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It Must Be Love #3
It's Not Like It's Real: A Sweet Marriage of Convenience Romantic Comedy
Starting over after divorce isn’t easy. Neither is living next door to the grumpiest fireman in all of Arizona.
To say that my neighbor, Conrad Beck, and I got off on the wrong foot is an understatement. Whenever I look at him, I’m reminded of the humiliating experience of being caught in my underwear burning a grilled cheese sandwich. I’m pretty sure every time he looks at me, he remembers how I almost burned down the duplex we share.
He may dislike me, but he’s patient with my son and he’s adored by his precocious daughter. The same daughter who’s decided I should be her new mom.
When his sister moves to Texas leaving him without childcare and I’m overcome with hospital bills, we realize we can help each other.
Is there more to this man than my first impressions led me to believe? An emphatic yes. The real question is, once I get to know him, how do I resist falling in love?
It’s Not Like It’s Real is a marriage of convenience, sweet romance, perfect for readers who enjoy romantic tension without any action beyond kisses.
To say that my neighbor, Conrad Beck, and I got off on the wrong foot is an understatement. Whenever I look at him, I’m reminded of the humiliating experience of being caught in my underwear burning a grilled cheese sandwich. I’m pretty sure every time he looks at me, he remembers how I almost burned down the duplex we share.
He may dislike me, but he’s patient with my son and he’s adored by his precocious daughter. The same daughter who’s decided I should be her new mom.
When his sister moves to Texas leaving him without childcare and I’m overcome with hospital bills, we realize we can help each other.
Is there more to this man than my first impressions led me to believe? An emphatic yes. The real question is, once I get to know him, how do I resist falling in love?
It’s Not Like It’s Real is a marriage of convenience, sweet romance, perfect for readers who enjoy romantic tension without any action beyond kisses.
362 pages, Paperback
Published November 17, 2023
37 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Grace J. Croy
20 books204 followersVisit Grace's website gracejcroy.com and join her MVR (Most Valuable Reader) group to get her e-book, KISS ME, JANE free.
She is the author of both historical and contemporary romance that is clean and uplifting.
Grace loves reading, writing, her cats, travel, and delicious potatoes. She lives in Utah in a little house at the bottom of a little mountain, where the snow piles high in the winter.
She graduated with a BA in English from Utah State University, and then went on to study Library and Information Science from Emporia State University. When she's not writing, she works as a librarian. It’s the second-best job in the world—she gets paid to buy books, plan awesome community events, and advise readers on what books to try next. Creating stories is, of course, the best job in the world.
Her favorite places to travel include New Zealand, California, and Paris. No matter how long she's away, she always loves to come home.
She is the author of both historical and contemporary romance that is clean and uplifting.
Grace loves reading, writing, her cats, travel, and delicious potatoes. She lives in Utah in a little house at the bottom of a little mountain, where the snow piles high in the winter.
She graduated with a BA in English from Utah State University, and then went on to study Library and Information Science from Emporia State University. When she's not writing, she works as a librarian. It’s the second-best job in the world—she gets paid to buy books, plan awesome community events, and advise readers on what books to try next. Creating stories is, of course, the best job in the world.
Her favorite places to travel include New Zealand, California, and Paris. No matter how long she's away, she always loves to come home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 6, 2024
Palate cleanser done right
September 25, 2024
Cute. Easy fast but absorbing read. Great for when you’re recovering.
November 7, 2023
Judging by how much of a slow burn this was in the first 50%, it surprised me how much that changed in the last 50%. The story is written in a more novella worthy way than an actually full length book but is no less adorable.
It follows Conrad as single dad to the cutest, bubbly little girl Lola and Naomi a single mum to little Trevor that’s obsessed with Harry Potter. It’s fake marriage and honestly a dynamic I don’t think I’ve read before but I found myself smiling at the shenanigans especially from Lola in the pages. It’s a closed door romance that is honestly easy to get through but let’s ignore the fact that it took me longer because I’m in a reading slump.
It follows Conrad as single dad to the cutest, bubbly little girl Lola and Naomi a single mum to little Trevor that’s obsessed with Harry Potter. It’s fake marriage and honestly a dynamic I don’t think I’ve read before but I found myself smiling at the shenanigans especially from Lola in the pages. It’s a closed door romance that is honestly easy to get through but let’s ignore the fact that it took me longer because I’m in a reading slump.
January 28, 2024
4.0 ⭐️ this hit all my sweet spots for romance, single parents, modern day marriage of convenience, parent trap style hijacks ugh I love their little family so much
October 30, 2023
Wow! I LOVED this story so much. It’s one I will go back to for sure. A new favourite contemporary marriage of convenience story for me. Conrad and Naomi were both single parents, each living on one side of the same duplex. Their meet-cute wasn’t so cute, and they both struggled to interact civilly, but when their kids led them into greater interaction, they began to see their misconceptions and a friendship developed and quickly deepened. Eventually both found themselves in situations where marriage to each other presented a solution. Both reluctant to ever have romantic relationships again, they decided to form a family based on friendship, shared parenting, and long-term companionship.
A modern day marriage of convenience story that doesn’t feel far-fetched. I also really appreciated that, despite the title, it wasn’t all about “fake, fake, fake”. It was a real relationship and a real marriage. Just not the kind they allowed people to believe it was. “‘We’re not conning anyone. We’re creating a family on our own terms, even if our reasons aren’t traditional.’” I really liked that they didn’t look at it as temporary, but planned for that long-term companionship. Also, their commitment to be honest with each other. And there is a lot more to the story than just the marriage part. I loved the friendship that developed between the main characters once they moved past their early judgements and got to know each other for real. This relationship building was a bigger part of the story than anything else. There were so many wonderful moments between them. Fantastic moments of friendship, kindness, and support. Swoon-worthy moments, even while they were determined to remain friends. “‘I can’t deny there’s an attraction between us, but a relationship doesn’t have to follow.’” The kids were also a great part of the story, and the extended families. There was especially great banter with the siblings. So many fun touches, like the calendar, the couple nicknames, Bluey (which is awesome, BTW).
Just a really fantastic read. Highly recommended. I really look forward to more in the series. While this is book three in the series and there is significant carryover (stories about siblings, after all), this book would still be very enjoyable as a standalone read. This is a closed door romance with mild innuendo and very brief, very mild harsh language.
A modern day marriage of convenience story that doesn’t feel far-fetched. I also really appreciated that, despite the title, it wasn’t all about “fake, fake, fake”. It was a real relationship and a real marriage. Just not the kind they allowed people to believe it was. “‘We’re not conning anyone. We’re creating a family on our own terms, even if our reasons aren’t traditional.’” I really liked that they didn’t look at it as temporary, but planned for that long-term companionship. Also, their commitment to be honest with each other. And there is a lot more to the story than just the marriage part. I loved the friendship that developed between the main characters once they moved past their early judgements and got to know each other for real. This relationship building was a bigger part of the story than anything else. There were so many wonderful moments between them. Fantastic moments of friendship, kindness, and support. Swoon-worthy moments, even while they were determined to remain friends. “‘I can’t deny there’s an attraction between us, but a relationship doesn’t have to follow.’” The kids were also a great part of the story, and the extended families. There was especially great banter with the siblings. So many fun touches, like the calendar, the couple nicknames, Bluey (which is awesome, BTW).
Just a really fantastic read. Highly recommended. I really look forward to more in the series. While this is book three in the series and there is significant carryover (stories about siblings, after all), this book would still be very enjoyable as a standalone read. This is a closed door romance with mild innuendo and very brief, very mild harsh language.
dnf
January 21, 2024Full disclosure this is a rant more than a review with spoilers so don't read if you don't want spoilers...actually as I skimmed this in the end this is more of a warning to people who don't like the H or h in love with others in romance books....
I'm not sure if its safe with the H but it's not with the h as she's still pining over her ex, she's still in love with him at the beginning despite the guy doing a runner as he stole money from his clients and now the FBI wants him but it doesn't matter because she's still in love with him I mean seriously?! She's still in contact with the ex at the start of the book and only cuts contact when she the H tells her her son is anxious because he's scared of the ex coming to take him away.
Speaking of which the h's son has a vomiting syndrome (can't remember what it's called) but it's caused by anxiety and she can't figure out what's causing it (I clicked right away it due to the ex contacting them and trying to get them to go on the run with him) but she's clueless as to why her son is anxious until the H told her it was because of the ex (the son confided in the H). She wouldn't go on the run with the ex because she would have leave her family behind.
The best part of it is at the end when he turns up to her and H's house and he calls the police she gives him a heads up so he gets away AGAIN! Because she doesn't want to see him in jail? Yeah sure, don't worry about all the money he stole from innocent people as her ex justifies it, they all filthy rich so what does it matter if he steals from them? 🙄 In the end I gave up, literally think the H could have done much better. Oh and I searched his name on my kindle when I was getting sick of the references to him and he mentioned something like 147 times 😫 H also mentions at one point that she mentions the ex so much she's obviously in love with him and the ex will be a third person in the marriage 😫
I'm not sure if its safe with the H but it's not with the h as she's still pining over her ex, she's still in love with him at the beginning despite the guy doing a runner as he stole money from his clients and now the FBI wants him but it doesn't matter because she's still in love with him I mean seriously?! She's still in contact with the ex at the start of the book and only cuts contact when she the H tells her her son is anxious because he's scared of the ex coming to take him away.
Speaking of which the h's son has a vomiting syndrome (can't remember what it's called) but it's caused by anxiety and she can't figure out what's causing it (I clicked right away it due to the ex contacting them and trying to get them to go on the run with him) but she's clueless as to why her son is anxious until the H told her it was because of the ex (the son confided in the H). She wouldn't go on the run with the ex because she would have leave her family behind.
The best part of it is at the end when he turns up to her and H's house and he calls the police she gives him a heads up so he gets away AGAIN! Because she doesn't want to see him in jail? Yeah sure, don't worry about all the money he stole from innocent people as her ex justifies it, they all filthy rich so what does it matter if he steals from them? 🙄 In the end I gave up, literally think the H could have done much better. Oh and I searched his name on my kindle when I was getting sick of the references to him and he mentioned something like 147 times 😫 H also mentions at one point that she mentions the ex so much she's obviously in love with him and the ex will be a third person in the marriage 😫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2023
I love a book where the main characters pretend they don’t have feelings, but you can feel their tension and sense their chemistry from the very beginning.
Naomi is a single mother who is desperately trying to prove she can survive on her own and take care of her husband. Her ex is a criminal and her son has a some major anxiety and fears to overcome. Life is difficult right now and to make matters worse she is pretty sure her neighbor hates her.
Conrad is a single father. His ex isn’t around much and he is ok with that. He has sworn off love, but realizes that his daughter may need a larger support system when his sister moves away. His job is dangerous and he wants to know that she will always be supported.
Naomi and Conrad have the funniest meet cute when she first moves into the duplex. They both have an idea of who the other is, but eventually realize they were both wrong.
They reach an agreement that will mutually benefit both of them and give the kids what they have always wanted. Will Naomi and Conrad get what they want to?
This was a great story and all the side characters fit into the story perfectly. Conrad’s daughter is a sparkle of energy that plays into the concept of the book perfectly.
I really enjoyed this one. Bonus points for being set in my hometown and allowing me to reminisce about all my adventures at Golf N Stuff.
Naomi is a single mother who is desperately trying to prove she can survive on her own and take care of her husband. Her ex is a criminal and her son has a some major anxiety and fears to overcome. Life is difficult right now and to make matters worse she is pretty sure her neighbor hates her.
Conrad is a single father. His ex isn’t around much and he is ok with that. He has sworn off love, but realizes that his daughter may need a larger support system when his sister moves away. His job is dangerous and he wants to know that she will always be supported.
Naomi and Conrad have the funniest meet cute when she first moves into the duplex. They both have an idea of who the other is, but eventually realize they were both wrong.
They reach an agreement that will mutually benefit both of them and give the kids what they have always wanted. Will Naomi and Conrad get what they want to?
This was a great story and all the side characters fit into the story perfectly. Conrad’s daughter is a sparkle of energy that plays into the concept of the book perfectly.
I really enjoyed this one. Bonus points for being set in my hometown and allowing me to reminisce about all my adventures at Golf N Stuff.
February 19, 2024
Una disculpa de antemano a Mariana porque no tuve autocontrol y lo terminé antes de lo planeado.
Me encantó el libro, la trama me envolvió (aunque no desde el inicio), algunas cosas con los personajes no me agradaron del todo, pero fue parte del desarrollo de la historia, así que no es nada exagerado.
Por ejemplo, la insistencia de Naomi y Conrad de comparar al otro con sus ex-parejas, llenos de prejuicios que se desvanecen al ritmo en el que se van conociendo. Sin embargo, ciertos miedos prevalecen —como se espera después de vivir situaciones traumáticas.
Pero fuera de eso, les prometo que los personajes son increíbles, la dinámica de los niños es súper bonita, Lola es encantadora y Trevor todo un amor. Conrad y Naomi son una pareja que encaja a la perfección, se dan el soporte que no sabían que necesitaban y construyen una amistad con todo lo que no tuvieron en sus relaciones anteriores.
Se los recomiendo muchísimo si lo que están buscando es un romance con:
- papá soltero
- slow burn
- matrimonio por conveniencia
- vecinos
- una sola cama
- hombre protector
- él se enamora primero (en mi opinión)
- él es bombero y súper hot 😩
* no hay escenas spicy
Me encantó el libro, la trama me envolvió (aunque no desde el inicio), algunas cosas con los personajes no me agradaron del todo, pero fue parte del desarrollo de la historia, así que no es nada exagerado.
Por ejemplo, la insistencia de Naomi y Conrad de comparar al otro con sus ex-parejas, llenos de prejuicios que se desvanecen al ritmo en el que se van conociendo. Sin embargo, ciertos miedos prevalecen —como se espera después de vivir situaciones traumáticas.
Pero fuera de eso, les prometo que los personajes son increíbles, la dinámica de los niños es súper bonita, Lola es encantadora y Trevor todo un amor. Conrad y Naomi son una pareja que encaja a la perfección, se dan el soporte que no sabían que necesitaban y construyen una amistad con todo lo que no tuvieron en sus relaciones anteriores.
Se los recomiendo muchísimo si lo que están buscando es un romance con:
- papá soltero
- slow burn
- matrimonio por conveniencia
- vecinos
- una sola cama
- hombre protector
- él se enamora primero (en mi opinión)
- él es bombero y súper hot 😩
* no hay escenas spicy
November 2, 2023
Another adorable book in the series!
OMG I love these guys! They are stinking adorable! I love the misunderstanding that started the story. I love marriage of convenience stories and the one bed trope. Throw in the adorable kids with parent trap matchmaking schemes and I’m sold! This book hits all my favorites.
Naomi and Conrad go from enemies to friends to besties to married in a whirlwind story. It’s totally a believable connection. I swear watching the story unfold had my heart bursting with happiness for these two abandoned and lonely souls the whole book through. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day.
I really really want to reread all of Naomi’s family’s stories. I love the glimpses at everyone’s life at present.
Rating: G/PG, Clean sweet romance, no overly descriptive kissing, recovering from trauma of abandonment, divorce, spousal cheating, and child having health scares. Hope and perseverance is presented throughout the book about moving on and just putting one foot in front of the other.
OMG I love these guys! They are stinking adorable! I love the misunderstanding that started the story. I love marriage of convenience stories and the one bed trope. Throw in the adorable kids with parent trap matchmaking schemes and I’m sold! This book hits all my favorites.
Naomi and Conrad go from enemies to friends to besties to married in a whirlwind story. It’s totally a believable connection. I swear watching the story unfold had my heart bursting with happiness for these two abandoned and lonely souls the whole book through. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day.
I really really want to reread all of Naomi’s family’s stories. I love the glimpses at everyone’s life at present.
Rating: G/PG, Clean sweet romance, no overly descriptive kissing, recovering from trauma of abandonment, divorce, spousal cheating, and child having health scares. Hope and perseverance is presented throughout the book about moving on and just putting one foot in front of the other.
October 27, 2023
This book was absolutely delightful to read. I loved the characters especially Naomi, Conrad and kids.
Once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down. It was so sweet and happy.
The plot was believable and the interactions between characters seemed so normal- it was easy for me to relate to.
The ending was wonderful although there is a teaser for a future book (which I can’t wait to read).
Definitely a book I would recommend. It had plenty of sweet romance, but nothing embarrassing.
Once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down. It was so sweet and happy.
The plot was believable and the interactions between characters seemed so normal- it was easy for me to relate to.
The ending was wonderful although there is a teaser for a future book (which I can’t wait to read).
Definitely a book I would recommend. It had plenty of sweet romance, but nothing embarrassing.
November 13, 2023
I haven’t read many modern marriage of convenience stories and this was a fun one. With main characters starting as adversaries but quickly turning into friends, the story was quick and enjoyable.
The loving family relationships that helped with a little meddling added a nice touch.
If you enjoy 👇🏻 you’ll enjoy this book:
🔥 hot fire fighter
🔥 marriage of convenience
🔥 only one bed
🔥 blended families
🔥 meddling family members
This book was given to me in advance but the opinions above are my own.
The loving family relationships that helped with a little meddling added a nice touch.
If you enjoy 👇🏻 you’ll enjoy this book:
🔥 hot fire fighter
🔥 marriage of convenience
🔥 only one bed
🔥 blended families
🔥 meddling family members
This book was given to me in advance but the opinions above are my own.
November 27, 2023
Conrad and Naomi are two characters who could never see each other again and life would be just fine. But the chemistry between them is something that you cannot ignore. I love how family parties and their adorable children bring these two together time and time again. As a result, they can finally acknowledge that there is something real between them.
That path to that acknowledgement comes with lots of bumps, lots of laughs and lots of heart melting moments that have you rooting for the love to turn real between these two. Let's be honest, its real the whole time, they just need to work through the difficult experiences of the past, especially in the relationship/spouse department, and come to see what love could really be. This marriage of convenience in a contemporary setting with these two is everything and I LOVED IT. Could not put it down, I had to make sure Conrad and Naomi had the happily ever after they both deserved. Their slow build to friendship, jumping into marriage and discovering all the love their hearts have not only for their little family, but for each other is so satisfying, and SO swoony. Five stars Grace J. Croy! Five stars!
We are three books into the It Must Be Love series and let me tell you I love the series more and more with each book. You do not need to read the first two books to fall in love with Conrad and Naomi's story, but let me tell you, you should definitely read the others as well because they are delightful and swoony.
*I received an advanced ecopy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.
That path to that acknowledgement comes with lots of bumps, lots of laughs and lots of heart melting moments that have you rooting for the love to turn real between these two. Let's be honest, its real the whole time, they just need to work through the difficult experiences of the past, especially in the relationship/spouse department, and come to see what love could really be. This marriage of convenience in a contemporary setting with these two is everything and I LOVED IT. Could not put it down, I had to make sure Conrad and Naomi had the happily ever after they both deserved. Their slow build to friendship, jumping into marriage and discovering all the love their hearts have not only for their little family, but for each other is so satisfying, and SO swoony. Five stars Grace J. Croy! Five stars!
We are three books into the It Must Be Love series and let me tell you I love the series more and more with each book. You do not need to read the first two books to fall in love with Conrad and Naomi's story, but let me tell you, you should definitely read the others as well because they are delightful and swoony.
*I received an advanced ecopy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.
October 31, 2023
If you liked the other books in this series, you'll enjoy this one too. The story is fun and gets you wanting the couple to get together. It's nice to see a marriage of convenience that isn't about the money (so many I need this for my inheritance or promotion books out there).
The fmc and her situation were introduced in the previous books, but enough detail is provided that this can be read as a standalone. I'm already looking forward to the next one!
The fmc and her situation were introduced in the previous books, but enough detail is provided that this can be read as a standalone. I'm already looking forward to the next one!
November 7, 2023
I love everything about this series!
After the last book, I wasn't sure how much I would like Naomi, because she seemed so stuffy, but you really get a feel for her personality and motivations here, and I ended up liking her just as much as I like Kit and Theo.
Another thing I appreciate is that these books show the previous couples without being obnoxious and getting in the way of the story.
And Conrad? Don't get me started.
After the last book, I wasn't sure how much I would like Naomi, because she seemed so stuffy, but you really get a feel for her personality and motivations here, and I ended up liking her just as much as I like Kit and Theo.
Another thing I appreciate is that these books show the previous couples without being obnoxious and getting in the way of the story.
And Conrad? Don't get me started.
November 10, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this story. Naomi and Conrad have an interesting relationship. They each have a lot of baggage from their previous marriages. Lola is determined that Mimi (Naomi) is going to be her mother and does everything she can to make it happen. I absolutely love all these characters. They are well written and draw you into their emotions. This is a wonderful story.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
August 16, 2025
I have loved this series but I’m going to be honest, this book was hands down my favorite so far. It felt the most natural to me. I loved the marriage of convenience and one bed tropes. I related to the FMC and her feelings. I even stayed up past midnight to finish, which as a mom that has kiddos that wake up early, is a big deal. Love it. Would recommend to everyone. Also the fact that there was no third act breakup was so refreshing and not something you often seen in romance books.
October 27, 2023
loved it
I met Noami in another book and wasn’t too fond of her. In this book, you get to know and understand her. I began to really like her. Conrad is grumpy at first but by the end I was a huge fan of his. I really enjoyed this book. Noami’s family is awesome. The story is engaging and the romance well built. I highly recommend it.
I met Noami in another book and wasn’t too fond of her. In this book, you get to know and understand her. I began to really like her. Conrad is grumpy at first but by the end I was a huge fan of his. I really enjoyed this book. Noami’s family is awesome. The story is engaging and the romance well built. I highly recommend it.
October 30, 2023
Oh. My. Goodness. This book! Absolute perfection! I had such a hard time putting it down! All. The. Feels. The pacing was excellent. The character development. The storyline. I will definitely read this over and over again. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up and if I could give it more than 5 stars I absolutely would!
November 28, 2023
Thought this story wouldn’t be as good as the first 2 in this series but it was great! It is the convoluted tale of Naomi her son Trevor the big grumpy neighbor Conrad and his spitfire daughter Lola. There are many other characters that complete the cast but all make it a total page turner. Really enjoyed it!!
December 15, 2023
3.75
This was a major slow burn- very sweet story I enjoyed the read. I just wish it wasn’t so slow to get to where we knew it would.. also if you’re looking for spice there is none in this
This was a major slow burn- very sweet story I enjoyed the read. I just wish it wasn’t so slow to get to where we knew it would.. also if you’re looking for spice there is none in this
March 5, 2024
3.9 stars
Okay, I really liked the book, really enjoyed their characters and the story. Overall is a pretty good and cute book, the only reason why I didn’t give it 4 stars is because I would’ve want to see more of their relationship develop more than just see it at the end of the book.
Okay, I really liked the book, really enjoyed their characters and the story. Overall is a pretty good and cute book, the only reason why I didn’t give it 4 stars is because I would’ve want to see more of their relationship develop more than just see it at the end of the book.
October 29, 2023
I loved this story.
Content: clean - passionate kissing, innuendo
Content: clean - passionate kissing, innuendo
November 15, 2023
An enemies to fake relationship to lovers book! So funny and sweet and oh the chemistry of Naomi and Conrad! Their kids attempts to parent trap them were so cute and funny! This was such a fun read!
December 10, 2023
I would give this a 4 in the category of clean Romance!
December 18, 2023
4.5 ? i really liked this i just wish we actually saw them together for a little before it ended
February 5, 2024
Ok book. Writing was a bit bad, and the marriage of convenience part didn’t happen until like 60% done so that was weird.
February 8, 2024
um it was very detached but i liked sections of it but i skipped a whole bunch of this book
February 13, 2024
Super slow burn. Super good.
February 20, 2024
no fue el mejor libro que he leído pero okey estuvo bueno… pasable… ehm
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews