The Sweetest Scheme

by Jacquelynn Harbell

Palmer Sullivan invents a fake boyfriend to prove she’s over her ex—she just didn’t expect to fall for the handsome photographer who steps in to play the part!

When baker Palmer Sullivan signs up to make a wedding cake for her ex-boyfriend, Grant, and his dazzling fiancée, hotel heiress Bennett Barlow, she swears she’s not trying to win him back. But when Grant starts questioning her motives, Palmer panics—and makes up a boyfriend on the spot to prove she has moved on.

Enter Silas Howell—the devastatingly handsome wedding photographer—who jumps in to play the part. They strike a six months of fake dating, strictly for show, with no real feelings involved. Oh, and no sex. Especially no sex. But between late-night baking sessions and steamy photo shoots, the heat between them becomes impossible to ignore.

Now Palmer’s fake romance is starting to feel a little too real, and her dream gig is turning into a seven-tier disaster. If she wants to pull this off, she’ll have to follow her heart, before everything she has built comes crumbling down. The Sweetest Scheme is a decadent confection that will leave you craving more!

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2025

Reviews

[Kelsey 📖 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this arc! These are my thoughts:

SHE DID IT AGAIN. Another easy 5 stars. And of tropes I never particularly like. And the author did it to perfection!

Sweet P (Palmer) and Silas meet at her ex-boyfriend’s engagement party. And to convince them she’s moved on. Silas suggests smoothly they are dating. And they agree to do so until the wedding to secure the bag. But, it doesn’t play out exactly as it was planned.

Silas…???? THE YEARNING. From the FIRST chapter I was giggling. And in the end with the epilogue was weeping from happiness.

The friendships? The characters? Chefs kiss.

I absolutely loved Evan and Jenna. They felt so real. I adored them.

And the photoshoot scene 🥵 can I read all about photographers??? Because WOW.

Overall, this book was bingeable! It was so hard to put down and was perfect. A great plot and some spice. Sweet P must have made it. 😌

An auto-buy author for sure!!! Will read any books she puts out.

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I saw this advertised with fake dating as a trope and I was sold. I downloaded the book via Kindle Unlimited, purchased the audio and did a tandem audio and ebook read.

First off, this is duet narration which I know is NOT CHEAP but it made for an incredible audiobook. R.L. Hemm as Palmer, the FMC, was utter fantastic. R.L.’s narration included so much emotion which I loved. Jay Parker also crushed it as Silas, the MMC.

Synopsis:
Palmer is a wedding cake extraordinaire and when she is faced with her former ex boyfriend who is now engaged to a stunning heiress, Palmer panics and Silas, a wedding photographer (who has harbored a crush on Palmer), slides in and pretends to be Palmer’s new boyfriend. Palmer and Silas are both involved in Palmer’s ex’s wedding to his new fiancé and must prove to them that Palmer is truly over her ex.

Read this if you like:
🎂 fake dating
📸 forced proximity
🎂 he falls first
📸 found family
🎂 character growth
📸 sexy photoshoot
🎂 open door spice

[Cherie (Sassy Gigi) Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

eARC and ARC Review. Thank you so much Jacquelynn Harbell for giving me this opportunity!

The Sweetest Scheme is the Sweetest Romance!

The FMC Palmer (sweet p) the baker and the MMC Silas the photographer are hired for this high society wedding. The thing is, Palmer's ex-boyfriend is the groom. While Palmer was setting up for the engagement party her ex, Grant, started questioning her and Silas overheard this. Silas came to her rescue stating that they were dating. This worked well for Palmer to convince Grant she has moved on from him. There were ground rules and they would fake date until after the wedding. Of course, rules are made to be broken. :) I enjoyed the dual POV so we could get both sides of the story.

I had all the feels with this book. I enjoyed the side characters too. There was a little spice and all around a sweet and fun read. The writing was flawless, I flew right through it. I excited to read more by this author.

I highly recommend this book especially if you enjoy these tropes:

~Baker x Photographer
~Fake Dating
~Forced Proximity
~Slow Burn
~He Falls First

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!

Ok so fake dating tropes are probably my least favorite but this one seemed to surprise me. It was so sweet! (See what I did there?) Silas is pretty freaking swoony. The plot was really good. This was a pleasant surprise to me! Looking forward to more from this author.

[Jenny Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Scheme by Jacquelynn Harbell is a contemporary romance novel provided to me as an ARC from the author. Thank you Jacque for this opportunity to read and review your book.

This story can be described as:

- [ ] Contemporary Romance
- [ ] Baker x Photographer for Weddings
- [ ] Fake Dating
- [ ] Forced Proximity
- [ ] Slow Burn
- [ ] He Falls First

This story follows Palmer, a fiercely independent, dreamer of a woman who owns her own bakery, and Silas, a protective, former playboy who works as a photographer. Working the same wedding circuit for nearly a year… Silas noticed Palmer and definitely falls first, even from afar because he never had the courage to meet her. Until it is discovered that Palmer had agreed to do the wedding cake for her ex-boyfriend and his incredibly rich, beautiful fiancée! They immediately think Palmer has ill intentions, so Silas steps in to protect her from their scrutiny and starts the fake dating idea. The perfect opportunity to get to know her better!

I appreciate that the author didn’t take much time getting to the fake dating plot line… and it came up perfectly within the context of the story… didn’t feel forced at all which drew me in right away! This trope was done in one of the best ways possible… the characters talk and communicate like adults right from the start… no miscommunication! I love how he doesn’t hold back about his feelings towards Palmer, right from the start. There’s no question that Silas wants her! Also the characters were written so well-rounded, as their back stories really rang true with the type of people they would be in real life. Never for a second did I feel their chemistry was forced. On that note, the spice in this book was done very well. Not too smutty and just the right amount of steam… adding to the story and not taking away from it. I loved this book and did not want to put it down. Overall I would give this book 5 stars.

[Maci-Bookishlyeverafter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Scheme was SUCH a fun read! Imagine being hired for your ex’s wedding?! Like… excuse me, my phone would have been CUT OFF immediately. 😂 Cute romance alert: the MMC is sooo swoony (honestly, I would take him from Palmer any day), had me giggling more than once. Dual POV was done so nicely—you really get both sides of the story, and I love when that works.

Side characters were FAB too. Evan and Jenna felt like real people, with actual good qualities (yes, that’s a compliment). And the fake dating trope? Chef’s kiss, or should i say “bakers kiss”? The author nailed it. Fast read because it’s written so well, slightly spicy, and just all-around fun. New author to me, and I’m officially a fan…definitely keeping an eye out for more of her books. 🥰

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Scheme is a deliciously fun rom-com that serves up humor, heart, and just the right amount of spice. Palmer, a talented baker with a complicated past, ends up catering her ex’s wedding (yep, you read that right). Enter Silas—the swoon-worthy photographer who helps her fake a relationship to survive the chaos. Cue the sparks, sarcasm, and serious chemistry.

What I Loved:
✨ Palmer & Silas: Their banter is flirty perfection, and their chemistry could melt frosting.
✨ Baking Bliss: The cake scenes? So vivid you’ll crave cupcakes by chapter two.
✨ Laughs + Feels: Equal parts funny and heartfelt—like the perfect rom-com recipe.

A Tiny Tweak:
Sure, a few moments are predictable, but who cares when it’s this sweet and satisfying?

[Melissa Tonche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Jacquelynn has written a masterpiece. This book will give you all the feels. I laughed, and I cried happy tears. I would give this 10 stars if I could. A must read if you love a good romance.

[Corinne Volpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! This sweet romance proves that Jacqueline Harbell is not just a one hit wonder! If you like slow burns, this book is for you!

[Jenna Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect snow day read. If you are wanting a fun, spicy, tension-filled rom com, this is for you. It was sweet (no pun intended) and absolutely tender, please give it a read!!

[Shannon Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a sweet romance! The plot was good and I loved the characters. This is fake dating done very well. I love how Palmer and Silas develop a true friendship. I really enjoyed the side characters as well. I would definitely recommend this book. It’s not overly spicy but the spice was there.

[Jordan Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

So freaking cute!!!

[Brittany Affeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and I absolutely devoured (pun intended) it in one day! I loved the immediate chemistry between Palmer and Silas. What I loved most, though, was how layered the story felt. It wasn’t just a romance, but a reminder of second chances, self-discovery, and finding love in the most unexpected places. I loved how he overheard her ex boyfriend Grant questioning her and Silas immediately went to her rescue. There are times in the book where I wanted to slap Palmer for her decisions. But in the end I’m so happy for them. I really hope there is going to be a second book so I can see how their relationship plays out in France and see if they eventually get married. If you’re looking for a feel-good romance that’s equal parts fun and emotional, The Sweetest Scheme is a must-read. I also can’t wait for this book to come out so I can buy it and have it on my bookshelf as a trophy!!

[Keasha M · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic sweet and funny romance story!!! This book is dual p.o.v. and follows Palmer and Silas as they pretend to date for the benefit of their employers (the groom happens to be Palmer's ex). They set ground rules to avoid feelings getting in the mix and reevaluate after the wedding is over, but they both start going against that rule within months. you have an FMC determined to follow her dreams and an MMC who is willing to follow her anywhere!!! There's humor dashed throughout this book that adds a nice touch to the sweetness.
Jacqueline definitely knows how to write an amazing book boyfriend, somehow she made an even better man in this book, sorry Javier (stargazing with you)!! absolutely fantastic book, I read it in one sitting!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, boy, boy, I am not sure what I would have done if I were in Palmer's shoes, the main character in The Sweetest Scheme.
She is hired to bake a cake and pastries for both the bridal shower and the wedding. When she gets to the bridal shower, she finds out the bride is marrying her ex-boyfriend, which is very awkward. What would you do in that situation?
During this time, she runs into the wedding photographer, and I mean literally runs into Silas, who has seen the interaction.
Does Silas help Palmer with this award situation, and if he does, will it last, or does he walk away? Jacqualine did a great job setting up the plot and carrying it out with all the characters involved.
The ending will surprise you.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sweetest Scheme is a cute romcom with a little bit of spice. Written in dual POV, Harbell does a great job connecting the reader to the characters personalities and back stories. The spicy scenes are good, but not so many that you would call this a spicy book. It’s perfectly in the middle. Palmer, FMC, finds herself in a sticky situation making her ex boyfriend’s wedding cake, while having to fake a relationship to make sure the bride doesn’t think she is still in love with her ex. Palmer and Silas (MMC) go through several events that make them question everything and leaves the reader desperately rooting for them. They help each other in so many more ways than they agreed.

[Castra · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books with the fake dating trope I have read in a long time. Sweet, steamy, and a whole lot of fun to read. This contemporary romance follows a baker who makes up a fake boyfriend to prove to everyone that she has moved on from her ex-boyfriend. Well, her ruse is going according to plan until she starts falling for the sexy, dirty-mouthed photographer who takes her up on her offer.

Extra kudos to the author for providing a playlist of songs to listen to while reading. It really gave it an immersive experience.

[Jacquelynn Harbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to share this sweet and spicy rom com with the world! 😄🩷

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read in a long time! Definitely worth a read! 👏

[Ashley Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was sweet….. and a little spicy. I love a good fake dating romance. I love the found family and friendships in this book.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy and good fake dating plot and The Sweetest Scheme falls perfectly into that category.

The book begins with Palmer's POV as she sets up her latest cake creation for her ex's engagement party. Silas, the swoon-worthy MMC, is the photographer and they meet at the party before he helps her out of an awkward situation with Palmer's ex and his bride to be. We are under the impression that they do not know each other and this is their first encounter. The second chapter switches to Silas' viewpoint and we learn that he's actually been interested in Palmer for some time, but was always too nervous to do anything (always a fan of a he falls first trope).

Knowing that this wedding will be helpful for both of their careers, they agree to continue with the fake dating plan until her ex gets married, but real feelings quickly take root. Palmer's internal struggle to please people around her while also attempting to follow her own dreams makes a real relationship with Silas difficult, as tempting as it may be.

This is my first time reading a book by Jacquelynn Harbell and I quickly became a fan. She is so talented at creating a book family and community you want to join. The Sweetest Scheme was a quick 5 star read that has me ready to read the previous book in the series and any others in the future.

[Paige Jiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cutesy romantic read! Perfect short book for the feel goods. Thank you Jacquelyn for my personalized copy💕

[Susan Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly sweet romance!

Brilliant dialogue (funny and true). Add in characters that grab you immediately, plot twists, and a HEA that brings on tears and laughter.

[Andrea Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a sweet read (pun intended)! The way that Palmer and Silas build their relationship will have you in all the feelings. Silas is such a sweet golden retriever, and Palmer is a workaholic who is learning what she wants in life. Be warned, Silas will be your next book bf! He is so great, it's hard not to love him. Jacquelynn does such an amazing job writing a sweet story that will be a quick read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ | 📖 | 🌶️🌶️ | This book was literally the sweetest! I’m so glad that I accidentally picked it up. It’s definitely one of my top romance reads this year. I can’t resist a fake dating situation and Palmer and Silas deliver on it. Palmer desperately needs a boyfriend as a cover when she agrees to bake her ex boyfriend’s wedding cake and make sure the heiress he is marrying doesn’t think she’s trying to get him back. Silas the hot wedding photographer steps in as a cover and they start playing the parts a little ::too:: well.