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Heroes of Huckleberry Creek #2
The Not So Fake Wedding Date
She needed someone safe. I volunteered to be hers. Now I just have to survive pretending it’s temporary.
I’ve faced ambushes, firefights, and twelve months in the desert. None of it prepared me to walk into my hometown and see Austen MacAvoy again—my best friend’s little sister, the girl I’ve been secretly in love with for over a decade.
She doesn’t know that part. To her, I’m still just Clint. Her brother’s buddy. The guy who sends back snarky letters from deployment and always shows up with good manners and bad jokes.
But when her cousin’s wedding gets complicated—and her ex is suddenly a groomsman with a date—she needs someone on her arm. Someone who can fake a relationship long enough to save her pride.
I can do that. I’d do just about anything for Austen.
We agree it’s pretend. Just a few dates. Just long enough to convince her nosy relatives and make the ex regret his life choices. But the more time we spend together—bowling, dancing, cooking dinner for two—the more impossible it is to pretend.
She’s everything I’ve ever wanted. And this fake wedding date? It might just be my real shot at forever.
I’ve faced ambushes, firefights, and twelve months in the desert. None of it prepared me to walk into my hometown and see Austen MacAvoy again—my best friend’s little sister, the girl I’ve been secretly in love with for over a decade.
She doesn’t know that part. To her, I’m still just Clint. Her brother’s buddy. The guy who sends back snarky letters from deployment and always shows up with good manners and bad jokes.
But when her cousin’s wedding gets complicated—and her ex is suddenly a groomsman with a date—she needs someone on her arm. Someone who can fake a relationship long enough to save her pride.
I can do that. I’d do just about anything for Austen.
We agree it’s pretend. Just a few dates. Just long enough to convince her nosy relatives and make the ex regret his life choices. But the more time we spend together—bowling, dancing, cooking dinner for two—the more impossible it is to pretend.
She’s everything I’ve ever wanted. And this fake wedding date? It might just be my real shot at forever.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2024
212 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 26, 2025
The phrase “book boyfriend” is such an ick
December 7, 2024
Several months before the setting of this story, the guys from the series are deployed overseas. They are talking about home and what they want to do when they get back just as an unexpected attack hits. Clint, the hero of this novella, suggests a pact: if they make it home, they pursue the women they want. He had just gotten another letter from his best friend's little sister and was thinking about how he wished they were more than friends. Fast forward to the guys' homecoming, and we find out that Austen has a long-standing crush on Clint, too. She is worred about an upcoming family wedding, so Clint hurries to fulfill his part of the pact by volunteering to be her fake boyfriend. Things escalate from there in all the fun ways. I loved reading about Clint and Austen together. Even though these stories are novellas, there is a lot of emotion packed in them. Because the couples already know each other, the focus is on how they finally admit their feelings. There also hints about the other guys' stories.
December 31, 2024
Clint and Rhett are childhood best friends from the small town of Huckleberry Creek. Being followed around by Rhett’s younger sister, of three years, Austen, the now woman who single-handedly kept him going during their nine months into a twelve-month deployment, they never thought would end. The whole time on deployment, all he could think about was when he had free time, of course, was making Austen his forever. He just had a couple of major hurdles. One telling her how he feels. Two, telling his oldest friend that he was in love with his sister.
Things started to work in his favor when the night of their return, Austen showed up at his apartment to give him some leftovers his mother had sent him from the BBQ. Especially since her brother hadn't returned with the rest of the reserves, and they didn't even realize he was injured until Clint got there. Letting Austen, their parents, and Rhett’s ex-wife, who had come to greet him back. Anyways, Austen was told at the BBQ, by her cousin that Austen’s ex would be at the wedding and a part of the wedding party.
She said she was sorry she tried to talk her fiancé out of it, but they grew up together. Austen said, “Don’t worry about it.” However, she was freaking out. None of her immediate family would be there to run interference, and she had no date. That's when Clint said that he would do it for her. She was so happy she hugged him again. Not like she did when he got off the bus, but hey, he would take what he could get. The next day his sister guessed his feelings for Austen, and he was relieved to have someone to talk to.
He told her about the wedding situation. She told him in this small town, if they wanted it to be believable, they needed to go on a few dates before the wedding. Austen could see her point. So the first date was bowling; they had a blast. Then he cooked her dinner, and they danced. It was perfect; they were ready for the wedding. By the day of the wedding, they were looking hot, feeling hot, and hot under the collar at the ex. Clint put him in his place. It was a perfect night. By the time they got to her place, you could almost hear, “It’s GETTING HOT IN HERE!” A short sweet cute romance. It didn’t flow as well as I wish it would have but it was very good.
Things started to work in his favor when the night of their return, Austen showed up at his apartment to give him some leftovers his mother had sent him from the BBQ. Especially since her brother hadn't returned with the rest of the reserves, and they didn't even realize he was injured until Clint got there. Letting Austen, their parents, and Rhett’s ex-wife, who had come to greet him back. Anyways, Austen was told at the BBQ, by her cousin that Austen’s ex would be at the wedding and a part of the wedding party.
She said she was sorry she tried to talk her fiancé out of it, but they grew up together. Austen said, “Don’t worry about it.” However, she was freaking out. None of her immediate family would be there to run interference, and she had no date. That's when Clint said that he would do it for her. She was so happy she hugged him again. Not like she did when he got off the bus, but hey, he would take what he could get. The next day his sister guessed his feelings for Austen, and he was relieved to have someone to talk to.
He told her about the wedding situation. She told him in this small town, if they wanted it to be believable, they needed to go on a few dates before the wedding. Austen could see her point. So the first date was bowling; they had a blast. Then he cooked her dinner, and they danced. It was perfect; they were ready for the wedding. By the day of the wedding, they were looking hot, feeling hot, and hot under the collar at the ex. Clint put him in his place. It was a perfect night. By the time they got to her place, you could almost hear, “It’s GETTING HOT IN HERE!” A short sweet cute romance. It didn’t flow as well as I wish it would have but it was very good.
June 18, 2025
Clint & Austen
Cute, fast paced story. They’ve known each other since childhood and started developing feelings for each other as teens. But Clint being one of her big brother’s best friends made things complicated. Austen dreamed of becoming Clint’s girlfriend but never imagined he could ever feel the same way about her. Until he comes back from deployment and is everywhere she turns. He wants to shoot his shot but as his best friend’s little sister, he feels like she is off limits to him. Luckily things change & they decide to give things a go and good thing that they did because they were what the other was missing. Loved their story and I can’t wait to see what happens next with the rest of the guys and their love interests. I know they’re all going to be very interesting!🫶🏼❤️🔥💞
Cute, fast paced story. They’ve known each other since childhood and started developing feelings for each other as teens. But Clint being one of her big brother’s best friends made things complicated. Austen dreamed of becoming Clint’s girlfriend but never imagined he could ever feel the same way about her. Until he comes back from deployment and is everywhere she turns. He wants to shoot his shot but as his best friend’s little sister, he feels like she is off limits to him. Luckily things change & they decide to give things a go and good thing that they did because they were what the other was missing. Loved their story and I can’t wait to see what happens next with the rest of the guys and their love interests. I know they’re all going to be very interesting!🫶🏼❤️🔥💞
April 3, 2025
Oh My! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is the second book in the series Heros of Huckleberry Creek. This story is about Austen and Clint. Austen is a bookstore owner with a thing for her brother's best friend. Clint is back from deployment. Clint has loved his best friends off limits sister since childhood. Austen needs a fake date for her cousin's wedding as her ex is going to be there. Clint and Austen have fun banter and undeniable chemistry. The characters were well written, And I enjoyed reading this book. I am really enjoying this series and all the characters in it. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Keep up the awesome work! Can't wait to read more from Kait.
April 3, 2025
Oh My! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is the second book in the series Heros of Huckleberry Creek. This story is about Austen and Clint. Austen is a bookstore owner with a thing for her brother's best friend. Clint is back from deployment. Clint has loved his best friends off limits sister since childhood. Austen needs a fake date for her cousin's wedding as her ex is going to be there. Clint and Austen have fun banter and undeniable chemistry. The characters were well written, And I enjoyed reading this book. I am really enjoying this series and all the characters in it. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Keep up the awesome work! Can't wait to read more from Kait.
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
December 10, 2024
This was just so cute and sweet. I really couldn't put it down until the end.
Clint has the opportunity to be Austen's fake date to a family wedding, the woman he's had a crush on for years, but she's his best friends sister.
These two were so sweet together. They've known each other for years, so they have all the history and banter to turn their friendship into something more.
I loved Austen she was an easy character to like. Clint was all green flags.
There is no drama in this book, just two people who were meant to be together.
- standalone (novella)
- best friends sister
- friends to lovers
- small town
Clint has the opportunity to be Austen's fake date to a family wedding, the woman he's had a crush on for years, but she's his best friends sister.
These two were so sweet together. They've known each other for years, so they have all the history and banter to turn their friendship into something more.
I loved Austen she was an easy character to like. Clint was all green flags.
There is no drama in this book, just two people who were meant to be together.
- standalone (novella)
- best friends sister
- friends to lovers
- small town
December 12, 2024
Clint and Austen had secret feelings for each other since they were kids, but since he was the best friend of Austen's brother, nothing ever came of it. They're all grown up now, and after a deployment that went a bit chaotic, Clint wasn't about to sit on his feelings anymore so when he comes home, he's going to make Austen his finally but there are definitely hiccups along the way. The sparks are flying between them that's for sure, but nothing really happens until he goes to a family wedding of hers because her ex will be there. This story is short & sweet with heat so it's super easy to read in one sitting, and it will leave a smile on your face! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
December 13, 2024
This is the second book in this series, and this is Austen and Clint’s story.
Clint has loved his best friends off limits sister since childhood, and while on deployment and their unit was pinned down, a pact was made to go after the girls they love if they survived. Austen needs a fake date for her cousins wedding as her ex is going to be there, and Clint steps up.
This is am easy to read story, which has family, friendships, emotions, fake relationship, survival, secrets, friends / lovers, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and sweet quick read.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
Clint has loved his best friends off limits sister since childhood, and while on deployment and their unit was pinned down, a pact was made to go after the girls they love if they survived. Austen needs a fake date for her cousins wedding as her ex is going to be there, and Clint steps up.
This is am easy to read story, which has family, friendships, emotions, fake relationship, survival, secrets, friends / lovers, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and sweet quick read.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
August 16, 2025
Austen and Clint—she’s his best friend’s little sister, which put them firmly into the friend zone. But when he came back from deployment and she needed a date to a wedding, he saw it as his chance to act on his feelings. They dated, went to the wedding, made love…and then her brother came home and she hid Clint from her brother. It didn’t take her but a few hours to realize how wrong she’d been and fix things, after which they continued dating and then he proposed. For a really short book (basically what is considered a novella), it held together well. But it would’ve been better as a full-length story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2024
A highly entertaining book about a childhood crush turning into real love. Austen has had a crush on Clint since she was thirteen. Clint and his best friend Rhett, Austen's brother, are reservists who are deployed with some other friends for a year. During this time Austen keeps him supplied with books and cookies along with letters. Just before their last mission they all make a pact to go after the women they really want, for Clint that is Austen. Their HEA is a must-read.
January 2, 2025
A quick and enjoyable Story
The characters were well written And I enjoyed reading This book. And reading the book you thought like you got to know these people Especially the 2 main characters and what they were about in their past lives as well. Young love turns into love forever and ever after I love these quick short book that I can read at night leaving me with a happy feeling. The story was engaging Well written I didn't see any editing errors.
The characters were well written And I enjoyed reading This book. And reading the book you thought like you got to know these people Especially the 2 main characters and what they were about in their past lives as well. Young love turns into love forever and ever after I love these quick short book that I can read at night leaving me with a happy feeling. The story was engaging Well written I didn't see any editing errors.
November 12, 2025
Clint, Rhett and Austen were best friends and although she had a crush on Clint nothing happened between them until he came back from war. Both were afraid of Rhett's reaction, but when Clint volunteers to be her plus one at a wedding and they start a fake relationship that was not really fake, everything changes. Easy to read, written with humor and some steam The Not So Fake Wedding Date is good entertainment!
I thank the author for the free copy of this book.
I thank the author for the free copy of this book.
November 28, 2025
This novella is about Clint, a soldier who has returned home to his small town after a year of deployment. He regularly received mail from his best friend, Rhett's younger sister, Austen (and a fellow soldier). Clint has been hiding his love and attraction to his best friend's sister and volunteers to be her plus one and her "boyfriend" at her cousin's wedding.
Austen has secretly always had a crush on Clint, ever since she was a teen but she was worried about what her brother Rhett's reaction would be, to her liking his best friend.
This book was a bit predictable in a best friend's sibling trope story. The characters were likeable and this book a nice read.
Austen has secretly always had a crush on Clint, ever since she was a teen but she was worried about what her brother Rhett's reaction would be, to her liking his best friend.
This book was a bit predictable in a best friend's sibling trope story. The characters were likeable and this book a nice read.
December 30, 2024
This story hit all the high points I look for in a romance. A strong loyal male, an independent female, hot spices, sexual tension in spades, and an HEA. The good dialogue and great character development along with clean editing all made for a very enjoyable read.
January 5, 2025
This book had me giggling and grinning so hard. I love a fake dating trope, and a brothers best friend trope. Austen and Clint were so cute and I love their friendship before relationship history. There was some spice and some use of all language, but not very overdone.
April 24, 2025
I got this during the SYKD sale recently so I probably wouldn’t have chosen it otherwise. But I think the potential was there to be good, but it was too short and the writing was kind of clunky and I didn’t like any of our main characters.
June 4, 2025
Fake dates or real attraction?
Check out the story of Austen and Clint as he helps her out by being her plus one to her cousins wedding. Is that all it is? He is her brother's best friend... could it be more?
Check out the story of Austen and Clint as he helps her out by being her plus one to her cousins wedding. Is that all it is? He is her brother's best friend... could it be more?
June 12, 2025
This was a fast, fun and short read. It is the perfect book to start a few hours before bed to relax and finish in one sitting without having to stay up all night long. A good read, add it to your TBR!
December 30, 2024
An okay novella. Since it’s a novella, there’s not much to go on.
January 20, 2025
Cute story
February 25, 2025
Such a cute, fun, easy read! I found myself giggling from how cute they were being in their "fake dates" and then loved how it all came together!
June 11, 2025
Another winner
Another winner. Multi tropes. Great story. Wonderful characters. Quick read that keeps you entertained from page 1 to the end.
Another winner. Multi tropes. Great story. Wonderful characters. Quick read that keeps you entertained from page 1 to the end.
July 6, 2025
Cute novella. It reads easily and I was surprised how fast I finished it. Took only 1 hour.
September 17, 2025
4/5 ⭐️ I really liked this book! There was some inconsistency with the previous book.
September 25, 2025
My least fav I had high hopes. Low spice. More focus on other characters I felt like.
October 11, 2025
Pretty good
Books seemed really short Looking forward to reading more I hope it's a series that i didn't know about! I will.have to. check
Books seemed really short Looking forward to reading more I hope it's a series that i didn't know about! I will.have to. check
November 15, 2025
the not so fake wedding date
Such a completely honest love story. The family and friends only make it better. I loved it from the first chapter.
Such a completely honest love story. The family and friends only make it better. I loved it from the first chapter.
Want to read
January 18, 2026Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
January 25, 2026
Cute story about a couple who have had crushes on each other since they were young and the circumstances that finally bring them together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews