Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
OR
$3.99

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Faking It With the Grump: A Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy (Sisters and Sweethearts Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.1 out of 5 stars 1,106 ratings

Welcome to my not-so-fairy-tale life, where kissing Mr. Wrong is my brilliant plan to avoid Mr. Right – or so I thought.

It's one thing to be dumped by the guy you thought you were going to marry, but it's quite another to move back to the small town you're both from when he's a huge Hollywood celebrity and you're...not. But I need to be home right now, surrounded by the people I love, working in my new teaching job at Hunter’s Creek Elementary.

The problem is, everyone is trying to set me up with their son or their nephew or their long-lost cousin twice removed. Either that or they’re throwing me pitying looks.

What do I do? I spot the new guy in town. Christopher Young, the suit-wearing, definitely-does-not-belong-here stiff, and I go right up and kiss him. It’s…well, it’s unexpectedly nice. As in blow your socks off nice. But I'm not looking for a relationship with the guy. Not a real one, anyway.

As a temporary resident, Christopher is perfect fake boyfriend material, and just what I need to get the townsfolk off my back. The fact that he’s gorgeous in a buttoned-up kind of way and doing weird things to my blood pressure doesn't mean a thing. Really.

Not. A. Thing.




Faking It with The Grump is a grumpy-sunshine, opposites attract, fake relationship romance set in the small town of Hunter's Creek, Washington state. It's the first book in the new Sisters and Sweethearts series. Each book follows a different sister's love story and can be read as a standalone novel or as part of a series.


What readers are saying about
Faking It With the Grump:

“Hallmark movie in a book.” – Amazon reviewer

“L-O-V-E-D this book!” – Amazon reviewer

“Great clean rom com.” – Amazon reviewer

“Highly recommend for any rom com lover!” – Amazon reviewer

“Another wonderful book from this author!” – Amazon reviewer

“I loved every second of this book!” – Amazon reviewer

“This was the perfect book. I devoured it. Loved the chemistry and the slow burn. Loved the small town. I was smiling the whole time I was reading. I can't wait for the second in the series. Everything about this book was perfection. I didn't want the book to end!” – Amazon reviewer

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 4 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Loading...

From the Publisher

grumpy sunshine, fake relationship, slow burn, closed door, opposites attract, small town

Editorial Reviews

Review

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Small town, fake relationship, grumpy sunshine. All my favorite tropes wrapped up in one gorgeous, feel-good rom com." -USA Today bestselling author, Whitney Dineen

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "What a charming rom com! I have already packed my bags, ready to move to Hunter's Creek." -
bestselling author, Melanie Summers

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Escape to the charming small town of Hunter's Creek in this hilarious and heart-warming rom com." -
USA Today bestselling author, Delancey Stewart

From the Author

You can read this book either as part of the Second Chance Café series or as a standalone. Each book tells a different Cole sister's love story. This one is the middle sibling, Harper's story.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BN7D6X6G
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Lime Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 14, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.5 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 316 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Sisters and Sweethearts
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 1,106 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Kate O'Keeffe
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Kate O’Keeffe is a USA Today bestselling author known for her fun, feel-good romantic comedies brimming with humor, heart, and happily ever afters. A native of New Zealand, Kate has crafted numerous popular series, garnering a devoted international readership.

With a flair for witty banter and irresistible heroines navigating the ups and downs of modern dating, Kate’s novels showcase strong friendships, comedic entanglements, and the of course sometimes bumpy but always hopeful road to love.

When she’s not writing, Kate can often be found reading romcoms, binging her favourite shows, or spending time with her friends and family in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
1,106 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers enjoy this clean romance with a wholesome storyline and appreciate getting to know the main characters. The book is described as adorable and sweet, with one customer comparing it to a rom-com salad. While customers find it an easy read, opinions about its readability are mixed.

21 customers mention "Romance"21 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a clean, wholesome story with loveable characters, and one customer mentions being captivated from start to finish.

"...CLEAN RATING: 5/5 SUCH a fun opposites attract and fake dating RomCom! Kate really does an exceptional job with her dialogue...." Read more

"...Lovely sweet moments for them as they realize they have something more, fun small town with all the crazy supporting characters, family, big..." Read more

"...the sweetest meet-cute from HIS point of view and a fake kiss that somehow feels like more...." Read more

"This story screams Hallmark. The way they started fake dating was rough for me. I didn't believe the reasons or how it came about...." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly enjoying getting to know the main characters and the banter between them, with one customer noting the lack of bad language.

"...– full of honest and awkward moments that just make the characters feel incredibly real. This is the story of Harper and Christopher...." Read more

"...took too long to get to the meet-cute, Topher and Harper's story is a fun, fake, happy-ever-after. :)" Read more

"...I liked Christopher as a character. He was too nice for NYC. I am glad that he wised up at the end of the story and did the right thing...." Read more

"...chemistry between Harper and Christopher (or Topher), their witty banter, and how they seemed to draw out the best in one another...." Read more

8 customers mention "Cute"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book adorable, with one describing it as the sweetest sunshine.

"...And Harper was just the sweetest sunshine, teasing him but never making fun, just slowly pulling him out of his shell with her kind heart and Daisy..." Read more

"This audiobook was adorable. Loved the dual POV and both narrators did amazing...." Read more

"...However, everything else works, and it is very charming. It is a simple, feel-good, easy read. *This book is rated PG. There is no swearing...." Read more

"Oh my was this a cute one! Truly a RomCom in a book form! Easy to read, great to cuddle up and be whisked away...." Read more

8 customers mention "Sweetness"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, with one comparing it to a rom-com salad and another describing it as a happy-ever-after story.

"Romance, sweet, contemporary; series but stand alone read..." Read more

"...get to the meet-cute, Topher and Harper's story is a fun, fake, happy-ever-after. :)" Read more

"This was a sweet, romantic read. The characters were likeable and the love story was simply " loveable." This author is a talented writer." Read more

"I enjoyed this book about a sweet but fairly carefree girl and an uptight guy. As they fake dated each learned to be a little more like the other...." Read more

3 customers mention "Book genre"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book, with one mentioning it's a great read for Hallmark movie fans.

"...Great book if you like Hallmark movies, and I mean that will all compliments meaning." Read more

"...It's an obvious choice for a Hallmark movie. Well done" Read more

"Hallmark movie in a book..." Read more

3 customers mention "Feel good"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book feels good, with one mentioning it's great to cuddle up with.

"...It is a simple, feel-good, easy read. *This book is rated PG. There is no swearing. There is zero violence. There are a few kissing scenes...." Read more

"...Truly a RomCom in a book form! Easy to read, great to cuddle up and be whisked away. It was great to escape from reality and enjoy the love story...." Read more

"The story is nice and feels good. I gave 4 stars because there are too many unnecessary details and some ideas are repeated too many times...." Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"4 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's readability, with some finding it an easy read while others describe the narrative and dialog as simple-minded.

"...It is a simple, feel-good, easy read. *This book is rated PG. There is no swearing. There is zero violence. There are a few kissing scenes...." Read more

"...Loved the dual POV and both narrators did amazing. The story is kind of hallmark-y, but you’re guaranteed a HEA!..." Read more

"Oh my was this a cute one! Truly a RomCom in a book form! Easy to read, great to cuddle up and be whisked away...." Read more

"...has all the right bones to make both work, but the narrative and dialog were so simple-minded that it distracted from what might have been a true..." Read more

He not only falls first but he falls harder!!!
5 out of 5 stars
He not only falls first but he falls harder!!!
My rating:☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️(5/5) I loved this book! Grumpy/Sunshine never disappoints with the banter!! My only complaint is that both Topher and the town didn't give Dex more shit. He definitely deserved it. This book was such a quick and fun read! The instant chemistry between the characters had, as Topher pointed out, a very Hallmark movie beginning! And that nickname!!!! While he never got around to giving her one, his sure does have a nice ring to it!! 🚨🚨Spoilers below read at your own risk🚨🚨 I want to visit the Second Chance Cafe!! It sounds so cute and cozy! Besides witnessing firsthand Topher with a love-struck grin would be so worth it!! Topher being dumbstruck because he found her attractive at the very first encounter was endearing to see. I truly enjoyed his character development once his armor around Harper started to fade and by default also around the other townspeople. I secretly believe because he found her so attractive from the very beginning he couldn't help himself in jumping at the opportunity to fake dating only trying to convince himself that it benefited him as well. I love it when you can tell he is not only falling first but falling hard. Ryn And Kelly sound like awesome sisters as well! I'm shocked Kelly didn't force her brother to stay there from the very beginning when she found out they were going on a fake date. I would have loved to see why Dex returned (I know I love the drama) and to see him grovel at the loss that is Harper with her very obviously in love Topher! This book was definitely so light and cute and the perfect spring read!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
    CLEAN RATING: 5/5

    SUCH a fun opposites attract and fake dating RomCom! Kate really does an exceptional job with her dialogue. The conversation flows smoothly – full of honest and awkward moments that just make the characters feel incredibly real.

    This is the story of Harper and Christopher. Harper just got dumped by her high school sweetheart turned hot Hollywood celeb. She had followed him out to Los Angeles thinking he was her forever. Now that her world has been turned upside down, Harper decides to return to her small town of Hunter’s Creek, Washington. Immediately it feels as though the entire town is trying to play matchmaker in hopes of mending Harper’s broken heart. It’s all too overwhelming. So what is Harper to do!? Why not start pretending the random new guy in town is your boyfriend so that everyone gets off your back? LOL I mean, what could go wrong, right?

    Christopher Young stands out like a sore thumb – the “suit” among a sea of flannel in Hunter’s Creek. He’s temporarily in town on business. Grumpy Christopher and sunshiny Harper seem as opposite as can be.
    There is such a beautiful amount of conversation in this book. I loved how we got to experience these characters connect emotionally on such deep level.

    A lot of great banter…funny and sweet moments that will keep you turning page after page. There was something extremely special about this particular small town read. I can’t wait to continue on in the Sisters & Sweethearts series.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Romance, sweet, contemporary; series but stand alone read
    Harper and Christopher’s story starts out at a chance meeting after Harper breaks up with her famous ex. Told from alternating points of view, Harper gets Christopher to loosen up, find some joy in his crazy work life, and they choose each other after an initial crazy forced kiss. Lovely sweet moments for them as they realize they have something more, fun small town with all the crazy supporting characters, family, big business mixed in, and both trying to figure out their future together.
    Sweet HEA, lovely escape!
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A song in the movie Frozen says that people don't really change. But, as Harper and Topher demonstrate, people DO change. Or maybe it's that circumstances and certain situations help their true, deeper selves come into the light. Regardless, other than the fact that I thought it took too long to get to the meet-cute, Topher and Harper's story is a fun, fake, happy-ever-after. :)
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I thought this was a sweet Hallmark-quality romcom by Ms.OKeeffe. She had you rooting for the main characters from the very beginning. In many ways, Harper was too nice for her own good; like when her ex-boyfriend let her keep him in the LA style he wanted to live, and when he got a big break, he dropped her for his co-star and left all the debt for Harper to pay.
    I liked Christopher as a character. He was too nice for NYC. I am glad that he wised up at the end of the story and did the right thing. For the company, for the town, and most important, for Harper and himself.
    I purchased a copy of this story in a series collection boxset from Amazon and voluntarily chose to share my review.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Christopher kept comparing what was happening to a Hallmark movie, and I agree. But I still get all the feels at the end! How's it going to get to the HEA?
    Then the excitement of seeing it unfold, work out, and happily ever after. I liked this adventure!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This fake dating story starts out with the sweetest meet-cute from HIS point of view and a fake kiss that somehow feels like more. 

    I loved the immediate chemistry between Harper and Christopher (or Topher), their witty banter, and how they seemed to draw out the best in one another. 

    I’m a big fan of the grump/sunshine trope, and Christopher was the ultimate workaholic, uptight grump until he met Harper. 

    To see him let loose and show his authentic self was sooo satisfying. And Harper was just the sweetest sunshine, teasing him but never making fun, just slowly pulling him out of his shell with her kind heart and Daisy printed dresses.

    I also really appreciated how we moved from fake to real dating with minimal angst and the way they communicated like adults.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • lindsey n
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cute hallmark-esque story
    Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Love this story. The premise is very much a hallmark movie in book form and I am here for it! The characters are adorable, the story is sweet, and even though like the movies, you know what the story board will hold, it still kept my attention, had me smiling, and was just an overall enjoyable read. There were a few repetitive phrases and while normally that bothers me, it really didn't this time. I am looking forward to reading Ryn's story!
  • Makonz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the story
    Reviewed in Australia on April 15, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is one of those feel good happy ending stories where everyone is just a normal human making their way thru life. A most enjoyable read.
  • Katie O'Connor
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Decent Read
    Reviewed in Canada on October 19, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A good story with great potential. Fun characters. A bit repetitive.
    I enjoyed it enough to continue with the series.
  • KT Walsh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Canada on June 15, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Absolutely captivating story. I loved this book. I can't wait for the next instalment to be released. Cute, cosy and fun

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?