What do you think?
Hope Harbor #2
Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore
Settle in with a warm glass of cider and FALL in love beside the bonfire on a crisp autumn evening in this friends-to-lovers fake dating romance about a jilted romance bookstore owner and her handsome failed-writer best friend, from the romance superstar author of The Boston Bolts hockey series.
These old flames are ready to catch fire.
After a very public failed engagement, Penny Darling, proud owner of Bonfire and Bliss Books, is done with love. She’d rather cozy up by the fire with a pumpkin spiced-anything and one of her book boyfriends than a real one any day.
So when her old high school best friend, author Jake “Monty” Montgomery, tells the town busybodies that he’s her new boyfriend and volunteers them to co-host Hope Harbor’s famed Maple Festival, Penny is more than hesitant.
Until Monty admits the real reason he returned his latest book release failed and if he doesn’t turn in something amazing soon, his career as an author is over. Convinced that Penny’s obsession with romance novels makes her an expert on the subject, Monty begs Penny to teach him how to be the perfect romantic hero so he can finally write one. In return, Penny’s “boyfriend” will put a stop to neighbors’ pitying looks and matchmaking.
But as pretend kisses in the apple orchard turn into searing ones beneath the autumn moon, Penny begins to wonder if Monty could really love her, or if she’s destined for another broken heart.
These old flames are ready to catch fire.
After a very public failed engagement, Penny Darling, proud owner of Bonfire and Bliss Books, is done with love. She’d rather cozy up by the fire with a pumpkin spiced-anything and one of her book boyfriends than a real one any day.
So when her old high school best friend, author Jake “Monty” Montgomery, tells the town busybodies that he’s her new boyfriend and volunteers them to co-host Hope Harbor’s famed Maple Festival, Penny is more than hesitant.
Until Monty admits the real reason he returned his latest book release failed and if he doesn’t turn in something amazing soon, his career as an author is over. Convinced that Penny’s obsession with romance novels makes her an expert on the subject, Monty begs Penny to teach him how to be the perfect romantic hero so he can finally write one. In return, Penny’s “boyfriend” will put a stop to neighbors’ pitying looks and matchmaking.
But as pretend kisses in the apple orchard turn into searing ones beneath the autumn moon, Penny begins to wonder if Monty could really love her, or if she’s destined for another broken heart.
420 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,588 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This might be my favourite read of this year, I loved it so much!! I already had high expectations, because I really enjoyed the first book, but this was even better!! The cozy fall vibes, the relationship, the chaotic small town and the way I related to Penny, it all made this book into an unforgettable journey.
Penny and Monty were close friends in high school and drifted apart, but now he's back in town and staying for a while. He needs to write his new book and has to make it amazing, she's trying to heal from a terrible relationship and hates that the whole town is trying to set her up with someone, so they decide to fake date and help each other. Everyone will leave her alone and she'll show Monty how to be the perfect book boyfriend so he can write romance into his novel better, a perfect solution. But, spending time together, kissing and practicing has them crossing the invisible line rather quickly...
I absolutely adored Penny, we are so similar which made me enjoy this book even more, as I never felt so seen as I did reading about her. She was incredible and loyal and she deserves the world. I loved seeing her be cherished and worshipped, Monty truly saw her and made sure he showed up.
Monty was such a perfect book boyfriend, the way he did everything for her, how he made sure she knows how perfect she is and who doesn't love a man with slutty glasses and tattoos!! He had his issues, but he always did the right thing.
Honesty, their relationship might be one of my favourites ever. I need a Monty in my life!!
The comfort they felt with each other, the way they understood one other and how integrated they were in each other's life before and now, it was simply amazing. The yearning, the t-shirt, the book club, the fake dating, the meeting, the lessons, the sweet pumpkin, the tension, the date, the dirty talking, the picnic, the maple tree and the bonfire, the library, the list, the devotion, the boom box and all the little things he did for her, it made for an incredible story. I just love their love. The spice was so good too, I wasn't expecting that, I really enjoyed it!!
This weird little town is honestly the best part. I love the town group chat, the Liberty Ladies and their meddling, the book club and all the town hall meetings. I could read the stories of everyone in town and still want more!! I enjoyed seeing Tally and Walker again and Daisy was an adorable edition. Seeing the bond Tally and Penny have and how Billie got her place with them and Rosie was so special. Also, vovo and her matchmaking skills were unmatched.
I seriously can't wait for the next book, I hope it's Billie's and then Rosie's, I'm really curious about her and Fletcher!!!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Random House UK, Cornerstone for providing me with an ARC.*
Penny and Monty were close friends in high school and drifted apart, but now he's back in town and staying for a while. He needs to write his new book and has to make it amazing, she's trying to heal from a terrible relationship and hates that the whole town is trying to set her up with someone, so they decide to fake date and help each other. Everyone will leave her alone and she'll show Monty how to be the perfect book boyfriend so he can write romance into his novel better, a perfect solution. But, spending time together, kissing and practicing has them crossing the invisible line rather quickly...
I absolutely adored Penny, we are so similar which made me enjoy this book even more, as I never felt so seen as I did reading about her. She was incredible and loyal and she deserves the world. I loved seeing her be cherished and worshipped, Monty truly saw her and made sure he showed up.
Monty was such a perfect book boyfriend, the way he did everything for her, how he made sure she knows how perfect she is and who doesn't love a man with slutty glasses and tattoos!! He had his issues, but he always did the right thing.
Honesty, their relationship might be one of my favourites ever. I need a Monty in my life!!
The comfort they felt with each other, the way they understood one other and how integrated they were in each other's life before and now, it was simply amazing. The yearning, the t-shirt, the book club, the fake dating, the meeting, the lessons, the sweet pumpkin, the tension, the date, the dirty talking, the picnic, the maple tree and the bonfire, the library, the list, the devotion, the boom box and all the little things he did for her, it made for an incredible story. I just love their love. The spice was so good too, I wasn't expecting that, I really enjoyed it!!
This weird little town is honestly the best part. I love the town group chat, the Liberty Ladies and their meddling, the book club and all the town hall meetings. I could read the stories of everyone in town and still want more!! I enjoyed seeing Tally and Walker again and Daisy was an adorable edition. Seeing the bond Tally and Penny have and how Billie got her place with them and Rosie was so special. Also, vovo and her matchmaking skills were unmatched.
I seriously can't wait for the next book, I hope it's Billie's and then Rosie's, I'm really curious about her and Fletcher!!!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Random House UK, Cornerstone for providing me with an ARC.*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 Stars!
Brittanee Nicole continues her new series, and this second installment did not disappoint!!
As per the blurb, long time besties Penny and Monty are reconnecting as Monty comes home to find some much needed inspiration regarding his writer’s block. When he and Penny agree on a mutually benefiting arrangement, both think their long ago crushes can remain secret despite pretending to be in a relationship. They should’ve known better that reconnecting over their shared past and portraying a loving infatuated couple will only add fuel to the fire!
Just like Darling Daffodils Farm, this was fun funny sexy and way spicier than you would assume despite that cozy cover.
Unlike the first book, this was more grounded with satisfying hurt comfort centered on Monty’s family dynamics that have affected his negative outlook on love and Penny's failed engagement to a person who never truly put her first. Bonus points for body positivity, a shout out to a love of books and a love of romance, quirky hilarious meddling small town living, and a gaggle of friends who won't let you get away with anything.
Overall, this was a really good fake dating, friends to lovers story built on a solid foundation of mutual history and trust that results in a combustible happy ending. If it's not already obvious, I’m invested in this cast of characters now, and I’m only sad it will be too long a wait to get the next installment!
Thank you to the author and GP Putnam’s Son via NetGalley for a copy to review honestly
Hope Harbor
1. Darling Daffodils Farm - 3.75 Stars
2. Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore - 4 Stars
Brittanee Nicole continues her new series, and this second installment did not disappoint!!
As per the blurb, long time besties Penny and Monty are reconnecting as Monty comes home to find some much needed inspiration regarding his writer’s block. When he and Penny agree on a mutually benefiting arrangement, both think their long ago crushes can remain secret despite pretending to be in a relationship. They should’ve known better that reconnecting over their shared past and portraying a loving infatuated couple will only add fuel to the fire!
Just like Darling Daffodils Farm, this was fun funny sexy and way spicier than you would assume despite that cozy cover.
Unlike the first book, this was more grounded with satisfying hurt comfort centered on Monty’s family dynamics that have affected his negative outlook on love and Penny's failed engagement to a person who never truly put her first. Bonus points for body positivity, a shout out to a love of books and a love of romance, quirky hilarious meddling small town living, and a gaggle of friends who won't let you get away with anything.
Overall, this was a really good fake dating, friends to lovers story built on a solid foundation of mutual history and trust that results in a combustible happy ending. If it's not already obvious, I’m invested in this cast of characters now, and I’m only sad it will be too long a wait to get the next installment!
Thank you to the author and GP Putnam’s Son via NetGalley for a copy to review honestly
Hope Harbor
1. Darling Daffodils Farm - 3.75 Stars
2. Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore - 4 Stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“After having craved those copper eyes for so long searching for their color in every cup of coffee, every sunrise, in the dancing flames of a fire, and the evening sunset. How did I think I could do anything but claim her as mine?”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴏᴄᴛᴏʙᴇʀ ᴇʏᴇs” x ᴀʟᴛ ʙʟᴏᴏᴍ
0:14 ─♥──────── 2:27
When I tell you I ate this up… I mean it. Fully consumed. No crumbs left. 👏🏼 I went in with ridiculously high expectations (which is always a gamble🫣) especially because my first book by this author Darling Daffodils Farm ended up being an all-time favorite… and somehow this one didn’t just meet those expectations, it blew past them.
This story feels like coming home to something you didn’t realize you’d been missing.
Penny is just… everything. She loves so deeply, so selflessly, always showing up for everyone around her without hesitation. And there’s something so devastating about her character because you know how much she deserves in return (and hearing how she was treated in her last relationship makes me want to scream). Watching her navigate her fears, her past hurt, and still continue to love the way she does? I adored her. I rooted for her so hard.
And Monty. *screams in delightttt*
Monty, who has wanted her apparently since he was SEVENTEEN??? AHHHH And when they’re thrown back together?? When fake dating enters the picture?? It’s like striking a match over something that was already soaked in gasoline.
The setup was so good. Every moment, every “pretend” interaction had this underlying tension of this is not pretend, not even a little bit. And the way they slowly start crossing that invisible line??? I was LOSING IT. Especially because Penny is over here trying to guard her heart, convincing herself she’s alone in what she’s feeling…
Meanwhile Monty is internally writing poetry about her existence.
LIKE??? HELLO??? 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
And when things start to unravel (in the best, most emotionally chaotic way) and he finally starts saying what he’s been holding in???
YUMMM YUMMM YUMMMM 🤭😝
I was not prepared for the spice level in this book AT ALL 😭 The mouth on Monty should be criminal that’s all I’m gonna say.
I will say there were a couple things that I slightly didn’t like. For one, there was no need for Monty to call her by her nickname SO MUCH. 😭 also I’m not sure why Daisy the cow was mentioned so much… But those things weren’t enough to drop a star imo.
Also I can’t not mention the town because the chaos??? unmatched. The meddling, the group chat (forever iconic 😂), the way everyone is just deeply invested in everything… it adds this warmth and humor that balances out the emotional weight so perfectly. And Penny and Tally’s relationship?? I loved it. It felt so genuine and grounding.
But the thing that really stayed with me is the way Monty loves her. Not just loudly, but consistently.
*faints* I’m unwell.
This isn’t just friends-to-lovers. This is inevitable love. The kind that refuses to fade no matter how much time passes. And when it finally comes together?? It’s explosive in the best way. 🙂↕️🙂↕️
Five stars doesn’t even feel like enough.
And now I’m just sitting here, already desperate for the next book. Rosie? Billie? I don’t even care. Just give it to me immediately because I need more of this town and their people
things to know about the book ↓
🧡 friends to lovers
🧡 second chance
🧡 fake dating
🧡 small town chaos
🧡 meddling townspeople
🧡 group chat shenanigans
🧡 writer x bookstore owner
🧡 body positivity rep
🧡 found family energy
🧡 dual POV
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
swearing: yes
The biggest thank you to NetGalley, Putnam & Brittanee Nicole for allowing me to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you're interested in reading my review for the previous book in this series! ↓ ↓
Darling Daffodils Farm Review
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
I’ve been waiting for Penny and Monty 👀
I loved Tally and Walkers story so much… so to say my hopes are high is an understatement. Can’t wait to get into this!! Hope Harbor here I come 🧡💛
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ᴏᴄᴛᴏʙᴇʀ ᴇʏᴇs” x ᴀʟᴛ ʙʟᴏᴏᴍ
0:14 ─♥──────── 2:27
When I tell you I ate this up… I mean it. Fully consumed. No crumbs left. 👏🏼 I went in with ridiculously high expectations (which is always a gamble🫣) especially because my first book by this author Darling Daffodils Farm ended up being an all-time favorite… and somehow this one didn’t just meet those expectations, it blew past them.
This story feels like coming home to something you didn’t realize you’d been missing.
Penny is just… everything. She loves so deeply, so selflessly, always showing up for everyone around her without hesitation. And there’s something so devastating about her character because you know how much she deserves in return (and hearing how she was treated in her last relationship makes me want to scream). Watching her navigate her fears, her past hurt, and still continue to love the way she does? I adored her. I rooted for her so hard.
And Monty. *screams in delightttt*
Monty, who has wanted her apparently since he was SEVENTEEN??? AHHHH And when they’re thrown back together?? When fake dating enters the picture?? It’s like striking a match over something that was already soaked in gasoline.
The setup was so good. Every moment, every “pretend” interaction had this underlying tension of this is not pretend, not even a little bit. And the way they slowly start crossing that invisible line??? I was LOSING IT. Especially because Penny is over here trying to guard her heart, convincing herself she’s alone in what she’s feeling…
Meanwhile Monty is internally writing poetry about her existence.
“Penelope Darling’s eyes are pure perfection and the color of a shimmering copper penny.”
LIKE??? HELLO??? 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
And when things start to unravel (in the best, most emotionally chaotic way) and he finally starts saying what he’s been holding in???
“Stop thinking you’re too much for me when you are absolutely everything I want.”
“Trust me when I say there isn’t an inch of you that I’m not desperate to worship.”
YUMMM YUMMM YUMMMM 🤭😝
I was not prepared for the spice level in this book AT ALL 😭 The mouth on Monty should be criminal that’s all I’m gonna say.
I will say there were a couple things that I slightly didn’t like. For one, there was no need for Monty to call her by her nickname SO MUCH. 😭 also I’m not sure why Daisy the cow was mentioned so much… But those things weren’t enough to drop a star imo.
Also I can’t not mention the town because the chaos??? unmatched. The meddling, the group chat (forever iconic 😂), the way everyone is just deeply invested in everything… it adds this warmth and humor that balances out the emotional weight so perfectly. And Penny and Tally’s relationship?? I loved it. It felt so genuine and grounding.
But the thing that really stayed with me is the way Monty loves her. Not just loudly, but consistently.
“My story begins and ends with you. Because you, Penny Darling, are my heart. You’re the love of my life, my best friend.”
“Penny is my past, present, and every second of my future.”
*faints* I’m unwell.
This isn’t just friends-to-lovers. This is inevitable love. The kind that refuses to fade no matter how much time passes. And when it finally comes together?? It’s explosive in the best way. 🙂↕️🙂↕️
Five stars doesn’t even feel like enough.
And now I’m just sitting here, already desperate for the next book. Rosie? Billie? I don’t even care. Just give it to me immediately because I need more of this town and their people
things to know about the book ↓
🧡 friends to lovers
🧡 second chance
🧡 fake dating
🧡 small town chaos
🧡 meddling townspeople
🧡 group chat shenanigans
🧡 writer x bookstore owner
🧡 body positivity rep
🧡 found family energy
🧡 dual POV
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
swearing: yes
The biggest thank you to NetGalley, Putnam & Brittanee Nicole for allowing me to read this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you're interested in reading my review for the previous book in this series! ↓ ↓
Darling Daffodils Farm Review
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
I’ve been waiting for Penny and Monty 👀
I loved Tally and Walkers story so much… so to say my hopes are high is an understatement. Can’t wait to get into this!! Hope Harbor here I come 🧡💛
August 18, 2026
Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore is a sweet and cozy small town story full of charm! This friends to lovers romance between struggling author Monty and bookstore owner Penny was so swoony. I loved that the two had so much banter and chemistry. It was so obvious that they were enamored with each other and willing to go to great lengths for one another. I especially enjoyed how Penny and Monty explored their chemistry as their friendship slowly blossomed into something more; the way the two fell for each other was so natural. I also loved how the fake dating came into play between these two. Add in all the fall activities and small town happenings, and the story kept me dialed in from beginning to end. Altogether, this warm and heartfelt romance was the perfect cozy read to kick off fall, with all the charm, swoon, and steam one could want!
~Many thanks to Putnam for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
~Many thanks to Putnam for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
August 7, 2026
Great second book in the series!!!
Spicy alert!!!! 🥵🥵🥵
Spicy alert!!!! 🥵🥵🥵
September 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️.75 (rounded up)
This one started off promising, but unfortunately lost me pretty quickly. I’m usually fine with the cheesy Hallmark vibes that come with seasonal romances, but the fake dating setup barely felt like fake dating, and the book ended up feeling way more focused on spice than plot.
I did love the story behind the MMC’s nickname for the FMC, but it got so overused.
And the random spicy mask scene came out of nowhere???😭 definitely not what I expected from a cozy fall romance
Not terrible, just not quite what I was hoping for.
This one started off promising, but unfortunately lost me pretty quickly. I’m usually fine with the cheesy Hallmark vibes that come with seasonal romances, but the fake dating setup barely felt like fake dating, and the book ended up feeling way more focused on spice than plot.
I did love the story behind the MMC’s nickname for the FMC, but it got so overused.
And the random spicy mask scene came out of nowhere???😭 definitely not what I expected from a cozy fall romance
Not terrible, just not quite what I was hoping for.
August 23, 2026
Welp I straight devoured that book. I’m currently licking my fingers clean then will be sucking up every freaking crumb like a Hoover vacuum because this right here is Brittanée’s best work yet. Monty is hands down book boyfriend zero. And chapter 28?!? My legs no longer work because holy smokes, Batman 😮💨🫠🥵 so if you need me, I’m currently making a residence on the floor. That’s it. That’s the review. That’s all you need to know.
Oh and also, if you are an audio girlie pop, listen to the audio. James Cassidy and Megan Wicks fucking slayed the game my friends. Bc again what was chapter 28 and why am I still at the restaurant 🤭
Oh and also, if you are an audio girlie pop, listen to the audio. James Cassidy and Megan Wicks fucking slayed the game my friends. Bc again what was chapter 28 and why am I still at the restaurant 🤭
September 4, 2026
I enjoyed parts of this book. The fall vibes were very nice. I just couldn’t get past the constant use of the FMC’s very annoying nickname.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have a confession to make :D I may or may not have screamed when I got approved for this book , because I loved book 1.
And I think I liked it even more than the first.
We get friends to lovers plus fake dating and it worked really well for me. Penny and Monty have history, they were close, drifted apart and now they’re finding their way back to each other.
Monty was such a fun character. An excellent fake boyfriend, always there, always helpful… and with a very unexpected dirty mind. I wouldn’t really call him a failed writer, more like someone who lost inspiration or maybe picked the wrong genre.
Penny was great too. I really loved her journey, especially how she slowly regained her confidence and allowed herself to open up again. I liked that she didn’t hold back from trying new things and just went for it.
The small town vibes are still as charming as in the first book, with all the quirky characters that make Hope Harbor feel alive. And honestly, I already can’t wait for the next one.
⭐ 5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
And I think I liked it even more than the first.
We get friends to lovers plus fake dating and it worked really well for me. Penny and Monty have history, they were close, drifted apart and now they’re finding their way back to each other.
Monty was such a fun character. An excellent fake boyfriend, always there, always helpful… and with a very unexpected dirty mind. I wouldn’t really call him a failed writer, more like someone who lost inspiration or maybe picked the wrong genre.
Penny was great too. I really loved her journey, especially how she slowly regained her confidence and allowed herself to open up again. I liked that she didn’t hold back from trying new things and just went for it.
The small town vibes are still as charming as in the first book, with all the quirky characters that make Hope Harbor feel alive. And honestly, I already can’t wait for the next one.
⭐ 5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
September 14, 2026
I freakin LOVED this book to pieces! This is the perfect fall romance between two childhood friends who CLEARLY have been harboring feelings for one another for a long time… The atmosphere is top notch! It feels like fall as the author added all the cozy elements of the season and depicts the sweetest small town in New England. I do live in New England, but I specifically want to live in Hope Harbor. Anyway, with the fall activities, drinks, desserts, and even clothing I truly felt like I was living in the season and not the “in between” that we typically feel living here when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate 😂 I could smell the bonfire, taste the spiked cider, and feel the cool breeze at night. Sigh, I just loved it so much. That’s not all though, the romance between Penny and Monty? SWOONWORTHY!
Friends to lovers has always been one of my favorite tropes so reading THEIR story where they start as fake dating to finally figuring out their true feelings was magical. Their chemistry was explosive from the beginning, and I loved watching them slowly come to terms with their true feelings. I hope to see more of them as side characters in future books.
Speaking of side characters, the found family aspects and these friendships made the book even more special! I still need to go back and read Tally’s story, but I have to wait a few days for my copy to come in (yes, I bought physical copies and preordered book 3 based on my LOVE for this one!).
I’ll stop gushing now but I want to say that I highly recommend this book especially if you’re in the mood for something set during the fall!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘
📚 Cozy Bookstores
💕 Childhood Best Friends
💘 Friends to Lovers
🎭 Fake Dating
🏡 Small-Town Romance
👨👩👧 Found Family
💋 "Romance Lessons"
🍂 Cozy Fall Vibes
Friends to lovers has always been one of my favorite tropes so reading THEIR story where they start as fake dating to finally figuring out their true feelings was magical. Their chemistry was explosive from the beginning, and I loved watching them slowly come to terms with their true feelings. I hope to see more of them as side characters in future books.
Speaking of side characters, the found family aspects and these friendships made the book even more special! I still need to go back and read Tally’s story, but I have to wait a few days for my copy to come in (yes, I bought physical copies and preordered book 3 based on my LOVE for this one!).
I’ll stop gushing now but I want to say that I highly recommend this book especially if you’re in the mood for something set during the fall!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘
📚 Cozy Bookstores
💕 Childhood Best Friends
💘 Friends to Lovers
🎭 Fake Dating
🏡 Small-Town Romance
👨👩👧 Found Family
💋 "Romance Lessons"
🍂 Cozy Fall Vibes
March 27, 2026
This is in the running for my favorite book of the year. The yearning that starts from the first sentence is palpable. The love story evolution is believable and pure. And the spice is insane! Aka a spicy romance trifecta.
Penny has a great life. She owns the bookstore in her hometown, her sister is back home and found love, and they’re finding their way after their dad’s passing. But, everything’s just a little bit off. She no longer has a fiancé, her bookstore is struggling, and she’s just floating through life without knowing herself and what she wants. When her best friend Monty comes back to town, that safe haven from childhood could just be her safe haven to finding herself— and love.
Monty has writer’s block, so he escapes New York and comes back home for new surroundings. Those surroundings include his best friend and the woman he can describe in writer’s detail and who convinced him to pursue his career. When he sees her again, there’s no going back— especially if a chance to fake date her means a chance to finally act on those longstanding feelings he’s buried.
Every single word of this story was perfect. I’m obsessed and BEGGING for the next book in the series already.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Penny has a great life. She owns the bookstore in her hometown, her sister is back home and found love, and they’re finding their way after their dad’s passing. But, everything’s just a little bit off. She no longer has a fiancé, her bookstore is struggling, and she’s just floating through life without knowing herself and what she wants. When her best friend Monty comes back to town, that safe haven from childhood could just be her safe haven to finding herself— and love.
Monty has writer’s block, so he escapes New York and comes back home for new surroundings. Those surroundings include his best friend and the woman he can describe in writer’s detail and who convinced him to pursue his career. When he sees her again, there’s no going back— especially if a chance to fake date her means a chance to finally act on those longstanding feelings he’s buried.
Every single word of this story was perfect. I’m obsessed and BEGGING for the next book in the series already.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🍂Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore🍂
Very cute, very cozy, and such a perfect fall read. Seriously, grab a blanket, make a cup of tea, and settle in because this is the kind of book that feels made for a rainy day.
🍁 What to Expect
• Friends to lovers
• Fake dating
• Small town
• Bookstore owner FMC
• Author MMC
• Second chance
• Cozy fall
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 4.5 stars
📅 Pub Date: August 11, 2026
📝 Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Very cute, very cozy, and such a perfect fall read. Seriously, grab a blanket, make a cup of tea, and settle in because this is the kind of book that feels made for a rainy day.
🍁 What to Expect
• Friends to lovers
• Fake dating
• Small town
• Bookstore owner FMC
• Author MMC
• Second chance
• Cozy fall
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 4.5 stars
📅 Pub Date: August 11, 2026
📝 Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Did Not Finish
August 7, 2026Too rich for my blood.
While cozy and fall feels abound, so does the F* word, and at 158 uses, it feels a bit much for me. The spice is too spicy for me too. 🤷🏻
Content Warnings: breath play (?) -- he's grabbing her around the throat during sex, degradation kink
While cozy and fall feels abound, so does the F* word, and at 158 uses, it feels a bit much for me. The spice is too spicy for me too. 🤷🏻
Content Warnings: breath play (?) -- he's grabbing her around the throat during sex, degradation kink
September 5, 2026
I love being back in Hope Harbor! Books about books is always such a fun trope, and I really loved Penny and Monty together. I definitely enjoyed the first book in the series more, but I still had a great time with this one and can’t wait for book 3!
June 12, 2026
This book has IT ALL!! Friends to lovers 🩷 Fake Dating 🩵 AND Small Town Romance!! Swoon someone catch me because I’m gonna faint from how cute this book is!
This book would be absolutely perfect to read cozied up under a comfy blanket with a cup of tea in the fall! The vibes are just so sweet and the whole town is so so cute!!
Monty and Penny’s relationship was just so touching! I loved seeing them fall for each other but not wanting to admit it! Monty wrote the book on yearning and I’m gonna need every copy!! ALSO!! Do not be fooled by the cute cover!! This book is very spicy 🌶️ !! It also made me cry like a lot at multiple points while reading so be ready for that!!
Overall, this book is fantastic and I love it and I can’t wait for it to come out so I can get my hands on it!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
This book would be absolutely perfect to read cozied up under a comfy blanket with a cup of tea in the fall! The vibes are just so sweet and the whole town is so so cute!!
Monty and Penny’s relationship was just so touching! I loved seeing them fall for each other but not wanting to admit it! Monty wrote the book on yearning and I’m gonna need every copy!! ALSO!! Do not be fooled by the cute cover!! This book is very spicy 🌶️ !! It also made me cry like a lot at multiple points while reading so be ready for that!!
Overall, this book is fantastic and I love it and I can’t wait for it to come out so I can get my hands on it!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
August 11, 2026
Thank you to the author and Putnam for the gifted e-copy.
“You can’t use my book boyfriends against me!”
Vibes: it’s always been you meets fall
Penny’s life sounds great to me: bookstore owner, sister, small town life, pumpkin spice fiend, and a super hot best friend who is pretty obsessed with her. He’s tattooed, has slutty glasses, and uses Portuguese endearments.
Tropes:
Small Town
Fake Dating
Old Friends to Lovers
Family
Author &
Bookstore Owner
“You can’t use my book boyfriends against me!”
Vibes: it’s always been you meets fall
Penny’s life sounds great to me: bookstore owner, sister, small town life, pumpkin spice fiend, and a super hot best friend who is pretty obsessed with her. He’s tattooed, has slutty glasses, and uses Portuguese endearments.
Tropes:
Small Town
Fake Dating
Old Friends to Lovers
Family
Author &
Bookstore Owner
September 14, 2026
What a fun fall read!?! It was so cute and spicy.
This was a fun friends to lovers/ fake dating situation which I’m a sucker for! Also our girl is a book girly and Monty agrees to help her bring to life all her smutty fantasies. HOT lol
This was also in duet narration!
This was a fun friends to lovers/ fake dating situation which I’m a sucker for! Also our girl is a book girly and Monty agrees to help her bring to life all her smutty fantasies. HOT lol
This was also in duet narration!
September 26, 2026
So I actually really liked this one! It was cozy, the spice was good & I really liked the characters & their story! I haven’t read the 1st book yet so this can absolutely be read as a standalone! Definitely recommend!
July 20, 2026
If I could live in Hope Harbor, I would be there in a heartbeat! This is the perfect book for those cozy fall vibes and about to be my entire personality because I am a fall girlie! And then add in the fact that Monty has tattoos and wears glasses…cue the swooning!! I absolutely loved Penny & Monty! Their friendship is so easy going and it’s clear how comfortable they are around each other. But when they decide to fake date, I was done for! Will forever be a favorite trope of mine and I was obsessed with seeing their story play out!
This audiobook is performed in duet by Megan Wicks & James Cassidy and let me just say, it is PERFECTION! If you’re debating on whether or not you should listen to this one, do yourself a favor and just get the audio!
What to expect:
-author x bookstore owner
-friends to lovers
-fake dating
-small town
-fall vibes
-spicy lessons
-he wears glasses
-it’s always been you
-mutual pining
This audiobook is performed in duet by Megan Wicks & James Cassidy and let me just say, it is PERFECTION! If you’re debating on whether or not you should listen to this one, do yourself a favor and just get the audio!
What to expect:
-author x bookstore owner
-friends to lovers
-fake dating
-small town
-fall vibes
-spicy lessons
-he wears glasses
-it’s always been you
-mutual pining
August 11, 2026
I have found my first five star fall read of the year, and yes, it is only August. No, I will not be taking questions. 😂🍂 This book had EVERYTHING I want from a fall romance. The autumn descriptions, the apple orchard, the cozy bookstore, the fall events, the adorable small town atmosphere… the vibes were immaculate. Hope Harbor is already ridiculously cute, but Hope Harbor in the fall? Even better. I was ready to move in immediately.
And Penny? Penny is me and I am Penny. A cutesy bookstore owner, Bookstagrammer, lover of fall books, obsessed with autumn, and happiest surrounded by books? Brittanee Nicole apparently went into my personality settings and wrote a heroine specifically for me. 😂 I absolutely adored her, and I loved that the book gave so much attention to her friendships with her sister and their friends. The female friendships were such a fun part of the story.
Then there’s Monty, who was a fantastic hero. Their chemistry was so good, and the friends to lovers/fake dating setup gave us plenty of swoony and spicy moments. I especially loved watching Monty work through the baggage from his parents’ divorce and the way it had left him jaded about love. His emotional journey added some nice depth beneath all the cozy romance and fall fun.
And can we talk about the Hope Harbor residents and their town wide group chat?! The meddling was elite. I loved how much personality the town had and how the side characters made Hope Harbor feel like a place I actually wanted to visit. This was only my third book by Brittanee Nicole, and I am officially delighted to discover she has a giant backlist because apparently I have some serious binge reading to do while I wait for the next Hope Harbor book.
I already loved the first book, but I liked this one even more. It charmed the absolute hell out of me. The setting, the fall atmosphere, the bookstore, the friendships, the banter, the chemistry, the spice, the swoon… it all worked. If this is what my fall reading season looks like, I am VERY ready.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
* immaculate autumn vibes and cozy small towns
* bookish heroines who own bookstores and live for fall reading
* spicy friends to lovers fake dating with serious chemistry
* meddling small town residents and unhinged group chats
And Penny? Penny is me and I am Penny. A cutesy bookstore owner, Bookstagrammer, lover of fall books, obsessed with autumn, and happiest surrounded by books? Brittanee Nicole apparently went into my personality settings and wrote a heroine specifically for me. 😂 I absolutely adored her, and I loved that the book gave so much attention to her friendships with her sister and their friends. The female friendships were such a fun part of the story.
Then there’s Monty, who was a fantastic hero. Their chemistry was so good, and the friends to lovers/fake dating setup gave us plenty of swoony and spicy moments. I especially loved watching Monty work through the baggage from his parents’ divorce and the way it had left him jaded about love. His emotional journey added some nice depth beneath all the cozy romance and fall fun.
And can we talk about the Hope Harbor residents and their town wide group chat?! The meddling was elite. I loved how much personality the town had and how the side characters made Hope Harbor feel like a place I actually wanted to visit. This was only my third book by Brittanee Nicole, and I am officially delighted to discover she has a giant backlist because apparently I have some serious binge reading to do while I wait for the next Hope Harbor book.
I already loved the first book, but I liked this one even more. It charmed the absolute hell out of me. The setting, the fall atmosphere, the bookstore, the friendships, the banter, the chemistry, the spice, the swoon… it all worked. If this is what my fall reading season looks like, I am VERY ready.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
* immaculate autumn vibes and cozy small towns
* bookish heroines who own bookstores and live for fall reading
* spicy friends to lovers fake dating with serious chemistry
* meddling small town residents and unhinged group chats
August 26, 2026
so so so cute! Such a sweet friends to lovers story and perfect for the fall time
September 28, 2026
this was CUTE!!!! omg a book boyfriend who's a writer and spent two chapters trying to describe the color of her eyes? PLEASEEEEEEEE.
September 16, 2026
loved this! so sweet and so wholesome, Penny and Monty have my heart 🧡 also sorry the mentions of pumpkin spice, cinnamon sweet treats and fall?! me in a book I’m obsessed and need everyone to read this 🌶️
September 3, 2026
Das perfekte Buch für den Herbst🍂🍁
August 18, 2026
This was such a cozy, feel-good read! This story had everything I love about a small-town romance… community, found family, a charming setting, and plenty of heart.
I really enjoyed getting to know the mains and watching their relationship unfold. The bookstore setting was definitely one of my favorite parts, and I loved the overall cozy atmosphere of the story. Overall, this was a sweet and enjoyable time that left me with all the warm and fuzzy feelings.
A perfect book to pick up when you’re looking for something light, cozy, and full of heart!
I really enjoyed getting to know the mains and watching their relationship unfold. The bookstore setting was definitely one of my favorite parts, and I loved the overall cozy atmosphere of the story. Overall, this was a sweet and enjoyable time that left me with all the warm and fuzzy feelings.
A perfect book to pick up when you’re looking for something light, cozy, and full of heart!
September 21, 2026
I keep trying romances and keep bouncing off them. It's probably me.
If you are looking for autumn vibes, you couldn't find more powerful ones than what's in this book. The colors, the foods, the feel, it all blares fall-and-cozy right in your heart. That's probably its best quality as far as I was concerned and it succeeds there with no problem.
Where it lost me was with the three headed blue alien dildo being thrown around by members of Penny's book club because... IDK. Because they wanted her to go on a date? I still don't see how that leads to fishing a friend's sex toy out of her drawer and tossing about her place of business (book shop). I am just too old to find that funny or charming; my reaction is that real people just don't do such things and it's a dumb and juvenile attempt to get a laugh at the expense of giving characterization to any characters.
The "pretend boyfriend" aspect was pretty weak too. And Monty's nickname for Penny was about two syllables longer than it needed to be and reading it threw me out of the story every time as I tried to figure out how it could roll off the tongue naturally.
BUT. If you're just there for the vibes, don't mind a lot of goofiness and are good with the "obstacle" keeping the couple apart only exists so that there can be a last minute reconciliation, then this will do fine.
If you are looking for autumn vibes, you couldn't find more powerful ones than what's in this book. The colors, the foods, the feel, it all blares fall-and-cozy right in your heart. That's probably its best quality as far as I was concerned and it succeeds there with no problem.
Where it lost me was with the three headed blue alien dildo being thrown around by members of Penny's book club because... IDK. Because they wanted her to go on a date? I still don't see how that leads to fishing a friend's sex toy out of her drawer and tossing about her place of business (book shop). I am just too old to find that funny or charming; my reaction is that real people just don't do such things and it's a dumb and juvenile attempt to get a laugh at the expense of giving characterization to any characters.
The "pretend boyfriend" aspect was pretty weak too. And Monty's nickname for Penny was about two syllables longer than it needed to be and reading it threw me out of the story every time as I tried to figure out how it could roll off the tongue naturally.
BUT. If you're just there for the vibes, don't mind a lot of goofiness and are good with the "obstacle" keeping the couple apart only exists so that there can be a last minute reconciliation, then this will do fine.
September 7, 2026
Between a 4 & 4 1/2 🌟 Such a great series and the town chat is so good.
August 17, 2026
These fall vibes were absolutely everything. They made me want to crank the AC and grab some sweats, a cozy blanket, and a pumpkin flavored hot drink of some sort. But somehow it still managed to not be over the top. It was absolutely perfect!
Monty & Penny were so much fun together. They had everything you could want - tension, banter, nicknames, chemistry and so much swoon. I love that they have both been crushing on each other for YEARS and they're trying to keep it a secret to save their friendship. Welp, they aren't friends anymore and I am SO HERE FOR IT!
Here’s what you can expect…
🤎 small town
🧡 fall vibes
🤎 fake dating
🧡 exploring spice from books
🤎 bookstore owner heroine
🧡 friends to lovers
🤎 so much meddling
🧡 mutual pining
🤎 slvtty glasses
🧡 spice
📚 Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Audio: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🎧 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼...
Full disclosure... I started reading the ARC before it published and then saw that James Cassidy and Megan Wicks were narrating the audiobook, so I stopped reading to wait for pub day so I could listen. Can I say, it was WORTH THE WAIT! These two were so good together in duet narration. I will never be over James saying "Xuxuzinho" and how he sounded with the voice modulator. Don't miss this audiobook ya'll!
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘗𝘶𝘵𝘯𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘯é𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘐 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯!
Monty & Penny were so much fun together. They had everything you could want - tension, banter, nicknames, chemistry and so much swoon. I love that they have both been crushing on each other for YEARS and they're trying to keep it a secret to save their friendship. Welp, they aren't friends anymore and I am SO HERE FOR IT!
Here’s what you can expect…
🤎 small town
🧡 fall vibes
🤎 fake dating
🧡 exploring spice from books
🤎 bookstore owner heroine
🧡 friends to lovers
🤎 so much meddling
🧡 mutual pining
🤎 slvtty glasses
🧡 spice
📚 Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Audio: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🎧 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼...
Full disclosure... I started reading the ARC before it published and then saw that James Cassidy and Megan Wicks were narrating the audiobook, so I stopped reading to wait for pub day so I could listen. Can I say, it was WORTH THE WAIT! These two were so good together in duet narration. I will never be over James saying "Xuxuzinho" and how he sounded with the voice modulator. Don't miss this audiobook ya'll!
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘗𝘶𝘵𝘯𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘯é𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘙𝘊. 𝘐 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯!
September 19, 2026
A very easy & cozy read with likeable characters and great chemistry. The audiobook is particularly good. I didn’t realize this was book two in a series but I was able to follow along with the characters well-enough. Adding the other two books to my TBR
August 25, 2026
Such a sweet and cozy read. Loved every bit of this book. 🍂
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