Okay so I started this book, got to 15% and then never picked it up again. I had completely forgotten it and that never happens with me. I either commit or dnf. I'm not sure really what happenes here as this book sounds right up my street but for me to stop reading it and not pick it up again means I didn't have any interest in carrying it on.

It sucks because like I said this one on paper sounds like I should have been absolutely in love with it but it seems like it just missed the mark.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

librarian who’s used to doing everything for everyone else, and leaving her struggles to herself to not disrupt others. That’s Mae. She’s also a server similar to hooters for extra money for her mom’s medical bills.

Then there’s Chris, the NFL player staying in a small town during the off season to try and let the media die down after a “scandal” where the women in question is actually his sister, but he doesn’t want to out her.

What’s the best way to fix an image of “bad boy” ways? Fake dating that turns into a fake engagement of course. The banter. The friendship and little book club they started with. The reverse grumpy sunshine vibes.

Not only was the storyline adorable and I relate to Mae a little too much for my comfort, it’s also a closed door romance - so we get a clean romcom out of this!

4 ⭐️

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I want to start by saying that using pickup lines people have submitted at the start of each chapter was brilliant and gave some good laughs.

I've always loved fake dating, but sometimes they fall into the trap of their reasoning, not making sense, this one doesn't. I loved that their reasons were for their families, not for them.

The book really benefits from them already having flirty banter and having met recently but being friends. The romance feels believable, and it suits me just fine (if you've read it, you'll get that ) 😆

But the best part for me was Maes' interactions with everyone around her. From her mother and sister to best friend to all the people who use the library. We get to see so many sides to her, and it really counteracts the dowdy librarian stereotype. Ali, her best friend, was one of my favourite characters, I long for a scene with her and Chris's sister millie together. Imagine the carnage.

I did see the third act conflict coming a mile off, and I knew who anonymous was immediately. I kind of wish we had them face it together rather than what happens, but it all works out in the end.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, Sharon M. Peterson and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

"The Fake Out" by Sharon M. Peterson is a charming and heart-warming friends-to-lovers romance that will leave readers smiling from ear to ear.

Set in the small town of Two Harts, the story follows librarian Emily as she unexpectedly finds herself entangled with Chris Sterns, an NFL player seeking refuge from the spotlight in her library. Despite their initial clashes, Emily is drawn to Chris's charm and positivity, especially when he invites her to join his impromptu book club.

Peterson's writing is witty and engaging, with laugh-out-loud moments scattered throughout the narrative. As Emily and Chris navigate their evolving relationship, readers will find themselves rooting for this unlikely pair to overcome obstacles and find their happily ever after.

What sets "The Fake Out" apart is its refreshing take on the fake engagement trope, injecting humour and heart into the familiar storyline. As Emily and Chris grapple with their feelings and the pressures of public scrutiny, the novel explores themes of family, friendship, and the true meaning of love.

"The Fake Out" by Sharon M. Peterson tells the story of a small-town librarian named Chris Sterns, who finds herself caught up in the whirlwind world of an all-star NFL player, Chris Sterns. Despite his charming demeanor and persistent attempts to engage her, Chris initially finds herself frustrated by his presence in her quiet hometown.

However, as they spend more time together and Chris ropes her into his two-person book club, she begins to warm up to his endless positivity and infectious charm. Yet, when a scandal threatens to tarnish Chris's reputation, Chris is forced to question whether his persona is genuine or merely an act.

Amidst the chaos, Chris is stunned when Chris unexpectedly proposes marriage to her. Although it's not the proposal she envisioned, Chris sees it as an opportunity to alleviate her mother's mounting medical bills and help Chris salvage his public image.

As they navigate the complexities of their fake engagement, both Chris and Chris begin to develop real feelings for each other. However, they must confront the possibility that their engagement may not be as fake as they originally intended, and they risk losing more than just their hearts in the process.

With humor, heart, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, "The Fake Out" is a charming friends-to-lovers romance that explores the unexpected connections that can arise when two people from different worlds collide.

This book was Ah-MAZING! I always like to go into a book blind. I don’t like knowing too much ahead of time so I didn’t even read the back. This book is definitely became one of my favorites. I couldn’t put it book down and completed it in a day and 1/2 . This sweet, and funny Rom-Com about a small town librarian and NFL star really grabs you and has you laughing and aweing your way through the book. THIS NEEDS TO BE a MOVIE!

A great rom-com with brilliant chemistry between the Characters. I found it a slow start, but then I rushed through it absolutely loving the banter, witty writing and general storyline. Great as a fun light heart read.

Truly a romcom in every sense of the word. Great romance and great comedy! I love the characters and their banter and their chemistry. So fun and enjoyable.

Such a fun and wholesome rom-com!! The banter had me laughing out loud and chemistry swooning!
I really enjoyed the cheesy pickup lines at the start of each chapter.
Sharon was a new author for me and so glad I got to read The Fake Out.

This book was fine but I didn’t love it. The pacing felt a bit off and not one I’d go back to in a hurry. It might have been more a me issue but I think it just wasn’t meaty enough for me to really enjoy

This book really is laugh out loud funny. It’s a brilliantly written tale about a small town librarian and the man she finds asleep in the library. It also has one of the funniest lines I’ve ever read in a book…’Then nothing. Not a sound. Just my best friend staring at me like I’d grown a second head and it was playing the flute.’ I’ve already recommended it to friends. If you need cheering up, get this book.

The Fake Out: An utterly hilarious and totally heart-warming romantic comedy by Sharon M. Peterson is a rom com that some readers may enjoy. The writing style in this book is definitely unique. The banter between characters was meant to be funny but I really had a hard time reading this book because of it. Some readers may enjoy this book. It is a good happily ever after trope. It is a good story overall. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is the ideal read for casual romance book lovers who want a light, straightforward story to escape into. The plot is something out of a Hallmark movie (the far-fetched aspect is what makes it fun!) and I enjoyed it immensely. This cheeky friends-to-lovers story is full of all my favorite romcom tropes: fake dating, marriage of convenience, opposites attract, small town romance, sports romance, and a slow burn romance. Both of the MCs are lovable and you really root for them to end up happy.

I wasn’t sure about this book for the first couple of chapters but as it progressed it got more engaging. Great story of learning to trust your feelings - small time librarian meets (American) football star … obviously the romance themes are loud and clear - the annoying ex, the pretence of a relationship etc, but this is a warm and absorbing book. In fact I thought I had read other books by this author but it appears to be my first - would read others… 4*

Mae can’t lock up the library until the guy asleep at his desk leaves. The mystery man finally wakes up—just in time to hear a steamy scene from Mae’s audiobook. The man turns out to be annoyingly handsome all-star NFL player Chris Stern. He keeps returning to the library, and winding Mae up may be his new favorite sport. But when a photo of him stumbling out of a Las Vegas club with a woman in tow is leaked to the press, Chris needs to fix his public image fast. He proposes a deal to Mae: if she agrees to be his fake fiancé, he’ll pay her—enough to pay off her mom’s medical bills. Could a fake engagement be the perfect fake out for Mae and Chris? Or are they playing a game they can’t win?

Another @netgalley ARC! 😅 Fall is the perfect time to read a sports romance, and I love a good fake dating story! Mae’s character was cute, quirky, funny, and string, making her a great protagonist. Chris really balanced her out well and I love how he was able to recognized that she needed someone to look out for her when she was so busy taking care of others. One thing I didn’t particularly care for was that Mae was oblivious to Chris’s feelings, and failed to give voice to her own, for the majority of the novel. But the story was cute and funny with a fast and engaging plot, so I was able to get past this. The Fake Out is out now, and it’s available on Kindle Unlimited!

The Fake Out is one of my favorite genres- famous guy, small town girl, fake relationship and then throw in a library! I really liked this one and fell in love with Chris Sterns along with Mae. I identified with Mae and her struggles to make ends meet, to take care of her family and deal with family issues; she was strong and lovable. I loved her friend Ali also and would love to learn more about her too. The complications were real and at times frustrating but not too bad, and of course a wonderful ending.

If you’ve been combing the internet for the football romance of your dreams, but would not like to read about football. Ding Ding Ding! I’ve got you. The Fake Out is about an NFL star that moves to a small town for a while to get away from buzz and then meets the town librarian in the cutest little meet cute and I’m not going to tell you even a word more because I just want you to read it.

Sharon M Peterson IS one of the best romance girlies in the game and she is out here writing top tier romance that not enough people are talking about. I am a Sharon M Peterson Stan. The story is always so organic and while my favorite tropes are present they are never forced or clunky or written just to be written. Not to mention, I care about every single supporting characters she writes. She has a gift.

This book was written for you if:
1. You are swept away in the romance of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce
2. You want great writing and great romance
3. You would like to stay up all night tonight with this absolute page-turner

This is your traditional rom-com–one that screams Hallmark Channel movie–but don’t let that deter you from reading it. Mae, the lovable, single librarian, finds herself equal parts annoyed and attracted to Chris, the professional football player who has taken up residence in Mae’s hometown. Both find themselves in situations where they could help each other out by having a fake relationship, however Mae is quite a bit more hesitant to accept the help than Chris is (typical strong female character who thinks she can do everything on her own). Their fake romance is full of hilarious situations, and those along with the pick up lines that begin each chapter, add to the overall joy of this book.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc. This a hilarious romantic comedy, it's full of interesting and hilarious characters. I loved her best friend Ali, we all need a friend like her. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.