How to Fake a Southern Gentleman
A Novel
Table of Contents
About The Book
Proud single mom Holly Simmons and ambitious journalist Luisa Martín Moreno have nothing in common—until Atlanta’s most powerful man, Griggs Caldecott Johnson III, turns both their lives upside down. Griggs is threatening Holly’s job as the events manager at the hoity-toity Dogwood Hills Country Club, while Luisa gets fired for trying to expose his scheme to defraud an immigrant family and snatch up their land for a luxury development.
Determined to fight back, the women team up to infiltrate Griggs’s inner circle. Their secret weapon? Elijah Denvil Sweet, a sexy hustler with a knack for reinvention. With a makeover, etiquette lessons, and a little help from Professor Pridmore—a charming, handsome, and single linguistics professor—Eli transforms into “Tripp,” the kind of Southern gentleman Griggs might just trust.
But as the plan takes shape, so do tender and unexpected feelings neither woman saw coming—with the very men helping them get justice.
With sparkling wit, strong female friendship, and slow-burn romance, How to Fake a Southern Gentleman is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt underestimated—and longs for a love that plays by its own rules.
About The Authors
Mayra Cuevas is the award-winning author of picture books and novels for readers of all ages. Her young adult novel Does My Body Offend You? (cowritten with Marie Marquardt) was long-listed for the PEN/Faulkner Award. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Mayra is a former award-winning CNN producer, and currently, a creative writing professor. She cofounded the Latinx Kidlit Book Festival and its Latinx Storytellers Conference. Mayra keeps her sanity by practicing modern Buddhism and meditation. She splits her time between Atlanta and Puerto Rico. You can find Mayra on Instagram @Mayra.Cuevas and her website MayraCuevas.com.
Marie Marquardt is the award-winning author of four YA novels, including The Radius of Us and Does My Body Offend You? (with Mayra Cuevas). Marie has also published two nonfiction books and several articles about Latin American immigration. She lives in Decatur, Georgia, with her spouse and four kids. You can connect with her on Substack @MarieMarquardt and through her website MarieMarquardt.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atria/Primero Sueno Press (April 7, 2026)
- Length: 336 pages
- ISBN13: 9781668098967
Raves and Reviews
"Cuevas and Marquardt deliver a feel-good double happily-ever-after as well as a fierce friendship between Luisa and Holly that readers will fall for ... This gender-flipped My Fair Lady retelling is a rollicking rom-com featuring a thrilling heist storyline and a keen exploration of class, race, and gender."
– Library Journal, (starred review)
"A delightful, gender-bent spin on My Fair Lady ... This sassy celebration of found family and friendship will especially charm fans of the original."
– Publishers Weekly
"How to Fake a Southern Gentleman is the perfect combination of cozy mystery, thriller, and romance. Mayra Cuevas and Marie Marquardt expertly balance themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery in a book that had me laughing one minute and crying the next. This writing duo is one to watch and I can't wait to read what they come up with next!"
– Falon Ballard, USA Today bestselling author of Change of Heart
“A witty yet gritty romp of a good time, that's not afraid to delve into discussions of class and race while the compelling characters flirt and scheme!”
– USA Today bestselling author Liana De la Rosa
“Smart, sizzling, and swoon-worthy, How to Fake a Southern Gentleman is a deliciously fresh retelling of a classic love story. Cuevas and Marquardt explore class, corruption, race, power, and the unyielding power of friendship with charm and authenticity. A heartfelt romance that will leave readers thirsty for sweet tea and more of this fierce duo!”
– Julian Winters, award-winning author of I Think They Love You</
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): How to Fake a Southern Gentleman
eBook 9781668098967
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Author Photo (jpg): Mayra Cuevas Photograph by Angie Terrell(0.1 MB)
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Author Photo (jpg): Marie Marquardt Photograph by Virginie Kippelen(0.1 MB)
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