Monday, May 11, 2026

Not Actually Yours Book Review


Not Actually Yours

Vancity Fire Book 2

Sophie L. Henderson
 

Two weeks and two fake dates with Brock Holt—the infuriating firefighter with a savior complex, tough-guy attitude and a body as hot as his temper. And the last person single-by-choice schoolteacher Nix would ever fall for.

Nix’s heart is on permanent lockdown after her mom walked out on her, but she needs a date to her cousin’s engagement party. Anything to put an end to the relentless single-shaming. Can she find someone—preferably smokin’—willing to spend Thanksgiving weekend with her meddling family in a tiny seaside town in the middle of nowhere?

Brock got burned falling for the wrong girl. But his potential promotion to captain hinges on him having a date for the annual firefighters’ gala. Can he convince the entire community that his short fuse is a thing of the past, that he’s ready for a serious new role as a fire hall leader?

They’ve agreed: falling in love is not an option. And soon, they’re fooling everyone. Even themselves. When Brock utterly charms Nix’s hard-to-impress aunt over a cozy breakfast of pancakes and maple syrup, and sparks fly at the fire department dance, the alarm bells start to ring…

A swoony, sweet and steamy fake-dating romance that is the perfect comfort read. If you love Laurie Gilmore, Amy Daws and Stephanie Archer, you’ll be charmed by Not Actually Yours.

Perfect for fans of:

  • 💋Fake dating💋
  • 🎇He falls first🎇
  • ☀️Grumpy-sunshine☀️
  • 💖Small-town romance💖
  • 🔥Spice🔥

My thoughts:
 
This was such a fun, light book! I very much enjoyed the interplay between Nix and Brock, and loved the fake dating aspect (although I do wish that it went on for longer, it was a fun part of the story). The characters were pretty relatable, Nix is an overworked teacher who will do anything for her students, and Brock has a personality that shines in this story!
 
I did enjoy the spice, but the build up to it was so much better! This is book 2 in the series and I have not read book 1, but will go back to enjoy more from this author!
 
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and give an honest review.

Readers love Not Actually Yours:

“Okay so I absolutely devoured this book in less than 5 hours, what did you put in this??!!… a fantastic read!” Rebeccaabooktok, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I absolutely tore through this one. 📚🔥… honestly? It might be my new favourite fake-dating romance… I was completely invested from start to finish 😍🙃… I LOVE IT!!” libraryofj444, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This is one of those books that will keep a smile on your face because it makes you feel all the feels. ❤️💗… Love the book so much. It was fast-paced and gripping with a bit of spice mixed in, but definitely all the feels.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


“I just absolutely loved it. The perfect characters… you will just fly through.” Jessica’s Book Biz, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


“I was hooked from start to finish… And that ending… chef’s kiss. Everything wrapped up in such a satisfying, emotional way that left me smiling!” Chaptersofmorgan, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I read this book in less than 24 hours… Highly recommend for fans of Laurie Gilmore and Harper Graham.” lilyrose_is_reading, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I loved this book so much! I finished it in one day because I just couldn’t stop reading.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Such a fantastic read! Oh I devoured this, loved it! The emotional maturity and yet immaturity at the same time was perfection.” Juliainpaperback, ⭐⭐⭐⭐


“Pulls you in straight away with its addictive energy, sizzling chemistry, and characters that feel messy, real, and impossible not to root for.” Donna’s Book Addiction, ⭐⭐⭐⭐


“Amazing! Loved this book from start to finish.” Brandireadsromance, ⭐⭐⭐⭐


“I read this book so fast! It hooked me! This book has it all.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐


“A heartfelt, steamy, and surprisingly thoughtful read that rises above the usual fluff. Perfect for anyone who loves their romance with both heat and heart!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐


“Ahhhh!! That was so good 😊… Their tension was so sharp I could almost taste it. I was completely hooked…It was a huge breath of fresh air.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 
 
Author Bio

Sophie L. Henderson

Sophie L. Henderson writes steamy romcoms full of chaos, heart, and characters who swear a little too much to be considered polite. Originally from a tiny village in England, she spent seventeen years wrangling jazz hands as a drama teacher before finally listening to the voice in her head (the one telling her to write, not the one asking for another snack). She now lives in Vancouver with her husband, where she’s embraced views of snowcapped mountains from the beach, over-invests in the hockey, and talks to hummingbirds like they’re her best friends.
 

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