Blurb:
Coming face to face with a vicious looking dog named Peggy, isn't how Becca expected to meet her new landlord, who also happens to be her very sexy new neighbor.
Becca Patterson is a successful photographer with a string of happy clients, including her BFF who is about to get married. Realizing she can't be both the maid of honor and the photographer, she enlists the help of her assistant to take the lead. She thinks it's all figured out until her very pregnant assistant is put on bedrest and can't help on the wedding day.
Evan Wallace has just taken over management of the building Becca lives in, and despite his initial hesitance over fulfilling family obligations, things start to look up when he meets the beautiful tenant from apartment 302.
After a rocky start, no thanks to Peggy, Evan and Becca end up forming an unlikely friendship in more ways than one.
When they do each other a favor and pretend to be dating in the presence of their exes and family, it's clear not only are they lying to everyone, but they're also lying to themselves. Now their friends and family think they're together, and they're playing along.
But this can only end one way…
Right?
My 4* Review:
The Stand In by T.K. Rapp is book one in her long awaited new series, Olde City. It is a sweet and enjoyable romance between Evan Wallace and Rebecca 'Becca' Patterson. A tale of fake dating, friendship and love.
Becca is a successful and popular photographer. She moved to Creek Hollow after she graduated college and opened her studio, Enchanting Moments. She was quickly befriended by Kim and Stacey then six months ago Hilarie became her assistant.
Evan Wallace is helping run the family business although it's not his dream job. He has stepped up to manage an apartment complex known as the Olde City Building. He is a kind and thoughtful guy who everyone leans on but he finds it hard to open up to others.
One day Becca is confronted by a massive German Shepherd as she leaves her apartment. It turns out Peggy belongs to her very handsome new landlord. Then the day gets worse when a pregnant Hilarie informs her that she has been put on bed rest. Becca is exhausted and stressed over her best friend Hope's wedding because she can't take the photos and be maid of honour.
Evan offers to help her and they begin a unexpected friendship as she teaches him how to take photos. They find it easy to talk to each other and Evan puts her at ease with his calming nature. More bad news means they end up pretending Evan is her boyfriend at the wedding. This leads to them doing each other more favours and things become complicated because family and friends think they are really dating. The couple become confused over what is fake and what is real.
There is a great selection of secondary characters, you will be spoilt for choice for your favourite. For me it was Lou the elderly gentleman who lives in her building and gives both of them some really good advice. Her friends are funny and supportive. His parents are lovely and his two brothers provide some fun family banter.
What happens when everyone realise they faking it? Are they are falling for someone who doesn't feel the same? Can they get their HEA when the relationship is built on lies? Can she let down her guard and give into her feelings for him?
There are a few bumps along the way and some problems to sort out but Evan comes up trumps in the end. He is so romantic and adorable as he fights for her and the love they have for each other. Do they thank Peggy, fate or all of the pretending for bringing them together?
The author gives Evan and Becca a lovely ending but be prepared as the epilogue ends on cliffhanger ready for the next book.
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