Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a fun laugh out loud read! Perfect for those searching for their next rom-com adventure!

Sharon M. Peterson’s second novel, The Fake Out, solidifies her as the queen of clean romcoms!!!

Two Hearts, Texas is home to Mae Sampson, the over worked and underpaid librarian. When the mayor threatens to continue cutting the library’s anemic budget, Mae decides to fight back. With her job on the line and a family in distress, Mae can barely keep her head above water.

As a professional football player for the Stars, Chris Sterns uses his fame to raise awareness for CHF. Growing up with a sister who suffered from the same disease, the CHF is a cause near and dear to his heart. But when Chris is captured in a compromising photo, the bad press threatens to destroy his reputation and affiliation with the charity.

Seeing an opportunity for the two to help one another, Chris suggest they enter into a fake relationship. Can Mae and Chris convince the public they are head over heels in love with each other? Or will their plan blow up in their faces?

I have been impatiently waiting to read this book since 2022. Peterson’s debut novel, The Do Over, was among my top reads last year. Immediately after finishing the book I began searching for more of her work. I was shocked to discover she was a first time author and did not have more books to her name. So when I heard she was working on her second book, I marked my calendar and began a count down.

I am happy to report it was well worth the wait. While I loved The Do Over, Peterson manages to perfect both the romance and comedy elements this time around. Despite being labeled ‘clean’, The Fake Out, had all the chemistry readers want and need in in a romance. The witty banter between Chris and Mae keep things flirty and hilarious. I found myself laughing from the moment I opened the book till the second I closed it (literally from the dedication to acknowledgments).

I cannot recommend The Fake Out enough. This is the perfect summer read if you are fans of Lynn Painter and Emily Henry, but prefer a closed door twist.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Sharon M. Peterson and Bookouture for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

If you are looking for a quick, enjoyable summer beach read, this is the book for you. It's fluffy, fun, and very low stakes. The characters are generally enjoyable, and there are some very fun moments sprinkled throughout. The pick-up lines that begin each chapter are a wonderful way to embrace some whimsy.

However, I generally like my books to have a little more substance so I feel some pull to sit with the storyline for longer, or a desire to reread the book in the future. Only a few days after reading this book, I feel like the major plot points have generally subsided to next to nothing. Part of it is that, while the characters are enjoyable, they often feel one=note. Chris is almost ridiculously perfect, with each new reveal demonstrating a new facet of his perfection, while Mae is almost too closed-off to be believable.

I appreciated the opportunity to read this eARC supplied via NetGalley - it made for a lovely summer holiday read. I would recommend it to anyone for an easy fast read, but would not recommend it if you're hoping for a little more substance to your romance.

I would give this book a 3.5 stars. The characters are likeable and I genuinely laughed out loud at moments but I wish there was less 'fade to black' / telling not showing. A lot of situations / instances of flirting and romantic moments between the main characters are told to us instead of shown on the page. Their relationship would've felt a lot more fleshed out and intimate if we for instance, spent more time at the lake with the characters. Wil definitely look out for more Peterson books though.

if you've never read reverse grumpy sunshine...you must! this story was
chef's kiss 💋

this story is about Mae & Chris, Mae is a headstrong librarian who doesn't take crap from anyone but has a heart of gold. works alot to help her mother and baby sister. Chris is a football star who meets Mae in her town library and they instantly have chemistry.

he literally started a book club with her 😂 after he overheard her spicy audio book playing 🫣 then after Chris discovers something about Mae and he offers her a deal that's hard to refuse (marriage of convenience)

i loved their chemistry, their bond and moments. Mae tried so hard to keep her feelings at bay but how could she when Chris showed up for her no matter what, time and time again 🩷

these characters were so well fleshed out, there was depth and beautiful background love stories and great side characters. if there is an interconnected series of these characters i will read more because i loved the town of Two Hart's and all of its inhabitants 🫶🏻

Sharon Peterson’s The Do-Over was my first Netgalley requested book & first approval. So I was SO excited to see a second book from her and this one did not disappoint.

Mae grew up with a dad who continually let her down. She’s had a tough life and it’s continued into adulthood when she’s been working two jobs to support her mom after a stroke & her teenage sister.

In enters Chris - a famous football player with never ending pick up lines and a heart of gold. He needs Mae to help his reputation after a video is leaked (and completely taken out of context) and she needs money. So they decide to start fake dating, fake engagement, but end up developing very real feelings.

I loved the relationship between Chris & Mae, even if the chemistry could have been a touch stronger. I felt it more with Chris than I did with Mae but I loved how the whole story played out.

Also - I want a book boyfriend like Chris. And I want him to write a book of pickup lines - the text conversations between Mae & Chris is gold.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Fake Out Sharon M. Peterson "Being scared is halfway to brave."

Sharon Peterson has done it again! If you read The Do Over, The Fake Out is another hit. Sharon's first book was wonderful and so funny. Her second is even better! I am a huge fan of hers on IG so when she announced the new book, I jumped onto NetGalley to get an e-ARC.

Mae is a small town librarian who finds a man asleep in the shelves. Her audiobook romance blares at the most embarrassing time, waking him up. Chris is an All Star NFL player with a problem. They become friends and enter into a fake engagement to help each other out. There are a lot of twists so I can't say a lot more. This is a fake engagement trope along with grumpy/sunshine but she is the grump. I love that they talk about the tropes in the book which I laughed out loud at.

Mae is a stand-out character. She is used to doing so much for others so as not to be disappointed when others let her down that Chris throws her for a loop. He is loyal, friendly, and adorable. He is up there with my all-time favorite MMCs. Together, Mae and Chris make an unstoppable duo. All the other characters are the perfect small-town people including Mae's best friend, Ali, who I hope gets her own book.

The Fake Out is a wonderful read and will not let you down!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the fabulous Sharon Peterson. This review is my own opinion.

Oh. My. God. This was SO FREAKING CUTE. IT WAS SO GOOD. I didn’t even CARE that there was zero spice. Well…the full-on spice. Because some of those kisses and some of the things he said to her had me a little hot under the collar.

God. I love that he respected her boundaries, and that it surprised her. and her mom? Love her mom. Her sister? Love her sister.

The mayor? Peter Stone can eat glass. I hate him so much.

The Fake Out follows small town, hyper responsible librarian Mae as she very reluctantly crosses paths with Chris Sterns, football star and all around good guy who is in a bit of a pickle at the moment. Such picke will lead them both into an arrangement of the fake-engagement and ,(yes!) there-is-only one bed kind.

Much like in The Do Over, Sharon M. Peterson's debut novel, there is a net of secondary characters and subplots that support the main storyline and its protagonist, making Mae as relatable as she is flawed, as every human being is. If I had to say something that didn't quite do it for me, it would be the fact that almost the opposite can be said about Chris; getting to know him and his imperfections is something that I feel would have made The Fake Out even better, without losing any of its sweetness.

I absolutely loved this book! I was wrapped up in the story right from the beginning and couldn’t put it down!

Mae and Chris are quite the pair and I love how their differences compliment each other so well. It’s also just a nice touch when the male lead is just a genuinely good person. Sweet, clean and full of witty banter, this book was a delight from cover to cover!

I can’t wait to read what Sharon Peterson writes next!

When small town librarian Mae finds a stranger asleep in her library after closing, she tries to wake him... until his smile shows he's been listening in to her smutty audiobook playing at full volume. An unlikely friendship begins, focusing on their mutual love of reading and witty banter. She's soon surprised to learn that he's famous NFL player Chris Sterns, and he's chosen her town for his off season hideaway.

When a media article leaks showing her genuine new friend in a potentially compromising position, she agrees to something crazy... she'll fake an engagement to clear up his image and in return, provide her with the funds to pay off her mother's medical bills.

But faking their relationship is much harder than she anticipated, and there are people who'll use this as an opportunity to get back at them both... Will they pull it off? Or will outside forces ruin their chance at happiness?

Thank you to @stone4031 @bookouture & @netgalley for providing me with this ARC. The book is publishing on July 5th and I highly recommend it!

I absolutely loved how much this book had me giggling. The corny pick up lines at the start of each chapter were hilarious, as was the banter between our grumpy/sunshine pair. Mae had the weight of the world on her shoulders and Chris was the perfect salve to lift her spirits and help her see that she isn't weak for accepting help.

This is a sweet romance (line drawn at kissing) but the story really is about Mae's journey of self discovery and saving her beloved library. The romance factor was fun, but it was far more of an emotional connection and the ending hit me right in the heart!

4.5 Stars! I enjoyed reading this standalone rom-com, it was super cute. The main male character, Chris, was so kind and sweet, I fell in love with him and his great sense of humor. The main female character, Mae, was grumpy and mean and I didn’t really care for her. That being said I liked how this book was the grumpy/sunshine with the male being the sunshine and the female being the grump, most books with that trope is the opposite. I actually LOL’d a few times and caught myself smiling throughout the book. Definitely a light hearted, romantic comedy and a great pick for someone wanting a clean, no ‘sexy times’ but plenty of LOL moments and a HEA ending. Would’ve liked a longer epilogue but still a fantastic book!
Also - Why can’t I get a guy like Chris to fall in love with me?! Do men like him really exist?
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

So fun!

Mae Sampson just wanted to finish up putting books away at the library when she finds a stranger sleeping at the library. It’s been a long day after the city of Two Harts gutted her budget even though she is the sole support for her mother and little sister.

Football player Chris Sterns was using the library to escape from his fans and his new hobby of irritating Mae every time he saw her. But Mae needs money for her mother’s medical bills and Chris needs something to fix his image. Maybe they can fake an engagement and they can help each other?

The Fake Out is a fun read and I especially loved the bad pick-up lines in the beginning of each chapter.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Unfortunately I was unable to get into this book. I felt like the dialogue was off and didnt really feel like it flowed well. I couldnt connect to the characters. I am sure this book will be loved my many, but just was not my personal preference,

This is a fun romcom that definitely made me laugh. I enjoyed the grumpy x sunshine where the woman was the grump. It made a nice change. Also, Chris was just adorable. There are also so many great supporting characters that add some more entertainment. I did find the time jumped around a bit. Some chapters with not much happening seemed to drag and then others told us that an event was happening and then skip to after. I wanted to see more of Mae and Chris together because the love felt a bit sudden and I didn’t feel any sizzling chemistry. However, I did love that the 3rd act drama wasn’t drawn out and was dealt with in a pretty mature way. Also a huge fan of a plus size main character which wasn’t a main plot point. This is a cute closed door romance with a lot of laughs along the way. Each chapter also starts with a cheesy pick up line which was a great touch.

3.5 rounded up to 4

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I would like to thank netgalley and Bookouture for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A really enjoyable sweet romance, I devoured it in a day.

I very much enjoyed this story. The characters were fun, the plot was exciting, the different problems that arose through the book entertaining and it was just great. I loved the MMC for his sweetness and humor and the FMC for the way she handled her stuff as a strong, independent woman. I loved them even more together.

Thanks Netgalley for a review copy!

This book was just impossible to put down! I'd have devoured this in one sitting if I had no other commitments. Such a feel-good book, so easy to read. And the humor!! OMG

I loved the representation of a first daughter whose father is absent in the lives of his children. Mae was the man in her family. She worked multiple jobs to support them financially and would absolutely do anything to protect them. Naturally, she couldn't help being a worrier.

And Chris was the sweetest golden retriever man ever. He was so calm and patient with Mae. Also reminded her multiple times in the book that it's okay to put herself first before everyone else. This man was down BAD. Mae and Chris complete each other. They were made for each other. No one can tell me otherwise.

And Kevin!!! He was the moment. He was the star. I love this cat so much.

I'm definitely getting a physical copy of this book <3

Sharon M. Peterson is a new to me author, but when I read the description of this book, I knew I had to give it a shot. Fake dating/engagement has been one of my favorite tropes lately, so of course that drew me in. Add in a bookish female lead and an athlete male lead (which I've also been enjoying a lot recently) ... and it seemed right up my alley. And oh, my goodness... I just adored this book.

Each chapter started with a (mostly) cheesy pick-up line... some I'd heard before and some that were new to me. I couldn't help but laugh out loud with many of them. Those cheesy pick-up lines carried on throughout the story itself too, and I really just couldn't get enough of them. From the perfect meet cute to the delightful banter, this story really just drew me in and was just the laugh out loud romance that I was needed at the moment. When he tells her 'it suits her' and we later find out the story behind it!? Oooh, the swooning... that's all I'll say about that! There truly was just so much to enjoy about this story, and I find myself looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.

This is a closed-door romantic comedy with great chemistry and some swoon-worthy kisses (and maybe a few slight innuendos), but nothing beyond that. There was a fair amount of mild language throughout as well.

Overall, this was a really fun read. If you love a good fake engagement romance full of laughs, this is most certainly one to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

When Mae finds an NFL all-star player asleep in her library, the last thing she expects is to start a book club with him. Then the two become friends and something even stranger happens, he asks for her hand in marriage. Is she experiencing some weird fever dream? Since when do these things happen in real life? Turns out Chris is looking for some good publicity after an incident that threatened his work with a charity… it doesn’t hurt that he’s offered Mae $100,000 to be his fake fiancé.

The Fake Out was such a heart-warming read – it was like being wrapped up in a cozy blanket in front of a toasty fire. I adored the relationship between the main characters, and how it unfurled slowly but surely over time. The fact that they became friends first made the journey so sweet and wholesome. I also liked the other relationships in the novel, especially the one between the MC, her mother and her sister. Chris, our love interest, was a good, honest person and a total golden retriever (which is one of my favourite types of book boyfriends). Perhaps you could argue he was too good? There wasn’t one thing he did that I didn’t like – maybe accept one little thing at the end of the novel, but I think that was more to create tension. The small-town setting was just gorgeous, I love it when everyone knows everyone and love reading about all the little dramas that come with small towns. There was a little bit of tension created at the end of the novel (mentioned previously) that raised a few questions for me, but it didn’t interfere with my enjoyment. Overall, this was a great read to pass the time.