Faking it With the Grump, by Katie O’Keeffe, is a quick, easy, rom-com read that reminded me of a Hallmark movie. Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with an ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

This was a very G rated cutesy hallmark type book. When you just want something cute and light, maybe a little predicate or to read on the beach or something this could be that book. Only 3 stars because I like my books to have a little more uumph to them, but that’s personal preference.

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.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book to read and review. All of these thoughts and comments are my own.

I love the trope “faking dating”.

Harper and Christopher “topher” are complete opposites. Harper just got dump by her semi famous boyfriend and Christopher lives in New York and is trying to get a promotion that he’s worked so hard towards. Fate sends them both to Hunter Creek.

Harper propositions Christopher into fake dating her so that she doesn’t have to constantly talk to people about her breakup and so that people will stop trying to set her up on dates. Christopher agrees because he wants the people of Hunter Creek to like them and what better way than to date the towns “sweetheart”.

Will this fake dating turn into something more and will they sacrifice what they want in life to be able to be together?

Read this and find out!

SPOILERS BELOW!!

I think the fake dating trope is cute. They always end up together and I love it. I do think parts of this was a tad boring and I found the slow burning love to practically not really be there. The ended up falling inlove but I just felt like a lot of the “love building” was non existent. I do love Harper Topher together and I thought the plot was great but more details should’ve been in there in my opinion.

3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Faking it With the Grump is a cute fake dating Romance. Harper is publicly dumped by her high school sweetheart turned actor. Christopher is a grumpy lawyer sent to her small home town to see if his company would like to purchase the local lumber mill. While people all over town decide that she needs to be set up with whatever random single guy they know. Harper decides, yeah no. So she lies about dating Christopher the new guy in town. Now here is where one would expect tons of hilarious hijinks. However, there were very few. While over all I enjoyed this book., It was a sweet romance novel, there was little of what I would call comedy. While this was not what I would call supper funny, it was sweet and cute. If you are looking for a sweet/cute romance this is the story for you.

Absolutely LOVED this book!! I could not put down this book, it hooked me in right away! I loved the main characters witty banter with them being opposites and all the tension! The small town gave me serious Gilmore Girls Vibes with all the characters of Hunter Creek totally invested in Harper and Christopher's relationship like Luke and Lorelai!!

Tropes
** Fake dating
** Small Town Romance
** Opposites attract!!
**Slow Burn

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
(ARC Review)

I freaking looooved this book!! It just so good! As soon as I saw it and it said grumpy x sunshine, fake dating, and small town!! I was sold! I usually don’t like slow burn but Kate definitely made it so damn worth it!! Also the fact that they were so different yet similar in some ways was just amazing!! I loved it!! 💙

Harper has been dating small town hero, Dex for years. She has moved for him, paid off his debt for him, and, just as Dex finally starts to make it as an actor, he dumps her. But not just any dumping, the most humiliating dumping ever seen on the internet. Haper packs up her things and moves home. The place she has always wanted to end up.

Christopher is a high flyer. He works hard and works out just as hard. He was first in his class at law school, and nothing can stand in his way of becoming a junior partner. Not even ending up in small town Washington State. He is going to do his three months, make a recommendation to his company, and then go back to New York.

So when Harper is in desperate need of a fake boyfriend to put her coworkers off setting her up on dates, she approaches Christopher. Christopher is stunned but happy to play along. When Christopher's company decides to go against his advice, how will it impact his budding relationship with Harper?

Will Christopher go back to New York? Will Haper say yes, like she does to everyone, and follow? Will Dex make a triumphant return? And are vampire shows over?

This was a classic fake dating, grumpy meets sunshine book. It was so sweet. I really enjoyed it but only kisses left me wanting. If you like declarations of love on only kisses, this one is for you. If you are looking for spice, be warned. There isn't any.

Faking It With The Grump is the first book in Kate O
Keeffe's Second Chance Café series. Are you a fan of Hallmark movies? Then you will absolutely adore this book! Harper is our sunshine teacher who finds strength at her weakest. Christopher is our grumpy big city lawyer who gets his world turned upside down. I loved watching their characters evolve throughout the novel. And the small town was simply precious. Although I am not a fan of third acts, I do understand the role it played in the story. I loved this quick read that brought on the banter!! Oh the witty banter is always the best part! Cannot wait for the second book in the series to see Harper's story!

𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜:
- Fake Dating
- Opposites Attract
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Small Town Romance
- Closed Door Romance

Happy publication date 3/14/2023.

If you like sweet, romantic , cheesy Hallmark movies , you’ll definitely like this book too . You have the sunshine heroine , the grumpy serious good looking hero , both in a mix where they “fake date” only to end up actually falling for each other amidst a small town setting where everyone knows each other and are nosy , into each other’s business… you have all those tropes served here .
But sometimes you want to read something lighthearted , jovial , fast paced , to rekindle the simplicity in a story that you don’t have to feel overwhelmed with , then this is your pick .
Don’t go into this expecting to have surprising twists or over explanations to some to the plot points , enjoy a easy breezy read .
Thanks to the publisher and author for the ARC.
I rate this 3.5/5 stars ⭐️

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, cute and kept me reading. I wanted to find out what was going to happen. I enjoyed this book and will look for more books by this author.

This was a cute fun romcom. Quick and easy to read. Christoper was a little over the top for me, I think ironing his jeans etc was too much. I also can’t stand the “Topher” nickname. I also wish there was at least a little spice.

This book reads like a Hallmark movie. It's so cute, sweet and lovable. Lots of tropes, fake dating, grumpy sunshine, small town, etc.
Harper Cole is an elementary school teacher trying to mend a broken heart and a broken purse after being dumped by her celebrity boyfriend. Christopher Young is a type A lawyer, workaholic who is sent to the small town of Hunter's Creek to learn about a mill that his company may acquire.

I loved this book! If you want sweet, simple, like the movies HEA this is the book for you. The characters are great, the story flows well and I wasn't bored one time.

I would recommend this book!

Fake dating is a classic romance trope for a reason. It’s a perfect setup that practically guarantees hilarious hijinks. And that’s why it works so well so well in Kate O’Keeffe’s Faking It With the Grump. Harper has returned home where everyone knows about her breakup because it went viral. And it seems everyone is anxious to set her up with someone new. Not exactly something she is thrilled about, and so she comes up with the old fake boyfriend plan. Which brings us to Christopher who is from New York and only in town to complete some business and agrees to play the part of Harper’s boyfriend. Of course I think you can guess what happens, can’t you? Yep, they begin to develop true feelings. This one plays out like a Hallmark movie, which is a compliment since I’m a sucker for Hallmark movie. Seriously who can resist a good HEA? This is the first book in a new series and I’ll be looking forward to next one. Thanks so much to Wild Lime Books and NetGalley for allowing me a chance to read and ARC of Faking It With the Grump.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/faking-it-with-the-grump-kate-okeeffe/1142771570?ean=2940186785835&bvnotificationId=7394a1e4-c2ab-11ed-84fe-12980b78a299&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/243425716

This book had most of the things I love in a book: fake dating, small town and grumpy/sunshine!

Faking it with the Grump is the first book in the Second Chance Cafe series and it did not disappoint. I loved getting to know the MMCs and seeing their romance unfold. Christopher is a really staunch guy with so much responsibility seemingly on his shoulders. He just wants to work to earn enough to support his little sister which is admirable - it does make him seem grumpy, uptight and a little bit of a stick in the mud (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). Harper has been dumped by her high school sweetheart and is ready for a fresh start in her hometown, or is she? As a primary teacher she exudes sunshine and patience which makes their pairing all the more great. A sweet closed door romance!

While I enjoyed the book, I felt as though it moved very fast and I personally like a slower burn and a slower pace for the book. However, I did appreciate that it was a quick and easy read.

3.5 stars!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the e-ARC!

Harper is a bubbly teacher who’s passionate about what she does, which I really admired. She is recently dumped but gets right back up again, she’s strong and knows what she wants out of life (after a few twists and turns). I love her small town passion and her love for her students shines through.

Christopher is a big shot city lawyer who’s in town for a project. He’s self proclaimed boring and uptight (he loves wearing suits and irons his jeans 😂). But when you get to know him more, he’s very sweet, caring, and just needs a safe space to show his emotions. He captured my heart!

The plot moved at a good pace, although it is a small town so beware it’s a tad on the slower side but I feel it‘s well suited. Harper’s ex as a character was annoying and I felt didn’t suit the vibes of the book but the conflict was needed.

If you love grumpy/sunshine, city lover/small town lover, opposites attract, fake dating and Hallmark feel good vibes, then this book will be right up your alley.

Small town and grumpy/sunshine and fake dating romcom.
I liked the contrast between the characters and how they evolve with each other.
It’s a sweet story about first love and trust.
Harper has such a sweet personality and she’s funny.
Christopher on the other hand come from NY and want the big job and big responsibilities, he loves his routine and don’t really know how to be without it (and his suit).
We know the twist from the beginning but we like it anyway.
A feel good romance. Can’t wait to read the second book from The Second Chance Café :)

Rating: 3/5⭐️

Publication Date: March 14th 2023

Author: Kate O’Keeffe

Review: Back at it again with the cute Hallmark reads. This book was the definition of a feel good book. If you have ever watched a hallmark movie this could perfectly play in your mind .. tight suit man falls for easy going small town girl. I enjoyed it .. has some smooches but that’s about it. It was a very G rated book so if that is something you are looking for this is definitely the book for you. It’s not very long so it’s pretty easy to read in a short amount of time.

I’m curious to see what the rest of the series has to offer maybe the sister?

This was a fun and fantastic read. Christopher and Harper were very well written characters.

Christopher with his three piece suits and his too serious attitude, and Harper who is a school teacher and very loved by all in Hunter’s Creek.

The witty banter between these two had me cracking up 😂 Harper just loved pushing Christopher’s buttons. You know that saying “don’t poke the bear”?….yeah Harper loved poking Christopher and calling him out of his shit-it was great!

The whole “faking-dating” is one of my favorite troupes to read in books and this one did not disappoint. Kate O’Keeffe did an excellent job at bringing these characters together and the plot of the story was *chefs kiss*

I look forward to the next book, Faking it with my Best Friend in the Second Cafe Series this June!

3.75 if I could. The CHEESE level was immaculate! This is a Hallmark movie begging to be made! I love fake dating, but fake dating where the man is the one determined to make it real is my bread and butter. My main problem with this is that we were 19% in before the lovers ever met. That long exposition almost made me abandon the book, but I'm glad I powered through. This book is perfectly ok for young readers.

Harper annoyed me at times I cannot lie, but she is kickass! The way she reacts to Dex breaking up with her is a girl boss move. Also, she moved to L.A. for him although she didn't want that, and we saw such huge self-growth when a chance to move is offered to her later in the book. That was the thing that made this a 4 star instead of a 3 star. She knows what she wants and who she is.

Christopher also has such huge personal growth I loved seeing it. He's such a sweetheart, and a great boyfriend and brother. He was why I'm sad this is a book appropriate for young readers. I'm ready for the next book please!