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00laura23's review
hopeful
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This is a fun, entertaining read. Luke and Lola are complex, intriguing, entertaining, interesting, relatable, captivating characters. I enjoyed their romance and all the twists and turns it took to get to their HEA. I loved the family aspect of the story and the role their families played in their lives and their character development. The various secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The book is easy to read and get into.
ldooten's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this was a cute, quick read. Luke and Lola were good together, and they had great chemistry. The writing flowed well, and I liked all the characters in the story. I did get a little annoyed at Lola for overhearing Luke say something, and then running away. He told her from the start that he didn't do relationships, and because SHE felt like they should have a relationship, she got her feelings hurt. You can't force someone to get over their hang ups. They do get the HEA, and it's a really cute ending. I hope to see Winnie and Oliver's story.
I voluntarliy reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I voluntarliy reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
norwayellesea's review against another edition
4.0
This novel was so much fun and perfect as a holiday read by the pool or at the beach.
When her very persuasive friend manages to convince Lola McBride to gatecrash a school reunion, she reluctantly agrees. Pretending to be someone else is fine until a gorgeous guy calls her out when he realises the woman he's talking to isn't a past girlfriend. To make amends, she agrees to go on a fake date with Luke Erickson. Only his family party awakens Lola's feelings for something and someone who will disappear out of her life.
The hot woman he's talking to seems different to what he remembers from high school until his best friend jogs his memory. Realising this reunion is far more fun than anticipated due to the mystery woman he is chatting to, he takes advantage of her and asks her to accompany him to a family reunion. In exchange, he won't expose her as a fraud. It should be simple to trick his family about his 'date', only their reaction and his own feelings make him realise he doesn't want their fake relationship to stop.
Entertaining and heart-warming, the narrative kept my attention one hundred percent as the adorable protagonists realise their fake relationship means more to them than either could have imagined. Their tentative relationship is honest and heartfelt as we discover how the past has shaped their lives. Whilst the overall mood of the novel is both light-hearted and humorous, the author manages to weave heartbreaking details in an uplifting way; the backstory for Lola's parents is beautiful.
This is my first Kerri Carpenter novel and will definitely seek out more of her titles. Although this is a standalone novel, plenty of opportunities to further develop key secondary characters are present and I sincerely hope this will happen. Overall a quick and enjoyable book with a satisfying happy ever after.
***arc generously received courtesy of Entangled Publishing via NetGalley***
When her very persuasive friend manages to convince Lola McBride to gatecrash a school reunion, she reluctantly agrees. Pretending to be someone else is fine until a gorgeous guy calls her out when he realises the woman he's talking to isn't a past girlfriend. To make amends, she agrees to go on a fake date with Luke Erickson. Only his family party awakens Lola's feelings for something and someone who will disappear out of her life.
The hot woman he's talking to seems different to what he remembers from high school until his best friend jogs his memory. Realising this reunion is far more fun than anticipated due to the mystery woman he is chatting to, he takes advantage of her and asks her to accompany him to a family reunion. In exchange, he won't expose her as a fraud. It should be simple to trick his family about his 'date', only their reaction and his own feelings make him realise he doesn't want their fake relationship to stop.
Entertaining and heart-warming, the narrative kept my attention one hundred percent as the adorable protagonists realise their fake relationship means more to them than either could have imagined. Their tentative relationship is honest and heartfelt as we discover how the past has shaped their lives. Whilst the overall mood of the novel is both light-hearted and humorous, the author manages to weave heartbreaking details in an uplifting way; the backstory for Lola's parents is beautiful.
This is my first Kerri Carpenter novel and will definitely seek out more of her titles. Although this is a standalone novel, plenty of opportunities to further develop key secondary characters are present and I sincerely hope this will happen. Overall a quick and enjoyable book with a satisfying happy ever after.
***arc generously received courtesy of Entangled Publishing via NetGalley***
hannas_heas47's review against another edition
2.0
Thanks for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion.
Cover was not my style, but the blurb sucked me into wanting it. My first by this author and it just wasn't for me. I love super sweet romances but after a few paragraphs and content of this book I just decided maybe this author's style of writing just isn't for me. I'm only going to copy the quotes to the publisher since this book isn't out yet, and I received a proof not an actual copy.
Luke is the oldest of four kids, having triplet sisters who interfere in his dating...or lack of dating life. At 28 he is still a love them and leave them, no relationships type of guy. His father walked out on his life at a young age, and he still holds bitterness towards him. So no relationships means no messes.
Lulu has just been dumped at the age of 26 by her boyfriend for a much younger and prettier girl. What? She watches too much Golden Girls with her friend Frankie. They decide to hit up a high school reunion that's not theirs to hook up with guys...maybe a one night stand or rebound. She meets Luke and he exposes her lie. If she doesn't pretend to be his girlfriend at his family reunion the next weekend he will expose her lie.
I'm not sure what I didn't like, the characters, the Golden girls, or the situation. Building a relationship on lies really isn't supposed to work. I think the couple had okay chemistry but Luke was pretty annoying and childish about not having feelings for Lulu when he had obviously slept with her a bunch. He had feelings....maybe not longevity ones. Just kind of grated. Plus who has a ten year high school reunion? Two stars of entertainment.
Cover was not my style, but the blurb sucked me into wanting it. My first by this author and it just wasn't for me. I love super sweet romances but after a few paragraphs and content of this book I just decided maybe this author's style of writing just isn't for me. I'm only going to copy the quotes to the publisher since this book isn't out yet, and I received a proof not an actual copy.
Luke is the oldest of four kids, having triplet sisters who interfere in his dating...or lack of dating life. At 28 he is still a love them and leave them, no relationships type of guy. His father walked out on his life at a young age, and he still holds bitterness towards him. So no relationships means no messes.
Lulu has just been dumped at the age of 26 by her boyfriend for a much younger and prettier girl. What? She watches too much Golden Girls with her friend Frankie. They decide to hit up a high school reunion that's not theirs to hook up with guys...maybe a one night stand or rebound. She meets Luke and he exposes her lie. If she doesn't pretend to be his girlfriend at his family reunion the next weekend he will expose her lie.
I'm not sure what I didn't like, the characters, the Golden girls, or the situation. Building a relationship on lies really isn't supposed to work. I think the couple had okay chemistry but Luke was pretty annoying and childish about not having feelings for Lulu when he had obviously slept with her a bunch. He had feelings....maybe not longevity ones. Just kind of grated. Plus who has a ten year high school reunion? Two stars of entertainment.
lagadema's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun and very enjoyable read. It kept me reading from the very first page and I was telling myself just another page, just another one...until the end.
Characters were very interesting and well built and the plot was interesting. I love books with librarians and how they show another side of their life and it was great idea to combine with the fake relationship that will turn into not so fake at the end.
It is a definitely perfect book for this summer days
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Characters were very interesting and well built and the plot was interesting. I love books with librarians and how they show another side of their life and it was great idea to combine with the fake relationship that will turn into not so fake at the end.
It is a definitely perfect book for this summer days
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
lovegirl30's review against another edition
4.0
I can't tell you how much I loved this story. It was unique in a few ways but my favorite was all the advice from the Golden Girls. I was nervous about that at first but it really added to the story in a new fun way. The writing style is super good. I enjoyed every minute reading. There were lots of fun twists and turns in this romance novel.
In this story, we meet the shy but sweet librarian Lola. She needs to learn to live a little. Her roomie uses the Golden Girls to teach her how to have fun! Then she ends up crashing the high school reunion. She didn't go there nor was it her class year. Then she meets Luke who is back in town after being gone for some time. They suddenly are constantly together. After decides to blackmail the reunion crasher, Lola and make her his fake girlfriend for his family. As you can imagine things get quite complicated.
Due to Lola being an orphan. She falls hard for Luke's family and him in general. Weeks after the blackmail she is still pretending to be his girlfriend. Or is she still pretending?
This was a super fun and sweet romance book. I loved reading it!
Disclaimer: I received this book from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
aliciasplendeur's review against another edition
4.0
Fun, quick read!
Lola's best friend convinces her to crash a local high school reunion, in order to get over her recent break-up. There she meets Luke who figures the name she gave him doesn't match with his memory of the girl he briefly dated. So he suggests she pretend to be his girlfriend for his family reunion, and he'll keep her secret. Of course, the more time they spend together feelings start to get complicated.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
Is there a Winnie and Oliver book?
Lola's best friend convinces her to crash a local high school reunion, in order to get over her recent break-up. There she meets Luke who figures the name she gave him doesn't match with his memory of the girl he briefly dated. So he suggests she pretend to be his girlfriend for his family reunion, and he'll keep her secret. Of course, the more time they spend together feelings start to get complicated.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
Is there a Winnie and Oliver book?
storieswithsoul's review against another edition
5.0
If you are looking for a sweet, heart-touching, lighthearted, and hot romance then this book is perfect for you. It's such a great story, written in a way that it will keep you interested from the very beginning until the end. Also I loved all the characters; Lola, Luke, as well as all the side characters are amazing. I really enjoyed this cute story which made me laugh at times and sigh at others.
Lola's boyfriend broke up with her and she is a mess. So, to cheer her up her roommate decides to crash a high school reunion... One thing led to the other and Lola finds herself agreeing to become someone's pretend girlfriend. What seems like a good idea and the time soon turns into something she will live to regret...
Luke finds Lola attractive. She is such a gorgeous woman and has no idea about it. While talking to her he suddenly comes up with this insane idea... Why not ask her to be his pretend girlfriend? That way he can get rid of his family's constant pestering and also will get to spend more time with her. However, he fears that he might end up biting more than he could chew....
I really enjoyed reading Lola and Luke's story. They've perfect chemistry and their story is quite romantic. It was a quick read for me. I'd definitely recommend this book to romance lovers.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
Lola's boyfriend broke up with her and she is a mess. So, to cheer her up her roommate decides to crash a high school reunion... One thing led to the other and Lola finds herself agreeing to become someone's pretend girlfriend. What seems like a good idea and the time soon turns into something she will live to regret...
Luke finds Lola attractive. She is such a gorgeous woman and has no idea about it. While talking to her he suddenly comes up with this insane idea... Why not ask her to be his pretend girlfriend? That way he can get rid of his family's constant pestering and also will get to spend more time with her. However, he fears that he might end up biting more than he could chew....
I really enjoyed reading Lola and Luke's story. They've perfect chemistry and their story is quite romantic. It was a quick read for me. I'd definitely recommend this book to romance lovers.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley.
maria202292's review against another edition
4.0
***Thank you to Netgalley for letting me have the ARC.***
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it was predictable but that’s ok. Not every book needs twists and turns. I loved the characters. Luke and Lola felt like real people. The supporting characters were good too, especially Frankie (Lola’s best friend). I liked the setting of Washington, DC. Most American books seem to be set in New York or LA so this was a nice change. I also loved the plot. I’ve never read a fake-relationship-turned-real before and I was hooked despite knowing it would end HEA.
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it was predictable but that’s ok. Not every book needs twists and turns. I loved the characters. Luke and Lola felt like real people. The supporting characters were good too, especially Frankie (Lola’s best friend). I liked the setting of Washington, DC. Most American books seem to be set in New York or LA so this was a nice change. I also loved the plot. I’ve never read a fake-relationship-turned-real before and I was hooked despite knowing it would end HEA.
saschadarlington's review against another edition
2.0
While the idea of two women crashing a high school reunion and then one of them being roped into participating in a fake relationship is cute and intriguing, the actual execution fails due to the lack of originality and abundance of repetition. I had to force myself to continue reading after the first few chapters of Her Super Secret Rebound Boyfriend because the writing, so filled with cliches, was not engaging. Luckily the story did improve, but the relationship zoomed at high speed and tested credibility. They went through all of the cliched plotting of eavesdropping, storming out after eavesdropping, someone informing the hero that he'd been a jerk, etc.
The one cute, original device was the fact that The Golden Girls was used as a source of inspiration.
This is a definite YMMV because many readers seem enthralled with it. Definitely your call.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The one cute, original device was the fact that The Golden Girls was used as a source of inspiration.
This is a definite YMMV because many readers seem enthralled with it. Definitely your call.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.