Ethan has survived years of family gatherings by ducking questions, cracking jokes, and suffering through his brother’s endless matchmaking. This summer, though, he’s out of patience. Cornered at the dinner table, he blurts out the first escape plan that comes to mind—he’ll show up with a boyfriend.
That’s where Caleb comes in. A quiet bookstore clerk with steady eyes and a surprising willingness to play along, he agrees to the charade. The rules are simple: keep it believable, don’t overcomplicate, and never let it get personal. But surrounded by nosy relatives and constant chances to slip, acting like they’re in love turns out to be anything but simple.
A smile lasts longer than it should. A hand lingers. And suddenly, the line between make-believe and something more starts to dissolve. Ethan’s quick wit and Caleb’s calm steadiness clash and complement in ways neither of them saw coming.
As summer winds down, Ethan has to decide: retreat to safety with his heart untouched, or risk the comfort of easy exits for something that might actually last.
When the act is over, will either of them want it to end?
***
Part of the Happily Ever LOL series, this standalone romcom delivers laughter, heart, and a guaranteed happy ending.
Welcome to Happily Ever LOL a collection of standalone romantic comedies with a playful twist on love. Each story throws two men together in the most unexpected places: a quirky small town, a hectic office, a college campus buzzing with drama, or the glare of sudden fame.
With sharp banter, warm moments, and endings that leave you grinning, these stories show that romance doesn’t have to be heavy to matter. For readers who want joy, a touch of silliness, and plenty of heart, Happily Ever LOL delivers every time.
Because sometimes the best love stories start with laughter.
