Queen's Cove, New Beginnings

Avery Adams, a determined and warm-hearted restaurant manager, has made a new life for herself in the picturesque coastal town of Queen's Cove. She pours her soul into The Arbutus, a beloved local restaurant, dreaming of one day owning it. The town is a close-knit community, fiercely protective of its local businesses and traditions. Avery's past is marked by her parents' failed restaurant and her father's abandonment, fueling her drive for stability and independence. As the tourist season begins, Avery's world is a blend of bustling service, small-town quirks, and the hope that her hard work will finally pay off.

The Arbutus Dream

Avery's devotion to The Arbutus is clear—she wants to buy it from her mentor, Keiko, who is ready to retire. But when Avery applies for a business loan, she's rejected, her savings deemed insufficient. The pressure mounts as Keiko's timeline accelerates, and a rival, Chuck, lurks, eager to snatch the restaurant for himself. Avery's pride and fear of repeating her parents' mistakes make her desperate for a solution. The restaurant is more than a job; it's her chance to build a legacy and prove she can succeed where her family failed.

Mr. Popular, Mr. Mayor

Emmett Rhodes, Queen's Cove's charming, successful construction company owner, is beloved by all—except Avery. When his best friend's family leaves town due to unreliable infrastructure, Emmett is galvanized to run for mayor, determined to modernize the town's power grid. But his bachelor status tanks his poll numbers; the town wants a family man, not a playboy. Emmett's frustration grows as he realizes he needs to appear settled and responsible to win, and his competitive spirit won't let him back down.

A Deal with the Devil

Emmett approaches Avery with a wild idea: pretend to be his girlfriend so he can win the election, and in return, he'll cosign her loan for The Arbutus. Avery is appalled—she can't stand Emmett's cocky charm and fears the lie will spiral out of control. But with no other options and the threat of losing her dream, she reluctantly agrees. Their arrangement is strictly business, with clear boundaries and a plan to "break up" after the election. Both are convinced they can keep their hearts out of it.

The Fake Dating Pact

Avery and Emmett orchestrate their public "relationship," planting rumors, staging dates, and enduring the scrutiny of the town's ever-watchful eyes. Their chemistry is undeniable, but both stubbornly deny any real attraction. As they navigate awkward public displays and nosy townsfolk, the lines between performance and reality begin to blur. The town is abuzz with gossip, and Emmett's campaign surges. Yet, the emotional cost of their charade starts to weigh on Avery, who hates lying to people she cares about.

Rumors and Revelations

The fake relationship becomes the talk of Queen's Cove, with everyone from Emmett's loving mother to Avery's best friend, Hannah, swept up in the excitement. Emmett's poll numbers climb, but the pressure to escalate the ruse grows—an engagement, then a wedding, are proposed to seal the deal. Avery's guilt intensifies as she deceives her mentor, friends, and the Rhodes family, who welcome her with open arms. Meanwhile, Emmett begins to see Avery's vulnerability and strength, and his feelings shift from playful to protective.

The Town Fair Unveiling

At the town fair, Avery and Emmett's act is put to the test. Forced into hand-holding, playful competitions, and staged affection, they find themselves genuinely enjoying each other's company. The town is convinced, and their chemistry becomes harder to ignore. A series of mishaps—mushroom hats, dart games, and a turtle rescue—bring them closer, revealing hidden depths and vulnerabilities. The charade becomes less about winning the town's approval and more about discovering each other.

Dinner, Dares, and Doubts

Emmett and Avery navigate dinners with influential townsfolk, where their compatibility is scrutinized. They invent stories about how they met, play the "newlyweds game," and are forced to confront their own histories—Avery's family trauma and Emmett's fear of commitment. The act becomes increasingly real as they share private jokes, defend each other, and begin to rely on one another. The emotional stakes rise, and both start to question what's real and what's pretend.

The Engagement Escalates

Emmett proposes in a grand, public gesture at The Arbutus, and Avery is swept up in the moment. The engagement ring is perfect, and the town is ecstatic. Behind closed doors, Avery and Emmett negotiate the terms of their "wedding," but their physical attraction becomes impossible to ignore. A passionate kiss at their engagement party shatters their resolve, and the boundaries of their arrangement begin to crumble. Both are terrified of what they're feeling, but neither is willing to admit it.

Turtle Trouble and Teamwork

As part of their campaign, Emmett and Avery volunteer at the local turtle rescue, confronting Emmett's childhood phobia and Avery's delight in teasing him. The experience is both hilarious and intimate, deepening their bond. They support each other through awkward encounters, family expectations, and the mounting pressure of their impending wedding. Their teamwork and mutual respect grow, and the town's belief in their love story becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Lines Blur, Hearts Race

The pretense of their relationship collapses under the weight of genuine desire. A night of passion—interrupted by bedbugs and mishaps—leads to confessions, vulnerability, and the realization that their feelings are real. Both struggle with the fear of repeating past mistakes—Avery with her parents' failed marriage, Emmett with his aversion to commitment—but their connection is undeniable. The wedding approaches, and the question looms: can they turn their fake marriage into a real one?

Promises, Prom Night, and Passion

Avery orchestrates a "do-over" prom for Emmett, helping him heal old wounds and showing him what true partnership looks like. Their night is filled with laughter, dancing, and deepening intimacy. They share their fears, hopes, and dreams, and the walls between them finally fall. The town's support is unwavering, and both begin to imagine a future together that's more than just a business arrangement.

The Wedding That Wasn't

On their wedding day, Avery and Emmett are swept up in the joy and chaos of the celebration. Their vows, meant to be part of the act, become heartfelt confessions of love. But just as happiness seems within reach, their secret is threatened. A rival exposes their arrangement, and the town council forces a choice: Avery's dream or Emmett's campaign. Both are devastated, unwilling to sacrifice the other's happiness, and retreat to lick their wounds.

Truths, Threats, and Sacrifice

Avery and Emmett are forced to confront the fallout of their deception. Guilt, anger, and heartbreak threaten to tear them apart. Avery's best friend feels responsible, and the community is divided. Both must decide what they're willing to sacrifice for each other. Avery, determined to put Emmett first, devises a plan to save both their dreams, enlisting the help of friends and allies. The town's true spirit is revealed as they rally behind the couple.

The Grand Gesture

Avery's plan—a petition and emergency motion—wins over the town council, allowing her to buy The Arbutus and Emmett to remain in the mayoral race. The community's faith in them is restored, and their love is vindicated. Emmett confesses that their marriage is legally binding, and both realize they want it to be real. They choose each other, not out of necessity, but out of love, and commit to building a life together.

The Real Deal

With the obstacles behind them, Avery and Emmett settle into married life. The Arbutus thrives under Avery's ownership, and Emmett's leadership transforms Queen's Cove. Their relationship, once a ruse, is now the foundation of their happiness. They support each other's dreams, face challenges as a team, and find joy in the everyday moments—family dinners, community events, and quiet nights at home. Their love story becomes the heart of the town, inspiring others to believe in second chances.

Happily Ever After, For Real

A year later, Avery and Emmett's marriage is stronger than ever. The Arbutus is a beloved institution, and Queen's Cove flourishes under Emmett's mayorship. Their friends and family are closer than ever, and the town's spirit is unbreakable. Avery reflects on her journey—from fear and failure to love and fulfillment—and knows she's exactly where she's meant to be. Together, she and Emmett have built a legacy of love, laughter, and community, proving that sometimes, the best stories are the ones you never saw coming.

Characters

Avery Adams

Avery is the heart of The Arbutus, driven by a need to prove herself after her parents' failed restaurant and her father's abandonment. She's fiercely independent, practical, and wary of letting others in, especially charming men like Emmett. Her relationships are shaped by a fear of repeating her family's mistakes, making her slow to trust and quick to take responsibility. Over the course of the story, Avery learns to accept help, embrace vulnerability, and open her heart to love. Her journey is one of self-forgiveness, courage, and the realization that true partnership means letting someone stand beside you, not just behind you.

Emmett Rhodes

Emmett is Queen's Cove's golden boy—successful, beloved, and always in control. His public persona is that of a carefree bachelor, but beneath the surface, he's driven by a need to fix things and take care of others, often at the expense of his own happiness. His fear of commitment stems from a past heartbreak and a belief that he's not "that kind of guy." Through his relationship with Avery, Emmett confronts his own insecurities, learns to let down his guard, and discovers that real strength lies in vulnerability. His arc is about moving from performance to authenticity, and from self-reliance to true partnership.

Keiko

Keiko is the owner of The Arbutus and Avery's mentor. Wise, nurturing, and quietly formidable, she represents the best of Queen's Cove—community, tradition, and resilience. Her decision to sell the restaurant is both a gift and a challenge to Avery, forcing her to confront her fears and step into her own power. Keiko's faith in Avery is unwavering, and her presence is a steadying force throughout the story.

Hannah

Hannah is Avery's best friend and confidante, running the local bookstore. She's introverted but fiercely loyal, providing a safe space for Avery to process her fears and dreams. Hannah's own journey is one of quiet courage, stepping out of her comfort zone and finding her own voice. Her accidental role in the story's crisis is a test of her friendship with Avery, ultimately strengthening their bond.

Max

Max is Avery's favorite employee and the restaurant's bartender. Young, eager, and always ready with a quip, he brings levity to tense moments and is a constant source of encouragement. Max's growth from trainee to manager mirrors Avery's own journey, and his loyalty is a testament to the community she's built.

Elizabeth Rhodes

Emmett's mother is a grounding presence, offering unconditional love and acceptance to both her sons and Avery. She sees through facades and gently nudges Emmett toward vulnerability. Her excitement over Avery and Emmett's relationship is both a source of joy and guilt for Avery, highlighting the story's themes of family and belonging.

Chuck

Chuck is the story's antagonist, representing the threat of corporate greed and the erosion of community values. His willingness to exploit loopholes and undermine Avery's dreams makes him a formidable obstacle. Chuck's actions force Avery and Emmett to unite, galvanizing the town's support and revealing the true strength of their partnership.

Div

Div is Emmett's right-hand man, orchestrating the mayoral campaign with precision and humor. He's the voice of reason, often grounding Emmett's impulsive ideas and providing strategic insight. Div's loyalty and competence are crucial to Emmett's success, and his friendship is a quiet but essential thread throughout the story.

Miri

Miri is a teacher, volunteer, and the town's unofficial gossip. Her enthusiasm for Avery and Emmett's relationship helps sell the ruse, and her turtle rescue antics provide both humor and opportunities for growth. Miri embodies the town's spirit—nosy, loving, and always ready to rally around her friends.

Will

Will's departure from Queen's Cove is the spark that drives Emmett to run for mayor. His friendship with Emmett is deep and enduring, and his family's struggles highlight the stakes of the campaign. Will's faith in Emmett is unwavering, and his return to town is a sign of the community's renewal.

Plot Devices

Fake Relationship as Catalyst

The central device is the fake dating/engagement/marriage arrangement, which forces Avery and Emmett into close proximity and emotional vulnerability. What begins as a strategic partnership to achieve personal goals—Avery's dream of owning The Arbutus, Emmett's mayoral campaign—evolves into genuine intimacy. The device allows for comedic misunderstandings, escalating stakes, and the gradual blurring of lines between performance and reality. It also serves as a crucible for both characters' growth, exposing their fears, desires, and capacity for trust.

Small-Town Microcosm

Queen's Cove is more than a setting; it's an active force in the story. The town's interconnectedness amplifies the consequences of Avery and Emmett's deception, while also providing the support network that ultimately saves them. Gossip, tradition, and collective memory shape the narrative, creating both obstacles and opportunities for redemption. The town's evolution mirrors the characters' journeys, moving from suspicion and division to unity and celebration.

Parallel Character Arcs

Both Avery and Emmett are shaped by past traumas—Avery's family's collapse, Emmett's fear of not being "that kind of guy." Their relationship is a mirror, forcing each to confront and heal their wounds. The story uses parallel arcs—Avery learning to trust and accept help, Emmett learning to commit and be vulnerable—to create emotional resonance and depth.

Escalating Stakes and Public Performance

The narrative structure is built on a series of escalating public performances—rumors, staged dates, a public proposal, and a wedding. Each escalation raises the emotional and ethical stakes, forcing the characters to confront the consequences of their choices. The tension between private truth and public perception is a recurring motif, culminating in the crisis when their secret is threatened.

Community Rally and Redemption

The story's climax hinges on the community's ability to rally behind Avery and Emmett, using petitions, emergency motions, and collective advocacy to overcome institutional obstacles. This device reinforces the theme that true belonging and success are communal, not individual, achievements. The resolution is not just a personal victory, but a triumph for the entire town.

Analysis

Stephanie Archer's That Kind of Guy is a masterclass in the contemporary romantic comedy, blending the beloved "fake dating" trope with a nuanced exploration of trust, vulnerability, and community. At its heart, the novel is about two people who believe they are fundamentally unlovable or unsuited for lasting partnership, only to discover that love is not about perfection, but about showing up—messy, scared, and real. The story's humor and warmth are balanced by its willingness to confront deeper issues: the scars of family dysfunction, the fear of repeating old mistakes, and the challenge of letting others in. Queen's Cove itself is a character, embodying the best and worst of small-town life—gossip, tradition, but also fierce loyalty and collective action. The novel's resolution, in which Avery and Emmett's personal growth is mirrored by the town's renewal, offers a hopeful vision of love as both a private and public act. The lesson is clear: happiness is not found in isolation or self-sufficiency, but in the messy, joyful work of building something—be it a restaurant, a marriage, or a community—together.

Last updated: September 27, 2025