Fake Dating the Grumpy Fireman: When a Dare Turns Into Destiny in the Heart of Harbor Keep

December 01, 2025 at 09:39 AM EST

By CL Bloom

Some love stories begin with a glance.

Others begin with a spark.

But in Fake Dating the Grumpy Fireman: A Small Town, Forced Proximity, Secret Heir Romance in Harbor Keep, author CL Bloom shows us what happens when a relationship begins with a dare broadcast live to the entire country—and unexpectedly transforms into something deeper, braver, and beautifully real.

What starts as a viral stunt between “the Breakup Coach,” Cassidy Kingsley, and the quiet, steady firefighter who defended her on national radio becomes a moving, layered story about healing, trust, and the courage to be seen for who you really are. Bloom takes a wildly fun premise—fake dating for thirty days—and turns it into an intimate exploration of connection, boundaries, and the quiet magic found in being fully chosen.

More than just a romance, this novel is an emotional journey shaped by two people who shouldn’t fit, yet somehow do. With sharp dialogue, warm humor, and the unmistakable charm of small-town Harbor Keep, Bloom invites readers into a relationship that grows through honesty, playful tension, and moments that blur the line between staged affection and something undeniably sincere.

From their first awkward meeting to their long walks by the water, each chapter deepens the chemistry and complicates the rules they promised to follow. Readers will love watching Cassidy’s fire meet Logan’s calm, seeing how their staged dates become safe spaces for conversations about boundaries, self-worth, and what it really means to care for someone. At the same time, Bloom doesn’t shy away from the escalating threats posed by Cassidy’s jealous ex—turning this love story into a test of resilience, integrity, and loyalty.

Bloom’s approach to romance is tender yet grounded, celebrating the power of communication and the beauty of choosing each other even when life gets messy. With small-town meddling, viral fame, unexpected vulnerability, and a bond shaped by honesty, this novel offers readers a love story that is both heartwarming and deeply refreshing.