This had a lot of potential! I feel like it was very rushed and you didn’t really see a relationship bloom. It be book had all my favourite tropes in yet it just was not written great. The fake dating part didn’t really seem expand and they just fell for each other instantly and made it known, the whole small town aspect just seemed cliche with really nkt in depth.

Despite this, it was really a cute easy read.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for my honest review

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.

Faking it with the grump by kate o'keeffe is a book about harper cole who after a humiliating break up goes back to her small town in washington called hunter's creek to get away from everything but after the break up everybody tries to set her up with someone so she fake dates christopher young a new guy in town here for work who is only there for a short time. This book is really good! I just want to say that I loved the talk about enneagrams and them describing that they were because I am really into that sort of stuff. But I love me a small town and fake dating relationship. But here's the thing about this one, we only got to see 2 fake dates and I feel like they were kind of already in love with each other when they were fake dating. The reason why that is one of my favorite tropes is because I love when the lines blur between what's real and fake and they finally realize they're feelings for each other and I feel like there was none of that because it had already happened and it kinda felt insta lovey to me and I hate insta love. I feel like it was real the whole time and I know that they didn't admit their feelings for one another until like 60% through but like when you were in their individual pov's when they were fake dating you could already tell how much they liked each other and how attracted they were and I wanted them to realize that later and have a build up to it instead of it already happening which like kinda made the whole fake dating thing pointless if you ask me if they already have feeling for each other while they're "fake" dating. I also felt like the pacing was kinda weird like at the beginning it was fast but then after that it slowed down and it was just weird i feel like you should keep with the same pace in a book but that's just me or maybe I was reading it fast and slow then I don't know. But regardless I really enjoyed the book and the story and I love harper and topher so much. I give this book 4.5 stars but 4 for goodreads and other platforms who don't do quarter stars and I think that this book was really good and a good read in general and can I just say that I am so excited for Ryn and Gabe's book I shipped them and I can't wait to read about the especially Ryn because she seems like an interesting character and I feel like she's gonna be fun and i'm probably gonna like their book better because hello childhood friends to lovers? Also one of my favorite tropes and you honestly cannot do that trope wrong. Thanks so much for providing me the opportunity to read this book I really enjoyed reading it :)

"I can tell you categorically that being dumped by Hollywood's hottest new TV star is so not good for your sense of self-worth."

I really enjoyed Harper's wit and how she handled the situations life threw at her. She was both noble and relatable. I'm a big fan of the care free/grump trope, so this was right up my alley. Although the overall plot was predictable (I mean, it is a rom-com), I still enjoyed the dialogue, banter and relationships between the characters. Sibling relationships were represented accurately, and small town gossips were represented accurately. I think this could be a cute Hallmark movie like Christopher watches with his sister. I always pictured a young Ian Somerhalder as Dex - it's hard not to...

Thanks to Netgalley, the publishing company Wild Lime Books, and the author, Kate O'Keeffe, for providing me an electronic advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

First off, I do not like the title of this book. If I saw this in a library/store I would not pick it up. It makes it seem very cringy.

I did love the concept of the story. It is a fake dating, grumpy x sunshine story. It had a lot of hallmark movie vibes, which I think was where a lot of the inspiration came from considering the MMC mentioned hallmark movies a few times and about how his life was looking like something out of a hallmark movie.

The two main characters were interesting and fun to read about. There were a few times when I felt like they did not break out of their tropes though. They were very obviously written with a certain character trope in mind and it did make it feel very one dimensional at times. I do wish they had a bit more depth past that.

Overall, I think the writing style was good, but not great. It made me think that this was the author's debut book, but in actuality she has a lot of books out there. I feel like she is writing more for quantity than quality.

There are supposed to be more books in this series, I assume following the other sisters. I can for sure say I will not be reading any of the sequels. Book 2 follows the youngest sister, Ryn. And I feel like the writing in this book made me dislike her so much as a character. It didn't even feel like the author liked her. So I can't say I will read a book about her.

This was such a nice read! I loved the small town vibes and the fake dating is one of my favourite tropes.

The characters were likeable and the setting was fantastic.

I would have loved a little more spice between the two of them but overall a very cute and sweet story.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I can't get enough of opposites attract and bring out the best in each other! I really enjoyed seeing mutual growth to make two strong characters even stronger.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC.

I love a slow burn, I live for fake relationships, I love small town romance. This was so sweet but it was almost too sweet, that it felt unrealistic. It was enjoyable just not believable.

This book is exactly what I needed. It is a sweet small town, slow burn, fake relationship romance. Giving off major Hallmark vibes, mixed with a touch of nosy townfolk ala Gilmore Girls. I fell in love with Harper and Christopher, they couldn’t be more opposite but somehow that just really worked.

Harper Cole is a 25 year old elementary school teacher fresh off a devastating breakup with the man she thought was going to ask her to spend her life with him. Instead, standing on the Santa Monica Pier which is undoubtedly one of the most romantic settings he broke her heart as he broke the news he’d found someone else. Harper had never wanted to move to California, something she’d only done as she’d followed her heart. So she decided it is time to return home to the small town of Hunter’s Creek where she grew up.

Christopher Young is a hardworking lawyer in New York City on the partner track, the job is as good as his but instead of being sent to Chicago to prove he is ready to take that next step up the career ladder his boss sends him to small town Washington State. As he arrives in town he is quick to realize he does not fit in here, in New York City he is used to seeing people dress in their power suits but here it seem the uniform is a pair of work boots and a flannel. Good thing he is only here to get a job done and then it is back to NYC and onto bigger and better things. What Christopher hadn’t factored in was the beautiful woman he saw in passing at the local Cafe.

I loved the chemistry between these two, it was undeniable from how Christoper was instantly attracted to Harper and after the kiss at the bar it was obvious sparks were going to fly regardless of how hard they tried to deny it. Harper is to Hunter’s Creek what Lorelei Gilmore is to Stars Hollow, while a fake relationship with her would definitely help elevate how the towns people will take to Christopher he is well aware it can turn on a dime when it is revealed why he is really in town. Not to mention the fact their relationship fake or otherwise had an expiry date from the very start.

This is the first book I’ve read by author Kate O’Keeffe but it definitely will not be my last. It was a breath of fresh air and I could barely put it down. I love a good small town setting and these characters really drew me in. I cannot wait for the next instalment in this series.

Thank you to Wild Lime Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Overall, I did not love this book. The book throughout felt rushed, to the point that I did not understand at all how the two characters "fell in love" or get their relationship at all. The characters were fine, I thought the "grumpy" character was not so much grumpy as just autistic. Things were wrapped up a bit too nicely without making any sense- like Christopher quitting the NY job to move to Hunter's Creek, Dex showing up to profess his love but then quickly realizing it's not, etc.

I don't normally read romance books, but every now and then one comes along that intrigues me. Faking It With the Grump by Kate O'Keeffe, with its humourous title, cute cover, and fun description, drew me in and I am glad to have read it.
The switching points of view between main characters Harper and Christopher keeps the book moving on in an interesting way, and both are realistic and relatable characters who you can't help but root for. The fact that they are polar opposites brings with it a gentle humour, and watching them stumble through their relationship's growing pains is heartwarming and entertaining.
The book is well-written and difficult to put down.
I received an ARC of #FakingItWiththeGrump from #NetGalley.

this book is so cute & sweet! it gives major Hallmark movie vibes, and the storyline itself is easy to follow while also showing strong characters.

i’m not a “love at first sight” reader, but i greatly enjoyed it in this story. Harper & Christopher had such an exciting/engaging storyline and I can’t wait for more!!

tropes:
- fake dating
- grumpy sunshine
- small town romance
- love at first sight/insta-love
- slow burn

Unfortunately this book wasn't for me. I felt like the storyline and dialogue was a little bit boring. It also didn't feel like there was much chemistry with the characters. I found it interesting that the title is Faking it With The Grump but Christopher didn't come off as grumpy to me.

3,5

I requested Faking it with the grump, enchanted by the synopsis.
The novel itself is cute, flowing, set in a small town, and super sweet.
However, I found the story at times fast-paced and at times slow. The development of the main characters is almost absent, however, in the end, despite this Christopher and Harper have a nice chemistry right from the start.
I recommend it, because it is an enjoyable novel with which to pass hours, however, with a few more shrewdness it would have been even better!

This is the first Kate O'Keeffe book that i've read but will definitely read more in future.

Harper and Christopher were likeable characters that i rooted for! I really enjoyed everyone in Hunter's Creek, especially Harper's family

Sucker for a small town romcom and a grumpy/sunshine, add fake dating to the mix and chef's kiss!

thank you to netgalley for an opportunity to love this book.

This book has definite Hallmark movie vibes and honestly I’m here for it.

This book gave me some of my favorite things: grumpy x sunshine, fake dating, opposites attract, and of course a cozy little small town setting. The characters are super lovable, the romance is sweet, and there is such a sweet happily ever after (which both the fmc Harper and the mmc Christopher deserve). We also get a lot of laugh out loud moments from some of the side characters, especially Harper’s little sister Ryn, she’s hilarious.

I definitely think this is a book that I would recommend to really anybody, but especially people who like a sweeter romance with no spice. Thanks to NetGalley and the author for gifting me this copy. This is my honest review.

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.

Faking It With the Grump is a cute, grumpy-sunshine, small town romance. When Harper moves back to her hometown after a bad breakup, she meets a non-nonsense, big shot lawyer, Christopher, who is in town for a couple of months. The two end up in a fake dating rouse but end up falling for each other for real.. the problem is they are at odds about what to do when Christopher’s stay comes to an end.

This is really sweet story, i like how Christoper melting for Harper and i like how strong harper is, you go girl!! You deserve better! I curious abot next book! It is about Marlowe or Rysn

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#FakingItWiththeGrump #SecondChanceCafe #KateOKeeffe #WildLimeBooks #XpressoBookTours #NetGalley #ARC

Now I understand everything. I understand why Kate O’Keeffe is one of the best writers and one of the best sellers of romance books
.
This is hands down the best Close Door Romance I've read. It was perfect, the time line, the plot twist and the chemistry between them was building little by little despite being love at first sight
.
Harper Cole has just broken up with her boyfriend in an episode that went viral in the media. With nothing else to do in Los Angeles, Harper decides to return to her hometown and try to build a new life, but the first day she runs into a handsome man outside her aunt's cafe
.
Christopher Young came to Hunters Creek to do a certain task in the shortest possible time and return to New York for his long-awaited promotion. But a man in a suit with all his city air is not so welcome in town and when the prettiest woman in town asks him if she can kiss him without further explanation, Christopher surprise him self by saying yes
.
Fake relationship is one of my favorite tropes, and this one takes place in a quaint small town with a timeline that wouldn't let me put the book down. It was addictive and make me want to check her blacklist
.
Thanks to Kate O’Keeffe and Wild lime books for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest opinion
.
.
note: I'm going to upload my review online, on Goodreads, Bookbub and Amazon a few days before or the day it goes on sale. And on Instagram and/or Tik Tok in the days after I sent you this review