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Sisters and Sweethearts #1
Faking It With the Grump
Alternative cover edition of ASIN B0BN7D6X6G
He’s grumpy, boring, and thinks it’s okay to wear a suit and tie to a smalltown bar full of lumberjacks. But when I kiss him? Let’s just say I wasn’t expecting THAT.
Harper Cole
It's one thing to be dumped by the huge Hollywood star you thought you were going to marry. It’s quite another to move back to the small town you're both from.
As a booby prize for being shown the door by Dex Ryan, everyone is trying to set me up with their son, their nephew, or their long-lost cousin’s gardener. Either that or they’re throwing me pitying looks that say, “You’re a big loser.”
I’m not going to put up with their patronizing sympathy anymore.
So, when I spot new-guy-in-town Christopher Young, I set out to make him mine. Or you know, pretend to make him mine. I’m still in a horrible funk over Dex, and Christopher is an uptight grump. Not exactly my type.
The fact that despite appearances, he’s gorgeous and doing weird things to my blood pressure doesn't mean a thing.
Really.
Not. A. Thing.
Christopher Young
Hunter’s Creek, population next to nothing, is the reason I work all the time. I’m solely focused on buying the town’s lumber mill so I can go back to NYC and get my big promotion. This small town is a means to an end. Nothing more.
That is until the prettiest girl I've ever seen superglues her lips to mine in an unexpected and very public way. She’s not the kind of woman I usually go for with her boho dress and ankle boots, but that kiss…
I’m disappointed when she comes up for air and tells me it’s all for show. But if Harper Cole wants me to be her fake boyfriend while I'm here in town, who am I to turn her down? Being attached to a local might ingratiate me to the townsfolk and make my job that much the easier.
After all, dating Harper can only be make believe. Nothing more. Not when my entire future is at stake.
Faking It With The Grump is a grumpy-sunshine, opposites attract, fake relationship romance set in the small town of Hunter's Creek, Washington. It's the first book in the new Second Chance Café series. Each book follows a different sister's love story and can be read as a standalone novel or as part of a series.
He’s grumpy, boring, and thinks it’s okay to wear a suit and tie to a smalltown bar full of lumberjacks. But when I kiss him? Let’s just say I wasn’t expecting THAT.
Harper Cole
It's one thing to be dumped by the huge Hollywood star you thought you were going to marry. It’s quite another to move back to the small town you're both from.
As a booby prize for being shown the door by Dex Ryan, everyone is trying to set me up with their son, their nephew, or their long-lost cousin’s gardener. Either that or they’re throwing me pitying looks that say, “You’re a big loser.”
I’m not going to put up with their patronizing sympathy anymore.
So, when I spot new-guy-in-town Christopher Young, I set out to make him mine. Or you know, pretend to make him mine. I’m still in a horrible funk over Dex, and Christopher is an uptight grump. Not exactly my type.
The fact that despite appearances, he’s gorgeous and doing weird things to my blood pressure doesn't mean a thing.
Really.
Not. A. Thing.
Christopher Young
Hunter’s Creek, population next to nothing, is the reason I work all the time. I’m solely focused on buying the town’s lumber mill so I can go back to NYC and get my big promotion. This small town is a means to an end. Nothing more.
That is until the prettiest girl I've ever seen superglues her lips to mine in an unexpected and very public way. She’s not the kind of woman I usually go for with her boho dress and ankle boots, but that kiss…
I’m disappointed when she comes up for air and tells me it’s all for show. But if Harper Cole wants me to be her fake boyfriend while I'm here in town, who am I to turn her down? Being attached to a local might ingratiate me to the townsfolk and make my job that much the easier.
After all, dating Harper can only be make believe. Nothing more. Not when my entire future is at stake.
Faking It With The Grump is a grumpy-sunshine, opposites attract, fake relationship romance set in the small town of Hunter's Creek, Washington. It's the first book in the new Second Chance Café series. Each book follows a different sister's love story and can be read as a standalone novel or as part of a series.
318 pages, ebook
First published March 14, 2023
492 people are currently reading
2211 people want to read
About the author
Kate O'Keeffe
49 books843 followersKate O'Keeffe is a USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author who writes exactly what she loves to read: laugh-out-loud romantic comedies with swoon-worthy heroes and gorgeous feel-good happily ever afters. She lives and loves in beautiful Hawke's Bay, New Zealand with her family and two scruffy but loveable dogs.
When she's not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), traveling to different countries around the globe (back when we used to be able to do that), and eating chocolate. A lot of it.
Get a free book when you sign up to Kate's newsletter at kateokeeffe.com.
When she's not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), traveling to different countries around the globe (back when we used to be able to do that), and eating chocolate. A lot of it.
Get a free book when you sign up to Kate's newsletter at kateokeeffe.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 585 reviews
March 21, 2023
This hit the sweet spot! A bite-sized feel-good HEA with some great tropes — fake relationship, grumpy/sunshine, small town, and slow burn.
Picture this. You’re from a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone. You follow your high school sweetheart to LA to support his dream of becoming an actor. Said boyfriend leaves you for his costar the moment he lands a big role. The unexpected confession/breakup talk turns into a viral sensation. The digital world we live in… When you return to your hometown to pick up the pieces, everyone and their mom are trying to set you up with someone! So, you do the only thing you can in that situation. Create a fake boyfriend. Duh.
I loved getting to know Harper and Christopher! Harper is the kindest and most selfless human that you just want to protect at all costs. Christopher is an uptight, regimented, perhaps OCD, but very good-looking grump. They could not be more opposite. The way they come together and help each other is so sweet. I was smiling a lot. There is no spice, this is as wholesome as it gets.
Hunter’s Creek is a quaint and idyllic town that I would love to visit! I packed my two flannels so I should fit right in. My favorite nail polish is Bare Bear, so I’m obviously comfortable with the town’s obsession with naming everything bear. Christopher attempting to be social and going to the bar for the first time was one of my favorite scenes.
The pacing, writing, and characters were perfect. I read this in a couple of hours. I just could not put it down. While this might be my first Kate O’Keeffe book, it certainly will not be my last.
Quotes
❥ “I will kiss you on a table, next to a table, under a table, or anywhere you like.”
“That sounds like sexy Dr. Seuss talk to me,” I reply with a giddy laugh.
❥ I seriously cannot remember the last time I woke up smiling.
❥ “When in Hunter’s Creek, sometimes you’ve got to do what the locals do.”
❥ What’s the point of thinking about the end when we’re at the very beginning of something new and exciting?
❥ …concerned I’ve moved from totally romantic into full on cheesy territory. Really, it’s a fine line.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Picture this. You’re from a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone. You follow your high school sweetheart to LA to support his dream of becoming an actor. Said boyfriend leaves you for his costar the moment he lands a big role. The unexpected confession/breakup talk turns into a viral sensation. The digital world we live in… When you return to your hometown to pick up the pieces, everyone and their mom are trying to set you up with someone! So, you do the only thing you can in that situation. Create a fake boyfriend. Duh.
I loved getting to know Harper and Christopher! Harper is the kindest and most selfless human that you just want to protect at all costs. Christopher is an uptight, regimented, perhaps OCD, but very good-looking grump. They could not be more opposite. The way they come together and help each other is so sweet. I was smiling a lot. There is no spice, this is as wholesome as it gets.
Hunter’s Creek is a quaint and idyllic town that I would love to visit! I packed my two flannels so I should fit right in. My favorite nail polish is Bare Bear, so I’m obviously comfortable with the town’s obsession with naming everything bear. Christopher attempting to be social and going to the bar for the first time was one of my favorite scenes.
The pacing, writing, and characters were perfect. I read this in a couple of hours. I just could not put it down. While this might be my first Kate O’Keeffe book, it certainly will not be my last.
Quotes
❥ “I will kiss you on a table, next to a table, under a table, or anywhere you like.”
“That sounds like sexy Dr. Seuss talk to me,” I reply with a giddy laugh.
❥ I seriously cannot remember the last time I woke up smiling.
❥ “When in Hunter’s Creek, sometimes you’ve got to do what the locals do.”
❥ What’s the point of thinking about the end when we’re at the very beginning of something new and exciting?
❥ …concerned I’ve moved from totally romantic into full on cheesy territory. Really, it’s a fine line.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 8, 2023
As the characters said in the book, this was a Hallmark movie, and quite not in a nice way.
The idea had potential, small-town romance, grumpy x sunshine trope, and fake dating, but in the end, it was just not as catchy as it could be.
I found it really slow in too many parts, too superficial, as I said something I'm expecting from a Hallmark movie, but from a book, I expect and request more.
I liked Harper's storyline with the ex, and even there I had this feeling it could be used more for the story; I'm not a fan of big dramas, but here is everything too linear, too script; many good ideas, but not developed in the right way, not enough.
One thing I really liked is that for once in a romance it’s the guy who changes his life, his career, everything, for the girl, so that is a plus.
There are going to be other books in this series, and I don’t know, maybe I’ll give it one more try.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The idea had potential, small-town romance, grumpy x sunshine trope, and fake dating, but in the end, it was just not as catchy as it could be.
I found it really slow in too many parts, too superficial, as I said something I'm expecting from a Hallmark movie, but from a book, I expect and request more.
I liked Harper's storyline with the ex, and even there I had this feeling it could be used more for the story; I'm not a fan of big dramas, but here is everything too linear, too script; many good ideas, but not developed in the right way, not enough.
One thing I really liked is that for once in a romance it’s the guy who changes his life, his career, everything, for the girl, so that is a plus.
There are going to be other books in this series, and I don’t know, maybe I’ll give it one more try.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2023
The initial chapters were very engaging and I was invested into the story. I liked Christopher & Harper together but I did not feel their chemistry. To be honest, everything except for the setting was so dull in this story. I did not feel connected with both the main characters and the insta-love was too much for me to handle. I mean they barely went on any fake dates and fell in love without knowing much about each others personalities. The only thing I knew about Harper was that she was a school teacher and had her heart broken by her ex and Christopher was an ambitious lawyer who was looking for a promotion and was sent to do a job to Harper's hometown. Both of their characters were weakly written and the thrid act breakup also failed to create much of angst. Despite all that's the story managed to keep my attention and I liked the small town setting and the people were like a little tight knight family. The overall vibe of the book was chill and lighthearted but sometimes Harpers actions (especially around the 78% mark) made me almost want to quit tbh.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
May 9, 2023
I grabbed this book because I LOVE a grumpy sunshine trope. I was sorely disappointed. I am giving 2 ⭐️ generously.
The grump was not grumpy. He had social anxiety, maybe a little neurodivergence, and professional demeanor. That doesn’t make you a grump.
The sunshine was not a sunshine. She wore florals and let people take advantage of her.
The author started the majority of each chapter recapping what you literally just read in the last chapter.
There was a moment where the the author mocked the “me too” movement. She also made a few racist jokes that were not at all appropriate. Not to mention saying that the MMC nodding his head in acknowledgment made the FMC wonder if he was raised in Japan. Wtf?
I assumed this was a debut novel but I looked up the author’s backlist and it most definitely is not.
Thank you to NetGalley for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest review.
The grump was not grumpy. He had social anxiety, maybe a little neurodivergence, and professional demeanor. That doesn’t make you a grump.
The sunshine was not a sunshine. She wore florals and let people take advantage of her.
The author started the majority of each chapter recapping what you literally just read in the last chapter.
There was a moment where the the author mocked the “me too” movement. She also made a few racist jokes that were not at all appropriate. Not to mention saying that the MMC nodding his head in acknowledgment made the FMC wonder if he was raised in Japan. Wtf?
I assumed this was a debut novel but I looked up the author’s backlist and it most definitely is not.
Thank you to NetGalley for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2023
Faking it with the Grump is the first book in the Second Chance Café series by Kate O'Keeffe. This one plays out just like a Hallmark movie (something our hero doesn’t think is possible) and I enjoyed every second of it! This book also encompasses quite a few tropes: fake dating, fish out of water, small town, opposites attract and of course, grumpy/sunshine, and has an incredible setting that I personally wouldn’t mind settling down in. I adored it! Admittedly, I wanted to read a copy because the cover initially caught my eye, but I’m excited to share that the story itself was so worth it! I’m already excited to read the next one which will feature a friends-to-lovers trope between Ryn (Harper’s sister) and her lumberjack best friend!
If you’re in the mood for a sweet (kissing only) small town romance and enjoy any of the tropes I mentioned above then I recommend this one! It’s a quick read (one I was able to read in less than a day) and has both humor and an emotional backstory to round out the characters, and an amazing “redeeming” moment at the end!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re in the mood for a sweet (kissing only) small town romance and enjoy any of the tropes I mentioned above then I recommend this one! It’s a quick read (one I was able to read in less than a day) and has both humor and an emotional backstory to round out the characters, and an amazing “redeeming” moment at the end!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 18, 2023
Faking it with the Grump
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Rom Com
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 3/14/23
Author: Kate O’Keeffe
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Kate O’Keeffe and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: This was a wonderful small town romance read, with plenty of humor and swoon! Harper just got dumped by her Hollywood high school sweetheart and goes back to her hometown alone. When everyone under the moon wants to set her up on a date, she decides to fake date Christopher, who is only in town long enough to purchase The Mill. Do they fall in love? Or is there a relationship a complete disaster that ends on the expiration date? The trope follows fake dating, friends to lovers, small town romance, and grumpy v sunshine, all tropes that I love to read.
This is the first book in a new series, Second Chance Cafe’. The story is narrated in a dual POV between Harper and Christopher. I love dual POVs as you get both sides of the equation. Harper is sweet, smart, and kind, so much so that she gives of herself before thinking of herself. Christopher is grumpy, a rule follower, and likes to protect his heart. Pair the two together and the banter and chemistry is just brilliant, even if they are complete opposites. The characters were well developed, fleshed out, had witty banter, chemistry, and just brilliantly created. The author’s writing style is complex, brilliant, swoony, humorous, and engaging. I was so invested in Harper and Christopher’s story from the moment of the spontaneous kiss. Hunters Creek is so quaint and very small townish, very much part of the charm created. You actually feel like you are there in Hunters Creek with the way the author details the small town.
Kate O’Keeffe is one of my favorite indie authors. I adore her books. The writing is always superb and makes me smile. The flow and pacing of the book was right on point. I highly recommend all of her books but urge you to go pick up this book as I can tell this will be a swoon-worthy series. I cannot wait for the next one in the series between Harper’s sister, Ryn, and her best friend, Gabriel.
🏷
.
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#whatimreading #booklover #bookworm #bookpic #bookstagram #fiction #booksoninstagram #reviewer #bookfriends #bookrecs #goodreads #bookishgirl #2023bookgoals #bookpost #Book-Reviews #netgalley #romance #romcom #fakedating #friendstolovers #smalltown #grumpyvssunshine #fakingitwiththegrump #kateokeeffe #indieauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Rom Com
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 3/14/23
Author: Kate O’Keeffe
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from Kate O’Keeffe and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
My Thoughts: This was a wonderful small town romance read, with plenty of humor and swoon! Harper just got dumped by her Hollywood high school sweetheart and goes back to her hometown alone. When everyone under the moon wants to set her up on a date, she decides to fake date Christopher, who is only in town long enough to purchase The Mill. Do they fall in love? Or is there a relationship a complete disaster that ends on the expiration date? The trope follows fake dating, friends to lovers, small town romance, and grumpy v sunshine, all tropes that I love to read.
This is the first book in a new series, Second Chance Cafe’. The story is narrated in a dual POV between Harper and Christopher. I love dual POVs as you get both sides of the equation. Harper is sweet, smart, and kind, so much so that she gives of herself before thinking of herself. Christopher is grumpy, a rule follower, and likes to protect his heart. Pair the two together and the banter and chemistry is just brilliant, even if they are complete opposites. The characters were well developed, fleshed out, had witty banter, chemistry, and just brilliantly created. The author’s writing style is complex, brilliant, swoony, humorous, and engaging. I was so invested in Harper and Christopher’s story from the moment of the spontaneous kiss. Hunters Creek is so quaint and very small townish, very much part of the charm created. You actually feel like you are there in Hunters Creek with the way the author details the small town.
Kate O’Keeffe is one of my favorite indie authors. I adore her books. The writing is always superb and makes me smile. The flow and pacing of the book was right on point. I highly recommend all of her books but urge you to go pick up this book as I can tell this will be a swoon-worthy series. I cannot wait for the next one in the series between Harper’s sister, Ryn, and her best friend, Gabriel.
🏷
.
.
#whatimreading #booklover #bookworm #bookpic #bookstagram #fiction #booksoninstagram #reviewer #bookfriends #bookrecs #goodreads #bookishgirl #2023bookgoals #bookpost #Book-Reviews #netgalley #romance #romcom #fakedating #friendstolovers #smalltown #grumpyvssunshine #fakingitwiththegrump #kateokeeffe #indieauthor
March 1, 2023
It's a cute story with:
- Small Town Romance,
- Fake Dating,
- Grumpy & Sunshine.
- Love at first sight.
The story starts with Harper returning to her hometown after being dumped by her superstar Hollywood ex, where she met her Christopher, a M&A lawyer.
I'm giving 3 stars bc I quite like the character development, I loved Harper. She's such a sweetheart & seeing Christopher's character evolve was like seeing a flower open up. It was amazing but there are certain aspects that I felt could be better. Take writing style for instance, I'd say it was a bit boring and has a lot of repetition.
There were a lot of places where I could read same things over and over again. I skipped through a book in lot of places. Otherwise it's a cute story, perfect start for someone new to reading. No spice but light hearted and heartwarming.
NOTE: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
- Small Town Romance,
- Fake Dating,
- Grumpy & Sunshine.
- Love at first sight.
The story starts with Harper returning to her hometown after being dumped by her superstar Hollywood ex, where she met her Christopher, a M&A lawyer.
I'm giving 3 stars bc I quite like the character development, I loved Harper. She's such a sweetheart & seeing Christopher's character evolve was like seeing a flower open up. It was amazing but there are certain aspects that I felt could be better. Take writing style for instance, I'd say it was a bit boring and has a lot of repetition.
There were a lot of places where I could read same things over and over again. I skipped through a book in lot of places. Otherwise it's a cute story, perfect start for someone new to reading. No spice but light hearted and heartwarming.
NOTE: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 20, 2023
Fake dating-Sweet/small-town RomCom
After a very public breakup with her TV star boyfriend, Harper returns to her hometown and immediately starts fake(kissing) dating the new-to-town ambitious lawyer Christopher. The beginning was very engaging and I was invested in the story., but it felt flat, I did not feel their chemestry, has a lot of repetition, and had too many predictable moments.
I like Harper and Chris together, very likable characters, but the instant love was too much to handle, there were barely any fake dates and the grump factor wasn't there.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing house Wild Lime Books for allowing me to read an eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
After a very public breakup with her TV star boyfriend, Harper returns to her hometown and immediately starts fake(kissing) dating the new-to-town ambitious lawyer Christopher. The beginning was very engaging and I was invested in the story., but it felt flat, I did not feel their chemestry, has a lot of repetition, and had too many predictable moments.
I like Harper and Chris together, very likable characters, but the instant love was too much to handle, there were barely any fake dates and the grump factor wasn't there.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing house Wild Lime Books for allowing me to read an eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
March 2, 2023
Thank you BookSiren, Kate O’Keefe, and Wild Lime Books for early access. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Faking It With the Grump (Second Chance Cafe, Book 1) by Kate O’Keefeis released March 14th, 2023
4⭐️
This is a really cute romance story following Harper and Topher fake dating. Kate moves back to her home state after an embarrassing public breakup. However, back home everyone only knows her with Dex the ex. So to stop the pity and matchmaking she comes up with a plan that involves Mr. grump, Topher. From there, things get stickier as each have their own motives but start to entangle with each other.
This is a fake dating trope, grumpy/sunshine trope, opposites attract love story. It had me laughing, it had me mad for Harper and at times Topher, I felt embarrassment and sadness, I went through all the emotions. I didn’t feel like I was being told a story, I felt like I was living the experience with the characters.
The reference to Hallmark movies was cute, especially because Topher was the one referencing his situation to a Hallmark Movie. I also really enjoyed Harper’s sister, Ryn, as a side character. I feel like there needs to be more about Gabe and her.
There were some details that were mentioned later on in the story as a reflective moment that I felt should have had some back story at some point, instead of just throwing it in near the end. They were minor things, but it was something I noticed. There were some predictable parts as well, but that didn’t ruin the reading experience at all.
I am so happy I got to read this little love story, and I can’t wait to read about Ryan and Gabe In the second book in this series!
Faking It With the Grump (Second Chance Cafe, Book 1) by Kate O’Keefeis released March 14th, 2023
4⭐️
This is a really cute romance story following Harper and Topher fake dating. Kate moves back to her home state after an embarrassing public breakup. However, back home everyone only knows her with Dex the ex. So to stop the pity and matchmaking she comes up with a plan that involves Mr. grump, Topher. From there, things get stickier as each have their own motives but start to entangle with each other.
This is a fake dating trope, grumpy/sunshine trope, opposites attract love story. It had me laughing, it had me mad for Harper and at times Topher, I felt embarrassment and sadness, I went through all the emotions. I didn’t feel like I was being told a story, I felt like I was living the experience with the characters.
The reference to Hallmark movies was cute, especially because Topher was the one referencing his situation to a Hallmark Movie. I also really enjoyed Harper’s sister, Ryn, as a side character. I feel like there needs to be more about Gabe and her.
There were some details that were mentioned later on in the story as a reflective moment that I felt should have had some back story at some point, instead of just throwing it in near the end. They were minor things, but it was something I noticed. There were some predictable parts as well, but that didn’t ruin the reading experience at all.
I am so happy I got to read this little love story, and I can’t wait to read about Ryan and Gabe In the second book in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2024
Hello Dear Readers,
(Sorry, I’m a bit too into the Bridgerton craze. I’ll stop right now)
So, the main tropes in this book are:
- Small town
- Dual POV
- Fake dating (I know this one surprised me too!)
- Big City Attorney Boy x Small Town Elementary Teacher
- Grumpy x Sunshine
Although I have to say that I did not get a good feel of the grumpy I got the feeling of the man being super socially awkward and aloof.
The biggest problem in this book is the “telling not showing” of it all. And on top of that, I have to say, that the dialogue was very much on the nose, and it did not feel natural. Or simply, actions that we witnessed, were repeated in the next chapter as if we did not see them.
(The rest of this review contains light spoilers so you can totally stop before I get into more details about my opinion of it!)
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(You sure you want to mild spoilers I'm giving?)
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For example, the first instance of the couple getting into their whole faked relationship is very short-lived. So, the two of them are set to go to a dinner with her colleagues, so that she can have people back off from trying to set her up with their first cousin’s nephew. I was expecting some awkward display of affection and banter. I was disappointed when the chapter cut off before they even made it to the dinner. In the next chapter, we’re being told how great an evening it was.
I thought it was a one-off and that we would get to see (wink wink nudge nudge) them act as a fake couple in front of people. You know like the author clearly hinted at in the title of the book. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed. The couple does show some chemistry and nice banter, but it is always behind closed doors. It is not something that irritates me, but the problem is that I was promised fake dating.
The thing is that it’s mentioned at every turn. During the internal monologues of both characters, they’re talking a mighty lot of their feelings that they should not feel because they were in a fake relationship. Aside from that, we were robbed of other moments barely alluded to where they seemed to get closer.
You can imagine my shock when the couple got together at the 50% mark. I was completely flabbergasted that the confessions came out that fast, with no other faking-couply-bit in public. The two of them admit their very intense feelings for one another (that we did not really see develop). Did you know that the Male Lead was supposed to be in the small town for only 2 months and ended up leaving early? Yeah, talk about insta-love (no hate to people who dig it, but it’s really not my style and it just added to the whole other feelings I have).
-> So, we get from “everything’s fake” to “we’re in love” real fast, where they worry about their very recent relationship. The problem is that we can’t relate and worry with them, because what relationship? We were only told about it and we did not really see anything blossoming between them.
And really, was what the nail in the coffin of this book was the conflict. I mean, if they got together in the middle of the book, I knew that there was going to be a 3d act breakup centred around him leaving. And what do you know? There is! The problem with the conflict is that the Male Lead is depicted as a very attentive person who instantly knows the Female Lead’s fav flowers because she kept wearing dresses with Daisy prints on them. The Female Lead actually told him and, (in her internal monologue) alluded to the fact that being in her small hometown and being a teacher there was her dream. Do you know what Big City Smartpant does? He actually asks her to come to his Big City with him. Like wthhh? Of course, she says no. Cue the dramatic rainy montage of them being separated, standing by the decision of being separated from the person they love romantically because their lifestyles are too incompatible.
But do no worry, the Male Lead comes to his senses, realising that there was a job for him (which a minor character told him before the big dramatic breakup, which made me even more mad). After some dramatic love of declaration and shenanigans, the couple gets together with a cute date that they never really “got” before, because they were in a “fake” relationship.
Hope you liked this review!
(Sorry, I’m a bit too into the Bridgerton craze. I’ll stop right now)
So, the main tropes in this book are:
- Small town
- Dual POV
- Fake dating (I know this one surprised me too!)
- Big City Attorney Boy x Small Town Elementary Teacher
- Grumpy x Sunshine
Although I have to say that I did not get a good feel of the grumpy I got the feeling of the man being super socially awkward and aloof.
The biggest problem in this book is the “telling not showing” of it all. And on top of that, I have to say, that the dialogue was very much on the nose, and it did not feel natural. Or simply, actions that we witnessed, were repeated in the next chapter as if we did not see them.
(The rest of this review contains light spoilers so you can totally stop before I get into more details about my opinion of it!)
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(You sure you want to mild spoilers I'm giving?)
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For example, the first instance of the couple getting into their whole faked relationship is very short-lived. So, the two of them are set to go to a dinner with her colleagues, so that she can have people back off from trying to set her up with their first cousin’s nephew. I was expecting some awkward display of affection and banter. I was disappointed when the chapter cut off before they even made it to the dinner. In the next chapter, we’re being told how great an evening it was.
I thought it was a one-off and that we would get to see (wink wink nudge nudge) them act as a fake couple in front of people. You know like the author clearly hinted at in the title of the book. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed. The couple does show some chemistry and nice banter, but it is always behind closed doors. It is not something that irritates me, but the problem is that I was promised fake dating.
The thing is that it’s mentioned at every turn. During the internal monologues of both characters, they’re talking a mighty lot of their feelings that they should not feel because they were in a fake relationship. Aside from that, we were robbed of other moments barely alluded to where they seemed to get closer.
You can imagine my shock when the couple got together at the 50% mark. I was completely flabbergasted that the confessions came out that fast, with no other faking-couply-bit in public. The two of them admit their very intense feelings for one another (that we did not really see develop). Did you know that the Male Lead was supposed to be in the small town for only 2 months and ended up leaving early? Yeah, talk about insta-love (no hate to people who dig it, but it’s really not my style and it just added to the whole other feelings I have).
-> So, we get from “everything’s fake” to “we’re in love” real fast, where they worry about their very recent relationship. The problem is that we can’t relate and worry with them, because what relationship? We were only told about it and we did not really see anything blossoming between them.
And really, was what the nail in the coffin of this book was the conflict. I mean, if they got together in the middle of the book, I knew that there was going to be a 3d act breakup centred around him leaving. And what do you know? There is! The problem with the conflict is that the Male Lead is depicted as a very attentive person who instantly knows the Female Lead’s fav flowers because she kept wearing dresses with Daisy prints on them. The Female Lead actually told him and, (in her internal monologue) alluded to the fact that being in her small hometown and being a teacher there was her dream. Do you know what Big City Smartpant does? He actually asks her to come to his Big City with him. Like wthhh? Of course, she says no. Cue the dramatic rainy montage of them being separated, standing by the decision of being separated from the person they love romantically because their lifestyles are too incompatible.
But do no worry, the Male Lead comes to his senses, realising that there was a job for him (which a minor character told him before the big dramatic breakup, which made me even more mad). After some dramatic love of declaration and shenanigans, the couple gets together with a cute date that they never really “got” before, because they were in a “fake” relationship.
Hope you liked this review!
February 15, 2023
The blurb hooked me in. I loved the setting and plot especially the fake dating trope. But the pacing annoyed me a bit. Slow, fast, then slow and then again fast. A slow pace would have be better with a few days time skips. The video with Dex was hilarious and I wouldn't have minded if something unfortunate had befallen him. The side characters were fun especially Ryn and Kelly. It was cute to see Christopher becoming less grumpy and falling for Harper. The moments between them were adorable and the plot twist was really good. I'm happy the book had dual POVs. The epilogue was so sweet and fitting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 9, 2023
This book had a lot of potential, I was sold on the concept and the first couple of chapters had me excited to find out more.
Sadly, it was downhill from there for me.
There was far too much telling and now showing in this book for me. Don’t tell me it’s like a hallmark movie, show me it’s like one. Don’t tell me what the characters are feeling, show me!
The title also feels really misleading because neither of the main characters were what I would class as grumpy. Again, it comes back to telling instead of showing. Telling me a character is grumpy and calling them a grump does not make them grumpy.
The scene between the two characters where Harper told Christopher she needed them to fake date felt so forced and inauthentic, and I didn’t feel any chemistry between them, again this was just something we’re told about instead of shown.
For me, this just felt very underdeveloped, very surface level. I didn’t feel like we went deep enough into the characters to fully understand. There was also a lot repetition that could’ve been cut out to give the characters a more believable, more exciting arc. I feel like we are just told the same things over and over again which is one of my pet peeves in books.
Thank you NetGalley for a digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
Sadly, it was downhill from there for me.
There was far too much telling and now showing in this book for me. Don’t tell me it’s like a hallmark movie, show me it’s like one. Don’t tell me what the characters are feeling, show me!
The title also feels really misleading because neither of the main characters were what I would class as grumpy. Again, it comes back to telling instead of showing. Telling me a character is grumpy and calling them a grump does not make them grumpy.
The scene between the two characters where Harper told Christopher she needed them to fake date felt so forced and inauthentic, and I didn’t feel any chemistry between them, again this was just something we’re told about instead of shown.
For me, this just felt very underdeveloped, very surface level. I didn’t feel like we went deep enough into the characters to fully understand. There was also a lot repetition that could’ve been cut out to give the characters a more believable, more exciting arc. I feel like we are just told the same things over and over again which is one of my pet peeves in books.
Thank you NetGalley for a digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
March 27, 2024
YAWN! this book was boring as hell and dragged soooooooo hard… the last like part was fine i guess but i wouldn’t recommend this to anyone i was just excited to finish it lol i didnt get attached to any character in any way and it was so completely predictable, nearly dnf’d but im stubborn and forced myself to finish it
June 12, 2025
Very cute! Started out with some “Legally Blonde” vibes almost, but then took a Hallmark turn with it (grumpy city guy, small town sunshine girl). What’s not to love about that kind of mashup!
March 19, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for an E-ARC! This book is out now!
Review: I loved this book. It was a comfort read that takes place in a small town called Hunter’s Creek where everyone knows each other. I loved both Christopher and Harper. They were complete opposites of each other but complimented each other so well! This was a sweet, swoony, and clean romance. I was pleasantly surprised that even the secondary characters were well written. I would absolutely recommend this book!
April 29, 2023
FMC: Harper- not only is she being dumped by her high-school-sweetheart-turned-tv-star boyfriend, but it’s being filmed, posted online, and seen by everyone. She moves back to her small hometown to take on a new teaching opportunity and leave the big city life behind her. With everyone trying to set her up with their brother, cousin, son, etc she finds the only out-of-towner and springs a fake relationship agreement into his lap… here’s to hoping for the best!
MMC: Christopher- desperate for the promotion to junior partner at his law firm, he accepts an assignment in some small town in the middle of nowhere. He’s hardworking, intent on keeping his khead down, running his numbers, and leaving at the end of his assignment without a second thought. All his plans suddenly come to a halt when Harper inserts herself into his life asking him to pretend to be her boyfriend.
POV: 1st person, dual POV
HEA: yes
spice: no spice, there are some slightly steamy kissing scenes, but this is a clean romance
TWs: cheating, public humiliation/dumping, death of a parent
standalone: this is the first book in the series Second Chance Café- book 2 will be out mid-2023 and this book did a cute job of telling you who it will be about and what tropes to expect
final thoughts: this book was super cute and had a Hallmark movie feel to it. It was super sweet and I loved the dual POV
read this book if you love
🥰 nicknames
🧑🤝🧑 opposites attract
💞 fake dating
🏫 small town
😇 clean romance
😠 grumpy/sunshine
MMC: Christopher- desperate for the promotion to junior partner at his law firm, he accepts an assignment in some small town in the middle of nowhere. He’s hardworking, intent on keeping his khead down, running his numbers, and leaving at the end of his assignment without a second thought. All his plans suddenly come to a halt when Harper inserts herself into his life asking him to pretend to be her boyfriend.
POV: 1st person, dual POV
HEA: yes
spice: no spice, there are some slightly steamy kissing scenes, but this is a clean romance
TWs: cheating, public humiliation/dumping, death of a parent
standalone: this is the first book in the series Second Chance Café- book 2 will be out mid-2023 and this book did a cute job of telling you who it will be about and what tropes to expect
final thoughts: this book was super cute and had a Hallmark movie feel to it. It was super sweet and I loved the dual POV
read this book if you love
🥰 nicknames
🧑🤝🧑 opposites attract
💞 fake dating
🏫 small town
😇 clean romance
😠 grumpy/sunshine
July 10, 2024
3.75 ⭐
It was pretty good but there were some parts where I wasn't really interested, specifically the beginning. Harper and Christopher are so cute tho.
It was pretty good but there were some parts where I wasn't really interested, specifically the beginning. Harper and Christopher are so cute tho.
March 7, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐
Okay, I'm not exactly sure how to begin with this one. There were many things that I liked a lot but there were also several parts where the characters annoyed me or the book just became too much for me.
Starting with the good things, Christopher it's a sweetheart, I loved every single one of his chapters and I truly enjoyed the character arc he had, it was really nice to see him loosen up and relax and break out of this facade he wore in front of everyone with the intention to transform himself into what he believed would be best for her sister's sake.
On that note, Kelly, Christopher's sister, barely has any scenes but she quickly became one of my favorite character alongside Ryn, Harper's sister. They were fun, true to themselves and outspoken and even when their appearances were very limited, they really bring some lightness into the reading.
It was a quick easy read, enjoyable overall and with some really nice messages at the end of it.
Now, onto the not so good parts, it sometimes felt like it was a little too fast paced for me, having time skips between chapters and going from one situation into another in a matter of pages.
The fake dating act felt like it only took about 30% of the plot and the rest of the secondary problems of the book took protagonism once Harper and Christopher conffesed their feeling for each other around halfway through the book, causing to fill the rest with several simultaneous situations that felt sometimes a little unnecesary.
Finally, although Harper it's a nice FMC and I loved reading about this journey she had to do in order to found and to prioritize herself, there were just some times when I couldn't relate with her or strongly disagreed with some of her decisions, making me feel conflicted about her the same way some of the townspeople made me feel.
Thanks so much BookSirens and the author for this ARC for free, as I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Okay, I'm not exactly sure how to begin with this one. There were many things that I liked a lot but there were also several parts where the characters annoyed me or the book just became too much for me.
Starting with the good things, Christopher it's a sweetheart, I loved every single one of his chapters and I truly enjoyed the character arc he had, it was really nice to see him loosen up and relax and break out of this facade he wore in front of everyone with the intention to transform himself into what he believed would be best for her sister's sake.
On that note, Kelly, Christopher's sister, barely has any scenes but she quickly became one of my favorite character alongside Ryn, Harper's sister. They were fun, true to themselves and outspoken and even when their appearances were very limited, they really bring some lightness into the reading.
It was a quick easy read, enjoyable overall and with some really nice messages at the end of it.
Now, onto the not so good parts, it sometimes felt like it was a little too fast paced for me, having time skips between chapters and going from one situation into another in a matter of pages.
The fake dating act felt like it only took about 30% of the plot and the rest of the secondary problems of the book took protagonism once Harper and Christopher conffesed their feeling for each other around halfway through the book, causing to fill the rest with several simultaneous situations that felt sometimes a little unnecesary.
Finally, although Harper it's a nice FMC and I loved reading about this journey she had to do in order to found and to prioritize herself, there were just some times when I couldn't relate with her or strongly disagreed with some of her decisions, making me feel conflicted about her the same way some of the townspeople made me feel.
Thanks so much BookSirens and the author for this ARC for free, as I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
March 14, 2023
small town romance with fake dating? yes please, sign me up. Faking It With The Grump was a very cute romance 🥺 the main characters, Harper and Christopher, were very likeable and totally opposites which made the grumpy x sunshine trope even more fun
the book is very fast paced and it’s a great quick read.
there is no spice but it was very cute and heartwarming 🫶🏻
read this book if you love:
✨ small town romances
✨ fake dating
✨ insta love
✨ grumpy x sunshine
thank you NetGalley for this ARC. the views expressed are my own, freely given.
the book is very fast paced and it’s a great quick read.
there is no spice but it was very cute and heartwarming 🫶🏻
read this book if you love:
✨ small town romances
✨ fake dating
✨ insta love
✨ grumpy x sunshine
thank you NetGalley for this ARC. the views expressed are my own, freely given.
March 26, 2023
This is a cute rom-com with a few common tropes. These are a few of the tropes you might see … fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, new to a small town, and returning home. If you are a fan of the Hallmark channel’s romances I recommend this book to you. The characters are interesting and relatable. The relationship isn’t spicy. There were a couple of time while reading this book I thought that maybe the author was a Legally Blonde fan growing up.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
April 6, 2023
4 ⭐️ / 5
thank you so much to Xpresso Book Tours for an ARC of Faking It With The Grump ~ Kate O’Keeffe ( I received an ARC via NetGalley)
i absolutely adore small town and grump x sunshine romances and this combo did not disappoint me one bit! Hunter’s Creek is such the perfect setting for this book!
i instantly fell in love with both Harper and Christopher, and i think their connection is adorable! watching both characters grow and develop made this such a fun read for me!
the book definitely contains a few too many commonly included tropes (fake dating, love at first sight, small town, grumpy x sunshine) and feels like a bit of a movie, but I really enjoyed this combination!
i did not get bored of the book, and read it so quickly!!!
i definitely recommend if you’re looking for a light-hearted small town romance to lift your mood! this is my first Kate O'Keeffe book and I have definitely been missing out!
thank you so much to Xpresso Book Tours for an ARC of Faking It With The Grump ~ Kate O’Keeffe ( I received an ARC via NetGalley)
i absolutely adore small town and grump x sunshine romances and this combo did not disappoint me one bit! Hunter’s Creek is such the perfect setting for this book!
i instantly fell in love with both Harper and Christopher, and i think their connection is adorable! watching both characters grow and develop made this such a fun read for me!
the book definitely contains a few too many commonly included tropes (fake dating, love at first sight, small town, grumpy x sunshine) and feels like a bit of a movie, but I really enjoyed this combination!
i did not get bored of the book, and read it so quickly!!!
i definitely recommend if you’re looking for a light-hearted small town romance to lift your mood! this is my first Kate O'Keeffe book and I have definitely been missing out!
May 29, 2023
⭐️⭐️.5
I honestly don't know how to feel about this book. I mean, it was a cute book, don't get me wrong, but it was so predictable and too fast. The transition from strangers to lovers happened so quick, and it happened in such a short time that it was highly unlikely. Harper and Christopher were likable characters, but I wished for more depth. And no one can convince me that Christopher was a Grump, no way.
I honestly don't know how to feel about this book. I mean, it was a cute book, don't get me wrong, but it was so predictable and too fast. The transition from strangers to lovers happened so quick, and it happened in such a short time that it was highly unlikely. Harper and Christopher were likable characters, but I wished for more depth. And no one can convince me that Christopher was a Grump, no way.
March 6, 2023
This was such a fun read! I love a good warm hug type of book but this was fun because the characters weren't too terribly predictable. Harper was immediately someone I wanted to be friends with. I love how awkward she felt and everyone can relate to the terrible breakup experience.
I really liked that Christopher wasn't a typical cookie-cutter grumpy character. His qualities made him hilarious to read--their first conversation was so awkward. I loved it.
The characters felt deep enough to be able to connect with and the town was a place I wanted to visit and stay in forever.
I definitely recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really liked that Christopher wasn't a typical cookie-cutter grumpy character. His qualities made him hilarious to read--their first conversation was so awkward. I loved it.
The characters felt deep enough to be able to connect with and the town was a place I wanted to visit and stay in forever.
I definitely recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 16, 2023
Faking it with the grump was such a sweet read. I loved the small town setting and how it had the Hallmark movie vibes. Big shot lawyer guy goes to a small town and and local girl moves back home and fake dating chaos ensues.
This book was fast paced and I didn’t want to put it down, I just wanted to hug it when it was over if I could’ve. I definitely recommend it for those who love Hallmark style romances and fake dating. It is a clean romance and it was a five star rating since I got through it during a time I had a reading slump. I liked the author’s writing style and how everything wraps up in the end.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for allowing me the chance to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was fast paced and I didn’t want to put it down, I just wanted to hug it when it was over if I could’ve. I definitely recommend it for those who love Hallmark style romances and fake dating. It is a clean romance and it was a five star rating since I got through it during a time I had a reading slump. I liked the author’s writing style and how everything wraps up in the end.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for allowing me the chance to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 13, 2023
I received this book as an ARC on Netgalley!
I have never read a book by Katie O'Keeffe, and boy have I been missing out!! This book was absolutely adorable. I love the Grumpy/Sunshine Trope!
Harper and Christopher were hard not to fall in love with. Harper is trying to get over her famous Ex and Christopher has been sent to this small town for business. Their story pulls you in right away!
I would highly recommend checking out this book! I can wait for the next book in the Second Chance Cafe series.
I have never read a book by Katie O'Keeffe, and boy have I been missing out!! This book was absolutely adorable. I love the Grumpy/Sunshine Trope!
Harper and Christopher were hard not to fall in love with. Harper is trying to get over her famous Ex and Christopher has been sent to this small town for business. Their story pulls you in right away!
I would highly recommend checking out this book! I can wait for the next book in the Second Chance Cafe series.
February 24, 2023
Characters:
Christopher- Takes himself too seriously, but under that suit is a sweet, thoughtful teddy bear.
Harper- A recently dumped school teacher who is loved by all, especially the people of Hunter’s creek. I love how she pokes the grumpy bear and calls him out for being a stick in the mud. Such fun interactions!
Setting:
Most of the story takes place in the small, flannel wearing town of Hunter’s Creek where all of the bars have the word “bear” in the name and The Second Chance Cafe serves the best milkshakes “this side of Seattle”.
Plot:
I love the fake relationship trope so much, despite how unrealistic it is! As implausible as the official meet cute was in this book I loved it. 😆.
Kate O’Keefe’s portrayal of teacher life is very accurate. I wonder if she has classroom experience. 🤔
At one point, I was annoyed with both Harper and Christopher, but I forgave them. 😜
I predict Harper’s sisters will get their HEA’s soon and I’m looking forward to returning to Hunter’s Creek! ❤️
Hook: Harper and Christopher’s meet cute at Black Bear Bar. 🐻
Content: TW Cheating boyfriend; Clean (kissing only)
I received an ARC copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.
March 29, 2023
What a book...I'm so in love with Christopher...and Dex is a total tool!! Not as angsty as I thought it would be but I loved it. Hopefully the other books in this series will cover Harper's sisters, particularly Ryn.
March 22, 2023
First, I assumed this would be a grumpy sunshine situation given the title but our leading man is not a grump. He’s serious, professional and possibly on the spectrum. Second, They went from strangers to in love entirely too quickly. They spend a few moments in a bar together and one evening out and she’s already wanting to “be with him”.
I found the dialogue to be painful and boring between our leading duo. They lacked chemistry.
This one simply wasn’t “it” for me and I struggled all the way through.
ARC provided by NetGalley
I found the dialogue to be painful and boring between our leading duo. They lacked chemistry.
This one simply wasn’t “it” for me and I struggled all the way through.
ARC provided by NetGalley
March 30, 2023
3.5⭐️
This was a sweet quick paced rom-com with definite Hallmark Movie vibes.
What I Liked:
-The Insta-Love didn’t feel like too much
-Christopher (MMC) he’s grumpy but not mean, character growth without changing completely, When he’s playful he’s adorable, Overall a great guy.
-Small town setting (this one literally reminds me of where I live if you swap flannel for Fox Racing)
-The Sisters (His & Hers)
-Everything ’Bears’
What I Wasn’t Crazy About:
- I wish Harper had a bit more character growth of her own
-chunks of time passed in which we were told they were spending time together and falling for each other but by not getting to witness those interactions meant the chemistry build wasn’t there.
Overall I enjoyed this sweet book and I’m looking forward to the next ones to come in the Series
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet quick paced rom-com with definite Hallmark Movie vibes.
What I Liked:
-The Insta-Love didn’t feel like too much
-Christopher (MMC) he’s grumpy but not mean, character growth without changing completely, When he’s playful he’s adorable, Overall a great guy.
-Small town setting (this one literally reminds me of where I live if you swap flannel for Fox Racing)
-The Sisters (His & Hers)
-Everything ’Bears’
What I Wasn’t Crazy About:
- I wish Harper had a bit more character growth of her own
-chunks of time passed in which we were told they were spending time together and falling for each other but by not getting to witness those interactions meant the chemistry build wasn’t there.
Overall I enjoyed this sweet book and I’m looking forward to the next ones to come in the Series
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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