Dirty Charisma Check

by K.E. Monteith

Snowfall Valley 6
When a couple of misshapes lead to the town to believe that “playboy” Roxie and innocent Eli are dating, they go along with it for two reasons. One, to keep a pushy PTA from relentlessly hitting on Eli. And two, Roxie has gotten bored with her partner hopping. But when Roxie’s landlord kicks her out for renovations and Eli takes her in, she learns Eli needs more than just a fake girlfriend. He needs to learn how to fuck. And that's Roxie's favorite thing to teach.

Content sexually explicit content, minor discussion of past experience of being cheated on/with

virgin MMC, sex lessons, fake dating

367 pages, Paperback

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.
Eli is an absolute nerd (I love every minute of all the games), he's also the perfect gentleman. And Roxie goes in as the unavailable playgirl with a pretty bad reputation, but she's so considerate and a consent queen.
A lot of problems come from other people, which the problem with small towns, ya know. But it really forces both of our characters to grow and rely on each other, which levels up their relationship.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5) thank you to pen pal pr and k.e. monteith for this arc!
i had a great time with this one ladies and gents. i love a dnd tie in and it was so sweet to see roxie get into it and get her friends into it. and eli…oh my goodness he is the definition of down bad and it was so silly. small towns are fun to imagine so i enjoyed being back in this one!

[corie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flirting through D&D 🤝🏼 Roxie and Eli

I want to learn D&D after reading this and I literally never thought I’d say that but… 👀

(Thank you to KE Monteith for letting me read this early!!)

[Hannah Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Fake dating
Virgin MMC x experienced FMC
Hot nerd (Dungeons and Dragons)
Bedroom lessons
Forced proximity

I received an ARC copy of this book from @penpalpr and the second I saw "nerdy
MMC." I knew I had to read it. There's just something about a soft, awkward nerd that melts my heart-and Ell absolutely delivered.

This story follows Roxie and Eli, two people with completely different lives who somehow fit together perfectly. Their banter? Chef's kiss. Roxie's bold, flirty, dirty-mouthed charm paired with Eli's constant blushes had me grinning the whole way through. And let's just say... the D&D dungeon master makes one very dedicated student, while Roxie proves to be the perfect teacher

Beyond the spice, this book has so much heart. Both characters go on journeys of self-discovery, learning to face their anxieties and see themselves the way the other does-with love, acceptance, and a little bit of bravery.

I devoured this in a single day because putting it down simply wasn't an option.
This definitely won't be my last read from @k.e.monteith__author and honestly, | think I might be adding "learn how to play D&D" to my to do list

[Catie M | SmuttyCocktails · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Snowfall Valley series! K.E has really mastered the fake dating trope and each book I read is always so much fun. I end up flying through the pages and falling in love with the characters. I love that each of the friend group is there in a supporting role even if its not their book. This book is so freaking hot! I love an inexperience MMC and Roxie teaching him, ugh it was fan yourself hot. The flirty banter and texting was everything! I could go on and on about how hot this book was. I loved that it was about the spice it was about trust and enjoying the journey. I loved the dynamic between Roxie and Eli. They started a friendship and trusted each other and the falling in love with almost too cute. The way the stood up for each other made me want to cry. It was two people used to taking hate from others and just accepting it until they finally have someone in their corner to say no you deserve better. Also can we take a moment to appreciate adults fully embracing their love of all things nerdy! I loved it! Its not about being cool and impressing others its finding people who will support you and join in with things that bring you joy!
4/5 stars 3/5 spice
If you love these tropes you need to read this
fake dating
inexperience MMC
spicy lessons
forced proximity

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 rounded to 5 stars

This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm glad I discovered her!
First and foremost, I think this is the best take on reformed playgirl FMC x virgin MMC I've read. Far too often it feels like authors just reverse what they would have written as reformed playboy MMC x virgin FMC without putting much effort into nuances, characteristics and features of different genders.
But here it was done so well! Roxie didn't feel like a re-written guy. Not only due to the shaming she experienced as a woman, but also in the approach she had towards teaching Eli, all their interactions, her inner thoughts and her friendships. Also, Eli was the perfect inexperienced MMC. Shy and blushing at the beginning (okay, he blushes all the time, but Roxie loves it), but turns into very attentive "student" and a steady friend who turns Roxie's approach to relationships upside down.
I also really liked the friends' group, the Clive stories and Eli's students as side characters. And the D&D intermissions were well-incorporated - there was a lot of them but they were all explained and so amazingly interwoven into the main story that it all made sense (even for someone who's not big on the game).
Sure, the thirds act felt kind of cliche, but I can let it slide, since the rest was refreshing and well-written.

I really want to reach for more books by K.E. Monteith now!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

We held our fingers together for a long moment, staring into each others eyes. We were staring into each other's eyes after sex, everything warm and comfortable, my heart slowed.

For once, I didn't want to bail right after sex. I wasn't planning my escape, I was contemplating helping wash up, changing the sheets, and snuggling.

Thank you to the Author and Pen Pal PR for the ARC! 🧡

This book was such a good read! I had expected it to be super spicy, but ultimately I found it to be so sweet and fun! I really loved the dynamic between Roxie and Eli. I also LOVED how all of their friends showed up for them!! They were fantastic side characters. I also found the entire plot/premise of this book to be super interesting and really had me hooked once I got to the 20%-ish mark. It felt like such a fun, nerdy, and overall different take on the fake dating trope, and I'd definitely read more from this series for sure!! 😍 🎲

🎲 Fake Dating
🎲 Friends to Lovers
🎲 FMC w/ a Bad Rep x Nerdy MMC
🎲 They play D&D together
🎲 Sex Lessons & First Time Experience

✏️ Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
✏️ Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
✏️ Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
✏️ World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
✏️ Spice (If Any): 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
✏️ Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5


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[dayshereads]

This was my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a solid small town romance with lots of little quarks that I enjoyed immensely. I didn’t feel lost even though I hadn’t read any of the other books in the series, although I can see how knowing the other characters would be enhanced the story.

I am all for a hot nerdy guy and add in D&D AND make him a teacher! Swoon! But then have him be all attentive and inexperienced 😍 I was a goner for Eli. He’s adorable and sweet and down so bad for her that it’s impossible not to be rooting for them.

Roxy is strong and confident and able to brush off a LOT of outside commentary. But throughout the story she evolves into something softer for Eli. I didn’t love general theme of how she was treated by sort of judgy bystanders but it’s handled as well as can be. It probably makes me cringe because I would have a hard time hearing someone get torn down like that I a real life.

The D&D scenes are EXQUISITELY done and I loved loved loved that part of the book.

The spice is fun in that sort of anxious fumbling first time way but with adult communication and vocabulary. Their chemistry is great and Eli’s eagerness to learn outweighs his inexperience. Also there are lots of details which is a plus for me!

[Reganne Whalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He noticed, he saw me. And I wasn’t used to being seen so completely like that.”

This. Book. Is. Amazing!! It was seriously everything I could ask for in book! I mean, the tropes virgin MMC, sex lessons, fake dating, forced proximity, (and more) are all amazing to start with. But then you add in the gamer-nerdy MMC, tight knit friend group, and small time vibes? It was definitely a spicy (and better) hallmark story! I’m also a big Dropout fan (something my nerdy-gamer boyfriend, who does D&D improv and I bond over), so this book had me giddy and kicking my feet within less than 10% read. I have told several people to put this book on their TBR well before I was half way finished reading it. I couldn’t read it fast enough and already look forward to re-reading it!

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as an ARC

This wasn’t like anything I’ve read before and I liked the change up.

There was a little bit of role reversal where he is the virgin, she’s the one who’s sexually experienced/a player and gives him the spicy lessons.

I can honestly say it’s the first time I’ve seen Dungeon and Dragons play into the plot of the book.

He’s a teacher, she’s a couple’s therapist and their job positions play into the story line efficiently.

There was definitely some moments where Eli’s shyness and naivety touched on my second hand embarrassment but it added to the experience.

I’d give it 3.5 stars if Goodreads allowed half stars.
Only 1-2 on the spicy scale. There isn’t TOO much of it but it’s still there in the background.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up. I thought this was a cute story, I liked the D&D tie in and the start to the fake dating made just enough sense to me. Eli and Roxie were pleasant characters to follow. Maybe I'm not small town savvy enough, but it drove me crazy how Roxie was treated by other people in town. I know people are judgy but it seemed over the top to me. I had an ARC copy of this book, so hopefully this was fixed later, but there were some really distracting editing errors. In general they weren't terrible but there were a couple of spots that I had to reread to make sure I understood what was happening. Overall I thought it was fine book and worth a quick read if you enjoy a small town romance with a fun D&D tie in.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

This is one that I enjoyed the whole way through, but then I get to the last quarter, and I'm obsessed! Once I reached that point, I couldn't stop giggling and cackling, the D&D jokes and the characters reactions as they were playing was perfect and (at least in any campaigns that I've played in) completely accurate!

We need more books with characters playing TTRPGs, they are so underrated and hey! I can be nerdy in multiple ways! Now I need to go back and read the other books that take place in this town, so I can get some back story on these other characters (like the deer!) and if they're anything like this one - they'll be amazing too!

[H S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli and Roxie are a case of opposites attract and due to fake dating they find they are quite compatible! Roxie helps rescue Eli from a pushy single mom by implying she is his girlfriend. Eli helps Roxie because a few weeks later she needs a place to stay because her rental needs renovations so they are able to help each other and keep the fake dating plan going. Roxie ends up getting to know Eli’s friends and family and becomes involved in his gaming world and Roxie’s friends end up meshing well with Eli and his friends. Roxie has never wanted a relationship but fake dating Eli makes her feel like she might actually want one with him. A fun read with lively friend and family dynamics.

[thatbeccagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roxie and Eli are pure opposites-attract perfection. She is bold, flirty, and dirty-mouthed, while he is the blushing D&D dungeon master who has no idea what he is in for. What starts as fake dating quickly spirals into late nights, spicy lessons, and a whole lot of heart.

I loved the banter, the found family vibes, and the way both characters grew into themselves. Beyond the steam, this book has so much warmth and tenderness. It is the kind of romance that leaves you smiling long after the last page.
I read this in one sitting and adored every second!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[ChlosterReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this for the most part. I liked the D&D elements. I liked how understanding and welcoming Roxie and her friend group were to it. I liked the communication between Roxie and Eli once the ~lessons~ started.
I could have done with a better conflict than a jealous PTA mom. I also didn't feel like we got resolution on some things. I don't know!
Thank you to Pen Pal PR and the author for providing me an ARC

[Arya Ajwani · Rating 1 out of 5]

✨arc review✨

DNFed after the 10th time of someone (including the FMC herself) referring to the FMC as a "hoe". Women can sleep around without being called that, and it also doesn't have to be their entire personality. I didn't even know what her job, hobbies, or roommates were before I knew for the 10th time that she liked to sleep around.

Thank you to K.E. Monteith and Pen Pal PR for the arc.

[liz_loves_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
This was such a lovely story. The pacing was perfect for the character development and allowed time for the storyline to build up.
The nerdy Eli was the perfect foil for Roxie and her playgirl ways.
Loved the gaming references - D&D anyone?
I'm a sucker for found family vibes, and this had it in spades. Emotions and friendship made this an enjoyable trip to Snowfall Valley.

[Tiffani Rutledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘙𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘭𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘋&𝘋.

𝘙𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘭𝘪 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘧𝘳𝘰. 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘌𝘭𝘪 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘙𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩.

𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘌𝘭𝘪 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵. 𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘦'𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘌𝘭𝘪 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘒.𝘌 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊.

[Ella Staffolani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I haven’t read the other book in the series, but after this one I might!!
I love playing D&D, so this book had all the sweet ingredients that I love 🩷.
Roxi and Eli, my my !!! I love them so so much. Roxi getting her friends into d&d, and Eli, my boy, he was down bad for her. I LOVED THEM.

Thanks Pen Pal and K.E. Monteith for this ARC!!

[Lily Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5✨-This book is very cute, and I loved the main characters! However, I couldn’t quite connect to the storyline the way I would have liked. Eli and Roxie were so cute and definitely recommend if you are a fan of board games and Dungeon and Dragons

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was FIRE! The chemistry, the tension, the spice, the character development, the humor….it was all perfection! It was the first book that I’ve read in this series and I will be going back to read the first 5. I can’t wait for the next one (do I hear Rosie’s story coming soon??!).

[Klára Cermáková · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I love fake dating trope. Can't wait fo Rosie's book.

[Laura WD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would’ve benefitted from a thorough line edit as typos and misspellings were jarring. However, plot was solid and characterisation well fleshed out.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just okay. I struggled with all the DnD references, how many times Roxie's promiscuity was referenced, and some of the small town drama felt a little reaching.

I did like the banter between Roxie and Eli and how much he blushed. I wanted to know more about Roxie's friend group, and wish I knew this was part of a series before I started it.

Even though I didn't love this one, I would still pick up another book by this author.

Thank you to Pen Pal PR for the advanced copy of this book.