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Behind the Scenes
Not My Fault
A Sapphic Renee Rapp coded fake dating rockstar romance.
Emily:
When my manager insists I need to ‘calm down’ my image for the sake of getting bigger gigs, I immediately reject the idea. But as I’m passed up for a big opportunity in my career, I begin to think she’s right. In an attempt to listen to her, she suggests I find someone stable to be in a relationship with along with a list of ideas to help fix the way people see me. I have no idea where to start, I’m too busy to have a real relationship while building my career as a singer. Until I’m photographed with the hot tattoo artist who did my latest ink, a friend of a friend and I get a crazy idea that just might work.
Gus:
If you ask me about my relationship status, I’d probably say it’s complicated. That is until I meet Emily, mostly known as her stage name of ‘LULY’. She’s a lesbian singer, friend of a friend, who might just be the answer to my relationship troubles. When she proposes the idea of fake dating, I politely decline. Until the girl I like is suddenly more hot and less cold. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad, I can make her jealous and I get to make out with a hot woman for the press.
Everything was going according to plan, it’s not my fault we started to fall for each other…
If you love Renee Rapp, Sapphic romances, fake dating, and tattoo artists with a voyeurism kink then you’ll love this book! Please note this is book 2 in the Behind the Scenes series, while reading Eras of Us will give you more background on the characters, it's not necessary to read first.
Emily:
When my manager insists I need to ‘calm down’ my image for the sake of getting bigger gigs, I immediately reject the idea. But as I’m passed up for a big opportunity in my career, I begin to think she’s right. In an attempt to listen to her, she suggests I find someone stable to be in a relationship with along with a list of ideas to help fix the way people see me. I have no idea where to start, I’m too busy to have a real relationship while building my career as a singer. Until I’m photographed with the hot tattoo artist who did my latest ink, a friend of a friend and I get a crazy idea that just might work.
Gus:
If you ask me about my relationship status, I’d probably say it’s complicated. That is until I meet Emily, mostly known as her stage name of ‘LULY’. She’s a lesbian singer, friend of a friend, who might just be the answer to my relationship troubles. When she proposes the idea of fake dating, I politely decline. Until the girl I like is suddenly more hot and less cold. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad, I can make her jealous and I get to make out with a hot woman for the press.
Everything was going according to plan, it’s not my fault we started to fall for each other…
If you love Renee Rapp, Sapphic romances, fake dating, and tattoo artists with a voyeurism kink then you’ll love this book! Please note this is book 2 in the Behind the Scenes series, while reading Eras of Us will give you more background on the characters, it's not necessary to read first.
- GenresLesbianContemporaryLGBT
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2025
10 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Shannon O'Connor
64 books851 followersShannon O’Connor is a twenty something, bisexual, self published poet of several books and counting. O’Connor enjoys life’s simple pleasures: coffee, reading, traveling, and spending time with her new baby. O’Connor is continuously working on new poetry projects, book reviews, and more, while also diving into motherhood. She loves supporting local indie authors & shops as much as possible.
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shans...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 25, 2025
Overall, I liked this novel. It was an easy and enjoyable read that flowed well. This was one of those books that scratches the itch for a simple and straightforward rom-com-style story; not really something that will leave a lasting impression but definitely something that was enjoyable. I liked the characters. They were cute together and their relationship was nice to watch develop.
I realize that this novel was likely filled with fun references for Renee Rapp, but unfortunately, I am not familiar with them so that entirely went over my head. Reading the prior novel that was Fletcher-coded I really enjoyed all of the references so I assume that a Renee Rapp fan would get more out of this novel than I did in that regard.
The storyline progressed relatively easily which resulted in the chill-reading experience but also didn’t get too deep. There really wasn’t much plot aside from a bare bones setup for the fake dating to get the action started. The third-act-conflict felt quite forced in there (although ill admit there was a very small amount of foreshadowing) and resolved so quickly and easily that I don’t know what the point of including it honestly was.
This was an ARC copy so I assume that the numerous spelling/typing mistakes will be fixed, and I am disregarding them.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
I realize that this novel was likely filled with fun references for Renee Rapp, but unfortunately, I am not familiar with them so that entirely went over my head. Reading the prior novel that was Fletcher-coded I really enjoyed all of the references so I assume that a Renee Rapp fan would get more out of this novel than I did in that regard.
The storyline progressed relatively easily which resulted in the chill-reading experience but also didn’t get too deep. There really wasn’t much plot aside from a bare bones setup for the fake dating to get the action started. The third-act-conflict felt quite forced in there (although ill admit there was a very small amount of foreshadowing) and resolved so quickly and easily that I don’t know what the point of including it honestly was.
This was an ARC copy so I assume that the numerous spelling/typing mistakes will be fixed, and I am disregarding them.
Thank you to BookSirens for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
July 5, 2025
I found Gus and Emily's story to be a delightful read, and I particularly enjoyed the execution of the fake-dating trope in this book.
I found the development of Gus and Emily's relationship to be exceptionally well-written and thoroughly enjoyable. Also the spicy scenes in this book were also very very good.
It was certainly entertaining, and I particularly enjoyed the relationship dynamics between all the characters. It was also wonderful to see crossover characters from Shannon's other books interacting in this one.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I found the development of Gus and Emily's relationship to be exceptionally well-written and thoroughly enjoyable. Also the spicy scenes in this book were also very very good.
It was certainly entertaining, and I particularly enjoyed the relationship dynamics between all the characters. It was also wonderful to see crossover characters from Shannon's other books interacting in this one.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
July 9, 2025
Things I Loved:
- Sapphic romance - Female / Non binary MC
- Fake dating to lovers
- Pcos representation
- Famous singer / tattoo artist
- Loads of flirting and delicious spice (psst and a strap)
Spice: 🌶🌶️🌶️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Review:
I reallllyyyy was excited for this book, I'll be honest I was most excited to learn more about Gus (I was intrigued by them from Eras of us) and they didn't dissapoint. God I hated them with Cari and to see them just being dragged along and kinda feeling like a place holder made my heart hurt for them. Meeting Luly or as we get to know her behind the scenes as Emily was so much better than I expected. I actually expected her to be so bratty and really concieted but she surprised me and I ended up loving her.
I loved the way they met, when gus had to step in for River and ended up doing the tattoo for Emily. There was already some chemistry and comfortability there for both of them. So when Emily proposed the offer to Gus I squeeled TAKE IT, GO WITH THE FLOW GUS YES, YOU CAN DO IT. heheh fast forward and they diiiiid. I loved the fake dating aspect, I feel like it was written so well, they were so cute and respectful together and I loved their chemistry. It came so naturally and they just worked so well together, you could feel their attraction growing more and more. I felt giddy for them. The way Emily stood up for Gus and respected their gender identity and pronouns melted me so much and the way Gus cared for Emily in a way she hasn't felt by anyone other than her best friend before. They just truly showed their care for eachother in the small intimate ways that matter. So when they finally give in and admit their feelings together FIREWORKS WENT OFF. Loved their intimate scenes together, loved the consent and the respect for boundaries, loved how the scenes were written. It was just so good.
I should note, I'm not familiar with alot of Renee Rapp lore so I probably missed alot of references but I enjoyed it all just the same!
✨️
- Sapphic romance - Female / Non binary MC
- Fake dating to lovers
- Pcos representation
- Famous singer / tattoo artist
- Loads of flirting and delicious spice (psst and a strap)
Spice: 🌶🌶️🌶️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Review:
I reallllyyyy was excited for this book, I'll be honest I was most excited to learn more about Gus (I was intrigued by them from Eras of us) and they didn't dissapoint. God I hated them with Cari and to see them just being dragged along and kinda feeling like a place holder made my heart hurt for them. Meeting Luly or as we get to know her behind the scenes as Emily was so much better than I expected. I actually expected her to be so bratty and really concieted but she surprised me and I ended up loving her.
I loved the way they met, when gus had to step in for River and ended up doing the tattoo for Emily. There was already some chemistry and comfortability there for both of them. So when Emily proposed the offer to Gus I squeeled TAKE IT, GO WITH THE FLOW GUS YES, YOU CAN DO IT. heheh fast forward and they diiiiid. I loved the fake dating aspect, I feel like it was written so well, they were so cute and respectful together and I loved their chemistry. It came so naturally and they just worked so well together, you could feel their attraction growing more and more. I felt giddy for them. The way Emily stood up for Gus and respected their gender identity and pronouns melted me so much and the way Gus cared for Emily in a way she hasn't felt by anyone other than her best friend before. They just truly showed their care for eachother in the small intimate ways that matter. So when they finally give in and admit their feelings together FIREWORKS WENT OFF. Loved their intimate scenes together, loved the consent and the respect for boundaries, loved how the scenes were written. It was just so good.
I should note, I'm not familiar with alot of Renee Rapp lore so I probably missed alot of references but I enjoyed it all just the same!
✨️
July 20, 2025
Another lovely read by this author! Well paced and interesting from start to finish. I received an arc for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I appreciated the way the fake dating trope was written with an openness and communication that isn’t often seen. I liked the progression of Emily’s and Gus’s relationship as well as the sizzling spice that flowed well with that progression. I enjoyed seeing previous characters from not only Eras of Us,(book 1) but also from quite a few other books! I love when authors sneak in previous characters. It’s like getting to glance at loved ones you don’t get to see often ;).
Recommend!!
I appreciated the way the fake dating trope was written with an openness and communication that isn’t often seen. I liked the progression of Emily’s and Gus’s relationship as well as the sizzling spice that flowed well with that progression. I enjoyed seeing previous characters from not only Eras of Us,(book 1) but also from quite a few other books! I love when authors sneak in previous characters. It’s like getting to glance at loved ones you don’t get to see often ;).
Recommend!!
July 31, 2025
I really really enjoyed this book! I read it so quickly and didn't want to put it down. I feel like you could really see the feelings develop between Emily and Gus. And I was happy to read a book with a non binary MC! Definitely one of my favorites of Shan's.
July 1, 2025
Tropes: Celebrity, Fake Dating, Slow Burn
Not My Fault was a quick and entertaining low angst sapphic rom-com with a sprinkle of drama. The novel is supposedly Renee Rapp coded. Even though I’m not that familiar with the singer’s work it was still an enjoyable read. Our main characters are Gus, a nonbinary tattoo artist and Emily, a lesbian pop singer that goes by LULY on stage.
LULY is a bit of a wild child and known for flashing her breasts to her audience and anyone else that wants to see them. Her wild demeanor costs her a chance to perform at Coachella. In an effort to improve LULY’s reputation her manager Viv comes up with the idea that she should fake date someone steady and have a stable relationship.
When Emily goes to get a tattoo, her regular artist River had to cancel, so she agrees to use Gus. She thinks Gus would make a great fake dating partner and presents them with the idea. At first Gus declines the offer but realizes it could help them lock down a real relationship with someone they’ve been seeing.
The side characters were well developed and I had a genuine interest in them. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the tattoo shop crew and Emily’s best friend Georgiana (Georgie) was super supportive.
Of course the fake dating starts to lead to real feelings and it was handled with the right amount of sweet and spice. There was a little bit of drama which had an interesting twist. I enjoyed the PCOS rep with Emily and the nonbinary rep with Gus. Overall, Not My Fault was a well written light and amusing read. I definitely recommend it if you enjoy celebrity and fake dating tropes.
Not My Fault was a quick and entertaining low angst sapphic rom-com with a sprinkle of drama. The novel is supposedly Renee Rapp coded. Even though I’m not that familiar with the singer’s work it was still an enjoyable read. Our main characters are Gus, a nonbinary tattoo artist and Emily, a lesbian pop singer that goes by LULY on stage.
LULY is a bit of a wild child and known for flashing her breasts to her audience and anyone else that wants to see them. Her wild demeanor costs her a chance to perform at Coachella. In an effort to improve LULY’s reputation her manager Viv comes up with the idea that she should fake date someone steady and have a stable relationship.
When Emily goes to get a tattoo, her regular artist River had to cancel, so she agrees to use Gus. She thinks Gus would make a great fake dating partner and presents them with the idea. At first Gus declines the offer but realizes it could help them lock down a real relationship with someone they’ve been seeing.
The side characters were well developed and I had a genuine interest in them. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the tattoo shop crew and Emily’s best friend Georgiana (Georgie) was super supportive.
Of course the fake dating starts to lead to real feelings and it was handled with the right amount of sweet and spice. There was a little bit of drama which had an interesting twist. I enjoyed the PCOS rep with Emily and the nonbinary rep with Gus. Overall, Not My Fault was a well written light and amusing read. I definitely recommend it if you enjoy celebrity and fake dating tropes.
August 7, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Not My Fault by Shannon O'Connor is a sapphic Fake dating romance novel between Emily (stage name Lucy) a pop star and Gus a non Binary tattoo artist.
.Although there are times when reading fake dating romance novels that the setup either seems unbelievable even in a fictional tale.
Or, the pretence. of a fake dating trope is forgotten at the earliest point in the story that the writer can get away with it to still allow the book to be marketed under this trope.
However in Not My Fault by Shannon O'Connor the author makes the fake dating an integral part of the story with one doing it for a business reason and another to get back at someone.
Though what Shanon O'Connor does is to make the story a slow burn or what counts for slow burn in a story at only 202 pages.
But, the way that both Emily and Gus connected through the story felt well passed as each character gradually started to connect in a way that felt natural, Which meant that when the declaration of love happened it felt completely natural.
Another thing that the writer Shanon O'Connor does particularly well as someone who is not part of the LGBT community, is, the way she both explains the definition of the term in this case non-binary.
With the addition of how being non-binary has an effect on in this case Gus’s everyday life, not in a preachy or obvious way, just in a way that feels natural for the character.
Added to the fact that this is a romance with all the tension and the thrills about two individuals falling in love means that Not My Fault by Shannon O'Connor is the perfect romance.
Not My Fault by Shannon O'Connor is a sapphic Fake dating romance novel between Emily (stage name Lucy) a pop star and Gus a non Binary tattoo artist.
.Although there are times when reading fake dating romance novels that the setup either seems unbelievable even in a fictional tale.
Or, the pretence. of a fake dating trope is forgotten at the earliest point in the story that the writer can get away with it to still allow the book to be marketed under this trope.
However in Not My Fault by Shannon O'Connor the author makes the fake dating an integral part of the story with one doing it for a business reason and another to get back at someone.
Though what Shanon O'Connor does is to make the story a slow burn or what counts for slow burn in a story at only 202 pages.
But, the way that both Emily and Gus connected through the story felt well passed as each character gradually started to connect in a way that felt natural, Which meant that when the declaration of love happened it felt completely natural.
Another thing that the writer Shanon O'Connor does particularly well as someone who is not part of the LGBT community, is, the way she both explains the definition of the term in this case non-binary.
With the addition of how being non-binary has an effect on in this case Gus’s everyday life, not in a preachy or obvious way, just in a way that feels natural for the character.
Added to the fact that this is a romance with all the tension and the thrills about two individuals falling in love means that Not My Fault by Shannon O'Connor is the perfect romance.
September 5, 2025
Not My Fault is the second book in a new series featuring a main character styled after famous sapphic singers. You don't have to read the first book to read the second, but I would since there are characters that carry through and you'll have more of Gus's backstory that way. Gus and Emily, our love interests, meet when Gus tattoos Emily as a last-minute replacement for River (from the first book). There's an immediate connection, and the two decide to fake date to get the press off Emily's back and make Gus's not-girlfriend jealous.
I loved Emily's character, she was so sweet and down to earth, and I felt so bad for Gus being strung along by the not-girlfriend. It was great to see nonbinary rep with Gus, and Emily's fierce support of them was swoon worthy. Their relationship and feelings for each other developed in a way that felt totally natural, which was great. This story isn't as spicy as most of O'Connor's previous books, but what's there is good. I did feel like I connected more with the first book in the series, but that's quite possibly because I know a lot more about Fletcher (the artist Eras of Us reflects) than I do about Renee Rapp, so I'm sure there were quite a lot of references that went over my head.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
I loved Emily's character, she was so sweet and down to earth, and I felt so bad for Gus being strung along by the not-girlfriend. It was great to see nonbinary rep with Gus, and Emily's fierce support of them was swoon worthy. Their relationship and feelings for each other developed in a way that felt totally natural, which was great. This story isn't as spicy as most of O'Connor's previous books, but what's there is good. I did feel like I connected more with the first book in the series, but that's quite possibly because I know a lot more about Fletcher (the artist Eras of Us reflects) than I do about Renee Rapp, so I'm sure there were quite a lot of references that went over my head.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
July 7, 2025
Not My Fault is a captivating and steamy installment in Shannon O’Connor’s ongoing series that continues to deliver exactly what fans have come to love. This book blends emotional connection, character chemistry, and intense passion in a way that feels both immersive and satisfying. O’Connor’s talent for building compelling relationships between her characters is on full display, drawing readers into a world that feels both familiar and irresistible—especially for those who already follow the music and personas of the artists featured in the series.
For fans of the series, the musical undertone running through the story adds a fun and engaging layer—almost like a soundtrack to the unfolding romance. The intimacy is bold, unflinching, and incredibly detailed, providing scenes that are as emotionally charged as they are undeniably hot.
With her signature blend of spice and heart, Shannon O’Connor continues to raise the bar. Not My Fault is a must-read for those who enjoy celebrity romance with heat, heart, and unforgettable moments. Readers will undoubtedly be left eager for whatever O’Connor has in store next.
July 9, 2025
not my fault by shannon o’connor is a sapphic fake dating rockstar romance about emily, a chaotic singer trying to "clean up" her image, and gus, a hot tattoo artist with their own messy love life. when they agree to fake-date for their own reasons, things get more complicated (and hotter) than either of them expected.
the characters are definitely the highlight here. emily and gus are both interesting and well-rounded on their own, which made their dynamic more fun to watch unfold. the writing is simple and easy to get into. i finished it in one sitting without even noticing the time. that said, some of the big emotional or dramatic moments felt a little anticlimactic, and the plot was pretty predictable, which took away some of the tension.
on the other hand, the smut absolutely delivers 🔥🔥🔥 and does a lot of heavy lifting for the book.
overall, it’s an okay and enjoyable read if you’re in the mood for something sapphic, spicy, and low effort.
the characters are definitely the highlight here. emily and gus are both interesting and well-rounded on their own, which made their dynamic more fun to watch unfold. the writing is simple and easy to get into. i finished it in one sitting without even noticing the time. that said, some of the big emotional or dramatic moments felt a little anticlimactic, and the plot was pretty predictable, which took away some of the tension.
on the other hand, the smut absolutely delivers 🔥🔥🔥 and does a lot of heavy lifting for the book.
overall, it’s an okay and enjoyable read if you’re in the mood for something sapphic, spicy, and low effort.
July 8, 2025
Great chemistry
I loved the book, the chemistry kind of naturally built between Gus and Emily.
But that is always the way it goes when you enter in a fake relationship, at least in the books it goes like this. There is pre-existing chemistry between the MC's that builds into something more.
Now, I was slightly confused at first, with the Gus / Cari / Max situation, because in Eras of Us, Max and Cari hit it off, so I didn't know where Gus came into play, or I couldn't remember from the first book, I might have to reread it.
I am just happy that Gus and Emily worked out, and that Gus actually found someone that didn't use them to make someone else jealous.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the book, the chemistry kind of naturally built between Gus and Emily.
But that is always the way it goes when you enter in a fake relationship, at least in the books it goes like this. There is pre-existing chemistry between the MC's that builds into something more.
Now, I was slightly confused at first, with the Gus / Cari / Max situation, because in Eras of Us, Max and Cari hit it off, so I didn't know where Gus came into play, or I couldn't remember from the first book, I might have to reread it.
I am just happy that Gus and Emily worked out, and that Gus actually found someone that didn't use them to make someone else jealous.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2025
What a page turner! I just wanted to keep reading! Fake dating turned possibly to the real thing! You never know what can happen in life.
Emily, a singer, is well known and loved. Her manager, in my opinion is a little pushy. She wants her to change her wild ways. The idea comes up to have her start dating someone. Gus, a tattoo artist, loves her music. It’s not until Emily decides to get a chest piece and it’s Gus that winds up doing it. I feel the sparks were already flying. When the idea of fake dating comes about, Gus seems a little unsure about it, but soon decides to go along with it. Wait til you find out why! Will the chemistry continue to grow between Gus and Emily? How will this relationship turn out in the end. I was happy with the ending for sure.
Emily, a singer, is well known and loved. Her manager, in my opinion is a little pushy. She wants her to change her wild ways. The idea comes up to have her start dating someone. Gus, a tattoo artist, loves her music. It’s not until Emily decides to get a chest piece and it’s Gus that winds up doing it. I feel the sparks were already flying. When the idea of fake dating comes about, Gus seems a little unsure about it, but soon decides to go along with it. Wait til you find out why! Will the chemistry continue to grow between Gus and Emily? How will this relationship turn out in the end. I was happy with the ending for sure.
June 23, 2025
"I'm an attention whore and I love it" I am so glad we got to see characters from Era's of us in this. I loved watching Wes realise their self worth. I loved how protective they were over Em, from look after her when she had a bad flare up, and lord the makeup removal scene 😭 so damn cute. I loved Emily and G's friendship and sometimes your friends just know who to be wary of.
Tattoo artist
Fake dating
Rockstar
NB Main character
PCOS rep
What more could you want?
I loved this thank you so much Shannon for letting me be an arc reader.
Tattoo artist
Fake dating
Rockstar
NB Main character
PCOS rep
What more could you want?
I loved this thank you so much Shannon for letting me be an arc reader.
June 28, 2025
Interesting, eye-opening, and very enjoyable
This is not "just another rock star romance".
The main characters (Emily & Gus) come across as real, likeable people.
Their friends (Georgie, River, & co) area also delightful - Georgie especially!
I like the gentle emphasis on accepting non-binary people: not preaching, not aggressive, simply showing how it feels from different perspectives - a very nice balance there.
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
This is not "just another rock star romance".
The main characters (Emily & Gus) come across as real, likeable people.
Their friends (Georgie, River, & co) area also delightful - Georgie especially!
I like the gentle emphasis on accepting non-binary people: not preaching, not aggressive, simply showing how it feels from different perspectives - a very nice balance there.
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
June 26, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this fake dating sapphic romance. This book has Gus an adorable golden retriever tattoo artist and Emily who is a well known singer. They both are absolutely cute and down to earth characters. The book is well written with the side characters never being to much. I love this Renee Rapp inspired pop artist. And the spicy scenes are welp spicy. Will definitely be recommending to friends.
June 29, 2025
Gus works as a tattoo artist alongside River from book 1.
Emily is also known as the wild child pop star Luly, known for flashing her (•) (•) at her fans while singing but also to anyone who asks to see them.
Gus and Emily end up fake dating and it was so sweet watching them fall for each other.
Being a pop star was not at all glamourised whereas being a tattooist was shown as the art that it is.
Lovely book, think it might be my favourite of all the books by this author.
Emily is also known as the wild child pop star Luly, known for flashing her (•) (•) at her fans while singing but also to anyone who asks to see them.
Gus and Emily end up fake dating and it was so sweet watching them fall for each other.
Being a pop star was not at all glamourised whereas being a tattooist was shown as the art that it is.
Lovely book, think it might be my favourite of all the books by this author.
July 7, 2025
*Not my fault- ARC RV*
Okay- the smut in this book is smutting 🔥
But I unfortunately wasn’t a big fan of the plot in this one- I can’t even really pinpoint why, I feel like I really liked Carly in the first book and then this one sorta ruins her character for me a bit… and I hope her and Max sort their shit out one way or another. And that drama sorta took away from Gus and Emily for me personally.
Having said all that it’s still well written, just missed the mark a bit for me!
Okay- the smut in this book is smutting 🔥
But I unfortunately wasn’t a big fan of the plot in this one- I can’t even really pinpoint why, I feel like I really liked Carly in the first book and then this one sorta ruins her character for me a bit… and I hope her and Max sort their shit out one way or another. And that drama sorta took away from Gus and Emily for me personally.
Having said all that it’s still well written, just missed the mark a bit for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
Love this fake relationship to lovers sapphic romance…
Love the inclusion and the minimal drama… also like that their was a little intrigue thrown in and how both the MCs overcome it together.
Perfect amount of romance and spice and would love to read spin offs of the other characters in the book also.
5/5 definitely recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Love the inclusion and the minimal drama… also like that their was a little intrigue thrown in and how both the MCs overcome it together.
Perfect amount of romance and spice and would love to read spin offs of the other characters in the book also.
5/5 definitely recommend
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 25, 2025
I love the fake relationship trope and O'Connor did not disappoint!
Gus is dam right sexy. Tattooed, sweet and dare I say it again, sexy.
Luly aka Emily the rock star is down to earth.
And together the ignite.
The content is pretty spicy and at times explicit.
But did I mind? Not at all!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Gus is dam right sexy. Tattooed, sweet and dare I say it again, sexy.
Luly aka Emily the rock star is down to earth.
And together the ignite.
The content is pretty spicy and at times explicit.
But did I mind? Not at all!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
July 29, 2025I loved the story of Gus and Emily. They found each other under unique circumstances. They had a friendship and fake relationship. The chemistry between them was off the charts. The book was hot and they were amazing together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 6, 2025
I could not put this book down. I love Renee Rapp so it was like icing on the cake. I know when i get a book from Shannon that it is going to be good and she did not disappoint. It is now my favorite book by Shannon O’Conner. The heat between Emily and Gus is incredible. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2025
This was an easy and enjoyable read for me.
It captured my attention from the very beginning and held it to the very end.
Gus and Emily's story was so very well written. It had the perfect blend of humor, romance, and spice. This really was another lovely read by this author for me. I can't recommend this book or author enough.
It captured my attention from the very beginning and held it to the very end.
Gus and Emily's story was so very well written. It had the perfect blend of humor, romance, and spice. This really was another lovely read by this author for me. I can't recommend this book or author enough.
July 3, 2025
4 ⭐️ ARC review ✨
Bello, bello, bello. Gus è il mio sogno proibito, Emily è spettacolare. E poi, Gus è anche un* gattar* 🥹 è una storia che ti prende davvero! Ma non mi ha fatto impazzire lo 0-100 che ha fatto nel giro di due pagine 😅
Bello, bello, bello. Gus è il mio sogno proibito, Emily è spettacolare. E poi, Gus è anche un* gattar* 🥹 è una storia che ti prende davvero! Ma non mi ha fatto impazzire lo 0-100 che ha fatto nel giro di due pagine 😅
July 21, 2025
I love a good fake relationship romance, and I quite enjoyed this one. I liked both main characters and their chemistry. The plot was interesting and the story well developed.
I definitely recommend this one.
I definitely recommend this one.
June 27, 2025
Wow what a phenomenal story I loved the main characters they were described perfectly in depth making you feel apart of their world this is my favourite by far a must read congratulations
October 15, 2025
3.5/4⭐️
An easy to read, sweet romance, I enjoyed getting to know these characters and see their lead up to getting together.
Pretty much from the first word I was in - the writing is so effortless, and I fell straight into the story. Both Emily and Gus are likeable, genuine, sweet MCs. No angst, a bit of drama, a super cute journey and plenty of heat and spice once we’re there.
The shift from fake to real did seem a bit rushed to me, but it didn’t bother me too much, and didn’t detract from the story.
I haven’t read the first in this series but will check it - and other Shannon books - out.
An enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An easy to read, sweet romance, I enjoyed getting to know these characters and see their lead up to getting together.
Pretty much from the first word I was in - the writing is so effortless, and I fell straight into the story. Both Emily and Gus are likeable, genuine, sweet MCs. No angst, a bit of drama, a super cute journey and plenty of heat and spice once we’re there.
The shift from fake to real did seem a bit rushed to me, but it didn’t bother me too much, and didn’t detract from the story.
I haven’t read the first in this series but will check it - and other Shannon books - out.
An enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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