My rating: 4/5 stars
Faking it has never been so hard…
I think this book is one of the best at reflecting the fake dating trope. I’ve read a lot in my Romance era, but nothing topped Baird McMillan in terms of swooning and fighting for Maia’s love. Hart Street Lane is the third volume in the Dublin Street spin-off, telling the story of Maia (Logan’s daughter) and Baird, Callan’s best friend and team member, and their journey from friends to lovers.
Although Baird and Maia have been friends for a while, Maia was kind of oblivious to Baird’s attention and care because she already had a boyfriend. She also works at a big fashion and marketing company, and her love story is being considered for a reality show to advertise the brand’s clothes. The only problem is that Maia’s boyfriend dumps her to explore a past flame, leaving her heartbroken and potentially humiliated when her coworkers learn the truth. Baird sees this opportunity and plans to make Maia fall in love with him, taking the place of the fiancée.
The idea of the reality show was not my cup of tea, but the story between Baird and Maia was HOT, and I loved the way he fought for her, his love and his determination to make her fall for him. There were moments when I really thought he would give up, but nooooo, Baird fought tooth and nail for his girl, and he got the fan group by his side with the way he was in love with her. There were several moments when I was on the floor, my heart full of admiration and swooning for this guy, praying for Maia to open her eyes and accept him already.
Maia was a difficult character to write about, and I think Sam struggled a bit because she was very complex, bringing to the surface a lot of guilt and responsibility that were not hers to bear. Because of that uncertainty, her relationship with Baird suffered, because she was too concerned about what people thought about her and forgot to focus on herself and her confidence. She was complicated, but I think those moments were necessary for her to let go of the past and embrace a new version of Maia.
This was my favorite book until now, and most of it was due to Baird and his determination to make his girl fall in love with him. I think everyone needs a Baird in their lives and never give up the hope.
