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Sparks at the Faire: A Steamy Small Town Fake Dating Romance
Fake dating at a Renaissance Faire. What could go wrong?
Olivia Costas is done pining after Rowan Devine. She has a career opportunity on the other side of the country and a plan to finally put herself first. But when Rowan needs help to win the annual court dance competition in honour of his late Nana—and Olivia's support becomes the key to his success—Olivia chooses Rowan, one last time.
For Rowan, the plan is charm the judges, claim victory, and return to normal life. But when pretending to be in love with Olivia becomes part of the act, their dance rehearsals spark a chemistry neither can ignore. Amid swirling gowns and whispered secrets, Rowan begins to see Olivia in a whole new light.
A steamy black cat/golden retriever romance packed with fake dating, forced proximity, laugh-out-loud banter, and open-door heat—all leading to a happily ever after worth fighting for. No armour required.
Olivia Costas is done pining after Rowan Devine. She has a career opportunity on the other side of the country and a plan to finally put herself first. But when Rowan needs help to win the annual court dance competition in honour of his late Nana—and Olivia's support becomes the key to his success—Olivia chooses Rowan, one last time.
For Rowan, the plan is charm the judges, claim victory, and return to normal life. But when pretending to be in love with Olivia becomes part of the act, their dance rehearsals spark a chemistry neither can ignore. Amid swirling gowns and whispered secrets, Rowan begins to see Olivia in a whole new light.
A steamy black cat/golden retriever romance packed with fake dating, forced proximity, laugh-out-loud banter, and open-door heat—all leading to a happily ever after worth fighting for. No armour required.
- GenresRomance
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2026
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 20, 2026
*Review of advanced copy received from the author*
3.5 ⭐ | 1.5 🌶️
Olivia & Rowan are a black cat x golden retriever couple that you can't help but root for.
Olivia has been in love with Rowan since they were kids, but she'll settle for being just friends if it keeps her in his orbit. When a life-changing opportunity lands in her lap, her time with Rowan suddenly has an end date. With three weeks left until she has to leave their hometown, Olivia decides to throw caution to the wind and agrees to help Rowan win the court dance contest at the upcoming Ren Faire. But in order to impress the judges, they'll have to pretend they're dating. Lines start to blur and feelings start to surface as the competition heats up.
If you go for tropes like: Friends to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, fake dating, “it's always been you,” and a dash of miscommunication then Sparks at the Faire is for you. (Imagine Stella & Luca from B.K. Borison’s “Lovelight Farms” attend a Ren Faire.) This story is perfect for fans of Samantha Young's "Much Ado About You."
I would have loved for this book to be longer so that we could learn more about Olivia's background and her passion for dance. I also would have loved to see more flashbacks of Olivia and Rowan from childhood and through the years.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, fun, and fluffy read with minimal spice.
3.5 ⭐ | 1.5 🌶️
Olivia & Rowan are a black cat x golden retriever couple that you can't help but root for.
Olivia has been in love with Rowan since they were kids, but she'll settle for being just friends if it keeps her in his orbit. When a life-changing opportunity lands in her lap, her time with Rowan suddenly has an end date. With three weeks left until she has to leave their hometown, Olivia decides to throw caution to the wind and agrees to help Rowan win the court dance contest at the upcoming Ren Faire. But in order to impress the judges, they'll have to pretend they're dating. Lines start to blur and feelings start to surface as the competition heats up.
If you go for tropes like: Friends to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, fake dating, “it's always been you,” and a dash of miscommunication then Sparks at the Faire is for you. (Imagine Stella & Luca from B.K. Borison’s “Lovelight Farms” attend a Ren Faire.) This story is perfect for fans of Samantha Young's "Much Ado About You."
I would have loved for this book to be longer so that we could learn more about Olivia's background and her passion for dance. I also would have loved to see more flashbacks of Olivia and Rowan from childhood and through the years.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, fun, and fluffy read with minimal spice.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another amazing installment in the Deus Ex Macchiato series!
Sparks at the Faire follows Olivia and Rowan, and you might remember Rowan from "League of Lovers" and that whole unfortunate incident with a lamb named Rib Eye. He also popped up in "Audition for Love" as Brit's confidant, so it was great to see him get his own spotlight.
These two have instant chemistry, but be warned: despite this being a short novella, it is a bit of a slow burn because, bless Rowan's heart, the boy can be a bit dense. This story was just so cute. I loved watching them get to know each other in this new capacity.
I feel like with each book in this series, not only do the stories get better and better, but we can really see the author's growth and her ability to truly embrace her skills. I love that so much can be told in such a short span. With each book, we are getting great characters with actual backstory and depth, which is honestly so hard to find in novellas. I cannot wait to see what comes next! I am really hoping Scottie gets his turn soon because that man seriously needs someone to loosen him up.
Sparks at the Faire follows Olivia and Rowan, and you might remember Rowan from "League of Lovers" and that whole unfortunate incident with a lamb named Rib Eye. He also popped up in "Audition for Love" as Brit's confidant, so it was great to see him get his own spotlight.
These two have instant chemistry, but be warned: despite this being a short novella, it is a bit of a slow burn because, bless Rowan's heart, the boy can be a bit dense. This story was just so cute. I loved watching them get to know each other in this new capacity.
I feel like with each book in this series, not only do the stories get better and better, but we can really see the author's growth and her ability to truly embrace her skills. I love that so much can be told in such a short span. With each book, we are getting great characters with actual backstory and depth, which is honestly so hard to find in novellas. I cannot wait to see what comes next! I am really hoping Scottie gets his turn soon because that man seriously needs someone to loosen him up.
March 20, 2026
I will start out by saying that I was given an ARC copy to read and am giving my own opinion.
I absolutely loved this novella! As someone who is a regular at renaissance festivals and faires, I was super excited to get into this book and it did not disappoint! While the story does not really explore the faire itself, it still mostly takes place at a ren faire. The romance is absolutely sweet with a little bit of spiciness at the end. The main characters are childhood best friends who decide to compete in a dance competition at the faire together and pretend to date each other in order to get more points from the judges. I loved watching Olivia and Rowan slowly realize their feelings and fall for each other. I would absolutely recommend reading this, especially if you need a short, sweet, and light-hearted romance!
Thank you so much to Clarisse Dawn and her team for letting me read the book! I really enjoyed it and appreciate the opportunity!
I absolutely loved this novella! As someone who is a regular at renaissance festivals and faires, I was super excited to get into this book and it did not disappoint! While the story does not really explore the faire itself, it still mostly takes place at a ren faire. The romance is absolutely sweet with a little bit of spiciness at the end. The main characters are childhood best friends who decide to compete in a dance competition at the faire together and pretend to date each other in order to get more points from the judges. I loved watching Olivia and Rowan slowly realize their feelings and fall for each other. I would absolutely recommend reading this, especially if you need a short, sweet, and light-hearted romance!
Thank you so much to Clarisse Dawn and her team for letting me read the book! I really enjoyed it and appreciate the opportunity!
May 2, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I downloaded this novella during the Romance Book Blast this week, and gobbled it up immediately. As someone anxiously awaiting Jen DeLuca’s next Ren Faire book this fall, this was the perfect story to read in the interim.
Olivia and Rowan have been friends forever, but Rowan was a touch clueless about how he felt until someone forces him to face the music. And it is literal music, since Olivia helps him out with the dance competition at their local renaissance faire. Usually he partners with his sister, but she’s unavailable, and Olivia is a professional dancer, so it works out in his favor.
It was so much fun watching them work together, get a bit flustered, and do their best to beat out the longtime winners, who are kind of jerks. You can’t help but root for Olivia and Rowan to figure it out in their personal life and on the dance floor as they try to learn a complicated dance. It’s funny and sweet and a great one-sitting read.
I downloaded this novella during the Romance Book Blast this week, and gobbled it up immediately. As someone anxiously awaiting Jen DeLuca’s next Ren Faire book this fall, this was the perfect story to read in the interim.
Olivia and Rowan have been friends forever, but Rowan was a touch clueless about how he felt until someone forces him to face the music. And it is literal music, since Olivia helps him out with the dance competition at their local renaissance faire. Usually he partners with his sister, but she’s unavailable, and Olivia is a professional dancer, so it works out in his favor.
It was so much fun watching them work together, get a bit flustered, and do their best to beat out the longtime winners, who are kind of jerks. You can’t help but root for Olivia and Rowan to figure it out in their personal life and on the dance floor as they try to learn a complicated dance. It’s funny and sweet and a great one-sitting read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a sweet cozy novella!
It has fake dating, a competition, and a bit of a miscommunication trope.
The dual narrative makes the relationship (or fake relationship 😄) between Olivia and Rowan dynamic and entertaining.
This story also has some very realistic representations of grief, which I really appreciated. It's tough to experience and try to write about how grief feels. This story does well without sounding cliche or insensitive. It highlights how everyone grieves differently.
This story is short but it doesn't feel like it's rushed. I really felt for the characters and enjoyed the atmosphere of the setting! Loved the dance competition too! *Team Ser, Rowan 💕 👑
It has fake dating, a competition, and a bit of a miscommunication trope.
The dual narrative makes the relationship (or fake relationship 😄) between Olivia and Rowan dynamic and entertaining.
This story also has some very realistic representations of grief, which I really appreciated. It's tough to experience and try to write about how grief feels. This story does well without sounding cliche or insensitive. It highlights how everyone grieves differently.
This story is short but it doesn't feel like it's rushed. I really felt for the characters and enjoyed the atmosphere of the setting! Loved the dance competition too! *Team Ser, Rowan 💕 👑
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my gooossshhhhh I absolutely LOVED this cute little novella. I received an ARC copy from the author and I'm so grateful to be a member of her "team" because all of her novellas are so unique. I loved the character arc(s) in this one - how the MMC and FMC knew each other for so long and how that set up an easy transition into a relationship. The setting was really cute and I wasn't expecting to be "in" the story so much because I wouldn't have picked this up on my own. Clarisse Dawn continues to delight me with the cutest, quickest, little stories that hit the sweet spot of just enough world, tension and character building.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers novella.
it was a short heart warming story, with a little bit of spice at the end with a risqué scene between the FMC & MMC in a tent.
This was a cute evening read , it definitely is a good book to read before bed with a nice cup of camomile tea, cosy blankets & chocolate.
If you love the following tropes: Friends to Lovers, fake relationships, Romance you will love this short novella.
I received an advance copy of the book and am giving my review voluntarily.
it was a short heart warming story, with a little bit of spice at the end with a risqué scene between the FMC & MMC in a tent.
This was a cute evening read , it definitely is a good book to read before bed with a nice cup of camomile tea, cosy blankets & chocolate.
If you love the following tropes: Friends to Lovers, fake relationships, Romance you will love this short novella.
I received an advance copy of the book and am giving my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rowan and Olivia’s story was short and sweet with a low-to-mild level of angst.
After finding out that the dance competition he’s entered for years is rigged, Rowan and Olivia decide to fake date to win it! This friends-to-more romance has a bit of angst through miscommunication, mutual pining, and a case of ‘foot-in-mouth’ that Rowan can’t seem to crack.
A few amusing moments (when they’re trying to coordinate the lift), a few heartbreaking moments (Rowan’s ‘disgusting’ conversation), and a few heartwarming moments.
This was a fun read, cute, cozy and charming.
After finding out that the dance competition he’s entered for years is rigged, Rowan and Olivia decide to fake date to win it! This friends-to-more romance has a bit of angst through miscommunication, mutual pining, and a case of ‘foot-in-mouth’ that Rowan can’t seem to crack.
A few amusing moments (when they’re trying to coordinate the lift), a few heartbreaking moments (Rowan’s ‘disgusting’ conversation), and a few heartwarming moments.
This was a fun read, cute, cozy and charming.
Review of advance copy
This book was largely short and sweet. The two love interests had a lot of friendly history, one knowing she was half in love with him, and the other not really realizing it until later. The spice was very moderate and only at the end, I will say it did seem a little abrupt in how it happened. Kind of felt like I love you->Making out->sleeping together in a way that I wanted to be more romantic... The story itself was fine, I was almost mad at one point when the FMC said she would quit her schooling for him, but then it didn't happen and he prompted her to go without worry so 10/10 for that!
March 20, 2026
This was a short and sweet, friends-to-lovers novella that brought all of the cozy, small town, Ren-Faire vibes. I love the opposites attract trope showcasing how friends with different personalities complement each other socially.
He’s an outgoing, high-energy guy and she’s a somewhat shy, introverted girl. They’ve been friends since childhood. Now that they’re in their mid-twenties, they’re realizing that they both have feelings for each other. She quiets his ever-people-pleasing mind and he takes the pressure off of her to fit in socially. A match made in Heaven!
He’s an outgoing, high-energy guy and she’s a somewhat shy, introverted girl. They’ve been friends since childhood. Now that they’re in their mid-twenties, they’re realizing that they both have feelings for each other. She quiets his ever-people-pleasing mind and he takes the pressure off of her to fit in socially. A match made in Heaven!
March 28, 2026
'A steamy black cat/golden retriever romance packed with fake dating, forced proximity, laugh-out-loud banter, and open-door heat—all leading to a happily ever after worth fighting for. No armour required.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2026
loved it !! love Olivia and Rowan... this is their love story... a fun fast paced shorter rom/com drama... she's been pining after him forever and she's done... just done... she's going to put herself first... she's leaving for that job across the country... Rowen plans to win the court dance contest in his nana's honor but, he needs Olivia to be his partner to win... just this last time !!! that's what Olivia tells herself... it's sweet !!! and so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2026
Five ⭐️Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I absolutely loved this book! Rowan and Olivia . This story drew me in from the beginning. I laughed I cried I fell in love. Their story the feelings they didn’t want t to admit to each other . Everything was top tier. The slow burn was so worth it. I received this book as an ARC read and these are my honest opinions.
I absolutely loved this book! Rowan and Olivia . This story drew me in from the beginning. I laughed I cried I fell in love. Their story the feelings they didn’t want t to admit to each other . Everything was top tier. The slow burn was so worth it. I received this book as an ARC read and these are my honest opinions.
March 22, 2026
Rowan and Olivia were so cute in this story. I loved their fake dating and the dance rehearsals. This was such a sweet and cozy novella. It was fun and I really enjoyed it.
April 25, 2026
Love this book! I have read all Clarisse Dawns books! She is a new author who has put out 4 books so far! Looking forward to book number 4 . They are short books of around 100 pages, so grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get lost for a few hours reading about a new love affair!
Clarisse is a great storyteller, you will love them all!❤️
Clarisse is a great storyteller, you will love them all!❤️
May 8, 2026
This is just a perfect little in-between rom-com. Really my biggest complaint is that I wish it was longer.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews