s not quite there yet. i don’t have many opinions about their dad; he seemed more passive—he did go on that holiday, after all.

the romance!!! pls.

ok, so the fact zoey and matt had a one night stand shook me. their chemistry was blazing hot 🔥🔥🔥
my favourite romance is slow burn, and for some reason i thought this would be one as well 🙈 not a huge fan of this trope in contemporary, but elodie colliard made it work anyway.

i love them. they definitely had that enemies-to-lovers vibe, but it was based on misunderstandings. once those were cleared up, they were then worried about trust and commitment. which??? it was done so well!! i never felt annoyed by their hesitation or inner monologues. you knew why they were having these issues, and because it's basically a hallmark movie, you just know it's going to be okay.

i will say that in the third act, i was waiting for something to go wrong—a breakup, a fight, anything that would make me want to throw my kindle. but nope! colliard avoided all miscommunications after their initial one, and instead, we got a very healthy and balanced relationship.

matt calling zoey by the right pronunciation—zoé—made me giggle and kick my feet. he was literally the only one besides her mum who did it. this man is so caring toward zoey, ready to catch her if she falls, holding her, loving her.

zoey getting along with daphne??? i want to hug her. it's the decent thing to do, but let's be real, the world sucks and even i am prone to judging. this was the moment that matt really fell in love with her 😭😭

elodie colliard is officially an author i want keep an eye on, and i'm definitely going to read her earlier works in the future.

thank you Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for the arc!!

Book review: (ARC) Hoax and Kisses, by Elodie Colliard
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

Hoax and Kisses had me back in a 2000 rom-com and I’m crazy about it! Colliard gave me the same nostalgic feeling as I get when I put on my favourite movies from this era. She executed it so freaking well. The characters Matt and Zoey had me rooting for them from the start, and the tension between them was a killer- I ran after their story, each page at a time. This book is everything I wanted in a romance novel!

The fact the Elodie also gave us her characters in Pine Falls, where my other favourite book of hers (Unbearably Yours) is based, just set the cosy tone for me, I was won from the first chapter 😍 The fake relationship trope is clever, witty, and is the reason you fall in love with Zoey and Matt- the depth of their relationship- they are each others Ying and Yang. Their vulnerability and approach to love was honest and beautiful. YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! It’s my favourite romance of the year and has pushed Unbearably Yours off my top list for all time! This book really was like watching a movie unfold from a screen, bravo Elodie 🥰

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for an Arc of this book for an honest review.

this was my second book from Elodie and i really loved it! it was like a rom com movie, i wanted more and more! the romance between the two characters was well balanced! i think they brought the best of each other and i love everything about it. especially that the book was in Canada. i love it when it is, i can picture the scenes way better.

anyway, i totally recommend this book! thank you to Elodie and her team for this opportunity!

review on my bookstagram coming soon! @bookshelf.mel

A hallmark movie in all the best ways!

City, Zoey, meets small town, Matt. It sounds like a story that you’ve already heard but this one was different. Not just the fake dating, or the steam (it was STEAMY 🌶️🌶️🌶️)

Matt is so sweet, he has all the makings of a grump but also a golden retriever, who knew there was a way to combine them. The writing was so well done that I felt for Zoey and what she was going through. The ending was so satisfying I’m almost cried. 🥹

This story was not only wholesome, funny, and sweet but has a wonderful cast of characters. It’s rare when I want to venture into small towns but this is definitely a fictional destination spot.🏠

I loved the business model, such a random nerdy thing but I did. Where everyone is supporting each other, I think in times like the current political climate, it’s important to see in fiction what is possible. 💞

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! This book was such an easy 5-star read for me. I’ve loved Elodie’s writing ever since "Unbearably Yours" (which btw, if you haven’t read yet, please do! It’s amazing). She writes with so much heart, emotion, and truth that it completely pulls you in and makes you forget about the real world. I genuinely love her for that.

Now let’s talk about this BEAUTIFUL book. The Pine Falls setting was SO GOOD. I’m a sucker for small-town vibes and this one felt warm, charming, and alive in the best way. It made me want to move there, honestly.

As for the romance, Elodie nailed it. The one-night stand / instant attraction trope can be tricky. It often feels too lust-heavy with no real depth, but here it was done so beautifully. Matt and Zoey’s connection grew naturally. Their emotional and romantic development was handled with care. You could feel the shift from physical pull to real love, and it made me feel so many emotions. They’re definitely my new comfort couple (after Oliver and Charlee, of course).

Matt was such a well-rounded character. Emotionally mature, kind, deeply loyal to the people he loves and yes, a bit of a grump on the outside, but in the best way. His character arc was done so well. And Zoey… my girl. She’s tough on the outside but soft and vulnerable underneath. I could really relate to her need for her father’s validation. Her journey and growth hit home for me, and I loved watching her open up.

Also, I HAVE to mention the autism rep through Daphne’s character I think it was so respectfully and thoughtfully written. That meant a lot to me and added another layer to how good this book was.

Overall, I just loved this book. Please check it out when it releases on August 26, you won’t regret it!!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! This is my first Eloise Colliard book, and it won’t be my last! I loved the relationship between Matt and Zoey, and how after a few misunderstandings at the beginning, they communicated so well with each other. I also really enjoyed that Matt was the flower shop owner! The side characters were also great, especially Daphne. I can’t wait for Book 2!

I thought this book was really easy to read and I enjoyed most of it though the instalust/love wasn't well thought out or paced nicely. Also the early onset of spice when the characters had 2 interactions where they both weren't overly nice to each other didn't make sense. Overall I did like it but I didn't overly enjoy it. I'm sorry.