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I Really Do
Brooke Kent hasn't spoken to a single member of her family in thirteen years. That's all changed when her younger brother calls her to invite her to his wedding. He tells her to bring her girlfriend, partner, spouse, or the woman she hooks up with on Tuesdays, he doesn't care who, just wants her there. Brooke would be tempted to take him up on that only she's painfully single.
When she tells her two best friends about her dilemma, they suggest Brooke invite Anna Fourchette, the woman Brooke has been pining over for almost a year. To Brooke's surprise, Anna agrees. Can Brooke really handle a week in London dealing with her estranged family? And more importantly, can she pretend to date the woman of her dreams without falling in love for real along the way?
When she tells her two best friends about her dilemma, they suggest Brooke invite Anna Fourchette, the woman Brooke has been pining over for almost a year. To Brooke's surprise, Anna agrees. Can Brooke really handle a week in London dealing with her estranged family? And more importantly, can she pretend to date the woman of her dreams without falling in love for real along the way?
473 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
April 20, 2025
**'Being frustrated is part of the process in telling your story and just know, that's what writing entails and no sign out there that says there aren't good enough writers..'
Okay read!
The writing was at times frustrating but it's still readable.
Okay read!
The writing was at times frustrating but it's still readable.
January 12, 2025
I can’t believe I just stumbled across this gem of a book! It’s a lovely, slow burn, low angst pile of blankets just out of the dryer. It’s so warm and fluffy and just great. It’s a frigging wonderful take on fake dating that I don’t think I’ve read before. Brooke and Anna are just magical together. The book sort of starts out as grumpy/sunshine but takes a wonderful turn into “damn, they are just so smitten with each other.”
There is no 3rd act break up, but there is a small bit of miscommunication that is resolved beautifully. The secondary characters are so delightful and wonderful. The writing builds so wonderfully and I was completely rooting for the HEA between Anna and Brooke. The banter is top notch, especially once Brooke starts to find her confidence. And Anna, c’mon. She’s just a golden retriever of joy. I just can’t find enough good things to say about this book.
Emily K. Hardy, where the hell did you come from and when are getting another one of these?
There is no 3rd act break up, but there is a small bit of miscommunication that is resolved beautifully. The secondary characters are so delightful and wonderful. The writing builds so wonderfully and I was completely rooting for the HEA between Anna and Brooke. The banter is top notch, especially once Brooke starts to find her confidence. And Anna, c’mon. She’s just a golden retriever of joy. I just can’t find enough good things to say about this book.
Emily K. Hardy, where the hell did you come from and when are getting another one of these?
August 9, 2025
I, sadly, did not love this. Which puts me in the minority. And hey, it's very possible that when I read it, I was just extra cranky and picky. But I truly didn't have a good time with it. It was one of those things where I kept reading almost entirely because I kept expecting the book to get better, to prove me wrong, to change my mind. But it didn't. There was no one big thing that was wrong with this book; to me, it just didn't work in several different little ways, and it also just kinda annoyed me. Like I said, a lot of people feel differently, and if you're interested in a slow burn with heat, masc/femme, fake-dating-at-a-wedding romance, give this a try!
Although, lol, EYE love all those things, and I still thought this was bad. But you might be different!
In an effort not to be a massive killjoy, I'll do this in bullet points and try to be quick about it.
- The very premise didn't work for me, and unfortunately, I think this is why I started off not having a good time with this book, and continued that way. Like, I love fake dating, and I can really enjoy romances that take place at weddings. But the basis of this story is that Brooke and Anna have been mere acquaintances for a year, (though Brooke harbours a massive crush) and Brooke asks Anna to accompany her to ANOTHER COUNTRY to attend a wedding as her fake girlfriend so she can stick it to her horrible parents. Huh? Who would agree to that? I could have bought it if Anna and Brooke were friends, but they knew almost nothing about each other. Or if they really needed to be near-strangers, I could have bought it if they were going to another city or state. But another country? To be a fake date? For someone whose job title you didn't even know before this? Come on.
- I suppose this is where I'm suppose to take it that it's the strength of their chemistry and attraction that makes this believable. But it didn't, not for me. Which makes me feel like a joyless wet blanket, but oh well.
- This needed to be edited. I understand that it had a previous life as fic, and that's something I'll always support: authors scrubbing the serial numbers off their hard work and publishing it. But there were so many punctuation errors, so many capitalisation errors, tense switching mistakes, run on sentences, bad word choices, spelling errors (including the main character's name once or twice). Even the sentence structure sometimes made me mad. It gave me that red pen itch; the specific annoyance of making me feel like I was at my day job while reading. Which, obviously, is the last thing I want.
- When writing fic, there are certain things that the author doesn't need to do, because the reader already has a lot of background information from the show/book/whatever. Even if you're writing an alternate universe fic, you can proceed on the basis that there are some things your reader will just KNOW about your characters. That obviously isn't the case for a book that's being published with original characters. Just as one example, Brooke, the mild mannered computer engineer from a rich family who has four black belts and works out all the time (though we never see her working out) did not come together coherently as a character. That isn't to say that she couldn't have. But there needed to be a lot more fleshing out to move this away from its fic form, to help it stand on its own.
- The very backbone of the plot depends on these characters refusing to have the simplest conversation, and I hate that. I hate it so much. It's the most annoying thing. The fact that Brooke wouldn't just ask Anna (the woman that she's fake dating) if she's currently in a relationship, or even just find out if she's queer, was extremely silly to me. We sort of did get an explanation for that; Brooke didn't want to make Anna uncomfortable. Which I do get. But seriously, you don't even ask her if she's in a relationship? It annoyed me, because you could obviously see the ways that miscommunication and misunderstandings would stem from this lack of a basic conversation. And I think it's lazy writing.
- This was third person, single POV, which I honestly love for romance. I don't mind if the thoughts and inner feelings of the love interest are kept a secret from the reader. But it felt like sometimes the author would forget that she was writing solely from Brooke's POV, and we'd suddenly get snippets that seemed like they came from Anna, or some omniscient POV. Example:
- Is Brooke the type of person to describe her own neck as graceful, to comment on the strength of her own hands and their callosities? No! She isn't! This reads so weirdly! And I know I'm being nitpicky as hell, but this is the kind of stuff that just takes me right out of a story.
- Also nitpicky, but the pet names got old. I know they might have been overdoing it on purpose, to try to convince people they were a couple, but after a while it was so forced and unnatural, it stopped being cute. And why were all the pet names initial-capped?
- I don't mean to harp on about the writing, but it was so formulaic and boring.
- I just erased a paragraph wherein I talk about race. Instead, I'm going to charitably assume that the things I noticed the book doing, and the things I noticed the book NOT doing, were just me being overly sensitive.
- What else... I'm going through the notes on my kindle, and I see I highlighted a passage and my note is: "no, it's too mean, i won't say it." And now, of course, I've completely forgotten whatever that was about. TELL ME YOUR SECRETS, PAST BITCHY LAURA.
Alright, I think that's enough, if I've gotten to the point where I'm looking through my notes. Here are some things I enjoyed: the smut (mostly). But that never has been, and I can't imagine it ever will be, a good enough reason for me to change my core feelings about a book. Nothing about the character writing, their emotional journeys, the romance, and even the familial relationships moved me or compelled me. There was nothing particularly offensive about the book, but there wasn't anything good about it either. For the sake of fairness, I'll say again: maybe I was just in a really picky, cranky mood. And that's on me. Lots of people love this, so I'm glad that it's found its way into the hands of readers who appreciate it.
Although, lol, EYE love all those things, and I still thought this was bad. But you might be different!
In an effort not to be a massive killjoy, I'll do this in bullet points and try to be quick about it.
- The very premise didn't work for me, and unfortunately, I think this is why I started off not having a good time with this book, and continued that way. Like, I love fake dating, and I can really enjoy romances that take place at weddings. But the basis of this story is that Brooke and Anna have been mere acquaintances for a year, (though Brooke harbours a massive crush) and Brooke asks Anna to accompany her to ANOTHER COUNTRY to attend a wedding as her fake girlfriend so she can stick it to her horrible parents. Huh? Who would agree to that? I could have bought it if Anna and Brooke were friends, but they knew almost nothing about each other. Or if they really needed to be near-strangers, I could have bought it if they were going to another city or state. But another country? To be a fake date? For someone whose job title you didn't even know before this? Come on.
- I suppose this is where I'm suppose to take it that it's the strength of their chemistry and attraction that makes this believable. But it didn't, not for me. Which makes me feel like a joyless wet blanket, but oh well.
- This needed to be edited. I understand that it had a previous life as fic, and that's something I'll always support: authors scrubbing the serial numbers off their hard work and publishing it. But there were so many punctuation errors, so many capitalisation errors, tense switching mistakes, run on sentences, bad word choices, spelling errors (including the main character's name once or twice). Even the sentence structure sometimes made me mad. It gave me that red pen itch; the specific annoyance of making me feel like I was at my day job while reading. Which, obviously, is the last thing I want.
- When writing fic, there are certain things that the author doesn't need to do, because the reader already has a lot of background information from the show/book/whatever. Even if you're writing an alternate universe fic, you can proceed on the basis that there are some things your reader will just KNOW about your characters. That obviously isn't the case for a book that's being published with original characters. Just as one example, Brooke, the mild mannered computer engineer from a rich family who has four black belts and works out all the time (though we never see her working out) did not come together coherently as a character. That isn't to say that she couldn't have. But there needed to be a lot more fleshing out to move this away from its fic form, to help it stand on its own.
- The very backbone of the plot depends on these characters refusing to have the simplest conversation, and I hate that. I hate it so much. It's the most annoying thing. The fact that Brooke wouldn't just ask Anna (the woman that she's fake dating) if she's currently in a relationship, or even just find out if she's queer, was extremely silly to me. We sort of did get an explanation for that; Brooke didn't want to make Anna uncomfortable. Which I do get. But seriously, you don't even ask her if she's in a relationship? It annoyed me, because you could obviously see the ways that miscommunication and misunderstandings would stem from this lack of a basic conversation. And I think it's lazy writing.
- This was third person, single POV, which I honestly love for romance. I don't mind if the thoughts and inner feelings of the love interest are kept a secret from the reader. But it felt like sometimes the author would forget that she was writing solely from Brooke's POV, and we'd suddenly get snippets that seemed like they came from Anna, or some omniscient POV. Example:
Anna chose to surge forward, tilting her face up under Brooke's jaw, kissing along the graceful line of her neck. {...} Her strong, calloused hands grasped Anna’s thighs
- Is Brooke the type of person to describe her own neck as graceful, to comment on the strength of her own hands and their callosities? No! She isn't! This reads so weirdly! And I know I'm being nitpicky as hell, but this is the kind of stuff that just takes me right out of a story.
- Also nitpicky, but the pet names got old. I know they might have been overdoing it on purpose, to try to convince people they were a couple, but after a while it was so forced and unnatural, it stopped being cute. And why were all the pet names initial-capped?
- I don't mean to harp on about the writing, but it was so formulaic and boring.
- I just erased a paragraph wherein I talk about race. Instead, I'm going to charitably assume that the things I noticed the book doing, and the things I noticed the book NOT doing, were just me being overly sensitive.
- What else... I'm going through the notes on my kindle, and I see I highlighted a passage and my note is: "no, it's too mean, i won't say it." And now, of course, I've completely forgotten whatever that was about. TELL ME YOUR SECRETS, PAST BITCHY LAURA.
Alright, I think that's enough, if I've gotten to the point where I'm looking through my notes. Here are some things I enjoyed: the smut (mostly). But that never has been, and I can't imagine it ever will be, a good enough reason for me to change my core feelings about a book. Nothing about the character writing, their emotional journeys, the romance, and even the familial relationships moved me or compelled me. There was nothing particularly offensive about the book, but there wasn't anything good about it either. For the sake of fairness, I'll say again: maybe I was just in a really picky, cranky mood. And that's on me. Lots of people love this, so I'm glad that it's found its way into the hands of readers who appreciate it.
January 23, 2025
5 stars
Just to be clear I put this in the nope pile, because I've already read it as an Ava X Beatrice fanfiction (Warrior Nun) on AO3 and thus would have issues with my brain constantly switching over to that version.
Otherwise I can wholeheartedly recommend it, it's great.
Just to be clear I put this in the nope pile, because I've already read it as an Ava X Beatrice fanfiction (Warrior Nun) on AO3 and thus would have issues with my brain constantly switching over to that version.
Otherwise I can wholeheartedly recommend it, it's great.
December 26, 2025
“You’re home,” she whispered. All the air left Brooke’s lungs. She felt like she was home. More than she had ever felt in her apartment, more than she had ever felt in her life. Here in this little room in Nate and Mel’s flat, with Anna, she finally felt like she was home."
Is it possible to smile for 458 pages of a book, mhmmm considering the fact that my cheeks still hurt after finishing this book, I would say yes.
I don't usually gravitate towards fake dating romances, but this was chef's kiss 🤌 (pun intended 😉)
And oh my goodness the single POV was so well executed, I need more of single POV that is this incredibly engaging.
This is a love story full of warmth and acceptance. From the beginning, Anna and Brooke are incredibly patient and communicative with each other in a way that brought me so much bliss.
The story gives us so many moments that grow their connection and make me absolutely swoon 🥰
From Anna waking up in the comfort of Brooke's Arms, Brooke teaching Anna to waltz (🥵) Anna calling out Brook's mom, to Brooke giving Anna a back massage. It all culminated to one of the softest and most heartwarming stories I have ever read. (edit: because the pet names!!! Oh my goodness, they had me blushing, I'm such a sucker for a pet names so by the time the book had them calling each other Honey-B and Darling I was sold, I have to admit.)
Everything felt so purposeful and built the trust between both our FMCs incredibly well
Brooke finding her voice with both her parents, and finding comfort with her brother and her new sister-in-law, makes this story more than just a cozy read, it can make you feel seen, and the emotional openness of Anna allowed for a really well-developed story.
There is no intense angst or tension, but there is undeniable care and kindness within this novel that makes it oh so perfect
I don't really know who I want as my book girlfriend, more Anna or Brooke, but I have a feeling that both are good. They both have so much love to give, and they work like a lock and key. Anna being the key with her reassurance and joyful strength, and Brooke being the lock with her stability and gentleness.
I adore them with every part of me.
5 stars, no notes 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Is it possible to smile for 458 pages of a book, mhmmm considering the fact that my cheeks still hurt after finishing this book, I would say yes.
I don't usually gravitate towards fake dating romances, but this was chef's kiss 🤌 (pun intended 😉)
And oh my goodness the single POV was so well executed, I need more of single POV that is this incredibly engaging.
This is a love story full of warmth and acceptance. From the beginning, Anna and Brooke are incredibly patient and communicative with each other in a way that brought me so much bliss.
The story gives us so many moments that grow their connection and make me absolutely swoon 🥰
From Anna waking up in the comfort of Brooke's Arms, Brooke teaching Anna to waltz (🥵) Anna calling out Brook's mom, to Brooke giving Anna a back massage. It all culminated to one of the softest and most heartwarming stories I have ever read. (edit: because the pet names!!! Oh my goodness, they had me blushing, I'm such a sucker for a pet names so by the time the book had them calling each other Honey-B and Darling I was sold, I have to admit.)
Everything felt so purposeful and built the trust between both our FMCs incredibly well
Brooke finding her voice with both her parents, and finding comfort with her brother and her new sister-in-law, makes this story more than just a cozy read, it can make you feel seen, and the emotional openness of Anna allowed for a really well-developed story.
There is no intense angst or tension, but there is undeniable care and kindness within this novel that makes it oh so perfect
I don't really know who I want as my book girlfriend, more Anna or Brooke, but I have a feeling that both are good. They both have so much love to give, and they work like a lock and key. Anna being the key with her reassurance and joyful strength, and Brooke being the lock with her stability and gentleness.
I adore them with every part of me.
5 stars, no notes 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 6, 2025
This book really is a gem. The slow burn is perfect and the main characters Brooke and Anna are adorable. It was such a sweet story and I loved the fake dating part! There was a lot of tension building up and I have to admit it was hard to take at times. But it was soooo worth it and I was so rooting for these two!!! The fact that it's only told from Brooke's pov really added to the tension. I loved the communication and the building of trust. I also liked the very entertaining group of friends who often made me smile. This book just had it all: sparks, butterflies, building incredible tension, beautiful depth of characters, so good fake dating, romance and spice. It is so beautifully written!!! Get it! You won't regret it.
December 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this fake dating romance. The single POV added a layer of mystery, making us wonder (though not for long, since it's pretty obvious) about Anna’s feelings. As a result, one of the clues Hardy used A LOT was the characters blushing. I swear, these two spend so much time with blood in their faces that I wonder how the other organs were irrigated! I just wished Hardy showed me more how friendly they initially were, because from the moment they agree to fake date Anna has few boundaries. Of course, there is an extra sweet explanation for her behavior. Both of them are really likable. Almost every scene is a pretext to get Brooke and Anna closer; they’re extra sweet and swoon-worthy. Reading this book is like drinking a hot chocolate with marshmallows in it. If you're looking for a really sweet novel, with tons of chemistry and very low angst, this book is for you.
April 2, 2025
This book is truly a gem.
I have seen this book recommended to me here many times, and people always had good things to say about it. Now I understand why.
Brooke and Anna are utterly delightful. It’s impossible not to fall in love with them from the very first pages. Their chemistry is electric, and the way they notice the little things about each other can only be described as soulmates finding their way together.
Both characters have endured difficult lives filled with trauma. But throughout the book, you witness them healing each other in the most heartwarming way.
The side characters are just as wonderful. Seeing Anna form new friendships within Brooke’s circle and Brooke reconnecting with her family added even more depth to the story.
Now, the best part: the fake dating trope is flawlessly executed. I’ve often felt like something was missing in other books with this trope, but not here. The story is full of healthy communication, mutual respect, and unwavering love—so much so that you never doubt their feelings. They want each other and aren’t afraid to show it.
I’m absolutely buying a physical copy right away, and I can already tell this book might end up being my favorite of the year.
Overall, if you love fake dating with low angst, a soulmate level connection, and an amazing "just one bed" trope, I highly recommend this book. I’m certain you’ll love it too.
I have seen this book recommended to me here many times, and people always had good things to say about it. Now I understand why.
Brooke and Anna are utterly delightful. It’s impossible not to fall in love with them from the very first pages. Their chemistry is electric, and the way they notice the little things about each other can only be described as soulmates finding their way together.
Both characters have endured difficult lives filled with trauma. But throughout the book, you witness them healing each other in the most heartwarming way.
The side characters are just as wonderful. Seeing Anna form new friendships within Brooke’s circle and Brooke reconnecting with her family added even more depth to the story.
Now, the best part: the fake dating trope is flawlessly executed. I’ve often felt like something was missing in other books with this trope, but not here. The story is full of healthy communication, mutual respect, and unwavering love—so much so that you never doubt their feelings. They want each other and aren’t afraid to show it.
I’m absolutely buying a physical copy right away, and I can already tell this book might end up being my favorite of the year.
Overall, if you love fake dating with low angst, a soulmate level connection, and an amazing "just one bed" trope, I highly recommend this book. I’m certain you’ll love it too.
February 6, 2025
An incredibly sweet, toaster-oven-esque sapphic romance! Anna and Brooke were both lovable leads, and the side characters were well-developed, adding depth to the story. I really enjoyed their journey, though I didn’t rate it higher due to some editing issues and because the start of their relationship felt way too intense for my taste.
The epilogue also left me wanting more—the two-day time jump felt too short, and I would have loved to see them a year later, visiting alongside Nate, Mel, and Brooke’s parents.
Still, a heartwarming read overall!
The epilogue also left me wanting more—the two-day time jump felt too short, and I would have loved to see them a year later, visiting alongside Nate, Mel, and Brooke’s parents.
Still, a heartwarming read overall!
January 23, 2025
This was a very sweet story with a fake relationship driving the plot. Very slow burn with little angst. A great comfort read. I am looking forward reading more from Emily K. Hardy.
February 9, 2026
I LOVED THIS!! It will be a struggle but ill keep this brief (or else it will be LONG. No middle option). This novel was everything. I wrote down in my notes that I loved it as early as page 2, and nothing changed after that point. It was so incredibly sweet and heartwarming but also spicy and overall, just a LOT of fun. Aside from all the emotions, of which there were a lot, the biggest feeling I had while reading this was that it was just plain FUN. There were some absolutely “legendary” moments to be had.
I adore this couple so much and I am so happy that I got to experience their story. There were so many different ways of loving and caring for someone on display throughout this novel and it was incredibly touching. Sooooo SWEET!! Relentlessly sweet. Then there was also the relationship with the brother and his fiancée, which was also just, everything.
Have I actually given any details about what I liked? Not really? I don’t care! Go read this novel, just go do it!
Ok one detail: the fake-dating trope was perfect. This is a favorite of mine, and its often done "wrong" in one way or another. This was perfection. If I was teaching a course at Writing Trope University, I would be using this novel as one of my textbooks.
My Rating:”S-“
Converted Rating: 5-Stars
There were a few parts where the formatting/editing could have been better, but honestly that’s the only bad thing I have to say about this, and it wasn’t bad enough to cause a problem. Not a big deal; do more editing next time. It was still incredible. I am assuming this was once a fanfic based on… idk honestly, just the vibes? Maybe? Someone tell me.
I adore this couple so much and I am so happy that I got to experience their story. There were so many different ways of loving and caring for someone on display throughout this novel and it was incredibly touching. Sooooo SWEET!! Relentlessly sweet. Then there was also the relationship with the brother and his fiancée, which was also just, everything.
Have I actually given any details about what I liked? Not really? I don’t care! Go read this novel, just go do it!
Ok one detail: the fake-dating trope was perfect. This is a favorite of mine, and its often done "wrong" in one way or another. This was perfection. If I was teaching a course at Writing Trope University, I would be using this novel as one of my textbooks.
My Rating:”S-“
Converted Rating: 5-Stars
There were a few parts where the formatting/editing could have been better, but honestly that’s the only bad thing I have to say about this, and it wasn’t bad enough to cause a problem. Not a big deal; do more editing next time. It was still incredible. I am assuming this was once a fanfic based on… idk honestly, just the vibes? Maybe? Someone tell me.
January 31, 2025
4.2/5
January 3, 2025
Sweet, low angst slow burn. Fake dating to forever.
3.8 stars for me.
3.8 stars for me.
November 12, 2025
This was a really sweet story without angst, I really recommend if you need that. I loved the interactions between Brooke and Anna. Brooke is so cute and awkward and Anne so understanding and supportive. I am not really a fan of fake dating as a trope but this was handled so perfectly in this book so I kind of loved it.
April 28, 2025
At first glance, it might seem simple — a classic rom-com setup — but I Really Do is actually a technically brilliant book.
The fact that it kept me completely hooked from start to finish, with healthy characters, no misunderstandings, no unnecessary drama... that’s impressive.
Conflicts are resolved quickly and respectfully, boundaries are always clear, and even within a fake dating premise — which often leans into ethically questionable territory — everything here is handled with care and consent.
The result is an incredibly healthy romance that still manages to be emotional, intense, and captivating.
Both MCs are consistent, just so, so lovable, and together, they’re pure harmony.
Brooke’s POV brings something atypical that gives the story a really interesting rhythm — and it works so well with Anna, who’s an absolute gem and perfectly balances Brooke’s energy.
They’re just meant to be. And I love that it’s obvious — to their friends, to me, . And I love even more that we get to witness Brooke figuring it out for herself.
It’s one of those stories where the chemistry is instant, you feel the passion right away , but it never feels rushed or over the top. I didn’t lose interest for a single second.
Honestly, under the light appearance of a cute rom-com, this is a complex, masterfully executed piece of work.
There’s real tension, real emotional depth, like you can feel everything happening in macro.
If you love getting butterflies in your stomach from page one to the very end, I can’t recommend this book enough.
Such a genuinely great experience.
The fact that it kept me completely hooked from start to finish, with healthy characters, no misunderstandings, no unnecessary drama... that’s impressive.
Conflicts are resolved quickly and respectfully, boundaries are always clear, and even within a fake dating premise — which often leans into ethically questionable territory — everything here is handled with care and consent.
The result is an incredibly healthy romance that still manages to be emotional, intense, and captivating.
Both MCs are consistent, just so, so lovable, and together, they’re pure harmony.
Brooke’s POV brings something atypical that gives the story a really interesting rhythm — and it works so well with Anna, who’s an absolute gem and perfectly balances Brooke’s energy.
They’re just meant to be. And I love that it’s obvious — to their friends, to me, . And I love even more that we get to witness Brooke figuring it out for herself.
It’s one of those stories where the chemistry is instant, you feel the passion right away , but it never feels rushed or over the top. I didn’t lose interest for a single second.
Honestly, under the light appearance of a cute rom-com, this is a complex, masterfully executed piece of work.
There’s real tension, real emotional depth, like you can feel everything happening in macro.
If you love getting butterflies in your stomach from page one to the very end, I can’t recommend this book enough.
Such a genuinely great experience.
September 5, 2025
4.5⭐️ This was a fun book. I loved the first 75%. Faux romance is one of my favorite troupes. The dialogue was excellent and both characters were well developed.
Brooke’s brother in England is getting married and Brooke asks Anna to go with her as her girlfriend. I felt that Anna was different in the beginning than she was as I got to know her. She came across as a competent businesswoman/chef in the beginning and then turned into a cute hot femme. She was always looking out for Brooke and taking care of her. Brooke was an accomplished engineer. She was raised by British diplomats who threw her out of the house when they found out she was queer. Brooke was an introvert and terrified of seeing her parents after 15 years.
My only complaint is that the dialogue got a bit repetitive as the story went along.
Brooke’s brother in England is getting married and Brooke asks Anna to go with her as her girlfriend. I felt that Anna was different in the beginning than she was as I got to know her. She came across as a competent businesswoman/chef in the beginning and then turned into a cute hot femme. She was always looking out for Brooke and taking care of her. Brooke was an accomplished engineer. She was raised by British diplomats who threw her out of the house when they found out she was queer. Brooke was an introvert and terrified of seeing her parents after 15 years.
My only complaint is that the dialogue got a bit repetitive as the story went along.
August 27, 2025
this was so sweet
January 18, 2025
Ugh
This book was too cute. I loved everything about both love interests, Brooke's brother Nate was adorable, Brooke's two best friends were awesome, and the lack of any sort of break up was refreshing. Just the right amount of spice to make a spice addict happy, but the slow burn was what really took this story to the next level. I didn't know I loved a good slow burn until I kept coming back for more of this masterpiece. I peeped the hundreds of reviews and I wasn't sure if the story would be as great as the star rating suggested, but this was even better. 100/10 stars, I stg.
This book was too cute. I loved everything about both love interests, Brooke's brother Nate was adorable, Brooke's two best friends were awesome, and the lack of any sort of break up was refreshing. Just the right amount of spice to make a spice addict happy, but the slow burn was what really took this story to the next level. I didn't know I loved a good slow burn until I kept coming back for more of this masterpiece. I peeped the hundreds of reviews and I wasn't sure if the story would be as great as the star rating suggested, but this was even better. 100/10 stars, I stg.
July 12, 2025
➥ 3.75 stars ⋆˚࿔
I had so so so much fun doing a buddy read with @MarsBar for this book!! Thank you so much for doing this with me, can’t wait for the next one<33
➥ Things I liked :
- Anna Fourchette. (Aren’t we all a little bit in love with her?)
- The banter and flirting!!
- Nate and Mel !!!! Loved them so much
- All the adorable things Brooke and Anna said to/did for each other🫶🏻
!Spoilers below!
➥ Things I disliked :
- Everything happened sooo fast. Yes they’d been crushing on each other for 11 months but they hadn’t even flirted before the trip, and after 4 days together they’re already saying they’re in love with each other??? That was so quick😭 The author was definitely aware of how fast it was going because Brooke kept talking about the number of things she didn’t know about Anna, her life, her personality, etc…
- The epilogue only being two days later. We needed a long term update💔
Overall I’m kinda disappointed that I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would but I look forward to reading more books by Emily K. Hardy :)
Review first posted on July 12, 2025
I had so so so much fun doing a buddy read with @MarsBar for this book!! Thank you so much for doing this with me, can’t wait for the next one<33
➥ Things I liked :
- Anna Fourchette. (Aren’t we all a little bit in love with her?)
- The banter and flirting!!
- Nate and Mel !!!! Loved them so much
- All the adorable things Brooke and Anna said to/did for each other🫶🏻
!Spoilers below!
➥ Things I disliked :
- Everything happened sooo fast. Yes they’d been crushing on each other for 11 months but they hadn’t even flirted before the trip, and after 4 days together they’re already saying they’re in love with each other??? That was so quick😭 The author was definitely aware of how fast it was going because Brooke kept talking about the number of things she didn’t know about Anna, her life, her personality, etc…
- The epilogue only being two days later. We needed a long term update💔
Overall I’m kinda disappointed that I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would but I look forward to reading more books by Emily K. Hardy :)
Review first posted on July 12, 2025
January 10, 2025
Gem
I stumbled across this absolute gem. Main characters and supporting characters made me feel like nights out with friends. I was totally involved with the plot and its twist and turn. Highly recommended for romance lovers!
I stumbled across this absolute gem. Main characters and supporting characters made me feel like nights out with friends. I was totally involved with the plot and its twist and turn. Highly recommended for romance lovers!
October 11, 2025
I hate to be in the minority here but this was 400+ pages of fluff and by the time I realised there wasn't going to be any substance in this book I was too stubborn to leave it as a DNF.
It was so contrived I couldn't even enjoy the sexy scenes near the end. I needed a lot more push-pull for this to feel genuine.
It was so contrived I couldn't even enjoy the sexy scenes near the end. I needed a lot more push-pull for this to feel genuine.
January 19, 2025
Lovely read - will certainly look out for other books by EKH. Brokered love is one of my favourite genes… Recommended.
April 14, 2025
Good base, poor execution. So frustrated by how many times they use each other's real and pet names, like please ffs... no real complication or angst, it was just meh, confused by the high ratings.
December 27, 2024
Dang I’m really torn on what to rate this because the story started off rough for me and I think around the 55% mark I started like the book more I think for me one of the things was the introduction imo I like books where the character haven’t met yet or at least we can see how they met even though it was talked about and explained we were kinda pushed into the story and for me it was eh. Another thing for me is that I really think this should’ve been dual pov I feel like there was a lot of time i wanted to know but also if felt like pieces would be better filled with Anna’s point of view. So all in all of me just yapping on goodreads I think this book gets a 3.5 ⭐️ don’t hate it
April 13, 2025
Enjoyable read. Not much angst.
February 18, 2026
i genuinely don’t think i can put into words how much i loved this book. the characters were wonderful, i loved them both as if they were real people.
brooke is so soft and genuine and shy and caring, despite all her trauma she is an amazing person
anna is the cutest quirkiest fire cracker, who has her fair share of trauma as well, but is just as amazing and protective
i love me a fake dating, and this was EXACTLY how it should be done, both of them being so in love with each other from the very beginning. the way they were so intuned to each others emotions and able to communicate so easily, it was so touching🥹
the side characters added so much depth to this book, i love a good wedding plot book, especially when done with a good wedding party. the familial relationships as well were so sweet to navigate with nate and mel, and then the way it went with her parents i just really liked.
the banter was also hilarious! i felt like i was genuinely listening in to people have a real conversation while reading this.
overall my heart was literally just melting over and over throughout this entire book, i squealed and kicked my feet over and over again🥹😭😂
brooke is so soft and genuine and shy and caring, despite all her trauma she is an amazing person
anna is the cutest quirkiest fire cracker, who has her fair share of trauma as well, but is just as amazing and protective
i love me a fake dating, and this was EXACTLY how it should be done, both of them being so in love with each other from the very beginning. the way they were so intuned to each others emotions and able to communicate so easily, it was so touching🥹
the side characters added so much depth to this book, i love a good wedding plot book, especially when done with a good wedding party. the familial relationships as well were so sweet to navigate with nate and mel, and then the way it went with her parents i just really liked.
the banter was also hilarious! i felt like i was genuinely listening in to people have a real conversation while reading this.
overall my heart was literally just melting over and over throughout this entire book, i squealed and kicked my feet over and over again🥹😭😂
January 17, 2026
I Really Do
Swoon city! 🥰❤️
Anna had me swooning, jumping in to help Brooke right away. Her enthusiasm for everything was infectious... it really came off the pages!
Brooke, being shy and timid, is kinda adorable. Especially since she has four black belts lol. Then she had me swooning, gaining a little confidence and being all flirty with Anna.
There were so many moments that had me all giddy and smiling. A slow burn that really sizzled thoughout the book. Such a good read!
Swoon city! 🥰❤️
Anna had me swooning, jumping in to help Brooke right away. Her enthusiasm for everything was infectious... it really came off the pages!
Brooke, being shy and timid, is kinda adorable. Especially since she has four black belts lol. Then she had me swooning, gaining a little confidence and being all flirty with Anna.
There were so many moments that had me all giddy and smiling. A slow burn that really sizzled thoughout the book. Such a good read!
March 11, 2026
“I can’t let myself fall, knowing full well that she’s not going to catch me” - Brooke (Chapter 6, Page 97)
This entire book was so cute and endearing from beginning to end. I absolutely loved this fresh new take of fake dating to a whole other level. As a reader, I’m quite used to the friends to lovers fake dating with a lot of angst. This book however was quite different and very refreshing without the angst moments. Without the angst it truly made me appreciate the development of Anna and Brooke’s relationship develop.
From the very beginning it was heavily implied that both Anna and Brooke had been longing for another. For instance, Brooke and her friends would always visit Anna’s restaurant once a week to socialize and see one another. However, Brooke had also looked forward to seeing Anna and without Brooke’s knowledge Anna had secretly anticipated seeing her there every week as well.
Something that I really enjoyed was the amount of flirty yet light hearted moments between Brooke and Anna. From the get go Anna had been the more bold one to initiate the flirting and Brooke would pick off of what Anna said. Their flirting was a constant throughout the book but it was not forced or unappealing to read. Instead it naturally flowed and was very pleasing. The amount of times I blushed each page is really unbelievable but it truly enhanced my experience while reading.
Overall, I truly love everything about this book. From its soft moments to its more serious moments. I definitely recommended others to read if you’re into a more soft and sweet romantic read without angst.
This entire book was so cute and endearing from beginning to end. I absolutely loved this fresh new take of fake dating to a whole other level. As a reader, I’m quite used to the friends to lovers fake dating with a lot of angst. This book however was quite different and very refreshing without the angst moments. Without the angst it truly made me appreciate the development of Anna and Brooke’s relationship develop.
From the very beginning it was heavily implied that both Anna and Brooke had been longing for another. For instance, Brooke and her friends would always visit Anna’s restaurant once a week to socialize and see one another. However, Brooke had also looked forward to seeing Anna and without Brooke’s knowledge Anna had secretly anticipated seeing her there every week as well.
Something that I really enjoyed was the amount of flirty yet light hearted moments between Brooke and Anna. From the get go Anna had been the more bold one to initiate the flirting and Brooke would pick off of what Anna said. Their flirting was a constant throughout the book but it was not forced or unappealing to read. Instead it naturally flowed and was very pleasing. The amount of times I blushed each page is really unbelievable but it truly enhanced my experience while reading.
Overall, I truly love everything about this book. From its soft moments to its more serious moments. I definitely recommended others to read if you’re into a more soft and sweet romantic read without angst.
July 4, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Okay so first off, shoutout to @clara ౨ৎ for doing this buddy read with me. I had a lot of fun! Looking forward to the next one :)
Now onto the book - I Really Do was a cute lighthearted story centred around Brooke, a woman estranged from her family who at the last minute gets invited to her brother’s wedding. The catch? He wants her to bring her girlfriend/partner and Brooke is oh so single. Enter - Anna, the woman Brooke’s had a secret crush on for the past year or so. I think you see where this is going haha. I definitely enjoyed the fake dating trope in this story and found both MCs to be absolutely adorable! The chemistry was there and the spice when we finally reached it was hot 🔥
Spoilers below:
The reason this wasn’t quite a 4 and above for me was for a couple of reasons. The first being that the MCs declared their love for each other unbelievably fast… they hadn’t had a real conversation before the week or so away for the wedding, and then when they did have a conversation about their feelings during that week they were suddenly both in love. That was pretty far fetched to me.
Secondly, the epilogue is only two days after they get back from the wedding so we don’t get to see any real development in their relationship or where they might be in the future. If we had gotten to see more of them as an actual couple for a portion of the book this might’ve been fine, but we only got them as a couple near the end so that was a bit disappointing.
Overall I did enjoy this and loved the MCs, though some changes could have made it ultimately better in my opinion :)
Okay so first off, shoutout to @clara ౨ৎ for doing this buddy read with me. I had a lot of fun! Looking forward to the next one :)
Now onto the book - I Really Do was a cute lighthearted story centred around Brooke, a woman estranged from her family who at the last minute gets invited to her brother’s wedding. The catch? He wants her to bring her girlfriend/partner and Brooke is oh so single. Enter - Anna, the woman Brooke’s had a secret crush on for the past year or so. I think you see where this is going haha. I definitely enjoyed the fake dating trope in this story and found both MCs to be absolutely adorable! The chemistry was there and the spice when we finally reached it was hot 🔥
Spoilers below:
The reason this wasn’t quite a 4 and above for me was for a couple of reasons. The first being that the MCs declared their love for each other unbelievably fast… they hadn’t had a real conversation before the week or so away for the wedding, and then when they did have a conversation about their feelings during that week they were suddenly both in love. That was pretty far fetched to me.
Secondly, the epilogue is only two days after they get back from the wedding so we don’t get to see any real development in their relationship or where they might be in the future. If we had gotten to see more of them as an actual couple for a portion of the book this might’ve been fine, but we only got them as a couple near the end so that was a bit disappointing.
Overall I did enjoy this and loved the MCs, though some changes could have made it ultimately better in my opinion :)
March 16, 2025
The book offers several funny and heartwarming scenes that add charm to the story.
Brooke’s frequent blushing and mentions of “red ears” became repetitive, detracting from character depth. To me, I found Brooke a bit bland and made it difficult to understand Anna’s attraction from her perspective.
While the opposites-attract trope is appealing, the rapid progression of Brooke and Anna’s relationship felt unrealistic given their limited/ small prior interaction.
If you’re looking for a breezy romantic comedy without much drama, this could be an enjoyable pick.
Brooke’s frequent blushing and mentions of “red ears” became repetitive, detracting from character depth. To me, I found Brooke a bit bland and made it difficult to understand Anna’s attraction from her perspective.
While the opposites-attract trope is appealing, the rapid progression of Brooke and Anna’s relationship felt unrealistic given their limited/ small prior interaction.
If you’re looking for a breezy romantic comedy without much drama, this could be an enjoyable pick.
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