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Library Love Notes #6
Borrowed Hearts
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jun 26The dating may be fake, but the feelings? They're all too real.
Eden Clare, high school health science teacher and romance book club member, knows all the answers. That is, until a surprise run-in with her university ex-boyfriend leaves her scrambling. With her ex desperate to get her back, Eden is eager to find any solution to keep him away.
Local firefighter Hudson Avery may have joined the library’s romance book club to find some new friends, but he didn’t expect to develop a crush on a fellow book club member. When Eden says she needs help keeping her ex at bay, Hudson doesn’t hesitate to offer his services. The only problem? He doesn’t want it to be fake for long.
When fake dates lead to real feelings, Eden must decide if continuing to avoid the past is worth her potential future.
Borrowed Hearts is part of the Library Love Notes series, featuring open-door, small-town romances set in the fictional cozy town of Beaver Creek, Ontario.
If you wish to read the stories in order, it would be as Long Overdue, Loving the First Edition, Notes of the Past, Written in the Margins, The Perfect Story, Borrowed Hearts, and Checking Out Santa.
Eden Clare, high school health science teacher and romance book club member, knows all the answers. That is, until a surprise run-in with her university ex-boyfriend leaves her scrambling. With her ex desperate to get her back, Eden is eager to find any solution to keep him away.
Local firefighter Hudson Avery may have joined the library’s romance book club to find some new friends, but he didn’t expect to develop a crush on a fellow book club member. When Eden says she needs help keeping her ex at bay, Hudson doesn’t hesitate to offer his services. The only problem? He doesn’t want it to be fake for long.
When fake dates lead to real feelings, Eden must decide if continuing to avoid the past is worth her potential future.
Borrowed Hearts is part of the Library Love Notes series, featuring open-door, small-town romances set in the fictional cozy town of Beaver Creek, Ontario.
If you wish to read the stories in order, it would be as Long Overdue, Loving the First Edition, Notes of the Past, Written in the Margins, The Perfect Story, Borrowed Hearts, and Checking Out Santa.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 30, 2026
About the author
Isla Winter
8 books47 followersIsla is an enigma - even to herself - and is figuring all this author's business out as she goes. She enjoys spending time with her husband and furry family of two cats and two dogs. When she's not reading or writing, she's likely playing Mario Kart.
Please note: I am anti-AI, and generative AI tools have never, and WILL NEVER, be used in my writing.
Please note: I am anti-AI, and generative AI tools have never, and WILL NEVER, be used in my writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 17, 2026
Thank you Isla Winter for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really wanted to love this; both of the main characters seemed super sweet, and it was very easy to root for their blossoming relationship.
However, it felt like a lot of the backstory and side storylines weren’t fleshed out enough. I appreciate it’s difficult in such a short book, but I would have liked to hear more about Eden’s relationship with her mother, as we really didn’t get much time with them at all. I also felt that the Adam storyline could have been handled better; I was confused throughout about how he could have broken her heart if she was the one who broke it off & seemingly remained distant throughout their relationship? Unfortunately, there just wasn’t enough material to render this a well-rounded read.
I really wanted to love this; both of the main characters seemed super sweet, and it was very easy to root for their blossoming relationship.
However, it felt like a lot of the backstory and side storylines weren’t fleshed out enough. I appreciate it’s difficult in such a short book, but I would have liked to hear more about Eden’s relationship with her mother, as we really didn’t get much time with them at all. I also felt that the Adam storyline could have been handled better; I was confused throughout about how he could have broken her heart if she was the one who broke it off & seemingly remained distant throughout their relationship? Unfortunately, there just wasn’t enough material to render this a well-rounded read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to author Isla Winter for providing an eARC for review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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This friends-to-lovers romance between a school teacher and a firefighter was cute! It was sweet and spicy, with some autumnal elements, and lots of small town charm. I liked that FMC Eden had her circle of friends to support her, and her relationship with her mom was too relatable. I also liked that MMC Hudson openly discussed how his job can be scary, but also thrilling, and I enjoyed following his POV as he responded to a few calls on-page. I've read two other fire fighter romances before, and both didn't feature any responses to calls; just hot guys lifting weights at the fire house. This was a nice change from that, as we see Hudson cover things from cats stuck in trees to grilling accidents to barn fires. I also thought Hudson being in the romance book club at the library was cute, and enjoyed hearing which book they were reading (lol @ sentient door romance).
There's lots of "will they / won't they" due to the friends-to-lovers element creating fear of ruining the friendship and what happens if they take the next step, and due to the fake dating "we can't let this be real" element. There were a lot of meta references though, with lines like "We're not book characters" and "In romance novels, the fake dating always turns real...." which started to feel repetitive. A couple meta references can be cute and get a chuckle out of me, but this felt like it was too much.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but it didn't keep me engrossed. I read it leisurely over the course of about 2 weeks, but at 188 pages, most readers can knock this out in a day. I had a hard time staying engaged as the characters felt stereotypical at times, the meta humor broke my immersion, and the stakes were extremely low.
Readers preferring something quick, light, fluffy, and spicy will certainly enjoy this. It could make a fantastic palette cleanser.
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This friends-to-lovers romance between a school teacher and a firefighter was cute! It was sweet and spicy, with some autumnal elements, and lots of small town charm. I liked that FMC Eden had her circle of friends to support her, and her relationship with her mom was too relatable. I also liked that MMC Hudson openly discussed how his job can be scary, but also thrilling, and I enjoyed following his POV as he responded to a few calls on-page. I've read two other fire fighter romances before, and both didn't feature any responses to calls; just hot guys lifting weights at the fire house. This was a nice change from that, as we see Hudson cover things from cats stuck in trees to grilling accidents to barn fires. I also thought Hudson being in the romance book club at the library was cute, and enjoyed hearing which book they were reading (lol @ sentient door romance).
There's lots of "will they / won't they" due to the friends-to-lovers element creating fear of ruining the friendship and what happens if they take the next step, and due to the fake dating "we can't let this be real" element. There were a lot of meta references though, with lines like "We're not book characters" and "In romance novels, the fake dating always turns real...." which started to feel repetitive. A couple meta references can be cute and get a chuckle out of me, but this felt like it was too much.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but it didn't keep me engrossed. I read it leisurely over the course of about 2 weeks, but at 188 pages, most readers can knock this out in a day. I had a hard time staying engaged as the characters felt stereotypical at times, the meta humor broke my immersion, and the stakes were extremely low.
Readers preferring something quick, light, fluffy, and spicy will certainly enjoy this. It could make a fantastic palette cleanser.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Of the four books I've read this far in this series, I find this one to be the most easy and lightweight of all. It's a fake dating, friends-to-lovers romance without the heavy backdrop of a painful past, just two good friends who enter into a temporary arrangement to fend off an ex who wants to try again. Even the ex wasn't so bad, just stubborn at first but eventually would turn out to be a decent guy.
So how did this book hold my attention until the end? Well, all credit goes to Hudson, the male main character, who was just absolutely adorable. What's not to love about a gorgeous, obscenely fit, and ridiculously kind and sweet, book-loving firefighter? He was the perfect gentleman, but he could be feral in the bedroom. Who wouldn't crave someone like that?!
Eden was quite likeable as well. Book-loving heroines are characters I enjoy reading about because they share my passion. It's no surprise, obviously, that I would be drawn to characters to whom I can relate. She was admirably intelligent, kind, authentic, and witty. It was no wonder why it didn't take Hudson long to fall for her.
I enjoyed their courtship as told in this book. It gave an engrossing narrative of how their friendship evolved from something purely platonic to something more passionate and electric. The spicy scenes were delicious, as heartwarming as the more tender moments. I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end.
I was fortunate to have been granted an advanced review copy of this book. I give this review voluntarily.
So how did this book hold my attention until the end? Well, all credit goes to Hudson, the male main character, who was just absolutely adorable. What's not to love about a gorgeous, obscenely fit, and ridiculously kind and sweet, book-loving firefighter? He was the perfect gentleman, but he could be feral in the bedroom. Who wouldn't crave someone like that?!
Eden was quite likeable as well. Book-loving heroines are characters I enjoy reading about because they share my passion. It's no surprise, obviously, that I would be drawn to characters to whom I can relate. She was admirably intelligent, kind, authentic, and witty. It was no wonder why it didn't take Hudson long to fall for her.
I enjoyed their courtship as told in this book. It gave an engrossing narrative of how their friendship evolved from something purely platonic to something more passionate and electric. The spicy scenes were delicious, as heartwarming as the more tender moments. I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end.
I was fortunate to have been granted an advanced review copy of this book. I give this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a cute romance based in the same small town as the others in the series. I love fake dating, and this took a sweet turn where it never really felt fake from the onset. Eden was an interesting character - a teacher who's loved by her students, and struggles to have a backbone with anyone else in her life. Hunter is a steady and predictable character, and an absolute sweetheart, fully focused on his job as a firefighter and not wanting to bother to pursue anyone, but adoring his friendship with Eden.
I really enjoyed the authors writing style and how clear her characters are, however I did find some of the extra parts of the story to feel a little distracting and not very fleshed out. The sideline with her ex was odd, as it made it sound like he was irresistible but also kind of awful, yet then he's encouraged to date her friend and I was kind of lost in to how it twisted into being okay. I also didn't really see the use in the storyline with her mother, and think a better focus on just the fake dating and friendship blossoming would have made the main storyline a bit more cohesive.
Also the sex scenes were kind of odd. I'm not sure how the characters -with two prominent jobs in a small town - would just be okay with sex in the open at a public gazebo - as if that wouldn't cause them both to lose their jobs. It just felt like a weird twist to try to make them spicier than their characters were at the onset and I was kind of confused.
All in all it was a decent read, but not my fave of the series.
*****
I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for sending this my way!
I really enjoyed the authors writing style and how clear her characters are, however I did find some of the extra parts of the story to feel a little distracting and not very fleshed out. The sideline with her ex was odd, as it made it sound like he was irresistible but also kind of awful, yet then he's encouraged to date her friend and I was kind of lost in to how it twisted into being okay. I also didn't really see the use in the storyline with her mother, and think a better focus on just the fake dating and friendship blossoming would have made the main storyline a bit more cohesive.
Also the sex scenes were kind of odd. I'm not sure how the characters -with two prominent jobs in a small town - would just be okay with sex in the open at a public gazebo - as if that wouldn't cause them both to lose their jobs. It just felt like a weird twist to try to make them spicier than their characters were at the onset and I was kind of confused.
All in all it was a decent read, but not my fave of the series.
*****
I was sent a complimentary advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for sending this my way!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an advance copy received from author
This is such a sweet and blossoming love story between Eden, a high school teacher, and Hudson, the attractive firefighter in town. The cutest thing about their story is that their feelings start growing from a fake dating plan that doesn’t seem fake at all.
Their fake dating begins as soon as Adam, Eden’s ex, moves to Beaver Creek and even ends up working at the same high school as her. At first, the goal is very simple: make Adam leave Eden alone. Yet the sweetness in Eden’s and Hudson’s interactions feels so genuine like they’re meant to be from the very beginning. Every moment they spend together is free from awkwardness, making it completely believable that they’re already in something real, raw, and unrehearsed.
Another highlight from my reading experience is a small strategy hidden inside the fake dating plot.
Yes, it involves pairing Eden’s ex with her friend.
Oh boy, if you translate that strategy into words, it would basically sound like “Get over me, dude!” Lol.
From now on, if I ever have a friend whose ex refuses to move on from them, I’ll probably tell them to set their ex up with their friend. Apparently, it works. Lol.
🤔 Does this type of read make you smile from ear to ear?
🗣️ Yes, it sure does.
If you’re looking for a romance that keeps a smile on your face with plenty of sweetness, chemistry, and feel-good moments, this book definitely has what you’re looking for.
This is such a sweet and blossoming love story between Eden, a high school teacher, and Hudson, the attractive firefighter in town. The cutest thing about their story is that their feelings start growing from a fake dating plan that doesn’t seem fake at all.
Their fake dating begins as soon as Adam, Eden’s ex, moves to Beaver Creek and even ends up working at the same high school as her. At first, the goal is very simple: make Adam leave Eden alone. Yet the sweetness in Eden’s and Hudson’s interactions feels so genuine like they’re meant to be from the very beginning. Every moment they spend together is free from awkwardness, making it completely believable that they’re already in something real, raw, and unrehearsed.
Another highlight from my reading experience is a small strategy hidden inside the fake dating plot.
Yes, it involves pairing Eden’s ex with her friend.
Oh boy, if you translate that strategy into words, it would basically sound like “Get over me, dude!” Lol.
From now on, if I ever have a friend whose ex refuses to move on from them, I’ll probably tell them to set their ex up with their friend. Apparently, it works. Lol.
🤔 Does this type of read make you smile from ear to ear?
🗣️ Yes, it sure does.
If you’re looking for a romance that keeps a smile on your face with plenty of sweetness, chemistry, and feel-good moments, this book definitely has what you’re looking for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Borrowed Hearts by Isla Winter is book 6 in the Library Love Notes, a multi author 7 book series based in the small fictional Canadian town of Beaverton Creek. This is a friends to lovers, fake dating romance with all the quirks of this fun small town.
This story follows Eden Clare, town local and health education teacher and her library book club friend Hudson Avery, a town firefighter. Hudson has always wanted to ask Eden out in a date but has never had the courage to do so. When Eden’s ex shows up in town as and as the new school councillor and is intent on getting her back, Hudson takes this opportunity to help his friend and suggest they fake date like in some of the books they read, which will give the impression to her ex that she is not single and for him to back off. They set rules in place to help keep up pretences and protect themselves but the more time they spend together and the more personal situations they share, the more they open up to each other and the less this becomes fake.
I loved Hudson, he is a gooey Golden Retriever, so sweet, so caring and the perfect small town sweetheart for Eden. I love seeing characters pop in and out of each story which makes you feel like a part of the town community and belonging.
Fake it til you make it and these two are made for each other 💞
This story follows Eden Clare, town local and health education teacher and her library book club friend Hudson Avery, a town firefighter. Hudson has always wanted to ask Eden out in a date but has never had the courage to do so. When Eden’s ex shows up in town as and as the new school councillor and is intent on getting her back, Hudson takes this opportunity to help his friend and suggest they fake date like in some of the books they read, which will give the impression to her ex that she is not single and for him to back off. They set rules in place to help keep up pretences and protect themselves but the more time they spend together and the more personal situations they share, the more they open up to each other and the less this becomes fake.
I loved Hudson, he is a gooey Golden Retriever, so sweet, so caring and the perfect small town sweetheart for Eden. I love seeing characters pop in and out of each story which makes you feel like a part of the town community and belonging.
Fake it til you make it and these two are made for each other 💞
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rcvd an ARC from the author.
I quite enjoyed this book. We meet Eden, a local high school teacher, who grew up in Beaver Creek and now is part of the book club at the library. Eden enjoys her solitude in the evenings when not marking papers and during her lunch hours, she spends it eating lunch with firefighter Hunter. Eden and Hunter got to know one another in the book club. Hunter joined a few months ago looking for something to do and he's happy he joined as now he gets to spend time with Eden. Eden goes out with her friends one eve and sees her ex-bf in the bar. What is he doing here? She gets her friends to try to sneak her out the back when she runs smack into Adam. Being polite as she normally is, Eden agrees to stay for a drink. Hunter is at the bar with his buddies when he sees Eden looking very uncomfortable so he goes to the rescue. Drunk Eden is fun and when he learns about Adam, Hunter offers to fake-date Eden so Adam will leave her alone. Eden finds herself agreeing but with rules, no kissing, no touching and no falling in love as this isnt a romance book. They both agree....how hard can it be?
I quite enjoyed this book. We meet Eden, a local high school teacher, who grew up in Beaver Creek and now is part of the book club at the library. Eden enjoys her solitude in the evenings when not marking papers and during her lunch hours, she spends it eating lunch with firefighter Hunter. Eden and Hunter got to know one another in the book club. Hunter joined a few months ago looking for something to do and he's happy he joined as now he gets to spend time with Eden. Eden goes out with her friends one eve and sees her ex-bf in the bar. What is he doing here? She gets her friends to try to sneak her out the back when she runs smack into Adam. Being polite as she normally is, Eden agrees to stay for a drink. Hunter is at the bar with his buddies when he sees Eden looking very uncomfortable so he goes to the rescue. Drunk Eden is fun and when he learns about Adam, Hunter offers to fake-date Eden so Adam will leave her alone. Eden finds herself agreeing but with rules, no kissing, no touching and no falling in love as this isnt a romance book. They both agree....how hard can it be?
June 14, 2026
Thank you for the ARC
Fake dating
Eden is a high school sex ed teacher she meets the shy fireman in book club inside the library. She joined because making friends is hard when you’re grown.
Hudson a firefighter who works most of the time on his off days he does things around the house.
Eden went out with her girls they were having a good time until her ex walked in. Shocked he is even there blew her mind she wanted to get out of there. Her and her friends were going to sneak out of the back but Eden bumped straight into her ex. Agreeing to stay in have a drink turned into awkward conversation and more than one drink.
Hudson has a long shift so him and some of his coworkers decided to go out for drinks. When the music died down he heard Eden and went to save her since she looked uncomfortable. Without fully thinking he called her babe and they left out together. Now sitting in her house he finds out her ex got at job at the same school as her he moved to town.
Hudson offered she pretend the two of them are dating.
Don’t fall in love the most important rule….
But of course they fall in love 🥰
This was a good story.
Fake dating
Eden is a high school sex ed teacher she meets the shy fireman in book club inside the library. She joined because making friends is hard when you’re grown.
Hudson a firefighter who works most of the time on his off days he does things around the house.
Eden went out with her girls they were having a good time until her ex walked in. Shocked he is even there blew her mind she wanted to get out of there. Her and her friends were going to sneak out of the back but Eden bumped straight into her ex. Agreeing to stay in have a drink turned into awkward conversation and more than one drink.
Hudson has a long shift so him and some of his coworkers decided to go out for drinks. When the music died down he heard Eden and went to save her since she looked uncomfortable. Without fully thinking he called her babe and they left out together. Now sitting in her house he finds out her ex got at job at the same school as her he moved to town.
Hudson offered she pretend the two of them are dating.
Don’t fall in love the most important rule….
But of course they fall in love 🥰
This was a good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A cute friends-to-lovers, fake dating romance!
Eden Clare and Hudson Avery are friends after ending up in the same romance book club at the library. When Eden's ex-boyfriend shows up in town again, she's desperate to keep him away. Enter Hudson: willing to be her fake boyfriend. But fake dates lead to real feelings.
Overall, this story is just so cute! It has all the small-town vibes that you can want. Eden and Hudson are genuinely good people who are there for each other and their community. Their support system is nice too.
I do wish we got just a few more pages though! The end is a bit rushed, but the emotion in the middle mostly makes up for it.
Overall, if you like fake dating or small town romances, definitely read this one! Curl up with a cup of hot cider and this fun read.
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Eden Clare and Hudson Avery are friends after ending up in the same romance book club at the library. When Eden's ex-boyfriend shows up in town again, she's desperate to keep him away. Enter Hudson: willing to be her fake boyfriend. But fake dates lead to real feelings.
Overall, this story is just so cute! It has all the small-town vibes that you can want. Eden and Hudson are genuinely good people who are there for each other and their community. Their support system is nice too.
I do wish we got just a few more pages though! The end is a bit rushed, but the emotion in the middle mostly makes up for it.
Overall, if you like fake dating or small town romances, definitely read this one! Curl up with a cup of hot cider and this fun read.
Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
June 15, 2026
3,5 ⭐️
Through all these arcs that I get to read, internally greatfull, I really am finding my reading taste. This was a short romance story, which is also my main complaint. I didn’t feel rushed necessarily, but it just too short to get invested. I’m a character driving person. I also love atmosphere, but characters can make or break a story. Don’t get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with the mmc or fmc, they are lovely.
It’s a small town, fake dating story. He is a firefighter ;)
I had kinda hoped the firefighter thing would be a little bigger, but it’s a small town. Not a lot happens there. Also what I really like is that it takes place in Canada! I love Canada, I have roots there. So it kinda made me wanna go back so badly. I also got excited to see that it will be a small town series. I don’t know if every book will be this short, but it’s worth chewing out!
Through all these arcs that I get to read, internally greatfull, I really am finding my reading taste. This was a short romance story, which is also my main complaint. I didn’t feel rushed necessarily, but it just too short to get invested. I’m a character driving person. I also love atmosphere, but characters can make or break a story. Don’t get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with the mmc or fmc, they are lovely.
It’s a small town, fake dating story. He is a firefighter ;)
I had kinda hoped the firefighter thing would be a little bigger, but it’s a small town. Not a lot happens there. Also what I really like is that it takes place in Canada! I love Canada, I have roots there. So it kinda made me wanna go back so badly. I also got excited to see that it will be a small town series. I don’t know if every book will be this short, but it’s worth chewing out!
June 27, 2026
Nearing the end of the year (in Beaver Creek 🇨🇦), almost to the end of the Library Love Notes Series. You don’t need to start at the beginning, but you totally should.
This is a small story, packed with a lot of tropes and it is so much fun. Eden seems to enjoy her job and it starts us off with a laugh and finding Hudson in the middle of a romance book club just makes you love him (not to mention the goose encounter).
There aren’t really any major obstacles in their way, but these two may be taking the long way. That said, it gives us the chance to fall in love with them both and cheer them along.
As always, Beaver Creek seems like a fun place to be and that gazebo! Catching up with old friends, making new ones and totally loving the journey.
Thank you, Isla Winter, for sharing the eARC with me and for this lovely story of Eden and Hudson.
This is a small story, packed with a lot of tropes and it is so much fun. Eden seems to enjoy her job and it starts us off with a laugh and finding Hudson in the middle of a romance book club just makes you love him (not to mention the goose encounter).
There aren’t really any major obstacles in their way, but these two may be taking the long way. That said, it gives us the chance to fall in love with them both and cheer them along.
As always, Beaver Creek seems like a fun place to be and that gazebo! Catching up with old friends, making new ones and totally loving the journey.
Thank you, Isla Winter, for sharing the eARC with me and for this lovely story of Eden and Hudson.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC
This is a cute friends to lovers story; it's part of the Library Love Notes series.
Eden is a teacher in her hometown - Beaver Creek. She and Hudson are in the same romance-themed book club at the library and they have lunch together in the park. Her ex-boyfriend moves to town and Hudson agrees to be her fake boyfriend to block the ex from bothering her.
Overall, I liked the fake dating story. They have great chemistry and the dialogue and texting make sense. I didn't like Eden's relationship with her mother or her problems with her ex. I found those storylines to be flat.
This is a cute friends to lovers story; it's part of the Library Love Notes series.
Eden is a teacher in her hometown - Beaver Creek. She and Hudson are in the same romance-themed book club at the library and they have lunch together in the park. Her ex-boyfriend moves to town and Hudson agrees to be her fake boyfriend to block the ex from bothering her.
Overall, I liked the fake dating story. They have great chemistry and the dialogue and texting make sense. I didn't like Eden's relationship with her mother or her problems with her ex. I found those storylines to be flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Read as arc
4.5-⭐️ 2-🌶️
This was so cute, I’m kinda excited to dive into this little series.
Based in a small Canadian town, we have Hudson our firefighter and Eden the HS teacher, two friends from their local book club who start fake dating when Edens ex shows up to town.
This reads like a hallmark movie, it was light, cute with a little spice thrown in.
I would give it 5 starts but something was missing and I just can’t place it, I don’t know if I needed more relationship building, or communication but I feel like it just all kinda happened. Then it was over.
I still really enjoyed the story even though it’s not my usual speed, i love Islas writting style
4.5-⭐️ 2-🌶️
This was so cute, I’m kinda excited to dive into this little series.
Based in a small Canadian town, we have Hudson our firefighter and Eden the HS teacher, two friends from their local book club who start fake dating when Edens ex shows up to town.
This reads like a hallmark movie, it was light, cute with a little spice thrown in.
I would give it 5 starts but something was missing and I just can’t place it, I don’t know if I needed more relationship building, or communication but I feel like it just all kinda happened. Then it was over.
I still really enjoyed the story even though it’s not my usual speed, i love Islas writting style
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fake dating to avoid an ex, a hunky fireman, an idealist small town that reminds me of Stars Hallow.
So perfect!
I would say this one is on the edge of longer novella, maybe shorter full length so the pacing was great, Hudson and Eden were so lovable and yet complex, I enjoyed the friend group (still don’t overlap hehe), Kinslee and the Bakery came up!! Love that!
Definitely a friends to lovers build up, but the spice so good, Hudson may have been taking tips from the book club picks.
Thank you to Isla for sharing this story in advance with me (also to introducing me to this Beaver Creek series!!)
So perfect!
I would say this one is on the edge of longer novella, maybe shorter full length so the pacing was great, Hudson and Eden were so lovable and yet complex, I enjoyed the friend group (still don’t overlap hehe), Kinslee and the Bakery came up!! Love that!
Definitely a friends to lovers build up, but the spice so good, Hudson may have been taking tips from the book club picks.
Thank you to Isla for sharing this story in advance with me (also to introducing me to this Beaver Creek series!!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Borrowed Hearts by Isla Winter is a sweet and charming small-town romance that combines two favorite tropes—friends-to-lovers and fake dating. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Eden and Hudson, especially their easy friendship, fun banter, and shared love of books through the library book club. The fake relationship storyline was entertaining and heartwarming, and watching their feelings grow felt natural and believable. While I found the story involving Eden’s ex and her relationship with her mother less engaging, the romance itself was strong enough to keep me invested. Overall, this was a cozy, feel-good read with lovable characters and a satisfying happily-ever-after.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This novella is dual POV, well written and edited, and a sweet and steamy, friends-to-lovers, fake relationship, small town, contemporary romance between Eden, the female teacher lead, and Hudson, the male firefighter lead. I enjoyed the sweetness of the relationship development. I sympathised with Eden’s people-pleasing habits and enjoyed seeing her relationship with her mum improve. I enjoyed Hudson’s protectiveness and care. I enjoyed the secondary character interactions, and the solution to the reason for the fake relationship.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
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June 27, 2026This is book six of the Library Love series. It is about Eden and Hudson.
Eden is a high school teacher and Hudson a firefighter. They start to fake dating. After Eden's ex comes to live in Bever Creek.
I loved how the story is played out like a lovestory in a book. Even Hudson and Eden agree with that.
I could not put the book away. I was so involved in the story.
Wanted to see, if the relationship between Hudson and Eden, is going to work.
The spice they have between them. Especially that one scene in the gazebo. Excuse me mam.
I would recommend this book to everyone.
Eden is a high school teacher and Hudson a firefighter. They start to fake dating. After Eden's ex comes to live in Bever Creek.
I loved how the story is played out like a lovestory in a book. Even Hudson and Eden agree with that.
I could not put the book away. I was so involved in the story.
Wanted to see, if the relationship between Hudson and Eden, is going to work.
The spice they have between them. Especially that one scene in the gazebo. Excuse me mam.
I would recommend this book to everyone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Back to Beaver Creek with Eden and Hudson story.
Sixth book in the Library Love Notes series.
Fake dating, hot firefighter, book lovers, teacher what's not to love.
I loved the chemistry with these two so adorable and how they were there for each other without question. It didn't feel forced despite doing the fake boyfriend trope and they ended up breaking every rule they had in place.
Definitely do not to fall in love 👀
Sixth book in the Library Love Notes series.
Fake dating, hot firefighter, book lovers, teacher what's not to love.
I loved the chemistry with these two so adorable and how they were there for each other without question. It didn't feel forced despite doing the fake boyfriend trope and they ended up breaking every rule they had in place.
Definitely do not to fall in love 👀
Review of advance copy received from Author
From start to finish this book had my attention. Who wouldn’t want to be in a book club and turn a friendship, into a fake dating kind of situation.
This book had me smiling from ear to ear. The banter was great, the flow of the book was wonderful, and best of all was the messy situations that took place in the book. I giggled, smiled and wanted to punch someone in the face for how a character was behaving.
A must read.
This book had me smiling from ear to ear. The banter was great, the flow of the book was wonderful, and best of all was the messy situations that took place in the book. I giggled, smiled and wanted to punch someone in the face for how a character was behaving.
A must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this fake dating turned love story where Eden a local high school teacher and Hunter the book reading fireman come together when Hunter saves Eden from an awkward running with her ex Adam; who has returned to town. They attempt fake dating to ward off Adam’s advances. Through their dates in town to mid week lunches they both slowly realize they are more than friends. The spice is there but it is spicy. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2026
What a cute little read this was!
Thank you so much to the author for sharing this ARC with me, it truly put a smile on my face.
This is the third book I read from the Beaver Creek series, and I’m loving each one of them.
Hudson and Eden are two walking green flags.
They’re the perfect small town romance with all the cozy vibes, and a love that blossoms from friendship.
I would absolutely recommend this to anybody who enjoyed Gilmore girls as a teenager 😊
Thank you so much to the author for sharing this ARC with me, it truly put a smile on my face.
This is the third book I read from the Beaver Creek series, and I’m loving each one of them.
Hudson and Eden are two walking green flags.
They’re the perfect small town romance with all the cozy vibes, and a love that blossoms from friendship.
I would absolutely recommend this to anybody who enjoyed Gilmore girls as a teenager 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
This super cute fake dating book is the perfect thing to warm your heart. A quick, gentle read the FMC is challenged when her ex moves to her small town of Beaver Creek. Fellow book club goer, and resident hottie firefighter to the rescue as he offers to fake date so the ex stays away.
Rules are set and the biggest one - don't fall in love.
Solid four stars!
Rules are set and the biggest one - don't fall in love.
Solid four stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a very cute read! Very wholesome small town vibes. This friends to fake dating to real dating is a quick, fun, easy read. The relationships between the main characters and supporting characters evolved and changed from the beginning which has growth for everyone!
For anyone who doesn’t like spicy scenes there are only two and they are easily skipped.
For anyone who doesn’t like spicy scenes there are only two and they are easily skipped.
June 16, 2026
This was a cute take on friends to lovers with fake dating. I love the whole Beaver Creek series and setting. Eden and Hudson were fun characters and just worked well together. A firefighter and high school health teacher…such a fun dynamic! Did not expect the outcome with Eden and her ex, but it was a fun story to get into. Thank you to the author for this ARC and chance to read this story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
We're back in Beaver Creek for book 6 of the Library Notes series.
The firefighter and teacher fake dating was a cute quick read, with great banter and chemistry, heartwarming and wholesome small town vibes but a little spicy
Thank you Isla for s great ARC read 💕
❤️ How I Rate Books
⭐ didn't like it
⭐⭐ it was ok
⭐⭐⭐ I liked it
⭐⭐⭐⭐Loved it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing! Will reread!
The firefighter and teacher fake dating was a cute quick read, with great banter and chemistry, heartwarming and wholesome small town vibes but a little spicy
Thank you Isla for s great ARC read 💕
❤️ How I Rate Books
⭐ didn't like it
⭐⭐ it was ok
⭐⭐⭐ I liked it
⭐⭐⭐⭐Loved it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing! Will reread!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Library Love Notes: Hudson and Eden
The interconnected multi-author series continues. This time, a sweet firefighter and teacher move from friends to more…
A fake dating trope for when her ex comes to town, and a mild amount of angst at times as they work out their feelings.
The spice is present but low heat, so pretty safe for reading anywhere.
It’s a cozy read.
The interconnected multi-author series continues. This time, a sweet firefighter and teacher move from friends to more…
A fake dating trope for when her ex comes to town, and a mild amount of angst at times as they work out their feelings.
The spice is present but low heat, so pretty safe for reading anywhere.
It’s a cozy read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐2.5🌶️ ARC Dual POV First Person 175pgs
Library Love Notes, multi author series, #6
🇨🇦 Authors, settings, and characters
Eden and Hudson
I loved both MCs, their relationship growing form friends to lovers felt natural. This was a sweet story, with just a hint of spice and no major drama.
Library Love Notes, multi author series, #6
🇨🇦 Authors, settings, and characters
Eden and Hudson
I loved both MCs, their relationship growing form friends to lovers felt natural. This was a sweet story, with just a hint of spice and no major drama.
June 5, 2026
I don’t know what to say! I ATE this book up and wish it was longer! I love love love the characters and their story! I’m so blessed to be an ARC reader for this one and honestly wish I could read it again for the first time!
Thank you so much for the opportunity!
Thank you so much for the opportunity!
June 7, 2026
First I want to say thank you for the ARC I received! This was such a cozy small town romance read and I loved every second of it, the yearning on both sides was lovely and I 100% will be reading the rest of the series 💚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well I was hooked! I’m a sucker for a fake dating story! I also loved how it was small town and friends to lovers! The vibes were cosy, the story was well paced and I really enjoyed the dynamic between Eden and Hudson. I loved how the texting was portrayed onto the pages!
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