This started out just like any Hallmark movie. Comforting, fluffy, predictable. I was happy to be approved for something cute and thought it would be a great holiday read. I love a fake dating trope and the candle making appealed to my crafty side. What I did not expect was that sexual tension when Cori was showing Liz how she does it. Whew. 🤣 That did lead me to believe it was going to be spicier than it was, but that's not a huge complaint either. The twist with Cori's family was unexpected but it makes me wish there was more character development for Liz. It felt like Liz was very much settling in the career department in the end while Cori was making huge moves in her life. It was a good story but it felt like it wanted to be more. I think fluffy, holiday romances are exactly that and when you try to cross that line into something more substantial, you need to really go for it. This made the book feel a bit disjointed. If it had started as deep as it tried to get, it would gave made more sense and the ending might have felt less forced or rushed. That said, I enjoyed this enough and would have finished in 2 days if I had read as normal instead of slowing down to give it more thought. After reading reviews of people who have read more books by this author, I know I will try (and likely enjoy) some of her other works. Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

Rounding up for a 3.5 star review. I really loved the main characters + fake dating is one of my favorite tropes! This is one of the first sapphic romance's that I've read and I will now be reading through the rest of Georgia's catalogue. This reminded me of a hallmark movie and I really had such a fun time with this book! I will definitely recommend it to friends looking for a fun and cozy read for the holiday season.

this is a cute wintery small town romance perfect for the holiday season. If you like books that give you a hallmark vibe then this would be perfect for you.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

Playing with Matches by Georgia Beers was an enjoyable read with easily digestible characters, a cozy small-town setting, and a slowly blossoming romance. Some romance novels tend to feel rushed to me without taking the time to build a stable, solid, foundation for a connection between the main characters, that was not the case with Playing with Matches.

I enjoyed that a good chunk of the novel was about Liz and Cori having a mutual understanding that was built on compassion, and genuine interest in one another. While I never felt like their relationship was communicated to the reader well enough to feel like they truly knew each other, I was still left feeling like the two of them were connected on an emotional level that when deeper than purely attraction. Their relationship was slow-burning, but unfortunately, I felt like there was too little tension to keep me interested in their development. While I did truly enjoy their aspect of mutual respect to grow their relationship, I did feel like I needed more chemistry and tension between the two. For me, it felt more like two people growing close as friends, not two people with undeniable romantic chemistry.

Besides the relationship between Liz and Cori, I appreciated that the author focused on their relationships with their families which contributed to a deeper emotional understanding of each character. However, some of the conflicts regarding their families felt a bit rushed and sometimes out of place.

The novel felt a bit repetitive at times, both in the way it was written and also in some of the things that occurred. For instance, both times Liz and Cori kissed in the novel, during their fake-dating relationship, it happened in the exact same place and way - both times. To me, this felt a bit like a lazy way around it which was a shame. While the fake-dating trop has been done countless times, I was hoping to find more originality than I did.

My main redeeming qualities for the novel were for most parts the writing and the depth of the two main characters and their relationship with the people around them and each other. I think this novel is a refreshing addition to the sapphire romance genre as it was more of a love story than an attraction story which I greatly appreciated. This was a wholesome and sweet love story and it is a welcome addition to the genre that is Playing with Matches by Georgia Beers was an enjoyable read with easily digestible characters, a cozy small-town setting, and a slowly blossoming romance. Some romance novels tend to feel rushed to me without taking the time to build a stable, solid, foundation for a connection between the main characters, that was not the case with Playing with Matches.

I enjoyed that a good chunk of the novel was about Liz and Cori having a mutual understanding that was built on compassion, and genuine interest in one another. While I never felt like their relationship was communicated to the reader well enough to feel like they truly knew each other, I was still left feeling like the two of them were connected on an emotional level that when deeper than purely attraction. Their relationship was slow-burning, but unfortunately, I felt like there was too little tension to keep me interested in their development. While I did truly enjoy their aspect of mutual respect to grow their relationship, I did feel like I needed more chemistry and tension between the two. For me, it felt more like two people growing close as friends, not two people with undeniable romantic chemistry.

Besides the relationship between Liz and Cori, I appreciated that the author focused on their relationships with their families which contributed to a deeper emotional understanding of each character. However, some of the conflicts regarding their families felt a bit rushed and sometimes out of place.

The novel felt a bit repetitive at times, both in the way it was written and also in some of the things that occurred. For instance, both times Liz and Cori kissed in the novel, during their fake-dating relationship, it happened in the exact same place and way - both times. To me, this felt a bit like a lazy way around it which was a shame. While the fake-dating trop has been done countless times, I was hoping to find more originality than I did.

My main redeeming qualities for the novel were for most parts the writing and the depth of the two main characters and their relationship with the people around them and each other. I think this novel is a refreshing addition to the sapphic romance genre as it was more of a love story than an attraction story which I greatly appreciated. This was a wholesome and sweet love story and it is a welcome addition to the genre that is sapphic romance.

Thanks to publisher Bold Strokes Books for providing me an advanced reading copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another fabulous Georgia Beers romance. Well written, amusing banter and family drama to entertain the reader. I really enjoyed this small town opposites attract love story. Made me want to take up making candles of my own.

Thank you to Georgia Beers, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Playing with Matches" by Georgia Beers takes you on a heartfelt journey through small-town romance with a Hallmark-style twist. Liz, navigating post-layoff life back in her hometown, ropes in Cori, the local candle-making artisan, for a fake relationship that adds a refreshing layer to LGBTQ+ representation. The chemistry between Liz and Cori unfolds naturally, and Beers deftly blends the charm of a small town with unexpected romantic twists, making it a cozy yet unpredictable read.

Beyond the romantic plot, the book exudes a festive vibe, making it a perfect pick for the holiday season. Beers skillfully weaves LGBTQ+ themes into a narrative that feels like a warm hug, making it a standout in the genre. "Playing with Matches" is not just a romance; it's a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love, making it a compelling choice for those craving a well-crafted and emotionally resonant story.

Playing with Matches is like a little gay Christmas Hallmark movie. Very pretty, a well thought out plot with everything tying up really nice, but also very surface level. Like when I watch those, I genuinely think they're nice to look at but none of the big emotions on screen make it to my heart. The book has almost everything I like in a Christmastime romcom, fake dating and a small town with a small business at the center. I was hoping it would give me more and think it would have profited from some first person POV to be more "showing not telling".

Thank you Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m afraid this was a rather disappointing read. Dull and unimaginative characters with an unoriginal storyline. The dialogue was uninspiring and lacked any humour. I’ve given two stars because I liked the cover and LGBTQ representation, but couldn’t give more than that.

Playing with Matches by Georgia Beers is a cute, sapphic wintery small-town romcom! This book is giving all of the hallmark vibes.

This sapphic romance had all the hallmark classic features, with Liz coming home to her small town after being laid off. She runs into her high school crush, Cori, who runs the local Artisan gift shop. Liz struggles to figure out her next moves when she gets a big surprise and drags Cori into a fake relationship!

Fake dating is my favorite trope! I love the messiness and how both parties are already into each other, so it turns into a battle. I don't want this to be fake, but I can't get too attached because it is supposed to be fake! I loved the instant chemistry between Liz and Cori. Beers such a sweet, heartfelt relationship between these two characters that even when things got crazy, they still supported each other. Georgia Beers did a great job creating a holiday romance that still had some twists and turns. While the story started a little slow, once it got going, I was engaged and excited to see what was coming next. It had an air of individuality, even in a used

Overall, this book was heartfelt and felt like a warm hug. It is one that you can cuddle up on the couch with a warm mug of coffee and read till your heart is content. I had a great time reading this sapphic romance and would highly recommend picking up Playing with Matches by Georgia Beers.

Georgia Beers is an automatic read for me. The writing always flows nicely and I enjoyed the tropes in this book.
Minimal angst and difficult to put down.

The first 70% of the book were great, I couldn't put the book down. The writing style in that part was nice and flowy and put the spotlight on the characters and not on itself. The tropes that were used were well executed and fun to read.

However, the last 30% let me down. The big reveal scene was weird and did not fit within the story. From there the writing style started to be weirdly rocky and unfitting, especially during the transitions between scenes
The whole discussion of love and feelings felt weird, but maybe thats just an American thing?
But I do appreciate that there was no homophobia in this book
Personally, I think the book could've had more "oh no, we're kissing, but its not real :("-scenes because thats what makes me giggle and kick my feet
This book also had a good length for a romance book; long enough to connect to the characters, but short enough for the story not to drag

Tl;dr: sweet, low-angst, enjoyable read

Covid gave me the rare opportunity to finish this book in one sitting. I picked it up and could not put it down! Georgia Beers is one of those writers I consistently enjoy and this story was no exception.

I loved how she took the fake girlfriend trope, removed the worst of the angst, and added some depth. It was the perfect balance. One of the things that bugs me about the fake girlfriend trope is the seemingly never ending angst that leaves me wishing they’d just talk about it already. Beers handled it beautifully in Playing With Matches.

I feel like we’re being set up for more stories in this New York ski town (the cookie baker, perhaps?) and I am all in.

Liz is returning to her hometown after getting laid off she feels she a failure and didn’t accomplish anything. She there to help her sister Lauren who isn’t really happy she back with their family B & B while their mother recovers from surgery. Cori loves her hometown and shop she runs making incredible candles she is shock to see Liz return home and still is beautiful and the crush she had still seems to be there. When Liz finds out she be helping with a wedding celebration she didn’t realize it’s was her ex boyfriend wedding when she sees him she grabs Cori who there helping and tells him they are item out of panic and Cori goes along with it. Liz and Cori decides to fake a relationship but as they get closer the relationship feels real then fake especially when Cori finds out something that rocks her world. I enjoy this read I like that both MCs have chemistry and that they weren’t quick to say I love you but to say they have strong feelings for each other and want to see where it’s goes.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

The perfect cozy read for a cold winter day. The main characters Liz and Cori are both looking for fresh starts. Liz returns to her small town after being let go from her job. Liz helps at her family’s business when suddenly Cori someone she hardly remembers from high school start a fake romance. Cori is running a local shop that she has high hopes to make it even better. While the fake relationship trope is common. I loved the wholesomeness of all the relationships that develop in this story. A wonderful winter hallmark movie enveloped in a book. Get your comfy cloths on and some candles going because when you pick up this read you will not want to stop.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the ARC for an honest review.

Elizabeth (Liz) Brennan after being laid off, must return to her small hometown to help out at the family Bed and Breakfast when her Mom is injured.

Cori Stratton is stunned to see her former classmate and crush back in town, Worse, she's surprised to find the attraction is still there, even after Liz nearly crashes her car into Cori's shop.

After finding out her ex is engaged, Liz blurts out that she and Cori are dating, so as not to seem broke and alone. But as they fake date, both develop real feelings....

Georgia Beers is one of those authors who almost never does a bad book, and this one is also very good. Liz and Cori are sweethearts, and the cast in general are likeable. The plot moves along nicely, there's some interesting twists and it ends in a satisfying way.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this fun christmassy book

who knew the havoc a spider could bring to your life... just ask liz brennan who crashed her car and jumped out of it frightened for her life

just ask cori stratton who removed said spider from liz car

and that was just the beginning of liz and cori but it was when liz pretended to her ex that cori was her girlfriend that things got really interesting and the hits never stopped

add in snow and christmas and this book is very much a hallmark feel good factor book, its a lovely read with just the right amount of upset and intrigue to keep you guessing on whats going to happen

my fourth book by this author and i cant wait to read more

I believe that this book should have been titled Whimsy or something to do with candles since the current title isn’t the best fit. Nonetheless, the book delivered a good fake relationship story between Whimsy owner, Cori, and former high school classmate, Liz. The actual premise about why Liz needed to establish a fake relationship seemed a little weak to me, but that lead to another major plot twist in the story. Overall the book was a solid read, but had limited spice. 3.5 stars

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this romance. Elizabeth Brennan left her small town feeling she was destined for greater things. She returns home humbled at 34 having been laid off her last marketing job. Officially she is home to help her run the family B&B while her mother recovers from a surgery. She runs into Cori Stratton who runs a local shop. She barely remembers they went to high school together. Cori runs a souvenir store and makes her own candles to sell as well as works from other artisans. Cori also rents decorations which brings her to the B&B to help with a large wedding that is renting out the place for a week. For almost silly reasons Liz claims that Cori and she are in a relationship. The fake relationship is almost unnecessary as the two are brought together through work. But it does give an excuse for a first kiss or two.

Liz is great as she is enjoying her new friendship with Cori while still puzzling out what she wants in life. I like that she speaks up for Cori to her dad even before they are together. Cori has her own story which I won't spoil here, but it plays on her own insecurities. The movie date scene is so romantic and caring. And I love how Liz understands that quietly working together is how Cori processes her own situation. There is gentle communication and no big misunderstandings. Lovely.

I have a few books that are comfort reads from the author. I have pulled them off my shelf and read them multiple times when I want an easy pick me up read. They never fail to delight me. I think this will be one of those for me as well. I love Beer's, including a happy dog and sleepy cat because, why not? This is for lovers of gentle small town romances with supportive friends and family. As someone who married a person I graduated high school with, who I barely knew then, these kinds of stories are more real than you think. Thank you to Bold Strokes and NetGalley for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (4.5 Stars)

A twist that killed me.

Even though this is a very used trope I feel it was done differently.

Even though they both have crushes on each other they dont follow the typical fake dating path, IE hooking up while fake dating, are actually dating and just being idiots, blowing everything up in the end (no it happens faster than that).

One of my favorite things in this book is that some of the mini plots arent overused cliches. With some of these (which i all love) it has a lot of the same themes parental issues, lying to your friends, blah blah blah, but the dynamic between Liz’s parents and Coris family life is different. It was a nice change. I really liked how it all played out.

I wish the tension would’ve been built up more though. A little more detail about their relationship. Just more tension, more love. More.

I really did enjoy this though.

Spice 🌶 - One scene in chapter 18 at the end and 3 sentences in the epilogue
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Meet cute and fake dating between teo old high school students. The first twist was the reason for the fake dating, but I did not see the 2nd plot twist. It enhanced the story. The title doesn't do the book justice because I thought it would be spicy or hot, and heavy.