Florence Pietra doesn’t make mistakes. As a high-powered hospital CEO, she’s spent her life being sharper, smarter, and more composed than anyone else in the room. But when a male colleague refuses to take no for an answer, she instinctively blurts out her fallback excuse—she’s already engaged. His retaliation? Spreading rumors online that they're a couple.
Dr. Josie Mueller never expected her estranged grandfather to leave her a fortune—or that it would come with a $250,000 catch. If she wants to claim his penthouse and the billions tied to it, she has ten months to pay off the judgement against the estate.
When Josie stumbles across Florence's no-photo dating profile—a woman just looking for a friend—she takes a chance. They're a perfect match. Florence needs a fake fiancée. Josie needs fast cash. Neither has time for feelings—especially Josie, who's spent nearly two decades carrying a torch for her best friend.
But when they meet, their chemistry is instant. Undeniable. But while Florence tries to keep things strictly business, her heart has other ideas. Can Josie let go of seventeen years of longing for Mel—and open herself up to something real?
✅ Age Gap ✅ Fake Dating ✅ Secret Crush ✅ Forced Proximity ✅ Sapphic slow burn ✅ Emotional & intense ✅ CEO / Billionaire Romance ✅ Strong, independent woman ✅ Angsty and Spicy!
Head Over Heels is the second book in Cassidy Langue's Delmont series and while it could be read as a standalone I wouldn't recommend it here. This one focuses on Josie, who's been in unrequited love with her BFF (Mel from the first book) for years, and Florence, who runs Delmont Hospital. The two are both looking for companionship, and when Josie finds Florence's profile on a dating app they decide to meet up, and the two have instant chemistry.
The story is a mix of fake dating, insta-love (but weirdly slow burn at the same time), with a bit of an age gap, and there's a heavy dose of family mystery/intrigue. There is spice, although less than the previous book and it starts further into the story. I wasn't super impressed by the part of the plot connected with the fake dating, which was a shame because I love a good fake dating story, but the family mystery was interesting if a bit predictable at times.
Head Over Heels was more enjoyable to me than Cast Aside was. I think the plot is better, the characters are stronger and don't have the immaturity I felt in the first book, and the story was just more interesting overall. I definitely plan to continue with the series, assuming (and it's a pretty good assumption) that there will be more.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
Head over Heels starts out like a formulaic fake romance. The difference is quickly apparent as the characters involved are deeply moral. In fact, much time is wasted with each person worrying about hurting the other.
Love, the genuine kind, not fake romance love, guides the lives of the two characters as they work through a cycle of inheritance that would destroy most relationships.
What I'm appreciating about Cassidy Langue's writing is the true heart and drive to make a difference in the world at the center of her novels. Her ability to put you into the shoes of each person is uncanny. I highly believe her books.
A fake relationship, contemporary romance. The story is not bad, but the supposed twist is seen miles ahead, from the early stages of the book. Also, there isn't any real conflict standing in the way of the two lovers, so the romance is just a little bit "too easy". However, I loved the Italian family and the sassy friend with the dirty mouth. I do hope she gets her own book at some point.
Fauxmance is my fave trope and I was a bit disappointed with this one because of the lack of conflict. I think this story needed a tighter editing and some delving into the MCs' emotions, just a little deeper, so we can see the change of heart a bit better, give some credibility to the developing feelings. There is great potential here and I believe this author will improve with time. Worth following for sure :) Rating: 3 stars
This time we get to see Josie, the pining bff of Mel in book one who got her heart squished when Mel and Renna got together. Seeking companionship brings Florence into her life as they discuss terms about fake dating. Florence is the slushiest ice queen ever and in a twist to the usual the ice queen falls first. Josie and Florence’s grandparents play quite a big part as the Second World War brought different horrors than what usually comes to mind.
A great book, with an interesting history lesson delicately weaved throughout and no third act breakup which always gains favour. Wondering if the little gobshite Tilly will get her turn next? Not sure I can cope with her as a MC lol.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book 2 of the series but can be read as a standalone, however, I recommend reading Cast Aside first to get a deeper sense of feeling and understanding of some characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Josie, the best friend of Mel from Cast Aside, continues her unrequited love and separates love and spice to keep relationships from developing feelings. Enter Florence. Florence is the hospital’s CEO and in order to save her reputation from a conniving employee, sets about to find a fake fiancée as she’s too busy for relationships. When they meet sparks fly. Can the IcyBoss and NotNeurotic become more than fake? Read their story and find out!!
I just feel like the way this was written, even Cast Aside, it felt like the story was divided into several parts — each one felt a little disconnected to the others, not just the story but also the characters especially the MCs feelings all throughout.
It felt like the author couldn’t decide how to characterize their relationship and the feelings — so it felt like there was a back and forth that didn’t really work to excite me but more like frustrate and confuse me.
But I finished it — so it’s more than I can say for other books. There’s something interesting about it that just makes you finish it anyway.
I usually love fake relationship tropes in sapphic books, they tend to lead to hilarious moments and some fun, forced intimacy. But sadly, this one didn’t quite work for me.
The fake relationship storyline felt underdeveloped and lost momentum almost immediately. It started with potential, but then the so-called “villain” disappeared early on and was never mentioned again. And honestly, there wasn’t much pretending involved in the “fake” relationship at all.
The main characters' motivations also felt inconsistent. I struggled to understand what really drove them, and it seemed like the author was more focused on the inheritance plot than on creating clear personal arcs. The inheritance plot was a unique idea, but it felt too far-fetched to be convincing.
That said, I did enjoy the pacing, it kept me reading. The steamy scenes were well done and nicely spaced, and I liked the family dynamics, which added some warmth to the story.
I did finish the book and I know how much work goes into writing one, so I’m giving it three stars. I’d still be open to reading more from this author in the future.
This is the second book in the series, but could be read as a stand alone. This is an engaging story that the flow keeps you hooked the entire book. The 2 MCs and supporting characters are well developed, sensitive, realistic, and relatable. I really enjoyed the book though wish it had a little more spice.
I would recommend this book and the other books by this author. You will not be disappointed. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sort of a billionaire lesbian fantasy romance, with women with high powered careers and scads of cash. Despite that this was a sweet and spicy story. Lots of food and riches and big loving families. I enjoyed it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I adored this book. Honestly, if it was already one in the morning I might start reading it again. The descriptions of the valuables was fantastic. The sneaking of people into the story also wonderful and I did not see coming. Josie and Florence were possibly some of the best mcs I could have asked for.
I was interested both in the romance plot and family history side plot. I’m not sure I was 100% in the world the author painted. There was a secondary but pivotal character that just was dealt with in an odd way then never heard of again. The work relationship also seemed a bit odd. Despite all that my interest was held, tho as I say a few plot eye raising moments.
I enjoyed the story of Florence and Josie. They started rough, but the story ended so beautifully. They were very honest and open with each other. It seemed They had a lot of obstacles, but they were able to overcome them. It's definitely worth the read.
Wow what an intriguing storyline I loved the main characters their connection shined throughout but their strength for each other was outstanding,their love was in so much depth making it impossible to put down definitely must read congratulations
It’s rare to find a person that breaks down the walls you have built. To find the familiarity and safety of being the authentic you. It takes courage to leap and find it in your heart to find the HEA.
What a great book. Didn’t want the story to end. Characters are great, way the story develops holds your interest. The connection between Florence and Josie I’m a little jealous. 🙂
Think you’ll enjoy this book know I did. Can’t wait to read Cast Aside.
I read this for the ice queen, which is there. But the woman interested in her also speaks her mind and stands up for herself. The dialogue is well done and arguments believable. The ending is very warm hearted with a small history lesson included.
What starts as a fake romance unlocks long buried family history. The two main characters are well developed and very likable. When they begin a fake relationship family secrets are revealed. This is a great story and I highly recommend it.
This book jumps all over the place and there are too many characters to keep straight. The relationship between the two MCs is jumpy and it’s hard to believe in any chemistry. It feels rushed.