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The Reunion Lie
It was only meant to be a little white lie.
Inventing a fake fiancé was an act of desperation for Zoe Montgomery - a knee-jerk response to her horrifying high school reunion! But now that she's convinced London's most unattainable bachelor to play the part, her little white lie is spiraling out of control.
Because everyone wants a piece of tycoon Dan Forrester. Including Zoe! Especially once she's seen the view from his bedroom - this might be a fake engagement, but she's certainly not faking anything else!
Now the reunion is over, and Zoe and Dan have convinced the world they're meant to be! But convincing each other? A whole different challenge...
Inventing a fake fiancé was an act of desperation for Zoe Montgomery - a knee-jerk response to her horrifying high school reunion! But now that she's convinced London's most unattainable bachelor to play the part, her little white lie is spiraling out of control.
Because everyone wants a piece of tycoon Dan Forrester. Including Zoe! Especially once she's seen the view from his bedroom - this might be a fake engagement, but she's certainly not faking anything else!
Now the reunion is over, and Zoe and Dan have convinced the world they're meant to be! But convincing each other? A whole different challenge...
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
17 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 46 reviews
December 21, 2013
I can't remember the last time I had this much fun and felt so much all while reading a romance novel. This book is both funny and heart wrenching and perhaps a bit over the top at times...but, I'm good with that, too.
A quick, fun, sexy read guaranteed to keep your toes curled and nicely warmed.
Review copied provided by NetGalley.
A quick, fun, sexy read guaranteed to keep your toes curled and nicely warmed.
Review copied provided by NetGalley.
February 12, 2019
Nombres: Zoe & Dan.
Profesiones: Empresaria Mistery Shopping & Publicista.
Pais: Londres
Profesiones: Empresaria Mistery Shopping & Publicista.
Pais: Londres
November 22, 2013
More on my blog: http://caseyreadstoo.blogspot.com/201...
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I immediately thought that it would be a good read. After I realize that this book is published by Harlequin, I dialed down on my expectation of an excellent love story because having read a bunch of Harlequin books, yes, they are tear-jerkers but they always lacked something. Maybe because usually the stories are short and left me unsatisfied by the end.
This story is no exception. However! It felt real, the connection between Dan and Zoe. They were held back by their past but instead of handling them with elaborate plans or denial, they actually dealt with their problems like grown-ups. At least to me it felt that way. Both are straight-forward and there was no beating around bush when it comes to saying what they want from each other.
The downside of reading this was that there was too much stuffed in a very short story. I did mention that the connection between Dan and Zoe are real but come to think of it, it was missing that impact, that bonding moment that seals the relationship. The best way I could describe is that their relationship was a slow build-up, like most relationship these days. Nice and slow, hardly any intense moments. I guess I just love drama in my romance.
It's a fast read, still managed to jerk a tear or two or ten but don't expect too much from it. Books published under Harlequin are usually short and sweet and almost always have a happy ending. If you're looking for an intense, dramatic, tear-jerker romance, this will cut you short.
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I immediately thought that it would be a good read. After I realize that this book is published by Harlequin, I dialed down on my expectation of an excellent love story because having read a bunch of Harlequin books, yes, they are tear-jerkers but they always lacked something. Maybe because usually the stories are short and left me unsatisfied by the end.
This story is no exception. However! It felt real, the connection between Dan and Zoe. They were held back by their past but instead of handling them with elaborate plans or denial, they actually dealt with their problems like grown-ups. At least to me it felt that way. Both are straight-forward and there was no beating around bush when it comes to saying what they want from each other.
The downside of reading this was that there was too much stuffed in a very short story. I did mention that the connection between Dan and Zoe are real but come to think of it, it was missing that impact, that bonding moment that seals the relationship. The best way I could describe is that their relationship was a slow build-up, like most relationship these days. Nice and slow, hardly any intense moments. I guess I just love drama in my romance.
It's a fast read, still managed to jerk a tear or two or ten but don't expect too much from it. Books published under Harlequin are usually short and sweet and almost always have a happy ending. If you're looking for an intense, dramatic, tear-jerker romance, this will cut you short.
October 1, 2013
For more book reviews, please check out: www.readingtsinoy.blogspot.com
Zoe is desperate. With teenage demons and insecurities popping out at her class reunion, she could only do one thing; Invent the boyfriend of her dreams and jump the first good looking man that entered the bar.
A stranger’s unwelcome and unexpected kiss was shocking enough but more so was Dan’s instinctive reaction to Zoe’s assault. He liked it! And the aftermath was so unlike him too. Instead of leaping out of the bar, he played along and helped Zoe pretend to be the happy and loved-up woman she claimed to be.
Everyone believes their instant relationship…. including the whole nation, which happens to be invested in Dan as he is the country’s 2nd most eligible bachelor. But playing a couple is much easier than being one, especially when both know nothing about the other.
My Review:
The whole premise, though much used, had promise. But alas, the author failed to live up to my expectations. From the very first chapter, I wanted to drop the book and stop reading. But a review had to be written so I plunged ahead.
Long winded. Wordy. Exhausting to read. Getting to any point I had to go through seemingly endless pages of self-doubts, questions and realizations on both Zoe’s and Dan’s part. The entire thing was tiring to read. I had to skip pages that the book could have done without. If edited better, the book would have been cut into half.
In other words, I didn’t like it. The chemistry between the two protagonists were forced at best. The pace was hurried and I felt no love lost for both Dan and Zoe. Sweet? Romantic? Sexually enticing? Not quite. Repeat reading material? Definitely Not.
Zoe is desperate. With teenage demons and insecurities popping out at her class reunion, she could only do one thing; Invent the boyfriend of her dreams and jump the first good looking man that entered the bar.
A stranger’s unwelcome and unexpected kiss was shocking enough but more so was Dan’s instinctive reaction to Zoe’s assault. He liked it! And the aftermath was so unlike him too. Instead of leaping out of the bar, he played along and helped Zoe pretend to be the happy and loved-up woman she claimed to be.
Everyone believes their instant relationship…. including the whole nation, which happens to be invested in Dan as he is the country’s 2nd most eligible bachelor. But playing a couple is much easier than being one, especially when both know nothing about the other.
My Review:
The whole premise, though much used, had promise. But alas, the author failed to live up to my expectations. From the very first chapter, I wanted to drop the book and stop reading. But a review had to be written so I plunged ahead.
Long winded. Wordy. Exhausting to read. Getting to any point I had to go through seemingly endless pages of self-doubts, questions and realizations on both Zoe’s and Dan’s part. The entire thing was tiring to read. I had to skip pages that the book could have done without. If edited better, the book would have been cut into half.
In other words, I didn’t like it. The chemistry between the two protagonists were forced at best. The pace was hurried and I felt no love lost for both Dan and Zoe. Sweet? Romantic? Sexually enticing? Not quite. Repeat reading material? Definitely Not.
February 11, 2014
4.5 stars
There was something about the back cover blurb that made me think I wouldn't enjoy this book all that much... But I must have been reading something different as I ended up loving this book!
The opening of this book is fantastic, I was utterly absorbed from the word go. Lucy King managed to draw me right into the heroine's feelings, I was feeling as uncomfortable, unconfident, and inadequate as the heroine was at that moment in her private hell of a reunion. I loved the touch that the heroine had only gone to prove a point only to have that point backfire on her!
Then with the heroine's ridiculous attempt at saving face by not only
inventing a fantastical fiancé but also pretending the next guy who walked in was him, and quite literally jumping on him, the story became a bit of a farce, in a really good way. Good job that the man took it well, and actually helped with the pretence, oh that was fun to read! I wanted to roll my eyes, but I couldn't.
Lucy had me totally hooked and the hero and heroines story was only beginning. There is instant, recognisable chemistry between this pair and I loved that both characters, individually, were so strongly written. The relationship develops slowly and I was really invested in it. What I particularly liked about this story is that the author didn't really on that one big "black moment" (there is one but its not the total focus of the conflict) instead the conflict is clear throughout and the hero and heroine's insecurities slowly chip away at their supposed happiness... Very poignant.
A really enjoyable read. Fun, flirty, sad, and romantic!
There was something about the back cover blurb that made me think I wouldn't enjoy this book all that much... But I must have been reading something different as I ended up loving this book!
The opening of this book is fantastic, I was utterly absorbed from the word go. Lucy King managed to draw me right into the heroine's feelings, I was feeling as uncomfortable, unconfident, and inadequate as the heroine was at that moment in her private hell of a reunion. I loved the touch that the heroine had only gone to prove a point only to have that point backfire on her!
Then with the heroine's ridiculous attempt at saving face by not only
inventing a fantastical fiancé but also pretending the next guy who walked in was him, and quite literally jumping on him, the story became a bit of a farce, in a really good way. Good job that the man took it well, and actually helped with the pretence, oh that was fun to read! I wanted to roll my eyes, but I couldn't.
Lucy had me totally hooked and the hero and heroines story was only beginning. There is instant, recognisable chemistry between this pair and I loved that both characters, individually, were so strongly written. The relationship develops slowly and I was really invested in it. What I particularly liked about this story is that the author didn't really on that one big "black moment" (there is one but its not the total focus of the conflict) instead the conflict is clear throughout and the hero and heroine's insecurities slowly chip away at their supposed happiness... Very poignant.
A really enjoyable read. Fun, flirty, sad, and romantic!
February 18, 2022
Cute story about a pretend boyfriend, picked up because of the mean girls at a school reunion. It doesn't quite go as I expected, because the nerdy statistician heroine runs away immediately after they leave the reunion party in the London pub. (The story is based in England, with English characters.) And the hero, who is extremely publicity averse, has denied any of it happened, especially the proposal she couldn't talk him out of. Apparently, one of the mean girls, who are still mean, called the story into the London tabloids, which are way worse than the American ones. Later, she wonders if she might not at least get some hot sex out of the deal, and goes to his work to proposition him. He takes her up on it, but he has a 3 date limit. Needless to say, he has control issues. She begins getting over hers when he challenges her at the beginning, but she really has to push him to get him to deal. It's a good story. I liked it a lot.
June 25, 2017
Sometimes what you've accomplished isn't enough and sometimes those insecurities of not being accepted makes you embellish the truth or create a whole new one.
What if it got you the man of your dreams?
Other then some hiccups, a temporary break up and silly media taking notice these two had the right kind of love.
What if it got you the man of your dreams?
Other then some hiccups, a temporary break up and silly media taking notice these two had the right kind of love.
March 24, 2017
Such a cute story! The chemistry and banter between Dan and Zoe was just fabulous. Pure 'happy sigh' reading!
January 29, 2020
Storia molto carina, peccato per alcuni clichè soliti. La fine si è conclusa molto velocemente.
October 1, 2024
Great book
February 21, 2021
Hoo boy.
I picked this one up a couple years ago because I thought it was very funny that the author and I share a name, but didn't get round to reading it until today.
I like a bit of romance, and this book did have some genuinely steamy moments. Not enough to justify the rest of it though, particularly with lines like "bloody hell, was she /gyrating/?" Probably my expectations were way too high going into this, or maybe it's just that I don't believe the most eligible bachelor in London would be a guy who works in advertising. The bit where they talk about their successes and he's proud of his ability to market products is not tugging at my loins the way it was perhaps intended to. Also, amongst a cocktail of other bad traits, this guy has a lot of baggage that he attributes to the hive mind that is all women.
The book is full of the protagonist Zoe talking about how she's not like other girls who like husbands and babies; she's a statistician. You know I don't totally hate this, I like a character who likes maths, it's fun, and yes british private school girls are their own breed, so I understand her distaste for her debutante former classmates, but the way she frets over this guy who's just dips on the relationship anytime they get seen in public is mad.
Oh and then there's the abortion stuff! There's some IDEOLOGY in this book, let me tell you. The love interest Dan, marketing man, has a tragic backstory that amounts to him being angry at his ex for aborting their baby 8 years ago because she wanted to pursue her career? Yeah, shockingly I'm not on Dan's side in this one, although leading lady Zoe is. And she's gonna assure him that SHE would never Kill his Unborn Child. In a weird choice, this book has us meet the ex and aforementioned baby killer only for us to see that she seems very lovely and concerned for the two main characters. What a monster.
Despite all this, I can't find it in my heart to be too mad at this book. Like, whatever, it's a harlequin romance, I knew what I was in for. And I too would like to go to a high school reunion and lie about everything.
I picked this one up a couple years ago because I thought it was very funny that the author and I share a name, but didn't get round to reading it until today.
I like a bit of romance, and this book did have some genuinely steamy moments. Not enough to justify the rest of it though, particularly with lines like "bloody hell, was she /gyrating/?" Probably my expectations were way too high going into this, or maybe it's just that I don't believe the most eligible bachelor in London would be a guy who works in advertising. The bit where they talk about their successes and he's proud of his ability to market products is not tugging at my loins the way it was perhaps intended to. Also, amongst a cocktail of other bad traits, this guy has a lot of baggage that he attributes to the hive mind that is all women.
The book is full of the protagonist Zoe talking about how she's not like other girls who like husbands and babies; she's a statistician. You know I don't totally hate this, I like a character who likes maths, it's fun, and yes british private school girls are their own breed, so I understand her distaste for her debutante former classmates, but the way she frets over this guy who's just dips on the relationship anytime they get seen in public is mad.
Oh and then there's the abortion stuff! There's some IDEOLOGY in this book, let me tell you. The love interest Dan, marketing man, has a tragic backstory that amounts to him being angry at his ex for aborting their baby 8 years ago because she wanted to pursue her career? Yeah, shockingly I'm not on Dan's side in this one, although leading lady Zoe is. And she's gonna assure him that SHE would never Kill his Unborn Child. In a weird choice, this book has us meet the ex and aforementioned baby killer only for us to see that she seems very lovely and concerned for the two main characters. What a monster.
Despite all this, I can't find it in my heart to be too mad at this book. Like, whatever, it's a harlequin romance, I knew what I was in for. And I too would like to go to a high school reunion and lie about everything.
March 21, 2014
Diabetic Story
Somewhere around in the review of a previous book, I had written that it was sugary enough to get me diabetic but it was nothing compared to this book because this could actually replace the sugar in my tea. You have to be superbly emotionally gullible to like this book since for me the whole dialogues and the reactions of the characters were too unnatural far from reality but then if you like the movie version of romance then probably you will be in awe of this book.
To begin with I would admit that the plot of the book was amazing but sadly the whole scripting out of this plot was where it lacked. Let’s begin with the language which to me had no smooth flow in it and the author just like me has a habit of using long sentences which never manages to stop and in the meanwhile makes the reader forget where exactly the sentence started. In my opinion it would have been better if the language was refrained to smaller sentences with simpler words and narration because as of now the language is all coiled up going around one thing over and over and there like she is trying to force her point into our brain.
Frankly at every dialogue and turn in the book I was gasping for air because I felt as if I was being choked up with all the inside puking I was going through while reading it.
Reason?
a) I hate forced romance that is filled with dialogues that are way too sugar coated and does not come without sounding cheesy
b) There are so many pages filled with internal thought process of the characters that you forget what the whole book is all about
c) Too many impractical and unrealistic surroundings, dialogues and character behavior that feels like these characters suffer from dual personality because they start off as somebody else and at the end of the book are completely different
For argument sake let’s say that if we keep it real then the book would not be fun to read ….Really? ….have you read Beautiful Disaster by Jamie Mcguire or Easy by Tammara Webber…. What makes these books good and popular is the fact that we could visualize something of that sort happening and it does not go overboard.
To prove my point let me quote with some examples from the book itself
Scene 1: A stranger comes and kisses you
Your natural reaction: probably spitting out a sentence that would start with the "F" word and end with another "f" if at all you haven’t slapped the person or called the cops.
Book’s reaction: 'innocence doesn't suit someone who looks like a sexy fallen angel'
Scene 2: A stranger comes over and starts narrating you the problems in her life
Your natural reaction: a fake sympathetic expression while thinking “she is definitely crazy and what is the number of the nearest mental institute” or “will she notice or follow me if I start running now?”
Book’s reaction: “he had an unexpected urge to haul her back into his arms tell her everything was going to be all right.”
Perhaps I may be the only one to find these as weird reactions but to me the book was not good enough maybe also due to the fact that I do not prefer “mills & Boons” styled book.
But then why did I pick this book? I do not know…maybe I was feeling creative …so I have learnt my lesson
This book is a story of the night when both the character's common sense and logic had deserted them and honestly mine as well when I decided to read it.
Somewhere around in the review of a previous book, I had written that it was sugary enough to get me diabetic but it was nothing compared to this book because this could actually replace the sugar in my tea. You have to be superbly emotionally gullible to like this book since for me the whole dialogues and the reactions of the characters were too unnatural far from reality but then if you like the movie version of romance then probably you will be in awe of this book.
To begin with I would admit that the plot of the book was amazing but sadly the whole scripting out of this plot was where it lacked. Let’s begin with the language which to me had no smooth flow in it and the author just like me has a habit of using long sentences which never manages to stop and in the meanwhile makes the reader forget where exactly the sentence started. In my opinion it would have been better if the language was refrained to smaller sentences with simpler words and narration because as of now the language is all coiled up going around one thing over and over and there like she is trying to force her point into our brain.
Frankly at every dialogue and turn in the book I was gasping for air because I felt as if I was being choked up with all the inside puking I was going through while reading it.
Reason?
a) I hate forced romance that is filled with dialogues that are way too sugar coated and does not come without sounding cheesy
b) There are so many pages filled with internal thought process of the characters that you forget what the whole book is all about
c) Too many impractical and unrealistic surroundings, dialogues and character behavior that feels like these characters suffer from dual personality because they start off as somebody else and at the end of the book are completely different
For argument sake let’s say that if we keep it real then the book would not be fun to read ….Really? ….have you read Beautiful Disaster by Jamie Mcguire or Easy by Tammara Webber…. What makes these books good and popular is the fact that we could visualize something of that sort happening and it does not go overboard.
To prove my point let me quote with some examples from the book itself
Scene 1: A stranger comes and kisses you
Your natural reaction: probably spitting out a sentence that would start with the "F" word and end with another "f" if at all you haven’t slapped the person or called the cops.
Book’s reaction: 'innocence doesn't suit someone who looks like a sexy fallen angel'
Scene 2: A stranger comes over and starts narrating you the problems in her life
Your natural reaction: a fake sympathetic expression while thinking “she is definitely crazy and what is the number of the nearest mental institute” or “will she notice or follow me if I start running now?”
Book’s reaction: “he had an unexpected urge to haul her back into his arms tell her everything was going to be all right.”
Perhaps I may be the only one to find these as weird reactions but to me the book was not good enough maybe also due to the fact that I do not prefer “mills & Boons” styled book.
But then why did I pick this book? I do not know…maybe I was feeling creative …so I have learnt my lesson
This book is a story of the night when both the character's common sense and logic had deserted them and honestly mine as well when I decided to read it.
January 18, 2015
*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Zoe Montgomery is a successful woman. She has her own mystery shopping agency, which is very profitable, and she has a doctorate, but none of that seems to impress her old boarding school colleagues. They are only impressed by each other’s husbands and children, and Zoe doesn’t even have a boyfriend… Her plan to impress the colleagues that bullied her in high school, by demonstrating that she has overcome the past and the abuses and became a successful business woman, has failed miserably, so is it any wonder that she’s abused the wine?
And that she has had the sad idea to announce that she is not single, and then walk towards a very attractive man that has just walked into the bar where she and her former colleagues are reunited, and kiss him? But when Zoe explains to him the trouble she’s gotten herself into he agrees to pretend to be her boyfriend for one night. However, for him to end the night proposing marriage is something not even Zoe expected…
Dan Forrester has been burned before. His previous girlfriend sold the story of their courtship to the tabloids and, ever since, Dan is extremely careful in his interactions with women he doesn't know because the fact that he is a highly successful advertiser and considered the most eligible bachelor in London makes him an incredibly attractive target to the paparazzi. So how was it that he got swept away by Zoe’s story? The only possible explanation is that the kisses they exchanged left him pining for more… And that is why he asks her out at the end of the night, but Zoe refuses.
But when the next morning the tabloids publish the news of his engagement, Dan realizes the madness of his actions the previous night and is fast to issue a press release denying it. And when Zoe receives the news by the one colleague that tormented her the most at school, she has a cathartic moment and tells her all the things she always wanted to say. And ends up thinking she should have accepted Dan’s invitation so she decides to find him and propose a no-strings-attached relationship.
However, the more time they spend together, and the better they get to know each other, the more they start liking each other so maybe a no-strings attached relationship is impossible for them. But the tabloids’ press is always lurking around and will their relationship be strong enough to survive a new scandal?
A sweet romance that has a funny and credible premise (it’s not easy being the only single woman and all the conversations being about babies, believe me) that explores the harassment of the paparazzi to public figures and that is particularly aggressive in London, where the story takes place.
Zoe Montgomery is a successful woman. She has her own mystery shopping agency, which is very profitable, and she has a doctorate, but none of that seems to impress her old boarding school colleagues. They are only impressed by each other’s husbands and children, and Zoe doesn’t even have a boyfriend… Her plan to impress the colleagues that bullied her in high school, by demonstrating that she has overcome the past and the abuses and became a successful business woman, has failed miserably, so is it any wonder that she’s abused the wine?
And that she has had the sad idea to announce that she is not single, and then walk towards a very attractive man that has just walked into the bar where she and her former colleagues are reunited, and kiss him? But when Zoe explains to him the trouble she’s gotten herself into he agrees to pretend to be her boyfriend for one night. However, for him to end the night proposing marriage is something not even Zoe expected…
Dan Forrester has been burned before. His previous girlfriend sold the story of their courtship to the tabloids and, ever since, Dan is extremely careful in his interactions with women he doesn't know because the fact that he is a highly successful advertiser and considered the most eligible bachelor in London makes him an incredibly attractive target to the paparazzi. So how was it that he got swept away by Zoe’s story? The only possible explanation is that the kisses they exchanged left him pining for more… And that is why he asks her out at the end of the night, but Zoe refuses.
But when the next morning the tabloids publish the news of his engagement, Dan realizes the madness of his actions the previous night and is fast to issue a press release denying it. And when Zoe receives the news by the one colleague that tormented her the most at school, she has a cathartic moment and tells her all the things she always wanted to say. And ends up thinking she should have accepted Dan’s invitation so she decides to find him and propose a no-strings-attached relationship.
However, the more time they spend together, and the better they get to know each other, the more they start liking each other so maybe a no-strings attached relationship is impossible for them. But the tabloids’ press is always lurking around and will their relationship be strong enough to survive a new scandal?
A sweet romance that has a funny and credible premise (it’s not easy being the only single woman and all the conversations being about babies, believe me) that explores the harassment of the paparazzi to public figures and that is particularly aggressive in London, where the story takes place.
November 13, 2013
On a whim, Zoe decided to attend her high school reunion despite the fact that she was bullied by practically everyone in attendance. She thought her successful professional career would finally impress them, but instead all they care about is her love life. On the spot she makes up a boyfriend and convinces a stranger at the bar to play the pretend boyfriend… but little does she know that Dan Forrester is more than she bargained for and soon the two are embarking on something much more real.
Ah! It's so strange for me to get all excited over a romance novel, but I really liked this book! I was drawn in right away and read the whole thing on one sitting, turning the page as fast as I could so I could see what was going to happen next. It is a romance novel, so we know how it's going to end, but watching Zoe and Dan get there was so much fun, they took so many twists and turns it was like a roller coaster. And you know I'm a sucker for romances where the girl accidentally falls in love with a famous person (Decked with Holly by Marni Bates is another great read, especially this time of year!)
What I loved the most was the way the author tied Zoe's past as a high school student in with her current life. As a fan of YA, I really enjoyed that realistic glimpse at Zoe's past and how she was still struggling to overcome it. As we all know, Bullying is a real epidemic right now and a book focusing on the outcomes for those who are bullied will always be relevant. Zoe didn't need saving, but it was great to see Dan's primal instincts come out when he found out about the bullying. That's when I knew they had to be together!
A quick note about the Harlequin KISS line of books - it's a relatively new line for the publisher and I've been wanting to try them out for awhile now because they seemed so refreshing. This is the second books I've read from the line and I've really enjoyed both. They seem to feature independent, driven women who know how to balance their careers with love. They also feature some pretty steamy scenes, which is always a plus, eh?
Four stars! The Reunion Lie and the rest of the Harlequin KISS line seems like a refreshing change for the romance publisher. I'm looking forward to reading more KISS books soon and I recommend them for those readers who like traditional romance occasionally, but are sick of the formulated plot lines.
Ah! It's so strange for me to get all excited over a romance novel, but I really liked this book! I was drawn in right away and read the whole thing on one sitting, turning the page as fast as I could so I could see what was going to happen next. It is a romance novel, so we know how it's going to end, but watching Zoe and Dan get there was so much fun, they took so many twists and turns it was like a roller coaster. And you know I'm a sucker for romances where the girl accidentally falls in love with a famous person (Decked with Holly by Marni Bates is another great read, especially this time of year!)
What I loved the most was the way the author tied Zoe's past as a high school student in with her current life. As a fan of YA, I really enjoyed that realistic glimpse at Zoe's past and how she was still struggling to overcome it. As we all know, Bullying is a real epidemic right now and a book focusing on the outcomes for those who are bullied will always be relevant. Zoe didn't need saving, but it was great to see Dan's primal instincts come out when he found out about the bullying. That's when I knew they had to be together!
A quick note about the Harlequin KISS line of books - it's a relatively new line for the publisher and I've been wanting to try them out for awhile now because they seemed so refreshing. This is the second books I've read from the line and I've really enjoyed both. They seem to feature independent, driven women who know how to balance their careers with love. They also feature some pretty steamy scenes, which is always a plus, eh?
Four stars! The Reunion Lie and the rest of the Harlequin KISS line seems like a refreshing change for the romance publisher. I'm looking forward to reading more KISS books soon and I recommend them for those readers who like traditional romance occasionally, but are sick of the formulated plot lines.
December 24, 2013
*Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World :)*
The Reunion Lie is a fast-paced romance that is enjoyable to read. I like the overall idea of the book, it has a great premise that immediately pulls you in and the cover is stunning. Lucy King did a good job portraying the characters and the challenges that they have to face. Both with painful pasts, Zoe and Dan are the perfect couple that need each other in order to overcome their separate obstacles. Having triumph in her career, Zoe would have never imagined that after attending her high school reunion everything in her life was going to change.
She didn't want to attend her high school reunion and have to see all the people that hurt her in her past. But thinking that she was brave enough to do it, she attends her reunion only to be questioned by her high school classmates. Not knowing what to tell them that would impress them, she invents a whole story of having the “perfect” fiancé. When things get out of hand, she stumbles upon Dan and after she kisses him, she asks him to be her fake fiancé (at least around her old classmates).
Dan was only getting to the restaurant when Zoe bumps into him and he is surprised to hear her ask him to be her fake fiancé. He sees how desperate she is and decides to help her, but soon he is forced to tell everyone who he is without measuring the consequences of his actions. As the two start to spend more time together, their attraction grows and so is their love for one another. Little do they know that spending time together will leave them to make difficult decisions in the future.
The writing of the book is very well-written and it flows quite well. I liked Zoe's character the most, she is driven and straight to the point. Both Dan and Zoe have insecurities and by being near each other, they are helping one another overcome their troubles. Overall, the story had a great plot and I would recommend everyone to give it a try.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The Reunion Lie is a fast-paced romance that is enjoyable to read. I like the overall idea of the book, it has a great premise that immediately pulls you in and the cover is stunning. Lucy King did a good job portraying the characters and the challenges that they have to face. Both with painful pasts, Zoe and Dan are the perfect couple that need each other in order to overcome their separate obstacles. Having triumph in her career, Zoe would have never imagined that after attending her high school reunion everything in her life was going to change.
She didn't want to attend her high school reunion and have to see all the people that hurt her in her past. But thinking that she was brave enough to do it, she attends her reunion only to be questioned by her high school classmates. Not knowing what to tell them that would impress them, she invents a whole story of having the “perfect” fiancé. When things get out of hand, she stumbles upon Dan and after she kisses him, she asks him to be her fake fiancé (at least around her old classmates).
Dan was only getting to the restaurant when Zoe bumps into him and he is surprised to hear her ask him to be her fake fiancé. He sees how desperate she is and decides to help her, but soon he is forced to tell everyone who he is without measuring the consequences of his actions. As the two start to spend more time together, their attraction grows and so is their love for one another. Little do they know that spending time together will leave them to make difficult decisions in the future.
The writing of the book is very well-written and it flows quite well. I liked Zoe's character the most, she is driven and straight to the point. Both Dan and Zoe have insecurities and by being near each other, they are helping one another overcome their troubles. Overall, the story had a great plot and I would recommend everyone to give it a try.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
November 13, 2013
The best thing about a Mills & Boon book is the fact it is a quick door into a literary escape with just the right amount of drama, sorrow and heart-wrenching moments of passion. A bit like eating a strawberry cream from a tin of Quality Streets.The moment of anticipation before you pop it in your mouth is only exceeded by the yummy texture of chocolatey strawberryness.
Mills & boon is always good for a quick fix of escapism.
Enter the main character Zoe, a successful businesswoman who is still haunted by her high school bullies. She is so intimidated by past memories that she decides to go to her high school reunion and on a whim to make up a mythical boyfriend. Said mythical creature becomes a reality when she panics and ropes in the next available hunk to pull off her scam. So begins both a comedy of errors and meeting of spirits that one can only call fate.
As a character Zoe was terribly insecure and it is horrendous to think that victims of bullying are so scarred that their lives are ruled in a subconscious way by events that took place so long ago. That they are unable to get closure and move on from it. Reunions are a hot topic where this is concerned. Everyone feels the need to shine brighter than others and instead of embracing the lives of past classmates they would rather seek out the weaknesses. Good times, I think not.
This story is about overcoming insecurity, doubt and not judging every person through the frame of reference of past relationships.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and Mills&Boon.
Mills & boon is always good for a quick fix of escapism.
Enter the main character Zoe, a successful businesswoman who is still haunted by her high school bullies. She is so intimidated by past memories that she decides to go to her high school reunion and on a whim to make up a mythical boyfriend. Said mythical creature becomes a reality when she panics and ropes in the next available hunk to pull off her scam. So begins both a comedy of errors and meeting of spirits that one can only call fate.
As a character Zoe was terribly insecure and it is horrendous to think that victims of bullying are so scarred that their lives are ruled in a subconscious way by events that took place so long ago. That they are unable to get closure and move on from it. Reunions are a hot topic where this is concerned. Everyone feels the need to shine brighter than others and instead of embracing the lives of past classmates they would rather seek out the weaknesses. Good times, I think not.
This story is about overcoming insecurity, doubt and not judging every person through the frame of reference of past relationships.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and Mills&Boon.
January 1, 2014
3.5 Stars. Belittled by the same mean girls who bullied her in their school days, Londoner Zoe invents a boyfriend to impress them, and she enlists the first guy she sees - advertising man, Dan - to play the part.
The Reunion Lie of the title only extends about a quarter of the way into the book, from there, thirtysomething statistics analyst Zoe realizes she wants to be the person she pretended to be at her reunion - she wants a life beyond work, so again, she looks to Dan. He’s game for the no-strings sex Zoe offers, but feelings creep in on both sides, and having been burnt in the past, Dan’s trust issues lead to a couple unattractive moments for him.
These two share quick, witty banter that can’t help bringing a smile, but at the same time I had a quibble with it, just in that Zoe is supposedly socially awkward, so it would have rung truer if her flirting skills weren’t razor sharp, a big part of being socially awkward is the tongue-tied red-faced embarrassment where you don’t have an arsenal of cute, pithy responses at the ready the way Zoe did with Dan.
So yeah, maybe it would have felt a little more authentic and endearing had Zoe struggled as a socially awkward person would at least in the beginning of their relationship, but as I said, I did enjoy their sparky dialogue.
The Reunion Lie of the title only extends about a quarter of the way into the book, from there, thirtysomething statistics analyst Zoe realizes she wants to be the person she pretended to be at her reunion - she wants a life beyond work, so again, she looks to Dan. He’s game for the no-strings sex Zoe offers, but feelings creep in on both sides, and having been burnt in the past, Dan’s trust issues lead to a couple unattractive moments for him.
These two share quick, witty banter that can’t help bringing a smile, but at the same time I had a quibble with it, just in that Zoe is supposedly socially awkward, so it would have rung truer if her flirting skills weren’t razor sharp, a big part of being socially awkward is the tongue-tied red-faced embarrassment where you don’t have an arsenal of cute, pithy responses at the ready the way Zoe did with Dan.
So yeah, maybe it would have felt a little more authentic and endearing had Zoe struggled as a socially awkward person would at least in the beginning of their relationship, but as I said, I did enjoy their sparky dialogue.
March 23, 2014
Zoe Montgomery is successful businesswoman .She is smart and independent. Zoe got the invitation to school reunion, she decided to go and show how successful she is ,like a little revenge to the bullying she suffered from in school. Anyway This didn't go smooth as she want, in the school reunion she found out that even she is a billionaire..she still didn't considered as successful in life until she has a husband or boyfriend??
Out of desperation ,she begged stranger to be her fake boyfriend ,but she has no idea that he is very famous as eligible bachelor..and their kiss and fake engagement..is in the newspaper
3 or 3.5 stars
I think Dan is a jerk , not too much , but he's still the jerk
and Zoe also disappointed me in the very end of the stories.
actually I don't really mind how Dan can't fully have faith in woman.
But Zoe failed me when she did something awful to Dan.
I has high expectation of this two , in the very first page
I know that Zoe is sweet and quite naive , while Dan is arrogant, scarred but kind..well, I think their relationship could be better than this.
well, I didn't hate this two, but I can't really love them
and that ruin this book..
March 17, 2014
Zoë is a successful businesswomen whom presented a strong personality to other but deep down she is emotionally fragile. She is terribly insecure, as a result of being a high school bullying victim. She was so intimidated by the past that she is desperately wanting to show that she is highly successfully to her classmates in both business and her personal life to the extent that she asked a stranger to be her boyfriend. Dan, on the other hand, was caught off guard but decided to play along. But their lie doesn’t stay for long. But then, she really wanted to have a life beyond work, so again, she ask Dan for a no string relationship but soon feelings creep in on both sides which is more than both can handled.
It was a short story with too many conflicts stuffed into one book resulted into an under developed characters with missing impacts. Despite the above flaws in the story, I like Zoë for her no nosense and driven characters. Overall, it was still a good read to me
It was a short story with too many conflicts stuffed into one book resulted into an under developed characters with missing impacts. Despite the above flaws in the story, I like Zoë for her no nosense and driven characters. Overall, it was still a good read to me
December 2, 2013
Everyone wants to be the best they can be. Cast your minds back to the day when you sat with your friends, deciding what you wanted to have achieved by the time you were 30. My dream – the rather naïve prospect of being the Poet Laureate, closely followed by the as-yet-unrealised dream of being published – is still something I use as a yard stick. And good grief I want to get there before I face everyone I went to school with.
On attending her school reunion, Zoe panics when faced with the clique of girls who bullied her so horrifically. All of a sudden it no longer matters that she’s a highly successful businesswoman, as all they care about is dissecting her (currently non-existent) love life.
And so she invents a boyfriend...
http://exploitsofachicklitaficionado....
On attending her school reunion, Zoe panics when faced with the clique of girls who bullied her so horrifically. All of a sudden it no longer matters that she’s a highly successful businesswoman, as all they care about is dissecting her (currently non-existent) love life.
And so she invents a boyfriend...
http://exploitsofachicklitaficionado....
December 25, 2013
What I really enjoyed about this book was how relate able it was. I myself have been out of high school for a while now and I'll be waiting for the dreaded reunion invitation soon. I'll have to deal with well pretty much what Zoe had to go through, I have no boyfriend/husband or kids. Just school and hopefully a job soon. So I enjoyed Zoe very much seeing her POV to it. I don't think I would go as far as to come up with a fake fiance but it was fun to see how it went for Zoe. I liked that I had also gotten the point of view of Dan. I hated how he was quick to jump to conclusions but that's about the only thing I didn't like about him. I liked how fast paced this book was and thought that it was well written. I loved the connection between the two. I highly recommend you lovely readers to check this book out.
July 20, 2016
Different but good. The first two chapters are a bit rocky and if you have an embarrasment thing you might almost give up. But don't because both Zoe and Dan are worth the effort. Two adults, acting like grown ups, facing their fears, the possibility of getting hurt but also enjoying each other. This was a nice surprise and the reunion ploy is forgotten fast to make place for the journey towards a grown up relationship. Zoe is wonderful in her let's face things up. Dan breaks out of the stereotype of the strikingly handsome and emotionally broken hero. The author gave the readers two strong, well rounded, not boring characters to follow along as they figure out love, relationship and intimacy.
December 26, 2013
Oh the joys of high school reunions and all the anxiety the bring.
Zoe finds herself amongst her bullying enemies from high school only to create a make believe boyfriend in order to gain acknowledgment of her accomplishments in life. But one lie leads to another and next thing she knows, she's thrown herself into the arms of a stranger.
Dan is avoiding woman and the appearance of relationships when he suddenly finds a woman in his arms. Although she seems to be pretty insane he finds himself attracted to her and decides to play along. Before the end of the night, they are engaged.
And that's all before chapter 2.
Very fast paced story with a lot of emotional working through issues and a very sweet love story.
Zoe finds herself amongst her bullying enemies from high school only to create a make believe boyfriend in order to gain acknowledgment of her accomplishments in life. But one lie leads to another and next thing she knows, she's thrown herself into the arms of a stranger.
Dan is avoiding woman and the appearance of relationships when he suddenly finds a woman in his arms. Although she seems to be pretty insane he finds himself attracted to her and decides to play along. Before the end of the night, they are engaged.
And that's all before chapter 2.
Very fast paced story with a lot of emotional working through issues and a very sweet love story.
August 12, 2016
This Makin' the Love Monday is Lucy King's The Reunion Lie. A charming romantic romp about Zoe Montegomery, who attends her girlhood schoolmate reunion, only to find she is still the odd girl out. In lieu of being light on the home and hearth front she guerrilla attacks the first man she sees and enlists him in an impromptu romance. What she hadn't expected was the marriage proposal, the news coverage and the subsequent rumors. While he is back tracking, she is making plans... but just for a no-strings attached fling. Sounds good, until three dates isn't enough for him.
Makin’ the Love Monday – The Reunion Lie by Lucy King
Makin’ the Love Monday – The Reunion Lie by Lucy King
November 20, 2013
Very quick but sweet read. Zoe was bullied in HS and when she decides to go to a reunion, she is forced to make up a boyfriend, just to start feeling like she belongs. She sees a cute guy, from a cross the bar, and throws herself at him and begs him to help with the lie.
Dan is used to women throwing themselves at him, just for the publicity. So he is leery, until he realizes that she doesn't want anything from him but a few minutes of his time.
They have no idea that those few minutes will lead them to explore the possibility of more.
Dan is used to women throwing themselves at him, just for the publicity. So he is leery, until he realizes that she doesn't want anything from him but a few minutes of his time.
They have no idea that those few minutes will lead them to explore the possibility of more.
January 14, 2014
This was a light, easy, short read. I would classify it as more of a novella. The author did a good job of detailing the characters for the format. I felt that I had enough background to understand motives and be engaged in the outcomes. The setting was well drawn, the premise fun and the characters engaging. Typical of the KISS line, it's love scenes were passionate and plentiful. All in all an enjoyable afternoon's read.
*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.
December 5, 2013
this book was about Zoe and Dan and was set in London.
They met in a pub and from the initiative of Zoe, a very bold, they were pair. From a total incognito guy for her to a fake boyfriend to fake fiance. And he went for it because he felt that was something to do even he was more a private man from experienced. but one thing to another, he gave her an opportunity which also one for him.
That opened from a short expiration date to an open gate of feelings for him.
They met in a pub and from the initiative of Zoe, a very bold, they were pair. From a total incognito guy for her to a fake boyfriend to fake fiance. And he went for it because he felt that was something to do even he was more a private man from experienced. but one thing to another, he gave her an opportunity which also one for him.
That opened from a short expiration date to an open gate of feelings for him.
December 7, 2013
Review Posted on HarlequinJunkie.com
Zoe Montgomery was in her own kind of hell. Having decided to attend her high-school reunion, she realizes that it wasn’t the best idea. Yes, she’s successful and not nearly as socially inept as she was in her teens – but Zoe had no idea that her goals were so different from her classmates. Read More
Zoe Montgomery was in her own kind of hell. Having decided to attend her high-school reunion, she realizes that it wasn’t the best idea. Yes, she’s successful and not nearly as socially inept as she was in her teens – but Zoe had no idea that her goals were so different from her classmates. Read More
January 26, 2014
A quick fun read rather enjoyable. Zoe goes to her high school reunion and is hassled by the mean girls who made her life hell so she invents a boy friend and her eyes land on the first available male and gets him to go along with her plan. They both have to work through some personal issues but eventually get to their happy ending.
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