Megan Murphy’s Fake It Like You Mean It took me by surprise! While I expected a fun fake-dating romance, I was met with humor and sincerely emotional moments. Featuring the struggles of Alzheimer’s made this book feel so real. I listened as the main characters experienced grief and added familial responsibilities but was equally comforted by their budding romance. Elle and Adam had such great chemistry with their relationship developing very naturally. I was so appreciative of how vulnerable they were able to be with each other. I love a slow burn and this one was definitely worth it. If you love romance that balances sweet, witty exchanges with authentic, emotional depth, this one needs to be on your TBR.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the chance to read and review this title!

The narration was pitch perfect and added to the overall quality of my experience.
This book felt very mature, and I was happy to read a romcom with real stakes and conflict that wasn't predicted on miscommunication. The Lovie arc was handled with realism and sensitivity, and I applaud the author for including such heavy subject material in what could have been a fairly light hearted enemies to lovers story.
On the other hand, I felt the enemies part to be a bit unnecessary and unconvincing. There was plenty of built in circumstantial conflict already, the whole "I don't understand why this home health aide I hired to live in my grandma's home is in my grandma's home," aspect didn't land well. Don't get me wrong, I like an enemies to lovers trope as well as anyone, but it did rob some of the realism from what is otherwise a very realistic novel about care, aging, and coming to terms with the past. If I could magically restructure the plot I'd have elle indifferent to Adam, maybe a little annoyed, then forced to pretend to be in a relationship and grudgingly noticing his many good qualities. The whole "I hate him for doing his job" bit just doesn't ring authentic and sticks out like a sore thumb in a story that includes such emotionally charged material.

This was a FANTASTIC debut about Elle, a podcaster from Chicago who moves into her grandmother's home to help with her care after an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Space is limited though and she has to learn to get along with her grandmother's nurse, Adam. The two get off on the wrong foot immediately in a hilarious late night meet-cute involving a vibrator and the banter between them doesn't stop from start to finish.

I loved the emotional depth in this story and how well the author does writing about Alzheimer's from both the patient and caregiver perspectives. Great on audio narrated by Alex Picard and highly recommended for fans of books like Say you'll remember me by Abby Jimenez or Can't get enough by Kennedy Ryan (two other books with Alzheimer's rep releasing this year). Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

I will not lie I was a little worried when I began reading this book. It starts out so strong and then we meet our MMC and I was worried we were in an insta-love/lust scenario but this book won me over.

This story follows Elle, a podcaster, as she travels home to take care of her grandmother Lovie, the woman who raised her. When she arrived she learns she is not alone in this task and the prickly nurse, our MMC Adam makes sure she understands she has no idea how unequipped she is for this task. Following Elle’s journey of caretaking for Lovie was sweet and sentimental. I love that it showed the truth and harsh side of being a caretaker for someone with Alzheimer’s. Seeing the lose of the sweet person she knew and still having to take care of her was beautiful. Of course the attraction between Elle and Adam was there but seeing how the love developed was fantastic. I really enjoyed the mix between the depth of the relationships and the passion of the romance.

I recommend this book to anyone who has been touched by Alzheimer’s and wants a little fluff. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.

Narration: 5 stars, really well done. Alex does a great job balancing both characters' speaking voices and I felt didn't overact with some of the more humorous situations.

Content: This is a solid romance. I loved the forced proximity of the boundaries blurring between workplace into the personal. I had to drop a star unfortunately for the beginning set up. It felt so clear it was forced "enemies" to lovers when I feel like the stakes could have been just as high if they actually acted like real humans when they first met. The accusations and misunderstanding at first, sure, but it really made no logical sense for why he of all people she took issue with when she had no problems with past caregivers of her grandma and him to her to act professionally.

Overlooking that, the rest of this book was great! I don't normally gravitate towards terminal illness in romance but it didn't feel gratuitous. The sad parts and the angst felt familiar in a safe way, not too emotionally devastating which I thought was well done keeping this feeling like a romance vs fiction/story just about the FMC's journey.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the ALC, I will be looking up this narrator again!

Really enjoyed this sweet story, and loved the added layer of something from my own reality - caregiving.

It had so many cute moments and was packed full of heart. I could have used a bit more spice, but as it was... it was really well done. Great story! I thought I was going to hate the podcast parts, but they were among some of my favorites.

A great read!

I often listen to romance at work because if you miss a little in the middle, it’s OK; there will be a HEA, most likely. This one, however, while listed as a romance, and has romance as the underlying theme, is about much more. I love the idea of Elle’s podcasts and the journey she takes with her more personal one about her grandmother’s struggles with Alzheimer’s. It’s not just mentioned a few times; there are a variety of scenes that stir all the emotions – frustration as she deals with the many ins-and-outs of insurance and healthcare, embarrassment when Lovie fat-shames Elle, sadness when Lovie doesn’t remember her, outrage when Lovie hurts her physically; we follow along as Elle navigates it all and really feel what she’s feeling. It has given me a better understanding of what caregivers face. The romance was cute but, for me, not central to the plot. While I enjoyed the banter between Elle and Adam, they could have also been written as an already married couple and it would have felt the same. For me, this was more about the characters and their deeper relationships.

If you're a fan of fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, and swoon-worthy forced proximity, then Fake It Like You Mean It is about to be your new favorite rom-com. And if you, like me, have a soft spot for a tragic backstory and a broody yet soft-hearted love interest (hello, Adam!), then buckle up because this book delivers on all fronts.

Elle and Adam's bickering-turned-sizzling chemistry is the stuff of Hallmark movie dreams (seriously, someone pitch this to them ASAP). Add in Lovie, the sharp yet heartbreakingly forgetful grandma who wants to see some romance before losing her memories. You've got the perfect mix of laughter, tears, and "Oh no, am I falling in love with my fake boyfriend?" moments.

As someone with family members battling dementia, this book hit me right in the feels—but in a way that felt both refreshing and real. It doesn't sugarcoat the struggles of caregiving. Still, it reminds us of the love, humor, and unexpected connections that can bloom in the most challenging moments. And because I'm a psychological thriller girl at heart, I spent the whole book bracing for it to Notebook me (no spoilers, but let's just say I had tissues and wine ready).

Also, bonus points for the fantastic audiobook narration. I could've listened to Alex Picard all day. A must-read (or listen!) for rom-com lovers, podcasters, and anyone who's ever wished their fake relationship would magically turn real. 💕📖✨

Megan Murphy’s new novel, “Fake It Like You Mean It” was perfection. The perfect blend of enemies to lovers and a fake dating trope. The chemistry between Elle and Adam was top tier and I couldn’t put the book down. This book was beautiful and heartwarming, but also has me laughing at loud. Would definitely recommend!

This moving story artfully blends humor, heartfelt moments, and the compelling dynamics of a fake-dating beautifully. The story follows Elle as she struggles with her grandmother's Alzheimer's. Throw in a sexy nurse and some fake dating and you have a
lovely novel that has a slow burn romance while still exploring the pain and sorrow of watching someone you love slowly fade away from dementia. A recommended read for those who enjoy romantic comedies with a depth of emotion.

Fake It Like You Mean It
Megan Murphy
Ellie’s parents died in a car accident when she was three. Her grandmother, Lovie, raised her. Lovie had a lot of rules and Ellie cherished each one. “If you want to take the scenic route, make sure your destination will still be open when you get there.” “Sweeping something under the rug does not make it go away; it just puts your dirt in another place.”
When Ellie realizes Lovie’s mind is fading fast, she leaves Chicago to spend time with her. She arrives at her childhood home late one night only to find a man sleeping in her bed. Adam Wheeler works for AngelCare and is the live-in nurse taking care of Lovie. Ellie resents Adam and the way he always knows what Lovie needs. The tension between the two is thick. Lovie believes Ellie is Lovie and Adam is Bobby and that they are in love. The two must pretend to be who Lovie thinks they are. Ellie finds herself attracted to Adam, but she certainly isn’t going to admit it.
Ellie is a podcaster with a large following. As she deals with the pain of her grandmother not recognizing her and often abusing her, Ellie decides to start an additional podcast dealing with Alzheimer’s.
This story touched my heart. I have known more than one person with this terrible disease and the author accurately describes it. When there are lucid days loved ones cherish them. Being a caregiver is stressful and very difficult. I enjoyed the romance between Adam and Ellie. It was obvious they were deeply in love long before they realized it. I love Lovie’s rules. I wish I could remember them all.

Why did I pick 2 books in a row with the main character dealing with a relative with Alzheimer's? I honestly requested this book a while back and forgot what it was about, while I had a bit of down time I didn't reread the description I just jumped in...not my smartest move. If you are like me and have recently lost a family member to this awful disease maybe read this with tissues as you will relive similar situations. If you have not lost someone to Alzheimer's, this book will help you empathize with those who have or are going through it. It was well written, not too sappy, not too emotional. The characters were likeable and seemed real, not too fantasized (also, I'm totally picturing someone like Luke Danes as Adam). The narration was wonderful, all in all it was a good read. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced listen.

This book made me laugh and swoon, while it simultaneously broke my heart and made me cry. With all the best rom-com tropes, this tender story is a gift!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishing team for this ARC. It’s a special read!

3.75 stars

Grab some tissues, this one may cause some tears.

Something I appreciated about Elle is that she felt like a very real and flawed character. Something I didn't love about Elle was that she was a very real and flawed character. 😂 yes I realize those are conflicting statements, but I feel Elle's entire character was effective in confronting some of the difficult and uncomfortable truths and feelings people experience when caring for someone with a disease like Alzheimer's. The frustration and resentment that ultimately lead to guilt felt accurately portrayed. There were moments where my empathy was put to the test with Elle's character because I was empathizing with what Lovey was experiencing, but Elle deserved that empathy too.

I adored Nurse Adam. The patience that man exuded not only with Lovey but also with Elle, let alone his own family. That man was burning the candle at both ends and continued to show up and be the life raft everyone was clinging to.

Alex Picard did a wonderful job bringing this story to life. She portrayed the emotion well through her narration.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

Elle's grandma, Lovie, has alzeimer, as her disease progresses, Elle wants to return home to spend some time with her while she still can, before she needs to be place full time in a care home.
But Lovie no longer knows who Elle is, and it's quite aggressive towards her; the times when she tolerates her presence, is when Adam is around. Adam is Lovie full time carer since the disease progressed, and since Elle's arrival the clash all the time. Due to the Alzeimers, Lovie is projecting her life into these 2, thinking Elle is Lovie and Adam her late husband Bobby; as to not distress her more, Elle and Adam go along with it in her presence.

I loved the audiobook, Elle is a podcaster, and I think the voice for this audio was marvelous.
Loved the forced proximity troop, the angst and tension build was amazing 👏 but although I loved the romance, for me, what made the book, was the Alzeimers representation.
My grandma has very advanced Alzeimers, so this hit close to home; unfortunately she took a big downfall early in the covid pandemic, and I was in the UK, my mom suffered through most of the things explained in this book, minus the full time carer, SHE was the full time carer whilst still working.
The part where Elle is telling how Lovie and Bobby met broke me, tears where shed. And OMG, when Lovie is telling Elle about Elle herself (without recognising her), jesus I was sobbing 😭.
I really enjoyed this book, and especially recommend it if you personally dealt with people with Alzeimers.

4.5 stars!!

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me listen to this book before publication in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who lost a grandparent to dementia, this book hit so close to home. It was emotional and raw. The friendships and family dynamics outside of the main story added so much depth that I would read another novel with anyone of them! Just sayin, Adam's sister could use her own story!

The tension between our main characters was great. Started off strong and ended stronger. Honestly, my only complaint is that the build up was amazing, but then I felt like the romance was a bit rushed. Of course that could just be my own personal preference. Definitely a cozy rom-com I'd recommend!

Story:

This was a story I didn't want to stop listening to! Due to the unique living arrangements in this book, it perfectly balances having both enough plot and enough romance. The story feels gives an honest look at struggles that so many caregivers face. Megan does a great job of portraying how Alzheimer's can make you feel like you are losing a part of yourself and the best parts of your loved ones everyday. It was so well balanced with Elle and Adam's story. After a rough start, they really started to show there love for one another quickly. The book is different then any i've read and didn't feel like a story I'd read a dozen times. I'd definitely recommend!

Audio-
This narrator was perfect for this story! You can hear every emotion Elle feels in her voice which really adds to it!.

This was Megan Murphy's debut novel, and it was so good! I'm usually a little hesitant with debut romance novels as they can get incredibly cheesy, but this book felt profession - like she's been writing/publishing for years. What originally drew me to this book was that one of the main characters was a male nurse (which my husband was for years). I wasn't expecting how sad this book would get at times, but that was silly on my part. The description explains it's about Elle going to live with her grandmother, Lovie, as her Alzheimer's has progressed to the point of her needing to go into a care facility. Until Elle can straighten out the insurance, she moves in with Lovie. What Elle didn't realize was that Adam had been using her childhood room/bed the last few weeks as he was a full-time live in nurse. On top of all the limited space issue that Elle runs into, Lovie believes that Elle is herself from decades ago, in love with her husband who she believes is Adam. So Lovie is constantly pushing them together. To risk not upsetting her grandmother, Elle and Adam play along.

Some of my favorite tropes are in here - close proximity, fake dating, & enemies to lovers. Yes, Elle and Adam start off the wrong foot. Something I really appreciated is how Megan Murphy was able to slowly thaw their relationship with humor and compassion. Their relationship slowly thawed into what it became instead of microwaved on high. As we all know, your food is usually better when cooked low and slow, just like Elle and Adam's relationship.

I've read multiple books with main characters dealing with Alzheimer's. Something that is discussed a lot is elder abuse. Something that is NOT discussed a lot is the abuse the caretakers receive from the elders sometimes. Lovie is constantly kicking, tripping, and hitting Elle when Adam isn't looking. Elle is trying to hide the bruises that her beloved grandmother is leaving. Lovie is telling Elle that she is fat and should wear different clothes. This all breaks my heart for Elle as she knows this isn't who her true grandmother is.

All in all, really enjoyed this book. If you want a book that can make your heart smile and cry all in one, this one is for you. I will definitely pick up Megan Murphy's next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Fake It Like You Mean It by Megan Murphy. When I say that this is one of the best books I have ever read, I mean it wholeheartedly. This novel is a beautifully woven tapestry of heartbreak, warmth, humor, and romance that captivates the reader from start to finish.

The story centers around Elle, a Chicago-based podcaster who is compelled to return home to care for her grandmother, who is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. This return home marks a significant shift in Elle's life, as she is confronted with the emotional challenges of her grandmother's illness. Upon her arrival, Elle meets Adam, her grandmother's live-in nurse. Together, the trio navigates the complexities of life, adjusting to the evolving dynamics and the impact of the disease.

Megan Murphy's storytelling is both poignant and engaging, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in the characters. Elle's journey is one of growth and resilience, beautifully illustrating the power of love and the importance of family. Adam's character adds depth to the narrative, providing both support and a touch of romance, making the story swoon-worthy.

Murphy's ability to blend humor with heartache creates a narrative that is as uplifting as it is touching. The book is a testament to her skill as a writer, and she has undoubtedly become my newest auto-buy author.

Overall, Fake It Like You Mean It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories that touch the heart and soul. It's a novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Cute, cute!!! Adam is such a doll. So emotional, empathetic, and good at his job. Elle loves her grandmother Lovie but feels the emotional backlash when her grandmother's alzheimer induced comments make her feel vulnerable. What starts as a contentious relationship between Adam and Elle changes as they both strive towards the goal of making Lovie comfortable and happy.

This was a very emotional book. Lots going on, good dialogue, great friends, and some real emotional angst.

Alex Picard did a good job with the narration. It was easy to envision the emotional tug of wars.

#netgalley #FakeitLikeYouMeanit