Fake Dating, Irish Style

by Michele Brouder, Jessica Peirce (Editor)

When Aideen Sheehan literally stumbles into David Gallagher’s arms in the middle of their small Irish village, things immediately go downhill from there.

Aideen’s father is recently home from the hospital after a brush with death, she becomes the one holding it all together for her family, and his latest bizarre request is one responsibility too many. A request that her mother and sister won’t touch with a barge pole, leaving Aideen to deal with it.

Grumpy David Gallagher likes his quiet, solitary life. But a harmless favor for Aideen to scare off a pesky neighbor soon turns his life upside down, leading to all sort of misunderstandings.

Unfortunately, when their mothers get wind of things, things snowball out of control and before they know it, they’re fake dating. But is it really pretend?

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2026

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from the author.

I enjoyed the book! It was fun, funny and charming. I’m excited for book 2!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book to get me out of a reading funk!! I've always wanted to visit Ireland, and reading this book was just like being there! From the setting, to the way the characters spoke, to the charming Irish families each character had, I was smitten from the start of this book.
David is the perfect grumpy, yet caring, hero to Aideen's sunshiny personality. I thought the meet cute between them, where Aideen runs over to David and pretends like she was looking for him to get out a situation was a realistic way to find oneself in a fake dating type relationship.
I also loved the somewhat wacky, but always charming, cast of characters that were their families. From David's seven brothers, to Aideen's funeral planning dad, I was as charmed by them as I was by David and Aideen themselves.
This was my first book by Michele Brouder, and I don't know why I waited to so long to read her stories! If you're a fan of funny, sweet, romances, similar to Courtney Walsh or Angela Ruth Strong, then give this one a try. I'm sure you'll love it. And with seven other brothers waiting in the wings, I can't wait to read more in this series!
*I read an early ARC copy from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean romance. It is the start of a series.

Aideen is a school teacher and a new, younger teacher seems to have a crush on her. She tries to discourage it, but doesn’t say anything outright. When she is in town, she sees a guy and hugs him asking him to play along. David, the guy she hugged, is grumpy and plans to stay single the rest of his life. Aideen shows up as David’s appointment, as she needs a carpenter. They decide to fake date, him to get his mam off his back and her to discourage her co-worker. Will David work on the project she needs done? Can they do this without feelings getting involved?

This was a really cute story. I liked how they work together and there is definitely more to David than everyone sees. He just needs to get past his fears of broken relationships. I found myself smiling in certain spots, laughing in others. Definitely a lot of emotions were evoked. I think this needs to be added to your TBR pile!

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a sweet love story, especially when it has a happy ending that leaves you feeling all warm and cozy, and this was one of the best. The characters were likable, and David’s brothers added a lot of charm to the story. Their interactions with each other, and particularly with David, created some laugh-out-loud moments. David and Aideen were the perfect examples of the cliche that “opposites attract,” and their awkwardness with one another kept me pulling for them to make the romance happen. All in all, this was a delightful read, and I look forward to reading more about them and their families in future books. Congratulations (and many thanks) to the author for creating such a fun, sweet, and clean story. I was given an advanced copy of this book, and I have expressed my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins when Aideen Sheehan stumbles into David Gallagher’s arms in order to convince a wannabe suitor that she already has a boyfriend. From there, the two decide to pretend to be a couple to help each other through some relationship issues. The minute I started reading this book, I fell in love with it. There were so many humorous situations, romantic feelings, and family interactions that kept my interest. And Annie! Who could resist sweet Annie?
I am so excited to follow Michelle Brouder and see which of the 8 Gallagher brothers becomes the main character of the second book in this series. I’m betting on Joe, but no matter who it is, I plan to read it. I always love to discover an author who writes books that bring me so much joy!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michele Brouder has created a lovely story of families that you can envision in real life, and you would enjoy spending time with them. Their humor and love shine through. The love story has a slow and steady build between a grump (David) and sunshine (Aideen) based on fake dating. Circumstances are unique that throw these two together and situations that allow you to see a grump in new lights. This sweet and clean story made me laugh and feel for the characters. Step into Ireland for a fake date (that may prove all too real)-there’s a Glossary in the back to help orient you to some fun phrases.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming story! I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, especially Annee. The Irish words added a fun touch, showing how different they are from ours. The fake relationship storyline really drew me in. I have to admit, I felt like smacking David at times. The dynamic of eight brothers when together kept me laughing. And when both families had dinner together, that was entertaining. A tender romance that’s entertaining and made me eager to read more from this author!

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun story that made me smile and laugh throughout. I loved the storyline and how it flowed. The meet-cute between Aideen and David was perfect. When his matchmaking mom comes on too strong and she has a new teacher coming on too much, they decide to go into a fake relationship. I loved the way that their story flowed, the banter, his brothers, and their parents. This is such a fantastic story to a fun new series. Great read for your TBR.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

his book was interesting as David met a stranger, Aideen who instantly hugs him in public. She's a teacher and she doesn't want to hurt another teacher who has a crush on her. They decide that David will be her fake boyfriend and the other guy will quit asking her out.
I found this first book on the series to be a fun book to read. I enjoyed the characters and the humor. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Kim Cabanting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fake Dating, Irish Style by Michele Brouder is such a fun, feel-good read that completely won me over. Aideen is easy to root for as she juggles family responsibilities and her father’s unexpected request, and David’s grumpy, keep-to-himself personality makes their dynamic all the more entertaining.

What starts as a simple favor quickly spirals into a fake dating situation filled with humor, misunderstandings, and plenty of heart. The chemistry between Aideen and David feels natural and engaging, and watching their relationship shift from “pretend” to something more is incredibly satisfying.

With its charming setting, lovable characters, and the perfect mix of humor and emotion, this is the kind of romance you can’t help but smile through, and one you’ll be thinking about long after you finish.

[Joy Bellotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of the book for my honest review. This was such a great book!! This book was about the oldest brother David. I loved all the characters and I can’t wait to read each brother’s story. I love them all. They are so funny! I can’t wait to see each one fall in love and find their special someone and make their mother so happy!!! This will be a wonderful series and i can’t wait to read all the books. 💜💜💜

[GPReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! It's fun and sweet and even made me laugh out loud a few times. The writing and plot is done well and the pacing was great. Shout out to Annie (she stole the show).Clean, no cussing and an HEA. Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, small town
Thanks for the early read Michelle!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aideen fell for the grumpy Irish man so fast. David might have felt something when Aideen jumped into his arms but he didn't recognize the feeling. I enjoyed this sweet, fake romance, the large family gatherings and how easily Aideen fit in. I feel a little bilingual with all the Irish words I learned.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very happy story to read. I loved the characters... David is such a sour puss and grumpy. Aideen has a sunshiny positive outlook in contrast. I enjoyed the Irish attitude and descriptions through the story. Quite different from the American view and fun. I look forward to reading how David's seven brothers will possibly be happily matched in future stories.

[Laramee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable fake dating romance. I loved the big family vibes through out this story, excited to see what happens next in the series!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[L Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful peek into the Gallagher family life in Ireland. I laughed at the meddling mothers, and enjoyed the family banter as well as wisdom shared. ("Past is not prologue.") I enjoyed learning new Irish terms also. Definitely recommend.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and very entertaining. Made me laugh. The characters were fun to get to know. I look forward to getting to know each brother in the rest of the series. Thanks for the HEA.