Ten Rules for Faking It

Everly Dean has always preferred staying in the background, but her thirtieth birthday takes a mortifying turn when her well-meaning best friend and radio co-host broadcasts Everly's single status and romantic woes to thousands of listeners. The situation spirals further when the station decides to capitalize on the moment by launching a on-air dating competition where listeners nominate bachelors to win a date with her. For someone who suffers from anxiety and prefers to avoid the spotlight, this public spectacle is essentially a nightmare come to life. As Everly navigates the increasingly complicated dating show, she finds herself drawn to her grumpy but secretly sweet colleague Chris, who seems to be the only person who truly sees past her anxious exterior. The novel explores themes of self-acceptance, learning to take risks despite fear, and finding love when you stop trying to be someone you're not. Sullivan balances Everly's genuine struggles with anxiety against the lighter romantic comedy elements, creating a protagonist readers can root for without feeling like her challenges are trivialized. This contemporary romance will appeal to readers who enjoy workplace settings, friends-to-lovers dynamics, and heroines who feel like real people with relatable insecurities. The behind-the-scenes radio station setting adds freshness to familiar rom-com tropes, while the exploration of anxiety and personal growth gives the story emotional depth beyond the central romance.