Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
My arrogant fake fiancé? I can't stand him.

Cocky and charismatic Emmett Rhodes isn’t the relationship kind of guy, but now that he’s running for mayor of our small town, his bachelor past is hurting the campaign.

Thankfully, I'm the last woman who would ever fall for him.

We're total opposites—he's a golden retriever and I'm sharp and snarky, but he’ll cosign on my restaurant loan if I play his devoted fiancée. Between romantic dates, a prom night re-do, and visits to a secret beach, things heat up, and the line between real and ruse is lit on fire. I see another side of Mr. Popular, and now I wonder if I was all wrong.

We can’t keep our hands off each other, but it’s all for show… right?

A sizzling, hilarious, enemies-to-lovers fake dating rom-com with an HEA. This is the first book in the Queen’s Cove series.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2021

4680 people are currently reading
54320 people want to read

About the author

Stephanie Archer

13 books11.6k followers
Stephanie writes spicy, hilarious rom-coms. Her books feature sharp banter, stubborn women, lots of laughs, and guaranteed HEA’s. She lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
8,592 (19%)
4 stars
18,979 (43%)
3 stars
13,817 (31%)
2 stars
2,342 (5%)
1 star
401 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,237 reviews
Profile Image for aly ☆彡 (on vacation).
427 reviews1,702 followers
August 12, 2025
I've seen the buzz surrounding the Vancouver Series, but instead of jumping directly into the sports romance books, I opted to delve into Archer's earlier works just to see how it will turn out for me (not sure why, sometimes you idiot like that).

Undoubtedly, this book effortlessly draws me in with its enticing blend of marriage of convenience, fake dating, and enemies-to-lovers tropes—I'm sold! However, I can't help but be frank that it feels akin to a delectable dish without the added flair of MSG; it boasts all the right ingredients but yearns for that extra touch of seasoning to truly elevate the experience.

The story follows Emmett Rhodes, a wealthy and somewhat cocky construction company owner aiming to become the mayor of his small town. Facing challenges due to his playboy reputation, he strikes a deal with Avery Adams, a sarcastic and disillusioned restaurant manager who despises him. In exchange for financing her dream restaurant, Avery reluctantly agrees to pose as Emmet's devoted fiancée during his mayoral campaign. As they navigate a series of planned dates, secret beach trips, and unforgettable nights together, the boundary between their staged relationship and genuine feelings becomes increasingly blurred, adding layers of complexity to the connection they now feel.

A major plus point of this book is its setting in the small town of Queen Cove. You can write a book about anything and will always win me with a small-town story. From the endearing (some not) characters to the charming ambiance, all aspect resonates with me. The depiction of the town and its inhabitants feels authentic; the Arbutus Restaurant, the hidden beach, Miri's turtle rehabilitation center, the useless mayor, and Hannah's local library — the narrative all brilliantly captures the essence of their lives which contributes to the book's irresistible charm.

I could feel myself loving the book at first, captivated by the passion radiating from both Avery and Emmett. Their fervor for life transforms mundane moments into something truly enjoyable. Avery's enthusiasm for managing a restaurant and bringing joy to customers, coupled with Emmett's genuine love for people and commitment to the betterment of his town, paints them as characters perfectly suited for their roles in the narrative. Passionate characters truly breathe life into a book.

Nonetheless, what threw me off was the sudden shift from apparent animosity to instant affection between the characters. Avery's initial dislike for Emmett, which stemmed from her resentment towards her father, seemed lackluster and forced. While the inevitable shift from hate to love is expected, Archer misses a chance to offer a convincing explanation for Avery's sudden change of heart. This gap in rationale leaves the overall narrative feeling somewhat incomplete making me wish for a more gradual transformation in their relationship. The book is already short, but at least made it believable (even down to their conflict!)

The writing style of this book also adds to what is left to be desired as the author's reliance on overly simplified narratives robs the story of depth. It reaches a point where the book, feels notably empty, and successfully lulls me to sleep... EXCEPT the accessible writing style is the saving grace that keeps me committed till the end.

Engaging with the familiar tropes in this story isn't venturing into uncharted territory. While it serves as an easy, quick read, Archer doesn't quite succeed in showcasing what sets her work apart within familiar romantic tropes. It lacks the appeal that would prompt me to explore more of Archer’s works, leaving me skeptical about whether the hype in her other book is genuine or merely a fleeting enthusiasm that might disappoint me in the long run //sigh//
Profile Image for monica ✨ romantasyreader.
736 reviews1,184 followers
March 20, 2023
Fluffy, smutty rom coms are a weakness. I loved this book with my whole heart. Avery wants to buy the restaurant she manages, but she needs a co-signer for a business loan. Emmett wants to run for mayor of Queen’s Cove, but needs to dial down his bachelor’s status. Their solution? Fake engagement.

I live for fake dating. I love love love this trope. Emmett is a playboy boy and Avery absolutely despises him. When she finally comes around to agreeing to their arrangement, I loved the little moments where she realizes Emmett isn’t who he portrays to the world.

This book is light and fluffy and feels like a warm hug. I can’t recommend it enough.

Thank you so much my friend Kate for recommending this series to me! I can’t wait to continue with it 💜

Read if you like
✨ small town romances
✨ enemies to lovers/hate to love
✨ fake dating
✨ marriage of convenience
✨ forced proximity
✨ NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
Profile Image for buket.
1,004 reviews1,550 followers
July 5, 2022
✓ fake dating
✓ he falls first
✓ small-town
✓ turtles:)
✓ prom night re-do
✓ fake engagement
✓ funny banter
✓ lovely side-characters

i absolutely loved this book. so much better than my expectation. Emmett was an amazing hero, i'm so in love with him. and Avery was amazing too, they made a perfect couple <3

“Seven times, I ate at that restaurant in a week until I finally got to talk to you.” His mouth hitched with the memory. “And you wouldn’t give me the time of day.”

btw wyatt and hannah?? i thought she would be with holden. i'm s h o c k e d. and i can't wait for their book!!!
Profile Image for M ☾.
67 reviews15 followers
June 2, 2025
I lost it when the horny devil woke up from her shoulder.
Profile Image for Eleanor .
390 reviews798 followers
August 20, 2023
That Kind of Guy is a small town, fake dating, romcom that is almost too cute.... This is my first Stephanie Archer book and I really enjoyed it, the story was very light-hearted and fast-paced. I will say that this felt very insta-lovey to me; I know that they fake-dated over the course of a few weeks but one minute Avery absolutely hated Emmet and the next she liked him and they were a couple. Because of that, I couldn't really feel the emotional depth of their relationship, but overall I still had fun watching them fall for each other. I am super excited to continue on with the series; I can just tell I'm going to love Holden. I like my men grumpy and stoic!
Profile Image for megan ◡̈.
846 reviews589 followers
August 21, 2023
thank god i finally decided ive put this series off for too long. this book is almost TOO cute for its own good truly, i cant wait to read the rest of the Rhodes boys stories 🤭
Profile Image for glavreads.
479 reviews8,011 followers
May 6, 2023
4.5 stars

this was just such a fun, fluffy romcom. i have a love/hate relationship with romcoms because sometimes the com is just not that funny 😐 but i was smiling the entire time reading this.

she’s a restaurant manager who needs a spare couple hundred thousand or a co-signer to buy the restaurant she works at. he’s a contractor who wants to run for mayor and needs a fake girlfriend to up his reliability factor.

the banter was just SO GOOD. i was literally laughing out loud at the turtle rescue scenes. i loved their back and forth so much. the chemistry was chemistry-ing and ugh, just the perfect, sweet and funny book.
Profile Image for m.
499 reviews1,083 followers
March 15, 2023
let’s not talk about how it took me 2 days to finish 10 chapters 🌝

anyways live love laugh criminal minds!! even though it’s putting me in the biggest slump ever
Profile Image for *˚Remnant Light ‧͙⁺˚*・༓☾ .
348 reviews465 followers
August 5, 2023
**3/5 stars**

On one side we have Emmett who wants to run for mayor to truly make a difference in town but the current mayor is still ahead in the campaign. On the other side, we have Avery who's always dreamed to own The Arbrutus, the little restaurant who made her fall in love with Queen's Cove and made her move a couple years prior. As the manager, she's been saving up in the hopes to buy the business when the owner is ready to sell (which happens quicker than expected). Avery goes to the bank to request a loan but is quickly denied. Emmett and Avery don't get along but they both have what the other needs; Emmett has the money and could easily cosign on the loan, and Avery could pretend to marry Emmett to his image, without catching feelings for him. It's win-win, so what could go wrong?

I think deep down I knew what I was signing up for when I picked up this book. The premise seemed very cliché and I have to say, the story itself was too. I had some enjoyment while reading but it didn't truly hook me per say. I was more 'blasé' than engaged, if that makes sense. I thought the comedy was a bit forced, like the author tried a bit too hard.

I knew two conflicting truths: I wanted Avery, and I wasn’t the kind of guy who settled down.-Emmett


Emmett got on my nerves in the first half but he grew on me, which is good. I just didn't like how impulsive he was. Some people in the reviews compared him to a golden retriever, which I can somewhat agree with, but he wasn't cute. He always had new ideas that he forced onto Avery, always went ahead with his plans and then told her about them in the middle of it and catching her offguard. I thought it was inconsiderate and annoying and I personally wouldn't have put up with that. Other than that, I liked his possessive and slight jealous side. I believe he fell in love first.

Emmett Rhodes was what happened when a man grew up too attractive. He thought he had the world at his fingertips-Avery


As for Avery, it was nice to see an independent and hardworking woman who was also a bit of a grump. I somewhat liked her. Her personality made a good contrast with Emmett's more outgoing one. I didn't really understand how her dislike for him became lust and love so quick. It was a bit out of the blue and I wish there'd been more hints of feelings from her as the story unfolded.

There was something in her expression that turned me on a little, the fierceness, the determination.-Emmett


There was a nice chemistry during the intimacy scenes but there was something lacking when it comes to the romance. Emmett and Avery spent a lot of time together but there was no burning passion or forbidden feelings or situations. Also, the humor was a bit too corny for my liking.

✔️HFN
✔️Standalone
✔️Dual POV
✔️Enemies to lovers ish
✔️MC's age
✔️Sunshine/Protective/Possessive H
✔️Grumpy/Hardworking h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Safe
✔️Slow burn ish
🔥 Steam level: 3/5
Content warning

Overall, a good book that doesn't really stand out but can be read with ease. There was no real drama, and whatever happened was resolved quickly. There was some miscommunication here and there but nothing angsty. Very laid back read. I'm also interested in the other Rhodes' brothers's books. Just hoping they'll be a bit more exciting.

The Queen's Cove Series
1. That Kind of Guy*
2. The Wrong Mr. Right
3. In Your Dreams, Holden Rhodes
4. Finn Rhodes Forever
Profile Image for Eva♡.
86 reviews33 followers
September 22, 2023
a cozy romcom with funny characters, their endless banter, enemies-to-lovers vibe AND a small town setting?

COUNT 👏 ME 👏 IN 👏

this book was absolutely adorable and I can't wait to start Wyatt & Hannah's book🥹
Profile Image for Megan Costa.
77 reviews7 followers
May 6, 2023
Run, DO NOT WALK, to read this book!

You may recognize Stephanie Archer from her "men who like to eat 😸" TikToks where she recommends spicy books. She has never once steered me wrong, I trust her recs with my life. So I immediately knew I needed to get my hands on her debut novel and OH. MY. GOD.

It has fake dating! It has enemies to lovers! He falls first! Small town (Canadian!!) romance! Super charming banter and hilarious (I'm not kidding I was giggling well into the night!) laugh-out-loud scenes! And you already know Stephanie Archer is going to deliver on the spice factor!

Avery Adams, an aspiring restaurant owner, is given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase her dream restaurant, the only catch? The bank won't grant her the loan she needs. In walks successful, charming business owner Emmett Rhodes. He's planning to run for mayor, but his non-committal bachelor lifestyle doesn’t work well for his campaign. He needs to appear as the family man that Queen's Cove can trust, and Avery can help turn him into that kind of guy.

I read this book in one single sitting I could not put it down. Avery and Emmett have this undeniable chemistry from the moment we meet them, and you cannot help but root for them. Their banter? Unmatched! Their jabs at each other are truly funny and the scenarios they find themselves in are just incredible? Turtles anyone? (iykyk)

One of my biggest pet peeves in romance is how quickly relationships develop and that so many HEAs end with a marriage that feels like it happened far too soon. Emmett and Avery's relationship happens very quickly but also so organically. I had a big giddy smile on my face the entire time. Avery is not a damsel in distress waiting for Emmett to solve all of her problems and I love that about her.

There is mutual pining and secret keeping and SO SO MUCH TENSION between Avery and Emmett! Plus a sequel with Avery's best friend coming later this year? Sign me up!!

Do yourself a favour and go and read it!

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Southern Lady Reads.
936 reviews1,394 followers
June 7, 2024
Theres not a whole lot of tension - but if you're looking for a cute non-angsty romance to listen to - That Kind of Guy will do the trick!

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 - Lots of tension and 3+ schmexy scenes which I fast forwarded through because I didn't like the characters build enough to care about their romance.

Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
Profile Image for Nata Oleksandrivna.
80 reviews7 followers
March 26, 2023
Нічим не обтяжуюча, легка і цілком позитивна історія про двох дорослих людей, які якби не опирались, а доля їх звела разом ❤️ і кожен отримав своє - героїня - давно бажаний ресторан, герой - переміг у місцевих виборах і тим самим у містечку, де вони всі мешкають почались позитивні зміни 🙌
Якщо хочеться чогось легенького, такого, що затягує і швидко читається - то можна сміливо братись за цю історію 💟💜
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,710 reviews1,038 followers
August 23, 2023
I had fun reading That Kind of Guy thanks to Emmet. Miss Archer certainly knows how to write a cocky hero. I love the banter. It i so cute.
The plot is simple. Not so much drama/ twist/ angst. Focusing more on the comedy.

The characters developmeny is enjoyable tk follow. I want to see more emotional connection between Emmet and Avery.

Overall, an entertaining read.

4 stars
Profile Image for yees ☆.
63 reviews226 followers
December 21, 2023
—Así debe ser el cielo.
—Cualquier lugar contigo lo es.
💜

No tengo mucho que decir, solo que disfruté este libro en todo su esplendor.

Lo que me reí con la personalidad de Emmett no tiene precio, es que lo amo JAJAJA. Y lo tierno???? Doblemente lo amo.

Me hizo pasar tan buen rato leyéndolo que por eso se ganó sus 5 estrellas. Creo que fue una lectura tranquila que no me ocasionó dramas innecesarios (y sí, hablo por todos los fake dating en los que en los últimos dos capítulos terminan dejándose por cosas sin sentido con el único propósito de ponerme a sufrir).

Me da curiosidad el libro de Holden, así que seguiré con los demás a ver qué descubro 👀
Profile Image for Asia.
663 reviews26 followers
May 21, 2024
DNF 45%



I tried OK? I wanted to like it but it just wasn't meant to be. Nothing stood out to me enough to continue and I just got to the part when suddenly they're horny for each other? Even though I don't like DNF-ing books, I need to start doing it more often. I might give the sequel a chance but later on in the future.
Profile Image for Sofiia.
70 reviews8 followers
March 31, 2023
Це було прекрасно. Легка, весела, без зайвих драм історія з моїми улюбленими тропами. Ідеально😍
Profile Image for james ☆.
299 reviews27 followers
April 18, 2024
4.5 ⭐

she manages the restaurant on the water?
he's running for mayor of the sleepy pnw/vancouver island seaside town?
they get fake engaged even though she hates him?
but then the enemies to lovers becomes friends to lovers?
and then they both have to swallow their pride and admit their feelings are real before the town turns on them?

EXACTLY
Profile Image for cosette.
154 reviews38 followers
January 10, 2024
i just love a good fake dating, it was funny, lighthearted and i usually don't like small town romances but i DEVOURED this book

something about their banter and emmett's commitment to their relationship had me trapped.
i loved this, i want more

just ONE more thing, the turtles OMFG 😭😭😭
Profile Image for jessica.
961 reviews44 followers
dnf
July 6, 2022
his favorite movie is top gun. dnf @ 32%
Profile Image for Jenni.
249 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2024
te quería informar que efectivamente no devoraste, es más, ayunaste, te cagaste de hambre. Tu tarea era romperla y vos la arreglaste. no serviste, sino que retiraste el plato. No sos madre, sos un concepto sin identificar
Profile Image for hannah.
247 reviews32 followers
June 27, 2023
4.5 Stars

I picked this up on a whim, and I’m really happy I did because I loved this book. I love small town romances and I really love fake dating, and this was done so well. The last few books I’ve read haven’t been hits for me and I wasn’t expecting much from this either, but I was so wrong.

First of all, Avery and Emmett were EVERYTHING. Their chemistry was amazing. They’re not “enemies”, but she finds him really irritating, and that makes for excellent banter and SO! MUCH! TENSION! Avery overall was a really great FMC. She felt so normal, and it was refreshing—Emmett too. Sure she referred to him as a “greek god” and it was obvious he was charming and hot, but he was such a good guy that you can’t help but adore him. I mean the man’s reason for running for mayor is so SWEET. The man was also hilarious and his turtle phobia had me cracking up.

This town with all of the quirky and lovable residents was exactly what I’ve been needing. The main circle of side characters were great, and as I mentioned before the turtles were a hilarious ongoing thing. I feel like I should also add in another huge plus—NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP. It was honestly so nice and even though there is a conflict, it’s not way out of left field and bizarre. It was realistic and resolved in a way that made sense.

I am so excited to continue this series. I already like Hannah a lot, and from what we have seen of Wyatt he seems fun. I’m a sucker for friends-to-lovers, so it already sounds so promising.

If you’re needing something quick and light, but also something funny, and spicy then you gotta read this!
Profile Image for Destiney Bomberry.
402 reviews2,694 followers
April 24, 2023
3.8 ⭐️ 2🌶

When two people who both hate marriage and swear they’ll never commit to someone decided to fake date and then get fake engaged, what’s the worst that could happen..

This was a such a freaking cute and fun read! It was so easy to follow and I found myself getting through it really quickly! The pacing felt well done and there were a few times in the book where I genuinely bursted out laughing and my husband looked at me like I was crazy!

I enjoyed both Avery and Emmett’s characters, and are you kidding me? Emmett would refer to Avery by her last name Adam’s, that shit makes me literally go feral!!

I did however feel like the characters did go from 0-100 a little quicker than I personally liked and didn’t find myself fully believe in their chemistry.
However like I said, this was a cute read 🤭 the perfect palette cleanser!
Profile Image for rei ‧₊˚✩彡.
189 reviews569 followers
September 22, 2024
small town romance, fake dating trope, enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, and force proximity? i ate this book up fr! i was so hooked with stephanie archer's book and i was so thankful that i'd found this series because it is everything!

the story was light, and their banter really made me continue to read this book, because who doesn't love a good banter, right? every time a turtle was mentioned, you'd know that it would be funny!

overall, i enjoyed reading this book and even though it wasn't my favorite out of the four, it still has a place in my heart.
Profile Image for Samantha Rose.
78 reviews82 followers
March 22, 2022
First of all, I was not expecting this book to be as funny as it is but so many parts had me snickering. 😂 The banter between Avery and Emmett is delightful. This book had all of my favorite things: fake dating, enemies to lovers, a snarky female lead - AND it’s set in a small town?!?! I definitely would recommend this book! It’s sweet, funny, snarky, and spicy all at the same time.

ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for my honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,237 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.