Pretend You're Mine

by Denver Shaw

A fake relationship with real consequences—will love be enough to heal the wounds of the past?

Creed
I’ve hit rock bottom.
Dishonorably discharged, haunted by my time in the military, and freezing my ass off sleeping in the backseat of my car, I’m barely surviving.
Then a chance encounter with enigmatic billionaire Avery Branson results in an unbelievable offer I can't refuse—pose as his boyfriend for his high-society family, and in return, I’ll get the money I desperately need.
It sounds simple enough, but there’s one I’ve spent my whole life pretending to be someone I’m not, and he's asking me to show the part of me I swore no one would ever see.
But the more time I spend with him, the harder it is to remember why I'm pretending.
He’s everything I shouldn’t want, but somehow, I can’t stay away.

Avery
Creed is the last person I expected to fall for—rough around the edges, emotionally closed off, and clearly running from something.
But with my mother pressuring me to get married for the good of the family business, I needed someone who could play the part, and Creed was desperate enough to accept.
I thought I could keep things simple, strictly business.
But every time I peel back another layer of his armor, I want more.
And I’m starting to think this fake relationship might be the most real thing I’ve ever had.
If only his past didn’t threaten to rip us apart before we even begin.

Pretend You're Mine is an angsty, slow-burn romance where a broken veteran and a billionaire are trapped by expectations. With tropes like fake relationship, hurt/comfort, and forced proximity, this opposites-attract story promises a happily-ever-after that will melt even the coldest hearts.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Fake Dating, Military Fiction, LGBT, Ebooks

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2024

Reviews

[Marthea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nie wiem, co mnie podkusiło, żeby przeczytać tę książkę, zwłaszcza, że trop fałszywego chłopaka - delikatnie mówiąc - nie jest moim ulubionym. To znaczy wróć, chyba wiem - mam naprawdę dużą słabość do weteranów i bezdomności, a blurb to właśnie oferował.

Nie było warto, oj nie było.

Marniutkie, schematyczne, przewidywalne, a przynajmniej w jednym miejscu miałam wrażenie, że jedna z krótkich rozmów jest totalnie z dupy - nie miała prawa zaistnieć "tu i teraz", gdzie została umieszczona.
Stracony czas...

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good parts, but Avery felt inconsistently portrayed, and I couldn't for the life of me understand what kept him coming back to his nasty family.

Creed felt more relatable to me, even though his change from "I'm totally straight", to "maybe I'm gay" to "let's have buttsex" was a bit fast for my taste.

Both of them had some serious daddy issues that needed addressing but didn't really get that.

I guess I expected more.

[Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never the Twain…….

No one would ever think that Avery Branson, heir to a huge Hotel Resort empire would ever cross paths with Creed O’Brien, an ex Marine, due to a Dishonourable Discharge.

Creed now living in his car during the harsh Chicago winter is desperate, no one will employ him because of his DD, which he can’t hide. He is a very proud young man but bears the scars from his awful childhood, plus the horrors he witnessed in a war torn country far from home.

Avery, suffered an unhappy childhood too because of his now dead father. The expectations of ‘manning up’ to run the family Resort Hotel business, marry a nice girl and produce grandchildren. This is the pressure that his mother now puts on him, constantly fixing up dinners with suitable women.

Avery and Creed come face to face in the most bizarre way. Even weirder was Avery begging Creed to become his fake boyfriend at the family Thanksgiving dinner, he’d pay him well for his time.

Creed, having to think twice as to whether he could afford a coffee and pastry, eventually agreed.
**************
These two guys just stole into my heart and made me cry for all their struggles and hurt. Creed the big Marine, is like a pussycat to his adoring Master, once they start opening up to each other about their lives.

Avery’s family, his mother and his two cousins were family people I wouldn’t even have on my Christmas card list, never mind buy them a present.

After several attempts to split the pair, the cousins go all out to destroy the relationship before it really has a chance.

‘Pretend You’re Mine’ is so worth adding to your TBR list to enjoy reading in a few hours.

[Bethany Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this book and I am so happy I did! This book was amazing. This story hit me in the feels in many ways. A bi-awakening (or rather an acceptance of being gay), hurt/comfort (a favorite of mine), and past trauma that was helped the bond of Creed and Avery become who they were.

I love how the author went about the panic attack of Avery and how well Creed was written to help him. I felt that was the first turning point for them feelings wise. I also loved how Avery was there for Creed even when he was pulling away and not accepting who he was. All of these aspects brought together made this book fantastic.

The author also did a great job of showing how truly awful some people can be when they don’t want to accept sexuality. Denver Shaw made sure to really bring that out in Avery’s family and I truly was angry and upset for Avery. I’m so happy Creed stood up for him in the end.

The only thing I would have liked to see is Creed and Avery spending more time together before jumping in right away as fake boyfriends. However, it all worked out and came together in the end!

Overall, the book was really well written, great plot, and some great spice as well! I liked how it all flowed together and nothing seemed to be far fetched or unbelievable.

[Wren Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a fake romance!
Pulled me in from the very start and keep me on my toes til the end!
Loved it

[The Word Nerd Reviews Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretend You’re Mine by Denver Shaw is a compelling story delving into the complexities of a fake relationship turning into something real. A strangers to lovers romance, the story follows Creed, a dishonourably discharged veteran struggling with his past and current homelessness, and Avery, a billionaire under pressure from his family to settle down.

Meeting by chance, Avery eventually offers Creed a deal: pretend to be his boyfriend to appease his high-society family, and in return, Creed will receive the financial help he desperately needs. What starts as a simple arrangement soon becomes complicated as genuine feelings develop between the two men.

The author masterfully explores themes of vulnerability, trust, and healing. The characters are well-developed, with Creed’s rough exterior hiding a deeply wounded soul, and Avery’s polished facade masking his own insecurities. Their interactions are filled with tension and tenderness, making for a slow-burn romance that keeps readers engaged.

The book is rich with emotional depth, and the hurt/comfort dynamic is particularly well-executed. It is easy to appreciate how Shaw the fake relationship trope to peel back the layers of her characters, revealing their true selves in the process.

“Just let go, Creed. Trust me”

Denver Shaw’s writing style is both engaging and emotionally resonant. Denver has a talent for creating vivid, relatable, multi-dimensional characters and placing them in situations that feel authentic and deeply moving. Both Avery and Creed are portrayed with rich backstories and complex emotions, making their journey compelling and believable. The author’s ability to delve into their psyches allows readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs on a personal level.

The narrative is infused with a strong emotional undercurrent. Denver captures the nuances of Avery and Creed’s evolving relationship, highlighting moments of vulnerability, tension, and tenderness. This emotional depth ensures that readers are invested in the characters’ journey from start to finish.

“It was a small thing, a simple, quiet moment, but it felt like everything I’d been searching for without even knowing it.”

The dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters’ personalities. Conversations between Avery and Creed are filled with genuine emotion and wit, helping to build their chemistry and deepen their connection.

The author maintains a well-balanced pace throughout the novel. The story unfolds gradually, allowing for a slow-burn romance that feels organic and is crucial to sympathetically and believably showing Creed’s acceptance of his sexuality. This careful pacing ensures that the development of Avery and Creed’s relationship is both credible and satisfying.

“and then something broke inside me, something I didn’t even know I’d been holding back, and I let myself feel everything – every touch, every breath, every broken sound that fell from my lips … when I finally came apart, it was like a dam breaking, my whole body shuddering as the pleasure washed over me, leaving me gasping and raw.”

Denver’s descriptive writing brings scenes to life without overwhelming the reader. The settings and character interactions are vividly depicted, enhancing the immersive quality of the story.
Exploring the central themes of healing, self-discovery, and personal growth, Avery and Creed learn to overcome their pasts and build a future together.

The fake relationship trope serves as a catalyst for this personal growth. Avery learns to stand up to his family and assert his own desires, while Creed finds a sense of belonging and self-worth through Avery’s unwavering support. Their relationship is a beautiful blend of tension and tenderness, with each man helping the other heal from past wounds.

“For the first time in as long as I could remember, I felt whole, like all the broken pieces inside me had finally settled into place."

Overall, Denver Shaw’s writing style is characterised by its emotional depth, realistic character portrayals, and engaging storytelling. Pretend You’re Mine is a heartfelt romance with low to medium levels of angst that promises a satisfying happily ever after, making it a must read for anyone who wants to believe that life gives second chances.



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[Louise Ellis-Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to rise up to new heights after having been dropped to rock bottom? Yes it is. The kindness of strangers, the connection to people, the willingness to try, they are all contributing factors. And in Creed's case it is also the fact that hitting rock bottom was not something he brought upon himself despite what you may think when you first start reading. This book is a beautiful story of redemption and true love.

Creed is ex-military, bought low by a dishonorable discharge which from the outset is hinted at being wrongly attributed. He has PTSD but he also has nowhere to go, no one to go to. Until he accidentally meets Avery. Following yet another job interview which he comes away from without any hope Avery offers him a coffee and a breakfast and the two have an uneasy start but it is a start. And that makes a difference when Avery next meets Creed and makes him an offer that he could not refuse, much as it may go against everything he feels. Avery wants Creed to be his pretend boyfriend.

Creed goes along as he doesn't have much choice, given his circumstances. Despite believing himself straight and telling himself such he knows there is a niggling thought in the back of his mind, one he wants to hide. But the more he gets to know Avery, the more time that they spend together the more he wants to do to help the other man and before long they also realise that there is a lot they can do to help one another. This is the story of Creed, of how he has been mistreated but with the help, and eventually love of a man who started out as a stranger he is able to turn his life around. Avery may be at the top when we first start reading but his life is not trouble free and it is the hard-won but very true love and support of Creed which will in turn be his saviour.

A stunning story, one that had me catching my breath, smiling, on the verge of tears and feeling almost every emotion possible at different points. I loved it, I love the passion Denver Shaw puts into every part of the story, the research that has clearly be done and the honesty behind this work of fiction.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to rise up to new heights after having been dropped to rock bottom? Yes it is. The kindness of strangers, the connection to people, the willingness to try, they are all contributing factors. And in Creed's case it is also the fact that hitting rock bottom was not something he brought upon himself despite what you may think when you first start reading. This book is a beautiful story of redemption and true love.

Creed is ex-military, bought low by a dishonorable discharge which from the outset is hinted at being wrongly attributed. He has PTSD but he also has nowhere to go, no one to go to. Until he accidentally meets Avery. Following yet another job interview which he comes away from without any hope Avery offers him a coffee and a breakfast and the two have an uneasy start but it is a start. And that makes a difference when Avery next meets Creed and makes him an offer that he could not refuse, much as it may go against everything he feels. Avery wants Creed to be his pretend boyfriend.

Creed goes along as he doesn't have much choice, given his circumstances. Despite believing himself straight and telling himself such he knows there is a niggling thought in the back of his mind, one he wants to hide. But the more he gets to know Avery, the more time that they spend together the more he wants to do to help the other man and before long they also realise that there is a lot they can do to help one another. This is the story of Creed, of how he has been mistreated but with the help, and eventually love of a man who started out as a stranger he is able to turn his life around. Avery may be at the top when we first start reading but his life is not trouble free and it is the hard-won but very true love and support of Creed which will in turn be his saviour.

A stunning story, one that had me catching my breath, smiling, on the verge of tears and feeling almost every emotion possible at different points. I loved it, I love the passion Denver Shaw puts into every part of the story, the research that has clearly be done and the honesty behind this work of fiction.

[Mishukitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very mixed opinions about this book.

First, what I liked:

1. The main characters, Avery and Creed, are really nice and gently written.

2. The opening chapters describing Creed's homelessness and PTSD are deep and realistic

3. Avery's family trauma is handled with finesse and sensitivity.

Now, what I didn't like:

1. The entire story takes place over a handful of days spread across the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays. I really don't like insta-lust/insta-love stories, and this one has it in spades.

2. At the beginning, Creed is the dominant character. By the end, Avery is. I just don't buy that Creed would be a submissive and Avery a dom.

3. While Avery's trauma is given multiple pages to explain, Creed's is barely given a page at the end. Considering the opening flashes of PTSD that are wonderfully depicted, his trauma is given very short drift.

4. Creed's sexual history would be nice to know. We are told of his father's homophobia, but how did Creed respond to this? I don't think he was a virgin.

Creed also goes from demanding he is straight to embracing his homosexuality in a very short period. It's implied that he might have had hints in the past, but that is not developed.

5. Avery's family are horrible stereotypes of religion, class, and snobbery. The one member of his family, his sister, is the only one sympathetic, yet she mostly stays off-scene with her kids. And why wasn't she considered to run the family business?

Like I said, I have mixed opinions.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two men finding themselves in desperate situations turn to eachother in hopes of fixing it only to find solace in eachother. Creed, sleeping in his car, is approached by Avery to be his fake boyfriend for the weekend to get his family off his back, desperate for money, he accepts. The relationship quickly becomes more then either of them could have bargained for. This is the first story I’ve ready by Denver and it was quite a pleasent and quick read. I read it in pretty much one sitting that took about three or so hours. It was a simple cozy easy to understand read. It did of course cover a few hard topics that might be difficult for some such as Creed’s dishonorable discharge, homophobia, PTSD, and panic attacks. In my opinion it was all well done and very well throughout and was done tastefully. It was done for the sake of the story and to drive the characters/plot forward not simply for the sake of shock value like some authors may have a tendency to do. As someone who does have military members in my family I felt that the representation of Creed’s service and experience was described well and was not overly dramatizied. I feel that some authors can go a little too heavy on the blood or gore while others forget that war is violent. I feel that Denver said what was needed to be said to explain what was going on in Creed’s mind without being too much or too little. The love story between Creed and Avery was a sweet one and it was heart warming to see them become so protective of eachother even after a short time of knowing one another. I’m happy to have found a new author to enjoy and intrigued to experience more of her works.

[PennyWise 24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a dishonorable discharge from the army for going against his commanding an oofficer, Creed can’t seem to catch a break. Wracked with nightmares and PTSD, he stays as far away from human contact as he can. But he needs to find a way to make some money, or risk having the homelessness he always faces be his death sentence. On his way out from an interview at a coffee shop, he runs into Avery, who offers him a warm cup of coffee and conversation. The conversation leads to an offer - pose as a fake couple during the holidays.

This was a super sweet story about two broken individuals that used each other as a way to heal. Avery has been crucified his entire life by his family and ostracized for his sexuality. Creed suffered at the hands of an abusive, homophobic father that made Creed believe he needed to be hard and rigid to be a man. Because of this, Creed is super hesitant to be intimate with Avery, even though he craves it. It makes me super sad that the memories of his upbringing made him deny himself something that makes him feel
whole. The back and forth in Creed's psyche was hard to read.

Avery’s family makes me so angry. The fact that he’s blamed for so many things just because of who he loves is sad. His mother should be absolutely ashamed of herself and I love that Creed stands up to them for Avery.

I would recommend this to those who like to read hurt/comfort, bi-awakening gay romance novels. The reader should be aware of the trigger warnings beforehand.

DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacey T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of finding yourself, family issues, and military trauma. Creed is close to losing hope – living in his car, a stained military record and no job prospects. He just needs one chance to turn things around when he meets Avery who proposes an arrangement which might help him until something better comes along. Avery runs his families Resort business and is tired of not being accepted for being gay but, he just might have come up with a plan, especially when he meets Creed. Now he has to keep his feelings in check, or he could really fall for this “straight” guy. As the fake dating begins, past and current trauma for both of them help to build an understanding and a desire to make future plans. Will they be able to navigate their differences, heal from past judgments and find comfort with each other or will they be separated before they realize how much they need each other?
I enjoyed this emotional story about finding and remaining true to oneself. The MCs both have suffered with different (military for Creed) and similar (family for both) traumas. It was great to see that they could each support one another at different times but also how one may need to seek professional help as well. They had good chemistry with some sexy scenes and emotional discussions. Vulnerabilities were seen on both of their parts at times, but it also read as a little out of character for them as well. Overall, a good read and I will happily try more by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J. Falen Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex Marine Creed is living in his car and struggling to survive. Avery is the head of his family's company and being pressured by his mother to marry. A chance meeting unites the two in a fake relationship arrangement that will benefit both of their situations.

Creed and Avery are both very likable and sympathetic characters, for the most part. The two men certainly have their flaws and don't always see eye to eye, but they also manage to bring out the best in each other. Both have experienced great trauma, Creed from his time in the military, and Avery from his family's treatment of him because of his sexuality. I appreciated that their attempts to face and overcome their traumas are handled with respect and sensitivity.

I would've liked to have had more background info on Creed's past, regarding both his father and his time as a Marine. The book provides far more of Avery's history in comparison. The author does utilize the miscommunication/lack of communication trope in the last quarter of the book, but at least it isn't as extreme as it is in so many other stories. That being said, I do still wish that Avery had spoken up sooner and not so easily accepted (and seemingly forgiven) his family's cruel treatment of both himself and Creed throughout the story.

Overall, Pretend You're Mine was a quick and enjoyable read, and I will be checking out Shaw's other works. 3.5 stars, rounded to 4 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Surely, there had to be someone who would take a chance on me.'

I loved this book. It was such a fun read and has two of my favorite tropes- hurt/comfort and fake relationship. I loved both Avery and Creed. Creed won my heart from the very first chapter. He was having a very rough go of things. He was living in his car, dishonorably discharged from the military without being able to explain anything, thus not eligible for Veterans Benefits, still suffering from PTSD, and desperately needing a job and quickly running out of hope. Why wouldn't anyone give him a chance?

Avery is very weighed down by the responsibility of running luxurious international hotel chain resorts after his father's passing, as well as the prejudices from his conservative family who do not accept that he's gay. His mother keeps trying to set him up with women no matter how much he tells her no. He's lonely. I honestly loved him just as much as Creed.

I liked the first meeting between them. The attraction and connection was immediate. But Creed wasn't gay and pulled away.

'Even though it had been momentary, it was nice to have someone look at me like I was worth something, like I was special.'

Avery needed a date to Thanksgiving to get his family off his back and when he found Creed sleeping in his car, he offered to pay him to pretend for a weekend. Both men have their own demons to fight and baggage to carry. I was completely riveted to the page. 5 stars.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since being dishonorably discharged from the Marines, Creed has been struggling. He doesn’t have money and he can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to finding a job. He’s currently living in his car and hoping that something will break his way. And that something ends up being Avery. Avery is tired of his mother telling him he needs to settle down…and with a woman. He came out to his parents long ago, but it never went the way he hoped. Even after his dad died, his mother still believes Avery is just going through a phase. And his cousins are even worse. So to try and get them off his back, he tells them he is bringing a boyfriend home. They need to understand he isn’t changing who he is. And they don’t need to know the man he is bringing is practically a stranger. Desperate for the cash, Creed takes Avery’s crazy offer. But the more time they spend together, the more feelings start to arise. There is so much riding against them, so much they have yet to learn about one another and even about themselves. But together, they just fit. I really adored Avery and Creed. It was sweet to watch these two find the person they are meant to just be themselves with. The two have been through a lot in their lives, they deserve to be happy and be proud of who they are. Really sweet and holiday themed story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fake relationship with real consequences - will love be enough to heal the wounds of the past? Creed has hit rock bottom. Dishonourably discharged, haunted by his time in the military, and freezing his ass off sleeping in the backseat of his car, he's barely surviving. Then a chance encounter with enigmatic billionaire Avery Branson results in an unbelievable offer he can't refuse - pose as his boyfriend for his high-society family, and in return, he'll get the money he desperately needs. But the more time he spend with Avery, the harder it is to remember why he's pretending. He’s everything Creed shouldn’t want, but somehow, he can’t stay away. Creed is the last person Avery expected to fall for - rough around the edges, emotionally closed off, and clearly running from something. But with his mother pressuring him to get married for the good of the family business, he needed someone who could play the part, and Creed was desperate enough to accept. He thought he could keep things simple, strictly business. But every time he peels back another layer of his armour, he wants more.

I loved this story of the two damaged men who found love when they didn't expect it. Avery's family were awful and I was thrilled when Creed stood up for him. Easy to read, feel and understand there were a lot of strong emotions in this story. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - Here we have two very sweet, but broken boys. After a chance meeting, Avery asks Creed to be his fake boyfriend and shield at family Thanksgiving. His family is ultra conservative and super intolerant. They cause a lot of damage to Avery over the course of his life. Creed is super protective of Avery, even with only having spent hours with him. He was raised in morass of toxic masculinity and then enlisted in the Marines. Creed was also damaged by his father. As I said before, both boys are broken - but they both help heal the other. While Avery is openly out, Creed thought of himself as straight...until being around Avery forced him to reconsider his own past as well as his current attraction. The road to their HEA is by no means easy nor direct. There are struggles that both MCs undergo. However, they need each other and it is lovely once they both stop fighting it. I enjoy their story very much. I do think there are some places where there are little missing transitions between ideas/motivations & I would wonder about how or why something occurred. Overall, though, it was a lovely read and made me a bit teary in good ways.

I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bright Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received an arc from booksprout.
I'm going to be honest.

I needed some time to get into the story. At first I wanted to rate it 3 stars, but I really loved this book in the end and give it now 4 star rating.

The book has two main charaters: Creed and Avery.
Creed has a past in the military and Avery is born in a rich family.
Creed lost his job in the military and lives now in his car. Avery and Creed met in a coffee shop. Avery finds out that Creed is homeless. Avery needs a fake boyfriend to get his mother off his back. Avery's mother wants him to marry a girl and says to Avery that he didn't find the right girl. Avery did come out at the age of 18, but his mother doesn't want to believe that he is gay and that it isn't a phase.

Creed and Avery acts like a couple, Avery has the hots for Creed but Creed is a "straight" man.

What I really loved in the story is how protective Creed is about Avery towards Avery family.
Both of them has their own trauma's but they have each other support. I really like this couple, they are so cute.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

After leaving the military with a dishonourable discharge, Creed finds himself jobless, homeless living in his car. A chance meeting with Avery a billionaire at a coffee shop snowballs into a stranger to lovers story.
Creed's lifestyle was written with emotion and was so descriptive that I felt that I was following him watching him trying to live. I liked him straightaway, he was a man of honour earnt his cash honestly (well except for the little white lie of being Avery's boyfriend) With Avery there was insta attraction when he bumped into Creed and I liked his quick thinking when he asked Creed to pretend he was his boyfriend. Avery was rich, stinking rich but he never once rubbed it in Creed's face. Shame about Avery's family. But the situations with the family showed Creed in a good light, fighting Avery's corner.
This was a well written story that kept my interest from start to finish and even though I wanted to tell Avery to stand up for himself, it all worked out in the end. If you like men with honour then this a book for you

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake relationship, hurt/comfort

Avery is tired of not being accepted by his family.
Particularly his mother, who continuously tries setting him up with women.
To avoid the situation at Thanksgiving, he proposes a fake relationship with Creed, who he finds sleeping in his car.
Creed agrees for payment because he's desperate.
Both these men have suffered terribly.
Creed is dealing with the aftermath of war, and Avery has had a lifetime of hate and ridicule from his family.
As they slowly get to know one another, feelings develop on both sides, and Creed is also dealing with being truthful to himself.
Avery's family is truly vile and use Creed's past to drive a wedge between them.
Avery is afraid to fully cut ties with his family, and it costs him Creed.
Thankfully, he comes to his senses and realizes that Creed is definitely his person and takes a stand for himself.

[Louisa Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down, the characters absolutely drew me in and I couldn't wait to see where their journey led them and it did not disappoint.

Two beautiful men who have each had such unique life experiences before they meet, they both have deep issues but from the moment they meet there's a connection that draws them together.

A story that's as much about the individual as the couple, with familiar expectations, manipulation and drama there was definitely one moment where I screamed at my book in anger for how people can treat another human being because they feel so entitled.

I loved this story and can't wait to read more from this author because the writing just leaves you wanting more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author brought a tone of seriousness with these pages. Something I needed in preparation for the rest of this year. To think there was and still are parents who will still put their child through hell to keep up with appearances and portray them as macho, brilliant, witty, whatever mold they deemed fit to suit family ideals.
The only time Avery and Creed were happy was when they met and the times they were together. The only time Creed laughed was when he was playing princess with the girls. These men spent so much of their lives trying to live up to what was expected of them, from fathers, military and family, yet the past still crept in to try to separate them.
Their tale was well written and told with empathy and hope.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Rosina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was so cute! I loved both of the main characters, and I liked that it switched between each characters point of view each other, so we got to see both their thoughts on things as they were happening.
I think they were both so sweet and they really go well together.
I also really like how the story explored Creed’s PTSD and his military traumas, but within that, his struggles with the after military life, especially when he was dishonourably discharged, trying to find a job, a place to live, having money etc.
I think this was such a cute read and it felt Christmassy, even though it wasn’t really.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
This has some tropes that are not favorites of my mine, fake relationship and billionaire romance in particular. But, I loved this author’s take a lot. Creed is in such a precarious place when he meets Avery - dishonorably discharged, living in his car, struggling with PTSD. He’s living very much on the edge of survival, so I kind of loved the billionaire boyfriend for him, - even if temporary. I think it worked so well for me because Creed and Avery are so well matched. I loved the healing and acceptance they find in each other, which was especially lovely as both their families left a lot of damage. Loved this couple!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Metz874 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a a really emotional, sweet and genuine read. I just fell in love with these sweet men who struggle with their own problems created in the past.
Avery, a millionaire, and Creed, an ex marine who left the marines against his will because of a DD, meet in a coffe shop. They start talking and Avery propesition Creed to play his boyfriend for a family weekend. Creed who desperately need the money agree to do it. Together these men embraces a journey where they discover their true self, grow together and after a few setbacks take a chance chasing a HEA.
This book was full of love and struggles, new opertunitie, learning about yourself, growth and being true to yourself and taking chances even if the potential outcome scares you. I will highly recomend this book to others.

[Tanya Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are more layers to this book than the largest onion you'll ever see. Creed has been living in his car and let me tell you Chicago winters can be brutal. Avery is at his wits end. His family denies his sexuality and is STILL trying to set him up with a woman (shudder). His solution is to bring a "boyfriend" home for Thanksgiving. His choice a hottie he met at the coffee shop, that is conveniently homeless. What starts as a convivence, rapidly turns into a need for Creed to protect Avery from his wacky homophobic family. The only person in Avery's family that is even marginally pleasant is his sister Becca, everyone else can go to H E double hockey sticks. Avery and Creed both have a background of horrible homophobic family members they have to let go so they can find a future.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea I would embark on such an emotional journey with these amazing characters, but I'm so glad I did. It was such a great story full of heart and healing. Denver Shaw easily pulled me in and had me invested in these characters getting their HEA. I couldn't get enough.

Creed and Avery come from two very different backgrounds. Both seemed so different, but from the very start, you could feel their connection building. I just loved the slow-burn development of their feelings. A beautiful heartwarming story that was fast-paced and easy to read with just the right amount of angst.

Tropes:
MM
Fake Dating
Ex military + Billionare
Opposites attract
Hurt/Comfort
Mental health rep
PTSD rep
Slow-burn
Gay awakening
Dual POV

Check TW

[tobifun.pp · Rating 5 out of 5]

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
darkness: 🖤
feelings:😭🥰🥵😍🫠😡

“Alright, I’m in. But this is strictly business,” he said, his gaze steady. “No Pretty Woman makeovers. And definitely no falling in love.” … Famous last words. If only things were that simple.
Creed is a very intriguing character who captivated me from the start. When he first met Avery, I immediately fell in love with them as a couple. Coming from entirely different social backgrounds, Creed and Avery are very similar in many ways. They both had difficult childhoods. Watching them grow up touched me deeply.
PS: I loathe Avery's family, but good villains evoke deep emotions, which makes the book all the better.

[Ashley Rohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great I loved how it showed a fake dating relationship trope that right away you knew that these two souls were meant for each other. It also deals with homelessness and the negativity that veterans have when they don't receive an honorable discharge. We also see how the opinions of our family can have such an impact on ourselves and at some point you need to walk away from the people that are hurting you.

Love seeing the happy ending and I think I found a new favorite author as this is my second book I have read by Denver Shaw. I enjoy how the books flow.

I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[rinia · Rating 4 out of 5]

i wish they would’ve did individual therapy before they got together but hey at least they went eventually.

my poor creed! i hope he and trent remain friends because then he will have someone who understands what he going through.

avery was such a loser honestly…he should’ve BEEN stuck up for himself and told his family to mind their business‬. They were way too nosey and FUCK carl. He had no right to use his title and dig through that man’s past. I believe Creed, that’s all i’m gonna say without going on a military rant LOL.

and FUCK creed’s father too!

i’m happy they got married, they both deserve to love and to be loved.