Member Reviews

When Amarie Walker found her now ex-boyfriend with his secretary in bed, she walked out. Amarie heads out of town with just about nothing. With DC in her rear view mirror, it immediately got worse when her car broke down in small town Service, West Virginia. With only one job opening that she could find, she walks into the Calvary Veterinary Clinic knowing it’s her only chance at a new start. However, the owner, Eli Calvary, has other ideas and is one certified grump who doesn’t like the idea of Amarie sticking around, let alone being his employee. Facing foreclosure, Eli has no choice but to bring on Amarie to let her work some magic on trying to build up the business as his new fake business partner. It’s pretty quick that there might be more than business between them as the sparks immediately begin to fly.

This one gave a lot of Lizzie Shane vibes with the tie into so many animals. A very solid 3.5 cat rounded up. Very quick read with lots of laughs. While this wasn’t mentioned as a series book, I would absolutely love it if the author took on the other brothers stories through love. I think it would be fun to keep following the Calvary family through their journey.

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I loved this sweet small-town romance. Amarie is a sunshine heroine who is starting over in life. She, of course, ends up working with the grump in town, Eli. However, hilarity ensues as does romance. Loved it!

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Fake It Till You Make It by Siera London was a cute romp through the small mountain town of Service, West Virginia. There were laugh-out-loud moments, several animals and exes, secrets, small town life, gossips, and businesses. There were also money troubles, lies, doubts, insecurities, social media posts many of which go viral, romance, love, hopes and dreams, families, and friends who are like family.

This book is Amarie and Eli’s story, which is front and center throughout until things fall apart. She comes into Eli’s vet clinic looking for a job like a breath of fresh air to his family, but not so much to Eli. Amarie lives by the motto, “Fake it till you make it,” and it is voiced several times throughout. They are good together and balance each other until they have a major falling out. Everyone sees they belong together, but once Eli breaks Amarie’s trust, can their love and relationship survive, especially with others plotting against them?

Many stories were told, and there was a good flow for the most part. Things often get heated, especially when their exes come around wanting them back. There’s also another kind of heat, and it’s not just the weather and humidity. The epilogue takes place fourteen months later and gives some closure and the happily ever after I root for, but Eli’s brothers both need their stories to be told, so I’m hoping we’ll get back in Service at least a couple more times.

Fake It Till You Make It is a small town romance with many townsfolk having big hearts. Sit back and relax and see how the town gets back on track in more ways than one.

Also reviewed on NovelsAlive.

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this was a super cute small town romance! it got a little complicated given both characters relationship history & the mystery guest pop ups, but i live for the drama! on top of that, it was interesting to see how the business aspect came into play to bring the MCs together. could definitely see this playing on Hallmark one day haha that’s how cozy it was!

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Let me begin by saying I simply love the cover of this book; it is bright lively and an eyecatcher and pulled me inside the pages of “Fake It Til You Make It.” This is a great romantic comedy that had me on the edge of my seat laughing, enjoying the camaraderie between Amarie and her grumpy veterinarian boss Eli. Eli, who recently divorced has just taken over his father’s vet business, and he had no idea that the business was on the brinks of foreclosure. Amarie is off and running fleeing DC and her cheating ex. She finds herself in the small town of West Virginia with her broken down car that she has named Prince, with no job, no money and homeless while readying herself for a new start on life. Amarie gets Eli to hire her at his vet clinic. Amarie and Eli embark on a fake investor relationship and find themselves getting more than they bargained for when they go fake to real when their feelings get the best of them. These two are awesome along with Eli’s adorable golden retriever and Eli’s mom. I do, looking to reading more this authors books. I surely hope that she has more in store with books like “Fake It Til You Make” romantic comedy. Great Job and well-done Siera London.

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing; I received an ARC, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

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Fake It Till You Make It by Sierra London is a sweet starting over romance staring Amarie Walker who has left her old life behind and finds herself in a small town jobless and homeless. She finds herself a job with the local grumpy veterinarian Eli Calvary. Eli is grumpy for a good reason- he is at risk of losing his practice and his father's legacy.

When Eli took over his late father’s practice, he quickly discovered the clinic was facing foreclosure. He doesn't have time to be pleasant, even to his new, gorgeous and intelligent employee. Yet he pulls her into the business and a bit of a lie. However, together they work to save the practice and their furry clients. They both also notice and vehemently deny sparks..But will they save the clinic and maybe accept their fate and the sparks between them?

Ms. London has written a sweet beautiful story with fun, quirky, likeable characters. The storyline is interesting, fun, and the ending is perfect.

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This was really cute, it felt just like a hallmark movie. They were both broken from their last relationships and they helped build each other back up. I loved seeing their love.


I received an arc through netgalley.

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Such a cute “Hallmark” type of book. Adorable, fade to the black love scene, no cursing or anything bad a good clean romance all can enjoy! I’m a fan and want to read more from the author!


The small-town soldier turned veterinarian has to save his family's clinic and properties. A big city girl from DC just got out of a horrible relationship and takes a job at the clinic until she passes her RN tests.

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This was such a easy read, finished super fast, it was fun , entertaining and enjoyable. Story wise it was cute and the characters were fun, liked it a lot

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This was such a delightful book full of engaging characters set in a small town that sounds divine. Amarie Walker has fled the big city and her cheating ex. The only problem is that she is jobless, homeless and pretty much penniless. Her only asset is a purple car she has aptly named Prince. Now Prince has let her down by dying on the side of the road. She finds herself in the small town of Service, West Virginia. She sees a notice for a job opening at the local animal clinic. What she does not count on is the grumpy owner. However, Amarie uses her charm and the art of persuasion to bully her way into him hiring her.

You soon learn that Dr. Eli Calvary is a grump, but he is grumpy for a good reason. He is heartbroken and on the verge of losing everything his father worked so hard to establish. Eli does not realize what a prize he has in Amarie, not only for eventual companionship, but her marketing skills. The romance was a hard fought battle, but it was completely swoony and sigh worthy. Both characters have some past issues that they need to come to terms with so they can truly move forward with their lives. My favorite character was Eli's mother. She is a feisty lady who does not mind speaking her mind. This enemies to lovers romance will steal your heart.

Thank you to Forever Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Fake It Till You Make It - ARC Review
⭐⭐/5
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WHAT I LIKED:
-Fresh Start in a new town
-FMC pushing the MC to try new things
-Family and Town banding together to save a local business
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WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
-Overly descriptive writing: Sometimes there were multiple, long descriptions of the exact same, mundane thing, such as the color of a room. The constant over-the-top descriptions felt more distracting than helpful. Some didn’t make sense at all and were then just confusing. Example, “skin the color of autumn leaves”. Autumn leaves are orange and yellow… no one has skin those colors. I was so confused by that.

-Level of drama/3rd act was not believable: Having 2 exes who do not live in town show up at the exact same time and both cause a bunch of drama was a little too far fetched

-Domestic Violence mishandled: The situation with the mother and daughter side characters that had an abusive husband/dad was grossly mishandled. At times, their lives seemed thrown in just to add drama. Then, the wedding scene in which Eli steps in to tell the father/dad to stop was such a terrible misunderstanding of how to help in domestic violence situations. No one assured that the mom and daughter would not be going home with the abuser before Eli proceeded to anger and humiliate him in front of the whole town. The abuser very likely would have taken that all out on the mom and daughter the second they got home. This story line was so mismanaged and then did not clearly resolve. There was a hint the mom got a job at the clinic and that was it. Domestic violence should not be added just for shock value.
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Thank you @netgalley for my eARC copy. I was given this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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"Fake It Till You Make It" by Siera London is a delightful small-town romance that skillfully blends humor, heart, and a touch of entrepreneurial spirit. Set in a picturesque town, the story revolves around Amarie Walker, a determined and resilient woman who escapes her troubled past in D.C. and finds herself landing in a quaint community with no clear plan.

The narrative introduces us to Eli Calvary, a brooding veterinarian grappling with the imminent foreclosure of his family business. The unlikely pairing of Amarie and Eli leads to a fake partnership aimed at salvaging the clinic, a premise that sets the stage for charming interactions and unexpected chemistry.

London's characters are vividly portrayed, with Amarie's vivacity and determination balancing Eli's stoic demeanor. The banter between them is both witty and endearing, making their evolving relationship a joy to follow. Additionally, the inclusion of lovable animal characters adds an extra layer of warmth to the story, enhancing the emotional stakes.

What sets "Fake It Till You Make It" apart is its skillful exploration of trust and vulnerability against the backdrop of a struggling business venture. As Amarie and Eli navigate their fake partnership, they confront personal insecurities and past wounds, gradually discovering the transformative power of genuine connection.

While the plot occasionally leans into familiar romantic tropes, London infuses the narrative with refreshing twists and emotional depth. The pacing is engaging, with well-crafted dialogue and dynamic scenes that keep the reader invested from start to finish.

Overall, "Fake It Till You Make It" is a heartwarming and entertaining read that combines elements of romance, humor, and small-town charm. Siera London's adept storytelling and engaging characters make this novel a standout in the genre, appealing to fans of feel-good contemporary romances. If you're seeking a delightful escape with a dose of heartfelt emotion, this book is sure to leave you smiling.

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This book was so cute! To be honest!!! I liked so many little parts of it and the third act. I liked this couple so so much! I do think Eli deserved a smack in the head! But all the his insecurities were valid.

I liked how the family wasn't going to let the people ruin their happiness and the relationship. I liked this small town.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Yes it's trope-y but who can resist a rom-com with pets? Amarie talks Eli Calvary into hiring her at his vet clinic in a small West Virginia town- and then she talks her way into his heart. This is all about small town life, it takes a village, and found family with a slow burn romance layers on top. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

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This book was a slow starter for me. Opposites attract, small town, vet clinic needs saving. I don’t know if it was the female MC relative immaturity at age 28 that bothered me, or the overuse of modern slang terms, but I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I expected that I would. I’m sure others will love it, but I guess it just wasn’t for me. That said, I would read another book by the same author.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

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Amarie leaves Washington, D. C and moves to a small town. Local vet Eli gives her a job., but the clinic is facing foreclosure, they work together to keep it open. sweet story.

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I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I’m always looking for new BIPOC authors to try, especially in romance, and I’ve seen Siera London’s name on social media. Plus, Fake It Till You Make It sounded right up my alley, with a fun premise, plus the cute dog. And while this book didn’t necessarily rock my world or anything, it was a lot of fun.
The characters as individuals are definitely a strong point here. Both Amarie and Eli have been hurt in past relationships, and I appreciate how these hurts were depicted, while seeing them make room for new love with each other. The romance, while cringey in places (the dialogue in particular), was rather sweet, if a tad predictable in places, but with fun twists on familiar elements, like the fake dating trope with a grumpy/sunshine character dynamic.
While I was slightly jarred by some of the hyper-modern references (in conjunction with the dialogue choices), it was mostly a smooth reading experience with a fairly engaging story throughout. There was less buildup than I would have wanted between the stages of their relationship from being at odds to being friends to becoming romantically involved, but it does make sense in the narrative context and not being a slow-burn.
This was a solid read, and I’m not opposed to continuing with this series or reading more from Siera London in the future. If you’re interested in a small town romance with an interracial couple, I’d recommend checking this out!

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I unfortunately didn’t really vibe with this book and ended up DNF’ing 14% in. It felt too dull and slightly immature for my taste . I feel this is cute for romance readers who like this kind of small town vibe ( I like more spicy and entertaining small
Town books)

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Classic romcom!

This book is delightfully fun. It’s the classic romcom setup that executes all the tropes well.

The characters were entertaining and fun to read about. I had a lot of fun with their dynamic and the fake dating storyline. The banter here is top quality. I was laughing so much while reading. I’m a huge animal lover so all the cute animals included were such a treat.

The perfect romcom for the summer!

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Fleeing her cheating ex, Amarie’s car breaks down in a small town. Grumpy local vet Eli offers her a job. With the clinic facing foreclosure, they work together, feigning a fake investor relationship that soon ignites unexpected sparks.

I really enjoyed the light-hearted voice and writing style of this novel. The story is character-driven, with a slower-paced plot. The hero and heroine are relatable and cute together.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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