Worst Faking Idea

by Angela Casella

** Closed door version **
Their secret fake relationship began with a little white lie...

Nora
My ginger beer brewery is, quite literally, my life.

Unfortunately, my male business partner's new fiancée is insanely jealous. It's only a matter of time before she forces him to quit, which means we'll both lose the business we love.

So I ask him what will get her to back down.

A boyfriend.

I make one up, telling her it's too early to introduce him, which works right up until she walks in on a heated private conversation between me and Cormac, my soon-to-be stepbrother.

She comes to a wild the reason I'm keeping my boyfriend secret is because it's him.

I know I should set her straight. Cormac is the last person I'd ever date, and not just because our parents are about to get married. He's awkward, introverted, and has the people skills of a houseplant.

But I'm desperate enough to tell the worst lie ever.

Cormac
Nora makes me an offer any sane man would refuse.

She wants me to be her secret fake boyfriend–an act that only has to work on two people.

In exchange, she promises to help me brush up my dating skills.

It doesn't seem like much of a bargain, to be honest. She's been prickly since high school and isn't much of a charmer herself, but I agree because I've promised my father I'll try to get along with her.

But the more time Nora and I spend together, the more I realize that I'd like our secret fake relationship to be real.

** A standalone romcom in the Babes of Brewing series. **

There are TWO different versions of this
1) A spicy, open door version with some strong language and sex scenes
2) A closed door version with mild language and only kissing.
Please choose the version that's best for you!

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2026

About the author

ANGELA CASELLA lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their ill-behaved corgi in an extremely small bungalow. She spends her days writing and pretending to market. She writes solo romcoms and also has three co-written series with Denise Grover Swank.

You can subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive free content and updates on her projects! http://subscribepage.io/AngelaCasella...

Reviews

[VeroniCanRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐ ARC Review - The only stepbrother fake dating romance book I’ve read that I genuinely loved and didn’t give me the ick. The character growth and banter are top tier!

🍎 For Fans of:
- romcom
- fake dating
- stepbrother romance
- wedding attendees
- hilarious & adorable banter
- healing daddy issues
- great friend group
- meddling old ladies
- dog side character
- single timeline
- dual POVs

✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Nora’s mom is marrying her high school nemesis (Cormac)’s dad. Cormac’s secretly had a crush on her since forever so when Nora asks him to be his fake secret boyfriend, he agrees. What could go wrong?

This. THIS is how you write a stepbrother romance without it feeling weird. Maybe it’s because I read the sweet version (yes, there’s a spicy version too!), but it never felt icky.

For this one, since there is a shared history (they’ve known each other since grade school) and the banter feels so… right? It’s funny banter but it’s also so comfortable because they’ve known each other and have a shared history, even if they were never friends.

Not only do we get incredible banter, but we also see each of the main characters grow into the full versions of themselves. Their relationship has a natural progression, real concerns, and comforting moments of friendship, family, and finding who and what is right for you. The character growth is real and their entire friend group made me so happy for them.

I saw someone online post about how this is an auto-read / auto-buy author for them and I totally get it. The writing is phenomenal and makes you feel like you’re always in on the jokes. Plus, with the dual POV writing, it’s truly heartwarming seeing these little interactions from both sides.

🖤 Thank you to author Angela Casella and Hambright PR for the advanced reader copy (ARC).
As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!

📚 Book: Worst Faking Idea: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Angela Casella
📅 Release Date: OUT NOW (2026)
⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Casella has done it again. This book was soooooooo good, I devoured it almost in a day. First of all, I have to confess how much I love the author for providing two versions of her book, a clean one and a spicy one, so readers have the choice to read what they are most comfortable with, without compromising on the story. I chose the sweet version.

I loved Nora and Cormac; they were both wonderful characters. Nora was incredibly focused and strong; she would do anything to prevent her from losing the beloved brewery she built with her friend Jose, even faking a relationship with Cormac to pacify Jose's insecure girlfriend. The problem is that Cormac is her new stepbrother (nothing taboo here; they are adults, they haven't grown up as siblings, his father has recently married her mother).

Cormac has had a crush on Nora since school, but since then, they have done nothing but snipe at each other, masking deeper feelings on both sides. Cormac was freaking adorable. He is definitely a people pleaser, only for those he cares about, but he is such a good person. He humours the old ladies and their meddling in his love life to the point that he actually starts seeking their advice. He turns up to support his elderly neighbour when nobody else does. His dog is also the most adorable pup, even if she does have anxiety and attachment issues. He instantly trusts Nora to take care of her.

I loved watching them grow as a couple and overcome their difficulties and issues together. It was also nice to see characters from other Angela Casella's books appear, either as main supporting characters or brief cameos and setups for the next book.

[Amanda Sassy-pants · Rating 5 out of 5]

A note about Angela Casella: she writes TWO versions of her romance novels … sweet or spicy. I chose the sweet version which is closed door, fade to black and the intimate scenes were few. This book is perfect if you’re looking for hysterical shenanigans and a happily ever after coupled with the perfect amount of romantic angst.

Nora is part owner of a local brewery; her business partner and best friend has a jealous girlfriend, and the only way to get her to stop harassing Nora is to make up a boyfriend. Only Nora’s mom is getting married and she needs a date to the wedding. Enter Cormac: high school nemesis and her soon-to-be stepbrother.

They fake-date and shenanigans ensue. This was cute and sweet and silly, and I loved it. Cormac is the perfect fake boyfriend. WORST FAKING IDEA features a group of besties who are like family, a squad of elderly wise women who issue dating advice and read tea leaves, and the best supporting cast of characters. Cormac and Nora are both a little weird in the cutest of ways, and bring out the best in the people around them.

[Mercedes Narain · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5-Star
Quick Recap (no spoilers)
Nora runs The Ginger Station with her best friend, José, but his girlfriend definitely doesn’t love their partnership. To keep the peace (and the business), Nora comes up with a plan… a fake boyfriend will be the solution, and that’s where everything starts…

Cormac and Nora were EVERYTHING. Their story was so fun and easy to fall into, and it was really sweet. Watching them fall for each other gave me all the feels.
And Cormac?? I’m obsessed. He’s officially one of my favorite book boyfriends. I loved everything about him. Their chemistry was so good and felt so natural. I honestly couldn’t stop turning pages. I was completely hooked from start to finish.

The side characters were also a highlight. Dottie and Anne?? I love them so much, and Cookie the corgi, with all that attitude, had me smiling every time.

Angela Casella knows how to write stories that feel warm, romantic, and genuinely funny. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, which I loved. And the fake dating trope?? One of my favorites, and she did it so well here.

I’m completely in love with this series. Every book I’ve read so far has been so good, and I genuinely can’t even choose a favorite anymore. I’ve laughed, smiled, and just had the best time with all of them. And I already know I’m going to miss these characters (I still need to read book 3) (swipe to see the series)

I loved that there are two versions of the book, a spicy one and a closed-door version. It’s so nice to be able to pick what you’re in the mood for!
The ending was perfect, and now I’m already excited to see what she writes next.

Thank you so much to Angela Casella for the complimentary copy of this book & free book!

[Zara Dal · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is SO much to love about this!

Nora and her best friend José run a ginger brewery together and it’s Nora’s entire world. So when José’s new fiancée (who is wildly jealous and controlling), starts pressuring him to give up his side of the business, Nora comes up with what she thinks is the perfect solution: a fake relationship.

What follows is chaotic, funny, heartfelt and sweet.

Cormac absolutely stole my heart. He’s written as a neurodiverse character, and I really appreciated how nuanced his character felt beyond stereotypes. He’s thoughtful, intelligent, loyal, generous and deeply kind, but struggles with social cues, overshares accidentally and sometimes puts his foot in it, but it just made him even more lovable.

Then there’s Nora, who is such a powerhouse FMC. She’s determined, fiercely protective of the people and business she loves, and willing to fight for what matters. However, when it comes to love, things aren’t so simple. Watching her slowly lower her guard with Cormac was tender, messy and incredibly rewarding.

I also adored the side characters (Dottie and Ann were fantastic) and Cookie the corgi may be one of the sassiest dogs I’ve ever encountered in fiction!

This book delivered everything I want from a rom-com: fake dating chaos, found family, emotional depth, laugh-out-loud moments and a romance that leaves you with the warmest fuzzy feeling by the end.

I couldn’t put this down and finished with the biggest smile on my face!

[Debra Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, heartwarming read filled with witty banter and the sweetest moments. What really stood out to me, though, was the emotional depth behind the romance.

Both characters carry the weight of what they witnessed in their parents’ relationships, and I loved how that shaped their fears, growth, and ultimately their connection.

Cormac absolutely stole the show: sweet, thoughtful, and truly the whole package Watching their relationship evolve from lingering high school feelings to something real and undeniable was so satisfying.

And I can’t forget Cookie, the adorable corgi or the amazing side characters—the wise elders group continues to be a favorite, and Ann had me laughing out loud!

I really appreciated how the story handled personal struggles with care and with outside support without unnecessary drama. It felt grounded and relatable, with touching glimpses into family dynamics that added even more depth.

Overall, such an enjoyable and heartfelt read.

Thank you to the author for the eARC, this is my honest review.

[Melissa R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worst Faking Idea is the final book of her babes of brewing series. A group of 4 women all connected to different breweries brought together by a man who, unbeknownst to them, was dating all 4 of these women at the same time. I love that this friend group came together under such unusual circumstances to become best friends. And I loved following their lives as they support one another and find real love. The main characters in Worst Faking Idea are probably my favorite of the series. There is so much backstory between Cormac and Nora that makes it so that you can’t help but root for them. I especially loved reading Nora’s journey to love. The slow acceptance and realization of her feelings and that it’s okay to receive help when it’s offered is touching, and the contrast of that sweet storyline along with the antics she gets into is just hilarious. Angela Casella is a fantastic romcom author. Her stories and characters are nuanced and such a joy to read - literally, you will find yourself laughing throughout her novels!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worst Faking Idea is the 4th book in the Babes of Brewing series. I wasn’t sure I would love this one since we didn’t know much about the two main characters - Nora and Cormac, and what I had read in earlier books didn’t get me too excited. But I apologize, their story was fantastic! And I think Cormac may be my new favorite book boyfriend! He’s so thoughtful and attentive without being suffocating. I appreciated how they worked through their personal struggles - alone, together, and with outside help - without being overly dramatic or unreasonable. It felt real, and I think a lot of people can resonate with their story. I really enjoyed the glimpses at Nora and Cormac’s relationship with their parents too. At times it seemed like a lot of plot points were happening at once but the ending tied it all up really nicely. Just overall a really great read!!

[Sheri P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic installment in the Babes of Brewing series.
Nora and Cormac are former high school classmates whose parents are getting married. Their past interactions have led them to be adversaries but a situation arises that leads them to be a fake couple. I love the banter and the way these two characters navigate the fake relationship that leads to more. Casella has a knack for writing side characters that are endearing and hilarious while adding so much to the story. This series is offered in both spicy and sweet versions, and I read the sweet version.

Read this one if you like:
💕he falls first
🐾cute pets
🗯️smart banter
💕strong friendships

This can be read as a stand-alone but the whole series is great and makes the story that much more enjoyable. Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for the opportunity to read an early copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[TaleshaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 star read for me! I have been on a romance kick, and I really enjoyed this story! There was plenty of drama and action to keep my attention!

I really enjoyed the romance between our two main characters. Nora was a fun character with her spunky personality it made for some hilarious moments in this book. Cormac was such a golden retriever, I couldn't help but enjoy all that he is willing to do for Nora!

I also like how the author made a spicy version of this book as well as a sweet version! So fun! I chose the sweet side and it definitely lived up to that!

Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for my e-copy!

[Diamanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, people!
First of all, let me mention that this book is the fourth book in the Babes of Brewing series.
This is a series, whose books are autonomous.
It also has two versions of the story. One is spicy and the other is closed door.
The protagonists are Nora and Cormac. Both characters won me over but Cormac a little more. He had it all, a man that every woman would want by her side. And their relationship... Oooh so hot, slow burn...
And the author's writing is so warm, romantic, enjoyable, tender, emotional and take your breath away!

Thank you very much to the author and Hambright PR for the eARC!

This is my honest review!

[M Kemball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
- Fake dating
-Romcom vibes
-Opposites attract
-High school rivals

I thought this book was a perfect addition to the Babes of Brewing series. We've met both Cormac and Nora in previous books, but this book really delves into their relationship and history. The banter was perfect and I love that this book has a sweet and a spicy version
Thank you to Angela Casella and The Author Agency for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[AmandaJR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing end to a great series with some awesome sprinkles of the beginnings of a new series. Nora and Cormac were adorable. Everyone should want and need a Cormac and Cookie in their life.

~I read the “sweet” version and I’m still so overjoyed that Angela Casella is offering a sweet version and spicy version.

~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

[Michelle Stuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of the books in the Babes of Brewing series and Nora and Cormac are my favorite couple by far! Fantastic tropes and so well-executed. I just love how Nora and Cormac are with each other. Add in a pesky girlfriend, skeptical friend, a feisty pup, and our beloved Dottie (and Ann) and this is a perfect, fun read. Funny, sweet, lots of hijinks, emotional...seriously this one was a joy to read.

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

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and Cormac are equal parts adorable and chaotic together. What begins as a flimsy fake relationship quickly turns into something much more real—and much more dangerous to their hearts. The romantic tension is handled so well: lingering glances, accidental touches, and moments that constantly feel on the verge of tipping over into something genuine. And when things finally do heat up? Whew. The spice is perfectly slow-burn, making every moment feel earned instead of rushed.

[Lynda Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and her friend, José,started their business The Ginger Station together. However, Jose girlfriend Pansy is extremely opposed to them being business partners. In order to keep peace and the business together, Nora deicides a fake boyfriend would accomplish two things: 1. Save their business and 2. Prove that Pansy isn’t who she pretends to be. On the day of their parents wedding, Nora asks her new stepbrother, Cormac, to help.
Angela’s characters are fantastic. They confront real emotional issues and wounds. Nora who is inventive, appears to be confident and out going. Nora’s father cheated on her mother and Nora is afraid to fall in love.
Cormac is a genius and tends to be socially awkward. He has carried a secrete crush on Nora since their teens. But, he manages to say things that hurt Nora. And Nora who had a crush on Cormac believes he doesn’t like her. So they bicker.
The reader is able to watch Nora and Cormac change and confront their issues together. But we are also able to see their beautiful character develop along with their relationship.
This is a delightful entertaining romantic comedy.

I received an advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Oh this was just the cutest!! Fake dating is my favorite trope, so I knew I would love this one. Cormac and Nora’s story was so much fun, and I loved watching them fall in love. Also I love a good he falls first story, and Cormac has literally been in love with Nora since high school, and I also loved how they became friends first! Now their relationship itself was complicated, but I feel like the secretive aspect really added something fun to the story. I also really just love Angela Casella’s writing, it is addictive and hilarious and I couldn’t put this book down! Now these books are all interconnected standalones, and I still have yet to read one of the books in this series, but I appreciate that you could pick any of these up and know what’s happening still. I also love that there are Sweet and Spicy versions of this series, as I’m someone who prefers closed door, but that you still get the same story! Overall this was such a great read, and I would definitely recommend this one!

Thank you to Angela Casella and The Author Agency for this E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

awkward
Looking at Norma and Cormac´s history their fake relationship seems destined to be more than awkward, but sometimes when you are forced to get to know each other better, you will be rewarded by pleasant surprises.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Cormac. He totally reminded me of myself back in high school. Nora is a beast and head strong, but deep down she just needs someone to love her.

The Wise Elders were my favorite part helping Cormac.

There were so many amazing funny stories that I was continually laughing out loud.

I read the sweet version this time. One of the best things is you get to choose. Sweet or spicy.

Angela is one of my favorite authors. If you haven't read her books yet you're missing out!.

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

[Anna Deschenes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela Casella is one of my auto-read authors and, as usual, this book did not disappoint (4.5/5). There's plenty of banter between Nora and Cormac, a lot of pining, a slightly crazy Corgi, good character growth, and an endearing cast of supporting characters (most of whom we met in the other series books).

I was a little worried the step-sibling thing would make the relationship weird, but since they're both late 20s/early 30s, it wasn't as uncomfortable as I expected and I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I also need to find some alcoholic ginger beer to try :)

Note that I read the sweet version of this book, but there is also a spicy version available (I read the spicy versions of all the others in the series - I'd rate the sweet 2/5 and the spicy 3/5).

[Yola84 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the sweetest love story ever! It definitely a new favorite romance for me. Made me feel everything. Loved all the characters and the chemistry and storyline. I read the sweet/closed door version. I couldn't put it down. I loved that they were so cute and nerdy. Playing Half-life and Sims, I could relate to these characters so much and I just loved Cormac so much. I need more.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars.

This was a good conclusion to the Babes of Brewing series. Cormac and Nora’s banter leading to romance was funny and heartfelt. I liked the dynamic between the two of them. It was also good to see Hannah and Travis, Rob and Sophie, and Liam and Briar, plus more of The Wise Elders and Nathaniel. The side characters were the most fun aspects of this series and I hope they continue to have more cameos in future books. I liked that this was a closed door version. The chemistry was evident without explicit scenes in the bedroom.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Cormic's nerdy and kinda-autistic character. He came across as quite endearing to me. I also like Nora's journey iI loved Cormic's nerdy and kinda-autistic character. He came across as quite endearing to me. I also like Nora's journey into discovering how endearing he became to her. He is definitely my type of hero. No need for the alpha male. A kind, "I'll do anything for you" man will do it for me.