Until Now

by Jensen Parker

NINA VILLA NEEDS A BOYFRIEND - A FAKE BOYFRIEND.ENTER NICK DAVIS.Nina Villa told her mother she’s bringing her new boyfriend to Haven for family vacation. The problem? She doesn’t have a new boyfriend. But, what are you supposed to do when your mother invites your ex-boyfriend’s family to the summer house? Now everyone is eager to meet the man who has managed to capture the attention of the workaholic Nina.

Her best friend says she should hire someone. They do it in the movies, right? It could be fun in a no strings attached kind of way.

Nick Davis seems like the perfect fit considering he doesn’t like Nina, so cutting ties at the end of the summer will be easy, right? Nina makes Nick an pretend to be her boyfriend for the summer in exchange for more money than he’s ever seen in his life. It’s an offer he can’t refuse – the money could help pay off his brother’s tuition and maybe send his dad on a vacation for once.

Little do either of them know, this simple favor is going to have big consequences. And neither is prepared for when feelings begin to grow and the truth about who he is finally comes to light.

UNTIL NOW is a contemporary fake dating romance. It is the first in the Strangers series.



Fake DatingSecond ChanceForced ProximityGrumpy x Sunshines (x2)Family Drama / Twists

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Fake Dating

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

About the author

Jensen Parker is a contemporary romance author. She studied English at Loyola University in Chicago and Harvard University in Boston. Coffee, wine, and travel are her love languages (especially when they all coincide!).  When she’s not working on her next project, she likes spending time with her family, cooking, or planning her next vacation.

Reviews

[Jensen Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

update: re-read in October 2025 for audiobook 🫶🏽

Is it wrong for me to publish a review on my own book? I just finished re-reading it for editing purposes and every time I find myself falling in love with Nick and Nina even more. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you for giving me the chance to share them with you. 💕 I’m excited to share more of their story in the rest of the Strangers Series.

[Marissa Low · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I like the storyline, I finished this book in 1.5days . I wish I could give this book a higher rating because I did really enjoy all the twists
However the writing was all over the place, there's so many random time jumps (forward and back) with zero context . There's some flashback scenes that should have either been typed in italics or labeled as "2yrs ago or 3weeks ago" etc . And personally the random POV switches didn't add anything for me and I prefer a duel POV romance. But they just seemed unnecessary since the majority of the book was in Nina's POV

[Patsy Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until Now was an amazing read this Summer.

If you like slow burns, fake-dating, girl boss MC, drama, second chance romances, grumpy/sunshine characters a headstrong, and romance with some spice then this book is for you!!!!!!

This story had so much life and joy. It had its sad moments, but it also shared so many other great moments. Every character was introduced in depth excellently. I cant wait to receive the official copy by August ist!

Thank you for the ARC Copy Jensen 🤗💛

4.5 Stars Overall

[Maddison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars okay WOW i loved this book. it felt like such a unique storyline and the characters were chefs kiss. the only thing that bugged me was that it was too short. there were a few chapters that i wanted davina to elaborate more on what was going on and how she was feeling, but i also feel that it was a testament to her character (walls up, focussed on her work and not overly emotional). i’m so so so excited to read strictly business 🤭

[Skylar Hatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ 4.5 amazing beautiful stars ✨

HUGE THANK YOU TO JENSEN for the eARC of this amazing story 🥹

I loved Davina and Nick’s story, and also loved both of their family stories. You really feel connected with them as individuals, and with their family and friends. It has a dramatic twist to keep you on the edge of your seat for the first half-three quarters of the book!

Such an amazing debut, I can’t wait for more from this series 😍❤️

[Noor]

Posting my review soon!

Huuuge thanks to Jensen Parker for the opportunity to read this book before its release date <3

[Ashley Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book as part of ARC reviews*

I was given the chance to read this book as a beta reader, and watching the book grow to what it is now is absolutely amazing.
Beautifully written, in depth characters, grabs your attention and keeps you desiring more until the last page. 10/10 recommend.

[ash&#x1f608; · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you love for the arc.

I love you, you know this. But I also hate you for the emotional rollercoaster you put me on!

I absolutely loved how this was written.

But let me tell you. I wanted to jump through my kindle and slap Teagan, mother, and kick Lee in his nuts🤣🤣

Nina and Nick are my new favorite book couple and I NEED MORE!

And the ending!!!

I loved every second of this book! Highly recommend!

[Megan Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin?? I read the book in two days, that should tell you how good it is!! My emotions were everywhere with this book and I just can’t wait for more!!

I’m so proud of you, Jensen and everything you have accomplished!! I can’t wait to see what is next!!

[Meenal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is dramatic fiction with elements of romance about characters who are dealing with emotional issues in their respective families.
 
Despite being adults, I felt that Nick and Davina were acting like teenagers. He's her fake date on a family trip that spans weeks, during which they fall in love. Their reunion after the third-act breakup is perfection; I want to see that scene adapted into a movie.
 
If you like reading longer new adult romances, try this book.
 
I received an e-ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Olivia Duhon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start? This book gave me all of the emotions. It made me angry, sad, happy, excited, giddy, and all warm and shit inside. I felt everything that Nina felt because of how well Jensen articulated the entire story.
I’m also a sucker for plot twists and at one point my jaw literally dropped to the floor. Such a well written story that made me feel completely immersed in Nina’s world. If you’re a fan of the following tropes, then this book is for you: fake dating, one bed, second chance, and two worlds colliding. Thank you, Jensen, for sending me an ARC. It was a pleasure being a part of your debut novel💕

[readingwithmissbec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book written by Jensen Parker is so good!

In this book we get to explore the lives of Davina and Nick, we get to see the different relationships they have and the experiences within their families.

This book, shows, friends, lovers, hated, lovers again. This makes you sit on the edge of your seat waiting to see what is going to happen to Nick and Devina and their loved ones.

I, laughed, yelled, and was like ooooh. I need more! Leading me to finish this book in less than 48 hours!

I can’t wait to see what Jensen Parker is going to bring us next!

[Laura]

DNF at 48%

This book gave me some serious whiplash 😅 I think the premise of this book is good and it has been done well before but I unfortunately just was not a fan. The writing wasn’t my favorite as I found the pacing of the book very off and it switched settings and events so quickly I couldn’t keep up. I also found the build up between the two main characters not as good as it could have been and I got very annoyed with the amount of Italian sentences even though her first language was English.

Overall, I just don’t think this book (or maybe even author) is for me unfortunately

[Sophia Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the idea of Thai book parts of it were very confusing.

I feel like either the editing or formatting needed tweaking for it to make it better and then I think it would have been a really good story.

[Macayla Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun romance read! excited to follow along w the rest of the series

[Maks✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg where do I start, this book is amazing, it gives so many emotions and it is such a rollercoaster of feelings. 100/10 would def recommend.🥳

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy I bought this book! I was totally enamored by the characters and the story and spent my day reading, I couldn't put it down! I can't wait for the next book to come out.

[Char ⋆˚꩜｡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ I was hooked on this novel from the very beginning. The tropes included were some of my favorites, especially fake dating! Davina is an amazing character. She’s head strong, confident and gets shit done while also being extremely stubborn 🤭. I grew so attached to Davina’s friend group and family (except for a few of them 🐍). Kai and Davina’s relationship makes me wish I had siblings my age, I just love them so much.

~ This is an amazing debut novel by my great friend. I’m so proud of you and thank you for allowing me to read your novel (and get behind the scenes details) 🤗 I’m so excited to read everything else you have coming!

[Marie]

Review coming soon! :)
A million thanks to the author for sending me an ARC. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts & rating.

[Kasey ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sorry but this book annoyed me so much. It had too much going on but at the same time the story depth seemed shallow. The writing was overly descriptive but didn’t make me feel anything. There were constant flashbacks instead of just telling the story and the plot in itself seemed unrealistic.

[Christa Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nina’s complicated relationship with her pushy mother drives her to lie about bringing her new boyfriend to family vacation. Enter Nick-the perfect candidate for her fake dating plan.

The initial stages of the story/the beginning of the vacation remind me of one of my favorite Sandra Bullock rom-coms, 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘞𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘚𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨. 😍

The story was so cute with some spicy scenes and a few reveals I wasn’t expecting. I loved Nina’s nickname for Nick, as well as the moment when the reason for the title of the book is revealed. The use of Italian was really cute too, although I frequently consulted Google for the times a translation wasn’t provided.lol I also got slightly confused about some of the timelines, but in the end it all made sense😊

Read this is you enjoy:
💍Books that start with a playlist
💍Meet cutes
💍Fake dating
💍Second chance
💍Family drama/secrets
💍Gossip Girl references
💍Ex trying to get her back

Favorite Quotes:
“My heart stops. We haven’t been pretending for a while now.”

“…but none of it matters if it’s not with you.”

“‘Until now?’ ‘Until now,’ I confirm.”

“You are part of his family.”

[hungrybookworm.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming story, and I was genuinely intrigued by its premise. The narrative style, particularly the phasing, could be a little perplexing at times. Fortunately, the author presented the necessary follow-up and explanations reasonably well. I must admit that the third-person perspective is what initially drew me to the book. It gave Nick's persona more mystery. Once the story shifted from a third-person to a first-person viewpoint, I was afraid that I was going to lose my attachment to the character. In addition, I had thought that Nina would be a full-blown Mary Sue. However, she is not without flaws; as a result of her childhood troubles, she came off as a bit cynical. Lastly, I also admire the bond between Nina and her friends. What most impresses me about them is how receptive they are to supporting each other despite having their own issues. Overall, I enjoyed going through this book, which was a pleasant surprise. I look forward to reading more of the author's work in the future.

[Amanda | manda_reads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until Now is Jensen Parker's debut novel and book 1 is a new series. OMG, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!! I couldn't put it down that's how much I was enjoying this story. I love a good fake dating and grumpy/sunshine with one bed kind of book. I loved Nick and Nina with all my heart. I enjoyed how protective and possessive Nick was towards Nina. This book has so many cute and swoony moments I couldn't stop smiling. There were also some shocking moments in the book too. The ending made me so happy I had the biggest smile on my face. I can't wait to read the other books coming for this series! Thank you Jensen Parker for an ARC copy I greatly appreciate it! I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle Hassett · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Plot and characters had potential, poor writing, lack of details, bad organization, time gaps, and characters with similar names made it difficult to read/understand

Devina is going to her family's summer home in Colorado. Her mother invited her ex so she hires her intern's cousin (Nick) to go as her boyfriend. Of course they start to fall for each other. But she doesn't realize she met him in college, he thinks she's a rich snob with a slutty past (all rumors), he finds out her mom is sleeping with her ex and she blackmails him. Her dad sets in motion the divorce but he dies in a plane crash. They go back and forth of lovers, friends, seeing each other and then not for months.

(Mild-Moderate spice)

[Abby Zeller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book so much, it has some of my fave things like fake dating, trying to fit in with a rich people, etc. But the writing was so confusing, I almost felt like there were pages missing and I was constantly confused whose POV I was reading. I like slow burn, but honestly the whole middle of this book was not needed where they kept fighting and not talking and then just having sex. Like talk, please, the plot needed to advance. Also the random Italian phrases were unnecessary and annoying as I was constantly having to translate. Cute story, finished in two days, but felt like I’d wasted my time after finishing.

[Chloé Camille Wittenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this, but man the transition writing. Half the time I had no idea how much time had passed or what was even happening. If I was in the past or present. It was so confusing. Next up, the chunks of Italian. Half the time it wasn’t translated so I just didn’t know what was being said? Super annoying. Finally, the miscommunication was EXHAUSTING. I hate miscommunication, and literally no one talked about anything. The whole dad business was not needed. It was just so much.

[Kari Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute. There are a few errors, and it was difficult for me to read the Italian parts. A few spots, I feel like there should have been page breaks or an indication into the past vs. present or when she is "day dreaming." Overall, I would recommend this book and will be looking into reading the second book in the series.

[Kaitlin Dougherty Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great debut book for Jensen Parker! This book had me giggling and laughing out loud. The twists were… WILD! Definitely a light summer read with a glass of wine. Let yourself get into it and you’ll find it passes quick.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until Now by Jensen Parker, narrated by Sarah Kuklis, is a captivating fake dating romance that immediately hooks the reader with its unique storyline and well-drawn characters.

The central premise revolves around Nina Villa, a workaholic who rashly claims to have a new boyfriend for a family vacation, a problem compounded when her mother invites the ex-boyfriend’s family. Enter Nick Davis. Despite his initial dislike for Nina, he accepts her generous offer to be her fake boyfriend for the summer, viewing the paycheck as a vital way to support his own family.

The story starts with a bang and maintains a roller coaster pace, full of intrigue, mystery, and romance. The dynamic between Nina and Nick is fantastic; their chemistry feels authentic, and the development of their relationship is genuinely heartfelt despite their arrangement being purely transactional. The suspense of their ruse and the simmering romantic tension keep the pages turning rapidly.

The narrative skillfully incorporates relatable dysfunctional family dynamics, particularly through Nina’s mother, whose terrible behavior adds unexpected tension and leads to twists that keep the reader guessing.

While the story is utterly immersive, some initial chapter transitions and character introductions felt a bit confusing. Additionally, the book felt slightly too short, particularly in a few chapters where a deeper elaboration on Nina’s inner feelings would have been appreciated. However, this brevity also serves as a testament to her character, reflecting her work-focused nature and tendency to keep her emotional walls up.

Until Now is a delightful read that offers a refreshing spin on the fake dating trope. The narration by Sarah Kuklis is excellent, bringing the story to life. If you love a contemporary romance packed with drama, heart, secrets, and a great deal of anticipation for when the truth about Nick will come to light, this book is a must-add to your reading list. I am already eagerly looking forward to reading the next installment, Strictly Business.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a dating book! I strictly only read fantasy and thrillers so this was a brand new experience for me.

I enjoyed Parker's style of writing, she's incredibly descriptive and detailed (especially in those spice scenes that are HOT!). I think this is a wonderful debut novel for her and can't wait to see what the rest of her works will be. If Until Now is an indication, she's on the road to great success!

The story follows Nina, a successful boss babe, who has plans to attend their annual family vacation alone....until her mother tells her her ex fiancé and the woman he cheated on Nina with, will be attending. Not one to let something like that slide (would any of us really?), Nina says she will be bringing a boyfriend of her own.

Enter Nick. It seems like the perfect arrangement given the fact that he doesn't like her. It'll be easy to cut ties at the end of summer. Right?

As Nina and Nick spend more time together, the lines between pretending to be a couple and reality start to blur.

Until Now is full of drama, passion, and a game of love that will keep you on your toes. The characters are at times, almost too relatable, and I felt my blood boiling when tensions were raised. I do wish Nina had been more insistent in some scenes, but that's coming from someone who is inherently stubborn haha

There was some confusion on my end about the way the book ended, but Parker cleared it up wonderfully. It was a satisfying way to bring everything together.