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A review by monica__
Fool Me by Lo Everett
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
TW: natural disasters resulting in injury (not MC), drug use (not MC), divorce, animal illness and treatment, rescue-turned-recovery mission of a child in a search-and-rescue environment (not MC child). Mental health: depression, panic attacks, and anxiety are discussed and depicted. There is a domestic situation involving the FMC (not with MMC), and is on-page. Blackmail and threats of non-con pornography, not by MMC.
When I initially requested this ARC, my main interest revolved around the protagonists’ careers rather than the “ex-boyfriend’s brother” angle. However, that aspect of the story completely caught me off guard and turned out to be one of the most engaging elements. Fool Me has everything you’d want in a mountain-town romance: small-town drama, just the right dose of romantic tension, and characters layered with emotional (and physical) scars. It’s the kind of mix that keeps you turning pages.
From the very first chapter, I was drawn to Harlowe, the protagonist. She’s a strong, driven character with a genuine passion for her work in rescue services. Her bond with her dog, Echo, melted my heart—Echo is an undeniable scene-stealer. Harlowe’s focus is laser-sharp as she strives toward the position she’s been working toward for years, despite the hurdles in front of her. One of those hurdles happens to be Canyon, her toxic ex, who inconveniently reenters her life. And then there’s Atlas—Canyon’s older brother and the new town veterinarian. Back in the area and aiming to rebuild his reputation, Atlas adds a layer of unexpected intrigue to Harlowe’s journey.
The fake dating plotline could have easily felt cliché, but here it’s handled with nuance. There’s no over-the-top drama or forced tropes—just a dynamic that develops naturally. The chemistry between Harlowe and Atlas feels genuine: slow-building, deeply satisfying, and rooted in tension, mutual respect, and vulnerability. Their interactions strike the perfect balance between sweetness and sly humor. I also appreciated how both characters came with well-developed backstories that shaped their choices, making their decision to enter a fake relationship feel authentic and believable.
I especially liked how, despite their different personalities, Harlowe and Atlas fit together so well—becoming each other’s anchor through both joyful and painful moments. One of my favorite aspects of the story was how the author explored their mental health struggles with such care and sensitivity.
A standout element for me was their shared antagonist—Canyon. As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t think this character would add much to the story, but the way he was written surprised me.
There’s so much to appreciate about this story, though not every element resonated perfectly with me. Early on, the initial spark of mutual attraction didn’t quite draw me in as powerfully as I’d hoped, and the ending felt a touch rushed—almost too neatly resolved. That said, Fool Me still delivers an enjoyable reading experience, particularly if you’re a fan of classic tropes like fake dating or a heartfelt mix of romance and personal growth.
At its core, this book offers a cozy yet emotionally layered journey, with just enough revenge-fueled drama to keep things engaging. An added highlight is the strong cast of side characters—I especially loved the friendship between Harlowe and her best friend, as well as her bond with Vivi. I’m already looking forward to diving deeper into their stories in the future series. And let’s not forget the breakout stars of Timberline Peak: Muley, Betty White, and Echo. These delightful animals absolutely stole the show, and I can only hope they’ll return to charm me in the next books!
Many thanks to Lovenotes.pr and Lo Everett for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts shared in this review are entirely my own
When I initially requested this ARC, my main interest revolved around the protagonists’ careers rather than the “ex-boyfriend’s brother” angle. However, that aspect of the story completely caught me off guard and turned out to be one of the most engaging elements. Fool Me has everything you’d want in a mountain-town romance: small-town drama, just the right dose of romantic tension, and characters layered with emotional (and physical) scars. It’s the kind of mix that keeps you turning pages.
From the very first chapter, I was drawn to Harlowe, the protagonist. She’s a strong, driven character with a genuine passion for her work in rescue services. Her bond with her dog, Echo, melted my heart—Echo is an undeniable scene-stealer. Harlowe’s focus is laser-sharp as she strives toward the position she’s been working toward for years, despite the hurdles in front of her. One of those hurdles happens to be Canyon, her toxic ex, who inconveniently reenters her life. And then there’s Atlas—Canyon’s older brother and the new town veterinarian. Back in the area and aiming to rebuild his reputation, Atlas adds a layer of unexpected intrigue to Harlowe’s journey.
The fake dating plotline could have easily felt cliché, but here it’s handled with nuance. There’s no over-the-top drama or forced tropes—just a dynamic that develops naturally. The chemistry between Harlowe and Atlas feels genuine: slow-building, deeply satisfying, and rooted in tension, mutual respect, and vulnerability. Their interactions strike the perfect balance between sweetness and sly humor. I also appreciated how both characters came with well-developed backstories that shaped their choices, making their decision to enter a fake relationship feel authentic and believable.
I especially liked how, despite their different personalities, Harlowe and Atlas fit together so well—becoming each other’s anchor through both joyful and painful moments. One of my favorite aspects of the story was how the author explored their mental health struggles with such care and sensitivity.
A standout element for me was their shared antagonist—Canyon. As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t think this character would add much to the story, but the way he was written surprised me.
There’s so much to appreciate about this story, though not every element resonated perfectly with me. Early on, the initial spark of mutual attraction didn’t quite draw me in as powerfully as I’d hoped, and the ending felt a touch rushed—almost too neatly resolved. That said, Fool Me still delivers an enjoyable reading experience, particularly if you’re a fan of classic tropes like fake dating or a heartfelt mix of romance and personal growth.
At its core, this book offers a cozy yet emotionally layered journey, with just enough revenge-fueled drama to keep things engaging. An added highlight is the strong cast of side characters—I especially loved the friendship between Harlowe and her best friend, as well as her bond with Vivi. I’m already looking forward to diving deeper into their stories in the future series. And let’s not forget the breakout stars of Timberline Peak: Muley, Betty White, and Echo. These delightful animals absolutely stole the show, and I can only hope they’ll return to charm me in the next books!
Many thanks to Lovenotes.pr and Lo Everett for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts shared in this review are entirely my own