What do you think?
Rate this book
Sweet as Sugar Maple #4
Don't Go Faking My Heart
It should be a match made in heaven, except she’s only attracted to jerks, and he’s a cinnamon roll…with burnt edges.
I, Ashley Jane Moore, am a glorious disaster.
Listen, I like myself, but the men in my life typically don’t. Not my dad and certainly not my manipulative ex. The one exception is my best friend, Rusty. He’s the ultimate farm-boy-next-door, and he has a way of making me feel less disaster, more glorious.
We’d be perfect for each other if it weren’t for two things: he friend-zoned me instantly, and I only seem to go for jerks.
But when one of those jerks—the manipulative ex—comes back into my life to steal my heart and the account I’m working on, Rusty does the noble thing and pretends to be my boyfriend.
But we may be a little too convincing. Because the more we pretend, the more real it feels.
Rusty:
I had to kiss her.
It was the only way to protect the woman I love from her narcissistic ex, and she happily went along. And the longer we keep up the charade, the happier she seems.
I knew fake dating Ash would be torture, but I didn’t expect something even more excruciating to come from it: hope. Because as Ash and I play house, I get the sense she’s starting to see me differently.
As much as I want that, I can’t let her see too deeply. If she does, I’ll lose her forever.
I, Ashley Jane Moore, am a glorious disaster.
Listen, I like myself, but the men in my life typically don’t. Not my dad and certainly not my manipulative ex. The one exception is my best friend, Rusty. He’s the ultimate farm-boy-next-door, and he has a way of making me feel less disaster, more glorious.
We’d be perfect for each other if it weren’t for two things: he friend-zoned me instantly, and I only seem to go for jerks.
But when one of those jerks—the manipulative ex—comes back into my life to steal my heart and the account I’m working on, Rusty does the noble thing and pretends to be my boyfriend.
But we may be a little too convincing. Because the more we pretend, the more real it feels.
Rusty:
I had to kiss her.
It was the only way to protect the woman I love from her narcissistic ex, and she happily went along. And the longer we keep up the charade, the happier she seems.
I knew fake dating Ash would be torture, but I didn’t expect something even more excruciating to come from it: hope. Because as Ash and I play house, I get the sense she’s starting to see me differently.
As much as I want that, I can’t let her see too deeply. If she does, I’ll lose her forever.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2024
605 people are currently reading
1555 people want to read
About the author
Kate Watson
17 books702 followersKate Watson is a fan of cheeky romantic comedies and delightfully witty banter. Originally from Canada, she attended college in the States and holds a BA in Philosophy from Brigham Young University. A lover of travel, speaking in accents, and experiencing new cultures, she has also lived in Israel, Brazil, the American South, and she now calls Arizona home.
She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.
*Please note that this account does not accept friend requests to prevent conflict with Amazon's review policies.*
She started writing at six years old and sold her first book, "The Heart People," for $0.25 to her parents. It received rave reviews. Since then, she's written many books, including the acclaimed Off Script, a 2020 Junior Library Guild selection. She writes stories full of heart, humor, and happily-ever-afters.
She is currently living her own happily-ever-after with her super cute husband and their four wild and wonderful kids. She runs on caffeine, swoons, and Jesus.
*Please note that this account does not accept friend requests to prevent conflict with Amazon's review policies.*
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
February 24, 2025
I think Kate Watson is one of the very few authors that can equally make me feel all the feelings in the best of ways! I totally cried, laughed, swooned, got angry (Rusty’s ‘dad’), cheered, and just rode the best rollercoaster of emotions.
I absolutely adored both Rusty and Ash. I loved that Rusty has always loved Ash and that he was thrown into fake dating and gave himself permission to not fake anything any longer. He said the swooniest lines and I adored how he constantly was bring up Ash’s confidence up and always complimented her. I also love that he appreciate every part of what made Ash uniquely her including her ADHD. He was protective, fierce, sweet, a cinnamon roll, and one of my all time favorite MCs.
Ash was equally a wonderful FMC. I love that she was quirky, unique and a boundless source of light and energy. I love that she was able to change how she saw Rusty so fast and also always saw the goodness in him, that he sometimes couldn’t see. I love that she was equally protective of Rusty and willing to fight for him.
If you want a wonderful fake dating romance with lots of kisses, hope, healing, depth, and joy, definitely read this one!
Level 2.5ish (longer somewhat descriptive making out)
Zero Swearing
I absolutely adored both Rusty and Ash. I loved that Rusty has always loved Ash and that he was thrown into fake dating and gave himself permission to not fake anything any longer. He said the swooniest lines and I adored how he constantly was bring up Ash’s confidence up and always complimented her. I also love that he appreciate every part of what made Ash uniquely her including her ADHD. He was protective, fierce, sweet, a cinnamon roll, and one of my all time favorite MCs.
Ash was equally a wonderful FMC. I love that she was quirky, unique and a boundless source of light and energy. I love that she was able to change how she saw Rusty so fast and also always saw the goodness in him, that he sometimes couldn’t see. I love that she was equally protective of Rusty and willing to fight for him.
If you want a wonderful fake dating romance with lots of kisses, hope, healing, depth, and joy, definitely read this one!
Level 2.5ish (longer somewhat descriptive making out)
Zero Swearing
September 2, 2024
Drop everything and grab Kate Watson’s latest book—trust me, you don’t want to miss this one! If you love best friends-to-more, fake dating, and all the small-town feels, you’re in for a treat. Add in neurodivergent representation (with dyslexia and ADHD), mutual healing, and toe-curling kisses, and you’ve got a truly delightful read.
Rusty’s POV will melt your heart, and watching Ash fight for their relationship is a total treat. With laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy scenes, and some serious character growth, this book is a blast. If you’re into fun romances with lots of laughs, protective MMC, and quirky heroines, this is a must-read!
Read this if you like:
🧇 Best friends to lovers
🧇 Fake dating
🧇 He falls first
🧇 Neurodivergent rep
🚨🚨 TW: Manipulation, abuse, gaslighting, and alcoholism
Rusty’s POV will melt your heart, and watching Ash fight for their relationship is a total treat. With laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy scenes, and some serious character growth, this book is a blast. If you’re into fun romances with lots of laughs, protective MMC, and quirky heroines, this is a must-read!
Read this if you like:
🧇 Best friends to lovers
🧇 Fake dating
🧇 He falls first
🧇 Neurodivergent rep
🚨🚨 TW: Manipulation, abuse, gaslighting, and alcoholism
September 11, 2025
꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦
🧇~Genres~🧇
Contemporary/RomCom/Best Friends to lovers/Fake dating/Small Town
It should be a match made in heaven, except she’s only attracted to jerks, and he’s a cinnamon roll…with burnt edges.
💻~Characters~💻
(Ashley Jane Moore "Ash") FMC the abs thing was a little weird but other than that I really did like her.
(Rusty Fielding "Rus") MMC Cinnamon roll with burnt edges is a perfect way to describe him. I really liked him.
(Jane Harrington Carville) ASH'S FRIEND still really liked her.
(Tag carville III "Tripp") RUSTY'S BEST FRIEND I still did really like him but he needs to work on his advice giving skills.
(Millie Jane Ogden) ASH'S FRIEND she was still great.
(Duke Ogden) MILLIE'S HUSBAND still really liked him.
(Lottie Ogden) MILLIE AND DUKE'S DAUGHTER Still Loved her she is so cute! She spent most of this book being angry because she has a huge crush on Rusty, and Ash is talking him away.
(Lucy Jane "Lou") ASH'S FRIEND I love how all the book names in the series are the names of her songs. I liked her.
(Patrick "Patty") PUB OWNER he was ok.
(Parker Jane Emerson) ASH'S FRIEND still really liked herzzzz
(Philip) ASH'S EX he was awful.
(Arlo) RUSTY'S DAD He was so abusive and awful.
(Greg) ASH'S STEP DAD he was great.
🫐~Quotes~🫐
"Let's go out," I say. She turns her face to mine. "Okay. Should I dress up?" That's a date question, and it's a good thing, because I'm asking her on an actual date. "No. What you're wearing is perfect." "Funny guy. I'll be back down in two shakes of a lamb's tail. Maybe three." "I'll wait as long as it takes for you."
I type in the four digit code to unlock my front door: the day I first met Ash. I don't know if she sees me enter it, or not. I doubt she'd make the connection, let alone remember. The date is etched in my heart, though.
I don't know how I'll ever come back from fake dating the love of my life.
I show him my left hand. "someday The man I love is going to put a Ring Pop on this finger."
🍬~What I liked~🍬
The writing style, Seeing the Janes and their husbands (Fiance in Parker's case) again, The ADHD and Dyslexia representation, Lottie, the T-ball game, Pookie, The nightmare scene, The Double H hockey game, all the scenes at 'Donegal's', The Princess Bride Nicknames, the sugar maple promotional videos, the ending, the epilogue, the bonus epilogue, the song Lou sings about Ash and Rusty
🥞~What I disliked~🥞
Tummy waffles and Sticky buns,
🍦~Content/Trigger Warnings~🍦
Alcoholism, Verbal and physical abuse from parent, Toxic relationship (past), Gaslighting, Fighting, blood, broken bones (hand and nose), Death of Sibling due to Car accident, divorce, Greif
🚜~Language~🚜
S-xiest, Freaking, Heck, S-xy, S-xiness, dagnab it, Dang, Crap, Crappy,
🧇~Genres~🧇
Contemporary/RomCom/Best Friends to lovers/Fake dating/Small Town
It should be a match made in heaven, except she’s only attracted to jerks, and he’s a cinnamon roll…with burnt edges.
💻~Characters~💻
(Ashley Jane Moore "Ash") FMC the abs thing was a little weird but other than that I really did like her.
(Rusty Fielding "Rus") MMC Cinnamon roll with burnt edges is a perfect way to describe him. I really liked him.
(Jane Harrington Carville) ASH'S FRIEND still really liked her.
(Tag carville III "Tripp") RUSTY'S BEST FRIEND I still did really like him but he needs to work on his advice giving skills.
(Millie Jane Ogden) ASH'S FRIEND she was still great.
(Duke Ogden) MILLIE'S HUSBAND still really liked him.
(Lottie Ogden) MILLIE AND DUKE'S DAUGHTER Still Loved her she is so cute! She spent most of this book being angry because she has a huge crush on Rusty, and Ash is talking him away.
(Lucy Jane "Lou") ASH'S FRIEND I love how all the book names in the series are the names of her songs. I liked her.
(Patrick "Patty") PUB OWNER he was ok.
(Parker Jane Emerson) ASH'S FRIEND still really liked herzzzz
(Philip) ASH'S EX he was awful.
(Arlo) RUSTY'S DAD He was so abusive and awful.
(Greg) ASH'S STEP DAD he was great.
🫐~Quotes~🫐
"Let's go out," I say. She turns her face to mine. "Okay. Should I dress up?" That's a date question, and it's a good thing, because I'm asking her on an actual date. "No. What you're wearing is perfect." "Funny guy. I'll be back down in two shakes of a lamb's tail. Maybe three." "I'll wait as long as it takes for you."
I type in the four digit code to unlock my front door: the day I first met Ash. I don't know if she sees me enter it, or not. I doubt she'd make the connection, let alone remember. The date is etched in my heart, though.
I don't know how I'll ever come back from fake dating the love of my life.
I show him my left hand. "someday The man I love is going to put a Ring Pop on this finger."
🍬~What I liked~🍬
The writing style, Seeing the Janes and their husbands (Fiance in Parker's case) again, The ADHD and Dyslexia representation, Lottie, the T-ball game, Pookie, The nightmare scene, The Double H hockey game, all the scenes at 'Donegal's', The Princess Bride Nicknames, the sugar maple promotional videos, the ending, the epilogue, the bonus epilogue, the song Lou sings about Ash and Rusty
🥞~What I disliked~🥞
Tummy waffles and Sticky buns,
🍦~Content/Trigger Warnings~🍦
Alcoholism, Verbal and physical abuse from parent, Toxic relationship (past), Gaslighting, Fighting, blood, broken bones (hand and nose), Death of Sibling due to Car accident, divorce, Greif
🚜~Language~🚜
S-xiest, Freaking, Heck, S-xy, S-xiness, dagnab it, Dang, Crap, Crappy,
January 5, 2025
yes yes yes i can’t wait for the next book to come out
April 7, 2025
Genre: romcom
Content: makeouts, parental abuse (past), death of a sibling (past), gaslighting ex
I don’t know how she does it, but not only is Kate Watson a gem of a human being, she’s also a master at her craft! I am so invested in the characters of this series. Like, I genuinely feel like I am friends with all of them! That’s author magic, that is.
Ash- Quirky, effervescent, wonderful Ash. She’s genuinely clueless that Rusty harbors feelings for her. I loved watching her wake up to that and seeing her take charge of things at the end of the story.
Rusty- Oh, sweet little Rusty! I just wanted to give him a hug! What a stand up guy. I loved how he supported Ash in who she was and I loved his protective streak.
And then to see my other besties Jane, Millie, PJ, Tripp, Duke, Lottie, Sonny and Lou was amazing too. Obviously.
This book releases in 8 DAYS y’all! Thanks to Kate for the ARC.
Favorite Quotes:
💔 "Grief is a beautiful thing, son. It’s a sign that you had someone in your life who mattered that much to you."
“Why can’t that person matter without the pain?”
“If you take away the pain of grief, you take away the love from life. You can’t have loss without love.”
💋"I've never been kissed like that! And now I'm wondering how you learned to kiss like that. Do you have like eighty past girlfriends? Did you major in making out? Is that a thing?”
🥰”It's like a glow-up for my soul every time you talk to me."
😍"You want me to be more intense?" I laugh. "Me? Rusty, come on."
"More of you is always a good thing," he says.
‼️ “You can't believe anyone who makes you think you're anything less than extraordinary."
🦸♀️Caring about Rusty-someone who sees me in all my messy, technicolor glory and appreciates me for it—is like jumping off a cliff and finding out I can fly. He's given me a superpower of self-confidence that I've never felt before. I want him to step out and fly with me.
😂 "Can I tell you something weird?"
"We wouldn't be us if you didn't."
❤️ "I love you. I'm in crazy, stupid, out of control love with you. I don't know what took me so long to get here, but I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere.” …. “I've gone my whole life wanting to feel the way you make me feel.”
🤣"You can't give me that look while I have gravy breath." "What look?"
"The make out look. You know, the one where your eyes are pools of seduction and it makes me throw myself at you across the table."
"Pools of seduction?" he laughs.
"Yes. You know very well I'm helpless to stop myself when you give me that look."
"This is my normal look."
I throw my hands in the air. "I know. That's literally what I'm saying."
Content: makeouts, parental abuse (past), death of a sibling (past), gaslighting ex
I don’t know how she does it, but not only is Kate Watson a gem of a human being, she’s also a master at her craft! I am so invested in the characters of this series. Like, I genuinely feel like I am friends with all of them! That’s author magic, that is.
Ash- Quirky, effervescent, wonderful Ash. She’s genuinely clueless that Rusty harbors feelings for her. I loved watching her wake up to that and seeing her take charge of things at the end of the story.
Rusty- Oh, sweet little Rusty! I just wanted to give him a hug! What a stand up guy. I loved how he supported Ash in who she was and I loved his protective streak.
And then to see my other besties Jane, Millie, PJ, Tripp, Duke, Lottie, Sonny and Lou was amazing too. Obviously.
This book releases in 8 DAYS y’all! Thanks to Kate for the ARC.
Favorite Quotes:
💔 "Grief is a beautiful thing, son. It’s a sign that you had someone in your life who mattered that much to you."
“Why can’t that person matter without the pain?”
“If you take away the pain of grief, you take away the love from life. You can’t have loss without love.”
💋"I've never been kissed like that! And now I'm wondering how you learned to kiss like that. Do you have like eighty past girlfriends? Did you major in making out? Is that a thing?”
🥰”It's like a glow-up for my soul every time you talk to me."
😍"You want me to be more intense?" I laugh. "Me? Rusty, come on."
"More of you is always a good thing," he says.
‼️ “You can't believe anyone who makes you think you're anything less than extraordinary."
🦸♀️Caring about Rusty-someone who sees me in all my messy, technicolor glory and appreciates me for it—is like jumping off a cliff and finding out I can fly. He's given me a superpower of self-confidence that I've never felt before. I want him to step out and fly with me.
😂 "Can I tell you something weird?"
"We wouldn't be us if you didn't."
❤️ "I love you. I'm in crazy, stupid, out of control love with you. I don't know what took me so long to get here, but I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere.” …. “I've gone my whole life wanting to feel the way you make me feel.”
🤣"You can't give me that look while I have gravy breath." "What look?"
"The make out look. You know, the one where your eyes are pools of seduction and it makes me throw myself at you across the table."
"Pools of seduction?" he laughs.
"Yes. You know very well I'm helpless to stop myself when you give me that look."
"This is my normal look."
I throw my hands in the air. "I know. That's literally what I'm saying."
August 30, 2024
Finished in less than a day because I couldn't stop reading it
Heyooooo to perfection in a book.
Rusty and Ash = 🤌🤌
Okay let's just talk about some of my favorite aspects:
1. Ash and her ADHD and her journey of acceptance and embracing her skills set due to her diagnosis. Like WOW this was so healing and I adored her internal thought process and the way she was a beautiful representation of someone who has an ADHD diagnosis and thrives
2. Rusty and his Dyslexia. Also his love of audiobooks 👌 like WOW. That was such a fun aspect and I loved how it just showed him being a normal person.
3. The emotional healing. Rusty and his backstory is heartbreaking and boy oh boy does it lead to some of those overprotective burnt edges of the cinnamon roll that is Rusty 😍 and I legit cried during moments for him and felt so warm and happy when he had this healing moments 😍
4. Ash and her very xtremely hateable ex boyfriend and her journey to truly move past the evil dude. Ugh. So beautiful
5. THE JANES holy cow they were HILARIOUS and I wanted to highlight whole pages of their friendly banter it had me cracking up so good!
6. The little kid side characters. The tball scene had me ROLLING
7. The epically swoony romance. Because let's be real. It was epic. It was swoony. Those kisses were emotion based and full of fire and 👌🔥👌🔥👌🔥👌🔥👌
Ugh. Each book just keeps getting better and I love how I'm pumped for the next one because we get to see more of Lou as a side character in this story and ooooooo man.
I just love them all. All the characters (besides the hateable ones) and man I cried and didn't want the story to end!
So. So. So. Good.
💋Kisses only
⚠️Ash has a narcissistic father and manipulative ex boyfriend causing issues. Rusty has an alcoholic father who is 😤😤😤 and there's talk of grief and death of a family member in the past
Heyooooo to perfection in a book.
Rusty and Ash = 🤌🤌
Okay let's just talk about some of my favorite aspects:
1. Ash and her ADHD and her journey of acceptance and embracing her skills set due to her diagnosis. Like WOW this was so healing and I adored her internal thought process and the way she was a beautiful representation of someone who has an ADHD diagnosis and thrives
2. Rusty and his Dyslexia. Also his love of audiobooks 👌 like WOW. That was such a fun aspect and I loved how it just showed him being a normal person.
3. The emotional healing. Rusty and his backstory is heartbreaking and boy oh boy does it lead to some of those overprotective burnt edges of the cinnamon roll that is Rusty 😍 and I legit cried during moments for him and felt so warm and happy when he had this healing moments 😍
4. Ash and her very xtremely hateable ex boyfriend and her journey to truly move past the evil dude. Ugh. So beautiful
5. THE JANES holy cow they were HILARIOUS and I wanted to highlight whole pages of their friendly banter it had me cracking up so good!
6. The little kid side characters. The tball scene had me ROLLING
7. The epically swoony romance. Because let's be real. It was epic. It was swoony. Those kisses were emotion based and full of fire and 👌🔥👌🔥👌🔥👌🔥👌
Ugh. Each book just keeps getting better and I love how I'm pumped for the next one because we get to see more of Lou as a side character in this story and ooooooo man.
I just love them all. All the characters (besides the hateable ones) and man I cried and didn't want the story to end!
So. So. So. Good.
💋Kisses only
⚠️Ash has a narcissistic father and manipulative ex boyfriend causing issues. Rusty has an alcoholic father who is 😤😤😤 and there's talk of grief and death of a family member in the past
August 25, 2024
This book was cute and fun and hilarious and everything you could want in a book!!! 🤩🥰 I adored the characters most of all!! I swear Ash was me with curly hair. 👀😆
I seriously couldn't get enough of this book until about halfway through when their fake dating turned not so fake and they fell in love... Hard. Nothing inappropriate transpired but I felt it was too descriptive a lot of the time and I found myself skimming because of it. I mean, maybe I'm just not the most romantic type of girl or whatever but I got realllllllly tired of the mentions of tummy waffles.
If that doesn't bother you though, this was a really fun book. I LOVED the themes it dealt with and how well the author wrote them. 🤩 I never even dealt with the things these characters did yet I've come away with things learned and with all the warm fuzzy feelings.
So, over all, I really did love this book. But where at first I saw myself reading and rereading this book, now I highly doubt I ever will. I would love to go back and read the others in the series. 🥰 The author did an amazing job of telling you some backstory if you hadn't read the others (like me) without pressing pause on the story. Truly, it was a really great book! 🤩
*I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I seriously couldn't get enough of this book until about halfway through when their fake dating turned not so fake and they fell in love... Hard. Nothing inappropriate transpired but I felt it was too descriptive a lot of the time and I found myself skimming because of it. I mean, maybe I'm just not the most romantic type of girl or whatever but I got realllllllly tired of the mentions of tummy waffles.
If that doesn't bother you though, this was a really fun book. I LOVED the themes it dealt with and how well the author wrote them. 🤩 I never even dealt with the things these characters did yet I've come away with things learned and with all the warm fuzzy feelings.
So, over all, I really did love this book. But where at first I saw myself reading and rereading this book, now I highly doubt I ever will. I would love to go back and read the others in the series. 🥰 The author did an amazing job of telling you some backstory if you hadn't read the others (like me) without pressing pause on the story. Truly, it was a really great book! 🤩
*I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 22, 2024
Genre: Clean Romance
Format: ebook
Cautions: mentions of physical abuse, alcohol addiction, grief/loss, manipulation, narcissism; a few steamy kisses, but nothing beyond that
Main themes: friends to lovers, healing from trauma, growing self-love and self-confidence
Main characters: Ash, Rusty, Jane, Millie, Lou, Parker, Patty, Sonny, Duke, Tripp
Favorite quote: "Grief is a beautiful thing, son. It's a sign that you had someone in your life who mattered that much to you. . . . If you take away the pain of grief, you take away the love from life. You can't have loss without love."
Review:
Ash's story is my favorite of all the Janes and books in this series so far.
Ash is quirky, vibrant, fun, and accepting—and she always shows up for her people. No matter the cost to herself, she gives everything she's got when she knows she can help someone or make something better.
Rusty has a heart of gold but doesn't seem to realize it. He sees and meets Ash's needs before she says a word. He builds up young men who are facing situations similar to his. He's everything we want in a protective but empowering MMC. And he's absolutely perfect for Ash.
If only she could figure that out. Their childhood trauma and the way they pursue healing could be the thing that brings them together or the thing that rips them apart.
In Don't Go Faking My Heart Kate Watson brings on all the emotions, showing what it really looks like for two adults to unmake what others have made of them—even in their own minds—and heal. It's messy. It's maddening. It's real. It's beautiful.
This story made me smile, cheer, laugh, and cry.
And the threads that explored grief in a healthy way were healing to me too. These are lines that will live forever in my head because they're just what I needed today.
Thank you, Kate, for another sweet but real and healing story. I'm so grateful for your voice in the world.
**As a note, I received an ARC from the author, but I wrote this adoring review because I wanted to, not because it was required. All opinions stated here are my own.
Format: ebook
Cautions: mentions of physical abuse, alcohol addiction, grief/loss, manipulation, narcissism; a few steamy kisses, but nothing beyond that
Main themes: friends to lovers, healing from trauma, growing self-love and self-confidence
Main characters: Ash, Rusty, Jane, Millie, Lou, Parker, Patty, Sonny, Duke, Tripp
Favorite quote: "Grief is a beautiful thing, son. It's a sign that you had someone in your life who mattered that much to you. . . . If you take away the pain of grief, you take away the love from life. You can't have loss without love."
Review:
Ash's story is my favorite of all the Janes and books in this series so far.
Ash is quirky, vibrant, fun, and accepting—and she always shows up for her people. No matter the cost to herself, she gives everything she's got when she knows she can help someone or make something better.
Rusty has a heart of gold but doesn't seem to realize it. He sees and meets Ash's needs before she says a word. He builds up young men who are facing situations similar to his. He's everything we want in a protective but empowering MMC. And he's absolutely perfect for Ash.
If only she could figure that out. Their childhood trauma and the way they pursue healing could be the thing that brings them together or the thing that rips them apart.
In Don't Go Faking My Heart Kate Watson brings on all the emotions, showing what it really looks like for two adults to unmake what others have made of them—even in their own minds—and heal. It's messy. It's maddening. It's real. It's beautiful.
This story made me smile, cheer, laugh, and cry.
And the threads that explored grief in a healthy way were healing to me too. These are lines that will live forever in my head because they're just what I needed today.
Thank you, Kate, for another sweet but real and healing story. I'm so grateful for your voice in the world.
**As a note, I received an ARC from the author, but I wrote this adoring review because I wanted to, not because it was required. All opinions stated here are my own.
August 29, 2024
Kate has done it again! This story…it’s everything. The characters, the flirting, the growth, the ROMANCE!!! You definitely need a fan handy for this one! It’s definitely become my fav from this wonderful series!
Ash and Rusty work together to show the town council they can help improve Sugar Maple by showcasing the town and bringing in more business. Philip, Ash’s ex, arrives in town and wants his company to take over, but he doesn’t have the town’s best interest at heart. Plus he’s a jerk.
Rusty has loved his best friend, Ash, since he met her and everyone knows but Ash. So when Philip tries to make a move on Ash and reconnect, what is Rusty to do but fake being her boyfriend? He just hopes he doesn’t lose his heart at the end of the deal.
Rusty and Ash are it, yall! Rusty definitely has swagger and game that’s he’s been keeping from Ash, and she doesn’t know what to think of this new Rusty! But, boy does she like it!
I loved how Rusty helped Ash be her wonderful self. He loved her for who she was. He helped her grow by letting her see her greatness and all she could accomplish. He was just amazing. Hands down.
I have loved seeing Ash in this series, but I enjoyed seeing her shine in this book. She was quirky and lovable. Her relationship with her step-dad was special and their sweet conversation about choked me up.
I loved this book to pieces and so glad Rusty and Ash got their HEA! If you love friends to lovers, great flirting, sizzling kisses, spunky old ladies, and sweet friendships, then definitely check this one out!
This is book 4 of the series, and I recommend reading these in order to get the best experience! Trust me! You’ll want to read them all!
Things I Loved:
💚Group chats
💚Protective MMC
💚The Hens
💚That first kiss!!!!!!
💚The flirty banter
💚T-Ball Game
💚Nicknames
💚Patty
💚She wears his sweatshirt
💚“Double H Hockey”
💚One bed
💚Ice Bath
💚Greg and Ash convo
💚“As you wish”
💚Ring pops
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ash and Rusty work together to show the town council they can help improve Sugar Maple by showcasing the town and bringing in more business. Philip, Ash’s ex, arrives in town and wants his company to take over, but he doesn’t have the town’s best interest at heart. Plus he’s a jerk.
Rusty has loved his best friend, Ash, since he met her and everyone knows but Ash. So when Philip tries to make a move on Ash and reconnect, what is Rusty to do but fake being her boyfriend? He just hopes he doesn’t lose his heart at the end of the deal.
Rusty and Ash are it, yall! Rusty definitely has swagger and game that’s he’s been keeping from Ash, and she doesn’t know what to think of this new Rusty! But, boy does she like it!
I loved how Rusty helped Ash be her wonderful self. He loved her for who she was. He helped her grow by letting her see her greatness and all she could accomplish. He was just amazing. Hands down.
I have loved seeing Ash in this series, but I enjoyed seeing her shine in this book. She was quirky and lovable. Her relationship with her step-dad was special and their sweet conversation about choked me up.
I loved this book to pieces and so glad Rusty and Ash got their HEA! If you love friends to lovers, great flirting, sizzling kisses, spunky old ladies, and sweet friendships, then definitely check this one out!
This is book 4 of the series, and I recommend reading these in order to get the best experience! Trust me! You’ll want to read them all!
Things I Loved:
💚Group chats
💚Protective MMC
💚The Hens
💚That first kiss!!!!!!
💚The flirty banter
💚T-Ball Game
💚Nicknames
💚Patty
💚She wears his sweatshirt
💚“Double H Hockey”
💚One bed
💚Ice Bath
💚Greg and Ash convo
💚“As you wish”
💚Ring pops
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 18, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up)
“Don’t Go Faking My Heart” is the 4th book in the Sweet As Sugar Maple series, and I feel like I love each book more than the previous one! I loved Ash & Rusty’s story so much. I identified so much with Ash’s feelings, and I loved how in tune she was to her ADHD and how she functions/uses it as a superpower instead of letting it define her. I felt so seen when she was having a moment of spiraling thoughts. I have felt the same way and it felt validating to have this FMC experiencing the same emotions. I loved how Ash & Rusty are each other’s greatest cheerleaders and how their mutual support and encouragement is what makes them best friends. I also loved the chemistry and the swoon-worthy kisses. If you’re looking for a sweet rom com with no spice, this one is great! 4.5 stars, (rounded up) only because there was a moment in the book when Ash learns some delicate information from a secondary character instead of the source when it wasn’t that person’s story to tell. I thought it maybe could have been handled differently, but maybe not.
*I was given an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.
“Don’t Go Faking My Heart” is the 4th book in the Sweet As Sugar Maple series, and I feel like I love each book more than the previous one! I loved Ash & Rusty’s story so much. I identified so much with Ash’s feelings, and I loved how in tune she was to her ADHD and how she functions/uses it as a superpower instead of letting it define her. I felt so seen when she was having a moment of spiraling thoughts. I have felt the same way and it felt validating to have this FMC experiencing the same emotions. I loved how Ash & Rusty are each other’s greatest cheerleaders and how their mutual support and encouragement is what makes them best friends. I also loved the chemistry and the swoon-worthy kisses. If you’re looking for a sweet rom com with no spice, this one is great! 4.5 stars, (rounded up) only because there was a moment in the book when Ash learns some delicate information from a secondary character instead of the source when it wasn’t that person’s story to tell. I thought it maybe could have been handled differently, but maybe not.
*I was given an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.
August 23, 2024
Who doesn’t adore a best friend to lovers romance with a wonderful side cast of characters. Don’t Go Faking My Heart features Ash and Rusty, Rusty is perfect and the way they both support each with Rusty with his dyslexia and Ash with her ADHD was amazing. This book is full of witty banter, the perfect friendship group all while focusing on the relationship journey of Rusty and Ash. I simply adored this one and if you after a wholesome cute read then this one is for you. I received a complementary copy from the author.
November 26, 2025
Ok absolutely loved this book! These characters! Love them so much! As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD almost 3 years ago I love Ash and her energy and relate so much! Rusty is the sweetest! I just loved this book and now need to read the rest of this series! The audiobook was so well done for this and to have actual music and singing in it at the end was amazing! More of a review to come!
January 1, 2026
absolute perfection! This is everything you could want in a romance.
Humor
Small town
Strong friend group
Forced proximity
Fake dating
ADHD rep
Dyslexia rep
I have the biggest book hangover.
I am truly sad this one is over.
Humor
Small town
Strong friend group
Forced proximity
Fake dating
ADHD rep
Dyslexia rep
I have the biggest book hangover.
I am truly sad this one is over.
August 29, 2024
I absolutely loved Rusty & Ash's heartachingly beautiful, sweet, caring, loving,swoony story!!
September 4, 2024
The sweet and solid guy friend, secretly pining for his oblivious best girl friend is a favorite of mine, but Kate Watson’s newest release, Don’t Go Faking My Heart, took my swooning to the next level. Rusty is a cinnamon roll male main character with burnt edges, per Watson’s own description. He’s everything you want in a stand-up MMC, but he also has scars. Ash, too, has scars that dictate how she sees herself and her worthiness of love. When her manipulative ex comes to town, Rusty and Ash are thrown into a fake dating situation (swoon!) that starts peeling back the layers protecting both of their hearts.
This book is lovely <3 Everything about it is perfection, and it’s definitely re-read worthy! Dare I say it’s my favorite of the Sweet as Sugar Maple Series? I absolutely devoured it and it’s one of those books that stays with you long after you finish it. There are so many laugh out loud moments, and just as much depth. Watson is able to include heavier topics while keeping the tone of the book romantic and airy. Also, can I just say that she’s the best at setting up the next book in the series – I can’t WAIT to read Lou’s story <3
Intimacy: Kisses Only
Content Considerations: Manipulation, abuse (past), alcoholism, loss (past)
This book is lovely <3 Everything about it is perfection, and it’s definitely re-read worthy! Dare I say it’s my favorite of the Sweet as Sugar Maple Series? I absolutely devoured it and it’s one of those books that stays with you long after you finish it. There are so many laugh out loud moments, and just as much depth. Watson is able to include heavier topics while keeping the tone of the book romantic and airy. Also, can I just say that she’s the best at setting up the next book in the series – I can’t WAIT to read Lou’s story <3
Intimacy: Kisses Only
Content Considerations: Manipulation, abuse (past), alcoholism, loss (past)
July 30, 2025
Another winner in the Sweet as Sugar Maple series!! Somehow I missed this cutie when it came out and had to go back and read it and I’m so glad I did!
Rusty and Ash have been friends since they met, but little does she know, he’s been in love with her for a while! When Ash’s smarmy ex comes to town trying to buy out the small businesses, they need a plan to save Sugar Maple and it just might include a fake relationship
to keep Phillip away from Ash.
These two!!! 😍 I loved their cute friendship from the beginning and how easy it was for them to slip into fake dating because of the relations they already had! I also love how everyone around them had suspected that at some point they would end up together and cheered them on! And while they both had some things from their pastor work through, they ultimately came out ahead and we’re better for each other because of it!
Favorite quotes:
“If my love for Ash disappeared, the pain would go with it, but so would the joy. It is a privilege to love that woman, close or far.”
“Rusty is remarkable. He's the guy you call when you find a snake on your porch or your battery dies in your car. I don't just mean me, either. I mean the town. He's also a hot commodity, whether he knows it or not. The single women in the room must despise me for taking him off the market.”
"Do you really not see yourself?" he asks incredulously. "Ash, you are beautiful. I haven't been able to take my eyes off you since the moment we met. There isn't a girl alive who can compare with you."
"Holy hot lips, Batman. Where did you learn to kiss like that?" "I'm available for private lessons after the game," I say. Ash grabs the front of my jersey even as the coach tells me to hurry up. She's staring at my mouth with her teeth gritted playfully. "I know this is fake, but I may take you up on that." "I may let you."
Rusty and Ash have been friends since they met, but little does she know, he’s been in love with her for a while! When Ash’s smarmy ex comes to town trying to buy out the small businesses, they need a plan to save Sugar Maple and it just might include a fake relationship
to keep Phillip away from Ash.
These two!!! 😍 I loved their cute friendship from the beginning and how easy it was for them to slip into fake dating because of the relations they already had! I also love how everyone around them had suspected that at some point they would end up together and cheered them on! And while they both had some things from their pastor work through, they ultimately came out ahead and we’re better for each other because of it!
Favorite quotes:
“If my love for Ash disappeared, the pain would go with it, but so would the joy. It is a privilege to love that woman, close or far.”
“Rusty is remarkable. He's the guy you call when you find a snake on your porch or your battery dies in your car. I don't just mean me, either. I mean the town. He's also a hot commodity, whether he knows it or not. The single women in the room must despise me for taking him off the market.”
"Do you really not see yourself?" he asks incredulously. "Ash, you are beautiful. I haven't been able to take my eyes off you since the moment we met. There isn't a girl alive who can compare with you."
"Holy hot lips, Batman. Where did you learn to kiss like that?" "I'm available for private lessons after the game," I say. Ash grabs the front of my jersey even as the coach tells me to hurry up. She's staring at my mouth with her teeth gritted playfully. "I know this is fake, but I may take you up on that." "I may let you."
April 28, 2025
"She bites her lip, hesitating for a second. Then she smiles softly. "Thanks, Farm Boy." She turns and bounces away. "Anything for you, darlin'," I say. She spins around and grins with enough volts to jumpstart a car. "'Darlin'? It's okay, but not as good as 'Gorgeous.'" I take my cap off and hold it over my heart as I watch her go. I don't know how I'll ever come back from fake dating the love of my life." 🙈
I read this in February, but I'm just now writing my review. I need time to think about this book, and I still can't decide, but I feel like this one might be my favorite in this series!!
The butterflies it gave me were next level, hands down, this book had the cutest writing!
4.5 🌟
💙Fake Dating
💙No spice
💙No cussing
💙He falls first 🫶🏻
💙Best friends to lovers
I read this in February, but I'm just now writing my review. I need time to think about this book, and I still can't decide, but I feel like this one might be my favorite in this series!!
The butterflies it gave me were next level, hands down, this book had the cutest writing!
4.5 🌟
💙Fake Dating
💙No spice
💙No cussing
💙He falls first 🫶🏻
💙Best friends to lovers
March 17, 2025
I have been waiting to read about Rusty and Ash since the first book in the series! They are seriously so cute and I am a sucker for a fake dating trope!
I love how much they both grow, this series did really great at combining the fun and serious topics.
I really love how kind, caring and just farm boy Rusty is. He definitely grows a lot and overcomes mental blocks. Ash having ADHD is great for representation too, and watching her learn to love that part of herself, it is so nice as someone who relates.
I love how much they both grow, this series did really great at combining the fun and serious topics.
I really love how kind, caring and just farm boy Rusty is. He definitely grows a lot and overcomes mental blocks. Ash having ADHD is great for representation too, and watching her learn to love that part of herself, it is so nice as someone who relates.
September 22, 2024
I really like Kate Watson's books because she writes romcoms that include heavy topics, but she still manages to keep it light. This book has a FMC that is neuroatypical and has had abusive, manipulative relationships, and a MMC with an abusive, alcoholic father. They both have similar feelings of not being enough or worthy of love. I liked this book because it made me feel a lot of different emotions, and when a book does that for me, it makes my top books of the year list.
October 31, 2025
I loved the main characters relationship! Most of all I love how relatable Ash is. So many times I have felt exactly like Ash, so misunderstood, especially by myself. I didn’t understand ADD/ADHD. Seriously…I loved Ash and I felt so heard and loved. I’m so grateful for people like Rusty and my wonderful husband who love us no matter what! I laugh so hard when Ash has these conversations in her head, I do that all the time. Can’t wait to read the next book in this amazing series.
September 15, 2024
Do you do squats while you brush your teeth? I have to admit that as soon as I read that part I was done. I’ve been squatting or hula-ing every time I brush my teeth for years and my kids make fun of me. But now I feel seen. I get you Ash.
@katewatsonbooks is just making me fangirl over every book. This is another fun addition to the series and I was there for every insecure and smiley moment. It can be read alone, but don’t deny yourself the enjoyment.
Put BFFs in a crazy small town with pushy friends, an annoying ex, and you get a story filled with laughter and love. Ash and Rusty had their own personal trials and I loved how supportive they were of each other as they worked through things. And helllooooo Rusty. Fake? Um. Yeah. Keeping telling yourself that Ash.
So many little moments spoke to my heart or flat out made me laugh. And a big loud Princess Bride crazy lady yell at the ex. And the father. Adored these two and all their crazy friends. The ending and all the feels.
Friendship is a great place to start. But will Ash ever see what’s in front of her and take care of Rusty’s heart?
@katewatsonbooks is just making me fangirl over every book. This is another fun addition to the series and I was there for every insecure and smiley moment. It can be read alone, but don’t deny yourself the enjoyment.
Put BFFs in a crazy small town with pushy friends, an annoying ex, and you get a story filled with laughter and love. Ash and Rusty had their own personal trials and I loved how supportive they were of each other as they worked through things. And helllooooo Rusty. Fake? Um. Yeah. Keeping telling yourself that Ash.
So many little moments spoke to my heart or flat out made me laugh. And a big loud Princess Bride crazy lady yell at the ex. And the father. Adored these two and all their crazy friends. The ending and all the feels.
Friendship is a great place to start. But will Ash ever see what’s in front of her and take care of Rusty’s heart?
August 23, 2024
That was great! Loved it so much! Need a real review soon.
September 7, 2024
I can’t even express how much I loved this book. The pining, the fun, the adoration, the mutual support. This was everything a good love story should be. All the stars.
January 9, 2025
Clean closed door romance
January 3, 2026
Really liked this one! The flirting was spot on and I really liked the MMC and the FMC grew on me. She was definitely quirky though.
September 16, 2024
There’s so much to love about this book! Rusty and Ashley are instantly adorable and you can’t not root for them. He falls first in this small town romance and she needs to be able to view herself and relationships in a new light. Rusty is the honorable, standup and sweet guy and Ashley is a loyal, talented and fun woman. A must read
August 12, 2025
Ash and Rusty have the sweetest friends to more, fake dating, he falls first, small town story full of depth, tension, humor, and swoon! Rusty is the sweetest and I love how both ADHD and dyslexia are represented in such a well-rounded way. Loved how the Janes got involved and everything about how this story turned out. Cue the happy tears all through the end.
My spouse and some of my kids have ADHD, and I have a parent who is an addict—this story just hit all the feels and struck such a good balance of depth and yet still humor and fun.
TW: Past Loss of a Family Member, Alcoholism, Manipulative Ex, Narcissistic Parent
My spouse and some of my kids have ADHD, and I have a parent who is an addict—this story just hit all the feels and struck such a good balance of depth and yet still humor and fun.
TW: Past Loss of a Family Member, Alcoholism, Manipulative Ex, Narcissistic Parent
August 18, 2024
Wow! I loved this book. I am not a big romance reader, but this was such a good read with so many undercurrents.
The book is so well written and the characters are so deep. Bonus points for representation of ADHD and dyslexia and childhood trauma. The book is also well researched where the author actually details the marketing strategies that the Janes come up with.
Even though it's a love story at its core, the book brings up not just the mental health issues and toxic relationships, but how other people and most importantly the person himself/herself reacts to it, how it gives them insecurities that can last a lifetime.
I wasn't digging Rusty and Ash together, but their chemistry was evident as soon as the fake dating started, it felt like Rusty was hiding from the readers just like he was riding from Ash before that. That was such a pivotal moment for the book.
I also liked the character growth and the notes of friendship, parental love and neighbourly love this book brings out. I loved all the references the book has, from Westley, Buttercup, Harry Potter and even Gollum, but the best parts of the book are Ash's internal monologues, some of those are just exceedingly funny, and some downright painful as she leans in her insecurities.
The book is part of a series, and I haven't read the previous books, there are mentions of previous incidents but don't necessarily hamper the reading experience.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is so well written and the characters are so deep. Bonus points for representation of ADHD and dyslexia and childhood trauma. The book is also well researched where the author actually details the marketing strategies that the Janes come up with.
Even though it's a love story at its core, the book brings up not just the mental health issues and toxic relationships, but how other people and most importantly the person himself/herself reacts to it, how it gives them insecurities that can last a lifetime.
I wasn't digging Rusty and Ash together, but their chemistry was evident as soon as the fake dating started, it felt like Rusty was hiding from the readers just like he was riding from Ash before that. That was such a pivotal moment for the book.
I also liked the character growth and the notes of friendship, parental love and neighbourly love this book brings out. I loved all the references the book has, from Westley, Buttercup, Harry Potter and even Gollum, but the best parts of the book are Ash's internal monologues, some of those are just exceedingly funny, and some downright painful as she leans in her insecurities.
The book is part of a series, and I haven't read the previous books, there are mentions of previous incidents but don't necessarily hamper the reading experience.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2024
No surprise here, another Kate Watson book that I absolutely adored! 5 stars ⭐️
This is technically the 4th book in the Sweet As Sugar Maple series but it can be read as a stand alone! I actually read book #3 first 🤪
Rusty and Ash are the best characters there ever were 🫶 The most beautiful representation of ADHD, Dyslexia, healing from trauma - it was written so well.
It is closed door, he falls first, small town, friends to lovers, all the best tropes. Get ready to laugh out loud and swoon over Rusty 💖
Go down this in Kindle Unlimited immediately!
This is technically the 4th book in the Sweet As Sugar Maple series but it can be read as a stand alone! I actually read book #3 first 🤪
Rusty and Ash are the best characters there ever were 🫶 The most beautiful representation of ADHD, Dyslexia, healing from trauma - it was written so well.
It is closed door, he falls first, small town, friends to lovers, all the best tropes. Get ready to laugh out loud and swoon over Rusty 💖
Go down this in Kindle Unlimited immediately!
August 29, 2025
Friends to Lovers
Fake Relationship
He Falls First
Closed Door Romance
Kate Watson delivers another gem with this heartfelt, fake-dating romance that blossoms into the sweetest friends-to-lovers story. The chemistry leaps off the page, the emotional depth is spot on, and the small-town setting makes it impossible to put down.
Content Warnings:
-makeouts
-emotional manipulation from an ex
-alcoholism in family
-grief/loss
-abuse
-no language
Fake Relationship
He Falls First
Closed Door Romance
Kate Watson delivers another gem with this heartfelt, fake-dating romance that blossoms into the sweetest friends-to-lovers story. The chemistry leaps off the page, the emotional depth is spot on, and the small-town setting makes it impossible to put down.
Content Warnings:
-makeouts
-emotional manipulation from an ex
-alcoholism in family
-grief/loss
-abuse
-no language
Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews