Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review.

This was a sweet romance novel, and I enjoyed it a lot. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

A delightful summer read! I enjoyed how Lucas and Tally's relationship grew and how Jessica Gilmore developed the relationships in the book; not just between the main characters but also their relationships with their families and friends. She managed to get a lot of characters and plot developments into a short book. I would've liked to have seen more about Tally's father, but Gilmore would've had to sacrifice a lot of other valuable characters and emotional growth in order to do that.

On the Orient Express, millionaire Lucas proposes that struggling actress Tally become his fake girlfriend for the summer. Their charade soon blurs the lines between fiction and reality.

Lucas and Tally are well-matched, both of them taking a rational approach to their relationship but soon finding it impossible to fight their attraction. I like how they made each other stronger, and Lucas finally came to accept that there was room for love in his life. The story is heartwarming and romantic.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Set against the opulent backdrop of the legendary Orient Express, the story pairs free-spirited actress Tally with buttoned-up businessman Lucas in a fake-dating scenario that quickly sparks very real emotions.

Their journey begins on the train, but the romance doesn’t stop there—Venice and Tuscany serve as stunning settings that amplify the story’s dreamy, escapist vibe. Gilmore makes great use of these locales, bringing in the elegance, warmth, and atmosphere that make the story feel like a mini holiday in book form.

Tally and Lucas are well-matched opposites. Tally is vibrant, spontaneous, and emotionally open, while Lucas is more reserved and career-focused. Their fake relationship starts as a cover for Lucas during a family trip, but as they navigate time with his brother and godfather—both of whom immediately sense something genuine between them—the sparks fly. Tally’s supportive parents and best friend round out the cast, offering both levity and heart.

What stands out most is how the characters’ personal histories are woven into the story. Both Tally and Lucas have emotional baggage that shapes their choices, making their growth and eventual connection feel earned. Their chemistry builds naturally, and the emotional beats land without ever feeling overly dramatic.

The brief epilogue is a lovely touch, giving readers a glimpse into the couple’s life a year later and tying up their journey with a satisfying bow.

Overall, Fake Date on the Orient Express is a delightful romance filled with warmth, wit, and wanderlust. With engaging characters, a swoon-worthy setting, and a beloved fake-dating trope done right, it’s a perfect pick for fans of sweet, globe-trotting love stories.

This book was fun. I love a fake dating troupe. Lucas is a workaholic and love is the last thing on his mind. Tally is an actress, doing a Murder mystery proformance on the Orient Express. She literally runs into him while trying to get away from a creep. They make an arrangement to fake date through the summer, but what will happen when one or both of them catch feelings?

I LOVED Tally and Lucas. I breezed through this book in just a few days and enjoyed the whole thing. Looking forward to reading more by Ms. Jessica Gilmore.

30 yr old FMC is an actress who is currently taking bit parts here & there to make ends meet while dreaming of one day making it big time. She is on the Orient Express in one of her gigs when she meets the Hero, a businessman who is funding the gig she is doing and who needs a fake date so that his Godfather doesn’t play matchmaker to his granddaughter. Enter FMC.

MMC doesn’t come across as a Manho but there was a reference to his ex of a few months prior whom he said he liked & was very attracted to but she developed deep feelings for him and he realized to late that she wanted more from him and he feels bad that he hurt her and didn’t see the signs. Personally, in fictional romances I don’t want details & feelings about OP because it always takes me out of the story and makes whatever happens with MCs not anything special or significant. BTW - FMC had been dumped by her ex 11 months prior and she was very hurt by the betrayal so both MCs as is typical in Harlequin, spend majority of the story fighting their feelings.

Additionally, I didn’t feel much chemistry between the MCs. They came across as too reserved and stilted and I wanted sparks galore and heart making devotion. However, just because I am not the right audience for this, does not mean others won’t like it. I did enjoy the “visuals” we got of places MCs traveled.

Received an advanced copy from NetGalley & Publisher for my honest opinion.

Actress Tally meets workaholic business man Lucas on the Orient Express. Venice is supposed to be her final stop before returning to London, but a need arises for them to fake date and their feelings are the real deal.

The various locations, particularly Venice and Tuscany, make for the perfect romantic settings. Lucas’s brother and his godfather quickly realize that the Tally and Lucas are meant to be together. Tally’s parents and best friend provide good support systems for her.

Both the hero and heroine’s backstories are important to the plot and their individual character arcs. I enjoyed the brief epilogue which showed them a year later.

FAKE DATE ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS is a fun read with superb settings and charismatic characters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Harlequin Enterprises ULC for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.