Practice Makes Perfect: A witty and warm Irish rom-com about fake dates and real sparks from Clodagh Murphy for 2026

Claire Kennedy is the anonymous voice behind a wildly popular sex blog – smart, sassy, and always up for an adventure.... Or so her fans think.

In reality, Claire is quiet, bookish, and hasn’t been on a date in over a year. But when Mark – the charming publisher she’s been flirting with online – suggests they meet in real life, the fantasy risks falling apart.

Mark is offering everything Claire’s ever wanted: an actual relationship, a hot book deal, and a foot in the door of London’s literary scene. There’s just one problem – she needs dating experience, fast.

Enter Luca: laid-back, infuriating, and annoyingly attractive. He agrees to help Claire with some very hands-on research... as long as she doesn’t get the wrong idea. He’s not boyfriend material – and this is strictly practice.

But as sparks fly and lines blur, Claire starts to wonder: Can the rough draft end up being better than the real thing?

Previously published as Some Girls Do.

Praise for Clodagh Murphy:

‘Beautifully written, funny and warm, Murphy has done it again’ Joanna Bolouri

‘A wonderful story of romance, sisterhood and community with a really strong will they/won’t they vibe’ BookMadJo

‘Once again, I loved my trip to Halfpenny Lane and I adored this book. I cannot wait for another visit’ Herding Cats

‘Sweet and funny, this second chance romance was a fun read’ Reviews in Heels

‘If you haven’t started this series yet there is still time to book your trip to the theatre – you don’t know what you are missing’ Kirsty’s Book Reviews

‘This is a lovely series and although it can be read as a standalone, reading the first in the series will add to the enjoyment’ Books, Life and Everything