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Back to Silver Ridge #2
Almost Real
When a small town baker and a former NFL star pair up to fake date, all their pretend feelings become Almost Real.
When my old high school crush—and the town’s reclusive baker—asks me to help her make friends, I say yes without a second thought. Sadie’s had her head in a ball of dough for as long as I can remember, but as an ex-NFL star, I collect friends like pennies.
Keeping things platonic will be no sweat, despite how deep my feelings for her run. But then she asks me to help her get more than friends. She also wants to date—and she wants to practice with me.
Against my better judgment, I’m in. I can’t say no to this woman. But when playing pretend starts to feel a little too real, I start to think agreeing to be Sadie’s fake boyfriend might be the most dangerous game I’ve ever played.
When my old high school crush—and the town’s reclusive baker—asks me to help her make friends, I say yes without a second thought. Sadie’s had her head in a ball of dough for as long as I can remember, but as an ex-NFL star, I collect friends like pennies.
Keeping things platonic will be no sweat, despite how deep my feelings for her run. But then she asks me to help her get more than friends. She also wants to date—and she wants to practice with me.
Against my better judgment, I’m in. I can’t say no to this woman. But when playing pretend starts to feel a little too real, I start to think agreeing to be Sadie’s fake boyfriend might be the most dangerous game I’ve ever played.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
376 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 9, 2022
This was a miss for me. It was a cute enough story, I just had a hard time connecting to the characters and it felt repetitive. I'm not a huge fan of first person narrative that use a LOT of inner thoughts to move a story along. I want to get out of the characters heads and more into the story.
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: Mild (25+ D*mn)
Violence: None
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: Mild (25+ D*mn)
Violence: None
May 6, 2022
Gosh I thought this was so cute! I loved the tension! Gosh I wanted them to kiss~so bad:} Cain knows how to write a good kiss. Her books are full of good drama and tension. They need to hire this girl to give them Hallmark movies. These have references to sex before marriage but there is no sex scene. This one didn't even have a make out scene but the romantic tension was awesome.
February 27, 2024
This was surprisingly really good?? The characters had depth and I love them both?
July 22, 2025
This one was a lighthearted, fluffy, enjoyable read. Not the best due to some content but still okay.
Content: d-word, a-word, p-word, h-word, innuendos
I don't agree with some aspects of the story and though this is suppose to be a fun romcom, most parts were incredibly cheesy and unrealistic.
I liked Warrick's personality, though.
Content: d-word, a-word, p-word, h-word, innuendos
I don't agree with some aspects of the story and though this is suppose to be a fun romcom, most parts were incredibly cheesy and unrealistic.
I liked Warrick's personality, though.
April 6, 2022
This book is so sweet. I enjoyed the fake relationship between Warrick and Sadie. Together, they have great chemistry, but independently they are awesome people.
The romance was really well done. I enjoyed the pacing. It was nice to see Warrick and Sadie slowly fall for each other. I enjoyed that they didn't kiss until 60% of the book. The burn was worth the wait. And, their chemistry is awesome.
Additionally, I enjoyed seeing characters from the previous books. It was a nice blast from the past. The updates and seeing other characters happy made me smile.
The overall writing was nice. Warrick is a cute grump who is a teddy bear. I enjoyed the way he fought his feelings for Sadie, but ultimately he fell in love.
I highly recommend this book. Go check it out.
The romance was really well done. I enjoyed the pacing. It was nice to see Warrick and Sadie slowly fall for each other. I enjoyed that they didn't kiss until 60% of the book. The burn was worth the wait. And, their chemistry is awesome.
Additionally, I enjoyed seeing characters from the previous books. It was a nice blast from the past. The updates and seeing other characters happy made me smile.
The overall writing was nice. Warrick is a cute grump who is a teddy bear. I enjoyed the way he fought his feelings for Sadie, but ultimately he fell in love.
I highly recommend this book. Go check it out.
April 6, 2024
Warrick & Sadie
Loved them so much! The growth and support and secret real feelings. Absolutely loved Warrick and Sadie together-they were so adorable!
Loved them so much! The growth and support and secret real feelings. Absolutely loved Warrick and Sadie together-they were so adorable!
April 13, 2024
I absolutely loved Warrick & Sadie's heartachingly sweet, caring, understanding, loving, swoony story!!!
June 20, 2023
4⭐I have been so looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint! The characters were so sweet and fun, Warrick was a sweetheart and I loved him since the first book. He is a charming very popular former pro-footballer, and businessman who likes everyone. She is shy, with anxiety issues- a baker who’s closed herself off from everyone. She is battling anxiety and he is trying to get over a bad breakup. When she asks him to help her to find friends he readily agrees. Then they start a fake relationship.
January 28, 2024
Honestly it wasn’t it for me. They didn’t start fake dating until like 40-45% so I felt like the first part of the book was just soooo awkward. I didn’t want to dnf it so at 5”% I got impatient and couldn’t stand it anymore that I went to the end. But even the last 3/4 chapters were so bland and had zero drama so it felt like they just didn’t connect. Idk, not for me.
March 21, 2022
This book was just perfect! I have been so looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint! Almost Real is the second book in Claire Cain’s Back to Silver Ridge. I have to say that I just loved everything about this book! The characters were so sweet and fun, and I loved the romance.
Warrick was a sweetheart and I loved him from the beginning. He worked hard and he cared for his family. Warrick was also a complicated character, he grew up without a dad and in a way he was trying to just prove himself. He was looking for something to ground him. It was sweet to read about him helping Sadie and falling for her. He fell hard but he still wanted to show her love. I really like how he didn’t force Sadie but how he also tried to be honest with her about how he felt. Warrick will have to learn to let Sadie in and see that he is not second best
Sadie was also an awesome character. She had her own troubles and issues to work through but I loved her strength. She didn’t give up even when things were hard. I liked how Sadie thought of Warrick as a friend but as they interacted she slowly started to fall for him. She was learning how to in a way live life again, and he was a calm in her strom. However Sadie had to learn to anchor herself and how to love Warrick. He had his own feelings to work through.
I just adored Sadie and Warrick's romance. It was so cute. They were just both so compelling and I loved reading about them! I really enjoyed the plot and I liked how nothing felt rushed or forced. Sadie and Warrick were just perfect together and I was beyond excited to read about them getting together. I mean I don't know what else to say but I loved this book! I think it is my new favorite. Everything was just lovely.
The side characters were also fun and I enjoyed reading about Sadie getting to know other people. Warrick’s brother, Wyatt, was also funny and I liked the family aspects woven into this book.
Almost Real is definitely a book to read! I would totally recommend it! It is a closed door contemporary romance. And I am just so excited to read the next book! I can’t wait!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Warrick was a sweetheart and I loved him from the beginning. He worked hard and he cared for his family. Warrick was also a complicated character, he grew up without a dad and in a way he was trying to just prove himself. He was looking for something to ground him. It was sweet to read about him helping Sadie and falling for her. He fell hard but he still wanted to show her love. I really like how he didn’t force Sadie but how he also tried to be honest with her about how he felt. Warrick will have to learn to let Sadie in and see that he is not second best
Sadie was also an awesome character. She had her own troubles and issues to work through but I loved her strength. She didn’t give up even when things were hard. I liked how Sadie thought of Warrick as a friend but as they interacted she slowly started to fall for him. She was learning how to in a way live life again, and he was a calm in her strom. However Sadie had to learn to anchor herself and how to love Warrick. He had his own feelings to work through.
I just adored Sadie and Warrick's romance. It was so cute. They were just both so compelling and I loved reading about them! I really enjoyed the plot and I liked how nothing felt rushed or forced. Sadie and Warrick were just perfect together and I was beyond excited to read about them getting together. I mean I don't know what else to say but I loved this book! I think it is my new favorite. Everything was just lovely.
The side characters were also fun and I enjoyed reading about Sadie getting to know other people. Warrick’s brother, Wyatt, was also funny and I liked the family aspects woven into this book.
Almost Real is definitely a book to read! I would totally recommend it! It is a closed door contemporary romance. And I am just so excited to read the next book! I can’t wait!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
May 30, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️
I’m a bit disappointed tbh. This was Warrick’s book and I full on expected to love this, and for this to be my fave out of the entire series, but unfortunately it didn’t hit the mark. I can’t pinpoint exactly what it was, but something was amiss - it’s definitely got to do with the plot because when it comes to both him and Sadie, they are my absolute faves.
My sweet Sadie. I relate to this woman on a cellular level- the anxiety, the awkwardness, the struggle with socialising, including the struggle with her parents & their intentional ignorance who sound eerily like mine. I loved her growth throughout the book - the confidence she gained, the efforts she made and most importantly the friendship she built with Sarah.
Warrick is the embodiment of an adorable puppy. He’s literally a cinnamon roll covered in muscles. My heart ached for his loneliness- in the previous book, he was a ray of sunshine and a rock in Wyatt’s life and yet here, his loneliness was very evident. As much as I loved reading and relating to Sadie’s issues, I also wanted to delve deeper into Warrick’s issues - most importantly, I wanted to witness his growth (yes there was a bit in the end which focused on his issues, but that’s my problem, it was in the end & all of it felt too rushed).
As I mentioned before, something was just not right with the plot - maybe it was the pacing or the set up of this story. Whilst in the previous book I enjoyed reading about everyone else’s involvement and roles in Calla’s and Wyatt’s lives, 80% of this one was dominated by monologues of either Sadie or Warrick & everything else was thrown into the last 20%, which felt forced and abrupt.
There was very little of either Calla or Quinn in this & I missed them. But Julian definitely is intriguing and I can’t wait to read his POV in the next book.
March 11, 2024
Let's get into the story of Sadie Miller and Warrick Saint. They both were born in Silverton, Utah and went to Silverton High. Warrick was always slated for greatness. He was a football MVP in high school. He then moved on to make it to the NFL. That is until Warrick was sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Later, it put him in a bad place where he had to retire due to injury. However, Warrick did put in almost four good years on the team.
When he knew he wasn't returning to football, he decided to go back home to, Silverton. When his fiance left him in the process he was in a rough place. But, Warrick has not sat idol. That is for sure. Someone else is back home, Sadie. The girl he lost his heart to in the tenth grade. It had been fairly easy to avoid her since they both came back. But, it was necessary for him and his ego and heart if he needed to be honest. Her rejection in high school crushed him. Then having four classes with her made it tougher. Here’s the kicker, she has recently rented the building that attaches to his gym. There is a door that opens and locks from her side. Not to mention a large window that they both can see each other all day.
She sees how he has worked at building his business, worked with ease with his clients, and welcomed alums like old friends. All the time, Sadie feels enviest of his ability to do it with such ease. Sadie also catches how he loses his smile, whenever he sees or talks to her. So, after years of therapy, medication, and countless conversations with herself, she has decided to talk with, Warrick. In regards to her being a friend to him and helping her make friends.
This book has both of the characters introspective about so much of their lives. As much as you wouldn’t think so Sadie and Warrick are pretty similar. They are both prone to bouts of anxiety. This is a very good book and is clean too.
When he knew he wasn't returning to football, he decided to go back home to, Silverton. When his fiance left him in the process he was in a rough place. But, Warrick has not sat idol. That is for sure. Someone else is back home, Sadie. The girl he lost his heart to in the tenth grade. It had been fairly easy to avoid her since they both came back. But, it was necessary for him and his ego and heart if he needed to be honest. Her rejection in high school crushed him. Then having four classes with her made it tougher. Here’s the kicker, she has recently rented the building that attaches to his gym. There is a door that opens and locks from her side. Not to mention a large window that they both can see each other all day.
She sees how he has worked at building his business, worked with ease with his clients, and welcomed alums like old friends. All the time, Sadie feels enviest of his ability to do it with such ease. Sadie also catches how he loses his smile, whenever he sees or talks to her. So, after years of therapy, medication, and countless conversations with herself, she has decided to talk with, Warrick. In regards to her being a friend to him and helping her make friends.
This book has both of the characters introspective about so much of their lives. As much as you wouldn’t think so Sadie and Warrick are pretty similar. They are both prone to bouts of anxiety. This is a very good book and is clean too.
June 18, 2025
If I was rating this book on writing style alone, it would be five stars. I clicked instantly with this author's writing. It was buttery smooth with the most thoughtful figurative language. I loved both Warrick and Sadie's characters/POVs. I was rooting for both of them and really enjoyed them together. I thought this anxiety rep was some of the best I have read in a while. This also totally delivered on the small town feel. This vibe and aesthetic is what I want in a small town contemporary romance.
What disillusioned my experience was the suggestive/innuendo/sex-before-marriage brief yet scattered dialogue mentions that only really began 75% in. I did not like that and it wasn't needed. It was actually really wholesome until those moments so I guess it had been jarring to me. This felt somewhere between "clean" romance and closed door in the end. As a clean/conservative romance reader it's tough to know when/how the term closed door is being used and I just found this to be somewhere in between. Nothing explicit is implied as happening on or off page. And there is nothing lusty about the characters' interactions generally but things like sexual frustration are mentioned a couple of times. And it was more than I am used to or want.
I thought the epilogue was great, short and sweet how I like it. I know this author uses the term closed door for her books and this being my first book by her I get now what that entails for her books, and man for her writing style alone do I want to devour all of her backlist, but I don't think I will pick another one up without being more clear on the content ahead of time. I rated this in a way that speaks to how much I loved the overall story/writing but still accounted for some content I had not expected to read in the last 25% of the story.
In this book:
-small mountain town
-anxiety rep
-cinnamon roll MMC
-former NFL star/gym owner MMC x baker/small business owner FMC
-summertime
-fake dating
-friendship lessons
-close proximity
-dual POV
-rekindled crush
-mutual pining
Content Guide:
romance = clean for on-page and off-page implication; suggestive/innuendo/sex-before-marriage brief dialogue/flirting/banter
language = minor but frequent (crap and damn)
violence = clean
CW:
severe social anxiety / panic attacks
What disillusioned my experience was the suggestive/innuendo/sex-before-marriage brief yet scattered dialogue mentions that only really began 75% in. I did not like that and it wasn't needed. It was actually really wholesome until those moments so I guess it had been jarring to me. This felt somewhere between "clean" romance and closed door in the end. As a clean/conservative romance reader it's tough to know when/how the term closed door is being used and I just found this to be somewhere in between. Nothing explicit is implied as happening on or off page. And there is nothing lusty about the characters' interactions generally but things like sexual frustration are mentioned a couple of times. And it was more than I am used to or want.
I thought the epilogue was great, short and sweet how I like it. I know this author uses the term closed door for her books and this being my first book by her I get now what that entails for her books, and man for her writing style alone do I want to devour all of her backlist, but I don't think I will pick another one up without being more clear on the content ahead of time. I rated this in a way that speaks to how much I loved the overall story/writing but still accounted for some content I had not expected to read in the last 25% of the story.
In this book:
-small mountain town
-anxiety rep
-cinnamon roll MMC
-former NFL star/gym owner MMC x baker/small business owner FMC
-summertime
-fake dating
-friendship lessons
-close proximity
-dual POV
-rekindled crush
-mutual pining
Content Guide:
romance = clean for on-page and off-page implication; suggestive/innuendo/sex-before-marriage brief dialogue/flirting/banter
language = minor but frequent (crap and damn)
violence = clean
CW:
severe social anxiety / panic attacks
March 31, 2022
Silverton baker, Sadie deals has dealt with anxiety her whole life. Tired of not making friends she asks her old school friend & former NFL player, Warrick to help her talk to people & fake date infront of her parents. What starts out platonic turns out be much more.
I've been waiting for Sadie's story for the past 5 books. Her reserved, talk-less nature had me curious from the very beginning & of course, the delicious treats she made my mouth water. I adored Sadie so much; despite dealing with anxiety she was so full of life & kindness. I loved her journey of self-discovery & self-confidence.
Warrick was such a gentleman, a gentle soul perhaps. He was calm & composed and helped Sadie through so much while dealing with his own past.
I truly enjoyed everything about their relationship; their fake dating phase, their non-fake dating phase, their finally-dating phase.
Back to Silverton series is such a wholesome series & I can't wait for more.
Thank you much for the gifted arc, all thoughts are my own.
I've been waiting for Sadie's story for the past 5 books. Her reserved, talk-less nature had me curious from the very beginning & of course, the delicious treats she made my mouth water. I adored Sadie so much; despite dealing with anxiety she was so full of life & kindness. I loved her journey of self-discovery & self-confidence.
Warrick was such a gentleman, a gentle soul perhaps. He was calm & composed and helped Sadie through so much while dealing with his own past.
I truly enjoyed everything about their relationship; their fake dating phase, their non-fake dating phase, their finally-dating phase.
Back to Silverton series is such a wholesome series & I can't wait for more.
Thank you much for the gifted arc, all thoughts are my own.
April 6, 2022
I loved this story! I love how Claire Cain consistently writes people who are trying to make a change in themselves before pairing up. Warrick and Sadie in particular are kind and gentle and patient with each other in a way that feels sweet and calming even though the tension in their unexpressed feelings keeps things moving forward with suspense. Fake dating is my favorite plot device and we even get a scene where There Is Only One Bed, another classic convention that I love.
Silverton continues to be a cozy town with well developed side characters and flourishing businesses I wish were real. I want to order from Sadie's loaf of the month club; how can we make that a reality?! There is a thread throughout with Warrick's and Wyatt's brother who I hope will be featured in the next book!
Silverton continues to be a cozy town with well developed side characters and flourishing businesses I wish were real. I want to order from Sadie's loaf of the month club; how can we make that a reality?! There is a thread throughout with Warrick's and Wyatt's brother who I hope will be featured in the next book!
March 11, 2024
"Oh, my galloping heart!"
This book was so much better than book 1. I could relate to everything Sadie was going through in life and it was never enough to please her parents. Depression, anxiety, stress are, unfortunately, part of life.
At this point, I need a Book 2 of Sadie Miller and Warrick Saint.
Below is quoted from the book:
"Two things. One, plan a lunch with more than one friend."
"Okay. And two?"
"Find a date to 'A Night in Bloom' event and buy two tickets."
Check out Back to Silver Ridge (6 book series) Kindle Edition with:
Almost Perfect - Wyatt and Calla
Almost Real - Warrick and Sadie
Almost Sure - Julian and Quinn
Almost Home - Wilder and Sarah
Almost True - Maddie and Aidan
I can't wait to find out what happens in Book 4 with that retired soldier. Enjoy and happy reading!
This book was so much better than book 1. I could relate to everything Sadie was going through in life and it was never enough to please her parents. Depression, anxiety, stress are, unfortunately, part of life.
At this point, I need a Book 2 of Sadie Miller and Warrick Saint.
Below is quoted from the book:
"Two things. One, plan a lunch with more than one friend."
"Okay. And two?"
"Find a date to 'A Night in Bloom' event and buy two tickets."
Check out Back to Silver Ridge (6 book series) Kindle Edition with:
Almost Perfect - Wyatt and Calla
Almost Real - Warrick and Sadie
Almost Sure - Julian and Quinn
Almost Home - Wilder and Sarah
Almost True - Maddie and Aidan
I can't wait to find out what happens in Book 4 with that retired soldier. Enjoy and happy reading!
Read
July 20, 2024Warrick Saint is a former NFL player. When he suffers a career ending injury, his fiance leaves him. He goes back to Silverton and works hard starting new businesses. He'll never marry because he doesn't feel that he's good enough. Even though he's handsome, charismatic and people really like him. He is kind and always doing things for people. He knew Sadie from high school. She was always shy. He didn't realize that she suffered from crippling anxiety. She asks him to help her make friends. They do a weekly lunch and he gives her an assignment....talk to one person. Or go to dinner with someone. She owns the bakery and coffee shop so that gives her the opportunity to be around people. It is so sweet how they both find healing with each other. Sadie comes out of her shell and Warrick realizes that he's more than just a "practice" friend/date for her.
March 17, 2022
I loved this sweet friends to lovers, fake dating book! Warrick popped up in the first Silver Ridge series, but really came into the light in Almost Perfect. He’s the charming former pro-footballer who likes everyone…except Sadie Miller. Or so she thinks. She’s the shy, anxiety-riddled baker who’s closed herself off from everyone…especially Warrick. For now, anyway.
Oh, these two! I loved how Warrick stepped right up to go along with Sadie’s plan to get outside her comfort zone with some low-key “friendship lessons”. He was protective & supportive, & a teensy bit jealous now & then, and it was perfect. I loved how capable she was in her successful business, despite her anxiety that had her shaking just to meet new people.
And of course, I loved them together. Warrick is just about the dreamiest sweetheart out there, with his total willingness to do whatever Sadie wanted or needed. I always love a good “taking care of you” scene, & when Warrick helps Sadie out during a bad migraine…hoo boy, was my heart fluttering! These two realizing there’s a lot more to their fake dating than they expected gets 5 swoons.
I received an ARC from the author.
Oh, these two! I loved how Warrick stepped right up to go along with Sadie’s plan to get outside her comfort zone with some low-key “friendship lessons”. He was protective & supportive, & a teensy bit jealous now & then, and it was perfect. I loved how capable she was in her successful business, despite her anxiety that had her shaking just to meet new people.
And of course, I loved them together. Warrick is just about the dreamiest sweetheart out there, with his total willingness to do whatever Sadie wanted or needed. I always love a good “taking care of you” scene, & when Warrick helps Sadie out during a bad migraine…hoo boy, was my heart fluttering! These two realizing there’s a lot more to their fake dating than they expected gets 5 swoons.
I received an ARC from the author.
April 30, 2022
Almost Real
Warrick and Sadie went to school together. Now she has leased a portion of the building he owns where his gym is on one side and her bakery kitchen is on the other. She is battling anxiety and he is trying to get over a bad breakup. When she asks him to help her to find friends he readily agrees. Then they start a fake relationship. Will they be able to get over their messed up backgrounds to find a happily ever after? This book contains mild bad language that I felt was unnecessary but if you do not mind words like that you may enjoy.
Warrick and Sadie went to school together. Now she has leased a portion of the building he owns where his gym is on one side and her bakery kitchen is on the other. She is battling anxiety and he is trying to get over a bad breakup. When she asks him to help her to find friends he readily agrees. Then they start a fake relationship. Will they be able to get over their messed up backgrounds to find a happily ever after? This book contains mild bad language that I felt was unnecessary but if you do not mind words like that you may enjoy.
June 6, 2025
Plot: Warrick and Sadie have crushes on each other, unknowingly, since their high school days. When Sadie approaches him in hopes to learn how to make friends, feelings quickly resurface. How will they be able to navigate their newfound friendship? Will Sadie learn all she wants to know?
What I liked: I liked that everyone was so nice and accepting of Sadie, even when she felt awkward
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like Sadie’s parents. They literally were the worst. Especially when they said if she didn’t come to the engagement party extremely happy, it meant she was trying to ruin things.
Swearing: none
Physical intimacy level: closed door, partial clothes undressing
Star rating: 3 stars
Trope: friends to lovers, fake dating, small town romance
What I liked: I liked that everyone was so nice and accepting of Sadie, even when she felt awkward
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like Sadie’s parents. They literally were the worst. Especially when they said if she didn’t come to the engagement party extremely happy, it meant she was trying to ruin things.
Swearing: none
Physical intimacy level: closed door, partial clothes undressing
Star rating: 3 stars
Trope: friends to lovers, fake dating, small town romance
April 7, 2022
Oh Warwick! You had me at “So I kissed her…” I absolutely SAVORED every single word in this book! Warwick is the stuff dreams are made of- he is a caretaker, a funny friend, and a softy all wrapped in a swooney package. Then there is Sadie- an example of a good wholesome girl that has you join and cheer on #TeamWARDIE from the very awkward beginning!
I highly recommend this book - it will remain on my TBR again and again list!
I highly recommend this book - it will remain on my TBR again and again list!
March 29, 2024
Sweet story with a cinnamon roll hero
This was a really sweet story of acquaintances with history to friends to lovers, with some fake dating to push them along. Overall I liked this book, but there were some times toward the end where I just wanted to shake them and tell them to sit down and talk - a few too many near-miss conversations for me. But, still liked it. Note this is clean, no closed door/fade to black.
This was a really sweet story of acquaintances with history to friends to lovers, with some fake dating to push them along. Overall I liked this book, but there were some times toward the end where I just wanted to shake them and tell them to sit down and talk - a few too many near-miss conversations for me. But, still liked it. Note this is clean, no closed door/fade to black.
September 4, 2024
not my fave genre ::
I’ve read a bunch of ‘chick-flick’ books on here - there are tons available, can often grab a title at low cost, and the reading is easy - but, often, tragically unsatisfying.
Not so this time around. After a slow start, soaked in pre-meditated dread, things started to look up. Things like expert crafts’nship, great linguistic skills and just old fashioned great writing.
I walk to the exit completely satisfied. All five stars!
I’ve read a bunch of ‘chick-flick’ books on here - there are tons available, can often grab a title at low cost, and the reading is easy - but, often, tragically unsatisfying.
Not so this time around. After a slow start, soaked in pre-meditated dread, things started to look up. Things like expert crafts’nship, great linguistic skills and just old fashioned great writing.
I walk to the exit completely satisfied. All five stars!
March 16, 2025
"I’ve been falling for her since the second she gave me the time of day"
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
This book was super fun, I was totally hooked/invested, and I'm so glad I found out about this story!!
At first I thought this book would suck because it was taking so long for anything to happen between Sadie and Warwick, but it was just a good slow-burn (Well, more like slow get-to-meet)!
Warrick and Sadie had some great lines and when he called her "baby" (80% in) I melteddddd.
Also, I love how we got that fixing-his-tie-for-him trope!!! Such a cute scene!
“I’ll do whatever you want. Whatever you want, Sadie. Take me to the party, use me to make your point—however you want it to play out. If that’s something I can do for you, then consider me your boyfriend until this thing is over.”🥹😭❤️
The fake dating and Sadie's anxiety issues were actually written in really well! Sadie wasn't whiny or wanting pity; she took her issues and worked towards healing/improving!
I liked that when the time came in the book where Warrick was asking her if she wanted to be more than friends or fake bf/gf, she instantly said "yes, I want you", instead of being weird, whiny, or playing hard to get! We love you, Sadie!!!
The only thing I disliked about this book was the last-minute awkward suggestion of a marriage of convenience by Sadie; it was so weird and I felt second-hand embarrassment for Warrick big time.
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
This book was super fun, I was totally hooked/invested, and I'm so glad I found out about this story!!
At first I thought this book would suck because it was taking so long for anything to happen between Sadie and Warwick, but it was just a good slow-burn (Well, more like slow get-to-meet)!
Warrick and Sadie had some great lines and when he called her "baby" (80% in) I melteddddd.
Also, I love how we got that fixing-his-tie-for-him trope!!! Such a cute scene!
“I’ll do whatever you want. Whatever you want, Sadie. Take me to the party, use me to make your point—however you want it to play out. If that’s something I can do for you, then consider me your boyfriend until this thing is over.”🥹😭❤️
The fake dating and Sadie's anxiety issues were actually written in really well! Sadie wasn't whiny or wanting pity; she took her issues and worked towards healing/improving!
I liked that when the time came in the book where Warrick was asking her if she wanted to be more than friends or fake bf/gf, she instantly said "yes, I want you", instead of being weird, whiny, or playing hard to get! We love you, Sadie!!!
The only thing I disliked about this book was the last-minute awkward suggestion of a marriage of convenience by Sadie; it was so weird and I felt second-hand embarrassment for Warrick big time.
October 14, 2025
✨ 5 Stars
Contemporary Romance // Clean Romance // Character Driven
I loved this book and couldn't put it down! I entirely connected to Sadie and her struggles with anxiety and enjoyed reading about her journey and her story of finding love.
Once I started this book, I was hooked and ended up finishing the whole book within the day! I loved this sweet contemporary romance and would highly recommend it!
Contemporary Romance // Clean Romance // Character Driven
I loved this book and couldn't put it down! I entirely connected to Sadie and her struggles with anxiety and enjoyed reading about her journey and her story of finding love.
Once I started this book, I was hooked and ended up finishing the whole book within the day! I loved this sweet contemporary romance and would highly recommend it!
May 22, 2023
Tear jerker
I felt on the edge of tears through most of the book. There were lots of feelings they were working through, anxiety, worthiness, betrayal and most of all a connection that scared them both. I'm glad they found healing and their happily ever after. Full novel and no cliffhanger.
I felt on the edge of tears through most of the book. There were lots of feelings they were working through, anxiety, worthiness, betrayal and most of all a connection that scared them both. I'm glad they found healing and their happily ever after. Full novel and no cliffhanger.
February 2, 2025
So Sweet
Sadie and Warwick's story is so darn sweet except for her anxiety and her parents. I love the tender way he cares for her, and the way she pushes herself out of her comfort zone. Friend and family dynamics are so important here. I loved this whole book and look forward to the next in the series.
Sadie and Warwick's story is so darn sweet except for her anxiety and her parents. I love the tender way he cares for her, and the way she pushes herself out of her comfort zone. Friend and family dynamics are so important here. I loved this whole book and look forward to the next in the series.
April 6, 2022
Loved this story. But then again, I don’t think there’s been a story that Claire Cain has written that I haven’t loved. I loved seeing the trajectory of Sadie’s cracking her shell and working through her challenges. And Warrick realizing that he’s flawed as well. And that proposal! Need I say more? I just absolutely love the family dynamics between Warrick and Wyatt, and their mom too. Can’t wait to see what Wilder adds to the mix. Looking forward to the next one!
February 25, 2024
It was mostly okay. I just didn't really buy into the relationship because it seemed to be more of a "savior/victim" relationship. It never felt genuine, even when they declared their love for one another.
June 24, 2024
The biggest obstacle is themselves
Join this roller coaster of shyness, inse critics and.anxiety. This book reaches deep.into real life issues many people face while showing strength and growth in themselves and each other.
Join this roller coaster of shyness, inse critics and.anxiety. This book reaches deep.into real life issues many people face while showing strength and growth in themselves and each other.
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