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The Debutante Rules #1
Don't Marry the Mechanic
Rule #1: Never pretend to marry your best-friend.
What started as a typical engagement party, ends in a mad dash from my no-good, two-timing fiancé. But my less-than graceful escape is thwarted by the one man who tells it to me straight and always has.
Rafe Whitfield has been my best friend since we were in diapers. He calls me a Southern princess and no one in my high society even knows his name. Imagine my surprise when my hoity-toity Mama asks Rafe to pose as my fake fiancé until she can devise a way to keep the failed engagement free from scandalous gossip.
If we pull it off, Rafe will get the cash he needs to take care of his own family, and according to my mama, my good name will go on unscathed.
The only trouble is not falling for the guy I've always wanted but could never have.
Welcome to Honeyville. A town of swoon-worthy Southern guys and the sassy women that hold their hearts. A happily ever after is guaranteed.
What started as a typical engagement party, ends in a mad dash from my no-good, two-timing fiancé. But my less-than graceful escape is thwarted by the one man who tells it to me straight and always has.
Rafe Whitfield has been my best friend since we were in diapers. He calls me a Southern princess and no one in my high society even knows his name. Imagine my surprise when my hoity-toity Mama asks Rafe to pose as my fake fiancé until she can devise a way to keep the failed engagement free from scandalous gossip.
If we pull it off, Rafe will get the cash he needs to take care of his own family, and according to my mama, my good name will go on unscathed.
The only trouble is not falling for the guy I've always wanted but could never have.
Welcome to Honeyville. A town of swoon-worthy Southern guys and the sassy women that hold their hearts. A happily ever after is guaranteed.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2021
364 people are currently reading
847 people want to read
About the author
Emily Childs
30 books365 followersI live in Utah with my husband, our four kids, our dog who thinks she is human, and a rather suspicious cat. A fantasy anthology which included my work in 2018 hit the USA Today Bestseller's list. I have written several fantasy and romance novels and adore both genres!
You'll most likely find me when I'm not writing trying to keep up with the kids, daydreaming, spending time in the mountains, and drinking too much caffeine.
You'll most likely find me when I'm not writing trying to keep up with the kids, daydreaming, spending time in the mountains, and drinking too much caffeine.
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January 13, 2026
Don’t Marry the Mechanic by Emily Childs Review
Don’t Marry the Mechanic by Emily Childs (the first book in The Debutante Rules series) is a clean, small‑town friends‑to‑lovers romance with a richly Southern flair and plenty of heart. The story centers on Olive Cutler, a beloved schoolteacher from old Southern money whose carefully mapped‑out life and engagement come crashing down when she catches her fiancé with another woman on the brink of their wedding day. Enter Rafe Whitfield, Olive’s best friend since infancy and the son of the family’s longtime housekeeper, whom Olive’s mother enlists to pose as her fake fiancé to save face in their tight‑knit community. The deal is simple: Olive keeps her dignity, Rafe gets the money he desperately needs to help his family, and their pretend engagement must stay just that… except old feelings they’ve both long denied suddenly start to surface in ways neither anticipated.
What truly charmed me about this book was the warmth of the emotional evolution between Olive and Rafe. Watching them navigate years of childhood familiarity and unspoken affection turn into something tender and heartfelt made me feel genuinely invested in their journey. Olive’s Southern sass and grounded kindness paired beautifully with Rafe’s steady, selfless devotion, and the contrast of their social worlds added real texture to their slow‑burn connection. I enjoyed how the author wove in the loyalty of friends and family, the humor in awkward social expectations, and the honest struggle Rafe faces with feeling “good enough” for the woman he’s always loved. While the fake‑fiancé trope is familiar, it’s written here with a sincerity and sweetness that kept me rooting for these two right up to their satisfying, swoon‑worthy moments. Don’t Marry the Mechanic left me smiling with its heartfelt chemistry and its portrayal of love that was always there, just waiting to be acknowledged.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Because the heartfelt characters, charming Southern setting, and beautifully slow emotional growth made this a refreshing, uplifting friends‑to‑lovers romance.
Don’t Marry the Mechanic by Emily Childs (the first book in The Debutante Rules series) is a clean, small‑town friends‑to‑lovers romance with a richly Southern flair and plenty of heart. The story centers on Olive Cutler, a beloved schoolteacher from old Southern money whose carefully mapped‑out life and engagement come crashing down when she catches her fiancé with another woman on the brink of their wedding day. Enter Rafe Whitfield, Olive’s best friend since infancy and the son of the family’s longtime housekeeper, whom Olive’s mother enlists to pose as her fake fiancé to save face in their tight‑knit community. The deal is simple: Olive keeps her dignity, Rafe gets the money he desperately needs to help his family, and their pretend engagement must stay just that… except old feelings they’ve both long denied suddenly start to surface in ways neither anticipated.
What truly charmed me about this book was the warmth of the emotional evolution between Olive and Rafe. Watching them navigate years of childhood familiarity and unspoken affection turn into something tender and heartfelt made me feel genuinely invested in their journey. Olive’s Southern sass and grounded kindness paired beautifully with Rafe’s steady, selfless devotion, and the contrast of their social worlds added real texture to their slow‑burn connection. I enjoyed how the author wove in the loyalty of friends and family, the humor in awkward social expectations, and the honest struggle Rafe faces with feeling “good enough” for the woman he’s always loved. While the fake‑fiancé trope is familiar, it’s written here with a sincerity and sweetness that kept me rooting for these two right up to their satisfying, swoon‑worthy moments. Don’t Marry the Mechanic left me smiling with its heartfelt chemistry and its portrayal of love that was always there, just waiting to be acknowledged.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Because the heartfelt characters, charming Southern setting, and beautifully slow emotional growth made this a refreshing, uplifting friends‑to‑lovers romance.
June 2, 2021
Ok this review is going to include my thought on the Minnesota series too, because a lot of my opinions apply to all of them.
The Minnesota books were cute, #1 probably being the best
This one is my least favorite out of the 4 Emily Childs’ books that I’ve read. It was too long and I found myself skimming parts, and not missing much. It also seemed redundant, like Rafe kept flip flopping too much. Also, the conflict was not relatable to me at all, and I have a hard time believing people actually think like that.
General pet peeves:
1. Incorrect sentence structure. My gosh, it must just be her writing style, but I hate it. I’m not even an English specialist, but I can write complete sentences better than Childs can. I can’t think of any examples now, but she puts commas where they shouldn’t be, just randomly, and often uses commas instead of “and,” making awkward, run-on sentences. I tried to ignore it in the first book but it just didn’t stop.
2. NOT EVERYONE’S NANE CAN/SHOULD BE ABBREVIATED. Joe, Ax, Bass, Osc, Ol, Aug, Mil, Lane...ugh stop. They all abbreviate names like they are the same person and they just sound dumb.
3. I don’t remember if this applies to all 4 books, but it does to this one. DON’T USE THE EPILOGUE TO SET UP THE NEXT BOOK. it seems lazy to me. I want to finish the story I’m reading, not be awkwardly introduced to the next story like some weird cliffhanger thing. If you want me to read your next book, make the first book good enough to keep me reading. Gosh.
End rant. Overall they were cute books but probably won’t be reading any more if hers. And maybe I’m just being cynical cuz I’ve read about 20 romcoms in the past month. But probably not.
The Minnesota books were cute, #1 probably being the best
This one is my least favorite out of the 4 Emily Childs’ books that I’ve read. It was too long and I found myself skimming parts, and not missing much. It also seemed redundant, like Rafe kept flip flopping too much. Also, the conflict was not relatable to me at all, and I have a hard time believing people actually think like that.
General pet peeves:
1. Incorrect sentence structure. My gosh, it must just be her writing style, but I hate it. I’m not even an English specialist, but I can write complete sentences better than Childs can. I can’t think of any examples now, but she puts commas where they shouldn’t be, just randomly, and often uses commas instead of “and,” making awkward, run-on sentences. I tried to ignore it in the first book but it just didn’t stop.
2. NOT EVERYONE’S NANE CAN/SHOULD BE ABBREVIATED. Joe, Ax, Bass, Osc, Ol, Aug, Mil, Lane...ugh stop. They all abbreviate names like they are the same person and they just sound dumb.
3. I don’t remember if this applies to all 4 books, but it does to this one. DON’T USE THE EPILOGUE TO SET UP THE NEXT BOOK. it seems lazy to me. I want to finish the story I’m reading, not be awkwardly introduced to the next story like some weird cliffhanger thing. If you want me to read your next book, make the first book good enough to keep me reading. Gosh.
End rant. Overall they were cute books but probably won’t be reading any more if hers. And maybe I’m just being cynical cuz I’ve read about 20 romcoms in the past month. But probably not.
March 22, 2021
I liked this much less than A Little Fool For You. I think this would have been much more successful as a novella as there wasn't enough plot to carry this to completion. Essentially Rafe and Olive love each other, they both know this, yet their class "keeps them apart". And that's it. It lacked the necessary tension to keep me hooked on the premise and the last 50 pages had me a little tempted to give this 2 stars, with the whole contrived plot mechanic of the ex-girlfriend and the scripted misunderstanding. I'll still give it 3 stars because I liked the writing but hoping I'll enjoy the other entries a lot more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2021
Sweet romance with fun, Southern flair
I came to this series by reading book 2, which I liked a tad more than this one, though I did enjoy this one, too. It was fun meeting the supporting cast of characters in their original introduction.
Olive & Rafe were easy to like and care about. The story is not an original one but it was handled well. The one part I found annoying
***SPOILER***
was the Rafe set up with Olive's subsequent blowup. Rafe recognized he was walking into a setup but went along with it anyway even though he had avoided Dalia before & knew evil Beau was involved this time - frustratingly stupid - & Olive's concerns were understandable but expecting Rafe to be able to change a lifetime of thinking virtually overnight wasn't reasonable. She was too quick to condemn him, & it made her look bad like she wanted an excuse to dump him.
***END SPOILER***
The resolution is really sweet & helped soothe a lot of the chafing.
The whole tight-knit family/friend group thing helps make the story. It's fun, even if a little hard to believe, but I love fairytales, too, so it didn't bother me at all, lol.
The epilogue is from Zac's perspective & effectively gives us Olive & Rafe's happily-ever-after, plus a sneak peek into the setup for Zac's story next.
I especially enjoyed getting Zac's perspective on Jo's accident having only read Jo's before - it definitely gives a fuller understanding of what happened, lol.
Looking forward to Dot's story even more now...
*Romance level: passionate kisses, talk of "not putting out", & several occasions of sleeping over (which leaves the question of intimacy open-ended), but nothing graphic
*Language: a couple of instances of flipping the finger
*A bit more editing errors than average, which begs for a decent editor, but not at a level that affects readability except for those triggered by them
I came to this series by reading book 2, which I liked a tad more than this one, though I did enjoy this one, too. It was fun meeting the supporting cast of characters in their original introduction.
Olive & Rafe were easy to like and care about. The story is not an original one but it was handled well. The one part I found annoying
***SPOILER***
was the Rafe set up with Olive's subsequent blowup. Rafe recognized he was walking into a setup but went along with it anyway even though he had avoided Dalia before & knew evil Beau was involved this time - frustratingly stupid - & Olive's concerns were understandable but expecting Rafe to be able to change a lifetime of thinking virtually overnight wasn't reasonable. She was too quick to condemn him, & it made her look bad like she wanted an excuse to dump him.
***END SPOILER***
The resolution is really sweet & helped soothe a lot of the chafing.
The whole tight-knit family/friend group thing helps make the story. It's fun, even if a little hard to believe, but I love fairytales, too, so it didn't bother me at all, lol.
The epilogue is from Zac's perspective & effectively gives us Olive & Rafe's happily-ever-after, plus a sneak peek into the setup for Zac's story next.
I especially enjoyed getting Zac's perspective on Jo's accident having only read Jo's before - it definitely gives a fuller understanding of what happened, lol.
Looking forward to Dot's story even more now...
*Romance level: passionate kisses, talk of "not putting out", & several occasions of sleeping over (which leaves the question of intimacy open-ended), but nothing graphic
*Language: a couple of instances of flipping the finger
*A bit more editing errors than average, which begs for a decent editor, but not at a level that affects readability except for those triggered by them
February 26, 2021
I loved Olive and Rafe's story. I understand Rafe's feelings and I was so glad that Olive demonstrated how much she didn't care about what other people thought and how important he was to her. I didn't really like Olive's mother at the beginning but she redeemed herself in the end.
This story was about the endurance of true love and overcoming challenges in getting what you most want. Rafe was more than just a mechanic/gardener and Olive was more than just a socialite/debutante.
This book was considered a clean contemporary romance. There were a few scenes that others might call that into question but there was no swearing or sex in the book but it is a swoon worthy romance.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
This story was about the endurance of true love and overcoming challenges in getting what you most want. Rafe was more than just a mechanic/gardener and Olive was more than just a socialite/debutante.
This book was considered a clean contemporary romance. There were a few scenes that others might call that into question but there was no swearing or sex in the book but it is a swoon worthy romance.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
May 27, 2021
The southern accents were over the top, and so were the women. So, obviously I loved it. I couldn't help but think through the entire book, what possessed me to pick this up, and why am I still reading this? But I really really loved this book. Childhood friends, who have secretly been in love forever? Absolutely yes, sign me up. There was also a lot of yelling, I love you, which as you know, is my book love language. Which is totally ironic, considering I sob at the thought of someone yelling at me. I won't even dare to comment on how fantastic the brooding adorable Rafe is because he is taken, but he is a fantastic specimen.
August 15, 2022
I went in to this hoping for more of the kind of goodness that Emily gave readers in her A Little Love Series unfortunately this was nowhere close to that unfortunately.
The characters talked like something out of a Jane Austen novel, which for Olive (one of the main characters) makes sense because that’s the way she’s shown to have been brought up by her parents but everyone else was talking like that why? It made no sense.
Every sentence is needlessly wordy, it also feels a bit like the author added certain sentences and phrases because they scream “This character is attracted to this character!” when used in a romance novel (think forearms thickening, fine specimen of man, to name a few), it was like the author was trying too hard to make the reader root for Olive and Rafe (when we’re only on page 7 and Olive’s waxing lyrical about what a fine specimen - yes those were her words - Rafe is, you literally have the entire book to build up the attraction/relationship between the main couple, and to get the reader to root for them as well)
Don’t Marry The Mechanic was more tell than show, I feel I would have connected better with both characters (and both of them as a couple) had it been the other way around.
I really tried to give this book the benefit of the doubt, to ignore the starting hiccups and read on (and I did, up until 10% in to the book) but ultimately this was a did-not-finish for me as it was just more of the same (that was mentioned above) and it didn’t look like it would be changing any time soon.
For more reviews check out my blog:
https://thesometimesyabookshelf.tumbl...
The characters talked like something out of a Jane Austen novel, which for Olive (one of the main characters) makes sense because that’s the way she’s shown to have been brought up by her parents but everyone else was talking like that why? It made no sense.
Every sentence is needlessly wordy, it also feels a bit like the author added certain sentences and phrases because they scream “This character is attracted to this character!” when used in a romance novel (think forearms thickening, fine specimen of man, to name a few), it was like the author was trying too hard to make the reader root for Olive and Rafe (when we’re only on page 7 and Olive’s waxing lyrical about what a fine specimen - yes those were her words - Rafe is, you literally have the entire book to build up the attraction/relationship between the main couple, and to get the reader to root for them as well)
Don’t Marry The Mechanic was more tell than show, I feel I would have connected better with both characters (and both of them as a couple) had it been the other way around.
I really tried to give this book the benefit of the doubt, to ignore the starting hiccups and read on (and I did, up until 10% in to the book) but ultimately this was a did-not-finish for me as it was just more of the same (that was mentioned above) and it didn’t look like it would be changing any time soon.
For more reviews check out my blog:
https://thesometimesyabookshelf.tumbl...
July 31, 2021
This book started off good but quickly went downhill. The writing lacked bepth and creativity, and the southern talk and attitude was cheesy and over the top.
January 17, 2021
I didn't like Olive's arrogant controlling finance Tom in A Little Fool for You and I was hoping she would break it off with him. His actions made me dislike him even more in this book. Poor Rafe thinks he'll never be good enough for Olive and only agrees to pretend to be her fiance to help his mom out with her medical expenses. I loved his mother Millie who kept encouraging him to be courageous and follow his heart. Part of the reason Rafe believes he isn't worthy is because of nasty haughty people like Olive's cousin Beau. Is it bad that I hope he gets arrested or stuck somewhere with no one to help him in a future book? After he tormented a homeless man because he thought it was funny and he didn't see him as a person, I think he deserved to be taken down a peg. Even though Olive and Rafe finally admit their feelings for each other they still have issues with Olive not telling her parents and Rafe still thinking he'll ruin her life if they are really together. I liked his newly discovered cousin Jace and hope she gets her own romance. Olive's friend Dot is a riot and I hope she finds someone who appreciates her.
February 25, 2021
Don’t you wish every love story is genuine? That two people who love each other senseless will be a successful couple? This was my hope while reading this swoon worthy romance. Ms Childs did a wonderful job putting this romance to paper (or ebook). I rooted for Rafe and Olive and smiled when they finally acknowledged their feelings for each other. But that was only the beginning of the relationship challenge. Many prejudiced people around them found it hard to accept because of the differences in their backgrounds. However, other friends and family were supportive. The challenge was really in battling their own insecurities. I loved the many and varied family members who supported them and was disgusted with those who tried to bring them down and separate them. From this I must admit that Ms Childs wrote these characters well. I could see them in some of my long ago acquaintances and my current loving family members. I truly enjoyed this story and can easily recommend it to all you romance lovers everywhere.
July 2, 2023
I have a soft spot for classic, heartwarming romance novels. And let me tell you, nothing beats the charm of childhood friends becoming lovers. It's like a fairytale coming to life!
Now, don't expect any spicy stuff in this book, but it still manages to tug at your heartstrings with its slow-burning romance. Picture this: Rafe steps up to help Olive by pretending to be her fiancé. And guess what? There are some stolen kisses, intense gazes, and even a bit of public display of affection. It's enough to make your heart flutter!
But the real magic happens when they both realize their connection is deeper than friendship. Those moments are pure gold, I tell you.
Of course, there are times when Rafe acts like a total idiot, not understanding their differences. But don't worry, everything works out perfectly, and they get their well-deserved happily ever after.
This novel is simply beautiful, a wonderful escape for the soul. It's like a breath of fresh air, restoring your faith in love and leaving you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Now, don't expect any spicy stuff in this book, but it still manages to tug at your heartstrings with its slow-burning romance. Picture this: Rafe steps up to help Olive by pretending to be her fiancé. And guess what? There are some stolen kisses, intense gazes, and even a bit of public display of affection. It's enough to make your heart flutter!
But the real magic happens when they both realize their connection is deeper than friendship. Those moments are pure gold, I tell you.
Of course, there are times when Rafe acts like a total idiot, not understanding their differences. But don't worry, everything works out perfectly, and they get their well-deserved happily ever after.
This novel is simply beautiful, a wonderful escape for the soul. It's like a breath of fresh air, restoring your faith in love and leaving you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
July 2, 2022
I fell in love with The Changeup and have been making my way through Emily's backlist since!
"But because he's holding those blasted pruning shears and I'm wearing pearls, that kind, brooding, sexy, stubborn fool of a man will always keep his distance. And that is the real shame here."
I love these Southern Belles!! It's like the romance of Sweet Home Alabama mixed with the charm of Sweet Magnolias and a dash of the funny banter of Hart of Dixie and I'm totally here for it! I LOVE it all!!
I adore Olive and Rafe! I love the whole childhood friends to lovers trope! The banter is funny and I love her friend Dot! Every few chapters there's a flashback that give us a little insight into growing up with Ollie and Rafe that are just the sweetest moments! It's well written - the characters are well fleshed out and relatable. The pacing is great and I read it all in one sitting and started the next book!
"But because he's holding those blasted pruning shears and I'm wearing pearls, that kind, brooding, sexy, stubborn fool of a man will always keep his distance. And that is the real shame here."
I love these Southern Belles!! It's like the romance of Sweet Home Alabama mixed with the charm of Sweet Magnolias and a dash of the funny banter of Hart of Dixie and I'm totally here for it! I LOVE it all!!
I adore Olive and Rafe! I love the whole childhood friends to lovers trope! The banter is funny and I love her friend Dot! Every few chapters there's a flashback that give us a little insight into growing up with Ollie and Rafe that are just the sweetest moments! It's well written - the characters are well fleshed out and relatable. The pacing is great and I read it all in one sitting and started the next book!
January 13, 2021
This sweetly charming romance is set in the beautiful world of a small town near Charleston, SC. This story has all of the hallmarks of southern sass and sweet iced tea.
Olive grew up in a mansion, "The Big House". Rafe grew up over the garage. Can the sassy, sweet Olive and the stubborn, self-sacrificing Rafe risk their friendship and overcome the objections of others?
This friends to lovers tells the story of a pretend engagement while also telling the backstory of sweet, young, innocent love in its purest form; the story of love transforming into the confusing emotions of teenage love; and of love buried out of self-denial and sacrificial love for the other.
I greatly enjoyed this story with a cast of characters as well written as any Austen novel.
I received this story as an ARC and am giving a voluntary review.
Olive grew up in a mansion, "The Big House". Rafe grew up over the garage. Can the sassy, sweet Olive and the stubborn, self-sacrificing Rafe risk their friendship and overcome the objections of others?
This friends to lovers tells the story of a pretend engagement while also telling the backstory of sweet, young, innocent love in its purest form; the story of love transforming into the confusing emotions of teenage love; and of love buried out of self-denial and sacrificial love for the other.
I greatly enjoyed this story with a cast of characters as well written as any Austen novel.
I received this story as an ARC and am giving a voluntary review.
March 25, 2022
I am swooning, Olive and Rafe are everything! If you are looking for a cute light hearted read than you have found your book. This is everything I am looking for in a romances novel and friends to lovers make it even better because honestly they make the best couples!!
Olive and Rafe grew up together, Olive the cute little rich girl and Rafe the son of the maid. And although they had different backgrounds it never stopped them from accepting one another. Through failed relationships they are brought together under a guise but it was exactly what they need to realize they were made for one another.
I think I have found a new book boyfriend because Rafe is everything you want! Do yourself a favor and pick up this book and get lost in the love that is Olive and Rafe.
Olive and Rafe grew up together, Olive the cute little rich girl and Rafe the son of the maid. And although they had different backgrounds it never stopped them from accepting one another. Through failed relationships they are brought together under a guise but it was exactly what they need to realize they were made for one another.
I think I have found a new book boyfriend because Rafe is everything you want! Do yourself a favor and pick up this book and get lost in the love that is Olive and Rafe.
January 11, 2021
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed this one more than I was expecting. Admittedly, it's a bit weird that I went into it with that attitude because I have loved all the other books I've read from Ms. Childs.
Olive is a more complex and interesting character than her social status would suggest (thank you, preconceived notions) and having the story flip between her point of view and Rafe's solidified the whole thing.
The epilogue hinted at the next book and I must admit, I'm excited for that one.
I did receive a complimentary ARC; all opinions are my own and freely shared.
I enjoyed this one more than I was expecting. Admittedly, it's a bit weird that I went into it with that attitude because I have loved all the other books I've read from Ms. Childs.
Olive is a more complex and interesting character than her social status would suggest (thank you, preconceived notions) and having the story flip between her point of view and Rafe's solidified the whole thing.
The epilogue hinted at the next book and I must admit, I'm excited for that one.
I did receive a complimentary ARC; all opinions are my own and freely shared.
October 22, 2023
sweet read
Nice story about overcoming expectations and what you were always made to believe. Rafe has always loved olive but he never though he was good enough being the helps son and her the wealthy southern princess. But she has always wanted him. They have been best friends since diapers but there was always something more. Love how their real friends and family seemed to be on their side. It took a minute for olives mom to come to her senses but she had years of southern upbringing to overcome.
Nice story about overcoming expectations and what you were always made to believe. Rafe has always loved olive but he never though he was good enough being the helps son and her the wealthy southern princess. But she has always wanted him. They have been best friends since diapers but there was always something more. Love how their real friends and family seemed to be on their side. It took a minute for olives mom to come to her senses but she had years of southern upbringing to overcome.
January 14, 2021
This is an entertaining friends to lovers romance with strong characters in Oliver and Rafe's story. The author brings an interesting story filled with determination and humor. She paints her scenes perfectly and tells the story in the dual POV , showing both their thoughts and emotions as the story unfolds. The story flows fluidly and is an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
August 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book! It was a fun read and I love that the main characters ended up together. I just hated the ending..that’s why it didn’t get 5 stars. I felt like Olive and Rafe should have gotten a real ending but it just showed they were together and then went into Zac’s point of view. Just felt like their ending should have been written out and given a little more detail but I do recommend this book besides that!
January 19, 2021
Sweet, entertaining romance that I enjoyed reading. Rafe and Olive are interesting characters that are best friends even though everyone thinks Rafe is not good enough for Olive. Unfortunately Rafe shares that opinion and denies his real feelings for her.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
January 30, 2021
Southern Social Status vs Lovew
Emily Child's writes this romance around the so called social norms in this small Southern town . Rafe's mother has been the maid for the Cutlers. Olive Cutler is the daughter. Child's handled the story well including the emotional pressure and deep rooted thoughts especially on the part of Rafe.
Emily Child's writes this romance around the so called social norms in this small Southern town . Rafe's mother has been the maid for the Cutlers. Olive Cutler is the daughter. Child's handled the story well including the emotional pressure and deep rooted thoughts especially on the part of Rafe.
December 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️.5
I thought that this was a good book, but it was really cheesy and had a ton of cliches in it. I also feel like it didn’t flow very well with the chapters and it was a bit hard to get into reading it too. I did enjoy the friends to lovers and the fake fiancé tropes, but I probably won’t be continuing the rest of series.
I thought that this was a good book, but it was really cheesy and had a ton of cliches in it. I also feel like it didn’t flow very well with the chapters and it was a bit hard to get into reading it too. I did enjoy the friends to lovers and the fake fiancé tropes, but I probably won’t be continuing the rest of series.
May 19, 2021
Lifetime Best friends to more
Fun, adventurous, and sweet romance. Best friends from ages of four/five, through dates in elementary, to dates and marriage proposals in their 20s. These two always wanted to belong together.
Fun, adventurous, and sweet romance. Best friends from ages of four/five, through dates in elementary, to dates and marriage proposals in their 20s. These two always wanted to belong together.
August 10, 2021
This was a fun story! It was good to see how each character had to fight for the relationship in their own way. I loved seeing how they supported each other and made the other person better. Cute, sweet, clean.
May 13, 2022
This book isn't as polished as Childs's Perfectly Broken or Kings books, but it's still *super* cute and a lot of fun. Heavy on tropes and cliches, but the characters and dialogue really shine. Glad I read it.
November 29, 2022
Honestly, there just wasn’t a whole lot of plot here. The concocted story between the main characters for their “fake” relationship had a ton of holes in it and honestly, it’s the 21st century, so many of the “reasons” they couldn’t be together were ridiculous. Not bad, just not great.
June 24, 2023
Unfortunately dnf.
The writing style just wasn’t for me. The sentences and word structure was overly busy and the descriptions made me chuckle….but unfortunately not in a good way.
It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The writing style just wasn’t for me. The sentences and word structure was overly busy and the descriptions made me chuckle….but unfortunately not in a good way.
It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
September 11, 2024
Rafe and Olive
Olive is raised in society that holds positions as sacred. Meaning she is expected to associate and wed within her social set. However, that's not where her heart is. Good story of the struggle to reach Rafe and break through his and her misconceptions.
Olive is raised in society that holds positions as sacred. Meaning she is expected to associate and wed within her social set. However, that's not where her heart is. Good story of the struggle to reach Rafe and break through his and her misconceptions.
November 10, 2025
3.5. I really liked them together and how Olive and Rafe were always close as kids. It annoyed me how Rafe kept being like I want to be with you, but then he was like I can’t be with you because I’m not good enough.
Want to read
March 9, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
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