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The Valentine Arrangement
The deal was simple: He pretends to be my boyfriend. I help him survive Valentine's rush. Three weeks, no feelings. That lasted about forty-eight hours before the plan fell apart.
When I followed my ex to his tiny Colorado hometown for shared custody of our corgis, I wasn't planning to fall for the town's most closed-off resident. But when Holden Hutchinson—brooding, massive, and irritatingly handsome—kisses me in front of my ex to shut him up, we accidentally start a rumor neither of us knows how to stop.
The deal is straightforward: I help him survive Valentine's rush at his flower shop. He pretends to be my boyfriend until my ex backs off. Three weeks. No feelings. Easy.
Except Holden's hands are gentle when they're buried in roses. His rare smiles hit like a shot of whiskey. And the way he looks at me—like I'm not too much for once—makes me want things I swore I'd stopped wanting.
He says he likes the quiet. I've never been quiet a day in my life.
But every fake kiss feels dangerously real. Every night in his arms makes the end date harder to remember. And when Valentine's Day arrives, I'm terrified the only heart getting broken will be mine.
The Valentine Arrangement is a high-heat M/M romance novella with a guaranteed HEA, two corgis who steal every scene, and a grumpy/sunshine pairing that will melt your heart.
When I followed my ex to his tiny Colorado hometown for shared custody of our corgis, I wasn't planning to fall for the town's most closed-off resident. But when Holden Hutchinson—brooding, massive, and irritatingly handsome—kisses me in front of my ex to shut him up, we accidentally start a rumor neither of us knows how to stop.
The deal is straightforward: I help him survive Valentine's rush at his flower shop. He pretends to be my boyfriend until my ex backs off. Three weeks. No feelings. Easy.
Except Holden's hands are gentle when they're buried in roses. His rare smiles hit like a shot of whiskey. And the way he looks at me—like I'm not too much for once—makes me want things I swore I'd stopped wanting.
He says he likes the quiet. I've never been quiet a day in my life.
But every fake kiss feels dangerously real. Every night in his arms makes the end date harder to remember. And when Valentine's Day arrives, I'm terrified the only heart getting broken will be mine.
The Valentine Arrangement is a high-heat M/M romance novella with a guaranteed HEA, two corgis who steal every scene, and a grumpy/sunshine pairing that will melt your heart.
Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
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February 7, 2026
The Valentine Arrangement by Argentina Ryder is a stand alone, MM, sweet, steamy romance that I am in love with! These two couldn’t have been more adorable. This is a fake relationship, size difference, swoony story that made my heart all mushy. It is my first book by this author and definitely not my last.
Holden Hutchinson took over Hutchinson Florals five years ago after his grandmother passed away. He was raised in the shop and flowers was all he knew. Prospect Ridge, Colorado was his home and he had no interest in going anywhere else. Holden was a huge man, tall and broad, but his hands were gentle, molding the beautiful flowers into beautiful arrangements. Holden had a habit of trying to make himself look smaller, to not intimidate people. He was also quiet, rarely speaking. He guarded himself, because if you let yourself care for something, then you would lose it.
Jamie Redford had just moved to Prospect Ridge, following his ex boyfriend of two years. They had shared custody of two adorable corgis and Denver was ninety minutes away, too far to drive weekly for the exchange. Jamie is a freelance designer so he can work from everywhere. It was easier just to move. His ex had always made him feel both that he was too much and also not enough. He knows he needs to work on himself, which is what brought him into the florist shop on that day.
“Holden’s size wasn’t something that diminished me. It was something that made space for me.”
After meeting Jamie in his shop, Holden witnesses the way his ex is treating him in the park when they are doing their dog exchange. So he impulsively kisses Jamie, just to make his ex stop. Now the town is convinced they are together. With Valentine’s day only three weeks away, Holden’s busiest day of the year, they make an arrangement, Jamie will help him in the shop until Valentine’s Day, and Holden will be his fake boyfriend. It worked for the first couple of days, but the more Jamie saw the caring, gentle nature of Holden, the more he fell for him. Their fake arrangement didn’t feel fake anymore.
“Jamie tucked into my side like a puzzle piece finding its place.”
These two were so sweet, so swoony. I loved them both so much. They were meant for each other. Both of them could barely dare that this could be something. That it could continue past their set end date. I just wanted to wrap them both up in a huge group hug. I adored the whole book. It has a few editing issues that the author needs to take a closer look at. But it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. I have had her book, Mangled, on my to read list for awhile so that will be my next book to read of hers.
Holden Hutchinson took over Hutchinson Florals five years ago after his grandmother passed away. He was raised in the shop and flowers was all he knew. Prospect Ridge, Colorado was his home and he had no interest in going anywhere else. Holden was a huge man, tall and broad, but his hands were gentle, molding the beautiful flowers into beautiful arrangements. Holden had a habit of trying to make himself look smaller, to not intimidate people. He was also quiet, rarely speaking. He guarded himself, because if you let yourself care for something, then you would lose it.
Jamie Redford had just moved to Prospect Ridge, following his ex boyfriend of two years. They had shared custody of two adorable corgis and Denver was ninety minutes away, too far to drive weekly for the exchange. Jamie is a freelance designer so he can work from everywhere. It was easier just to move. His ex had always made him feel both that he was too much and also not enough. He knows he needs to work on himself, which is what brought him into the florist shop on that day.
“Holden’s size wasn’t something that diminished me. It was something that made space for me.”
After meeting Jamie in his shop, Holden witnesses the way his ex is treating him in the park when they are doing their dog exchange. So he impulsively kisses Jamie, just to make his ex stop. Now the town is convinced they are together. With Valentine’s day only three weeks away, Holden’s busiest day of the year, they make an arrangement, Jamie will help him in the shop until Valentine’s Day, and Holden will be his fake boyfriend. It worked for the first couple of days, but the more Jamie saw the caring, gentle nature of Holden, the more he fell for him. Their fake arrangement didn’t feel fake anymore.
“Jamie tucked into my side like a puzzle piece finding its place.”
These two were so sweet, so swoony. I loved them both so much. They were meant for each other. Both of them could barely dare that this could be something. That it could continue past their set end date. I just wanted to wrap them both up in a huge group hug. I adored the whole book. It has a few editing issues that the author needs to take a closer look at. But it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. I have had her book, Mangled, on my to read list for awhile so that will be my next book to read of hers.
March 28, 2026
4 Stars
Grumpy x sunshine. Faking dating. Small-town romance.
Gentle-giant florist Holden is a solitary, quietly spoken, touch-starved man who, completely out-of-character for him, offers to fake-date new-to-town Jamie, after he witnesses Jamie’s ex talk down to him in public, compelling Holden to step in as savior and pretend boyfriend, much to Jamie’s shock and delight.
The chemistry between these two men was absolutely lovely. They shared an instant attraction, but for individual reasons, both felt safer using the fake-dating cover to hide behind the depth of their growing feelings, until it was quickly apparent that their connection was strong and unique, and therefore, worth risking their hearts over in a way that was far from pretend.
As a novella, the romance unfolded quickly, but the sheer tenderness and depth of intimacy shared between Holden and Jamie was so profound it was easy to buy into the faster pace of their love story, despite the limited page count. It was as romantic as it was sexy, which is probably why it worked so well for me personally.
The Valentine Arrangement was a big win for me, effortlessly sweeping me up with its sweet and romantic story, not only enjoying the charming characters, but also enjoying the easy, absorbing narrative by new-to-me author Argentina Ryder. I look forward to reading more of her work going forward.
Grumpy x sunshine. Faking dating. Small-town romance.
Gentle-giant florist Holden is a solitary, quietly spoken, touch-starved man who, completely out-of-character for him, offers to fake-date new-to-town Jamie, after he witnesses Jamie’s ex talk down to him in public, compelling Holden to step in as savior and pretend boyfriend, much to Jamie’s shock and delight.
The chemistry between these two men was absolutely lovely. They shared an instant attraction, but for individual reasons, both felt safer using the fake-dating cover to hide behind the depth of their growing feelings, until it was quickly apparent that their connection was strong and unique, and therefore, worth risking their hearts over in a way that was far from pretend.
As a novella, the romance unfolded quickly, but the sheer tenderness and depth of intimacy shared between Holden and Jamie was so profound it was easy to buy into the faster pace of their love story, despite the limited page count. It was as romantic as it was sexy, which is probably why it worked so well for me personally.
The Valentine Arrangement was a big win for me, effortlessly sweeping me up with its sweet and romantic story, not only enjoying the charming characters, but also enjoying the easy, absorbing narrative by new-to-me author Argentina Ryder. I look forward to reading more of her work going forward.
February 26, 2026
Se detuvo frente a mí. Inclinó la cabeza hacia atrás para ver mi cara, el ángulo marcado, ya familiar. Esa vulnerabilidad particular de la que había dejado de poder apartar la mirada. Alzó la mano y me frotó la mandíbula con el pulgar. Me quedé inmóvil bajo su tacto.
—Holden.
—Jamie.
Los dos hablamos al mismo tiempo. Los dos nos quedamos paralizados.
El silencio se extendió entre nosotros, lleno de todo lo que ninguno había dicho durante semanas.
—Tú primero —dijo él.
Negué con la cabeza. —Tú.
—Iba a darte las gracias. Por dejarme formar parte de esto. —Hizo un gesto hacia la tienda destrozada, la evidencia de un día bien aprovechado—.
Por todo.
—Tú lo has hecho posible. —Mi voz se había vuelto áspera—. No solo hoy. Todo.
—Te las habrías arreglado.
—No. —Me acerqué. Lo suficiente como para que tuviera que estirar el cuello, lo suficiente como para sentir el calor que irradiaba—. No habría podido. Y necesito decirte...
Me detuve. Me pasé una mano por el pelo.
—Reid me dijo que simplemente lo dijera —murmuré—. Pero no sé cómo...
Me acerqué más. Jamie retrocedió.
Su hombro golpeó el borde del armario de roble.
La bolsa de pétalos de rosa, cientos de pétalos, se cayó desde arriba.
El tiempo se ralentizó. La bolsa se tambaleó, la parte doblada se abrió y entonces los pétalos comenzaron a caer. Rojos, rosas y blancos, captando los últimos rayos de luz de la tarde a través de las ventanas, flotando hacia nosotros como nieve.
Como confeti. Como una celebración.
Mi abuela nunca creyó en los accidentes. "El universo tiene opiniones", solía decir, normalmente cuando algo iba mal. Casi podía oír su voz ahora, con ese humor seco por debajo: Bien, Holden. ¿Qué vas a hacer con esto?
Los pétalos se enredaron en el pelo de Jamie, oro y rosa juntos.
Aterrizaron en sus hombros, en sus pestañas. Se posaron sobre la camiseta henley verde que había llevado todo el día, aferrándose a la tela como si pertenecieran allí.
Parpadeó, y un pétalo rosa se desprendió de su mejilla.
Por un momento ninguno de los dos se movió. Simplemente permanecimos allí, con los pétalos acumulados a nuestros pies en montones rojos y blancos. Jamie parecía haber sido decorado para una celebración que no sabía que iba a llegar.
Lo deseaba. No por tres semanas. No hasta San Valentín. Para siempre.
—Oh, no. —Su voz era pequeña—. La boda...
—No te preocupes por eso.
Se le escapó una risa, sorprendida, casi incrédula. Un pétalo cayó de su pelo a su hombro. Extendí la mano y lo quité, y mi mano se quedó allí, acunando el lado de su cuello. Su pulso saltó bajo mi palma.
—Te quiero.
Las palabras salieron ásperas. Crudas. Sin pulir, sin gracia, sin un cuidadoso arreglo de sílabas. Solo la verdad que había tenido demasiado miedo de decir, forzada a salir antes de que pudiera tragarla de nuevo.
—Eso es lo que no sabía cómo decir. —Acuné su cara entre mis manos, sosteniéndolo con cuidado para poder ver sus ojos. Los pétalos de rosa se aferraban a su jersey, a su pelo, atrapados en el cuello de su camisa—. Te quiero, Jamie. Yo solo...
Sus manos se levantaron y tiraron de mi cara hacia abajo.
El beso fue feroz. Todo lo que él había contenido se derramó para encontrarse con todo lo que yo había tenido miedo de dar. Tuve que doblarme casi por completo, pero él me estaba atrayendo hacia abajo y yo iba, inclinándome hacia él. Los pétalos se aplastaron bajo mis botas mientras lo apretaba contra el armario. Sus dedos se retorcieron en mi camisa, atrayéndome más cerca.
—Yo también te quiero —dijo. Su voz se quebró al pronunciar las palabras—. Holden...
Un suave resoplido a mis pies nos hizo mirar hacia abajo a los dos.
Marceline estaba sentada a nuestros pies, moviendo la cola, con los ojos bien abiertos con esa mirada expectante que ponía cuando quería ser incluida en algo. Bubblegum también se había acercado, oliendo los pétalos con gran interés, su cuerpo más pequeño presionando contra el tobillo de Jamie.
La risa de Jamie se convirtió en un resoplido. —Tenemos público.
—Chicas curiosas.
—Holden.
—Jamie.
Los dos hablamos al mismo tiempo. Los dos nos quedamos paralizados.
El silencio se extendió entre nosotros, lleno de todo lo que ninguno había dicho durante semanas.
—Tú primero —dijo él.
Negué con la cabeza. —Tú.
—Iba a darte las gracias. Por dejarme formar parte de esto. —Hizo un gesto hacia la tienda destrozada, la evidencia de un día bien aprovechado—.
Por todo.
—Tú lo has hecho posible. —Mi voz se había vuelto áspera—. No solo hoy. Todo.
—Te las habrías arreglado.
—No. —Me acerqué. Lo suficiente como para que tuviera que estirar el cuello, lo suficiente como para sentir el calor que irradiaba—. No habría podido. Y necesito decirte...
Me detuve. Me pasé una mano por el pelo.
—Reid me dijo que simplemente lo dijera —murmuré—. Pero no sé cómo...
Me acerqué más. Jamie retrocedió.
Su hombro golpeó el borde del armario de roble.
La bolsa de pétalos de rosa, cientos de pétalos, se cayó desde arriba.
El tiempo se ralentizó. La bolsa se tambaleó, la parte doblada se abrió y entonces los pétalos comenzaron a caer. Rojos, rosas y blancos, captando los últimos rayos de luz de la tarde a través de las ventanas, flotando hacia nosotros como nieve.
Como confeti. Como una celebración.
Mi abuela nunca creyó en los accidentes. "El universo tiene opiniones", solía decir, normalmente cuando algo iba mal. Casi podía oír su voz ahora, con ese humor seco por debajo: Bien, Holden. ¿Qué vas a hacer con esto?
Los pétalos se enredaron en el pelo de Jamie, oro y rosa juntos.
Aterrizaron en sus hombros, en sus pestañas. Se posaron sobre la camiseta henley verde que había llevado todo el día, aferrándose a la tela como si pertenecieran allí.
Parpadeó, y un pétalo rosa se desprendió de su mejilla.
Por un momento ninguno de los dos se movió. Simplemente permanecimos allí, con los pétalos acumulados a nuestros pies en montones rojos y blancos. Jamie parecía haber sido decorado para una celebración que no sabía que iba a llegar.
Lo deseaba. No por tres semanas. No hasta San Valentín. Para siempre.
—Oh, no. —Su voz era pequeña—. La boda...
—No te preocupes por eso.
Se le escapó una risa, sorprendida, casi incrédula. Un pétalo cayó de su pelo a su hombro. Extendí la mano y lo quité, y mi mano se quedó allí, acunando el lado de su cuello. Su pulso saltó bajo mi palma.
—Te quiero.
Las palabras salieron ásperas. Crudas. Sin pulir, sin gracia, sin un cuidadoso arreglo de sílabas. Solo la verdad que había tenido demasiado miedo de decir, forzada a salir antes de que pudiera tragarla de nuevo.
—Eso es lo que no sabía cómo decir. —Acuné su cara entre mis manos, sosteniéndolo con cuidado para poder ver sus ojos. Los pétalos de rosa se aferraban a su jersey, a su pelo, atrapados en el cuello de su camisa—. Te quiero, Jamie. Yo solo...
Sus manos se levantaron y tiraron de mi cara hacia abajo.
El beso fue feroz. Todo lo que él había contenido se derramó para encontrarse con todo lo que yo había tenido miedo de dar. Tuve que doblarme casi por completo, pero él me estaba atrayendo hacia abajo y yo iba, inclinándome hacia él. Los pétalos se aplastaron bajo mis botas mientras lo apretaba contra el armario. Sus dedos se retorcieron en mi camisa, atrayéndome más cerca.
—Yo también te quiero —dijo. Su voz se quebró al pronunciar las palabras—. Holden...
Un suave resoplido a mis pies nos hizo mirar hacia abajo a los dos.
Marceline estaba sentada a nuestros pies, moviendo la cola, con los ojos bien abiertos con esa mirada expectante que ponía cuando quería ser incluida en algo. Bubblegum también se había acercado, oliendo los pétalos con gran interés, su cuerpo más pequeño presionando contra el tobillo de Jamie.
La risa de Jamie se convirtió en un resoplido. —Tenemos público.
—Chicas curiosas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2026
This is a fake dating to more romance novella, featuring Holden and Jamie, and is a standalone book.
Jamie and Holden fake a relationship to survive Valentine’s Day and deal with Jamie’s ex, with a strict no-feelings rule. But the pretend romance quickly becomes real, and Jamie risks his heart by falling for someone again.
This was so frigging cute. It was low angst and full of Jamie and Holden being supportive of each other and falling hard. It was a great
Valentine’s Day novella.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone book
Novella
MM romance
Small town
Fake relationship
Size difference
Florist x graphic designer
Grumpy x Sunshine
Horrible ex
Pet dad - dogs
Forced proximity
Valentine’s Day
Touch starved
Spicy times
Admit feelings
HEA
Jamie and Holden fake a relationship to survive Valentine’s Day and deal with Jamie’s ex, with a strict no-feelings rule. But the pretend romance quickly becomes real, and Jamie risks his heart by falling for someone again.
This was so frigging cute. It was low angst and full of Jamie and Holden being supportive of each other and falling hard. It was a great
Valentine’s Day novella.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone book
Novella
MM romance
Small town
Fake relationship
Size difference
Florist x graphic designer
Grumpy x Sunshine
Horrible ex
Pet dad - dogs
Forced proximity
Valentine’s Day
Touch starved
Spicy times
Admit feelings
HEA
February 3, 2026
Holden et Jamie avec un Culomètre à 🍑
- Une belle relation avec des opposés qui s'attirent et un faux couple pour faire rager son ex !
- Pour les râleurs anti-daubes (je vous vois, hein), il y a quelques chapitres qui se répètent et un chapitre au féminin, ce qui ne gâche rien à l'histoire !
- Jamie a juste besoin d'amour après une relation bien toxique et quoi de mieux qu'un fleuriste grognon qui ne va pas se retenir de lui venir en aide et de le garder près de lui.
- Évidemment, le grand problème de la communication est présent, heureusement que les personnages secondaires sont là pour leur secouer les puces.
- Deux magnifiques corgis pour saupoudrer le tout et voilà la recette parfaite pour une super histoire d'amour qui fait du bien par où elle passe !
- Une belle relation avec des opposés qui s'attirent et un faux couple pour faire rager son ex !
- Pour les râleurs anti-daubes (je vous vois, hein), il y a quelques chapitres qui se répètent et un chapitre au féminin, ce qui ne gâche rien à l'histoire !
- Jamie a juste besoin d'amour après une relation bien toxique et quoi de mieux qu'un fleuriste grognon qui ne va pas se retenir de lui venir en aide et de le garder près de lui.
- Évidemment, le grand problème de la communication est présent, heureusement que les personnages secondaires sont là pour leur secouer les puces.
- Deux magnifiques corgis pour saupoudrer le tout et voilà la recette parfaite pour une super histoire d'amour qui fait du bien par où elle passe !
February 5, 2026
Love story with corgis
This was such a cute quick read about what started as a fake relationship quickly turned into a great love story featuring two adorable Corgis.
This was such a cute quick read about what started as a fake relationship quickly turned into a great love story featuring two adorable Corgis.
May 25, 2026
The Valentine Arrangement van Argentina Ryder is een korte, romantische novelle met een flinke dosis chemie, humor en een paar verrassend spicy momenten.
Vanaf de eerste pagina zat ik erin. Het verhaal is schattig, vlot geschreven en doet precies wat het moet doen: je laten glimlachen en zwijmelen.
Wel een belangrijke kanttekening: ik zou persoonlijk niet voor de Nederlandse vertaling kiezen. Sommige zinnen zijn zó letterlijk vertaald dat ik me er flink aan stoorde, en er zaten wat foute zinsconstructies in.
Vanaf de eerste pagina zat ik erin. Het verhaal is schattig, vlot geschreven en doet precies wat het moet doen: je laten glimlachen en zwijmelen.
Wel een belangrijke kanttekening: ik zou persoonlijk niet voor de Nederlandse vertaling kiezen. Sommige zinnen zijn zó letterlijk vertaald dat ik me er flink aan stoorde, en er zaten wat foute zinsconstructies in.
March 20, 2026
Omg was this book adorable!! Jamie and Holden were so sweet and genuine. I was rooting for them the whole freaking time. And I just wanted them to confess their feelings faster because I wanted more of them together. Shared custody of pets never fails to make me laugh because I could never. There were so many swoony moments and moments where I was tearing up from the softness. I would LOVE a physical copy of this!!
March 19, 2026
This is a gorgeous, gentle, slow romance. Two men, one so used to being alone, and the other still healing a broken heart. Very sweetly written, cute but with a very small splash of angst, I loved it.
February 9, 2026
This was so absolutely adorable that I read it in one sitting! Who doesn’t love a romance set primarily in a flower shop and a knight in shining armor moment?! ❤️ Oh, and there are corgis!🐶
July 8, 2026
Histoire toute mignonne.
Les premiers chapitres sont répétés en double, mais après c'est ok
Les premiers chapitres sont répétés en double, mais après c'est ok
February 13, 2026
This book was such a fun, swoony Valentine’s read with spice, banter, and a setup that had me smiling right from the start.
Jamie is a graphic designer who moves to Prospect Ridge after breaking up with his ex so they can share joint custody of their adorable corgis, Bubblegum and Marceline. Yes - he literally relocates for dog custody, and honestly? Iconic behavior. You kind of have to love him for it. Jamie is warm, hopeful, and a little bruised from a relationship that constantly made him feel like he wasn’t enough.
Holden, on the other hand, is the closed off, broody florist who wants absolutely nothing to do with small talk or feelings. He keeps to himself in the flower shop he inherited after his grandmother passed, and grief has made him guarded and distant. He just wants peace, quiet, and to be left alone among his plants.
Their first real interaction happens when Jamie comes in to order flowers… for himself. That alone was adorable. Enter Landon the ex who is rude, snooty, and never misses a chance to make Jamie feel small. During one of their dog swap handoffs with Bubblegum and Marceline, Holden ends up delivering Jamie’s flower arrangement and overhears Landon berating him. And that is where everything shifts.
Cue the fake dating.
Holden stepping in to protect Jamie? Immediate sparks. The tension is thick, the chemistry is sizzling, and watching Holden slowly unravel around Jamie was easily my favorite part. Jamie finally has someone in his corner, and Holden finds himself wanting more than the quiet life he’s been hiding in.
This was flirty, spicy, and emotional without being heavy. Fake dating, a grumpy florist, a cinnamon-roll graphic designer, and corgis with joint custody? It’s ridiculous in the best way and somehow still heartfelt.
Perfect for a Valentine’s read or when you want something romantic, fun, and full of swoon.
Jamie is a graphic designer who moves to Prospect Ridge after breaking up with his ex so they can share joint custody of their adorable corgis, Bubblegum and Marceline. Yes - he literally relocates for dog custody, and honestly? Iconic behavior. You kind of have to love him for it. Jamie is warm, hopeful, and a little bruised from a relationship that constantly made him feel like he wasn’t enough.
Holden, on the other hand, is the closed off, broody florist who wants absolutely nothing to do with small talk or feelings. He keeps to himself in the flower shop he inherited after his grandmother passed, and grief has made him guarded and distant. He just wants peace, quiet, and to be left alone among his plants.
Their first real interaction happens when Jamie comes in to order flowers… for himself. That alone was adorable. Enter Landon the ex who is rude, snooty, and never misses a chance to make Jamie feel small. During one of their dog swap handoffs with Bubblegum and Marceline, Holden ends up delivering Jamie’s flower arrangement and overhears Landon berating him. And that is where everything shifts.
Cue the fake dating.
Holden stepping in to protect Jamie? Immediate sparks. The tension is thick, the chemistry is sizzling, and watching Holden slowly unravel around Jamie was easily my favorite part. Jamie finally has someone in his corner, and Holden finds himself wanting more than the quiet life he’s been hiding in.
This was flirty, spicy, and emotional without being heavy. Fake dating, a grumpy florist, a cinnamon-roll graphic designer, and corgis with joint custody? It’s ridiculous in the best way and somehow still heartfelt.
Perfect for a Valentine’s read or when you want something romantic, fun, and full of swoon.
February 12, 2026
1st person, past tense, dual PoV
Holden Hutchinson (early 30's-ish), owner of Hutchinson Florals
Jamie Redford (early 30's-ish), freelance graphic designer
I love holiday reading so with Valentine's Day just around the corner I wanted a sweet little cupid approved story to read and this delivered. I love a good good knight in shining armor rescue so the kiss that kicked off this whole premise was sooo swoon-worthy to me.
I'm a sucker for MCs helping each other out of sticky situations so this ticked several of my boxes as Jamie helped Holden in his flower shop in the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day while Holden helped Jamie show his rotten ex-, Landon Hawkins, that he was well and truly over him.
While these two had chemistry for days (and nights), and I loved the way Jamie took care of his poor touch-starved florist, what I enjoyed most was the way they fit together and just showed up for one another. It made the romance feel natural and believable. Some of the communication drama was a little tiresome, but c'est la vie, it wasn't too intense and didn't ruin the story for me - .
Some great well-rounded secondary characters and two adorable corgis made this an excellent read.
Holden Hutchinson (early 30's-ish), owner of Hutchinson Florals
Jamie Redford (early 30's-ish), freelance graphic designer
I love holiday reading so with Valentine's Day just around the corner I wanted a sweet little cupid approved story to read and this delivered. I love a good good knight in shining armor rescue so the kiss that kicked off this whole premise was sooo swoon-worthy to me.
I'm a sucker for MCs helping each other out of sticky situations so this ticked several of my boxes as Jamie helped Holden in his flower shop in the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day while Holden helped Jamie show his rotten ex-, Landon Hawkins, that he was well and truly over him.
While these two had chemistry for days (and nights), and I loved the way Jamie took care of his poor touch-starved florist, what I enjoyed most was the way they fit together and just showed up for one another. It made the romance feel natural and believable. Some of the communication drama was a little tiresome, but c'est la vie, it wasn't too intense and didn't ruin the story for me - .
Some great well-rounded secondary characters and two adorable corgis made this an excellent read.
March 5, 2026
That was a good meet cute (after the semi-boring intro). I liked how both Holden and Jamie were surprised at Holden kissing him but both played along. We hadn't gotten enough characterization for Holden to say that it wasn't unjustified for him to do something like that too, so it happening very early on worked in this books favor.
Jamie already blurring the lines between what was fake and real by 32% was disappointing. Most of the excitement of the whole fake dating act is the MCs getting to that point where they at to realize things aren't quite as fake as they started off with. It happening this quickly when Holden and Jamie had only been on one date was way too fast. Them fake dating hadn't played long enough for that to become the status quo before they just shattered it with feelings, making the pacing feel all wonky.
I guess because this was a novella, I can give it a pass, but I'm just sad at how this really felt like it could've benefitted from an extra 60 or so pages to really make it feel complete. Like we could've seen more of Holden and Jamie faking things before they caught feelings, Holden being a loner and how that changed when Jamie came around, how Jamie dealt with Landon rather tha just having him disappear midway through and randomly apologize at the end.
All in all though, was an ok story. 2.5 rounded up.
Jamie already blurring the lines between what was fake and real by 32% was disappointing. Most of the excitement of the whole fake dating act is the MCs getting to that point where they at to realize things aren't quite as fake as they started off with. It happening this quickly when Holden and Jamie had only been on one date was way too fast. Them fake dating hadn't played long enough for that to become the status quo before they just shattered it with feelings, making the pacing feel all wonky.
I guess because this was a novella, I can give it a pass, but I'm just sad at how this really felt like it could've benefitted from an extra 60 or so pages to really make it feel complete. Like we could've seen more of Holden and Jamie faking things before they caught feelings, Holden being a loner and how that changed when Jamie came around, how Jamie dealt with Landon rather tha just having him disappear midway through and randomly apologize at the end.
All in all though, was an ok story. 2.5 rounded up.
February 27, 2026
3.75/5⭐
This was a nice fast-paced Valentine themed book, that's set in a small town.
I enjoyed getting to know both our characters, but I have to say Jamie caught my heart right from the beginning. His energy and bubbly personality put a smile on my face all throughout the story. And that's why I really liked him with Holden, because he really needed that sunshine in his life after losing his grandmother. And Holden was also there for Jamie, when he gave him the flowers, ugh that was such a swoon scene for me. And their chemistry was sizzling hot. Whenever Jamie got picked up I was fanning myself, it was that hot. We also can't forget the real stars of this book, the doggies. Litterally, animals in books always make me so happy.
The plot could've been more fleshed out but for a short story I can overlook it. The fake dating aspect made it interesting, but I wanted more drama. Definitely gives more of a cozy Valentine small town vibes.
💐 fake dating
💐 small town
💐 flower store owner
💐 bad break up
💐 touch starved MC
This was a nice fast-paced Valentine themed book, that's set in a small town.
I enjoyed getting to know both our characters, but I have to say Jamie caught my heart right from the beginning. His energy and bubbly personality put a smile on my face all throughout the story. And that's why I really liked him with Holden, because he really needed that sunshine in his life after losing his grandmother. And Holden was also there for Jamie, when he gave him the flowers, ugh that was such a swoon scene for me. And their chemistry was sizzling hot. Whenever Jamie got picked up I was fanning myself, it was that hot. We also can't forget the real stars of this book, the doggies. Litterally, animals in books always make me so happy.
The plot could've been more fleshed out but for a short story I can overlook it. The fake dating aspect made it interesting, but I wanted more drama. Definitely gives more of a cozy Valentine small town vibes.
💐 fake dating
💐 small town
💐 flower store owner
💐 bad break up
💐 touch starved MC
May 12, 2026
Main Characters: Jamie & Holden
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75
This is a charming, low-angst romance novella that delivers a perfectly cozy escape. Built around a fast-moving fake-dating trope it manages to remain incredibly cute, sweet, and quiet rather than stressful or overly dramatic.
The chemistry works so well because of who they are. Pairing a quiet, gentle giant with a new-to-town perspective gives their fake-dating arrangement an immediate layer of sweetness and protective energy.
Dropping the story into a quiet, small town gives the romance a really warm, intimate backdrop. It trades high-pressure city chaos for a gentler, more relaxed vibe that lets the couple shine.
Jamie and Holden are incredibly adorable and lovable characters. They are easy to root for from the start, making their quick transition from a "business arrangement" to genuine feelings feel completely natural.
Because it’s a novella, it keeps things moving without any unnecessary filler or frustrating third-act miscommunications. It stays light, cozy, and perfectly comforting throughout.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75
This is a charming, low-angst romance novella that delivers a perfectly cozy escape. Built around a fast-moving fake-dating trope it manages to remain incredibly cute, sweet, and quiet rather than stressful or overly dramatic.
The chemistry works so well because of who they are. Pairing a quiet, gentle giant with a new-to-town perspective gives their fake-dating arrangement an immediate layer of sweetness and protective energy.
Dropping the story into a quiet, small town gives the romance a really warm, intimate backdrop. It trades high-pressure city chaos for a gentler, more relaxed vibe that lets the couple shine.
Jamie and Holden are incredibly adorable and lovable characters. They are easy to root for from the start, making their quick transition from a "business arrangement" to genuine feelings feel completely natural.
Because it’s a novella, it keeps things moving without any unnecessary filler or frustrating third-act miscommunications. It stays light, cozy, and perfectly comforting throughout.
June 1, 2026
LOS MÁS CUQUIS DEL PLANETA.
Holden y Jamie son todo lo que está bien en este mundo 🥹 Cómo he adorado sus personalidades y cómo se van conociendo y enamorando, es que encajan TAN BIEN 😭 Están hechos el uno para el otro.
Yo no soy especialmente fan del fake dating, es un trope que ni fu ni fa, pero sí que AMO el grumpy x sunshine, y la forma en que lo fake poco a poco dejó de serlo me tenía LIVING. Es que se enamoraron tan fuerte el uno del otro 😭🫶 Ya ese primer beso me dejó loquísima y el resto de la historia no me defraudó para nada. De hecho, me lo he descargado en inglés en el Kindle Unlimited porque es que me encantó TANTO que necesito releerlo en su idioma original y volver a disfrutar de su historia y de ellos 🥹
¡Y también de Marceline y Bubblegum! Las perritas más adorables del universo 💖
Holden y Jamie son todo lo que está bien en este mundo 🥹 Cómo he adorado sus personalidades y cómo se van conociendo y enamorando, es que encajan TAN BIEN 😭 Están hechos el uno para el otro.
Yo no soy especialmente fan del fake dating, es un trope que ni fu ni fa, pero sí que AMO el grumpy x sunshine, y la forma en que lo fake poco a poco dejó de serlo me tenía LIVING. Es que se enamoraron tan fuerte el uno del otro 😭🫶 Ya ese primer beso me dejó loquísima y el resto de la historia no me defraudó para nada. De hecho, me lo he descargado en inglés en el Kindle Unlimited porque es que me encantó TANTO que necesito releerlo en su idioma original y volver a disfrutar de su historia y de ellos 🥹
¡Y también de Marceline y Bubblegum! Las perritas más adorables del universo 💖
March 12, 2026
A fun amuse bouche of a story. After reading several angsty books in a row, this was a lovely palate cleanser.
It's a predictable fake boyfriends scenario, and some of the writing is formulaic, but the MC's Holden and Jamie have chemistry to spare - so charming together.
Modesty generally prevents me from discussing the sex scenes in a review but....there's one particularly vivid one here with, um, a position I have not yet read in other MM books to date 😎
(I try not to criticize cover art - generally out of the author's control - but that's my one negative comment here....possibly AI? And if not....why is the figure representing Holden not looking *at* Jamie's face? Nitpicking, I know.)
It's a predictable fake boyfriends scenario, and some of the writing is formulaic, but the MC's Holden and Jamie have chemistry to spare - so charming together.
Modesty generally prevents me from discussing the sex scenes in a review but....there's one particularly vivid one here with, um, a position I have not yet read in other MM books to date 😎
(I try not to criticize cover art - generally out of the author's control - but that's my one negative comment here....possibly AI? And if not....why is the figure representing Holden not looking *at* Jamie's face? Nitpicking, I know.)
February 27, 2026
Una pena el tropiezo...
Explico el título. Todo pintaba bien, un sólido 4/5 para esta cortita historia de amor. Una historia fácil de un gruñón y un rayo de sol que se ayudan en más de una manera. ¡Y encima con dos corgis! Todo a su favor...
Pero llegamos a los últimos capítulos y ¡vaya! Le cambiamos el sexo a Jamie y de buenas a primeras es una mujer. Piensa en él en femenino y se refieren a él en femenino. Una traducción muy descuidada. Así que un puntito menos
Explico el título. Todo pintaba bien, un sólido 4/5 para esta cortita historia de amor. Una historia fácil de un gruñón y un rayo de sol que se ayudan en más de una manera. ¡Y encima con dos corgis! Todo a su favor...
Pero llegamos a los últimos capítulos y ¡vaya! Le cambiamos el sexo a Jamie y de buenas a primeras es una mujer. Piensa en él en femenino y se refieren a él en femenino. Una traducción muy descuidada. Así que un puntito menos
May 11, 2026
Cute and sweet, lacking depth
The situation that brings them together very contrived. And their reasons for trying to remain platonic are ridiculous/nonexistent. The love declaration was waaay too fast. Decent steamy scenes, but I’m not sure how many guys want to bottom after they just finished with a blow job… and not sure how many could come again really quickly from bottoming. Altogether, it was fine… I just never felt invested or intrigued with these characters.
The situation that brings them together very contrived. And their reasons for trying to remain platonic are ridiculous/nonexistent. The love declaration was waaay too fast. Decent steamy scenes, but I’m not sure how many guys want to bottom after they just finished with a blow job… and not sure how many could come again really quickly from bottoming. Altogether, it was fine… I just never felt invested or intrigued with these characters.
February 25, 2026
Me ha gustado mucho esta pequeña historia.
Holden vive para su trabajo de florista.
Jamie llega al pueblo siguiendo a su ex con la excusa de compartir la custodia de sus perritas.
Me ha encantado como Holden protege a Jamie lo que da lugar a su acuerdo.
Me ha gustado mucho como se va desarrollando su relación.
Una preciosa historia que me ha hecho pasar un buen rato con su lectura.
Holden vive para su trabajo de florista.
Jamie llega al pueblo siguiendo a su ex con la excusa de compartir la custodia de sus perritas.
Me ha encantado como Holden protege a Jamie lo que da lugar a su acuerdo.
Me ha gustado mucho como se va desarrollando su relación.
Una preciosa historia que me ha hecho pasar un buen rato con su lectura.
March 29, 2026
A Warm and Lovely Story
Jamie's and Holden's story is sweet and romantic. What starts as a fake relationship soon becomes a real romance, though neither will admit it. Good advice from an office mate and an accountant open their eyes. I finished the book with a smile and a warm feeling around my heart.
Jamie's and Holden's story is sweet and romantic. What starts as a fake relationship soon becomes a real romance, though neither will admit it. Good advice from an office mate and an accountant open their eyes. I finished the book with a smile and a warm feeling around my heart.
April 9, 2026
Cute. Fake boyfriends to real -- a tired trope, but the characters' voices made it fresh. Sloppy editing -- could use another round of proofreading. I wanted more of Holden's back story, what made him so closed off -- we just got tantalizing bits. But there are lots of flowers, and two corgis with ridiculous names. Worth it.
Did Not Finish
June 26, 2026DNF at 55% - too many repetitive internal monologues. Although they're very different people their written voices sounded the same. Too long between realisation to discussion of them being together for real. Needs better editing. Authors need to find a replacement for "cracked" open - 16 instances in this book.
February 10, 2026
Fan Kindle
Me encantó este libro ambientado en la montaña en época de San Valentín romance de pueblo pequeño encantador y dulce además de dos hermosas Corgis que junto con sus dueños me robaron el corazón lo recomiendo 💯
Me encantó este libro ambientado en la montaña en época de San Valentín romance de pueblo pequeño encantador y dulce además de dos hermosas Corgis que junto con sus dueños me robaron el corazón lo recomiendo 💯
February 16, 2026
Valentine romance
This was a cute short story. These two were just the perfect balanced match for each other. Fake dating, two adorable Corgis and feelings they didn’t expect to catch. Neither knows how to say exactly what they want until it’s almost too late. HEA!!
This was a cute short story. These two were just the perfect balanced match for each other. Fake dating, two adorable Corgis and feelings they didn’t expect to catch. Neither knows how to say exactly what they want until it’s almost too late. HEA!!
March 2, 2026
Sweet Valentine’s Romance
This book was quick and sweet. I really enjoyed their first meeting and I liked the protectiveness that led to their fake dating. This story was very low angst and an easy read plus there are two adorable dogs!
This book was quick and sweet. I really enjoyed their first meeting and I liked the protectiveness that led to their fake dating. This story was very low angst and an easy read plus there are two adorable dogs!
April 2, 2026
Sweet, lovely HEA
This book is indeed sweet. Holden was just grumpy enough and Jamie was the right amount of sunshine for him. I’m glad the ex faded away so quickly and I’m just interested enough in the friends that a short novella or sequel wouldn’t go amiss.
This book is indeed sweet. Holden was just grumpy enough and Jamie was the right amount of sunshine for him. I’m glad the ex faded away so quickly and I’m just interested enough in the friends that a short novella or sequel wouldn’t go amiss.
July 2, 2026
A short cute story that felt completely unrealistic but enjoyable anyway. There were a lot more editing issues than I expected but it didn’t ruin the story.
It was sweet without being sappy but still had a bit of a “fairytale” vibe to it. I was in the mood for low-angst and this fit the bill.
It was sweet without being sappy but still had a bit of a “fairytale” vibe to it. I was in the mood for low-angst and this fit the bill.
February 2, 2026
sweet
Just because…flowers have their own language and meaning. This is a sweet story, warmth on a cold winter day.
Love is not always planned…
Just because…flowers have their own language and meaning. This is a sweet story, warmth on a cold winter day.
Love is not always planned…
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