The Fake Date Agreement

by Tanya Gallagher

Best friends who are secretly in love with their best friends shouldn't fake date each other...right?

It’s bad enough to get dumped by a guy you don’t even like, and it’s worse when he’s the literal poster boy for your company, but there’s no humiliation quite so strong as finding out that same man is now your boss.

The only person I can share my embarrassment with is my friend and coworker Lachlan Mills—the same man whose charming grin has starred in all my fantasies of the last year and whose ability to make me laugh is the secret reason it was never going to work out with my ex. Not that I’d tell Locke.

Despite the fact that he makes my mouth water and that he’s got this incredible way of making me feel seen, our friendship is too important to me to mess things up. But when Locke offers to be my plus one at company events this winter to help me save face, it’s only fair I return the favor.

Suddenly we’re doing Thanksgiving with the family and exchanging gifts—and kisses—that make my heart explode like a Christmas cracker. I can’t be held responsible for any acts committed under the influence of holiday punch, but it’s getting harder and harder to know what’s real and what’s fake. If I can’t get my heart in line, I might lose it, but I also can’t afford to lose Locke.

Can we survive the season with our friendship—and our hearts—intact?

The Fake Date Agreement is a light, fun friends-to-lovers, fake relationship romance packed with laughter, swooning, holiday shenanigans, and a cranberry sauce fiasco. It can be read as a standalone, and comes with a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Fake Dating, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

ebook

Published May 1, 2020

About the author

Tanya Gallagher is the Seattle-based author of contemporary New Adult and Adult romances about smart, strong women and the sexy men who love them. Her books include the fun, sexy X Enterprises romcom series, A Slippery Slope, and Step Summer, which releases in June 2019. Tanya traded pencil skirts in the boardroom for stories in the bedroom and hasn’t looked back since. You can find her traveling the world in search of beautiful scenery and delicious cake, and at penchantforpleasure.com, where she happens to sell one of the most popular brands of personal lubricant for your naughty bits. True story.

Reviews

[Jennifer]

Okay, so the book is cute, I was feeling about 4 stars halfway through because it was a good way to pass the time, but not super memorable. There were a few details that would occasionally bug me (a midnight book release on Thursday when books come out on Tuesdays, them just randomly leaving work without telling anyone). Then about two thirds of the way in there's a big reveal that 1. Doesn't make sense because that's not how blood types work and 2. Just feels like it's meant to add drama, especially with the character's exaggerated reaction.

Personally, it made me DNF. I'm not saying other people won't enjoy the book (again, a cute read for people who want something short and easy), but I just hyperfocus on things like that and it pulls me out of the story.

[zen_s · Rating 1 out of 5]

[1.25 star] book's execution didn't pull me into it, was practically skimming about 80% of the book. totally not interesting at all.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant novel!! Tanya's book is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It manages to bring together a superb storyline which is contemporary about colleagues, two writers, Locklan and Greer, who at the same time, are best friends having deep respect, loyalty, and love for each other. The love isn't just platonic, but neither is willing to take the first step for fear of losing the friendship they both value above anything else. Their pact of being each other's plus one was fake only on the surface. Their connection to each other is totally on the level of soulmates. Many people talk about being soulmates, but I have yet to come across an author who could express that level of closeness, gently caressing, hugging another human being’s soul, all the while nursing a yearning passion for one another. This book has witty dialogue but the word intelligent is what best describes it, along with near-perfect editing. Once Locke and Greer take the plunge and give in to their physical desires, their connection is explosive, steamy and although the language is scene-appropriate and less then prudish, it isn’t crude. There is no swearing for the sake of swearing. The pages describing their insecurities leading to misunderstanding and loss are heart-wrenching. This book approaches human relationships from all angles and takes the reader through a whole gamut of emotions. I deliberately didn’t go into detail of the beautifully flowing storyline because I didn’t want to give away any spoilers. There is a lovely HEA that you just know is coming because these two characters consider their love for each other more important than their pride. I very strongly recommend this lovely novel.

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

[Jenny Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to lovers are my favourite romance trope and this one had me smiling from ear to ear. I've never read a Tanya Gallagher book but I will now definitely be reading some more. I have finished this book in a day I didnt want to stop in fact it's unfair that life got in the way of me finishing this in one sitting 😂.
Greer has lusted after her friend and workmate Locke since she met him without knowing that he feels the same. Neither want to cross that line for fear of the other not reciprocating their feelings and it ruining the bond they have. When Greer gets dumped by her ex she looks to Locke for support as it turns out her ex is now her new boss. The pair decide on an agreement that they will accompany each other to upcoming social events to help save face and Greer is hoping it will make Damien see what he's missing. They don't realise that this agreement will take their friendship into dangerous new territory where they will hopefully come out unscathed.
Ahhh this book just made me smile so much! I loved Greer and Locke. She's always second guessing herself and worrying that she's not good enough to deserve the things she's worked hard for in life. Locke is always in her corner cheering her on. They both want each other but worry that the other will reject them so try hard to put their feelings aside. The secret santa bit made my little heart swell it was sooo cute! It was such a sweet story and the chemistry between them left me reluctant to put the book down. This story was just what I needed.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Best friends to lovers book? YES, PLEASE! Also, this story is set around Thanksgiving/Christmas which was a BONUS! Can we fast forward to November?!

Locke & Greer have been working together for about a year and unbeknownst to them, they had the hots for each other.

During this time, they become best friends so when Greer gets dumped by her boyfriend turned NEW BOSS, it's only natural that they come up with an agreement where they have a fake relationship and Locke steps in to be her plus 1 for the upcoming holiday parties, right? What could possibly go wrong?!

The beginning of their fake plus 1 agreement goes well and when one thing leads to another (and another) they cross ALL the lines and so far everything is good. But the only problem is, they don't know if what they have is real or all part of the fake date agreement. Of course some obstacles follow but what fun would it be if I give them away?

Will they be able to cross all the lines and still have their hearts intact? Will they finally speak up about their feelings and have a HEA?

[Britney Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man I absolutely love everything Tanya writes.
Her books are always so sweet but with great steam! And she didn’t disappoint with this one.

I love me a good friends to lovers and the chemistry between Greer and Locke was beautiful. I loved that they worked together and sat across from one another but both hid their feelings from each other. Neither wanted to lose their best friend.

Locke was such a sweetheart. I liked his soft side to him. He wasn’t scared to show his emotions. But don’t let that fool you, he had his dirty side too lol.
Greer surprised me. I loved how she stood up for herself and wasn’t going to let things happen to her. But once you get these two together it was magical.

As usual I need more haha. That is how much I loved it.

5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥🔥🔥🔥
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💯recommendation

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fake Date Agreement was beautifully written. I just couldn't get enough of Greer and Locke.

Greer and Locke have been best friends since she started working at the same place. They both have had feelings for one another but have never crossed that line. Until they come up with an agreement he would be her plus one to work events. And she would be his for family gathering. But one thing turns into another and they finally give in. Without giving too much away I loved how everything worked out for the both of them.

This story had so much heart, love, lots of laughs. It was the perfect book to read at this very moment. I couldn't stop smiling and laughing.

Kindly received ARC for honest review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading something by Ms. Gallagher, but it won't be my last. An absolutely fun and cute friends to lovers romance, I could not put this book down. I was hooked right from the start. Greer and Locke have been friends ever since they started working together. There is definitely an attraction between them, but they don't want to risk their friendship. However, when they come to an agreement to be each other's plus one at events, things start to change. They had such great chemistry and an obvious connection. I'm so happy with how things turned out for them. This is definitely a novel you will want to add to your summer reading list!

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

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

They're just getting each other out of a bind, right? Greer and Locke have been friends since they met at work and have the hots for one another but don't want to risk it.
I loved that they were friends first, kind of slow if we count their first year, almost Christmas setting and a lovely friends to lovers fake dating romance.

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

[Bárbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable, sexy and fun- all in the perfect measure.
I appreciated more than anything the fact that there was a low-angst factor. The conflict within the romance was solved in just the right amount of time. The pace made every moment exciting and the book overall very hard to put down.

Locke and Greer were amazing characters and- while mostly relegated to the sidelines- the side characters were nice as well.

I really did have a lot of fun reading this.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fake Date Arrangement was beautifully written. This story had so much romance, heart, lots of laughs and great characters with a great connection. I couldn’t stop laughing and smiling. Loved it. It was the perfect book to read at this very moment and can’t wait to read more by this author. Happy reading everyone!!

[readundancies · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars flat.

A lack of communication and the convenient plot device that is the (un)fortunate timing of a certain lead character kissing their ex do not a good romance make. Neither do low stakes and no angst.

It was quick to read though and not unreadable, just not really doing it for me. Also, what is with the token Asian BFF character who never gets to star in her own sappy romance story?

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a friends to lovers novel focusing on best friends, Locke and Greer, who work together but are secretly in love with each other. I highly recommend this well written quick read with its fantastic characters and a plot with fun, wit, and lighthearted romance.

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

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line was good, the character work was great and the book had a smooth flow to it. This was a quick, fun read which entertains from beginning to end. I look forward to more from this author.

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

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I wanted and more! Funny, witty, deep, sexy, charming and steamy! Also poetic! I loved it! The writing is amazing. The story is great. And loved getting a bit of holiday cheer in June! So fun! Definitely recommend to fellow romance lovers.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh and fun romance

A fun, modern romance with relatable characters. If you like romance novels but want a change from the conventional “bodice-ripper” stories, or if you’ve never jumped into the genre before, Gallagher’s books are a great place to start!

[BusyM3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A enjoyable read that will have your smiling all the way through. You will not put it down till you are finished. It holds your attention, the characters are likeable and have great chemistry. A perfect read for the afternoon.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet best friends to fake lovers to lovers romance. This is beautifully written with humor, wit, steam and incredible characters. This is a very enjoyable, fun and light read.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[janielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ~ I was tired whenever I picked up the book so I forgot a lot of details for the story womp womp

[Maria]

DNF 12%

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fun to read. I put this one on hold for a while, but when I read it again I devoured it. It has the elements necessary for friends-to-lovers trope. They were both scared of admitting their feelings with each, a bit of jealousy going on, and of course awesome friendship.

[Googly Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was pure rom-com perfection!!!!

[Stacy K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friends to lovers.. fake relationship.. had Christmas elements to it.. different writing style for what I’m used to. Was an ok story for me.