Luisa and Holly make for an unlikely duo in this modern retelling of My Fair Lady. With help from a few unexpected allies, they hatch a daring plan: take a hustler, teach him proper etiquette, and transform him into a polished Southern gentleman—all for the sake of the ultimate payback. But with the clock ticking, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

I went in completely blind, never having read or seen My Fair Lady, and came out pleasantly surprised! The novel highlights strong female leads, the power of friendship, and a slow-burn romance that sneaks up on you in the best way.

That said, the pacing wasn’t always consistent, and there were stretches with extra details that didn’t feel essential to the story. Still, the bond forming between Luisa and Holly was a highlight and gave the book real heart.

At times, the novel felt like it was juggling too many stories at once, likely due to the dual POVs and the number of characters who were given equal weight as if they were main characters. Overall, it’s a well-written story with a solid plot, even if it wasn’t quite my cup of tea.

A charming, Southern re-imagining of My Fair Lady with a twist.

This was a fun, light rom-com that I was lucky enough to get as an ARC from NetGalley.

Book Blurb:

A heartwarming and hilarious gender-swapped reimagining of My Fair Lady follows two very different women who join forces to makeover a hustler and take down one of Atlanta’s most powerful and corrupt men.

Proud, single mom Holly Simmons and ambitious journalist Luisa Martín Moreno have nothing in common—until Atlanta’s most powerful man, Griggs Caldecott Johnson III, turns both their lives upside down. Griggs is threatening Holly’s future and her job as the events manager at the hoity-toity Dogwood Hills Country Club, while Luisa gets fired for trying to expose his scheme to defraud an immigrant family and snatch up their land for a luxury development.

Determined to fight back, the women team up—and hatch a plan to infiltrate Griggs’s inner circle. Their secret weapon? Elijah Denvil Sweet, a charming hustler with a knack for reinvention. With a makeover, some etiquette lessons, and a little help from an entirely too cute linguistics professor, Eli transforms into “Tripp,” the kind of Southern gentleman Griggs might just trust.

As Holly and Luisa set their plan in motion, they come to realize they have far more in common than they ever expected. Along the way, they find friendship, men to love, and ultimately their true selves—and discover that getting justice can be as juicy-sweet as a Georgia peach.

How to Fake a Southern Gentleman delivers a rollercoaster of laughs, heart, and triumph, blending sharp wit and deep emotion with a pitch-perfect sense of justice—leaving readers cheering for two women who refuse to be underestimated.


I really like the friendship between Holly and Luisa, even if it did have a rough start. Griggs was extremely dislikable, so he was an easy sell as the villain.

I wish there had been a little more depth and development, as at times it seemed like things just kind of popped into place without really an lead up or explanation but overall this book was a fun read and quite different than most of the contemporary rom-coms I have been reading lately.

This book kicks off with a fantastic premise: two women, Holly and Luisa, pushed to the edge by the unchecked power of one privileged man, team up with local hustler Eli Sweet to orchestrate his downfall. Their plan? Give Eli the full 'My Fair Lady' treatment, transform him into the perfect Southern gentleman, and have him infiltrate the crook’s inner circle to gather the proof Holly and Luisa need to take him down.

Two fire-forged friends, one outrageous scheme, two swoon-worthy love interests (one for each), and a generous helping of Southern charm; what’s not to love?

*How to Fake a Southern Gentleman* is funny and tender, and it manages to explore the nuances of privilege and social disadvantage (gender, culture, class, etc.) without ever feeling heavy-handed or preachy. I worried it might veer that way when Luisa first spoke about how her Latina identity earned her trust within her community, but that theme was ultimately handled with both plausibility and heart. While family isn’t as central here as friendship or romance, we do get a few genuinely touching moments with Luisa’s relatives that highlight the importance of her cultural heritage and how it shapes her sense of belonging.

Speaking of family, fans of the 'found family' trope will find joy in Holly’s trio of neighbours, her close-knit circle of friends, and the world she’s built for her son.

Though this is a rom-com, it’s the friendship between Holly and Luisa that shines brightest. Their bond has its ups and downs, including one particularly brutal fight that felt all the more poignant for its realism and the growth it sparked in both characters.

As for spice, there’s one open-door scene with some fairly descriptive language. It’s far from gratuitous, though: it genuinely deepens the intimacy between Luisa and her love interest.

My main quibble is that the chemistry in Luisa’s romance felt a bit rushed at first. Her initial attraction is mostly physical, which is fair, but the emotional connection develops rather suddenly. That said, the two do spend meaningful time together, working side by side and learning to appreciate each other’s strengths. Luisa is also famously guarded with her emotions, so it’s believable that her feelings were simmering beneath the surface long before she let them show.

Holly’s love story follows a similar trajectory, but since both she and her partner wear their hearts on their sleeves, we get to see their romance unfold more clearly, even if it happens quickly.

Told through alternating POVs from Luisa and Holly, this story is dynamic, fast-paced, and thoroughly engaging. 4.5/5

My god this was boring. The characters were boring, the plot was boring, even the climax of the story managed to be boring as hell. They just…stumbled upon financial records that prove their entire allegation of fraud against Griggs neatly arranged for their convenience in his locker at the club. Oh, and he happened to tell Eli he hid all his private info in his locker at the club. What was the point of this whole exercise???? Luisa and Holly were simultaneously irritating and useless. Eli took up space and Hugh..wasn’t even really there. I skimmed so much of this because I just wanted it to end.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have no relationship with the authors or publisher.

I’d like to thank Atria Books and NetGalley for providing the ARC of How to Fake a Southern Gentleman.
This charming novel offers a fresh and engaging take on themes of identity, family, and belonging, set against a richly depicted Southern backdrop. The characters are nuanced and relatable, and the story's blend of humor and heartfelt moments kept me turning the pages. While some plot elements felt a bit predictable at times, the authors did a wonderful job capturing the complexities of cultural and personal identity.
Overall, How to Fake a Southern Gentleman is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of contemporary fiction and stories exploring self-discovery. I appreciate the authors' effort in creating a thoughtful and entertaining novel.
Thank you again to Mayra Cuevas, Marie Marquardt, Atria Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

How to Fake a Southern Gentleman is a special story of friendship, trust, and mischief. A light and entertaining read that follows Holly, Luisa, and Eli, an unlikely trio brought together by one shared mission: taking down Griggs Caldecott Johnson. As they infiltrate the world of country club politics and polished pretenses, sharp wit and smart social commentary shine through. I loved watching the bonds between them deepen, especially through the dual perspectives. It’s a charming reminder that while two wrongs don’t make a right, sometimes the gamble is worth it—especially when it’s wrapped in this much humor, heart, and southern flair.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC for review.

I love the cute vibes and the cover. I love that Luisa and Holly come together over Griggs and form a bond, good writing and fun to read. Enjoyed the storyline and the characters 💖

A searing looking glass into classism, racism, immigration, corruption, the wealth gap, greed, and sexual harassment. Yes, 'How to Fake a Southern Gentleman' is a romance novel but it delivers scorching, timely commentary that couldn’t be more relevant in 2025. The society lifestyle that exists within gilded gates unwilling to welcome progress and keeping more individuals out.

Griggs is, without a doubt, the worst villain I’ve read this year. Grimy, entitled, and outright horrific. A character that preys on the vulnerable and wields their power to bend entire communities to their will. Eli and Hugh (two other characters you'll meet while reading) standout not only because they're the total opposite of his character but Mayra and Marie give them empathy that rises off the pages.

Luisa and Holly’s alliance is pure satisfaction. Watching them team up, plot, and execute their plans is a thrill, you’ll be cheering for them every chapter as justice unfolds in the best way possible.

Thank you so much Atria Books for the digital arc, out later in April 2026 this book is a great read.

This book really wasn't for me. I didn't really like either character and I didn't need to be reminded all the time that one was Latina. I understand that it's a big part of her identity but it just got annoying after awhile. I thought the other character was just flat and a little boring. I could not finish the book.

Bless my heart and butter my biscuit, this book was a hoot!

What happens when you mix a single mom who’s tougher than a Georgia summer, a fired journalist with a bone to pick, and a hustler who suddenly has to master “yes ma’am” and seersucker suits? You get country club chaos, etiquette lessons gone sideways, and a con so outrageous it almost feels polite. Honestly, it reminded me SO much of Ginny & Georgia, but also with a more literary Shakespeare twist, and an ode to My Fair Lady with the genders swapped.

Holly and Luisa’s unlikely friendship is the absolute star of this novel. It is full of sass, loyalty, and the kind of energy you only get when you’re plotting to take down Atlanta’s most corrupt guy. Their banter was perfect and their schemes were delightful. Their slow burn romances were sweet and unexpected but I loved it.

I especially loved the Atlanta setting and the author nailed the Southern details without making them caricatures. The book strikes that rare balance between hilarious rom com antics and deeper themes of family, resilience, and refusing to let powerful men write your story.

If you love con artists, found family, and a little sweet tea with your scandal, then this is your next read! Funny, heartfelt, and just a touch unhinged in the best way.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mayra Cuevas, and Atria Books for the eARC of this book.

Funny and sweet read! I live in Georgia and love the Atlanta setting. Quick and easy read with a touch of mystery! You’ll fall in love with the characters and banter.

How to Fake a Southern Gentleman is a fun double romance with a little bit of high society scheming. Holly is a single mom working at an Atlanta country club. Luisa is an investigative reporter trying to help a family save their home from a scheming developer. The two leads find the perfect man to help them bring down Griggs Caldecott Johnson, who has been harassing both Holly and the family Luisa is trying to help. I appreciated the diverse characters. All the nods to the city of Atlanta were spot on.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this truly delightful novel!! I could not put this book down, it was so entertaining and pulled me into the world of Luisa, Holly and Eli as they run a con to expose a corrupt businessman, Griggs Johnson III. This trio was charismatic and funny and it was enjoyable to read about how Luisa, fired from her investigative reporter job for getting too close to the truth about Griggs’ shady business dealings, and Holly, single mother whose job as a country club manager was being threatened by him, teamed up to makeover Elijah into a country club rich boy to get the dirt on Griggs. Along with many laughs, this story was also emotional and serious and looked at the family relationships and upbringings of the 3 main characters and did a really wonderful job creating realistic and believable protagonists. With double romances for Luisa and Holly, this story is a terrific read for both fans of romance and a long con! I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and Primero Sueno Press for providing this book, with my honest review below.

How to Fake a Southern Gentleman is a revenge romcom take on My Fair Lady, genders swapped, and who knew we absolutely needed that modern take in the fiction genre? Sharp Luisa is having a fairly cruddy birthday when she’s fired from her journalist job for wanting to pursue a story about a vulnerable family having their home ripped away from them. Meanwhile refined single mom Holly finds her own job, and more importantly her son’s education, at stake when a creeper from the country club she works at finds out a fairly big secret. The man at the heart of both these events is Griggs, and he needs to be taken down. Luckily these two ladies meet at a bar, start to scheme, and bring in maybe grifter Elijah (the fair lady of this book) in to help them.

This story was both incredibly funny and emotional, spending time exploring the immigrant experience, imposter syndrome, what leads us to code switch, and family relationships. While the romantic story lines developed a little too quickly, packaged along with all the topics this book explored surprisingly well given the genre and main driver to the plot, I am still a very happy reader.

Impressive debut novel

The POVs from the two women characters was original. Their unlikely friendship was the best part of How to Fake a Southern Gentleman.
This My Fair Lady reimagining in order to take down a corrupt land developer and his cronies was a great story.

Would definitely look for this author again.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

From the Library of Sarah Ashley: Book #62
Bless Their Hearts and Pass the Sweet Tea: A Hilarious High-Society Heist with Heart

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of How to Fake a Southern Gentleman by Mayra Cuevas and Marie Marquardt — coming to bless our bookshelves on April 7th, 2026!
Y’all, grab your pearls and sweet tea, because this book is a rom-com rollercoaster with extra sass and a whole lotta heart.

What do you get when you cross a single mom who’s been holding it down solo for 19 years, a scandal-hunting journalist who gets canned for daring to care, and a con artist who’s suddenly learning the fine art of saying “y’all” without sounding like a confused goat?
Apparently, you get country club espionage, the most chaotic etiquette lessons ever recorded, two women healing from deep emotional wounds, and a man who learns to convincingly fake not just a Southern accent, but an entire lifestyle. Think My Fair Lady meets The First Wives Club with a sprinkle of Ocean’s Eleven and a deep-fried twang.
The friendship between the two leading ladies is the beating heart of this book. Their dynamic is full of laughs, loyalty, and exactly the kind of ride-or-die energy you'd want if you were training a fake Southern gentleman to infiltrate the upper crust. Also, bonus points for the duo slow-burn romances, which sneak up on you like humidity in August—suddenly you're sweating and emotionally compromised.
Honestly, this book had me grinning like a fool and yelling “YES, QUEENS!” at my Kindle.

Bottom line: This is the down home, feel-good, southern-fried caper you didn’t know you needed. Equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, with just enough scandal to keep your inner gossip auntie fed.

#BlessYourHeartAndBuyThisBook #HowToFakeASouthernGentleman #NetGalleyARC #RomComReads #BookishChaos #SouthernChicAndSlightlyUnhinged #ConArtistWithAMonogram #Bookstagram #LibraryofSarahAshley

This was a light, fun romcom with enough on the line for the two leading ladies to keep things interesting. I did find myself annoyed though with Luisa at one point near the end because her reasoning for pushing away Eli didn't ring true for me. Otherwise some good characters in the book, down to the smallest of secondary ones.

Amazing book loved the characters and plot. I couldn't stop reading I stayed up all night. I loved the book so much thank you for the arc.

Schemes, scandals, and Southern charm.. this is high society mischief at its most delightful.

How to Fake a Southern Gentleman is a tale of friendship, trust, and maybe just a little criminal activity. This fun, relaxing read follows Holly, Luisa, and Eli, an unlikely trio united by a common goal: exposing Griggs Caldecott Johnson. Along the way, they navigate the polished and petty world of the country club elite, where sharp social maneuvering meets clever character commentary. I loved watching the friendships, love, and understanding grow between them, as well as the dual perspective between Holly and Luisa. It’s charming proof that while two wrongs don’t make a right, sometimes the risk is worth taking, especially when it comes with this much wit and heart.

How to Fake a Southern Gentleman is a charming, modern rom-com that flips the classic My Fair Lady story on its head with a fresh twist. Set in vibrant Atlanta, the story follows two determined women who recruit Elijah—a smooth-talking hustler—to help them clean up a shady developer. Watching Elijah navigate the world of Southern manners and etiquette is both hilarious and endearing. The novel sparkles with witty dialogue and slow-building chemistry, making it a fun and lighthearted read. While some plot points move quickly, the characters’ growth and friendship dynamics keep things grounded and engaging. If you enjoy feel-good romance with a dash of Southern sass and a bit of mischief, this one’s definitely worth your time.