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Cherry Blossom Lake #5
Take Me
What happens when a happy-go-lucky guy’s luck takes a leap off a pier?
Answer: Six jillion weddings the same month I get dumped.
At least I’m not alone.
My best pal got the boot from her boyfriend, which is nuts.
Erika’s funny and hot in that I-can-fix-your-transmission way.
She’s too good for that guy.
Way too good for pity parties from my meddling twin.
Protecting us both means telling a little white lie.
A fake relationship gives us dates for gobs of giddy, small-town weddings.
Someone to laugh with over botched bouquets and risqué buffet spreads.
Someone who knows me better than anyone, which…okay, awkward.
I’ve got baggage, you know?
But fake dating Erika feels more fun than drag karaoke at my brewpub.
We’re just friends—nothing sexy between us.
Well, maybe once, but it’s part of the act, right?
I’m suddenly not sure what’s real anymore.
Because now that I know how perfect she feels in my arms,
our whole plan starts to unravel.
Then our exes throw us a curveball.
Before we know it, our make-believe love
careens on a collision course to genuine heartache.
One click this fake dating, friends-to-lovers romantic comedy with two small-town best friends falling head over heels for real.
Answer: Six jillion weddings the same month I get dumped.
At least I’m not alone.
My best pal got the boot from her boyfriend, which is nuts.
Erika’s funny and hot in that I-can-fix-your-transmission way.
She’s too good for that guy.
Way too good for pity parties from my meddling twin.
Protecting us both means telling a little white lie.
A fake relationship gives us dates for gobs of giddy, small-town weddings.
Someone to laugh with over botched bouquets and risqué buffet spreads.
Someone who knows me better than anyone, which…okay, awkward.
I’ve got baggage, you know?
But fake dating Erika feels more fun than drag karaoke at my brewpub.
We’re just friends—nothing sexy between us.
Well, maybe once, but it’s part of the act, right?
I’m suddenly not sure what’s real anymore.
Because now that I know how perfect she feels in my arms,
our whole plan starts to unravel.
Then our exes throw us a curveball.
Before we know it, our make-believe love
careens on a collision course to genuine heartache.
One click this fake dating, friends-to-lovers romantic comedy with two small-town best friends falling head over heels for real.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2025
14 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Tawna Fenske
73 books1,616 followersWhen Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA Award finalist, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 18, 2025
In Take Me, the fifth installment of the delightful Cherry Blossom Lake Romantic Comedies series (which also can be read as a standalone), the focus is on Spencer-King sibling Mason, and his long-time best friend Erika Gentry. Mason and Erika became fast friends at eight-years-old, bonding over one another’s family issues and their desire never to be pitied (among other things). They’ve stayed friends for decades, through thick and thin, including other romantic relationships. However, they never became a couple…until now.
With so many weddings of other siblings and friends, Mason and Erika, both of whom have broken up with their current partners, decide to pretend to be a couple, just to once again avoid being pitied, and get through the wedding season. Yes, we know where this is headed, but to Ms. Fenske’s credit, she takes us on a sometimes circuitous route to that HEA. And it’s worth every minute! While there are laugh out loud scenes, there are also a few that brought tears when dealing with past loss, trauma, and the baggage many of us carry throughout our lives. I also loved how both Mason and Erika are so comfortable with themselves and like who they are! Mason is built like a linebacker, but enjoys calligraphy while also managing his own business (Big One’s Brewpub). Erika was always a tomboy and turned that into a successful career as an auto mechanic. They both care deeply about their families and friends, and the feelings are mutual. The dialogue, whether heartfelt or witty banter, is realistic and flows perfectly, and the secondary characters are also well-written and enhance the story. While yes, this can be a standalone, fans of Ms. Fenske will have fun with references to characters from other series, including the great Ponderosa Ranch and Juniper Ridge books.
If you like friends-to-lovers stories with lots of humor, spicy sex, family fun and some drama, and of course an adorable dog, this one is for you! I’ve been a fan of Tawna Fenske’s since About That Fling in 2015, and 40+ books later, I’ve never once been disappointed, just eager for the next book. Now I can’t wait to return to Cherry Blossom Lake for the next installment, Move Me, in 2026.
With so many weddings of other siblings and friends, Mason and Erika, both of whom have broken up with their current partners, decide to pretend to be a couple, just to once again avoid being pitied, and get through the wedding season. Yes, we know where this is headed, but to Ms. Fenske’s credit, she takes us on a sometimes circuitous route to that HEA. And it’s worth every minute! While there are laugh out loud scenes, there are also a few that brought tears when dealing with past loss, trauma, and the baggage many of us carry throughout our lives. I also loved how both Mason and Erika are so comfortable with themselves and like who they are! Mason is built like a linebacker, but enjoys calligraphy while also managing his own business (Big One’s Brewpub). Erika was always a tomboy and turned that into a successful career as an auto mechanic. They both care deeply about their families and friends, and the feelings are mutual. The dialogue, whether heartfelt or witty banter, is realistic and flows perfectly, and the secondary characters are also well-written and enhance the story. While yes, this can be a standalone, fans of Ms. Fenske will have fun with references to characters from other series, including the great Ponderosa Ranch and Juniper Ridge books.
If you like friends-to-lovers stories with lots of humor, spicy sex, family fun and some drama, and of course an adorable dog, this one is for you! I’ve been a fan of Tawna Fenske’s since About That Fling in 2015, and 40+ books later, I’ve never once been disappointed, just eager for the next book. Now I can’t wait to return to Cherry Blossom Lake for the next installment, Move Me, in 2026.
September 30, 2025
Take Me is book 5 in the Cherry Blossom Lake series and follows the last Spencer-King sibling, Mason, as he finds love with the least likely person he expected.
Mason is the jokester of the family. That has always been his coping mechanism. His partner in crime growing up always played along and still does to this day. They have shared knock knock jokes and karaoke shticks for forever. Now that his siblings are settling down and getting married, he wants the same thing. He thinks he has found the ONE, but things just do not seem to work out.
Erika has been Mason's best friend since they were 8 years old. They have gone through some tough family times together and been each other's rock. Now, she is the head mechanic at Kaleb's garage. She is not a girlie girl. She is more of a tomboy. She can tear apart a motor with her eyes closed, but she has no idea what to wear to a wedding.
When Erika gets dumped by her high school boyfriend at a Spencer-King wedding reception, no less, she hates the pitying looks she receives. At the same time, Mason wants more with his current girlfriend, but she wants to spread her wings. He, too, hates the pitying looks he receives. So, on a whim, and to avoid more pitying looks and comments, he decides to tell everyone that he and Erika are dating.
Insert the rules of fake dating your best friend.
Rule 1 - Do not fall for your best friend.
Rule 2 - No matter what, we go back to being best friends.
But as time goes on with this ruse, feelings become involved. On both sides. But insecurities prevent them from admitting what they are feeling. Instead, snap decisions are made that could come back to haunt them.
I have never laughed so hard at some of the shenanigans that these two get up to. Especially at the various weddings. But their shenanigans are not just limited to family weddings. Add in karaoke night at Big One's. And the kombucha bar. Then throw in the wardrobe mishaps and this is a comedy of errors.
Mason is the jokester of the family. That has always been his coping mechanism. His partner in crime growing up always played along and still does to this day. They have shared knock knock jokes and karaoke shticks for forever. Now that his siblings are settling down and getting married, he wants the same thing. He thinks he has found the ONE, but things just do not seem to work out.
Erika has been Mason's best friend since they were 8 years old. They have gone through some tough family times together and been each other's rock. Now, she is the head mechanic at Kaleb's garage. She is not a girlie girl. She is more of a tomboy. She can tear apart a motor with her eyes closed, but she has no idea what to wear to a wedding.
When Erika gets dumped by her high school boyfriend at a Spencer-King wedding reception, no less, she hates the pitying looks she receives. At the same time, Mason wants more with his current girlfriend, but she wants to spread her wings. He, too, hates the pitying looks he receives. So, on a whim, and to avoid more pitying looks and comments, he decides to tell everyone that he and Erika are dating.
Insert the rules of fake dating your best friend.
Rule 1 - Do not fall for your best friend.
Rule 2 - No matter what, we go back to being best friends.
But as time goes on with this ruse, feelings become involved. On both sides. But insecurities prevent them from admitting what they are feeling. Instead, snap decisions are made that could come back to haunt them.
I have never laughed so hard at some of the shenanigans that these two get up to. Especially at the various weddings. But their shenanigans are not just limited to family weddings. Add in karaoke night at Big One's. And the kombucha bar. Then throw in the wardrobe mishaps and this is a comedy of errors.
September 10, 2025
I was so excited when this book was announced and couldn’t wait to go back to Cherry Blossom Lake. “Take Me” is a swoony, fun and romantic best friends to lovers fake dating romance that was a great addition to the series.
Erika and Mason have been best friends since they were both kids and Erika is suddenly single after being dumped by her boyfriend of ten years. And Mason’s girlfriend has just broken up with him too. The last thing these two want is pity looks from their small town, they pretend that they’re fake dating so they have dates to all the upcoming weddings. Things start out fun with all the PDA and events but things start to shift when they realize that there is an attraction there between them. Hooking up one time can’t hurt their friendship but the chemistry between them is nothing either has experienced before. But both of their exes come back and throw a wrench into their new relationship.
You can never go wrong with a best friends to lovers story and I loved Mason and Erika’s story. Mason is all the green flags and just the best guy. He owns his own business, is always there for his friends, and doesn’t have a toxic masculine bone in his body. He can write in calligraphy which is such a cool thing. I love how close he is with his twin sister and she’s the one who helped push him in the right direction to take it to the next level with Erika. Erika is one of a kind and I loved how she was a mechanic. She grew up a tomboy and used that to have a career that she loves. I loved how deep their friendship was and you could tell how much they meant to each other. The banter was so great and they are the best duo at karaoke. They might have started out as fake but situations kept bringing them deeper into their feelings so they could see how much they were meant to be more than just best friends. The ending was so romantic and perfect for them. I can’t wait to read the next adventure in the Cherry Blossom Lake series.
Erika and Mason have been best friends since they were both kids and Erika is suddenly single after being dumped by her boyfriend of ten years. And Mason’s girlfriend has just broken up with him too. The last thing these two want is pity looks from their small town, they pretend that they’re fake dating so they have dates to all the upcoming weddings. Things start out fun with all the PDA and events but things start to shift when they realize that there is an attraction there between them. Hooking up one time can’t hurt their friendship but the chemistry between them is nothing either has experienced before. But both of their exes come back and throw a wrench into their new relationship.
You can never go wrong with a best friends to lovers story and I loved Mason and Erika’s story. Mason is all the green flags and just the best guy. He owns his own business, is always there for his friends, and doesn’t have a toxic masculine bone in his body. He can write in calligraphy which is such a cool thing. I love how close he is with his twin sister and she’s the one who helped push him in the right direction to take it to the next level with Erika. Erika is one of a kind and I loved how she was a mechanic. She grew up a tomboy and used that to have a career that she loves. I loved how deep their friendship was and you could tell how much they meant to each other. The banter was so great and they are the best duo at karaoke. They might have started out as fake but situations kept bringing them deeper into their feelings so they could see how much they were meant to be more than just best friends. The ending was so romantic and perfect for them. I can’t wait to read the next adventure in the Cherry Blossom Lake series.
September 20, 2025
The Spencer-King siblings are back for more mirth, merriment and matchmaking!
This time around Mason has been dumped by his on-off girlfriend just as the flurry of family weddings is upon him. He's getting pretty tired of the side-eye, sympathetic looks and match-making townsfolk. When his bestie, Erika, was also dumped recently they accidentally-on purpose duple the town and their families into thinking they are together, anything to avoid going to weddings alone!
Erika did love her former boyfriend but after decade he wasn't ready to move to the next stage, at least not with her. Now in her ruse with Mason, they are setting the gossip train to hyper drive and every function they attend the fake is becoming real. They've friend-zoned each other for years but what if they're the only ones who can't see how perfect they are for each other? Did I see that little left-field whammo that whupped each of them upside the head? Yes. Did I still enjoy the show? Yes I did!
I love a good friends to lovers and Mason and Erika are well paired. He's the playboy brewery owner with a heart of gold and she the capable mechanic who cant abide the thought of being seen as less than capable. She may not be the typical model of girlfriend for Mason but that doesn't mean she's not the one for him. She's funny, loving, independent, she wants to be wanted not needed.
Both of them have some emotional trauma to deal with between grief over the loss of a parent (real and assumed). They are both so un stereotypical MC's. I love Mason's calligraphy hidden talent! All the weddings just show how perfect these two are together. The banter, the joint history, all their little inside jokes with each other. They know each other inside out and they can't hide their heartache or history with each other.
Expect lots of humour, sizzling smexy time and tad of wedding drama! Also, a certain doggy completely steals the show occasionally!
This time around Mason has been dumped by his on-off girlfriend just as the flurry of family weddings is upon him. He's getting pretty tired of the side-eye, sympathetic looks and match-making townsfolk. When his bestie, Erika, was also dumped recently they accidentally-on purpose duple the town and their families into thinking they are together, anything to avoid going to weddings alone!
Erika did love her former boyfriend but after decade he wasn't ready to move to the next stage, at least not with her. Now in her ruse with Mason, they are setting the gossip train to hyper drive and every function they attend the fake is becoming real. They've friend-zoned each other for years but what if they're the only ones who can't see how perfect they are for each other? Did I see that little left-field whammo that whupped each of them upside the head? Yes. Did I still enjoy the show? Yes I did!
I love a good friends to lovers and Mason and Erika are well paired. He's the playboy brewery owner with a heart of gold and she the capable mechanic who cant abide the thought of being seen as less than capable. She may not be the typical model of girlfriend for Mason but that doesn't mean she's not the one for him. She's funny, loving, independent, she wants to be wanted not needed.
Both of them have some emotional trauma to deal with between grief over the loss of a parent (real and assumed). They are both so un stereotypical MC's. I love Mason's calligraphy hidden talent! All the weddings just show how perfect these two are together. The banter, the joint history, all their little inside jokes with each other. They know each other inside out and they can't hide their heartache or history with each other.
Expect lots of humour, sizzling smexy time and tad of wedding drama! Also, a certain doggy completely steals the show occasionally!
September 10, 2025
Finding forever right in front of you
I loved, loved this best friends, fake relationship, small town romance. The witty banter, the silly jokes, the big emotions, and the matching childhood trauma/support made this story and its relatable characters so so good. Get ready to experience all the swoons, all the spice, and all the big emotions along with Erika and Mason. You’ll definitely finish the story with a smile on your face and a joyful happy heart. Erika is an auto mechanic whose on again-off again bf of a decade recently broke up with her. Mason owns a brewery and his gf recently broke up with him. Erika and Mason have been best friends since childhood. To avoid the pitying looks and discomfort of multiple weddings by themselves, they agree to a fake relationship. Of course, unexpected and unacknowledged feelings quickly complicate their initial agreement since feelings do not always listen to agendas or stay in their assigned boxes. Erika and Mason just need to be honest and courageous to get to their HEA but there are bumps along the way. I especially loved the ridiculous ways their relationship kept getting deeper and more intimate. It was perfect for exactly who Erika and Mason’s characters were and for the way their relationship worked. I was rolling my eyes while swoony and fanning myself. I love this series filled with relatable characters that are really just trying to do their best as messy humans while they learn to show up as the best versions of themselves. And I am excited there are still more stories to come.
I loved, loved this best friends, fake relationship, small town romance. The witty banter, the silly jokes, the big emotions, and the matching childhood trauma/support made this story and its relatable characters so so good. Get ready to experience all the swoons, all the spice, and all the big emotions along with Erika and Mason. You’ll definitely finish the story with a smile on your face and a joyful happy heart. Erika is an auto mechanic whose on again-off again bf of a decade recently broke up with her. Mason owns a brewery and his gf recently broke up with him. Erika and Mason have been best friends since childhood. To avoid the pitying looks and discomfort of multiple weddings by themselves, they agree to a fake relationship. Of course, unexpected and unacknowledged feelings quickly complicate their initial agreement since feelings do not always listen to agendas or stay in their assigned boxes. Erika and Mason just need to be honest and courageous to get to their HEA but there are bumps along the way. I especially loved the ridiculous ways their relationship kept getting deeper and more intimate. It was perfect for exactly who Erika and Mason’s characters were and for the way their relationship worked. I was rolling my eyes while swoony and fanning myself. I love this series filled with relatable characters that are really just trying to do their best as messy humans while they learn to show up as the best versions of themselves. And I am excited there are still more stories to come.
September 21, 2025
#FriendsToLovers #FakeRelationship #SmallTown #FamilySeries #ARC
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. As book five of a family series, readers should be aware that characters from previous books play important roles in this one. Maximum enjoyment might be obtained from reading the series in publication order.
Mason is the Spencer-King brother who is always up for a laugh and a good time. He owns his brewery, is the life of any party, adores his twin sister, and has been best friends with Erika since they were eight years old. They have been through the ups and downs life has thrown at them. Erika is a tough woman who loves her job as a mechanic. She is good at it. She has always been a tomboy and Mason has always been her best friend. I loved her fierce spirit. I loved that she is unapologetically true to who she is. She and Mason have known each other for so long they have a shorthand for communication that was a joy to read. Their attempt at a fake relationship doesn’t get far before it is very real to both of them. That ability to read each other pays dividends in the bedroom too. They are hot and tender with each other. Do they have a wobble? Sure. But it is resolved quickly and in the very best way. This was an outstanding addition to the series. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions. I adore this family and this series. I am excited to see what comes next.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book. Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. As book five of a family series, readers should be aware that characters from previous books play important roles in this one. Maximum enjoyment might be obtained from reading the series in publication order.
Mason is the Spencer-King brother who is always up for a laugh and a good time. He owns his brewery, is the life of any party, adores his twin sister, and has been best friends with Erika since they were eight years old. They have been through the ups and downs life has thrown at them. Erika is a tough woman who loves her job as a mechanic. She is good at it. She has always been a tomboy and Mason has always been her best friend. I loved her fierce spirit. I loved that she is unapologetically true to who she is. She and Mason have known each other for so long they have a shorthand for communication that was a joy to read. Their attempt at a fake relationship doesn’t get far before it is very real to both of them. That ability to read each other pays dividends in the bedroom too. They are hot and tender with each other. Do they have a wobble? Sure. But it is resolved quickly and in the very best way. This was an outstanding addition to the series. I laughed out loud on multiple occasions. I adore this family and this series. I am excited to see what comes next.
September 9, 2025
I first discovered Tawna Fenske back in August 2015 when her book About That Fling was featured as a Kindle First pick. From that moment, I fell in love with her storytelling style. Her characters are always fun, and even the ones you may not immediately connect with tend to grow on you. Since then, I have picked up everything I can find by Tawna.
After meeting Mason in Try Me, I was so excited to finally get more of his story. In the earlier books where he appeared, he always came across as a fun character and a great balance to his twin, Lucy. Because of that, I had high hopes for his book, and I was not disappointed.
Erika was a character I did not remember much about, but she won me over as the story unfolded. I especially loved the bond between her and her dad, which reminded me of my own relationship with my father. That detail made her even easier to root for.
I have to say again that Tawna is my favorite romantic comedy author. What I always know I will get with her books is a perfect blend: laugh-out-loud humor balanced with more serious or heartfelt moments that never feel forced. Even when heavier themes come into play, they feel like a natural part of the story rather than something added just to pull on emotions. This book was no exception, and it reminded me once again why I love her writing so much. I am beyond excited to see there is still more to come from the Spencer-King family saga.
**A received an advanced reader copy for my honest review**
After meeting Mason in Try Me, I was so excited to finally get more of his story. In the earlier books where he appeared, he always came across as a fun character and a great balance to his twin, Lucy. Because of that, I had high hopes for his book, and I was not disappointed.
Erika was a character I did not remember much about, but she won me over as the story unfolded. I especially loved the bond between her and her dad, which reminded me of my own relationship with my father. That detail made her even easier to root for.
I have to say again that Tawna is my favorite romantic comedy author. What I always know I will get with her books is a perfect blend: laugh-out-loud humor balanced with more serious or heartfelt moments that never feel forced. Even when heavier themes come into play, they feel like a natural part of the story rather than something added just to pull on emotions. This book was no exception, and it reminded me once again why I love her writing so much. I am beyond excited to see there is still more to come from the Spencer-King family saga.
**A received an advanced reader copy for my honest review**
September 25, 2025
Maybe my favorite of the series? Though it seems like each book does the impossible, being even better than the already really good one that came before, so that could all change with the next one...
Mason and Erika's best friends-to-lovers, fake dating to get through all of these freaking weddings we have to go to/be in story was just so much fun to read from start to finish. Did they get a little too in their heads about the whole Hey! My BFF is actually really hot--who knew?--and the s3x is amazing, but we don't want to RUIN THE FRIENDSHIP of it all? Sure. Was Erika's eventual crash out a teensy bit predictable? Yeah, OK, maybe. But did that stop me from loving every second that I was reading this one? No, it did not. I laughed, I teared up, I may have even snort-laughed a bit unattractively more than once. I absofreakinglutely loved these two crazy kids, and couldn't wait for them to get to their HEA.
But now I've got a problem--because the next book in the series, Move Me , which is excerpted at the end, won't be out until January 2026? Why must you taunt me like this, Ms Fenske???
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Mason and Erika's best friends-to-lovers, fake dating to get through all of these freaking weddings we have to go to/be in story was just so much fun to read from start to finish. Did they get a little too in their heads about the whole Hey! My BFF is actually really hot--who knew?--and the s3x is amazing, but we don't want to RUIN THE FRIENDSHIP of it all? Sure. Was Erika's eventual crash out a teensy bit predictable? Yeah, OK, maybe. But did that stop me from loving every second that I was reading this one? No, it did not. I laughed, I teared up, I may have even snort-laughed a bit unattractively more than once. I absofreakinglutely loved these two crazy kids, and couldn't wait for them to get to their HEA.
But now I've got a problem--because the next book in the series, Move Me , which is excerpted at the end, won't be out until January 2026? Why must you taunt me like this, Ms Fenske???
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 26, 2025
Rom com hilarity with all the emotions…
I love, love this series and each venture seems to be better than the last. Probably because we get more depth of each featured character and Mason and Erika’s romance hit another one out of the reading park. Something about these two seemed to click right off. Friends to lovers for sure with comedic moments and tender ones too making this by latest favourite…
What do you do when you are unceremoniously single and it’s wedding season? Well, you fake it ‘til you make it and life-long friends Mason and Erika look to each other to fill the gap. Mason was cheeky and funny with a vulnerability that peeked out to a heart-melting degree. Erika was not lacking in confidence but you could tell she struggled with self-worth – who wouldn’t after her long-time beau dropped her so suddenly. Another reason she and Mason connected on a new level. And what a level it was – whew! Mason may have been the instigator but they both realized that they were looking at each other differently. Feeling different.
Full of characters I already love, this was a visit back to Cherry Blossom Lake I couldn’t wait to take. Another wild ride of giddy hilarity and heart-melting warmth and love, I know a series re-read has to happen. Right now!
*I happily reviewed this book
I love, love this series and each venture seems to be better than the last. Probably because we get more depth of each featured character and Mason and Erika’s romance hit another one out of the reading park. Something about these two seemed to click right off. Friends to lovers for sure with comedic moments and tender ones too making this by latest favourite…
What do you do when you are unceremoniously single and it’s wedding season? Well, you fake it ‘til you make it and life-long friends Mason and Erika look to each other to fill the gap. Mason was cheeky and funny with a vulnerability that peeked out to a heart-melting degree. Erika was not lacking in confidence but you could tell she struggled with self-worth – who wouldn’t after her long-time beau dropped her so suddenly. Another reason she and Mason connected on a new level. And what a level it was – whew! Mason may have been the instigator but they both realized that they were looking at each other differently. Feeling different.
Full of characters I already love, this was a visit back to Cherry Blossom Lake I couldn’t wait to take. Another wild ride of giddy hilarity and heart-melting warmth and love, I know a series re-read has to happen. Right now!
*I happily reviewed this book
September 30, 2025
Favorite Quotes:
We look like two lust-drunk lovers caught riding the bony express in the shower, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
People assume we’re dunking the dingus every chance we get. We should probably be licking each other’s tonsils or something.
“That was some record-breaking, grade-A, world-class sex. The stuff of legends, honestly. Olympic-caliber.”... “I assume they’ll be filming when they come to present us with the gold medals.”
“It’s not every day the world record gets broken for mattress dancing.”“You think they’ll hold a parade?”“They’ll throw penis confetti like we had at Zoe’s bachelorette party.”
The word love pings something inside me. It’s an odd mix of terror and joy that leaves me a little bit queasy.
Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt and discovered it itches and has a hole in the armpit.
My Review:
I gleefully giggle-snorted and sighed contentedly during my perusal of Ms. Fenske’s latest missive. I always enjoy her rib-tickling rom-coms. She has a wicked sense of humor and divine word skills. I adore her well-written and highly amusing tales. I tend to fall in love with her uniquely endearing, smoking hot, and quirky characters. I always ruefully think of wanting to move in next door so I can continue to follow their adventures.
We look like two lust-drunk lovers caught riding the bony express in the shower, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
People assume we’re dunking the dingus every chance we get. We should probably be licking each other’s tonsils or something.
“That was some record-breaking, grade-A, world-class sex. The stuff of legends, honestly. Olympic-caliber.”... “I assume they’ll be filming when they come to present us with the gold medals.”
“It’s not every day the world record gets broken for mattress dancing.”“You think they’ll hold a parade?”“They’ll throw penis confetti like we had at Zoe’s bachelorette party.”
The word love pings something inside me. It’s an odd mix of terror and joy that leaves me a little bit queasy.
Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt and discovered it itches and has a hole in the armpit.
My Review:
I gleefully giggle-snorted and sighed contentedly during my perusal of Ms. Fenske’s latest missive. I always enjoy her rib-tickling rom-coms. She has a wicked sense of humor and divine word skills. I adore her well-written and highly amusing tales. I tend to fall in love with her uniquely endearing, smoking hot, and quirky characters. I always ruefully think of wanting to move in next door so I can continue to follow their adventures.
October 11, 2025
When you have a connection like Erika and Mason have when he starts a little white lie about the two of them she just joins the conversation like no big deal and adds to the lie. Their exes (Annabelle and Neil) have lost being with two amazing people. I liked when Scrumpy came into the picture and how even though he isn’t perfect both Erika and Mason think he’s the best dog ever, as it should be. I also love Erika’s relationship with her dad. When Neil came clean to Erika, I seriously wanted to slap him. Like seriously, could you be more of a jerk. Then we have the icing on the cake when Annabelle realizes she made a mistake in her new relationship and shares everything with Mason, now knowing that Erika was there and heard everything. Talk about opening up pandora’s box. I do appreciate how everything came together in the end and how his family and the wedding guests came together for an unbelievable surprise for Erika and Mason who has known her since 3rd grade and is one of the few that know her the best, gave her what she has always wanted. The other wonderful part of his book was at the end when Erika stepped up for her father, that was such a wonderful and special time for them. What a great story and I can’t wait for Hazel to get her story. She deserves to have her own happily ever after.
September 12, 2025
It's great to be back in Cherry Blossom Lake! Take Me is Mason Spencer-King's story. He's the local brewery owner and has been trying to get his on again/off again girlfriend to commit to being an exclusive couple. Her response was to break everything off. Mason's best friend since childhood, Erika Gentry has also gone through something similar. Her boyfriend of over a decade broke things off with her at a wedding that they were both guests at. Now Mason and Erika are both dateless and there's many upcoming weddings at Cherry Blossom Lake. Mason comes up with the bright idea for he and Erika to pretend to be dating and then no one will look at them with looks of pity for being alone. Sounds good on paper, right? Take Me is a really sweet story about two people that have known each other and loved each other for most of their lives now looking at each other in a different light and falling into a different type of love. It's a low angst story told from dual POV with lots of laughs, sweet and spicy moments, and just plain fun! It stands alone but I highly encourage readers to read the series in order because of all the supporting characters. Everything makes so much more sense if you know all of the family dynamics. Looking forward to what comes next in Cherry Blossom Lake!
October 12, 2025
Mason is the jokester of the Spencer-King family, he uses it to deflect and cope. When his best friend, Erika, is there for him after hard times, he is seeing that he wants the same thing his siblings have. He is ready to settle down and get married. Erika now works at Kaleb’s garage. She is an engine master and can tear it apart and put it back together with her eyes closed. She is going to a Spencer-King wedding and being a tomboy she has nothing to wear.
When she gets dumped at the wedding, she hates the looks she is getting. Mason is getting the same looks, after his girlfriend, who he wanted to take the next step with, wants to spread her wings. So he starts telling everyone he and Erika are dating. During the ruse, and fake dating rule number 1 don’t fall for your best friend, they start developing feelings for each other. Will they admit feelings to one another or will they give in to their insecurities and attempt to remain friends.
This was one of the funniest books I have read in a while. I loved the shenanigans these two got up to. I was excited when they finally gave into their feelings for one another and got their HEA. A good friends to loves troupe, if written correctly, hits the right spot.
Received ARC from author for honest review.
When she gets dumped at the wedding, she hates the looks she is getting. Mason is getting the same looks, after his girlfriend, who he wanted to take the next step with, wants to spread her wings. So he starts telling everyone he and Erika are dating. During the ruse, and fake dating rule number 1 don’t fall for your best friend, they start developing feelings for each other. Will they admit feelings to one another or will they give in to their insecurities and attempt to remain friends.
This was one of the funniest books I have read in a while. I loved the shenanigans these two got up to. I was excited when they finally gave into their feelings for one another and got their HEA. A good friends to loves troupe, if written correctly, hits the right spot.
Received ARC from author for honest review.
September 8, 2025
Take Me is the 5th book in the series and it's fantastic. They couple in the book are Erika and Mason.
They are best friends and have broken up with there boy/girl friends and are both broken hearted about it Issue is there are a bunch of family weddings coming and neither want to go alone so they come up with the ideal of fake dating so no one will pity them. Mason's twin sister catches on it's not real but doesn't do anything.
Let's just say one of my most favourite scene are at the wedding is the book sticker in the shower. You will love it.
As they go on with the scheme feels start changing and things become very real.
Enter the ex's and give them news that they have started to date each other.
Mason's ex realized she is not happy and wants Mason back and Erika sees and hears it. She runs off before he tell Annabell he don't love her and has alway loved Erika.
Final wedding in the book and everything comes together and loved the way it happens.
Thank Tawna for another amazing book.
They are best friends and have broken up with there boy/girl friends and are both broken hearted about it Issue is there are a bunch of family weddings coming and neither want to go alone so they come up with the ideal of fake dating so no one will pity them. Mason's twin sister catches on it's not real but doesn't do anything.
Let's just say one of my most favourite scene are at the wedding is the book sticker in the shower. You will love it.
As they go on with the scheme feels start changing and things become very real.
Enter the ex's and give them news that they have started to date each other.
Mason's ex realized she is not happy and wants Mason back and Erika sees and hears it. She runs off before he tell Annabell he don't love her and has alway loved Erika.
Final wedding in the book and everything comes together and loved the way it happens.
Thank Tawna for another amazing book.
September 28, 2025
I love a good friends-to-lovers story, and this book definitely delivered!
Hunky hero in touch with his softer side? Check.
Tomboy heroine who can hold her own? Check.
Adorable rescue dog to bond over? Check.
Throw in a lot of wedding shenanigans and a couple of exes who went looking for greener pastures, and you've got the recipe for one fun rom-com in this delightful series.
The thing about series like this one is that, with each book, you'll get to know the characters a little better, as you're seeing them from another perspective. So while I've thoroughly enjoyed the previous books, this one felt like coming home.
And I think that's also the case for Mason and Erika, as they navigate their spur-of-the-moment fake relationship and what it means for their decades long friendship. Will there be misunderstandings? You bet. But will there be a happy ending? Of course. And the road towards it is ever so satisfying.
Hunky hero in touch with his softer side? Check.
Tomboy heroine who can hold her own? Check.
Adorable rescue dog to bond over? Check.
Throw in a lot of wedding shenanigans and a couple of exes who went looking for greener pastures, and you've got the recipe for one fun rom-com in this delightful series.
The thing about series like this one is that, with each book, you'll get to know the characters a little better, as you're seeing them from another perspective. So while I've thoroughly enjoyed the previous books, this one felt like coming home.
And I think that's also the case for Mason and Erika, as they navigate their spur-of-the-moment fake relationship and what it means for their decades long friendship. Will there be misunderstandings? You bet. But will there be a happy ending? Of course. And the road towards it is ever so satisfying.
September 10, 2025
Tawna Fenske is a favorite author of mine. Her stories are always full of laugher, love, and courage. This one is no different.
When Erika and Mason are both dumped right at the beginning of a busy wedding season, they decide that their 26 year friendship is a great basis for a fake relationship. They will have a guaranteed date to the weddings and avoid all the pity looks from their friends and families.
Then the relationships starts feeling more real and they’re wondering why they haven’t moved their friendship up to more. But, their exes have some last minute surprises for them.
I always love the characters in TF’s books. They are people who you would want to hang out with and learn more about. Though this is in a series, you could still read it as a stand alone. But, I’ll warn you: once you read it, you will want to read the others in the series.
When Erika and Mason are both dumped right at the beginning of a busy wedding season, they decide that their 26 year friendship is a great basis for a fake relationship. They will have a guaranteed date to the weddings and avoid all the pity looks from their friends and families.
Then the relationships starts feeling more real and they’re wondering why they haven’t moved their friendship up to more. But, their exes have some last minute surprises for them.
I always love the characters in TF’s books. They are people who you would want to hang out with and learn more about. Though this is in a series, you could still read it as a stand alone. But, I’ll warn you: once you read it, you will want to read the others in the series.
September 15, 2025
Take Me is such a fun read. I loved this so much. This is Mason and Erika's book. Best friends who have a lot of weddings to go to and both single. Mason and Erika have been in each other's lives through everything. Now they are faced with multiple weddings and both coming off breaks up and tired of being asked if they are okay. I love this fake relationship that is not fake at all. I love the banter and chemistry between Erika and Mason. You are going to giggle all the way through and probably get a few jokes suck in your head too. Mason and Erika know each other well and the push for them to come together is just what they did not know they needed. I could not put this down. I love Mason and Erika so much. You need to click this today and giggle hard as you fall for Mason and Erika today.
September 25, 2025
This book is very upbeat and engaging, with plenty of funny banter, steam and love. This is a friends-to-lovers, fake relationship trope, as two long-time friends find themselves involuntarily single at the same time. Mason, Erika, and all of the supporting characters (even including a rescue dog) are genuinely likeable in their own unique ways. Both friendship and love are celebrated, even while the main characters deal with their exes, the changes in their relationship and other plot bumps along the way to a satisfying HEA. This is definitely one of my favorite feel-good books, that I’ll look forward to reading again in the future. Highly recommended! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2025
Take Me is book 5 in the Cherry Blossom Lake series by Tawna Fenske and a laugh out loud read.
Up next is Mason and his best friend since he was 8 yrs old, Erika Gentry. Through good times, bad times, breakup times, laughing and joke times, they never saw what was right in front of them until they both are going through breakups. With his siblings getting married in short order, they start a fake couple relationship to quiet the pity party only things change, miscommunications, never saying what’s really on their hearts,snarky banter, lots of laugh out loud comments they eventually lead to the HEA they both deserve!
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Up next is Mason and his best friend since he was 8 yrs old, Erika Gentry. Through good times, bad times, breakup times, laughing and joke times, they never saw what was right in front of them until they both are going through breakups. With his siblings getting married in short order, they start a fake couple relationship to quiet the pity party only things change, miscommunications, never saying what’s really on their hearts,snarky banter, lots of laugh out loud comments they eventually lead to the HEA they both deserve!
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 7, 2025
This is the 5th book in the series but it can be read as a stand alone. Every time I finish a book in this series I swear this book is my favorite. I have loved every book in the Cherry Blossom Lake Series. This is a fake dating, friends to lovers story with Erika and Mason. Both the hero and heroine end their current relationships. Neither want pity, so they fake date because they have a bunch of summer weddings to go to.
This book was funny and very charming. The writing was fantastic! The conflict was plenty enough to keep reading from start to finish. I loved the connection between Erika and Mason. The spicy was perfect! There was nothing I didn’t like. It was a wonderful escape from the real world! I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
This book was funny and very charming. The writing was fantastic! The conflict was plenty enough to keep reading from start to finish. I loved the connection between Erika and Mason. The spicy was perfect! There was nothing I didn’t like. It was a wonderful escape from the real world! I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 16, 2025
Mason, the happy-go-lucky fun guy. The one that no one thinks really gets his feelings hurt. But he did. He was dating someone that wasn't into him as much as he was into her. And that hurt.
Erika, her on again/off again boyfriend actually called it off for good. Talk about hurt - he did it in public at that.
Mason and Erika have been best friends since the beginning of time. They figured they would be the perfect "pretend couple". No one would suspect it was fake, they would get through the months of weddings approaching and save face with the exes.
Who doesn't a fake to real trope?? This one hits all the buttons for me. Mason and Erika are absolutely lovable!
Erika, her on again/off again boyfriend actually called it off for good. Talk about hurt - he did it in public at that.
Mason and Erika have been best friends since the beginning of time. They figured they would be the perfect "pretend couple". No one would suspect it was fake, they would get through the months of weddings approaching and save face with the exes.
Who doesn't a fake to real trope?? This one hits all the buttons for me. Mason and Erika are absolutely lovable!
September 18, 2025
There are tons of weddings going on in Cherry Blossom right now, but both Erika and Mason have recently been dumped. Because both of them despise pity, they decide to fake a relationship. They have been platonic best friends for ages, so this shouldn't be any big deal. But they both start to see each other in a new way, especially after Erika has a clothing mishap. (That scene was unforgettably hilarious and hot.) They are both afraid to damage their friendship, but they have great friends and family members who help them understand what real love should be. This story was tons of fun.
January 8, 2026
sigh… another one
I have been bypassing this issue for a while now. But I’ve had it. This isn’t just this author. It’s 75% of the authors I used to really enjoy.
I enjoy Tawna’s writing and humor. Her characters are usually well rounded, likable and the story runs smoothly.
My issue is the last half of the book is thinking about, wanting to, or having sex. I am so over this. I want a story to get lost in. One I can’t wait to get back to. This started off great. Then I had to start skimming the last half then just gave up.
I have been bypassing this issue for a while now. But I’ve had it. This isn’t just this author. It’s 75% of the authors I used to really enjoy.
I enjoy Tawna’s writing and humor. Her characters are usually well rounded, likable and the story runs smoothly.
My issue is the last half of the book is thinking about, wanting to, or having sex. I am so over this. I want a story to get lost in. One I can’t wait to get back to. This started off great. Then I had to start skimming the last half then just gave up.
September 9, 2025
I don’t think anyone could write this crazy story but Tawna. 😉🥰. Mason and Erika are best friends but no one can predict the extent they will go to when trying to convince themselves and the town that they are over their exes. Fake dates to all the upcoming weddings seems like a great idea; however, you can’t imagine what happens. As I said earlier, Tawana’s mind works in a very unusual way and I love it. Great story!!❤️❤️
September 21, 2025
Loved Mason and Erika's story. He is such a jockster with the biggest heart and she is the tough girl with the fragile heart. They have been friends since forever and now they are helping each other out by fake dating..but as the time passes and they spend more time together things heat up.
Love them for each other..and also love that karma did her job with the exes.
Can't wait for the next book!
Love them for each other..and also love that karma did her job with the exes.
Can't wait for the next book!
September 22, 2025
Friends to lovers, my favorite trope.
Erica and Mason, have been friends for a long time, now, both get dumped by theirs significant other. What happens, when they have to attend few weddings in near future. Well, Mason's idea, is to tell everyone, that Erica and him are dating. Now they have to pretend, to keep farce going. What happen, if pretending, open their eyes, and finally they see, what it always was in front of them.
Another awesome read.
Erica and Mason, have been friends for a long time, now, both get dumped by theirs significant other. What happens, when they have to attend few weddings in near future. Well, Mason's idea, is to tell everyone, that Erica and him are dating. Now they have to pretend, to keep farce going. What happen, if pretending, open their eyes, and finally they see, what it always was in front of them.
Another awesome read.
September 28, 2025
Excellent addition to the Cherry Blossom Lak series that ticked so many of my favorite reading boxes:
* Best-friends-from-childhood-to-more? Check.
* Fake dating? Check.
* Tomboy heroine? Check. (Erika, you go girl!)
* Coming "home" to Cherry Blossom Lake to so many old friends and plenty of small-town shenanigans? Oh yeah!
* Tawna Fenske's trademark combo of humor, heat, and heart? You betcha!
More, please?
* Best-friends-from-childhood-to-more? Check.
* Fake dating? Check.
* Tomboy heroine? Check. (Erika, you go girl!)
* Coming "home" to Cherry Blossom Lake to so many old friends and plenty of small-town shenanigans? Oh yeah!
* Tawna Fenske's trademark combo of humor, heat, and heart? You betcha!
More, please?
November 7, 2025
Fun story
Take Me might be the wackiest of the Cherry Blossom Lake books by Tawna Fenske but that fits with Erika & Mason. What a great love story even if they didn't realize they had loved each other since they were eight. I like how the author weaves in various real world issues into each book - fathers confined to wheel chairs .... or prison. And where does the author get Harper's quips? Hilarious. It's going to be a long time until Book 6. Sigh.
Take Me might be the wackiest of the Cherry Blossom Lake books by Tawna Fenske but that fits with Erika & Mason. What a great love story even if they didn't realize they had loved each other since they were eight. I like how the author weaves in various real world issues into each book - fathers confined to wheel chairs .... or prison. And where does the author get Harper's quips? Hilarious. It's going to be a long time until Book 6. Sigh.
September 7, 2025
The Cherry Blossom series just keeps getting better with each book, Erika and Mason's book made me swoon and root for the best friends turned lovers. Mason has loved Erika for a long time and it takes them both breaking up and trying to find each other through being each other's wingman for multiple family weddings that when it all comes together you can't help but cheer.
September 11, 2025
Friends forever. Fake relationship. Everyone thinks your perfect together and its about time. The kiss of a lifetime! Both your exes dating each other. Moving in together to keep up the ruse. Sleeping together with sparks flying every which way! His ex realizing what she gave up. Hot, steamy, couldn't put it down!!! And a dog too. It doesn't get much better than that.
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