Strut the Mall

Love at Westbrook Mall #4

by Annelise Amore

They say fake it ‘til you make it, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

My life is an aesthetic designer clothes, my own apartment, and a hot boyfriend who shares my passion for modeling. The reality is I'm stuck wearing a neon green tee at Fancee's for discount shoes, my boyfriend is a lying mooch, and people are only willing to pay for pictures of my feet, not my face. The quarterback from high school, Zack, doesn't even recognize me when he comes in. Well, I'm not being passed over again. On New Year's Eve, I make a resolution to do what's best for me, even if that means dumping my ex, throwing fruit at his sugar mommy, and getting hauled out of the bar by the bouncer, who happens to be Zack. At least now he'll remember me. He even offers me a ride home and a warm meal. But that meathead doesn't want my midnight kiss. He's more interested in a job recommendation for Fancee's warehouse. Fine, whatever, have some health insurance.

When my ex starts hounding me at the mall for a second chance, Zack steps in, and for some stupid reason, I claim he's my new boyfriend. The solid wall of muscle should keep my ex at bay. But Zack wants to continue the ruse through Valentine's Day to get his family off his back about getting a girlfriend.

Faking it for the cameras is easy. Faking it for his loving family proves a little more complicated. Plus, we work together in more ways than one. But he's a straight-laced guy, and I sell pictures of my feet. Still, part of me believes if I can finally strut my true self in front of him, I might snag the priceless kind of love/life I've been faking for so long.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

About the author

Annelise Amore is a romance writer in the Midwest US, where she eats enough cheese it probably seeps into her stories. When she’s not wrapped up in rom-coms, she can be found gaming, wandering gardens, and analyzing pop culture snuggled in the safety of her husband’s arms or a bundle of fuzzy blankets.

Rumor has it, if you give her tea and sweets, she starts wiggling with glee. She’s the author of the Love at Westbrook Mall contemporary romance series, inspired by her time working in various retail and theater endeavors.

Reviews

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm yet to read the other books in this series... As this one had one addictive  and so hooked!!  I love how it had full of banter , laughs and can't forgot the romance ... The FMC Nicole , she finally decide to get rid of her lying ex boyfriend than she runs into Zac (which she knew him from school and he was a hot jock )  ...They end up starting to work together  but she pretends that Zac is her boyfriend to prevent her nasty ex recurring back into her life .... Aswell as Zac needs a fake girlfriend so he can get his family off his back ...

I honestly love Nicole as she is funny aswell she sells feet pictures ... I love how they are fun likeable characters which was just super cute

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always so excited to return to Westbrook Mall for some steamy workplace romance, and Strut the Mall was no different 🤩
Genuinely love these books! 💜
After a chance reunion and some fireworks on New Year's Eve, Zack and Nic try to fake date their family/ex off their backs.
These awkward turtles stumble their way into an endearing romance that had me giggling aloud multiple times 🤭

[Jennifer Naval Peak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strut the Mall is a cutesy romcom that’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick, lighthearted read. If you’ve ever worked in retail, this book might just bring back some fond (and not-so-fond) memories. As someone who worked in a shoe store during my teenage years, I couldn’t help but giggle at the FMC Nicole’s hilarious habit of nicknaming customers—it was so spot-on!

Zack, the MMC, was such a sweet and grounded character. I loved his banter with Nicole, and his relatable worries and ambitions felt so authentic for someone navigating his age and life stage. What stood out most to me, though, was how Zack and Nicole inspired each other to grow. They accepted one another completely while also pushing each other to strive for more—a dynamic I really enjoyed.

This was my first book by this author, and I’m looking forward to exploring more of the series. If you’re in the mood for a light spice, easy, rom-com story, Strut the Mall is a great pick!

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, a fun rom-com full of banter, laughs and romance. After Nicole gets rid of her lying ex boyfriend and runs Zack, a guy she knew from school. She is determined to be noticed by him, in school he was always the hot jock. When they start working together, she pretends he is her boyfriend to prevent her nasty ex from bothering her. And he needs a fake girlfriend to get his family off his back. Nicole cracks me up, her character is so funny, she even sells pictures of her feet. They are a fun likable couple and this book was enjoyable to read.

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving this cute little steamy romance series. its the perfect pallet cleanser. This was a cute work place romance. this book takes place around new years eve. Zach and Nic try their luck at fake dating, in hopes that their ex will leave them alone. They are awkward, funny, and most of all cute. I laughed so hard I cried.

[squeeGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have devoured this within 2 days of release. I just can't get enough of Annelise's writing. The characters are always so relatable and real. It's been a pleasure following the Westbrook stories from release :)

[alliyisreading_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

-cute read

- entertaining and kept my attention

- easy read 

- surprisingly funny 

-character growth was on point

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fantastic mall romance from Annelise Amore!

Zack and Nicole definitely had chemistry, and I thought it was sweet he was so nervous to bring her around his family. Shelby is his cousin, so both she and Harvey do make some appearances in this book. It would more than likely be beneficial to read "Deck the Mall" before this one, so you have an idea on who that are and what their background is.

Nicole was a strong, flirty, fruit throwing FMC, who knew how to hustle. She wasn't some damsel in distress is what I liked most about her. I think the first time she was in the bar was one of my favorite parts of the book. 😂 🍋 🥃 👠