{"product_id":"the-problem-with-dating-special-edition-9798864113523","title":"The Problem with Dating: Special Edition","description":"\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eIf I had to choose a person to hate, Alex Ramírez would've been first on the list...\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWelcome to Honey Creek, Illinois, where life was as sweet as the town's name suggested. That was, until Mr. Fine Dining himself, Alex Ramírez, rolled into town with a permanent scowl. Even worse, he decided to park his snooty five-star restaurant across from my cozy dog daycare. He was tall, dark, and about as warm as a frozen entrée. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAfter one too many unpleasant interactions, I was determined to stay out of his way and to keep him out of mine. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBut fate had a quirky sense of humor. When Alex inherited his great-aunt's cranky canine, he had no choice but to come to me, the local dog whisperer, for help. As for me? I needed a fake boyfriend to ward off my ex-husband, who was determined to win me back. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eSo, we struck a deal: I'd turn his dog into the town's best-behaved pet, and in return, he'd be my arm candy for a few family events and social gatherings. Simple, uncomplicated, and absolutely not romantic-at least, that was what we told ourselves. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAs we played house, I couldn't help but notice that underneath Alex's prickly shell was a dash of charm that wasn't listed in the ingredients. Our pretend dates started to feel a little too real. And our feigned kisses? They were getting laughably close to crossing the line. Suddenly, our interactions felt less like a food fight and more like foreplay. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWith every playful touch and lingering glance, I couldn't help but wonder: Was this fake relationship with Alex secretly penning its own authentic ending? Or was I risking it all for someone who was nothing more than make-believe?\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Independently Published","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50627652714770,"sku":"9798864113523","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_8a5489ab-2491-4609-b279-b4c839996bc5.jpg?v=1732707276","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-problem-with-dating-special-edition-9798864113523","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}