Recklessly Falling

Blackstone Falls

by Alexandra Hale

Hooking up at a baby shower? What could possibly go wrong?

Except everything…

I should have known sneaking off with a stranger at my best friend’s baby shower was a bad idea. And that was before I found out Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome was actually her ex-boyfriend.

Now he wants me to pretend to date him until after the gala he’s organizing a couple states away. And be my roommate. It should be easy but the minute he moves into my house everything changes.

Suddenly, Blake’s time in Blackstone Falls feels anything but temporary. With tension building and our chemistry hot enough to ignite, it’s all I can do to remember why I’m trying to resist him.

I’ve done this before and barely survived, the soul crushing heartache not something I want to repeat. But everyone has a breaking point and Blake is too much to resist.

With the clock ticking on our arrangement, my past might not be the only thing bound to ruin our future.

Because I’ve been keeping a secret and once it’s out I don’t know if Blake will ever forgive me.

Genres: Novella, Fake Dating, M M Romance, Found Family, Forced Proximity, Small Town Romance

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2026

About the author

Alexandra Hale is a small town girl living with her family in Upstate New York. She routinely runs on caffeine, dry shampoo and thrives on procrastination.

A romance lover and reading enthusiast, Alexandra finally began putting pen to paper shortly after graduating college. An unobtainable dream has slowly become a reality with the love and support of her friends and family and the romance community.

She currently writes steamy, small town romance with a dash of lighthearted fun and happily ever afters that will make you swoon.

Reviews

[Cindy thismomreadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no denying the attraction and chemistry Cal and Blake have for one another from the moment they meet, and I was absolutely HERE for their first interaction!

Blake is beyond swooning, smart and passionate-and just wants a really love in his life-but can’t seem to find it. He is so good for Cal. Patient, accepting and loving.
Cal, my sweet man-I loved him. Then grief from his past is holding him back and keep his walls high. Developing feelings are not in the cards for him.
My heart went out to both of these characters-what started as a fake relationship shifted almost immediately. Between their growing connection, easy and fun moments, and insane attraction-things start to turn real. But what happens when that isn’t in the set plan?

I loved the journey they took to get their HEA, bumps included. This one had the perfect amount of emotion to round out all the fun. It had my heart melting, plenty of laugh, a couple tears and the best found family!

I had a permanent smile on my face the whole time I was reading! I just love this authors work. The characters and relationships she creates, her writing style and the found family and connections within each book. I didn’t want to stop reading.

Although this is a standalone-I highly recommend reading as much of this authors backlist as you can! Her worlds are very interwoven and will have you connecting even more to each story!

5⭐️

** thank you to the author for the copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own.

[AnnaMeansFun · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

It was a cute novella with a cliché third-act breakup.

Nothing to write home about, but a fun lighthearted read nonetheless that you can easily go through in one sitting.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Cal and Blake so much. They have such amazing chemistry from the start. I love their first interaction and the immediate aftermath. This book will you laugh out loud and cry your eyes out but I loved every second of it!

[C_C · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

"Recklessly Falling"
(A Blackstone Falls novella 5.5)

by Alexandra Hale

Tropes:
MM
novella
small town
fake dating
roommates to lovers
closed proximity
opposites attract



Do you know when a book surprises you in the best way possible? This book did it for me. And did it so well.

Blake is a 35 yo lonely rich man with an oppressive mother. He needs to have a relation to prove her he is worth their company. He meets Cal at a baby shower and their chemistry is instant and so hot.
Cal is a 29 artist and a teacher. He loves to interact with the community, to help people.

And when they start their fake dating and living together, they never thought feelings could be possible besides their mutual physical attraction.

Cal was my favorite MMC; I loved his doubts and his grief and his pain.

I am not a fan of third act breakup but theirs is special.

Alexandra wrote this book in a passionate way. The spice is very good. And their love is so tender.

And Blake's grandfather? Oh, what a joy to read him.

Released May 8.

Thank you to the author for this amazing ARC.

----

some of my favorite quotes:

I like the way he's taking charge - the way he's made me feel more in this casual interaction than I have in a long time.
💛
It's strangely erotic, and for the first time since we stepped in here, I wish I could see his face. Does he still want me as badly as I want him?
💛
He looks edible.
💛
(...) our connection had been something otherworldly. Hot and desperate and toe curling even though we'd barely undressed.
💛
I'm half hard at all times when I'm at the house, his proximity alone lighting my body up like a Christmas tree.
💛
"You're perfect."
I thing he meant to say it's perfect but he doesn't correct himself and neither do I.
💛
He kisses me the same way he talks about the sky. Sensual. Romantic.
💛
It's criminal how good he looks in a tux.
And a bow tie.
The f*cker.
💛
"You made me realize how much I wasn't living and God, you made my life so much better."
💛
You're the one I want to come home to every night and the one I want to wake up to each day.

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I look at him, the connection I feel toward this man already burning brighter and hotter than I'm prepared for." - Blake

"He changed me, brought me back to life, and challenged me in a way I've never had before. He made me want to be better."- Cal

These two, oh my goodness I loved them apart when they both first appear in this seris but put them together and they are electric. Cal and Blake's connection is instant after just making eye contact. How either one of them ever thought they would be able to fake date is beyond me!

I was not expecting that private side to Cal. Up until this point he has been carefree and happy but he hides something deep. So deep only his sister and brother-in-law know about it. When he confides in Blake so quickly I knew he would be a goner for him. I love how he feels comfortable with Blake to share his secrets.

Blake deserves happiness after having to deal with his mother. Sheesh that woman. Thank heavens he has Ellison as his bestie because it is via her that he gets to meet Cal. He is so sweet to him with all of the little things he does from cooking to buying trinkets (not gifts, do not call them gifts). Then we get to see a whole other side of him, he is the take charge kind of guy to Cal's more laid back persona.

It's funny how both of these two thought they could avoid falling in love because that was never going to happen. When that bump in the road was hit I was crushed instantly. I swear my chest was full of sympathy aches for both of them.

I love getting lost in one of Ms. Hale's stories but I have to say she played with my heartstrings a bit too much with this one and she doesn't hold back...she hits the reader right away in the feels and doesn't stop until the end of the book. That is what is so good about her writing though, she has the ability to make the reader feel what her characters are feeling with words.

[Kazz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recklessly Falling is a quick read that gives us Blake from a prominent very wealthy family in Savanna his mother is constantly trying to set him up since he broke up with his ex Ellison who is now married and expecting her first baby. He has decided to go to Blackstone Falls for two months and get back in time for the big charity Gala they have spent months planning. He tells his mother he has a boyfriend in Blackstone Falls, she doesn’t really believe him and says he must bring him to the Gala. Blake sends a message to Ellison and asks for a favour to find him a fake boyfriend while he is there and for the Gala. Blake arrives at Ellison’s baby shower and is sitting with all of the friends and family when a gorgeous man walked in the gate, an hour late, he looks around until his eyes meet Blake’s there are some subtle signals between the two of them and before you know it they meet in the bathroom inside the house in an unbelievably hot and steamy session that is quick and intense. Ellison came bashing on the door telling them to get dressed and get out because she needed to pee! She said Blake’s name which was when Cal realises that the man he just got hot and heavy with is Ellison’s ex! Blake moves into Cal’s house for the time he is in Blackstone Falls, they agree to the fake relationship for the time he is there and the Gala. The chemistry between them is off the charts, Cal has secrets he is keeping and he has the death of his boyfriend Liam five years ago front of mind, can he get past that fear of losing another loved one? Can he trust Blake, can he find love again? Blake is falling hard for Cal, he wants more than this fake relationship!
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookFunnel and I am writing this review voluntarily

[Musingsonbooksandmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author – this review is my own opinion and left voluntarily

Recklessly Falling by Alexandra Hale is a stand-alone Roommates to Lovers, Close Proximity MM novella set in Blackstone Falls featuring Blake and Cal. I really just adored this book and Blake and Cal were so perfectly attuned and matched from the moment they first met. Their chemistry is off the charts and only gets hotter as their story unfolds. Blake and Cal meet at Ellison's - Blake's ex-girlfriend and Cal's close friend - baby shower. The two have a steamy encounter before each is aware of their shared connection. Blake has returned to Blackstone Falls in order to find a fake boyfriend to get his cruel mother off his back and Ellison thinks Cal would be perfect person. Fortunately, Cal agrees to be his fake boyfriend and to Blake moving in for a couple of months. This sets up a sweet spicy swoon-worthy story with twists, a secret identity, and few bumps on the way to a hard fought and well-deserved happy ending. I loved Cal and Blake together and I loved them separately. Cal was so sweet and learning to move forward and love again following a tragic loss in his past. Blake was so understanding and two resisted their attraction until they couldn't. Blake felt the pressure of growing up in and being part of a wealthy family and it was nice to see Cal give him the space to blossom into who he wanted to be. They did hit a few difficulties as Cal struggled with the impact from his grief, however their found family rallied around and helped them find their way! I am not familiar with all the books in Blackstone Falls and this has made me want to read further! I would definitely recommend this story. 5/5
I would like to thank the Author for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake's mother keeps trying to set him up, to avoid the matchmaking Blake tells his mother that he is dating someone from the small town where his best friend, Ellison lives. Now the only problem, he needs to find a fake boyfriend while visiting Ellison. Cal is a coworker of Ellison and when he is at her baby shower, he immediately is attracted to Blake and they sneak away. After the impromtu hook-up Blake asks Cal to be his fake boyfriend until after his family's charity gala.

Read this if you like:
*MM Romance
*Fake Dating
*Roommates
*Closed Proximity
*Small Town
*Found Family

I read this one in one sitting. Once I started I was immediately invested. Alexandra has a way of immediately drawing you in with a heartbreaking prologue and this book is no different. Blake was the absolute sweetest and I was rooting for him throughout the whole book, the way he took care of Cal and supported him made me swoon. Cal was still trying to recover from the loss of his last boyfriend, he's decided love is not for him anymore. But as much as he tried he could not avoid falling for Blake. His grovel at the end of this book was absolutely perfect!

This can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend checking out the Blackstone Falls series, especially if you like small town romances.

At just under 200 pages, this is perfect when you want a swoony romance and have some time to yourself (like maybe mother's day😉).

[Patricia Saynuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recklessly Falling by Alexandra Hale is a can’t-miss novella and a fantastic standalone set in the Blackstone Falls series. From the very first page, the heat is undeniable, pulling you straight into this small-town story that quickly becomes impossible to put down. It’s a compelling, fast-paced page turner with emotional depth that sneaks up on you in the best way.
Cal is a hero you immediately root for as someone who never thought he’d find love again after losing his partner. He carries deep trust issues born from past trauma. Blake comes to Blackstone Falls to escape his complicated family life while reconnecting with a longtime friend who also happens to be his ex. Hoping to ease the pressure waiting for him back home, he asks that friend to help him find a fake relationship. His quiet vulnerability and inner strength balance Cal perfectly, making their connection feel natural and deeply emotional.
Their fake relationship (with the tension of a best friend’s ex!) is written so well, blurring lines in a way that feels authentic and earned. Add in the found family vibes and the charm of Blackstone Falls, and you get characters you can’t help but cheer for as they fight their way to a hard-won happy ending. Emotional, sexy, and heartfelt, this story delivers on every level.

[Jennifer Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely swept me away from the very first chapter. I’m such a sucker for fake dating, forced proximity, and emotional tension, and this story delivered all of that perfectly. What starts as one reckless hookup at a baby shower quickly turns into a messy, emotional, chemistry-filled romance that I could not put down.

Blake was everything I love in a book boyfriend — charming, protective, emotionally layered, and impossible not to fall for. The chemistry between him and the FMC was absolutely electric, and every scene between them had me kicking my feet. The banter, tension, and slow unraveling of their feelings felt so natural and addictive.

I also really loved that the story balanced the romance with emotional depth. The FMC’s fear of heartbreak and the secret she’s carrying added so much weight to the relationship, making everything feel more intense and real. Watching both characters slowly lower their walls and fight their feelings had me fully invested.

The small-town vibes, roommate situation, fake relationship setup, and all the emotional angst came together perfectly. It was sweet, messy, emotional, and incredibly romantic all at once.

If you love fake dating, forced proximity, emotional secrets, protective heroes, and chemistry that practically burns off the page, definitely pick this one up.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another intense and hot romance from Alexandra Hale. This story continues along in Hale's style. Two hot guys, both have a reason for not wanting to be in a relationship, then they meet each other, and all that goes out the window and they end up together.

I loved that Blake and Cal meet at Blake's ex-girlfriends baby shower. Blake needs a break from his over bearing mother and a job he doesn't like, so he is excited to go to Blackstone Falls for Ellison's shower. While Blake knows who Cal is when they meet, Cal doesn't know who Blake is until after they hook up. I mean what else are two guys at a baby shower suppose to do.

What really worked for me in the story is that they become roommates and have a chance to get to know each other better. Cal definitely has secrets that he isn't ready to share with Blake and so that makes for drama and push back between them. And, once Blake starts falling and before he invests his heart, he needs help with the other nosey family and friends of Cal and Ellison that live in Blackstone Falls.

Together, Blake and Cal are hesitant, they mess up but by the end it feels like they’ve built something solid and Alexandra does a great job of wrapping it all together in another great book.

Thanks for the ARC.

[Sandi Hatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honoured to receive an advanced copy of this story and this is my honest review.

Not many people hook up at baby showers but Cal & Blake did.

Cal has a secret that can't be unravelled as it would cost him his anonymity which could destroy everything he's worked hard for.

Due to Cal's past he still can't quite allow himself to date again. He's an art teacher and is a coach for the cross country running team, For training the kids take the dogs from the local shelter running before school.

Blake's mum has made it perfectly clear that she is not impressed about his love life and it will ruin the circles she runs in. In a moment of panic Blake says he is dating someone. So when his mum demands he must make this person attend the Charity Gala.

Blake panics as he needs to find a fake relationship in 2mths which will end after the Charity Gala.

Blake is older than Cal. He comes from money due to his family's advertising business. But because he has to constantly pretend he's putting on a facade for the public, he never gets to show his true self.

What was only meant to be a temporary relationship changes as both Cal and Blake start to see the other side of each other that not everyone gets to see. But true to form there are a lot of obstacles they have to overcome.

[Melanie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: 4.5 ⭐️
Reckless Falling is a Novella set in the world of Blackstone Falls featuring Blake Reynolds & Cal Spence.

Years ago Cal lost the love of his life in an accident and hes been avoiding anything more than casual ever since. One day at his coworker turned friends baby shower, he ends up hooking up with a handsome stranger, who he later finds out is the mom to bes ex boyfriend.

Blake’s mother has been hounding him about settling down but Blake hasn’t found the right person, so he fibs and says he has a boyfriend. He knows hes traveling to Blackstone falls and his ex girlfriend has talked about her friend there and decides Maybe he’d agree.

Once Cal relizes who Blake is, hes regretful until he finds out his friend was hoping this would happen. He reluctantly agrees to fake date Blake until the charity gala, making his promise it would be nothing more.

Blake however starts to delve feelings for cal but when he try to tell him hes met with an unexpected reaction. Will Cal realize his mistake and get to Blake before its to late>

I love anytime we get to spend in Blackstone falls and this novella was packed with cameos and also pretty spicy! I can’t wait for Tanner to get his story next!

Thank you Alexandra for the ARC!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written emotional story.

I enjoy everything Alexandra Hale writes, but when she crafts her MM stories, they are among the most beautiful I’ve read.

I’ve loved Cal’s character from the moment I met him on the page, and I’m so happy he finally gets his HEA. After a tragic loss, Cal came to Blackstone Falls carrying his grief close, keeping everyone at arm’s length. Then Blake (Ellison’s best friend from ‘Feels Like Falling’) enters the picture, needing help with a fake relationship. Their attraction is immediate, but with Blake’s stay in Blackstone Falls temporary, and Cal’s past (along with a secret he’s keeping), he’s hesitant to let anyone get too close.

I really enjoyed the emotional and physical tension between Cal and Blake, and watching their relationship unfold not only felt natural and moving, but held me captive until I finished.

Ms. Hale’s books are filled with heart, emotion, and sharp, witty banter, and the theme of found family shines throughout. If you enjoy stories that are emotional, heartfelt, and full of love, you’ll absolutely enjoy her work.

[Ayaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly ended up enjoying this a lot more than I expected. The fake dating/roommate situation could have felt cliché, but the chemistry between Blake and Cal made it really easy to get invested. Their tension was there from the start and it kept the story moving without feeling too overdone, and Cal’s background and past made this relatable comforting.

What I liked most was that the romance had emotional weight behind it. It wasn’t just attraction for the sake of drama — both characters seemed to be carrying baggage, and that made their connection feel more believable.

The pacing was solid overall, although there were a few moments where the miscommunication frustrated me a little. Still, the secret hanging over the relationship kept me curious enough to keep turning the pages because I genuinely wanted to know how everything would unfold.

If you like fake dating, forced proximity, emotional tension, and small-town romance vibes with a bit of angst, this is definitely worth picking up. It was dramatic, emotional, and addictive in the best way. One of my favorite MM romances of the year so far

Thank you so much for the E-ARC

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 is a MM novella in the Blackstone Falls series by Alexandra Hale, featuring a spicy and emotional fake-dating, roommates to lovers tale for Cal and Blake that captured my attention easily with its instant chemistry, family drama, palpable grief and yearning wrapped up in emotional baggage determined to keep them apart. I’ve been intrigued by Cal since the first book in this wonderful series, so I enjoyed getting to know him better and peeling back those layers to get to the heart of the matter and watch the healing happen. Blake had his own demons to deal with between his mother and his romantic choices as well, and my heart hurt for both of them at times. I loved seeing Ellison and Montana again, and just the way that this world fosters that found family vibe despite some of their strangely intertwined pasts.😆 For such a short story, there sure was a ton of living packed in, with suspense elements related to a secret, a twist, plenty of spice and swoon, family, drama, and even a grand gesture! I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received an advanced review copy, and my opinions are my own and freely expressed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held nothing back. It was a lunch to the emotional face from the start and never let go of its hold on my attention or soul. Cal and Blake have such intense chemistry and an insane connection. It’s evident deli. The very first moment they interact at the baby shower. And holy hell was that hot beyond all logical reason. Blake is such a swoon worthy character. He had my heart from the start. He’s patient and kind and understand and so very loving. One seriously devoted friend and partner. Cal broke my heart with all the things he went through. His grief was so palpable. I just wanted to hold him. I knew from the start that fake wasn’t where things would end for them. I refused to acknowledge anything else. I wanted the best for them. They both deserved love and acceptance and support. Watching their journey together was endearing. There were definitely some hot and heavy moments, leaving me fanning my face and gripping my kindle way too hard. I refused to put this book down until I knew things would be ok for them. Cal and Blake set my heart ablaze. I was so happy with the ending they got. Perfect.

[LAJordan Leigh Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 MM romance novella, starting with a baby shower bang! 🥵😮‍💨
🤩 When you just want to know his secrets. And then adore the secrets when you find out!
🤩 Fake dating plus forced proximity—absolutely irresistible! This is the kind I’d tension I’m looking for in the forced proximity! ❤️‍🔥🫠
🤩 Cal’s cottage!
🤩 When Blake takes beer in first instead of his bags.
🤩 All the feels—so much personality & so many LOL interactions between Cal & Blake, but also tenderness, care, and spicy times (oops, was that a spoiler?)!
🤩 Oh my tingly intimate couch scene. 🥰🌶️
🤩 I’m a sucker for a charity gala & this one is definitely a favorite!
🤩 Alexandra writes fabulous small-town love stories, but also beautiful friendships!
🤩 The Vetted Paws & cross country team running club is fabulous! 🐾🤗

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 Oh gosh, I was nervous because I can be hard on a deceased partner type trope, but Alexandra Hale worked it all out so well.
💫 I was greedy for a little more in the “just getting started” phase.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dynamics and attraction between the main characters, Blake and Cal, were perfectly balanced and portrayed in this fake-to-real dating small town romance. Hale's story-telling keeps the reader acutely involved with the characters as their feelings develop through the pages. The writing is smooth, flowing easily from one POV to the other, and one scene to the next. Readers are along for the full emotional ride, from joy and tears, to grief and fears. Blake simply longs to be lived, and he's an amazing man who treats Cal exceptionally. Cal, however is struggling with complicated grief that has stymied his ability (and willingness) to fully engage in life and explore a relationship again. This reader felt for both men as they dealt with their truths, and rooted for them to get it right before the opportunity expired.

This is part of the Blackstone Falls series, which I highly recommend in its entirety. I received a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Lindsey Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful novella that has a depth and fullness to it that belies it's length.

I tend to write notes when I read to help me when writing reviews. Some of my early notes from Cal and Blake's story included:
Holy fridge magnets! That prologue packs a punch! Tears!
Holy Mary! The tension and pining between these two is so hot! It's heartbreaking.
Holy heck! These two are HOT!

There is definitely chemistry between the two of them (anyone else consider buying a potters wheel?). They also each have a heartbreaking vulnerability to them; their forced proximity helps both heal and highlight those wounds.

Their story is balanced by beautiful heartwarming moments - the non-gifts, cross country team baking and sitting under the stars - as well as the brilliant banter and humerous text chats that Alexandra Hale always gives us.
The secret that Cal was keeping was not what I was expecting and an aspect of the story that I loved.

I easily fell in love with Cal and Blake and they are vying for my favourite MM couple from Alexandra Hale.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved this story! The perfect fake dating, small town, found family, mm romance! I loved seeing previous characters in this book. Blake is Ellison’s ex and still very much part of Ellison and Montana’s lives. But his meddling mother is determined to set him up. So before the infamous gala in Savannah, he heads back to Blackstone Falls to visit his “boyfriend”. Cal is Ellison’s friend and fellow teacher who has sworn off love after heartbreak. It when these two meet at Ellison’s baby shower, boy does it get hott! Cal agrees to Blake moving in for 2 months and being his boyfriend for the gala. But there’s ground rules. And Blake breaks them at every turn and worms his way into every aspect of Cal’s life. But this scares him even more and he’s keeping a secret. It when Cal finally snaps, Blake runs back to Savannah heartbroken. This story was amazing. Spice was hott! The text threads were hilarious. Loved visiting our favorite places in Blackstone Falls. Can’t wait to read what Alexandra has for us next!!

[Belinda Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to get an ARC copy and read it in a day. It is such a great book, I loved every minute of it. The characters are awesome. Blake and Cal are pretending to be a couple at a huge family gala that Blake needs to be perfect, his career depends on it. After meeting at a harmless baby shower, they instantly have an attraction between each other. They have to pretend to be a couple madly in love with each other for a few months until the gala is over with, to especially convince Blake's mother so she will get off his back about settling down.
One of them has a secret that could change everything and end their relationship. This book is heartbreaking and steamy. Emotionally gripping, poignant, and you can't help but root for them, hoping for compromise, and making amends. I enjoyed this book very much, as I do all of Alexandra Hale's books. She never disappoints. Highly recommend.

[Heather A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake is taking some time off to visit Blackstone Falls. While he’s away, his goal is to enter a fake relationship to appease his mother. After meeting Cal at Ellison’s baby shower, Blake soon realizes that nothing about their relationship will be fake.

I was hooked from the moment Cal and Blake noticed each other from across the baby shower. I’m pretty sure this is the first baby shower hookup I’ve read, and it did not disappoint. 🔥 Cal and Blake are just so sweet and thoughtful with each other. Blake respects Cal’s past and his current secret. Blake cooks and buys meaningful gifts.

I’m not usually a fan of third act breakup, but this was written so well! It was beautiful when Blake and Cal reunited. 🥹😍

I adore the worlds that Alexandra Hale creates. The small town, found family, and the spice lures you right in!

🤍 MM Novella
🤍 Fake Dating
🤍 Roommates to Lovers
🤍 Secret Identity
🤍 Small Town
🤍 Close Proximity
🤍 They “Celebrate”
🤍 Found Family

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Emma Aldarion · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars rounded up
MM-Romance
Fake dating
Roommates
Hidden identity
Small town
Spicy

I hardly ever read MM romance and I think this was really sweet.
Alexandra's writing is very engaging and keeps me hooked to the end just like the previous ones I've read. It's easy to get swept away.

The main characters are good with very satisfying growth. How they treat each other and support each other is wonderful to read. And their HEA was very well deserved.
I had some problem with believing they were both male a few times though. One of them felt, to me, more like a female character turned into a male character if that makes sense.

The side characters were very interesting too and I loved the found family aspect. They made me interested in knowing more and read their stories to.

If you like MM-romance with fake dating you will probably like this too.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Just.agirl.and.herbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recklessly Falling
Alexandra Hale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you for the ARC Alexandra Hale 💚💚

This was such a great book, i loved both Cal and Blake so much! These two had such instent chemistry and the tension between them was just off the charts. I enjoy the fake dating trope and Alexandra Hale wrote a perfect one for theses two. The emotional moments in this book had me crying and I felt so bad for both Cal and Blake and what they each had been through before finding each other. However the happy and sweet moments were in abundance and I found myself absolutely giddy while reading this book. Cal and Blake were meant to be together and I loved that they got the HEA they both deserved with each other.

As with all of Alexandra Hale's books i loved reading it and enjoyed the story and characters. None of her books has ever disappointed and I highly recommend getting her on your reading lists ASAP!

[Casey | PageswithPasta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Recklessly Falling and once again I’m reminded why I’ll read anything Alexandra Hale writes. 🤍

Set in the intertwined world of Blackstone Falls, Cal and Blake are both adorable, messy, and broken in ways that make them impossible not to root for. Their relationship starts through the oddest circumstances (and a mutual friend), but somehow falls perfectly into the family-centered, deeply connected world Hale has built across all of her stories.

This book had everything I’ve come to love and honestly expect from Hale’s writing: the sweet drama, fully developed characters, laugh-out-loud humor, comforting text message banter, and that feeling of being wrapped up in a community you never want to leave. Watching these two stumble through a fake relationship while clearly becoming something so much more had me grinning the entire time.

It was impossible not to recklessly fall for Cal and Blake right alongside them. 💫

[Theresa Lambe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, anytime a story makes you feel, it’s a plus. And this one, it made me tear up. Why? Let me explain.

Blake just wants to be loved, wants to find someone that loves him with everything. Yet all he seems to do is fake dating. And that’s what he does with Cal to get his mom off his back. This is only supposed to be temporary, no feelings involved. Just a way to enjoy their connection. Until Blake falls and wants to go beyond temporary. But for Cal, he freaks. And poor Blake is hurt yet again. So, yeah, I cried a little. But what happens next, you so cannot miss.

I absolutely devoured this read. Alexandra literally kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I just couldn't wait for more. She brought out all kinds of emotions, and I loved every minute of it. So, yeah, grab it. You won't want to miss it.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a MM spinoff romance from the Blackstone Falls series and involves Ellison Mill Greene’s previous fake boyfriend Blake Reynolds and her longtime friend Calvin “Cal” Spence with the two hooking up at her baby shower. Blake needs Cal to be his fake boyfriend but can Cal allow someone in after all he suffered when he lost his former partner?
The book is full of delightful banter, both on the romantic side and just everyday life too, between not only Blake and Cal but also their friends and family dish out some humorous and wise comments too. Both main characters have to deal with vulnerability and there is a big third act breakup but hang on because the resolution is sweet and even involves a wise old grandfather who can tie a bow tie.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[jenswhitenoise · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm afraid that if I let myself fall, if I commit to being all in, he'll never be able to meet me there."

Blake & Cal. Fake dating for an overbearing mother, forced proximity when Blake moves in, feelings develop, but Cal isn't ready to let go of a previous love. Their story is good and Alexandra Hale brought together two people who seemed to fit the black cat (Cal) and golden retriever (Blake) vibes perfectly. The story moves fast - it has to as Alexandra Hale is a master of the short and sweet stories. This was 191 pages on my Kindle. Blake was all in and Cal had some secrets he was keeping as well as holding on to his former partner. I love the journey to the HEA and there were some funny moments in this which I adored.

*I received a complimentary eARC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author!

[Courtney Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for my honest review and these boys just melt my heart

In this MM novella one of our main MCs has told his mother he has a long distance boyfriend, and that's who he is spending the next few months with. When in fact he does not. It wouldn't be a problem except she expects him to bring his partner to the gala he is planning. He meets our other MC at his ex's baby shower. The ex he told he needed a favor to find a fake boyfriend - and she knew exactly who to pick. He is a school art teacher, with a secret identity only his sister and lawyer know. Against his better judgement, after hooking up with him, he agrees to fake date and let him move in with him, which helps him realize he really hasn't been living life.