Gavin Gets It: A fake-dating, single dad romantic comedy.

by Christina Hovland

Meet Molly Princeton. She runs a popular dating advice channel that helps everyone else find love while her own romantic life has been stuck in neutral for nine years. Between raising her son, Ollie, juggling bills, and clinging to her “single mom confidence,” she has zero time for real-life romance or the emotional mess that comes with it.

Then her best friend gets married, Molly’s date falls for someone else before dessert, and her kid accidentally cannonballs into the lake. The man who dives in to save him? Gavin Frank. Single dad. Newly reformed. Former slacker. Also her best friend’s ex-husband. The one she is absolutely supposed to hate on principle.

Which is inconvenient.

Because he’s hot.
And kind.
And entirely off-limits.

So of course he ends up being the perfect person to help when Molly gets roped into a high-stakes matchmaking competition with a cash prize she desperately needs.
The catch? She needs a boyfriend for her videos.

Gavin volunteers. Fake dating. Zero consequences. What could go wrong?

Now their pretend dates are getting too flirty, their on-camera chemistry is impossible to ignore, and one unforgettable conversation nearly breaks the internet. Molly knows falling for her best friend’s ex could tank her reputation, her show, and her carefully protected heart, but resisting him is starting to feel impossible.

Molly has to decide if real love is worth breaking her own rules, because the only thing harder than faking a relationship with a single dad like Gavin Frank is admitting you never want it to end.

**Originally published as There's Something About Molly by Christina Hovland

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2025

About the author

Christina Hovland lives her own version of a fairy tale: an artisan chocolatier by day and romance writer by night. Born in Colorado, Christina received a degree in journalism from Colorado State University. Before opening her chocolate company, Christina’s career spanned from the television newsroom to managing an award-winning public relations firm. She’s a recovering overachiever and perfectionist with a love of cupcakes and dinner she doesn’t have to cook herself. A 2017 Golden Heart® finalist, she lives in Colorado with her first-boyfriend-turned-husband, four children, the sweetest dog around, and now Chloe, the wonder pup.

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun book! If life didn't get in the way, I would have read this in one sitting! The banter between Molly and Gavin was hysterical and spot on. I had to re-read some of the dialogue because I just cracked up all over again. A great story about girlfriends being there for one another, the trials and tribulations of being a parent, and finding love at all all different times in life. A real gem!

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

… Another woman’s treasure
4.5 ⭐️
This was another book I couldn’t put down. Once again Ms Hovland has written a brilliantly funny, sweet and spicy story that lands true to life in many ways.
Gavin redeems himself from book one of the series, and I really loved the girl group and their honesty with Molly.
With loads of humour, some drama and a totally forbidden connection Molly and Gavin delivered a great story that left with a smile I couldn’t hide.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Gavin Gets It’ was definitely a redemption for Gavin’s shortcomings in book 1’s ‘Trouble With Travis’. The eldest brother grew up. Molly, while super sweet under all that sass, frustrated me like crazy with her inability to see the forest through the trees. Gah! Great book. Love all the characters quirky personalities—especially the twins and Ollie. And author, Christina Hovland’s wit is contagious.

“Unfortunately, the twins had a propensity to wrangle themselves into chaos without meaning to. He couldn’t blame them, not when he was certain this was a genetic deficiency on his side.”

MMC:
✨Gavin
FMC:
✨Molly
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Call Him Daddy Book 2
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉 romance
👉best friend’s ex
👉enemies to lovers
👉single dad x single mom
👉found family
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
Burn Speed:
✨slow
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I would like Gavin while reading book 1. I liked him a little better at the beginning of this book because he started to redeem himself at the end of book 1. He completely redeemed himself in this book. I really ended up liking Gavin. I honesty ended up liking Gavin more than Molly.

It took Molly entirely too long to get over herself. I wish there was more of Molly and Gavin together without the Molly mental struggle. There were a few humorous moments yet the Molly mental struggle took some of the fun out of the story imho. It felt to me like almost everything with Molly was a struggle, like pulling teeth with pliers. When she got on the Cassidy and Gavin train, I was completely frustrated.

I like Agnes, and even Charlie. I was glad the ladies still had their Sunday picnics and that they were straight with Molly. I was happy about the HEA. I just felt like the rode to the HEA was way too bumpy. Rating: 3.5 stars

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced copy of this book.

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly is a single mum,trying to juggle everything and is trying to save uo to buy a house.She gives dating advice,but has not found romance.She has been single for nine years.
Her best friend Rachel is getting married.The wedding day is a disaster for Molly,her date falls for someone else, then her son Ollie dives into the water and needs saving.Gavin jumps in and saves Ollie.Gavin is off limits to Molly and she is supposed to hate him,as he is Rachel's ex-husband and the father of her twin boys.The chemistry between them is sizzling.
Gavin is trying to change.He wants to be there for his boys Kellan and Brady more than he has been and rectify the mistakes he has made in the past.
He takes on the responsibility for the boys while Rachel is on her honeymoon.
Molly is Rachel's best friend and doesn't like him.He is not supposed to be attracted to her
When they both end up in a fake relationship to help each other,one thing leads to another and they both end up falling in love along the way.
Their relationship is complicated,but they manage to work things out and get to their well deserved happily ever after.
There were lots of laugh out loud moments,emotions,family,found family,great friendships,steam,romance and a happily ever after.
I loved the boys and the trouble they got into,they were adorable.Loved the banter between Gavin and Molyy.
Cannot wait to read the next book
in the series.

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

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enemies to lover's sorta tale. He was briefly married to her best friend, and wasn't necessarily the best at co-parenting, thus she put him on her sh*t list. Now, that best friend was getting married again, (to his brother, no less,) and the two of them find themselves spending some time together, and no one was stabbed. ;) Then, after one terrifying incident, she starts to see him in a different light. If you've read 'Trouble With Travis' you meet them both and probably already have an opinion of their character/behaviors, but now we get behind the scenes shots and more than likely, those original thoughts will have changed. Gavin is a little more of a straight laced kind of guy. Not one to play games. Not a playboy or womanizer. Generally speaking, he's a good guy. Molly has been burned in the past, yet still desires her forever guy. It seems she is jinxed though, as she can't get past the first date. There are many laughs, and great banter (even if he is confused most of the time.) There is some spice, but not of the 'smutty' variety. There are a couple hilarious antics from the children. It's easy to read. Alternates POVs. While you can read this as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading book one first, to get a greater appreciation for the characters, and get a little more info on their backgrounds/history. Plus they feature all the same great characters.

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adulting Is Hard

For years, Molly Princeton has held a grudge against her best friend's ex-husband, Gavin Frank, with some cause. As much as I love how she fights against any and all slights toward Rachel, it's fun to watch her back away from that hostility. With Rachel's adamant support.

Things that were absolutely not allowed? Long-term emotional attachment to Gavin of any kind that didn’t involve the desire to throttle him with her bare hands.
-- Molly Princeton

Molly's inability to see her own worth does drive me bonkers throughout. I appreciate that Gavin tries to get her to see it and the impact it has, but she isn't good at recognizing and addressing her own faults.

Overall, this is cute, with some humorous and steamy bits. My struggles with the contradictions in Molly's presentation did impact my connection to her character. Yes, we all "fake it 'til we make it," but I feel like she fakes it a little too much.

Story: 3.5 stars

H & h = 30s

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in Hovland's Call Him Daddy and a rebrand of original title There's Something About Molly. I didn't read the original title so I'm excited to have the opportunity to read this series and I loved this addition to the series that can be read as a standalone, but I loved it better as part of this series and reading in series order. Our main characters are Molly and Gavin. Molly is besties with Gavin's ex-wife so that makes him completely off limits. Gavin while once a slacker has been reformed and well now. there is a draw between them that's undeniable. I loved their banter, I loved Molly's character sassy, and the banter was hilarious and spot on. Hovland delivers a well written, captivating romance that is perfectly balanced with humor and romance - both sweet and steamy. I loved this read and can't wait for more!

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

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about "supposed-to-be" enemies to lovers that layers chemistry, a fake relationship, a single mother, and a reformed playboy all in a fast paced plot.

Molly is a single mother, a relationship coach, struggling financially, a bit insecure, but sassy as they come. Gavin is a single dad, her best friend's ex, in his way to maturity. They don't have a great history together. But when she needs a partner to enter a matchmaking competition, it will be Gavin who steps in to help her. BE ready for the banter, the sparks, their conversations, the sensual tension, but also for his steady help with her son, for his need to be there for her. IT is going to take some work to convince Molly, but their journey from frenemies to lovers is one you will not want to miss!.

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

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is full of light-hearted romps, a bite (strawberries, anyone?) of heat, and laughs galore. The relationship of the friends is some seriously right girlfriend power. The kids’ antics are hysterical, and the parents’ reactions spot on. I liked Gavin more than I thought and rooted for him at the end of the last book in the series and this one. (No cliffhangers in the last one, just a character who really deserved a book and HEA.) Molly’s train of thought frequently ran away from me and I hoped she would get out of her own way and see her value. Luckily, she has friends and a guy that is willing to wait at the station and then get on board. Gavin does get it.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Gavin and Molly! Molly has a quirk of setting up her first dates with one of her friends and then they find their ever afters. When she find herself unexpectedly attracted to her best friend’s ex husband at her wedding to his brother (ya it’s complicated) she tries to shut that down fast. These two have a lot in common. Both are divorced with children and both are afraid of getting hurt. This book was a joy to read. Funny and smart. These two both have issues and with the help of friends and family just may have the love story they deserve.

[Nikki Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly has hated Gavin since he divorced her best friend but as time has gone by he has redeemed himself by his actions with not only his own two children but her son as well. When they join forces to help each other out, they find out how well they get along. Molly wants to go all in but she struggles with believing in herself and in believing in Gavin’s love for her. I loved the friendship Molly had with her friends and especially how Rachel supported her relationship with her ex-husband. I really enjoyed this story and I think you will also.

[Cindy Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tangled webs we weave and Christina Hovland is fantastic at interweavings. If you read the first book in the series then you know Gavin's backstory as he's Rachel's ex and Travis' brother. Molly is Rachel's best friend so that makes Gavin off limits. Gavin totally redeems himself in this book and I've grown to love the character. Molly is sassy and snarky and I love the banter between her and Gavin. This is a fantastic read and I loved it. I'd like to thank the author for this copy and the review is mine.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Molly and Gavin! Read Book 1 first, but now that Rachel and Travis are happy and Gavin has stepped up to be a more helpful father, Molly is struggling to remember why she hates him. Molly is also struggling with money, hence the matchmaking contest with a cash prize, and the idea that Gavin can fake it as her boyfriend on camera. There are funny and sweet moments, and I cheered the whole way for Molly to get a guy she deserves and to feel worthy of it.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! This review is very late but never late then never!

First of all, I love all of the characters and loved to see some of the returning ones from the first book. It was so nice to really dive into to Molly’s backstory and see Gavin redeem himself. I didn’t think Christina could do it after what he was like in the first book, but Christina is a great author. By the end I loved him! More importantly, I loved him and Molly together.

Another 5+ review from me for Christina!

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

principles
Poor Molly, in addition to her struggles as a working single mom she has to choose between loyalty to her best friend and her growing feelings for her best friend´s ex. There are many reasons why a relationship doesn´t work, sometimes the partners simply aren´t right for each other. So as a true friend, I would want my bestie to be happy and if it´s with my ex I´d try to cope as awkward as is might be in the beginning.

[Chia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks, Booksprout! Sweet, playful, and full of personality. This romance delivers entertaining moments alongside a satisfying emotional arc. Christina Hovland sure knows how to write romance! This romance between a dating guru/single mother and her best friend's ex husband/single father was so amazing (and sooo off-limits)! I'm amazed by the characters, I connected with them, I cared for them, and I loved them so much ♥

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frienemies are the best especially when the characters realize they're meant for each other. Absolutely loved the Mommy Wars version of this book but believe or not...this one is even better. The three boys together, Gavin's twins and Molly's one, make for hilarity-in-action. Read the Call him Daddy series especially if y'all enjoyed the Mommy Wars series.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hovland lays on the charm while delivering little glimpses of reality. Gavin Gets It takes a humorous approach to dole out a fresh dose of common sense. Perfection is not an option when it comes to matters of the heart. Molly and Gavin are a hot mess when it comes to emotional baggage. He pushes her buttons, she craves his touch and neither will give an inch. Fresh. Funny. Fabulous.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book in a series that just keeps getting better!! Absolutely falling in love with these characters again and this author. It’s a sweet, charming, spicy and completely delightful romcom that I absolutely loved. Definitely picking up this authors books again. If you’re after a fantastic romcom, then this book and series is for you. Happy reading

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not want to like Gavin...... but darn it, I do! Fake dating is my absolute favorite trope, and Molly and Gavin's story is perfect!
Molly and Gavin have some natural chemistry and great banter. It makes you not want to put the book down! Quick read because of this!

[Wioletta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gavin is off limits, she hates him, he is her best friend's ex husband.
So why she feel attraction to him.
Molly is great, loved reading about her, even with Gavin

[Jules The Book Junkie Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Christina Hovland’s latest novel, Gavin Gets It, is a hilarious addition to her series of loosely-tied, standalone romantic comedies. Each book in this series features moms—some are single, some are married, and all are working hard to juggle family, home, and work. Ms. Hovland reflects back the lives of most of her readers, adds humor and a splash of romance for relatable, realistic characters and stories.

Molly is a relationship coach. She enters a matchmaking competition not knowing that to win she will need a boyfriend, and that sets up the premise for this fake-boyfriend romance trope. A dating coach who is single isn’t all that odd in the world of romantic fiction, but some backstory on her reticence to being in a relationship would have added a little depth to this otherwise delightful story. It was satisfying to see the character growth throughout the story arc. Fake boyfriend, Gavin, is a recycled secondary character from a prior book. In Gavin Gets It, Gavin battles the reputation he created and tries to show friends, family and Molly that he is redeemable. The secondary characters add a lot to this story in terms of humor and relationship support.

Molly and Gavin’s journey is a fun, flirty read about the bumpy road to a HEA. The interactions with Molly’s children were funny, and Molly and Gavin’s relationship felt organic in its growth. I truly enjoy how author Hovland can turn a realistic romance story into a light, breezy romantic comedy.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com