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 😍

Such a great story that will suck you into the drama. Honestly this was fab, I really enjoyed four steps to the perfect revenge, so had high expectations for this story, and I loved it. Daphne Davis is such a great character, she is seen as someone steady and straight, but in all honesty, she is so much deeper and more complex. Calvin was well written he has such deep hurt that will break your heart for him, as you get to understand the story and the history, they share a history that they both see from different sides and don’t always understand. But imagine failing and then having to go to work for your old nemesis and then finding out that the history wasn’t what you thought, it all adds to something extra, and this story adds to it all.

I love everything this author writes!! This book was no different. Perfect pacing and the storyline was soooo good! Thanks for the ARC!

This was my first book by this author. This gave me a good laugh at times and I enjoyed the lightheartedness of this book. I was more intrigued by the mystery than the romance tbh. The romance wasn't the best, hence the low rating. Other than that, this was a good read

In Lilian Monroe's latest book, Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date we find rule follower Daphne suddenly finding her normally routine life riddled with everything going wrong.

She's dumped by her ex and has no place to live, loses her job and forced to go back to her home town of Fernley Island. She finds herself in a situation with the Sheriff, Calvin Flint, her old high school nemesis and also her new boss. Fun!

Reading about Daphne going from being the top performer in everything to her sudden string of bad luck and then watching her fall for Calvin was a joy. They have hilarious situations pop up and I laughed with them, never at them, all the while waiting for and being pleased to watch them discover their feelings for each other.

As a fellow rule-follower, I was rooting for Daphne the whole time and glad she was able to loosen up a bit by the end, but keep true to herself.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

First of all this is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The characters were well developed and consistent in how they were written in the story. Daphne and Calvin had great banter and the author did a good job of developing their connection. I appreciate a good romantic slow burn.

The basics of the story is that Daphne has returned to her home town to work as an accountant for the sheriff's department because they are investigating a possible crime in their department. She is faced with working for her old high school nemesis Calvin who is the new acting sheriff. Sparks and banter begin almost from the start and it is delicious. There are fun side characters in the form of older women who are not above creating some chaos and fun shenanigans. There is a little mystery to solve and old hurts to heal.

This book is a great palette cleanser between more emotionally intense or complicated reads. I highly recommend this book for a fun and romantic read.