Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date jumps right into the fun and the meet-cute (or not so meet-cute?).

Daphne’s always been the responsible, successful good girl, but where has that gotten her? Her fiancé called her boring and dumped her, she lost her job due to her company’s problems, and she’s landed back in her suffocating small town. She’s been hired as a consultant for the police department to trace financial accounts and figure out what happened to county funds.

And the new sheriff in town? None other than Daphne’s teenage nemesis, Calvin. He can’t believe it when he sees her, and old feelings come rushing back (a mixture of lust and hate). He had it rough growing up, and he always envied Daphne with her perfect family and life. Sparks fly instantly, and it’s game on for these enemies…

As it turns out, Calvin needs a fake date for his mom’s vow renewal to get her off his back. Daphne has her own reasons for going along with it, and an enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating scheme is born. Only it’s quickly not so fake.

This book was quirky, hilarious, fun, and hot with chemistry. The first half was everything I could want in a fun romance book. The second half was great too, but did drag just a bit with the characters (especially Daphne) doubting themselves, holding themselves back from admitting their true feelings, and keeping secrets. I LOVED Calvin—he had to overcome so much to get where he is, and he’s such a deep-feeling and loving person, but has a little bit of an edge at the same time.

If you’re looking for quirky and hilarious side characters, this book is definitely for you! Daphne’s grandmother and her friends sometimes steal the show, Calvin’s little sister is adorable, and the book is filled with personality. Overall, a fun and lighthearted romcom that’s sure to make you smile.

This was a cute story, but I found my attention wandering at times, to the point that I forgot I had read a whole page and had to go back and reread it because I missed important parts of a conversation. Overall I liked Daphne and her zany family, and the pot plot cracked me up, but I didn't feel like there was a great flow between the different "steps" that linked the book together. Perhaps if I had read the first book in the series it would have made more sense and I would have been more anxious to get to the next chapter, but I hadn't read it yet, and I found the many parts of the book to be a bit slow. I can't quite put my finger on what wasn't my favorite about this book, the story was cute, none of the characters annoyed me, there was a happily ever after, but nothing jumped out at me to push me to read faster or get excited for the next chapter. The book has a lot of potential, but it just didn't click with me.

I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for an opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My rating:
⭐⭐⭐ I mostly liked and connected with it.

Review:
I wish I had known this was the second in a series before I jumped in. I found myself a little lost with some of the early chapters/characters/references. While I really liked both the FMC and the MMC, I felt like there was a lot going on in this book (with other characters) that detracted from the actual romance part of it. I love a good second-chance and enemies-to-lovers story, and this one combines those tropes so nicely. This was my first read by Monroe but I would certainly read more of her backlist in the future.

The Cover: Strong, representative of the story, and eye-catching.

My Favorite Things:
The “cupcake” nickname gave me Joe Morelli (Stephanie Plum series) vibes. Loved it.

This romance is such a fun ride with easy banter, humor that never lets up, and the way Daphne and Calvin push and pull against each other, only to realize they might just be exactly what the other needs. Both characters are lovable, flawed, and a little bit awkward, which makes their slow-burn romance feel so authentic. The misadventures and misunderstandings are all part of the charm, making this a perfect feel-good read for anyone who loves a couple who couldn’t be more mismatched, until they’re not.

A notorious rule follower, the old Daphne Davis could do no wrong. But lately she can’t get anything right.

Jilted by her ex, ousted from her home, and laid off from her job, Daphne retreats to her little hometown, Fernley Island. But even there, she feels out of sync. So, bailing on her own sister’s engagement party, she suddenly embraces a brand-new no more goody-two-shoes.

Unfortunately, Daphne’s new mantra lands her squarely in the headlights—literally—of her high school nemesis, Calvin Flint. No longer a scrawny jerk, he’s Fernley’s acting sheriff, filling out his uniform waaay better than he ought to.

He’s also Daphne’s new boss.

As Daphne balances the books after a department scandal, a series of mishaps throws her and Calvin together. The sparks that fly take them both by surprise. But will a fake dating scheme and quest for a stolen heirloom ruin their chance at something real?

Loved it. Lilian Monroe always delivers. Will recommend to others

This book was *insanely* cute! It combines all the best tropes—fake dating, enemies to lovers, and close proximity—in a way that felt fresh and engaging. The story centers around Daphne and Calvin, who had a rocky history from high school. Calvin was the charming jerk who didn’t care about the consequences of his actions, while Daphne was the studious, perfect student from the picture-perfect family.

They reconnect as adults and Calvin is now the sheriff of their small town, while Daphne returns as an investigator looking into a financial fraud case. Forced to work together, they find themselves spending more time together, and as the story unfolds, they start to realize they’re not the same people they were all those years ago.

The chemistry and banter between Daphne and Calvin was so good. Their dynamic was electric, and I loved watching their relationship evolve from old enemies to something much deeper. I did wish they’d been more upfront about their feelings sooner, but I totally understood why they held back, as they both were dealing with their own insecurities. There was a good amount of action involved too, with the main climax keeping me on the edge of my seat. There were times when I could not tell where the story was going to take me next. Overall, it was a wonderfully sweet and satisfying romance with just the right amount of tension and banter.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.

This book was interesting and I liked it a lot more than I thought I might at the beginning of reading. I liked Daphne and her struggle and Calvin was well written with both a good backstory and the slight mystery beneath the main relationship plot was well written and compelling.
The only thing I felt made this story fall flat for me what Daphne's whole plan to steal a pot. I both get it and think it was a little insane and such a dumb risk. I think this needed to be more com for this to fully make sense as a plot but the story was more serious than funny so it was a weird juxtaposition for me.

Daphne Davis is a notorious rule follower—through and through. But when her fiancé dumps her for being "too boring" and, well... her, a heartbroken Daphne decides she’s done with being the good girl everyone expects her to be and vows to embrace spontaneity. To make matters worse, she gets laid off from work. When her family finds out about her string of bad luck, they insist she return to their small hometown, Fernley Island.

Back home, Daphne struggles to find her footing, and the all-too-familiar feeling of not fitting in with her family of lovable troublemakers creeps back, forcing her to make a hasty retreat from her little sister's engagement party.

Getting pulled over by acting Sheriff Calvin Flint—her high school nemesis—was NOT part of the plan. Finding out she’s supposed to work with him starting next week makes it even worse.

Their banter while being forced to work together to solve the mystery of embezzled public funds by the previous sheriff had me hooked. The fake dating was a bit toned down without all those "we need to convince everyone we are into each other" clichés that most of the books in this genre follows which was quite refreshing honestly (could be because anyone can see the sparks fly between the two.)

The little heist subplot was silly and wacky, and I was so here for it. Daphne’s family and the older ladies in town were hilarious and endlessly entertaining.

Both Calvin and Daphne carried a lot of emotional baggage—Calvin with his abandonment issues, and Daphne feeling overshadowed by her sister and with a constant need to fit in. I loved how these themes were explored throughout the story, though I did get frustrated with how everyone in town (even her own family) always put Daphne in the "good girl" category like it was all there was to her. I appreciated Calvin figured out how much it was bothering her and stood up for her, but I really wanted Daphne to confront her family herself.

I also wish there had been more resolution between Calvin and his mom. That said, I really enjoyed this story—it was fun, emotional, and heartfelt. I’ll definitely be reading more by this author!

*Thank you to Montlake, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

✨Fake Dating
✨Opposite Attract
✨Stuck Together

Spice level 🌶️🌶️.5/5

I adored this book! This book had me on the edge of my seat multiple times, the plot twists were twisting and the relationships that played out in this story were so well written.

Daphne grew up on the island of Fernley and left for college and to start her career. After losing both her fiancee and what she thought was her dream job, she moved back home to help the local sheriffs department sort through their accounting after the previous sheriff was caught mismanaging and stealing money. The new sheriff is none other than her high school rival, Calvin Flint.
As Daphne balances the books after a department scandal, a series of mishaps throws her and Calvin together. The sparks that fly take them both by surprise. But will a fake dating scheme and quest for a stolen heirloom ruin their chance at something real?

Anyone who loves a good fake dating turns real dating, will they wont they, I always loved you type romance book...this one is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley, Lilian Monroe, and Montlake Publishing for the opportunity to read this amazing book. Releases March 25, 2025

DNF @54%
First, he is her ex-bully; second, there is absolutely no chemistry between the FMC & the MMC. In my opinion, there is no plot. The characters just go through the motions. All the MMC thinks about is the color of the FMC's undergarments and her self-esteem is basically nonexistent. The author kept repeating some words again and again and again. And I really didn't care about anything happening in the book

This romcom was light and fun. Daphne’s growth and entertaining shenanigans kept me intrigued on what was going to happen next.
The storyline was memorable, and while it took me longer than usual to finish the book every-time I picked it up I jumped right back in without missing a beat.
Definitely a great read and I’ll be looking for more from Lilian Monroe!

I love a fake dating romance. The slow burn, watching them deny their feelings only to give in. It's hot. This book is no exception. Daphne and Calvin's chemistry is off the charts and I liked how the home/small town vibes were expected but not overdone.

I found some of the grandma plot to be overdone and dragged a bit in spots. Otherwise, loved it!

Quick and fun read- I was looking for a enemies to lovers theme when I stumbled on this title and it sure did fit the bill. Enjoyed Daphne and Calvin's banter, sparks and the little side of mystery.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s a lighthearted romance about Daphne and Calvin who knew each other since high school. They’re reunited several years later when things go wrong in Daphne’s love life. She ends up in a situation that puts her and Calvin in a closer relationship situation than they’d like. What starts out as fake dating turns into much more. The characters were very likable and so was the storyline. There was a nice mix of love, laughter, work relationship banter, family and friendship. I enjoyed the ending as well. The only reason I couldn’t give it 5 stars is because the “fake dating” trope is becoming too common and predictable. Overall, I did love this story!

Daphne and Calvin are high school rivals, but when they both move back to their home town at the same time, and start work in the same place, they are put in positions they never saw coming. Needing a date to his mothers vow renewal, Calvin makes a deal with Daphne, little does he know that she is using this invitation to prove herself as more than what people have always believed her to be.
This book felt like watching a hallmark Christmas movie (even though it’s not set at Christmas time)! It was a little silly and goofy and had characters were comforting and relatable. There was a mystery to be solved, a family heist, and a choreographed dance, that made the story that much more endearing. Daphne and Calvin had good banter and an interesting past that made seeing them come together even more enjoyable. I appreciated the different kinds of families and they ways the characters upbringings influenced who they were as adults. I also appreciated how these characters were still figuring their lives out past their early 20's because it's not always as easy as graduating high school or college and getting a job, both Daphne and Calvin had already been through a lot yet they still had a lot to learn from each other.
This gets 4 stars from me because of the nostalgia I felt while reading it. I did feel like love came a bit too quickly for our characters, but this only added to the hallmark feeling.
One thing I would say is there is really amazing potential for a cute cartoon drawn cover that I think would really add to the appeal!

It a super fun read. Enemies(ish) to lovers set in a small island town. Reminded me a lot of the Stephanie Plum series right down to a cop boyfriend, crazy grandma, and slightly haphazard FMC. All the characters are super likeable with fun, witty banter. Highly recommend this read, now I want to read this whole series.

Needing a new start from her life Daphne decides to return to her hometown where she runs into her high school nemesis. With their years of high school battles behind them they agree to lay down their swords and come to an agreement. With both of them having their own agenda they start to fake date to under the guise of fooling the town. As they get to know one another they realize what they thought of each other in high school was all wrong. Forming an alliance to uncover the mystery of wierd happenings going on in town they form a bond. With the plan of right a former wrong her family urges her on in finding her grandmother’s missing Dutch oven. This leads to some laughable antics. . I really enjoyed this book so I went back and read Four Steps for the Perfect Revenge. Another cute story with a little mystery and a lot of fun along the way for the perfect romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake books for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily

Thanks NetGalley and Lilian Monroe for the chance to read this book. I really enjoyed Daphne and Calvin's story, it was fun and fast paced.

I found myself laughing out loud a lot, especially when Daphne's grandmother was involved and also Calvin's Mum's dance routine.

I enjoyed the slow burn, will they won't they, he's been pining for her plot line.

It was a fun easy read with a good plot and well rounded characters.

Overall liked the book, even though I had not read the first in the series. I have read Lilian Monroe before, and really liked her style of writing. The story was good, kind of a second chance romance even though they did not have a prior relationship. Daphne is a good girl who has figured out that being one is not making her happy. She is very hung up on the fact she is boring and everyone treats her differently than her more vivacious family members. The story does not give a genuine enemies to lover trope, more like blasts from the past find themselves together. The enemies part was more like angsty teenager is reflecting a bad home situation onto Daphne who has the complete opposite. I was disappointed that Calvin did not really resolve any issue with his mother. Daphne kept the mission to obtain the dutch oven a secret despite thinking about confessing to Calvin way too many times. He fell way harder than she did, which I did like. The mystery behind the corrupt police department was a great subplot, ad it reminded me of Lucy Score's Knockabout series. I really liked the love interest Calvin, he just wanted someone to show real affection for him, Daphne’s moping at first was moving but then it got so repetitive and eventually annoying. Her story line could have been better, the whole goal was for her not to be a people pleaser good girl, but she tries to make her grandma happy by retrieving the famous pot. I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date is a contemporary romance that features a 2nd chance romance, fake dating, and a heist. When Daphne moved back home after her fiancé dumped her, she didn’t expect to see a blast from her past, and certainly didn’t expect to have to work with him. A fake dating proposal turned heist turned real feelings makes this fast paced book an easy read. Calvin has officially made cupcake my favorite nickname 😍