This was the cutest, sweetest read. Being a caregiver is the hardest job I have ever done. This story spoke of Alzheimer's in a true, deep, & meaningful way. This story is sad, sweet, hot, spicy, all the things! Loved it!!!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest review!

#NetGalley #AlcovePress #MeganMurphy

This is a promising debut romance with grownups Elle and Adam finding each other in the shadow of a more serious issue – living with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also more small-town than billionaire – so refreshing. Our heroine Elle is charming to begin with as a podcast host of 'Elle on the L' in Chicago. In her job Elle is warm and empathetic, but once she’s home with Lovie, her grandmother, it feels like she's had a personality transplant and comes across as self-absorbed, petulant and demanding. I struggled to reconcile the two sides of her.

Adam is a nurse and professional carer and obviously a caregiver in his personality (love a Beta hero!) He agrees to live in to help with Lovie. Unfortunately for him, Elle is clueless and demanding. His personal circumstances are slowly revealed and I felt so much sympathy for him. The connection between Elle and Adam has equal weight to Lovie's decline, and perhaps Elle's growth. There's a touch of spice 🌶 and they get along well 😉

How Lovie's Alzheimer’s disease is worsening is thoughtfully portrayed, even if the realities of in-home care are romanticised and glossed over.

Thank you Megan Murphy, Alcove Press and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

"Fake It Like You Mean It" is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story that perfectly balances humor and emotional depth. From laugh-out-loud moments (thirteen pages in and he saw her vibrator!) to poignant scenes exploring the realities of Alzheimer's, this book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. While the romance is definitely present, it's not overly spicy, allowing the focus to remain on the characters' growth and the complexities of their situation.

The story follows Elle as she returns home to care for her grandmother, Lovie, whose Alzheimer's is progressing rapidly. Her unexpected encounter with Adam, Lovie's live-in nurse, sets the stage for a hilarious fake-dating scenario when Lovie becomes convinced they're in love. What begins as a charade to appease Lovie quickly evolves into something more as Elle and Adam navigate their complicated feelings and the challenges of caring for Lovie. Adam's thoughtful gestures, like leaving green smoothies for Elle and trolling her internet trolls, add a layer of sweetness to their interactions.

While the book took me a little while to get fully invested, once I was in, I couldn't put it down. The character arcs are extremely well-done, with both Elle and Adam undergoing significant personal growth as they confront their pasts and embrace their vulnerabilities. The representation of Alzheimer's is handled with sensitivity and grace, showcasing the heartbreaking realities of the disease while also highlighting the enduring power of love and connection. "Fake It Like You Mean It" is a truly touching and memorable read that will stay with you long after you finish the final page.

Lovie is hands down the only reason why i didn't dnf this book.
the MMC and the MFC i felt like their chemistry was forced and i just didn't like them.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

FAKE IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT by Megan Murphy is a lighthearted and engaging read that explores themes of confidence, self-discovery, and personal growth.

The writing is sharp, and the author’s humor shines through in many parts of the book, making it an easy read. The romance was sweet, though it felt a little predictable at times.

While the overall message about self-acceptance is great, I found some of the character development to be a bit rushed. Certain key moments felt a little forced, and I struggled to connect with the protagonist in some parts of the story. The pacing was also uneven—at times, the plot felt a bit repetitive, and some of the secondary storylines didn’t add as much to the main narrative as I had hoped.

Ultimately, while *Fake It Like You Mean It* has its heart in the right place, it didn’t quite live up to the promise of its premise for me. It’s an enjoyable read for fans of light romance and self-discovery, but it left me wanting a bit more depth and substance.

Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the ARC! Opinions are my own

I am forever interested in romances featuring people in medical professions. I think it stems from both my interest in public health and also the fantasy of the empathetic male healthcare worker. But perhaps I'll unpack that another time.

Anyways.

I think that is what inspired me to pick up "Fake It Like You Mean It". Plus I couldn't resist the premise of two people having to pretend to date for the sake of someone losing their memory. I will say, this book definitely falls on the more emotional side of the cartoon cover romance spectrum. It was pulling at emotional threads I didn't really know I had. One of the major, major themes and central plot premises of this book is the realities of caring for a loved one, and former caretaker, who can no longer take care of themselves and does not remember you. The book does not shy away from the emotional turmoil this causes or the less glamorous physical aspects of this.

I will say, that there were some elements of the caregiving piece that I wished were addressed a little more in depth, or not raised and then ignored for the rest of the story. Sometimes it felt like a can of worms was opened and then kind of pushed to the side.

The romance here was nice, I liked both of the characters. Sometimes it felt like things happened or they said things that weren't super built up to, but I don't think that really detracted from the overall experience of reading the book.

4 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

⭐️: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
Format: 📱

WOW. Get ready to cry. I would say I'm a moderate crier. I cry at some things. But I BAWLED. Multiple times. This was one of the most relatable, viscerally emotional stories I've read in a long time. Murphy did such an excellent job fleshing out these characters, and they were so real, and I felt everything right along with them. The entire story takes place in this bubble, but it was so well developed I didn't want to leave.

The portrayal of Lovie's Alzheimer's here is gut-wrenching. While there was a tiny bit of suspension of disbelief needed in terms of how the in-home care team operated, it was to the benefit of the plot and the romance. I was able to vividly picture Lovie's situation, the setting, and their interactions, and Elle's inner monologue at those interactions just hit me so hard. While I don't have any relations with Alzheimer's, it was just so beautifully illustrated that I got so into it.

I am shocked that this was a debut novel. It's incredible. I highly recommend anyone check it out!!

I really enjoyed Fake It Like You Mean It. It was a fun and lighthearted romance, but what truly stood out to me was how it touched on some deeper, more sensitive topics, like dementia. I wasn’t expecting the story to explore those emotional moments, but it added so much heart and depth to the characters and their journey.

The chemistry between the leads was fantastic, and their banter felt natural and genuinely funny. I found myself rooting for them from the start. Even though the fake-dating trope is predictable, it’s done so well here that I didn’t mind at all. The mix of romance, humour, and emotional moments struck a great balance.

There are a few slower sections, but the strong writing and heartfelt themes kept me hooked. This book is not just about romance—it’s about family, resilience, and finding love even in the messiness of life.

Lovie's Hard Love Rule Number 50: Buy this book or request it from your local library because you will read it and then fall in love with it.

"Love it part of being human, Elle. The best part. It's ingrained in our skin and bones... etched onto our souls. We don't forget that easily, no matter how hard we try." Megan I loved every minute with Ellie and Adam, the good and the bad. I can't wait for others to discover all of Lovie's Hard Rules, even HHALT. 😉

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the eARC of Fake It Like You Mean It.

*Fake It Like You Mean It* is a great story. Elle and Adam’s begrudging partnership turns into a charming and slow-burning romance, set against the poignant backdrop of Lovie’s Alzheimer’s journey.

This felt like a proper emotional rollercoaster.

The premises of the story was nice and I really liked the characters and how they opened up more as the story went on. The chemistry between the characters was nice, I wouldn't have minded a even more slow burn but regardless I really enjoyed the romance aspects in this story.

Not only is this a cute romance story it also touches a heavy and important topic about Alzheimer and about living and caring of someone who is suffering of alzheimer. How that person becomes someone completely different.

This is absolutely such a wonderful book I would gladly recommend to everyone who likes a nice fake dating slow burn with the side of some heavier topics!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.

"𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 '𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬', 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 '𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞'"

En pocas palabras: me ha encantado.

En 𝗙𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝘁 nos encontramos con una historia adulta y madura, ambos protagonistas me han gustado mucho y he llegado a conectar bastante con ellos, sobretodo con Elle.

En el tercer capítulo sabía que ya me iba a detrozar por la temática del libro y no me he equivocaba, ha sido todo tan bonito, tan dulce y tan desgarrador que problablemente sea uno de mis libros de romance más top de este año.

Una de las cosas que más he disfrutado ha sido el desarrollo de la trama romántica, la he sentido real, me ha encantado ver como desde el principio son unos desconocidos que no tenían nada de ganas de encontrarse y con el paso del tiempo junto van surgiendo sentimientos y una sensación de camadería de ellos muy bonita.

Adam Wheeler es un amor y un crush bastante real, creo que hablo por todas cuando necesitamos un hombre así en nuestra vida 😛


Thanks NETGALLEY for the ARC.

🍀DEBUT REVIEW🍀

📖Fake It Like You Mean It
✏️By @megmurphywrites
🗓️March 18, 2025

Before picking up Murphy’s debut, I wholeheartedly expected an easy read brimming with laughter—a classic meet-cute fueled by forced proximity, instant attraction, and all the beloved tropes that define my favorite genre. And you know what? This book is all of those things—my favorite cozy moments bundled up like a giant, comforting blanket wrapping me in a warm hug.

But what I didn’t expect were the heartbreakingly accurate depictions of the daily struggles of caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. That part hit me hard, making this debut carve out a space in the most tender, emotion-filled corner of my heart.

Murphy’s attention to detail—the smallest, most mundane aspects of life with someone suffering from Alzheimer’s—is extraordinary. These moments resonate deeply with my own experiences, and I often found myself reaching for tissues during scenes that, on the surface, might seem insignificant. But they’re anything but.

It’s difficult to put into words how beautifully this book captures the challenges faced by those whose loved ones are living with Alzheimer’s. Elle and Adam’s emotional journey is raw, heartfelt, and incredibly moving. Watching them lean on one another, finding strength and solace in their growing bond, felt like a balm for the soul. They’re absolutely perfect for each other, and I adored witnessing the progression of their relationship.

This debut surprised me in the best possible way. I want to climb to the top of the Willis Tower and shout for everyone to IMMEDIATELY preorder Murphy’s stunning work, available on March 18 everywhere books are sold 💝

#bookstagram #booklover #booknerd #book #debut #contemporarybooks #romancebooks #romancereader #bookaddict #bookreview #bookblogger #booklove #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #debutauthor #debutbook #bookblogger #bookblog #alcovepress #fakeitlikeyoumeanit #arc #netgalley #enemiestolovers #2025debutauthor #2025debut #forcedproximityromance #meganmurphy #forcedproximity #mutualpining #alzheimers

I was so glad to receive an ARC of this book, having been the youngest child of youngest children, very early on in life I had a few family members who were diagnosed with alzheimer's or dementia. It is a reality I know all too well and this book brought shined some light on that while being equal parts funny, romantic and heartbreaking. Megan Murphy did a great job balancing all of these elements to write a book I can't wait to recommend and also read again myself.

I have had the absolute delight of connecting with Megan and after reading her debut novel, it’s no wonder it was picked up!

Fake It Like You Mean It feels like a warm hug tinged with sadness. Leaving you unsure of whether you should laugh or cry as you journey through this beautiful love story.

Elle and Adam’s chemistry jumps off the page, but more than that, their banter mixed with the vulnerability they share is *chefs kiss*

And I can’t forget my favorite part of this story—Elle’s grandmother, Lovie. You will need boxes of tissue for just her character alone. The amount of love and care Megan put into not only writing her character but exploring this particular topic of grief as you watch someone fade away from Alzheimer’s was beautifully done.

Overall, this was such a wonderful debut and I am so excited for all that’s to come from Megan. Fake It Like You Mean It releases March 18th and I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy!

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for giving me an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book! Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this book did not let me down. It was so well written and took me through a whirlwind of emotions.

It was giving The Notebook vibes. Like Allie, Elle’s grandmother, Lovie, has Alzheimer’s disease and relives her romance with her husband through Elle and Adam. It was such a unique idea and I couldn’t get enough.

Adam is a perfect book boyfriend. He is so patient, kind and caring even when Elle shows the worst sides of herself.

This book made me laugh, cry and swoon and I cannot recommend it enough! If you like an enemies to lovers, fake dating, slow burn, you do not want to miss out on this amazing love story!

Overall, Fake It Like You Mean It was a really cute story. FMC Elle finds herself in quite the predicament when her grandmother, Lovie, Alzheimer’s progresses and she needs full-time care. Cue Adam, the sexy, selfless, all around good guy nurse who takes care of Lovie and Elle cannot stand but also can’t stay away from. Tropes included are fake dating, enemies to lovers, only one bed. The one thing I didn’t enjoy about the book was that when Lovie would get mean with Elle, do to her Alzheimer’s, Elle’s knee jerk reaction at the beginning was to get even, to pull a prank on her. Which seemed a little harsh to me. You wind up finding out the reason why Lovie is so harsh but personally, I don’t think my first reaction to a loved one with Alzheimer’s being mean would be to be mean back..

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read this ARC!

In Fake It Like You Mean It, Elle, a podcaster who lives in Chicago, heads home to help take care of her grandmother, Lovie. Lovie’s Alzheimer’s is progressing, and in her rush to get home, she doesn’t realize that the home health company has placed a full-time nurse at home to care for Lovie. Elle and Adam are forced to figure out how to share the caretaking responsibilities… while Lovie thinks they are her and her husband!

What a deep, heartfelt, and overall wonderful story! Megan Murphy perfectly balances the comedic elements of a classic rom-com with the heartbreaking reality of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. I was laughing and crying along with Adam and Elle!

Elle is such a raw portrayal of the difficulties of dealing with losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease. You can see her pain with Lovie not recognizing her and how it affects her life. And Adam! What a thoughtful and loving man, but in his career as a nurse and in his personal life.

Again, what a wonderful story!

I wasn't too impressed. This was a flimsy enemies to lovers (though to be fair most romances these days are), and coupled with the general sadness the premise relies on, this was just okay for me. I didn't fully buy the buildup of emotional closeness between the two MCs, and felt whiplashed by the pacing of the physical tension. Overall kind of uninspiring, which is a bummer because I appreciate the Alzheimer's rep in any book, but especially a romance one. The author just got my attention at the very beginning and then didn't do anything with it.

This was such a fun time, had so many laugh out loud moments! Was such a blast to read and I loved that it didn’t have the normal meet-cute moment but kept it interesting and kept the story flowing the whole time! The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was the running when things got hard, I understand commitment issues but I’ve never enjoyed a MC who decides running away is how to handle the situation, just takes me out of enjoying the couple.
Other then that it was such a fun time!