Honestly I found this boring and unbelievable. Not unbelievable in a suspend disbelief and enjoy kind of way but unbelievable in an eye rolling sheesh kind of way. I kept putting this book down and forgetting to pick it back. It was struggle to finish. This was not the book for me.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Dating Charade is one of those books you pick up because of the cover ... and you keep reading because of the compelling story! When I began this book, I expected to find a light-hearted romantic comedy, and that's what I got ... sort of. There are certainly romcom aspects to The Dating Charade, especially concerning Cassie's dates at the beginning and Jett's misunderstanding with his neighbor Sarah. But this book also delves deeper, telling heartbreaking tales of the foster care system, while still having a version of that "happily ever after" ending we look for in a romance.

While the beginning was a little slow for me, the end left me with a couple questions, and I would've liked Cassie and Jett to share more page time, I very much enjoyed this book! It has humor and heartbreak, precocious children and meddling grandmotherly types, and a whole lot of heart. And, since a large chunk of the story takes place during the Christmas season, it's the perfect book to read in the days leading up to Christmas.

There are many books on the market that deal with the foster care system, but this is the first time that I have read a romantic, and yes, even humorous tale that deals with this issue in such a sensitive, delightful way.

The two main characters, Cassie and Jett both appealed to me in such a way that I could identify with both. They were loving, kind individuals that drew me into their lives and had me travelling their rocky road of life right along with them. Their date at the beginning of the book was certainly different from the later attempt! These lovable characters both had a surprise awaiting them ... three children each! How do you find love when you are coping with youngsters who have been uprooted from their own families and have to adjust , somewhat unwillingly. Sad and realistic!! These youngsters melted my heart as I felt their confusion and pain of losing parents whether through death or circumstances.

The plot, with its many twists and somewhat humorous turns kept me engrossed from beginning to end. This author is a talented storyteller that had me feeling every emotion that came along. When a book keeps me reading late into the night, it has to be a GREAT one! The one thing that the somewhat quirky characters did, was to hide the fact that they were dealing with three children apiece. This results in somewhat hilarious consequences!

This romantic read, with laughs and tears, is one that will definitely appeal to a large audience. Easy to read with deep meaning !!

Without hesitation, I would class this as a five star book!!



This book was received from CelebrateLit. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

This book was fine. Nothing special. The plot was cute and a little quirky, but I didn't feel invested either way.

Great book about how you become a family and love those who need you. Funny and enjoyable - Cassie and Jetts story is not a fairytale but a story of love and commitment and how life gets in the way and makes you better for it

This was a really cute premise. I loved how Jett put himself out there with Cassie and didn’t give up on what he wanted. He was cute yet dorky and completely lovable. My only gripe is that I wish they had outed their secrets sooner. That being said, it was still a super cute book and I couldn’t wait to see what their ending would hold.

With a cute cover like this, it was hard to know what to expect. It's not just a relationship story, but dived much deeper into the beauty of helping children in difficult situations and stepping out of one's comfort story. I loved Cassie and Jett's interactions and there were so many laughable and sweet moments throughout. Definitely recommend 💕

Cassie has been on the dating circle longer than a hamster on an ever turning wheel and is about to throw the proverbial towel down when her best friend answers a message on her behalf.
Jett is ready to settle and leave his lonely bachelor life behind when his roommate tempts him into trying online dating and he finds the profile of Cassie, a distant memory from his HS days.
With each one believing the other doesn't want children and the looming possibility of unexpected responsibilities, Jett and Cassie try to make it work without showing their full hands.
This story is sweet and belly aching funny while touching the reality of children who end up being the casualties of their parents addictions, abuse and neglect. It's heartfelt and filled with clean and wholesome fun.
It was really enjoyable and never boring. A very different story with characters who are heroes in their own right.

2.5 stars

Oh how I wish I liked this novel more. Especially because there wasn't anything specifically 'bad' about it. It just wasn't the story for me but I am willing to appreciate the important topics that were brought into the story.

This novel included tough yet important issues such as addiction, neglect, foster parenting, and adoption. It really was a story that could open readers' eyes towards foster parenting and adoption and for that, I really wish I liked the overall story more. It opens the door to discussions regarding the different forms of 'family' that are out there and is informative while telling an emotionally powerful story.

Between the writing style, the pace, and the dwindling chemistry between the two main characters, it wasn't the novel for me but I know that there will be others out there that enjoy this story more.

***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

I absolutely could not put this book down. I was drawn in immediately, and was sad when it ended.

I love East Tennessee, and was thrilled to see The Dating Charade was set in Gatlinburg, TN. Cassie and Jett are both wonderful characters, and I love that it's a RomCom that deals with some tough topics. I laughed, I cried, and all the in between. Supporting characters are also fabulous, and no matter who you are, you can relate to someone in this book.

Jett remembered Cassie from high school, and stumbled upon her online dating profile. She deleted the app before she ever finished reading his message. Cassie is unable to have biological children, and Jett thought he didn't want children of his own. Through a series of circumstances, their views change as they both are face with fostering/guardianship issues that show them the bigger picture in life.

This is a debut book by author Melissa Ferguson, and is an excellent start. I would have loved to have seen more of a focus on God, and His provision, and how He sustained the characters through their struggles, but the lack thereof doesn't upset me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinion here are my own, and I'd gladly pay for this book.

Meeting via dating profiles, Jett and Cassie hit it off straight away. The connection and chemistry between the pair is palpable and it is obvious that there is something special between them.

In typical fashion, life gets in the way of this budding romance by offloading children onto both Cassie and Jett (Cassie takes temporary custody of 3 sisters to get them out of a neglectful and abusive home and Jett is left babysitting his niece and nephews when his sister stops by to surprise him and leaves them in his care) Whilst this doesn't seem a dramatic problem at face value, both Jett and Cassie know that each others dating profiles stated that they did not want children.

With this in mind and fuelled by the fear of scaring the other off, both try to hide the fact they have become overnight guardians and thus ensues a funny story where dates are cancelled/cut short with terrible excuses and the children are hidden from Jett/Cassie to keep up the ruse.

The Dating Charade is a funny and engaging read that is highly enjoyable. A must read for fans of the romance genre and for anyone who enjoys blended-family stories!

This review is going to focus on The Dating Charade, written by Melissa Ferguson. I received an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cassie Everson's story is an interesting one, and one I feel isn't written very often. Though the trope of not wanting kids, and ending up with kids is done, but not normally to this scale.

Cassie has had a lot of bad dates. So many that she decides to delete her online dating profile. But not before Jett sees her profile and remembers his childhood crush on her. Jett's charms, with the help of Cassie's best friend, seem to be succeeding at winning the girl. Until each feels they need to keep as secret from the other.

Cassie is the director of the Haven, a program to help at risk girls. Her favorite teen is Star, who has two young sisters. After her first magical date with Jett, Cassie become aware of the abuse and neglect Star and her sisters have been hiding as she sees the police and child protective services at their apartment. She takes temporary custody of the girls while waiting to hear if there is a family member able to take them in.

Meanwhile, Jett's sister surprises him by stopping by with his twin nephew and niece, and surprise, a newborn nephew, TJ before leaving them there with their young uncle. Jett struggles to figure out raising a newborn and two toddlers with the help of his roommate Sunny and their neighbor Sarah.

The problem is, Cassie and Jett are both thoroughly aware that each other's dating profiles stated that the other does not want children. Afraid of scaring off the other, they try to hide the children from each other coming up with lame excuses as to why they need to cancel or cut dates short.

Though I found both lead characters admirable, I became fed up with how long they kept the truth from each other. There is more drama to this book than romance. It was an enjoyable read, but not what I was expecting, nor what I was quite looking for in a read.

I think those interested in romantic comedies, blended families, and hot firefighters would find this book worth reading ;) It was released on December 3, 2019, so find a copy and pick up this debut by Melissa Ferguson.

Happy reading :)

I love when an author can make me laugh and reflect at the same time. Melissa has done this.
I will say it frustrated me that Cassie and Jett just didn’t tell each other what was going on in their lives, but of course that made the story interesting and the author did a good job of explaining their reasons.
I literally laughed out loud several times in this book. There are some comical situations. But there are also some very real and serious issues going on that are heart breaking and as I teacher I know they are all too true.
Melissa is definitely an author I will be looking for in the future.
Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.
A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

The book was funny and touching. Cassie and Jett were compelling characters. Each has had their share of challenges and they both face them with humor and love. I enjoyed how they were encountering similar situations and reacted very much the same. This was a great feel good story! I received a copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Definitely not your typical rom com. The interactions with Jett and Cassie started out quite fun but then the story became predictable. There were many issues from adoption, drug use, foster care and family concerns discussed quite well. The escapades of all the children were a hoot. A good book club selection.

I enjoyed this one but definitely expected it to have more comedic moments. It was definitely more on the heartbreaking side of things. Because of that, I found it a little difficult to read. I did think it was a great debut by Melissa Ferguson but I want to stress that it is not necessarily a romantic comedy!

Cassie has wanted children of her own for a long time, but an accident has made sure that will never happen. She works at the Haven, a place for disadvantaged and troubled girls to come for fellowship and guidance. When Cassie meets Jett, a local firefighter and first responder, she falls for him quickly. Soon she is thinking about adoption and a possible future with Jett, but she and Jett will soon find out that life is more complicated than they planned for.

I went into this read expecting a romantic comedy, but there were definitely many more dramatic and heartbreaking moments than funny ones. I found most of this book hard to read because of the sad circumstances with the children and the stressful learning moments for both of the main characters. This book made me very emotional: I experienced sadness, anger, frustration, and stress. The author is adept at eliciting emotions from readers through her strikingly realistic writing. I was disappointed with the lack of Christian content in the book, but I'm finding that very few Christian writers do include biblical elements anymore. The author addressed the difficulties of foster care, adoption, the inability to have children, and drug addiction pretty well, so I recommend this read to anyone who wants to read more about these issues.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This book sort of reminds me of Yours, Mine and Ours movie. Could be that's why I loved it so well!
Gosh this is such a cute read!! I got some snickers out of this delightful story!!
Life can sure throw some unexpected curves at you when you least expect it.
Jett and Cassie are proof of that.
While there are some serious moments in the book there's also some snickers too. This author has woven everything in perfectly!
Of course you can only guess who steals the show right from the start!
But what I can't understand is why are Cassie and Jett lying to each other for?
I loved Cassie from the start. She is somewhat like me and tends to wear her heart on her sleeve. She's always ready to help someone in need. I admired her greatly! She's got grit that's for sure!
I think my most heartbreaking scene was at the beginning. Melissa sure knows how to rip your heart out!
Jett gives me mixed feelings. I don't know how to explain it. I mean I like him and all and I think he's perfect for Cassie but there's just something......., Could be he wasn't ready for what was thrown at him. But then none of really are. Children don't come with instructions. Heavens I would have it made if that were the case.
I loved the basketball scene best I believe. While I was reading I could see and hear them banter back and forth lol!
This book is a can't put down one that's for sure. I loved this Rom-Com. It gave me a break from the more serious reading that I do. This was definitely your fun to read book. I had no idea what to expect when I opened it. I got the ride of a lifetime in this book.
I didn't really like Sunny. In my opinion he's too self centered. He's also a complainer. My Goodness! I felt myself wanting to do something to him at times! I thought he could have at least helped Jett out some. For the most part I felt that he got what he deserved and boy was it funny!
Poor Sarah!! I thought she tried too hard.
But I did think she was a bit pushy. I'm glad she was there to help out though.
I love the cover of the book. I think it looks mysterious. It goes with it quite well. In my opinion, it gives no clue as to what is inside. You've got the blurb for that. Sometimes I can't stand blurbs. It tends to give too much of the story away.
I highly recommend this book. It's a delightful read and one you'll enjoy very much.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.

What do you do when life throws you an unexpected twists that changes your whole life as you know it. This was Jett and Cassie's story.
Cassie has a heart for and loves children she just can't have any so she puts on her dating profile that she doesn't want kids when she meets Jett she's sure she has found her prince charming but when she suddenly has three cgdren in her care, it's hard to let him know she actually does love kids. Jett faces the same situation too and as they try to navigate this new task called instant parenthood, it doesn't come easy and there are a lot of mistakes made and embarrassing but funny moments.
One thing I didn't enjoy was how they couldn't come out rightly and talk about the children in their care with each other. It gave room for lots of misunderstanding and heartbreak. The end also felt a bit rushed for me but that being said, this book was awesome. I loved that despite the fact that this is her debut, the author writes like a seasoned author and dealt the issues of the foster system and child care as best as she could.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and Celebrate Lit for a blog tour. All opinions expressed are mine

I loved this author’s writing style. It’s an excellent example of how well-written and entertaining Christian contemporary fiction can be. The storyline is terrific, and I absolutely fell in love with the two main characters, Jett and Cassie. Their characters are likable and I had a great deal of empathy for each of them. As they each get quickly immersed into unexpected parenthood, there’s quite a bit of humor in both their stories. However, besides the humor, there’s also a very clear look at the challenges of being a foster parent and the struggles to help these children that are hurting, scared, and unsure of their future. The author shows the almost overwhelming challenges from both the foster parent and child’s point of view. Oh, there’s romance in this story, too. There were times I wanted to sit both Jett and Cassie down together and tell them to communicate with each other. I don’t know if there’s a follow-up book to this story, but I’d love to read one. I came to care of these characters, and that’s always a sign of a great story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.