Daphne is an accountant who returns to her hometown feeling like a failure after losing her career and her relationship. She has to deal with her family, a quirky small town and being attracted to her new boss all while trying to figure out what happened to the money the sheriff department is missing. Calvin returns to his hometown to become the acting sheriff after the town was rocked by a huge scandal involving the prior sheriff. He isn’t sure he wants to stay once the job is over. He left town a bad boy and returned as a sheriff with a lot of weight on his shoulders. Daphne and Calvin don’t seem like a good fit at first glance but they just might be each other’s missing pieces.
The author made a good choice giving the characters a big problem to solve since this story would just be a typical quirky small town romance without it. The big story gave the characters a reason to keep pushing forward and spend time together. Daphne starts the story with a good reason to be upset. She slowly opens her heart and mind to understand her perspective about her family might not be correct. She realizes that her boyfriend at her prior job did her a favor. She also comes to realize that her opinions about Calvin might now be fair. Calvin has a lot of family and personal baggage at the beginning of the story. The addition of his ½ sister was a good way to show that Calvin has always had his humanity. Their relationship is very sweet. Calvin gives Daphne a lot of time to get to know him as an adult. His slow realization that he doesn’t feel the same about his hometown as he did when he was a kid was good to read. The author gave Daphne and Calvin good reasons to end up together. I was rooting for them by the end. Now that he is an adult, all he wants is to do a good job as acting sheriff.
There are bad guys in this story. Each one serves a different purpose in the story. I like that the author gave the characters different bad guys to fight against. Not all of them are equally bad. Not all of the solutions are clean and tidy but they are all good.
This story takes place on an island off the coast of Washington State. This is a sweet love story about two people that return to their hometown only to discover that they needed to come home to find everything they were looking for when they left. I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date is a perfect read that provides a wonderful escape, filled with misadventures, misunderstandings, and an amazingly mismatched couple that will keep you laughing and entertained from the very first page. The story centers around Daphne who is a noted rule follower. However, her life has taken a chaotic turn when she is jilted by her ex, kicked out of her home, and laid off from her job. Daphne goes back home to find peace but finds she feels more out of sync than ever so she decides to bail on her sister's engagement party and decides to change up the way she lives her life. But who should enter the picture but her high school nemesis, Calvin Flint, except he is no longer the scrawny bully he use to be he is now the town's handsome sheriff. The chemistry between these two is invigorating and their banter is witty and cute. They will definitely leave you rooting for the sweet relationship they are heading toward. The small town and all the supporting characters add that quirkiness to these stories that makes it that much better. I love small town reads with all the different characters. I recommend it to fans of romantic small town comedies and anyone who needs a feel good read.

Calvin always envied prefect Daphne with her perfect loving family and her perfect life in high school, and sometimes acted out against her. He never expected to see her again, much less to see her life may not be as perfect as he always thought. Daphne just got dumped by her fiance and lost her big city job, and now she's back at home working for the local police station investigating their finances. Then after a couple incidents where the townsfolk start rumors of a relationship been them, they go with it. Calvin needs a date to his mom's vow renewal and Daphne has her own reasons for fake dating. Soon enough their feelings are all too real, but they both have trust issues from their pasts keeping them apart.
I enjoyed the first book in the series and the shakeup of the police department leads right into this book that features the sister to Ellie and her high school nemesis. Daphne suffers from a lack of self confidence after always being compared to her sister. Calvin felt abandoned in childhood and has a lot of trust issues, but he's so sweet and loving with Daphne. I loved these two together, and the added little mystery with her crazy grandmother and friends added a lot of comedy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There’s hardly any chemistry between the main characters but I’m a sucker for the ex bully trope. Every single time I’ll eat it up. I was hoping for more fully flushed characters. The FMC was very insecure and unsure of herself while the MMC was only full of lust for the love interest.

This book had been sitting on my TBR for a while, and I only just got around to reading it. Maybe I subconsciously put it off because I’m not a fan of covers with real people—they just don’t appeal to me. But the blurb convinced me to give it a try, and I love the mix of enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and slow burn. In the end, the story didn’t completely win me over, but it was still an okay read. Personally, I found it a bit too spicy—less would have been enough for me.

I loved loved loved this book. I hadn't read anything from Lilian Monroe before this book and I could tell she really knows what she is doing. The community this book takes place in is so fleshed out and thorough, it feels like a very real small town with a thick culture of gossip and warmth. The family dynamics here are very grounded in reality aside from being absolutely hilarious. The insecurities from these characters also felt very real. Things I think almost everyone can empathize with. The fear of not being chosen, feeling neglected, not feeling good enough. Having deep seeded personal issues that actually affect your ability to be in a relationship. It did get to a certain point, by the time of this third act separation, I was frustrated that neither one of them had figured out what kept them apart or had the courage to have a real conversation about their feelings. I suppose that is kind of the point, though.

I loved watching these two fall for each other. I loved the hijinks the families get into and the dynamics of everyone together. I read this book so fast because I just wanted these two to have their happy ending and couldn't pull myself away from the world to go back to everyday life.

⭐ 3.75
🌶️ 1
🥵 Spicy chapters: 29-30
📚 Tropes/Themes: small town, starting over, bickering, enemies to lovers, he falls first, he takes care of her, sheriff x accountant, slow burn
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
🛍️ Available: Now

💬 This was a cute, mostly enjoyable story. The beginning is smart and snarky and hilarious and sucked me in pretty quickly.
I like how they have to do actual police stuff. That probably sounds silly but I feel like in other books where the MMC is a sheriff there isn't much more to that than a namesake, but in this he was actually doing police work.

I also really love how they lean into the "small town" ness, with over the top characters and crazy antics. It gives the story a cozy, homey vibe.

That's said, I promise I try not to overthink characters and books but... well I sincerely hope that Calvin and Daphne underwent a lot of therapy during the 9 years that separates the end of the story and the epilogue 😅

Idk, I think it was meant to be some comic relief but it was really bumming me out the lengths Daphne felt she had to go to to be accepted within her family, especially when there wasn't really much mention of trauma on her side. It really seemed like most of it was self-imposed and I was frustrated that her family didn't recognize the situation for what it was.

Calvin I get and I really loved watching him work through his issues and grow as a person in what felt like a REALISTIC and honest way.

Despite that like I said it was a cute story that I enjoyed. And I plan to read the previous book in the series.

This was my first book read by this author. I really enjoyed reading this book. It made me laugh and smile at times. I did feel like some parts were really repetitive when both main characters were thinking bad about themselves, but it didn't make me enjoy the book any less. I loved Mabel and her friends and the shenanigans they seemed to get into and get Daphne involved in. I will now be checking out other books by this author

Alright, buckle up, darlings, because I'm about to dive headfirst into Lilian Monroe's "Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date." Let me tell you, this isn't your run-of-the-mill romance story. Lilian Monroe, in her insightful "Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date," doesn't just give us a how-to guide; she offers a glimpse into the messy, beautiful, and surprisingly real emotions that can blossom when you're *pretending* to be in love. Fake dating, at its core, is a performance. It's about crafting an illusion, a believable narrative that convinces those around you that sparks are flying. But Monroe, with a heart full of passion, understands that the magic lies in the *evolving* nature of the charade. It's not about rigidly sticking to a script but about allowing personalities and genuine interactions to shape the relationship. The initial awkwardness, forced laughter, and carefully curated public displays of affection are all building blocks. The beauty lies in the transformation. As the fake relationship progresses, something shifts. The actors, consumed by the roles they play, start to see each other in a new light. The carefully constructed facade begins to crack, revealing vulnerabilities, hidden depths, and unexpected connections. It is in these moments of authentic interaction that the fake begins to feel…REAL. Then there's the juiciest trope of them all: the enemy-to-lover dynamic lurking beneath the surface. Monroe implicitly acknowledges the inherent tension of this element. What better foundation for a fake relationship than underlying animosity? The constant bickering, the thinly veiled insults, the simmering resentment – it all provides a fertile ground for explosive chemistry. Because let's face it, the line between love and hate is often thinner than we'd like to admit. And when those two extremes collide, the result is a passionate inferno that burns all pretense to ashes, leaving behind a raw and undeniable truth. Monroe's "Four Steps" isn't just a guide to faking a relationship: it's a guide to discovering oneself and the unexpected depths of human connection. It’s a testament to the power of vulnerability, the allure of forbidden desires, and the undeniable truth that sometimes, the most authentic love stories begin with a lie. And that, my friends, is the heart of a truly captivating fake dating tale.

With her personal and professional life in upheaval Daphne decides to return to her hometown for a fresh start. She believes that always doing what is expected of her hasn’t served her well so that is the first thing she is going to change. She now finds herself facing another challenge when Calvin, her boss, also happens to be her adversary from when they were teenagers.

Calvin had a reputation from when he was teenager, but he is no longer that boy and is now the Sheriff. The animosity between them remains but the more time they spend with each other the more Calvin sees the Daphne that she has kept hidden.

Pretending to be a couple, a little intrigue and two people trying to overcome their pasts are just a few of the things that Calvin and Daphne must overcome as they take us on a journey that includes humor, emotion and love.

Daphne Davis, after being dumped by her former fiance, has taken a job as an accountant at her hometown sherrifs office. She has been tasked with finding out where all the funding for their office has gone. Calvin Flint is the current Sherrif and a former classmate of Daphne's, of whom she did not get along with. Calvin and Daphne are forced to work together not only at work, but also outside of work to keep his mother off his back. However, Daphne has agreed to work with him for her own benefit, and her quest lands her into some questionable situations.
The tension between those two, the character growth, the story line, and the writing were all chefs kiss! I thought that their story was well written and easy to follow along with and that they were both characters who deserved to be loved.

Daphine Davis is driving back to her hometown town which is on an Island. She is feeling down after her fiancé broke up with her, and she lost her job. Always the rule follower, she is now driving with mint chocolate ice cream between her legs when she gets pulled over. It is by her new boss, the sheriff, who was also her tormentor during high school. Calvin Flint cannot believe it is Miss Perfect whom he is pulling over. He lets her go, but every time after this, she ends up doing something to embarrass herself when she is with him. The goes on and they both realize that they had a different look at the way things were in high school. They become more than friends, and then Daphine decides she wants to be part of her family and wants to get her grandmother's cast iron Dutch oven, which is actually in his mother's kitchen, which just adds more to this story. A really good story with excellent characters and very much worth the read.

I loved this book and I couldn't put it down once I started reading it and I was hooked from the very first page. I loved the chemistry, attraction and the banter between them was really amazing.

Accountant Daphne Davis has returned home to work for the local Sheriff’s department, not expecting to see the new acting Sheriff, Calvin Flint. He was her nemesis in high school and now he will be her boss. She is tasked with finding out where the money, scheduled for the new addition, went. Calvin had turned his life around from the boy who didn’t care if he graduated to the man he is now, but still there are times when he doesn’t believe that he deserves happiness. Daphne had lost her job and was dumped by the man she had planned to marry. She is the quiet one, but her grandmother manages to involve her in a plot to retrieve a stolen pot, yes, a pot that makes the best bread…and crust. Calvin is falling for her once again, but will she be staying in town or head back to the city? Her involvement with the group of elderly citizens, including her grandma, may lead her to one of craziest things she has ever done. She is not a risk taker, but maybe she will soon learn that she is braver than she thought. Laugh out loud at times, but with a definite hint of tenderness as Calvin proves that he believes in her, but she needs to believe in herself as well. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Hallmark movie vibes with cliche settings and characters. I was disappointed by the campy and predictable storytelling when the plot had the potential to deal with more complicated issues and feelings that would have set it apart.

Daphne is whiny and her thoughts are endlessly repetitive. Calvin is more interesting - I feel like he deserves better! Not bad, but it doesn't stand out.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

Daphne is definitely not a shy, good girl that she pretends to be and Calvin, the reformed bad boy, is the only one who sees the real her and brings her out of her shell. The banter between them was so fun right from the start.

A series of events leads them to end up fake dating and the fun continues. But the fake soon turns real with Calvin going into protective mode over Daphne’s safety. Unfortunately (or fortunately), she gets into plenty of trouble which allows them to get closer.

I enjoyed seeing smart Daphne at work, and when they paired up on their investigation, it was a perfect match. Though the heartbreaking scene was painful to read, it did made the ending so much sweeter. I wished though that the will they won’t they portion was slightly shorter.

Four Steps To The Perfect Fake Date is the enemies to lovers romance between accountant Daphne and Sheriff Calvin who knew each other in high school only to meet again as adults when she is hired to look into fraudulent activities occurring during construction to the Sheriff's detachment. Add in the plot by Daphne and her grandmother to steal back their family's bread pot which has been taken by Calvin's mother and you have the makings for a hilarious romantic comedy. This delightful romance has amazing characters, hilarious self-talk, witty banter, laugh out loud situations, a little suspense, and a slow burn romance which has always been brewing. I highly recommend this enjoyable book which is well written by one of my favorite authors, Lillian Monroe.
I received a copy of this book by netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This book was an absolute joy to read! Calvin and Daphne were at school together and both thought the other disliked them. When Daphne returns to the island where her family lives, she and Calvin get to know each other as adults and realize they are attracted to each other. Both find it hard to relate to their families, but by pretending to be dating, they start to bond. Daphne’s misadventures, as she tries to break out of her ‘good girl’ role, are simply hilarious! Her grandmother, sister and friends make great sidekicks along with Calvin’s little sister CeCe. I found this a wonderfully satisfying small town rom com and can’t wait to read more in this series!

3.5

The story follows Daphne, who suddenly finds herself facing a reality she never thought possible: unemployed and dumped by her long-time boyfriend for being “boring.” So, she decides to return to her hometown island to lick her wounds and figure out what’s next. As if her bad luck wasn’t enough, she ends up crossing paths with Calvin—her high school nemesis and former bad boy—who’s now the island's new sheriff.

I loved the initial chemistry between Daphne and Calvin—their banter was so much fun! The fact that they already knew each other made it even more interesting to discover why they couldn’t stand each other in the past. The whole work proximity setup, with them teaming up to solve a case, worked so well in helping them shift their perspectives about each other—especially Daphne toward Calvin. I loved seeing how their behavior changed when they were together, revealing sides of themselves they didn’t even realize they had, especially Daphne. The flashbacks to their past were a nice touch too—I honestly wouldn’t have minded a few more of those, just for personal preference.

One thing that really surprised me (and made me laugh) was the amount of bad luck Daphne faces in the first part of the book: between a black eye and a sprained ankle, it seems like the protagonist can’t stay away from misfortune. This detail made me smile because it’s not the kind of situation I expect in a contemporary romance, even though, given the mystery subplot, it makes sense that there would be risky moments. But I had assumed the person getting hurt every time wouldn’t be the protagonist. LOL

These circumstances, however, give the two protagonists the chance to get to know each other better and deepen their relationship, which had been on hold since high school. I loved how their relationships developed and the little spicy moments scattered throughout that fueled their connection. Their relationship is well-developed, and some scenes are truly touching, while others are adorable.

Although Calvin is described as Daphne’s nemesis, I think “problematic guy” is a more fitting. After reading his POV, I’m glad he managed to climb out of his abyss and give himself a second chance. I liked seeing how his perception of Daphne evolves throughout the story, moving from the memory of her as a high schooler to the woman she is now. I truly adored him as a character, especially for how he cares for his little sister when he could resent her for living the life he once wanted. Instead, he worries about making sure she has everything she needs. On one hand, this situation is sweet and admirable, but on the other hand, the rebellious bad boy and Daphne’s nemesis side didn’t feel very “present.” Let me explain: given his past, I expected that some people wouldn’t accept him or would be wary of him because of his role as sheriff. But instead, everyone was very kind to him. Maybe it's just my perspective, but in a small town where gossip is part of everyday life, I expected there to be more "drama" surrounding this.

On the other hand, I found Daphne interesting in the first part of the story, and I quickly grew fond of her “change,” which seemed to be shaped partly by fate and the circumstances around her. However, by the time I reached the middle of the book, I started to perceive her narration as repetitive and monotonous, which weighed down the protagonist. I wished that, during those moments, she would have confided in a friend who could have pointed out the potential she had, instead of leaving her to wrestle with her thoughts.

The plot is pretty simple, but the touch of mystery adds a nice spark and keeps things moving without losing that light, easygoing vibe. I especially loved Daphne’s grandmother and her group of friends—they brought such a fun and heartwarming energy that balanced out the story perfectly. The ending was sweet and satisfying, just right for anyone craving a romantic story with a bit of emotional depth.

Overall, Four Steps to the Perfect Fake Date was a really enjoyable and engaging read, even though a few repetitive moments made the pacing feel a bit slow at times. That said, while I did enjoy the story and the dynamic between the characters was nice to follow, there were moments when I wasn’t fully convinced by the development of Daphne and Colin’s relationship.


Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this e-ARC

We all have our "Daphne" days—grabbing that pint of ice cream to distract ourselves from life's whirlwind. Daphne's chaos, though, is on another level: breaking up with a fiancé who thinks she’s boring, losing their dream home, and a job gone up in smoke. With so much on her plate, she retreats to her small hometown, feeling defeated.

Returning home brings its own share of complications, especially when Daphne lands a short-term job as an accountant at the local police station to investigate some financial discrepancies. The twist? The sheriff just so happens to be none other than Calvin—her high school rival. Calvin lives for teasing Daphne, teasing her just enough to get a rise out of her. Their quick-witted banter as they clash (and occasionally collaborate) over the investigation was an absolute delight—it had me laughing and hooked throughout.

As the story unfolded, I loved watching these two drop their walls, share their vulnerabilities, and find a way to connect amidst all their personal baggage. Calvin masked his own struggles, while Daphne worked to regain her lost confidence. Their vulnerabilities unfolded in such a heartfelt way, as they slowly let down their guards, revealing their true selves. The drama caused by the grandmas only added to the charm and hilarity of the story.

This wasn’t just an enemies-to-lovers tale; it was a story of growth, understanding, and forgiving one's past. Their banter was the perfect mix of humor and heart, and the backdrop of a small-town police station made their journey all the more unique and memorable.