Not Actually Yours by Sophie L Henderson
on May 7, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Pages: 325
Format: ARC
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads 
Not Actually Yours is the second book in Sophie L. Henderson’s Vancity Fire series, and for me, it was a step up from the first. This fake-dating romance delivers exactly what you’d expect from the trope: chemistry, tension, and just enough emotional vulnerability to keep things interesting.
The story follows Nix, a guarded schoolteacher who’s sworn off love, and Brock, a hot-headed firefighter trying to prove he’s ready for a leadership role. Their agreement to fake-date for mutual benefit quickly spirals into something more complicated…because of course it does—and that’s where the book shines. The setup is classic, but the cozy seaside setting, meddling family dynamics, and community-centered moments (like the fire department dance and Nix’s class outings) give it a comforting, small-town charm.
This is definitely a cute and spicy read, with a solid mix of drama and romance. The chemistry between Nix and Brock is believable, and the emotional beats land well enough to keep you invested in their journey from reluctant partners to something more.
That said, I did have a few hang-ups. Although the characters seem to be in their mid-twenties, their behavior often felt younger, which pulled me out of the story at times. On top of that, some of the added family drama didn’t fully work for me—it occasionally felt like more than the story needed. Similarly, a “tender” moment between Brock and his brothers and dad didn’t quite land as intended and came across as a bit unconvincing.
I also think my reading experience may have been slightly skewed since I picked this up right after a five-star read, so my expectations were probably higher going in.
Even with those critiques, I still found this to be an enjoyable 3.5-star read. I’m also starting to realize I might be a fan of firefighter romances. They bring a certain intensity and charm that’s hard to resist. Henderson shows promise as a writer, and I think her books will only get stronger with time.
If you’re a fan of fake dating, small-town settings, and a blend of sweet and steamy romance, Not Actually Yours is definitely worth checking out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC.
English (US) · 