Fall For Me

Light My Fire #4

by J.H. Croix

A brand new firefighter series from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!

Problem: My ex is marrying my ex-bestie.
Plan A: Burn the church down?
Plan B: Fake marry my friend.

I haven’t seen Archer since fifth grade. When he shows up in our small hometown and offers to marry me, I don’t ask many questions. I get to salvage my shredded pride and do him a favor.

I only need one thing from him—sell the deal when my ex comes back to town to marry my ex-bestie. Now I’m fake-married to a totally hot guy who needs a wife for *reasons*.

I’m way too cynical to fall for anyone, but Archer’s hard to resist. He keeps telling me we’re just faking it, but trust me when I tell you, there are some things we are not faking.

This was never supposed to be real. Until he whispers, fall for me.

Archer & Phoebe’s story is perfect for readers who love: Marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, slow burn, broody secret billionaire, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a hero with a protective streak a mile wide.


*A full-length, standalone romance.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Small Town Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Fiction

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2022

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with strong independent women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!


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Reviews

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have had hints about this book, and I was pleasantly surprised by the story. Phoebe and Archer were childhood friends who lost touch. Their friendship was before the days of cell phones and social media. Archer has returned to town and has a plan. As the gossip makes the plan unravel faster than the speed of light, as Willow Brook is a small town. Things start to get real, stories from his past begin to unfold. Will Phoebe stay by his side?

All in all a slow burn, light angst, lots of swoon, and another great addition to the Light My Fire series.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! I really enjoyed this story of childhood best friends who are reunited after 18 years and enter into a marriage of convenience.

How do I know they were childhood best friends? It was mentioned like 50 times in the book. It was the basis for every decision made and the answer to every question. I’m not gonna lie, it wore on me a little.

Archer and Phoebe seem like a fated couple despite their unusual reason for getting married. They have immediate chemistry and slip effortlessly into each other’s lives. I really enjoyed that the conflicts in the book were not between the couple. So, while there were definitely big issues to resolve, the angst was low.

This is the 4th book in the Light My Fire series, but could totally be read as a standalone.

I received an advance copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing and these are my honest opinions.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star review Fall For Me (Light My Fire #4) by J H Croix

It was great to be back in Willow Brook, Alaska. Having read the other books in this series, I was looking forward to reading Fall For Me, firefighter Phoebe and Archer’s story.

Phoebe and Archer were friends when they were kids and now he is back in town. When Archer suggests a marriage of convenience, Phoebe agrees since her ex is about to marry her ex best friend, after all what could go wrong?

Archer has his own reasons for suggesting the marriage, what will happen when all is revealed? This is a slow burn, friends to lovers story and although not my favourite of the series, it was a good addition. There was some angst, plenty of heat and a relationship just waiting to move from fake to real.

The connection between Phoebe and Archer was strong and their love built from a solid friendship was heart warming. The characters were easy to relate to and I enjoyed watching their relationship move from friends to lovers.

[J.H. Croix]

Ready for a dose of steam and swoon?
I can't wait to share FALL FOR ME with you!

Here's what you can expect:

✔️ A broody billionaire with secrets
✔️ A smart, sassy heroine
✔️ A not-so-fake marriage
✔️ Friends to lovers
✔️ 🔥 🔥 🔥 Chemistry
✔️ Small town shenanigans

Archer & Phoebe’s story is perfect for readers who love: Marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, slow burn, broody secret billionaire, small town gossip, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a hero with a protective streak a mile wide.

While this is the fourth book in the Light My Fire series, each book is a full-length standalone romance.

I can't wait for you all to sink into Archer and Phoebe's story with me!
J.H. CroixJ.H. Croix
You can grab it right here at all retailers! (paperback will be available soon too)
https://jhcroixauthor.com/light-my-fi...

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better! Fall For Me did not disappoint! By far the best friends to lovers romance yet! 5 fire stars for this one!
Archer is coming back to town, and Phoebe can't wait to see him, she hasn't seen him since he and his family moved away when they were in fifth grade. These two were inseparable, and had a blast together, but after all these years will it be the same?
Archer needs to get married, and who else but his best friend Phoebe would be perfect. Only problem is, when they see each other again, the feelings that they feel are unexpected, but welcome. She soothes him in a way he needs, and it makes him fall deeper for her. Phoebe is exactly what he needs in his life, but in order to be truly happy, he needs to face his demons from his past, and she's exactly the person to help him heal.
Phoebe has been hurt by her ex, and with Archer coming home, he's the person to help her deal with her ex boyfriend and her ex best friend getting married. Archer is sweet, and so much like the boy she remembers, only now he's all grown up!
I love this series so much, and this story pulled me in from the start! Grab it asap!

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Archer and Phoebe's story in just one sitting. It's kind of fascinating to see how they get back to their friendship easily even after 20 years. It just serves as a great foundation to their relationship even though they were marrying for convenience at first. But of course, it turns real really fast. And I loved how their friendship smoothly transition into a relationship. I think it's very romantic and sweet.

Though the money issue that she raised over and over again is not an issue she needs to raise repetitively. It's seriously not an argument, it feels like she's just trying to make it into an issue. And the ending was a little bit abrupt IMO. Regardless, I still enjoyed their story.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fall For Me is a terrific friends to lovers, small-town romance that has you feeling all the feels. J.H. Croix gives us a story of two people who decide to get married for other reasons than love. Can years apart change anything to a friendship that was once the strongest any two children could have.

Phoebe and Archer had been friends since they were little and somewhat stayed in touch when Archer's family moved away when they were in grade 5. Phoebe is a firefighter and loves her job but right now she is dealing with her ex-bestie marrying her ex-boyfriend and she has been asked to be in the wedding party. When her childhood best friend, Archer, reaches out and says that he is coming back home, she is excited. Well with his arrival, her life turns 180 when he suggests that they have a marriage of convenience. He needs to get married to take over the family business and Phoebe wants to show the ex-bestie and ex-boyfriend that she is happy and what better way to show them than to get married before their wedding. Well, this idea is great but will they keep it as a marriage of convenience or will feeling develop? When Archer has secrets from his past that cause panic attacks, will he be able to share them with her and seek help? Will more information come out on why exactly Archer wants to take over the business? When Phoebe's family is affected by the marriage and take over, how will they handle it?

Phoebe and Archer's story is the perfect slow-burn romance that has you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Their friendship continued on as no time has passed. Their chemistry was there right from the start. I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR list.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this story from beginning to end and everything in between. This was a beautifully written story that tugged on one's emotions in a good way.
Loved the easiness between Archer and Phoebe.

Loved that Phoebe and Archer had a foundation and friendship that had flourished even years apart. This story has so many sweet and tender moments, and we loved the all. Archer and Phoebe had awesome chemistry, it was explosive, we loved them as a couple.

Loved the small town feel where everyone knows everyone and that friends and families are kind and supportive loving and helpful and that the whole town is all about friendship love and laughter.

Sweet romance that makes one's heart melt. Archer, we too fell head over heels in love with you, so we knew Phoebe never stood a chance. Phoebe, you were just a sweetheart who was full of love and kindness and just perfect for Archer in everyone we loved you to!

This is the type of story you could go on and on about all the things you love about it, and stories like this are our absolute favorites.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a cute book that can be read in a few hours. I would have rated it higher but there was just too much I didn't enjoy and that took me out of the book. I did eventually skim a bit so it is possible that I missed something important.

Some issues I had:
- The whole premise described in the description is barely relevant. The reason they make the decision to get married is because of the wedding coming up with her ex and ex-friend. The wedding doesn't happen, we never meet the ex, and we see the ex-friend maybe three times and it does nothing for the plot. You could take everything out about the ex and ex-friend and it would not change the story much at all. The only thing it would change is literally Phoebe’s initial motive to get married.

- We are constantly told that Phoebe and Archer were best friends when they were kids. I didn't feel like there was any work done to show why they would be in love now except that they were best friends who haven't seen each other since they were 11. You can't rely on everyone commenting how it makes so much sense because they were friends as kids. A lot of time has passed and as the reader you still need to better show how they fall in love as adults.

- First rule of marriage of convenience is to not talk about it in public all the time. If the plan is to make everyone think it is real it seems like a good idea to not talk about it unless you know you are in private and not let too many people know. This is a big pet peeve for me with this type of book. It seems like it is constantly brought up in the first half when it shouldn't be. We know the plan going in is fake, don't spend time talking about it.

- The only reason I know Phoebe is a firefighter is because we were told a lot and she went to work once to get something from her locker I think. Maybe instead show her fighting a fire or something at least once.

- Why would anyone think planning a big wedding the day before your ex is a good idea? It looks desperate. The whole time I thought they should pretend to be a couple so people see they are together. This way it won’t come out of left field too much when they get married. Then they go to Vegas the day before as a "spur of the moment" kind of thing the day before the wedding. Maybe there is a meeting Archer has there and Phoebe comes on the trip. The next day at the wedding they talk about it "privately" and be "accidentally" near the biggest gossip at the wedding. That way the news would spread at the wedding taking the attention off the bride and groom. Of course this book wasn't actually about the ex and ex-friend.

For a story you can read in a few hours and something light with little to no real drama or tension this was an ok free option.

[Sharon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one amazing series. Each book definitely reads as a stand-alone, but previous characters do pop up but they don’t play too much of a major part in the storyline.
Archer and Phoebe were childhood best friends. And when they come face to face with each other after eighteen years, their friendship is still there but both being all grown up, there is now something more. Reading these two navigate being back in each other’s lives was nothing short of wonderful. There is also a bit of drama with one of Archers family members, and I was taken aback once that whole storyline was revealed. I definitely didn’t at any time imagine I would read what ended up happening. Thankfully there is at least one more book to come and this makes me extremely happy. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love friends to lovers or small town romance this book should certainly be on you radar.
Fall for Me is book four in the Light My Fire Series and Phoebe and Archer’s journey is the perfect addition to the series. It has something for everyone from a broody secret billionaire to a fake marriage, it’s emotional yet entertaining and it has the perfect mix of love and angst.
Archer and Phoebe were best friends as children and when Archer moved away they tried to keep in touch but now eighteen years later they are both in their hometown and they find the friendship they shared is still there. But they aren’t children anymore so does that mean they is a chance of more…
This story touched me on so many levels, it touched on a subject many authors would shy away from but J.H. Croix gave us a beautifully written love story amongst the drama of the past. I loved everything about this book, I adored the characters and I was so happy to join their journey. This may be book four but I believe it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone.

[Marielle Decker · Rating 2 out of 5]

disjointed pacing

This was a quick read, but the pacing was disjointed. You had to take the author’s word at face value that the main characters were childhood best friends, which meant there was very little character building and no true scene setting. Then the story took a drastically traumatic turn, but quickly changed pace and ended. I wanted to enjoy this book, but it simply left too much to be desired.

[Nic · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trigger that I didn't see warned about anywhere: child rape

This is so incredibly rushed. There's no lead up, not even an introduction to the characters or anything. Just straight into the plot. And it's not even done well, 40 seconds of conversation to set up the "fake marriage" plan and get the FMC to agree to it.
"I appreciate your offer, but don’t you think it’s a bit much?” [he hadn't even said the offer yet] “Maybe, but it’s not just for that[this sentence only makes sense if he'd already explained his offer]. If I get married, I'll be able to take control of this entire branch of the business and shut the mine down. I’m thinking we get married the day before your ex-friend’s wedding and then go as guests to hers.” Phoebe's eyes widened. “What?! Archer, that's insane. No one will believe it.”"
And that's all the discussion we get! That brief conversation is so rushed it doesn't even make sense.

Also she'd had no contact with this guy for 19 years! They hadn't talked since they were eleven and in the book she's about to turn 30. Some guy you haven't spoken to for 19 years calls you up randomly and asks to fake marry you and you say yes!? In what universe??!!!

And all her friends just accept ot no questions asked bc the main characters were "best friends when they were kids"!? At 29 she is getting married to some random guy no ones talked to since they were 11 and no one has any questions!???
"Beck glanced at me. “So are the rumors true [the FMC told 2 people not even 3 pages ago and now theres "rumors"!?]?” “What rumors?” I prompted. “That you two are engaged. This is fast [THEY MET YESTERDAY, THATS NOT FAST, THATS SUPERSONIC]. If you two hadn’t been best friends when we were all kids, I'd question it [WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THAT MAKE!?!], but it’s the real deal, huh?”"

Also the phrase "to save the enviroment" is used so many times and not once is it explained. Like we get it, the mine is bad for the environment. Why? Just any details at all at any point in this book about anything please.

The so-fast-it-barely-makes-sense pace of this book continues the whole way through. Conversations happen only to get the plot along. No character is fleshed out.

[BP34 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a Light My Fire, a firefighter series by JH Croix. Phoebe and Archer were childhood friends but she hadn't seen him since the fifth grade. He needs a 'fake' wife and her pride is hurt since her ex is marrying her ex best friend. This was a good slow burn friends to lovers romance that was a good read. The only annoying things was that the fact that they were childhood friends and the money issues were just too repetitive and got boring. Otherwise it was a good book. The characters were likable and the story line entertaining. I read an advance reader copy via Bad Boy Update and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deals with some heavy issues when you get to the heart of it. Expect trigger ⚠️ warnings dealing with SA and physical abuse from the character's past, but not all from just his character's past either. Nothing is current or in graphic detail. However, Archer Cannon, the male lead does have major panic attacks from the experience, and his abuser still calls and torments him, being he’s a relative. Archer and Phoebe have known each other since they were two. It was time for him to come back home to Willow Brook, the place where he felt the most like himself and the most accepted, and everything was real.

He will now be in charge of the mining operation outside of Willow Brook. His parents had run that portion of the family business. Their house was big but not too ostentatious, and his parents were blessedly down-to-earth and kind.
Phoebe received a text:
Archer: Phoebe It’s Archer Cannon Remember me? Moving back to Willow Brook soon. I'd love to see you.
Phoebe: Hey, Archer. I hope this is really you. I'm back in Willow Brook, and I'd love to see you. Willow Brook is still small, but it’s grown a little. When will you be here?

An hour later she was talking with her old friend as if no time had passed. He just had that laid-back easy-going way about him that always put her at ease. Looking at all the pictures her mom gave her in all the photo albums of them growing up together, she did for him, too. In them, they had great big smiles in almost all of them. They did have fun though, from the mud head to toe digging for clams and the icing everywhere decorating cakes.

He told her he still had her parent's number after all the years that had passed. Mind you his family had moved away in fifth grade, during a time of no cell phones, and staying in touch was much harder. She asked why he was coming back to town and when he would be there. He said if she hadn’t heard the news, there was a thing going on with his family business there in town. She said she heard. Does he know, that if he reopens the mine he will be public enemy number one? “Oh, I know. I’m trying not to be, but I'll be there dealing with the situation one way or another.” “And you're really moving here?” “That's the plan. Tell me what's going on with you.”

She lets him know her dilemma about her ex-girlfriend (her high school and college bestie) who stole her ex-boyfriend and is now getting married to him. Now, as if that wasn’t bad enough she wants Phoebe to be in her wedding if not attend. “I think you should go.” “What?” I squeaked.
“She wants me to be in the wedding, Archer.” “Oh, well, don't do that. That's her trying to get you to sanction their cheating. That's s-itty. You need to show them up.” “Right, and how am I going to do that? I'm a firefighter. It's not exactly a sexy career.” “It's totally hot. You're a bada-s,” he said. I rolled my eyes even though he couldn't see me.

“I'm not a badass, Archer.”
It was time for their meet-cute, and Archer had a plan.? Oh my, wow. An Archer hug, a full-on clench from this manly man who'd once been a fun, affectionate friend when I was a little girl. It was weird and discombobulating, and all of my cells felt as if they were sparklers spinning through my body.
This was such a good book. It's a story of two insecure people on the inside who appear to the world as a whole as strong. They reunite as friends to find out they are so much more and can handle anything. What they find out is together as a couple, they can, but it's when they unite, that their superpowers, take hold, and no one can break that bond. It was tense at times don’t get me wrong. When Archer needs to deal with his family. In turn, this causes tense moments for Archer and Phoebe. Plus you have to see what Archer’s plan was for Phoene’s ex-bestie.

[Ashleigh Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.1 stars

This is my first introduction of Ms. Croix's work; and it wasn't a bad one, I would certainly give another one of her reads a chance. We are introduced to long time friends, Archer and Phoebe, who hasn't seen each other in a long time. Archer comes up with the plan to marry each other; in order to get back at Phoebe's ex and her ex best friend. Archer has his own motives for wanting this marriage.

They come from two 'different' worlds in the sense that he was the rich best friend who had moved away, and Phoebe came from a hardworking family who didn't have everything at their fingertips. Though, Archer was not raised in a way to see people based on their monetary value. Fast forward to them reconnecting; it is mutually beneficial, or that's how it starts out. This book is definitely slow burn, which Ms. Croix states, I am not a fan of those, and tend to shy away from them. This pushed my limit on slow burn, considering the fast paced timeline... but it was worth the wait when they finally came together. Though, in my opinion, if they felt as connected still which was stated often enough, the slow burn could have been cut down a bit. Timeline was fast paced so it may not be considered a traditional slow burn; but still seemed to slow for me personally.

One thing I enjoyed, but was disappointed with, was that Phoebe was the firefighter. There is not enough representation of females in this line of work, and I was very excited to see it. What made it disappointing was outside of it being mentioned, and some very short scenes in the firehouse there was nothing showing her doing the job. There wasn't even a scene where he heard she was off fighting a fire, and how he felt waiting for her to come home/to hear she was okay. It felt almost like a throw in versus a plot point. It was mentioned how he would feel if she was out there fighting fires - but it didn't bring anything truly to the table. It felt like a lost opportunity.

What was great to see was mental illness in someone other than the female. Archer is the one with some issues that he doesn't openly talk about at first, but makes it clear he was seeking help for. There was other driven points in the story that I won't mention because I dislike leaving spoilers (unless needed), that I felt was done well and not necessarily represented in novels, except potentially in passing. This was a driving point for why Archer was the way he was in certain ways.

Phoebe and Archer were wonderful together, and you could feel their chemistry right off the bad - and not just in the bedroom type of way. They had mutual respect for each other. Money was mentioned but wasn't harped on, and was done in a manner where a simple discuss took care of the issue... instead of using it as a driving point for the plot and create unnecessary drama.

There was very few grammatical, or spelling, errors. The writing was done in a way that it was easy to read but didn't feel so dumbed down that it made you wonder who they were writing it for. The connections between all the characters, including minor ones, felt real and not forced. Overall, plot was good, and the spice was about two-point-five to three chili peppers for me (which is definitely subjective to the reader). I would certainly recommend this book, and am definitely willing to read another of Ms. Croix's novels.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fall for Me is the fourth book in the Light My Fire series by J.H. Croix- but this book holds up really well as a stand alone in the series. The storyline does include varying degrees of child abuse- very little is actually depicted but one of the main characters does deal with the trauma and effects as an adult from abuse both endured and known about. If this is a sensitive subject for you, proceed with some caution.

Phoebe and Archer's story is a fast paced but slow burn, childhood friends entering a marriage of convenience. Phoebe is a hotshot firefighter whose ego had taken a hit when she finds out that her ex and former friend were together before she had broken up with him and now they were getting married in her small town. Archer moved away from their small town in Alaska when he was 11 years old but finds himself coming back to Willow Brook and proposing a fake marriage to his childhood bestie in order to take over part of his families multi-billion dollar company. Their friendship had endured despite the time and distance- the only thing that they didn't expect was how strong their attraction and chemistry was.

This might just be my favorite of the series. Fall for Me is sweet with hints of humor but also emotional and some angst. We do not really get any time of Phoebe out working as a hotshot firefighter there was so many other things happening in the storyline that it wasn't necessary. And there is really A LOT going on- just most of it was under the surface. I love Phoebe and how caring and loyal she is, even if her trust in people took a bit of a hit. So while she struggled with the idea of her relationship turning real, most of those concerns were smoothed away by Archer and his general sweetness for Phoebe. Archer really was so sweet too- as a person that grew up with money and had no money worries, he was down to earth and wasn't flashy. I loved how quickly he realized that his plan of convenience was setting him up not with a fake marriage but one that he could see going the distance- he just had to gently ease Phoebe into the idea since she was a bit more skittish. There is a big secret that plays throughout the story, plaguing a character's mental health- and it was emotional and heavy part of the story.

I really did enjoy this story and devoured it all in one sitting. I honestly wish there was just a few more chapters to the story. I loved the little moments of Archer and Phoebe together and would have loved a little more of them together during some of the time jumps in the story.

[Jela Heneghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story focusing on likeable characters entering into what starts off as a fake marriage, Fall For Me is an enjoyable read. It’s cute but fun, and the tension that threatens to bubble over will keep you interested.

This story features Archer, the billionaire businessman returning to his childhood home in Alaska, and Phoebe, the hotshot firefighter and Archer’s childhood best friend. Rather quickly, Archer proposes a mutually beneficial fake(ish) marriage to Phoebe. His motivation is work/family related, but Phoebe’s is only partially concerned with saving the local environment (because of Archer’s family business) and has more to do with the fact that her former best friend is marrying her ex very soon. As all great relationships have the ability to do, Archer and Phoebe pick up where they left off as children and fall back into their easy friendship. However, now they’re adults and both feel more than just friendly feelings for one another. This story traces how two old friends reconnect and become way more and how they manage everything else that comes with their original motivations that brought them back together.

Archer and Phoebe were absolutely made for each other! Theirs is a true friendship and seeing it blossom into more is simply sweet. They’re two halves to the same whole, and the way their found-again closeness grows makes sense in this story. Theirs is a slow-burn romance, but I feel like it needed to be to make their reconnection more fluid. The way they rediscover who the other person is adorably sexy, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop.

Although, I think my favorite part of this book is the simmering tension that surrounds Archer. I’m not going to give anything away, because really you just need to read this book, but somethings up where he’s concerned. This something affects him greatly, and there’s a sense of mystery that builds as the book goes on. All in all, that mystery gave this book more depth than I realized I was in for, and it definitely added another layer of interest.

This slow-burn, friends to lovers, fake-marriage romance is sweet with an undercurrent of intrigue. It’s a solid choice when you’re in the mood for some drama but not exactly the kind that involves the main characters.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall For Me by JH Croix is the latest in the Light My Fire series, which takes place in Willow Brook, Alaska. Phoebe is stationed there as a hot shot fire fighter when she gets a text from her childhood best friend, Archie Cannon. Only it is Archer now, and she hasn't heard from him in years. He is coming back to Willow Brook and wants to see her. This is beyond amazing. She hasn't see Archie in 19 years, back when they were 11 and he moved away with his parents. Well, he wasn't at all what she expected. He was gorgeous and sexy and the chemistry was off the charts. She had to remember this was her best friend. They exchanged news including the news that her ex-boyfriend was getting married to her ex-best friend. They been cheating on her and she was madder at Tasha than she was at Dirk. Friends didn't behave that way. Archer had a favor to ask. Would she marry him? If she would they could get back at Dirk and Tasha at the same time they were securing his power over his family's company and assure the mine outside town would not be opened. She thought he was crazy but she agreed and the wedding was set for Valentine's Day, just over a month away.

Croix always manages to bring current issues into her stories as well as hot, hot love. This time, without spoilers, there is child cruelty, crimes against a business, the environment, friendship, and emotional blackmail. Things many have lived through, most surviving. Archer is a good man, with good intentions. He gets panic attacks. They are better now, but he saw a therapist for a while and now, being with Phoebe is helping. It's a friends-to-lovers trope as well as a marriage of convenience, something you don't often see in modern romances. The reason we all read romances is the happily-ever-after, and this is not different. Croix makes getting there fabulous and real. She never fails to amaze me with the information I glean from her books while enjoying the love (sex) story. She is astounding.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Fall For Me by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #jhcroix #fallforme

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars


Fall For Me takes us back to Willow Brook, Alaska and reintroduces us to old friends.

Phoebe and Archer were best friends until he moved away in fifth grade. They were inseparable in their youth, but they've been apart for over a decade. Now Archer has returned to town and he's got a proposition for Phoebe. Archer needs to marry in order to take over a division within his family's company, a division that just happens to have a great environmental impact on their beloved Willow Brook. Who better to jump into a marriage of convenience with than his childhood best friend?

Phoebe's just found out a friend slept with the man she thought she loved, and now that friend wants Phoebe at the wedding! So when Archer swoops in with an offer of marriage, it does two things at once, ensures his company won't reopen the town's mine and gives Phoebe something else to focus on besides the frenemy's wedding and the townspeople pitying looks. I mean, those are surely good reasons to get married.

First, the things I liked: I liked being back in Willow Brook and all things Alaska. I enjoyed catching up with the other hotshot firefighters and their families, and I did actually enjoy both Phoebe and Archer as characters. Now the rest of the story: I get that Phoebe and Archer were childhood best friends (we were reminded in practically every chapter) but it still felt so odd to me that he's back in town for one day, proposing marriage without so much as a kiss first and then everyone just fell under the trance of fate. There was so little build to this relationship. Despite the fact that they supposedly were so close in their youth, this was as instalove as it gets. I did like how Phoebe supported Archer through some pretty tough stuff, but I just never really felt the love. Despite these hang-ups, I love all things Willow Brook and was delighted to be back for the stories!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in The Light My Fire Series and it is Archer and Phoebe's story and it is definitely a must read. Phones and Archer had been best friend's when they were younger and did everything together so when Archer and his family moved away Phoebe was devastated and missed him so much but now Archer is moving back to Willow Brook and this.Will be there chance to meet up and catch up on everything that has been happening in there lives. Phoebe is a.firefighter and loves the thrill of her job but when she received a invite to the wedding of her ex boyfriend and ex best friend she is shocked as this couple had a relationship behind Phoebe's back which is something that you never do it you are a decent person so when Archer hears this he offers Phoebe a plan that will help them both out and to say Phoebe is shocked would be a understatement but will she agree to go through with it. When Phoebe and Archer meet again after so many years there reaction to each other is a shock to both of them as the chemistry between them was so strong and intense that you could feel it sizzling of the pages but will they ever act on it. They both decide to get married as it would solve both of there problems but what will happens to them when feelings start to get involved, will it make them stronger or will it break them apart even though they are so perfect for each other and deserve a happy ending. Omg I absolutely loved Archer and Phoebe's story and I couldn't put it down as it was a real page turner and totally addictive and my heart broke with everything that Archer had gone through but I loved the outcome of this story. I definitely recommend you read this book, series and other books by J H Croix who is an amazing author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dimple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fall For Me takes us back to Willow Brook, Alaska, and reintroduces us to old friends.

Phoebe and Archer were best friends until he moved away in fifth grade. They were inseparable in their youth, but they've been apart for over a decade. Now Archer has returned to town, and he's got a proposition for Phoebe. Archer needs to marry in order to take over a division within his family's company, a division that just happens to have a great environmental impact on their beloved Willow Brook. Who better to jump into a marriage of convenience with than his childhood best friend?

Phoebe's just found out a friend slept with the man she thought she loved, and now that friend wants Phoebe at the wedding! So when Archer swoops in with an offer of marriage, it does two things at once, ensures his company won't reopen the town's mine and gives Phoebe something else to focus on besides the frenemy's wedding and the townspeople pitying looks. I mean, those are surely good reasons to get married.

First the things I liked: I liked being back in Willow Brook and all things Alaska. I enjoyed catching up with the other hotshot firefighters and their families, and I did actually enjoy both Phoebe and Archer as characters. Now the rest of the story: I get that Phoebe and Archer were childhood best friends (we were reminded in practically every chapter) but it still felt so odd to me that he's back in town for one day, proposing marriage without so much as a kiss first and then everyone just fell under the trance of fate. There was so little build to this relationship. Despite the fact that they supposedly were so close in their youth, this was as instalove as it gets. I did like how Phoebe supported Archer through some pretty tough stuff, but I just never really felt the love. Despite these hang-ups, I love all things Willow Brook and was delighted to be back for the stories!

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opposite of a Slow Burn

In Fall For Me, J.H. Croix gives her readers love at warp speed with Archer and Phoebe's story. When you start off with a fake engagement/marriage, it can only go up from there...hopefully.

As the fourth book in the series, all of the previous characters are present and accounted for, while the main focus is of course on Archer and Phoebe. I wasn't really sure these two had any chemistry at all. In my mind, it was a big deal that Archer and Phoebe haven't really kept in contact since the fifth grade and pretty much acted like they were going to pick right up where they left off as kids. I don't know about others, but I would like to say I am waaaaaaay different from what I was in the fifth grade and really, it would be like meeting a stranger, not somebody you agree to marry instantly. That said, I did like the angst around thier little love story.

While Phoebe is "marrying" Archer to get back at a scumbag ex, Archer has his own reasons. He's from a well to do family and they always seem to have some sort of dumb marriage clause when the head of the family dies. That's what Archer finds himself facing and he lucked out when Phoebe went right along with his plan. Apart these two were fine, together they were kind of annoying. There was no "get to know you again" period for them. They went from eleven years old to thirty, lots and lots of stuff usually happens, however that was a blip on the radar of this storyline, which I can't get over as you can tell.

The book is well written and while I didn't like the romance necessarily, I did like the messy family dynamic poor Archer comes from and as sad as it was, the mystery behind its crazy. The book reads well as a stand alone with a little epilogue to let us know how things are going.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Archer texts Phoebe out of the blue it couldn’t have had better timing. Archer was her best friend growing up and they tried to stay in contact once he moved away, but you that is never easy. As they meet back up for the first time in years, the attraction is instant, but Phoebe has been burned and she doesn’t believe in love anymore. Her ex is getting married to her former best friend. What’s worse? She was asked to be a part of the wedding party. When Phoebe tells Archer this, he decides that they need to have a fake marriage to show them that she is over him and he is more than happy to offer himself up. As the ball gets rolling it turns into a benefit both of them since Archer wants to get his side of the family business and the only way to do that is to be married. There are secrets that Archer has kept hidden and they are about to come to light. As feelings start to increase with all the time these two are together it becomes apparent that their friendship would have been so much more. Can these two make it through this or will it be fake and walk away?

First of all, loved that Phoebe was a firefighter. Love that she wanted to bend the gender rules and was so good at her job. This girl was tough but had such a beautiful heart. Archer had his hands full when it came to the family business yet he wanted to take it on and make the changes that would benefit everyone. This man fell, and fell hard for Phoebe right from the start. They have such an intense friendship growing up and seeing them reconnect was perfect. Such a great book about second chances and finding the one that truly completes you in all ways.

[Kara Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archer and Phoebe were best friends in elementary school but haven't seen each other since fifth grade except for the occasional message through social media. Phoebe is a hotshot firefighter in Willow Brook who is dealing with her ex-best friend marrying her ex-fiance in Willow Brook. Phoebe gets a text from Archer letting her know he is moving back to Willow Brook and wants to get together. Archer comes from a wealthy family and works in the family business. Phoebe and Archer are not prepared for the chemistry that erupts between them but fall easily back into their childhood friendship. When Archer learns about Phoebe's ex, he says he will be her date to the wedding if she will marry him, so he can take over a large part of family business and close down the mine in Willow Brook. Phoebe agrees. What happens when the marriage turns into something real? Will Archer open up to his family and Phoebe about the secrets he holds about his great uncle? Will Phoebe walk away when Archer keeps his panic attacks and secrets secret? Can Phoebe get over her insecurities over being a tomboy firefighter and believe Archer loves her for who she is? I love J.H. Croix! Phoebe and Archer are best friends who turn their friendship into something more. I loved Phoebe and Archer, and their chemistry is off the charts explosive. I love how the characters from the other books in the series interact with Phoebe and Archer. I would highly recommend getting Fall For Me and all the other books in Light My Fire series by J.H. Croix. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe's life gets completely turned upside down when her old friend from grade school comes blowing back into town and offers up a proposal she just can't find a reason to refuse. Archer has this idea that if they marry, it'll help her exact the revenge on her ex she has been dying to get, and help him with some family business matters... an easy win for both of them. He's easy on the eyes, makes her smile, and he's someone she can depend on...what could possibly go wrong?

Fall For Me is a heartwarming friends to lovers romance that'll have you smiling and blushing the whole way through! These two were pure magic on the page, from the unexpected reunion butterflies to the angsty moments that tormented them in best possible way, it was easy to see why they were meant to be. You'd think not seeing each other for more than ten years would have made things mildly awkward for them, but it didn't, they found the easy comfort they once shared within minutes of their reunion. And it just continued to get better from there! I loved this pairing so much!!

It was so easy to slip between the pages of this one, my eyes found the words and it was smooth sailing from there... so smooth that I finished it in one sitting! It was so good!! If you like heartfelt small town romances then I highly suggest you take a chance on this one, I guarantee you'll love what you find between the pages!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Terri Eaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood Best Friends to Marriage of Convenience... Or For Real❤❤❤❤❤

The much anticipated story of Phoebe and Archer is over!!! Phoebe's anxiety over a particular wedding has her friends rallying in her behalf. Being asked to attend your former high school besties wedding is one thing, but when the groom is your ex that's next level hell. Phoebe's childhood best friend, Archie, moved away in fifth grade is coming home to Willow Brook and has a solution to be her plus one. When Phoebe sees Archer for the first time in years she's unprepared for the man he's grown into and he's definitely not the Archie that left. As Archer and Phoebe reconnect Archer proposes a deal... he'll go to her ex's wedding and she'll marry him so he can shut down his family's mine. The marriage will be believable because of how close they were as children. What was unexpected was how far his great uncle Clint will go to keep secretes buried with his grandson Jake. What starts as a convince quickly turns into real feelings. What happens when Archer shuts Phoebe out with his panic attacks and secrets?? Can Phoebe believe that a man like Archer can truly love a tomboy, hotshot firefighter?? Grab your MUST READ copy to find out the details of Archer and Phoebe's marriage of convenience!!! Great characters, past and present, no cheating(except her ex), no cliffhanger and a HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and happily one clicked a copy for my favorites collection. Looking sooo foward to the next J. H. Croix story.

[Karen_Lee_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fall For Me
(Light My Fire #4)
by J.H. Croix

This is my first book from this author and I enjoyed reading it.

This story takes place in Willow Brook, Alaska, a small town with good people.

Phoebe was surprised when she heard from her childhood friend Archer that he was coming to Willow Brook and wanted to met up with her and catch up with her. It had been awhile, but she was looking forward to seeing Archer. She needed something to keep her mind off the wedding of her ex-fiance and her best friend. She needed something!

Archer, well he had something he wanted to ask of his best childhood friend, and it was not at all what Phoebe had expected. Since it was his family business that owned the nearby mine, he hoped he could convince Phoebe help him. All she had to do was marry him, the Willow Brook part of the company would be his and he would close the mine. Archer explains his reasons, knows she is a big supporter of doing positive things for the enviornment and is sure he can convince her.

She said yes….but as they spent more time together, Archer realizes he had feelings for her and Phoebe realized that she had missed their close friendship and maybe there was a reason why she was so happy when he was around.
Would this marriage really be a love one?

There was one thing that could stop everything cold. It was the person Archer hated the most, an uncle who can give Archer more than a headache. Finally truths may need to be closed.

Will these two childhood best friends come together as a couple and actually close the mine?

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood friends to lovers/fake? marriage of convenience. So many tropes in this 4th book in the Light My Fire Series set in Willow Creek, Alaska. Phoebe and Archer were childhood best friends until he and his family moved when they were in the 5th grade. Now Archer has come back to Willow Creek and finds out that Phoebe's best friend has gotten engaged to Phoebe's ex and wants her to be in her wedding. Archer tells Phoebe that he wants to get married to her before her friend's wedding and it will also help him take over the family mining branch of their company. They still have a deep friendship that years of separation hasn't dimmed. She agrees and then they both decide that it's not going to be a fake marriage but a real one with love between them. Archer wants to shut down the mining part of the company and go green. Everyone is behind him in this decision except his great-uncle. His great-uncle is not a good person and is causing trouble with Archer and everyone that he loves. The great-uncle situation is handled care even though Archer has panic attacks resulting from his interactions with him. The love and friendship between Archer and Phoebe is wonderful. I look forward to reading more in this series. I received an advance copy of the book to read and review early and I'm leaving my honest review.

[Linda Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe is a hotshot firefighter in Willow Brook, Alaska. She got a text from her best friend from middle school. He was coming to town and he wanted to see her. Archer was the best friend of Phoebe through middle school. Archer needs to get married so he can take over part of his family’s business Fireweed Industries. Archer needs to get the business so he can keep the mine shutdown in Willow Brook. Phoebe was engaged and she broke up with her fiancé and then she found out that her fiancé and her best friend were sleeping together. They are now getting married in Willow Brook. When Archer asked Phoebe to fake marry him he told her it would cause issues with her ex-fiancé and her ex-best friend. Phoebe agreed to marry Archer. Neither one of them expected to fall in love with each other. Archer has issues with his great uncle Clint, something that happened when Archer was young. Clint is the man in charge of the business that Archer wants. Will Archer and Phoebe be able to pull of the wedding? Will Archer and Phoebe tell each other that they love each other? Will Archer get the company? Will Archer get closure on the issues with Clint? Will Phoebe get closure on her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend? Will Phoebe and Archer find love and happiness in Willow Brook?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.