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Pretend for Me
I botched a broody billionaire’s haircut, and what did he ask from me in repayment?
That I become his fake fiancée!
In my defense, my new migraine meds had packed quite the drowsy punch that morning. One minute I was trimming his GQ-worthy locks, and the next, I'd given him a side shave that would make a Marine jealous.
Fast forward through a ticked-off Dev Menon storming out of my salon, threatening legal action, and I’m thinking the day couldn’t get worse.
Except, it does . . .
Dev returns hours later with a wild proposition: “Marry me. Temporarily.”
Turns out his mother’s dying wish is to see him get hitched, and I’m the lucky girl who owes him a debt. The catch? I also have to move in with him to really sell the ruse.
Soon enough, I’m realizing my career isn’t the only thing on the line with my hot-as-Hades fiancé. My heart is, too.
So, I counter with a wilder proposition: a purely physical relationship with three simple rules. No kissing, no sleepovers, and definitely no falling in love.
Except, the more time I spend with him, the harder it becomes to stick to my rules. Dev’s charm, his skilled hands, and his enormous . . . heart are testing my resolve. Even my traitorous cat is smitten.
Did I get more than I bargained for, or am I about to lose this very hairy game of pretend?
That I become his fake fiancée!
In my defense, my new migraine meds had packed quite the drowsy punch that morning. One minute I was trimming his GQ-worthy locks, and the next, I'd given him a side shave that would make a Marine jealous.
Fast forward through a ticked-off Dev Menon storming out of my salon, threatening legal action, and I’m thinking the day couldn’t get worse.
Except, it does . . .
Dev returns hours later with a wild proposition: “Marry me. Temporarily.”
Turns out his mother’s dying wish is to see him get hitched, and I’m the lucky girl who owes him a debt. The catch? I also have to move in with him to really sell the ruse.
Soon enough, I’m realizing my career isn’t the only thing on the line with my hot-as-Hades fiancé. My heart is, too.
So, I counter with a wilder proposition: a purely physical relationship with three simple rules. No kissing, no sleepovers, and definitely no falling in love.
Except, the more time I spend with him, the harder it becomes to stick to my rules. Dev’s charm, his skilled hands, and his enormous . . . heart are testing my resolve. Even my traitorous cat is smitten.
Did I get more than I bargained for, or am I about to lose this very hairy game of pretend?
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2024
303 people are currently reading
951 people want to read
About the author
Swati M.H.
24 books1,151 followersSwati MH is a Texas raised contemporary romance author living in the Bay Area with her very own book husband and two beautiful daughters. When she's not writing stories full of humor, heart, and heartbreak, she's likely thinking about doing so . . . preferably while holding a glass of wine.
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Website→ http://www.swatimh.com/
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FIND ME!!
Website→ http://www.swatimh.com/
Newsletter→https://bit.ly/SMH-Newsletter
Amazon→https://bit.ly/Swati-AMZ
Instagram→https://www.instagram.com/swati.mh
Reader Group→ https://bit.ly/SMH-Sweeties
Facebook→https://www.facebook.com/authorswatimh
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
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October 1, 2024The author’s sense of humour and mine were worlds apart…
Dnf @ 9%
Dnf @ 9%
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October 2, 2024Idk how to review this, so I'm just gonna ramble. This is no means by order; it's just how they popped in my head. 😂
Even at this point, I'm still unsure how I feel about this story overall. It has its good and bad parts, of course, but in general, I still don't know if I had fun with this for the most part or not. It's complicated, and the mixed feelings I have aren't helping at all. 🥲
1️⃣ I don't think this brand of humor is for everyone. Ngl, they were super cringey and awkward at first; I couldn't help but roll my eyes because it was just so absurd. Sometimes, it seemed like the humor was a bit forced, not really fitting with the scene. It felt like it was just thrown in there to spice things up a bit. Maybe the author thought that awkward scenes are more fun than boring ones (they're not). The FMC has three hairless cats in the salon named Vajayjay, Beaver, and Snatch. 🥴 She also has a pair of rabbits that she bought for breeding but, for some reason, aren't doing what she expected them to do. It turns out that both rabbits are female (she found at the last quarter, I think??).🤦♀️
2️⃣ I really dig a heroine who's got an active sexual life; that's what I'm looking for in my romance, not any boring misogynistic nonsense. But every chapter and dialogue of Piper (30) is packed with a bunch of sexual innuendos. It's as if she can't help but let her thoughts drift to the inappropriate stuff. Idk, but I feel like at times she speaks like a guy whose mind is always in the gutter. 😒 Honestly, I totally support women figuring out their sexuality, but the way it went down here just seemed really callous. I thought I enjoyed it before, but looking back, I realized I didn't like it at all. The fact that her two FBs were also present in the beginning added a sour taste in my mouth. Apparently she's down to do a lot of things, even group ones. If the roles were reversed, I wouldn't want the presence of Dev's (31) hookups (past or present, not that he has any), so why should it be different for the FMC? 🤨 There are plenty of ways to show the MC's sexual escapades without being too in-your-face about it.
3️⃣ The lack of significant events in this book left me wondering if I had missed anything. This was all about their instant attraction, fake engagement, and domesticity. Other than just waiting for their wedding day to make Dev's mom happy by seeing him tie the knot, not a whole lot went down. There are a couple of scenes with the MCs at work, but that's pretty much all there is to it. I didn't really see Dev as a strong CEO or Piper as a cool hair stylist. I would’ve loved to see them doing their thing.
4️⃣ Dev swiftly resolved his issue with his father. Idk if that's really possible. Maybe he's just way too nice, and he really wants to establish a relationship with him. Maybe his dad has good intentions, but he just doesn't know how to express them nicely. It’s like all those years of their rocky relationship got magically sorted out in just one chapter, even though in the epilogue it was said they’re still figuring things out. But I just can't get into it; maybe other readers will. 🤷♀️
5️⃣ The side characters. 😵💫 This is my first book by this author, so I don't know anything about her other series. Let's just say that the abundance of side characters in the MC's lives caused me to lose track of who's who. 🫠 The group text between Dev and his friends was comical and annoying at the same time. Like I said in the beginning, sometimes the humor felt out of place in a scene, and this happened frequently during their exchanges. Even the conversations between Piper and her friends were awkward at times, but that's mainly because of Piper. This girl is so freaking childish at times; I'm just glad her other friends aren't like her. 😮💨
6️⃣ Dev. He was the one who carried this book for me. His patience, understanding, and love for Piper stood out. The respect he showed her when she requested space made me swoon over him. Some guys would bulldoze their way, but not Dev; he gave her all the time she needed and never once bothered her. The love he has for his mom is so heartfelt, and I felt the pain he was feeling over the fact that he was slowly losing her. He's really a wonderful son, friend, brother, and fiance. The greenest flag ever! 😍
7️⃣ Piper. I love and dislike her character at the same time. She's caring, a good friend/aunt, a loving daughter; basically, she has a heart of gold. She's also an open book, doesn't know how to filter her thoughts, and is most likely to ramble when she's nervous. 🫣 However, she also builds her walls so high that she refuses to let anyone else in. I don't hold it against her; I totally get why she acted that way. Seeing her dad cheat on her mom and leave them for someone else can severely damage someone's perception of love and trust. Add in her high school boyfriend, who further undermined her already fragile self-confidence. It's a breeze for others to say she should just move on, but honestly, it's not that simple. Even after years, the toll on someone isn't something you can cure in a few weeks or months; even therapy isn't enough. So I understand her, and I don't blame her one bit. However, I do have a problem with her not communicating how she feels when Dev is right by her side, willing to listen to her all the time. She often finds herself engrossed in her thoughts, which typically leads to pessimistic thinking. It seemed as though she was contemplating the worst-case scenarios most of the time. Maybe, this is probably her norm, but I would've wished for her to actually talk to Dev instead. Tbh, in this story she's her worst enemy. But I'm glad that at the end she realized what was right in front of her all this time.
8️⃣ The smut. Okay, it was so hot, kind of way too long and too detailed for my liking, but hot nonetheless. So, it was kind of a slow burn, and Piper was the one doing most of the seducing since Dev wasn't really into casual things. He wanted something real with Piper, not just a quick fling. But he finally caved, and let's just say Piper was in for a shock. 🤭
9️⃣ That exhibitionism in front of her rabbits. Is that scene really needed??? I think my jaw was hanging when I read that part, because seriously, wtf???
🔟 Dev's mom. I can't imagine losing my mom, so reading about the death of a fictional character's mom on a page broke my heart in ways I didn't expect. 😭
Anywaaay, I'm rambling way too much. It was both good and bad, and I'm still unsure of how to rate it, so I won't bother. But the story really brought out a mix of feelings in me—smiles, tears, cringes, swoons, anger, and some emotions I can't even remember now. I’m not totally convinced I’d recommend this, but hey, it might be worth giving it a shot to figure out if it’s your kind of book.
Book info:
- Strangers to lovers
- Billionaire romance
- Fake engagement
- Death of a loved one (parent, due to cancer)
- Blackmail
- Forced proximity
- Insta-something
- No cheating, OW
- OM (her two current FBs showed up in the beginning, she's in a threesome with them)
- No V (last h: weeks ago??? into casual only, H - 2 years, been with 3 OW in his lifetime)
- Separation (1 week)
- HEA (6 mos later, married)
Even at this point, I'm still unsure how I feel about this story overall. It has its good and bad parts, of course, but in general, I still don't know if I had fun with this for the most part or not. It's complicated, and the mixed feelings I have aren't helping at all. 🥲
1️⃣ I don't think this brand of humor is for everyone. Ngl, they were super cringey and awkward at first; I couldn't help but roll my eyes because it was just so absurd. Sometimes, it seemed like the humor was a bit forced, not really fitting with the scene. It felt like it was just thrown in there to spice things up a bit. Maybe the author thought that awkward scenes are more fun than boring ones (they're not). The FMC has three hairless cats in the salon named Vajayjay, Beaver, and Snatch. 🥴 She also has a pair of rabbits that she bought for breeding but, for some reason, aren't doing what she expected them to do. It turns out that both rabbits are female (she found at the last quarter, I think??).🤦♀️
2️⃣ I really dig a heroine who's got an active sexual life; that's what I'm looking for in my romance, not any boring misogynistic nonsense. But every chapter and dialogue of Piper (30) is packed with a bunch of sexual innuendos. It's as if she can't help but let her thoughts drift to the inappropriate stuff. Idk, but I feel like at times she speaks like a guy whose mind is always in the gutter. 😒 Honestly, I totally support women figuring out their sexuality, but the way it went down here just seemed really callous. I thought I enjoyed it before, but looking back, I realized I didn't like it at all. The fact that her two FBs were also present in the beginning added a sour taste in my mouth. Apparently she's down to do a lot of things, even group ones. If the roles were reversed, I wouldn't want the presence of Dev's (31) hookups (past or present, not that he has any), so why should it be different for the FMC? 🤨 There are plenty of ways to show the MC's sexual escapades without being too in-your-face about it.
3️⃣ The lack of significant events in this book left me wondering if I had missed anything. This was all about their instant attraction, fake engagement, and domesticity. Other than just waiting for their wedding day to make Dev's mom happy by seeing him tie the knot, not a whole lot went down. There are a couple of scenes with the MCs at work, but that's pretty much all there is to it. I didn't really see Dev as a strong CEO or Piper as a cool hair stylist. I would’ve loved to see them doing their thing.
4️⃣ Dev swiftly resolved his issue with his father. Idk if that's really possible. Maybe he's just way too nice, and he really wants to establish a relationship with him. Maybe his dad has good intentions, but he just doesn't know how to express them nicely. It’s like all those years of their rocky relationship got magically sorted out in just one chapter, even though in the epilogue it was said they’re still figuring things out. But I just can't get into it; maybe other readers will. 🤷♀️
5️⃣ The side characters. 😵💫 This is my first book by this author, so I don't know anything about her other series. Let's just say that the abundance of side characters in the MC's lives caused me to lose track of who's who. 🫠 The group text between Dev and his friends was comical and annoying at the same time. Like I said in the beginning, sometimes the humor felt out of place in a scene, and this happened frequently during their exchanges. Even the conversations between Piper and her friends were awkward at times, but that's mainly because of Piper. This girl is so freaking childish at times; I'm just glad her other friends aren't like her. 😮💨
6️⃣ Dev. He was the one who carried this book for me. His patience, understanding, and love for Piper stood out. The respect he showed her when she requested space made me swoon over him. Some guys would bulldoze their way, but not Dev; he gave her all the time she needed and never once bothered her. The love he has for his mom is so heartfelt, and I felt the pain he was feeling over the fact that he was slowly losing her. He's really a wonderful son, friend, brother, and fiance. The greenest flag ever! 😍
7️⃣ Piper. I love and dislike her character at the same time. She's caring, a good friend/aunt, a loving daughter; basically, she has a heart of gold. She's also an open book, doesn't know how to filter her thoughts, and is most likely to ramble when she's nervous. 🫣 However, she also builds her walls so high that she refuses to let anyone else in. I don't hold it against her; I totally get why she acted that way. Seeing her dad cheat on her mom and leave them for someone else can severely damage someone's perception of love and trust. Add in her high school boyfriend, who further undermined her already fragile self-confidence. It's a breeze for others to say she should just move on, but honestly, it's not that simple. Even after years, the toll on someone isn't something you can cure in a few weeks or months; even therapy isn't enough. So I understand her, and I don't blame her one bit. However, I do have a problem with her not communicating how she feels when Dev is right by her side, willing to listen to her all the time. She often finds herself engrossed in her thoughts, which typically leads to pessimistic thinking. It seemed as though she was contemplating the worst-case scenarios most of the time. Maybe, this is probably her norm, but I would've wished for her to actually talk to Dev instead. Tbh, in this story she's her worst enemy. But I'm glad that at the end she realized what was right in front of her all this time.
8️⃣ The smut. Okay, it was so hot, kind of way too long and too detailed for my liking, but hot nonetheless. So, it was kind of a slow burn, and Piper was the one doing most of the seducing since Dev wasn't really into casual things. He wanted something real with Piper, not just a quick fling. But he finally caved, and let's just say Piper was in for a shock. 🤭
9️⃣ That exhibitionism in front of her rabbits. Is that scene really needed??? I think my jaw was hanging when I read that part, because seriously, wtf???
🔟 Dev's mom. I can't imagine losing my mom, so reading about the death of a fictional character's mom on a page broke my heart in ways I didn't expect. 😭
Anywaaay, I'm rambling way too much. It was both good and bad, and I'm still unsure of how to rate it, so I won't bother. But the story really brought out a mix of feelings in me—smiles, tears, cringes, swoons, anger, and some emotions I can't even remember now. I’m not totally convinced I’d recommend this, but hey, it might be worth giving it a shot to figure out if it’s your kind of book.
Book info:
- Strangers to lovers
- Billionaire romance
- Fake engagement
- Death of a loved one (parent, due to cancer)
- Blackmail
- Forced proximity
- Insta-something
- No cheating, OW
- OM (her two current FBs showed up in the beginning, she's in a threesome with them)
- No V (last h: weeks ago??? into casual only, H - 2 years, been with 3 OW in his lifetime)
- Separation (1 week)
- HEA (6 mos later, married)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2024
A lot of romances come with trigger warnings, but this one needs a hazard warning. Read this one when you’re alone and absolutely not in public, unless you enjoy getting weird looks when strange noises inevitably escape your mouth. You'll try and fail not to laugh, and then it will just get weird. And absolutely no eating or drinking while reading or the danger of choking becomes very real. And no one wants that. Think of the epitaph on your headstone!
Welcome to Heartthrobs and Haircuts, the salon to the elite one percenters. Piper Parker and her two BFFs are the owners of a high-class salon for men, complete with all the pampering and pussıes a billionaire could want. Oh, settle down, it's not that kind of place. H&H is a classy place with it's very own hairless cats, and one in particular steals every scene she's in.
Our buddy Hudson from Abyss recommends the salon to his friend Dev Menon. Except on the day Dev shows up for a haircut, there's a clipper malfunction due to operator error because of a change in migraine meds that make Piper sleepy. Of course she'll do anything to right her wrong, but she never expected to become an instant fiancée as a result.
And this is where we get the first peek into Dev's heart, because his reason for needing a wife is so his terminally ill mother can see him get married. Oh, my heart, right? This guy may be the richest boss in the world, but his family matters most. Truthfully, he's not that difficult to love, which is why Piper sets down some pretty fierce ground rules to protect her own heart. Yes, we all know how those always work out, but dang if it isn’t entertaining watching that list of rules go up in smoke.
If you haven’t had the privilege of reading this gifted storyteller's work you’re really missing out, but you can remedy that here. And trust me, you’re not ready for this one because there's no way to prepare. You’ll laugh until tears run down your face and your stomach hurts, and then your heartstrings will be masterfully plucked and played and you’ll find yourself bawling for very different reasons.
This superb romantic comedy is truly a work of art. The humor, the heat, and the heart (OMGee the heart!) are all perfectly balanced for the most emotional impact, and what an evocative ride it is! Buckle in and hand your heart over to this wordsmith virtuoso because you’ll find no safer hands. This is Swati's best work to date and my new all-time favorite, so read it now and you can thank me later.
Welcome to Heartthrobs and Haircuts, the salon to the elite one percenters. Piper Parker and her two BFFs are the owners of a high-class salon for men, complete with all the pampering and pussıes a billionaire could want. Oh, settle down, it's not that kind of place. H&H is a classy place with it's very own hairless cats, and one in particular steals every scene she's in.
Our buddy Hudson from Abyss recommends the salon to his friend Dev Menon. Except on the day Dev shows up for a haircut, there's a clipper malfunction due to operator error because of a change in migraine meds that make Piper sleepy. Of course she'll do anything to right her wrong, but she never expected to become an instant fiancée as a result.
And this is where we get the first peek into Dev's heart, because his reason for needing a wife is so his terminally ill mother can see him get married. Oh, my heart, right? This guy may be the richest boss in the world, but his family matters most. Truthfully, he's not that difficult to love, which is why Piper sets down some pretty fierce ground rules to protect her own heart. Yes, we all know how those always work out, but dang if it isn’t entertaining watching that list of rules go up in smoke.
If you haven’t had the privilege of reading this gifted storyteller's work you’re really missing out, but you can remedy that here. And trust me, you’re not ready for this one because there's no way to prepare. You’ll laugh until tears run down your face and your stomach hurts, and then your heartstrings will be masterfully plucked and played and you’ll find yourself bawling for very different reasons.
This superb romantic comedy is truly a work of art. The humor, the heat, and the heart (OMGee the heart!) are all perfectly balanced for the most emotional impact, and what an evocative ride it is! Buckle in and hand your heart over to this wordsmith virtuoso because you’ll find no safer hands. This is Swati's best work to date and my new all-time favorite, so read it now and you can thank me later.
September 25, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was fantastic! I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love with a character faster than I did with Piper Parker. She was so hilarious! She had me in tears within the first few chapters and never let up. She was unapologetically herself and had the best comebacks for everything. Like a lot of us, she had some insecurities steaming from how people put her down, but she tried like heck to not let that stuff get to her. Her and Dev meet under what are supposed to be good circumstances, but some drowsy meds lead to a bad haircut and an angry Dev. Billionaire CEO Dev Manon just needed a haircut, but he got a lot more than he bargained for. He was taken aback by Piper and her brashness, but deep down, he was extremely intrigued by her. Not only was she beautiful but smart and funny, and he needed a little more of that in his life. Dev has a lot going on in his life. His mother is terminally ill, and she had one wish: to see Dev happy and married. He tells her that he is, in fact, happy and getting married, and he knows just the person to rope into this fake marriage: Piper. She agrees faster than he anticipates and brings her and all her chaos into his life. He learns to let go a little and not be a workaholic. They (mostly she) have strict rules about intimacy, and at first, he avoids her. He finds himself liking her more than he should, so he avoids getting in too deep with feelings and stuff. Well, that doesn’t go so well for either of them. Dev is the relationship type of guy, and Piper is not the relationship type of girl, and she has her reasons why. Slowly, she finds herself wanting things she never did and realizes her reasons for not having a relationship aren’t good enough reasons to deny herself a wonderful man like Dev. These two… hot darn! When Dev turned up the heat… wow! I love how he loved her for all her quirks and how chaotic she was. Piper could see that there was so much more than meets the eye with Dev and when she got to know him, fell for him even harder. If you love lots of banter, hairless cats, rabbits and hilarious text chats between guy friends, then this book is for you!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was fantastic! I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love with a character faster than I did with Piper Parker. She was so hilarious! She had me in tears within the first few chapters and never let up. She was unapologetically herself and had the best comebacks for everything. Like a lot of us, she had some insecurities steaming from how people put her down, but she tried like heck to not let that stuff get to her. Her and Dev meet under what are supposed to be good circumstances, but some drowsy meds lead to a bad haircut and an angry Dev. Billionaire CEO Dev Manon just needed a haircut, but he got a lot more than he bargained for. He was taken aback by Piper and her brashness, but deep down, he was extremely intrigued by her. Not only was she beautiful but smart and funny, and he needed a little more of that in his life. Dev has a lot going on in his life. His mother is terminally ill, and she had one wish: to see Dev happy and married. He tells her that he is, in fact, happy and getting married, and he knows just the person to rope into this fake marriage: Piper. She agrees faster than he anticipates and brings her and all her chaos into his life. He learns to let go a little and not be a workaholic. They (mostly she) have strict rules about intimacy, and at first, he avoids her. He finds himself liking her more than he should, so he avoids getting in too deep with feelings and stuff. Well, that doesn’t go so well for either of them. Dev is the relationship type of guy, and Piper is not the relationship type of girl, and she has her reasons why. Slowly, she finds herself wanting things she never did and realizes her reasons for not having a relationship aren’t good enough reasons to deny herself a wonderful man like Dev. These two… hot darn! When Dev turned up the heat… wow! I love how he loved her for all her quirks and how chaotic she was. Piper could see that there was so much more than meets the eye with Dev and when she got to know him, fell for him even harder. If you love lots of banter, hairless cats, rabbits and hilarious text chats between guy friends, then this book is for you!
September 30, 2024
📚𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 - 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐄
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
💖𝙱𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚒𝚛𝚎
💍𝙶𝚛𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚢 𝚡 𝙴𝚡𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚎 𝚂𝚞𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚎
💖𝙵𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝙴𝚗𝚐𝚊𝚐𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝
💍𝙷𝚎 𝙵𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚜 𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝
💖𝚂𝚞𝚙𝚎𝚛 𝚂𝚎𝚡 𝙿𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝙵𝙼𝙲
💓𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿/𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗶 𝗝𝗮𝗮𝗻 (𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁)
❝ ᴅᴇᴠ ᴍᴇɴᴏɴ ᴡᴀʟᴋᴇᴅ ɪɴᴛᴏ ʜᴀɪʀᴄᴜᴛꜱ & ʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴛʜʀᴏʙꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀ ꜱɪᴍᴘʟᴇ ᴛʀɪᴍ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴇɴᴅᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ ʟᴇᴀᴠɪɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ꜰɪᴀɴᴄÉᴇ ɪɴꜱᴛᴇᴀᴅ! ʜᴏᴡ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙʀᴏᴏᴅɪɴɢ ʙɪʟʟɪᴏɴᴀɪʀᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ Qᴜɪʀᴋʏ ʜᴀɪʀᴅʀᴇꜱꜱᴇʀ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ɴᴀᴠɪɢᴀᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴜɴᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ (ᴀɴᴅ ᴛᴏᴛᴀʟʟʏ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ-ᴜᴘ) ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱʜɪᴘ..?❝
💭Dev is a broody billionaire whose mom's last wish is to see him happy and settle down. So when he got a favor to cash out from Piper, the hairdresser who botched his haircut, he thought she would be perfect to be his fake bride. But really, he was smitten at first sight by her incessant rambles and oversharing tendency.
I really enjoy watching Dev gradually fall for Piper, even with all her quirks and craziness. He embraces everything about her, from her hairless cats to her unbreedable bunnies, and it’s just so sweet. They both connect over their tough relationships with their dads—Dev’s father manages to redeem himself, while Piper’s dad definitely deserves a spot in hell. Going into this book, I was prepared for the tears, knowing the ending would be bittersweet. Plus, I love that the big breakup in the third act isn’t a true breakup at all; it felt just right for them!
Be warned though, do not read this book in public in case you can't hold your ugly laugh (FR, my LOL is not pretty 🤣🤣🤣). Swati really goes to town with her comedy, this rom-com is filled with humor that’ll have you chuckling from start to finish—even during the smut scenes (yep, you read that right!). The kind of humor in this book is totally my jam, and I can’t get enough of it. It was such a fun read, and I’m super excited for Sarina’s book to come out!
🄼🅈 🄵🄰🅅🄾🅁🄸🅃🄴 🄼🄾🄼🄴🄽🅃🅂
✅The Hilarious Meet Cute that dubs her to be “Sniperrella”
✅He calls her Peter (cause her last name is Parker)
✅Vajayjay the hairless cat (think of Rachel's cat from Friends)
✅ Piper’s fruitless attempt to breed her bunnies
✅The Hot Hunky Billionaires group chat
✅Piper's naming her hookups with sausage name
⚠️𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠/𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐤⚠️
- Toxic parent
- Loss of loved ones
✨ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 GREY’S PROMO 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚎-𝙰𝚁𝙲, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚢 ✨
dnf
September 30, 2024Ewwwwww, tapping out pretty early in this one
The h has random names for the men she sleeps with(maybe it's a joke that flew over my head?)
The hairless cats in the salon are named after pussy......vajayjay, beaver and snatch 🙄 high school called they want their jokes back
Already starting out too immature for me, waiting on other reviews before I try again
I found this author through the momcoms series but I'm struggling to enjoy her other books ☹️
The h has random names for the men she sleeps with(maybe it's a joke that flew over my head?)
The hairless cats in the salon are named after pussy......vajayjay, beaver and snatch 🙄 high school called they want their jokes back
Already starting out too immature for me, waiting on other reviews before I try again
I found this author through the momcoms series but I'm struggling to enjoy her other books ☹️
September 26, 2024
Oh my god , you need this book in your life. And a day off to read it. And no , I'm not overreacting. I read on my commute to and from work , during my work hours and then late at night when I suffered a few hits from my kindle ... on my face. Yes , that addictive of a read . Pretend For Me is unputdownable , laugh out loud and cry a little type of a book. Dev and Piper were perfectly hilarious together and it was so much fun watching these two fall for each other. And Vajayjay , the hairless cat falling for her other human . The swoon was strong with these two and a cat . Dev was totally the tall dark and brooding billionaire and Piper was the sunshine he didn't know he needed. Piper is independent, smart and sassy with a lot of hidden wounds on the heart and soul. But she's totally fine. Until that offer turns her world upside down. While pretending to be in love they fall for each other. There's a broken rules , hearts on the line and a lot of trauma to be overcome . Dev has a chance to repair the relationship with his father and Piper got herself a new family in addition to the one she already had. I was impressed by Deepak, Dev's father and his statement at their wedding. And that chat threads were hilarious. Was choking while laughing and reading. Dev and Piper healed each other and got their happily ever after. Now I'm so curious about Sarina and Troy's story and while I wait for it there's a binge reading in my future of all the other Swati M.H. books.
Thanks to the author and Grey's Promo for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Thanks to the author and Grey's Promo for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
September 26, 2024
This is the first in a new series, and my word, this talented author has delivered a brilliant and hysterical romance story.
Piper and her two best friends have a successful business which caters for wealthy and celebrity male clients, and when Dev is there, Piper is not her best as her migraine medication has her feeling under the weather, and one minute she is trimming his GQ-worthy locks, and the next, she has given him a side shave that would make a Marine jealous, which has him storming out of the salon threating legal action. Dev returns stating Piper owes him a debt, as his dying mom wished to see him married. Bring into the mix a matchmaking hairless cat, and this story ticks all off the boxed.
This is a well written story which is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, fake engagement, forced proximity, humor, witty banter, communication, romance, opposites attract, and love, which leads to an entertaining, hilarious, quirky, and fun, heartwarming page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Piper and her two best friends have a successful business which caters for wealthy and celebrity male clients, and when Dev is there, Piper is not her best as her migraine medication has her feeling under the weather, and one minute she is trimming his GQ-worthy locks, and the next, she has given him a side shave that would make a Marine jealous, which has him storming out of the salon threating legal action. Dev returns stating Piper owes him a debt, as his dying mom wished to see him married. Bring into the mix a matchmaking hairless cat, and this story ticks all off the boxed.
This is a well written story which is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, fake engagement, forced proximity, humor, witty banter, communication, romance, opposites attract, and love, which leads to an entertaining, hilarious, quirky, and fun, heartwarming page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
October 3, 2024
these two little nuggets of nuggety <3 <3
October 5, 2024
PRETEND FOR ME By Swati M.H
I botched a broody billionaire’s haircut, and what did he ask from me in repayment?
That I become his fake fiancée!
In my defense, my new migraine meds had packed quite the drowsy punch that morning. One minute I was trimming his GQ-worthy locks, and the next, I'd given him a side shave that would make a Marine jealous.
Fast forward through a ticked-off Dev Menon storming out of my salon, threatening legal action, and I’m thinking the day couldn’t get worse.
Except, it does . . .
Dev returns hours later with a wild proposition: “Marry me. Temporarily.”
Turns out his mother’s dying wish is to see him get hitched, and I’m the lucky girl who owes him a debt. The catch? I also have to move in with him to really sell the ruse.
Soon enough, I’m realizing my career isn’t the only thing on the line with my hot-as-Hades fiancé. My heart is, too.
So, I counter with a wilder proposition: a purely physical relationship with three simple rules. No kissing, no sleepovers, and definitely no falling in love.
Except, the more time I spend with him, the harder it becomes to stick to my rules. Dev’s charm, his skilled hands, and his enormous . . . heart are testing my resolve. Even my traitorous cat is smitten.
Did I get more than I bargained for, or am I about to lose this very hairy game of pretend?
😊What i liked -
✔ Billionaire/Forced Proximity/Fake Relationship/Opposites Attract/He Falls First.
✔ I am in Love and this time it isn't for the hero but for weird, caring, sassy and strong Piper.
✔ Dev had all the right qualities for a perfect book husband.
✔ I loved their first meet and the cat's instant obsession with Dev.
✔ I laughed so much with that group chat that I was nearly in tears.
✔ Though it was mostly because of the laughs that I was in tears but man o man that end near about broke me. I was ugly crying (so much so that i had to lock myself in the room, so that no one sees)
✔ This was a perfect combo of Rom-com to drama with tons of feels and spice.
🤔What could have been better-
✔ I wish i didn't ugly cry.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💕He Falls First Romance
💍Fake Relationship Romance
📈My Rating : 5/5
Thank you, Swati M.H & Greys Promotions for a copy.
I botched a broody billionaire’s haircut, and what did he ask from me in repayment?
That I become his fake fiancée!
In my defense, my new migraine meds had packed quite the drowsy punch that morning. One minute I was trimming his GQ-worthy locks, and the next, I'd given him a side shave that would make a Marine jealous.
Fast forward through a ticked-off Dev Menon storming out of my salon, threatening legal action, and I’m thinking the day couldn’t get worse.
Except, it does . . .
Dev returns hours later with a wild proposition: “Marry me. Temporarily.”
Turns out his mother’s dying wish is to see him get hitched, and I’m the lucky girl who owes him a debt. The catch? I also have to move in with him to really sell the ruse.
Soon enough, I’m realizing my career isn’t the only thing on the line with my hot-as-Hades fiancé. My heart is, too.
So, I counter with a wilder proposition: a purely physical relationship with three simple rules. No kissing, no sleepovers, and definitely no falling in love.
Except, the more time I spend with him, the harder it becomes to stick to my rules. Dev’s charm, his skilled hands, and his enormous . . . heart are testing my resolve. Even my traitorous cat is smitten.
Did I get more than I bargained for, or am I about to lose this very hairy game of pretend?
😊What i liked -
✔ Billionaire/Forced Proximity/Fake Relationship/Opposites Attract/He Falls First.
✔ I am in Love and this time it isn't for the hero but for weird, caring, sassy and strong Piper.
✔ Dev had all the right qualities for a perfect book husband.
✔ I loved their first meet and the cat's instant obsession with Dev.
✔ I laughed so much with that group chat that I was nearly in tears.
✔ Though it was mostly because of the laughs that I was in tears but man o man that end near about broke me. I was ugly crying (so much so that i had to lock myself in the room, so that no one sees)
✔ This was a perfect combo of Rom-com to drama with tons of feels and spice.
🤔What could have been better-
✔ I wish i didn't ugly cry.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💕He Falls First Romance
💍Fake Relationship Romance
📈My Rating : 5/5
Thank you, Swati M.H & Greys Promotions for a copy.
October 4, 2024
Okay, let me just say this—𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑴𝒆 had me giggling, swooning, and fanning myself all at the same time! If you love fake engagements with a twist of forced proximity and a broody billionaire who somehow turns a haircut disaster into a marriage proposal, buckle up because this book is so much fun.
𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀: Piper, our hilarious, slightly frazzled hairstylist, accidentally gives Dev Menon, a rich, devastatingly hot CEO, a military-grade buzz cut thanks to some strong migraine meds. I mean, can you imagine? But instead of demanding his money back, Dev comes back with a crazy request—be his fake fiancée. Because obviously, that’s the next logical step after a botched haircut, right? 😂
Of course, there’s a catch (because of course). She has to move in with him to really sell this whole charade to his mom, whose dying wish is to see him happily hitched. Cue all the awkward, sizzling, forced proximity goodness.
Piper, being the smart, no-nonsense girl that she is, lays down some rules—no kissing, no sleepovers, and definitely NO falling in love. But come on, we all know how that’s going to go. Dev is way too charming (and that side-shave starts to look real good, if you ask me), and let’s not forget his ginormous...heart. 😉
Their banter is on point, the tension builds perfectly, and I was grinning like an idiot every time Piper tried to stick to her no-romance rules. Watching her slowly crumble under Dev’s smoldering looks and soft moments was everything. Plus, her cat? Totally team Dev, which made the whole thing even more adorable.
This book had me hooked from page one. It’s steamy, funny, and has just the right amount of feels. If you love a billionaire romance where opposites attract and everything starts to feel a little too real, you need to read Pretend For Me. You’ll thank me later!
𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀: Piper, our hilarious, slightly frazzled hairstylist, accidentally gives Dev Menon, a rich, devastatingly hot CEO, a military-grade buzz cut thanks to some strong migraine meds. I mean, can you imagine? But instead of demanding his money back, Dev comes back with a crazy request—be his fake fiancée. Because obviously, that’s the next logical step after a botched haircut, right? 😂
Of course, there’s a catch (because of course). She has to move in with him to really sell this whole charade to his mom, whose dying wish is to see him happily hitched. Cue all the awkward, sizzling, forced proximity goodness.
Piper, being the smart, no-nonsense girl that she is, lays down some rules—no kissing, no sleepovers, and definitely NO falling in love. But come on, we all know how that’s going to go. Dev is way too charming (and that side-shave starts to look real good, if you ask me), and let’s not forget his ginormous...heart. 😉
Their banter is on point, the tension builds perfectly, and I was grinning like an idiot every time Piper tried to stick to her no-romance rules. Watching her slowly crumble under Dev’s smoldering looks and soft moments was everything. Plus, her cat? Totally team Dev, which made the whole thing even more adorable.
This book had me hooked from page one. It’s steamy, funny, and has just the right amount of feels. If you love a billionaire romance where opposites attract and everything starts to feel a little too real, you need to read Pretend For Me. You’ll thank me later!
October 4, 2024
“Piper, I didn’t know it at the time, but the day I walked into your salon changed my entire life. I’d gone in for a haircut but left having found the woman of my dreams.”
To say Pretend for Me was one of the funniest stories I’ve read in a while would be a massive understatement. I laughed til I cried and I was overcome with racking sobs of joy. Swati warned me how hilarious this story was but now that I’ve finally read it, nothing could’ve prepared me.
I was not ready for the over the top ridiculousness. When I first met Piper in Mother Pucker, I had no idea what I’d get when I realized this was her story. From the cat names to the uncontrollable word vomit, there was never a dull moment.
Dev was all delicious brood but once this man fell, oh he fell. And so did I. He was alpha and overprotective, the touch her and die vibes was potent. This man was all about protecting and spoiling his woman. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to ensure her safety and nothing she couldn’t ask of him that he wouldn’t move heaven and earth to make happen. A man who just wants to spoil me until I beg him to stop?? Yes please.
The innuendos. The banter. The text threads between Dev and Piper and Dev and the guys was pure absolute hilarity.
Amidst the humor and laughs, Swati snuck in some emotion on me that left me with some heartache and unexpected overflow of tears. But, she finished this story so sweetly and left me eager for the next book in this Haircuts and Heartthrobs series.
To say Pretend for Me was one of the funniest stories I’ve read in a while would be a massive understatement. I laughed til I cried and I was overcome with racking sobs of joy. Swati warned me how hilarious this story was but now that I’ve finally read it, nothing could’ve prepared me.
I was not ready for the over the top ridiculousness. When I first met Piper in Mother Pucker, I had no idea what I’d get when I realized this was her story. From the cat names to the uncontrollable word vomit, there was never a dull moment.
Dev was all delicious brood but once this man fell, oh he fell. And so did I. He was alpha and overprotective, the touch her and die vibes was potent. This man was all about protecting and spoiling his woman. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to ensure her safety and nothing she couldn’t ask of him that he wouldn’t move heaven and earth to make happen. A man who just wants to spoil me until I beg him to stop?? Yes please.
The innuendos. The banter. The text threads between Dev and Piper and Dev and the guys was pure absolute hilarity.
Amidst the humor and laughs, Swati snuck in some emotion on me that left me with some heartache and unexpected overflow of tears. But, she finished this story so sweetly and left me eager for the next book in this Haircuts and Heartthrobs series.
September 22, 2024
Swoon! 😍 This is one helleuva a beautiful story between Dev & and Piper, which has an emotional story line to it that enables you to connect with so effortlessly. Swati's writing brings laughter, love, hilarious moments, and heartache, and honestly, her books bring me such joy!
For me, what i love the most is how Swati makes her main characters sassy, funny, and with those one-liners bloody hilarious! Piper has a history and guards her heart well with her rules, but when Dev rocks up and shakes her world, everything starts to blur. The chemistry they have, the attraction, the pain they both harbour from their pasts draw them together!
“You should come with a warning label, you know that?”
I absolutely devoured this book and think it will definitely become my go-to book. I am in awe of these characters and their stories, and I'm super excited for the next instalment.
For me, what i love the most is how Swati makes her main characters sassy, funny, and with those one-liners bloody hilarious! Piper has a history and guards her heart well with her rules, but when Dev rocks up and shakes her world, everything starts to blur. The chemistry they have, the attraction, the pain they both harbour from their pasts draw them together!
“You should come with a warning label, you know that?”
I absolutely devoured this book and think it will definitely become my go-to book. I am in awe of these characters and their stories, and I'm super excited for the next instalment.
September 26, 2024
This author has become an automatic one click for me, and this book is one of so many reasons why! From the very beginning and a very disastrous haircut, Dev and Piper had me hooked. All the witty banter was like catnip (yep had to throw in a cat reference 😂) This story had me going from laughing one minute to crying at another. Seriously, you will feel all the emotions with this story, which is another reason I ador this authors books! Oh, and the spice was absolutely delicious. The chemistry alone will have you melting and then next thing you know, you're completely on fire. I can't wait to see where this series takes us!
September 27, 2024
What can I Say! this book is seriously too good!
Can’t tell you the amount of belly laughing I’ve had reading this nugget.. Dev and Piper story was amazing. Author Swati M.H didn’t miss anything when writing this book that’s filled with so much banter you would feel as if you’ve been doing abdominal exercises!
And dang she sure knows how to write a steamy hot gorgeous guy and his equally crazy beautiful companion Characters.
You definitely will want to read this one .
Ok let’s get into this a bit ..
Dev Menan
The tall gorgeous dimpled Tec Billionaire whose bestywith my gorgeous grumpy Hudson Case … ok ok I will try to stay the course but suggest you reading The Elements of Rapture Series by said Author ..
but as I was saying Dev best friend Hudson Case introduced him to this salon where he ended up meeting the most unusual crazy person in the world .. he not only got a bad hair cut which ended with him swearing never to return but later finding himself cutting deal with The unusual character Piper Parker who was a like a tornado who fell asleep and ended up shaving off part of his hair while in the process of a haircut!
But that’s just the beginning of the madness that will continue with this woman who has a hairless cat and others with names that will surely have you in stitches!
Piper Parker aka Peter 🩷
The hairstylist with a famous hockey player
brother hairless cat,one named VajayJay and two bunnies that she’s trying to breed (which is hilarious)and yes she’s Friends with my Hudson Case. (Yeah check out his story in Abyss, part of the Elements of Rapture series)
But yeah this girl is seriously weirdly funny but low key smart, but downplayed it because of the asshat .. I meant the disgusting sperm doaner she call Father..
But when she botched the broody billionaire haircut she seriously thought she was about to be sued but instead he claimed something entirely unrelated that had her wondering what in the world did she agree to!
“Marry me. Temporarily.”
This arrangement had her not only agreeing to fake a marriage with the grumpy billionaire but also had her countering with a wilder proposition a purely physical relationship with three simple rules. No kissing, no sleepovers, and definitely no falling in love.
This girl is wild I tell you !
This girl had Dev wondering time and time again WTAF!
But Coupled with his Friends the Five Schlongs Hen Party (the guys from previous books) who are seriously downright hilarious!
Plus also dealing with a personal issue one that cannot be fixed hence his proposal to Piper in the first instance.
Dev was sure he was losing his mind with all that’s happening. But one thing for sure is that there’s never a dull moment with this girl!
Dev and Parker will have you caught up in so many different emotions!
Must .Read .This Book!
There’s gut busting banter, hairless cats with names you can’t forget,rabbits Shenanigans and hilarious text chats between guys friends, tons of sexy times and yes you will find moments where you’re all choked up with sadness.. bit will definitely be put together with Swati masterful writing!
Why you should read this book 📚
💚Billionaire
💍Fake Marriage proposal
🩷Quirky FMC
🐈Opposites attract
🩷He falls first
✂️Commitment phobe fmc
🩷Fake engagement
💍Hairless cat
🩷Bunnies
📱Guy Friends Text Banter
🩷Dealing with loss of loved one
🩵Dual POV
🩷HEA
My Ratings and Review of this fantastic ARC with special thanks to Author.
5.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks for Reading my Review and be sure to get your eyes on this book for sure !
Until next time happy Reading !
@Georgious_eleanorpb🦋
Can’t tell you the amount of belly laughing I’ve had reading this nugget.. Dev and Piper story was amazing. Author Swati M.H didn’t miss anything when writing this book that’s filled with so much banter you would feel as if you’ve been doing abdominal exercises!
And dang she sure knows how to write a steamy hot gorgeous guy and his equally crazy beautiful companion Characters.
You definitely will want to read this one .
Ok let’s get into this a bit ..
Dev Menan
The tall gorgeous dimpled Tec Billionaire whose bestywith my gorgeous grumpy Hudson Case … ok ok I will try to stay the course but suggest you reading The Elements of Rapture Series by said Author ..
but as I was saying Dev best friend Hudson Case introduced him to this salon where he ended up meeting the most unusual crazy person in the world .. he not only got a bad hair cut which ended with him swearing never to return but later finding himself cutting deal with The unusual character Piper Parker who was a like a tornado who fell asleep and ended up shaving off part of his hair while in the process of a haircut!
But that’s just the beginning of the madness that will continue with this woman who has a hairless cat and others with names that will surely have you in stitches!
Piper Parker aka Peter 🩷
The hairstylist with a famous hockey player
brother hairless cat,one named VajayJay and two bunnies that she’s trying to breed (which is hilarious)and yes she’s Friends with my Hudson Case. (Yeah check out his story in Abyss, part of the Elements of Rapture series)
But yeah this girl is seriously weirdly funny but low key smart, but downplayed it because of the asshat .. I meant the disgusting sperm doaner she call Father..
But when she botched the broody billionaire haircut she seriously thought she was about to be sued but instead he claimed something entirely unrelated that had her wondering what in the world did she agree to!
“Marry me. Temporarily.”
This arrangement had her not only agreeing to fake a marriage with the grumpy billionaire but also had her countering with a wilder proposition a purely physical relationship with three simple rules. No kissing, no sleepovers, and definitely no falling in love.
This girl is wild I tell you !
This girl had Dev wondering time and time again WTAF!
But Coupled with his Friends the Five Schlongs Hen Party (the guys from previous books) who are seriously downright hilarious!
Plus also dealing with a personal issue one that cannot be fixed hence his proposal to Piper in the first instance.
Dev was sure he was losing his mind with all that’s happening. But one thing for sure is that there’s never a dull moment with this girl!
Dev and Parker will have you caught up in so many different emotions!
Must .Read .This Book!
There’s gut busting banter, hairless cats with names you can’t forget,rabbits Shenanigans and hilarious text chats between guys friends, tons of sexy times and yes you will find moments where you’re all choked up with sadness.. bit will definitely be put together with Swati masterful writing!
Why you should read this book 📚
💚Billionaire
💍Fake Marriage proposal
🩷Quirky FMC
🐈Opposites attract
🩷He falls first
✂️Commitment phobe fmc
🩷Fake engagement
💍Hairless cat
🩷Bunnies
📱Guy Friends Text Banter
🩷Dealing with loss of loved one
🩵Dual POV
🩷HEA
My Ratings and Review of this fantastic ARC with special thanks to Author.
5.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks for Reading my Review and be sure to get your eyes on this book for sure !
Until next time happy Reading !
@Georgious_eleanorpb🦋
October 3, 2024
Hilarious and heartwarming, fun and steamy...
there was no way for me to pretend how absolutely irresistible this story was from beginning to end!
From one insanely hilarious meet cute, to a cat with a crush, and a broody billionaire who needs a bride....let's just say you're in for one crazy fun ride with Piper and Dev!
Good Lord....Dev Menon is one damn fine man who completely stole my heart! He's such a broody grump who thrives on routine and order. Yet, Dev could be so incredibly sweet, thoughtful, and swoony AF! Though he's a man who staggers under the weight of responsibilities and expectations he carries, his capacity to do anything for the people he cares for most just made my heart melt. Seeing him having fun, being adventurous, and truly enjoying life in the chaos that Piper brought into his life made me love him more.
Piper Parker is a whirlwind of pure mischief and calamity. She's independent, vibrant, and a woman who definitely dances to a unique beat that's all her own. Though she's living her best single life with no strings or expectations I felt for the woman who from past experiences was afraid of letting someone in again only to get her heart broken again. I loved watching Dev break down her walls, challenged her, always demanding more pieces of her guarded heart until she was truly his...
Talk about a story that had me smitten as a kitten! From every hilarious, swoony, emotional, and scorching hot moment... this book had me wanting more and made my heart go pitter-pat in the very best of ways! I honestly couldn't have adored this book more and the HEA left me absolutely giddy with happy little hearts in my eyes! Seriously, get this gem on your TBR NOW! It's an absolute delight that you won't want to miss!
there was no way for me to pretend how absolutely irresistible this story was from beginning to end!
From one insanely hilarious meet cute, to a cat with a crush, and a broody billionaire who needs a bride....let's just say you're in for one crazy fun ride with Piper and Dev!
Good Lord....Dev Menon is one damn fine man who completely stole my heart! He's such a broody grump who thrives on routine and order. Yet, Dev could be so incredibly sweet, thoughtful, and swoony AF! Though he's a man who staggers under the weight of responsibilities and expectations he carries, his capacity to do anything for the people he cares for most just made my heart melt. Seeing him having fun, being adventurous, and truly enjoying life in the chaos that Piper brought into his life made me love him more.
Piper Parker is a whirlwind of pure mischief and calamity. She's independent, vibrant, and a woman who definitely dances to a unique beat that's all her own. Though she's living her best single life with no strings or expectations I felt for the woman who from past experiences was afraid of letting someone in again only to get her heart broken again. I loved watching Dev break down her walls, challenged her, always demanding more pieces of her guarded heart until she was truly his...
Talk about a story that had me smitten as a kitten! From every hilarious, swoony, emotional, and scorching hot moment... this book had me wanting more and made my heart go pitter-pat in the very best of ways! I honestly couldn't have adored this book more and the HEA left me absolutely giddy with happy little hearts in my eyes! Seriously, get this gem on your TBR NOW! It's an absolute delight that you won't want to miss!
September 24, 2024
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. Readers who have read the Elements of Rapture series will appreciate that Dev is friends with Hudson from Abyss, and by extension the Meyer brothers. The four men and Dev have hilarious group texts in this book that had me rolling.
Piper and Dev meet at her salon in one of the funniest meet-cutes ever. That same morning, Dev also meets the salon’s three hairless rescue cats. The author’s names for these cats had me giggling throughout the book and one of them fell instantly and madly in love with Dev.
Piper is a feisty heroine. She and her two best friends have a successful salon that caters to wealthy and celebrity male clients. Piper has fought to build her self-esteem after a lifetime of her father’s horrible comments and a high school romance that reinforced them. She has zero interest in love or a committed relationship. Her quirky friends, her cats, her bunnies, and casual hookups are enough for her. Or so she thinks.
Dev, a beautiful and extremely wealthy man, can be ruthless in business. Readers see very quickly that inside he is a marshmallow who is loving and loyal to his family. Dev and his father have a strained relationship that improves drastically over the course of the book. I appreciated that Dev’s character grows enough to communicate with his dad, and that his dad’s character is fully developed enough to take that forward into a better relationship. It is easy to see how close he is with his mom and the special relationship they share. He falls fast for Piper without realizing it and his patience with her was sweet and charming.
This was a beautiful story. There are moments that made me giggle, laugh out loud, and even cry (no easy task). I love how the author embraces the fun quirks of Piper’s character and just goes with it. I adored the heat between Dev and Piper. This book is spicy! I especially loved how Dev and Piper fit together in a day-to-day life pattern and come to rely on each other as friends and companions. Their emotional connection to each other was truly special and I appreciated that they could read each other so well. I can see rereading this book. It would be incredible in audio or as a spicy Netflix movie. 5 stars is not enough for this one.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Piper and Dev meet at her salon in one of the funniest meet-cutes ever. That same morning, Dev also meets the salon’s three hairless rescue cats. The author’s names for these cats had me giggling throughout the book and one of them fell instantly and madly in love with Dev.
Piper is a feisty heroine. She and her two best friends have a successful salon that caters to wealthy and celebrity male clients. Piper has fought to build her self-esteem after a lifetime of her father’s horrible comments and a high school romance that reinforced them. She has zero interest in love or a committed relationship. Her quirky friends, her cats, her bunnies, and casual hookups are enough for her. Or so she thinks.
Dev, a beautiful and extremely wealthy man, can be ruthless in business. Readers see very quickly that inside he is a marshmallow who is loving and loyal to his family. Dev and his father have a strained relationship that improves drastically over the course of the book. I appreciated that Dev’s character grows enough to communicate with his dad, and that his dad’s character is fully developed enough to take that forward into a better relationship. It is easy to see how close he is with his mom and the special relationship they share. He falls fast for Piper without realizing it and his patience with her was sweet and charming.
This was a beautiful story. There are moments that made me giggle, laugh out loud, and even cry (no easy task). I love how the author embraces the fun quirks of Piper’s character and just goes with it. I adored the heat between Dev and Piper. This book is spicy! I especially loved how Dev and Piper fit together in a day-to-day life pattern and come to rely on each other as friends and companions. Their emotional connection to each other was truly special and I appreciated that they could read each other so well. I can see rereading this book. It would be incredible in audio or as a spicy Netflix movie. 5 stars is not enough for this one.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
October 1, 2024
Piper Parker just made one of the biggest mistakes of her life. With one slip of the razor while cutting Dev Mennon's hair she destroyed the luscious locks of one of the most beautiful manes that ever existed!
He was outraged. Livid. He screamed and threatened to sue her and her shop. He stomped out after calling her some very ugly names, and she thought her career might be over!
But when Dev came back later that day, he wasn't there to get his hair fixed. He wasn't there to serve her a lawsuit, he had come back with a different proposal all together. Dev came back with a marriage proposal.
But the engagement was a fake. A sham. All put in place for one woman's dying wish, and Piper couldn't refuse that, could she? Not after ruining everything she had already!
This book was incredibly spicy and really adorable! I loved the interactions between Dev and Piper! The rabbits just about knocked me over in my fits of giggles, while the Hen Party texts have to be some of the best back and forths I've ever read!
If you are looking for a really great Fake Engagement, with a strong and quirky FMC, this is the book for you!
"Because let's face it, lasagna has never let anyone down."
Also, as an aside, the Epilogue gives a look at what is to come in the next book, and I can't be more excited for it! Single mom? Pro sports? Yes, yes, and more yes! Bring it on!!!!
He was outraged. Livid. He screamed and threatened to sue her and her shop. He stomped out after calling her some very ugly names, and she thought her career might be over!
But when Dev came back later that day, he wasn't there to get his hair fixed. He wasn't there to serve her a lawsuit, he had come back with a different proposal all together. Dev came back with a marriage proposal.
But the engagement was a fake. A sham. All put in place for one woman's dying wish, and Piper couldn't refuse that, could she? Not after ruining everything she had already!
This book was incredibly spicy and really adorable! I loved the interactions between Dev and Piper! The rabbits just about knocked me over in my fits of giggles, while the Hen Party texts have to be some of the best back and forths I've ever read!
If you are looking for a really great Fake Engagement, with a strong and quirky FMC, this is the book for you!
"Because let's face it, lasagna has never let anyone down."
Also, as an aside, the Epilogue gives a look at what is to come in the next book, and I can't be more excited for it! Single mom? Pro sports? Yes, yes, and more yes! Bring it on!!!!
September 30, 2024
4.75 stars!!!! I absolutely adore Dev and Piper. This fake engagement rom com had me laughing out loud, swooning, crying, and not wanting to put it down! From their first meeting, there was instant chemistry, and their back and forth absolutely set the tone for how their relationship would play out. And hey, even the hairless cat fell instantly in love with the gorgeous billionaire.
First there’s Piper. She’s an independent, strong, and sassy woman. They way she constantly kept Dev on his toes, her sense of humor, her need to poke the bear at every possible turn, had me in absolute stitches. Then there’s Dev, gorgeous, driven, and very much knocked on his a$$ by this feisty hairdresser, when his mother’s dying wish is to see him walk down the aisle, how is it the woman who drives him the most crazy is the only one that comes to mind to pull off a fake wedding? Yeah, Dev definitely falls first (tho Piper is not far behind), and boy does he fall hard. Their constant ribbing and banter, their cute and definitely unconventional nicknames (which are absolutely adorable because of their origins), everything about this book was just absolutely fantastic. And boy when the spice hits (we’re talking a medium burn), hold on to your panties, because it’s scorching.
This author absolutely knows how to pull you into a story and hook you for the full ride. Her swoon game is always on point, and this book is definitely no exception. And as you’re pulled through Dev and Piper’s story, the side characters just pile on to make it better. One of my favorite micro tropes is the friend group text chats, and the one that Dev has with the guys (all from prior books) is top notch, pure gold banter. Plus, you have Piper’s friends, and those fabulous hairless cats with the very unique names and some equally unique and hilarious skills. Seriously, you just can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a steamy rom com in your reading life.
First there’s Piper. She’s an independent, strong, and sassy woman. They way she constantly kept Dev on his toes, her sense of humor, her need to poke the bear at every possible turn, had me in absolute stitches. Then there’s Dev, gorgeous, driven, and very much knocked on his a$$ by this feisty hairdresser, when his mother’s dying wish is to see him walk down the aisle, how is it the woman who drives him the most crazy is the only one that comes to mind to pull off a fake wedding? Yeah, Dev definitely falls first (tho Piper is not far behind), and boy does he fall hard. Their constant ribbing and banter, their cute and definitely unconventional nicknames (which are absolutely adorable because of their origins), everything about this book was just absolutely fantastic. And boy when the spice hits (we’re talking a medium burn), hold on to your panties, because it’s scorching.
This author absolutely knows how to pull you into a story and hook you for the full ride. Her swoon game is always on point, and this book is definitely no exception. And as you’re pulled through Dev and Piper’s story, the side characters just pile on to make it better. One of my favorite micro tropes is the friend group text chats, and the one that Dev has with the guys (all from prior books) is top notch, pure gold banter. Plus, you have Piper’s friends, and those fabulous hairless cats with the very unique names and some equally unique and hilarious skills. Seriously, you just can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a steamy rom com in your reading life.
October 22, 2025
This book was so funny! The FMC Piper was amazing. And this ending was so good. Definitely would read more books by the author.
September 30, 2024
Oh where do I start? I read through this book so fast and so easily. I love love the fmc. She was unapologetically her.. transparent, talks too much and not in annoying kind of way... smart and soooo funny!!! I swear there were parts of the book that I could not help to smile and waz trying to suppress my laughter. Oh Dev my man! He was everything!!! I love that their story was not too dramatic and complicates. In the end what matters is that they bring out the best in each other.
And the spice? Chef's kiss 🤣
And the spice? Chef's kiss 🤣
September 30, 2024
Round up to 4.5. I loved Dev and Piper so much! I don't know how many people who would marry someone for his mom, much less someone who was so mean to them. Their back and forth, their banter was great! Loved seeing people from previous books, but even if you haven't read those, you don't miss anything. Vajaja was amazing! More scenes with her please!
September 22, 2024
This was an enjoyable fake relationship romance with two MCs that couldn’t be more different, yet they were perfect for each other. Dev is serious, loyal, and surprisingly has the filthiest mouth! Piper is chaotic, sassy, and keeps her heart closely guarded. They started their fake relationship to grant Dev’s mother a wish. What started as fake soon turns to more…this book will have you laughing - text messages with Dev and his friends and the most adorable hairless cat that is obsessed with Dev. Dev and Piper’s chemistry is off the charts, it will have you fanning yourself. I was swooning at the way Dev goes to bat for Piper and supports her with his whole heart. It will also tug at your heart strings and bring tears to your eyes. This was an all-around delightful read! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 14, 2024
Pretend For Me by Swati M.H.
Haircuts & Heartthrobs
✂️
First, thank you so much for this ARC and when I started reading and got to the text banter it was only then I realized who I was exactly ARCing for and might have squealed like a pig… my unmedicated ADHD self tends to be slow sometimes 🫠 because the MomCom Series is one of my favorite series ever.
✂️
Anyways. I’m obsessed with Peter and Lex 😂 I laughed so much and dang did I cry as well. When a story can pull out all the emotions out of me it’s a 5 ⭐️ Piper put up walls that even Jack and his beanstalk couldn’t climb over but that didn’t stop her from loving those close to her, being so freaking funny, & the love she has for her animals. & who doesn’t love a grumpy billionaire show his swoon worthiness?! They both had inner battles they had to work through but that makes the story so much better. I really can’t divulge much because that will ruin the entire story so just believe me when I say you need to grab this baby quick like on release day! & the nicknames of characters & animals?! Top tier. The spice?! Def top tier. The banter of Devs friend group?! Priceless.
✂️
I can’t wait for Sarina’s story, she’s just as funny. I’ll be stalking Swati for the ARC release.
#pretendforme #haircutsandheartthrobs #romancebooks #romancebooksofinstagram #romancecomedybooks #romcombooks #billionaireromance
Haircuts & Heartthrobs
✂️
First, thank you so much for this ARC and when I started reading and got to the text banter it was only then I realized who I was exactly ARCing for and might have squealed like a pig… my unmedicated ADHD self tends to be slow sometimes 🫠 because the MomCom Series is one of my favorite series ever.
✂️
Anyways. I’m obsessed with Peter and Lex 😂 I laughed so much and dang did I cry as well. When a story can pull out all the emotions out of me it’s a 5 ⭐️ Piper put up walls that even Jack and his beanstalk couldn’t climb over but that didn’t stop her from loving those close to her, being so freaking funny, & the love she has for her animals. & who doesn’t love a grumpy billionaire show his swoon worthiness?! They both had inner battles they had to work through but that makes the story so much better. I really can’t divulge much because that will ruin the entire story so just believe me when I say you need to grab this baby quick like on release day! & the nicknames of characters & animals?! Top tier. The spice?! Def top tier. The banter of Devs friend group?! Priceless.
✂️
I can’t wait for Sarina’s story, she’s just as funny. I’ll be stalking Swati for the ARC release.
#pretendforme #haircutsandheartthrobs #romancebooks #romancebooksofinstagram #romancecomedybooks #romcombooks #billionaireromance
September 15, 2024
Where to even begin??
Pretend for Me is insanely funny with funny pet characters and group text banter that will have you chuckling and hackling throughout the book. It's incredibly heartbreaking with it's very relatable drama that had me in tears. It's unbelievably sexy with some hot and steamy, dirty talk that had me fanning myself a few times. It's perfectly sweet with Dev's romantic gestures that had me swooning like a lovesick teenager. It's positively thrilling with Dev's "caveman" attitude that had my heart racing to no end.
This author is a master at rom coms that also has thoughtful issues and real life topics. It's easy to read, quick to relate to and keeps you entertained throughout the book.
100% 5 Stars!
Pretend for Me is insanely funny with funny pet characters and group text banter that will have you chuckling and hackling throughout the book. It's incredibly heartbreaking with it's very relatable drama that had me in tears. It's unbelievably sexy with some hot and steamy, dirty talk that had me fanning myself a few times. It's perfectly sweet with Dev's romantic gestures that had me swooning like a lovesick teenager. It's positively thrilling with Dev's "caveman" attitude that had my heart racing to no end.
This author is a master at rom coms that also has thoughtful issues and real life topics. It's easy to read, quick to relate to and keeps you entertained throughout the book.
100% 5 Stars!
September 20, 2024
5/5⭐️
Author: Swati M.H.
What to Expect: Billionaire Hero, Quirky/hilarious Heroine, matchmaking hairless cat, He falls first, Fake engagement, opposites attract
Dev and Piper 🩷
Honestly this is my Favorite Swati book to date! I absolutely loved Dev and Piper!!
This books was hilarious, fun, emotional, and probably Swati’s spiciest book yet! I honestly haven’t laughed this hard reading in quite awhile!! Piper is so funny and the text banter is sooo good!!
Even though I laughed so hard I also needed tissues this book pulls on those heart strings for sure!!
I loved this so much it’s a must read for sure!!
I never spoil in my reviews so this is my thoughts!! 🥰
Author: Swati M.H.
What to Expect: Billionaire Hero, Quirky/hilarious Heroine, matchmaking hairless cat, He falls first, Fake engagement, opposites attract
Dev and Piper 🩷
Honestly this is my Favorite Swati book to date! I absolutely loved Dev and Piper!!
This books was hilarious, fun, emotional, and probably Swati’s spiciest book yet! I honestly haven’t laughed this hard reading in quite awhile!! Piper is so funny and the text banter is sooo good!!
Even though I laughed so hard I also needed tissues this book pulls on those heart strings for sure!!
I loved this so much it’s a must read for sure!!
I never spoil in my reviews so this is my thoughts!! 🥰
January 4, 2025
Edited to include ALC review:
This book was one of my favorite reads of 2024, and hearing it brought to life in audio has made the story so much better. Kas Vadim and Stella Hunter did such a fantastic job with Dev and Piper. They had me laughing my ass off and crying my eyes out. And I must say, every single moment hit as hard, if not harder, than the first time around, even though I knew they were coming. I also gotta admit, I'm curious to know how many times Stella did the “Piper Parker picked a peck of preening peacocks.” line before getting it right, lol.
----------
This book had me scream-laughing almost the entire time! From the hairless cat named Vajayjay that's in love with the MMC, to Pipper's awkward ramblings, to the Five Schlongs Hen Party text thread, and the rabbits' sex playlist, I'm surprised I had time for tears between all the laughing. But nonetheless, there were tears shed.
In this book, we see how Dev, in order to fulfill his mom's dying wish, and as payment for her messing up his haircut, asks Pipper to marry him. Honestly, there was never a dull moment in this story, and Piper and Dev did not stand a chance. It was fun to see how they quickly fell in love with each other's quirks. But it was equally heartbreaking to see how Piper didn't think she was good enough and that she didn't deserve the love that Dev was giving her, because of her past.
Speaking of heartbreak, the way that Swati showed Claire's final goodbye hit so close to home, and it was so beautiful and relatable that it had me sobbing like a baby.
I've had the Elements of Rapture on my throat for a while now, and reading this definitely bumb them up the list.
Quote: “You’re not fucked up. You’re perfect. A little diabolical, but so perfect.”
This book was one of my favorite reads of 2024, and hearing it brought to life in audio has made the story so much better. Kas Vadim and Stella Hunter did such a fantastic job with Dev and Piper. They had me laughing my ass off and crying my eyes out. And I must say, every single moment hit as hard, if not harder, than the first time around, even though I knew they were coming. I also gotta admit, I'm curious to know how many times Stella did the “Piper Parker picked a peck of preening peacocks.” line before getting it right, lol.
----------
This book had me scream-laughing almost the entire time! From the hairless cat named Vajayjay that's in love with the MMC, to Pipper's awkward ramblings, to the Five Schlongs Hen Party text thread, and the rabbits' sex playlist, I'm surprised I had time for tears between all the laughing. But nonetheless, there were tears shed.
In this book, we see how Dev, in order to fulfill his mom's dying wish, and as payment for her messing up his haircut, asks Pipper to marry him. Honestly, there was never a dull moment in this story, and Piper and Dev did not stand a chance. It was fun to see how they quickly fell in love with each other's quirks. But it was equally heartbreaking to see how Piper didn't think she was good enough and that she didn't deserve the love that Dev was giving her, because of her past.
Speaking of heartbreak, the way that Swati showed Claire's final goodbye hit so close to home, and it was so beautiful and relatable that it had me sobbing like a baby.
I've had the Elements of Rapture on my throat for a while now, and reading this definitely bumb them up the list.
Quote: “You’re not fucked up. You’re perfect. A little diabolical, but so perfect.”
October 25, 2024
This book is an absolute must-read! It is the perfect combination of humor and wittiness along with enough swooning to leave you with heart eyes, and don't forget there will be a few chapters that have the water works on! I have to say that this book quickly became a favorite! I realized this at probably 20% in. So good! There is just so much to Dev and Piper's story that I find myself mourning the end of the book. I want to stay in this story for a little while longer!
January 26, 2025
Just wow.
There is so much love and heartbreak in one book. This cast of characters and the story will stay on my heart for a long time.
There is content here that may be hard for some readers who have experienced loss, specifically a parent to cancer. But being one of those readers and a fan of Swati's work, I wanted to give it a go. I am so glad I did.
This was beautifully done. I definitely ugly cried at the end, but it was good for me.. Dev and Piper were perfection. I loved how quirky Piper is and how seemingly straight-laced Dev is. I loved all their little nuances. They were unlike any other couple I've ever read before.
Definitely give this story a read. You won't be disappointed.
If you like these tropes, you'll love this book:
Fake Marriage
Quirky FMC
Billionaire MMC
Forced Proximity
Hate to Love
Content Warnings:
On page passing of a parent to cancer
Black mail/Slander
Appearances made by characters in Swati's other books!
There is so much love and heartbreak in one book. This cast of characters and the story will stay on my heart for a long time.
There is content here that may be hard for some readers who have experienced loss, specifically a parent to cancer. But being one of those readers and a fan of Swati's work, I wanted to give it a go. I am so glad I did.
This was beautifully done. I definitely ugly cried at the end, but it was good for me.. Dev and Piper were perfection. I loved how quirky Piper is and how seemingly straight-laced Dev is. I loved all their little nuances. They were unlike any other couple I've ever read before.
Definitely give this story a read. You won't be disappointed.
If you like these tropes, you'll love this book:
Fake Marriage
Quirky FMC
Billionaire MMC
Forced Proximity
Hate to Love
Content Warnings:
On page passing of a parent to cancer
Black mail/Slander
Appearances made by characters in Swati's other books!
September 27, 2024
I have to say, I was not prepared for this book! From the very first chapter, it had me laughing out loud, and I never wanted it to end. But it wasn’t just the humor that got me—I instantly fell in love with Dev and Piper, even though they’re complete opposites. When Dev shows up at Piper’s salon for a simple haircut, he leaves not only with a whole lot of personal information about her he didn't need but also with an accidental side shave! To make it up to him, Piper agrees to his wild proposal: a temporary marriage to fulfill his dying mother’s wish. What follows is so much more than either of them expected, and I loved every minute of their adventure. This book is funny, spicy, and full of heartwarming moments. Don’t wait—read it today, and you’ll thank me later!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Thank you, Swati M.H. for the ARC.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Thank you, Swati M.H. for the ARC.
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