The Reverend's Regard

A Fake Dating, Closed-Door Easter Romance (Hollow Bridge Book Four)

A devoted pastor, a determined friend, and a small‑town pretend relationship where truth and longing refuse to stay hidden.

Kayla Ziegler never meant to start a rumor—only to protect her pastor from a married woman's unwanted attention. One impulsive decision becomes a townwide assumption, and suddenly Kayla's days revolve around maintaining a fake relationship she never intended to begin. Public dates, careful smiles, and whispered explanations blur the line between duty and desire, especially when every moment with Martin feels dangerously real.

Martin Braden agrees to the charade to preserve his reputation, but the cost is higher than he imagined. Mentoring Kayla has already complicated his heart; pretending to love her makes every boundary feel fragile. As their staged romance deepens, Martin faces a choice between protecting his role and acknowledging the love he's tried to silence.

A closed‑door small‑town romance offering gentle faith, emotional longing, and the slow unraveling of a fake relationship that feels increasingly real.

Fake dating

Lent and Easter

Seminary student FMC

Black MMC

Small-town gossip

Interracial romance

Woman dating her friend's brother

Reputation stakes

Dog playdates

Heat: Closed Door

Series: Book 4 of 6

Pov: Dual, first person (Martin and Kayla)

Content Notes: on-page breakup; no explicit content or profanity; alcohol consumption; nonconsensual kissing