What’s the use of being gorgeous and successful if everyone in your hometown still sees you as the ugly nerd? Well, not everyone. One guy has noticed that she’s all grown up…
Coming home has never been so humiliating…
Years of perfecting her look, her attitude, her style, and it’s all led to this. Vanessa Shea is back in Cyrano to teach her old schoolmates a thing or two about the ugly … in Cyrano to teach her old schoolmates a thing or two about the ugly duckling who ran away from this town and never looked back.
Only problem? Being back makes her feel like she’s never left. She’s Loch Ness Monster once more and no one will let her live it down.
No one except Deputy Trent Arnolds.
Of course, that’s probably because he doesn’t recognise her…or remember her. Nope. Nothing mortifying about that.
Her high school’s Prince Charming Star Quarterback All-Around Hero had never once noticed a poor schlub like her in the old days, so why would he pay attention now?
But now he needs her help as he runs for sheriff, and, honestly…how can she say no to the hometown hottie? Besides, the deputy is too good and honest to do what needs to be done. That’s why he needs her…as his fake girlfriend, obviously.
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During the seven years that Vanessa aka Nessi, has been away from her hometown of Cyrano, she transformed from a shy, ugly-duckling into a confident, outgoing beauty! Her goal while visiting Cyrano is to figure out her next move in life and to show Chip, the guy who cruelly broke her heart, just what he missed out on by dumping her! While doing so, she just may end up losing the best thing that has ever happened to her – fake dating local hometown favorite, Trent Arnolds. Great read to see how she overcomes the cruelty of her past, while showing everyone the “new” her is truly her!
Don’t we all know what it’s like: -a mature responsible adult returns home to Momma, Daddy and siblings and all of a sudden find yourself acting in some childish way of your past, usually triggered by a sibling? That’s Vanessa’s story upon quitting her old job in NYC and returning to small, hometown Wyoming. Now she has attracted the attention of Trent, the star quarterback in high school, loved by everybody, and only a fairytale fantasy for her on the other side of the tracks. Imagine Nessa’s surprise to find Trent understands exactly, experiencing his own childish coping mechanisms! Maggie’s such a good clean storyteller! I really appreciate the opportunity to read her ARCS and volunteer reviews.
Fun, sweet, and charming!
Maggie Dallen has a knack for creating characters I can easily root for from page one. I can relate to how Vanessa, this strong and confident woman, can still revert to her awkward teenage self when confronted with the ghosts of her past. And Trent fits in perfectly with Dallen’s crew of not-quite-perfect-but-definitely-good-guy heroes.
Both of them have some growing up to do before they finally get their HEA, but they have some help along the way from the usual crowd of meddling family and friends – mostly Gina, Addison, and Colton, but also Trent’s parents.
ONE FUN-FILLED BREATHLESS TREAT!!!
Leaping lizards! Maggie pulled out all the stops with this skillfully composed piece of perfection, drawing every emotion forward, revving up this compelling storyline and engaging plot, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Shenanigans, escapades and mayhem rule the roost displaying the drama, turmoil, intrigue, electrifying suspense and intense situations, along with a double dose of sass, you have one intoxicating experience. Dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. Braided, bound and entangled, displaying the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it’s strength and awe inspiring in it’s depth. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive talent and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel to life, making the storyline pop. Amazing job Maggie, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
(4.5 stars) – a fun twist on the fake dating trope!
Vanessa is a super confident career woman who knows what she wants & goes after it – until she returns to her hometown where memories from her past keep swamping her confidence.
Trent is attracted & impressed by her, stunned when he realizes who she was back in high school, & then confused when he sees her falter in front of an old acquaintance.
Meanwhile, Trent decides to run for sheriff, & Addison manipulates Vanessa into helping him. Vanessa works up a plan, & throws Trent for a loop when she announces to people that she’s his girlfriend. But Trent isn’t happy about it & turns the tables on Vanessa.
This is a fun story, but it’s sweet & touching, too. So many of us hang on to our wounds from the past & self sabotage in the process. My favorite part of the story is when Vanessa realizes that running away from pain makes it worse than dealing with it. That’s a gentle, thought-provoking reminder – ironically, while I’m enjoying some excellent escapist reading, lol
*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
Can You Really Date Your Fake Date? Ultimately, Dallen decides to try to answer that question here, and has a lot of fun doing so. Another largely fun, very Hallmarkie type tale of one person with a traumatic backstory coming back to the hometown they fled only to ignite a romance with the person they thought they could never have. If that is the type of story you’re after, you’ll love this tale because that is *exactly* what you get here. Well executed, as always with Dallen, and with its moments of both fun and angst, this is a well balanced romance tale through and through. Very much recommended.
Having gone through a complete make-over of her appearance and attitude, Vanessa Shea has rocketed into a successful career, exuding self-confidence and impeccable grooming. That is until she returns to her hometown and discovers that her inner child still needs to overcome the high school bullies. Coming face to face with Cyrano’s darling, Deputy Trent Arnolds leaves her feeling vulnerable when she realises that he does not recognise the girl who tutored him. The attraction between Trent and Vanessa is palpable, but she has no intention of sticking around long enough to explore the possibilities until her friends volunteer her with the task of promoting Trent in his bid for the office of Sheriff. Once Trent’s memory is jogged and he starts to recall the sweet girl from his school days, he knows that she is the one for him, but it takes time and determination to make her see that running away is not the answer. The story is sweet and can be read by most age groups. It also comes to a happy and successful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.