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.