The Maverick's Dating Deal

Montana Mavericks: Behind Closed Doors #1

by Christine Rimmer

THE ULTIMATE FAKE DATE

Tenacity’s favorite flirty cowboy has an image problem, and Graham Callahan thinks Cassie Trent is the perfect person to improve his reputation. Cassie doesn’t want to be his phony plus-one, until she realizes this could finally get her matchmaking mom off her back. The scenario seems foolproof…until one unexpected, mind-blowing kiss in public knocks their boots off. The “lovers” have done their job a little too well, and now they have to deal with the fallout! 

From Harlequin Montana

Book 1: The Maverick's Dating Deal by Christine Rimmer
Book 2: The Maverick's Forever Home by Sasha Summers
Book 3: Lassoed by a Maverick by Rochelle Alers
Book 4: Snowed in with the Maverick by Elle Douglas

Genres: Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 29, 2025

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Christine Rimmer has written more than one hundred contemporary romances for Harlequin Books. She has won Romantic Times BOOKreview’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Silhouette Special Edition. She has been nominated seven times for the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award and five times for Romantic Times Series Storyteller of the Year.

A California native who first longed to be an actress, Christine earned her theater degree from California State, Sacramento and then went to New York to study acting. Later, she moved to Southern California, where she began her writing career with short stories, plays, and poems. Her poems and short stories were published in a number of small literary journals. Her plays were produced at The Back Alley and Group Theaters in Southern California and have been published by Dramatists Play Service and West Coast Plays.

She now lives in Oregon with her family and two very contented cats named Tom and Ed.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie Trent is tired of her mother and everyone else asking about her having a date for her sister's wedding. She's given up on love and is fine with being single. Cassie is going to find that life has made other plans for her. Graham Callahan has been breaking hearts in Tenacity since he returned home. He's given up on love and doesn't want to make a commitment. Graham is running for mayor of Tenacity but his past is a hinderance to being elected. Graham and Cassie decide that if they start a fake relationship it will help them both with their individual problems. The only problem is the attraction between them. What happens when you make a deal with someone and you are trying to keep from falling for the person you're fake dating. These two people will find that The Maverick’s Dating Deal might become a happily ever after.

The Maverick’s Dating Deal by Christine Rimmer is the start of the Behind Closed Doors sub-series in the Montana Mavericks series and another book taking place in the town of Tenacity, Montana. This story revolves around two people that have given up on love and aren't looking to ever fall in love again. Cassie Trent is getting pressure from family and friends to bring a date to her sister's upcoming wedding. Graham Callahan has decided to run for Mayor of Tenacity, but his past dating situation is going to be a problem. The two of them come up with a plan to help each other with their problems by fake dating. Cassie has a bet with her mother that if she finds a date for the wedding her mother will quit pressuring her about getting married. Graham has dated and broken up with just about every available woman in Tenacity. Since both of them have sworn off love and plan to never have another serious relationship, it should be easy to hang out as friends. Their lives may change forever when fake dates turn to real feelings when The Maverick’s Dating Deal becomes more.

Christine Rimmer continues her yearly Montana Maverick’s book with the first book in the Behind Closed Doors series set in Tenacity. Montana called The Maverick’s Dating Deal. Her story is about two people whose past relationships have put them off of finding true love. Both are happy in their current situation and are not looking to change their circumstances. Rimmer has a hot, flirty cowboy who's running for the mayor of Tenacity. The problem is his previous dating history in town. Her heroine is out spoken and happy with her life but friends and family want her to find someone and get married.

The Maverick’s Dating Deal is a fun, sweet story and will give the reader a hot and handsome flirty cowboy to drool over. Along with a woman who knows what she wants and intends to make sure she lives the life she wants. There are cute goats and one that is an escape artist. The story takes readers back to the fictional town of Tenacity, Montana for another sub-series in the Montana Maverick series called Behind Closed Doors. The story takes place after a huge scandal in the Mayor's office. Christine Rimmer delivers another wonderful book with great characters and some scandal, best friends and family who seem to know what is best for the hero and heroine. Fans of Christine Rimmer will love this book and it's a must read for them. If you're new to the Montana Maverick’s series and are looking to dip a toe into the series that has been going on for over twenty years then The Maverick’s Dating Deal would be a wonderful start. This reviewer has been a fan of the series and author, Christine Rimmer from the beginning. Christine Rimmer's books are always a wonderful heart warming read that will have new and old fans like this reader coming back for more. Personally, I'm sad this story has been read and am looking forward to the next in the Montana Mavericks series and her Bravo series as well.

[Tricia Verschage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kicking off a new series the right way!

A new series is brewing and Montana Maverick’s: Behind Closed Doors gets kicked off with The Maverick’s Dating Deal by Christine Rimmer. Graham Callahan is set to be the next mayor of the Montana town called Tenacity. His background would be very beneficial to the town, especially after the last mayor and the mess that was left behind. Unfortunately, Graham has a reputation that precedes him and could make him just as high a risk to this simple town. Cassie Trent has a match making mama that is like a Pitbull with a new chew toy and Cassie needs to find someone that will get her mama off her marital back before her sister’s wedding.

When Graham and Cassie run into each other, Graham just knows that Cassie will be the perfect person to put his reputation back on track in his pursuit of mayor so he proposes a fake relationship that will benefit them both. Cassie agrees to the fake relationship to hold her mama at bay.

In a true Rimmer fashion, the tension and sparks are immediate between the two main characters and honestly, I am never mad about it. Neither of them counted on the chemistry that they create between them and then Cassie proposes to take this relationship to a more intimate level with benefits and Graham is all in. The two characters come into this new “relationship” with past experiences that influenced them and could create a huge barrier in any potential relationship. Can this time heal them both and open their hearts to something bigger and better? Do not sleep on this heart-warming story. I personally cannot wait to read this entire series, and you could not ask for a better story to get it all started and make you fall in love with a new group of Tenacity residents.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story and of course I enjoyed getting to know more about our hero and heroine, Graham and Cassie. Both are from ranching families and work on their respective ranches during the day, however Graham wants to be the next mayor in Tenacity but he has an image problem. He likes to date around, nothing wrong with that, but the mayor needs a cleaner image considering how the last mayor was ousted. So the plan is put together that he and Cassie will ‘fake-date’ until the election. However, Cassie’s best friend Vicky is the ousted mayors daughter and isn’t a fan of men at all and Cassie has been right there with her but with her and Graham spending time together, feelings have started. Cassie is between a rock and a hard place with Vicky and her feelings for Graham. And of course, once the kiss happened, you can’t take that back and they are both having feelings. When the debate happened and the interim mayor is running to become the official mayor, makes a comment about their ‘fake relationship’, Cassie is embarrassed and unfortunately doesn’t want to be with Graham anymore. Who knew that Vicky would make the grand gesture for Cassie and go to see Graham. I loved that with Vicky’s blessing of sorts, Graham went to make things right with Cassie. My personal thoughts are the story ended too quickly and I wanted to see what happened next and did Graham become the next mayor. Maybe this is shared in one of the other books in this series, I’ll have to check them out and see Great book!

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When two lonely people who have commitment phobias get together to help each other, what can go wrong ? Handsome and heartbreaker, Graham Callahan was hurt by his fiancee and best friend. He can’t trust anyone. No marriage for him. Cassie Trent turned down three wonderful men, so she thinks she can’t keep a commitment. She decides she doesn’t need or want a man. When Graham decides to run for mayor of their small town, he needs to clean up his imagine. Cassie just wants her mother to stop harassing her to get a man, especially for her sister’s wedding. Her mother promised her she’ll leave her alone for a year if she gets a date for the wedding. So Graham and Cassie come up with a plan. A fake arrangement. They get along well and enjoy each other’s company. They go around campaigning for Graham. Everything is great until one amazing kiss. Will they cross the line? Friends with benefits. Can they pull it off and not have feelings? The chemistry is red hot. Sometimes you just have to wait for the right one. God always has a plan. These two had me rooting for them. He still my heart. I didn’t want to put the book down. So worth the read. You won’t regret it. Christine Rimmer always draws you into the story. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

[Judyrudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Maverick’s Dating Deal is the first book in the Montana Maverick’s: Behind Closed Doors series. Christine Rimmer was the perfect writer to lead off this series. Graham Callahan wants to be the next mayor of Tenacity. He has a solid financial background that he believes will lead the town after the last disastrous mayor, yet he also has a problem with his reputation. Cassie Trent is looking for someone that will get her matchmaking mother off her back before her sister’s wedding.

When Graham runs into Cassie, he realizes she is the perfect person to set his reputation on the right path towards becoming mayor. When he proposes a fake relationship, Cassie thinks about it twice before accepting the deal. She can’t wait to get her mother off her back.

Immediately, you could see the sparks fly between the two. They both have pasts that have influenced their lives, but can this fake relationship change their minds? Can they have a true relationship amid the chaos around the election?

The Maverick’s Dating Deal was a heartwarming romance that I loved from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see how the series unfolds. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review, and this is my honest opinion.

[Marie Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Maverick's Dating Deal by Christine Rimmer is a wonderful must read small town romance! When Graham Callahan returns to Tenacity, Montana he sees that his beloved home town is rife with scandal from the last mayor and decides to run for office. There is just one problem. His no commitment dating has left him with a bad boy reputation. He decides that being seen with town good girl, Cassie Trent might be just what his campaign needs to succeed.
Both Cassie and Graham have good reason to be gun shy when it comes to commitment and agree to a fake romance that will help his bid for mayor and help her get mother off her back about love. What they don't count on is how powerfully they are drawn to one another. Can this fake love affair turn all too real and heal both of their broken hearts?
Christine Rimmer is a masterful story teller and you will not be able to put this cowboy romance down. Rimmer's characters are well written and completely captivating! You will be cheering for Graham's and Cassie's happy ending.
I just loved The Maverick's Dating Deal by Christine Rimmer! You will love this small town romance. Rimmer never disappoints and I can't wait for her next romance!!!
.

[Cyndi Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hated that after I started it I had to work so much!!!

Fantastic read! Not your typical “fake dating” type story when you figuring in a mayoral race due to a major theft from the previous mayor’s wife and the mayor covered it up. Then you have a real jerk that was deputy mayor, who is now acting mayor. You meet Graham Callahan who is taking him on in the race and Cassie Trent who agreed to fake date him to help him clean his playboy image up and for her, it get her Mom to quit trying to fix her up with every stray single man in town. OOPS! All that time together, great conversation, great chemistry and love is born. They break it off after a horrible debate and are both miserable until the crooked former Mayor’s daughter takes matters into her own hands (she is Cassie’s best friend), and visits Graham to have a point blank conversation with him. You can guess the ending or read the book. You won’t be disappointed at all! I do really hope the next book in the series that this is the 1st book of, goes through the outcome of the mayoral race. Loved Izzy and Adelaide as characters also, fur and all.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I sat down and absolutely flew through this book! Another Montana Mavericks title by Christine Rimmer is a new favorite!

Commitment phobe Cassie feels like she's just not ready...but her marriage minded momma really wants Cassie to commit!

Dumped and feeling duped by his best friend, Graham decides he's done with relationships, but, his aspirations to become mayor of Tenacity means he needs to be settled down.

These two hatch a plan to 'fake date' so Cassie's mom gets off her back and Graaham looks the part of a 'settled down' man. Their attractionn to each other is off the charts! Will these two settle for the status quo, or with their feelings come to the fore and make for a fabulous new beginning for them both?

A fabulous addition to this new portion of the Montana Mavericks franchise.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie Trent has sworn off dating and men altogether. Her mom, Olive keeps trying to get her to date. With her sister's wedding coming up Olive is desperate to get Cassie a date for the wedding. One night Cassie runs into Graham Callahan, Tenacity's favorite cowboy who is also running for Mayor. He needs to improve is image in town and proposes a business proposal to Cassie. She pretends to be his "fake girlfriend" and campaign manager, and he will be her plus one for the wedding. Neither of them counts on chemistry between them and Cassie proposes fake relationship with benefits. Graham can't say no. Both of them have sworn off relationships but maybe this time is different. Will they decide to trust their feelings for each other or keep being single? Read it to find out.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Maverick’s Dating Deal by Christine Rimmer is the newest Montana Mavericks story. Cassie Trent is between a rock and a hard place. Her mother wants her to have a date for her sister’s wedding but the last thing she wants is a date with a rascal. Enter Graham Callahan. He’s a rancher and heartthrob and definitely doesn’t want a happily ever. Can Cassie change his mind? The chemistry between these two is off the charts. I love the way they skirt around each other trying to make everyone believe this friendship is more. Christine weaves their back stories together in a way that makes you fall in love with both of them and root for them to have the happily ever after neither of them knew they really wanted. 5 Stars!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest from Christine Rimmer...another awesome story. She does not dissapoint.

Graham and Cassie find themselves in a situation where they decide to temporarily date but have no intention of this becoming serious. This is a relationship of convenience for them both.
However, things generally do not go as initially planned. The secret is let out of the bag that this relationship is only of convenience for the sake of Graham running for mayor of Tenacity and for Cassie, it gets her mom off her back about a serious boyfriend. After their relationship is exposed, Cassie dosen't want to be with Graham any longer. An unexpected push from a friend might just do the trick to get these two together for real.

In the end, things work out as they were meant to.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a sigh of contentment I closed the pages. I want to hug something after a book like this.
The trouble with reading a book so good is you don’t want it to end.
Lean and lonely Graham is convinced he will never let himself love again.
Marriage phobe Cassie has already turned three men down.
To suit their own purposes these two embark on a fake friends only quickie relationship that we all know is anything but.
It quickly escalates and I enjoyed living all the joys of new found love through these two, when each is consumed with each other.
Thanks to the author and Harlequin for the advance copy.

[Peggy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Cassie and Graham both never going to fall in love again. Both think that they will be hurt or hurt someone else. A chance meeting in the town small cafe leaves them both thinking they have made a new friend that thinks the other is cool. This meeting leads them into helping each other out with no strings and no one hurt. But things have a way of not working out. Determined not to hurt Graham, Cassie thinks the best thing to do stop seeing him and now both are hurt. How can this happen and what can they do? maybe with a little help from family and friends things can work out. A great fun read. Need more books from this author.

[Tammy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!! It is the story of Graham and Cassie both of which we off of relationships. Cassie wants her mom off her case regarding a date to her sisters wedding and Graham has a reputation that he needs to counter since he is running mayor and to look like an appropriate candidate he needs a relationship. So the two team up to help each other out. The result is not what either expected especially Cassie who ends up running scared. It was a definite read in one sitting despite not having time to do that😆

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie has been unlucky in love and given up completely. Unfortunately, her mom hasn’t and continuously talks about her getting married. Her sister is getting married soon and Cassie ends up making a deal with her mom to give a break in the wedding pushing for a while, if she brings a date.
Absolutely loved this book and the characters! The storyline is perfectly done and done well. Adding that to the life-like characters it makes this book a 5-star good time. Grab this book and enjoy! I know I did.

[Lois Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book added to my Keepers' Shelf. The Maverick's Dating Deal is another charming tale from Christine Rimmer. Cassie Trent has given up on dating, much to her mother's chagrin. Graham Callahan wants to run for mayor of their town. Cassie needs help getting her mother off her back about not dating. Graham needs help showing the town that he is steady and dependable enough to earn their vote. How will their deal to help each other end up? Be sure to buy this book and read their story. I am sure you will add this book to your own Keeper Shelf.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Rimmer does it again with Book 1 of 6 in the "Montana Mavericks: Behind Closed Doors" series. This book is set in the beautiful town of Tenacity. Town flirt is a handsome cowboy who wants to be mayor, named Graham. Our hometown girl is Cassie, who wants her Mom to stop trying to fix her up. Cassie needs a date for her sister's wedding, and she decides that Graham will do, since neither of them is looking for anything long-term, but after a scorcher of a kiss, things don't turn out the way they think. It's a wonderful read.

[Diane Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever said to yourself that I'm never going to do this or that. Well, Cassie and Graham have been saying this for a while about getting married or getting serious about anyone. Graham needs help with kith mayoral campaign, and Cassie needs to get her mother off her back for a. date to her sister's wedding , they make a pact no seriousness for each other, but do they keep it. Christine Rimmer has done it again and keeps you waiting and wanting more.

[Dawn Posey feltner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard book to put down, great characters and it was fun re visiting Tenacity Montana. With a story that started out as a fake relationship to keep Cassies mom of her case about dating and Graham who wanted to be mayor but had dated so much no one took him serious. They start to get closer with the more time they spend together. It starts as really close friendship then more, but who will break first to say they want forever.

[Brittnay Knighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by a wonderful author with lots of twists and turns and definitely a smooth quick read where I couldn’t put it down and felt as if I were there with the characters watching it all happen. I love this author because I get lost in the story and loose myself from reality of reading this book and loose track of time. Definitely looking forward to another by this author and highly recommend her.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at first or is it just that little flutter that you get when you see the person you are supposed to spend your life with? could it be both? Graham and Cassie's story Is amazing and that how it starts just fake dating to win the mayoral election turning into real lasting love. Amazing story. Christine Rimmer has done it again.

[Therese Scacchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love those Montana Mavericks, and this story about Graham and Cassie didn’t disappoint. It was only supposed to be a fake relationship, right, until one very passionate, public kiss. This changes everything, they realize that their relationship is growing into something real and true. Another awesome read from Christine Rimmer, can’t wait for the next one.

[Doris Lankford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed going to Tenacity, Montana and meeting Cassie and Graham. They had both sworn off love and finding a happily ever after. Little did they know they just hadn't found "The One". It was fun to read about their relationship and how they eventually realized that love is nothing to be afraid of.

[Lynda Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What started as a fake relationship with benefits to both Graham and Cassie soon develops into deep genuine feelings that have never felt so real!!! Christine Rimmer delivers another heartfelt Montana Maverick love story with strong lovable characters that have you rooting for their Happy Ever After !!!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. What started as a fake relationship with benefits turns to more. It will draw you in from the start as it completely sucks you in and keeps you turning the pages. I loved the characters, the banter and the undeniable sparks. It’s an entertaining heartwarming story full of emotions. Looking forward to reading more.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham has sworn off dating since his last relationship turned out bad. He dates occasionally and now he has decided to run for Mayor in this town. With his track record of only a few dates for each girl he has dated he thinks it will look bad for him. So he asks Cassie to be his pretend girlfriend until he gets elected.

Another awesome book by Christine Rimmer

[Karen Geurts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Cassie and Grahams story! They both were so certain they didn’t want forever love and wanted to play it safe! What an adventure they were in for. I would have liked a longer ending, with more details.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does Graham and Cassie’s fake romance leads to something more? They both have sworn off love and happily ever after. Read to find out what they discover. A wonderful book by Christine Rimmer. Quick easy read. Every time I pick up her books I finish it before the end of the day.

[Lana Kinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love loved this book. The Maverick Series is a gift in itself. This story did not disappoint. The storyline was perfect and entertaining. I was glad to see this hero find his happily ever after. I can’t wait for the next story in this series. Thank you Christine for a great read!

[Dyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful read when everything goes right, except the goat fencing. This is a fun happily ever after story.
I recommend this first book in the series of Montana Mavericks Behind Closed Doors.
I’m excited to read the rest of the series, so much to explore within this town.