Reid: Foxy's Rent-A-Date

by Amanda Zook

It started with a contract—clean, simple, perfectly professional. It ended with a risk, a kiss, and the kind of fine print that changed everything.

Lacee Hart has always preferred the quiet corners of her library to the chaos of the outside world. But when her best friend Greta ropes her into a “rent-a-date” scheme to survive the annual New Year’s Eve gala, Lacee’s carefully ordered life is thrown into delightful disarray. The last thing she expects is for her mystery date to be none other than Reid Matthews—her brother’s best friend, the man she’s secretly loved for years, and the one person who’s always made her heart flutter.

Reid, a firefighter with a complicated family legacy, has his own reasons for agreeing to the date. Between dodging his matchmaking mother and escaping the clutches of Seattle’s most eligible (and terrifyingly persistent) debutantes, pretending to be Lacee’s devoted date sounds like the perfect plan. But suddenly, the girl he’s never allowed himself to want is standing beside him in a dazzling dress, and the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore. Sparks turn into something far deeper, and their fake date quickly becomes a night of unguarded emotion, tangled family ties, and kisses that blur the line between friendship and something dangerously real.

When Lacee stands her ground against malicious accusations, her honesty forces Reid to confront what he’s always known—Lacee is the only person who truly sees him. In a night filled with mounting family pressures, deception, and undeniable chemistry, Reid and Lacee must face their pasts and defy every assumption to fight for a love that just might change everything.

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2025

About the author

Amanda Zook has been an avid romance reader since middle school and has finally decided to liberate the stories that live in her head. After growing up in the Sweetest Place on Earth (Hershey, Pennsylvania) she attended college at a small liberal arts school where she met the love of her life. They spent the first 20 years of their marriage on the Jersey Shore (no, not the MTV reality show), before moving halfway across the country.

Amanda now lives in the Southwest corner of the mitten state on the shores of Lake Michigan (no sharks, no salt, no problem).

She is a wife, a mother of teenage twin girls (even though she is aghast that her children dislike reading and pizza) and can now add published author to her list of achievements.


Find her at http://www.amandazook.com and sign up for her newsletter
https://linktr.ee/AmandaZookAuthor

Reviews

[Manuela Molteni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda Zook strikes with a romance that’s as warm and decadent as a caramel latte—sweet, smooth, and just a tiny bit sinful. As we near the end of the Foxy’s Rent-A-Date series, this novella swoops in like a charming firefighter with a smoldering smile and absolutely no regard for your emotional stability.

Reid Matthews is the kind of hero who makes you consider setting a tiny kitchen fire just for the rescue fantasy. Fierce, genuine, and built like someone who knows how to carry you out of danger—and straight into trouble. He may have grown up surrounded by wealth, but affection was clearly not part of the family budget, giving his character a vulnerability that slips under your skin.

Lacee Hart: his best friend’s little sister, all heart, quiet devotion, and simmering feelings she’s tried to bury for years. Obviously, Reid has been just as hopelessly gone for her the entire time. Their mutual pining is so adorable it should come with a dental warning.

Their connection unfolds with an irresistible blend of sweetness and slow-burning heat. The New Year’s Eve gala at the New York Public Library is pure magic. The kind of setting where champagne sparkles, secrets slip out, and romantic tension sharpens like a perfectly tailored tux.

If there’s one flaw, it’s simply this: it ends too soon. Just when their story starts humming at full volume, the curtain falls.

Short, charming, and heart-melting, Reid is the kind of novella that leaves you smiling, sighing, and craving more. A delightful treat for romance lovers who enjoy emotional depth wrapped in irresistible chemistry.

[Natiley Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I absolutely loved Reid! Amanda Zook has a wonderful way of weaving together romance and family dynamics, and this story captures that beautifully. Reid Matthews' struggle between familial obligations and his own desires is relatable, and Lacee Hart's character adds such warmth and depth to the narrative.

The chemistry between Reid and Lacee is electric, and their journey from friends to something more is both sweet and intense. I enjoyed the backdrop of the glamorous New Year’s Eve gala at the New York Public Library, which added a magical touch to the unfolding drama.

However, I can't help but wish the story had been a bit longer. I wanted more time with these characters and their evolving relationship. It felt like we were just getting started when it ended! Overall, this book is a delightful read, and I definitely want more of Reid and Lacee's story. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good romance with emotional depth!

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The date that changes everything

Imagine you are practically in love with your brother's best friend and you practically grew up together but refuse to let him know.

Lacee works for the local library and created the Read to a Fireman Program. She wanted to help out kids who struggled but also she wanted a guaranteed day seeing Reid. So when she is being honored she obviously needs a date. Her bestie figures she will rent her one. Although it's a good thing that date was actually double booked and had to ask his friend to take the date. As soon as Reid sees who it is he is excited even though he knows his parents will hate it.

I absolutely love Reid and Lacee. Their chemistry is beautiful. These two were meant to be they just needed a push to get them out of their comfort zone. This date really changes both of their lives in so many unexpected ways.

Also I have to mention the proposal in this books was so freaking sweet and fit perfectly.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacee and Greta had been friends since childhood, but they were opposites in every way. Lacee was timid, quiet, shy and happiest working at the library. She started The Read To A Fireman Program and she was being honored by the prestigious Matthews Foundation. Greta convinces her to rent a date from Foxy's and she's thrilled when her date ends up being Reid, her childhood crush. A sweet romance between two people who've secretly been in love with each other since grammar school. Plenty of drama and hate from his snobby mother and the mean girls. A horrible accident, an enlightened father, family dynamics and control. Reid was extra special and just be my newest book boyfriend. A sweet epilogue with an HEA and no cliffhanger. I read a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Sheri Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rent Me: Reid is an emotionally charged and beautifully written romance that captures the complexity of love, healing, and self-discovery. Amanda Zook has such a gift for creating characters with real depth.

The emotional growth throughout the story felt genuine, and the romantic tension was perfectly balanced with vulnerability. The moment at the gala, when feelings finally came to light, was such a powerful and satisfying turning point — the kind of scene that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.

Zook delivers a heartfelt story that reminds readers love can be messy, redemptive, and completely worth the risk. This one’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys romance with sincerity, passion, and emotional depth.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lacee has had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Reid, since she was a kid. She’s never had much luck in dating and she is getting a big award with a ceremony that she needs a date to. With a string of terrible blind dates she decides to hire a rent a date for the ceremony. Her brother works for Foxy’s and he gets Lacee’s date but is double booked so he asks Reid to take it. He’s been interested in her forever and sees this as his chance.

This rent a date was probably one of the most natural relationship building of the series that I’ve read so far. I’m not sure why her brother would’ve had her date but other than that it was fine. Just one spicy scene but it was fun and exciting. Love the setting of the Seattle library, it really sets the scene nicely. Fun read

[Carolyn Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Zook has been one of my go-to authors for a while, and this book certainly didn’t disappoint! delivering a perfect mix of heart, humour, and just the right touch of suspense.

Reid is caught between family obligations and his own dreams, while Lacee - a shy librarian with a long-time crush on her brother’s best friend - adds a sweet and relatable charm to the story. Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching their relationship unfold is both heartwarming and fun.

There’s plenty of humour throughout, and when danger suddenly strikes, Reid’s protective instincts kick in, leading to some exciting twists that keep you turning the pages.

This book is a quick, engaging read that blends romance, laughter, and a dash of tension beautifully. I enjoyed every minute of it!

[Katelyn Welytok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lacee has always had a crush on Reid who is her brothers best friend. But she never did anything about it. Her dating life has been lackluster for sure. She’s never had any luck and after a bunch of blind dates she decides another approach is needed. She needs a date for an award ceremony that she is receiving a big award at, so her new approach is to hire a date.

Her bother is the one at Foxy’s who gets her date request and ends up asking Reid to do it due to scheduling issues. Reid who has also been interested in Lacee uses this as his chance to try and win her over.

This was such a cute quick read. Their story is a slow burn but their chemistry was amazing it was so natural and just in sync with each other. There is a small amount of spice but the perfect amount of romance.

[Nadia Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of Foxy’s Rent-A Date series. Each book is written by a different but amazing author. I have loved all of the books I have read so far. I have missed reading a few books in this series. This is also my first time reading a book by Amanda Zook.
This story was perfect! It was short, sweet, and cute. This story was beautifully written, the backstories were great and the characters were phenomenal! Lacee is so sweet and kind. The kind of person you want as a best friend. Reid is a smoking hot fireman, need I say more…Their chemistry is amazing.
Thank you, Amanda Zook, for this beautiful story. I love these characters and hated to see the end of their story. I would love a sneak peek at their future. I look forward to reading more of your books.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reid, part of the Foxy's Rent-a-Date series, is a fun comedy of errors leading to a HEA. Reid and Lacee have been dancing around each other having feelings they refuse to admit. Lacee is an amazing librarian, but not a lot of confidence. Her brother is also Reid's best friend and neither want to upset any friendship balance, as they both work for the same fire company. When Lacee is receiving an award from Reid's family's foundation, Lacee's friend Greta talks her into renting a date for the award gala and NOT go alone. Reid is talked into taking a rent-a-date for Lacee's brother. He is reluctant, until he sees who the date is with. Will they admit their feelings, or will their issues keep them apart again.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid is part of the Foxy's Rent-A-Date Series.

I absolutely adored Reid and Lacey. They have known each other for years, as he is friends with her brother. They have both harboured a secret crush on each other but have never acted on it before. But when Lacey stands up to Reid's mother, he finally acts on his feelings, realizing he doesn't need her approval to follow his heart. This was a very heartwarming story. It was a quicker read, but there was enough in there for a solid story. You can feel they truly care for each other, as they have known each other for years before seeing each other again.

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read of Amanda’s. It was really good. This had just the right mix of love and a little darkness. Lacee was a librarian who thought of read to a firefighter program for the little kids to be able to learn how to read while making it fun. Reid and Caleb were two of the firefighters. Caleb is Lacee’s brother and Reid is his best friend. They were inseparable when they were younger. The boys met a baseball practice. Lacee met her best friend Greta at the local pool when they were younger. Lacee didn’t have any friends but she and Greta hit it off.

[Barbara’s Booknalysis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really sweet story. I read it in one sitting (around 2-2.5 hours) & it was the perfect light read to keep me entertained while sitting under a sun shade. It’s light, easy to read and entirely entertaining.
I loved the relationship between the main characters, Reid & Lacee, and there was just enough drama to set a really good pace. I also appreciated that, for a fairly short story, nothing felt rushed. A perfect companion for a lazy afternoon!
Thank you Amanda Zook for my copy of this ebook.

[Brenda Hojonski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella that featured Reid and Lacee in a brother's best friend secretly liking each other. Then they are thrown together in a rent a date situation and their feelings come to the surface in an irresistible way. Both face dealing with a prestigious party held in the New York library (how cool is that?) where neither want to be. But together, they face them. While I would have enjoyed a longer time with this sweet couple, it was a satisfying and fun read that I enjoyed immensely.

[Trish Bannister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda wrote a novella that read like a full length book! I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Lacee and her forever crush Reid. I love how they dance around the taboo-ness of each other (her brother is his BFF!). The chemistry is there and you feel it every time they are together. When familial issues come to a head at the end of the book, you will gasp, cry out, have your heart melt and the part with Reid's Dad (you will know!)... This was my first read of Amanda's but definitely will not be my last!

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet! A beautiful love story between childhood friends with such different backgrounds. Reid grew up surrounded by wealth but without being loved, cared for and "seen" as an individual with his own needs and dreams. Lacee and her brother had little money but a home filled with love, care and support and they pulled Reid inside their warm embrace. It's takes a blind date, a public showdown and an accident to force Reid to finally take a stand and follow his heart. Loved Reid and Lacee but my favourites were the children learning to read with the firefighters.

[Alimay · Rating 4 out of 5]

SWEET ROMANCE

As far as cute, sweet romances go, Reid is definitely that! Older brother's best friend / Best friend's little sister is the main trope and it is done beautifully. I loved the banter between the characters, the unrequited love that is bound to explode when grasped and explored. This Rent-A-Date was different to the others in all good ways and for an easy, quick novella it was a pleasant read. The writing was fluent and I found myself not being able to put this book down. Plus, who doesn't love a drool worthy firefighter, pass me a tissue!

[Tracy Gratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, steamy, and completely swoon-worthy. Amanda Zook delivers another heart-melting hit with Reid. Reid Matthews is the ultimate firefighter hero, strong, tender, and hopelessly in love with the one girl he thinks he can’t have. Lacee is adorable, devoted, and absolutely perfect for him.

Their friends-to-lovers tension? Electric. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The New Year’s Eve gala at the NYPL? Pure romance-movie magic.

My only complaint: it ended way too soon. I could have stayed with Reid and Lacee forever.
A warm, charming, deliciously romantic treat. I loved every minute.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

A childhood crush turned tender slow burn. Reid & Lacee make you sigh with all the pining & sweet longing. Their hesitation is both endearing & exasperating, leaving you wanting to yell, “Just do something about it already!” The brother & best friend add just the right dash of chaos & humor to balance the tension. When danger strikes, Reid’s protector instincts & unwavering devotion shine through, making your heart melt. A charming, heartfelt read full of sweetness & warmth.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacee "rents" Reid, who happens to be an old childhood crust, to be her date for an event where she's being honored. A very sweet, friends-to-lovers, secretly-in-love-with-each-other-for-a-long-time story unfolds with plenty of drama from mean girls and family. The story is not without its unexpected twists and turns. The story sucked you in and didn't let you out of its vortex until the very end when you're wishing for more (although it's not a cliffhanger). It's a heartfelt, emotional story.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing better than a brother's best friend story where they both have been pining for the other forever. Lacee and Reid have always been friends, he's her brother's best friend so they just kept it like that. Until she needs a date to a charity gala. There they reveal all their feelings and Reid sticks up for her when his mother accuses Lacee of just wanting his money. A tragic accident happens to Lacee and Reid realizes how much he loves her. Does she feel the same?

[Laura Beltran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Another great story from Foxy's Rent-A-Date. This was such a sweet story. Reid is Lacee's brother best friend who she's had a crush on for a long time. Little does she know he's had feeling for her too. She needs a date for a party and he agrees to be her rent-a-date(unknown to hee that it's him) because he needs one too. I love the way they reach their HEA. This was my first story by Amanda Zook but I will be checking out her other stories.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, intense and a mixture of situations.

When Lacee is coerced into a rent a date she gets firefighter Reid, her brother's best friend.

That chemistry is always there but only because Lacee has had a crush on him for years. But Reid has known about Lacee as well. Fire and passion when they do get together.

Well done, a great story that drew me in. A simple plot but the characters brought the fun and situations. Fantastic book!

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read:
I enjoyed this short novella that forms part of a multi author series. I really liked the characters and premise, however I just wished that it had been a full novel. There was so much more I wanted to know and I would have enjoyed spending more time with these two. I enjoyed watching Lacee and Reid go from friends to lovers and the chemistry between them was sizzling.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a novella, but that doesn’t mean the story isn’t full and interesting. What so you do when you grow up with your crush and are afraid to tell them. It’s your brother’s best friend or your best friend’s sister, and even though you’re in their orbit you aren’t as close as you’d like to be. This is the case for Lacee and Reid. Both afraid to make the first move. Very enjoyable afternoon read, I wouldn’t mind reading more about all the characters in this book.

[Jennifer Bollnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this point, I have read quite a few books in the series. This is one of the shortest and least spicy of the ones I have read. It is a sweet story of Lacee, a shy librarian, and Reid, a firefighter and her brother's best friend. It has character growth, romance, and a dash of spice. This was my first book written by Amanda Zook. I will be checking out more from her in the future.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rent Me: Reid is part of the multi-author Foxy's Rent-A-Date series, but stands completely on its own. It's a beautifully written, very emotional and heartfelt romance between lifelong friends that brought tears to my eyes! Wonderful characters amd a great HEA. I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Chante Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the right amount of excitement to keep things engaging, combined with a touch of sweet, fluffy romance—making it an enjoyable quick read. I'm really loving these rent-a-date stories; each one feels special and fun.


Reid was such a great character, and it was wonderful to see him finally step up and stand up for himself. 

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a sweet, quick read. Another novel from the Foxy's Rent-A-Date shared world.

No heart break, no drama - just love and a happily ever after.

Author: Amanda Zook did well with this one! 👏

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid Matthews had me falling in love with him from the start! I sure do love a man in uniform, especially ones who work with kids! I feel like Lacee just because I too prefer to spend my time in the library and my face in a book! Their chemistry was amazing!