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Something Borrowed Something Brewed: A Thistlecroft Sapphic Romantic Comedy
A lie to silence the town. A love she never saw coming…
Olivia Bennett’s perfectly ordered life falls apart the day she tells the town’s biggest gossips that she’s engaged. What started as a desperate attempt to silence the rumour mill turns into a full-blown village obsession…complete with congratulations cards, nosy neighbours, and a mother who’s beside herself with joy.
Enter Jessie Torres, the bold, infuriating cafe owner across the street who offers to play the part of Olivia’s mysterious fiancée. What’s the worst that could happen? Aside from small-town chaos, meddling locals, and a growing sense that the line between fake and real is vanishing by the day.
As lies spiral into laughter, late-night confessions, and something suspiciously close to love, Olivia must decide whether to keep pretending…or finally tell the truth about the one woman who’s turned her world upside down.
A slow-burn sapphic rom-com about unexpected love, second chances, and the sweetest lie ever told.
Olivia Bennett’s perfectly ordered life falls apart the day she tells the town’s biggest gossips that she’s engaged. What started as a desperate attempt to silence the rumour mill turns into a full-blown village obsession…complete with congratulations cards, nosy neighbours, and a mother who’s beside herself with joy.
Enter Jessie Torres, the bold, infuriating cafe owner across the street who offers to play the part of Olivia’s mysterious fiancée. What’s the worst that could happen? Aside from small-town chaos, meddling locals, and a growing sense that the line between fake and real is vanishing by the day.
As lies spiral into laughter, late-night confessions, and something suspiciously close to love, Olivia must decide whether to keep pretending…or finally tell the truth about the one woman who’s turned her world upside down.
A slow-burn sapphic rom-com about unexpected love, second chances, and the sweetest lie ever told.
- GenresHumor
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 16, 2026
Agnes Dumont is Melissa Tereze’s second pen name. While I didn’t connect with the one book I read from Tereze, I liked this one. I expected something light and British, and I found it. The chemistry and the longing were a delight to read. The first half is a bit crazy, with everyone, including Jessie, contributing to make the lie bigger, and I wondered how Olivia thought things would be better with that lie. I had trouble warming up to her because her relationship with Jessie was a bit unbalanced, with Olivia being a bit unfair to Jessie. The second half better explained this dynamic. It ended up being very sweet, with a Jessie who is so caring and deserves the world. Olivia’s past explained why she was that way, although I found it hard to believe and understand why nobody knew about Olivia’s project back in London with her ex. I also wished to see why Olivia and Jessie connected on a deeper level beyond what was told. But overall, this book was sweet, fun, and entertaining. I had a good time reading it.
March 11, 2026
This was so tender and unbelievably sweet, the type of book you devour in one seating and puts a silly smile on your face the whole time.
January 21, 2026
Olivia lived for many years in London, working as an accountant, having a good life there. About a year ago she suddenly returned to her small hometown in northwest England, ostensibly to help her brother Ethan run the family bakery.
Jessie runs the cafe opposite Ethan’s bakery. Olivia and Jessie were at school together, Olivia the hard worker, serious and strict. Almost to ice queen levels. Jessie was the class joker, always teasing, never serious. She has got teasing and sarcasm down to a fine art.
At the beginning this has a manic energy, funny but also sad in the way that everyone continually teases Olivia. Until Olivia has to find a fake fiancée. As things become more serious between the women, the writing style changes, becoming much more serious.
A fun story, very British. At the beginning, it leans straight into the comedy setup, with very little context for us, very little knowledge of the womens’ backstories. That makes us not know the characters well. It feels a bit cartoony, where we don’t have empathy for Olivia and so anything can happen and we don’t really care.
Jessie starts off as a chaotic person, saying the most outrageous things to get a reaction, first from Olivia, and later from the townsfolk. But Jessie eventually realises what she is doing, and reins back her talk and calms Olivia. She becomes Olivia’s protector, because Olivia had trusted her enough to ask for her help. Olivia’s brother Ethan, however, was a shit; he needs a swift hard slap. I am surprised Olivia didn’t just walk out of the bakery leaving him to handle everything on his own - only her sense of duty stopped that.
The story seems superficial, until the feelings become real, and then the style of the writing changes, becoming more serious.
This is a long, slow burn story, where Jessie grows from a superficial narcissistic person, to a really warm and lovely woman. Olivia, however, just can’t get over her past insecurities, and really tries Jessie’s patience (and mine!). Because of this, their relationship is really two steps forward, one back.
I liked this a lot, but I didn’t find the ‘comedy’ warm, funny or witty, instead it was hurtful to Olivia.
Jessie runs the cafe opposite Ethan’s bakery. Olivia and Jessie were at school together, Olivia the hard worker, serious and strict. Almost to ice queen levels. Jessie was the class joker, always teasing, never serious. She has got teasing and sarcasm down to a fine art.
At the beginning this has a manic energy, funny but also sad in the way that everyone continually teases Olivia. Until Olivia has to find a fake fiancée. As things become more serious between the women, the writing style changes, becoming much more serious.
A fun story, very British. At the beginning, it leans straight into the comedy setup, with very little context for us, very little knowledge of the womens’ backstories. That makes us not know the characters well. It feels a bit cartoony, where we don’t have empathy for Olivia and so anything can happen and we don’t really care.
Jessie starts off as a chaotic person, saying the most outrageous things to get a reaction, first from Olivia, and later from the townsfolk. But Jessie eventually realises what she is doing, and reins back her talk and calms Olivia. She becomes Olivia’s protector, because Olivia had trusted her enough to ask for her help. Olivia’s brother Ethan, however, was a shit; he needs a swift hard slap. I am surprised Olivia didn’t just walk out of the bakery leaving him to handle everything on his own - only her sense of duty stopped that.
The story seems superficial, until the feelings become real, and then the style of the writing changes, becoming more serious.
This is a long, slow burn story, where Jessie grows from a superficial narcissistic person, to a really warm and lovely woman. Olivia, however, just can’t get over her past insecurities, and really tries Jessie’s patience (and mine!). Because of this, their relationship is really two steps forward, one back.
I liked this a lot, but I didn’t find the ‘comedy’ warm, funny or witty, instead it was hurtful to Olivia.
January 8, 2026
Smiled and grinned reading it from the start. I loved the beginning and the route the writer has taken with this trope. The book is a decent length so I look forward to seeing how it all pans out. There are enough back story hints as well as the initial humour level that I am looking forward to reading more of.
The amusing lines continued, along side lines that made me pause with their truth. I think something here that is truthful and unusual in most sapphic romances is that both mains are a bit messy emotionally.
At the end of chapter 18, I just smiled and quietly nodded. I have such a fondness for these two!
The end of chapter 19, finished with another smile and an internal round of applause for one of the mains.
I loved this book. The last chapter was perfect! The whole book was pretty much everything I would hope for in a romcom!
The amusing lines continued, along side lines that made me pause with their truth. I think something here that is truthful and unusual in most sapphic romances is that both mains are a bit messy emotionally.
At the end of chapter 18, I just smiled and quietly nodded. I have such a fondness for these two!
The end of chapter 19, finished with another smile and an internal round of applause for one of the mains.
I loved this book. The last chapter was perfect! The whole book was pretty much everything I would hope for in a romcom!
March 5, 2026
Easy and quick read with a cute, yet overly aggressive nosy, small village. The first half of the book was a bit difficult to understand. Olivia is portrayed as cold and unlikable, but we have no reasons for this until the last quarter of the book. Jessie is supposed to be the likable one with all the jokes and personality, but to me she just comes across as mean. I felt like the author really didn’t like Olivia much in the first 2/3 of the book, but didn’t give us any reasons why.
Once the book moves beyond the fake fiancé part, it got pretty sweet. There was tons of pining and yearning and there was great rapport built between Jessie and Olivia. They took the relationship slow, which is weird for us lesbians. That part was kind of fun.
Once the book moves beyond the fake fiancé part, it got pretty sweet. There was tons of pining and yearning and there was great rapport built between Jessie and Olivia. They took the relationship slow, which is weird for us lesbians. That part was kind of fun.
January 22, 2026
4.5 stars
Really nice characters and story with no angst. Enjoyed reading this.
Really nice characters and story with no angst. Enjoyed reading this.
January 24, 2026
A fantastic enemies to lovers, fake romance love story. As far as Olivia is concerned Jessie is her nemesis. But when cornered by the town's busy bodies she tells them that she and Jessie are engaged! When she approaches Jessie, she agrees to help Olivia out. And fun ensues!
This is a fun read, with heat towards the end! You won't understand why Olivia acts the way she does until the second half of the book. So give her some slack. I LOVE THIS BOOK! 5 STARS!
This is a fun read, with heat towards the end! You won't understand why Olivia acts the way she does until the second half of the book. So give her some slack. I LOVE THIS BOOK! 5 STARS!
April 5, 2026
(rounded up from 3.5)
This was an interesting one. The first half was a bit of a miss for me. Incredibly nosy secondary characters, i.e. the whole damn town, a ridiculous lie that gets out of control, and a fauxmance as a result with your irritating but kind of hot rival from high school. The second half honestly redeemed itself, though, so I still give this an overall four stars. The latter half is cozy, sweet, wholesome and just lovely if you're looking for a nice romantic story. You just have to push past the shenanigans to get there and close out strong with this book.
This was an interesting one. The first half was a bit of a miss for me. Incredibly nosy secondary characters, i.e. the whole damn town, a ridiculous lie that gets out of control, and a fauxmance as a result with your irritating but kind of hot rival from high school. The second half honestly redeemed itself, though, so I still give this an overall four stars. The latter half is cozy, sweet, wholesome and just lovely if you're looking for a nice romantic story. You just have to push past the shenanigans to get there and close out strong with this book.
January 13, 2026
Love quirky characters!!
February 16, 2026
Review of ARC received from Author.
This book had everything I love in a romcom and more!
Jessie’s attachment to humor, laced with Olivia’s need for control and predictability, made these two characters such a fun pair. They slowly unraveled each other, making for a lovely little slow burn with all that small-town charm and fun wit.
All in all, I loved this read. A sapphic romcom that had you craving baked goods, wanting to sip tea, and feeling the love of the two MCs blossom and bloom.
This was my introduction to Agnès Dumont, and I really can’t wait to read more of her work.
This book had everything I love in a romcom and more!
Jessie’s attachment to humor, laced with Olivia’s need for control and predictability, made these two characters such a fun pair. They slowly unraveled each other, making for a lovely little slow burn with all that small-town charm and fun wit.
All in all, I loved this read. A sapphic romcom that had you craving baked goods, wanting to sip tea, and feeling the love of the two MCs blossom and bloom.
This was my introduction to Agnès Dumont, and I really can’t wait to read more of her work.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So sweet, just like Olivia's iced buns.
Or rather, her brother's! The family bakery, to be precise.
The one, Olivia returned to after someone in London broke her heart into a thousand pieces, and all she wanted to do,
was escape to Thistlecroft and put those pieces back together. In the bosom of her family and the routine and order she loves so much.
She loves peace, routine, order, and not the chaos and utter disorder personified by Jessie Torres.
That's been the case since their childhood.
Jessie, who owns the café across the street and spreads that very chaos and disorder into Olivia's life every single day, just to get on her nerves.
What she was thinking, though, inventing a fake fiancée and telling the two biggest gossips in town, she's not so sure anymore?!
She just wanted them to leave her alone with their pointless questions about her non existent love life... well, wrong!
Now, where does one find the legendary fiancée in town?
Who could possibly be responsible for such fabricated madness? Surely not the nemesis across the hall?
Not the woman, who's made a sport of getting under Olivia's skin for as long as she can remember? Or maybe, yes?
Who else would find such nonsense so brilliant?
I found it funny and lively, and I simply enjoyed being entertained in a witty and sweet way. No drama, not really.
Well, maybe a little.
But all in all, a rom-com with romance in a sensitive, slow, and tender way.
All the characters were perfectly chosen for a small-town romance and, of course, endearingly annoying, just as they should be!
Thanks to Agnes DuMont for the ARC, this is my honest review.
Or rather, her brother's! The family bakery, to be precise.
The one, Olivia returned to after someone in London broke her heart into a thousand pieces, and all she wanted to do,
was escape to Thistlecroft and put those pieces back together. In the bosom of her family and the routine and order she loves so much.
She loves peace, routine, order, and not the chaos and utter disorder personified by Jessie Torres.
That's been the case since their childhood.
Jessie, who owns the café across the street and spreads that very chaos and disorder into Olivia's life every single day, just to get on her nerves.
What she was thinking, though, inventing a fake fiancée and telling the two biggest gossips in town, she's not so sure anymore?!
She just wanted them to leave her alone with their pointless questions about her non existent love life... well, wrong!
Now, where does one find the legendary fiancée in town?
Who could possibly be responsible for such fabricated madness? Surely not the nemesis across the hall?
Not the woman, who's made a sport of getting under Olivia's skin for as long as she can remember? Or maybe, yes?
Who else would find such nonsense so brilliant?
I found it funny and lively, and I simply enjoyed being entertained in a witty and sweet way. No drama, not really.
Well, maybe a little.
But all in all, a rom-com with romance in a sensitive, slow, and tender way.
All the characters were perfectly chosen for a small-town romance and, of course, endearingly annoying, just as they should be!
Thanks to Agnes DuMont for the ARC, this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Normally I am not a rom com fan, but I must add this book to the exceptions since it was done so well and had that extra depth I need to fully enjoy a book. I was fully invested when reading and loved the bantering between Olivia and Jessie, their journey from enemies to lovers was wonderful to follow and I even enjoyed the whole fake dating since that caused so many extra fun encounters.
Olivia has escaped her accounting career and big city life in London and come back home to her family’s bakery in small town Thistlecroft. She never thought she would come back, but things happened and she needed this escape. Everyone so nosy and push for details about her dating life so she spurts out that she is engaged to avoid all the questions. That backfires and then everyone wants to meet this non existing fiancée. Olivia must come up with a solution, telling the truth never an option since would involve eternal shame. Who can she convince to become her fake fiancée? Really only one option, chaos Jessie that she has known forever, but she is the opposite to Olivia.
Jessie is messy indeed but also a sweetheart and agrees to faking it, she is quite the performer, hilarious to make Olivia squirm about the whole situation and the town gets their entertainment. Soon Olivia has had enough and tells Jessie off. Jessie just wanted to help Olivia, the girl she has always admired and perhaps had a crush on forever, so this is gutting her. Will they find a way out of this and is this fake relationship really that fake?
I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Olivia has escaped her accounting career and big city life in London and come back home to her family’s bakery in small town Thistlecroft. She never thought she would come back, but things happened and she needed this escape. Everyone so nosy and push for details about her dating life so she spurts out that she is engaged to avoid all the questions. That backfires and then everyone wants to meet this non existing fiancée. Olivia must come up with a solution, telling the truth never an option since would involve eternal shame. Who can she convince to become her fake fiancée? Really only one option, chaos Jessie that she has known forever, but she is the opposite to Olivia.
Jessie is messy indeed but also a sweetheart and agrees to faking it, she is quite the performer, hilarious to make Olivia squirm about the whole situation and the town gets their entertainment. Soon Olivia has had enough and tells Jessie off. Jessie just wanted to help Olivia, the girl she has always admired and perhaps had a crush on forever, so this is gutting her. Will they find a way out of this and is this fake relationship really that fake?
I received a free ARC from the author and leave an honest review voluntarily.
January 8, 2026
Grumpy/Sunshine and meddling townspeople
Someone get me a fluffy blanket and let me wrap up with this book. Whilst our author is by no means new to the world of sapphic books (Agnes DuMont being a new pen name for our very fabulous Melisa Tereze), this is our first venture into Rom com territory, and let me tell you, it delivers.
Set in the gossiping town of Thistelcroft, our tale follows the return of uptight, grumpy black cat Olivia Bennet, and ray of grinning sunshine Jessie Torres. Brought together by a fake engagement blurted out in front of the towns little old dears, our two protagonists have to navigate the ever expanding web of lies without getting too lost within them.
Uptight Olivia wants things a certain way and refuses to entertain the antics of Jessie despite her need for help. Jessie just can’t seem to stop acting the clown around her and doesn’t understand why Olivia won’t let her in. But how exactly do you break into someone’s circle when they’ve erected walls so high?
You’ll just have to read it to find out. I will no doubt be revisiting this one again this year!
Someone get me a fluffy blanket and let me wrap up with this book. Whilst our author is by no means new to the world of sapphic books (Agnes DuMont being a new pen name for our very fabulous Melisa Tereze), this is our first venture into Rom com territory, and let me tell you, it delivers.
Set in the gossiping town of Thistelcroft, our tale follows the return of uptight, grumpy black cat Olivia Bennet, and ray of grinning sunshine Jessie Torres. Brought together by a fake engagement blurted out in front of the towns little old dears, our two protagonists have to navigate the ever expanding web of lies without getting too lost within them.
Uptight Olivia wants things a certain way and refuses to entertain the antics of Jessie despite her need for help. Jessie just can’t seem to stop acting the clown around her and doesn’t understand why Olivia won’t let her in. But how exactly do you break into someone’s circle when they’ve erected walls so high?
You’ll just have to read it to find out. I will no doubt be revisiting this one again this year!
February 6, 2026
What a book!
Ok, we all love and hate this authors other work ( Melissa Tereze) right? The angst and sleepless nights muttering ‘one more chapter, then I’ll sleep’. Well, looks like she has now branched out into the RomCom genre with this new pen name.
If this first book is anything to go by, it’s going to be a huge success. The characters are fantastic, the small town setting, including busy bodies had me rolling, just, well…everything is just so good!
We’ve all been there, blurted out some nonsense while backed into a corner. Olivia just goes at it a bit harder than most. Will things work out? Will bunting forever cloud her dreams?. Will the cheeky cafe owner cut the banter and jokes and become the person you always needed? Will cinnamon rolls make you smile so wide it hurts?. All this and more will be answered by reading this absolute masterpiece of romcom gold.
I’ve been in kind of a reading funk lately, taking weeks to read one. This book…1 day…would have been less if I hadn’t slept a few hrs.
So yes, I’m fully behind this new/additional author. I promise to hit the angst and heartbreak soon. Look forward to whatever comes next.
Ok, we all love and hate this authors other work ( Melissa Tereze) right? The angst and sleepless nights muttering ‘one more chapter, then I’ll sleep’. Well, looks like she has now branched out into the RomCom genre with this new pen name.
If this first book is anything to go by, it’s going to be a huge success. The characters are fantastic, the small town setting, including busy bodies had me rolling, just, well…everything is just so good!
We’ve all been there, blurted out some nonsense while backed into a corner. Olivia just goes at it a bit harder than most. Will things work out? Will bunting forever cloud her dreams?. Will the cheeky cafe owner cut the banter and jokes and become the person you always needed? Will cinnamon rolls make you smile so wide it hurts?. All this and more will be answered by reading this absolute masterpiece of romcom gold.
I’ve been in kind of a reading funk lately, taking weeks to read one. This book…1 day…would have been less if I hadn’t slept a few hrs.
So yes, I’m fully behind this new/additional author. I promise to hit the angst and heartbreak soon. Look forward to whatever comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Something Borrowed, Something Brewed hooked me from the start. The banter between Jessie and Olivia was fantastic, and their shared history—from growing up together to adulthood—added so much depth to their relationship. Their interactions feel natural, messy, and real, especially since they know exactly how to push each other’s buttons.
Jessie never takes anything too seriously and often uses humor and theatrics to protect herself, while Olivia prefers control and structure, believing it will keep her from being hurt again. When a lie begins, Olivia hopes the town gossip will die down, but Jessie only adds fuel to the fire. As emotions rise, both women start to realize the lie may be closer to the truth than either of them expected.
This book is lighthearted, full of fun banter from the entire cast, and a perfect slow burn with a satisfying HEA. I highly recommend it.
Jessie never takes anything too seriously and often uses humor and theatrics to protect herself, while Olivia prefers control and structure, believing it will keep her from being hurt again. When a lie begins, Olivia hopes the town gossip will die down, but Jessie only adds fuel to the fire. As emotions rise, both women start to realize the lie may be closer to the truth than either of them expected.
This book is lighthearted, full of fun banter from the entire cast, and a perfect slow burn with a satisfying HEA. I highly recommend it.
January 9, 2026
Coffee, fresh baked goods, and love
What happens when a panic-blurted "fiancee" is promised, and a single Olivia, from the bakery, has no-one on her dating rooster? Enter Jessie, fun-loving, wild coffee slinger who wants nothing more than to wind Olivia up. Since elementary she has been the person who made everyone laugh, even Olivia on occasion. Add two meddling little old ladies who run the gossip mill like a small town paper and uptight, number crunching Olivia is frantic. Between dinner with parents, Thursday night pub quiz, birthday parties, and general lIfe in the little village of Thistlecroft, Jessie and Olivia begin to find out they are more alike than they thought and the line between love and hate isn't so clear as Olivia believed. Read the breakout book Something Borrowed Something Brewed by Agnes DuMont.
What happens when a panic-blurted "fiancee" is promised, and a single Olivia, from the bakery, has no-one on her dating rooster? Enter Jessie, fun-loving, wild coffee slinger who wants nothing more than to wind Olivia up. Since elementary she has been the person who made everyone laugh, even Olivia on occasion. Add two meddling little old ladies who run the gossip mill like a small town paper and uptight, number crunching Olivia is frantic. Between dinner with parents, Thursday night pub quiz, birthday parties, and general lIfe in the little village of Thistlecroft, Jessie and Olivia begin to find out they are more alike than they thought and the line between love and hate isn't so clear as Olivia believed. Read the breakout book Something Borrowed Something Brewed by Agnes DuMont.
January 26, 2026
This is the perfect fun sort of romcom that I needed right now when the real world feels so bleak and callous.
Olivia has retreated from London to her tiny home village of Thistlecroft after a bad breakup. She dives into like running her family’s bakery to avoid having a social life and to avoid falling in love again.
Jessie, the class clown from school, who always teased Olivia, now owns the coffee shop across the street. And she still finds ways to wind up Olivia.
But when Olivia, in a panic, makes up a lie about being engaged, she turns to Jessie to be her fake fiancé. Days and nights together grind down the walls they’ve each erected and the longer this goes on, the more real it becomes.
At some point, they both realize they should walk away or reveal how really feel. The question is which makes more sense?
Olivia has retreated from London to her tiny home village of Thistlecroft after a bad breakup. She dives into like running her family’s bakery to avoid having a social life and to avoid falling in love again.
Jessie, the class clown from school, who always teased Olivia, now owns the coffee shop across the street. And she still finds ways to wind up Olivia.
But when Olivia, in a panic, makes up a lie about being engaged, she turns to Jessie to be her fake fiancé. Days and nights together grind down the walls they’ve each erected and the longer this goes on, the more real it becomes.
At some point, they both realize they should walk away or reveal how really feel. The question is which makes more sense?
February 22, 2026
A Sweet & Cozy Debut Into RomCom!
As this is a debut book into Romantic Comedy by Agnes DuMont.(MT) Their other work falls under another trope. This book was filled with warmth, humor, sarcasm, very nosy town and a lie that was getting bigger than the town itself. It is a story that captures you from the first chapter and forces you to read right through as not to put the book down. It is about two women who in the town of Thistlecroft share a street with their businesses. One has a coffee shop and the other a bakery. Both my favorites to enjoy when I am reading. Just saying. They do not get along. A past that both remember differently which is now filled with hostility until a lie is spoken and now help is needed. I laughed so many times through this book and also shed some tears. It clicks all the boxes. A Must Read!
As this is a debut book into Romantic Comedy by Agnes DuMont.(MT) Their other work falls under another trope. This book was filled with warmth, humor, sarcasm, very nosy town and a lie that was getting bigger than the town itself. It is a story that captures you from the first chapter and forces you to read right through as not to put the book down. It is about two women who in the town of Thistlecroft share a street with their businesses. One has a coffee shop and the other a bakery. Both my favorites to enjoy when I am reading. Just saying. They do not get along. A past that both remember differently which is now filled with hostility until a lie is spoken and now help is needed. I laughed so many times through this book and also shed some tears. It clicks all the boxes. A Must Read!
January 9, 2026
A definite read
What a beautiful debut into the romcom genre. Something Borrowed Something Brewed is so sweet that it had me kicking my feet and craving some pastries.
This story is charming, witty, vulnerable, and has just enough spice. Elements that I’m not surprised on as Agnes (also known as Melissa Tereze) has always thrived with. I absolutely love her storytelling and the journey she takes you on as each character develops. I’m so smitten with both Jessie and Olivia.
I highly recommend giving her romcom debut a read. But I also think you should give Melissa’s other books a try if you haven’t. Though most of them have a heavier element and have more angst, the heart and soul are the same! Congrats on your debut Agnes! I’m excited to see where you go from here.
What a beautiful debut into the romcom genre. Something Borrowed Something Brewed is so sweet that it had me kicking my feet and craving some pastries.
This story is charming, witty, vulnerable, and has just enough spice. Elements that I’m not surprised on as Agnes (also known as Melissa Tereze) has always thrived with. I absolutely love her storytelling and the journey she takes you on as each character develops. I’m so smitten with both Jessie and Olivia.
I highly recommend giving her romcom debut a read. But I also think you should give Melissa’s other books a try if you haven’t. Though most of them have a heavier element and have more angst, the heart and soul are the same! Congrats on your debut Agnes! I’m excited to see where you go from here.
January 11, 2026
This is the first romcom from Agnes Dumont, but if you're familiar with Melissa Tereze, Agnes is her alter ego, so this isn't a true debut in that way. With that said, do not go into this story with any preconceived ideas about what to expect based on Melissa's other books. If I didn't know, I never would have guessed it was written by the same person, which is exactly what she was going for. This was such a cute story! It had fake dating, small town gossips, and plenty of nosey neighbors! Even when the characters were antagonizing each other, you could cut the tension with a knife, which really added to the buildup for the spice. I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what comes next.
January 26, 2026
I think I liked this….honestly it’s left me so undecided.
I liked the characters, their banter was fun and as a whole they were lovable.
I was confused as to the plot or at least the order of things.
Lots of things didn’t make sense to me such as, we didn’t really get told who Jessie was to Olivia for a while, she confirmed her fiancée was local but no one really questioned why no one knew she was even dating, her parents didn’t care about the fact she’d reached engagement stage without having know Olivia was even seeing someone?
Various things. Honestly if this wasn’t a book in a different pen name to one of my favourite age gap authors then I don’t think I would have liked it.
Don’t know if that makes sense but yeah, total middle of the road kinda book for me.
I liked the characters, their banter was fun and as a whole they were lovable.
I was confused as to the plot or at least the order of things.
Lots of things didn’t make sense to me such as, we didn’t really get told who Jessie was to Olivia for a while, she confirmed her fiancée was local but no one really questioned why no one knew she was even dating, her parents didn’t care about the fact she’d reached engagement stage without having know Olivia was even seeing someone?
Various things. Honestly if this wasn’t a book in a different pen name to one of my favourite age gap authors then I don’t think I would have liked it.
Don’t know if that makes sense but yeah, total middle of the road kinda book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*received as a advanced reader copy from the author*
What a sweet novel! The fake fiancee trope isn't always my favourite but I'm definitely converted. The mutual pining had me screaming and giggling, the tension between them was electric right from the start and the ending was absolutely perfect, a true full circle moment! I loved both characters and the connection was just so natural.
This book from Agnes is the perfect cozy rom com for a night in. I'll definitely be re reading
What a sweet novel! The fake fiancee trope isn't always my favourite but I'm definitely converted. The mutual pining had me screaming and giggling, the tension between them was electric right from the start and the ending was absolutely perfect, a true full circle moment! I loved both characters and the connection was just so natural.
This book from Agnes is the perfect cozy rom com for a night in. I'll definitely be re reading
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2026
This is a delightful book. I loved it from beginning to end. Grumpy Olivia and happy go lucky Jessie get thrown together sorta by mistake. And Olivia doesn't know how to get out of it. Jessie is a wonderful thoughtful character. Ready with a smile and joke. Olivia is straight laced and quiet. This is a book to read to get a smile on your face. I look forward to the next book by this author. Enjoy.
May 15, 2026
This was such a cute and wholesome read. The start was a bit chaotic with Olivia's lie, but I loved how it unfolded and turned into the beautiful connection between Liv and Jessie. I loved both main characters, but Jessie was my favorite. Her humor, playfulness, and care for Olivia were so cute.
It was so nice seeing how Jessie untangled all the parts of Olivia, saw right through her, and gave her what she really needed: care and love.
It was a very nice read, and I’d definitely recommend it.
It was so nice seeing how Jessie untangled all the parts of Olivia, saw right through her, and gave her what she really needed: care and love.
It was a very nice read, and I’d definitely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dumont doesn't disappoint! filled with the realistic relationships, humour, ups and downs synonymous with her back catalog under Melissa Tereze. She introduces us to a slower, cozier story filled with fake relationships, second chances and the intrigue of the village gossip mill. what's not to love about this slow burn romance. A must read
January 26, 2026
I absolutely love this romcom debut from one of my fave authors. I was either smiling or cackling with laughter the entire time I was reading this. While sometimes fake dating/fiancee can be frustrating to read, this wasn't and the dynamic between the characters was both sweet and hilarious. Can't wait for more romcom from Agnes
Review of advance copy received from Author
Small village rom com, really enjoyed this slow burn village romance book, very British humour, loved the gossiping of the little village .. it Had me guessing will they, won't they.. I would recommend it if you like sweet rom com stories.
January 25, 2026
Light hearted
I really enjoyed Olivia & Jessie's story. Low angst, fun, with a few very sexy moments, it held my attention from the first chapter. I highly recommend this book for a few hours of gentle romance.
I really enjoyed Olivia & Jessie's story. Low angst, fun, with a few very sexy moments, it held my attention from the first chapter. I highly recommend this book for a few hours of gentle romance.
February 2, 2026
A quick and thoroughly enjoyable read. Both MCs are likeable and real. Fake fiancé trope without a weird, heavy 3abu. The whole story seemed to flow naturally, and I couldn't put this book down. Definitely on my re-read list.
January 11, 2026
lovely book adored characters allot
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