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Make a Scene
Faking this relationship should be a piece of cake.
Retta Majors is having a bad day. But that’s to be expected when your ex gets engaged to your cousin. Instead of (totally) freaking out, Retta decides to attend the wedding with her amazing, faithful, and handsome boyfriend.
One problem.
He doesn’t exist.
Duncan Gilmore is living his dream. His boxing gym is open for business, and he’s focused on success. The last thing on his mind is a relationship. That is until the beautiful baker next door makes him an offer so bizarre he can’t refuse. One weekend of pretending to be Retta’s boyfriend should be easy.
However, shared kisses and some flirting start to blur the lines in their fake relationship. When their performance draws to a close, will they go their separate ways or return for an encore?
Note: This novel can be read as a standalone.
Retta Majors is having a bad day. But that’s to be expected when your ex gets engaged to your cousin. Instead of (totally) freaking out, Retta decides to attend the wedding with her amazing, faithful, and handsome boyfriend.
One problem.
He doesn’t exist.
Duncan Gilmore is living his dream. His boxing gym is open for business, and he’s focused on success. The last thing on his mind is a relationship. That is until the beautiful baker next door makes him an offer so bizarre he can’t refuse. One weekend of pretending to be Retta’s boyfriend should be easy.
However, shared kisses and some flirting start to blur the lines in their fake relationship. When their performance draws to a close, will they go their separate ways or return for an encore?
Note: This novel can be read as a standalone.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2020
300 people are currently reading
14308 people want to read
About the author
Mimi Grace
5 books1,056 followersHi, I’m Mimi! I write fun & sexy romance. Welcome!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,274 reviews
October 2, 2020
Whilst this story was cute and enjoyable I wanted more? More from the characters in particular. I wish there was a bit more focus on their past since that shaped their present quite a bit. More of the fake-dating aspect and all the antics that it could have included to make it more playful and tense.
It wasn't bad, it wasn't great. Just okay.
It wasn't bad, it wasn't great. Just okay.
Did not finish
October 25, 2020This is boring I’m sorry 😔 dnf @ 66%
September 25, 2022
I might have fallen in love while reading this.
This is a fake dating romance book between Retta, a girl who owns a bakery who needs a date for her a wedding. The wedding of her younger cousin and ex boyfriend.
Yeah, you read that correctly, DRAMAAA.
Now the fake boyfriend is obviously Mr Duncan and he was romantic I loved it. And he also owns a gym with his best friend Anthony (who btw was very interesting) and he boxes. I want to faint.
Anyways so plot twist this book was great. The first date was very unique and I have never read anything like this before and I loved seeing a very different date story that had a really funny aspect to it. I saw the chemistry grow between the characters already during the first date and I loved seeing their feelings develop throughout the entire story.
On top of that we get these amazing family scenes of both Duncan and Retta and Duncan's were very interesting especially because it was such an anti plot to the main story and had a very contrasting effect on the entire plot.
Retta's family was obviously filled with a bit of drama but it was still super interesting and heartwarming.
I also really liked he ending and the confrontational scenes and well as the character growth. There were a lot of healing scenes and even though this book was pretty short I thought it was paced pretty well.
This is a fake dating romance book between Retta, a girl who owns a bakery who needs a date for her a wedding. The wedding of her younger cousin and ex boyfriend.
Yeah, you read that correctly, DRAMAAA.
Now the fake boyfriend is obviously Mr Duncan and he was romantic I loved it. And he also owns a gym with his best friend Anthony (who btw was very interesting) and he boxes. I want to faint.
Anyways so plot twist this book was great. The first date was very unique and I have never read anything like this before and I loved seeing a very different date story that had a really funny aspect to it. I saw the chemistry grow between the characters already during the first date and I loved seeing their feelings develop throughout the entire story.
On top of that we get these amazing family scenes of both Duncan and Retta and Duncan's were very interesting especially because it was such an anti plot to the main story and had a very contrasting effect on the entire plot.
Retta's family was obviously filled with a bit of drama but it was still super interesting and heartwarming.
I also really liked he ending and the confrontational scenes and well as the character growth. There were a lot of healing scenes and even though this book was pretty short I thought it was paced pretty well.
March 24, 2024
I really wanted to love this soft and sweet fake dating romcom but I just couldn't connect with the characters and romance at all. Both MCs had history that was a major part of the plot but not really explored, I think if the author had given more depth to their troubles it could have lead to some more fleshed out dialogue and romance. Beyond my disconnect, I also think the writing could use some work, the meet cute was fun and flirty but I felt like everything else that transpired was forced and ridged which conflicted with the fast-paced romance.
January 7, 2025
𝟑.𝟐𝟓 🌟!!! This was such a cute and enjoyable read, and it was the perfect way to kick off the reading year! I went into it with no expectations, but ended up having a really good time. Duncan and Retta are an adorable couple, and their chemistry is undeniable. Duncan is the ultimate sweetheart—he's kind, supportive, and genuinely wants to see Retta happy. Retta, on the other hand, is such a relatable and funny FMC, and I found myself really connecting with her throughout the story.
The fake dating trope is definitely the main focus of the plot, and while it was fun, I do wish the book had been a little longer. Since the fake dating aspect takes up most of the story, their romantic relationship doesn’t really develop until the end, which left me wanting more of their moments together once they were officially a couple. I think a bit more time spent on them falling in love would’ve elevated the story even more.
As for the spice—WOW. I wasn’t expecting much, but when it hits, it really hits. The chemistry between Duncan and Retta leads to some steamy moments that I honestly had to pause and catch my breath after. It's definitely spicier than I anticipated! Overall, this book is a great pick and fun read that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a short, sweet romance with a bit of
*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: Honestly I ain’t got a clue what this book is about but I just want a quick little read to start this year of reading!!😭🤍
The fake dating trope is definitely the main focus of the plot, and while it was fun, I do wish the book had been a little longer. Since the fake dating aspect takes up most of the story, their romantic relationship doesn’t really develop until the end, which left me wanting more of their moments together once they were officially a couple. I think a bit more time spent on them falling in love would’ve elevated the story even more.
As for the spice—WOW. I wasn’t expecting much, but when it hits, it really hits. The chemistry between Duncan and Retta leads to some steamy moments that I honestly had to pause and catch my breath after. It's definitely spicier than I anticipated! Overall, this book is a great pick and fun read that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a short, sweet romance with a bit of
*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: Honestly I ain’t got a clue what this book is about but I just want a quick little read to start this year of reading!!😭🤍
February 19, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
- This was a cute story and a lot spicier than I thought it would be! The fake dating in this story was really enjoyable to read and felt really believable! The family scenes were so special and I loved that this was added into the story.
- Soft romances like this are so needed! I literally was getting giddy with the chemistry that the characters had with each other. I ate up every minute of it. I do wish there had been more dialogue and an epilogue so I could get a better view of their dynamic at the end, but it was fluffy & fun overall.
- I definitely plan on reading more books from this author! I love little easy reads like this and I feel like this would be a fun summer read.
- This was a cute story and a lot spicier than I thought it would be! The fake dating in this story was really enjoyable to read and felt really believable! The family scenes were so special and I loved that this was added into the story.
- Soft romances like this are so needed! I literally was getting giddy with the chemistry that the characters had with each other. I ate up every minute of it. I do wish there had been more dialogue and an epilogue so I could get a better view of their dynamic at the end, but it was fluffy & fun overall.
- I definitely plan on reading more books from this author! I love little easy reads like this and I feel like this would be a fun summer read.
March 26, 2021
Fun steamy sugar high of a quick read 🙃
(sorry not sorry 😈)
3.75*
The premise could have been pretty awks - bringing a fake date to a family wedding with such a twist but I gotta admit I enjoyed how this plays out. Yes I'm just as shocked as you are given my usual grumpy grinch'ness🙊
Sure their "get to know each other"/interview type thing spiralled into an almost movie mashup of a cute date montage which could have been a smidge OTT 🙈 Yet it still worked alongside the initial meet cute, maybe because it kind of pokes fun at itself as it went along...or maybe I got too caught up in the cake eating contest and could empathise the bloat 😅
There was just something endearing about these MCs & how both are lowkey hot mess expresses at dating for different reasons but cos this is "fake" they can be themselves...yes I internally 🙄 at myself just there with the 'moral of the story' feelz & how we should always be ourselves (🤢) lolz
I actually enjoyed how the faking was handled and while not all the cards were necessarily laid out on the table which could have annoyed me as it toys with one of my least favourite tropes (lack of communication)...the reasoning behind keeping certain things back makes sense in the circumstances and the fact that this was not the cause or root of dramhz/break up made it easier for my usually cynical self to roll with. A fake dating storyline that sparked & flared as they're wont to do yet didn't implode so much as theoretically/technically run its course made for a more enjoyable reading experience imho. Hope that's not giving too much away, but honestly the paths they take to sort out feelings & find their way to where they wanna go I found well done even if it flirted with/hinted at further drama...I like that it didn't lean in too far and/or go down a tropey'er route 🤗
Loved the glimpses of the friendships & sometimes complicated family matters we got - lowkey a pity this was a shorter read as it would have been interesting to dive a little deeper into the hinted at family/past storylines for both characters 🤷♀️
It is no secret what a sucker I am for side characters and these didn't disappoint from colleagues to bffs & family, plenty gems to go around...but special shout out to Ms Edie who steals every scene she's in 😎
In both books I've read by this author the MCs have exchanged test results before any smexy times and I really liked seeing this normalised/represented on page...I had never seen this in a book before! When it happened in the first book it did give me pause but I am 100% here for this & condoms continuing to be permanently present on page - yes to normalising/promoting safe sex in books/films/tv 💪
I am interested to see what comes next as a wee note at the end of the book promises a spin off series starting with protags from the side characters of this read and altho hinted at I am very curious to see how they'll get together 😇 & keeping 🤞🤞🤞 for bff Nia to get a book next.
I've enjoyed each Mimi Grace book more than the last and am looking forward to see where her next story takes us...hopefully others will also give her books a whirl so I can babble about things with more people 🙃
PS - how dang adorbs is the cover?! 🤩🥰
PPS - if you take nothing else away from this wafflefest of a "review"...just don't pick it up peckish 😆
Such a tease having an MC own a bakery 🤤🤤🤤🤤
(yes I see what I did there...no I'm still not sorry 😈)
(sorry not sorry 😈)
3.75*
The premise could have been pretty awks - bringing a fake date to a family wedding with such a twist but I gotta admit I enjoyed how this plays out. Yes I'm just as shocked as you are given my usual grumpy grinch'ness🙊
Sure their "get to know each other"/interview type thing spiralled into an almost movie mashup of a cute date montage which could have been a smidge OTT 🙈 Yet it still worked alongside the initial meet cute, maybe because it kind of pokes fun at itself as it went along...or maybe I got too caught up in the cake eating contest and could empathise the bloat 😅
There was just something endearing about these MCs & how both are lowkey hot mess expresses at dating for different reasons but cos this is "fake" they can be themselves...yes I internally 🙄 at myself just there with the 'moral of the story' feelz & how we should always be ourselves (🤢) lolz
I actually enjoyed how the faking was handled and while not all the cards were necessarily laid out on the table which could have annoyed me as it toys with one of my least favourite tropes (lack of communication)...the reasoning behind keeping certain things back makes sense in the circumstances and the fact that this was not the cause or root of dramhz/break up made it easier for my usually cynical self to roll with. A fake dating storyline that sparked & flared as they're wont to do yet didn't implode so much as theoretically/technically run its course made for a more enjoyable reading experience imho. Hope that's not giving too much away, but honestly the paths they take to sort out feelings & find their way to where they wanna go I found well done even if it flirted with/hinted at further drama...I like that it didn't lean in too far and/or go down a tropey'er route 🤗
Loved the glimpses of the friendships & sometimes complicated family matters we got - lowkey a pity this was a shorter read as it would have been interesting to dive a little deeper into the hinted at family/past storylines for both characters 🤷♀️
It is no secret what a sucker I am for side characters and these didn't disappoint from colleagues to bffs & family, plenty gems to go around...but special shout out to Ms Edie who steals every scene she's in 😎
In both books I've read by this author the MCs have exchanged test results before any smexy times and I really liked seeing this normalised/represented on page...I had never seen this in a book before! When it happened in the first book it did give me pause but I am 100% here for this & condoms continuing to be permanently present on page - yes to normalising/promoting safe sex in books/films/tv 💪
I am interested to see what comes next as a wee note at the end of the book promises a spin off series starting with protags from the side characters of this read and altho hinted at I am very curious to see how they'll get together 😇 & keeping 🤞🤞🤞 for bff Nia to get a book next.
I've enjoyed each Mimi Grace book more than the last and am looking forward to see where her next story takes us...hopefully others will also give her books a whirl so I can babble about things with more people 🙃
PS - how dang adorbs is the cover?! 🤩🥰
PPS - if you take nothing else away from this wafflefest of a "review"...just don't pick it up peckish 😆
Such a tease having an MC own a bakery 🤤🤤🤤🤤
(yes I see what I did there...no I'm still not sorry 😈)
October 3, 2020
this book caught me by surprise!!
it is such a delightful treat...
when I tell you I couldn't stop reading it...I COULDN'T STOP READING IT!!
if you are looking for a;
* sweet
* feelgood
* romance
THIS IS IT!!!
the writing was exceptional..
I am putting this book in my 2020 favorites!! It just has everything I love about a romance novel; great banter, meet cute, amazing characters, steam, food, chemistry, awkward moments, happy ending, swoony hero & marvelous heroine.
September 20, 2020
what do you do when you find out your cousin is marrying your ex-boyfriend?? first send a two-minute voicemail panicking to your best friend, second look for a fake boyfriend to go with you to the wedding of course!
When Retta finds out about the wedding she starts to go on blind dates to try to find someone before the wedding but when none of them work out, she decides to ask her next-door work neighbor to be her fake boyfriend in exchange for some parking spots and her scone recipe.
i thought it was SO cute!!! they start to go on dates to get to know each other so none at the wedding can tell they're faking but they soon find themselves unable to keep it strictly professional like they previously agreed,, i mean seriously their chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS!! i adored all their scenes together, especially the first two dates!! they were so cute i couldn't handle it!!!
there honestly wasn't a part of this book i didn't enjoy!! it was such a fun fast read and i loved it a lot!! i can't wait for gwen and anthony's book!!!
When Retta finds out about the wedding she starts to go on blind dates to try to find someone before the wedding but when none of them work out, she decides to ask her next-door work neighbor to be her fake boyfriend in exchange for some parking spots and her scone recipe.
i thought it was SO cute!!! they start to go on dates to get to know each other so none at the wedding can tell they're faking but they soon find themselves unable to keep it strictly professional like they previously agreed,, i mean seriously their chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS!! i adored all their scenes together, especially the first two dates!! they were so cute i couldn't handle it!!!
there honestly wasn't a part of this book i didn't enjoy!! it was such a fun fast read and i loved it a lot!! i can't wait for gwen and anthony's book!!!
May 2, 2021
A breath of fresh air. Loved the set up and the characters. Loved the side plot with their hero's parents. A really refreshing take on the fake relationship trope with a couple of kind funny people who are really nice to each other. Good stuff.
April 8, 2024
3.5 stars
Make a Scene is a cute, yet predictable fake dating romance. The characters were mostly likable and the ending felt a little rushed. I liked it, but I don’t feel like it will be memorable for me.
Make a Scene is a cute, yet predictable fake dating romance. The characters were mostly likable and the ending felt a little rushed. I liked it, but I don’t feel like it will be memorable for me.
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Adenrele Ojo & Emmanuel Ingram
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 6h 12m
August 27, 2020
Such a soft romance. The baker romances really own the pink aesthetic!!! Third one in a row, I'm still in love with baking-related scenes in my romances. You know me, I'm a sucker for cakes, cupcakes and any type of sweet baked good. And this one has some PRETTY DELICIOUS ONES.
Make a Scene is about Retta and Duncan. Retta's cousin is getting married, and to whom you may ask? She's marrying Retta's ex. Everyone in her family is throwing looks at her, they're worried about her, they are all thinking Retta is definitely not going to the wedding. But she is ready to let everyone know she is fine and has moved on. But no one is going to believe her if she just goes by herself. So she thinks about getting a fake boyfriend. Duncan is quite perfect for that position.
Duncan just opened his boxing gym next door. He has this little unknown fairy dropping post-it notes on his staff's cars, to let them know those are the bakery's parking spots. To fix this, he drops by and meets Retta, the bakery's owner. But instead of getting those spots, he gets a fake girlfriend.
Baking, fake dating, pink aesthetic? This book spoke to me very quickly. But it wasn't until I finally read it that I thought everything was very well placed, the story had fluidity, the characters were alive and breathing really good words.
And the couple? There was such great chemistry between the main characters. There are fun dating scenes where you will swoon instantly (and be all soft inside) while also giving us really steamy scenes when you do not expect them! Sunrises, gym room, and Netflix and chill? Maybe. Also the five-foot parrot plushie is my new favorite thing in the world. Keep an eye out for THAT SCENE.
Friend groups are so vital to me in romances. Because sometimes you get introduced to best friends but they just appear in one scene? I mean if I was dating or crushing on someone, I would shout the heck out in my group chat with my friends I MEAN. I CAN'T HOLD SO MANY EMOTIONS INSIDE ME WITHOUT TELLING SOMEONE ELSE. So I was quite pleased with the friendships in this book. Retta's friends are awesome and so pretty. And Anthony? Mimi Grace, I hope you are writing his book with **** wink wink. I need my grumpy prince who blushes in front of his love interest only.
I do wish there was an epilogue, because I love getting that little bit of something more when it's over, you know? I didn't get it and I thought it definitely was missing. It was like I wanted to take an extra step but there was no floor to hold me. I need my epilogues in romances, sorry.
I received an early galley from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
Make a Scene is about Retta and Duncan. Retta's cousin is getting married, and to whom you may ask? She's marrying Retta's ex. Everyone in her family is throwing looks at her, they're worried about her, they are all thinking Retta is definitely not going to the wedding. But she is ready to let everyone know she is fine and has moved on. But no one is going to believe her if she just goes by herself. So she thinks about getting a fake boyfriend. Duncan is quite perfect for that position.
Duncan just opened his boxing gym next door. He has this little unknown fairy dropping post-it notes on his staff's cars, to let them know those are the bakery's parking spots. To fix this, he drops by and meets Retta, the bakery's owner. But instead of getting those spots, he gets a fake girlfriend.
Baking, fake dating, pink aesthetic? This book spoke to me very quickly. But it wasn't until I finally read it that I thought everything was very well placed, the story had fluidity, the characters were alive and breathing really good words.
And the couple? There was such great chemistry between the main characters. There are fun dating scenes where you will swoon instantly (and be all soft inside) while also giving us really steamy scenes when you do not expect them! Sunrises, gym room, and Netflix and chill? Maybe. Also the five-foot parrot plushie is my new favorite thing in the world. Keep an eye out for THAT SCENE.
Friend groups are so vital to me in romances. Because sometimes you get introduced to best friends but they just appear in one scene? I mean if I was dating or crushing on someone, I would shout the heck out in my group chat with my friends I MEAN. I CAN'T HOLD SO MANY EMOTIONS INSIDE ME WITHOUT TELLING SOMEONE ELSE. So I was quite pleased with the friendships in this book. Retta's friends are awesome and so pretty. And Anthony? Mimi Grace, I hope you are writing his book with **** wink wink. I need my grumpy prince who blushes in front of his love interest only.
I do wish there was an epilogue, because I love getting that little bit of something more when it's over, you know? I didn't get it and I thought it definitely was missing. It was like I wanted to take an extra step but there was no floor to hold me. I need my epilogues in romances, sorry.
I received an early galley from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.
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October 26, 2020New to me author, with a lively style and a good eye for character. I liked Retta and Duncan a lot--particularly Duncan, a boxing gym owner, who is obviously physically imposing and powerful but doesn't at all use his physicality to be threatening, accidentally or deliberately. Non toxic masculinity for the win. They're very likeable and make a good pair with virtually no conflict and quite a picaresque plot (that's not a criticism, I was reading these two nice people learning one another and bouncing from event to event with great enjoyment).
Unfortunately that meant I didn't really buy the last act break-up--they both have a lot of sense and they like each other and it felt rather like it was there because there's always a break-up in the last act. Otherwise very fresh-feeling and enjoyable; I will look out for more from this author (and hope for Anthony and Gwen's story).
Unfortunately that meant I didn't really buy the last act break-up--they both have a lot of sense and they like each other and it felt rather like it was there because there's always a break-up in the last act. Otherwise very fresh-feeling and enjoyable; I will look out for more from this author (and hope for Anthony and Gwen's story).
September 25, 2020
This was a sweet fake-dating romance, overall. However, I felt disconnected from the writing and the characters. There were transition scenes that were jarring. The emotional intensity I look for in a fake-dating romance was missing for me. It's still cute though and perfect if you're in the mood for a quick read.
September 2, 2024
➼ 3.75 ✰
What a cute short story! I loved the main characters, even with the miscommunication trope added at the end, they didn’t annoy me. They are both mature and loveable people that I just adore so much. What wasn’t so loving was her cousin… that snake can never make me like her. The audacity she had to steal her cousin’s ex and have her baker’s design at her wedding .. AND planned to go to fmc’s dream destination for her honeymoon!! if that doesn’t SCREAM snake behaviour, I don’t know what does. Anyways, I can’t wait to read about anthony’s story with gwen. He seems kinda shy and awkward so I’m excited, I ADORE shy men 🤭 PS don’t let the cute cover fool you, there’s heavy smut in a few pages.
What a cute short story! I loved the main characters, even with the miscommunication trope added at the end, they didn’t annoy me. They are both mature and loveable people that I just adore so much. What wasn’t so loving was her cousin… that snake can never make me like her. The audacity she had to steal her cousin’s ex and have her baker’s design at her wedding .. AND planned to go to fmc’s dream destination for her honeymoon!! if that doesn’t SCREAM snake behaviour, I don’t know what does. Anyways, I can’t wait to read about anthony’s story with gwen. He seems kinda shy and awkward so I’m excited, I ADORE shy men 🤭 PS don’t let the cute cover fool you, there’s heavy smut in a few pages.
August 13, 2021
*shoulder shrug emoji*
The story was okay...
The conversations between the main characters felt a bit flat to me. There weren't any moments that made me laugh. There wasn't really any tension between the protagonists. No conflict anywhere, no drama, no surprises, nothing at stake and I didn't feel very connected to the characters. Their interactions didn't spark anything.
What would have made the book better for me would be some humor or spice in there somewhere especially as it relates to the 2 main characters interacting.
The story was okay...
The conversations between the main characters felt a bit flat to me. There weren't any moments that made me laugh. There wasn't really any tension between the protagonists. No conflict anywhere, no drama, no surprises, nothing at stake and I didn't feel very connected to the characters. Their interactions didn't spark anything.
What would have made the book better for me would be some humor or spice in there somewhere especially as it relates to the 2 main characters interacting.
December 7, 2023
Summary: Retta's cousin is marrying her ex...{ yes you read that right}
And now there's someone happily parked in her parking spot. After her neighbored business in the shopping plaza moved. Her business now has seniority, per the unspoken agreement between the businesses those spots were now HERS. And with the day she's having she's ready to storm over there and give said driver a piece of her mind. Duncan being the new boxing gym owner in the lot and completely clueless didn't expect a run in with Retta.
Shortly after Retta offers up a proposal he can't refuse, date her for the weekend.. Just to get her family off her back. Too easy, what could possibly go wrong..
This was so damn precious. Lets start with the family... The way I would've been my cousin DOWN.. Like there is no wayyyy. lol then they invite her to all the celebrations? What family.
They would've never heard from my ass again. Story over.
Anyways.. These two were so precious. Mimi Grace has a way of really making me swoon WITH the characters. The banter, the fun adventures/dates together, the chemistry.. YEAH I ate it up lol. Love the cover and I've read almost all her books. They all hold true to this puppy love esk romance but for adults.. Love it. AND ITS SHORT 🙌🏽
And now there's someone happily parked in her parking spot. After her neighbored business in the shopping plaza moved. Her business now has seniority, per the unspoken agreement between the businesses those spots were now HERS. And with the day she's having she's ready to storm over there and give said driver a piece of her mind. Duncan being the new boxing gym owner in the lot and completely clueless didn't expect a run in with Retta.
Shortly after Retta offers up a proposal he can't refuse, date her for the weekend.. Just to get her family off her back. Too easy, what could possibly go wrong..
This was so damn precious. Lets start with the family... The way I would've been my cousin DOWN.. Like there is no wayyyy. lol then they invite her to all the celebrations? What family.
They would've never heard from my ass again. Story over.
Anyways.. These two were so precious. Mimi Grace has a way of really making me swoon WITH the characters. The banter, the fun adventures/dates together, the chemistry.. YEAH I ate it up lol. Love the cover and I've read almost all her books. They all hold true to this puppy love esk romance but for adults.. Love it. AND ITS SHORT 🙌🏽
November 8, 2020
Un romance con el cliché de "fake relationship" que todos sabemos como va terminar.
Fue una lectura rápida aunque no tan corta como algunas otras que e leído, pero supongo que estuvo bien, una historia pues regular para pasar el rato.
Fue una lectura rápida aunque no tan corta como algunas otras que e leído, pero supongo que estuvo bien, una historia pues regular para pasar el rato.
October 26, 2025
Cute :)
August 24, 2021
Make a Scene has everything I love; fake dating, romcom, cute cover. It wasn't until I started reading this that I realized how much I enjoyed this book. Make a Scene follows Retta Majors whose ex is getting married to her cousin. To prove everyone in her family that she has moved on, she needs to attend the wedding. But how would everyone believe her if she comes alone? That's when the idea of fake dating occurs to her. By soe bargaining, Duncan will be her fake date to her cousin and ex's wedding.
I love the chemistry and dynamic between Retta and Duncan. In my opinion, despite how short the book is, they have pretty good characterization. Mimi Grace blows life out of her characters by giving them strong voices and personality. Their romance is just SO CUTE and makes my heart swoon by their sweet and fun dating. Make a Scene is a perfect mixture of steamy and sweet romance.
While I enjoyed the romance, I feel like this book was rushed out. Sure the characterization is great, but the rushed ending without epilogue leaving me feeling like Mimi Grace tried to camp everything at the ending. I found myself craving for more of Retta and Duncan's story and I wish they'd make a cameo in Mimi Grace's next book.
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
I love the chemistry and dynamic between Retta and Duncan. In my opinion, despite how short the book is, they have pretty good characterization. Mimi Grace blows life out of her characters by giving them strong voices and personality. Their romance is just SO CUTE and makes my heart swoon by their sweet and fun dating. Make a Scene is a perfect mixture of steamy and sweet romance.
While I enjoyed the romance, I feel like this book was rushed out. Sure the characterization is great, but the rushed ending without epilogue leaving me feeling like Mimi Grace tried to camp everything at the ending. I found myself craving for more of Retta and Duncan's story and I wish they'd make a cameo in Mimi Grace's next book.
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
February 10, 2022
this book had really cute moments. and honestly had some of the best scenes I have read in romance the book was just too short to really make anything of them and also this is not traditionally published book. the fake dating premise fell a part because these people were full blown dating by mid books so it was pointless. but overall enjoyable.
March 1, 2021
Everything I wanted in a romanceeee
I really love the cute interactions between Duncan and Retra. And yes I want more but I can't wait to see Anthony's story too!
This romance definitely takes time building the relationship which I love but if you want something quick - this ain't it!
This book just warmed my heart
I really love the cute interactions between Duncan and Retra. And yes I want more but I can't wait to see Anthony's story too!
This romance definitely takes time building the relationship which I love but if you want something quick - this ain't it!
This book just warmed my heart
May 31, 2023
3.75 ⭐📖✨
December 18, 2024
Fake couple started developing real feelings. Cute story. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
May 8, 2022
This book was just so adorable. This author knew what she was doing make a romance book with a main character, Retta, a bake shop owner and then making the entire story so sweet. Duncan and Retta were really cute together and I loved seeing them develop real feelings while fake dating. I think the first half of this book did a better job in luring me in and building the romance than the second half did. I was hooked by the first chapter of the book but I felt that the story lost my attention at some parts of the second half. The third act breakup felt a little disjointed and abrupt I wish the author built more tension with it instead of it feeling like it came out of nowhere. It felt unnecessary too because it’s not like we spent a lot of time with the characters being broken up. I did love the dates Duncan and Retta went on and how they couldn’t seem to stay away from each other. The family dynamics of both characters was such a great layer added to this book. With the book being so short it was hard to really feel any substance with the romance but it was lighthearted and fluffy which I think was the author’s intention. The true definition of short and sweet!
September 23, 2020
Featuring one of my favourite tropes in romance, the fake dating arrangement between Retta and Duncan was absolutely adorable. Having neighbouring businesses—a bakery and a gym—a slight misunderstanding ignites a deal between them, and the chemistry was unreal!
With the wedding approaching between her ex-boyfriend and cousin, Retta hopes to quash any sense of pity from her family by having Duncan at her side. With Duncan dealing with his own negative perception of relationships, I loved seeing their arrangement lead to inevitable feelings for each other.
From a carnival, to a cake eating challenge, to an utterly steamy sunrise scene, there were so many adorable moments to swoon over. Being subtle on the drama, this one was such a fun time from beginning to end.
With the wedding approaching between her ex-boyfriend and cousin, Retta hopes to quash any sense of pity from her family by having Duncan at her side. With Duncan dealing with his own negative perception of relationships, I loved seeing their arrangement lead to inevitable feelings for each other.
From a carnival, to a cake eating challenge, to an utterly steamy sunrise scene, there were so many adorable moments to swoon over. Being subtle on the drama, this one was such a fun time from beginning to end.
October 2, 2020
1) This cover!!!! OMG! Love it so much and was definitely the only reason I decided to pick it up.
And I’m so gosh darn happy I did!
2) so freaking cute!!! Everything was just delightful. So glad I took a chance on this one.
And I’m so gosh darn happy I did!
2) so freaking cute!!! Everything was just delightful. So glad I took a chance on this one.
February 21, 2025
.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ✰ 3.5 .𖥔 ݁ ˖
November 25, 2025
i love fake dating soooo bad 😩 this book was such a pleasant surprise
January 8, 2025
3.5 stars, cute and quick read which is exactly what i needed rn, but it was a bit instalovey imo and not all that special. but i still had a decent time
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