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Green Valley Heroes #6
Package Makes Perfect
When a man cheats, don’t go postal. Date a postman. Robin Dunn is used to dealing with egotistical men. After years in the military and working in the male-dominated field of aviation mechanics, Robin thought she could tell the good guys from the bad. She even moved to the small town of Green Valley for a man she planned to build a life with. So why is that guy butt-naked on their couch with another woman, fondling her chest like he found himself a set of stress balls? Not one to run away, Robin decides to stake a claim on her new home and dole out some much-needed revenge. In a twist of luck, she convinces Arthur Kraut, her loser ex’s cousin, and the town’s grumpy mail carrier, to agree to her fake relationship scheme. Probably because she offers to help the guy with his lady troubles through copious amounts of PDA. After a lifetime of disappointments, Robin can’t help noticing how Arthur always delivers when she needs him. Too bad she’s done with needing men. Doesn’t matter that kissing Arthur has her thinking other, dirtier thoughts. All she wants is to get revenge on her ex, fix airplanes, and not fall for a man who has his heart set on someone else…‘Package Makes Perfect’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #6 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2024
321 people are currently reading
1335 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Connolly
40 books1,212 followersLauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and magical romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.
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February 25, 2024
I am thrilled that Lauren Connolly is returning to the Green Valley Heroes series with a Fake Dating romance! Package Makes Perfect is coming May 9th to Kindle Unlimited, and we have the cover for you!
★★Reserve your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/49AXSpQ
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This title will release wide on all retailers excluding Amazon on May 7th, 2024. It will be removed from those retailers and be enrolled in Kindle Unlimited on May 9th, 2024. So if you’re a non-Amazon reader, be sure to reserve your copy in advance!
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
When a man cheats, don’t go postal. Date a postman.
Robin Dunn is used to dealing with egotistical men. After years in the military and working in the male-dominated field of aviation mechanics, Robin thought she could tell the good guys from the bad. She even moved to the small town of Green Valley for a man she planned to build a life with. So why is that guy butt-naked on their couch with another woman, fondling her chest like he found himself a set of stress balls?
Not one to run away, Robin decides to stake a claim on her new home and dole out some much-needed revenge. In a twist of luck, she convinces Arthur Kraut, her loser ex’s cousin, and the town’s grumpy mail carrier, to agree to her fake relationship scheme. Probably because she offers to help the guy with his lady troubles through copious amounts of PDA.
After a lifetime of disappointments, Robin can’t help noticing how Arthur always delivers when she needs him. Too bad she’s done with needing men. Doesn’t matter that kissing Arthur has her thinking other, dirtier thoughts. All she wants is to get revenge on her ex, fix airplanes, and not fall for a man who has his heart set on someone else…
‘Package Makes Perfect’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #6 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
2024 LAUNCH BLOGGER REVIEW SIGN-UP: https://forms.gle/jT2sQDBSK9dZqnRn7
August 31, 2025
Package Makes Perfect is super cute. I love Arthur. A man with few worda but no words can describe how sexy he is.
Thanks to Miss Connolly wit, the story becomes alive. I enjoy reading it.
4 stars
Thanks to Miss Connolly wit, the story becomes alive. I enjoy reading it.
4 stars
December 17, 2025
Ngl, if the roles were reversed and it was the FMC who was the v-card holder and the one who had to see the MMC be in a relationship with her cousin. I sure as heck will not be picking up this book. Thankfully, that's not the case at all. 🤭 Is that double standards? Hmmm. Maybe. Probably. But I really don't care. 😂
Anyway, I love the MCs; they're both pretty likable characters. I have to say, though, the miscommunication and wrong assumptions went on for way too long. 🙃 Aside from that, I really enjoyed the story. It's really awesome to see the friendship they had even before diving into the revenge plan and fake dating.
They were just so cute together, and those "practice" sessions went from sweet little moments to some pretty heavy, steamy ones. 🫣🌶️ Ahhh, these two!
I also loved how they were honest with each other—oh well, mostly, except for their feelings when they both realized they were falling in love. But yeah, they communicate all the time. When something's off and one person asks, they really don’t need any extra push to answer. These two are just the cutest dummies! 🥹
The MMC's family was okay overall, but at first, they really got on my nerves with how they acted around Arthur when he began fake dating Robin. But, eventually, we figured out why they behaved that way, and I’m really glad that once they learned the truth, they felt bad about how they treated him.
I just think it was great how both families were so supportive of their relationship and were there to help them understand things a little better. They surely are surrounded by good people. 😄
Overall, I really loved it! I just wish the confession hadn’t happened so late in the story. It would've been awesome to see what their lives looked like years down the line, too. 😅
Book info:
- Fake dating
- Spicy lessons
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced proximity
- No cheating, OW, separation
- Minor OM (the h's ex/ H's cousin)
- V MMC, Experienced FMC
- HFN (in a relationship 🙃)
Anyway, I love the MCs; they're both pretty likable characters. I have to say, though, the miscommunication and wrong assumptions went on for way too long. 🙃 Aside from that, I really enjoyed the story. It's really awesome to see the friendship they had even before diving into the revenge plan and fake dating.
They were just so cute together, and those "practice" sessions went from sweet little moments to some pretty heavy, steamy ones. 🫣🌶️ Ahhh, these two!
I also loved how they were honest with each other—oh well, mostly, except for their feelings when they both realized they were falling in love. But yeah, they communicate all the time. When something's off and one person asks, they really don’t need any extra push to answer. These two are just the cutest dummies! 🥹
The MMC's family was okay overall, but at first, they really got on my nerves with how they acted around Arthur when he began fake dating Robin. But, eventually, we figured out why they behaved that way, and I’m really glad that once they learned the truth, they felt bad about how they treated him.
I just think it was great how both families were so supportive of their relationship and were there to help them understand things a little better. They surely are surrounded by good people. 😄
Overall, I really loved it! I just wish the confession hadn’t happened so late in the story. It would've been awesome to see what their lives looked like years down the line, too. 😅
Book info:
- Fake dating
- Spicy lessons
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced proximity
- No cheating, OW, separation
- Minor OM (the h's ex/ H's cousin)
- V MMC, Experienced FMC
- HFN (in a relationship 🙃)
Want to read
May 9, 2024
💌OUT NOW!💌
Are you ready for a pissed off aircraft mechanic and a grumpy mailman to fake date for revenge?!
Package Makes Perfect, book 6 in the Green Valley Heroes series set in the town created by Penny Reid, goes live on Amazon May 9th. That means in one month you'll get...
💌 A grump with a heart of gold
💌 Small town shenanigans
💌 Roommates to lovers
💌 We have to kiss for practice
★★Reserve your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/49AXSpQ
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVKK384H
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVKK384H
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVKK384H
💌 BLURB 💌
When a man cheats, don’t go postal. Date a postman.
Robin Dunn is used to dealing with egotistical men. After years in the military and working in the male-dominated field of aviation mechanics, Robin thought she could tell the good guys from the bad. She even moved to the small town of Green Valley for a man she planned to build a life with. So why is that guy butt-naked on their couch with another woman, fondling her chest like he found himself a set of stress balls?
Not one to run away, Robin decides to stake a claim on her new home and dole out some much-needed revenge. In a twist of luck, she convinces Arthur Kraut, her loser ex’s cousin, and the town’s grumpy mail carrier, to agree to her fake relationship scheme. Probably because she offers to help the guy with his lady troubles through copious amounts of PDA.
After a lifetime of disappointments, Robin can’t help noticing how Arthur always delivers when she needs him. Too bad she’s done with needing men. Doesn’t matter that kissing Arthur has her thinking other, dirtier thoughts. All she wants is to get revenge on her ex, fix airplanes, and not fall for a man who has his heart set on someone else…
[image: Lauren holding Package Makes Perfect]
May 10, 2024
Another GV hero is up and YESSSSS. We'd met Arthur previously and guy was a big, slightly grumpy (but not really grumpy, he just doesn't talk much), bear of a guy who didn't have the best luck in the romance department. And his kissing skills? Well, let's just say he freezes up during a lip lock and it's not a whole lot of fun for anyone.
Robin is complicated. Actually, SHE'S not complicated, but her situation is. You see, Robin was dating Arthur's cousin and when certain facts of a cheating nature came to light regarding said cousin, Arthur was the one Robin turned to when she needed someone at her back. I'm not even sure if she sought him out because she needed someone at her back, but in the end the big guy was there for her. Not in a creepy way (or even romantic) way, he just had her back because what his cousin did rubbed Arthur the wrong way.
With no where else to go, Robin ended up renting a room from Arthur. And, as things sometimes happen, soon they're fake dating to show the ex she's moved on. There's practice kissing, too. And practice other stuff which both Robin and Arthur like A LOT. (As an aside, Arthur's family giving him grief about moving in on Robin was ROUGH. The big guy took a lot from his family and he's not the one who did anything wrong. On the upside, once the truth was known about what happened, his family miiiight have changed their tune.)
A garden hose of cold delights, a little heartbreak, a whole lot of family, airplanes, mail delivery, sexy times in a van, kiss attacks, drunken texts, a man who likes his schedules, and a lady who realizes she needs to be a straight shooter about what she wants before all those things slip away from her. MAN, I like spending time in Green Valley!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Robin is complicated. Actually, SHE'S not complicated, but her situation is. You see, Robin was dating Arthur's cousin and when certain facts of a cheating nature came to light regarding said cousin, Arthur was the one Robin turned to when she needed someone at her back. I'm not even sure if she sought him out because she needed someone at her back, but in the end the big guy was there for her. Not in a creepy way (or even romantic) way, he just had her back because what his cousin did rubbed Arthur the wrong way.
With no where else to go, Robin ended up renting a room from Arthur. And, as things sometimes happen, soon they're fake dating to show the ex she's moved on. There's practice kissing, too. And practice other stuff which both Robin and Arthur like A LOT. (As an aside, Arthur's family giving him grief about moving in on Robin was ROUGH. The big guy took a lot from his family and he's not the one who did anything wrong. On the upside, once the truth was known about what happened, his family miiiight have changed their tune.)
A garden hose of cold delights, a little heartbreak, a whole lot of family, airplanes, mail delivery, sexy times in a van, kiss attacks, drunken texts, a man who likes his schedules, and a lady who realizes she needs to be a straight shooter about what she wants before all those things slip away from her. MAN, I like spending time in Green Valley!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 26, 2025
This was pretty fun and sweet. I would have liked Arthur to talk a little bit more about what was going on inside his head but he was great.
Virgin hero. Experienced heroine. Teach me trope. Fake dating. Only one easy chair. Revenge against cheating ex. Strong, competent heroine.
Virgin hero. Experienced heroine. Teach me trope. Fake dating. Only one easy chair. Revenge against cheating ex. Strong, competent heroine.
Want to read
May 9, 2024
★★ NOW AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED ★★
The wait is finally over! 'Package Makes Perfect' by Lauren Connolly is LIVE in #KindleUnlimited now. Head over to Amazon now to read this small-town fake dating romance
★★Read in Kindle Unlimited Now★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/49AXSpQ
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVKK384H
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVKK384H
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVKK384H
★★ BLURB ★★
When a man cheats, don’t go postal. Date a postman.
Robin Dunn is used to dealing with egotistical men. After years in the military and working in the male-dominated field of aviation mechanics, Robin thought she could tell the good guys from the bad. She even moved to the small town of Green Valley for a man she planned to build a life with. So why is that guy butt-naked on their couch with another woman, fondling her chest like he found himself a set of stress balls?
Not one to run away, Robin decides to stake a claim on her new home and dole out some much-needed revenge. In a twist of luck, she convinces Arthur Kraut, her loser ex’s cousin, and the town’s grumpy mail carrier, to agree to her fake relationship scheme. Probably because she offers to help the guy with his lady troubles through copious amounts of PDA.
After a lifetime of disappointments, Robin can’t help noticing how Arthur always delivers when she needs him. Too bad she’s done with needing men. Doesn’t matter that kissing Arthur has her thinking other, dirtier thoughts. All she wants is to get revenge on her ex, fix airplanes, and not fall for a man who has his heart set on someone else…
‘Package Makes Perfect’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #6 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
May 14, 2024
Ahhh! It was so good!
This is book 6 in the Green Valley Heros series. And of course, we get peeks of our favorite Green Valley family, the Winston's. But we also get to see some characters from book 3 of this series, Letter Late than Never, which was also written by Lauren Connelly.
One thing about this book is that it serves up the revenge. We just WISH we would do to our cheating ex's what Robin does to hers. Badass is what she is.
And who does she rope into her schemes? Her ex's cousin, Arthur. He's a bear of a guy with a heart of gold. Arthur has his own problems. He doesn't have much (or any) luck with the ladies. So Robin comes up with a deal. Pretend to date her, and she'll teach him how to treat a woman. A.k.a how to properly kiss.
What could go wrong with kissing? And possibly being in close proximity... Robin sees what a great guy he is, but she's down on men. And Arthur? I won't spoil how he feels.
It's super complicated. Arthur's family is very close. This new relationship is causing turmoil.
It's spicy, funny. And in Green Valley. Of course you'll enjoy it.
This is book 6 in the Green Valley Heros series. And of course, we get peeks of our favorite Green Valley family, the Winston's. But we also get to see some characters from book 3 of this series, Letter Late than Never, which was also written by Lauren Connelly.
One thing about this book is that it serves up the revenge. We just WISH we would do to our cheating ex's what Robin does to hers. Badass is what she is.
And who does she rope into her schemes? Her ex's cousin, Arthur. He's a bear of a guy with a heart of gold. Arthur has his own problems. He doesn't have much (or any) luck with the ladies. So Robin comes up with a deal. Pretend to date her, and she'll teach him how to treat a woman. A.k.a how to properly kiss.
What could go wrong with kissing? And possibly being in close proximity... Robin sees what a great guy he is, but she's down on men. And Arthur? I won't spoil how he feels.
It's super complicated. Arthur's family is very close. This new relationship is causing turmoil.
It's spicy, funny. And in Green Valley. Of course you'll enjoy it.
May 10, 2025
5 stars
Ahhhh I was absolutely charmed by this small-town romance!!! A bit quirky, a lot of fun, and so heartwarming.
Robin was such a likeable FMC (she’s got 90s-style “spunk”), and Arthur was a grumpy bear of a man who was a walking green flag. Omg, these two! I loved their chemistry and how they really enjoyed being in each other’s company.
The set up might sound soapy (Robin discovers that her ex—also Arthur’s cousin—is cheating on her, and this somehow leads to fake dating shenanigans), but at its core this was a terrific friend-to-lovers romance.
Ahhhh I was absolutely charmed by this small-town romance!!! A bit quirky, a lot of fun, and so heartwarming.
Robin was such a likeable FMC (she’s got 90s-style “spunk”), and Arthur was a grumpy bear of a man who was a walking green flag. Omg, these two! I loved their chemistry and how they really enjoyed being in each other’s company.
The set up might sound soapy (Robin discovers that her ex—also Arthur’s cousin—is cheating on her, and this somehow leads to fake dating shenanigans), but at its core this was a terrific friend-to-lovers romance.
March 8, 2024
This book was so well written!
Things I absolutely adored:
✉️ Arthur pining for Robin the whole book
✉️ Kissing Lessons
✉️ Fake relationship (that you KNOW is not all that fake)
This book absolutely left me with a smile on my face. I loved that Robin is a self sufficient woman who is not afraid to be herself.
Arthur is so gone for Robin and it was literally the best. He has this idea of soulmates and both Arthur and Robin both learn that giving each other the knowledge to make informed decisions can completely change everything.
I adored Arthur’s dad so much, and eventually the rest of his family too. The author also did a fantastic job of not only tying in to the original Winston Brothers series, but the books by the other Smartypants authors.
Things I absolutely adored:
✉️ Arthur pining for Robin the whole book
✉️ Kissing Lessons
✉️ Fake relationship (that you KNOW is not all that fake)
This book absolutely left me with a smile on my face. I loved that Robin is a self sufficient woman who is not afraid to be herself.
Arthur is so gone for Robin and it was literally the best. He has this idea of soulmates and both Arthur and Robin both learn that giving each other the knowledge to make informed decisions can completely change everything.
I adored Arthur’s dad so much, and eventually the rest of his family too. The author also did a fantastic job of not only tying in to the original Winston Brothers series, but the books by the other Smartypants authors.
dnfed
March 24, 2024DNF 54%
I want to start by saying that I absolutely love Lauren’s books but this one was just not for me. I don’t like really inexperienced MCs, and this Arthur is inexperienced with literally everything. It’s kind of cute, I like the town and the characters but it felt like I was reading a YA coming of age rather than a small town romance.
I want to start by saying that I absolutely love Lauren’s books but this one was just not for me. I don’t like really inexperienced MCs, and this Arthur is inexperienced with literally everything. It’s kind of cute, I like the town and the characters but it felt like I was reading a YA coming of age rather than a small town romance.
August 15, 2024
5⭐️ just a perfect little romance
the whole book just worked so well, the characters were nice and only annoyed me when they were supposed to.
the romance was nice, loved the slow-burn/fake dating (my favorite tropes, who am i kidding)
it was perfect, i couldn't stop reading. *chef's kiss*
the whole book just worked so well, the characters were nice and only annoyed me when they were supposed to.
the romance was nice, loved the slow-burn/fake dating (my favorite tropes, who am i kidding)
it was perfect, i couldn't stop reading. *chef's kiss*
July 28, 2024
This book was different from your typical rom-com. The MMC was really sweet, not an alpha male. I wish the FMC’s ex was toned down a bit, but overall, enjoyable.
May 6, 2024
***5 ‘I’m Being Arthur’ Stars***
This was a great read. I got caught up in Robin and Arthur’s journey and hated to have to put it down to get to real life.
I adored Robin and Arthur. Robin knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to find a way to get it, she may get waylaid by her own insecurities at times, but once she is all in, she’s all in. Arthur is a sweetheart. He may grunt more than speak in complete sentences, but he is just such a good guy. Their journey was a lot of fun to experience. I loved watching them go from friends to lovers, in a pretty unique and fun way, and was just happy that they got the HEA they both deserved.
This book hooked me from the start and didn’t let go. I thoroughly enjoyed the dual first person POV’s and the pacing of the book was good. There was a good balance of heart, humor, heat and drama to keep things interesting. I loved catching up with Sebastian and Gwen, and I always love being back in Green Valley in general, but I have to say that I am crossing my toes that we get lots more of the Krauts. While there were a few “issues” going on, you could tell that they are super tight knit and love each other a lot and I have my toes crossed that we’ll get to know each of them a lot better and that Nani will make a few appearances now and then.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
This was a great read. I got caught up in Robin and Arthur’s journey and hated to have to put it down to get to real life.
I adored Robin and Arthur. Robin knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to find a way to get it, she may get waylaid by her own insecurities at times, but once she is all in, she’s all in. Arthur is a sweetheart. He may grunt more than speak in complete sentences, but he is just such a good guy. Their journey was a lot of fun to experience. I loved watching them go from friends to lovers, in a pretty unique and fun way, and was just happy that they got the HEA they both deserved.
This book hooked me from the start and didn’t let go. I thoroughly enjoyed the dual first person POV’s and the pacing of the book was good. There was a good balance of heart, humor, heat and drama to keep things interesting. I loved catching up with Sebastian and Gwen, and I always love being back in Green Valley in general, but I have to say that I am crossing my toes that we get lots more of the Krauts. While there were a few “issues” going on, you could tell that they are super tight knit and love each other a lot and I have my toes crossed that we’ll get to know each of them a lot better and that Nani will make a few appearances now and then.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
May 6, 2024
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
I figured I would enjoy this book, but I actually wasn’t prepared for how much I loved it! I’m obsessed with everything about it, and even more so because there was a surprise trope that is one of my favorites.
The first few chapters were actually pretty emotional, as we get a live look at Robin finding out her boyfriend is cheating and confronting him, as well as her feelings after. While the way she handled things made me giggle and also made me want to be her when I grow up, I was just heartbroken for her as she really loved this guy. In comes Arthur (who gives Jason Kelce vibes 🥹) to help her heal, but things aren’t easy because Arthur is her ex’s cousin and they are a very close family.
Robin isn’t your typical FMC; she’s an army veteran who is now an airplane mechanic and also deals with hearing loss from her days in the army. I can’t remember the last time I loved both characters in a book so much, but Robin and Arthur were just so good that I couldn’t put the book down just because of them!
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
I figured I would enjoy this book, but I actually wasn’t prepared for how much I loved it! I’m obsessed with everything about it, and even more so because there was a surprise trope that is one of my favorites.
The first few chapters were actually pretty emotional, as we get a live look at Robin finding out her boyfriend is cheating and confronting him, as well as her feelings after. While the way she handled things made me giggle and also made me want to be her when I grow up, I was just heartbroken for her as she really loved this guy. In comes Arthur (who gives Jason Kelce vibes 🥹) to help her heal, but things aren’t easy because Arthur is her ex’s cousin and they are a very close family.
Robin isn’t your typical FMC; she’s an army veteran who is now an airplane mechanic and also deals with hearing loss from her days in the army. I can’t remember the last time I loved both characters in a book so much, but Robin and Arthur were just so good that I couldn’t put the book down just because of them!
March 19, 2024
I received this book as an ARC so I really didn’t know anything about the Green Valley Heroes books but this one was an excellent first read and now I just want to know more.
I finished it in less than a day and I fell in love with Robin and Arthur. They are the perfect couple and so sweet and funny together. I just loved how Robin reacted to Daren cheating on her (I cannot stop thinking about the water damage hosing someone supposed 🙈) and how cute she was the next day trying to be Arthur instead of herself.
And Arthur is boyfriend material from the start, by just being on Robin’s side instead of trying to excuse Daren, HIS cousin.
This book was really amazing, it is already made its way into my comfort books collection and I just want to read other books in the series.
I finished it in less than a day and I fell in love with Robin and Arthur. They are the perfect couple and so sweet and funny together. I just loved how Robin reacted to Daren cheating on her (I cannot stop thinking about the water damage hosing someone supposed 🙈) and how cute she was the next day trying to be Arthur instead of herself.
And Arthur is boyfriend material from the start, by just being on Robin’s side instead of trying to excuse Daren, HIS cousin.
This book was really amazing, it is already made its way into my comfort books collection and I just want to read other books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
I really liked this author’s first book in the Green Valley Heroes series, Letter Late Than Never, and so I was very excited for this one. And once again I was not disappointed! While the only problem I can possibly think of with this one is maybe it was a little long, the story was perfect otherwise! And strangely, this is my second virgin hero story in a month’s time!
Robin was a strong woman who actually even tied us back to the last story I read in this series, Young Buck by Kilby Blades, because she was catching her boyfriend in the act of cheating on her. For some reason she called in her boyfriend’s cousin, Arthur, to ask if he knew about it. He didn’t want to believe her, so she took him with her when she went to confront him. Let’s just say Robin knew about getting back at someone. Eggs, the garden hose, she made sure her ex, Daren, knew she was mad, and she tried to make sure he knew she was done with him.
Arthur was the strong, silent type. The big broody, grumpy bearded guy. But totally a cinnamon roll as he was also a softie on the inside and with his friends and people he cared about. He gave Robin a place to stay and was her shoulder to cry on. He believed he had a soulmate, based on his father’s love of his mother, who he’d lost at a young age. He was so sure he would find that soulmate with a first kiss and would just know.
Robin’s background was a mother who would constantly move when her relationships didn’t work out or ended, making Robin sure she would never move for a man, would only do what she wanted. And she had been a pilot in the military, lost part of her hearing because of it. Now her dream was to one day own a plane repair shop, like where she currently worked. Her current boss is ready to retire, and she’s just waiting for him to let her know if she can take over, only all of a sudden he brings his son in, and now she’s afraid he plans to hand the shop to him instead of letting her take it over.
Robin was funny. She decided she didn’t want to be herself for a while, wanted to be someone different, so she put on Arthur’s clothes and tried to act like him and be him. She soon found out he wasn’t a good kisser. Which led to finding out more things about his inexperience. After a few kissing lessons, or kiss attacks as Robin called them, he had a real kiss, and knew that Robin was his soulmate. He’d wanted her since the first time his cousin had brought her to meet the family, but of course had put that out of his head because she was with his cousin.
And the two of them do the whole fake dating routine. But with all the help Robin gives Arthur to help with his inexperience, of course the two of them get to know each other better and grow closer and fall in love with each other. As they go along, there is not only Arthur’s cousin, Robin’s ex Daren, but also all of his brothers, I believe 3 others besides Daren? At first they are all mad at Arthur for supposedly stealing Daren’s girl. But Arthur finally finds out, exactly as I’d suspected, that Daren’s family didn’t know the truth behind why they broke up. And that changes it all.
I loved all the characters in the story. Not only the Green Valley gang we’ve met in other books, like Arthur’s postal worker friends, but also his family, because his mother was from India I believe? So he face-timed with them at one point and his grandmother, mother’s mom, fell in love with Robin when she saw her there. And let’s talk about the Kraut brothers, Arthur’s cousins who were basically like his brothers. I’m hoping we get a spin-off series with all of them getting their own HEAs!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Robin was a strong woman who actually even tied us back to the last story I read in this series, Young Buck by Kilby Blades, because she was catching her boyfriend in the act of cheating on her. For some reason she called in her boyfriend’s cousin, Arthur, to ask if he knew about it. He didn’t want to believe her, so she took him with her when she went to confront him. Let’s just say Robin knew about getting back at someone. Eggs, the garden hose, she made sure her ex, Daren, knew she was mad, and she tried to make sure he knew she was done with him.
Arthur was the strong, silent type. The big broody, grumpy bearded guy. But totally a cinnamon roll as he was also a softie on the inside and with his friends and people he cared about. He gave Robin a place to stay and was her shoulder to cry on. He believed he had a soulmate, based on his father’s love of his mother, who he’d lost at a young age. He was so sure he would find that soulmate with a first kiss and would just know.
Robin’s background was a mother who would constantly move when her relationships didn’t work out or ended, making Robin sure she would never move for a man, would only do what she wanted. And she had been a pilot in the military, lost part of her hearing because of it. Now her dream was to one day own a plane repair shop, like where she currently worked. Her current boss is ready to retire, and she’s just waiting for him to let her know if she can take over, only all of a sudden he brings his son in, and now she’s afraid he plans to hand the shop to him instead of letting her take it over.
Robin was funny. She decided she didn’t want to be herself for a while, wanted to be someone different, so she put on Arthur’s clothes and tried to act like him and be him. She soon found out he wasn’t a good kisser. Which led to finding out more things about his inexperience. After a few kissing lessons, or kiss attacks as Robin called them, he had a real kiss, and knew that Robin was his soulmate. He’d wanted her since the first time his cousin had brought her to meet the family, but of course had put that out of his head because she was with his cousin.
And the two of them do the whole fake dating routine. But with all the help Robin gives Arthur to help with his inexperience, of course the two of them get to know each other better and grow closer and fall in love with each other. As they go along, there is not only Arthur’s cousin, Robin’s ex Daren, but also all of his brothers, I believe 3 others besides Daren? At first they are all mad at Arthur for supposedly stealing Daren’s girl. But Arthur finally finds out, exactly as I’d suspected, that Daren’s family didn’t know the truth behind why they broke up. And that changes it all.
I loved all the characters in the story. Not only the Green Valley gang we’ve met in other books, like Arthur’s postal worker friends, but also his family, because his mother was from India I believe? So he face-timed with them at one point and his grandmother, mother’s mom, fell in love with Robin when she saw her there. And let’s talk about the Kraut brothers, Arthur’s cousins who were basically like his brothers. I’m hoping we get a spin-off series with all of them getting their own HEAs!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
May 30, 2024
He is a grumpy mail carrier hiding a romantic soul that has been waiting for his soulmate. She is an aircraft mechanic spitfire who used a water hose on her cheating ex. He offers her a temporary place to stay but secretly wishes she would stay forever.
Arthur Kraut grew up with a romantic idea of love and soulmates. His tall, quiet demeanor has been hiding a deep desire to find his person. He enjoys job as one of Green Valley's mail carriers and has even spent some time traveling. So when his cousin's girlfriend shows up at Arthur's house madder than a hornet and intent on revenge, Arthur decides he will do anything to help her.
Robin Dunn is an unconventional woman. Time spent in the military learning how to take apart engines prepared her for a career she loves. Robin's mom spent most of her life chasing the dream of love but never finding it. So when a guy spends three months trying to convince Robin on a date she accepts and eventually moves in with that guy in Green Valley, Tennessee. They are together for two years until she realizes he is cheating on her. Her response is not anger as much as righteous indignation. For some reason, she decides to involve her cheating boyfriend's quiet cousin in her dramatic breakup moment.
Arthur saw Robin at her lowest in her heartbreak over his cousin that is now figuratively dead to him. Arthur will never forgive that man for hurting an amazing woman like Robin. As Robin is coping from the breakup, Arthur becomes a comfort to her. Not only is he letting her temporarily live with him, but he also goes along with her plan of a fake relationship to make her ex jealous. When Robin learns Arthur is a romantic waiting for his soulmate, she decides she is going to help him when it comes to women. Somewhere along the way that fake relationship and education turns into something real for both of them, but they only agreed they would be temporary.
Dual POV, fake relationship, forced proximity, open door love scenes.
Like most of the Green Valley stories in the Pennyverse*, this story is sweet and charming. Arthur is a big sweetheart with a grumpy, quiet demeanor. While I thought he was sweet, he read a little bit like a basic neanderthal. I would have preferred he have a little more depth and maybe some more nuance. Robin is a very fun and unique FMC. She calls him bear and he calls her raccoon and they fit each other perfectly. She doesn't hesitate to say what she thinks and that is the perfect teammate for Arthur. These two are perfect for each other. Nice HEA.
Bonus: some Winstons make a brief appearance.
*Pennyverse: if somehow you have stumbled upon this story to read as a standalone it can definitely be enjoyed this way. Neither of the main characters are in any other stories. But in order to appreciate some of the Easter eggs in this story I highly encourage you to read the Winston series by Penny Reid which is the beginning of this huge, yet amazing literary universe.
Arthur Kraut grew up with a romantic idea of love and soulmates. His tall, quiet demeanor has been hiding a deep desire to find his person. He enjoys job as one of Green Valley's mail carriers and has even spent some time traveling. So when his cousin's girlfriend shows up at Arthur's house madder than a hornet and intent on revenge, Arthur decides he will do anything to help her.
Robin Dunn is an unconventional woman. Time spent in the military learning how to take apart engines prepared her for a career she loves. Robin's mom spent most of her life chasing the dream of love but never finding it. So when a guy spends three months trying to convince Robin on a date she accepts and eventually moves in with that guy in Green Valley, Tennessee. They are together for two years until she realizes he is cheating on her. Her response is not anger as much as righteous indignation. For some reason, she decides to involve her cheating boyfriend's quiet cousin in her dramatic breakup moment.
Arthur saw Robin at her lowest in her heartbreak over his cousin that is now figuratively dead to him. Arthur will never forgive that man for hurting an amazing woman like Robin. As Robin is coping from the breakup, Arthur becomes a comfort to her. Not only is he letting her temporarily live with him, but he also goes along with her plan of a fake relationship to make her ex jealous. When Robin learns Arthur is a romantic waiting for his soulmate, she decides she is going to help him when it comes to women. Somewhere along the way that fake relationship and education turns into something real for both of them, but they only agreed they would be temporary.
Dual POV, fake relationship, forced proximity, open door love scenes.
Like most of the Green Valley stories in the Pennyverse*, this story is sweet and charming. Arthur is a big sweetheart with a grumpy, quiet demeanor. While I thought he was sweet, he read a little bit like a basic neanderthal. I would have preferred he have a little more depth and maybe some more nuance. Robin is a very fun and unique FMC. She calls him bear and he calls her raccoon and they fit each other perfectly. She doesn't hesitate to say what she thinks and that is the perfect teammate for Arthur. These two are perfect for each other. Nice HEA.
Bonus: some Winstons make a brief appearance.
*Pennyverse: if somehow you have stumbled upon this story to read as a standalone it can definitely be enjoyed this way. Neither of the main characters are in any other stories. But in order to appreciate some of the Easter eggs in this story I highly encourage you to read the Winston series by Penny Reid which is the beginning of this huge, yet amazing literary universe.
May 5, 2024
Format - E ARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Green Valley Heroes #6
Troupes- Forced Proximity, found family, grumpy/grumpier, Small town, inexperienced hero, Fake dating
Representation-
CW- On page cheating of an Ex
This book starts with the wrong kind of Bang and it’s really only gets better and better.
I Love Robin, she a badass and I want to be her when I grow up. And you will town when you read the first chapter of this book. It’s also all you really need to fall for Arthur too, as he is my favorite kind of hero- a reluctant cinnamon roll. He’s caring and understanding and totally in love with Robin but grumpy about it.
While Robin goes on the journey to recover from the grief of her broken relationship and come to terms with what she didn’t know, Arthur is a steady, sturdy comforting presence. And while they pretend to date to try and keep the Ex away she starts to realize Arthur is everything she didn’t know she wanted.
I love the many relationship dynamics in this story, Robin’s Ex is Arthur’s cousin and their families are basically one, so when Robin moves in with Arthur and they pretend to date His family is furious, until they find out what that Cousin did to cause the break up. I love a found Family one that knows when they've been wrong and can apologize.
I’m looking forward to more from Lauren in this Series!
Thank you Lauren Connolly and Smartypants Romance for the advanced copy all opinions are my own.
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Green Valley Heroes #6
Troupes- Forced Proximity, found family, grumpy/grumpier, Small town, inexperienced hero, Fake dating
Representation-
CW- On page cheating of an Ex
This book starts with the wrong kind of Bang and it’s really only gets better and better.
I Love Robin, she a badass and I want to be her when I grow up. And you will town when you read the first chapter of this book. It’s also all you really need to fall for Arthur too, as he is my favorite kind of hero- a reluctant cinnamon roll. He’s caring and understanding and totally in love with Robin but grumpy about it.
While Robin goes on the journey to recover from the grief of her broken relationship and come to terms with what she didn’t know, Arthur is a steady, sturdy comforting presence. And while they pretend to date to try and keep the Ex away she starts to realize Arthur is everything she didn’t know she wanted.
I love the many relationship dynamics in this story, Robin’s Ex is Arthur’s cousin and their families are basically one, so when Robin moves in with Arthur and they pretend to date His family is furious, until they find out what that Cousin did to cause the break up. I love a found Family one that knows when they've been wrong and can apologize.
I’m looking forward to more from Lauren in this Series!
Thank you Lauren Connolly and Smartypants Romance for the advanced copy all opinions are my own.
November 22, 2024
WHY DIDN’T I KNOW ABOUT THIS BOOK SOONER????!!!!
Oh, Arthur our gentle giant, where can I get one of you?!
The heroine and hero are perfect for each other. The intro was good, the pacing nicely done, their character growth and healing, their relationship progress, their struggles, and their complete love for one another!!!
The families, too!!! Argh! I don’t ask for much in books but if they have my favourite tropes and supportive families, I’m game!!! One of my best read this year thank you very much!
Oh, Arthur our gentle giant, where can I get one of you?!
The heroine and hero are perfect for each other. The intro was good, the pacing nicely done, their character growth and healing, their relationship progress, their struggles, and their complete love for one another!!!
The families, too!!! Argh! I don’t ask for much in books but if they have my favourite tropes and supportive families, I’m game!!! One of my best read this year thank you very much!
August 9, 2024
Very sweet (and spicy) love story. The FMC lives with hearing loss and that added a level of interest for me as I enjoy reading about a variety of differences in people and how it affects their lives. I was excited to see this in a main character, and I loved how accepting and adaptive the MMC was.
May 14, 2024
Favorite Quote:
"And sleeping late feels like part of the day is wasted. Like I missed it. But the end of the night? That’s just winding down. Or when people make mistakes.”
"And sleeping late feels like part of the day is wasted. Like I missed it. But the end of the night? That’s just winding down. Or when people make mistakes.”
May 15, 2024
Thank you to the author for sending me a review copy.
Robin’s military history and being an aviation mechanic, a male dominated industry, means she’s tough. But when she learns that her boyfriend is cheating on her, she calls reinforcements - Arthur, her boyfriend’s cousin. Arthur is a gentle giant mail carrier who feels like an outsider in his own family, but when he learns his closest cousin is unfaithful to Robin, he quickly takes her side and agrees to be her fake boyfriend. It’ll help with appearances… but not his secret crush on her.
I loved this book!! After reading Letter Late than Never, I was intrigued by Arthur’s character and his story did not disappoint. Lauren is so talented at writing characters that are multidimensional - Robin and Arthur are imperfectly perfect for each other. The beginning scene had me cackling out loud, and throughout the book I found myself giggling in delight, swooning with heart eyes, and full of all the emotions in between. Package makes Perfect can be enjoyed as a standalone, but is definitely made more enjoyable if you’ve read any of Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers and/or the Smartypants Romance books written by other talented authors in the Green Valley Universe.
Robin’s military history and being an aviation mechanic, a male dominated industry, means she’s tough. But when she learns that her boyfriend is cheating on her, she calls reinforcements - Arthur, her boyfriend’s cousin. Arthur is a gentle giant mail carrier who feels like an outsider in his own family, but when he learns his closest cousin is unfaithful to Robin, he quickly takes her side and agrees to be her fake boyfriend. It’ll help with appearances… but not his secret crush on her.
I loved this book!! After reading Letter Late than Never, I was intrigued by Arthur’s character and his story did not disappoint. Lauren is so talented at writing characters that are multidimensional - Robin and Arthur are imperfectly perfect for each other. The beginning scene had me cackling out loud, and throughout the book I found myself giggling in delight, swooning with heart eyes, and full of all the emotions in between. Package makes Perfect can be enjoyed as a standalone, but is definitely made more enjoyable if you’ve read any of Penny Reid’s Winston Brothers and/or the Smartypants Romance books written by other talented authors in the Green Valley Universe.
May 9, 2024
A wonderful romance that was sweet, spicy, funny and heartwarming with plenty of touching moments. Arthur was a sweetheart, gentle and inexperienced whilst Robin was fierce and hilarious. So many great characters in this. Loved it.I need to read the other books in the series.
June 4, 2024
There are two sides to every story. What is interesting is when one side purposely hides their deeds and tries to come across as the innocent party. I found myself loving this story so much because I became so invested with the characters. Robin is a woman in a man's world. She is a mechanic not for cars, but for aviation! This isn't easy to break into but she has the skills and they are in high demand. Moving to a new place for a man seems like a bad idea all around, but she took the plunge and now she regrets it.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 21, 2024
Package Makes Perfect is one of my favorite recent reads! I really liked Lauren Connolly's other Green Valley Heroes book and this one is even better.
Robin and Arthur's relationship doesn't get off to a conventional start. She comes to town as his cousin's girlfriend but that ends abruptly when she finds out he's cheating on her. Arthur and Robin start a fake relationship but it is very clear there are Sparks and no shortage of chemistry between them.
This story hooked me from the very first chapter with the snappy and fun writing, interesting characters, and great, entertaining story and romance. I enjoyed it so much and hope Lauren writes more in this series and the Smartypants Romance world!
Thank you to the author and Smartypants Romance for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6xyVFULCKO/
Robin and Arthur's relationship doesn't get off to a conventional start. She comes to town as his cousin's girlfriend but that ends abruptly when she finds out he's cheating on her. Arthur and Robin start a fake relationship but it is very clear there are Sparks and no shortage of chemistry between them.
This story hooked me from the very first chapter with the snappy and fun writing, interesting characters, and great, entertaining story and romance. I enjoyed it so much and hope Lauren writes more in this series and the Smartypants Romance world!
Thank you to the author and Smartypants Romance for providing an ARC for an honest review.
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Bookstagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6xyVFULCKO/
March 9, 2024
I received an ARC from SmartyPants Romance today. 3.1.24
Oh how I love Arthur. What a man! It was such a wonderful story of forgiving, learning to love again, and finding your person. I hope we see more from this series and of the rest of this post office team. They are too lovable and they each definitely deserve a HEA.
Oh how I love Arthur. What a man! It was such a wonderful story of forgiving, learning to love again, and finding your person. I hope we see more from this series and of the rest of this post office team. They are too lovable and they each definitely deserve a HEA.
May 11, 2024
Package Makes Perfect is an adorable book! The hero, Arthur is such a sweetheart. I really liked the heroine, Robin as well; she's very strong yet fun. This book was very entertaining, I love the supporting characters, and I can't wait to read the rest of this series. An ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Package Makes Perfect and I am so happy to have read it. Lauren is one of my favorite writers and reading her second foray into the Green Valley universe was a pleasure. (If you haven’t read her other GV book, Letter Late Than Never, add it to your TBR!)
I loved so many things about this book. The MMC, Arthur, presents as a grumpy, taciturn man with little patience for funny business. FMC Robin appears as a tough, take-no-prisoners heroine with a backbone of steel. In reality, both are romantics at heart with a soft side that just needs the right person (ahem, soulmate) to coax it out.
Although their story starts with a fake dating + revenge plot, the development of their relationship becomes so much more. They are supportive of each other, draw out each other’s best qualities, and build a connection that is sweet, tender, and spicy. 🌶️ 🥵
This book just gave me all the feels. Lauren is such a gifted writer — her stories are beautifully plotted and well written, while her characters are real and flawed but lovable. Definitely make room for this one on your reading list! 💓 📦 ✉️ ✈️ 🏔️
I loved so many things about this book. The MMC, Arthur, presents as a grumpy, taciturn man with little patience for funny business. FMC Robin appears as a tough, take-no-prisoners heroine with a backbone of steel. In reality, both are romantics at heart with a soft side that just needs the right person (ahem, soulmate) to coax it out.
Although their story starts with a fake dating + revenge plot, the development of their relationship becomes so much more. They are supportive of each other, draw out each other’s best qualities, and build a connection that is sweet, tender, and spicy. 🌶️ 🥵
This book just gave me all the feels. Lauren is such a gifted writer — her stories are beautifully plotted and well written, while her characters are real and flawed but lovable. Definitely make room for this one on your reading list! 💓 📦 ✉️ ✈️ 🏔️
April 2, 2024
Oh my goodness! I think this is a favorite of mine! I just was all in with Robin and Arthur from the very beginning. They both had so much they dealt with daily. I was heartbroken for Robin but also so proud of her and how she handled that situation she found herself in. (If you have gone through something like that, then you know how difficult it is.) And there isn’t one thing about Arthur I didn’t like. This book is just a perfect addition to the Green Valley universe and I just thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
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