Sutton is back in her hometown because her mother was in a car accident and dealing with concussion symptoms. After being there only 2 weeks, her boyfriend is supposed to come to visit. But 5 minutes before he is due to arrive, he calls her to end their 2 year relationship. He says he isn’t a priority for her, but instead work and her apartment. Sutton owns a restaurant at only 28 years old. She reconnects with her childhood best friend, who argues with her fiance about if they should attend therapy before getting married. They make a bet- if Sutton and his brother Elijah can pose as a couple for 4 therapy sessions and the therapist cannot tell they are not actually engaged, then he will go.
It’s a fake dating/engaged scenario that doesn’t make a lot of sense, but you know what? Fake dating scenarios never do. It is a fun trope that never happens in real life.
This is a lighthearted and well paced rom com, I particularly enjoyed the romance, but also the side stories. Sutton is struggling with being away from the restaurant and in how to balance management with leadership. It is amazing that she is able to own a restaurant in Los Angeles at only 28, but she is insecure about her reviews. Also, the way she cared for her mother, despite her mother being angry and critical was incredibly touching. Her mom, at times, was a frustrating character but over the course of the book I grew a fondness for her, or at least pity.
Elijah is a good guy, I can see why Sutton fell for him, although falling so fast after ending a 2 year relationship seemed like a detriment of her own character. I enjoyed Kasie West’s first adult debut and although I was given a free e-ARC from Saturday Books and NetGalley, I have already pre-ordered this as a trophy. I think this is a story I will want to return to.
Overall, it is a fun romcom, but a little bit deeper and stronger character building. High recommend.
Book to be published April 14, 2026. This is my 394th review to NetGalley.
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