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Sunset Siesta #0.5

Sunset Charade

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I’m the analyst who avoids bad investments. But pretending to be in love with the maid of honor might be the smartest—and riskiest—move I’ve ever made.


I don’t do charming. I don’t do spontaneous. And I definitely don’t do destination weddings at quirky, sun-bleached resorts in the Florida Keys. I’m here for one reason. My best friend is getting married, and I’m his best man. My plan is simple—deliver my speech, dodge the forced fun, and catch the first flight back to Atlanta.

Then there’s Brynn Vance. She’s the maid of honor with a problem of her own in the form of her aunt’s hand-picked suitor. She needs a fake boyfriend. I need a human shield. Our deal is temporary, efficient, and exactly what we both want.

At least, that’s what I tell myself. Until Brynn’s sharp humor and restless spark get under my skin. Our kisses are supposed to be for show, but the heat between us feels anything but fake. I came here for a quick escape. Instead, I’m risking everything on the one woman who might convince me to stay.

SUNSET CHARADE is a standalone novella and the perfect introduction to the Coleridge siblings and their sprawling family resort. Welcome to the Sunset Siesta series—your new small town romance obsession is waiting!

Note to this book is available at no charge for subscribers. Sign up at erinbrockus(dot)com.

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2025

3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read

About the author

Erin Brockus

53 books830 followers
​Dive into steamy small-town romance, where passion meets paradise!

Award-winning author Erin Brockus writes steamy small town romances that transport readers to exotic, tropical destinations, and provide a perfect beachy getaway from everyday life. Her mature, relatable characters are impossible not to root for, and she weaves breezy romantic adventure into her stories, emphasizing scuba diving and the ocean.

Drawing on her twin passions for diving and travel, Erin infuses her characters and narratives with a sense of excitement and passion. Her idea of the perfect day involves sipping a cocktail on the beach after exploring the ocean depths.

Erin lives in Washington wine country with her husband, who is also a scuba instructor. She is currently hard at work on her next island adventure. When she's not writing, she enjoys running, mountain biking, or enjoying a good book with a cup of coffee.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,452 reviews23 followers
September 10, 2025
Brynn Vance is headed back to Sunset Siesta Resort for her best friend's wedding. Single and free to mingle Brynn is trying to dodge family members trying to set her up when she sees the best man struggling to get out of a conversation with an overzealous guest. Brynn takes a chance and walks over to Dean Mercer as though they are together. Dean is appreciative and the two concoct a plan to shield each other from unwanted attention. They will fake date until the wedding. The guests jump on this new couple and they are thrust into doing couple things together.

Dean and Brynn are spending a lot of time together. Both are in a transitional part of their lives. Brynn is a school teacher. Is she there because she likes it or because it is safe? Dean is a financial planner turned future analyst that is running away from a past of heartache. Since his break up, Dean has been keeping everyone at a distance. He did not want to risk being hurt again, but he also needed to show his ex that he was nobody's doormat. As Brynn and Dean get closer, the lines of their fake relationship are blurred. What will happen when the line of no return is crossed? This book is a great start to what I know will be a wonderful series.
Profile Image for Marea.
384 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2025
What happens when the Maid of Honor and the Best Man decide to help each other out by pretending to be a couple at their friends wedding? The opportunity to realize that maybe playing it safe when it comes not only your job, but your love life isn’t the best.

Brynn and Dean were at Sunset Siesta for the best friend’s destination wedding. They were completely opposite; one was carefree and the other very predictable. When Brynn was put into a situation with her aunt wanting to set her up with some guy, Dean stepped in to rescue her. At first it was fine; they realized that they could help each other out over the wedding but soon realized maybe there was something there. Something they both needed but didn’t realize it because they were looking for something else. There is some love, some heartbreak and some surprises in this new series by Erin Brockus. We have also been graced with characters we have seen before. Can’t wait to see where this is going to take us.

Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Dasha.
327 reviews
September 7, 2025
I really enjoyed the start of the new series Sunset Siesta. I love how the story and the settings take you on a mini vacation to the Florida Keys. The details of the dive is awesome too. I like how this series will be familiar to Calypso Key but a different spin involving the Coleridge kids. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series. I would highly recommend this Novella.
Dean and Brynn know each other casually from Atlanta. It isn't until they are at Dove Key for Holly and Josh's destination wedding, they are the best man and maid of honor respectively, that they actually get to know each other while fake dating to keep Aunt Carol away. Then the fake dating doesn't seem so fake. Both Dean and Brynn are dealing with past relationships and currently stuck in a rut. Things will start to look different when they spend more time with each other in the Florida Keys and priorities might change.
I received this book as an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,202 reviews221 followers
September 9, 2025
5 Star Review Sunset Charade (Sunset Siesta #0.5) by Erin Brockus

I was excited when I heard that Erin Brockus was releasing a new series. If Sunset Charade is anything to go by, then she is off to a good start.

This is Dean and Brynn Vance’s story set in the Florida Keys. They are in Dove Key for the wedding of their friend’s destination wedding.

Thanks to an interfering aunt, Brynn is in need of a fake boyfriend and Dean steps up to help. Having known each other for a while, they believe it shouldn’t be a problem.

However, we all know that fake can morph into real in a heartbeat. Both have had issues in the past with relationships and are wary. Can they trust their feelings?

Sunset Charade is a beautifully written, character driven story that was romantic, passionate, and ticked all the boxes for me.

The descriptive writing took me on a journey that left me smiling. I loved this book.




Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,896 reviews41 followers
September 11, 2025
Stunning setting with idealic scenery and beaches surround this couple as they negotiate a fake relationship to survive the wedding of their best friends. This is second chances and new beginnings, for both. Spending time together diving and revealing bits of themselves by talking, but there is a pull, a chemistry that teases and tugs at them. Will they take a risk? Well I've read this and it lives up to the angst and romance of The Island Hope series. Decisions need to be made, clasping at gifts thrown like curveballs to tempt and change everything for something that could be infinitely better. I lost myself to the romance, the heat and this couple, the setting and the thought of lime ice cream, which honestly made my mouth water. This is a beach read any romantic reader wouldn't want to miss and the good news is more is coming in this new series. I'm definitely keen to get my hands on the next one and have it sweep me away to ocean breezes, sounds of the surf and beautiful sunsets.
594 reviews
September 7, 2025
Sunset. Charade

Brynn, not long ago, had her fiancé tell her she was too wild and unpredictable to spend his life with. Dean, one month before he was to marry the love of his life, was told by her that he was nothing but predictable and nothing but a doormat. Both at opposite ends of the same dismissal. Brynn hurried herself in normal everyday life, teaching third graders until life had become an unending cycle. Dean made himself very well to do at plus six figures a year, a penthouse, with minimal lifestyle of black and white never letting others get close. While at their best friends wedding being forced upon, people neither liked decided to fake it as lovers. This is their story of how fake their fake became closer to the truth than either expected. Erin knocks this story out of the park.
Profile Image for Lou Li Reads.
474 reviews11 followers
September 12, 2025
A little taster novella to Erin's brand new series and what a starter! Dean and Brynn start out as fake dated to their best friends wedding and only after a few days, all that was fake is ridiculously real, but too real for Dean to handle and he swans back to his life in Atlanta. Brynn however is struggling to go back to her old life and decides to say in Florida and attempts to make her dreams come true, despite missing Dean a whole lot more than she should. Obviously Dean comes to his senses, because, who wouldn't when it comes to Brynn!? A so their HEA starts with the start of the new series. Can't wait to read more from the Sunset Siesta resort and all those Coleridge siblings!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
93 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2025
What a good book! We have Brynn and Dean as our two main characters. They agree to be each other's 'fake date' during the wedding weekend of their best friends. And of course, the fake turns into something else.
I've read lots of 'fake' tropes...this one felt about as real as one could get! I understood the feelings of both MCs. Both Brynn and Dean had obstacles they needed to overcome, and it was a challenge for each of them. Could they do it, and find their way?
As with all of Erin Brockus' books, the descriptions of the tropical paradise were vivid, and my mind put me right in the middle of it all.
You're going to love this book!
I received an ARC of this book - the opinions are my own!
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,516 reviews132 followers
September 15, 2025
Sunset Charade is Dean and Brynn Vance’s fake to real romance set in the Florida Keys and it’s the first book in the Sunset Siesta Series. This author has a way of transporting me to the relaxing and fun resorts in the Keys and this is a good start to Sunset Siesta.
Dean and Brynn are in Dove Key for a friends wedding and Brynn finds herself in need if a fake boyfriend and it’s Dean a man she has know. For a while that she turns to…….
What follows is a well written, heartwarming and passionate journey as Dean and Brynn come to terms with the baggage they are harbouring from past relationships. I loved everything about this quick read from Dove Key to the characters that are easy to relate to.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,248 reviews46 followers
September 10, 2025
Sometimes you just need a little change of scenery to change your future. This is a great visit to small town life in the Keys and getting ready for the what's to come from this series. Brynn and Dean are in need of a little saving so there's nothing better than a fake relationship to throw others off. I enjoyed the connection that they have, the lightness, the sweet, and the heat. It's a great escape with growth, ups and downs, and so much more! A great start and I'm looking forward to more from this upcoming series!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Patty Baumeister.
535 reviews29 followers
Read
September 13, 2025
ARC Book Review
Sunset Charade
A Novel Written By Erin Brockus
Fiction - Romance
Published September 2025
132 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This novella kicks off a new series by Erin Brockus.

Brynn Vance and Dean Mercer are both in the Florida Keys for a wedding. She is the maid of honor, and he is the best man. Brynn’s matchmaking aunt has Brynn and Dean pretending to be in a relationship. One night of passion has Dean panicking.

This quick read is a story of finding love and new beginnings for the two main characters.

“I realized I’d rather get it wrong a hundred times with you than pretend to get it right with anyone else.”
1,879 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
Dean is the best man while Brynn is the maid of honor. They both are trying to escape the incessant matchmaking from others and hence end up fake dating each other.

They share “moments” and share experiences throughout their vacation and soon, fake turns into real. I really liked the banter between them, and conversation flowed easily whenever they were together.

Besides the romance, I enjoyed seeing both Dean and Brynn escaping the rat race, leaving behind peer pressure to finally chase their dreams. This was a great start to the Sunset Siesta series and I look forward to Eli’s book next.
511 reviews17 followers
September 9, 2025
The beginning of a new series! This is a novella that introduces us to Dean and Brynn, who connect at a wedding at Sunset Siesta Resort on Dove Key. While the story moves quickly, author Erin Brockus didn’t skimp on the wonderful descriptions of the keys and the colorful undersea life. I enjoyed this story of two people searching for more, who find more than they bargained for on a fake-date weekend. The main characters of the new series are introduced as part of this story (the Coleridge siblings), and now I am ready for their stories
445 reviews
September 7, 2025
Sunset Siesta Resort. A trip to the Floria Keys for a destination wedding. A trip down memory lane. To a resort owned by the same family for decades. Friends who have known each other for years, since they spent summers at the resort. The sand between the toes, the warm ocean waters and couples activities. Full of more twists than you’d expect. Characters that are as fun as they are interesting. Makes you w ant to head south for the summer or the winter or for ice cream
393 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2025
Another great novella from my favorite author. A magical destination wedding in the Florida Keys, my best loved vacation place. She is told that she is too wild and he is told that he is too boring, what a pair. They are the maid of honor and best man at the wedding. Do not want to give anything away but READ THIS NOVELLA. Many thanks for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
297 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2025
I read this book as an arc reader.

New series set in Sunset Keys. Brynn is here for her best friend’s wedding. Thinking she wants a fresh start with her life. Dean is also there for the same reason. Both have been hurt by past relationships. Both are single for the wedding and decide to have a fake relationship for the wedding. Will it really be just a fake relationship or will more come out of this week. Cant wait for the next book.
1,015 reviews9 followers
September 10, 2025
Wonderful story!

I absolutely loved this wonderful story of two individual, Brynn and Dean, who have been in bad relationships.  Afraid to love, they agree to a fake relationship.  I loved the ups and downs of their fake relationship and the rewarding ending to this story. I highly recommend this book and author.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.
Profile Image for Shuvai.
599 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2025
Sunset Charade by Erin Brockus swept me away.
Brynn and Dean’s fake relationship was meant to be harmless—but feelings got real, fast. When Dean bolted, Brynn chose healing and ice cream in Sunset Siesta. I loved watching her rebuild. And when Dean returned, ready for forever? My heart melted.
Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,481 reviews7 followers
October 12, 2025
Dean and Brynn know each other. Meeting up for a wedding means an opportunity for these two single individuals to head off the predators and matchmakers. A fake relationship has its upside, but when playing so well turns into a little like reality, Dean bolts. A charming short storyline, with pleasant characters, predictable and unpredictable situations and events. Added bonus in epilogue 2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie's Reads.
238 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2025
Welcome to Dove Key. This is a standalone introduction to Coleridge family and their resort. Ms. Brockus once again gives us a charming tale set in the Florida Keys and tantalize us with beautiful beaches, sunsets and underwater scenery in this fake relationship story that ends with a HEA.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Natasha Bovee.
338 reviews13 followers
September 15, 2025
The book and romance were both a delightful whirlwind. I loved how Brynn and Dean teamed up for their friends’ wedding to ward off the unwanted advances of others. It didn’t take long for their false romance to have very real feelings. This was a great story to set up the new series with the Coleridge siblings.
Profile Image for Christiana.
140 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2025
This novella is your introduction to the Sunset Siesta series which stars the Coleridge Family. You find fun, romance and just the right amount of heat and steam. I can't wait for the next installment of the Sunset Siesta series. Thanks for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Danette Fowlie.
221 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2025
The chemistry and heat between Brynn and Dean is so hot! There ate some many wonderfully unique characters in this story that it really makes you feel like you know each of them personally. Such a great book!I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,395 reviews30 followers
September 25, 2025
This book introduces us to the Sunset Siesta series. I enjoyed Brynn and Dean‘s story. They are great characters with awesome chemistry. It’s a very good fake relationship romance with a great ending.
10.8k reviews125 followers
October 15, 2025
I've read several books written by Erin Brockus; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is part of the Sunset Siesta Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Brynn & Dean.
Profile Image for Esme Greiner.
1,918 reviews12 followers
October 27, 2025
When uptight analyst Dean teams up with witty schoolteacher Brynn to dodge unwanted matchmaking at a destination wedding, their pretend romance quickly turns real. Their fake relationship serves a need they both have but pretty soon what started out fake starts to feel very real.
Profile Image for Laurie Ryan.
Author 37 books106 followers
October 6, 2025
Loved this story. It felt real and larger than life at the same time. And the setting? I want to live there, or at least take a long vacation there. Wow.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,950 reviews172 followers
October 27, 2025
Brockus takes on the soul with burning romance and irresistible characters. From short and sweet to hot and hearty, Dean and Brynn are the perfect getaway .
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,516 reviews132 followers
September 15, 2025
Sunset Charade is Dean and Brynn Vance’s fake to real romance set in the Florida Keys and it’s the first book in the Sunset Siesta Series. This author has a way of transporting me to the relaxing and fun resorts in the Keys and this is a good start to Sunset Siesta.
Dean and Brynn are in Dove Key for a friends wedding and Brynn finds herself in need if a fake boyfriend and it’s Dean a man she has know. For a while that she turns to…….
What follows is a well written, heartwarming and passionate journey as Dean and Brynn come to terms with the baggage they are harbouring from past relationships. I loved everything about this quick read from Dove Key to the characters that are easy to relate to.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,202 reviews221 followers
September 9, 2025
5 Star Review Sunset Charade (Sunset Siesta #0.5) by Erin Brockus

I was excited when I heard that Erin Brockus was releasing a new series. If Sunset Charade is anything to go by, then she is off to a good start.

This is Dean and Brynn Vance’s story set in the Florida Keys. They are in Dove Key for the wedding of their friend’s destination wedding.

Thanks to an interfering aunt, Brynn is in need of a fake boyfriend and Dean steps up to help. Having known each other for a while, they believe it shouldn’t be a problem.

However, we all know that fake can morph into real in a heartbeat. Both have had issues in the past with relationships and are wary. Can they trust their feelings?

Sunset Charade is a beautifully written, character driven story that was romantic, passionate, and ticked all the boxes for me.

The descriptive writing took me on a journey that left me smiling. I loved this book.




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