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Her Fake Romance
Mom, get a life!
Her teenage daughter's words were daunting. True, struggling single mom Julia Jones hadn't had a date in over a decade, but she could still catch a man – if she needed to! So Julia, who claimed not to want a husband, found herself entangled in a fake romance.
Ryan Shane was tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome. And he just so happened to need a no-strings date himself. Their plan was perfectly thought out. Until a conveniently staged good-night kiss turned into very inconvenient passion…
Her teenage daughter's words were daunting. True, struggling single mom Julia Jones hadn't had a date in over a decade, but she could still catch a man – if she needed to! So Julia, who claimed not to want a husband, found herself entangled in a fake romance.
Ryan Shane was tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome. And he just so happened to need a no-strings date himself. Their plan was perfectly thought out. Until a conveniently staged good-night kiss turned into very inconvenient passion…
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2012
21 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Donna Fasano
82 books273 followersGrowing up the third child of five—yes, smack dab in the middle and the only girl to boot—Donna Fasano had no idea she would one day be a published author. Her story-telling talents came to light when she conjured lively and elaborate tales of pure blarney (yes, she has a bit of Irish in her blood) for her children.
Donna is a USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels. Be sure to follow her on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna...
Donna is a USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels. Be sure to follow her on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 23, 2012
Reviewd by: HarlequinJunkie Romance Reviews
This book was gorgeous! A very delicious plot if I may say so with BONUS recipes ! Imagine having your daughter tell you that you need to get a life so you go the extra step and get yourself a fake date.
Ryan and Julia both needed fake dates but boy oh boy does it get just a little more than hot when they share a connection so passionate that neither one can resist, nor do they really want to give in to it after all this is supposed to be fake right?
The author's style was pure delight, fun and funky. Modern and very entertaining. I never would have thought that a fake romance could be so funny and emotional at the same time. The book had enough depth to entrance me and enough of that certain little something we call "go for it".
This was a rather short read yet long enough to be the perfect little pick my up after a long day at work.
This book was gorgeous! A very delicious plot if I may say so with BONUS recipes ! Imagine having your daughter tell you that you need to get a life so you go the extra step and get yourself a fake date.
Ryan and Julia both needed fake dates but boy oh boy does it get just a little more than hot when they share a connection so passionate that neither one can resist, nor do they really want to give in to it after all this is supposed to be fake right?
The author's style was pure delight, fun and funky. Modern and very entertaining. I never would have thought that a fake romance could be so funny and emotional at the same time. The book had enough depth to entrance me and enough of that certain little something we call "go for it".
This was a rather short read yet long enough to be the perfect little pick my up after a long day at work.
August 20, 2012
I'm one of Donna Fasano's greatest fans after discovering her books with Harlequin years ago. I have to say this book goes down as one of my favourites.
Right from the moment they meet, a half-naked Ryan and Julia have a sexual tension between them that I swear made my Kindle spark at times.
Both of them are adamant they'll never get involved in a relationship again.
But personal circumstances intervene and to overcome them, Ryan and Julia embark on a Fake Romance.
Romance at it's best from the queen of sweet romances.
Right from the moment they meet, a half-naked Ryan and Julia have a sexual tension between them that I swear made my Kindle spark at times.
Both of them are adamant they'll never get involved in a relationship again.
But personal circumstances intervene and to overcome them, Ryan and Julia embark on a Fake Romance.
Romance at it's best from the queen of sweet romances.
May 27, 2019
I purchased a copy of Falling For A Single Mom a 2 book bundle of short novels: Her Fake Romance and Take Me, I'm Yours by Donna Fasano and this review was given freely.
Her Fake Romance
4 stars
Teen pregnancy, a over protective parent, and a happy ending. When Gold Ribbon Catering owner and single mom Julia's fourteen year old daughter Kelly challenges the house rules, Julia enlists her business partner Charlotte's cousin Ryan's help in a mutually beneficial plan of "Friendship Dates" which backfires when attraction takes over.
Her Fake Romance
4 stars
Teen pregnancy, a over protective parent, and a happy ending. When Gold Ribbon Catering owner and single mom Julia's fourteen year old daughter Kelly challenges the house rules, Julia enlists her business partner Charlotte's cousin Ryan's help in a mutually beneficial plan of "Friendship Dates" which backfires when attraction takes over.
April 24, 2022
Ryan and Julia
Cherry, the daughter of Ryan's friend and mentor Jim, had her sights on him for husband #3. Julia needed to prove to her daughter that her life wasn't in a rut. Since neither were looking for a relationship they could help each other. A cute twist on a fake relationship pact.
Enjoyed the story and the characters
Cherry, the daughter of Ryan's friend and mentor Jim, had her sights on him for husband #3. Julia needed to prove to her daughter that her life wasn't in a rut. Since neither were looking for a relationship they could help each other. A cute twist on a fake relationship pact.
Enjoyed the story and the characters
September 22, 2013
Her Fake Romance. Donna Fasano.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
I knew I'd enjoy this book if it was typical of Donna's work, – she's one of the authors that write romance that feature people older than teens and early 20's. Sometimes it seems to me that anyone over twenty five is dead as far as romance writers are concerned, – and its just not so. While I enjoy the uni/college age romances I also want some with older characters, people I can identify with and Donna does that.
Anyway, here we have Julia, who needs a boyfriend so she can show her teenage daughter she does have interests outside work, and Ryan who needs a girlfriend like yesterday – to keep man-eater Cherry from making him husband number four!! He can't be rude to her as she's the daughter of one of his oldest friends, and he doesn't want to upset or offend him. They have a shared interest, neither Ryan nor Julia want anything permanent or real, so they hatch a plan to fake a relationship that will benefit them both.
Seems a good idea doesn't it – but then as ever the best laid plans etc etc, and slowly they get closer and emotions begin to get involved. I liked Julia, and when her past was revealed I understood why she was so strict with her daughter. She was trying hard to protect her from making the mistakes she herself had made. But of course we can't live our childrens lives, and everyone has to learn from their own mistakes. At fourteen her daughter was growing up, but Julia just can't seem to let go of control and its causing tension. Julia had worked hard to get where she was, independent and strong, and was determined not to let a man shake that but Ryan, and That Kiss, the one she quickly instigated when here daughter was watching, changed the game plan, and shook both of them.
Ryan, he seemed a bit of a wimp at first in the way he was terrified of Cherry, but as we got to see more of her I saw he was trapped between the proverbial stick and hard place, and why he needed Julia's help so badly. He was such a gentleman too – I loved him after a while, when he was truly trying to help Julia with her teen problems. Sometimes that outside view is what parents need even if they don't recognise it.
There's a HEA, but some hiccups along the way thankfully, romance without them is just dull IMO. I'd have liked a bit more drama and angst – but that's just me, I like to be on the edge of tears, * shrug, that's how I like my romances, high emotions :) * and though the downsides were sad here, it didn't get me that deep. Priced at £3.08 for 176 pages/289kb its around average for the genre, and is a well written and edited novel. As a voracious reader I prefer ones a bit longer but I know many people like this length, as it fits well into their free time. It's a standalone one too (hurrah!) so it can be read and enjoyed without that awful cliffhanger ending and wait for the next book. Stand-alones like this are very satisfying, its great to read a well planned and executed romance, and feel at the end “ that was a good read” instead of the emptiness and unease at not knowing when (or if...) the next book will be written. I've too many unfinished duo/trilogies where authors seem to have given up on the story, and that's wasting readers time as well as our money on an unfinished story, so a huge Thank You to authors like Donna who still write completed romances.
Stars: well, I would like a bit more sadness and emotion, then it would have been five, that’s just me though I like extremes, so this is a four star read for me.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
I knew I'd enjoy this book if it was typical of Donna's work, – she's one of the authors that write romance that feature people older than teens and early 20's. Sometimes it seems to me that anyone over twenty five is dead as far as romance writers are concerned, – and its just not so. While I enjoy the uni/college age romances I also want some with older characters, people I can identify with and Donna does that.
Anyway, here we have Julia, who needs a boyfriend so she can show her teenage daughter she does have interests outside work, and Ryan who needs a girlfriend like yesterday – to keep man-eater Cherry from making him husband number four!! He can't be rude to her as she's the daughter of one of his oldest friends, and he doesn't want to upset or offend him. They have a shared interest, neither Ryan nor Julia want anything permanent or real, so they hatch a plan to fake a relationship that will benefit them both.
Seems a good idea doesn't it – but then as ever the best laid plans etc etc, and slowly they get closer and emotions begin to get involved. I liked Julia, and when her past was revealed I understood why she was so strict with her daughter. She was trying hard to protect her from making the mistakes she herself had made. But of course we can't live our childrens lives, and everyone has to learn from their own mistakes. At fourteen her daughter was growing up, but Julia just can't seem to let go of control and its causing tension. Julia had worked hard to get where she was, independent and strong, and was determined not to let a man shake that but Ryan, and That Kiss, the one she quickly instigated when here daughter was watching, changed the game plan, and shook both of them.
Ryan, he seemed a bit of a wimp at first in the way he was terrified of Cherry, but as we got to see more of her I saw he was trapped between the proverbial stick and hard place, and why he needed Julia's help so badly. He was such a gentleman too – I loved him after a while, when he was truly trying to help Julia with her teen problems. Sometimes that outside view is what parents need even if they don't recognise it.
There's a HEA, but some hiccups along the way thankfully, romance without them is just dull IMO. I'd have liked a bit more drama and angst – but that's just me, I like to be on the edge of tears, * shrug, that's how I like my romances, high emotions :) * and though the downsides were sad here, it didn't get me that deep. Priced at £3.08 for 176 pages/289kb its around average for the genre, and is a well written and edited novel. As a voracious reader I prefer ones a bit longer but I know many people like this length, as it fits well into their free time. It's a standalone one too (hurrah!) so it can be read and enjoyed without that awful cliffhanger ending and wait for the next book. Stand-alones like this are very satisfying, its great to read a well planned and executed romance, and feel at the end “ that was a good read” instead of the emptiness and unease at not knowing when (or if...) the next book will be written. I've too many unfinished duo/trilogies where authors seem to have given up on the story, and that's wasting readers time as well as our money on an unfinished story, so a huge Thank You to authors like Donna who still write completed romances.
Stars: well, I would like a bit more sadness and emotion, then it would have been five, that’s just me though I like extremes, so this is a four star read for me.
October 18, 2012
This review can be found on my blog: http://susreviews.blogspot.com/2012/1...
4.5 stars
The last thing Julia Jones, single mom and caterer, was looking for was a boyfriend. Newly arrived in town, Ryan Shane doesn't want a girlfriend, but he needs a date to shield him from an overly friendly woman who want take no for an answer. So when Julia's teenage daughter accuses her of not having any fun and Ryan calls to ask her to be his date, she jumps at the chance. The two of them come to an agreement: they'll pretend to date to keep the husband-hunting woman away from Ryan and to make Julia's daughter think that Julia does know how to have fun.
But neither of them expected the attraction and fireworks they'd have between them, nor did they expect to become friends. But can Julia trust Ryan when every male influence in her life has hurt her and let her down?
I thought this book was great! I love the plot device of pretending to be together only to fall in love - it's one of my favorites, and Fasano has done a really god job with her version of it. Julia and Ryan's chemistry was immediate and believable. Julia's over-protectiveness towards her daughter annoyed me a bit but once I read why, made total sense. I really love when an author gives their characters good reasons for the way they act. And Ryan was a great hero - sexy yet understanding. Loved him!
Since Julia is a caterer, there is a lot of mention of food in the book. Well, as I was reading, waiting for my husband to finish his workout so we could eat, I was literally salivating reading about roasted chicken with "smashed" potatoes. Fasano described the food so well I could practically taste it! I may just have to roast a chicken this weekend. Yep, I'm still drooling over the food descriptions. Which makes the last few pages of the book great - there are recipes included! I'm looking forward to trying some of these.
Great book, great looking recipes and a sweet ending.
Thank you to the author for giving me a copy of this book for my honest review.
4.5 stars
The last thing Julia Jones, single mom and caterer, was looking for was a boyfriend. Newly arrived in town, Ryan Shane doesn't want a girlfriend, but he needs a date to shield him from an overly friendly woman who want take no for an answer. So when Julia's teenage daughter accuses her of not having any fun and Ryan calls to ask her to be his date, she jumps at the chance. The two of them come to an agreement: they'll pretend to date to keep the husband-hunting woman away from Ryan and to make Julia's daughter think that Julia does know how to have fun.
But neither of them expected the attraction and fireworks they'd have between them, nor did they expect to become friends. But can Julia trust Ryan when every male influence in her life has hurt her and let her down?
I thought this book was great! I love the plot device of pretending to be together only to fall in love - it's one of my favorites, and Fasano has done a really god job with her version of it. Julia and Ryan's chemistry was immediate and believable. Julia's over-protectiveness towards her daughter annoyed me a bit but once I read why, made total sense. I really love when an author gives their characters good reasons for the way they act. And Ryan was a great hero - sexy yet understanding. Loved him!
Since Julia is a caterer, there is a lot of mention of food in the book. Well, as I was reading, waiting for my husband to finish his workout so we could eat, I was literally salivating reading about roasted chicken with "smashed" potatoes. Fasano described the food so well I could practically taste it! I may just have to roast a chicken this weekend. Yep, I'm still drooling over the food descriptions. Which makes the last few pages of the book great - there are recipes included! I'm looking forward to trying some of these.
Great book, great looking recipes and a sweet ending.
Thank you to the author for giving me a copy of this book for my honest review.
October 3, 2014
Check out my other listens at Eargasms Audiobook Reviews
This is a really interesting modern romance. Julia is young single mother, not something I readily relate to, but I decided to try it out anyway.
Most of the time I liked Julia, she is energetic and fun, things I like. I thought she was a touch too interested in making sure her daughter is her friend. While I am not a parent, I do work with teens and know there are times when you have to be strict and deal with the consequences. Her parenting style was far from consistent. She did have some really nice moments though.
The romance is fake but the friendship is real. I thought the connection between Ryan and Julia was terrific. They had a playful dynamic and were engaging characters. The story is a sweet romance that isn't very taxing. Sometimes ya just want to have a warm and fussy story, this one delivers. I was not quite to the "I love you" stage, more of a "I really like you and could love you with time" kind of feeling. Still nice HEA kind of ending.
The steam is kinda light. It gets very close to hot and heavy but pulls up short of detailed bedroom. I don't always need all the smexy details, sometimes I like a warm romance. This is a sweet read, not a panties on the floor steamy read. There is heavy petting though!! And some killer kisses!!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Christa G. Lewis, She has a soothing tone that fits the sweet story. She has a steady pace that helps the story flow. Her voices were distinct and consistent. A nice smooth read that enjoyable and relaxing.
Overall, this was a really nice read that wasn't too complicated. It has many familiar themes, but is delivered in a very compelling manner. A enjoyable listen that will put you in a happy place.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
This is a really interesting modern romance. Julia is young single mother, not something I readily relate to, but I decided to try it out anyway.
Most of the time I liked Julia, she is energetic and fun, things I like. I thought she was a touch too interested in making sure her daughter is her friend. While I am not a parent, I do work with teens and know there are times when you have to be strict and deal with the consequences. Her parenting style was far from consistent. She did have some really nice moments though.
The romance is fake but the friendship is real. I thought the connection between Ryan and Julia was terrific. They had a playful dynamic and were engaging characters. The story is a sweet romance that isn't very taxing. Sometimes ya just want to have a warm and fussy story, this one delivers. I was not quite to the "I love you" stage, more of a "I really like you and could love you with time" kind of feeling. Still nice HEA kind of ending.
The steam is kinda light. It gets very close to hot and heavy but pulls up short of detailed bedroom. I don't always need all the smexy details, sometimes I like a warm romance. This is a sweet read, not a panties on the floor steamy read. There is heavy petting though!! And some killer kisses!!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Christa G. Lewis, She has a soothing tone that fits the sweet story. She has a steady pace that helps the story flow. Her voices were distinct and consistent. A nice smooth read that enjoyable and relaxing.
Overall, this was a really nice read that wasn't too complicated. It has many familiar themes, but is delivered in a very compelling manner. A enjoyable listen that will put you in a happy place.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
July 22, 2014
Julia is a total helicopter mama, arguing with her daughter about dating and massively worried about boys in general. She would rather her teenage daughter go back to the "cute" years, putting her back in a tutu with mama adoration glistening in her eyes.
After her daughter sneaks out to date a boy, Julia hears a rough critique of her life from a 14 year old girl. She's a boring workaholic. She works nearly constantly and doesn't know how to have fun in the eyes of a high school freshman. If nothing else, this author definitely is able to portray the dramatics of a teenage girl. I felt as though the author was channeling my drama queen niece.
After the heartache from her daughter's brutally honest opinion, Julia agrees to go on a date with her business partner's cousin, who is looking for a date to deter a marriage hungry woman. Neither Julia or Ryan are looking for a relationship. In fact, they're both avoiding them. Ryan just wants to hide from an overly affectionate friend of the family while Julia merely wants to prove to her daughter that she knows how to have fun. It's a win-win for all involved!
Although their bargain is made with platonic intentions, as the couple sees more and more of one another, the feelings shift to something a lot hotter than friendship.
I've always enjoyed relationships of convenience, so this book appealed to me immediately. The characters are well developed and the relationship grows gradually, although there was some instalust. I enjoyed reading this story and how Julia was able to overcome her dark past with men in order to create a new relationship with a great man.
Note: I received a copy of this book for free from netgalley.com for honest review.
After her daughter sneaks out to date a boy, Julia hears a rough critique of her life from a 14 year old girl. She's a boring workaholic. She works nearly constantly and doesn't know how to have fun in the eyes of a high school freshman. If nothing else, this author definitely is able to portray the dramatics of a teenage girl. I felt as though the author was channeling my drama queen niece.
After the heartache from her daughter's brutally honest opinion, Julia agrees to go on a date with her business partner's cousin, who is looking for a date to deter a marriage hungry woman. Neither Julia or Ryan are looking for a relationship. In fact, they're both avoiding them. Ryan just wants to hide from an overly affectionate friend of the family while Julia merely wants to prove to her daughter that she knows how to have fun. It's a win-win for all involved!
Although their bargain is made with platonic intentions, as the couple sees more and more of one another, the feelings shift to something a lot hotter than friendship.
I've always enjoyed relationships of convenience, so this book appealed to me immediately. The characters are well developed and the relationship grows gradually, although there was some instalust. I enjoyed reading this story and how Julia was able to overcome her dark past with men in order to create a new relationship with a great man.
Note: I received a copy of this book for free from netgalley.com for honest review.
August 8, 2013
I am sure that many authors do not realise the impact of a title and how important it is to attract readers. The cover and the title are the first shot in the author's quiver, followed by the clincher - the synopsis! I am not sure how I got this book on my kindle - I think it was a freebie at the time - and I have to say that, for me, the title (though not the cover) sucks. "Her Fake Romance" feels clunky and awkward, definitely not reflecting the quality of the contents, so I was pleasantly surprised to be so well entertained.
Having been the mother of a teenage daughter (and sons, but they're another category altogether)who has actually managed to reach adulthood without being strangled by her mother - she is now forty and has her fingers permanently crooked in the "kill" position over her own teenager, ha ha) - I was intrigued by the plot. A story about a mother coping with an angst-ridden teen and not only living through it, but getting a hot bloke at the same time appealed to me. And so it proved!
Julia, her daughter Kelly and their problems came across as all too real, but although these were traditional, the author never allowed the pair to become boring. The advent of the gorgeous Ryan into the household - and we have to have a stunning bloke in the mix, after all this IS a romance - leads to the usual chaotic emotional interplay.
The book is well-written, the dialogue realistic and there is just enough imagery to set the background. Strong, likeable characters made this an enjoyable read without going over the top in any direction, especially with the sexy bits.
Congratulations, Ms Fasano - but a pity about the title :(
October 18, 2012
This review was originally posted on Big Al's Books and Pals review blog on August 27, 2012
This author always has a wonderful way to bring her characters together. This one was HOT, and the sexual tension starts at the very beginning and never lets up. She offers the perfect balance of narrative, description and dialogue in this character driven story. I love the way she allows us into Julia and Ryan's thoughts, both trying to protect their hearts for different reasons.
Cherry, the gold digger, and Kelly, Julia's the fourteen-year-old daughter, provide the perfect amount of conflict that brings Ryan and Julia together. The fully fleshed out characters are realistic, intelligent, and their story is heartwarming. This journey to happiness is my favorite so far of the several books I've read of Fasano's; I could not put the book down. The author added just the right amount of heat to keep me reading, and the mother daughter scenes were very touching. The emotional journey for both Julia and Ryan is incomparable. I applaud this author's insight into human nature and sensibilities.
FYI: Steamy and adult situations, but no explicit sex. There were no significant editing or format errors.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
This author always has a wonderful way to bring her characters together. This one was HOT, and the sexual tension starts at the very beginning and never lets up. She offers the perfect balance of narrative, description and dialogue in this character driven story. I love the way she allows us into Julia and Ryan's thoughts, both trying to protect their hearts for different reasons.
Cherry, the gold digger, and Kelly, Julia's the fourteen-year-old daughter, provide the perfect amount of conflict that brings Ryan and Julia together. The fully fleshed out characters are realistic, intelligent, and their story is heartwarming. This journey to happiness is my favorite so far of the several books I've read of Fasano's; I could not put the book down. The author added just the right amount of heat to keep me reading, and the mother daughter scenes were very touching. The emotional journey for both Julia and Ryan is incomparable. I applaud this author's insight into human nature and sensibilities.
FYI: Steamy and adult situations, but no explicit sex. There were no significant editing or format errors.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
March 22, 2013
Audio Book Review:
The narration provided by Christa G. Lewis is near perfect, with a touch of “annoying teen squeak” when portraying Kelli, and a clear and subtle distinction in cadence and tone for all of the other characters. A character driven story, Donna Fasano has again managed to present a story that maintains a romance in a convincing way, while allowing for the chaos and discord that family, and particularly children, can bring to the table. The never ending sexual tension that starts early in the first few moments and provides a frisson of tension, and heightens the reader / listener’s experience and involvement in the outcome of the story.
Mother –daughter interactions and kerfuffles are well detailed and written, as anyone with a teenager can attest. Fasano’s stories all portray realistic situations, conversations and issues that could be faced by any one of her readers. Far from the “idealized” romance stories that are things dreams are made of, her books provide romance with potential for all of us, not just a dream unreachable.
I received an AudioBook version from the author for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
The narration provided by Christa G. Lewis is near perfect, with a touch of “annoying teen squeak” when portraying Kelli, and a clear and subtle distinction in cadence and tone for all of the other characters. A character driven story, Donna Fasano has again managed to present a story that maintains a romance in a convincing way, while allowing for the chaos and discord that family, and particularly children, can bring to the table. The never ending sexual tension that starts early in the first few moments and provides a frisson of tension, and heightens the reader / listener’s experience and involvement in the outcome of the story.
Mother –daughter interactions and kerfuffles are well detailed and written, as anyone with a teenager can attest. Fasano’s stories all portray realistic situations, conversations and issues that could be faced by any one of her readers. Far from the “idealized” romance stories that are things dreams are made of, her books provide romance with potential for all of us, not just a dream unreachable.
I received an AudioBook version from the author for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
May 22, 2014
***I was given an ARC in exchange for a honest review***
I liked the story, I felt the chemistry between Ryan and Julia could have been better.
Julia is a single mom. She owns and runs a catering business with Ryan's cousin.
Ryan is a lawyer and has just moved into town. Living with his cousin until he finds a place.
Julia's daughter's wants her to find a man. Ryan is being hunted by a man eater. Ryan reaches out to Julia to help him with a dinner meeting.
They cook up a plan to tell others they are dating. Julia hopes this will keep her daughter at bay. Ryan hopes it will keep Cherry away. The plan works out until they both realize that they both have feeling for each other.
***If your list isn't to long, Place it on your To Be Read (TBR ) list of books. You can read this while you are waiting for your next novel to become available **** I am not sure If I would buy it, I don't see myself reading it again. I would however advise you to reserve it from your local library if available. I do recommend to purchase this book if it something that you fell in love with.
I liked the story, I felt the chemistry between Ryan and Julia could have been better.
Julia is a single mom. She owns and runs a catering business with Ryan's cousin.
Ryan is a lawyer and has just moved into town. Living with his cousin until he finds a place.
Julia's daughter's wants her to find a man. Ryan is being hunted by a man eater. Ryan reaches out to Julia to help him with a dinner meeting.
They cook up a plan to tell others they are dating. Julia hopes this will keep her daughter at bay. Ryan hopes it will keep Cherry away. The plan works out until they both realize that they both have feeling for each other.
***If your list isn't to long, Place it on your To Be Read (TBR ) list of books. You can read this while you are waiting for your next novel to become available **** I am not sure If I would buy it, I don't see myself reading it again. I would however advise you to reserve it from your local library if available. I do recommend to purchase this book if it something that you fell in love with.
August 27, 2016
whats this book is about, Julia is in away running from her past but also trying to protect her daughter from her own mistakes. She is also trying to run a catering company with a good friend. When she meets Ryan who makes her feel and it scares her, will she be able to get over the past before she looses the feature? In the mean time Ryan is a high divorce attorney or has no desire to ever have a relationship, he moves in with his cousin Charlotte in a new city and he starts his own practice will he be able to find what he's really looking for?
Ok so this book a novella and can be read in about 2 or 3 hours such a simple read. However the book does not lack at all. The story line is well written I love how the emotions and the feeling of the characters do not lack and you feel for each one equally. The relationship between Kelly (daughter) and Julia (mother) seems fairly typical but the author has no problem addressing tough issues that teenagers are facing now a days. I would recommend with book to any adult there are some very sizzling moments. Such a fun read I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Ok so this book a novella and can be read in about 2 or 3 hours such a simple read. However the book does not lack at all. The story line is well written I love how the emotions and the feeling of the characters do not lack and you feel for each one equally. The relationship between Kelly (daughter) and Julia (mother) seems fairly typical but the author has no problem addressing tough issues that teenagers are facing now a days. I would recommend with book to any adult there are some very sizzling moments. Such a fun read I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
March 10, 2014
Her Fake Romance by Donna Fasano is a light romantic comedy that hit the spot for me. I truly enjoyed this I’ll-help-you, you-help-me to friendship to love romance. Julia is the perfect blend of conflicted parent and one who wants her teenage daughter to like her. Been there done that. Ryan was a little harder to identify with but he is a likable character. Seeing into the main character’s thoughts and emotions was insightful and well crafted. In addition, Kelly, the daughter, could have stolen the show since she is so interesting. Maybe she will get her own story in the future. Her Fake Romance is not a heavy dark read and a bit predictable but so well done it was never dull. With that being said, the twist concerning the grandparent at the end was brilliant which I didn’t see that coming at all. This is my first book to read by Donna Fasano but now I have several others on my TBR list. I can easily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story about everyday people falling in love.
Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
November 26, 2013
This was one of those realistic stories of two people not wanting to have a real relationship with anyone, but strike a bargain to pretend to solve their own personal problems outside of the relationship.
Julia has a daughter she's fighting with, who thinks she is a workaholic & has no fun, therefore she cannot relate to her daughter. She goes along with Ryan's idea of a fake romance that will not only help Ryan ward off an over anxious admirer.
This is a good light romance that deals with the realistic drama of having a rebellious teen. If you are into the realistic stressful family situations & the drama of single parenthood then this is a book for you...
I liked it, but I didn't love it. I loved the last book I read from her. For some reason this one just stressed me out... I don't like stressful books, but I can't really describe exactly why...
Julia has a daughter she's fighting with, who thinks she is a workaholic & has no fun, therefore she cannot relate to her daughter. She goes along with Ryan's idea of a fake romance that will not only help Ryan ward off an over anxious admirer.
This is a good light romance that deals with the realistic drama of having a rebellious teen. If you are into the realistic stressful family situations & the drama of single parenthood then this is a book for you...
I liked it, but I didn't love it. I loved the last book I read from her. For some reason this one just stressed me out... I don't like stressful books, but I can't really describe exactly why...
November 28, 2015
I was in the mood for a light-hearted, romantic read, and this fit the bill perfectly.
Julia is a woman who throws herself into her business, a catering service, and raises her teenage girl on the side. Her determination sometimes gets the best of her, but her ability to quickly adapt makes her easy to cheer for. I especially enjoyed her exchanges with her teenage daughter and found their relationship pretty realistic.
The tension between Julia and Ryan is well done. Although sparks start to fly and the attraction is undeniable, it's fun to watch the two turn away from each other time and again. The tension builds the entire story through, making it impossible not to hope they somehow get together in the end. There's a nice bit of humor peppered in, which had me smiling most of the way through.
Julia is a woman who throws herself into her business, a catering service, and raises her teenage girl on the side. Her determination sometimes gets the best of her, but her ability to quickly adapt makes her easy to cheer for. I especially enjoyed her exchanges with her teenage daughter and found their relationship pretty realistic.
The tension between Julia and Ryan is well done. Although sparks start to fly and the attraction is undeniable, it's fun to watch the two turn away from each other time and again. The tension builds the entire story through, making it impossible not to hope they somehow get together in the end. There's a nice bit of humor peppered in, which had me smiling most of the way through.
March 7, 2013
Julia tries to keep the story of her past from her teenage daughter. She has a fake romance to impress her daughter. Eventually she reveals all to her daughter. She also realizes she has fallen in love instead of having a fake romance. The characters are interesting and you want to cheer for each of them, with the exception of one really unlikeable woman.
It was easy to give this four stars. it was a quick book with a happy ending. Sometimes that is just what I need.
I have read another book by this author and will look for others.
It was easy to give this four stars. it was a quick book with a happy ending. Sometimes that is just what I need.
I have read another book by this author and will look for others.
May 13, 2014
another Donna Fasano masterpiece!!
Julia doesn't want a boyfriend and Ryan doesn't want a girlfriend, so they each rely on each other and come up with a "fake relationship" to show the town they are in love and are not available to others. It works with Julia's daughter and mends fences at home. And all's well with Ryan at work with a colleague's daughter, she got the message and her father isn't insulted.
What Ryan & Julia don't expect, is to develop feelings for each other.
A must read!!
**Was given an ARC by the Publisher for a review by Netgalley.
Julia doesn't want a boyfriend and Ryan doesn't want a girlfriend, so they each rely on each other and come up with a "fake relationship" to show the town they are in love and are not available to others. It works with Julia's daughter and mends fences at home. And all's well with Ryan at work with a colleague's daughter, she got the message and her father isn't insulted.
What Ryan & Julia don't expect, is to develop feelings for each other.
A must read!!
**Was given an ARC by the Publisher for a review by Netgalley.
October 20, 2012
This is the first book I've read by this author, Donna Fasano. I wanted something light to read this evening, and this book hit the spot. It was a fast read, a delightfully fun and charming book to read. Even though it is quite predictable I still enjoyed it and found it quite entertaining. Like Julia, the protagonist in the story, I like to read a happily-ever-after romantic book once in a while, I call them my Cinderella books, and this one did not disappoint.
September 22, 2013
Every once in awhile it's nice to sit down with a traditional romance. You know, the kind where there isn't any huge drama or crisis, just humans being humans. I found Her Fake Romance to be a well plotted, well written romance with a sweet story, well drawn setting and really likeable characters. The happily ever after was satisfactory, and I consider my time reading it well spent.
* I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
* I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2016
Her Fake Romance was a pretty good read. The chemistry and tension between the two main characters worked. The mother- daughter growing pains came across well. The other woman angle was hot then cold; the dramatic turn did not translate well, in my opinion. It did not come across as authentically as the other transitions. Also, although I loved the happily ever after that came, the epilogue regarding the dad was a hard sell for me. I could say more, but I'll stop there.
May 1, 2013
Fake romances can be fun. Neither Julia nor Ryan is interested in a relationship, but they both have their reasons for making a deal in which they pretend to be a couple. They were attracted to one another from the moment they met, but each has to get over their issues before they can move forward and have a real relationship. It is a sweet story with funny moments. I enjoyed it.
October 21, 2013
The only thing that I can remember without a lot of effort about the book is the way Ryan looked the first time he and Julia met. Then some parts of the book come back to my mind. One of them is how much I hated the behaviour Kelly had. I wouldn't mind a book about Julian's friend. Other than that is your usual romance. No fireworks here.
July 13, 2014
Ryan is trying to dodge Cherry the daughter of a man he thinks of as a farther. Julia is trying to pacify her daughter and prove she can still have fun. The relationship may have started as a ruse for the people in their lives but become more. This is a great story about hope and trusting in another person. That you can find love and overcome the past.
July 21, 2014
Ryan and Julia have entered a deal for a fake romance. He gets protection from a serial divorcee and she gets a fun relationship with her daughter. Of course feelings develop but it's the pain from her past holding them up. This was an enjoyable evening read. I was given a copy by Netgalley for an honest review.
January 19, 2013
Amateurish. Unnatural dialogue. Contrived ways to introduce background. Cliches, cliches, cliches. Completely flat, stereotypic characters.
March 11, 2013
Had potential but not enough meat
March 19, 2013
cute book
March 29, 2013
Cute story, but not a favorite re-read for me.
Want to read
June 5, 2014176 pages
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