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Love Stories in Sheet Cake, Texas #4
The Wild Card
Is twenty-three too old for running away? I sure hope not. Because, right now, that's my current and only life plan.
Desperate to escape the dome of control my father has dropped over my life, I visit my brother in Texas--with no plans to use my return ticket home.
But after spending every cent of my savings to pay off my student loans, I need a job. Stat. Otherwise, I'll be forced to ask my brother for help and admit how bad things have gotten at home.
So, when the production company I'm interviewing with in Sheet Cake, Texas wants proof that I've got long-term roots here, I invent a fake local boyfriend.
Which would have been fine had they not asked to meet him. Today.
I do what any woman in a desperate situation would I grab a man who's giving off boyfriend vibes and ask to borrow him for an hour.
Too bad I didn't recognize that man as Collin Graham, who just so happens to be the brother of my brother's wife. (Confusing, I know--but the important part is that we are NOT related.)
When I finally realize who he is, two things are very he knew it was me the whole time, and this fake boyfriend thing is going to be a lot more complicated now that I actually got the job.
On the plus side, fake dating serves Collin's purposes as well. We're both a little lost, both deep in life transition--and apparently both struggling with the fake part of the relationship.
I hadn't planned on coming to Texas and falling in love, especially not when the name of the game is playing pretend. But would dating Collin for real be such a bad thing?
That depends--on how long it takes the reasons we started faking to begin with finally catch up to us both.
The Wild Card is a fake dating (and fake fake dating) closed door romantic comedy with all the sizzle but none of the spice. Set in the fictional town of Sheet Cake, Texas, this rom-comcan be read as a standalone but pairs best with the other books in the series.
Desperate to escape the dome of control my father has dropped over my life, I visit my brother in Texas--with no plans to use my return ticket home.
But after spending every cent of my savings to pay off my student loans, I need a job. Stat. Otherwise, I'll be forced to ask my brother for help and admit how bad things have gotten at home.
So, when the production company I'm interviewing with in Sheet Cake, Texas wants proof that I've got long-term roots here, I invent a fake local boyfriend.
Which would have been fine had they not asked to meet him. Today.
I do what any woman in a desperate situation would I grab a man who's giving off boyfriend vibes and ask to borrow him for an hour.
Too bad I didn't recognize that man as Collin Graham, who just so happens to be the brother of my brother's wife. (Confusing, I know--but the important part is that we are NOT related.)
When I finally realize who he is, two things are very he knew it was me the whole time, and this fake boyfriend thing is going to be a lot more complicated now that I actually got the job.
On the plus side, fake dating serves Collin's purposes as well. We're both a little lost, both deep in life transition--and apparently both struggling with the fake part of the relationship.
I hadn't planned on coming to Texas and falling in love, especially not when the name of the game is playing pretend. But would dating Collin for real be such a bad thing?
That depends--on how long it takes the reasons we started faking to begin with finally catch up to us both.
The Wild Card is a fake dating (and fake fake dating) closed door romantic comedy with all the sizzle but none of the spice. Set in the fictional town of Sheet Cake, Texas, this rom-comcan be read as a standalone but pairs best with the other books in the series.
374 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2025
480 people are currently reading
862 people want to read
About the author
Emma St. Clair
61 books4,020 followersEmma St. Clair is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, Texas (go, Tigers!) with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels. (Yet.)
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
November 22, 2025
The Wild Card by Emma St. Clair - 4 Stars
Book #4 in the Sheet Cake Texas Series
A Charming Fake-Dating Rom-Com with Heart and Humor
Blog post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Another great read from Emma! Sheet Cake, Texas is one of my favorite fictional places! Molly is ready for a fresh start and runs to Texas to outrun her problems....only to run right into a bigger one....she needs a fake boyfriend for her job circumstances! Here comes Collin and she ropes him into her scheme, but unfortunately, it's the one guy she didn't realize who he truly was....leading to some family shenanigans.
Honestly, this whole series is a perfectly fun rom-com mishap that keeps you rooting for the characters from page one.
Their “fake” relationship is full of spark, awkward charm, and emotions neither of them is prepared for.
The neighborly app was so fun too with all the chats!
The town gives such a cozy feel and while the book worked as a standalone, I need to read books 2&3 ASAP to get some of the connections I missed for other characters!
If you enjoy fake dating, forced proximity, complicated family connections, small towns, found family, good friends, stories with depth, rom-coms with lots of laughs...read this!
Thank you to Emma for sending me a complimentary e-book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content: no language, kisses only
Book #4 in the Sheet Cake Texas Series
A Charming Fake-Dating Rom-Com with Heart and Humor
Blog post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Another great read from Emma! Sheet Cake, Texas is one of my favorite fictional places! Molly is ready for a fresh start and runs to Texas to outrun her problems....only to run right into a bigger one....she needs a fake boyfriend for her job circumstances! Here comes Collin and she ropes him into her scheme, but unfortunately, it's the one guy she didn't realize who he truly was....leading to some family shenanigans.
Honestly, this whole series is a perfectly fun rom-com mishap that keeps you rooting for the characters from page one.
Their “fake” relationship is full of spark, awkward charm, and emotions neither of them is prepared for.
The neighborly app was so fun too with all the chats!
The town gives such a cozy feel and while the book worked as a standalone, I need to read books 2&3 ASAP to get some of the connections I missed for other characters!
If you enjoy fake dating, forced proximity, complicated family connections, small towns, found family, good friends, stories with depth, rom-coms with lots of laughs...read this!
Thank you to Emma for sending me a complimentary e-book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content: no language, kisses only
November 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Collin Graham & Molly Douglas
- Dual POV
- Meet?cute 😂
- Fake dating (with a twist)
- Insta-attraction
- Accidentally roommates, forced proximity
- Brother in law’s sister
- Meddling friends
- Small town vibes, with funny townspeople
- Protective MMC
✨ a few of my favorite things:
- how Collin just rolls with it
- THE NICKNAMES
- How over the top everything is with the Grahams
- The Graham brother’s teasing
- Collin rescuing Molly from Fireball
- The Bicep family 😂😂
- How big Tank loves his kids & spouses
- The cow 😂
- How the girls fold Molly in and love on her like she’s theirs
- The honest conversations they share
- Getting to see Pat & Lindy and James & Winnie be lovey dovey and just live their HEA more
- Collin driving back to sheetcake 😂🥴
- THE EPILOGUE. OH MY GOSH SO CUTE
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Book 4 of the Love Stories in Sheet Cake, Texas Series - ahhhh by the time I finished Collin & Molly’s story my face hurt from the huge smile that was plastered on my face. Their connection is so sweet and their chemistry is top notch. They are able to have the balance of flirty and fun while also having important serious conversations. They are able to be a safe place for one another rather quickly.
I really appreciated the importance of hugs and physical touch in this book. Both MCs are physically affectionate and openly give their affection to one another. They don’t really tip-toe around each other. This book also covers a relatively short amount of time for two-thirds of the book. Collin and Molly are able to build a connection quickly and are both very drawn to one another. I really love their bond and how they commit to one another whole heartedly.
As always with Emma St Clair books there were hilarious moments that had me laughing so hard because of the crazy antics of the MCs (thank you fireball 😂) and all of the quirky townspeople.
p.s. That bonus epilogue got me man 🥲 my heart hurts for Tank and I can’t wait to see what Emma writes for his story.
This is a closed door romcom with no cursing, just kissing, and cow salvia. 😂
**Thank you so much to Emma/Kiki for letting me read this gifted ARC. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**
Songs:
Miles on it by Kane Brown
Energy by Carly Bannister
Slow it down by Benson Boone
Sober by Hudson Westbrooke**
Collin Graham & Molly Douglas
- Dual POV
- Meet?cute 😂
- Fake dating (with a twist)
- Insta-attraction
- Accidentally roommates, forced proximity
- Brother in law’s sister
- Meddling friends
- Small town vibes, with funny townspeople
- Protective MMC
✨ a few of my favorite things:
- how Collin just rolls with it
- THE NICKNAMES
- How over the top everything is with the Grahams
- The Graham brother’s teasing
- Collin rescuing Molly from Fireball
- The Bicep family 😂😂
- How big Tank loves his kids & spouses
- The cow 😂
- How the girls fold Molly in and love on her like she’s theirs
- The honest conversations they share
- Getting to see Pat & Lindy and James & Winnie be lovey dovey and just live their HEA more
- Collin driving back to sheetcake 😂🥴
- THE EPILOGUE. OH MY GOSH SO CUTE
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Book 4 of the Love Stories in Sheet Cake, Texas Series - ahhhh by the time I finished Collin & Molly’s story my face hurt from the huge smile that was plastered on my face. Their connection is so sweet and their chemistry is top notch. They are able to have the balance of flirty and fun while also having important serious conversations. They are able to be a safe place for one another rather quickly.
I really appreciated the importance of hugs and physical touch in this book. Both MCs are physically affectionate and openly give their affection to one another. They don’t really tip-toe around each other. This book also covers a relatively short amount of time for two-thirds of the book. Collin and Molly are able to build a connection quickly and are both very drawn to one another. I really love their bond and how they commit to one another whole heartedly.
As always with Emma St Clair books there were hilarious moments that had me laughing so hard because of the crazy antics of the MCs (thank you fireball 😂) and all of the quirky townspeople.
p.s. That bonus epilogue got me man 🥲 my heart hurts for Tank and I can’t wait to see what Emma writes for his story.
This is a closed door romcom with no cursing, just kissing, and cow salvia. 😂
**Thank you so much to Emma/Kiki for letting me read this gifted ARC. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**
Songs:
Miles on it by Kane Brown
Energy by Carly Bannister
Slow it down by Benson Boone
Sober by Hudson Westbrooke**
November 11, 2025
A fake dating romance set in Sheet Cake? Yes and thank you!
This had everything I love about an Emma St Clair book. It was great to be in Sheet Cake and I can't wait until the next book.
This had everything I love about an Emma St Clair book. It was great to be in Sheet Cake and I can't wait until the next book.
November 26, 2025
Thank you to the author for a gifted copy.
GOOD TO BE BACK.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I’ve been waiting for this book for a long time and it was worth the wait y’all. I loved being back in Sheet Cake, and I loved seeing all of my favorite characters again. This is easily one of my favorite fictional small towns and I will come back again and again.
I loved this book was soft. It’s low angst but high in the tender and loving moments. Feeling seen and learning to trust and being open to communicate. I love the realistic and romantic nature of Collin and Molly’s relationship.
There’s the usual small town shenanigans and chaos. I love the text threads and family interactions, all of the fake dating schemes and how you know from the start nothing is fake. I’m so happy Collin got his love story!!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
GOOD TO BE BACK.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I’ve been waiting for this book for a long time and it was worth the wait y’all. I loved being back in Sheet Cake, and I loved seeing all of my favorite characters again. This is easily one of my favorite fictional small towns and I will come back again and again.
I loved this book was soft. It’s low angst but high in the tender and loving moments. Feeling seen and learning to trust and being open to communicate. I love the realistic and romantic nature of Collin and Molly’s relationship.
There’s the usual small town shenanigans and chaos. I love the text threads and family interactions, all of the fake dating schemes and how you know from the start nothing is fake. I’m so happy Collin got his love story!!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
February 25, 2026
Reread via audio! I loved the narrators and absolutely adored hearing this story come to life.
ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL. I loved being back in Sheet Cake, TX and absolutely adored Collin and Molly to pieces. I immediately wanted to be able to hug Collin and tell him “we see you!”—you can truly feel these characters and relate and it draws you right in. Their whirlwind fake dating romance was hilarious, swoony, and sweet in all the best ways and being around the Graham Fam again feels like home. Read for big laughs, tender feels, found family, small town antics, and the sweetest love story. Oh, and the Bonus Epilogue made me sob and want to immediately get my hands on Tank’s story too.
TW: Manipulative Parent
ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL. I loved being back in Sheet Cake, TX and absolutely adored Collin and Molly to pieces. I immediately wanted to be able to hug Collin and tell him “we see you!”—you can truly feel these characters and relate and it draws you right in. Their whirlwind fake dating romance was hilarious, swoony, and sweet in all the best ways and being around the Graham Fam again feels like home. Read for big laughs, tender feels, found family, small town antics, and the sweetest love story. Oh, and the Bonus Epilogue made me sob and want to immediately get my hands on Tank’s story too.
TW: Manipulative Parent
November 26, 2025
The newest “Love In Sheet Cake” 🍰 book is out and it was AMAZING! I binge listened to all the books before reading this one and I loved getting Collin’s story 📕 tomorrow I’ll be posting a series review for the four books out currently 📚
Molly. I LOVE her! Ever since I met her in Chase’s book I knew I needed her story 📖 I loved watching her fight for her independence and set healthy boundaries ❤️🩹 and I love how in tune she was with her heart ❤️ she knew what she wanted, and while she couldn’t always get it when preferred, Molly never ignored her heart 💗
Collin. MIDDLE KIDS UNITE 💞 Collin has been such an interesting side character, bouncing from grumpy to hilarious and I LOVED reading it from his POV 📖 Collin has so many layers, and I loved watching him go through the challenge of figuring out where his life would take him 💪🏼👟
This book was SO GOOD! Seriously this book, and the whole series, is addicting 🍰 you’ll go from crying laughing 😂 to crying crying over the sweet tender moments.
Stay tuned for the series review tomorrow 🎧
⚠️ CW: crazy ex, controlling parent ⚠️
Molly. I LOVE her! Ever since I met her in Chase’s book I knew I needed her story 📖 I loved watching her fight for her independence and set healthy boundaries ❤️🩹 and I love how in tune she was with her heart ❤️ she knew what she wanted, and while she couldn’t always get it when preferred, Molly never ignored her heart 💗
Collin. MIDDLE KIDS UNITE 💞 Collin has been such an interesting side character, bouncing from grumpy to hilarious and I LOVED reading it from his POV 📖 Collin has so many layers, and I loved watching him go through the challenge of figuring out where his life would take him 💪🏼👟
This book was SO GOOD! Seriously this book, and the whole series, is addicting 🍰 you’ll go from crying laughing 😂 to crying crying over the sweet tender moments.
Stay tuned for the series review tomorrow 🎧
⚠️ CW: crazy ex, controlling parent ⚠️
December 12, 2025
I’ve never been sad while reading an Emma book! 😍
It was so good to be back in Sheet Cake with familiar faces & old friends! You have no idea how much I wish this quirky town existed in real life, haha. 😂
Collin & Molly were adorable, of course. The fake dating was a very fun touch, and yes, even though things moved really fast, I didn’t hate it. I was rooting for them the whole time!
In true Emma style, she had me laughing out loud several times and “awwing” over the sweetness of the found family dynamics—the way the Grahams take Molly in just melts me!
Can’t wait for Tank’s book next!
It was so good to be back in Sheet Cake with familiar faces & old friends! You have no idea how much I wish this quirky town existed in real life, haha. 😂
Collin & Molly were adorable, of course. The fake dating was a very fun touch, and yes, even though things moved really fast, I didn’t hate it. I was rooting for them the whole time!
In true Emma style, she had me laughing out loud several times and “awwing” over the sweetness of the found family dynamics—the way the Grahams take Molly in just melts me!
Can’t wait for Tank’s book next!
October 26, 2025
This whole series is so much fun to read. I absolutely love this family and I am so stoked that Tank is going to get a story next!
To many favourite parts to list, but I love that there is so much humour throughout this series.
To many favourite parts to list, but I love that there is so much humour throughout this series.
March 12, 2026
(3/26) I read this book a couple of months ago, but there’s something special about listening to it and having it really come to life in your mind. The narration was so perfect and I loved every minute for the second time.
“Here I am, having an existential crisis in Sheet Cake, Texas–which sounds like a line from a country song. A bad one.”
Sheet Cake is the epitome of a small town and I was thrilled to be back. Molly and Collin have the most hilarious meet-cute that leads to all kinds of shenanigans and fun, and I couldn’t be happier.
Escaping her parents, this small town is exactly what Molly needs–complete with a handsome fake boyfriend. The Graham family is one of my favorites and I adored seeing each of them again and experiencing their teasing personalities. Molly is Chase’s sister (from Falling for Your Best Friend) and this series doesn’t need to be read in order.
“He looks like the naughty kind of nice.”
Fake dating is a favorite trope of mine and paired with forced proximity and all the quirkiness and gossip of a small town, I was engrossed in every aspect–especially the deep emotional bond that gives off all the sparks and tingles of attraction. Collin and Molly are favorites: sweet, playful, flirtatious, strong, and ready to discover what they want out of life.
Emma St Clair never fails to bestow a fresh, humorous, witty take of no-spice romcoms that leaves a reader feeling happy and giddy.
Content: controlling parents; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
“Here I am, having an existential crisis in Sheet Cake, Texas–which sounds like a line from a country song. A bad one.”
Sheet Cake is the epitome of a small town and I was thrilled to be back. Molly and Collin have the most hilarious meet-cute that leads to all kinds of shenanigans and fun, and I couldn’t be happier.
Escaping her parents, this small town is exactly what Molly needs–complete with a handsome fake boyfriend. The Graham family is one of my favorites and I adored seeing each of them again and experiencing their teasing personalities. Molly is Chase’s sister (from Falling for Your Best Friend) and this series doesn’t need to be read in order.
“He looks like the naughty kind of nice.”
Fake dating is a favorite trope of mine and paired with forced proximity and all the quirkiness and gossip of a small town, I was engrossed in every aspect–especially the deep emotional bond that gives off all the sparks and tingles of attraction. Collin and Molly are favorites: sweet, playful, flirtatious, strong, and ready to discover what they want out of life.
Emma St Clair never fails to bestow a fresh, humorous, witty take of no-spice romcoms that leaves a reader feeling happy and giddy.
Content: controlling parents; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
November 8, 2025
This is the 4th book in the Love Stories in Sheet Cake series, although if you look, you will see some related novellas. It is a kisses only, contemporary romcom by the incredible Emma St Clair!
I know I've probably said this before, but after Bordeaux, Ohio, Sheet Cake, Texas is my next favorite fictional small town! The Graham family is top notch! So funny and endearing. The characters of the town...hilarious!
We have the final Graham brother getting his story here. (Never fear, it is not the end. Tank will have his turn!) Oh the trials of being a middle child.
I was given the opportunity very early on to read an advanced digital copy of this book. So early that I was asked not to let it be known. In my attempts to comply, I neglected to post my review. But now that it is out in the world, I will add my shouts of praise! I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I know I've probably said this before, but after Bordeaux, Ohio, Sheet Cake, Texas is my next favorite fictional small town! The Graham family is top notch! So funny and endearing. The characters of the town...hilarious!
We have the final Graham brother getting his story here. (Never fear, it is not the end. Tank will have his turn!) Oh the trials of being a middle child.
I was given the opportunity very early on to read an advanced digital copy of this book. So early that I was asked not to let it be known. In my attempts to comply, I neglected to post my review. But now that it is out in the world, I will add my shouts of praise! I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 16, 2026
The Wild Card by: Emma St. Clair
📖 Molly- I hadn't planned on coming to Texas and falling in love, especially not when the name of the game is playing pretend. But would dating Collin for real be such a bad thing?
I waited over a year for this story and it was worth.the.wait!
👢 Do you read a series as it goes or wait for the completed series?
If you love the wacky characters of Gilmore Girls, you will love Sheetcake Texas.
As book 4 in the series, all your favorites Graham brothers are back!
The humor, found family, and small town antics all made this a quick read. There are Easter egg crossovers from St. Clair's other novels I enjoyed finding.
Emma St. Clair consistently writes books with toe curling kisses and humor. She is an absolute auto-buy author for me.
🎧Dual narrated both narrators did a fantastic job creating unique voices for each character
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I cannot wait for Tank's story!!
➡️Swipe for some other books filled with relatable characters and small town antics
#sheetcake
#closeddoor
#lowspice
#emmastclair
📖 Molly- I hadn't planned on coming to Texas and falling in love, especially not when the name of the game is playing pretend. But would dating Collin for real be such a bad thing?
I waited over a year for this story and it was worth.the.wait!
👢 Do you read a series as it goes or wait for the completed series?
If you love the wacky characters of Gilmore Girls, you will love Sheetcake Texas.
As book 4 in the series, all your favorites Graham brothers are back!
The humor, found family, and small town antics all made this a quick read. There are Easter egg crossovers from St. Clair's other novels I enjoyed finding.
Emma St. Clair consistently writes books with toe curling kisses and humor. She is an absolute auto-buy author for me.
🎧Dual narrated both narrators did a fantastic job creating unique voices for each character
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I cannot wait for Tank's story!!
➡️Swipe for some other books filled with relatable characters and small town antics
#sheetcake
#closeddoor
#lowspice
#emmastclair
November 10, 2025
This family is so hilarious. I love how Collin was portrayed as a middle child - so relatable! I definitely need to go back and read Harper & Chase’s story to get more of the history with Molly’s dad. Can’t wait to see Tank’s HEA in the next book, he so deserves it!
January 24, 2026
3.5 stars because as always with this series, what I loved I really loved. Sheet Cake and the Graham Fam keep me coming back for the sweet love stories and family vibes. At this point I love the relationships between the brothers at least as much as the romances!
November 12, 2025
4.5 stars! I love the Sheet Cake Family!
November 23, 2025
4.5 stars. Loved being back in Sheet Cake! Review to come
November 9, 2025
Hooray for being back in Sheet Cake, Texas and the Graham Fam! I’ve been dying to go back and just loved Collin’s and Molly’s story!!
When Molly tells a little while lie during a job interview that she’s dating a guy from Sheet Cake and has plans to stick around, she panics when she needs to present said boyfriend. Enter an unsuspecting Collin Graham who fits the bill and while he remembers Molly, she has yet to figure out who he is.
These two were beyond adorable! I loved the family connection they already had, their forced proximity, their banter, their chemistry, and their fake, fake dating. Collin was so dang sweet and good to Molly and she was adorable and I really loved seeing her get the courage to do what was best for her!
Favorite quotes:
“Molly: sister to Chase, who is married to my sister. Which does not make Molly my sister-in-law. Or any kind of sister. I know this thanks to a very serious discussion Pat and I had when we first met Molly at Harper’s wedding. It’s an important distinction because, to put it mildly, Molly is hot. Not mildly hot. All the habaneros hot.”
“Then I’ve got you, darlin’,” he says, leaning toward me until I’m dangerously close to drowning in those blue eyes. “And I’ll help with anything you need.” If we weren’t sitting at a table with a bunch of strangers, this would be one of those inevitable kiss moments. The tension between us isn’t crackling; it’s a roaring fire about to take down the building.”
“The man could be slapped on a billboard selling just about anything and it would probably cause traffic jams. Full lips and eyelashes long enough to make most women jealous. (Myself included.) Messy dark hair that looks like he’s been dragging his hands through it for hours. I’m not typically into beards, but I could be. For him.”
When Molly tells a little while lie during a job interview that she’s dating a guy from Sheet Cake and has plans to stick around, she panics when she needs to present said boyfriend. Enter an unsuspecting Collin Graham who fits the bill and while he remembers Molly, she has yet to figure out who he is.
These two were beyond adorable! I loved the family connection they already had, their forced proximity, their banter, their chemistry, and their fake, fake dating. Collin was so dang sweet and good to Molly and she was adorable and I really loved seeing her get the courage to do what was best for her!
Favorite quotes:
“Molly: sister to Chase, who is married to my sister. Which does not make Molly my sister-in-law. Or any kind of sister. I know this thanks to a very serious discussion Pat and I had when we first met Molly at Harper’s wedding. It’s an important distinction because, to put it mildly, Molly is hot. Not mildly hot. All the habaneros hot.”
“Then I’ve got you, darlin’,” he says, leaning toward me until I’m dangerously close to drowning in those blue eyes. “And I’ll help with anything you need.” If we weren’t sitting at a table with a bunch of strangers, this would be one of those inevitable kiss moments. The tension between us isn’t crackling; it’s a roaring fire about to take down the building.”
“The man could be slapped on a billboard selling just about anything and it would probably cause traffic jams. Full lips and eyelashes long enough to make most women jealous. (Myself included.) Messy dark hair that looks like he’s been dragging his hands through it for hours. I’m not typically into beards, but I could be. For him.”
November 10, 2025
it was when “That’s the sweetest, best thing anyone has ever said to me, Mr. Biceps.” A laugh bursts out of me. “Why thank you, sugar.” was said i looked up to the sky and loudly sighed
February 22, 2026
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ɪᴛ
💍Fake Dating (or is it?)
👀Brother-in-Law’s Little Sister
🏠Forced Proximity (Accidental Roommates)
🌾Small Town
💗Sweet Romance (Kisses Only)
🚫No Third-Act Breakup
Yes, I’m a dark romance girlie through and through, but lately I’ve been in a bit of a slump after a few disappointing reads. So when I had the chance to listen to The Wild Card by @kikimojo I jumped on it. Her books are kisses-only, but they’re so sweet they practically give me a toothache—in the best way. I’ve read enough of her work to know it’s always exactly what I need. (If All Else Sails is still one of my favorites.)
Collin is such a green-flag MMC. When Molly barrels into his life (without recognizing him) and asks for a massive favor all because he’s holding an oversized purple unicorn…he's disappointed, but just rolls with it. The meet-cute is absolutely adorable (and the artwork inspired by it is perfection). Molly is desperate for a fresh start and a better life closer to her brother in Texas, and this feels like her only shot.
Their connection is instant, but it works because they don’t immediately fall into physical chemistry. Instead, they build something real. They understand each other right away and don’t tiptoe around their feelings. Even the fake dating element is addressed head-on fairly quickly, which felt refreshing.
This is my first Sheet Cake book, but I already love this universe. Tank is elite dad material, and the entire Graham family dynamic is chaotic in the best way. Molly’s fireball experiment? Painfully relatable. The girl squad is strong, supportive, and everything I want in female friendships. And honestly, the town gossip app might have been my favorite part. I was cackling the whole time. If only my neighborhood app had that kind of energy.
Katie Schorr and Michael Gallagher absolutely nailed Collin and Molly in the audiobook. It was my first time listening to them, and now I’m officially on a mission to find more of their work.
Thank you, @kikimojo for the ALC!
💍Fake Dating (or is it?)
👀Brother-in-Law’s Little Sister
🏠Forced Proximity (Accidental Roommates)
🌾Small Town
💗Sweet Romance (Kisses Only)
🚫No Third-Act Breakup
Yes, I’m a dark romance girlie through and through, but lately I’ve been in a bit of a slump after a few disappointing reads. So when I had the chance to listen to The Wild Card by @kikimojo I jumped on it. Her books are kisses-only, but they’re so sweet they practically give me a toothache—in the best way. I’ve read enough of her work to know it’s always exactly what I need. (If All Else Sails is still one of my favorites.)
Collin is such a green-flag MMC. When Molly barrels into his life (without recognizing him) and asks for a massive favor all because he’s holding an oversized purple unicorn…he's disappointed, but just rolls with it. The meet-cute is absolutely adorable (and the artwork inspired by it is perfection). Molly is desperate for a fresh start and a better life closer to her brother in Texas, and this feels like her only shot.
Their connection is instant, but it works because they don’t immediately fall into physical chemistry. Instead, they build something real. They understand each other right away and don’t tiptoe around their feelings. Even the fake dating element is addressed head-on fairly quickly, which felt refreshing.
This is my first Sheet Cake book, but I already love this universe. Tank is elite dad material, and the entire Graham family dynamic is chaotic in the best way. Molly’s fireball experiment? Painfully relatable. The girl squad is strong, supportive, and everything I want in female friendships. And honestly, the town gossip app might have been my favorite part. I was cackling the whole time. If only my neighborhood app had that kind of energy.
Katie Schorr and Michael Gallagher absolutely nailed Collin and Molly in the audiobook. It was my first time listening to them, and now I’m officially on a mission to find more of their work.
Thank you, @kikimojo for the ALC!
November 6, 2025
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Collin & Molly’s points of view
*Molly is Chase’s sister (from Falling for Your Best Friend)
-there is an age gap of about 5 – 7 years between them
-it is mentioned that a character’s parent tries to control a character’s life choices
-it is briefly mentioned that a side character is seen in a Speedo & chaps
Review:
I love that we came back to Sheet Cake, Texas! I’ve been hoping to see Collin’s preorder return and his book was so worth the wait!
I loved getting to know Collin and what he feels his place is in the Gram family. I loved seeing the support his dad had for all the kids in his family. 💗 I loved how they all accepted Molly into the fold, even with the way she was brought into it (fake relationship + related to someone already married into the family 👀). I related to both Collin and Molly at many points throughout their story. I could see parts of myself in each of them and I loved how real Emma St. Clair made them because of that.
There were so many funny moments as well as the real heart hitting ones. I especially loved that Thayden kept making appearances and pushing Collin’s buttons. 😂
And after that epilogue I’m wondering what kind of woman is going to come to love the Gram’s dad Tank! I can’t wait to find out! 😍
Summary:
Collin is feeling left behind with his brothers’ lives moving on to next steps and his own life having taken a few steps back from the progress he’d made. But that progress now just feels like a weight of his mistakes and isn’t the dream he’d hoped it’d be. When Molly comes barreling in with an unexpected request, Collin almost wants to say no. But when it’s clear she doesn’t realize they’ve met before, he decides that maybe it’d be good to help her and have a little fun at the same time. He just didn’t realize with her request would come to grow real feelings. Can something that started off as a lie create a good and stable relationship?
Molly is desperate to get out from under her father’s thumb and when she finds an opportunity to do so she is quick to accept an interview in Sheet Cake, Texas. But when it seems like she’s about to be let down gently, Molly makes a mistake and claims to have a stable boyfriend who lives in town. And now they want to meet him. Grabbing a random man at the fairgrounds to play the role in order to get a job might be the biggest mistake she’s ever made. But it also might be the best thing ever. Especially when she discovers that the random man she’s actually known about through her brother for years…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Collin & Molly’s points of view
*Molly is Chase’s sister (from Falling for Your Best Friend)
-there is an age gap of about 5 – 7 years between them
-it is mentioned that a character’s parent tries to control a character’s life choices
-it is briefly mentioned that a side character is seen in a Speedo & chaps
Review:
I love that we came back to Sheet Cake, Texas! I’ve been hoping to see Collin’s preorder return and his book was so worth the wait!
I loved getting to know Collin and what he feels his place is in the Gram family. I loved seeing the support his dad had for all the kids in his family. 💗 I loved how they all accepted Molly into the fold, even with the way she was brought into it (fake relationship + related to someone already married into the family 👀). I related to both Collin and Molly at many points throughout their story. I could see parts of myself in each of them and I loved how real Emma St. Clair made them because of that.
There were so many funny moments as well as the real heart hitting ones. I especially loved that Thayden kept making appearances and pushing Collin’s buttons. 😂
And after that epilogue I’m wondering what kind of woman is going to come to love the Gram’s dad Tank! I can’t wait to find out! 😍
Summary:
Collin is feeling left behind with his brothers’ lives moving on to next steps and his own life having taken a few steps back from the progress he’d made. But that progress now just feels like a weight of his mistakes and isn’t the dream he’d hoped it’d be. When Molly comes barreling in with an unexpected request, Collin almost wants to say no. But when it’s clear she doesn’t realize they’ve met before, he decides that maybe it’d be good to help her and have a little fun at the same time. He just didn’t realize with her request would come to grow real feelings. Can something that started off as a lie create a good and stable relationship?
Molly is desperate to get out from under her father’s thumb and when she finds an opportunity to do so she is quick to accept an interview in Sheet Cake, Texas. But when it seems like she’s about to be let down gently, Molly makes a mistake and claims to have a stable boyfriend who lives in town. And now they want to meet him. Grabbing a random man at the fairgrounds to play the role in order to get a job might be the biggest mistake she’s ever made. But it also might be the best thing ever. Especially when she discovers that the random man she’s actually known about through her brother for years…
October 29, 2025
This is my new favorite Sheet Cake novel. Hands down. Full stop. I adored this book start to finish!
It was a dream to be back with the Grahams and back in Sheet Cake.
Fake dating. Fake fake dating. Swoony kisses. Unexpected Roommates. Found family. Big dreams. Cookie the cow. All the Emma St Clair cameos. So much to love!!
I absolutely loved that Collin and Molly (both whom we've met in previous books) fall in love in this book. I loved getting to know them both better and seeing how beautiful their love story is. Collin feels like the forgotten/outlooked Graham. Molly is trying to be independent from her controlling father. I felt like their backgrounds gave them unique abilities to truly see and value each other. I loved how fast and hard they both fall and how complete their lives become together.
Emma writes absolutely incredible banter, and I am always here for it! I loved the banter in this one especially when all the Grahams get together. They are such a great family and so easy to cheer for. I loved how they support each other and tease each other and bring Molly right into their crazy lives. Seeing favorite characters from this series and other Emma series was definitely a highlight in this book.
I love the romance in this story. We start with some fake dating that quickly becomes real. I loved the twist with Collin's family and how everyone found out about the very real feelings between Collin and Molly. The miscommunication was just right and I was glad they didn't turn on each other when things going confusing. Also, can we talk about the swoony kisses? Emma is a master and I absolutely loved the swoony moments these two share.
I think this is my favorite Sheet Cake book yet. SO excited for TANK to get a book. He is a favorite character of mine and I love his relationships with his kids. Seeing him find love again is going to be beautiful!
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
It was a dream to be back with the Grahams and back in Sheet Cake.
Fake dating. Fake fake dating. Swoony kisses. Unexpected Roommates. Found family. Big dreams. Cookie the cow. All the Emma St Clair cameos. So much to love!!
I absolutely loved that Collin and Molly (both whom we've met in previous books) fall in love in this book. I loved getting to know them both better and seeing how beautiful their love story is. Collin feels like the forgotten/outlooked Graham. Molly is trying to be independent from her controlling father. I felt like their backgrounds gave them unique abilities to truly see and value each other. I loved how fast and hard they both fall and how complete their lives become together.
Emma writes absolutely incredible banter, and I am always here for it! I loved the banter in this one especially when all the Grahams get together. They are such a great family and so easy to cheer for. I loved how they support each other and tease each other and bring Molly right into their crazy lives. Seeing favorite characters from this series and other Emma series was definitely a highlight in this book.
I love the romance in this story. We start with some fake dating that quickly becomes real. I loved the twist with Collin's family and how everyone found out about the very real feelings between Collin and Molly. The miscommunication was just right and I was glad they didn't turn on each other when things going confusing. Also, can we talk about the swoony kisses? Emma is a master and I absolutely loved the swoony moments these two share.
I think this is my favorite Sheet Cake book yet. SO excited for TANK to get a book. He is a favorite character of mine and I love his relationships with his kids. Seeing him find love again is going to be beautiful!
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.
November 10, 2025
What an absolute delight it is to return to Sheet Cake, TX for each and every story in this series! This one will especially hit home for all the “middles” who have or are working to find their niche in life, and all those that believe those big stuffed animals you spend a fortune to win at a fair really are magical... Collin is struggling, wanting to find his true calling and the happiness that both his older and younger brother have with their careers and partners. When Molly literally and figuratively runs into him and asks him to be her fake boyfriend, there’s a spark that ignites a change in both of them and their outlook for the future. There is so much humor and heart as the two work their way to a happily ever after. I adored this small town, fake dating, closed door romance. 4.5 stars
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
November 8, 2025
I have an announcement: This is my first time visiting Sheet Cake. It’s ok to gasp.
With that being said, I found myself fully immersed in this quirky small town and its beloved people, especially the Graham family.
Although I haven’t met the other Graham brothers, I’m already partial to Collin. He’s such a down to earth good ol’ country boy that brings the swoon. Tender hearted and gentle, he’s my kind of cowboy.
Molly is a ball of sunshine, a little impetuous, but that just makes her all the more endearing. She really needs people in her corner and the Graham family and the town of Sheet Cake are there!
This was just an all around feel good happy book that is the perfect escape.
Thank you to Emma St. Clair for the copy. All opinions are my own.
With that being said, I found myself fully immersed in this quirky small town and its beloved people, especially the Graham family.
Although I haven’t met the other Graham brothers, I’m already partial to Collin. He’s such a down to earth good ol’ country boy that brings the swoon. Tender hearted and gentle, he’s my kind of cowboy.
Molly is a ball of sunshine, a little impetuous, but that just makes her all the more endearing. She really needs people in her corner and the Graham family and the town of Sheet Cake are there!
This was just an all around feel good happy book that is the perfect escape.
Thank you to Emma St. Clair for the copy. All opinions are my own.
November 13, 2025
Back to Sheet Cake, Texas—and this time, it’s Collin’s turn! When Molly flees her controlling father and lands in Texas needing a fresh start (and a job), one impulsive lie snowballs into a full-on fake dating situation with a man who’s definitely not a stranger. Collin and Molly’s story had me laughing, swooning, and smiling from start to finish. Their chemistry was effortless, and the way they helped each other heal from past hurts made this rom-com so heartfelt.
I adored being back in this cozy small town full of warmth, humor, and heart. Emma St. Clair once again delivers a story that’s charming, faith-filled, and perfectly swoony without the spice.
ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I adored being back in this cozy small town full of warmth, humor, and heart. Emma St. Clair once again delivers a story that’s charming, faith-filled, and perfectly swoony without the spice.
ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
November 10, 2025
4.5
I really enjoy this series set in charming Sheet Cake, Texas. I thought this was an enjoyable story, I liked the characters and returning to this small town and reconnecting with past characters. It's a fun sibling-series and one I'd recommend. Emma is great at telling a story and creating fun, likable characters.
Content Clean
I really enjoy this series set in charming Sheet Cake, Texas. I thought this was an enjoyable story, I liked the characters and returning to this small town and reconnecting with past characters. It's a fun sibling-series and one I'd recommend. Emma is great at telling a story and creating fun, likable characters.
Content Clean
November 7, 2025
Oh Collin you're such a sweet and caring man on the inside.
I've been rereading this whole series and I've been loving it like it was the first time.
With this book is not the exception, I loved every word of it, the fake relationship that very quickly became real, the love that you see with Collin and Molly is so sweet and tender and everything.
Love the Graham family and that bonus epilogue was so sweet and heartwrenching and it made me shead a tear or two.
I've been rereading this whole series and I've been loving it like it was the first time.
With this book is not the exception, I loved every word of it, the fake relationship that very quickly became real, the love that you see with Collin and Molly is so sweet and tender and everything.
Love the Graham family and that bonus epilogue was so sweet and heartwrenching and it made me shead a tear or two.
December 30, 2025
I had so much fun reading this one! I can’t wait for Tank’s book!
January 12, 2026
this book was really cute and clean and fun! i gave it four stars mainly because it was a REALLY slow start and I thought I may not finish it. i’m glad I did
January 2, 2026
Cute rom com
December 3, 2025
This just might be my new favorite Emma St. Clair book. It’s at least tied with Royally Rearranged and Runaway Bride & Prejudice. Oh, and If All Else Sails and.... Ok you get the point. It’s one of my very favorites, and I have a lot of Emma favorites!
The Wild Card is the fourth book in the Love Stories in Sheet Cake series. It follows Collin, the middle Graham brother, and Molly, the sister of Chase from Falling For Your Best Friend.
From the very first page, I was absolutely hooked. The dialogue between the brothers about fair food was absolutely hilarious and the classic Emma humor continued throughout the book. Molly’s desperation to land a job and get out from the control of her manipulative father is the catalyst for her grabbing the random guy at the fair and asking him to pretend to be her boyfriend. But he’s not really a random guy. He knows her, and she should know him, but she doesn’t remember. The dynamic makes for a fun first few interactions and I flew through this book like I had 4 hours until my Libby hold would be returned.
In addition to the humor, the chemistry between Molly and Collin was smoldering right from the beginning and continued to build as they continued the fake dating (and fake fake dating) charade. Swoony kisses, heartwarming moments, and found family round out this story, and I ate every moment up. Molly’s dad absolutely infuriated me, but I loved how Emma St. Clair had Molly navigate through the situation. And oh my goodness, the beauty and emotionality of the bonus epilogue brought me to tears. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!
Intimacy: Kisses only
Language: Mild (a couple uses of he**)
Content Considerations: Parental manipulation & emotional abuse, false accusations, grief, alcohol use
The Wild Card is the fourth book in the Love Stories in Sheet Cake series. It follows Collin, the middle Graham brother, and Molly, the sister of Chase from Falling For Your Best Friend.
From the very first page, I was absolutely hooked. The dialogue between the brothers about fair food was absolutely hilarious and the classic Emma humor continued throughout the book. Molly’s desperation to land a job and get out from the control of her manipulative father is the catalyst for her grabbing the random guy at the fair and asking him to pretend to be her boyfriend. But he’s not really a random guy. He knows her, and she should know him, but she doesn’t remember. The dynamic makes for a fun first few interactions and I flew through this book like I had 4 hours until my Libby hold would be returned.
In addition to the humor, the chemistry between Molly and Collin was smoldering right from the beginning and continued to build as they continued the fake dating (and fake fake dating) charade. Swoony kisses, heartwarming moments, and found family round out this story, and I ate every moment up. Molly’s dad absolutely infuriated me, but I loved how Emma St. Clair had Molly navigate through the situation. And oh my goodness, the beauty and emotionality of the bonus epilogue brought me to tears. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!
Intimacy: Kisses only
Language: Mild (a couple uses of he**)
Content Considerations: Parental manipulation & emotional abuse, false accusations, grief, alcohol use
December 16, 2025
Welcome back to Sheet Cake and the Graham family. This one involves Collin and his life intersects with Molly, a social media influencer. I adore the Graham family and their “chaotic family intrusion” into each other’s lives. There’s plenty of witty banter and deep discussion. Can fake become real? Can lies become truth? Devoured this book and want more from Sheet Cake, Please!
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