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A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) Heartbreaker: A second chance, sweet romcom
He needs a fake girlfriend. She needs someone to watch her grandmother. It should have been the perfect business arrangement… if they hadn’t already broken each other’s hearts.
Seven years ago, Marlowe fell hard for Jace Clark. He was handsome, smart, and going places—going places, in this case, meant he went to college without giving her a second thought.
Yeah, she only cried for two weeks after he dumped her. And after that, she refused to ever tell another guy that she loved him. So, a normal teenage breakup.
Marlowe hasn’t gone places and still lives in the same small town, but that isn’t her fault. She’s the caretaker for her spirited grandmother, and keeping Grams out of trouble is harder than it looks.
Now Jace is back in Lark Springs for six weeks before finishing medical school, and his family has made it their mission to replace his on-again, off-again girlfriend. To avoid their matchmaking attempts, he decides his best bet is to fake-date Marlowe, and when he offers to stay with her grandmother so she can attend business classes, she can’t afford to say no.
A few fake dates shouldn’t be that hard.
Until the old chemistry comes back. Suddenly stolen kisses stop being pretend, and Marlowe realizes that the only thing more dangerous than falling in love again is realizing she never really fell out of it.
When it’s time for Jace to leave, will history repeat itself or will they find a way to rewrite their past?
If you love swoony kisses, witty banter, and lovable small-town characters, you'll adore this heartwarming romantic comedy. A Longtime Heartbreaker is packed with humor, family chaos, and all the delicious tension of two people discovering that some first loves never really fade. Read it today!
Seven years ago, Marlowe fell hard for Jace Clark. He was handsome, smart, and going places—going places, in this case, meant he went to college without giving her a second thought.
Yeah, she only cried for two weeks after he dumped her. And after that, she refused to ever tell another guy that she loved him. So, a normal teenage breakup.
Marlowe hasn’t gone places and still lives in the same small town, but that isn’t her fault. She’s the caretaker for her spirited grandmother, and keeping Grams out of trouble is harder than it looks.
Now Jace is back in Lark Springs for six weeks before finishing medical school, and his family has made it their mission to replace his on-again, off-again girlfriend. To avoid their matchmaking attempts, he decides his best bet is to fake-date Marlowe, and when he offers to stay with her grandmother so she can attend business classes, she can’t afford to say no.
A few fake dates shouldn’t be that hard.
Until the old chemistry comes back. Suddenly stolen kisses stop being pretend, and Marlowe realizes that the only thing more dangerous than falling in love again is realizing she never really fell out of it.
When it’s time for Jace to leave, will history repeat itself or will they find a way to rewrite their past?
If you love swoony kisses, witty banter, and lovable small-town characters, you'll adore this heartwarming romantic comedy. A Longtime Heartbreaker is packed with humor, family chaos, and all the delicious tension of two people discovering that some first loves never really fade. Read it today!
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
Janette Rallison
72 books2,058 followersCheck out my awesome book trailers!
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 5, 2026
Hilarious!
Put down whatever book you planned to read next and move this to the top of your list. You also might want to go ahead and order pizza. Once you start reading, you won’t want to stop for mundane things like preparing dinner.
Marlowe and Jace dated in high school. After a messy breakup she just wants to avoid him for the short time that he’s back in town. Jace has other plans. A fake relationship with Marlowe will get his family off of his case about his ex-girlfriend. A few embellishments could also make them think that Jennifer wasn’t as wrong for him as they think.
Marlowe and Jace were adorable together! I loved the banter and the journey from fake to real. The humor and full-on awkward situations are what bring me back to Janette Rallison every time! Be prepared to laugh, snort, and try to recommend this book to your most discerning friends.
Put down whatever book you planned to read next and move this to the top of your list. You also might want to go ahead and order pizza. Once you start reading, you won’t want to stop for mundane things like preparing dinner.
Marlowe and Jace dated in high school. After a messy breakup she just wants to avoid him for the short time that he’s back in town. Jace has other plans. A fake relationship with Marlowe will get his family off of his case about his ex-girlfriend. A few embellishments could also make them think that Jennifer wasn’t as wrong for him as they think.
Marlowe and Jace were adorable together! I loved the banter and the journey from fake to real. The humor and full-on awkward situations are what bring me back to Janette Rallison every time! Be prepared to laugh, snort, and try to recommend this book to your most discerning friends.
August 4, 2026
This author is one of my favorites, because she writes romance with so much heart and humor. At first, I did not like Jace. I thought Marlowe was wasting her time being hung up on him, but as time went on, the more I found that I liked him. I liked the previous history between them, even if it took some time to heal wounds. Overall, it's just another sweet story by a great author!
August 23, 2026
Another fun addition to the series! I always enjoy returning to this setting and spending time with this family again.
Marlowe was such a fun heroine. She’s kind, witty and just felt very real and easy to like. Jace was equally likable and I loved how romantic he was and how well he treated Marlowe. Throw in a fake dating trope with two former high school sweethearts and you know there is going to be some fun banter and old feelings resurfacing.
I also loved Grandma and her fun personality. She definitely added some laughs to the story and was one of my favorite side characters.
One thing I can always count on from this author is great banter, funny situations and characters that are easy to root for. This was a cute, lighthearted romance with very little conflict, which sometimes is exactly what I’m in the mood for. Just a fun, feel-good read!
Marlowe was such a fun heroine. She’s kind, witty and just felt very real and easy to like. Jace was equally likable and I loved how romantic he was and how well he treated Marlowe. Throw in a fake dating trope with two former high school sweethearts and you know there is going to be some fun banter and old feelings resurfacing.
I also loved Grandma and her fun personality. She definitely added some laughs to the story and was one of my favorite side characters.
One thing I can always count on from this author is great banter, funny situations and characters that are easy to root for. This was a cute, lighthearted romance with very little conflict, which sometimes is exactly what I’m in the mood for. Just a fun, feel-good read!
August 5, 2026
(4.5 stars) - Another sweet amusing dose of happiness...
So I was trying to figure out in the previous book why someone like Jace would be with a witch like Jennifer, & while I still think she was a little too over the top, I thought the answer was plausible - and loved how not just Marlowe, but also the brothers inadvertently gave Jace a new perspective to think about
Marlowe is a lovable heroine who's a sympathetic mix of confident and vulnerable. Their re-fall was both fun and sweet
Another solid win for a solid series 👍👍
So I was trying to figure out in the previous book why someone like Jace would be with a witch like Jennifer, & while I still think she was a little too over the top, I thought the answer was plausible - and loved how not just Marlowe, but also the brothers inadvertently gave Jace a new perspective to think about
Marlowe is a lovable heroine who's a sympathetic mix of confident and vulnerable. Their re-fall was both fun and sweet
Another solid win for a solid series 👍👍
August 11, 2026
Entertaining, G-rated, small-town, reunion romance
Marlowe and Jace dated for over a year in high school. She was madly in love with him, and she assumed he cared for her deeply as well, but they never got as far as admitting to love or moved beyond a few kisses. She was ready to go anywhere in the country with Jace in a couple of years when she graduated. But he was two years older than her and, at 18, it never occurred to him that they would keep seeing each other when he left for college. He cavalierly broke her heart when he blandly informed Marlowe that long-distance relationships don't work.
Jace's family is from the same small fictional Montana town, Lark Springs, as Marlowe, and during the next seven years, Marlowe made a point of avoiding him whenever he came home for a visit.
Marlowe never went to college. She got her beautician's license instead. She is currently 23 years old and works as a popular hairdresser at a local salon. One of her co-workers is a good friend to Marlowe and is a roommate of Riley, the fiancee of Jace's twin brother, Lucas (the MCs of book 3 of this series).
Jace is 25 and has one more year of medical school before he has to do four years of residency. His medical school is in California, and he has applied to programs in different parts of the country other than Montana for his residency. For the past few years he has been in an on-again-off-again relationship with Jennifer, a rich, snooty, beautiful fellow medical student. Currently they are not together because Jennifer, who has been responsible for all of their temporary breaks, has asked for yet another time out. Jace is unable to see Jennifer clearly as the entitled jerk she is, in spite of the fact that his whole family can't stand her because she was so condescending to them the few times they've met her. Based on their past history, Jace believes that he will eventually get back together with Jennifer and still sees that as a positive outcome. In service of that goal, he comes up with a ridiculous plan to make Jennifer look better in his family's eyes by dating Marlowe, whom he is convinced that they dislike even more. A couple of misunderstood events occurred when Marlowe was a sophomore in high school that has made them think of her as a juvenile delinquent. Jace does his best to encourage them to believe that Marlowe has not changed by making up unintentionally humorous negative things about her and using them to shock his parents while telling them that he's dating her.
Jace convinces Marlowe to do him a favor and fake date him, and to do him justice, he tells her the truth about his true motivation. Marlowe is desperate for someone to watch over her grandmother while she attends a business class one night a week, because she's been thinking about starting her own salon. Her grandmother cannot safely stay alone and neither Marlowe's parents or her married older sister are available to help out because they live in Bozeman. Though her assigned role in Jace's crazy plan is rather insulting, Marlowe really wants to go to that class and as a doctor and someone who's working as an EMT volunteer while in town, Jace is imminently qualified for the task.
This plot setup initially made me not like Jace very much, because Marlow is practically a saint, and it's painful that he would use her that way, smearing her reputation with his parents. But because JR writes romcoms, we are encouraged to view this as a forgivable means to drive forward the plot of a comedy of errors. Fortunately, Jace does redeem himself across the course of the novel and there is a believable HEA.
Marlowe and Jace dated for over a year in high school. She was madly in love with him, and she assumed he cared for her deeply as well, but they never got as far as admitting to love or moved beyond a few kisses. She was ready to go anywhere in the country with Jace in a couple of years when she graduated. But he was two years older than her and, at 18, it never occurred to him that they would keep seeing each other when he left for college. He cavalierly broke her heart when he blandly informed Marlowe that long-distance relationships don't work.
Jace's family is from the same small fictional Montana town, Lark Springs, as Marlowe, and during the next seven years, Marlowe made a point of avoiding him whenever he came home for a visit.
Marlowe never went to college. She got her beautician's license instead. She is currently 23 years old and works as a popular hairdresser at a local salon. One of her co-workers is a good friend to Marlowe and is a roommate of Riley, the fiancee of Jace's twin brother, Lucas (the MCs of book 3 of this series).
Jace is 25 and has one more year of medical school before he has to do four years of residency. His medical school is in California, and he has applied to programs in different parts of the country other than Montana for his residency. For the past few years he has been in an on-again-off-again relationship with Jennifer, a rich, snooty, beautiful fellow medical student. Currently they are not together because Jennifer, who has been responsible for all of their temporary breaks, has asked for yet another time out. Jace is unable to see Jennifer clearly as the entitled jerk she is, in spite of the fact that his whole family can't stand her because she was so condescending to them the few times they've met her. Based on their past history, Jace believes that he will eventually get back together with Jennifer and still sees that as a positive outcome. In service of that goal, he comes up with a ridiculous plan to make Jennifer look better in his family's eyes by dating Marlowe, whom he is convinced that they dislike even more. A couple of misunderstood events occurred when Marlowe was a sophomore in high school that has made them think of her as a juvenile delinquent. Jace does his best to encourage them to believe that Marlowe has not changed by making up unintentionally humorous negative things about her and using them to shock his parents while telling them that he's dating her.
Jace convinces Marlowe to do him a favor and fake date him, and to do him justice, he tells her the truth about his true motivation. Marlowe is desperate for someone to watch over her grandmother while she attends a business class one night a week, because she's been thinking about starting her own salon. Her grandmother cannot safely stay alone and neither Marlowe's parents or her married older sister are available to help out because they live in Bozeman. Though her assigned role in Jace's crazy plan is rather insulting, Marlowe really wants to go to that class and as a doctor and someone who's working as an EMT volunteer while in town, Jace is imminently qualified for the task.
This plot setup initially made me not like Jace very much, because Marlow is practically a saint, and it's painful that he would use her that way, smearing her reputation with his parents. But because JR writes romcoms, we are encouraged to view this as a forgivable means to drive forward the plot of a comedy of errors. Fortunately, Jace does redeem himself across the course of the novel and there is a believable HEA.
August 5, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author!
Janette Rallison’s books always hit right for me! Her romcoms are just the perfect blend of romance and humor; A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) Heartbreaker was exactly that!
My favorite parts of this book were the awkward moments. We all have them, and Rallison is exceptionally gifted at writing the most realistic and comedic awkward moments. Jace and Marlowe manage to land themselves in several super awkward scenarios with many community members and I was laughing out loud over them!
The fake dating trope was executed marvelously. They both had a compelling reason to agree to it, and the history to make it so likely to fail at being fake.
Marlowe’s grandma was absolutely a show stealer. She was absolutely hilarious and exactly the kind of feisty I want to be when I’m a grandma!
While this is technically stand alone, I definitely enjoyed it more for having read the others in the series and would recommend reading that way. It was so fun to get to revisit the other couples from earlier in the series and to get to experience more of the Clark family dynamics!
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy; all opinions are my own!
Janette Rallison’s books always hit right for me! Her romcoms are just the perfect blend of romance and humor; A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) Heartbreaker was exactly that!
My favorite parts of this book were the awkward moments. We all have them, and Rallison is exceptionally gifted at writing the most realistic and comedic awkward moments. Jace and Marlowe manage to land themselves in several super awkward scenarios with many community members and I was laughing out loud over them!
The fake dating trope was executed marvelously. They both had a compelling reason to agree to it, and the history to make it so likely to fail at being fake.
Marlowe’s grandma was absolutely a show stealer. She was absolutely hilarious and exactly the kind of feisty I want to be when I’m a grandma!
While this is technically stand alone, I definitely enjoyed it more for having read the others in the series and would recommend reading that way. It was so fun to get to revisit the other couples from earlier in the series and to get to experience more of the Clark family dynamics!
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy; all opinions are my own!
September 7, 2026
The Brief: Marlowe wants her dreams of a salon to come true, but needs help with her grandmother. Jace steps in to save the day, but wants her to fake a relationship.
The Debrief: @janette.rallison brings the funny. So many laugh out loud moments between all the flirt and banter. And grandma? My favorite. Jace was a little clueless. Marlowe in need of a confidence boost. Enter wildly made up comments and nosy family members. So basically romcom perfection.
The Rhyme: Marlowe and Jace had a relationship in high school, but it fell flat. Years later, the lines of real and fake blur and Marlowe is ready for a DTR chat.
Complimentary paperback copy. Highly recommend this author when you need some happy. My own thoughts.
The Debrief: @janette.rallison brings the funny. So many laugh out loud moments between all the flirt and banter. And grandma? My favorite. Jace was a little clueless. Marlowe in need of a confidence boost. Enter wildly made up comments and nosy family members. So basically romcom perfection.
The Rhyme: Marlowe and Jace had a relationship in high school, but it fell flat. Years later, the lines of real and fake blur and Marlowe is ready for a DTR chat.
Complimentary paperback copy. Highly recommend this author when you need some happy. My own thoughts.
September 25, 2026
Lily’s Content Guide
💋 Romance level: Kisses Only, Mild Innuendo
🗣️ Language: None
⚠️ Content Warning: Deception/lying throughout
📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance
🎀 Lily’s verdict: 🤍 It was good
This was such an entertaining read! I absolutely LOVED Marlowe’s grandma, she had me laughing so much 😂 She definitely stole the show with this one!
I really enjoyed the combination of second chance romance + fake dating, although I struggled with Jace’s character at first. The way he tried to make Marlowe seem like such a horrible person to his entire family was pretty off putting to me. And fake dating your ex to prove that she’s worse than your current (on-a-break) girlfriend? JACE. SIR. That is not a great look😂
He did redeem himself for me as the story went on, though! I especially loved how supportive and encouraging he was of Marlowe’s ideas and dreams🥹
Overall, this was a fun, quirky second chance romance with plenty of family drama, ridiculous situations, and a meddling grandma who was easily one of my favorite parts of the entire book😂
✨ Fake Dating
🍂 Small Town
✨ Family Drama
🍂 Second Chance Romance
✨ High School Sweethearts
🍂 Meddling Grandma
💋 Romance level: Kisses Only, Mild Innuendo
🗣️ Language: None
⚠️ Content Warning: Deception/lying throughout
📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance
🎀 Lily’s verdict: 🤍 It was good
This was such an entertaining read! I absolutely LOVED Marlowe’s grandma, she had me laughing so much 😂 She definitely stole the show with this one!
I really enjoyed the combination of second chance romance + fake dating, although I struggled with Jace’s character at first. The way he tried to make Marlowe seem like such a horrible person to his entire family was pretty off putting to me. And fake dating your ex to prove that she’s worse than your current (on-a-break) girlfriend? JACE. SIR. That is not a great look😂
He did redeem himself for me as the story went on, though! I especially loved how supportive and encouraging he was of Marlowe’s ideas and dreams🥹
Overall, this was a fun, quirky second chance romance with plenty of family drama, ridiculous situations, and a meddling grandma who was easily one of my favorite parts of the entire book😂
✨ Fake Dating
🍂 Small Town
✨ Family Drama
🍂 Second Chance Romance
✨ High School Sweethearts
🍂 Meddling Grandma
September 22, 2026
Wow!
First Romance I've read in over a year. Its fun, funny, slightly suggestive, but never crude. The characters are realistic, Likeable, and do a great job of getting themselves in situations that are slightly ridiculous. The romance emerges slowly, deep and true.
First Romance I've read in over a year. Its fun, funny, slightly suggestive, but never crude. The characters are realistic, Likeable, and do a great job of getting themselves in situations that are slightly ridiculous. The romance emerges slowly, deep and true.
September 5, 2026
•BOOK REVIEW•
- Title: A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) Heartbreaker - ☆☆☆☆
- Format: physical book (gifted copy)
Content:
- spice: kissing only (clean)
- language: none
My thoughts:
This was such a cute book! I loved the second chance x fake dating aspects!
Seeing little flashbacks to Jace and Marlowe in high school was so sweet. I loved seeing how their relationship started from the very beginning.
It was so funny whenever Jace tried to convince his family that Marlowe was a “bad girl” when she is truly a sweetheart.
It was so precious watching them both slowly fall for each other again. It seemed like for a while that Jace would fall first but they fell in love together.
Jace’s grand gesture with the vision board and the pies was so sweet. He was so caring of Marlowe!
I definitely recommend this sweet, second chance/fake dating romance, especially if you want a quick and lighthearted read!
Tropes:
💙clean rom-com
🥧second chance
💙fake dating
🥧high school sweethearts
💙med student x hair stylist
🥧meddling grandma
💙small town
🥧he does grand gestures
💙dual pov
Thank you to the author for this gifted copy.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
No positive review was required.
- Title: A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) Heartbreaker - ☆☆☆☆
- Format: physical book (gifted copy)
Content:
- spice: kissing only (clean)
- language: none
My thoughts:
This was such a cute book! I loved the second chance x fake dating aspects!
Seeing little flashbacks to Jace and Marlowe in high school was so sweet. I loved seeing how their relationship started from the very beginning.
It was so funny whenever Jace tried to convince his family that Marlowe was a “bad girl” when she is truly a sweetheart.
It was so precious watching them both slowly fall for each other again. It seemed like for a while that Jace would fall first but they fell in love together.
Jace’s grand gesture with the vision board and the pies was so sweet. He was so caring of Marlowe!
I definitely recommend this sweet, second chance/fake dating romance, especially if you want a quick and lighthearted read!
Tropes:
💙clean rom-com
🥧second chance
💙fake dating
🥧high school sweethearts
💙med student x hair stylist
🥧meddling grandma
💙small town
🥧he does grand gestures
💙dual pov
Thank you to the author for this gifted copy.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
No positive review was required.
August 21, 2026
When I pick up a Janette Rallison book, I know I’m going to get laugh-out-loud moments and at least one lovable side character, and A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) Heartbreaker did not disappoint! Second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, so adding fake dating to the mix? Yes, please. Because, as we all know, fake dating rarely stays fake for long.
I really liked Marlowe, and her grandmother absolutely stole the show. She is a hoot! Jace, on the other hand, tested my patience more than once. There were several moments when I wanted to Gibbs slap some sense into him—especially when it came to his snooty on-again, off-again girlfriend, Jennifer. Jace is smart enough to be in medical school, but somehow he couldn’t figure out why no one in his family was Team Jennifer?
Jace’s attempts to make Marlowe look like a “bad girl” led to some seriously awkward—and hilarious—situations. But as much as I dragged Jace, I did appreciate that he supported Marlowe in pursuing her business class and encouraged her goals.
With old feelings resurfacing, fake dates turning into real kisses, and plenty of family drama and humor along the way, this was a fun, entertaining second-chance romance. If you enjoy fake dating, small-town romance, and an eccentric grandmother, this one is definitely worth picking up!
I received a digital copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I really liked Marlowe, and her grandmother absolutely stole the show. She is a hoot! Jace, on the other hand, tested my patience more than once. There were several moments when I wanted to Gibbs slap some sense into him—especially when it came to his snooty on-again, off-again girlfriend, Jennifer. Jace is smart enough to be in medical school, but somehow he couldn’t figure out why no one in his family was Team Jennifer?
Jace’s attempts to make Marlowe look like a “bad girl” led to some seriously awkward—and hilarious—situations. But as much as I dragged Jace, I did appreciate that he supported Marlowe in pursuing her business class and encouraged her goals.
With old feelings resurfacing, fake dates turning into real kisses, and plenty of family drama and humor along the way, this was a fun, entertaining second-chance romance. If you enjoy fake dating, small-town romance, and an eccentric grandmother, this one is definitely worth picking up!
I received a digital copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Marlowe and Jace are the most entertaining couple! Their banter is hilarious in a very dry way. No matter how much they tried to keep things as just friends, they keep falling back into their previous relationship. Jace keeps trying to convince his family that Marlowe is a bad girl, but she gets all of that fixed in very inventive ways. I had a great time watching them come to terms with their love as adults.
August 5, 2026
This is a fun and memorable addition to an already awesome series! I laughed out loud and had a great time reading about Marlowe’s story. It was refreshing to read about a selfless character, when it seems like so many protagonists in other books are self-centered. I appreciate Janette Rallison so much- she is such a talented writer. :) I would definitely recommend this book!
August 5, 2026
Janette rallison has the funniest books.
I love LOVE the banter. There's swoon with spine, morals instead of misunderstandings, and a sassy grandma who is the BEST.
I love LOVE the banter. There's swoon with spine, morals instead of misunderstandings, and a sassy grandma who is the BEST.
September 2, 2026
fun and flirty
Janette Rallison knows how to make her readers laugh. Marlowe and Jace make a silly agreement to fake date. But Marlowe knows from the start there is no fake to her feelings. She tries to protect her heart. But Jace makes that difficult.
Janette Rallison knows how to make her readers laugh. Marlowe and Jace make a silly agreement to fake date. But Marlowe knows from the start there is no fake to her feelings. She tries to protect her heart. But Jace makes that difficult.
August 8, 2026
I absolutely loved this! It’s rare to see a second chance romance paired with fake dating, and I was completely pulled in from the start!
Jace and Marlowe have a history, but now they’re back in each other’s lives with an arrangement that benefits them both. He needs a fake girlfriend to avoid his family’s matchmaking attempts, while Marlowe needs someone to watch her grandmother so she can return to college. Of course, their fake relationship quickly starts feeling a lot more real than either expected!
I laughed so many times, especially because Grandma was hilarious! I loved watching Jace realize he was falling for the one woman he never planned to fall for!
This is a standalone, but previous couples make an appearance, so I definitely want to go back and read their stories!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Jace and Marlowe have a history, but now they’re back in each other’s lives with an arrangement that benefits them both. He needs a fake girlfriend to avoid his family’s matchmaking attempts, while Marlowe needs someone to watch her grandmother so she can return to college. Of course, their fake relationship quickly starts feeling a lot more real than either expected!
I laughed so many times, especially because Grandma was hilarious! I loved watching Jace realize he was falling for the one woman he never planned to fall for!
This is a standalone, but previous couples make an appearance, so I definitely want to go back and read their stories!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
July 31, 2026
Mark this one down as another win for Janette Rallison. A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) Heartbreaker was such a fun read, with laugh-out-loud moments and a hearty dose of nostalgia.
I am not typically a contemporary romance reader. I pick up one or two here and there, but they’re not really a go-to genre for me. How-e-ver. If Janette Rallison writes it, I need it. I think she might put drugs in her books because they’re addictive. Once I start reading, I cannot stop. It’s like a compulsion, and I shouldn’t have started this book at ten p.m. because I had to finish it. It was so cute and funny, to the point where I had to smother my laughter so I didn’t wake up my husband. Marlowe’s grandmother? An absolute riot made funnier by the fact that 90% of the time, even Marlowe didn’t know if she was joking. I mean, we start the book with her grandmother stuck on the roof of their house at six in the morning trying to fix the satellite dish. Good times.
I loved all the throwbacks to characters from the other books in the series. While you can read this one as a standalone, I definitely recommend having read the others for the full effect. Interconnected standalones are always so interesting to me, because you get to see the character from an outside perspective when it’s not their book and an inside perspective when it is. The dichotomy between how others see you and how you see yourself is on full display, and I think that was really apparent with Jace in this story. The difference is stark, and I really enjoyed his character development in learning to view himself in a better light.
My one complaint (and I hate that I have one) is about the second-chance portion. There was a lot of emphasis on how Marlowe and Jace’s relationship was in the past, but it didn’t feel like there was much development of their relationship in the present. It was like falling into old habits. Thankfully, their old habits were not bad ones (their original relationship was very wholesome), but by the end, it felt more like a continuation of their teenage romance rather than a further development of an adult romance. Essentially, it was based on who they were before and not who they are now. Does that make sense? I’m not sure if that makes sense now that I’ve written it out. They never technically fell out of love with each other after they broke up, but they haven’t seen or talked to each other for years now. They’re not the same people they were, but the relationship picks back up as if no one has changed. But, again, it’s been years. I guess I would have liked a little more emphasis on developing their relationship as the people they are now. (I feel like I just wrote in a giant circle, explaining the same thing four different ways. Oh well.)
Despite my teeny complaint, A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) Heartbreaker was a great read, and I highly recommend it. If you’re looking for a cute romance with a solid number of laugh-out-loud moments, you should absolutely pick this one up. Heck, even if that’s not what you’re looking for, you should still pick this one up. Or any of Janette Rallison’s books for that matter.
I received an advanced copy of A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) Heartbreaker directly from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am not typically a contemporary romance reader. I pick up one or two here and there, but they’re not really a go-to genre for me. How-e-ver. If Janette Rallison writes it, I need it. I think she might put drugs in her books because they’re addictive. Once I start reading, I cannot stop. It’s like a compulsion, and I shouldn’t have started this book at ten p.m. because I had to finish it. It was so cute and funny, to the point where I had to smother my laughter so I didn’t wake up my husband. Marlowe’s grandmother? An absolute riot made funnier by the fact that 90% of the time, even Marlowe didn’t know if she was joking. I mean, we start the book with her grandmother stuck on the roof of their house at six in the morning trying to fix the satellite dish. Good times.
I loved all the throwbacks to characters from the other books in the series. While you can read this one as a standalone, I definitely recommend having read the others for the full effect. Interconnected standalones are always so interesting to me, because you get to see the character from an outside perspective when it’s not their book and an inside perspective when it is. The dichotomy between how others see you and how you see yourself is on full display, and I think that was really apparent with Jace in this story. The difference is stark, and I really enjoyed his character development in learning to view himself in a better light.
My one complaint (and I hate that I have one) is about the second-chance portion. There was a lot of emphasis on how Marlowe and Jace’s relationship was in the past, but it didn’t feel like there was much development of their relationship in the present. It was like falling into old habits. Thankfully, their old habits were not bad ones (their original relationship was very wholesome), but by the end, it felt more like a continuation of their teenage romance rather than a further development of an adult romance. Essentially, it was based on who they were before and not who they are now. Does that make sense? I’m not sure if that makes sense now that I’ve written it out. They never technically fell out of love with each other after they broke up, but they haven’t seen or talked to each other for years now. They’re not the same people they were, but the relationship picks back up as if no one has changed. But, again, it’s been years. I guess I would have liked a little more emphasis on developing their relationship as the people they are now. (I feel like I just wrote in a giant circle, explaining the same thing four different ways. Oh well.)
Despite my teeny complaint, A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) Heartbreaker was a great read, and I highly recommend it. If you’re looking for a cute romance with a solid number of laugh-out-loud moments, you should absolutely pick this one up. Heck, even if that’s not what you’re looking for, you should still pick this one up. Or any of Janette Rallison’s books for that matter.
I received an advanced copy of A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) Heartbreaker directly from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 4, 2026
Jace broke Marlowe's heart when he dumped her before leaving for college. Fortunately she's managed to avoid him ever since - until now. Now, he's on a mission to make his family hate his on-again-off-again girlfriend Jennifer less - and the one girlfriend they'd hate more is Marlowe. Marlowe knows she'll regret agreeing to be Jace's fake girlfriend, but he makes an offer she can't refuse. They seem all too good at fooling others - are they starting to fool themselves too? Or is there no fooling about it?
A good fun read with plenty of emotion along the way too. I loved the pie story, and the ways Jace manages to get them both in trouble by making up stories about her that will 'help' her bad-girl image are hilarious. They're so good together, and Jennifer... ain't. So that nicely avoids the love triangle and merely turns into saving Jace from being an idiot. And Marlowe's grandmother is great - hilarious and supportive by turns, with a role as card shark on the side. It was also nice to see more of Jace's family from previous books (though this is a complete standalone story). All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable story, great for an escape but with depth to it too. Recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A good fun read with plenty of emotion along the way too. I loved the pie story, and the ways Jace manages to get them both in trouble by making up stories about her that will 'help' her bad-girl image are hilarious. They're so good together, and Jennifer... ain't. So that nicely avoids the love triangle and merely turns into saving Jace from being an idiot. And Marlowe's grandmother is great - hilarious and supportive by turns, with a role as card shark on the side. It was also nice to see more of Jace's family from previous books (though this is a complete standalone story). All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable story, great for an escape but with depth to it too. Recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 23, 2026
I’m really enjoying this author; this was my second book by her that I fell in love with. A Longtime Heartbreaker was a fun, flirty rom-com that was hard to put down.
Marlowe and Jace dated in high school, which was seven years ago. It ended badly and Marlowe never wants to see him again. This has worked until now, when he arrives back in town for a short stay. They run into each other again, in a pretty hilarious way, when her grandmother needs help. Jace then finds himself needing a fake girlfriend and he thinks Marlowe is perfect for the job. Marlowe disagrees.
I fell in love with Marlowe right away as a FMC. She was spunky with a fun personality that I gravitated to, but also so sweet and caring. Her grandmother was such a hoot. She had no filter and said whatever was on her mind, which made for some pretty interesting scenes. While Jace took a bit of warming up, he was pretty great too! I loved the dynamics of his family. They were a fun group! I loved how Jace and Marlowe's past relationship was beautifully worked into the story with the present storyline. The story is full of humor and lighthearted with the most delicious chemistry between Jace and Marlowe. I think one of my most favorite things about this book was Marlowe’s values: having a family and being a mom one day was so important to her that it changed her thoughts about work and success. It was refreshing to read. I also loved the support she got from Jace with her goals. He was always there when she needed a confidence boost.
This is a standalone story and the first I read in the series, but now I will definitely be reading the first two books along with anything else Janette Rallison writes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Marlowe and Jace dated in high school, which was seven years ago. It ended badly and Marlowe never wants to see him again. This has worked until now, when he arrives back in town for a short stay. They run into each other again, in a pretty hilarious way, when her grandmother needs help. Jace then finds himself needing a fake girlfriend and he thinks Marlowe is perfect for the job. Marlowe disagrees.
I fell in love with Marlowe right away as a FMC. She was spunky with a fun personality that I gravitated to, but also so sweet and caring. Her grandmother was such a hoot. She had no filter and said whatever was on her mind, which made for some pretty interesting scenes. While Jace took a bit of warming up, he was pretty great too! I loved the dynamics of his family. They were a fun group! I loved how Jace and Marlowe's past relationship was beautifully worked into the story with the present storyline. The story is full of humor and lighthearted with the most delicious chemistry between Jace and Marlowe. I think one of my most favorite things about this book was Marlowe’s values: having a family and being a mom one day was so important to her that it changed her thoughts about work and success. It was refreshing to read. I also loved the support she got from Jace with her goals. He was always there when she needed a confidence boost.
This is a standalone story and the first I read in the series, but now I will definitely be reading the first two books along with anything else Janette Rallison writes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 25, 2026
This book was exactly the cozy, heartwarming read I needed! The "fake dating" trope is one of my favorites, but this story gave it so much more depth. Marlowe and Jace's history made every interaction feel real and layered, not just like a simple setup.
Marlowe is such a relatable and strong character. She's given up so much for her family, and you can't help but root for her to get her own happily ever after. And Jace? He's the perfect book boyfriend, sweet, trying to do the right thing, and clearly still hung up on the girl he left behind. Their banter is witty and fun, but the moments when the old feelings start to resurface are truly swoony.
Grams is a hilarious and wonderful addition, bringing so much life and chaos to the story. If you love small-town settings, charming characters, and a romance that feels both nostalgic and fresh, this is a must-read. It’s a story about second chances and discovering that some first loves never really fade. I absolutely adored it from start to finish
Marlowe is such a relatable and strong character. She's given up so much for her family, and you can't help but root for her to get her own happily ever after. And Jace? He's the perfect book boyfriend, sweet, trying to do the right thing, and clearly still hung up on the girl he left behind. Their banter is witty and fun, but the moments when the old feelings start to resurface are truly swoony.
Grams is a hilarious and wonderful addition, bringing so much life and chaos to the story. If you love small-town settings, charming characters, and a romance that feels both nostalgic and fresh, this is a must-read. It’s a story about second chances and discovering that some first loves never really fade. I absolutely adored it from start to finish
August 8, 2026
Best laid plans often unexpectedly change directions.
Jace’s family doesn’t like his Los Angeles girlfriend Jennifer because she doesn’t seem to care about anyone else but herself. His family felt his girlfriend always found fault or talked down to them. Jace and Jenifer decide to separate during their school break and date other people. Jace feels that if he dates his old girlfriend Marlowe, who has a slightly tainted reputation with his family, Jennifer might look better by comparison. However, his plan backfires as he remembers special times with Marlowe. This was a cute romance, and there was lots of snappy dialogue. I really liked Marlowe’s character and how she was always caring for or looking out for others. I was glad when Jace finally realized a few things about his relationships with others. I received an ARC copy from the author.
Jace’s family doesn’t like his Los Angeles girlfriend Jennifer because she doesn’t seem to care about anyone else but herself. His family felt his girlfriend always found fault or talked down to them. Jace and Jenifer decide to separate during their school break and date other people. Jace feels that if he dates his old girlfriend Marlowe, who has a slightly tainted reputation with his family, Jennifer might look better by comparison. However, his plan backfires as he remembers special times with Marlowe. This was a cute romance, and there was lots of snappy dialogue. I really liked Marlowe’s character and how she was always caring for or looking out for others. I was glad when Jace finally realized a few things about his relationships with others. I received an ARC copy from the author.
September 30, 2026
Adorable and witty second-chance romance for Marlowe and Jace! I loved being back in the town of Lark Springs!!! I know every time I pick up a book by Janette Rallison I'm going to just be so happy. I know I'll find characters that I connect with because they're experiencing life and the ups and downs and all of the in-betweens of it! And Marlowe sure is there! And I know I'm going to love the sweet love story that's full of humorous moments that keep me laughing and turning the pages!
And Marlowe's grandma is the best! I was laughing so hard over her antics! She definitely keeps Marlowe on her toes! And then Jace gets to enjoy those antics as well! Hahaha! But even with her antics, I loved her character and how she loves Marlowe and encourages her.
The fake dating was so fun. Because we all know that doesn't stay fake for long. Especially when there are still feelings lingering from years ago. And after those misunderstandings get cleared up between Marlowe and Jace, it gets even better! The fake dating is fun for the humor that ensues from the other characters who aren't in the know. *Smirks*
Sweet love story that I will definitely highly recommend! Any of the books in this series are definitely worth it! Read them!!! Laugh! Swoon! And just have books that will make you smiley!!!
Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses and nothing more. No language. Aging grandparent.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
And Marlowe's grandma is the best! I was laughing so hard over her antics! She definitely keeps Marlowe on her toes! And then Jace gets to enjoy those antics as well! Hahaha! But even with her antics, I loved her character and how she loves Marlowe and encourages her.
The fake dating was so fun. Because we all know that doesn't stay fake for long. Especially when there are still feelings lingering from years ago. And after those misunderstandings get cleared up between Marlowe and Jace, it gets even better! The fake dating is fun for the humor that ensues from the other characters who aren't in the know. *Smirks*
Sweet love story that I will definitely highly recommend! Any of the books in this series are definitely worth it! Read them!!! Laugh! Swoon! And just have books that will make you smiley!!!
Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses and nothing more. No language. Aging grandparent.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
August 7, 2026
I enjoyed this! It felt very fun and lighthearted for the most part, but I liked that real problems and concerns were addressed throughout the book too. The one thing I wish had happened in the book is for Marlowe and Jace to have come clean to his entire family about who Marlowe really is (including that she can’t really bake), and what, if anything, they want to do about the SAT test. I felt unresolved at the end of the book and couldn’t figure out why, and I think this is it. I just don’t think his family would end up really liking her with all of the lies they both told. But other than that, I thought this was a fun addition to the rest of the series! Her grandma was hilarious!
I received a free copy of this book and am reviewing willingly.
I received a free copy of this book and am reviewing willingly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Marlowe is everything kind and good. She stands up for the underdog, takes care of her grandma and is everyone's favorite hair dresser. She is also the girl that has her heart broken by Jace.
Jace has come home for the summer. He is on a break from his girlfriend, who is extremely high maintenance. His family doesn't like her at all. He makes a deal with Marlowe to be his fake girlfriend and he will come stay with her grandma on Wednesdays so she can go to class. He was trying to make Jennifer look good by making Marlowe out to be a 'someone his family didn't like even more than Jennifer'. His plan backfires spectacularly.
Jace does redeem himself... Eventually.
Jace has come home for the summer. He is on a break from his girlfriend, who is extremely high maintenance. His family doesn't like her at all. He makes a deal with Marlowe to be his fake girlfriend and he will come stay with her grandma on Wednesdays so she can go to class. He was trying to make Jennifer look good by making Marlowe out to be a 'someone his family didn't like even more than Jennifer'. His plan backfires spectacularly.
Jace does redeem himself... Eventually.
August 13, 2026
A great story about getting it wrong & the chance to make a different choice the second time around! I really felt like I related to Marlowe & was rooting for her dreams to come true! She takes care of everyone else & deserves happiness! Jace is so sweet, thoughtful, & the kind of guy that is definitely a keeper! I loved how Jace & Marlowe’s story shows their high school history & comes full circle for another chance! This story was so funny with a lot of laugh out loud moments! Marlowe’s grandma was a hoot too! I loved this story so much & it’s one I would reread! It’s my favorite in the series & hands down my favorite by Janette!!! I only wish it was longer or had a bonus epilogue!
September 30, 2026
If you're looking for a story that will keep you smiling long after you've turned the last page, THIS is it! It's funny, sweet, and absolutely adorable.
This book is part of a series, but it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. That said, I loved how big a part Jace's family played in the story. Marlowe's grandma added the perfect amount of humor and mischief, too, and I absolutely loved her!
If you love fake dating, second-chance romance, small towns, and families who care deeply about each other, you'll love this story!
Favorite Line: He wasn’t sure if he was being really smart or really stupid for not driving back to her house and finishing that kiss.
This book is part of a series, but it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. That said, I loved how big a part Jace's family played in the story. Marlowe's grandma added the perfect amount of humor and mischief, too, and I absolutely loved her!
If you love fake dating, second-chance romance, small towns, and families who care deeply about each other, you'll love this story!
Favorite Line: He wasn’t sure if he was being really smart or really stupid for not driving back to her house and finishing that kiss.
August 6, 2026
A Longtime (and now fake boyfriend) heartbreaker by Janette Rallison is such a funny, swoony, entertaining read.
-Second chance romance
-Mischievous granny
-Fake dating
-Taking a break
-Small town
-Amazing series
-Red leather jacket
-Meet cute/ granny trouble
I loved the grandma scheming and causing problems, these two sifting through their past relationship, and finding a new friendship that is even better than it was as teenagers.
Great read that kept me laughing and swooning.
Janette Rallison did it again.
-Second chance romance
-Mischievous granny
-Fake dating
-Taking a break
-Small town
-Amazing series
-Red leather jacket
-Meet cute/ granny trouble
I loved the grandma scheming and causing problems, these two sifting through their past relationship, and finding a new friendship that is even better than it was as teenagers.
Great read that kept me laughing and swooning.
Janette Rallison did it again.
August 4, 2026
She missed her calling as a bad girl
-“You clearly have a weakness for bad girls.”-
-“I just have a weakness for you.”-
This is such a fun romcom! I loved the grandmother! She is such a riot! This author’s writing style is similar to Victorine Lieske, another favourite of mine. Lots of laughing out loud and swoony, clean romance. Ms. Rallison has written other books in this series and they can all be read independently. I’ve loved all of them! Highly recommended!
-“You clearly have a weakness for bad girls.”-
-“I just have a weakness for you.”-
This is such a fun romcom! I loved the grandmother! She is such a riot! This author’s writing style is similar to Victorine Lieske, another favourite of mine. Lots of laughing out loud and swoony, clean romance. Ms. Rallison has written other books in this series and they can all be read independently. I’ve loved all of them! Highly recommended!
August 17, 2026
Kisses only
I did not like all the lying. Jace lies about Marlowe to his parents Marlowe lies about her baking abilities to Jace’s parents. Jace lies about Marlowe to his siblings, Marlowe tries to corroborate the lies and lies even more to his siblings. Why can’t they be truthful? Also, the breakup flash back seemed to me like Marlowe did the breaking up. The book ends abruptly. I wish there was an epilogue or something more to wrap things up better.
I did not like all the lying. Jace lies about Marlowe to his parents Marlowe lies about her baking abilities to Jace’s parents. Jace lies about Marlowe to his siblings, Marlowe tries to corroborate the lies and lies even more to his siblings. Why can’t they be truthful? Also, the breakup flash back seemed to me like Marlowe did the breaking up. The book ends abruptly. I wish there was an epilogue or something more to wrap things up better.
August 4, 2026
I LOVE Janette Rallison’s books and this one combined all her best writing skills. Especially her ability to write humor! So many people write “Rom-Coms” and there’s no “com” in the “rom”. I found myself laughing out loud more than once and also would catch myself with a goofy smile I was unable to tamp down.
If you are looking for a clean, funny rom com, this is the book for you!
If you are looking for a clean, funny rom com, this is the book for you!
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