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The Love Plot
There's a magnetic attraction when a happy-go-lucky gig worker agrees to a fake relationship with a rich, uptight New Yorker in this steamy romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young.
Star Shine Meadows is all about freedom, thanks to the hippie parents who raised her. Juggling her jobs as a professional costume character actor and a line sitter, she believes in no expectations, no stressful ambitions, and no-strings-attached relationships. So when she meets a birthday girl's grumpy uncle while working a princess party, she can't help but needle him. She'll never see him again, and honestly, he's pretty hot.
Rafe Whitman may be a veterinarian with a great bedside manner, but that doesn't mean his patience extends to anyone with opposable thumbs. His family will not stop nagging him about finding "the one," so when he runs into obnoxiously cheery Star again, he makes her an offer: He'll pay her more than she would make doing her odd jobs if she'll pretend to be his girlfriend at family gatherings. She can stop sitting in line waiting for someone else's new phone, and he'll get his family off his back.
When the tension between them heats to a breaking point, Star's desire for "no strings" is tested against Rafe's staunch stability. They say opposites attract, after all....
Star Shine Meadows is all about freedom, thanks to the hippie parents who raised her. Juggling her jobs as a professional costume character actor and a line sitter, she believes in no expectations, no stressful ambitions, and no-strings-attached relationships. So when she meets a birthday girl's grumpy uncle while working a princess party, she can't help but needle him. She'll never see him again, and honestly, he's pretty hot.
Rafe Whitman may be a veterinarian with a great bedside manner, but that doesn't mean his patience extends to anyone with opposable thumbs. His family will not stop nagging him about finding "the one," so when he runs into obnoxiously cheery Star again, he makes her an offer: He'll pay her more than she would make doing her odd jobs if she'll pretend to be his girlfriend at family gatherings. She can stop sitting in line waiting for someone else's new phone, and he'll get his family off his back.
When the tension between them heats to a breaking point, Star's desire for "no strings" is tested against Rafe's staunch stability. They say opposites attract, after all....
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 29, 2023
207 people are currently reading
16052 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Young
114 books28.3k followersSamantha is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and a Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee. Samantha has written over 60 books and is published in 31 countries. She writes emotional and angsty romance, often set where she resides—in her beloved home country Scotland. Samantha splits her time between her family, writing and chasing after two very mischievous cavapoos.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,270 reviews
April 17, 2023
cute and enjoyable! this is everything that the contemporary romance genre is nowadays - a meet-cute, a big city setting, reliable tropes, and a plot that has a good message.
however, i cant get over how many of SYs main characters are just a “copy and paste” of one another. the female leads are basically how i think SY pictures herself - young, free-spirited, and whose quirks are their entire personality. i didnt mind it in the first time around, but reading the same character traits over and over is getting kind of old.
that being said, i still really enjoyed the heart of this story. its fun, entertaining, and has some swoon-worthy moments.
thanks for the ARC, berkley!
↠ 3.5 stars
however, i cant get over how many of SYs main characters are just a “copy and paste” of one another. the female leads are basically how i think SY pictures herself - young, free-spirited, and whose quirks are their entire personality. i didnt mind it in the first time around, but reading the same character traits over and over is getting kind of old.
that being said, i still really enjoyed the heart of this story. its fun, entertaining, and has some swoon-worthy moments.
thanks for the ARC, berkley!
↠ 3.5 stars
August 21, 2023
Many thanks to Samantha Young for writing this swoon-worthy and entertaining romance, with favorite tropes including grumpy-meets-sunshine, opposites-attract, and fake dating! Both of the characters are so lovable, giving millions of hugs!
I have to admit, our brooding and hot-as-hell hero Rafe didn’t leave a good first impression with his harsh comments about our extra-sunshiny, sweet, gold-hearted, and incarnation-of-Disney-Princess heroine Star Shine Meadows (it’s impossible not to be extra protective over her – she’s a wonderful, kind, optimistic, energetic heroine who makes you feel good about yourself and change your perspective about the world)! Rafe’s family dynamics also reminded me a little of L.J. Shen’s Devil in Black (supporting and friendly sister, sweetheart mom, arrogant brother, and dislikable sister-in-law characteristics were so much similar to that book).
Thankfully, Samantha Young’s story has better main characters, and this book provides clean romance. Both of the characters deal with their own emotional insecurities and baggage, but I loved seeing how they slowly destroyed each other’s emotional barriers, evolving into a better version of themselves. There was no unnecessary, angsty drama between them.
The main story revolves around Rafe Whitman, a commitment guy who believes in monogamous, long-term relationships, preferring animals to humans, socially a little reserved, and working as a veterinarian at the clinic he recently founded. His last breakup left him with trust issues, which resulted in the nonstop intervention of his mother and sister-in-law, who try so hard to matchmake him with the most eligible singles of Manhattan elites.
When Rafe meets Star Shine Meadows in a Disney costume at his niece’s birthday, he makes cruel comments about her job and life choices. Star was raised by hippie, extra free-spirited, selfish parents who are polygamists, trying to fit in throughout her teenage years in different cities and social circles that resulted in her being outcasted or bullied because of her eccentric parents’ unconventional lifestyle. She learned to take care of herself at the age of 10. The neglect and abandonment created trust issues and lots of emotional baggage that she cannot form a bonding for too long, preferring short-term flings to serious long-term attachments. She works as a costume character actor and line sitter, which requires waiting in long lines for special products, tickets for the people who cannot have time or energy.
At their second coincidental meeting, Star makes saucy comments and humiliates Rafe in the middle of the Apple Store to avenge the mean words he’s said behind her back. She waits for retaliation, but instead of that, Rafe makes an offer she finds way too alluring to reject. He wants her to fake-date with him to stop his family’s matchmaking attempts! He’s ready to pay $10,000 monthly for a six-month commitment, which may help Star afford the road trip she’s dreaming of going on.
As they start their dating game, privileged and wealthy family members show mixed reactions about Star’s family life, her colorful and eccentric fashion style, and her lack of career plans. But Star slowly gets under their skin with her kind heart, honesty, and genuineness. At least she wins some of them over as Rafe's biased brother Hugo and his criticizing wife Pippa still think their relationship will never work.
As they spend more time together and realize the palpable attraction, Star starts to think that maybe she can take a chance to grow roots, bond with the people, and confront her abandonment issues, which means she has to face her fears.
At first, I didn't like Rafe, but he grew on me after apologizing several times for his attitude and mean words. Don't be fooled by his rough facade; he's hiding his cinnamon roll persona under his grumpy attitude. Overall, I'm rounding up 3.5 stars to 4. This engaging, swoon-worthy, and entertaining romance is highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing book's digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I have to admit, our brooding and hot-as-hell hero Rafe didn’t leave a good first impression with his harsh comments about our extra-sunshiny, sweet, gold-hearted, and incarnation-of-Disney-Princess heroine Star Shine Meadows (it’s impossible not to be extra protective over her – she’s a wonderful, kind, optimistic, energetic heroine who makes you feel good about yourself and change your perspective about the world)! Rafe’s family dynamics also reminded me a little of L.J. Shen’s Devil in Black (supporting and friendly sister, sweetheart mom, arrogant brother, and dislikable sister-in-law characteristics were so much similar to that book).
Thankfully, Samantha Young’s story has better main characters, and this book provides clean romance. Both of the characters deal with their own emotional insecurities and baggage, but I loved seeing how they slowly destroyed each other’s emotional barriers, evolving into a better version of themselves. There was no unnecessary, angsty drama between them.
The main story revolves around Rafe Whitman, a commitment guy who believes in monogamous, long-term relationships, preferring animals to humans, socially a little reserved, and working as a veterinarian at the clinic he recently founded. His last breakup left him with trust issues, which resulted in the nonstop intervention of his mother and sister-in-law, who try so hard to matchmake him with the most eligible singles of Manhattan elites.
When Rafe meets Star Shine Meadows in a Disney costume at his niece’s birthday, he makes cruel comments about her job and life choices. Star was raised by hippie, extra free-spirited, selfish parents who are polygamists, trying to fit in throughout her teenage years in different cities and social circles that resulted in her being outcasted or bullied because of her eccentric parents’ unconventional lifestyle. She learned to take care of herself at the age of 10. The neglect and abandonment created trust issues and lots of emotional baggage that she cannot form a bonding for too long, preferring short-term flings to serious long-term attachments. She works as a costume character actor and line sitter, which requires waiting in long lines for special products, tickets for the people who cannot have time or energy.
At their second coincidental meeting, Star makes saucy comments and humiliates Rafe in the middle of the Apple Store to avenge the mean words he’s said behind her back. She waits for retaliation, but instead of that, Rafe makes an offer she finds way too alluring to reject. He wants her to fake-date with him to stop his family’s matchmaking attempts! He’s ready to pay $10,000 monthly for a six-month commitment, which may help Star afford the road trip she’s dreaming of going on.
As they start their dating game, privileged and wealthy family members show mixed reactions about Star’s family life, her colorful and eccentric fashion style, and her lack of career plans. But Star slowly gets under their skin with her kind heart, honesty, and genuineness. At least she wins some of them over as Rafe's biased brother Hugo and his criticizing wife Pippa still think their relationship will never work.
As they spend more time together and realize the palpable attraction, Star starts to think that maybe she can take a chance to grow roots, bond with the people, and confront her abandonment issues, which means she has to face her fears.
At first, I didn't like Rafe, but he grew on me after apologizing several times for his attitude and mean words. Don't be fooled by his rough facade; he's hiding his cinnamon roll persona under his grumpy attitude. Overall, I'm rounding up 3.5 stars to 4. This engaging, swoon-worthy, and entertaining romance is highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing book's digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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November 30, 2023The Love Plot is OUT NOW!
"Rafe gaped at me as if he’d never seen me before and bit out, “Favorite f**k buddies saved in your phone?”
Lifting my shoulders in a lazy shrug, I replied, “They’re backups. In case of an emergency.”
“Delete them.” His chest heaved with emotion. “Because you don’t need any backups. I’m your f**king ‘in case of emergency.’” "
ALL THE TROPES
✅ FAKE DATING
✅ GRUMPY x SUNSHINE
✅ OPPOSITES ATTRACT
✅ HE FALLS FIRST
✅ ONLY ONE BED
GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY ➡ books2read.com/theloveplotsy
UK & Commonwealth ➡ books2read.com/theloveplotuk
Audio (Narrated by Savannah Peachwood) ➡ https://geni.us/theloveplotaudio
"Rafe gaped at me as if he’d never seen me before and bit out, “Favorite f**k buddies saved in your phone?”
Lifting my shoulders in a lazy shrug, I replied, “They’re backups. In case of an emergency.”
“Delete them.” His chest heaved with emotion. “Because you don’t need any backups. I’m your f**king ‘in case of emergency.’” "
ALL THE TROPES
✅ FAKE DATING
✅ GRUMPY x SUNSHINE
✅ OPPOSITES ATTRACT
✅ HE FALLS FIRST
✅ ONLY ONE BED
GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY ➡ books2read.com/theloveplotsy
UK & Commonwealth ➡ books2read.com/theloveplotuk
Audio (Narrated by Savannah Peachwood) ➡ https://geni.us/theloveplotaudio
August 30, 2023
With many a cute moment in this grumpy sunshine romance playing out across the busy streets of New York City... you'll get to see how the other half lives in two very different ways. 👌😂
Star Shine Meadows is the bubbly and sweet love child of two non-monogamous hippies who don't believe in permanency. Rafe Whitman... is exactly the opposite of that in every way. Raised in a traditional family in the wealthy suburbs of New York... Star Shines' way of life is completely baffling. When Rafe decides he needs Star Shine to become his fake girlfriend for a while to get his family off his back about settling down.. what ensues are a series of wildly *awkward* situations with family and friends while they try to get their worlds to align. And as all fake daters do.. they try not to fall in love because two people from opposite ends of life never work out right?
THOUGHTS:
- I think this book is interesting for many different reasons, but there are two main things I took away that were deeper than just the surface romance:
#1. Can you really date someone **that** different from you? Do those relationships ever really work? I think we'd all like to belive that those Pretty Woman moments happen.. but we're not Julia Roberts.. and most men.. they're just absolutely not Richard Gere.
#2. How much should you really change yourself for the person you're dating ? Some change is good and natural. But when is it too far??
As I unexpectedly pondered those two things... I think I grew to like this book much more than I did in the first half! I love the heroine's growth and how she let's go of toxic relationships!
NOTES:
- Polyamorous relationships are portrayed throughout (not between the main characters)
- Fake dating
- Miscommunication trope
- 🌶️🌶️/5 - As I'm personally not a fan of polyamory, I think I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and for that to be what this was about. I expected at some point for the main couple's relationship to start exploring that avenue and even though they don't -- I think it took away from me enjoying the main romance.
Star Shine Meadows is the bubbly and sweet love child of two non-monogamous hippies who don't believe in permanency. Rafe Whitman... is exactly the opposite of that in every way. Raised in a traditional family in the wealthy suburbs of New York... Star Shines' way of life is completely baffling. When Rafe decides he needs Star Shine to become his fake girlfriend for a while to get his family off his back about settling down.. what ensues are a series of wildly *awkward* situations with family and friends while they try to get their worlds to align. And as all fake daters do.. they try not to fall in love because two people from opposite ends of life never work out right?
THOUGHTS:
- I think this book is interesting for many different reasons, but there are two main things I took away that were deeper than just the surface romance:
#1. Can you really date someone **that** different from you? Do those relationships ever really work? I think we'd all like to belive that those Pretty Woman moments happen.. but we're not Julia Roberts.. and most men.. they're just absolutely not Richard Gere.
#2. How much should you really change yourself for the person you're dating ? Some change is good and natural. But when is it too far??
As I unexpectedly pondered those two things... I think I grew to like this book much more than I did in the first half! I love the heroine's growth and how she let's go of toxic relationships!
NOTES:
- Polyamorous relationships are portrayed throughout (not between the main characters)
- Fake dating
- Miscommunication trope
- 🌶️🌶️/5 - As I'm personally not a fan of polyamory, I think I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and for that to be what this was about. I expected at some point for the main couple's relationship to start exploring that avenue and even though they don't -- I think it took away from me enjoying the main romance.
August 29, 2023
Oh là là!
Grumpy meets sunshine in this fake dating to opposites attract book that I adored. I found this book to be captivating, hard to put down, and swoon worthy! Samantha Young has wowed me once again! She first came on my radar after I read Much Ado About You and I was excited to read this book.
Star Shine Meadows is a professional costume character actor and line sitter. Her jobs may not be all that conventional but then again, neither is she. When she accepted a job to entertain a little girl's birthday party, she was not expecting meet a grumpy uncle who seemed intent on having a bad time.
Rafe Whitman is a veterinarian who loves animals but due to meddling by his mother and sister-in-law, isn't too into humans at the moment. He is grumpy at his niece's birthday party and can't understand why the entertainer (Star) is so cheery.
When they run into each other again, Rafe makes Star an offer. It pays well and she will get to use her acting skills, so she agrees. How hard can it be to pretend to be a couple?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the way both characters who were total opposites grew as they spent time together. Rafe is initially grumpy, and it was easy to understand why. Who wants people meddling in your life? I would be grumpy and annoyed as well. Star is positive, cheery, and kind. She was very easy to like and root for.
Romance books are a journey and I enjoyed how the characters met, their banter, and how they had each other's back. Both characters were endearing, and I liked them both immensely. Like all of us, Rafe and Star had things in their lives that were stressors and issues that needed to be addressed. The supporting characters ranged from being highly likeable to not so likeable at all. Families can be messy, and Rafe and Star's families were no exception.
I also enjoyed the topics which Samantha Young addressed in her book ranging from communication issues, privilege, acceptance, Polyamorous relationships, neglect, opposites attract, what makes a family, and being yourself.
This was an enchanting opposite attract romance that had me fully invested in the plot from the very beginning. I adored both characters and could not stop turning the pages wanting to know how their journey was going to end!
Captivating, swoon worthy, well written.
4.5 stars
Thank you to Yazmine Hassan, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Grumpy meets sunshine in this fake dating to opposites attract book that I adored. I found this book to be captivating, hard to put down, and swoon worthy! Samantha Young has wowed me once again! She first came on my radar after I read Much Ado About You and I was excited to read this book.
Star Shine Meadows is a professional costume character actor and line sitter. Her jobs may not be all that conventional but then again, neither is she. When she accepted a job to entertain a little girl's birthday party, she was not expecting meet a grumpy uncle who seemed intent on having a bad time.
Rafe Whitman is a veterinarian who loves animals but due to meddling by his mother and sister-in-law, isn't too into humans at the moment. He is grumpy at his niece's birthday party and can't understand why the entertainer (Star) is so cheery.
When they run into each other again, Rafe makes Star an offer. It pays well and she will get to use her acting skills, so she agrees. How hard can it be to pretend to be a couple?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the way both characters who were total opposites grew as they spent time together. Rafe is initially grumpy, and it was easy to understand why. Who wants people meddling in your life? I would be grumpy and annoyed as well. Star is positive, cheery, and kind. She was very easy to like and root for.
Romance books are a journey and I enjoyed how the characters met, their banter, and how they had each other's back. Both characters were endearing, and I liked them both immensely. Like all of us, Rafe and Star had things in their lives that were stressors and issues that needed to be addressed. The supporting characters ranged from being highly likeable to not so likeable at all. Families can be messy, and Rafe and Star's families were no exception.
I also enjoyed the topics which Samantha Young addressed in her book ranging from communication issues, privilege, acceptance, Polyamorous relationships, neglect, opposites attract, what makes a family, and being yourself.
This was an enchanting opposite attract romance that had me fully invested in the plot from the very beginning. I adored both characters and could not stop turning the pages wanting to know how their journey was going to end!
Captivating, swoon worthy, well written.
4.5 stars
Thank you to Yazmine Hassan, Berkley Publishing Group, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
September 9, 2023
4.5 stars
I am so happy that I loved this book so much! Star is such a refreshing character and I found myself absolutely loving her and how she views life. She's a character actor and a professional line sitter, and she instantly butts heads with the hero when they meet at a party she's working at. He's a vet and tired of his parents constantly trying to set him up with women. When he runs into Star again, he decides to hire her to fake date him to get his family off his back. She is the opposite of everything his family is, but she actually gets along great with them. Obviously they start falling for each other and I was obsessed. I loved how they were opposites but so perfect for each other. Star really sees the best in things and people, but it was so hard for her to try and fit into Rafe's life once they decided they wanted to give their relationship a real try. Rafe was definitely a more stoic character, but I loved how much he loved Star. They both had issues to work through before they could have their final HEA and I loved their journey. Definitely pick this one up! The audio was fantastic!!
I am so happy that I loved this book so much! Star is such a refreshing character and I found myself absolutely loving her and how she views life. She's a character actor and a professional line sitter, and she instantly butts heads with the hero when they meet at a party she's working at. He's a vet and tired of his parents constantly trying to set him up with women. When he runs into Star again, he decides to hire her to fake date him to get his family off his back. She is the opposite of everything his family is, but she actually gets along great with them. Obviously they start falling for each other and I was obsessed. I loved how they were opposites but so perfect for each other. Star really sees the best in things and people, but it was so hard for her to try and fit into Rafe's life once they decided they wanted to give their relationship a real try. Rafe was definitely a more stoic character, but I loved how much he loved Star. They both had issues to work through before they could have their final HEA and I loved their journey. Definitely pick this one up! The audio was fantastic!!
August 7, 2023
3.5 stars rounded to 4
Spicy with the most adorable cover!
Samantha Young is currently one of my favorite authors, and while I’m still tackling her backlist, I decided that I couldn’t request her upcoming release fast enough. I will never not be a fan of grumpy X sunshine couples, and the idea of this free spirited female knocking the socks off of a grumpy trust fund man baby really spoke to me. While I think we are “told” more than “shown” how quirky, nice, and bohemian Star is, I love that this couple really starts out enemies to lovers and grows from there, while learning the power of compromising on little things without compromising who they are at their core. If you enjoy a modern rom-com, give this delightful read a try!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
Spicy with the most adorable cover!
Samantha Young is currently one of my favorite authors, and while I’m still tackling her backlist, I decided that I couldn’t request her upcoming release fast enough. I will never not be a fan of grumpy X sunshine couples, and the idea of this free spirited female knocking the socks off of a grumpy trust fund man baby really spoke to me. While I think we are “told” more than “shown” how quirky, nice, and bohemian Star is, I love that this couple really starts out enemies to lovers and grows from there, while learning the power of compromising on little things without compromising who they are at their core. If you enjoy a modern rom-com, give this delightful read a try!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
July 12, 2023
4 stars
I don't think there is another troupe I love as much as the 'grumpy/sunshine' troupe, and add in fake dating and I was sold on reading The Love Plot. This story was so much fun, but it also had it's emotional moments and frustrating moments. Overall, I enjoyed it so much. And that's mainly because of how much I loved both Star and Rafe.
When Star and Rafe first meet, it's clear that they are complete opposites. And we all know that opposites attract... Rafe is a veterinarian who comes from a wealthy family. He decided to go his own way and not follow the family business. Star is a professional line sitter and also a character actor for parties etc. In fact, she's playing a Disney princess at Rafe's niece's birthday party the first time they meet. Star may not know what she wants to do for a future career, but the most important thing to her is that she's happy and she genuinely is. Being just herself.
The Love Plot is a fantastic romantic comedy and one I highly recommend. I love Samantha Young's writing and this was such a win for me!
"I've always believed every human being belongs to themself, and in all the important ways that matter, I still believe that. But I also think it's bull. Because I've never felt like I belonged more than when I'm with you."
I don't think there is another troupe I love as much as the 'grumpy/sunshine' troupe, and add in fake dating and I was sold on reading The Love Plot. This story was so much fun, but it also had it's emotional moments and frustrating moments. Overall, I enjoyed it so much. And that's mainly because of how much I loved both Star and Rafe.
When Star and Rafe first meet, it's clear that they are complete opposites. And we all know that opposites attract... Rafe is a veterinarian who comes from a wealthy family. He decided to go his own way and not follow the family business. Star is a professional line sitter and also a character actor for parties etc. In fact, she's playing a Disney princess at Rafe's niece's birthday party the first time they meet. Star may not know what she wants to do for a future career, but the most important thing to her is that she's happy and she genuinely is. Being just herself.
"...My ambition is to live a life that makes me truly happy. And I reckon that's probably the most ambitious anyone can be in this world."Rafe needs his meddling family off his back and decides fake dating Star would be the key to do that. He never dreams he would fall for someone so different for him, but that's exactly what he does. Even though there were some things on Star's part that made her hesitant to commit and truly give in to Rafe, he was patient with her. I loved that Rafe loved her for her and never tried to dull her sparkle.
The Love Plot is a fantastic romantic comedy and one I highly recommend. I love Samantha Young's writing and this was such a win for me!
October 6, 2023
3.5⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ NYC
Publication date ~ August 29, 2023
Page Count ~ 352 (32 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 41 minutes
Narrator ~ Savannah Peachwood
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ professional costume character actor & line sitter, veterinarian, grump/sunshine, fake relationship, opposite attracts, minimal steamage, family drama
Star & Rafe
Star is working 2 jobs and could really use some cash, so when Rafe offers her $10k to be his fake girlfriend she agrees. She's anti-relationship, which you don't see too often with the FMC.
Grumpy/sunshine trope is one of my favs and Rafe was a perfect grump, and he loves dogs so that's a bonus.
Overall, there was good banter and good growth for Star. It shouldn't be a surprise how this will work out if you've read fake dating before and I thought it was well done.
Side note:
There is a side polyamorous relationship happening that there was a lot of emphasis on. To each their own I say, but there was a bit too much talk about it IMO.
Narration notes:
She did great.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ NYC
Publication date ~ August 29, 2023
Page Count ~ 352 (32 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 41 minutes
Narrator ~ Savannah Peachwood
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ professional costume character actor & line sitter, veterinarian, grump/sunshine, fake relationship, opposite attracts, minimal steamage, family drama
Star & Rafe
Star is working 2 jobs and could really use some cash, so when Rafe offers her $10k to be his fake girlfriend she agrees. She's anti-relationship, which you don't see too often with the FMC.
Grumpy/sunshine trope is one of my favs and Rafe was a perfect grump, and he loves dogs so that's a bonus.
Overall, there was good banter and good growth for Star. It shouldn't be a surprise how this will work out if you've read fake dating before and I thought it was well done.
Side note:
There is a side polyamorous relationship happening that there was a lot of emphasis on. To each their own I say, but there was a bit too much talk about it IMO.
Narration notes:
She did great.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
September 22, 2023
3.5 stars
Star Shine Meadows was raised by hippie parents and leads a life with no ties. For work she is a hired line sitter and part time princess for hire. When Star meets hot vet Rafe Whitman at his nieces party, he's a jerk in his own class. But then a chance meeting between the two of them later leads to an offer for Star to fake date Rafe for money and she accepts. But the lines get blurred and Star needs to figure out what she really wants in life.
This was a sweet fake dating trope with very low angst, but also very low conflict. I liked the grumpy sunshine dynamic between Star and Rafe and the way that even at times when they didn't like each other, they were still respectful. The best parts of this book were when Star was trying to figure out who she was, her struggle with her upbringing, and some of her banter with Rafe. I do think this book could have benefited from being a little bit longer, because some issues that were brought up at some points were extremely rushed/resolved near the end to tie up lose ends. I enjoyed this book for the most part, but as a long time fan of Young it's not my favorite book by her.
Star Shine Meadows was raised by hippie parents and leads a life with no ties. For work she is a hired line sitter and part time princess for hire. When Star meets hot vet Rafe Whitman at his nieces party, he's a jerk in his own class. But then a chance meeting between the two of them later leads to an offer for Star to fake date Rafe for money and she accepts. But the lines get blurred and Star needs to figure out what she really wants in life.
This was a sweet fake dating trope with very low angst, but also very low conflict. I liked the grumpy sunshine dynamic between Star and Rafe and the way that even at times when they didn't like each other, they were still respectful. The best parts of this book were when Star was trying to figure out who she was, her struggle with her upbringing, and some of her banter with Rafe. I do think this book could have benefited from being a little bit longer, because some issues that were brought up at some points were extremely rushed/resolved near the end to tie up lose ends. I enjoyed this book for the most part, but as a long time fan of Young it's not my favorite book by her.
September 11, 2023
I’m saying this right now: this is my LAST TIME falling for a cartoon cover and a cute blurb (it’s not). It will never get me again (it will). The next time I see one, I’m ignoring it (putting it on my TBR). As long as I shall live, I will not be reading a cartoon cover (I’m already reading one).
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Star Shine Meadows (28) | Rafferty “Rafe” Whitman (33)
FEATURES
∘ fake dating
∘ grumpy / sunshine
∘ sixth month agreement
∘ commitment-phobe fmc
∘ serious, workaholic mmc
REVIEW
You know, I never thought I’d say this about conflict in a romance novel, but there was too much communication.
It seemed like at least once a chapter Star or Rafe (mainly the former) would have an issue and then need to communicate through it or put the other in their place. Despite this, there were many instances where both of them kept their worries and/or feelings to themselves, so they communicated too much, while also not communicating enough
Both of them would say things that purposely hurt the other (not in a malicious or rude way), they would apologize, and then there’d be another unspoken feeling they’d have to address. I love an opposites attract romance, but Star and Rafe were too opposite to work. One of them had to change, meaning Star was the one to make the most sacrifices (without being asked). It was disappointing to watch someone so self-assured become so insecure.
I did appreciate how quickly the fake dating turned real. Even though they stumbled a bit in the middle, they eventually came to voice their feelings and insecurities, and we got to see them as an actual couple.
The blurb and cover name it seem like this would be a cute and fun read. Initially, it held onto its promise, but it quickly became slogged by the constant shallow angst and characters justifying their actions. At times, it was frustrating, exhausting, and (worst of all) boring. The moments of enjoyment I got just weren’t enough to make me forget about the times I was left without.
OW/OM DRAMA minor OW — Rafe’s family still tries to set him up with other women when Star and him first start “dating” | past OW Rafe’s cheating and selfish ex makes an appearance or two | minor OM — one of Star’s ex-flings comes while they’re on a fake date and briefly kisses her (on the corner of the lips), which sparks a discussion about how she doesn’t “believe” in monogamy
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP sort of — they do have some “breaks” and/or distance before they officially start dating; things get dicey at the end, and Star gets overwhelmed, but Rafe clears it up
ENDING HEA
POV singular (Star) / first person
SPICE LEVEL 3 / 5
RATING 2.5 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Star Shine Meadows (28) | Rafferty “Rafe” Whitman (33)
FEATURES
∘ fake dating
∘ grumpy / sunshine
∘ sixth month agreement
∘ commitment-phobe fmc
∘ serious, workaholic mmc
REVIEW
You know, I never thought I’d say this about conflict in a romance novel, but there was too much communication.
It seemed like at least once a chapter Star or Rafe (mainly the former) would have an issue and then need to communicate through it or put the other in their place. Despite this, there were many instances where both of them kept their worries and/or feelings to themselves, so they communicated too much, while also not communicating enough
Both of them would say things that purposely hurt the other (not in a malicious or rude way), they would apologize, and then there’d be another unspoken feeling they’d have to address. I love an opposites attract romance, but Star and Rafe were too opposite to work. One of them had to change, meaning Star was the one to make the most sacrifices (without being asked). It was disappointing to watch someone so self-assured become so insecure.
I did appreciate how quickly the fake dating turned real. Even though they stumbled a bit in the middle, they eventually came to voice their feelings and insecurities, and we got to see them as an actual couple.
The blurb and cover name it seem like this would be a cute and fun read. Initially, it held onto its promise, but it quickly became slogged by the constant shallow angst and characters justifying their actions. At times, it was frustrating, exhausting, and (worst of all) boring. The moments of enjoyment I got just weren’t enough to make me forget about the times I was left without.
OW/OM DRAMA minor OW — Rafe’s family still tries to set him up with other women when Star and him first start “dating” | past OW Rafe’s cheating and selfish ex makes an appearance or two | minor OM — one of Star’s ex-flings comes while they’re on a fake date and briefly kisses her (on the corner of the lips), which sparks a discussion about how she doesn’t “believe” in monogamy
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP sort of — they do have some “breaks” and/or distance before they officially start dating; things get dicey at the end, and Star gets overwhelmed, but Rafe clears it up
ENDING HEA
POV singular (Star) / first person
SPICE LEVEL 3 / 5
RATING 2.5 / 5
March 25, 2024
I am loving The Love Plot. I really am. This book is hilarious. Miss Young delivers a rom com, grumpy versus sunshine trope right on spot. This is not ordinary light reading. There are so many deep moral messages in the story.
I love both Rafe and Star. They have the perfect banter. Miss Young gives more in depth character development how their differences is actually a good thing. I like Star. I love how she stay on her ground when people judging her up bringing and her job. She has no shame about herself. And Rafe is hot hero.
Perfect combination.
5 stars
I love both Rafe and Star. They have the perfect banter. Miss Young gives more in depth character development how their differences is actually a good thing. I like Star. I love how she stay on her ground when people judging her up bringing and her job. She has no shame about herself. And Rafe is hot hero.
Perfect combination.
5 stars
September 7, 2023
This was cute, funny, entertaining and very heartwarming. LOVED IT!
August 12, 2023
Samantha Young can do no wrong for me, I always enjoy her books and I completely adored this one. Grump and sunshine never fails to entertain me and there’s a side of fake dating and opposites attract too. These two were truly opposites too, they couldn’t be more different in every way and I loved seeing them clash at the beginning and then slowly start to navigate how a genuine relationship would work between them. I especially loved Star, she was such an authentic character and her free spirited personality was such a joy. This one was just adorable and just so much fun and I so enjoyed my time with it.
September 6, 2023
every single character in this book was so irritating.
September 8, 2023
5 stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Star Shine Meadows is a quirky, independent woman that lives on Staten Island. She was raised by hippie parents and has always been a free spirit. She strives to live a life that makes her happy and tries to be her true authentic self. She's a laid back, people person that enjoys doing a variety of jobs that never get boring. From line sitting to being a professional costume character she has a good time. She likes having a laid back lifestyle with no pressure or expectations. Then one day while working at a party, she meets the birthday girl's grumpy uncle. She finds the gorgeous, uptight stranger captivating, and has some fun joking and picking on him.
Rafe Whitman is a bachelor in New York City from a wealthy, influential family. He's a veterinarian on the Upper West Side that just wants to live his life in peace on his own terms. Unfortunately his family is obsessed with him finding a wife and settling down. They won't let up, so he come's up with a plan to get them to leave him alone. He's decided he needs a pretend girlfriend, and when he runs into a woman he recently met, he makes her an offer she can't refuse.
Star is looking forward to saving up money from her newest job. It should be easy attending a few family functions, but with their extreme differences she quickly realizes she doesn't belong in Rafe's world. Soon lines get blurred with the sexy vet that's off limits, and things get complicated when she develops unexpected feelings for her fake boyfriend. After months together was it all pretending, or had their relationship turned into something real?
The Love Plot by Samantha Young is a grumpy/sunshine, fake dating romance about family, love and self discovery. Opposites attract and we get a fabulous story packed with heart, emotion, sizzling chemistry and hilarious banter. I really loved these characters and couldn't quit smiling while reading this book. <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://books2read.com/theloveplotsy?...
(ARC provided by author)
Star Shine Meadows is a quirky, independent woman that lives on Staten Island. She was raised by hippie parents and has always been a free spirit. She strives to live a life that makes her happy and tries to be her true authentic self. She's a laid back, people person that enjoys doing a variety of jobs that never get boring. From line sitting to being a professional costume character she has a good time. She likes having a laid back lifestyle with no pressure or expectations. Then one day while working at a party, she meets the birthday girl's grumpy uncle. She finds the gorgeous, uptight stranger captivating, and has some fun joking and picking on him.
Rafe Whitman is a bachelor in New York City from a wealthy, influential family. He's a veterinarian on the Upper West Side that just wants to live his life in peace on his own terms. Unfortunately his family is obsessed with him finding a wife and settling down. They won't let up, so he come's up with a plan to get them to leave him alone. He's decided he needs a pretend girlfriend, and when he runs into a woman he recently met, he makes her an offer she can't refuse.
Star is looking forward to saving up money from her newest job. It should be easy attending a few family functions, but with their extreme differences she quickly realizes she doesn't belong in Rafe's world. Soon lines get blurred with the sexy vet that's off limits, and things get complicated when she develops unexpected feelings for her fake boyfriend. After months together was it all pretending, or had their relationship turned into something real?
The Love Plot by Samantha Young is a grumpy/sunshine, fake dating romance about family, love and self discovery. Opposites attract and we get a fabulous story packed with heart, emotion, sizzling chemistry and hilarious banter. I really loved these characters and couldn't quit smiling while reading this book. <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://books2read.com/theloveplotsy?...
August 26, 2023
* I received an ARC in exchange of my honest review*
💞You have to read this book💞
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Fake dating
- He falls first
- Found family
Rafe gets tired of his mother and sister-in-law playing matchmaker. He hires Star, a customer character actor, to pretend to be his girlfriend for 6 months. The plan is simple 6 months of pretending to be in a relationship and then breaking up. But what can happen when there is undeniable chemistry?
This is the first book by Samanta Young that I've read, and I loved it. I will definitely read her other books.
I have so many emotions reading this book, I cry, reading about Star childhood, and laughing so many times with her. There's so many cute moments. I really loved how much Rafe cares about her.
Please read this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Samantha Young, for the ARC.
💞You have to read this book💞
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
- Grumpy/sunshine
- Fake dating
- He falls first
- Found family
Rafe gets tired of his mother and sister-in-law playing matchmaker. He hires Star, a customer character actor, to pretend to be his girlfriend for 6 months. The plan is simple 6 months of pretending to be in a relationship and then breaking up. But what can happen when there is undeniable chemistry?
This is the first book by Samanta Young that I've read, and I loved it. I will definitely read her other books.
I have so many emotions reading this book, I cry, reading about Star childhood, and laughing so many times with her. There's so many cute moments. I really loved how much Rafe cares about her.
Please read this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Samantha Young, for the ARC.
August 29, 2023
Happy release day!
Thanks to Berkley via Netgalley for an ARC of this to review. The Love Plot will be out August 29th, and is a solid contemporary romance for Disney Adults and fans of grumpy+sunshine pairings.
What can go wrong when a polar opposite pair meet during a birthday party, with one of them hired to attend it dressed to perform as Princess Merida?
Rafe was a tall, dark and stern veterinarian so of course I enjoyed his character and journey immensely. Star...was annoying, her inner dialogue and narrative passages outright cringe, and of course the book is her POV so that dampened my enthusiasm significantly. I did appreciate that she was a gig worker, and some of the existential analysis that comes with "am I adulting right" career doubts, though.
There's actually some polyam rep that surprised me, three of Star's friends in an established relationship. While it felt like it was just kind of put in there to diversify a white het romance, it was nice to see it casually treated, I guess..?
The spice was great, and the grumpy+sunshine trope was pretty well done. If you don't mind the sunshine side of the trope being dialed up to an eleven, you'll enjoy this.
Thanks to Berkley via Netgalley for an ARC of this to review. The Love Plot will be out August 29th, and is a solid contemporary romance for Disney Adults and fans of grumpy+sunshine pairings.
What can go wrong when a polar opposite pair meet during a birthday party, with one of them hired to attend it dressed to perform as Princess Merida?
Rafe was a tall, dark and stern veterinarian so of course I enjoyed his character and journey immensely. Star...was annoying, her inner dialogue and narrative passages outright cringe, and of course the book is her POV so that dampened my enthusiasm significantly. I did appreciate that she was a gig worker, and some of the existential analysis that comes with "am I adulting right" career doubts, though.
There's actually some polyam rep that surprised me, three of Star's friends in an established relationship. While it felt like it was just kind of put in there to diversify a white het romance, it was nice to see it casually treated, I guess..?
The spice was great, and the grumpy+sunshine trope was pretty well done. If you don't mind the sunshine side of the trope being dialed up to an eleven, you'll enjoy this.
August 29, 2023
STAR + RAFE
Star is the daughter of Hippies. She's 28 years old and working as a costume actor - Disney princess for kiddie birthdays et cetera - and as a line standing person. You know, when you want the new phone and can't be bothered to stand in line for hours? That's what you pay Star for.
She has a great group of friends and she loves her life.
Enter Rafe. He's the super hot uncle of the girl she's being a Disney character for. And he does not like Star at all it seems.
But he offers her a job. Play his girlfriend in front of his constantly matchmaking mom and sister in law. Has to be better than to stand in line for hours in the rain.
Right?!
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN....🤣
══════════════════
Adorable!
That was so cute and funny and sparky and arguey and a bit sad but just so very FUN!
The fake-girlfriend trope is not really anything new. We've read those books dozens of times before. But we love them, right? And this was a Sam Young book so I had to read it no matter what it was about... and I just loved it!
Star is so sweet and cute and fun and positive.
And Rafe is so not any of that. LOL!
But he's thawing with Star's help. And she's growing into her real self with his help.
So adorable to watch!
I really enjoyed reading this.
I wish Sam would've put a bit more puppies in it. Rafe is a vet but you hardly notice it. There are definitely not enough animals in here. I wanted more doggy cuddles or something.
But still. Great rom-com with some serious moments.
THE LOVE PLOT was such an adorable Rom-Com.
Adorable and funny and sweet and sparky and sexy and a bit sad and all the great things!
It was also a bit of a find yourself, BE WHO YOU WANT TO BE, don't let anyone change you or tell you what to do thingy!
Run to your nearest bookdealer for your own Doc Rafe - this one is MINE!
💜
💜
October 16, 2023
Headlines:
Female commitment-phobe
Different sides of the tracks
Grumpy-sunshine
Fakey-datey
The Love Plot was all easy-breezy reading but with substance. Picture a bohemian, free soul of a New Yorker alongside a buttoned-up grumpy vet and you have Star and Rafe. Star's unconventional job choices and her kind and joyful demeanor where what set her in Rafe's path initally. Instead of a spark, there was irriation. Instead of a meet-cute, there was a grumpy collision.
I got a lot of joy from reading how these two started fake dating and how their interest in one another became authentic. Rafe's family were a key part of their story and bumps in the road; I really enjoyed that aspect. Star's family both parentage and found family, made the pages turn too.
These two had chemistry. They were so incredibly different as characters but they found a common ground of respect and affection; what a journey. I would have liked more wrap-up on Dawn to go along with the karma dump.
What a peanut butter and jelly pairing these two were (you had to be there).
Thanks to the author for the eARC; this is my honest review.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
Female commitment-phobe
Different sides of the tracks
Grumpy-sunshine
Fakey-datey
The Love Plot was all easy-breezy reading but with substance. Picture a bohemian, free soul of a New Yorker alongside a buttoned-up grumpy vet and you have Star and Rafe. Star's unconventional job choices and her kind and joyful demeanor where what set her in Rafe's path initally. Instead of a spark, there was irriation. Instead of a meet-cute, there was a grumpy collision.
I got a lot of joy from reading how these two started fake dating and how their interest in one another became authentic. Rafe's family were a key part of their story and bumps in the road; I really enjoyed that aspect. Star's family both parentage and found family, made the pages turn too.
These two had chemistry. They were so incredibly different as characters but they found a common ground of respect and affection; what a journey. I would have liked more wrap-up on Dawn to go along with the karma dump.
What a peanut butter and jelly pairing these two were (you had to be there).
Thanks to the author for the eARC; this is my honest review.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
November 6, 2023
2.5 stars. It got really annoying because of cliche our characters were being especially his super posh family and him being overly crticial of her in the beginning in order to establish the enemies to lovers romance.
October 13, 2023
there are ZERO likable characters in this book
September 25, 2023
Review coming soon.
August 29, 2023
4.5 'The jelly to my peanut butter' Stars!
ARC provided by the the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I am happy to say, I haven’t read a single book from Samantha Young that I haven’t loved. She is definitely one of my top favorite authors and again she did not disappoint with her new release with Berkley Romance. Another unique story, full of banter, fresh and lovable characters, tons of chemistry and a whole list of emotions. Get ready to fall in love with this couple!
So, The Love Plot is a standalone romantic comedy that mixes several romance troupes: fake relationship, grumpy/sunshine and opposites attract. Star Shine Meadows is a happy-go-lucky costume character actor when she meets grumpy vet Rafe Whitman. And then he realizes Star is the solution to his mother’s and sister-in-law’s matchmaking purposes. Rafe hires her to be his fake girlfriend for six months. But what happens when their magnetic attraction is impossible to stop? Are these two too different to love each other or will they fight for it until the end?
“Don’t psychoanalyze me, Rafe Whitman!”
His lips twitched. “I think you need a little psychoanalyzing, Star Shine Meadows.”
“You’re infuriating!”
“You’re perfect,” he answered seriously.
Again, as it always happens when I get immersed in a story, I can’t stop reading. This is exactly what happened with The Love Plot. I am not surprised though because I seriously love this woman’s writing. And the heroes… OMG. Rafe falls HARD. And I love that he wants Star to be whatever she wants to be, he loves her so much and he doesn’t want her to change (even though she tries). The chemistry between two burns the pages, and when their relationship turns real, it’s all or nothing. I also loved the secondary characters, especially Star’s friends and Rafe’s sister. I am so loving authors introducing new topics and doing it so well.
I’d never felt so connected to anyone in my entire life.
I’d never pictured anyone, not even my friends, in every conceivable version of my future, right until my last day. Until Rafe.
Therefore, I am rating The Love Plot with 4.5 STARS because I devoured this story from start to finish in one afternoon. I was hooked to this journey, this couple and their beautiful connection. Even though Rafe and Star are so very different from one another, they just click in a very special way and I seriously loved reading how they fell in love. I loved this romcom (and every single one Samantha has written with Berkley) and I cannot wait to see what is coming next!
ARC provided by the the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I am happy to say, I haven’t read a single book from Samantha Young that I haven’t loved. She is definitely one of my top favorite authors and again she did not disappoint with her new release with Berkley Romance. Another unique story, full of banter, fresh and lovable characters, tons of chemistry and a whole list of emotions. Get ready to fall in love with this couple!
So, The Love Plot is a standalone romantic comedy that mixes several romance troupes: fake relationship, grumpy/sunshine and opposites attract. Star Shine Meadows is a happy-go-lucky costume character actor when she meets grumpy vet Rafe Whitman. And then he realizes Star is the solution to his mother’s and sister-in-law’s matchmaking purposes. Rafe hires her to be his fake girlfriend for six months. But what happens when their magnetic attraction is impossible to stop? Are these two too different to love each other or will they fight for it until the end?
“Don’t psychoanalyze me, Rafe Whitman!”
His lips twitched. “I think you need a little psychoanalyzing, Star Shine Meadows.”
“You’re infuriating!”
“You’re perfect,” he answered seriously.
Again, as it always happens when I get immersed in a story, I can’t stop reading. This is exactly what happened with The Love Plot. I am not surprised though because I seriously love this woman’s writing. And the heroes… OMG. Rafe falls HARD. And I love that he wants Star to be whatever she wants to be, he loves her so much and he doesn’t want her to change (even though she tries). The chemistry between two burns the pages, and when their relationship turns real, it’s all or nothing. I also loved the secondary characters, especially Star’s friends and Rafe’s sister. I am so loving authors introducing new topics and doing it so well.
I’d never felt so connected to anyone in my entire life.
I’d never pictured anyone, not even my friends, in every conceivable version of my future, right until my last day. Until Rafe.
Therefore, I am rating The Love Plot with 4.5 STARS because I devoured this story from start to finish in one afternoon. I was hooked to this journey, this couple and their beautiful connection. Even though Rafe and Star are so very different from one another, they just click in a very special way and I seriously loved reading how they fell in love. I loved this romcom (and every single one Samantha has written with Berkley) and I cannot wait to see what is coming next!
Read
September 16, 2023DNF-ed at 25%
Several pet peeves that made me stop reading:
1. Star, the heroine, was your quirky, bohemian, free-spirited type. This character archetype always annoys me. Nope.
2. There were parts of the dialogue / inner monologue that were essentially rants about politics, feminism, etc. (probably espousing the author's own views). I'm here for a good time, not to read about the heroine giving the hero a dressing down about how his views are very un-feminist.
3. I'm not sure why there was a need to mention Star's polyamorous throuple friends so much. They do nothing. It hardly makes Star any quirkier.
4. Before I could warm up to Rafe's character, I was just tired of Star's non-stop rambling about her, her and her. There was nothing I was excited to read about.
Life's too short to read a romance with an annoying heroine. Save yourself time on this one.
Several pet peeves that made me stop reading:
1. Star, the heroine, was your quirky, bohemian, free-spirited type. This character archetype always annoys me. Nope.
2. There were parts of the dialogue / inner monologue that were essentially rants about politics, feminism, etc. (probably espousing the author's own views). I'm here for a good time, not to read about the heroine giving the hero a dressing down about how his views are very un-feminist.
3. I'm not sure why there was a need to mention Star's polyamorous throuple friends so much. They do nothing. It hardly makes Star any quirkier.
4. Before I could warm up to Rafe's character, I was just tired of Star's non-stop rambling about her, her and her. There was nothing I was excited to read about.
Life's too short to read a romance with an annoying heroine. Save yourself time on this one.
March 2, 2025
“Just because my life doesn’t fit into your idea of what a life should be doesn’t mean it’s bad.”
FAKE RELATIONSHIP SUPERIORITY. I just think that the tension of falling in love while you're already meant to feel that way about each other... it's such a great trope. So magnetic and attractive as a plot point. I love when the up-tight rich character learns to be a little more free while the one who needs a little more structure learns that it isn't so bad.
My only qualm with this story is the epic amount of miscommunication. This trope bleeds it, and always has, but something has to give on how negative characters can be towards someone they claim to love.
Just a little devastating, because this was the sweetest story. It has so much potential! Definitely going to be looking into this author some more.
FAKE RELATIONSHIP SUPERIORITY. I just think that the tension of falling in love while you're already meant to feel that way about each other... it's such a great trope. So magnetic and attractive as a plot point. I love when the up-tight rich character learns to be a little more free while the one who needs a little more structure learns that it isn't so bad.
My only qualm with this story is the epic amount of miscommunication. This trope bleeds it, and always has, but something has to give on how negative characters can be towards someone they claim to love.
Just a little devastating, because this was the sweetest story. It has so much potential! Definitely going to be looking into this author some more.
September 4, 2023
This was such a swoonworthy fun romcom that made my heart feel so full! Samantha Young absolutely sucked me into this book, and I could not put it down oh my gosh! I finished it in one day 🤭
fake dating is a hit or miss trope for me honestly, because it can be done really badly but let me tell you Samantha Young absolutely blew my mind with how well she did this trope! The tension, the banter, the chemistry, UGH it was so good!
And, the overall connection between the characters was so sweet, it actually made me tear up at points 🥺 I think Star and Rafe really brought out the best in eachother, and are so genuinely enamored with each other!!!
I also adored the message weaved through this book about the importance of being yourself and staying true to what makes YOU happy, and not what makes other people happy. Seeing Star and Rafe both grow as characters made me so happy, especially because the author really showed that growth is NOT linear!
Samantha Young also weaved in the message that everyone is not always what the present on the surface, and everyone has their own struggles their going through and wow I loved that.
This book stole my heart away and I definitely recommend it for a quick sweet rom com if you want to feel a boost of serotonin because this book was just adorable!
Also the fact that the love interest was a vet?? swoon....
thank you so much for reading!
xoxo,
opal
fake dating is a hit or miss trope for me honestly, because it can be done really badly but let me tell you Samantha Young absolutely blew my mind with how well she did this trope! The tension, the banter, the chemistry, UGH it was so good!
And, the overall connection between the characters was so sweet, it actually made me tear up at points 🥺 I think Star and Rafe really brought out the best in eachother, and are so genuinely enamored with each other!!!
I also adored the message weaved through this book about the importance of being yourself and staying true to what makes YOU happy, and not what makes other people happy. Seeing Star and Rafe both grow as characters made me so happy, especially because the author really showed that growth is NOT linear!
Samantha Young also weaved in the message that everyone is not always what the present on the surface, and everyone has their own struggles their going through and wow I loved that.
This book stole my heart away and I definitely recommend it for a quick sweet rom com if you want to feel a boost of serotonin because this book was just adorable!
Also the fact that the love interest was a vet?? swoon....
thank you so much for reading!
xoxo,
opal
August 15, 2023
Star and Rafe, two complete opposites, make an arrangement to fake date, so Rafe can get his meddling family off his back. Along the way, Rafe starts to fall hard for Star, but can he convince the girl who only does casual to commit to something more.
While this book is not original, I could not stop reading! Star and Rafe define the grumpy/ sunshine trope (with him as the grump), and I loved her unconventional upbringing and how she was 100% her authentic self. The fake dating allowed for great forced proximity and family fun shenanigans. Plus, the humor, banter and steam were well written. Also, be prepared to fall for Rafe as he was not only a vet but a strong communicator.
Read if you like:
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Forced proximity
-Fake dating
-NYC setting
-Unconventional jobs
-Animals
While this book is not original, I could not stop reading! Star and Rafe define the grumpy/ sunshine trope (with him as the grump), and I loved her unconventional upbringing and how she was 100% her authentic self. The fake dating allowed for great forced proximity and family fun shenanigans. Plus, the humor, banter and steam were well written. Also, be prepared to fall for Rafe as he was not only a vet but a strong communicator.
Read if you like:
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Forced proximity
-Fake dating
-NYC setting
-Unconventional jobs
-Animals
August 30, 2023
I loved this fake dating opposites attract grumpy sunshine sizzling romance.
Rafe is an uptight grumpy snob who comes from a successful background, with a grounded family. Star comes from hippie flighty parents, and is a gig worker with limited responsibility and a thirst for joy and happiness.
When they agree to fake date to get Rafe's family to stop setting him up with women, something magical happens.
I loved both characters immensely and I especially loved the evolution of each character. They were great together. And their chemistry was off the charts.
I loved this one so much how have I never heard of Samantha Young before?
Rafe is an uptight grumpy snob who comes from a successful background, with a grounded family. Star comes from hippie flighty parents, and is a gig worker with limited responsibility and a thirst for joy and happiness.
When they agree to fake date to get Rafe's family to stop setting him up with women, something magical happens.
I loved both characters immensely and I especially loved the evolution of each character. They were great together. And their chemistry was off the charts.
I loved this one so much how have I never heard of Samantha Young before?
October 6, 2023
I LOVED this book.
The perfect grumpy/sunshine trope.
AND THE CHEMISTRY! 🔥
It was funny, sweet, and totally heart warming.
The perfect grumpy/sunshine trope.
AND THE CHEMISTRY! 🔥
It was funny, sweet, and totally heart warming.
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