The Dating Charade: Half zany, sweet rom-com, half family drama by the bestselling author of Meet Me in the Margins

Melissa Ferguson

Dec 2019 · Thomas Nelson · Narrated by Kevin Kilpatrick and Liz Stanislawski

About this audiobook

Read the debut that started it all for the bestselling author of Meet Me in the Margins, Melissa Ferguson. With her signature blend of laugh-out-loud banter, tender family moments, and wholesome romance, Ferguson proves why readers fell in love with her from the very first page.

Cassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband--and children--altogether.

But fate has other plans, and Cassie's online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett's memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.

No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout--but when Cassie finds herself caring for three sisters in an emergency foster placement, she decides to hide them from Jett to avoid scaring him off. And when Jett's sister's addiction issues land her three children at his home, he decides the last thing Cassie needs to know about is his family drama.

Neither dares to tell the other about their unexpected and possibly permanent family members for fear of scaring away their potential soulmate, especially since they both listed "no kids" on their profiles! With six children between them and secrets mounting, can Cassie and Jett find a way forward?

Melissa Ferguson's warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages--and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren't nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

"The Dating Charade will keep you smiling the entire read . . . an absolute treat!" --Katherine Reay, The Printed Letter Bookshop

"Melissa Ferguson is a sparkling new voice in contemporary rom-com. Though her novel tackles meaningful struggles--social work, child abandonment, adoption--it's also fresh, flirty, and laugh-out-loud funny." --Lauren Denton, The Hideaway

The Dating Charade is You've Got Mail meets Cheaper by the Dozen, perfect for readers who love stories about family, second chances, romance without the spice, and the surprises that change our lives forever. The Dating Charade also includes discussion questions--making it a delightful pick for your next book club.

Tropes:

• Firefighter love interest
• Surrogate parents
• Slow burn

For more from Melissa Ferguson, check out Meet Me in the Margins, How to Plot a Payback, and The Perfect Rom-Com!

Ratings and reviews

I read an ARC of the print book, but my review can also stand for the audio version.I will agree with the title for the first few chapters of this book, but not for the bulk of the book as it is sooooo much more. Poor Cassie is trying to find a decent guy to date, but seems to be only attracting bums. She and her best friend have the perfect routine down to help Cassie rid herself of the losers. After the last fiasco, Cassie's teen girl charges at Girls Haven decide that they need to help her, but it turns out that her best friend is the biggest help in getting Cassie hooked up with Jett. Shortly after their first date, both of them get a bombshell dropped on them in the form of children. Oh, how my heart ached for all the kids and then for Cassie and Jett as they try to deal with their new realities while trying to keep their respective charges away from each other. Then fate decides to deal all of them another blow or two before possibly allowing them to regroup and make a happier life for all. This book touched so many of my emotions and once I was into reading it, I did not want to stop until I reached the end and even then I wanted more. All is not sad and tumultuous as there are several lighthearted and fun moments thanks to the kids, two elderly ladies and some other friends. I just know that you won't be disappointed in reading this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the author

Melissa Ferguson is a bestselling author of romantic comedies and cozy mystery rom-coms, including Meet Me in the Margins, Famous for a Living, and The Perfect Rom-Com. Her debut picture book, Our Friendly Farmhouse, introduced young readers to her signature warmth and charm beyond the rom-com page. Two of her novels are currently being adapted for film with Melissa serving as Executive Producer. Come join nearly one million followers as she shares bookish joy and glimpses of farmhouse life with her husband and five children on TikTok and Instagram at @ourfriendlyfarmhouse.