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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
This was a delightful fall book with my favorite trope: fake engagement. I loved Will and how he fell for Lexi and wasn’t fighting his feelings. They were a cute couple. This was a quick fallish read.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
No
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m typically a big fan of strong female main characters, so I’ll admit that Lexi didn’t make the best first impression on me. She seemed completely out of her depth, struggling to keep up as a waitress and fumbling every order. At first, I found it hard to connect with her—she felt more chaotic than relatable, and I wasn’t sure where the story was heading.
However, as the layers of Lexi’s backstory unfolded, my perspective shifted.Her life took a sharp turn after her father’s passing, leaving her to shoulder family responsibilities, including working two part-time jobs to support her mother and pay off debts, all while finishing her degree. With that context, her struggles made a lot more sense, and I found myself rooting for her resilience and growth.
The setup for Lexi and Will’s fake dating arrangement was entertaining and full of tension. What starts as a chance meeting in a restaurant—where Will helps Lexi save face in front of old high school classmates—snowballs into a fake engagement when a photo leaks to the press. Will, one of Seattle’s most eligible bachelors and heir to his family’s high-profile company, has plenty of reasons to keep up appearances. Meanwhile, Lexi’s hesitation around relationships stems from the fear of losing herself, something she’s seen firsthand with her mother.
Their chemistry grows naturally over time,with Will falling head over heels and Lexi struggling to let go of her fears. While I typically dread the obligatory third-act breakup, this one made sense for the characters. Lexi’s journey to overcome her emotional barriers was satisfying, and the resolution felt earned.
One thing to note: This book was marketed as a fall read, and while it is set in the fall, it’s not heavily fall-themed. If you’re looking for pumpkin spice and autumn vibes, this might not deliver quite as much as you’d expect.
Highlights:The fake dating trope was executed well, with plenty of tension and humor. Lexi’s backstory added depth to her character, even if it took time to fully connect with her. Will was a charming and supportive male lead who brought balance to the story. The setup for a potential interconnected standalone series has me intrigued—I’d love to see more from this universe!
Critiques: Lexi’s initial introduction felt jarring, making it hard to like her at first. Some moments felt predictable,particularly the third-act breakup, though it was handled well overall.
Rating: 4/5 stars (2ish/5 🌶️). While the story didn’t hook me immediately, I was won over by the characters and their growth. This is a great read for fans of fake dating, emotional journeys, and sweet happily-ever-afters.
However, as the layers of Lexi’s backstory unfolded, my perspective shifted.
Their chemistry grows naturally over time,
One thing to note: This book was marketed as a fall read, and while it is set in the fall, it’s not heavily fall-themed. If you’re looking for pumpkin spice and autumn vibes, this might not deliver quite as much as you’d expect.
Highlights:
Critiques: Lexi’s initial introduction felt jarring, making it hard to like her at first. Some moments felt predictable,
Rating: 4/5 stars (2ish/5 🌶️). While the story didn’t hook me immediately, I was won over by the characters and their growth. This is a great read for fans of fake dating, emotional journeys, and sweet happily-ever-afters.
relaxing
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was cute, but it was a little too slow for me. The characters didn’t immediately draw me in and they could have used a little more personality and uniqueness in my opinion.
emotional
hopeful
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief