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The Salinger Brothers #6

Strictly Pretend

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A knight in shining armor? Hardly. More like my worst enemy wrapped in a swoon-worthy tux…

When Brooks Salinger saves me from heartbreak at a wedding, I never expect to see him again—let alone find him back in my life, set to destroy my family’s bookstore.

But when he offers me a wild deal—pretend to be his girlfriend at a ritzy wedding in exchange for saving the store—I reluctantly agree.

Now we’re “in love,” navigating bridal showers, family dinners, and dance floors where sparks are definitely flying.

He’s irritatingly perfect in the role of devoted boyfriend, and worse, I’m starting to believe it.

But he’s still the enemy, the one I’m supposed to hate. So why does one searing look from him have me wishing our fake love was something I could keep?

Fans of enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and swoon-worthy moments won’t want to miss this romcom packed with laugh-out-loud banter and heart-fluttering chemistry!

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 22, 2025

924 people are currently reading
1258 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Elks

70 books2,223 followers
Carrie Elks is an international bestselling author of traditionally-published and self-published novels. Her books are sweet yet sexy contemporary small town romance stories. You can find her in all these places:


Website:https://www.carrieelks.com
Amazon: http://author.to/CarrieElksAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieElksAu...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carri...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.elks/

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5 stars
1,468 (46%)
4 stars
1,150 (36%)
3 stars
459 (14%)
2 stars
53 (1%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
Profile Image for Lynn.
915 reviews28 followers
October 13, 2025
Love Story

Brooks Salinger really doesn’t like weddings, but he never tells his friends or brothers that, he just goes…for them. He is sitting on the grass outside a friend’s wedding when one of the bridesmaids comes out, howls at the moon and throws her shoes in the lake.

Emma escaped the chaos after finding her boyfriend in the ladies room “deeply” involved with another woman. Outside is was a man sitting on the grass offering to share a bottle of whiskey with her.

Emma and Brooks had a very romantic moment that night, but Brooks didn’t think he could really have a serious relationship. He kissed her passionately, then walked away.

Emma’s grandfather owns a book store that specializes in first editions and other collectibles. It has an unbreakable lease, but the owners have been trying to buy them out. Brooks walks into her shop to discuss the issue, and they both feel a spark.

Another mutual friend is getting married and Brooks talks her into going, supposedly to make her ex jealous.

This was a charmingly fun and sweet “fake dating” romance with a delightfully slow buurrrn. The characters are people you wish you knew in real life. Five smoking hot stars for this gem. Vanilla, but steaming spice.
Profile Image for Kaity  Coward.
4 reviews
February 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️-my rating

🌶️🌶️-my spice rating
I enjoyed this book a lot but it felt rushed especially at the end. It seemed like there were things left to be cleared up. One to two more chapters would have done wonders for this book but it felt like it was rushed to get out or something.

Spoiler below for my favorite thing about this book

The one thing I deeply enjoyed and why it’s getting the three stars from me is that they didnt end the book somehow having kids. I am a woman who doesn’t want children and it bothers me that most romance books have to end with the kids and the marriage happy ending. Why do we have to have kids to be fulfilled? Deeply appreciated that they felt complete without it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Annika.
280 reviews47 followers
June 7, 2025
4 very romantic, cinnamon roll⭐️

Brooks and Emma have an instant attraction to each other and their journey of falling in love is very romantic. It’s super sweet to watch it unfold and it’s done in an entertaining manner.

It’s not necessarily a masterpiece but the first 2/3 of the book was a 5 ⭐️ read. I was having a great time, yes there were a few errors like Rick whatever the 2nd, instead of Jr. etc. it didn’t matter because I was thoroughly entertained.

I believe in consent! However in books and romance especially, can there be too much on page consent? Does it really have to have full paragraphs, because if we know they want each other, do we need it again and again? I believe not.

Her: I want to touch him, but omg I forgot to ask if it was ok?
Her: can I touch your chest?
Him: yes
Her: are you absolutely sure it’s ok?
Him:yes
ME: FFS!

I am paraphrasing.

This book was almost too vanilla, don’t get me wrong, it’s romantic, but without any real seasoning.
It’s so political correct that everything is predictable.

The conflict was an unnecessary one, because the reader knew the truth the whole time and we are made to watch the h misunderstand and be hurt. But since we know the truth, there is no pain or angst. I want to feel then h’s pain! I want to doubt, I want to believe maybe I too was deceived. Why are so many authors depriving me of that opportunity. I don’t have to have my meal cut out for me!

Should you read it? Yes it’s a great romance, fun and cute. No big feels but cinnamon roll heaven.
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,723 reviews51 followers
January 14, 2025
Salinger brothers book six.
Love this series, a knight in shining armour, her worst enemy. Brooks Salinger and Emma Robbins two fiesty strong characters bond together at a wedding, Brooks saves her day, after that first kiss their next meeting is one awkward situation.
Emma is the manager at her grandfathers bookstore, The Vintage Verse that has been in the family for a lot of years and there is no way she is letting it go but she has a fight on her hands.
This book is so full of love and commitments and these two characters have a dynamic bond that's hard to let go.
I enjoyed every single chapter that left a beautiful ending. Absolutely Beautiful.
Profile Image for Olivia.
220 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2025
Read the series! You won’t regret it
Profile Image for Jen Grá.
173 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2025
If you're in the market for a series of books about billionaire brothers who yield for the right woman (and there are more out there than you could imagine), then the Sallinger brothers are the best of them. I mean all 6 of brothers, and therefore books, are much of a muchness but that is sometimes exactly what you need 💘
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,481 reviews56 followers
January 31, 2025
What do you get when you mix business with fake pleasure? Well, you get a hilarious, sizzling, and sweet story about two broken souls searching for something they didn’t even know was missing in their lives.

Brooks and Emma's story was addictive from start to finish, from the way they met to the way they fell for each other. Both were very easy to love, and you can't help but root for them to leave their pasts behind and embrace the love that took them by surprise.

I've been here since book 1, and I love this bunch of brothers and all their significant others. Each book brought something new to the table, and it's easily one of my favorite series to date.
Profile Image for Sundy Tr..
247 reviews10 followers
February 8, 2025
Brooks & Emma. Final instalment of the Salinger brothers series- I quite enjoyed it and I’m glad I read this series.

I liked their interactions, they made me laugh. I liked Emma’s character a lot, strong and proud. I think we should have seen them explain more how they slowly fell for each other though, that part felt missing. Brooks was sweet too. I liked the tiny amount of angst towards the end. And I also liked the guest appearances of the other brothers, ideally I’d have liked a few more. I believe it was a good ending to the series and I liked the bonus epilogue as well.


-Dual 1st person POV
-Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

Overall: 3.75/5 ⭐️ for me.
Profile Image for Maggie's Book Collection.
335 reviews5 followers
February 3, 2025
This is the last book about the Salinger brothers and I think it's my favourite. I loved the main characters, their interactions is great, funny and heartfelt.

It's good to wrap up the story by catching up with all the brothers lives too.

A fun series to read, with some spice for good measure.
Profile Image for Krista.
1,116 reviews30 followers
June 8, 2025
I love stories where they can't fake how they really feel about each other, it feels real. This one was entertaining, but subtracting .5 due to (see spoiler below).

So 3.5 rating rounded up.

Highlights & Spoilers, really promising beginning as she sent him a letter telling him to stick his offer where the sun doesn't shine:
“I assume this was from you?” I say.
Her face flushes. “Um, yes. But in my defense I didn’t know you were Mr. Salinger.”
“And if you had?” I ask, my eyes on hers.
“I’d have said please,” she offers.
And fuck if that doesn’t make me want to laugh.

As they negotiate:
“I do. Now you said you had terms. What are they?”
There’s a pause. “I’m only agreeing to look at the unit. Not take it.”
“Agreed. What else?” I ask, because I’ll worry about that bit when the time comes.
“This is a pure business arrangement. There’ll be no… funny business.”
“Funny business,” I repeat. “Does that mean I can’t do the comedy skit I had planned for you?”
She almost laughs. I can tell. And I like it.

I like that she can tease him:
“You going to be okay without me?” Brooks asks, his voice low.
“I’m not sure,” I tease. “Getting a back and neck massage will be a struggle. Pray for me.”

They had the almost break-up at the 3rd act but it was rescued. Ending was happy if not sappy.

MAIN PEEVE- these people had their own helicopter shuttling them around, their own LEGAL department, expensive properties and tons of real estate interests, yet the one small building with 3 tenants could sink them???
The dad had to get them served immediately and couldn't wait for the weekend to pass? They are that hard up for money but offer to pay for the hospital bills?
Really had a problem with that.
Profile Image for Tatiana.
275 reviews7 followers
January 31, 2025
What to look forward to!
🩵Fake Relationship 🩵Forced Proximity 🩵Enemies to Lovers
🩵Found Family 🩵They Both Fall Hard🩵Steamy Romcom

Strictly Pretend is another great book to add to an already amazing series.

Strictly Pretend is final book in the interconnect Salinger series.. It can be read as a stand-alone but I’d say to get the banter & relationship between the characters read the entire series. Strictly Pretend is a romance that will keep you on your toes I love it. I love being swept away by the wonder and magic of a world you could get lost in.
I fell in love with both Brooks & Emma, they had amazing chemistry. I was rooting for them from the very beginning! I loved every minute of reading about Brooks & Emma. The banter, the flirty and undeniable sexual tension. I didn’t want this book to end. They were so sexy and fun. The chemistry, angst, banter and the spice might just make you melt. It was all perfection. Beautiful story amazing characters! I’m so happy to have gotten the opportunity to read this book thank you Carrie Elks!
Profile Image for Katy | KD's Bookish Ways.
195 reviews13 followers
February 1, 2025
This was a great story about 2 people who didn't think they'd find love or wanted it. Brooks was sure he wouldn't find love like his brothers did or would accept him and his secret. Emma knew what true love was, but she thought she'd never find it.

It started a little slow for me, but it picked up and I enjoyed it. The brotherly love was strong between Brooks and Linc, and it's what Brooks needed to push and face what he needed. Emma knew what loss was, but Brooks gave her a future. Her Gramps and their bookstore were all she had and to lose either wasn't in her vocabulary. Love clearly blooms for Brooks and Emma after they hatch the idea of the fake relationship. I loved how these two communicated as actual adults and there was no third act. Not only an epilogue, but a bonus epilogue as well in the future (and next series). Fantastic view of the Salinger boys, their families, and love for each other.

*ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to the valued author for providing a copy.*
1,030 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2025
Gorgeous!

I absolutely loved Emma and Brooks's story. Hilarious and heartbreaking from the very first chapter. The banter and chemistry between the pair is sensational, but there are also so many poignant and meaningful moments that I swooned, cried, laughed and ached in equal measure. As this is the last book in the Salinger Brother's series, I adored the way Carrie wove the entire family into the story, and the bonus epilogue was such a treat with snippets of all of the couples. I now want to return to the very beginning and binge read the entire series again! Can't wait for more from this talented author.

I was lucky to receive an early copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
January 29, 2025
This book had me laughing from the moment it opened. And it kind of never stopped, it just layered in some deeply emotional threads that pulled hard on my heartstrings and made me want to cry from time to time. It brought together several of my favorite things: enemies to lovers, fake relationships, and the Salinger family. I adored Brooks and Emma together. I’m not sure which I loved more; getting to know Emma or finally seeing behind the mask Brooks always wore. It kind of kills me that the series is over now, but I’m pathetically grateful to know that this wasn’t the last we’ll see of Salingers.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Isabel Debono.
907 reviews14 followers
January 31, 2025
Brooks is the last of the Salinger Brothers to get his HEA and probably my favourite one.
Brooks and Emma were both strong Feisty characters with an enemies to lovers vibe.
Brooks is attracted to Emma but diesnt believe he deserves a HEA as you will dicover in the book.
Emma is attracted to Brooks but knows he is responsible for trying to move her Grandfather's bookshop.
Great chemistry, witty banter and plenty of steam.
This fake dating deal is bringing about all types of emotions.
Loved catching up with the other Salinger brothers too.
Loved the epilogue and the new story it hinted at.
Loved it all ❣️

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review
Profile Image for Sami.
1 review
January 31, 2025
As an ARC reader of "Strictly Pretend" by Carrie Elks, I had the privilege to dive into this delightful addition to the Salinger Brothers series before its release. The story of Brooks and his unexpected journey from enemies to lovers through a fake dating scenario is both heartwarming and entertaining. Elks masterfully crafts a narrative filled with laugh-out-loud banter and sizzling chemistry that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed, and their growth throughout the story is genuinely rewarding. Brooks' journey to open himself up to love and redemption is portrayed with authenticity and charm. The themes of forgiveness and the importance of family add depth to the plot, making it more than just a typical romance.

As the final book in the series, "Strictly Pretend" beautifully wraps up the Salinger Brothers saga while leaving a hint of excitement for what's to come. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, this book offers a satisfying and delightful reading experience. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers story with a twist!

Thank you, Carrie Elks, for allowing me the opportunity to read this fantastic story early!
Profile Image for Anais Carter.
119 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2025
This book was so chaotic and I loved every second of it. I’m so so sad this series is over it’s actually one of the best romance series I’ve ever read I’m not ready to let go of the Salinger family. I need another book of them all just being happy and married at misty lakes
2,253 reviews18 followers
February 2, 2025
Another great story. I loved Brooks and Emma’s story. It will completely suck you in from the beginning as it gives you all the feels. I loved the chemistry, the banter and the angst. It has it all! It’s fun and entertaining story. A great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Bec.
301 reviews
February 21, 2025
3.5 ⭐️

I need to read more of Carrie Elks’ books. So far all I’ve read of hers have been good, standard stories.
Profile Image for Mikayla.
14 reviews
February 8, 2025
Is it even good if I didn't sob at the ending? Not sure what I'm going to do with myself now that this series is over.😢
Profile Image for Hanna Giesen.
677 reviews
November 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this entire series! This book was entirely predictable, quite cheesy at times and I absolutely loved it the entire way through… I’m not even sure why but these books are just absolute comfort reads!
4.25⭐️ 4🌶
Profile Image for Tracy.
316 reviews6 followers
January 31, 2025
This is so bittersweet as I truly loved this but I am so so sad that the series has now finished as these brothers have my heart.

This book had me laughing out loud whilst swooning at the same time. I truly loved Emma and Brooks and their fake dating deal and their slight enemies to lovers story. It has you feeling all sorts of emotions and it even made me who is known to be a bit of a heartless queen, year up! Who knew that a book could make me cry! This story was gripping and I couldn't put this book down until it was finished. I truly loved the bonus epilogue where I got to hear about what the other brothers are up to and also there are some Easter eggs as to what the next series will be and who it will feature.

Overall this was an amazing end to a fantastic series. You know when you read a Carrie Elks story that you're going to get a sweet easy to read story with a fantastic cast of characters who will make you feel all the feels.
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,468 reviews52 followers
January 25, 2025
Love this series
Love the Salingers
Loved Brooks and Emma's broken heartstopping emotional beautiful insta love
Gripping
All the feels
Ready for more
Profile Image for Nerepheus_05.
222 reviews9 followers
October 30, 2025
A partir del libro del Eli todos los demás libros han ido perdiendo su brillo. La conexión entre los dos se ve fabricada, muy apresurada y le faltaba la magia que tenían los libros del principio.

Todos los personajes maravillosos, Brooks, Emma, las amigas, el abuelo ...
Pero hubiera sido mejor si hubieran habido más conversaciones entre los dos y momentos de conexión.

Pero bueno buena saga en general para leer rápido.
Profile Image for Alexis LaMarsh.
20 reviews13 followers
June 3, 2025
I loved how the ex-fiancée’s name would alternate spellings throughout the book lmao
Profile Image for Hope .
339 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2025
- grumpy x sunshine
- fake dating
- forced proximity
- found family

H/h meet when they attend the same wedding and she walks in on her bf cheating on her. she walks out to the beach, finds H who offers her his room for the night to sleep off the whiskey they shared. nothing happens between them except for a kiss. they meet 9 months later when H tries to buy her bookstore not knowing it's her and she's refusing to sell it.

they agree to fake date because she needs a date to another mutual wedding where her ex would be attending as well and he needs the building. i liked both the characters, their banter was solid, loved how the relationship progressed and while the story was very predictable, i still enjoyed it


safety- no virgins, no manwhores , h has an ex who cheated on her and he makes a few appearances, H has an ex fiancé who tried to baby trap him, she doesn't appear on page. there's a 9 month long separation from when H/h met to now, no details on op, i'd like to believe both were celibate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Piper Brintnall.
444 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2025
This was a nice wrap up to the Salinger brothers. But it’s surface level deep on all fronts, with some key plot points not being developed too much. Like we kind of touch upon Brooks’ past relationship but I was at a loss why his ex was talking to Emma’s ex. And why his ex checked herself into a hospital after their breakup. And what was the story with her parents and leaving boarding school? We get a brief drive by of an explanation from someone else but for as much as it’s talked about, we don’t get much backstory.

The wedding events feel like the author thought, what would I do if I had unlimited money? And then she wrote that.

All in all, this book was cute and worth the read. I thought Emma and Brooks had chemistry. And I appreciated Emma’s gumption.
Profile Image for Asheley.
323 reviews
June 2, 2025
And that’s a wrap! I’ve finished the last book of the series! It was as good as the rest I would say and overall, as a series I did enjoy it. These books are a joy to lose yourself in.

Were they all a bit samey….aye. Are they going to win awards….naw. But they were exactly what you’ll expect them to be. Cute romance stories with a bit of spice chucked in. 6 swoon worthy men that ud sell yer maw to date and have fall in love with you.

A perfect break from the heavy reads and the ballache that life can be sometimes…

I will defo read more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews

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