A review by kidisitor
The Dating Dilemma by Mariah Ankenman

4.0

This is a rather sweet read, but there is some heat to it as well. He is a firefighter who has sworn off love and relationships after a devastating breakup a few years back. She works in a youth community center helping keep kids out of trouble, and tends to put everyone and their needs ahead of her own, and has been taken advantage of many times in her relationships. The two meet during a fire inspection and had a connection, but due to their past, neither was going to make a move on the other.... but then the bets starting forming. Now sorta forced to get to know each other, because, yes, they were now fake dating, things start to get a little tricky. He is a really great guy who is kind and generous and not at all cocky. She is beautiful, selfless and has a heart of gold who will do anything to help the kids she works with. Together they are a perfect match, but everyone has fears and those fears threaten to tear them apart before they even begin. The characters are wonderful (and the side characters bring a little added humor to the story.) There are laughs and some tears. She has a little quirk to her personality, that endears her to you a little more. He is just an all round good guy, even if he is a bit of a stickler for the rules. Maybe, just maybe she can get him to bend. It alternates between POVs. It's easy to read and the story moves nicely. Even though they were fake dating, they still had the big break up before the grand gesture. There is some sexual content that may be deemed suitable for mature readers.

*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.