The Charade (Eden Falls Academy #1) by Judy Corry {Review}

The Charade (Eden Falls Academy #1) by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 402 pages
Publication May 17, 2021

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

My math tutor has one rule: he doesn’t date the girls he tutors at our private school.

But a fake relationship that’s beneficial to us both? That’s a different story.

Our agreement helps Carter get revenge on his ex while it helps me hide the real reason why we’re spending so much time together. Win-win.

Plus, flirting with the hottest guy at school is kind of fun.

As long as the feelings stay as fake as the show we’re putting on, there shouldn’t be a problem. Right?

The Charade is a forbidden romance about the new girl and the guy who everyone sees as untouchable.

 

   

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

Eden Falls is a mystical place, especially when twins Ava and Elyse find themselves attending their senior year there at a boarding school. Lifelong secrets threaten to spill and a fake romance emerges. Told in alternating points-of-view, this story captured me and twisted my heart from start to finish, but especially when a love becomes forbidden. 

 

Corry is a talented genius when it comes to infusing the lighter parts of teen life with the heavy, angsty drama that is always lurking in the shadows. I love how she introduces real-life issues to her characters lives and allows the reader to wade through them with the protagonists, together. Her writing style is engaging, memorable, and raw, and I just can't devour her words fast enough. 

 

Though Ava and Elyse are both great characters, it's Ava's head the reader enters. She struggles with school, but works hard and has such a fun, sassy, flirty personality. We are also treated to Carter's point-of-view and he's a total contradiction. There are some themes and issues that seemed more adult than young adult in this book, but it did help me to know the characters were seniors in high school and some of them had even turned 18. I enjoyed meeting their new friends and classmates and I can't tell you how excited I am to delve into more of their lives in future books!

 

Content Warning: As I mentioned before, this story is real and raw, and while I know a lot of teens are sexually active, it's not something I'm a fan of in books. While the reader doesn't see it happen, it's talked about and implied. Otherwise, there's just kissing/making out.

Protecting the Princess by Lucinda Whitney {Review}

 Protecting the Princess by Lucinda Whitney

280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2021
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given. 

 

 

She's a princess doubting the rules of royalty. He's the bodyguard tasked with keeping her in line. Will a relationship destroy both of their goals?


Princess Emma Somerset struggles to find purpose and fulfillment in her life. With her brother and cousins all married and in their new roles, she’s the only one left at the palace. When Queen Nicolette, her aunt, asks Emma to undertake a trip to the north as a good-will ambassador, she agrees, despite her lack of experience.

Ryan Sterling is a new protection officer for the royal house of Durham. He has aspirations for a high-profile assignment, but when Princess Emma’s long-time female bodyguard is injured a week before departure, he’s called to replace her. Now he’s stuck babysitting a spoiled princess instead of proving his worth to advance his career.

After floods strand Emma and Ryan in the remote countryside during the trip, their fledgling friendship slowly turns into something more. But is a new relationship between them doomed to fail when they return to the palace?  

   

My Review: 4 Stars

I've always had a fascination with all things royal and it was fun to get a small taste of the royal life with this story. Although most of it takes place outside the palace walls and the princess is very down-to-earth, the elegance that surrounds Emma, and her awesome new bodyguard, Ryan, was delightful. 

This book reminded me of Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn. Emma is always trying to escape her protection, much to Ryan's amusement, until the day there is nowhere to escape to. That's when the fun begins with a tentative friendship and a fake relationship.

Ryan is a very uptight character and it was a joy to watch him soften through events out of his control. I loved Emma's carefree and spirited ways and I liked seeing her mellow just a bit and I especially loved her desire to be normal, to help others, and to work hard, not fearing a little dirt on her hands.

Whitney does a good job of incorporating both the fun and the real aspects of being royal and delivers a charmingly sweet romance.

Content: mild romance

A Proper Charade (Proper Scandals Book 2) by Esther Hatch {Review}

A Proper Charade (Proper Scandals Book 2) by Esther Hatch

Paperback, 224 pages

Published May 1st 2020 by Covenant Communications 

 

 

 

 

Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience's elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister's antics - but when he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone.

Taken on as household staff by her brother's former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth - and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn't helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated that she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong - even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control.

 

   

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I don't know why I waited so long to read this book, other than there are just too many books and so little time. Hatch writes a darling, unconventional story that captivated me from the very first page.

 

Patience is a stifled young lady and hatches a hair-brained plan to pose as a maid for one month in her older brother's general's home. From the moment she steps into this other world, mishaps and predicaments, along with humor and swoon, abound. 

 

I loved Patience as a character. She was so cheerfully unpredictable and optimistic, which made for a great time as she stepped into yet another charade. The layers were delightful and very entertaining. Anthony is much more serious, yet Patience managed to unraveled his uptight persona with her winsome personality. Separately they're each likable in their own rights, but together, they're wonderful.

 

Hatch does a fantastic job with this story. The romance is sweet with great sparks and banter. There are so many facets to so many of the characters and each nuance plays a part in the plan in some way. I adored everything about it and can't wait for another proper scandal!

 

Content: mild romance

Her Athlete's Wedding Secret by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

Her Athlete's Wedding Secret (A Maple Creek Brides Sweet Romance) by Cindy Ray Hale

Kindle Edition, 160 pages

Publication: January 30th 2021 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given 

Can a fake marriage save their careers? Or will their feelings turn everything real?

Small Town newspaper reporter, Tessa Randall, dreams of scoring a job with a big city newspaper. An interview with Benson Patrick, quarterback for the New York Giants, might be the opportunity she’s been looking for. When he comes home to Maple Creek for their mutual friends’ wedding, Tessa hopes it’s the perfect chance to interview him. Only Benson isn’t being as cooperative as she’d wanted, and before she knows it, he’s proposing to her. A marriage, even a fake one, might be the edge she needs to land her dream job.

New York Giants quarterback Benson Patrick has never backed down from a dare. When the police catch him doing donuts in Central Park with his beloved truck, Ol’ Bessie, he’s afraid his career is over. After being put on suspension, his coach tells him to settle down and get married or get kicked off the team. When he goes to his buddy’s wedding at his hometown, the beautiful Tessa Randall catches his eye. If he can convince her to marry him, she might be the solution to all his problems. As long as their feelings don’t get involved.

If you enjoy fake marriages, sports romance, and small town sweet romance, then you'll love this book.

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

Hale has found her stride with this Maple Creek series. The combination of small town shenanigans and quirky characters makes this series a hit. But when a fake marriage with mutual benefits between former high school classmates, a pro athlete and a newspaper reporter, and lots of swoon in a tropical location is thrown into the mix, well...it encompasses almost everything that I love about a sweet story.

Benson and Tessa aren't a match on paper per say, but they're both willing to give this fake marriage a shot to boost both of their careers, and it proves hard to hold their feelings close to their hearts. Honestly at first, Benson was kind of a selfish jerk, but when life happens, he became much more likable. Tessa is the sweetest--almost too sweet for her own good, as she's had a hard life with a mentally ill mother. Together, they are a very complementary opposites attract concoction. 

Jetting off on a romantic Caribbean honeymoon was just what I needed and watching their lives mash together was a treat. I'm already looking forward to more Maple Creek.

Content: mild romance

Kiss Me, Baby, One More Time (Maple Creek Romantic Comedy Book 2) by Cindy Ray Hale {Review}

Kiss Me, Baby, One More Time (Maple Creek Romantic Comedy Book 2) by Cindy Ray Hale

Kindle Edition, 139 pages

Published December 30th 2020 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

 

 

 

Fake dating is easy until opposites attract!

Eccentric hippie, Onyx Sharp, is the maid of honor in her best friend’s wedding. But she's not happy about having to spend so much time with the best man, Taylor. Not only does she distrust men, but being around him annoys her. The last thing she expects is for him to kiss her impulsively at a party before the wedding. And the main problem is, she wants him to kiss her one more time, but she’s not sure she can let her heart trust again.

Straight-laced surgeon Taylor Roberts is tired of being teased about being eternally single by the other groomsmen. He makes a bet that he can get the beautiful maid of honor to date him before the wedding is over. The problem is, she can’t stand him! He promises he’ll give up his booth in the Maple Creek Fall Festival to her mom’s crystal shop if she’ll pretend to date him, an offer he knows she can’t pass up.

The longer Onyx is around Taylor the more she feels drawn to him, despite being his polar opposite. Can she continue the facade of dating him when her heart gets involved?

 

  

 

My Review: 3 Stars

 

I really a good opposites attract story and Onyx and Taylor are about at the most extreme ends as possible. An impulsive kiss leads to a fake relationship that was entertaining and sweet, and I'm a sucker for a relationship of convenience.

 

I loved the premise and idea of this story, but I didn't completely emotionally connect, and I think it's because I wanted it to be longer and more developed. That aside, there were some funny (albeit embarrassing) moments and some glimpses of swoon that left me wanting more.

 

I do enjoy the Maple Creek setting and it was fun to get a sight of familiar characters in this charming small town.

 

Content: mild romance; some potty-related humor 

Basketballs and Mistletoe by Julie L. Spencer {Review}

Basketballs and Mistletoe by Julie L. Spencer

Kindle Edition, 83 pages

Published November 17th 2019 

Source: Kindle Freebie

 

    

 

Too many basketballs and not enough kissing.

All Matt Bailey wants is to focus on his position as starting point guard for the varsity basketball team. When an epic kiss and a social media scandal forces him into the arms of the beautiful and spunky Trina Wynter, he finds himself in a fake relationship with a girl just crazy enough to think she can take on the world.

When Trina gets cut from the girls’ basketball team, she thinks her senior year is wasted, until a closetful of basketballs and two hundred sprigs of mistletoe bring every athlete in Grand Haven High School together for a good cause, and a great excuse for more kissing.

My Review: 3.5 Stars

I love basketball and basketball players, and what better to have them star in a holiday romance? Matt and Trina both have something in common with their dreams for senior year, but sometimes that's all dreams are--dreams. I loved the way Trina was able to think outside herself and turn her dream into a community-wide service opportunity.

I also love fake relationships, especially when they develop because of a spark of attraction and a misunderstanding situation, just as this one did. I loved the way this one played out, even in such a short amount of pages.

I did have a few mixed feelings. The story and characters were a little juvenile at times, but I can excuse that because it's YA, so of course they're true to the age. But there was a major issue thrown into the mix and although it was hinted at once or twice, I didn't feel that the full complication fit into a story so short.

Overall, this was a fun escape and these YA Christmas books are great because they always seem to take me back to a fun and memorable time in my life.

Content: mild romance

The Candy Cane Kiss by Maggie Dallen {Review}

The Candy Cane Kiss by Maggie Dallen

Kindle Edition, 180 pages

Published November 1st 2018 

 

   

 

Fake kisses shouldn't taste so sweet.

When the new star quarterback at Briarwood High winds up in the hospital over Christmas break, he's sure that's as bad as it can get. 

He's wrong. His day is about to get so much worse. First he's stuck with that irritating new girl from school who's currenly dressed as a holly jolly Christmas elf as she volunteers on his floor. Then his ex shows up and asks his permission to bring her new boyfriend to his family's Christmas party, and then...well, then he makes it all a million times worse by kissing the closest girl at hand, who just happens to be that weirdo candy striper with a penchant for Grandma cardigans and candy-cane striped tights. She also happens to be the only girl at Briarwood who doesn't like him. He couldn't have chosen a worse fake girlfriend if he'd tried. So the question is...if this relationship is all wrong, why does it feel so right?

Lola is a self-proclaimed freak and a military brat just waiting to graduate so she can take the first bus out of Briarwood. She's also more than a little obsessed with all things retro. Including swing dancing. The only problem? Swing dancing requires a partner. Where on earth is she supposed to find a willing dance partner in the sea of conformist mediocrity that is her new high school? Fortunately for her, the arrogant jerk in the hospital bed needs her more than she needs him if he stands any chance of winning back his ex. So yeah, she'll help him. For a price. But the closer they get, the more she hates the idea of handing him over to his perfect ex, and the more she has to wonder. Will she be the one paying the price...with a broken heart?

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I'm all about characters who are unique and can be true to themselves and that's just how Lola is. She's quirky and has a style all her own (hello, retro?), but this girl has a heart of gold and doesn't seem to care about things that other teens do. What a breath of fresh air! A funny first meet with her complete and total opposite, a jerk, I mean jock, from her school opens the door for all sorts of hilarious trouble. Lucas needs Lola, and Lola needs Lucas...for different reasons, but a fake relationship with each other is exactly what results. 

I'm way past my teen years, but my inner teen loved this story and the way it played out. There were so many instances when things weren't as they seemed and I loved watching these young characters overcome prejudices to accept what is real and different.

This Christmas story is randomly sprinkled with angsty complications, but the overall feeling is sweet and simple. This is just the type of feel-good story that will appeal to teen readers, or the young at heart.

Content: moderate language (one or two more crass words, but mostly a lot of one mild word), mild romance

Christmas at Holly Berry Cottage by Jennifer Griffith {Review}

Christmas at Holly Berry Cottage (Sugar Plum Falls Romance #1) by Jennifer Griffith

Kindle Edition, 170 pages

Published November 17th 2020 by Stewart Plaid 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

 

A dreaded holiday wedding, Christmas duets, and dating the off-limits crush.

Chelsea Sutherland is a wreck this Christmas. Not only is she reeling from the world’s cruelest breakup, now her ex-boyfriend is marrying her meanest cousin. At Chelsea’s childhood home. And there’s no way Chelsea can skip it. No matter how deep she buries herself into the number-crunching at work, this wedding will not go away.

Wyatt North has been handed a career-making opportunity. If he gets it right, he’ll be able to steer his banking firm toward its roots of helping the local community again. If not, he’s a blot on the family name—which he already jeopardizes by spending all his time with the Sutherland family, singing with Chelsea and her brother in Christmas Tree-O.

When Wyatt learns of Chelsea’s dreaded wedding problem, the solution is clear—take Wyatt as her significant other. Since the trio has become a duet, long-suppressed feelings between them are heating up. But a romance could endanger the friendship and their singing group’s dynamic—not to mention risk both families’ disapproval.

 

  

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Griffith never fails to deliver a charmingly sweet romantic comedy that's heavy on the swoon and considerably funny. Add to that, a delightful story of a brother's best friend turned fake fiance during the Christmas season, and it's tastier than a decadent holiday treat.

Chelsea and Wyatt are part of a singing group, along with Chelsea's brother, and a tricky family wedding situation lands them smack in the middle of an unlikely, yet believable, fake relationship. As that's one of my favorite tropes, I was in heaven! I adored how playboy Wyatt and math-whiz Chelsea interacted. Their scrabbles games, flirting, and spot-on duets were worthy of a Hallmark movie. 

 

The setting of this new series is adorable. With a tight-knit family and all things Christmas, the small town allure made me want to pack up my bags and move. 

 

Content: mild romance (cheating, kissing)

One Fake Fiance by Jennifer Youngblood {Review}

One Fake Fiance (Romeo Family Romance #) by Jennifer Youngblood

Kindle Edition

Published November 2nd 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

He dreams of owning a ranch. She needs a fiancé pronto. Can the cowboy and the debutante find common ground? Or will their shot at happily-ever-after get stomped to smithereens before it even has a chance to begin?

Lucas Romeo has no time for love. He’s been down that road before, and it didn’t end well. When his sister Lexi fixes him up on a blind date with her friend Magnolia, things take a disastrous turn. Lucas has no intention of ever going out with Magnolia again—not if she were the last woman on earth. Forget that she’s stunningly beautiful. She’s also spoiled and entitled, the kind of woman who wouldn’t last a day on a ranch.

Then, Magnolia makes Lucas a deal he can’t refuse …

 

   

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I love the Romeo family and briefly met Magnolia in the last book, One Singing Bachelorette. Lucas is a grumpy, stubborn cowboy and when his sister matches him up with her friend, Magnolia, fireworks immediately explode--but not in the way one would expect. This explosive connection was fiery and entertaining, especially because it jump starts a delightful tale that captivated me.

 

I love the way Youngblood writes these characters. Their dynamic personalities light up the pages and all though there are some prickly and crusty exteriors, hearts of gold are beneath the surfaces--and that goes for both of them.

 

This enemies-to-love match was intriguing, especially with their secret background and the interesting reason for them coming together. With Christmas magic, a rigid grandfather, an eccentric and colorful woman, an ex-boyfriend...and don't forget a snowstorm...my heart was taken on a remarkable journey and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Content: mild romance

Friend Zone to End Zone by Judy Corry {Review}

Friend Zone to End Zone by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 226 pages

Published November 3rd 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

Cole
I don't suck at dating.
I suck at getting over the girl who friend-zoned me back in college.
But I have a plan: Let her set me up. Bomb the dates.
Then she can be my dating coach and I can finally prove I'm the one for her and not that jerk boyfriend she's always crying on my shoulder about.

Arianna
I've had the same boyfriend for three years, which practically makes me a relationship expert.
So when my famous best friend asks for my help, I know turning him into boyfriend material will be a piece of cake.
I'll tell him to get a haircut, maybe open a few doors here and there and the guy will be golden.
I mean, with all those muscles and jaw-dropping good looks, it really should be no problem.
There's just one thing I didn't expect: To want him for myself.

 

   

My Review: 5 Stars

 

The friendship that Cole and Arianna shares is golden, but not without its complications. Arianna has a boyfriend and Cole has a secret thing for his best friend. I'm not opposed to a love triangle with a dash of a fake relationship, and maybe that's because that may or may not have been how my husband and I got together years ago. 😬

 

Corry does a fantastic job of writing likable characters and believable relationships. No emotion is spared and I was swept away in this romantic drama. Cole is an amazing friend and support to Arianna, and I'll never look at pineapple quite the same way. Arianna is slightly naive, which leads to some major eye-opening experiences in both her private and public life, as she is a social media influencer.

 

The romance is like a wave--subtle and sneaky at first, but then knocked me off my feet, leaving me breathless. Corry writes in a way that skirts the line, flirting with some innuendo, but stays sweet and swoony. I adore this author and can't wait for more!

 

Content: mild+ romance (mild innuendo, kissing/making out, teen rebellion)

Only Her Amnesiac Fake Fiance (Mystical Lake Resort #6) by Cami Checketts {Review}

  

Only Her Amnesiac Fake Fiance (Mystical Lake Resort #6) by Cami Checketts

Kindle Edition, 164 pages

Published October 2020 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

 

   

 

A famous actor with amnesia; his feisty executive assistant who will protect him at all costs.

Bennett Pike has loved one woman his entire life. Unfortunately she’s his agent, manager, and best friend who pushes him to date and pose with a different woman each night.

Sariah Bohme has been blackmailed since she was eighteen. If she keeps paying her stepdad each month and proves that she’s not in love with Bennett she can keep him safe.

When Bennett gets knocked out with a tire iron and wakes up with amnesia will it be their chance to finally fall in love or will the monster waiting in the shadows destroy them both?

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I love a good love story that packs a punch. Bennett and Sariah have an undeniable chemistry that exudes swoon, but there are secrets that keep them as best friends. I loved the relationship, both working and personal, that they shared. But...Checketts never disappoints in adding an element of danger and suspense that kept me riveted to this adorable story.

 

I can't imagine having amnesia and Bennett handles his case well, acting as charming and flirtatious as ever, which made their fake engagement seem real. That whole announcement scene was so cute, but when the perilous situation escalated, I was on the edge of my seat.   

 

I love the formula in this story, with great characters, a beautiful setting, plenty of swoon, and a snippet of conflict and danger, but I wanted a more. I guess I wanted a little more development because I wasn't ready for it to end yet. This is the perfect morsel for an afternoon of reading.

 

Content: mild romance; mild elements of danger/violence/suspense 

The Billionaire's (Not So) Fake Engagement by Kimberly Krey {Review}

 

The Billionaire's (Not So) Fake Engagement (Benton Brothers #5) by Kimberly Krey

Kindle Edition

Publication: October 15th 2020

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

   

One little nod.

Just one simple nod under pressure and Burke found himself fake-engaged to a gorgeous country girl who needed a lift.

She cries about cats dying that aren't even hers.
She turns old furniture into beautiful pieces of art.
And she tells her aging grandpa that she's engaged so he'll stop hooking her up with odd guys who come through town.

The crazy thing is, Burke might actually be falling in love with her. 

My Review: 5 Stars

The cap on the Benton Brothers series has been placed and it's perfection! Burke is the half brother of the famous family and their acceptance of him is heartening, but what really grasped my heart was unique Justine and the way she lives in the moment and seizes the day, which was apparent from their very first encounter. This meet-cute had me laughing out loud, and things only got better from there. 

This fake engagement story set in a small town settled right into my heart--I laughed, I swooned, and even teared up. Both of these characters just want to find their place in life, and to love and be loved. Although their relationship was build on lies, omissions, and half-truths, the intent was pure and I couldn't get enough of the humor and swoon as this sweet story developed.

Ms. Krey does a great job of finalizing this series, tying it all together, while allowing this installment to stand alone. I love her ability to write a romance that's "clean without losing the steam" as these are my favorite kinds of love stories. I loved everything about this one!

Content: mild romance

It Was Always You (Ridgewater High #3) by Judy Corry {Review}

 It Was Always You (Ridgewater High #3) by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 292 pages

Published July 6th 2018 

Source: Audiobook

 

What’s the first rule when pretending to date your brother’s best friend? Don’t let feelings get involved.

Sixteen-year-old Lexi Stevens has never been kissed—never even been asked on a date. So when she humiliates herself in front of her crush and her brother’s best friend offers to be her fake boyfriend for the week to make her crush jealous, she doesn’t know if it’s the stupidest idea ever, or a dream come true.

When Noah Taylor’s abusive stepdad kicks him out of the house, the last thing he needs is for anyone at school to find out—not even his best friend. But when his new “girlfriend” discovers he’s homeless and lets him sleep in her closet, he starts to wonder if he’s found someone he can confide in after all.

Soon Noah and Lexi are putting on a big show in front of the whole school while sneaking around behind her overprotective father’s back. It isn’t long before feelings develop, and it becomes harder and harder to discern between what’s fake and what’s real.

     

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

This series has surprised me. I haven't read it in order and believe each installment can stand alone, yet there is a depth to the characters that can't be understood without delving into each story. Noah was a big, fat jerk in Book 1, but realizing his situation redeemed him. Why the surprise? I feel like most high school teen romances are fluffy and superficially deal with drama and angst, but this series digs deep into sensitive modern-day issues, and because of that, an unexpected depth is delivered.

 

Noah and Lexi began with a mutually beneficial fake relationship, but things quickly take unforeseen twists and turns that convey all the feels. Abuse is one of the hard issues addressed and it was hard to read about that as a parent, yet was written about in a realistic and tactful way.

 

This opposites attract, brother's best friend, fake romance, young adult romance stuck with me for awhile. The romance is a little heavier than I prefer for a teen romance, but it's reality and in all honesty, kind of swoony. Corry does a great job of playing on the reader's emotions in this series. While each story is super cute, they're real, raw, and believable.

Content: abuse (not graphic); mild-moderate romance (talk of sex and waiting, some innuendo, steamy clean kissing, implied teen relations)

My Wedding Date by Susan Hatler {Review}

My Wedding Date by Susan Hatler

Kindle Edition, 82 pages

Published March 28th 2017 by Hatco Publishing 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

    

** A new spin-off from the USA Today Bestselling Better Date than Never series!! **

Erica Conner is a carefree yoga instructor who is fine going solo to her friend’s wedding until her uptight ex’s mother tells her he’ll be attending with his new fiancée. When she pities Erica for not having a plus-one, the criticism triggers Erica to pretend her wedding date is the new guy from yoga class who has been very friendly toward her lately.

Josh Taylor overhears Erica claiming he’s her wedding date and decides to play along. While he impresses her nemesis by revealing he’s a successful corporate guy, Erica’s excitement about him sinks since her ex is a workaholic who never prioritized her. As Erica debates asking Josh out for real, he requests a shocking favor in exchange for being her wedding date: that she help him win back his ex-girlfriend.
 

Erica is disappointed but agrees to the deal. As she plays Josh’s girlfriend in front of his ex to make him seem like marriage material, she discovers he’s ambitious, but also caring and supportive. While on their fake dates, she’s laughing and having fun and finally comfortable being herself around a guy for the first time ever.

As their faux relationship grows, Erica loses her heart to Josh. And when he spontaneously kisses her she doesn’t know if it’s for show or for real. If Erica risks her heart and reveals her feelings to Josh, will he turn her down? Or will he be her wedding date for real, and maybe the love of her life?

My Review: 5 Stars

Susan Hatler never fails to bring a fantastic romantic comedy straight to my fingertips. A fake relationship is one of my favorite tropes right now and when Josh overhears Erica tell her ex's mother that he's her wedding date, the games begin...and they sure are entertaining and hilarious!

The characters and chemistry are all on point, leading to some funny and awkward moments, as well as some flirty banter and electrifying kisses. I especially loved Erica's grandma and Buddy, and the roles they play in magnifying this fake romance. I also loved catching a few glimpses of previous book characters at the wedding. This is a perfect afternoon reading escape!


Content: mild romance

Moonlighting with the British Rock Star (A Georgia Moon Novel) by Cindy Roland Anderson {Review}

Moonlighting with the British Rock Star (A Georgia Moon Romance Book 4) by Cindy Roland Anderson

Kindle Edition, 262 pages

Published March 11th 2020 by Amazon.com Services LLC 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

        

She needs a temporary fiancé.

He needs a new image.

Nobody was supposed to fall in love.

Trying to get out of her evil stepsister’s engagement party, Josie claims to be secretly engaged and can’t make it home. But when the engagement party turns into a wedding, Josie only has a few days to find a fiancé or admit she was lying. Things get more complicated when her wealthy employer tries helping and brings home a temporary fiancé for Josie to take to the wedding.

There’s only one problem...

He’s Colin Wilde.

The British rock star with a bad rep looking to change his ways.

My Review: 5 Stars

Ms Anderson is the queen of meet cutes and this one didn't disappoint! Josie is like a modern-day Cinderella and when her boss (and fairy godmother) steps in and finds her a fiance to fulfill her claims of having one, her life suddenly gets very, very interesting.

Colin and Josie are super cute together and I love how they're in an arrangement that benefits them both and how they work hard to help the other one first. Colin is a rock star with a past, but just like any normal bloke, people can change and cast aside their old ways. This author does a great job of showing his demons and the battle they give him, allowing him to be human. Josie has her own issues and this engagement feeds her soul the strength she needs to blossom into her true self.

As with the other Georgia Moon Romances, the swoon abounds and the sparks fly liberally. I couldn't get enough of the luscious kisses between these relatable and likable characters. This book was a true delight to escape into and I'm completely satisfied, especially with that perfect ending. And PS--I need Rescued to be a real song, like ASAP.

Content: mild+ romance (kissing, some innuendo)

Roman & Jules: A standalone Fake Marriage Clean Romance by Stephanie Fowers {Review}

Roman & Jules by Stephanie Fowers

Kindle Edition

Published January 13th 2020 by Triad Media and Entertainment 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

When Jules meets Roman Verona at an exclusive Vegas party, she doesn’t suspect the bad blood that runs so deep between Roman and her boyfriend, Ty, until the two men have it out in front of her. Even worse, Jules finds out that Ty has never loved her. She storms away, only to have her ex’s sworn enemy offer her a ride into town... as well as a shocking proposal.

A nice girl wouldn’t even consider making her ex jealous with a sham marriage, so why does she chance it with Roman?

Acting the role of devoted husband, Roman soon becomes fascinated with more than Jules’s sweet smile and poetic soul. As her band’s fame grows in Vegas so do his feelings for her and what started out as revenge against his miserable cousin turns into something deeper.

But bad boys don’t settle down. So why does Roman risk everything to win Jules’ heart?

All bets are off in this modern and sleek tale of star-crossed love!  

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Although Vegas is known for its wedding chapels on every corner, I'll never look at it in the same way again. When two cousins, Roman and Ty, battle it out at a family party, Jules finds herself leaving with the cousin she hasn't been dating for a year...and marrying him in the spur of the moment. 

I'm a fan of these ingenious fake marriage stories and this one stole my heart, mainly because it's written in a very fresh, almost rebellious, yet humorous way, with fantastic characters. Roman is the bad boy of the family and of Vegas and his quick wit and unruly charm, along with his giant, adorable puppy, quickly caught my attention. Add to that a secret talent that you wouldn't expect from a Harley riding, leather wearing rebel, and I was nearly swept clean off my feet--right along with Jules.

I love music and every time a song is written into a story, I'm dying to hear it. Jules is a singer/songwriter from the South and wrote a song for Roman on the spot. Swoon! I absolutely adored their complementary relationship and banter and eagerly awaited for their interactions.

Of course, no true love is complete without complications and I loved how those were tackled. So entertaining, with the sweetness arising to the top like cream. This story pure modern, flirty fun!

Content: mild+ romance (swoony kissing, implied cheating)

Her Snow Valley Fake New Year's Eve Boyfriend by Taylor Hart {Review}

Her Snow Valley Fake New Year's Eve Boyfriend by Taylor Hart

Kindle Edition, 137 pages

Published December 30th 2019 by ArchStone Ink 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

    

A man who's unlovable. A woman who needs a fake boyfriend. Will they find true love over a dance?

  Jax Casey, hot shot Navy SEAL, only cared about his team and his job—saving lives. After growing up being a military brat himself, it hasn’t been hard to keep all relationships on a commitment free basis. With two weeks off, he plans to go to a beach with his buddies, until he discovers his grandpa has had a heart attack and needs his help.

Tia Snow has always wanted to be a famous singer, until bad mojo from her ex boyfriend ruins everything. Now she’s focused on being a writer and helping her aunt and uncle out in the flower shop while they are away on vacation. When said ex boyfriend shows up at the store and insists he wants to get back together, she does the only thing she can think of—tell her ex that the gorgeous hunk who came in to the store to buy flowers is actually her date for the dance and her boyfriend. Good thing the gorgeous hunk agrees, too bad he demands dinner and a kiss every night in exchange.

When complications arise they have to make a choice—trust in fate or walk away from the only real thing they’ve ever had.

My Review: 4 Stars

It's always a great day when I can escape to Snow Valley! In fact, I went to Montana last summer and was on the lookout for a sign pointing me to this beloved small town. I never found it, but I was so excited to immerse myself into this setting for a time.

Jax and Tia have a few things in common, besides only have 3 letters in their names. They both have crazy exes and roots tying them to Snow Valley. They also have lost loved ones and have endured shattered dreams. I love how Jax's military training, and attraction to a certain flower girl, kicks in when her ex harasses her and they somehow end up being in a relationship. It's fake, but still.

The events leading up to a big New Years dance were so great, especially Jax's stipulations. I loved watching this couple get to know each other and they way they were able to open up. This read was a great way to bring in the new year.

Snow Valley...I'll be back for you!


Content: mild romance; mild religion; very mild war descriptions