This moving story artfully blends humor, heartfelt moments, and the compelling dynamics of a fake-dating beautifully. The story follows Elle as she struggles with her grandmother's Alzheimer's. Throw in a sexy nurse and some fake dating and you have a
lovely novel that has a slow burn romance while still exploring the pain and sorrow of watching someone you love slowly fade away from dementia. A recommended read for those who enjoy romantic comedies with a depth of emotion.

Fake It Like You Mean It
Megan Murphy
Ellie’s parents died in a car accident when she was three. Her grandmother, Lovie, raised her. Lovie had a lot of rules and Ellie cherished each one. “If you want to take the scenic route, make sure your destination will still be open when you get there.” “Sweeping something under the rug does not make it go away; it just puts your dirt in another place.”
When Ellie realizes Lovie’s mind is fading fast, she leaves Chicago to spend time with her. She arrives at her childhood home late one night only to find a man sleeping in her bed. Adam Wheeler works for AngelCare and is the live-in nurse taking care of Lovie. Ellie resents Adam and the way he always knows what Lovie needs. The tension between the two is thick. Lovie believes Ellie is Lovie and Adam is Bobby and that they are in love. The two must pretend to be who Lovie thinks they are. Ellie finds herself attracted to Adam, but she certainly isn’t going to admit it.
Ellie is a podcaster with a large following. As she deals with the pain of her grandmother not recognizing her and often abusing her, Ellie decides to start an additional podcast dealing with Alzheimer’s.
This story touched my heart. I have known more than one person with this terrible disease and the author accurately describes it. When there are lucid days loved ones cherish them. Being a caregiver is stressful and very difficult. I enjoyed the romance between Adam and Ellie. It was obvious they were deeply in love long before they realized it. I love Lovie’s rules. I wish I could remember them all.

Why did I pick 2 books in a row with the main character dealing with a relative with Alzheimer's? I honestly requested this book a while back and forgot what it was about, while I had a bit of down time I didn't reread the description I just jumped in...not my smartest move. If you are like me and have recently lost a family member to this awful disease maybe read this with tissues as you will relive similar situations. If you have not lost someone to Alzheimer's, this book will help you empathize with those who have or are going through it. It was well written, not too sappy, not too emotional. The characters were likeable and seemed real, not too fantasized (also, I'm totally picturing someone like Luke Danes as Adam). The narration was wonderful, all in all it was a good read. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced listen.

This book made me laugh and swoon, while it simultaneously broke my heart and made me cry. With all the best rom-com tropes, this tender story is a gift!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishing team for this ARC. It’s a special read!

3.75 stars

Grab some tissues, this one may cause some tears.

Something I appreciated about Elle is that she felt like a very real and flawed character. Something I didn't love about Elle was that she was a very real and flawed character. 😂 yes I realize those are conflicting statements, but I feel Elle's entire character was effective in confronting some of the difficult and uncomfortable truths and feelings people experience when caring for someone with a disease like Alzheimer's. The frustration and resentment that ultimately lead to guilt felt accurately portrayed. There were moments where my empathy was put to the test with Elle's character because I was empathizing with what Lovey was experiencing, but Elle deserved that empathy too.

I adored Nurse Adam. The patience that man exuded not only with Lovey but also with Elle, let alone his own family. That man was burning the candle at both ends and continued to show up and be the life raft everyone was clinging to.

Alex Picard did a wonderful job bringing this story to life. She portrayed the emotion well through her narration.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

Elle's grandma, Lovie, has alzeimer, as her disease progresses, Elle wants to return home to spend some time with her while she still can, before she needs to be place full time in a care home.
But Lovie no longer knows who Elle is, and it's quite aggressive towards her; the times when she tolerates her presence, is when Adam is around. Adam is Lovie full time carer since the disease progressed, and since Elle's arrival the clash all the time. Due to the Alzeimers, Lovie is projecting her life into these 2, thinking Elle is Lovie and Adam her late husband Bobby; as to not distress her more, Elle and Adam go along with it in her presence.

I loved the audiobook, Elle is a podcaster, and I think the voice for this audio was marvelous.
Loved the forced proximity troop, the angst and tension build was amazing 👏 but although I loved the romance, for me, what made the book, was the Alzeimers representation.
My grandma has very advanced Alzeimers, so this hit close to home; unfortunately she took a big downfall early in the covid pandemic, and I was in the UK, my mom suffered through most of the things explained in this book, minus the full time carer, SHE was the full time carer whilst still working.
The part where Elle is telling how Lovie and Bobby met broke me, tears where shed. And OMG, when Lovie is telling Elle about Elle herself (without recognising her), jesus I was sobbing 😭.
I really enjoyed this book, and especially recommend it if you personally dealt with people with Alzeimers.

4.5 stars!!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me listen to this book before publication in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who lost a grandparent to dementia, this book hit so close to home. It was emotional and raw. The friendships and family dynamics outside of the main story added so much depth that I would read another novel with anyone of them! Just sayin, Adam's sister could use her own story!

The tension between our main characters was great. Started off strong and ended stronger. Honestly, my only complaint is that the build up was amazing, but then I felt like the romance was a bit rushed. Of course that could just be my own personal preference. Definitely a cozy rom-com I'd recommend!

Story:

This was a story I didn't want to stop listening to! Due to the unique living arrangements in this book, it perfectly balances having both enough plot and enough romance. The story feels gives an honest look at struggles that so many caregivers face. Megan does a great job of portraying how Alzheimer's can make you feel like you are losing a part of yourself and the best parts of your loved ones everyday. It was so well balanced with Elle and Adam's story. After a rough start, they really started to show there love for one another quickly. The book is different then any i've read and didn't feel like a story I'd read a dozen times. I'd definitely recommend!

Audio-
This narrator was perfect for this story! You can hear every emotion Elle feels in her voice which really adds to it!.

This was Megan Murphy's debut novel, and it was so good! I'm usually a little hesitant with debut romance novels as they can get incredibly cheesy, but this book felt profession - like she's been writing/publishing for years. What originally drew me to this book was that one of the main characters was a male nurse (which my husband was for years). I wasn't expecting how sad this book would get at times, but that was silly on my part. The description explains it's about Elle going to live with her grandmother, Lovie, as her Alzheimer's has progressed to the point of her needing to go into a care facility. Until Elle can straighten out the insurance, she moves in with Lovie. What Elle didn't realize was that Adam had been using her childhood room/bed the last few weeks as he was a full-time live in nurse. On top of all the limited space issue that Elle runs into, Lovie believes that Elle is herself from decades ago, in love with her husband who she believes is Adam. So Lovie is constantly pushing them together. To risk not upsetting her grandmother, Elle and Adam play along.

Some of my favorite tropes are in here - close proximity, fake dating, & enemies to lovers. Yes, Elle and Adam start off the wrong foot. Something I really appreciated is how Megan Murphy was able to slowly thaw their relationship with humor and compassion. Their relationship slowly thawed into what it became instead of microwaved on high. As we all know, your food is usually better when cooked low and slow, just like Elle and Adam's relationship.

I've read multiple books with main characters dealing with Alzheimer's. Something that is discussed a lot is elder abuse. Something that is NOT discussed a lot is the abuse the caretakers receive from the elders sometimes. Lovie is constantly kicking, tripping, and hitting Elle when Adam isn't looking. Elle is trying to hide the bruises that her beloved grandmother is leaving. Lovie is telling Elle that she is fat and should wear different clothes. This all breaks my heart for Elle as she knows this isn't who her true grandmother is.

All in all, really enjoyed this book. If you want a book that can make your heart smile and cry all in one, this one is for you. I will definitely pick up Megan Murphy's next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Fake It Like You Mean It by Megan Murphy. When I say that this is one of the best books I have ever read, I mean it wholeheartedly. This novel is a beautifully woven tapestry of heartbreak, warmth, humor, and romance that captivates the reader from start to finish.

The story centers around Elle, a Chicago-based podcaster who is compelled to return home to care for her grandmother, who is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. This return home marks a significant shift in Elle's life, as she is confronted with the emotional challenges of her grandmother's illness. Upon her arrival, Elle meets Adam, her grandmother's live-in nurse. Together, the trio navigates the complexities of life, adjusting to the evolving dynamics and the impact of the disease.

Megan Murphy's storytelling is both poignant and engaging, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in the characters. Elle's journey is one of growth and resilience, beautifully illustrating the power of love and the importance of family. Adam's character adds depth to the narrative, providing both support and a touch of romance, making the story swoon-worthy.

Murphy's ability to blend humor with heartache creates a narrative that is as uplifting as it is touching. The book is a testament to her skill as a writer, and she has undoubtedly become my newest auto-buy author.

Overall, Fake It Like You Mean It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories that touch the heart and soul. It's a novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Cute, cute!!! Adam is such a doll. So emotional, empathetic, and good at his job. Elle loves her grandmother Lovie but feels the emotional backlash when her grandmother's alzheimer induced comments make her feel vulnerable. What starts as a contentious relationship between Adam and Elle changes as they both strive towards the goal of making Lovie comfortable and happy.

This was a very emotional book. Lots going on, good dialogue, great friends, and some real emotional angst.

Alex Picard did a good job with the narration. It was easy to envision the emotional tug of wars.

#netgalley #FakeitLikeYouMeanit

(ALC provided by NetGalley) Forced proximity + a touch of enemies to lovers with a poetic feel. I really enjoyed this story and it was different than other cookie cutter romances. Some of the inaccuracies with the insurance/medical care talk annoyed me. I feel like that could have been researched better (i.e. Medicare doesn’t pay for long term care). The relationship was fasssst but it did come together nicely at the end. Narration was great and perfectly selected for this book.

This was a very cute romance, I did find that the enemies to lovers part was a little forced but it was still enjoyable. They had some chemistry not the best but I feel that everything around is what made this storyline better.

3.5 stars rounded to 4

Elle is a podcaster happily living and working in Chicago. But then she has to go home, to the house where she grew up. Her grandmother, Lovie, has Alzheimer’s Disease and is living at home but needs advanced care. Elle needs to get Lovie on her insurance so she can afford a secure setting for Lovie, but that takes time. In the meantime, Lovie has around the clock nurse care from a nursing team including Adam. Adam and Elle don’t get along but Lovie thinks they are a couple. So they fake a relationship around Lovie.

Can you guess where this is going? I don’t usually read romance books but it seems that the how of a couple falling in love is the focus, not whether it will be a happily ever after ending. So although it was predictable, the way Adam and Elle’s relationship evolves is engaging to watch. This book was also surprisingly emotional. Well, not really surprising since Lovie’s diagnosis isn’t just a plot point, it’s a main focus. I thought the author did a good job portraying this disease and how it affects Lovie and the people that love her. It’s an important topic to bring attention to.

Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook that I got for free from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. Like I said, not my usual genre, but I found I really got into the story and felt for the characters. Although parts were predictable, the focus on Alzheimer’s was unique. The narrator did a good job figuring out how each person would present themselves and was able to bring life to the characters. This was an emotional read but was worth the effort.

This is a complicated review of a complicated book. It actually reads like two books - one, a romance, and the other, a family drama - and while I enjoyed both, I reacted differently to each.

First, the easy part. This was a sweet romance incorporating many of my favorite tropes: fake dating, enemies to lovers, and forced proximity. Our main characters, Elle and Adam, meet when Elle returns to her hometown to help care for her grandmother, Lovie. Lovie has Alzheimer’s Disease and Adam is her live-in nurse. Things get off on a sour note and get complicated when Lovie mistakes Elle and Adam for a couple in love. They play their parts to avoid upsetting her. The romance is cute. Adam is wonderful, there are tender moments, and the open door spice is steamy.

Now, the challenging part. Alzheimer’s is an awful disease that affects the patient and everyone who cares for them. The depiction here is strikingly authentic. This is not an, “Aw, shucks, Grandma forgot where she put the remote,” portrayal. This is Grandma doesn’t recognize me, Grandma is violent and combative, and Grandma is not the person I know and love. If you’ve ever loved or cared for someone with Alzheimer’s, you’ll recognize the heartbreak and utter devastation that accompanies this disease. It’s cruel. It’s horrific and Megan Murphy captures it with frankness and tenderness.

I alternated between the digital and audio versions of the book and it was an ideal combination for me. Alex Picard’s narration carried me through some of the more emotional parts.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Alcove Press for the advance copies. All opinions are my own.

LOVE MEGGG!! This book is EVERYTHING! So heartfelt but funny and such great banter! I loved everything about it and was wrapped up!
Tropes include:
-fake dating
-forced proximity
-enemies to lovers
-caretaking
-all the banter

Check the trigger warning because while this was a wonderful love story, it deals with heavy issues. What a story. I loved the main characters and their love. The narrators did a wonderful job. I was sucked in early on.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Fake It Like You Mean It
By: Megan Murphy

What a unique & original story!! However, not reading the summary came back to bite me once again. This book has a major trigger warning that is a huge part of the plot -- Alzheimer's disease. Elle, the FMC, goes home to help care for her grandmother, Lovie, who is living with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a huge trigger for me so it was an emotionally difficult read for me but it was good overall! This is a fake dating romance with a very unique twist. The MMC, Adam, is Lovie's in-home nurse who happens to look just like Lovie's late husband/ Elle's grandfather. Due to Lovie's loss of memory, she believes Elle is a younger version of her and that Adam is a younger version of her late husband. So, in order to not distress her in her disoriented condition, Adam and Elle go along with Lovie's belief that they are a young version of Elle's very much in love grandparents. But will it just be an act or will they begin to form feelings??

This was a sweet story with very original aspects! I believe the author did an amazing job of giving beauty to a family's difficult experience with Alzheimer's, however I would encourage anyone who is triggered by this heartbreaking disease consider how prevalent it is to the storyline before reading.

The audiobook narrators were great!

Trigger warnings: Alzheimer's disease, abuse and aggression as a result of Alzheimer's, loss of parents

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Fake It Like You Mean It is a debut novel from Megan Murphy.

This love story is about more than just romance! It follows the the FMC Elle as she returns home to be with her grandmother Lovie, who’s Alzheimer’s disease is quickly progressing. After Elle takes a long train ride from Chicago to northern Indiana, she finds Lovie’s nurse Adam sleeping in her childhood bed. Chaos ensues.

On the romance front, this story will have lots of your favorite tropes:
🩺Enemies to lovers
🩺Fake dating
🩺Slow burn
🩺One bed
🩺Open door spice

Now, I recognize for a lot of readers, the romance of it all is the reason you pick up the book in the first place. But for me, the real reason I’d recommend this book is the realistic, compassionate, and at times heart wrenching portrayal of loving someone through their decline from Alzheimer’s.

The love Elle has for Lovie is not deterred by the way their relationship has changed as Lovie forgets who her granddaughter is. There are good days and bad days along the way. Elle’s navigation of these challenges gives this story so much depth.

I didn’t relate to Elle as the romantic lead of this novel as much as I did to her being a family member of someone with terminal illness. It was hard for me to make the flip back in forth between compassionate granddaughter to slightly suggestive co-carer when the story focused on her romantic connection with Adam—who, as a MMC I really liked.

Fake It Like You Mean It will be available on March 18, 2025. Thank you to Megan Murphy, Dreamscape Audio and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#bookreview #fakedating #enemiestolovers #onebed #netgalley #bookish #review #audiobook #indieauthor

This was a fun rom-com vibe while also has serious and personal topics addressed such as grief, parental loss and Alzheimers. It did almost have elements of a contemporary romance which I enjoyed! The FMC and MMC were cute and their enemies to lovers trope was sweet to follow. The FMC was at times frustrating for me and felt a bit intense with her annoyance of MMC without reason. The book overall felt a bit slow for me and it did start to drag about half way through which lowered my rating. However, this is an impressive debut in relation to the writing style and plot driven elements. Megan did a great job handling some intense topics while applying laughter and emotion together. I was super touched at the moments between the FMC and her grandmother. Overall, enjoyable read and very cute romance story!