I love this trope and was excited for this novel, but struggled to get into the plot line. Thanks for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

So good I loved the dynamic between these two.. I also loved their not so cute meet cute. It was perfect for these two. I have preordered the book and can’t wait to read again

dnf @53%

I'm sorry, I tried, I really did, but I cannot feel anything reading this book. I don't really care about Adam and Elle.
It's possible that it's not the right time for me to read this book.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC early! This was a quick and easy read. There were times where the chemistry between the main characters felt a little forced, but also times where it worked. Overall, this book ended up being pretty cute, and I think a lot of people will enjoy it.

I enjoyed this book, but found that the enermies-to-lovers trope could have been explored a little more and differently. I was getting angry sometimes at Elle for how she was behaving towards Adam and Lovie......how she was acting and reacting was a bit off-putting. I get the story that was being told, but I wish it had flowed a bit better.

(I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley, Alcove Press and Megan Murphy)

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214988485-fake-it-like-you-mean-it" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Fake It Like You Mean It" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compr
Thanks net galley for providing an ARC
This was a sweet story and i enjoyed reading about Adam and Elle as a couple
Elle returns to her hometown to look after her grandmother who has Alzheimer's but finds out there's a nurse looking after her who also lived in her bedroom (and is rather HOT)
They soon end up in a fake dating arrangement because Elle 's grandmother believes they are her and her husband 60 years ago and they don't want to risk making her condition worse
I liked Lovie's character whenever it was shown or talked about in the background and her and elle's relationship was so sweet and emotional
Adam's character was really good he was a supportive of elle and they got along together really well
And the way adam made a whole account to troll the troll guy?SWOON
I also loved the way the side characters were shown elle and her relationship with her friends was really good
This is a beautifully written book full of emotions its funny and wholesome
Overall you should totally go for this book if you like the fake dating trope , forced proximity and slightly grumpy hero who's actually really sweet and caring

dnf @ 23%

This book was doing a little too much for me honestly; I don't understand why the FL hated the ML so much at first sight. I also don't think there was any tension, just forced hatred and "banter". Not a book for me, it might work for you, etc.

3.5 I actually read the physical arc
I was initially hesitant to read 'Fake It Like You Mean It' due to the fake-dating and slow-burn romance tropes, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and emotion of the story. The author's writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy to become invested in the characters' journeys. The romance is sweet and tender, and the themes of grief, memory, and family responsibilities add a layer of complexity to the narrative. I appreciated the author's thoughtful exploration of these topics and the way they wove them throughout the story. Overall, I highly recommend 'Fake It Like You Mean It' to anyone looking for a heartwarming and emotional read.

If you're a fan of fake-dating romances with the perfect mix of tension, heat, and heart, *Fake It Like You Mean It* by Megan Murphy is a must-read! Elle and Adam’s undeniable chemistry pulls you in as their staged relationship begins to blur the lines between pretense and reality. The gradual shift from pretending to truly caring for each other is both tender and electrifying, with plenty of spice to keep you hooked.

Initially, Elle was a bit difficult to connect with—her responses to Lovie’s illness sometimes came across as self-centered. However, her journey of self-awareness and growth adds depth to her character, making her eventual transformation satisfying. Meanwhile, Adam shines throughout—steady, thoughtful, and effortlessly endearing.

This book strikes an excellent balance between witty banter, heartfelt vulnerability, and swoon-worthy romance. If fake dating and emotional growth are your go-to tropes, this engaging and touching story is well worth your time!

A beautiful, fun, spicy, and emotionally devastating romance! Elle and Adam are immediately lovable protagonists who are easy to root for. It's easy to tell that the author wrote this book from her heart. I once worked at a memory care facility with Alzheimer's patients, and Megan Murphy has captured the experience with so much empathy and rawness that I teared up many, many times while reading. :')

Enemies to lovers, fake dating & forced proximity are some of my favorite tropes. This had me believing that I would love this book, unfortunately it fell a little flat. I enjoyed it but I didn’t fall in love with it.

For me it was lacking some character development and I just didn’t really connect with the FMC. I actually think she was kind of childish and that threw me off.
Other than that I just don’t feel like I got to know the MMC at all and I didn’t really feel the chemistry between them.

I loved the Alzheimer aspect of the book and I could tell that the author had done a lot of research.

While I didn’t love this book I still enjoyed it and I’m so happy I got the opportunity to arc read this.

It’s a really well written book, very sweet and touching, however there were some aspects regarding the Alzheimer’s that seemed a little far fetched and convenient for plot purposes that constantly dragged me out of the story.

This book is an enemies to lovers book.the fmc is a podcaster from the city who returns to her hometown to sort out her grandmother illness that is progressing. The mmc is the home care nurse that was sent to care for her grandmother. I couldn’t get engaged to the story much but that could be because I’m not a fan of enemies to lovers tropes. The constant bickering between the characters is tiring. Since the grandmother Alzheimer’s is progressing and she thinks the Fmc and mmc are her and her late husband the two characters have to play along to keep the peace..

⭐⭐⭐⭐️/5 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
If you love fake-dating romances with just the right mix of tension, heat, and heart, Fake It Like You Mean It by Megan Murphy delivers! Elle and Adam’s chemistry is undeniable—sparks fly as their pretend relationship slowly turns into something real. Once their feelings surfaced, the way they cared for each other was soft and heartwarming, with plenty of spicy moments to keep you hooked.

Elle wasn’t my favorite at first. Her reactions to Lovie’s illness sometimes felt self-focused, which made it hard to connect with her early on. But as she grew and became more self-aware, I found myself warming up to her. Adam, on the other hand, was a standout—quiet, grounded, and absolutely lovable.

This book is an engaging, emotional read with a solid balance of banter, vulnerability, and romance. Definitely worth picking up if fake dating is your jam!

Author: Megan Murphy @megmurphywrites
Book Name: Fake It Like You Mean It
Pub Date : Mar 18 2025
My Rating : 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Description
Fake dating, enemies to lovers, and a wonderfully unique forced proximity debut romance, perfect for fans of Elena Armas’s The American Roommate Experiment and Drew Barrymore’s classic rom-com Fifty First Dates.

Elle’s grandmother Lovie has always taken care of her, as long as she can remember. But remembering is just the problem. With Lovie’s Alzheimer’s progressing fast, it’s Elle’s turn to step up.

Leaving Chicago behind, the last thing she expects when she walks through the door of her childhood home is Adam Wheeler—in her bed. Live-in nurse and pain in the ass, Adam is here to do his job. Eat, sleep, nurse, repeat.

Thrown together to care for Lovie, tensions rise and lines are drawn, but there’s a bigger problem: in her Alzheimer’s riddled mind, Lovie’s convinced that Elle and Adam are madly in love.

Certain she’ll forget by morning, Elle and Adam play along. The only snag? She doesn’t forget.

Lovie is the only person who thinks this fake dating scheme is real…so why is Elle fantasizing about Adam when he’s not around? And why is it getting harder to pretend?

My Thoughts
Fake It Like You Mean It by Megan Murphy is a perfect blend of humor, love, and heartfelt moments. Elle’s journey home to care for her grandmother Lovie brings challenges, nostalgia, and unexpected romance with Adam, the grumpy yet caring nurse.

The fake dating dynamic is both funny and tender, with a slow-burn romance that feels genuine and touching. Lovie’s presence adds emotional depth, reminding us of the beauty of love in all its forms. This story is a heartfelt delight, filled with laughter, warmth, and unforgettable moments!

I absolutely love Megan Murphy’s writing style and can’t wait to read more of her work. Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with an ARC of this book.

#FakeItLikeYouMeanIt #NetGalley #bookreview #arcreview

This book was so sweet!

Elle has always relied on her grandmother Lovie, who practically raised her. Her grandmas Alzheimer’s is getting worse so she goes to her childhood home to help. There, she finds Adam Wheeler—a live-in nurse— caring for her.

Funny enough, her grandma is convinced Elle and Adam are already a couple!

This bad had so many layers—romance, family drama, and a heartfelt look at Alzheimer’s.

Watching Elle and Adam’s fake relationship slowly turn into something real was so sweet.

Lovie’s role in the story was both sweet and emotional, and the way her condition tied everything together felt really meaningful.

I can’t believe this was the author’s first book—it was such a great read!

Thank you NetGalley and alcove for this ARC!

I have never read anything like this, I loved it. It was so unique, interesting, provoked so many emotions, plenty of laughs and was overall a lovely, multi-layered story while also shining a light on Alzheimers. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

Megan Murphy’s *Fake It Like You Mean It* is a warm, witty, and deeply emotional debut that takes two of romance’s favorite tropes—fake dating and enemies-to-lovers—and gives them a fresh, heartfelt twist. Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, crackling tension, and scenes that will have you reaching for tissues, this is a love story that proves sometimes the hardest people to fall for are the ones who sneak under your defenses when you least expect it.

The story follows Elle, a Chicagoan with big-city dreams, who returns to her childhood home to care for her beloved grandmother, Lovie, as Alzheimer’s threatens to steal the memories they’ve cherished. But stepping through the door doesn’t just bring nostalgia—it also brings Adam Wheeler, the maddeningly handsome live-in nurse who seems to think he knows everything about how to care for Lovie. Tensions run high as Elle and Adam clash over routines, care decisions, and just about everything else, until Lovie throws them a curveball: in her confused but loving mind, Elle and Adam are madly in love.

The fake dating scheme that follows is both hilarious and touching. What starts as a way to keep Lovie happy becomes something much more complicated as Elle and Adam’s staged affection starts to feel all too real. Murphy strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart, letting the awkwardness of their situation give way to moments of genuine connection and vulnerability. Elle’s inner monologue—equal parts snarky and self-reflective—makes her a relatable and endearing protagonist, while Adam’s quiet strength and surprising softness make him an irresistible counterpart.

What makes *Fake It Like You Mean It* stand out is its emotional depth. Lovie’s Alzheimer’s is handled with grace and sensitivity, and the moments of joy and heartbreak surrounding her condition add layers of meaning to Elle and Adam’s story. Lovie isn’t just a catalyst for the romance; she’s the heart of the novel, showing how love, even when imperfect or fleeting, has the power to shape our lives. Her belief in Elle and Adam’s relationship isn’t just funny—it’s a reminder of the beauty in holding onto love, even when everything else feels uncertain.

Murphy’s prose is breezy and engaging, with sharp dialogue and vivid descriptions that pull you into the small-town setting. The chemistry between Elle and Adam is electric, and their journey from reluctant partners to something much deeper is as satisfying as it is swoon-worthy. The pacing is spot-on, blending laugh-out-loud moments with introspective scenes that give the characters room to grow.

*Fake It Like You Mean It* is more than a rom-com; it’s a story about family, caregiving, and the unexpected ways life pushes us toward the people we’re meant to be with. Megan Murphy has delivered a stunning debut full of humor, heart, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re here for the fake dating antics, the slow-burn romance, or the tearjerking family moments, this novel has it all. Five stars—it’s the perfect mix of romantic comedy and emotional depth, leaving you laughing, crying, and cheering for love all the way to the final page.

This debut was so touching and well thought out. I loved the themes of loss, family, and life lessons woven into the story. Adam and Elle were perfect for each other and I loved the growth we saw on Elle’s behalf. I really appreciated the Alzheimer’s rep and how it focused on how difficult it is for care givers. All the little details Murphy puts into her writing really make the story shine. Occasionally, I found myself lost and would have to reread some parts to figure out why a character was reacting a certain way and I found the main character to be frustrating some times. Overall though, this book was heartfelt, hot, and well worth the read. I’ll be looking at my dryer differently from now on 🫢

#FakeItLikeYouMeanIt #NetGalley

Tackling a progressive medical disease that ends in the person’s loss of self and for those surrounding him or her takes great sensitivity.

The reader knows there is a guarantee of an HEA but getting there will be bittersweet.

Meet Elle, lucrative podcaster extraordinaire. Physically distant from her grandmother, Lovie ( as story progresses you discover the why) imminent circumstances has her returning to her childhood home in Indiana.

Next, meet Adam, caring nurse and financial/ emotional support system for his single mom sister with three kids.

Their initial encounter is hilarious. Sure, there are fits and starts to their relationship. And, seeing Lovie’s emotional and physical treatment of Elle is hard. It’s also realistic. Not so much though with who occupies her home at the end. Felt like the author wanted to tie up what may have seemed a loose end but don’t think the story needed that.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Alcove Press, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.