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Just for the Season
Not yet published
Expected 24 Aug 26Frankie Winters' life has fallen apart spectacularly, with her becoming single, jobless AND homeless all in the same day. Fleeing to the sea – more specifically to her gran and cousin’s hometown of Milbury Bay – feels like the right answer.
Marcus Brooks swore off women the moment his ex-wife walked out on him and his children. And after a tumultuous encounter with a certain stubborn stranger in the local café, he’s only more convinced he made the right decision.
But when Frankie decides she needs a fake boyfriend to reassure her eighty-five-year-old gran she’s doing just fine (even if she isn’t!), her gaze lands on the last man she should the grumpy, unruly one she argued with over the last carrot cake.
Saying yes to Frankie’s insane plan might be Marcus’s biggest mistake yet… or the best decision he’s ever made. Because sometimes, the last thing you’re looking for is exactly what you need.
Marcus Brooks swore off women the moment his ex-wife walked out on him and his children. And after a tumultuous encounter with a certain stubborn stranger in the local café, he’s only more convinced he made the right decision.
But when Frankie decides she needs a fake boyfriend to reassure her eighty-five-year-old gran she’s doing just fine (even if she isn’t!), her gaze lands on the last man she should the grumpy, unruly one she argued with over the last carrot cake.
Saying yes to Frankie’s insane plan might be Marcus’s biggest mistake yet… or the best decision he’s ever made. Because sometimes, the last thing you’re looking for is exactly what you need.
280 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 3, 2026
You know when sometimes you just want a lovely romance book but one that can make you laugh? Well this is it ! The perfect mix of cute romance and very funny.
This book literally contains my fav trope : single dad, fake dating, in a town where everyone gossips, rom com. So when I saw this I knew I had to read it and I’m NOT disappointed!
This is such a cute and lovely read. And very funny. What I really enjoyed is the writing ! Very smooth and I liked how we directly get into the story from the first pages, and how it makes you laugh and crack up, which makes you wanna read more and more.
The chemistry between Marcus and Frankie was so good, and I like how they went from their messy first meeting to fake date to fall for each other…It was so funny seeing them panic while falling for each other when both swear off men for one and women for the other…
And oh how I loved seeing part of Marcus realities to be a single dad ! It really added that soft touch to him which I loved !
This was my first book from the author but I’ll definitely read more !
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.
July 27, 2026
This was my first book by Jo Lovett and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read! I really liked her writing style. I was drawn to it by the autumnal cover and immediately hooked by the first few chapters which were very funny. That humour continued throughout the story. Frankie and Marcus have a ‘fauxmance’ which develops into a very close friendship before they both realise they have real, strong feelings for each other. There are some great side characters- not only their friends but also Marcus’s 2 children- and their challenges felt genuine which I appreciated. We get to see their relationship really build from a terrible first meeting, through getting to know one another for the sake of keeping up appearances, to realising how well they get on together.
Whilst the book is set in October/ November time- and there is a party with a joint Halloween and bonfire night theme- it isn’t mega autumnal, just a few nice nods to the season. You could certainly read this at any time of year and enjoy it though.
Thank you to Boldwood books and NetGalley for this ARC.
Whilst the book is set in October/ November time- and there is a party with a joint Halloween and bonfire night theme- it isn’t mega autumnal, just a few nice nods to the season. You could certainly read this at any time of year and enjoy it though.
Thank you to Boldwood books and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fun and sweet small town rom-com following a single dad and a woman who just got dumped by her douche of a fiancé.
WHAT I LIKED
- The Setting. Milbury Bay felt like a character in the story and I was so in love with it. I’d love to read more love stories set in this town.
- The side characters felt like real friends and family and I wish we got more of them. Especially Simon and Ellie. Can we get an Ellie book? I’d absolutely love to see her find love too.
- Marcus is a wonderful love interest.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
I feel like there were a few issues here where the editor should have done a bit more. There were a couple of odd story structure things like we change chapters in the middle of a conversation. But not like “oh the character says something shocking and we change to a new chapter due to a cliffhanger”.
A character says something and then we get a paragraph of internal monologue and the chapter ends. Then we get a new chapter from the MMC’s POV and we get his internal monologue for several paragraphs and THEN he continues the conversation from the previous chapter. It felt quite jarring and I had to go back to reread what the conversation was because it was such an odd place to switch POV.
There was a lot of “telling” rather than showing and at times it felt like the author was hitting the reader over the head with the point. “If Marcus has to choose between me and his children, it is of course right for him to choose his children. He has no choice in fact.” We didn’t need to see this in writing to understand this.
I loved Ruby at the beginning. She was such an interesting character so the twist towards the end with Ruby made no sense to me. We got no foreshadowing that she would feel or act the way she did. The twist at the end that led to the third act conflict felt very forced. I loved Ruby’s character throughout the book until we got to the end of chapter 24 and it was like I was seeing a completely different character than I had been reading the whole time
- Jack?? Our FMC was living with Ellie and Jack at the beginning of the story and I had to keep reminding myself that jack was NOT an infant because he’s mentioned a lot but he doesn’t have a single line of dialogue. So again, I’d love an Ellie book so we can get a bit of his personality
Overall, I liked the story well enough and would still read more from the author. The things that she did well were WONDERFUL to read and the things that I’m complaining about aren’t deal-breakers but simply things to consider.
WHAT I LIKED
- The Setting. Milbury Bay felt like a character in the story and I was so in love with it. I’d love to read more love stories set in this town.
- The side characters felt like real friends and family and I wish we got more of them. Especially Simon and Ellie. Can we get an Ellie book? I’d absolutely love to see her find love too.
- Marcus is a wonderful love interest.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
I feel like there were a few issues here where the editor should have done a bit more. There were a couple of odd story structure things like we change chapters in the middle of a conversation. But not like “oh the character says something shocking and we change to a new chapter due to a cliffhanger”.
A character says something and then we get a paragraph of internal monologue and the chapter ends. Then we get a new chapter from the MMC’s POV and we get his internal monologue for several paragraphs and THEN he continues the conversation from the previous chapter. It felt quite jarring and I had to go back to reread what the conversation was because it was such an odd place to switch POV.
There was a lot of “telling” rather than showing and at times it felt like the author was hitting the reader over the head with the point. “If Marcus has to choose between me and his children, it is of course right for him to choose his children. He has no choice in fact.” We didn’t need to see this in writing to understand this.
I loved Ruby at the beginning. She was such an interesting character so the twist towards the end with Ruby made no sense to me. We got no foreshadowing that she would feel or act the way she did. The twist at the end that led to the third act conflict felt very forced. I loved Ruby’s character throughout the book until we got to the end of chapter 24 and it was like I was seeing a completely different character than I had been reading the whole time
- Jack?? Our FMC was living with Ellie and Jack at the beginning of the story and I had to keep reminding myself that jack was NOT an infant because he’s mentioned a lot but he doesn’t have a single line of dialogue. So again, I’d love an Ellie book so we can get a bit of his personality
Overall, I liked the story well enough and would still read more from the author. The things that she did well were WONDERFUL to read and the things that I’m complaining about aren’t deal-breakers but simply things to consider.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jo Lovett’s Just for the Season proves that losing your fiancé, your job, and your home in one day is apparently only the beginning of the chaos. Boldwood Books and NetGalley, thank you so much for the gifted book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Frankie Winters’ life doesn’t simply fall apart. It packs a suitcase, slams the door, and leaves her standing in the wreckage. Escaping London for Milbury Bay and the comfort of her cousin and beloved gran seems like the sensible next step. Starting an argument with a grumpy stranger over the last piece of carrot cake? Maybe not quite as sensible.
That stranger is Marcus, a divorced father of two who has absolutely no interest in dating again. Their first meeting is prickly, ridiculous, and honestly one of the funniest parts of the book. Naturally, Frankie later announces that Marcus is her boyfriend after a little too much wine because she doesn’t want her eighty-five-year-old gran worrying about her. Small-town gossip handles the rest.
“Sometimes, the last thing you’re looking for is exactly what you need.”
I loved watching their fake relationship slowly become a real friendship before either of them was ready to admit something more was happening. Frankie is emotional, stubborn, and trying desperately to look as though she has everything under control. Marcus is protective and cautious, especially where his children, Ruby and Luke, are concerned. Their relationship felt sweeter because they didn’t rush it. They talked, spent time together, and gradually became people the other could lean on.
The story also has more heart than the cheerful cover suggests. Frankie and Marcus both carry the hurt of being left behind, while Ruby is still struggling with her mother’s absence. Those moments gave the romance some real weight and had me feeling much more emotional than I expected from a book that begins with a carrot-cake battle.
I’d hand this to anyone who loves fake dating, single-dad romances, meddling villages, found family, and relationships that grow from reluctant friendship into something genuine.
Would you surrender the last piece of carrot cake—or would you start a lifelong feud over it?
#JustForTheSeason #JoLovett #BoldwoodBooks #FakeDatingRomance #SingleDadRomance #SmallTownRomance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Frankie Winters’ life doesn’t simply fall apart. It packs a suitcase, slams the door, and leaves her standing in the wreckage. Escaping London for Milbury Bay and the comfort of her cousin and beloved gran seems like the sensible next step. Starting an argument with a grumpy stranger over the last piece of carrot cake? Maybe not quite as sensible.
That stranger is Marcus, a divorced father of two who has absolutely no interest in dating again. Their first meeting is prickly, ridiculous, and honestly one of the funniest parts of the book. Naturally, Frankie later announces that Marcus is her boyfriend after a little too much wine because she doesn’t want her eighty-five-year-old gran worrying about her. Small-town gossip handles the rest.
“Sometimes, the last thing you’re looking for is exactly what you need.”
I loved watching their fake relationship slowly become a real friendship before either of them was ready to admit something more was happening. Frankie is emotional, stubborn, and trying desperately to look as though she has everything under control. Marcus is protective and cautious, especially where his children, Ruby and Luke, are concerned. Their relationship felt sweeter because they didn’t rush it. They talked, spent time together, and gradually became people the other could lean on.
The story also has more heart than the cheerful cover suggests. Frankie and Marcus both carry the hurt of being left behind, while Ruby is still struggling with her mother’s absence. Those moments gave the romance some real weight and had me feeling much more emotional than I expected from a book that begins with a carrot-cake battle.
I’d hand this to anyone who loves fake dating, single-dad romances, meddling villages, found family, and relationships that grow from reluctant friendship into something genuine.
Would you surrender the last piece of carrot cake—or would you start a lifelong feud over it?
#JustForTheSeason #JoLovett #BoldwoodBooks #FakeDatingRomance #SingleDadRomance #SmallTownRomance
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Books have always been my happy place, and romance is the genre I never seem to get tired of. One of my favorite tropes is "fake relationship," so this book immediately caught my attention. After enjoying both "It's Not Me, It's You" and "Wild About You," I was excited to pick up another Jo Lovett romance, and this one did not disappoint.
This story hooked me right from the beginning thanks to one of the funniest meet cutes I have read in a while. Frankie and Marcus start off firmly on the wrong foot, which made watching their relationship evolve even more enjoyable. I could not wait to see how the fake relationship would come into play, and when it finally did, it was every bit as entertaining as I had hoped. I also appreciated that their romance developed naturally instead of feeling rushed.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the emotional depth beneath the humor. Both Frankie and Marcus are carrying wounds from abandonment, and I thought the author handled those lasting effects really well. Frankie has spent much of her life believing she is not someone people choose to stay for, while Marcus is trying to help his children navigate similar feelings after their mother left. I loved seeing the way they encouraged one another to heal and recognize their own worth. I also have to mention the twist involving their grandparents, which genuinely caught me by surprise and added another memorable layer to the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Even when Frankie and Marcus hit a bump in the road, I appreciated that they found their way back to each other in a way that felt believable. The epilogue was especially satisfying and left me with a smile on my face. I cannot wait to see what Jo Lovett writes next.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
This story hooked me right from the beginning thanks to one of the funniest meet cutes I have read in a while. Frankie and Marcus start off firmly on the wrong foot, which made watching their relationship evolve even more enjoyable. I could not wait to see how the fake relationship would come into play, and when it finally did, it was every bit as entertaining as I had hoped. I also appreciated that their romance developed naturally instead of feeling rushed.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the emotional depth beneath the humor. Both Frankie and Marcus are carrying wounds from abandonment, and I thought the author handled those lasting effects really well. Frankie has spent much of her life believing she is not someone people choose to stay for, while Marcus is trying to help his children navigate similar feelings after their mother left. I loved seeing the way they encouraged one another to heal and recognize their own worth. I also have to mention the twist involving their grandparents, which genuinely caught me by surprise and added another memorable layer to the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Even when Frankie and Marcus hit a bump in the road, I appreciated that they found their way back to each other in a way that felt believable. The epilogue was especially satisfying and left me with a smile on my face. I cannot wait to see what Jo Lovett writes next.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Frankie goes from having a fiancé, a job, and a place to live to losing all three basically overnight. Meanwhile, Marcus has exactly one thing on his mind: making sure his daughter’s 14th birthday is perfect. Two completely different situations that somehow lead to an argument over a carrot cake, and the start of something new.
Both Frankie and Marcus’s first meeting and their second had me laughing! And as someone who lives in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, I totally got everything they said about that kind of place, which honestly made it even funnier.
Marcus’s relationship with his kids was so sweet, and I couldn't wait to see how Frankie would fit into their lives, especially when it came to Ruby. I do wish the kids had been a little more present throughout the story, but when Ruby finally took center stage near the end, the tension kept me turning the pages.
The writing is super easy to get into, and I flew through this book! The story flows really naturally, and for the most part, so do the conversations, although there were a few lines of dialogue here and there that felt a little awkward.
I do wish the enemies part of the enemies to lovers dynamic had lasted a bit longer though, because it was so much fun. That said, once they become friends, the relationship shifts into a different dynamic that I ended up enjoying just as much.
And about the slow burn I have to say that it is slow burning! There was one particular moment that had me feeling so impatient, but in the best way possible. It was such a beautiful scene and honestly one of my favorites in the entire book.
Just for the Season is such a fun, cozy small town romance that's perfect if you're obsessed with the fake dating trope, swoony romantic moments, and a genuinely slow burn. I'd especially recommend picking it up on a cozy fall day. Not just because of the cover, but because the whole story gives off the ultimate fall vibes.
Both Frankie and Marcus’s first meeting and their second had me laughing! And as someone who lives in a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, I totally got everything they said about that kind of place, which honestly made it even funnier.
Marcus’s relationship with his kids was so sweet, and I couldn't wait to see how Frankie would fit into their lives, especially when it came to Ruby. I do wish the kids had been a little more present throughout the story, but when Ruby finally took center stage near the end, the tension kept me turning the pages.
The writing is super easy to get into, and I flew through this book! The story flows really naturally, and for the most part, so do the conversations, although there were a few lines of dialogue here and there that felt a little awkward.
I do wish the enemies part of the enemies to lovers dynamic had lasted a bit longer though, because it was so much fun. That said, once they become friends, the relationship shifts into a different dynamic that I ended up enjoying just as much.
And about the slow burn I have to say that it is slow burning! There was one particular moment that had me feeling so impatient, but in the best way possible. It was such a beautiful scene and honestly one of my favorites in the entire book.
Just for the Season is such a fun, cozy small town romance that's perfect if you're obsessed with the fake dating trope, swoony romantic moments, and a genuinely slow burn. I'd especially recommend picking it up on a cozy fall day. Not just because of the cover, but because the whole story gives off the ultimate fall vibes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve read a few novels by Jo Lovett and this one was one of my favourites so far. The characters were interesting and likeable and the storyline was fun. Frankie moves back to her home village, where everyone knows what everyone else is doing. She’s homeless, jobless and penniless when she arrives following the split from her partner and temporarily moves in with her cousin Ellie and nephew Jack. In her friend Simon’s cafe she decides she must have cake and not any cake but carrot cake (who doesn’t need cakes in times of crisis!) however single Dad Marcus also needs carrot cake as it’s his Daughter Ruby’s birthday, there’s only one problem, there’s only one left. The battle for the carrot cake is Frankie and Marcus’ first encounter however during a drunken moment to avoid worrying her Gran Frankie says that her and Marcus are dating and they have to start a fake romance because all the village knows every movement they make and Frankie doesn’t want it getting back to her Gran that they aren’t dating. As they go on fake dates and spend more time together however they realise that there is chemistry and a genuine attraction. However not everyone is happy about them being in a real relationship and Marcus has to make a difficult decision.
I felt this book had real depth, it didn’t feel rushed and it felt genuine and explored how a parents rejection can make a person feel along with what it’s like to cope with being a single parent and the issues faced.
A page turner that based around Autumn but can be read any time of year.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book but opinion is all my own.
I felt this book had real depth, it didn’t feel rushed and it felt genuine and explored how a parents rejection can make a person feel along with what it’s like to cope with being a single parent and the issues faced.
A page turner that based around Autumn but can be read any time of year.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book but opinion is all my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I honestly don't think you can go wrong with a small town romance and fake dating, so Just for the Season was always going to be right up my street. This was my first Jo Lovett book, and it definitely won't be my last.
Frankie and Marcus were so easy to root for. I loved how their relationship didn't jump straight into romance, but instead took the time to build through friendship, trust, and getting to know each other. Their chemistry felt really natural, and I couldn't help but smile watching them slowly realise that maybe their fake relationship wasn't so fake after all.
One of my favourite parts of the book was Marcus’s role as a single dad. I really liked that the story didn't shy away from the realities of dating when children are involved, and it made the romance feel even more genuine. The whole cast of side characters added so much warmth to the story, and Milbury Bay felt like the kind of place I'd happily keep coming back to.
I was expecting lots of cosy autumn vibes because of the cover, and while there are definitely some lovely seasonal moments throughout, it's not one of those books that has to be read in autumn. The cosy atmosphere comes more from the small-town setting and the characters than the season itself.
Jo Lovett's writing was so easy to read, and I flew through this in no time. It had me laughing one chapter, smiling the next, and then quietly hoping Frankie and Marcus would stop pretending and finally admit how they felt.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
Frankie and Marcus were so easy to root for. I loved how their relationship didn't jump straight into romance, but instead took the time to build through friendship, trust, and getting to know each other. Their chemistry felt really natural, and I couldn't help but smile watching them slowly realise that maybe their fake relationship wasn't so fake after all.
One of my favourite parts of the book was Marcus’s role as a single dad. I really liked that the story didn't shy away from the realities of dating when children are involved, and it made the romance feel even more genuine. The whole cast of side characters added so much warmth to the story, and Milbury Bay felt like the kind of place I'd happily keep coming back to.
I was expecting lots of cosy autumn vibes because of the cover, and while there are definitely some lovely seasonal moments throughout, it's not one of those books that has to be read in autumn. The cosy atmosphere comes more from the small-town setting and the characters than the season itself.
Jo Lovett's writing was so easy to read, and I flew through this in no time. It had me laughing one chapter, smiling the next, and then quietly hoping Frankie and Marcus would stop pretending and finally admit how they felt.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🧡 Blurb -
Frankie Winters' life has fallen apart spectacularly, with her becoming single, jobless AND homeless all in the same day. Fleeing to the sea – more specifically to her gran and cousin’s hometown of Milbury Bay – feels like the right answer.
Marcus Brooks swore off women the moment his ex-wife walked out on him and his children. And after a tumultuous encounter with a certain stubborn stranger in the local café, he’s only more convinced he made the right decision.
But when Frankie decides she needs a fake boyfriend to reassure her eighty-five-year-old gran she’s doing just fine (even if she isn’t!), her gaze lands on the last man she should ask: the grumpy, unruly one she argued with over the last carrot cake.
Saying yes to Frankie’s insane plan might be Marcus’s biggest mistake yet… or the best decision he’s ever made. Because sometimes, the last thing you’re looking for is exactly what you need.
💚 Review -
This was such a cute and cosy Autumn read. I have enjoyed other books by the author and Just For The Season certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the small town place setting in the story and the background characters that come with it. I also loved Frankie and Marcus's chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the pacing was just right.
Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author Jo Lovett for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Frankie Winters' life has fallen apart spectacularly, with her becoming single, jobless AND homeless all in the same day. Fleeing to the sea – more specifically to her gran and cousin’s hometown of Milbury Bay – feels like the right answer.
Marcus Brooks swore off women the moment his ex-wife walked out on him and his children. And after a tumultuous encounter with a certain stubborn stranger in the local café, he’s only more convinced he made the right decision.
But when Frankie decides she needs a fake boyfriend to reassure her eighty-five-year-old gran she’s doing just fine (even if she isn’t!), her gaze lands on the last man she should ask: the grumpy, unruly one she argued with over the last carrot cake.
Saying yes to Frankie’s insane plan might be Marcus’s biggest mistake yet… or the best decision he’s ever made. Because sometimes, the last thing you’re looking for is exactly what you need.
💚 Review -
This was such a cute and cosy Autumn read. I have enjoyed other books by the author and Just For The Season certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the small town place setting in the story and the background characters that come with it. I also loved Frankie and Marcus's chemistry and I wanted them to have their happy ending. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the pacing was just right.
Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author Jo Lovett for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The faking dating trope is over done in my opinion, but Jo Lovett freshened it up for me and made it very enjoyable! I liked that Just for the Season involved a divorced dad whose kids (primarily his 14 year old daughter) were well utilized. Both Marcus and Frankie were burned by past relationships, but enter into a fake dating situation so Frankie's grandma will stop worrying about her. I won't spoil how this plan is hatched, but I can say it involves cake and the small town gossip mill!
Was this book predictable? Of course and yet it held my interest and even had me shed a few tears because I was so invested in Frankie and Marcus. Before the expected Happily Ever After, I liked how Jo Lovett introduced conflict that was also fresh compared to other fake dating stories. Thankfully it didn't drag out, but it did add to the story in a fluid way and believable given the characters involved. Normally these conflicts have me rolling my eyes and I most definitely was not!
The secondary characters were enjoyable, especially Simon. He could bake me cake any day! What a great friend! I also appreciated how the more serious themes explored (parent abandonment for instance) was experienced by multiple characters. It made the story more believable, but also solidified relationships. Pacing was great and it was truly a page-turner as you experience this beautiful and sweet love story develop. This book is sure to help rom-com lovers usher in fall with humorous and heartwarming story that has a few little surprises in store. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Was this book predictable? Of course and yet it held my interest and even had me shed a few tears because I was so invested in Frankie and Marcus. Before the expected Happily Ever After, I liked how Jo Lovett introduced conflict that was also fresh compared to other fake dating stories. Thankfully it didn't drag out, but it did add to the story in a fluid way and believable given the characters involved. Normally these conflicts have me rolling my eyes and I most definitely was not!
The secondary characters were enjoyable, especially Simon. He could bake me cake any day! What a great friend! I also appreciated how the more serious themes explored (parent abandonment for instance) was experienced by multiple characters. It made the story more believable, but also solidified relationships. Pacing was great and it was truly a page-turner as you experience this beautiful and sweet love story develop. This book is sure to help rom-com lovers usher in fall with humorous and heartwarming story that has a few little surprises in store. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just for the Season is a humorous and fun read. The first few chapters for Frankie is really just a mess. The text dump, firing, and then being kicked out of the apartment. The cake exchange in the meet cute with Marcus, and then her drunken plot of fake dating Marcus. However, once Frankie and Marcus start spending time together, watching their relationship grow is so sweet! The found family and Marcus's kids are a great addition to this sweet small town.
Marcus is a single dad, and the affects of his ex-wife leaving him and the kids are still very present. It's very illusive on what Marcus does for a living for the majority of the book, but both Marcus and Frankie are verging on wanting more but scared to pursue anything other than friendship. The town however has other plans! However, if they said "method acting" one more time, I might have lost it. The emotion and insight into the situations with Ruby and how Marcus and Frankie handled it had me in tears. The way the author balanced deep emotions and humor was amazing and how adults should handle these delicate situations.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC of Just for the Season in exchange for an honest review. This novel is a great read that I highly recommend!
Marcus is a single dad, and the affects of his ex-wife leaving him and the kids are still very present. It's very illusive on what Marcus does for a living for the majority of the book, but both Marcus and Frankie are verging on wanting more but scared to pursue anything other than friendship. The town however has other plans! However, if they said "method acting" one more time, I might have lost it. The emotion and insight into the situations with Ruby and how Marcus and Frankie handled it had me in tears. The way the author balanced deep emotions and humor was amazing and how adults should handle these delicate situations.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC of Just for the Season in exchange for an honest review. This novel is a great read that I highly recommend!
August 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Jo Lovett and Boldwood Books for allowing me to ARC read ‘Just for the Season.’
I liked this, I just didn’t love it, and the main reason for that is, the ending felt so rushed.
I will say that first, as an English person, the many references to Tea and how incredible it is after any life event, or day (good or bad) are spot-on.
I initially loved the story, the characters are well developed and I loved the ‘small village’ vibes.
My problem arose at about 60-70% into this book, when a plot twist occurred (that results in a sort-of-but-not third act ‘break up’) that just felt ‘off,’ and seemed really pointless. It kind of jerked me out of the story. After this point, the rest of the story felt really rushed, and I think another 40-50 pages could have prevented this from being the case.
This is supposed to be a seasonal (autumn) read, but I didn’t really get that impression from reading. Aside from some seasonal drinks being sold in the cafe, there was barely any mention of anything autumnal going on.
Apart from the above, I liked this clean-romance story. I just think if this was a little longer, the pacing at the end could have been improved. And the overall story would have (for me) benefitted from not having a third act ‘break up’ that didn’t really have any pay off.
I liked this, I just didn’t love it, and the main reason for that is, the ending felt so rushed.
I will say that first, as an English person, the many references to Tea and how incredible it is after any life event, or day (good or bad) are spot-on.
I initially loved the story, the characters are well developed and I loved the ‘small village’ vibes.
My problem arose at about 60-70% into this book, when a plot twist occurred (that results in a sort-of-but-not third act ‘break up’) that just felt ‘off,’ and seemed really pointless. It kind of jerked me out of the story. After this point, the rest of the story felt really rushed, and I think another 40-50 pages could have prevented this from being the case.
This is supposed to be a seasonal (autumn) read, but I didn’t really get that impression from reading. Aside from some seasonal drinks being sold in the cafe, there was barely any mention of anything autumnal going on.
Apart from the above, I liked this clean-romance story. I just think if this was a little longer, the pacing at the end could have been improved. And the overall story would have (for me) benefitted from not having a third act ‘break up’ that didn’t really have any pay off.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to netgalley and boldwood books for the opportunity to read my first Jo Lovett Book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. One of my favourite tropes is fake dating so an autumnal read with fake dating and a slow burn is right up my street!
Frankie and Marcus were such a fun dynamic, their friendship was a great aspect to the story and I loved that this is how their story started, through friendship before becoming more. I liked the ‘dislike’ beginning and it really was an enjoyable slow burn. There was some great character back stories too, single dad, life falling apart, returning to a small town, it really made for a more interesting read with the two of them trying to figure everything out.
There were so autumn vibes in relation to drinks and some mentions but overall I feel like there definitely could have been some more autumn set ups in my opinion. I would have loved more outdoor weather descriptions or scenes I just felt there wasn’t enough to get my headspace into the autumn vibe for this type of read.
Overall I found this super easy to read, it was a closed door book which a great friends to lovers storyline and I would definitely be reading some more of Jo’s books!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. One of my favourite tropes is fake dating so an autumnal read with fake dating and a slow burn is right up my street!
Frankie and Marcus were such a fun dynamic, their friendship was a great aspect to the story and I loved that this is how their story started, through friendship before becoming more. I liked the ‘dislike’ beginning and it really was an enjoyable slow burn. There was some great character back stories too, single dad, life falling apart, returning to a small town, it really made for a more interesting read with the two of them trying to figure everything out.
There were so autumn vibes in relation to drinks and some mentions but overall I feel like there definitely could have been some more autumn set ups in my opinion. I would have loved more outdoor weather descriptions or scenes I just felt there wasn’t enough to get my headspace into the autumn vibe for this type of read.
Overall I found this super easy to read, it was a closed door book which a great friends to lovers storyline and I would definitely be reading some more of Jo’s books!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
All the great tropes!
Cozy rom-com
Divorced father of two
FMC dumped via text (no more fiancé, job, home)
Fake relationship
A wonderfully cozy autumnal rom-com! The characters are well-developed, loveable and believable, especially the father/teen daughter duo of Marcus and Ruby which was "spot on". Frankie (FMC) cries a lot, but not in an annoying "oh woe is me" way. She's actually quite adorable. The story line is fun (and funny) with many scenes taking place in a cafe with delicious sounding cakes - so many cakes - and the Frankie also loves to cook, so don't be surprised if you get hungry while reading.
When one partner has children, the story needs to be realistic with the characters treading carefully - Lovett nailed it! Marcus is darned near a perfect and realistic father and Frankie is a considerate fake girlfriend who has her own Mommy issues which make her understanding.
And the twist towards the end? Totally page-turning and ending with all the good feels! I binge-read this in less than 6 hours (ebook, not audio).
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest reivew.
Cozy rom-com
Divorced father of two
FMC dumped via text (no more fiancé, job, home)
Fake relationship
A wonderfully cozy autumnal rom-com! The characters are well-developed, loveable and believable, especially the father/teen daughter duo of Marcus and Ruby which was "spot on". Frankie (FMC) cries a lot, but not in an annoying "oh woe is me" way. She's actually quite adorable. The story line is fun (and funny) with many scenes taking place in a cafe with delicious sounding cakes - so many cakes - and the Frankie also loves to cook, so don't be surprised if you get hungry while reading.
When one partner has children, the story needs to be realistic with the characters treading carefully - Lovett nailed it! Marcus is darned near a perfect and realistic father and Frankie is a considerate fake girlfriend who has her own Mommy issues which make her understanding.
And the twist towards the end? Totally page-turning and ending with all the good feels! I binge-read this in less than 6 hours (ebook, not audio).
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest reivew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Frankie gets fired and kicked out of the apartment she shared with her fiance, she leaves London to go to the small town of Mibury Bay where her family (grandmother Rose and cousin Ellie) live. Her first stop at the bakery of a dear friend for a carrot cake results in an altercation with the man behind her in line...over the carrot cake. Shortly after she is sitting in her cousin's house eating carrot cake waiting for Ellie, when the man from the bakery walks in to give Ellie's cat a shot. And so an enemy is established...
A funny and beautiful story about friends, family, small town loyalties, and a fake romance. Full of complications from adults and a teenager, including a long con of pretending to be in a relationship and developing true feelings along the way. Real worries, real emotions, and a fake plan that stops feeling fake makes it nearly impossible to put the book down! I was captivated, loving every word in this delightful story!
A funny and beautiful story about friends, family, small town loyalties, and a fake romance. Full of complications from adults and a teenager, including a long con of pretending to be in a relationship and developing true feelings along the way. Real worries, real emotions, and a fake plan that stops feeling fake makes it nearly impossible to put the book down! I was captivated, loving every word in this delightful story!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if a book has a small town and fake dating, I’m already emotionally invested before I’ve even read chapter one. 😂
This was my first Jo Lovett book, and I had such a fun time with it! It’s funny, sweet, properly swoony, and then, out of nowhere, it decides to punch you in the feelings. Excuse me??
I really loved the characters, it gave a real life depiction of dating when one partner has a child. It made the romance feel even more believable and gave the story so much heart.
I absolutely inhaled this book (no pages were harmed), and I can already picture the chaos this would cause as a book club pick. So much to discuss, so many opportunities to yell "JUST KISS ALREADY!" at the pages.
If you love small-town romance, fake dating, plenty of laughs, and a story that'll have you grinning like a fool one minute and clutching your heart the next, definitely pick this one up!
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC! 💕
This was my first Jo Lovett book, and I had such a fun time with it! It’s funny, sweet, properly swoony, and then, out of nowhere, it decides to punch you in the feelings. Excuse me??
I really loved the characters, it gave a real life depiction of dating when one partner has a child. It made the romance feel even more believable and gave the story so much heart.
I absolutely inhaled this book (no pages were harmed), and I can already picture the chaos this would cause as a book club pick. So much to discuss, so many opportunities to yell "JUST KISS ALREADY!" at the pages.
If you love small-town romance, fake dating, plenty of laughs, and a story that'll have you grinning like a fool one minute and clutching your heart the next, definitely pick this one up!
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC! 💕
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m an absolute sucker for a small-town romance, and if you throw fake dating into the mix, I’m sold. So Just for the Season was pretty much guaranteed to be my kind of book... and it absolutely delivered!
This was my first Jo Lovett book, and I loved how fresh it felt. It had the perfect mix of humour, romance, and a few emotional moments that caught me by surprise and gave the story a lot more heart than I was expecting.
I really loved the characters, especially how realistically the book portrayed the way having children can affect your love life (honestly kids make this sooo tricky!) It added another layer to the romance and made it feel even more genuine.
I flew through this one and honestly think it would make such a fun book club read. I’d definitely recommend picking this one up!
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC x
This was my first Jo Lovett book, and I loved how fresh it felt. It had the perfect mix of humour, romance, and a few emotional moments that caught me by surprise and gave the story a lot more heart than I was expecting.
I really loved the characters, especially how realistically the book portrayed the way having children can affect your love life (honestly kids make this sooo tricky!) It added another layer to the romance and made it feel even more genuine.
I flew through this one and honestly think it would make such a fun book club read. I’d definitely recommend picking this one up!
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC x
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC gifted in exchange for review
A grumpy x sunshine fake dating dislike to friends to lovers romance with a single dad in a small town. It was cute, cozy and I think will be perfect for fall. Frankie’s life in London falls apart in one fell swoop and she quickly finds her self in the little village where she grew up in a fight with a stranger over a carrot cake at her friend’s cafe. Cakegate as I’ve taken to calling it leads to a hot mess of a fake dating situation with none other than the man that tried to steal her cake, single dad Marcus. It was cute, it was funny, it was cozy and I was locked in and rooting for them until about 85% in. Things took a turn in a way that I did not enjoy and the ending felt quite rushed. I do think it will be a cute fall read but I don’t see myself going back to this story.
A grumpy x sunshine fake dating dislike to friends to lovers romance with a single dad in a small town. It was cute, cozy and I think will be perfect for fall. Frankie’s life in London falls apart in one fell swoop and she quickly finds her self in the little village where she grew up in a fight with a stranger over a carrot cake at her friend’s cafe. Cakegate as I’ve taken to calling it leads to a hot mess of a fake dating situation with none other than the man that tried to steal her cake, single dad Marcus. It was cute, it was funny, it was cozy and I was locked in and rooting for them until about 85% in. Things took a turn in a way that I did not enjoy and the ending felt quite rushed. I do think it will be a cute fall read but I don’t see myself going back to this story.
July 28, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley - All reviews of this book are my own
When Frankie gets dumped by her fiancé via text, told she is let go from her job, and that she has to be out of the apartment all in one day she flees back home to get her life back on track. Within the following days and a couple not so wonderful chance encounters we follow her and Marcus go from ‘enemies’ to fake dating.
Just for the Season was my first read by Jo Lovett and I just ate it up. There was so many great moments that gave my heart the flicker I needed. Can’t wait to dive into others by her
When Frankie gets dumped by her fiancé via text, told she is let go from her job, and that she has to be out of the apartment all in one day she flees back home to get her life back on track. Within the following days and a couple not so wonderful chance encounters we follow her and Marcus go from ‘enemies’ to fake dating.
Just for the Season was my first read by Jo Lovett and I just ate it up. There was so many great moments that gave my heart the flicker I needed. Can’t wait to dive into others by her
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐️
This is your classic grumpy x sunshine where they have to date for ~reasons~ (her grandma is worried about her being alone), and honestly it delivers exactly what you'd expect. After a disastrous first meeting where Marcus and Frankie are fighting over the last carrot cake, they end up fake dating and well... you know the drill from there.
If you're ready to lean into the cozy fall vibes, this is an easy, breezy romance. Nothing groundbreaking, just a fun comfort read with plenty of banter and grumpiness.
This is your classic grumpy x sunshine where they have to date for ~reasons~ (her grandma is worried about her being alone), and honestly it delivers exactly what you'd expect. After a disastrous first meeting where Marcus and Frankie are fighting over the last carrot cake, they end up fake dating and well... you know the drill from there.
If you're ready to lean into the cozy fall vibes, this is an easy, breezy romance. Nothing groundbreaking, just a fun comfort read with plenty of banter and grumpiness.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I can't help but enjoy a fake dating rom-com!
From Frankie and Marcus's first meeting, things are a bit frantic, but all gloves are off when there's carrot cake involved!
After moving back to Milbury Bay following the breakdown of her relationship and losing her job, Frankie's grandma can't help but worry about her. Then, after one too many drinks, Frankie announces she's in a relationship with single dad Marcus. With an agreement put together in the utility room of her friend's kitchen, Marcus agrees to help her keep up the pretence.
At first, the fake dating is a little slow to get going, but it builds at a really nice pace. Having both Frankie and Marcus's POVs was spot on. It gave a great insight into Marcus as a single dad, trying to navigate life with Frankie while making sure his kids don't get hurt.
Frankie and Marcus were great together. Their relationship built up so sweetly, and of course there had to be a little complication along the way to add some extra tension!
Another fun read from Jo. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
From Frankie and Marcus's first meeting, things are a bit frantic, but all gloves are off when there's carrot cake involved!
After moving back to Milbury Bay following the breakdown of her relationship and losing her job, Frankie's grandma can't help but worry about her. Then, after one too many drinks, Frankie announces she's in a relationship with single dad Marcus. With an agreement put together in the utility room of her friend's kitchen, Marcus agrees to help her keep up the pretence.
At first, the fake dating is a little slow to get going, but it builds at a really nice pace. Having both Frankie and Marcus's POVs was spot on. It gave a great insight into Marcus as a single dad, trying to navigate life with Frankie while making sure his kids don't get hurt.
Frankie and Marcus were great together. Their relationship built up so sweetly, and of course there had to be a little complication along the way to add some extra tension!
Another fun read from Jo. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Frankie and Marcus - cutest couple! I enjoyed this rom com so much, especially their meet cute at the bakery fighting over a carrot cake. As much as I enjoyed the story, I did think the ending was pretty rushed to the happy ever after. Overall, though, a sweet, quick read that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and Jo Lovett for the eARC!
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and Jo Lovett for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this sweet story. The crisis moment, which I expected was rushed, as was the resolution, but I still enjoyed this fake to real romance. Note inread this not the audio, but that isn't currently available here.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
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July 27, 2026Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Just for the Season is a humorous romance novel and has fake dating. Who doesn’t want fake dating? Fake dating is one of my favorite romance tropes of all time and I need more of it immediately.
If you need a good fall read, 10/10 recommend picking up this book when it comes out! It’ll have you kicking and giggling.
Just for the Season is a humorous romance novel and has fake dating. Who doesn’t want fake dating? Fake dating is one of my favorite romance tropes of all time and I need more of it immediately.
If you need a good fall read, 10/10 recommend picking up this book when it comes out! It’ll have you kicking and giggling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a lovely feel good novel. Frankie has run to her childhood home after a very bad break up. Once there events happen and she meets Marcus a single dad and the two of them enter into a fake romance to fool her gran. As you would expect this gets complicated as they find themselves falling in love for real. It nearly falls apart when Marcus children feel threatened and force him to step back from the romance but they realise that they are cruel and Marcus and Frankie rekindle the romance and everyone is happy
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy2
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my arc copy2
August 7, 2026
I liked this but it felt like something was missing. Overall it was a good fake dating and falling in love story but it really felt surface level and didn’t have a lot of depth to it. I did like how Marcus had older children and made their opinions known on the relationship. Overall I enjoyed the plot. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Just for the Season was such a sweet, cosy romance and the perfect read to welcome autumn. I loved the fake dating trope, Frankie and Marcus's chemistry, and the Dorset coast setting.
An easygoing, heartwarming romance full of family, humour and feel-good moments. Definitely one to curl up with as the nights get cooler!
An easygoing, heartwarming romance full of family, humour and feel-good moments. Definitely one to curl up with as the nights get cooler!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! It had some genuinely funny moments, and I especially liked the parts with the kids. They were really sweet. I liked how the fake dating led to a friendship before developing into something more. It would have been nice to get a bit more backstory on her mom. I wasn't a huge fan of the third-act conflict, but overall, it was a great fall read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Release Date: August 24, 2026
Rating: 3.5-4⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Release Date: August 24, 2026
Rating: 3.5-4⭐️
August 2, 2026
It's cute, it's cozy and it's all you need if you love a fake-dating romance while sipping a pumpkin spice latte!
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