Tag: books

Florence Fairfax works at a little bookshop in the heart of London. She has been single for the longest time and she’s perfectly happy about that. However, when she is forced to attend sessions with an eccentric love coach her life changes forever. Florence’s love coach forces her to write a list of everything she is looking for in her dream perfect man. Florence doesn’t take her dream man list seriously but lists a variety of unachievable qualities. However, a few days after she has wrote her list, a man who ticks every single box on her list goes into the bookshop and wants to go on a date with Florence. Is your dream Mr Perfect really everything you want in life or has Florence just been looking for all the wrong things?

This book had such potential for me from the blurb. I wanted so badly to love it but I just didn’t. My biggest issues was the characters. Florence was decent enough to read about but to be honest I found her somewhat irritating at times so I couldn’t fully warm to her. It was Florence’s dream man Rory that I found an effort to read about. I didn’t like him even slightly and I so badly wish that he didn’t feature so heavily in the novel. Even at the beginning when he was sweeping Florence of her feet – I didn’t find it romantic in the slightest. From the word go I sensed a motive and I was always keeping him at arms length and didn’t trust him so whenever he was in the story I just wanted to skip ahead. I found him somewhat arrogant, insulting towards her friends and basically abit of an idiot. Alternatively I wanted to step into the book and tell Florence what a twonk I thought Rory was so she could leave him. Despite my dislike of the main characters, I believe this novel could’ve been saved if Florence’s colleagues or even friends were a bigger part of the story as the little we saw of them I found really enhanced the book.

The storyline however was something I was totally on board with. I liked the idea that Florence reluctantly went to see a love coach and then somehow a man that matched every crazy thing she wrote on the list turned up to whisk her off her feet. That storyline is something that I really love but I’m so sad that my hatred of Rory was enough for me to just completely dislike the entire novel. I found Rory highly dislikeable from the word go and I feel that if he swept Florence off her feet and was just a half decent human being for half of the novel I really would’ve enjoyed this book much more as I had zero issues with the plot.

I’m so sad that I didn’t enjoy this book so much as I felt that it had such potential. I feel like if you can warm to Rory then you will like this book but sadly for me, I just wasn’t a fan. I did however like the way the author writes so I would definitely be on the look out for future books by her.

Synopsis –

Florence Fairfax isn’t lonely. She loves her job at the little bookshop in Chelsea and her beloved cat Marmalade keeps her company at night. She might have been single for quite a while – well, forever actually, if anyone’s asking – but she’s perfectly happy, thank you. And then Florence meets eccentric love coach Gwendolyn, and everything changes.

When Gwendolyn makes Florence write a wish list describing her perfect man, Florence refuses to take it seriously. Finding someone who likes cats, has the sexual athleticism of James Bond and can overlook her ‘counting’ habit? Impossible! Until, later that week, a handsome blond man asks for help in the bookshop…

Rory seems to fit the list perfectly. But is he ‘the one’, or simply too good to be true? Florence is about to find out that her criteria for Mr Right aren’t as important as she thought – and that perhaps she’s been looking for love in all the wrong places…

 

Zac Edwards is a Hollywood film star and makes every woman swoon around him except for the woman whose assigned to be his bodyguard, Kat Parker. One minute Kat can be around him joking around as his friend but the second she steps out in public with him she’s in bodyguard mode. Kat knows that she can’t cross the line to anything more than a friendly working relationship whilst she’s Zac’s bodyguard but that doesn’t stop the pair from wanting more.

Overall I liked this book. I thought it was a nice plot and the characters were good, however part of the plot was a little forced for my liking. I found that the storyline almost did a complete 360 halfway through when the real danger hits. Yes, I understand that Kat’s a bodyguard and it’s her job to be on the lookout for people out to hurt Zac but I felt that the story went too far. I personally would’ve been happy if the crazed storyline was fleshed out more, it was completely believable. I felt like what actually happened crosses the line just too much for me.

I really liked both Zac and Kat. Both were interesting characters and I felt like dual perspective storytelling really worked in this book so you could get an insight into their lives that was more than the tough security guard and Hollywood heartthrob. However I didn’t really get that much spark between them and although and I liked them as friends it didn’t bother me if they got together in the end or not.

I’ve read other books by Kathryn Freeman before and I do enjoy the way in which the author writes. I think she’s got a real talent for writing humorous stories whilst still maintaining a serious storyline that you can become invested in. She writes fantastic characters and although I didn’t even the storyline as much as other books that I’ve read, I did really like the characters.

I liked this book and although I don’t think its the authors best novel, I did enjoy reading it. I didn’t perhaps gel with the characters as much as I thought that I would and the storyline wasn’t exactly to my liking but overall it was a fun, quick read.

Synopsis – 

Sizzling chemistry, a page-turning will they/won’t they romance and the hottest twist on one of your favourite movies…

British actor Zac Edwards is the latest heartthrob to hit the red carpets. Hot, talented and rich, he sends women wild…all except one.

Close protection officer Kat Parker hasn’t got time to play celebrity games. She has one job: to protect Zac from the stalker that seems to be dogging his every move.

Zac might get her hot under her very starched collar, but Kat’s a professional – and sleeping with Zac is no way part of her remit…

Sophia Jones is the queen of online dating. She’s a member of so many dating sites she has her about me template ready to go for when she joins up to a new site. Sophia has bad date after bad date and has decided to give up on dating. That is until her flatmate Kate, convinces her to give it one last try on a new dating site but this time Sophia isn’t following her usual about me application. Sophia’s profile describes her dream perfect man, must look like Robert Pattinson, own a multi million pound business…by some kind a miracle a man turns up who ticks every one of Sophia’s boxes. Can Sophia’s dream man really be Mr Right or will she discover the catch?

I really loved the idea of this book. The storyline on paper is something that I would absolutely love however I just found the book ok. The book itself started off fantastically, I loved the dynamics between Sophia and Kate in particular and it was writing in a funny way which I loved. The story starts off with Sophia’s dating disasters and then follows her on her dates with her perfect man and sadly for me its her perfect man, Daniel who lets this story down. I think the pressure to find the perfect match is something that is increasingly apparent in todays society so the story is very relatable plus I’m sure most people can relate on the dating disasters from a dating app too.

Personally, I loved Sophia. She is completely normal and I love how she interacts with her friends, including befriending an older lady who lives nearby. One of my favourite parts of the novel is her describing her perfect man as although I’ve never used a dating site, I feel like a lot of people have this check list and would secretly love to write it in their criteria. Daniel who fits every single description of the person man lets the story down in my opinion as bizarrely I found him far from perfect from the word go. I found him a little controlling for example, when Sophia wants a cheap outfit for work he insists otherwise and that he always wants to do want he wants to do. Normally I love the kind of relationship where the girl is swept off her feet with big romantic gestures but I didn’t like Daniel’s personally at all.

I loved how the author writes and its perfect for this genre of books. However, I just wished I could shorten the length of time Daniel was in the book and I think would’ve loved this book. Sadly, I just found it ok and not as good as I was expecting however, I would definitely check out other books by Zoe Maty in the future as I did like the writing style but the story just wasn’t for me this time.

Synopsis –

Can you ever find true love online?

Sophia Jones is an expert in all things online dating: the best sites, how to write a decent bio, which questions to ask and the right type of photos to use. The only thing she’s not so great at? Picking the guys…

After sitting through yet another dreadful date with a man who isn’t quite what she expected, Sophia is just about ready to give up on the whole dating scene. But her flatmate, Kate, persuades her to give it one more chance, only this time she must create a profile describing her ‘perfect’ man.

Yes, he must look like Robert Pattinson and needs to own a multi-million pound business, but there are a couple of other deal breakers, too! So, when a guy comes along who ticks every box, surely there’s got to be a catch?

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Catherine Bennetto and Rosie Blake!

University is everything for Phoebe. Its the fresh start she wants and she plans on making it the best experience possible, even more so when the only person she is going to know at her university is her school crush Luke. The book throws you into the world of university life – will Phoebe and Luke survive the year?

This is a book that I’ve had on my to read pile for such a long time now and lockdown means that I can actually sit down and guilt free read so I’ve finally read Freshers! I’ve been to university so I was excited to read a young adult novel set in this environment. I don’t know what I was expecting from this book but I’m so sad that I didn’t like this book as much as I thought I would. Yes, I read it and enjoyed it but I just didn’t love it.

For me I just didn’t like the story. Luke’s wanting to be accepted and going along with some truly awful things made my skin crawl when reading. It wasn’t just Luke, 90% of the men in this book are truly horrible. I completely understand that he’s just started at university and wanted to make friends but it still didn’t sit well with me. Reading about the kind of things that happen in this book would’ve completely put me off going to university!

Although I didn’t particularly gel with either Luke or Phoebe, I at least saw character growth in Phoebe. She learns not to judge a book by its cover in the form of a classmate and I truly admired her confidently making a decision towards the end of the book. However, I just didn’t care about her enough. Luke on the other hand, I felt zero growth. He was dwelling on the past, desperately wanted to fit in, used people and to be honest I don’t think he felt too much remorse over his actions. He was a tool from the word go and I wished Phoebe could’ve seen past her school crush.

On the other hand some of the book captures some parts of life as a university fresher well and I enjoyed the descriptions and that characters constant putting the kettle on when someone comes around. I liked that the book was set in York, a city I have frequently visited so I could completely picture the story in a real life setting. I did find some parts quite funny and I did like the way in which the book was wrote but personally the story / characters just weren’t for me.

If you want to read a book about a university fresher’s life then give this book a go. I know so many people who love this book so its definitely worth a go but sadly I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I expected to.

Synopsis – 

Uni beckons. Phoebe can’t wait to be a fresher – especially since her crush from school will be there too. She’ll be totally different at Uni; cooler, prettier, smarter…the perfect potential girlfriend. She’ll reinvent herself completely. But Luke’s oblivious, still reeling from the fallout of the break-up with her ex. Thrown head first into a world of new friends, parties and social media disasters – can Phoebe and Luke survive the year, let alone find each other?

 

Eve is the first girl to be born in fifty years. For the last sixteen years Eve was kept as a prisoner, her life being watched by the world as being the only female born for so many years makes her special. Eve has spent her entire life being told what to do and her life has been mapped out for her since before she was born but now she’s taking her life back and changing her fate as she escapes from her prison. Life on the outside isn’t as rosy as she imagined and Eve discovers that she is in more danger than she can imagine.

I have been waiting for this book since the second I finished book one in the series, Eve Of Man. I had such high expectations for this book and boy was I not disappointed. This book was everything I expected from the second book in the series. From the second it landed at my house in the post I excitedly started reading it and its been such a long time that I sat down and read a book in one go because I just couldn’t put it down. I feel like that sums up just how good this book is.

The story picks off exactly where Eve Of Man ended so I feel like in this case you’d be much better off reading book one before The Eve Illusion, it has too much of a back story that’s important to know and the more you know adds to your enjoyment of the story. This book was the perfect addition to the story, Eve has escaped and you follow her dilemmas about her next step in her life. Eve may have escaped but she doesn’t feel overly happen with the new situation that she’s in, its interesting to see read her thought processes as well as those around her who have lived years thinking Eve is a saviour.

The story is told from three points of view, Eve, Bram and Michael. I’m normally not a real fan of book told from multiple perspectives, I find I’m usually not invested enough in one of the perspectives to care when it switches. However, not once during read this book did I long for the perspective to switch back to another character’s. I was equally invested in each person’s story so when the chapter switches came I actually loved it in this book. Each of the different points of view adds something to the story and I felt like its one of the few stories which really benefitted from being told like this.

If you loved Eve Of Man you will absolutely love The Eve Illusion. The 2nd book in the series did not disappoint in the series, the only problem is the ending!! I read the last chapter in shock wishing that the book hadn’t ended! I really love this series of books so all that’s left now is to patiently wait for the final book in the series…

Synopsis –

Eve is the last girl on earth.

For the last sixteen years, Eve has been a prisoner. Guarded by the Mothers. Trapped by her fate. Watched by the world.

Until she took her chance, and escaped.

Eve finally has the freedom she has wanted for so long, and with Bram she has the love. But both come at a price. In this dangerous new world beyond the Tower, the regime are only ever one step behind. And together with the desperate rebel group fighting against them, Eve has found herself in more danger than she ever could have imagined.

With everything stacked against them, can Eve and Bram survive?

Merry has always felt somewhat of an outsider, she’s different to her family and friends because she’s a witch and she can’t tell anyone, top that off with the fact that she choses not to practice magic and her family is constantly feuding. Then fate plays a hand which leads her to meet Jack who she instantly falls for. The only problem? He’s centuries years old and has been bound by a curse. Can Merry break the curse and live happily ever after?

This was a book that I whim bought in one of my big Kindle book shopping sprees. I have mixed opinions on this book if I’m honest. On the one hand I actually found it quite an enjoyable read, it was a real world setting with fantasy elements effortlessly woven in and I loved that. However, the book was advertised as more of a fantasy romance novel and I personally didn’t feel like this much had much of a romance at all.

The relationship portrayed between Jack and Merry was an insta-love kind of romance. They had no reason to fall for each other as quickly as they did but the relationship never really progressed pass them talking about what he can remember in the years since he was curse, the odd kiss and Merry dreaming about him. I love a good romance in a novel but for me this book really didn’t need it and would’ve worked just as well without it.

Merry is a young character so she does make mistakes throughout the book. At times maybe she comes across slightly annoying but overall I liked following her story. She’s clearly struggling to accept that she’s a witch and I personally enjoyed the chapters where she is trying to learn magic, I felt it was good to have a lead character who doesn’t alway success the first or even second time. It made her more real. Her brother Leo, is a delight to read about. He puts his family as a priority and will drop anything to help, I would like to read more books set in this story’s world but based around Leo – he’s the real saviour for this book. Jack I didn’t really have an opinion on, he’s a character that I loved reading his backstory but present day him didn’t have the same love. To be fair though he had just woken up from a centuries old curse so it’s wonder his character is like he is!

The storyline itself was fairly minimal. Many chapters were spent with Merry just hanging around waiting for something to happen. I actually didn’t mind that as it meant you got more of a backstory from Jack. Normally I find things that have a somewhat repetitive story line quite an effort to read but this absolutely wasn’t the case with The Witch’s Kiss, it just seemed to work well in this book. The story also has somewhat of a Sleeping Beauty plot line and you could definitely see elements of that throughout but at the same time the story felt unique to a fairytale story. I did enjoy how the history was woven into this story and the flashbacks of how Jack became the person he is today.

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and I really did enjoy reading it. Yes, I felt some things could’ve been improved but if you’re looking for a young adult fantasy novel that’s set in this world then I would 100% recommend this book.

Synopsis –

Sixteen year-old Meredith is fed-up with her feuding family and feeling invisible at school – not to mention the witch magic that shoots out of her fingernails when she’s stressed. Then sweet, sensitive Jack comes into her life and she falls for him hard. The only problem is that he is periodically possessed by a destructive centuries-old curse. Meredith has lost her heart, but will she also lose her life? Or in true fairytale tradition, can true love’s kiss save the day?

After a bad breakup, Tiffy needs a place to live asap and Leon desperately needs extra money. So when Leon advertises a flat share where he lives there during the day (as he works nightshifts) and his flatmate lives in it at night and weekend, Tiffy jumps at the chance even if that does mean they’re sharing the same bed just never together. The whole thing goes through Leon’s girlfriend so with the arrangement the pair never meet.

I absolutely loved the idea of the book. Two people living in the same house but they never meet and communicate through post it notes etc – it sounds such a great idea! Plus by living together both Tiffy and Leon get a real glimpse into their personal lives through their belongings. It’s so strange that they both end up knowing a lot about the other but it took them so long to actually meet in person. I was so excited to read this book as I’ve heard so many good reviews about it, but sadly I just didn’t like it.

My biggest issue was the I just didn’t care about the characters. At no point during the book did I care about what happened to either of them, Tiffy in particularly I found difficult to read about and at times found her borderline annoying. Leon was hardworking and was clearly a caring guy yet I just didn’t gel with him. I felt that both of their lives revolved around other people too much which is fine but I wanted to read about Leon and Tiffy not about ex boyfriends and brothers. I felt at times that I knew more about Leon’s brother than Leon himself which is an odd thing when Leon is the main character.

As much as I didn’t even this book, I do still really like the story idea. I absolutely could see this book working as a film one day. I think even all the outside elements which annoyed me about the book would work super well as a film. I could also imagine the extended part where the pair didn’t meet would also work well on screen.

Ultimately I just didn’t get on with this book. The storyline is different and the idea is an interesting concept, I just didn’t enjoy the characters enough to care about the story. So many people love this book so if you like the idea of the blurb then give the book a read as hopefully you’ll love it, however for me this time this book just isn’t for me.

Synopsis – 

Tiffy and Leon share a flat
Tiffy and Leon share a bed
Tiffy and Leon have never met…

Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it’s the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy’s at work in the day, and she has the run of the place the rest of the time.

But with obsessive ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work, wrongly imprisoned brothers and, of course, the fact that they still haven’t met yet, they’re about to discover that if you want the perfect home you need to throw the rulebook out the window…

Today is International Women’s Day so for todays book review I thought I would write about Frankie Bridge’s book OPEN. I’ve never read a book like this one before so I was a little wary about posting anything about it as I don’t have enough experience but today seemed the perfect reason to post about it!

I’m from the generation that grew up with Frankie Bridge as I’ve been a fan of her since her S Club Junior days, she’s always been someone who I’ve seen magazines from a very young age. From an outsiders point of view Frankie seemed to have the perfect life and although I knew that she had gone to rehab I was never really aware of the full extent as to why. OPEN is about Frankie Bridge’s battles with her mental health over the years and even comes with advice from professionals at many points throughout the book.

What I love most about this book is Frankie’s openness about everything she suffers from and how it impacts her life or did majorly impact her life. Although mental health is becoming a less taboo subject to talk about nowadays, I still was shocked at the things that Frankie discusses in her book. Nothing was hidden and some parts such as how she viewed her position in The Saturdays came as a real shock to me. I also liked that although professional opinions do feature heavily in the book, the way that it’s wrote isn’t for people who know all the correct terms, its super easy to follow the entire way through.

I think that if you choose to read this book you’re likely to be experiencing some difficulty with your mental health so I think that its so important for someone in Frankie’s position to discuss her own experiences. Personally I’ve never read a book like this before so Frankie is really making a whole new audience aware of mental health and that getting help is important. I know I won’t be alone when reading this book in seeing some similarities in things Frankie writes about and how I react / feel about things in my own life. Frankie’s willingness to be open in this book will ring true to many people and that is what makes this book so good, especially when it comes with trusted advice from professionals so you know what is being said is good advice.

I’m sure it took a lot of debating with herself for Frankie to write this book but I know that I’m glad that she did. Frankie is someone who has battled quite severely with different mental disorders over the years and thanks to her speaking so openly about them I’m sure will encourage people to go and seek help if they need it who perhaps may not have even realised they needed help until reading this book.

Obviously this isn’t a book you can read over and over again but I found it very interesting and informative. I liked that it was Frankie’s story too so it was fascinating to read as well as giving facts. I think if you’re still reading this post now then that is a sign that this book interests you and you should buy it and give it a read – you won’t regret it.

Synopsis – 

In OPEN, Frankie Bridge opens up about her ongoing journey from breakdown to breakthroughs and through self-loathing, hospitalization and self-acceptance. Part narrative exploration, part guide, this book will help you to understand the importance of talking and helping each other.

It will also feature guidance and advice from the psychologist and psychiatrist who pulled her back from the brink along with their notes on her and conversations with her. It’s a very simple four-letter word, but one of the hardest words to put into practice, this book will help people to understand the importance of talking out and helping each other.

Whitney has been in love with Derek Knightley since the day she was paired up with him in a mentor program. He leaves unexpectedly to go and run the London theme park leaving Whitney without a mentor and wondering what she did wrong. Since then she has spent the 8 years since he left wishing she could forget his existence. 8 years later Derek is back and the feelings Whitney felt for him come rushing back like a tsunami. 8 years ago Whitney would’ve had hearts in her eyes at even the slightest of advancement from Derek, now she’s built up her walls and wants to avoid him at all costs. Derek is confident and has decided that he wants Whitney in his life, and as the sole heir to the Knightley Kingdom he is more than used to getting what he wants.

I’ve read so many novels by R.S. Grey now and I know every time I pick one up that I’m going to love it. His Royal Highness is one of my favourite R.S. Grey novels. The whole story evolves around a Disneyland style park. I love Disneyland so a novel set in a theme park that revolves around a character who dresses up as the parks meetable Princess, where staff go through underground tunnels to avoid being seen by the public and even the owner of the park leaves in the castle itself…or so the rumour has it, was always going to be something I enjoyed. If you’ve ever loved going to Disney and wanted to read a romance novel that is set in a theme park like Disney then this is absolutely the book for you.

I had mixed opinions on Whitney. On the one hand I can completely see why she held a grudge against Derek for so long. He disappeared off the face of the earth, sent her one email saying sorry for not being her mentor anymore and didn’t even acknowledge the fact that she asked him out. I feel that if I was in her position I would’ve reacted in exactly the same way. However, when you read about it in a book it comes across as slightly irritating, Whitney had just turned 18 when they first met, Derek was much older and was getting ready to open the London branch of the theme park. At the time they were in completely different stages of their lives so you can see why Derek somewhat brushed her off.

As the book got going though and Whitney somewhat lets go off the past I started to love reading about her. She adores the park and couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. When in character Whitney gives every child the best experience they could ask for from a Princess and Whitney still lives in her dorm room on site to look after the younger members of staff. I instantly liked Derek, even in the beginning and he was very busy with the company he still took time for Whitney. I loved reading about Derek even more once he took on a low grade job in the park as Whitney’s Prince Charming – a meetable character.

This book is quite simply – fantastic. It tapped into my love of theme parks and romance novels perfectly. I loved the characters and I really loved the storyline. The romance part itself is a very slow burner but that doesn’t mean that you cant feel the tension between Whitney and Derek oozing from the pages throughout the story anyway. If you’re like me and love Disney style theme parks and romance books then you will love His Royal Highness. It has become an instant favourite book for me.

Synopsis – 

I’ve spent eight years wishing I’d fall out of love with Derek Knightley. Blowing out birthday candles, chasing after shooting stars, making it rain spare change into mall fountains – every time it’s the same wish: forget about Derek.

But the day he walks back into my life, I realize there are two things time has yet to soften: my feelings for him and his chiselled jawline.

It’s infuriating that my heart still races when he walks into a room. I refuse to fall prey to old unrequited love, so I decide the less I’m around him, the better. Avoidance is key.

Unfortunately, Derek isn’t going to make it easy. As a teenager, I would have crawled on my hands and knees to attract his attention. Now I can’t seem to escape it.

I’m not sure why he’s bothering. He’s not just out of my league – he’s out of my tax bracket. As the sole heir to the Knightley Company, he’s as close to American royalty as you can get. As for me, I’m just a part-time princess at Knightley’s flagship magical theme park.

I spend my days playing make-believe, but Derek has no use for fairy tales. His unwavering confidence makes it clear he think I’ll surrender in the end.

He’s just biding his time.

Making me sweat.

His Royal Highness always gets what he wants. And he wants me.

Laurie thinks she has her life pretty much worked out, she is doing great in a job that she loves and she found her soulmate in her childhood sweetheart Dan. That is, until Dan comes in one day and tells her its over, based on the excuse that he doesn’t want children and Laurie does. If this wasn’t heart-breaking enough, Laurie has to work with Dan and soon has to contend with the office gossips talking about Dan and his pregnant girlfriend. In a bizarre turn of fate Laurie gets stuck with the office playboy Jamie. Laurie wants something to stop the gossips talking about her and Dan’s relationship and Jamie needs a steady girlfriend to impress the bosses so he can get the promotion he’s after. They both agree to fake date, with photos of their perfect relationship being documented on social media. Soon, Laurie realises that she’s actually falling for her fake boyfriend and the lines between fake and real start to blur.

This book is fantastic. It plays into every single insecurity you have about being in a relationship so wonderfully. I was completely sucked into Laurie’s story and I was distraught when Dan left her. You know its a good book when you are drawn so heavily into the story that it starts to affect your own feelings in real life and this book definitely started to weave its way into my real life feelings the whole time I was reading it. It was like someone had taken out my own heart and stamped on it particularly during the early sections of this book. The author writes in such a realistic way which means that you can relate to the story and characters and that for me is the real strong point of this novel.

The characters have personality and that is something I like from this story. Jamie although from an outsiders point of view is seen as a playboy that sleeps around half of the females in the office so much so that his reputation follows him from job to job. However, from the minute he meets Laurie he treats her with respect, doesn’t try anything on, is this first to spring to Laurie’s defence and frankly just seems an all around nice guy. Laurie is understandably hurt and wants to hurt her ex even ten percent of how much he hurt her. However, she doesn’t use Jamie. She isn’t faking when meeting his family and friends, and even when they’re together they’re just having a good time as friends. Although Laurie, understandably, has her moments of being absolutely distraught that her long term boyfriend has left her, she doesn’t dwell too much on it. She’s too smart, independent and driven to stay in that depressive state and I like that. Even Dan, who you should hate for leaving Laurie so unexpectedly you cant by the end of the novel.

This is one of the best romance novels I’ve read in a long time. It’s such a simple concept a breakup which leads to a fake office romance but this book is so much more than that. It got into my brain, it was all I could think about until I got to the end and when I did finish the book it just made my heart so happy. The romance aspect of it isn’t full of sneaky fake kisses or anything like that, Jamie and Laurie are strictly friends with some well angled Instagram photos that make it look like they’re more. The friend aspect of this is what helps to make this book so good, its not a rushed romantic situation but you as a reader can definitely see the lines start to blur between fake relationship to friendship to real relationship.

Genuinely this is one of my favourite books I’ve read so I couldn’t recommend you buy this book more.

Synopsis – 

If faking love is this easy… how do you know when it’s real?

When her partner of over a decade suddenly ends things, Laurie is left reeling—not only because they work at the same law firm and she has to see him every day. Her once perfect life is in shambles and the thought of dating again in the age of Tinder is nothing short of horrifying. When news of her ex’s pregnant girlfriend hits the office grapevine, taking the humiliation lying down is not an option. Then a chance encounter in a broken-down elevator with the office playboy opens up a new possibility.

Jamie Carter doesn’t believe in love, but he needs a respectable, steady girlfriend to impress their bosses. Laurie wants a hot new man to give the rumor mill something else to talk about. It’s the perfect proposition: a fauxmance played out on social media, with strategically staged photographs and a specific end date in mind. With the plan hatched, Laurie and Jamie begin to flaunt their new couple status, to the astonishment—and jealousy—of their friends and colleagues. But there’s a fine line between pretending to be in love and actually falling for your charming, handsome fake boyfriend…