The best way to avoid single-shaming and a broken heart? Fake date Brock Holt—the infuriating yet smokin’ hot firefighter with a saviour complex and tough guy attitude. And the last person I’d ever fall for.
Sworn to singlehood with abandonment issues after my mom walked out, I need a date to my cousin’s engagement party. Anything to avoid being setup with another boring banker. Bitter and twisted after a bad breakup, Brock needs a girl on his arm to impress at a firefighter gala. No strings, no drama, and absolutely no feelings. We have a deal.
The problem is, as I watch him pull a family from a huge car wreck, and after a steamy forbidden kiss in the fire hall, I can feel myself falling. Hard. We’ve hooked up before and I can’t forget how wild those two weeks burned. But I’ve seen the dumpster fire left behind when relationships fizzle out.
The deeper we get into this lie, the more we’re getting to know each other. Brock has a short fuse, but underneath that rugged exterior, he’s protective and considerate.
We’re fooling everyone. But are we also fooling ourselves? Because when the inferno really heats up between us, alarm bells start to ring…
About The Author
My Review
This book is about a guarded teacher and a hot-headed firefighter who agree to fake-date for convenience—only to find their arrangement turning into something far more real.
This romance feels like a step up, delivering the familiar pleasures of the fake-dating trope with warmth, chemistry, and emotional vulnerability. Nix has sworn off love, while Brock is determined to prove he’s ready for a leadership role at the fire station. Their mutually beneficial arrangement quickly becomes complicated, and the story shines as their reluctant partnership deepens into genuine connection.
The cozy seaside setting, meddling family dynamics, and community-centered moment like the fire department dance and school outings add a comforting small-town charm that complements the romance. The chemistry between Nix and Brock feels believable, and their journey from reluctant partners to something more is easy to root for.
Some elements didn’t land perfectly: the characters occasionally feel younger than their ages, and a few family-drama beats feel heavier than necessary. Even so, this remains a cute, spicy, and enjoyable read with promise for the series ahead—especially for fans of fake dating and firefighter romances.
My Rating
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