Fake It Like You Mean It by Megan Murphy (March 18, 2025) Thank you, Net Galley, Megan Murphy, Dreamscape Audio and Alcove Press for the gifted advanced listening copy of this beautiful, emotional debut.
Ellie was raised by her grandmother, Lovie, and now finds herself in a new chapter of their relationship as Lovie’s Alzheimer’s progresses, making independent living impossible. Temporarily leaving behind her life in Chicago – where she’s a well-known podcaster – Ellie returns to her Indiana hometown to coordinate Lovie’s care with an in-home nurse until a spot opens in a care facility. That’s how she meets Adam, the compassionate but no-nonsense nurse assigned to help.
Navigating her own emotions about Lovie’s decline, Ellie struggles with following Adam’s advice and facing the memories tied to her hometown. But everything shifts when Lovie, in a moment of confusion, believes Ellie and Adam are actually her younger self and her late husband. To avoid distressing Lovie, Ellie and Adam play along with the charade. What starts as a harmless act of kindness soon leads to undeniable chemistry, as Ellie begins to see Adam for who he truly is – a steady, caring presence she never expected to need. But Adam has his own struggles, and as reality presses in, they both have to ask: is their growing connection just pretend, or something real worth fighting for?
This was an absolutely stunning debut. The small, intimate world that Ellie, Adam, and Lovie create is both tender and deeply moving, filled with moments of quiet resilience and unexpected joy. Murphy balances emotional depth with lighthearted, comedic moments as Ellie and Adam navigate an enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship, forced proximity, one-bed dynamic – all elements that keep the story engaging while still honoring its heartfelt core. The progression of Ellie and Adam’s relationship felt natural and sincere, and I loved how Murphy took the time to build their emotional connection. Highly recommend!
🎧 Audiobook Notes 🎧 Alex Picard delivers a beautiful solo narration, capturing Ellie’s emotional journey with nuance and warmth. She brings sensitivity to Lovie’s storyline while infusing humor and chemistry into Ellie and Adam’s evolving relationship. At 10 hours, this is a deeply engaging listen.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Audiobook: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book Smart Kate 