Love Beyond the Illusion

Tangerine Sky #2

by M.J. Huxley

Jack-
Trapped by the chains of duty, I was destined to spend my life running my family’s winery.
One problem–I craved something different. That’s why when I left for college, I didn’t come back.
Now, with the unexpected passing of my father, I’m set to return to the same town I left almost ten years ago.
Staring down the narrow tunnel of my future, I realize my life would no longer be mine.
But a missed flight and a drunken night led me to question everything I’d believed in.
Does what happens in Vegas really stay in Vegas?


Piper-
I didn’t grow up in a typical, loving family. Raised to believe my worth was what I could offer someone else, I struggle to connect with people emotionally.
I hide my true self, often masking it under spontaneity and impulsivity.
But when I cross paths with a man who could not be more opposite than me, all that changes.
One missed flight. One night in Vegas. And an all too easy arrangement under the illusion of love.
Our connection was supposed to be for show–wasn’t it?

Genres: Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Slow Burn, Contemporary Romance

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2024

About the author

M.J. Huxley writes dark, addictive romance featuring morally gray characters and twisted justice with a gothic atmosphere and seductive spice. If you crave hauntingly beautiful stories and unforgettable characters, then you're in the right place.

Newsletter/ Website: https://www.authormjhuxley.com/

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Reviews

[Paige (paigersturnspages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️Arc review✨️

Love beyond the illusion by m.j. Huxley

Tangerine Sky Series # 2

Welcome to Wine Country

Where your husband is your fake bf

🎲Accidental Vegas Wedding
🥵My Wife
🛩Flight attendant
🍷Wine country
✨️Toy play
🫶One bed
🌼Forced proximity
🌶Slow burn
🔥Opposites Attract
💕Dual pov

Thank you to MJ for letting me be a part of the team again. This book was sooooo good! I'm not exaggerating, I stayed up until 430am. reading this crying and smiling over Jack and Piper!! You will not be disappointed picking this one up!!

We have the beautiful Piper Moon, a flight attendant, and never let a man get too close to her until she meets Jack Bradley. He says they have met before, but she doesn't remember.

Piper decides when they cross paths in vegas to basically shoot her shot and have a drink with him, which turns into spending the whole night together: drinking, dancing, getting hitched....wait, what? Getting married on their first date, what could possibly go wrong or... right?

Jack comes up with the idea to use this situation to his advantage, staying married and pretending to be fake dating so his small knit wine community to Welcome him back into the fold to run Bradley Wines.

Except...the lines between real and fake start to blur after spending so many days and nights together, laughing and crying together, and using toys, wink wink!!

If you love one bed, he falls first, and all things small town, then this is for you, plus the spice is definitely spicing!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Available Now!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okayyy…I devoured this story! ❤️‍🔥Loved this accidental marriage to fake dating, opposites attract romance!

Read if you like:
“My wife”
Slow burn
Accidental Vegas Marriage
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Banter and tension
Spice
Fake Relationship
Toy Play

This was a beautiful story about love.

That first chapter totally sucked me in. MJ really has a way of handling tough subjects. Piper (FMC) has a very complicated relationship with her mother, which, sadly, I could deeply relate to. It was executed FLAWLESSLY. I appreciated how authentic and personal it was.

The MMC, Jack, is one hot blonde with a dirty mouth! He comes across as reserved and a little quiet, but that doesnt last, especially with Piper. He’s a fixer, a protector, and ridiculously sexy.

The banter, tension, and angst were phenomenal. This is a slow burn, and by the time they both had their "F- it" moment, it was so satisfying.

The Vegas chapters were chefs kiss! 🎰
THE TOY SCENE! 🔥
The “after the bad meeting” scene 💍
The shower scene 🔥
The aftercare scene🔥
The airport scene 😭

The dynamic between the four best friends was heartwarming. We really got to see them come together and support one another. I love strong female friendships.

Just like in her first book, the character development was incredible. Feeling the emotions with both Piper and Jack as they work through their own beliefs as well as their relationship with each other, was perfection.

I loved the connections with the first book, and the subtle easter eggs for the next book!

Thank you, MJ Huxley, for allowing me to be one of the first people to read this story. I truly loved it. After this book, I definitely know who book 3 will be about! AND I CANNOT WAIT.

[Amandamay.reads]

Fake marriage where he falls first.....sign me up!! Jack and Piper have that insta connection that we all know and love. Piper comes from a broken home and Jack from a home with two parents, but parents who have laid out his life for him. What happens one steamy night in Vegas, you'll have to read to find out!

[RomReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly LOVED this book! A sweet and absolutely beautiful story.

The book moved at the perfect pace, and I loved how they fell in love slowly and in their own time.

Piper and Jack have chemistry right off the bat, which leads them to hitting it off and missing their flights. They’re forced to stay the night in Vegas – and as the trope says, this leads to them tying the knot.

The banter and the tension between them are done so well! But more importantly, these characters are complex, and it’s easy to relate to their struggles. They both grow tremendously, not only with each other but also individually. And that’s hard to pull off in a book. Huxley did a seamless job with it.

Loved seeing the girls again from the first book! 💝And the little cameos from past characters and hints at what’s to come in this series.

The spice was top-notch 🥵, the emotion was deep, and the characters were perfection.

This book had such a different vibe and feel than the first book - which is awesome, because that means the characters and the stories in the series will all be very different.

I fricken loved it!! 🥰

Thank you for my ARC! Cant wait for the next one!

[Bookish Lady Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Love Beyond the Illusion
M.J. Huxley

Life really got in my way and delayed my ability to devour this book like I had planned and desperately wanted to! I loved this story it was beautifully written and the plot and characters were stellar!! It has all the best tropes like:

🔥”My wife”
🔥Slow burn
🔥Accidental Vegas Marriage
🔥Opposites Attract
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥One Bed
🔥Banter and tension
🔥Spice
🔥Fake Relationship
🔥Toy Play

MJ is a master at setting the scene and pulling you in within the first few moments! I was hooked on Jack and Piper right away! I love dual POV too so that was great!

The trauma that Piper has with her mother it was gut wrenching. And the relationship Jack struggles with his family was so well done I felt apart of the story. I was rooting for both MCs and their growth! I loved this book cannot wait to dive into the next one!

[Kimberly Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Vegas wedding? Yes, sign me up!
It's a cute and sweet romance with a slow burn, but once there is spice in this book it’s hot between Piper and Jack.
Opposites attract, with a fake relationship, building into something genuine.
With dual pov, I loved reading from both parties.
M.J. Huxley is new to me, but once I knew I was going to be reading this book, I had to read the first one quickly.
I highly recommend giving this book a read. You will fall in love with Piper and Jack

[Miancka · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This book was an incredibly fabulous read from the very first chapter. MJ Huxley masterfully tackles tough subjects, and this story is no exception. Piper, the female main character, has a deeply complex relationship with her mother. This is not something I know, fortunately.
The authenticity and depth of this relationship were flawlessly portrayed.Piper doesn't believe in relationships, influenced by her mother’s belief that her worth is tied to what she can offer others. She's tired of giving. However, a drunken night and a missed flight lead to an unexpected entanglement with Jack, resulting in a fake relationship. This arrangement is supposed to benefit them both: she gets financial help, and he gets the appearance of stability needed to take over his family's winery. The tension, banter, and angst between them were outstanding. Although it’s a slow burn, the payoff when they finally give in is immensely gratifying.
This book is an engrossing read, filled with wit, charm, and the right mix of vulnerability and passion. It’s a story that’s hard to put down, with each page drawing you deeper into Piper and Jack’s world. The connections to the first book and the subtle hints at future stories were delightful.Thank you, MJ Huxley, for the privilege of being an early reader of this story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The hints about book three have left me eagerly anticipating its release—I can’t wait!

[Dani (dtieds_allbookedup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Piper & JACK. One missed flight. One drunken night in Vegas. Does what happens in Vegas really stay in Vegas?

Dani's Thoughts: OMG!! I didn't think this book would top Book 1 in the series and I was wrong! It was just as good and a smidge better. The premise of them meeting and marrying in Vegas all within the same day was such a fun beginning to this book. Their banter together was top-notch, but their support of one another was what really made me fall in love with each of them and their relationship. Both Piper and Jack were characters that had so much trouble expressing their feelings and emotions to one another (for very good and understandable reasons), but that still didn't stop me from wanting to just take them to the side and say will you just SAY what you are feeling right now!! However, my impatience did not deter me from loving this book. They were a great pair together and perfectly complimented each other. I loved seeing snippets from the other ladies in the series throughout this book and excited to see who Book 3 might focus on.

Thanks to @authormjhuxley for the #gifted copy of this book.

Read if you love:
🏒 Slow Burns
💝Accidental Marriages (Vegas Style)
😘Wine Country
⛅️Opposites Attract
💝"My Wife" moments

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Beyond the Illusion (Tangerine Sky Book 2)
By @authormjhuxley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
📍Accidental marriage
📍Fake dating
📍Forced proximity

"I remember everything about you."

It's time for Jack to take over his family vineyard after his father's death. Now considered an outsider after he left for college and didn't return, he'll have to prove to his town that he's right for the job. Hopefully he can convince himself in the process.

Piper is a flight attendant who lives for the moment. No plans. No commitments. Until she misses a flight after running into a man she can't resist.

Do you ever finish a book and have absolutely no words to describe how you feel about it? That was me after reading this. In the book review world there are all types of writers. I could easy gush ad nauseum about this one. Easily. But instead I'll simply tell you to READ. THIS. BOOK.

Surprise Vegas wedding? Yes. But there's so much more to it than that. The characters are complex. They each have issues to work through in order to grow, a greedy business partner and a toxic abusive mother. Above all they have to decide what to do about their growing feelings for one another.

[Kasey · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my opinion, this book had everything going for it if you like fake dating, accidental marriage, and a small town where a winery is involved, but overall it was just an okay read for me. The first half started out great where you meet the two main characters, Piper and Jack, who end up together in Vegas and drunkingly get married.. They then make a pact to stay married, so when Jack returns home home to help run the winery, Piper and him can fake date and get the townspeople support of Jack returning home and remaining reliable that he will stay.
I thought this book had some funny parts to it and it definitely explored the buildup between Piper and Jacks relationship, but overall I just did not connect to the characters or story. I just felt the main characters were underdeveloped and one dimensional. They are also supposed to be going to events in town to show they are dating, but those scenes are pretty short in the book, so I felt like that trope was lacking. Also, I believe the book could’ve ended at the 60% mark when the plot kind of wrapped up and then for the next 40% or so it’s just those two having sex, and exploring their new feelings . The first half of the book was better although that’s not saying much I just felt like I needed more from the characters, the plot, the tropes and was left disappointed.

[Cigi cini · Rating 5 out of 5]

💌 Accidental Marriage
💌 Opposites Attract
💌 Forced Proximity
💌 One Bed
💌 Slow burn to Fire
💌"My Wife"
💌“Dual POV”

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spice: 🌶️

"Love Beyond the Illusion" by M.J. Huxley is a captivating contemporary romance that explores the themes of destiny, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love. The story follows Jack and Piper, two individuals from vastly different backgrounds who find themselves entangled in a whirlwind romance after a chance encounter in Las Vegas.

M.J. Huxley expertly crafts characters that are both relatable and complex. Jack, burdened by the expectations of his family's winery, yearns for freedom and a life of his own. Piper, on the other hand, struggles with her self-worth and the emotional scars of her upbringing. Their contrasting personalities and backgrounds create a dynamic and compelling relationship that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

A spontaneous trip to Vegas leading to unexpected love is both intriguing and romantic, setting the stage for a journey of self-discovery and growth for both characters. As Jack and Piper navigate the complexities of their burgeoning relationship, they must confront their own insecurities and fears, ultimately learning to trust in themselves and each other.

What sets "Love Beyond the Illusion" apart is its exploration of the facade of love and the journey towards authenticity. Jack and Piper's initial arrangement may be built on illusion, but as their connection deepens, they discover a love that transcends superficial appearances. M.J. Huxley skillfully explores the nuances of love and relationships, delivering a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

Overall, "Love Beyond the Illusion" is a beautifully written romance that will resonate with fans of the genre. M.J. Huxley's evocative prose and compelling characters make for an enchanting read that will leave readers believing in the power of love beyond the illusion.

[Aishreadsnrambles · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW✨️

Book Name : Love beyond the Illusion
Author : M. J. Huxley 
Stars : 4 stars

Tropes:

1. Accidental Vegas Marriage
2. Fake Relation
3. Forced Proximity
4. Opposite Attract

Review :

Meet our main characters :

Piper Moon, a flight attendant who is scared of long term relations, so she never lets a man too close. She comes from a broken home where her mother reached out only when she needs something and a father that never wanted her.

Jack Bradley, a winery owner who had left the estate to follow his dreams. But had to return after his father’s demise. He comes from a loving home but it is feels constricting for him given that his parents have laid out hi future for him.

Piper and Jack have met in the past, as they share a similar circle of friends, but Piper doesn’t remember Jack. They bump into each other again at the airport in Vegas and decide to grab a drink together, which slowly turns into a whole evening and also a drunken marriage.

Jack was returning to his hometown to manage the winery, but he wasn't sure if the community would accept him back. So he decided to use this marriage to his advantage, and they both came up with an agreement.

Piper visits Jack to help him settle into the community, but they don’t realize when the line between pretend and real starts to blur. They spend all their time together, eat together, care about each other, and also get intimate with each other.

The banter and the angst, along with the spice, keep you glued to your seat. The slow burn keeps you on your toes.

Also, the bond that Piper has with her best friends shows the strength of female friendship and family. This is something that keeps her grounded, unlike the relationship she has with her mother.

There is some drama with ex-girlfriends and ex-friends too.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredibly fabulous read! An insane instant connection, a drunken Vegas wedding, and a venture into keeping up a fake relationship, that has a flight attendant terrified of being like her mother and a marketing genius taking over a family business he’s not sure he wants, falling hard and fast. It’s a completely consuming read, sucking you right in and having you devour every page with charm, wit, fire, and a perfect amount of insecurity and vulnerability.
Piper doesn’t do relationships, her mother has ingrained in her head that her worth is completely dependent on what she can give someone, and she’s done giving, her mom has taken enough. But a drunken night and a missed flight has her tangled up with Jack and in a fake relationship. It should benefit them both, she gets money, and he gets the illusion that he’s fully ready to take over the family winery as a settled man. The only thing is that he’s not sure he's ready or wants the business and as he and Piper spend more time together, he’s really starting to question what he was thinking when he convinced her to agree to this arrangement, because what happened in Vegas definitely isn’t staying in Vegas and Piper is starting to be the only thing he sees.
I adored this read! An instant connection slow burn that feels nothing like a slow burn, that just right mix of vulnerable and lost in the characters that make them easily relatable, and it’s just filled with little moments that make for an incredibly fulfilling read where two people find that person that gives them exactly what they need without realizing it or saying it out loud. Hard to put down, it’s a read I highly recommend picking up.

[Danes_booksta · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ✨
𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓑𝓮𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓘𝓵𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷 by @authormjhuxley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

💒 Releases to KU on 5.24.24 💒

Tropes i love:
💕: Forced Proximity
🎲: Vegas Wedding
💕: One Bed
🎲: Opposites Attract
💕: Slower burn to Inferno
🎲: “My Wife”

Piper was so lively! Having almost no stability in her childhood with a manipulating mother, i swear she craves chaos! Being a flight attendant gives her that craziness, plus her three best friends who were the best! Her trying to hide her vulnerability from Jack because she thought he wouldn’t understand was heartbreaking. All she wants in life is unconditional love and she’s never known that, so she fears that no one will be able to give her that.

Jack was the opposite of Piper - he thrives on control. So when they meet, he definitely veers out of his control lane to a little bit of chaos by proposing marriage to someone he just met. When they wake up, he immediately is back to his control loving self and decides that he can use this situation. I loved seeing his vulnerability as well with handing everything that came with coming back to California.

I loved their chemistry. From the first moment they lock eyes, there is a spark of connection that they both feel. I also loved how they tried to fight their attraction to each other. Jack by being introverted and businesslike and Piper by hiding her true self from him. But when that sexual tension comes to a point - wowza. That slow burn turns into a blazing fire of sexy showers and some serious sexual chemistry in the bedroom. 🔥🔥🔥

I really enjoyed their support of each other. Piper didn’t know what she was signing up for but she jumped in with both feet and was seriously so supportive of everything he did. I enjoyed Jack being supportive of Piper’s job and understanding that she couldn’t just drop her life at his beck and call. He was supportive of her feelings and allowed her to open up how she wanted to do so.

I’d definitely recommend this book and I’m excited for the next one. ❤️

[Ada’s Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ I received this book as an ARC for my honest review✨

Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a great read! I loved being a part of Pipers and Jack's story. I was able to finish this within a day, but not without tears, leg kicks, crazy grins, and laughs.

Piper has sworn off relationships, thanks to her mother's relentless belief that her value hinges solely on what she can offer others. But a chance encounter with Jack, spurred by a drunken night and a missed flight, lands her in a fake relationship. It's a win-win situation: Piper gets some cash flow, and Jack gets to look all set to take over the family winery.

However, what happens in Vegas refuses to stay there, and as Jack spends more time with Piper, she becomes the only thing he can focus on. I loved how Jack was there to support Piper with her mom, and gave Piper the courage to stand up for herself.

The necklace gift broke my heart and made me ugly cry. Every page was filled with moments that just hit you right in the feels, as these two clueless souls figure out what they really need without even saying it out loud. It's a slow burn with an instant connection, and I was here for it since the characters were SO relatable with their vulnerability. Not to mention they have an emotional connection and not just physical which made me love them more!

[pagesofsia_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️

• forced proximity
• one bed
• slow burn
• opposites attract
• accidental marriage
• fake relation

Jack and Piper are complete opposites. Jack loves control, while Piper brings a little chaos into his life. When they meet, Jack impulsively proposes marriage, and things take off from there. I enjoyed seeing Jack's vulnerable side as he dealt with his emotions and returned to California.
Their chemistry is undeniable. From the moment they lock eyes, there's a spark, and watching them fight their attraction made the story even more engaging. Jack hides behind his reserved and professional nature, while Piper shields her true self. When the tension finally explodes, it’s intense and unforgettable.
What stood out was how they supported each other. Piper stepped into the unknown with courage, while Jack respected her independence and feelings. Their relationship felt real and heartfelt, with each helping the other grow.
This book is filled with relatable characters, touching moments, and a mix of passion and vulnerability. It's a quick, fulfilling read that's hard to put down. I’d definitely recommend it and can’t wait for the next one!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
💍 Accidental Vegas Marriage
❤️ Opposites Attract
🏠 Forced Proximity
🛏️ One Bed
🔥 Slow burn to Fire
💬 "My Wife"
👥 Dual POV
🪀 Toys as Teammates


This book contains all my favourite tropes and did not disappoint! From the very beginning, it was super fun and really sucked me in. The banter, tension, and angst were phenomenal. This is a slow(ish) burn, and by the time they both had their "F-it" moment, it was so satisfying.


I devoured this book, loving every moment of Jack and Piper's journey. From their accidental Vegas marriage to their forced proximity and one-bed scenarios, the story kept me hooked. The dual POV added depth, allowing me to connect with both characters on a deeper level.


This book is a beautifully crafted romance that handles tough topics with grace and authenticity, all while delivering on the banter and slow-burn tension that makes romance novels so addictive.


QOTD: Have you ever had an accidental adventure that turned into something amazing?

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and Piper are opposites but also very similar. They’re both trying to figure out what makes them happy and also wants to prove their worth to family.

Piper is a flight attendant based in Arizona and Jack is moving to Northern California to take over his family’s winery. During a layover in Vegas, Piper runs into Jack. Both instantly smitten with one another that they both miss their flights home. Deciding to stay the night in city of sin, they have a total blast! Gambling, drinking, great banter conversation.. they fill the night with so much fun. So much so that they end up eloping!

Thinking an annulment is the best idea, until Jack asks Piper if she will remain married but fake date him instead. He wants to show up to the winery looking like a man with the intent of being a family guy. Piper agrees to fake date him for a couple months.

I loved the main setting location in North California and in wine country!

Tropes:
Accidental Marriage
Fake Dating
One Bed
My Wife
Opposites Attract

[Stacey Foss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by this author and it won't be the last. What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay there. Jack and Piper have that instant connection that keeps them in Vegas for the night when the drinks start flowing, inhibitions come down and these two have one wild drunken night that leads to something more. Jack is on the verge of starting his life over heading home to take over his family's winery while Piper is the fly by the seat of her pants flight attendant. Jack proposes a plan with her to have him help him get on the good graces of the community he is from. Piper is determined to not be like her mother and relationships have been the last thing on her mind. While Jack's family is loving , Piper's mother is atrocious in her manipulation of her daughter. I loved how protective Jack becomes of her. These two while completely opposite really fit well together. This book will have you smiling while you read it It was a sweet, steamy read from start to finish. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.

[JadesBookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything. I could not put it down.

-"My wife"
-"We all have our own demons, they just visit us in different ways."
-"I don’t need you to be my fake girlfriend. I need you to be my real wife."
-I drop my entire world, thoughts, and self-existence to clutch her tightly in my arms.
-“I love watching you while you sleep. You’re so blissfully unaware of how beautiful you are.”

The growth between these two characters was incredible to read. The backstories of the FMC and MMC had me feeling all the emotions. I love how the tone changes as you progress through the story. I rarely see emotions portrayed so authentically and organically in romance books, as well as I did in this one.

Some of my favorite parts were when they woke up the next morning and the awkwardness between them after they realized what they did, the bath tub scene, the harvest dinner, and of course, the airport scene. I cried my eyes out. So sweet and heartwarming.

Accidental Vegas marriage and opposites attract are tropes I love, and this book did not disappoint.

[Ameera · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌅 What to expect 🌅:

✨Accidental marriage in Vegas
✨“my wife”
✨Fake dating
✨Dual pov
✨One bed
✨Forced proximity
✨Opposite attracts
✨Slow burn with lots of steam
✨Toy play

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨ 4.5 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️(lots of steam!)

Thoughts 💭:

@authormjhuxley miss ma’am you nailed it!! This was so freakinggg good!! The pacing of the book was just perfect! I liked how the story wasn’t too rushed or slow, everything happened just at the right time.

I devoured this book in one sitting, it was so damn good! Jack and Piper were literally meant for each other. Their chemistry was top-notch! Their fun banter and the tension between them was so well written! I loved their steamy scenes together! 🥵

The story, the character development, the friendship, the relationship, everything felt so real, it’s as if you know these characters in real life. I didn’t felt anything was forced for the sake of story. Everything was well thought and well put together! It was truly a ✨masterpiece✨.

Thank you so much for writing this amazing story! I can’t wait for book three in this series.

[CookesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely blown away by this book! It was so good I didn't want it to end. M.J. Huxley was a new to me author but I am so glad I read this book and can't wait for more her.

The tropes caught my attention but the fantastic writing kept it. I love how sensitive subjects, such as Piper's complicated relationship with her mother, were written. It was perfectly imperfect and so raw and vulnerable. The storyline was very relatable and will make you connect with Piper and Jack even more.

Jack has his own family drama going on and feels their expectations suffocating him. When an unexpected Vegas meet cute goes down, both Piper and Jack's lives take a different turn. I loved how they worked through their separate issues to heal themselves while also growing together as a couple.

When that slow burn came to a head the flames were a raging inferno and I loved their chemistry and emotional connection.

This is a book I can easily see myself rereading!

[Alyssa GSell · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍷Rҽʋιҽɯ✈️

4/5⭐️

These two have mutual friends, but she doesn’t remember meeting him at the wedding but he definitely remembers her…

Piper is a flight attendant waiting on a flight to leave Vegas but misses it because she is having too much fun with Jack.

Things get interesting to say the least when they wake up the next day and realize they are now married…

Jacks father recently passed away and ran the winery but now he is expected to step up in his place and is torn…

Pipers mother is the worst…..

Jack sees an opportunity with them being married and offers piper a deal…

These two were not supposed to fall for each other but as we all know that’s a lot easier said than done🙃

They end up getting really close. Their chemistry and sex is off the charts🔥

It was all supposed to be fake but when it’s time to part ways it’s incredibly hard….

They both realize what they want and end up meeting by accident where it all started🫶🏻

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Beyond the Illusion is the second in the Tangerine Sky series and gives you all the best tropes.

♣️ Accidental Vegas Marriage
❤️ Opposites Attract
🏠 Forced Proximity
🛏️ One Bed
🔥 Slow burn
💬 “My Wife”
👥 Dual POV

I liked this story! The tension building/slow burn was a bit too slow for me, but I think that’s because their first interaction was so great and they clicked so well...but once it got there, it paid off. It was spicy to say the least 🌶️.

The secondary stories were pretty good too, and just added the perfect amount of stress to Jack and Piper’s relationship. Who doesn’t love greedy business and a terrible toxic mother to throw into a book plot’s mix 🤪?

I give this a solid four stars ⭐️ ! Thank you to MJ and theauthor.agency for sending me this ARC. Grab your copy now on kindle unlimited!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC and it did not disappoint!

🍊 This is Book 2 in the Tangerine Sky series. Book 1 is Light Behind the Lies, a brother’s best friend, FWB romance. You could get away without reading LBTL but it’s also worth the read and will enhance the understanding.

📖 Loved Piper and Jack’s story! The chemistry, the tension, the steam. 🔥 I really loved how their personalities complimented each other. It’s not that they don’t each have flaws or things to work through, but they match each other’s energies and needs so well. Family is big in this book. Found family, identifying toxic family members, and building families. It adds a level of warmth to this sometimes steamy, sometimes fiery read. ❤️

[Inge Mosch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why you will love this book:
🔥Opposites Attract
🔥Accidental Vegas Marriage 
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥One Bed 
🔥Slow Burn to Fire
🔥"My Wife"
🔥Dual POV

This book contains all my favorite tropes. The beginning of the book was very smooth and fun. I did find the middle slowburn part a little too slow, could have been a little faster from me. But you do get rewarded for waiting because when it gets loose it is hot! The story is well written, you feel the tension building between Piper and Jack, the characters are described beautifully and vividly. You feel the love growing. I enjoyed the book very much, I can't wait to read the other stories!

[Morgan Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper and Jack run into each other in Vegas and the chemistry is palpable. While Jack remembers Piper from a mutual friends’ wedding, Piper cannot place him and isn’t sure how she wouldn’t remember this good looking man. A few drinks turns into a wild night in Vegas, and ends with a paper ring and marriage certificate. It would be easy to annul the marriage and pretend it never happened but when the marriage could have its benefits, why end it? Piper has an unstable past and believes she is not worthy of unconditional love. Jack thrives on control which he is lacking as he is set to take over his family’s winery but is facing obstacles. Will they treat this as a business arrangement or will they both fall for the illusion that this is forever?

Piper and Jack both battle the obvious attraction they have for one another, even though they both feel something deeper is at play that led them to get married. Their internal monologue with themselves was perfect! They both fight their urge to cross that line and give into the attraction but neither wants to think this is more than just a business arrangement. When they can no longer fight what is clearly happening between them sparks fly and no shower or bedroom is safe from Piper and Jack! Piper is the most genuine person, even while they were giving the illusion of being a couple you could see how much Piper cared about Jack and wanted to be his support person. Jack was the best listener to Piper and gave her the space to start putting down her walls and let him into her world, all the good and bad parts. I absolutely loved these two and seeing how one night can change everything you thought you knew!

[Caylee T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story that I was unable to put it down.

Jack & Piper are two seemingly complete opposites who just happen to run into each other at an airport. Well, when they get to talking & lose track of time ( both missing their flights ) they end up spending the rest of their time in Las Vegas.

But when the drinks start to take affect & they both their inhibitions, they wake up the next morning to quite a surprise. Initially they both come to an agreement of sorts where she will help prove to his family that he is very capable of taking over the family business.

Well, this turns into a one bed, forced proximity type of situation & those feelings that both of them were forcing down & trying to ignore, become a little too much & it becomes harder to distinguish between real & fake.

This was such a sweet story with both of them dealing with the aftermaths of their troubled pasts due to their families. But once they realize that the two of them are perfect for each other, it becomes unavoidable.

I devoured this book & was eagerly waiting for any glimpse into their future.

Amazing job!

[icedlibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Love Beyond the Illusion," the second book in the Tangerine Sky series, is a standalone delight, so you can jump right in without reading the first book. It kicks off with Piper meeting Jack at the Vegas airport, and before they know it, they're hitched at a little white chapel! The fun really starts as they try to convince everyone they're madly in love, even though they can barely remember the wedding.

I was lucky enough to snag an ARC copy and couldn't wait to dive into some of my favorite tropes: dual POV, fake/accidental marriage, and the classic one bed scenario. While I gave it three stars because I didn't totally click with the characters or story, it definitely has some sizzling moments. Piper's tough shell made her blossoming relationship with Jack all the more intriguing. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read with plenty of spice—just not quite my cup of tea.

[Stefanie McLain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a fun fake dating, found family, love at first sight book? Well this is just what you need. The FMC runs into the MMC in the airport while she is with a friend. The friend knows the MMC and she pushes the FMC to go talk to the MMC. It is a love at first sight type of feelings. The night is spent with both missing their flights but a fun crazy night was had. The MMC comes up with the crazy idea of having the FMC act as his fake girlfriend for about two months. This is a cute sweet fun read. The spice is only a few scenes but they are hot.

Overall this rates as 4 stars and 2 peppers.