As the name implies, this is an unputdownable fake dating meets second chance romance. The premise is a bit out there but I picked it up because I loved Nan Campbell’s debut, and this delivered too. Her characters are so realistic. There are two kids of different ages and they’re both very realistic too. The banter is there, which is tough to do since she’s balancing real feelings with a fake relationship + found but also blood family. That’s an intricate web, but reading it isn’t complicated. It’s a smooth, beautifully told love story with great chemistry, and a wonderful example of what family can and should be. The end gets a bit syrupy, but it’s rounded out by a sweet epilogue, available free on the author’s website. The best part about Nan’s work, is her writing. There are fun facts sprinkled throughout, clever puns, and I especially love that she uses elevated language and themes, and trusts the reader to stick with it. I’m definitely along for the ride. Highly recommend!

Short summary: Thrown together by their parents’ love affair, Anna and Davy become best friends for one summer until they’re separated for about 15 years, connected only by their half sister. A misunderstanding leads to Davy asking Anna to be her fake fiancée so she can get ahead at work. As they spend more time together a real attraction blossoms, but will either of them be brave enough to admit it?

Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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