Faking It With the Guy Next Door

Sisters and Sweethearts #3

by Kate O'Keeffe

When I moved back home to run my family's café in small-town Washington, I never expected my toughest challenge to be the handsome coffee shop mogul next door.

Oliver Langdon might have chiseled features and charm that could melt butter, but he's also the mastermind behind Steamy Coffee—the chain threatening to put my beloved café out of business. And okay, maybe I flirted with him before I knew he was the enemy. And maybe he makes my heart race faster than a double shot of espresso when he smirks at me over our shared property line.

But I've got this under control. At least until my cheating ex shows up, and Oliver swoops in as my fake boyfriend. Now I'm getting a taste of what it would be like to have him on my side, and it's more addictive than my signature caramel latte.
Between stolen kisses and secret meetings, the line between fake and real is getting blurrier by the day. I know I should stick to my business plan: crush the competition and save my café.

There's just one problem—I might be falling for the competition instead.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Chick Lit, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Ebooks

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2023

About the author

Kate O'Keeffe is a USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author who writes exactly what she loves to read: laugh-out-loud romantic comedies with swoon-worthy heroes and gorgeous feel-good happily ever afters. She lives and loves in beautiful Hawke's Bay, New Zealand with her family and two scruffy but loveable dogs.

When she's not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), traveling to different countries around the globe (back when we used to be able to do that), and eating chocolate. A lot of it.

Get a free book when you sign up to Kate's newsletter at kateokeeffe.com.

Reviews

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Oliver Langdon is the guy I’m supposed to hate. He’s the guy who’s trying to destroy my aunt’s business. We’re enemies, pitted against one another in this battle of the coffeeshops. It’s a battle I’m determined to win.”

I loved this enemies to lovers romcom with such a fun You’ve Got Mail vibe!

When Marlowe Cole’s seemingly perfect life blows up in her face, she leaves Seattle and goes back home to Hunters Creek to work in her aunt’s coffee shop.

She meets Oliver Langdon and can’t help but be charmed by his good looks and fun, flirty personality, until she finds out he’s opening a coffee shop across the street from her, and seemingly has no qualms about putting her out of business.

Feelings start to change and the attraction deepens as they get to know each other. The banter, sparks, and chemistry between these two is fantastic, and the ending was just so good!

I really loved Marlowe’s fire and sass! And I loved how she helped Oliver see that he was enough after living in the shadow of his Golden Boy older brother.

What I loved:
☕️ Small town romance
☕️ Her supportive family
☕️ Swimming at the pond
☕️ The Paint Incident
☕️ Locked up together in the coffeeshop
☕️ Epilogue

This is the third book in the Second Chance Café Series, but can be read as a standalone.

Many thanks to the author for a digital copy!

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

The oldest of the three sisters finally gets her book. My heart broke for Marlowe at the beginning. The instant connection between Marlowe and Oliver was great but you knew there would be tension given the nature of their relationship. Lovely end to the series.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Marlowe's heart is broken, she moves back to her small hometown to help run her aunt's cafe. A new arrival in town, Oliver, catches her eye and makes her reconsider swearing off men. Until she finds out Oliver is opening a coffee shop. ACROSS THE STREET from her family’s cafe. Then it's GAME ON as she fights to hold onto market share. 

It's the perfect sweet clean romance with so much small town charm. A little sprinkling of enemies to lovers with a meddling group of old ladies and some fabulous sisters, it is everything I love in romance. 

It's clean but their attraction is palpable, and their kisses swoony. It's the perfect sweet romance, rated PG vs G. 

This is book 3 in the series, but can totally be read on its own. 

[Emily Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking It with the Guy Next Door
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Kate O’Keeffe

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Kate O’Keeffe and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: He's hot. He's charming. He's new in town. And he's trying to destroy me. As if Hunter’s Creek wasn’t already serving up enough drama, in walks Oliver Langdon, the shining star of the coffee conglomerate, Steamy Coffee. He’s giving my Aunt Sheila's Second Chance Café a run for its apple pies, but guess who's now steering the ship? That’d be me, Marlowe Cole, returned to my hometown and ready for battle. Sure, Oliver's got that whole tall, dark, and seriously-stop-being-so-handsome vibe going on. But let's not get carried away here. Chiseled jawlines aren't my kryptonite. Although I’ll admit to a seriously hot flirtation between us, and perhaps I may have had a teensy desire for more? But that was before I knew who he was, and now that I do, there’s no way Mr. Corporate Coffee is brewing romance in my life.

Or at least that was the plan. The problem is, sometimes you can let things like someone trying to destroy your aunt’s business cloud your judgment. And then you get to know the real person behind the corporate clout and things… change. Sparks fly. Feelings are shared. Perhaps there’s even a life-changing kiss. Which puts me in a frothy mess when half the town rallies behind me, trying to push Steamy Coffee out. Talk about awkward. The two of us are now caught in a showdown spicier than Oliver's overpriced triple shot lattes and here I am, putting on an Oscar-worthy performance, pretending that I'm totally immune to his charms. I’m faking that I'm on Team Get Lost. But between us? I'm secretly waving the flag for Stay With Me Forever.

My Thoughts: This is the third book in the Second Chance Cafe series. I was so happy to see Marlowe get a book after meeting her in the first book. Marlowe, the oldest sister, is in Seattle living her best life. She has an amazing job, a great apartment, and is dating her boss. While entertaining her younger sister, she sees said boyfriend/boss kissing another woman. When confronting them, she learns that he is married! She leaves the guy, quits the job, gives up her apartment and moves back home to Hunter’s Creek. She is running her Aunt’s coffee shop, Second Chance Cafe, while her Aunt is helping her Uncle recover from some medical stuff. Then next door, a national chain coffee store opens up and along with it, a very cute and single guy running it. They are rivals. They cannot be in a relationship. Well until he bails her out from the ex trying to creep back up. Then everything changes, or does it? This follows the tropes of enemies to lovers, faking dating, small town romance, and rivalry competition.

This is part of a series, but could be read as a standalone. The story is a dual narration between Marlowe and Oliver, which I always love the dual narration, as you get the complete picture, including internal monologue. Marlowe is independent, a force to be reckoned with, loyal to a fault, and feisty. Oliver has struggled trying to fit into his mother’s world, charming, sexy, and looking for his place to fit in the world. The characters were well fleshed out, had depth, witty banter, so much chemistry, were creative, and intriguing. The supporting characters were top notch and were thrilled to see updates on both Harper and Ryn’s relationships, and let’s not forget The Ladies Committee, love them! The author’s writing style was complex, clean, crisp, funny, swoon-perfect, and brilliant. I love O’Keeffe’s writing style. The angst tension built up coupled with the rivalry between the two coffee shops, the swoon-loving moments, and the Happily Ever After that Marlowe desperately deserves is just perfect and will warm your heart from the inside out.

This is a closed romance with kissing only. Personally, I love both type of romances. I am grateful to be on a few indie author’s ARC groups and love every launch we do. This one was no different. It was sweet, endearing, heartwarming, funny romantic read. Oliver is probably one of my top swoon-worthy book boyfriends! The feelings it inspires is similar to a Hallmark Christmas Movie. If you love Savannah Scott or Emma St. Claire, you will love this story. I highly recommend picking up today!
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[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything I love best about ‘enemies to lovers’ stories. There’s so much drama and tension. And, because this is Hunter’s Creek, there’s a whole lot of the absurd going on every day. Marlowe and Oliver aren’t even like oil and water, they’re more like fire and gasoline: completely explosive. They kind of only had two modes – fighting and falling for one another. But I didn’t mind that in the least. Their banter was so much fun when they were fighting, and when they were falling, they were just too cute for words. I hate the thought that with the last of the Cole sisters happily coupled up, we may have reached the end of the series. I’m not in any way prepared to let go of these characters just yet.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Dawn aka wolfinbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

“As Ryn pulls Marlowe away, she looks back at me and something in her eyes tells me that maybe, just maybe, the fake could in fact become real. And that hope has me wanting to punch the air.”
☕️☕️☕️☕️
The oldest Cole sister, Marlowe, returns home from a heartbreak. As she works in family cafe a new coffee franchise moves across the street with a very handsome owner! Tension ensues, fake dating, turns to love!

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I had been eagerly anticipating the release of this book, having already read the previous two books in the series. The story mainly focused on Marlowe, the oldest daughter of the Cole family. It was a simple, enjoyable read and had some humorous moments, however, it wasn't my favorite book in the series. The pace was a bit slow, and towards the end, I found myself skimming the pages to reach the conclusion. I would like to express my gratitude to Hidden Gems for providing me with the ARC.

[Kahlen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, was this bad. Their chemistry was nonexistent, their banter was painful. Everything was so spelled out and repeated. Their back and forth of the same issue made me want to pull my hair out. I almost dnfed it multiple times but decided to stick it out. It almost felt like an AI wrote this based on the sweet romance genre. I liked her first book in the series enough to want to read more so I’m a little thrown.

[Megan (messybun.bookishfun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

in and out of love

In Faking it with the Guy Next Door there is a lot of “in love” then “outta love and enemies” over and over again. Mostly due to miscommunication between parities and a bit of a controlling mother.

Other than that, this story of competing coffeehouses is really cute.

[Sarah (tn.bibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to Lovers
Business Rivalry
Neighbors
Small Town
Opposites Attract
Closed Door Romance

This romance sparkles with enemies-to-lovers energy and delicious next-door tension. The small-town business rivalry adds humor and heart, while the chemistry makes every page shine.

Content Warnings:
-Kisses only
-No language

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking on the Coffee Giant . . .

Marlowe Cole’s younger sister insisted she take a chance on Zorbing, which is a ride down a hill inside a huge ball while wearing a bathing suit – because there is a bit of water in the ball with you. She tried to resist, but her enthusiastic sister convinced her to try it. It was fun, she admitted, as they walked back up. She noticed a couple kissing and embracing and he reminded her of her own boss-boyfriend Mike Warner who had to catch the red eye to Chicago for a conference today. The kiss ends and the smiling man is wearing Mike’s smile! And he’s definitely cheating on her, especially when the woman is wearing a wedding band! Is he cheating with a married woman? But when Mike doesn’t introduce her, the woman says she is Cara Warren and says her husband has forgotten his manners! Ryn, Marlowe’s sister, asks Cara why she claims to live in the same house as Mike when she is divorced… but Cara says they are not divorced as Mike had told everyone. They have been married 5 years now. Marlowe ripped off the necklace he gave her, gave it back to him and walked away.

Oliver Langdon is attending a meeting with the corporate coffee company, Steamy Coffee, where his mother is his boss, whom he describes as a Rottweiler. He is giving a presentation on their new company branding. Oregon, California, and Nevada love the change. But small coffee shops in Washington state hate the advertising with the images flaunting partially dressed people drinking their coffee and the new logo that “Things are getting hot at Steamy Coffee”. Oliver doesn’t like it either, but it seems to work well everywhere but the rural areas. One of the Board members suggested Hunter’s Creek. They have an annual festival and a couple of coffee shops, so lots of people from all over will be there. And a movie was filmed there and would be coming out that summer at the same weekend as the festival. Perfect timing to advertise the new branding! And the Hollywood star in the movie’s lead role was Oliver’s roommate at college. Oliver refused to use his old buddy for their advertising push, but his mother insists. So Oliver volunteers to move to the small town and make preparations. In the battle that arises, with the town supporting Marlowe against the big-time coffee man, what side will she end up on as she falls hard for the “enemy”?

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Kate O'Keefe, you brighten up my day, this book has a real feelgood factor and I loved it.
This can't be happening, Mike Warner, my boss, the man who swears his undying love, the man I dream of marrying and having his babies, the man who should be in Chicago on business, is in front of me kissing and looking lovingly into the eyes of another woman...........a woman who happens to be his wife, a wife that I knew nothing about.
Marlow leaves her high powered job in Seattle and heads home to Hunters Creek with her tail between her legs , she has no idea what she is going to do. Hunters Creek is a quaint old town where everyone knows everyone else but to Marlow it is home, a place where she has unconditional love.
Marlow puts the past as far behind her as she can, she takes over running her Aunt Sheila's cafe, "The Second Chance Cafe" whilst her aunt is taking care of her sick husband, she can relax here, there is no pressure and everyone has her back, that is until.............
The gorgeous hunk with the sexy smile and chiseled jaw,the man who Marlow had been drooling over at the pool had a surprise for her,not only was he the son of an icon of the business industry, the owner of a chain of high class coffee shops "Steamy Coffee" but he was opening a branch in Hunters Creek, directly opposite The Second Chance Cafe, would the people of Hunters Creek, people that she had known all her life desert her? would the competition close her down ?
This very funny story follows the romance of Marlow and Oliver, the hurdles that they had to climb to reach their HEA, the banter is brilliantly witty, the attraction off the charts but will Oliver follow the wishes of his power hungry mother, the mother that thinks that he is a failure, will he prove his worth by shutting down The Second Chance cafe, the cafe that Marlow has fought so hard to keep open, will the banner waving residents be placated with free coffee and expensive prizes.
This book had held my attention from the first page, it is witty, light hearted and also emotional, a great read.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary,

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading this review, grab a cup of your favorite mugged beverage and find a comfy place to sit!
 
The third installment in the Second Chance Café series is all about Marlowe, the eldest sister of the trio of Cole sisters!  Marlowe has been living a pretty good life in Seattle up until recently when with one spontaneous outing convinces her to move back home to Hunter’s Creek!  Now, she’s currently the manager of the Second Chance Café while her Aunt Shelia is standing by Uncle Johnny as he goes through chemo!  And for the most part, Marlowe has let the past die away, even when she encounters a new to town stranger at the pond! 
 
Flipside of the coin, so to speak, the new to town stranger, Oliver has come to town to start a new business venture for his family’s company that could threaten the very life ring that Marlowe has clung to.  He isn’t about to tell Marlowe this little secret after learning her identity!  Meanwhile, his secrecy is giving flight to the Ladies’ Committee (meddling gossips) trying to matchmake the two.
 
As the story continues to play out, the truth works its way to the surface, but it does little to discourage the efforts in pairing the two together!  The meddling seems to work until the higher ups at his company and her past are determined to drive them headfirst into a tizzy! 
 
All in all, this story was quite enjoyable- minus a few cringy things but that’s life!  The chemistry between the protagonists is off the charts and it leaves you cheering for all the best of things!  The Ladies’ Committee, who have been all three books, are awesome- they steal the show sometimes too!  These women are the backbone of the series and this town!  I can’t imagine the books without them!  The incorporation of the other Cole sisters is nice as this story also serves to catch you up on their lives and relationships that were focal points in the other novels! 
 
Now that your drink is likely gone, top yourself off and dive into this book!  Bravo Kate!  5⭐️/5

[clean.reads.corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance is brewing in Hunter's Creek! (sorry, I couldn't resist)

"I shouldn't have gotten personally involved. This is business. Nothing more. Told you I was the villain in this story."

"My entire body is on alert and I finally understand how one kiss could change your entire life. One kiss with Oliver Langdon."

Read if you like:
* Dual POV
* Enemies to Lovers (Business Rivals)
* Flirty Banter
* Small Town
* Closed Door
* Part of a series/can be read as a stand alone

This is the third book in the Second Chance Cafe series and this time it's Marlowe Cole's turn to find love. Enter Oliver Langdon and his big chain Steamy Coffee, sent to put the Second Chance Cafe out of business, but not if Marlowe has anything to say about it. This story is full of You've Got Mail, big chain vs. small independent store, vibes set in the small town of Hunter's Creek.

Oliver and Marlowe meet and sparks fly before they realize they are business rivals, each trying to be THE coffee spot on Main Street, and sparks fly for a different reason. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. The banter vacillates between flirty and argumentative in the best way. Both MCs have hurts in their past that they need to work through and I love that the author has given them full character arcs that allow them the growth necessary to arrive at their HEA.

Favorites:
* Meet cute at the pond
* The Empress Collective
* Painting the bandstand
* Rescuing Marlowe from Mike
* Hunter's Creek Summer Festival
* Mr. Hottie McCoffee
* Ferris Wheel
* "Stupid Coffee"
* Reservation for Rick Blaine
* Waterfall
* Oliver taking a stand
* Locked in Steamy Coffee
* First Kiss
* The Epilogue

This series is so much fun. Kate O'Keeffe has captured the small town feel. This is the third book in the series and can absolutely be read as a stand alone. However, you will enjoy all of the little cameos from past books if read in order.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like a good, fun rom com where the woman is stubborn for different reasons and the man...just a stubborn but for only one reason - her. We follow two POVs, Marlowe, the woman trying to run her aunt's coffee shop, Second Chance, but also trying to ignore the growing attraction between her and the Oliver (the other POV) who is opening a new, franchised coffee shop across the street from her. Insults are thrown, assumptions are made, coffee is brewed, and kisses are being had - how can it get any better?

Marlowe took some warming up for me because of her overly stubborn personality. This also includes a few times making so many assumptions about Oliver and the company he runs (almost sounded like Oliver and Company, I love that movie!). But being someone who was cheated on and found out about it in an awful way, I can excuse it. Oliver was bit more fun to like. I actually liked how these two kind of existed and had their fun little banter.

The story was really well written and easy to follow. It's hard not to like a small town story where everybody's noses are in your lives, and love lives. I'm not sure I entirely agreed with the outcome when it came to the two coffee houses...it almost felt like the ending of an overly sappy Hallmark Movie, which are not my favorite. Despite that, I still enjoyed the story. Definitely like the references made from You've Got Mail - also a great movie.

Other than infidelity, talks of sickness, and family drama - I found no real triggers for this book. Would be recommend for those that like a fun little 'enemies' to friends, to 'enemies' to lovers type story.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

“‘That sounds like a classic love story to me. Two people pitted against one another who cannot deny their mutual feelings. It’s like that old movie, You’ve Got Mail.’” This book is another sweet, Hallmark movie style story featuring one of the Cole sisters, set in small town Hunter’s Creek. The author once again pokes a little bit of fun at the genre but also delivers exactly what we love about it. It’s sweet, cute, fun, and funny. All with the requisite romantic payout. Marlowe, the eldest Cole sister, is back home and running her aunt’s cafe after the dramatic implosion of both her romantic and work lives. (Note to self: don’t date your boss.) Oliver, an employee of the big coffee industry, (not to mention, son of the company founder, with a drive to finally impress mommy dearest) opens his company’s newest coffee shop in Hunter’s Creek and this means war. “Oliver Langdon equals the villain in this story.” Never mind the intense attraction “brewing” between Marlowe and Oliver, Marlowe is determined not to let big coffee shutter her cafe, and Oliver is just as set on his shop’s success. Of course love finds a way once it becomes important enough. “‘Who wants a perfect love story, anyway? And ours is a love story. The best love story.’” The epilogue is sweet and wonderful for wrapping up the series, although I would be very happy to see more of the town and its residents. This is a closed door story with light innuendo no harsh language.

[Marine Bresse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
I’ve been waiting for Marlowe’s story ever since meeting her in Harper’s story (her sister - Faking it with the grump) & it did not disappoint!! I loved getting to know her more & meeting Oliver!! My goodness!! I don’t usually tend to have favorite book boyfriends, but sometimes one really catch my attention & Oliver did just that!!! For him alone I’d read the book 😋
Also, I’d love to have an Oliver pinterest board or moodboard if Kate O’Keefe would be willing to create one 😊 Juuuuust to have a physical visual representation of the character she so beautifully crafted.

It’s a cute, swoony story where you’ll get to laugh. Marlowe is back home managing her aunt’s café in their little lumberjack town. Enter Oliver, handsome out of towner, opening a rival café just across the street from hers (+ his is a nationwide established big corporate founded by his mother - not the sweet & caring kind of mom). Add a couple of mending hearts, an ex who has no place to be here, funny & supportive sisters (all 3 of them, 2 are hers, 1 is his), & a heavy dose of meddling ladies (loved the newly appointed title of the Empress Collective 🤣).

In short, go read this cute story, have fun with them, swoon a little bit over Oliver & have yourself a coffee 😋 (Option to wear a flannel shirt while doing so).

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you both simultaneously love and loathe a book? Because I feel like that's how I feel about Faking It With the Guy Next Door. Now bear with me, because I know this initial sentence may not seem like it jives with the star rating I gave this book.


Enemies to lovers isn't usually my favorite kind of trope. The tension and bickering is usually too much for me. And with these two running two coffeehouses in competition with one another, one the big chain coffee place and the other the local favorite, there's definitely enemy moments. There were times I wanted to knock Marlowe and Oliver's heads together and shout "work it out!" But somehow, this book has ended up being my favorite in the series? And I don't even know if I can fully describe why. The chemistry? The banter, when it wasn't focused on getting jabs at each other? The paint fight scene? Maybe because the romantic comedy aspect adds humor which tempers the bickering? I don't know but there was a lot to love.


I enjoyed Marlowe as a character. She definitely wasn't afraid to stand up for herself as a woman trying to run a successful business against all odds. I also enjoyed Oliver as the male lead, though he did have many moments where he made me roll my eyes. This was a fun book to read that really pulled me into the story and the setting. The whole series was good but I felt like each book kept getting better. Highly recommend!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is awesome, it’s smile a minute fun to read. Coffee wars when Oliver’s mum gives him a gentle push to get the corporate logo of their coffee corporation known in the small towns starting with Hunter’s Creek , not just a coincidence that his roommate mate from college has just made a film in the location , or that there’s a festival happening at the same time as advertising and the film release, his mother is ruthless because Oliver wanted not a bar of it and we’re not talking the slab of chocolate used for the shavings atop of the specialty luxury cream topped coffee blends . Marlowe moves back to her hometown and makes good coffee, she falls for Oliver in a big way and he feels the same for her but they are enemies The explosive chemistry arcs off the page , when they’re fighting with so much passion they have to let off a bit of steam … and no not the barista machine type… When the township go all out and backs Marlowe she’s up in arms fighting alongside but all she really wants is to be in his arms. Great writing , love how easy reading it is , and immersive.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicky W. (Bookstacks_and_Coffeecups) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Faking It With The Guy Next Door
By Kate O’Keefe
Book 3 Second Chance Cafe series.

I loved being back in plaid shirt filled, Hunters Creek at the Second Chance Cafe with Marlowe and the Hunters Creek Ladies Committee.

With this third book we get oldest sister Marlowes story. From the moment she meets Oliver sparks fly despite the fact that she’s wary and nursing a broken heart. Unfortunately it turns out he’s also opening a competing coffee shop across the street.

Things I loved:
☕️Oliver Oliver Oliver 😍
☕️pond creatures with names
☕️Marlowe and Ryn’s tik tok dances
☕️faulty coffee machines
☕️almost kisses
☕️paint fight
☕️fake dating
☕️Ferris Wheels
☕️security systems
☕️protective almost brother in laws
☕️character growth

This is definitely the book for you if you want You’ve Got Mail set in Stars Hollow vibes.
There was so much joy in this whole series and I’m sad it’s done. Kate O’Keefe has such a lovely way with her characters and world building that you feel like you’re a part of the town. You smell the coffee brewing and the fresh pie from the cafe.

Thanks to Kate O’Keefe for the Advance Copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, Clean and Funny Small Town Rom-Com with Great Characters and All the Feels

This book has everything to make it perfect so I couldn't put it down. It has small town "You've Got Mail" vibes with an adorable meet-cute, until Marlowe finds out that Oliver is opening his family's competing large chain coffee shop across the street from her family's cafe. There is crazy chemistry between them, a night accidentally locked in his shop where they really get to know each other, some fake dates to avoid her creepy ex, the matchmaking "Hunter Creek Ladies", and all kinds of well meaning people "helping to save the Second Chance Cafe. And while they both have past issues (he ex, his mom/family) - they are perhaps better worked through together? This book is part of a wonderful series, and characters from earlier books do make cameos, but it is easily read as a standalone (although they are all wonderful) - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doing right instead of being right

This book did a very nice job of wrapping up all the threads of the series storylines in addition to putting its own twist in the history of this small Washington state town.
I love Marlowe and Oliver. Coffee brought the two of them together as competitors in a 'coffeeshop wars' in picturesque Hunter's Creek. I liked that Oliver, despite the franchise expectations, kept working toward a 'win-win' solution and peaceful coexistance. But Marlowe needed to use all her marketing training to hold her own in an field where competition is fierce and profit margins are tight to keep the doors open at her aunt's small diner.
I did have a bone to pick with the franchise location's security system that would never be approved by commercial building code as a fire escape hazard. But it was very effective in providing a place where the couple could not be interrupted while they talked out some major issues.

I purchased a copy of this story in a series collection boxset from Amazon and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to Marlowe's story since the start of Second Chance Cafe, and it certainly doesn't disappoint. The whole story is totally better than I expected, it's true about saving the best till last. Marlowe's returned home feeling not only a failure in her work life but also her personal life. After finding out her ex was still married and spliting his time between them, she had no choice but to go back to Hunters Creek. Then there's Oliver always trying to prove himself to his mom but never quite succeeding. This book has everything you want from meddling ladies, temperamental coffee machines, self locking doors let's just say its a laugh a minute. I found myself wishing these characters were actually real, just so I could go visit the wonderful friendly town. I think its clear I totally loved the book and hopefully you will too. I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC copy and this is my own personal and honest opinion and review of the book

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and satisfying:
What a fun small town, enemies to lovers romance! I loved the humour that was woven throughout and that I instantly felt drawn into all that was going on. I especially appreciated that whilst there was drama and angst, it nevertheless still was a delightful and uplifting story.
Marlowe and Oliver made such a cute couple and although they had their fair share of obstacles, it was wonderful seeing them fight against the tide in order to be together.
Personally I would recommend reading this as part of the series as there are interconnecting characters and the previous books help to set the stage for this small town and it's rather eccentric yet lovable citizens.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Felice Mikelberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking It With the Guy Next Door is a wonderful romance set in the Pacific Northwest -- filled with flirty exchanges, swoonful moments, and plenty of mishaps (loved the Paint Incident!). Visiting with the Cole sisters again, Marlowe, Harper, and Ryn, was like checking in on friends you haven't seen in a while, and I was so happy these characters were included in a romance that focuses on Marlowe and Oliver. And what a romance! In between the miscommunications, the main message of trusting one's instincts and taking time to really listen to one another is powerful. Kate O'Keeffe's books are always fun, and I always seem to learn a little something extra each time. Can't wait for her new story.

[Tara Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in Second Chances series but can be read as a standalone story. Marlowe is the oldest of the three sisters. She just went through a terrible breakup and moved back home to Hunters Creek. She has taken over her aunts cafe when she meets Oliver at the pond. He’s gorgeous and makes her smile but she’s not ready for a relationship. Unfortunately she finds out he’s in charge of the new chain coffeehouse that opened up across from her cafe. The enemies to lovers story with a little fake dating thrown in makes this story have many twists and turns before Marlowe finally get her happy ending! Thank you Kate for including the epilogue which ties this series up perfectly. I love Oliver and Marlowe together and hope you do too.

[Lisa Proskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Second Chance Cafe series and, although they are standalones, I highly recommend that you read them all! Marlowe is the oldest Cole sister and her life implodes in the first chapter. She returns to live with her family in the small town where she grew up. While running her aunt's cafe, a new big corporate coffee shop opens and she has to work to keep her cafe afloat. at the same time, she gets involved with the person running the competition. What follows is a fun story in a great small town. The characters from Marlowe's family to the mayor of the town and everyone in between are so well developed and make things just flow along. It is a fun, quick paced book with a sweet happily ever after.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

FAKING IT WITH THE GUY NEXT DOOR is not a quirky small down neighbor story like I thought. It is a big city guy, small town girl business rival story and it took me a little while to warm up to Oliver and Marlowe as a couple. Individually, I loved their characters, but Oliver started out as the big corporate giant drying to drive out the small local business - and he had to rub it in. Marlowe was too nice by not saying what she should have said.

But hang on, because as things start to gel, a whole different set of pressures arise beyond small town matchmaking and gossiping town folk. We see Marlowe and Oliver’s true colors as people, not business owners, come through and I enjoyed the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in O'Keeffe's Second Chance Cafe and can easily be read as a standalone. This is Marlowe and Oliver's story and I'm thrilled to have Marlowe's story but sad that she's the last of the Cole sisters which means this is the last in this series. A well written, sweet, small-town romantic comedy. I love Marlowe's character and their dynamic together was just the best. Sweet, amazing chemistry and the laughs are the best! Each book just got better and better and while I hate this series is seemingly at an end, I can't wait to see what's next from O'Keeffe! Such a captivating, fun, smooth flowing story - I loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha Bovee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Second Chance story! Oliver starts out firmly entrenched in the corporate life wanting to prove himself. Marlowe has just come back home from the city after her life has blown up. Thankfully she’s settling in and has realized that she was meant to be in her small town all along. She meets Oliver and has no idea who he is and what he does. When she finally finds out it’s a give and take of one-upping the other and misunderstandings. So many emotions fly between them while trying to coexist from excitement and butterflies to righteous anger to feeling defeated. This one has a great happily ever after.