The Girl I Pretended to Date (A Sapphic Romance Novel)

She accidentally told her ex she was dating someone. The problem? She pointed at the wrong woman. When bookstore manager Emma Parker unexpectedly runs into her ex-girlfriend at Alder Grove's annual Clocktower Festival, a simple question sends her into full panic mode. "Are you seeing anyone?" Without thinking, Emma points to Riley Santos-the charming owner of the coffee shop next door-and claims they're dating. Now the entire town thinks they're a couple. Including Emma's ex. Including Riley's family. And unfortunately, Riley herself. What starts as a harmless lie quickly turns into fake dates, shared events, convincing stories, and far more time together than either woman planned. The more they pretend to be in love, the harder it becomes to remember where the act ends. Because Riley remembers Emma's coffee order. Emma starts looking for Riley before she even realizes she's doing it. And somewhere between bookstore shifts, rainy walks, and late-night conversations, pretending begins to feel dangerously real. But while Riley knows exactly what she wants, Emma is facing a much bigger question. The beloved bookstore she's spent years managing may soon be sold, and for the first time in her life, Emma has to decide what future she actually wants-in love, in work, and for herself. In a town where everyone knows your business, keeping a fake relationship alive is difficult. Admitting it's no longer fake might be impossible. The Girl I Pretended to Date is a cozy, heartwarming sapphic romance filled with small-town charm, bookstore vibes, slow-burn chemistry, coffee-shop flirting, found family, and a happily-ever-after worth waiting for. Perfect for readers who love fake dating, emotional growth, and romances that feel like coming home.