I’m always in the mood for a Cinderella story, and an overworked, underappreciated veterinarian is definitely someone who deserves a happy ending. Eve Pendle’s Her Fake Date Until Midnight , the first in her Secrets of Wildbrook series covers a few popular tropes in a sexy and enjoyable romance that had me rooting for the heroine from the very start.

Clara Rowe works in a rural veterinary clinic in Wildbrook in North Devon. She used to date the owner’s son, Dan, but they’ve broken up and Dan is getting married to someone else. In fact, she’s been invited to the wedding, but she knows it’s more a pity invite than anything else and Dan certainly isn’t expecting her to bring anyone. She’s thought about moving away but her mother relies on her, especially as her father is suffering from dementia and still lives at home. Top that with the painful facial acne she takes great pains to cover with makeup, and the thought of dating anyone, or even meeting anyone new, is off the table.

Hedley Decker, CEO of his family corporation, is on an enforced month-long vacation at Oakham House, a property he owns but has never visited. The appearance of a sick dog on the doorstep prompts him to take it to the local vet, where he happens to overhear Dan pushing Clara to attend his wedding and snidely commenting that he’s looking forward to meeting her date “if you have one”. Clara examines the dog – a bitch – and realizes she’s pregnant and dehydrated, and Hedley explains that it isn’t his dog but that he’s willing to keep her until the owner is found. It dawns on Hedley that perhaps they can come to each other’s aid. Having never taken care of an animal, Hedley needs help with the dog. And Clara needs a date for the wedding; a fake date, he makes clear (though he is attracted to her). When he proposes such an arrangement Clara is flabbergasted at first. But the idea of showing up with a handsome, wealthy stranger who can save her from the humiliation of showing up solo at her ex’s wedding definitely has some appeal. And it turns out to be exactly what she needs. Hedley is attentive, charming and supportive, and at the end of the evening, when he asks permission to kiss her, things get hot and heated quickly, and one ‘fake’ date soon leads to several real ones. But with Hedley’s time in Wildbrook limited to a few weeks, will Clara get to keep her Prince Charming?

I liked several things about this book, starting with Hedley helping Clara by showing up as her date to her ex’s wedding. Everyone who has ever been in a similar situation will know how much it helps to have a supportive figure at their side. (Of course, a wealthy, handsome one is the dream scenario!). But Hedley also appreciates Clara for who she is and isn’t at all put off by her acne problem – in fact, he understands her need to have her makeup with her to feel comfortable and is also able to recommend a dermatologist to help her (only if she’s comfortable with it, though). He makes her feel beautiful and attractive. In dealing with Clara’s father and his dementia, Hedley is patient and kind and since he didn’t know him before he started to lose his memory, the stories her father tells are all new to him. Hedley can see the strain on Clara and her mother and is able to find a part-time caregiver for them and makes it seem as if they are doing him a favour by keeping her on. All in all, he makes for a wonderful partner. And I’d be remiss not to mention how attentive he is as a lover, too. The sex is steamy and fun and Hedley’s attention to Clara’s wants, desires and needs is a first for her and makes her realize what she’s been missing.

I liked seeing Clara gain control of her self-confidence and start to think about a future that isn’t under the thumb of her ex-boyfriend’s father and his clinic. And when Hedley’s business starts to intrude on the idyllic time they’ve spent together on his vacation, she’s able to stand up for herself and show him that she’ll not be satisfied with just half his time – it’s got to be a full-time relationship or nothing at all. Fortunately, Hedley makes the right choice (after some angst and soul searching).

There are some interesting conflicts to be resolved, including Clara’s complicated history with dogs and Hedley’s actual job (he’s a wealthy businessman with a secret). Plus, there is a happy ending to the mystery that brings them together in the first place. Clara has a great local friendship group that is a good sounding board for her relationship with Hedley. I’m looking forward to reading their stories in this series! All in all, Her Fake Date Until Midnight is an enjoyable, sexy romance with a well deserved happy ending for Clara and Hedley.

Buy it at: Amazon

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