Fake Dating for the Summer
(2026)(The first book in the Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads series)
A novel by Francesca Spencer
The trade? One fake date in exchange for help at the vet surgery.
The catch? No feelings allowed.
Adam:
Summer should be straightforward. Eat. Sleep. Surf. Repeat. Since retiring from pro football a few years back, this has been my life.
That all changes when I come to Rocky Point, and a ferocious hound eats my favorite hat. Apparently, the animal’s antisocial behavior is all my fault, according to Gail, the feisty yet alluring vet.
When I need a date, I panic and ask Gail. She begrudgingly agrees, but there are strings attached.
Gail:
I’m fake-dating an idiot. But it’s only for one night in return for doggy-walking duties and help at the surgery. I congratulate myself on getting the most from this deal.
As the days go by, I learn that Adam isn’t the dummy I thought he was. I like having him around. I like that he plays frisbee with Lola, even though she ate his hat.
But I need to squash these silly butterfly emotions - our transaction has an expiry date. Adam’s only here for the summer, which breaks my stupid heart.
Here's what you'll find:
The catch? No feelings allowed.
Adam:
Summer should be straightforward. Eat. Sleep. Surf. Repeat. Since retiring from pro football a few years back, this has been my life.
That all changes when I come to Rocky Point, and a ferocious hound eats my favorite hat. Apparently, the animal’s antisocial behavior is all my fault, according to Gail, the feisty yet alluring vet.
When I need a date, I panic and ask Gail. She begrudgingly agrees, but there are strings attached.
Gail:
I’m fake-dating an idiot. But it’s only for one night in return for doggy-walking duties and help at the surgery. I congratulate myself on getting the most from this deal.
As the days go by, I learn that Adam isn’t the dummy I thought he was. I like having him around. I like that he plays frisbee with Lola, even though she ate his hat.
But I need to squash these silly butterfly emotions - our transaction has an expiry date. Adam’s only here for the summer, which breaks my stupid heart.
Here's what you'll find:
- Enemies to Lovers
Found Family
A let’s-give-em-something-to-talk-about Kiss
Small Surf Beach Town
Later in Life Romcom
Ex-Football Star
Add Fake Dating for the Summer to your poolside vacation reading stack.
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Sun, sand, and a second chance at love
The Midlife Meet Cute Beach Reads Series brings small-town charm and heartwarming fun, with all your favorite tropes—from grumpy/sunshine to he falls first, hidden identity, and enemies-to-lovers. These sweet novellas prove it’s never too late for laughter, love, and a second-chance happily-ever-after.
The Beach Reads collection features eight standalone romcoms:- Stuck on the Beach With You by Ellie Hartwood
Second Chance Summer by Holly Kerr
Plot Twists and Pastries by Leah Busboom
Fake Dating for the Summer by Francesca Spencer
Melissa Abbott Catches the Bouquet by Grace J. Croy
Locking Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale
The Summer of Starting Over by Amy Sparling
Second Chances on Sunrise Bay by Jess Hansen
So kick off your flip-flops, grab a sunhat, and dive into these sun-soaked, swoon-worthy tales of love at midlife!
Genre: Romance
- Stuck on the Beach With You by Ellie Hartwood
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