Don't Go Faking My Heart by Kate Watson: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

It should be a match made in heaven, except she’s only attracted to jerks, and he’s a cinnamon roll…with burnt edges.

I, Ashley Jane Moore, am a glorious disaster.

Listen, I like myself, but the men in my life typically don’t. Not my dad and certainly not my manipulative ex. The one exception is my best friend, Rusty. He’s the ultimate farm-boy-next-door, and he has a way of making me feel less disaster, more glorious.

We’d be perfect for each other if it weren’t for two things: he friend-zoned me instantly, and I only seem to go for jerks.

But when one of those jerks—the manipulative ex—comes back into my life to steal my heart and the account I’m working on, Rusty does the noble thing and pretends to be my boyfriend.

But we may be a little too convincing. Because the more we pretend, the more real it feels.

Rusty:

I had to kiss her.

It was the only way to protect the woman I love from her narcissistic ex, and she happily went along. And the longer we keep up the charade, the happier she seems.

I knew fake dating Ash would be torture, but I didn’t expect something even more excruciating to come from it: hope. Because as Ash and I play house, I get the sense she’s starting to see me differently.

As much as I want that, I can’t let her see too deeply. If she does, I’ll lose her forever.

Don’t Go Faking My Heart is a laugh-out-loud, dual POV, closed door romcom with sizzling chemistry, delicious banter, and mutual healing. It deals with themes of abuse, alcoholism, loss, and emotional manipulation while still being uplifting and having a happily-ever-after. Books in the Sweet as Sugar Maple series can be enjoyed in any order.

The Author

Kate Watson is an Amazon Top 50 Bestselling author of cheeky closed door romantic comedies.

She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," to her parents for a quarter. It received rave reviews. She's written books full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters ever since.

Originally from Canada, she attended college at Brigham Young University and has also lived in Israel and Brazil. She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids.

She runs on swoons, fumes, and Jesus.

You can find her on Instagram:

@katewatsonbooks

Or join her Facebook Reader Group: Kate Watson's Rom Com Readers

Book Review

Don't Go Faking My Heart is the fourth book in the Sweet as Sugar Maple series. While you might have a better understanding of the friendship dynamics and other characters mentioned throughout the story if you've read the previous books, I do believe this could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone as well. 

I have been in love with this wonderful series since book one and with each book, I just find myself falling in love with it even more! One of the things I love about the series as a whole is how effortlessly Kate Watson blends these laugh out loud moments that will keep you smiling with much more difficult and real issues that add so much depth to the story. Ash and Rusty's story was no exception. I love a good 'he falls first' book, and Rusty certainly did just that... but the two were strictly in the friend zone until he faked being her boyfriend when her manipulative ex shows up. Under the impression of 'faking', he is able to let his true feelings come through... and I was here for it! The flirty banter and chemistry between these two was absolute perfection and I could not get enough. And the way they stand up for each other!? Yes, please! Both had some tough events in their life--- her with her biological dad and her ex and him with his alcoholic, abusive father... and the more we get to see of their pasts, the more I rooted for them to get their happily ever after. Their story was tender and emotional... but also full of fun moments to keep it from going too heavy. I loved every moment of it! 

Don't Go Faking My Heart is a closed-door romance with sizzling kisses only and no language. It does take on difficult topics like abuse, alcoholism, grief, etc. 

You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Miu3Ap