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Copper Valley Bro Code #6
The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco
A reclusive former celebrity, a recovering good girl, and small town trouble...
It started as a joke. After a string of bad boyfriends, I made up a fake boyfriend so people would quit asking when I was going to meet a grumpy lumberjack trying to save his mama’s inn in my adopted hometown.
When my grandma demanded proof from afar, I sent her a picture of me and my “boyfriend.”
Spoiler alert: He wasn’t really my boyfriend.
He was actually a reclusive former boy band member who swings through town sometimes and is friends with my friends.
As much as a reclusive former boy bander can be friends with anyone, that is.
He doesn’t know I told anyone he’s my boyfriend. Or that his name is Steve. Or that my grandma judges him by his tattoos and manbun.
So when Grandma sends the guy she’d rather me marry to town to make sure “Steve” is good enough for me—and to talk me into marrying him instead—I have something of a problem.
But I got myself into this mess, so I’ll get myself out.
By proposing.
Relax, relax, I’m proposing a fake wedding.
And when he turns me down, I can say we broke up.
Except he doesn’t turn me down.
Instead, he offers me a trade.
He’ll pretend to be my groom, but I have to do something for him in return.
And that something?
Hoooo, boy.
I liked the man better when he was my pretend boyfriend Steve.
The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco is an action-packed romcom featuring the reclusive final member of the boy band Bro Code, a recovering good girl with too many men interested in her for all the wrong reasons, a treasure hunt, a fake engagement, and the best surprise to hit the Copper Valley universe since the Fireballs’ new mascot was revealed. This small town romantic comedy stands alone, but you wouldn’t go wrong to read both the Copper Valley Bro Code and Copper Valley Fireballs series, along with Dirty Talking Rival, to catch all of the easter eggs.
It started as a joke. After a string of bad boyfriends, I made up a fake boyfriend so people would quit asking when I was going to meet a grumpy lumberjack trying to save his mama’s inn in my adopted hometown.
When my grandma demanded proof from afar, I sent her a picture of me and my “boyfriend.”
Spoiler alert: He wasn’t really my boyfriend.
He was actually a reclusive former boy band member who swings through town sometimes and is friends with my friends.
As much as a reclusive former boy bander can be friends with anyone, that is.
He doesn’t know I told anyone he’s my boyfriend. Or that his name is Steve. Or that my grandma judges him by his tattoos and manbun.
So when Grandma sends the guy she’d rather me marry to town to make sure “Steve” is good enough for me—and to talk me into marrying him instead—I have something of a problem.
But I got myself into this mess, so I’ll get myself out.
By proposing.
Relax, relax, I’m proposing a fake wedding.
And when he turns me down, I can say we broke up.
Except he doesn’t turn me down.
Instead, he offers me a trade.
He’ll pretend to be my groom, but I have to do something for him in return.
And that something?
Hoooo, boy.
I liked the man better when he was my pretend boyfriend Steve.
The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco is an action-packed romcom featuring the reclusive final member of the boy band Bro Code, a recovering good girl with too many men interested in her for all the wrong reasons, a treasure hunt, a fake engagement, and the best surprise to hit the Copper Valley universe since the Fireballs’ new mascot was revealed. This small town romantic comedy stands alone, but you wouldn’t go wrong to read both the Copper Valley Bro Code and Copper Valley Fireballs series, along with Dirty Talking Rival, to catch all of the easter eggs.
536 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2025
1742 people are currently reading
948 people want to read
About the author
Pippa Grant
66 books10.7k followersPippa Grant wanted to write books, so she did.
Before she became a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling romantic comedy author, she was a young military spouse who got into writing as self-therapy. That happened around the time she discovered reading romance novels, and the two eventually merged into a career. Today, she has more than 30 knee-slapping Pippa Grant titles and nine published under the name Jamie Farrell.
When she’s not writing romantic comedies, she’s fumbling through being a mom, wife, and mountain woman, and sometimes tries to find hobbies. Her crowning achievement? Having impeccable timing for telling stories that will make people snort beverages out of their noses. Consider yourself warned.
Before she became a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling romantic comedy author, she was a young military spouse who got into writing as self-therapy. That happened around the time she discovered reading romance novels, and the two eventually merged into a career. Today, she has more than 30 knee-slapping Pippa Grant titles and nine published under the name Jamie Farrell.
When she’s not writing romantic comedies, she’s fumbling through being a mom, wife, and mountain woman, and sometimes tries to find hobbies. Her crowning achievement? Having impeccable timing for telling stories that will make people snort beverages out of their noses. Consider yourself warned.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews
May 10, 2025
The pretend Fiancé Fiasco is the perfect ending to the Cooper Valley Bro code series.
Davis is a man of few words. He’s known as the lost member of Bro Code. In reality, Davis likes to keep a low profile.
Sloane has an overbearing family, and to keep them at bay, she makes up the pretend Fiancé Fiasco. She’s been secretly taking pictures of Davis while he hangs out in Shipwreck. She told her family he was called Steve, but the pictures are all of Davis.
When the guy Sloane’s grandmother wants her to marry turns up, she hopes Davis will help her set him back on his way.
Davis goes above and beyond for Sloane, and they set up a fake wedding date. But Davis has his own goal. He wants something from Sloane, too.
Davis has his eyes on the Shipwreck treasure. He knows it’s full of secrets and scandal. Will Sloane help him find what he desires most, and will Davis be more than a pretend happy ever after?
I can’t rave enough about this series. I flipping love it. I’ve read the first three books in the series and then got distracted by the new and shiny (this one). It’s easy to follow the story but the other characters from the series feature in this book. To feel the full love of Bro Code I recommend reading this one last.
Davis is a man of few words. He’s known as the lost member of Bro Code. In reality, Davis likes to keep a low profile.
Sloane has an overbearing family, and to keep them at bay, she makes up the pretend Fiancé Fiasco. She’s been secretly taking pictures of Davis while he hangs out in Shipwreck. She told her family he was called Steve, but the pictures are all of Davis.
When the guy Sloane’s grandmother wants her to marry turns up, she hopes Davis will help her set him back on his way.
Davis goes above and beyond for Sloane, and they set up a fake wedding date. But Davis has his own goal. He wants something from Sloane, too.
Davis has his eyes on the Shipwreck treasure. He knows it’s full of secrets and scandal. Will Sloane help him find what he desires most, and will Davis be more than a pretend happy ever after?
I can’t rave enough about this series. I flipping love it. I’ve read the first three books in the series and then got distracted by the new and shiny (this one). It’s easy to follow the story but the other characters from the series feature in this book. To feel the full love of Bro Code I recommend reading this one last.
May 8, 2025
When your grandma sends a man to evaluate your fake boyfriend, the only logical next step is to propose. 😅💍
Read if you like:
✔️ Fake engagement
✔️ Grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Small town chaos
✔️ Treasure hunts & boy band secrets
✔️ Laugh-out-loud slow burns
📚 Sloane Pearce is a recovering good girl who’s built a cozy life in Shipwreck. To dodge relentless questions about her love life, she invents a fake boyfriend—“Steve”—who’s really Davis Remington, a reclusive ex-boy bander with a man bun and a serious case of "leave me alone." Everything’s fine until Grandma gets involved and sends another suitor to town… prompting Sloane to propose a fake wedding.
👨👧 Davis has been the mystery man fans of the Bro Code series have begged to see more of, and he did not disappoint. Quiet, private, and full of secrets (some hilarious, some emotional), Davis is the reluctant hero who agrees to the scheme—but on one condition that sets the whole town on a wild ride.
💞 The romance is the kind that sneaks up on you—slow, steady, and then an emotional avalanche. Davis’s protectiveness, Sloane’s sass, and their undeniable chemistry made for the kind of tension that keeps you grinning and swooning in equal measure.
👧 From surprise character cameos to the town’s nosy charm, the cast shines. And yes, the foul-mouthed parrot steals scenes like a seasoned comedic sidekick. Every interaction is a gem.
✍️ Pippa Grant delivers her signature chaos-meets-heart style with perfect comedic timing, heartfelt moments, and sparkling banter. The story balances absurd fun with quiet tenderness—exactly the payoff long-time readers hoped for.
🌟 Whether you're here for the Bro Code finale or just love a good fake fiancé mess turned real romance, this book delivers. It’s the kind of comfort romcom that wraps you in hilarity, heart, and happily ever after.
📲 QOTD: What’s your favorite fake dating/fake fiancé romance?
📲 Or, for the non-romance readers: What’s a small town book setting that totally charmed you?👇
#BookReview #RomComReads #FakeFiancéTrope #GrumpySunshine #PippaGrant #CopperValley #RomanceBookstagram #BroCodeSeries #RomanticComedy #SmallTownRomance #BookishHumor #RomComRecommendation #TBRstack
Read if you like:
✔️ Fake engagement
✔️ Grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Small town chaos
✔️ Treasure hunts & boy band secrets
✔️ Laugh-out-loud slow burns
📚 Sloane Pearce is a recovering good girl who’s built a cozy life in Shipwreck. To dodge relentless questions about her love life, she invents a fake boyfriend—“Steve”—who’s really Davis Remington, a reclusive ex-boy bander with a man bun and a serious case of "leave me alone." Everything’s fine until Grandma gets involved and sends another suitor to town… prompting Sloane to propose a fake wedding.
👨👧 Davis has been the mystery man fans of the Bro Code series have begged to see more of, and he did not disappoint. Quiet, private, and full of secrets (some hilarious, some emotional), Davis is the reluctant hero who agrees to the scheme—but on one condition that sets the whole town on a wild ride.
💞 The romance is the kind that sneaks up on you—slow, steady, and then an emotional avalanche. Davis’s protectiveness, Sloane’s sass, and their undeniable chemistry made for the kind of tension that keeps you grinning and swooning in equal measure.
👧 From surprise character cameos to the town’s nosy charm, the cast shines. And yes, the foul-mouthed parrot steals scenes like a seasoned comedic sidekick. Every interaction is a gem.
✍️ Pippa Grant delivers her signature chaos-meets-heart style with perfect comedic timing, heartfelt moments, and sparkling banter. The story balances absurd fun with quiet tenderness—exactly the payoff long-time readers hoped for.
🌟 Whether you're here for the Bro Code finale or just love a good fake fiancé mess turned real romance, this book delivers. It’s the kind of comfort romcom that wraps you in hilarity, heart, and happily ever after.
📲 QOTD: What’s your favorite fake dating/fake fiancé romance?
📲 Or, for the non-romance readers: What’s a small town book setting that totally charmed you?👇
#BookReview #RomComReads #FakeFiancéTrope #GrumpySunshine #PippaGrant #CopperValley #RomanceBookstagram #BroCodeSeries #RomanticComedy #SmallTownRomance #BookishHumor #RomComRecommendation #TBRstack
May 1, 2025
5 Star Review The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco (Copper Valley #6) by Pippa Grant
What a fabulous addition to the Copper Valley series. Pippa Grant has finished the series with a great read that had me in stitches.
This is Davis Remington and Sloane Pearce’s story and what a witty, romantic, passionate story it was.
From the first to the last chapter I was hooked. The characters were engaging and I found myself laughing, sighing and swooning throughout.
I loved these two as a couple and I was sad when their story ended.
What a fabulous addition to the Copper Valley series. Pippa Grant has finished the series with a great read that had me in stitches.
This is Davis Remington and Sloane Pearce’s story and what a witty, romantic, passionate story it was.
From the first to the last chapter I was hooked. The characters were engaging and I found myself laughing, sighing and swooning throughout.
I loved these two as a couple and I was sad when their story ended.
April 25, 2025
Sloane Pearce got herself into a little pickle with a fib about having a boyfriend. A Former boy band member of Bro Code named Davis Remington boyfriend that is! He is a friend of a friend so when he comes to town he is in for a little surprise. Now that one fib has taken a life of its own when Sloane has to keep it going and they agree to be faux engaged. He also has a motive too though. What other craziness will ensue? Glitter everywhere, a faux fiancé and a treasure hunt all merge in this kooky romcom. A fun adventurous romcom with plenty of great side characters too. Also some cutie moments with children. Told in first person and dual POV.
May 13, 2025
Hmmmm. 2.5 stars only because they spent like 70% of the book talking about their relationship barriers and why they’ll never be together. They just kept saying that over and over again so there was some skimming even though I usually really like this author and like how she tells stories. I was also completely overwhelmed by all the characters and I’ve read all the books/series prior to this. I don’t know if it had just been away and I forgot or couldn’t keep track of who was who or if there were just entirely too many characters brought in all the time.
June 3, 2025
Best of the series. Fake fiancé + treasure + mystery = pure fun.
Out of all six books in the Copper Valley Bro Code series, The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco was hands down my favourite. It had everything at once, mystery, humour, fake relationship chaos, emotional growth and somehow it all worked perfectly.
Sloane’s made-up boyfriend “Steve” turns into a real fake fiancé when she drags Davis Remington into the mix. He’s a quiet, broody ex-boy bander with serious “don’t mess with me” energy. Meanwhile, she’s the total opposite, nonstop chatter, clumsy, a little chaotic, but also super warm and genuine. It’s hilarious and sweet watching her chip away at his walls, slowly getting him to open up and show a softer, more human side. The way she sees through him is honestly one of the best parts of the book.
There’s also a whole layer of suspense with treasure maps, suspicious people, and some low-key CIA vibes that give the story this fun edge. It never gets too dark or heavy, just enough to keep you hooked. And the humour? Classic Pippa Grant; totally eccentric situations that make you laugh without taking away from the heart of the story.
I had such a good time reading this. If you like your romances with fake engagements, grumpy/sunshine energy, and a splash of mystery, don’t skip this one. It’s a wild ride in the best way.
Out of all six books in the Copper Valley Bro Code series, The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco was hands down my favourite. It had everything at once, mystery, humour, fake relationship chaos, emotional growth and somehow it all worked perfectly.
Sloane’s made-up boyfriend “Steve” turns into a real fake fiancé when she drags Davis Remington into the mix. He’s a quiet, broody ex-boy bander with serious “don’t mess with me” energy. Meanwhile, she’s the total opposite, nonstop chatter, clumsy, a little chaotic, but also super warm and genuine. It’s hilarious and sweet watching her chip away at his walls, slowly getting him to open up and show a softer, more human side. The way she sees through him is honestly one of the best parts of the book.
There’s also a whole layer of suspense with treasure maps, suspicious people, and some low-key CIA vibes that give the story this fun edge. It never gets too dark or heavy, just enough to keep you hooked. And the humour? Classic Pippa Grant; totally eccentric situations that make you laugh without taking away from the heart of the story.
I had such a good time reading this. If you like your romances with fake engagements, grumpy/sunshine energy, and a splash of mystery, don’t skip this one. It’s a wild ride in the best way.
May 11, 2025
Sloane and Davis were perfect for each other! And omg this book wraps up the copper valley series and I’m legitimately sad it’s over. This book is a whirlwind of humor, goofiness, found family, pirates, slight suspense, small town vibes and so much more. We get to see basically all of the other couples which I loved! And the ending of this book made me cry happy tears.
Pippa Grant is forever my go to author for lighthearted funny but still spicy reads. This book made me cry both happy and sad tears, and you’ll definitely want to read this if you’ve read any of the other copper valley/bro code books!
Pippa Grant is forever my go to author for lighthearted funny but still spicy reads. This book made me cry both happy and sad tears, and you’ll definitely want to read this if you’ve read any of the other copper valley/bro code books!
May 26, 2025
The last of the Bro Code
The last member of the BroCode has found his HEA. Sloan and Davis are perfect for each other. This book is full of humor and mystery with unexpected twists. I will probably reread the series as I love these characters.
The last member of the BroCode has found his HEA. Sloan and Davis are perfect for each other. This book is full of humor and mystery with unexpected twists. I will probably reread the series as I love these characters.
May 9, 2025
#CurrentSituation: I am a little bit obsessed with Pippa Grant and every world she has ever created! #sendhelp
So, I’ve *read* this story because #ARCReview AND I even have a paperback and I thought I’d be able to listen to the 11(ish) hour audio by yesterday evening (because I am ridiculous like that with #goals LOL) buuuuuuuut, no. (but I can by this afternoon so standby lol)
So, I’ve *read* this story because #ARCReview AND I even have a paperback and I thought I’d be able to listen to the 11(ish) hour audio by yesterday evening (because I am ridiculous like that with #goals LOL) buuuuuuuut, no. (but I can by this afternoon so standby lol)
September 25, 2025
you know what? 5 stars all in the name of nostalgia. waited a long time for the last book of this series. that ending was perfect 🥲
May 8, 2025
I know most books tend to take you on an adventure... but this book TAKES YOU ON AN ADVENTURE! I'm talking deep dark secrets, re-writing history and a race to hunt for long lost pirate treasure.
The Pretend Fiance Fiasco is here and wrapping up the last single member of Bro Code- the illusive Davis Remington is being very present in Shipwreck not only willingly setting up a fake marriage with none other than Sloane but these two are also on a wild pirate treasure hunt. Since this book brings together so many different characters and ideas that span widely across the Pippaverse- there is a recommended reading order that will refresh all things Bro Code, Copper Valley and Shipwreck otherwise there may be some moments that are confusing since there's a running backstory there.
But on to Davis and Sloane... I didn't think that the reclusive Davis with his mysterious talents and secretive nature would amuse me as much as he did. He has some metaphorical skeletons in his closet and while he had sworn relationships of the real variety off, I loved finally getting to be inside his mind and see that struggle he had with himself because Sloane had the power to break through his carefully constructed walls. I adored Sloane- she's come a long way since we first met her in Faking it with the Frenemy. She's a bit of a hot mess, she's sworn off men but also battling the guilt that she's been programmed to have her entire life by her family which is how she ended up with Davis as a fake fiance. I love when she lets her sassier side loose and both stands up for herself while also asking for what she wants.
This book is a bit of a slower burn- as both of these relationship adverse individuals both have some iron will and keep their desires under-wraps for a while. It's in those moments that they loose control that I was completely captivated.
And of course since this is a Pippa romance you can definitely count on some laugh out loud moments, off the wall animal encounters and copious amounts of glitter. The hunt for pirate treasure is obviously a big point in this story- I just was not expecting all the little twists and turns that Pippa surprised us with. It definitely helped keep the story surprising the whole way through.
I do wish there was a little more to the actual relationship between Sloane and Davis. They bonded over their shared interest and Davis' innate need to protect Sloane, this chemistry and ease that lingers between them but I just felt like it was missing a little something between their attempts to keep their relationship platonic and surface level to not wanting to let go. Despite that I love the way that this story came together for these two!
The Pretend Fiance Fiasco is here and wrapping up the last single member of Bro Code- the illusive Davis Remington is being very present in Shipwreck not only willingly setting up a fake marriage with none other than Sloane but these two are also on a wild pirate treasure hunt. Since this book brings together so many different characters and ideas that span widely across the Pippaverse- there is a recommended reading order that will refresh all things Bro Code, Copper Valley and Shipwreck otherwise there may be some moments that are confusing since there's a running backstory there.
But on to Davis and Sloane... I didn't think that the reclusive Davis with his mysterious talents and secretive nature would amuse me as much as he did. He has some metaphorical skeletons in his closet and while he had sworn relationships of the real variety off, I loved finally getting to be inside his mind and see that struggle he had with himself because Sloane had the power to break through his carefully constructed walls. I adored Sloane- she's come a long way since we first met her in Faking it with the Frenemy. She's a bit of a hot mess, she's sworn off men but also battling the guilt that she's been programmed to have her entire life by her family which is how she ended up with Davis as a fake fiance. I love when she lets her sassier side loose and both stands up for herself while also asking for what she wants.
This book is a bit of a slower burn- as both of these relationship adverse individuals both have some iron will and keep their desires under-wraps for a while. It's in those moments that they loose control that I was completely captivated.
And of course since this is a Pippa romance you can definitely count on some laugh out loud moments, off the wall animal encounters and copious amounts of glitter. The hunt for pirate treasure is obviously a big point in this story- I just was not expecting all the little twists and turns that Pippa surprised us with. It definitely helped keep the story surprising the whole way through.
I do wish there was a little more to the actual relationship between Sloane and Davis. They bonded over their shared interest and Davis' innate need to protect Sloane, this chemistry and ease that lingers between them but I just felt like it was missing a little something between their attempts to keep their relationship platonic and surface level to not wanting to let go. Despite that I love the way that this story came together for these two!
April 30, 2025
Adventure, Intrigue, Danger, Buried Pirate Treasure, Glitter bombs, Love..... This story has it all! I was hooked right from the start, and completely devoured this hilarious, heartfelt, and swoony romance! Sloane has always had a crush on Davis Remington, a member of Bro Code. When her grandmother tried to force her to marry someone, she told her that she was already engaged to Davis. What she never expected was for Davis to return home and offer to step in and save the day. Davis had his own reasons for coming back home, and they might have something to do with the sudden events happening to Sloane and the missing pirate artifacts in the local museum she manages. The mysterious Davis is trying to protect Sloane, and also find the pirate treasure, before it is discovered by the wrong person. Sloane is determined to look for it with him, and her depth of local history knowledge is invaluable. As they unravel the clues, their attraction to each other is undeniable, and they are helpless from acting on it, that is if everyone would stop interrupting them! Will they find the treasure, if it exists, before the unknown plunderer stops them, and before their fake wedding? I loved Sloane and Davis together, especially with all of their quirks, and flaws! Sloane was so strong and resilient, working hard to overcome the guilt thrust upon her. Davis was a man of mystery, so many talents and using them to help those in need. He also struggled with his own guilt from his past, and Sloane was perfect for him, breaking down all his walls. I really loved catching up with all of their family and friends from past books who added so much hilarity and heart to this story as well.
I loved listening to CJ Bloom and Teddy Hamilton's narration, along with a cameo performance by Ava Erickson. They were so perfect as Sloane and Davis as they made these smart, unique and witty characters come to life. I also think they have perfect comedic timing. I loved their humor, and their easy ability to make this hilarious, quirky, heartwarming, and sizzling romance one that you will want to listen to again and again! I absolutely adored this book and know you will too!
I loved listening to CJ Bloom and Teddy Hamilton's narration, along with a cameo performance by Ava Erickson. They were so perfect as Sloane and Davis as they made these smart, unique and witty characters come to life. I also think they have perfect comedic timing. I loved their humor, and their easy ability to make this hilarious, quirky, heartwarming, and sizzling romance one that you will want to listen to again and again! I absolutely adored this book and know you will too!
April 30, 2025
For anyone that has been a long time Pippa Grant reader, we have shamelessly been bugging and pleading for Davis’s story and we finally got it. And he was worth the wait. “The Pretend Fiance Fiasco” is a swoony, heartfelt and laugh out loud fake fiance, treasure hunting rom-com that was a perfect ending to the series.
Sloane Pearce has been happily living in Shipwreck and to keep her family off her back, she told him that she has a boyfriend. She thought that was the end of it until her grandma sends a man to get her because that’s who she wants her to marry. Small problem, the picture she sent her grandma was Davis Remington, famous former pop star of Bro Code who also lives in Shipwreck. Davis has made it a point to keep to himself and out of the spotlight but when he meets the other guy, he says yes to Sloane’s fake engagement. But Davis wants something from Sloane in return that leads them into an adventure neither was expecting.
Throughout the series, I have been dying to find out more about Davis. The band broke up during the height of their career and for reasons that no one knew why but them. He had spent those years hiding away but when he was needed by Sloane, he was there for her in a heartbeat. I loved his swooniness and the way he had fallen for Sloane, slow at first and then all at once like an avalanche. Sloane is someone that I loved from the beginning and she was so much fun to read about. I loved how she was invested in the town of Shipwreck and made it her home. The banter between Sloane and Davis was fantastic and I was cracking up so much while reading their story. But as they got to know each other, the chemistry they had was off the charts and I loved the slow burn to them giving into the attraction they had for each other. This story was so much fun and I loved having all of my favorite characters make appearances and be a part of this storyline. The foul mouthed parrot had me laughing so hard with his impeccable timing of putting his two cents in. The ending was great and I can’t wait to re-read this series.
Sloane Pearce has been happily living in Shipwreck and to keep her family off her back, she told him that she has a boyfriend. She thought that was the end of it until her grandma sends a man to get her because that’s who she wants her to marry. Small problem, the picture she sent her grandma was Davis Remington, famous former pop star of Bro Code who also lives in Shipwreck. Davis has made it a point to keep to himself and out of the spotlight but when he meets the other guy, he says yes to Sloane’s fake engagement. But Davis wants something from Sloane in return that leads them into an adventure neither was expecting.
Throughout the series, I have been dying to find out more about Davis. The band broke up during the height of their career and for reasons that no one knew why but them. He had spent those years hiding away but when he was needed by Sloane, he was there for her in a heartbeat. I loved his swooniness and the way he had fallen for Sloane, slow at first and then all at once like an avalanche. Sloane is someone that I loved from the beginning and she was so much fun to read about. I loved how she was invested in the town of Shipwreck and made it her home. The banter between Sloane and Davis was fantastic and I was cracking up so much while reading their story. But as they got to know each other, the chemistry they had was off the charts and I loved the slow burn to them giving into the attraction they had for each other. This story was so much fun and I loved having all of my favorite characters make appearances and be a part of this storyline. The foul mouthed parrot had me laughing so hard with his impeccable timing of putting his two cents in. The ending was great and I can’t wait to re-read this series.
May 8, 2025
There’s a fake engagement. There’s a treasure hunt and a small-town rivalry. There’s a cursing parrot, a three-legged cat, raccoons, and goats. I mean…those aspects alone could sell this book to a dedicated romcom reader, right?!
As with any Pippa Grant book, there’s really so much more going on and you get the emotional moments along with the humor and heat. (And gosh, Pippa Grant sure does write some delicious heat, y’all).
Here’s the TL;DR: He’s the reclusive, former boy band member whom she had a crush on as a teen and whose photo she happened to send to her grandmother to represent her (fake) boyfriend. And she’s the woman he agrees to fake marry because he needs her help with something secret.
And I loved it, y’all.
You can read it as a standalone, but the reading experience is even better if you’ve read at least the other Copper Valley Bro Code books as well as The Grumpy Player Next Door and Irresistible Trouble in the Pippaverse.
I, of course, loved the many laugh-out-loud moments, but some of the absolute highlights for me were seeing their emotional vulnerability in the intimate moments, cheering Sloane on as she works to counteract the shame ingrained in her from her upbringing, and watching Davis open up again.
Plus many beloved characters from throughout the Pippaverse pop up along the way.
If you’re an audiobook fan, you’re in for a treat with this one. Narrated in duet by CJ Bloom and Teddy Hamilton, with a cameo by Ava Erickson, the audiobook is a fun escape. All three narrators bring great energy levels to their performances. Bloom captures Sloane’s relatability and listening to her narrate Sloane’s inner monologue is so much fun. Hamilton does a fantastic job capturing Davis’s inner monologue and his “Oh, s***” epiphany moments. And the audiobook editing allows the dialogue in duet narration to flow seamlessly.
I received advance copies of the book from the author and Give Me Books Promotions. All review opinions are my own.
As with any Pippa Grant book, there’s really so much more going on and you get the emotional moments along with the humor and heat. (And gosh, Pippa Grant sure does write some delicious heat, y’all).
Here’s the TL;DR: He’s the reclusive, former boy band member whom she had a crush on as a teen and whose photo she happened to send to her grandmother to represent her (fake) boyfriend. And she’s the woman he agrees to fake marry because he needs her help with something secret.
And I loved it, y’all.
You can read it as a standalone, but the reading experience is even better if you’ve read at least the other Copper Valley Bro Code books as well as The Grumpy Player Next Door and Irresistible Trouble in the Pippaverse.
I, of course, loved the many laugh-out-loud moments, but some of the absolute highlights for me were seeing their emotional vulnerability in the intimate moments, cheering Sloane on as she works to counteract the shame ingrained in her from her upbringing, and watching Davis open up again.
Plus many beloved characters from throughout the Pippaverse pop up along the way.
If you’re an audiobook fan, you’re in for a treat with this one. Narrated in duet by CJ Bloom and Teddy Hamilton, with a cameo by Ava Erickson, the audiobook is a fun escape. All three narrators bring great energy levels to their performances. Bloom captures Sloane’s relatability and listening to her narrate Sloane’s inner monologue is so much fun. Hamilton does a fantastic job capturing Davis’s inner monologue and his “Oh, s***” epiphany moments. And the audiobook editing allows the dialogue in duet narration to flow seamlessly.
I received advance copies of the book from the author and Give Me Books Promotions. All review opinions are my own.
April 27, 2025
The Pretend Fiance Fiasco
Copper Valley Bro Code #6
By Pippa Grant
Narrated by CJ Bloom, Teddy Hamilton, Ava Erickson
You know that kind of book that you can't put down? Here it is! Book 6 of the Copper Valley Bro Code, it features Sloane and Davis. Davis is the one member of Bro Code that has does not want to get married, but when he finds out Sloane has made the fatal mistake of telling her grandmother he was her fiance, he willingly plays the part. And the story begins. This is not the typical fake relationship story. These are not your typical characters! Davis is a little grumpy, a lot aloof, hard to get to know and I love how Sloane breaks down his walls. Sloane is on a mission to find the treasure. Her determination is unprecedented! This treasure seeking element, with the history of the towns and people held me and I just had to find it with them! But Pippa adds twists and turns I wasn't expecting! This is all around fun, bringing in the others from Bro Code and had that feeling of coming home along with the adventure. I loved it!
And how could it be better? Let CJ Bloom and Teddy Hamilton read it to me. These two are fabulous at reading their characters and this story is no exception. I loved their interpretation of each, how they built the story in with frustrations and suspense, and how they built the love these two found. Add in the cameo by Ava Erickson, and this is magic. Loved this listen!
Copper Valley Bro Code #6
By Pippa Grant
Narrated by CJ Bloom, Teddy Hamilton, Ava Erickson
You know that kind of book that you can't put down? Here it is! Book 6 of the Copper Valley Bro Code, it features Sloane and Davis. Davis is the one member of Bro Code that has does not want to get married, but when he finds out Sloane has made the fatal mistake of telling her grandmother he was her fiance, he willingly plays the part. And the story begins. This is not the typical fake relationship story. These are not your typical characters! Davis is a little grumpy, a lot aloof, hard to get to know and I love how Sloane breaks down his walls. Sloane is on a mission to find the treasure. Her determination is unprecedented! This treasure seeking element, with the history of the towns and people held me and I just had to find it with them! But Pippa adds twists and turns I wasn't expecting! This is all around fun, bringing in the others from Bro Code and had that feeling of coming home along with the adventure. I loved it!
And how could it be better? Let CJ Bloom and Teddy Hamilton read it to me. These two are fabulous at reading their characters and this story is no exception. I loved their interpretation of each, how they built the story in with frustrations and suspense, and how they built the love these two found. Add in the cameo by Ava Erickson, and this is magic. Loved this listen!
April 28, 2025
I got this lovely little surprise in the mail a little while ago from the lovely @pippa.grant 😍 The Final Installment to her Bro Code series, The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco! Not only is the cover almost exactly how I picture Davis in my head, but the book itself is an absolute treasure (literally 😉)!
Davis and Sloane are so great! Without giving too much away, the dry and methodical thoughts that are Davis’ chapters absolutely had me cackling! He reads exactly as I imagined he would. Very no-nonsense, so when Sloane barrels into his life and all sorts of chaos ensues, due to no fault of her own, it’s comedic perfection!
If you’ve read the other bro code books, this is a must read! If you haven’t yet, what are you even doing!? Get to it ASAP! You won’t regret it!!
If you love:
🎤Quirky small towns
🦜Treasure Hunts
🏴☠️Pirates
🩷Found Family
💍Fake Fiancé
💰Rich MMCs that don’t act like it and the supporting side characters who are also insanely rich, yet humble
Then You’ll LOVE The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco!
#gooniesvibes #pretendfiancé #foundfamily #piratetreasure #romcom #pippagrant
Davis and Sloane are so great! Without giving too much away, the dry and methodical thoughts that are Davis’ chapters absolutely had me cackling! He reads exactly as I imagined he would. Very no-nonsense, so when Sloane barrels into his life and all sorts of chaos ensues, due to no fault of her own, it’s comedic perfection!
If you’ve read the other bro code books, this is a must read! If you haven’t yet, what are you even doing!? Get to it ASAP! You won’t regret it!!
If you love:
🎤Quirky small towns
🦜Treasure Hunts
🏴☠️Pirates
🩷Found Family
💍Fake Fiancé
💰Rich MMCs that don’t act like it and the supporting side characters who are also insanely rich, yet humble
Then You’ll LOVE The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco!
#gooniesvibes #pretendfiancé #foundfamily #piratetreasure #romcom #pippagrant
April 29, 2025
I loved this!!!
Pipa is my favorite romcom writer for a reason, and this book was a shining example of why. It was quirky, spicy, sweet, and full of hijinks. I love how Pippa writes insanely crazy stories but her characters have a strong sense of justice and fairness, they aren’t narcissistic, and tend to have very sound and solid life advice mixed into the crazy.
The Fiancé Fiasco finally gave us a pirates search for treasure! Pipa mixed it with an adorable fake relationship trope and a mashup of some of her best found families! (I know I’m using a lot of exclamation points here but I loved this y’all!!)
And did I mention she got Teddy Hamilton to narrate this in a duet. 🫠 Seriously, you need the audio, a physical, and the ebook on this one, because it should be enjoyed in all its forms.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pipa is my favorite romcom writer for a reason, and this book was a shining example of why. It was quirky, spicy, sweet, and full of hijinks. I love how Pippa writes insanely crazy stories but her characters have a strong sense of justice and fairness, they aren’t narcissistic, and tend to have very sound and solid life advice mixed into the crazy.
The Fiancé Fiasco finally gave us a pirates search for treasure! Pipa mixed it with an adorable fake relationship trope and a mashup of some of her best found families! (I know I’m using a lot of exclamation points here but I loved this y’all!!)
And did I mention she got Teddy Hamilton to narrate this in a duet. 🫠 Seriously, you need the audio, a physical, and the ebook on this one, because it should be enjoyed in all its forms.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 8, 2025
This is the sixth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Davis and Sloane’s story.
To get Sloane’s obnoxious grandma off her back she tells her she has a boyfriend, but when her grandma wants proof she sends a photo of Davis, who is a reclusive former boy band member, but now she needs to persuade him to become her fake boyfriend, and he agrees but wants something in return.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, action packed story, with family, friendships, emotions, chaos, twists and turns, undeniable chemistry, challenges, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, sweet, and fun, captivating page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
To get Sloane’s obnoxious grandma off her back she tells her she has a boyfriend, but when her grandma wants proof she sends a photo of Davis, who is a reclusive former boy band member, but now she needs to persuade him to become her fake boyfriend, and he agrees but wants something in return.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, action packed story, with family, friendships, emotions, chaos, twists and turns, undeniable chemistry, challenges, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, sweet, and fun, captivating page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
May 16, 2025
⭐️5+ Anytime I'm in a reading slump, I really should just pick up a Pippa Grant book, and the slump will disappear! This is the final book in The Bro Code series, and it ended absolutely perfectly. Pippa has a way of making a heartwarming book that makes you swoon, giggle, tear up, and laugh out loud. This book hit me in the heart. It unexpectedly dealt with religious trauma, and it was done so so well. It brought all of the people we love from the Pippa-verse together, and reading it, made you feel a part of it all.
September 14, 2025
I didn't read any of the previous books in the series, and while it's not necessary, I did feel like I missed out on a lot of history with all these characters. A treasure hunt is always exciting and this one was quite convoluted. There was a lot of silliness, which I quite appreciate usually, but there was a moment where it felt like the shenanigans were filler to give Sloane and Davis more time together, as the treasure hunt wasn't going anywhere at that point. And these two needed a lot of time to sort through their respective baggage. Ultimately, it was a fun read and I loved the ending.
May 11, 2025
Davis’s Story! Finally!
I loved this book! Perfect ending to the Bro Code series. We waited so long for Davis’s story and it was well worth it. I love that Sloane got her HEA too. And that a certain bad guy got his comeuppance. (Trying to word that in a way that won’t be a spoiler) If you haven’t read the other Bro Code books, I would recommend reading them first. Although this book can be read as a standalone, you will enjoy it more if you read the rest of the series first. They are all good. And Davis’s story is the perfect wrap up.
I loved this book! Perfect ending to the Bro Code series. We waited so long for Davis’s story and it was well worth it. I love that Sloane got her HEA too. And that a certain bad guy got his comeuppance. (Trying to word that in a way that won’t be a spoiler) If you haven’t read the other Bro Code books, I would recommend reading them first. Although this book can be read as a standalone, you will enjoy it more if you read the rest of the series first. They are all good. And Davis’s story is the perfect wrap up.
September 9, 2025
Good, not great. Lots of backstory and too many side characters in this one. I liked the MCs though.
September 19, 2025
Cute, quick listen/read. Great continuation with cameos from previous couples in the series!
May 18, 2025
Pippa Grants latest novel has us back in Shipwreck where we have Sloane fighting off two blast from her past, an overbearing grandmother and trying to maintain a fake relationship that's starting to feel not so fake. This book has it all, pirates treasure, romance, action, flying d*ldos, a goat named Sue, a savage band of vigilant raccoons, a three legged cat and everyone's favorite cussing parrot. Oh... and we can't forget the glitter, there's always glitter when we visit Shipwreck. A fun read for sure!
May 31, 2025
The Pretend Fiancé Fiasco is another hilarious addition to the Copper Valley Bro Code. The reclusive band boy Davis’ story is finally here!! And what a story Pippa saved for us!
Sloane and Davis’ quirky, over the top shenanigan filled story kept the laughs aplenty!
I loved all the discoveries and secrets revealed! And that reunion ending left my heart so full!
The icing on the cake was Teddy Hamilton and Cj Bloom narrating!! They were absolutely everything. The mysteries, the emotions from all the harbored secrets, all the hilarity that ensued, these two brought it all with their performance!
Sloane and Davis’ quirky, over the top shenanigan filled story kept the laughs aplenty!
I loved all the discoveries and secrets revealed! And that reunion ending left my heart so full!
The icing on the cake was Teddy Hamilton and Cj Bloom narrating!! They were absolutely everything. The mysteries, the emotions from all the harbored secrets, all the hilarity that ensued, these two brought it all with their performance!
May 9, 2025
OMG!!!! We finally get Davis' story! Super extra bonus points to Pippa for setting the story in my favorite fictional hamlet of Shipwreck. Sloan (you may remember Sloane from her smallish part in Flirting with the Frenemy) and Davis are perfect together; they are the perfect counterpart to eachother. I am so glad we get glimpses of some of our favorite Copper Valley characters, and that the Bro Code guys and their partners play a significant part in this book. I laughed so hard ("Formally classified as a biological weapon, ma'am."), smiled too much (I freakin love Long Beak Silver), and even cried a bit (when Davis talks about tipping the scales). This was the perfect way to close out the Bro Code series. I hope we get some fun bonus bonus epilogues about the band reuniting for a good cause.
May 12, 2025
Um YES, YES, YESSSS! This made my boy band loving heart happy!
Pirates, shenanigans, emotional tears and a whole lot of laughs are jam packed into this beautiful book!
I could not get enough of the hilarious characters and the “adventure” they partook in. The main adventure though was discovering how strong they are and how healing and freeing love could be.
I am not going to let any spoilers spill because this book has to be experienced. There are so many amazing things in the pages of this book and it doesn’t matter if you’re new to Pippa or have been a long time reader, there is something here for everyone to love.
Pirates, shenanigans, emotional tears and a whole lot of laughs are jam packed into this beautiful book!
I could not get enough of the hilarious characters and the “adventure” they partook in. The main adventure though was discovering how strong they are and how healing and freeing love could be.
I am not going to let any spoilers spill because this book has to be experienced. There are so many amazing things in the pages of this book and it doesn’t matter if you’re new to Pippa or have been a long time reader, there is something here for everyone to love.
May 30, 2025
Good thing it was "Free" with Kindle Subscription
I like Pippa Grant books. I really like some more than others. I prefer the ones with clean concise dialogue and strong characters. Sadly this book's main female character spends so much time lost in her head on long tangents and pointless rambling conversation that I didn't enjoy this book.
I was really looking forward to Davis's book. The last Bro code I thought ,based on " The Pipster Report", would be fantastic ! I mean a look into Davis, a "fake fiance" in Shipwreck, and a Treasure hunt sounds great, right? I imagined lots of laugh out loud moments, a strong female character, and all of the quirkiness of Shipwreck.
Sadly this book didn't deliver much of that. Chaper 4 consisted of 1 sentence about Davis and the word redacted. Really? That's the kind of teaser you expect on social media or the Pipster report. You don't really get a lot of new insight into Davis's character until the last chapters of the book, and if you're a fan and have read the previous books in the Bro Code series it's not much.
Sadly, there wasn't any laugh out loud moments for me. There was so much time spent on Slone's " woe is me I was raised by a mentally abusive Grandmother" and rambling dialogue that I really didn't care what happened to the main female character. There's little time spent on elements that could have made the book better . Like giving Davis more chapters to tell his point of view or more of Shipwreck or the pre-established characters that were friends with Davis.
The treasure hunting didn't really start until the last chapters and by then it was too little to late. I was unable to get invested in the book. The only reasons this book got 3 stars are I enjoyed the end and I read all of Pippa's books.
I like Pippa Grant books. I really like some more than others. I prefer the ones with clean concise dialogue and strong characters. Sadly this book's main female character spends so much time lost in her head on long tangents and pointless rambling conversation that I didn't enjoy this book.
I was really looking forward to Davis's book. The last Bro code I thought ,based on " The Pipster Report", would be fantastic ! I mean a look into Davis, a "fake fiance" in Shipwreck, and a Treasure hunt sounds great, right? I imagined lots of laugh out loud moments, a strong female character, and all of the quirkiness of Shipwreck.
Sadly this book didn't deliver much of that. Chaper 4 consisted of 1 sentence about Davis and the word redacted. Really? That's the kind of teaser you expect on social media or the Pipster report. You don't really get a lot of new insight into Davis's character until the last chapters of the book, and if you're a fan and have read the previous books in the Bro Code series it's not much.
Sadly, there wasn't any laugh out loud moments for me. There was so much time spent on Slone's " woe is me I was raised by a mentally abusive Grandmother" and rambling dialogue that I really didn't care what happened to the main female character. There's little time spent on elements that could have made the book better . Like giving Davis more chapters to tell his point of view or more of Shipwreck or the pre-established characters that were friends with Davis.
The treasure hunting didn't really start until the last chapters and by then it was too little to late. I was unable to get invested in the book. The only reasons this book got 3 stars are I enjoyed the end and I read all of Pippa's books.
July 16, 2025
The Pretend Fiancee Fiasco is the last book in the author’s long running Bro Code series loosely based upon the five former boy band members of the at the time wildly popular pop group that put preteen and teen girls hearts all a flutter. Because this is the grand finale of the Bro Code series it may also signal the end of two other spin off series by the author, The Copper Valley Thrusters and the Copper Valley Fireballs. Because this is the final book in the Bro Code series the former members, their now significant others, their children and their parents all make appearances in this book. The Rock family is also highly visible as the story is based around the two protagonists Sloane and Davis search for the long hidden treasure of Thorny Rock who was believed to have founded the town of Shipwreck where most of this story occurs, and buried his treasure there.
The story opens with the town of Shipwreck preparing for the wedding of Waverly a Taylor Swift level pop superstar to hometown hero and future MLB HOF star Cooper Rock who stayed with his hometown Copper Valley Fireballs when he could have accepted offers from more competitive teams, and eventually led them to two consecutive World Series Championships. This gives the author the ability to include characters from all three of the aforementioned series based in Copper Valley in the story. You can expect to find many of the comedic devices Pippa Grant usually incorporates in her story. Lots of crazy animal antics and glitter bombs along with the quirky personalities of all the characters in this series.
Davis Remington or Remington Davis (I’m not really certain which is his first name because everyone just calls him Davis) is our male protagonist. Davis has been a minor character in most early books. We are led to believe the former boy bander lead singer is now a man of . mystery. It's known he works at a nearby nuclear plant but nobody really knows what he does there? We’ve learned he is an extremely talented hacker and techno genius who leads an very private life since the boy band broke up. In this book we learn that he was actually the cause of the band’s breakup. But that’s a closely guarded secret that only his fellow band members know until it’s finally revealed towards the end of this story. All we know is whatever happened happened while the group was preparing for a show in Denver. What we gradually learn about Davis is that he’s at his core is a good man with an awful lot of insecurities that prevent him from connecting with most people outside of his inner circle that consists of his former bandmates and now their significant others. Honestly I found the Davis character a bit hard to enjoy because of his neurosis that kept getting in his own way preventing him from acting upon his powerful attraction to our female protagonist Sloane. Sorry, I can’t remember her last name.
The Sloane character was originally introduced in the very first book in this series as the .woman who replaced Ellie Ryder who was dumped at Christmas by her then boyfriend who is the major villain in this story. Of course Sloane a nurse had no clue that her new boyfriend had actually been in a long term relationship with Ellie. When she discovered the truth at a wedding she and Ellie were both attending she dumped the two-timing bastard and settled down in Shipwreck where she is a beloved member of the community and close friend of many of the other female characters in these series. Along with being a nurse at the town’s only doctor’s practice, Sloane has also volunteered at and is heavily involved with the running of the newly opened Thorny Rock museum. Which is how she ends up entangled with Davis in a desperate search for Thorny Rock’s treasure. We’re told that she and her brother were raised by her extremely old school conservative grandmother who believed sex before marriage is a sin, and that a woman’s job is to marry and raise a family. We’re told that a lifetime of having these values pounded into Sloane along with constant criticism has caused her to believe she is a bad person despite having had years of therapy. Which I found a bit ironic because Sloane’s conversations are peppered with F-bombs. And while I wouldn’t call Sloane a loose woman, at 30 years old she makes it clear she has had more than a couple of lovers as you would expect from a healthy woman her age. She also has an entire drawer full of sex toys mostly because she’s sworn off of men since her last aforementioned relationship to a scumbucket like every other previous romantic relationship she’s been in, left her afraid to trust her own judgement when it comes to men. Despite Sloane’s age and living in Shipwreck Va. thousands of miles away from her grandmother who lives in Two Twigs Iowa, said grandmother still believes she has a right to control Sloane’s life. And she desperately wants Sloane to return to Two Twigs so she’ll be available to take care of her in her old age. To get her grandmother off of her back Sloane makes up a story that she’s engaged to Davis (whom she only knows tangentially through common friends, but has had a crush on since she was a teenager) and sends her grandmother a few pictures of Davis. Davis being a former boy bander and having a man bun, Grandma is convinced he is a sheep fucking spawn of Satan. She sends Nigel, Two Twigs preacher who briefly dated and cheated on Sloane when she was in high school to bring her home to presumably marry him. Because Sloane needs to sell her relationship with Davis as real and because Davis wants Sloane with her museum and Rock family connections to help in finding Thorny Rock’s treasure, he agrees to go along with the ruse and pretend marry her.
So now the stage is set. Sloane and Davis (because Sloane forces him to) work together to find the pirates treasure. The more time they spend together the more attracted to one another they find themselves. But after a series of disastrous relationships Sloane has made it clear that she has no interest in men. Davis for his part is so consumed by his feelings of unworthiness and mistrust of anyone outside the circle of people he grew up with keeps finding excuses to explain away his attraction to Sloane. Meanwhile the Bro Code crew continually insert themselves into Sloane and Davis lives offering support and wanting to be involved with the treasure hunt.
I wouldn’t say this is the best Pippa Grant book I’ve read but I would say it’s a fun, sometimes emotional read with the of course prerequisite H.E.A.
The story opens with the town of Shipwreck preparing for the wedding of Waverly a Taylor Swift level pop superstar to hometown hero and future MLB HOF star Cooper Rock who stayed with his hometown Copper Valley Fireballs when he could have accepted offers from more competitive teams, and eventually led them to two consecutive World Series Championships. This gives the author the ability to include characters from all three of the aforementioned series based in Copper Valley in the story. You can expect to find many of the comedic devices Pippa Grant usually incorporates in her story. Lots of crazy animal antics and glitter bombs along with the quirky personalities of all the characters in this series.
Davis Remington or Remington Davis (I’m not really certain which is his first name because everyone just calls him Davis) is our male protagonist. Davis has been a minor character in most early books. We are led to believe the former boy bander lead singer is now a man of . mystery. It's known he works at a nearby nuclear plant but nobody really knows what he does there? We’ve learned he is an extremely talented hacker and techno genius who leads an very private life since the boy band broke up. In this book we learn that he was actually the cause of the band’s breakup. But that’s a closely guarded secret that only his fellow band members know until it’s finally revealed towards the end of this story. All we know is whatever happened happened while the group was preparing for a show in Denver. What we gradually learn about Davis is that he’s at his core is a good man with an awful lot of insecurities that prevent him from connecting with most people outside of his inner circle that consists of his former bandmates and now their significant others. Honestly I found the Davis character a bit hard to enjoy because of his neurosis that kept getting in his own way preventing him from acting upon his powerful attraction to our female protagonist Sloane. Sorry, I can’t remember her last name.
The Sloane character was originally introduced in the very first book in this series as the .woman who replaced Ellie Ryder who was dumped at Christmas by her then boyfriend who is the major villain in this story. Of course Sloane a nurse had no clue that her new boyfriend had actually been in a long term relationship with Ellie. When she discovered the truth at a wedding she and Ellie were both attending she dumped the two-timing bastard and settled down in Shipwreck where she is a beloved member of the community and close friend of many of the other female characters in these series. Along with being a nurse at the town’s only doctor’s practice, Sloane has also volunteered at and is heavily involved with the running of the newly opened Thorny Rock museum. Which is how she ends up entangled with Davis in a desperate search for Thorny Rock’s treasure. We’re told that she and her brother were raised by her extremely old school conservative grandmother who believed sex before marriage is a sin, and that a woman’s job is to marry and raise a family. We’re told that a lifetime of having these values pounded into Sloane along with constant criticism has caused her to believe she is a bad person despite having had years of therapy. Which I found a bit ironic because Sloane’s conversations are peppered with F-bombs. And while I wouldn’t call Sloane a loose woman, at 30 years old she makes it clear she has had more than a couple of lovers as you would expect from a healthy woman her age. She also has an entire drawer full of sex toys mostly because she’s sworn off of men since her last aforementioned relationship to a scumbucket like every other previous romantic relationship she’s been in, left her afraid to trust her own judgement when it comes to men. Despite Sloane’s age and living in Shipwreck Va. thousands of miles away from her grandmother who lives in Two Twigs Iowa, said grandmother still believes she has a right to control Sloane’s life. And she desperately wants Sloane to return to Two Twigs so she’ll be available to take care of her in her old age. To get her grandmother off of her back Sloane makes up a story that she’s engaged to Davis (whom she only knows tangentially through common friends, but has had a crush on since she was a teenager) and sends her grandmother a few pictures of Davis. Davis being a former boy bander and having a man bun, Grandma is convinced he is a sheep fucking spawn of Satan. She sends Nigel, Two Twigs preacher who briefly dated and cheated on Sloane when she was in high school to bring her home to presumably marry him. Because Sloane needs to sell her relationship with Davis as real and because Davis wants Sloane with her museum and Rock family connections to help in finding Thorny Rock’s treasure, he agrees to go along with the ruse and pretend marry her.
So now the stage is set. Sloane and Davis (because Sloane forces him to) work together to find the pirates treasure. The more time they spend together the more attracted to one another they find themselves. But after a series of disastrous relationships Sloane has made it clear that she has no interest in men. Davis for his part is so consumed by his feelings of unworthiness and mistrust of anyone outside the circle of people he grew up with keeps finding excuses to explain away his attraction to Sloane. Meanwhile the Bro Code crew continually insert themselves into Sloane and Davis lives offering support and wanting to be involved with the treasure hunt.
I wouldn’t say this is the best Pippa Grant book I’ve read but I would say it’s a fun, sometimes emotional read with the of course prerequisite H.E.A.
May 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐️. Pippa Grant is a must read for me. I love her humor, quirkiness, and heart. This one had all of those but somehow fell a little short.
I think it’s because at this point in her universe there are so many characters and the whole pirate treasure thing was so confusing that it all just kind of took away from the romance… which, by the way, took place over 2 weeks. It was all, I think, just a little much.
💕 No third act breakup
🗣️. Communication - These two have secrets which they share appropriately at the right time. I love that the FMC, Sloane, set her boundaries and didn’t let Davis get away with less than full honesty. He, in turn, grows enough and respects her enough to reciprocate.
👩🏻🤝👨🏼 Sloan is 30 yrs old, a nurse and very serious volunteer at Shipwrecks local history museum. She knows Davis tangentially thru mutual friends. Davis is the reclusive ex member of a now defunct famous boy band, Bro Code.
🌶️ The spice starts a bit later and is just right.
🏡. There is a big found family aspect with all the various members of the boy band, his sister, and Pippa’s universes. Honestly, tho I found it all very distracting. I get that he has trouble trusting w all of his fame and associated betrayal, and it’s great that he has his Bro Code buddies but we don’t need alllll these people. Bro Code, his sister, Vanessa, the various body guards, Pop, and on and on.
🫣. No OM/OW drama. He hasn’t been with someone 10 yrs and she hasn’t been with anyone in 3 yrs(?).
👥. Dual POV; HEA. 7 month later epilogue. I guess they end up engaged??
So I really liked Sloane and Davis - they were both smart, likable characters. She is from a very religious family and she has created a life away from them and their guilt. Meanwhile, her grandma and some guy she grew up with (Nigel) won’t let her go and are trying to manipulate her into moving home. She had been secretly taking pictures of Davis and sending them to her grandma to convince her that they were dating. Nigel shows up to bully her into returning home and she gets Davis to agree to be her fake fiance to get them off her back.
In return, she is going to help him figure out the mystery behind the towns buried pirate treasure.
I think this is where the story really lost me. The treasure was ridiculous and confusing. Theres a lot of urgency behind finding this treasure which I don’t understand. All the various players and friends were confusing. I’m not sure any of it still makes sense to me. And the whole relationship w her and Davis takes place over two weeks. It’s all just too much.
We do learn why the band broke up and Davis’ guilt over that. I liked his growth but found the whole “I don’t date, never date, this can’t happen” a little annoying. She was similar. She had a bad history w other men and takes a minute to trust him.
I love Pippas writing style and humor. But this one was inconsistent for me. Really fun and laugh out loud one minute and then just head scratching the next.
Tropes:
- forced proximity - she stays w Davis after her house is broken into and trashed
- famous boy band/red headed bombshell small town girl
- treasure hunt
- annoying grandma/ex boyfriend who’s trying to drag her home
- trust issues
Favorite moments:
- when they first have sex and he’s so fast - iykyk. Lol
- how’s he’s noticed her over the year and always been interested
- the three legged cat, Nina
- the humor - when she notices that he’s frustrated and finds it so funny just because he never shows any emotion
- all his tattoos and when he finally shares their meaning w her
- when they stay in someone’s guest house and the spice
- when the raccoons attack
- the bodyguard Gisele and how she’s so deadpan
- how he lives in a trailer on some seemingly random piece of land
- when she and the girls go to a concert at the end and the boys surprise them by having a reunion on stage - all bc she told Davis how upset she was that years ago they band broke up the night before she was going to see them.
I think it’s because at this point in her universe there are so many characters and the whole pirate treasure thing was so confusing that it all just kind of took away from the romance… which, by the way, took place over 2 weeks. It was all, I think, just a little much.
💕 No third act breakup
🗣️. Communication - These two have secrets which they share appropriately at the right time. I love that the FMC, Sloane, set her boundaries and didn’t let Davis get away with less than full honesty. He, in turn, grows enough and respects her enough to reciprocate.
👩🏻🤝👨🏼 Sloan is 30 yrs old, a nurse and very serious volunteer at Shipwrecks local history museum. She knows Davis tangentially thru mutual friends. Davis is the reclusive ex member of a now defunct famous boy band, Bro Code.
🌶️ The spice starts a bit later and is just right.
🏡. There is a big found family aspect with all the various members of the boy band, his sister, and Pippa’s universes. Honestly, tho I found it all very distracting. I get that he has trouble trusting w all of his fame and associated betrayal, and it’s great that he has his Bro Code buddies but we don’t need alllll these people. Bro Code, his sister, Vanessa, the various body guards, Pop, and on and on.
🫣. No OM/OW drama. He hasn’t been with someone 10 yrs and she hasn’t been with anyone in 3 yrs(?).
👥. Dual POV; HEA. 7 month later epilogue. I guess they end up engaged??
So I really liked Sloane and Davis - they were both smart, likable characters. She is from a very religious family and she has created a life away from them and their guilt. Meanwhile, her grandma and some guy she grew up with (Nigel) won’t let her go and are trying to manipulate her into moving home. She had been secretly taking pictures of Davis and sending them to her grandma to convince her that they were dating. Nigel shows up to bully her into returning home and she gets Davis to agree to be her fake fiance to get them off her back.
In return, she is going to help him figure out the mystery behind the towns buried pirate treasure.
I think this is where the story really lost me. The treasure was ridiculous and confusing. Theres a lot of urgency behind finding this treasure which I don’t understand. All the various players and friends were confusing. I’m not sure any of it still makes sense to me. And the whole relationship w her and Davis takes place over two weeks. It’s all just too much.
We do learn why the band broke up and Davis’ guilt over that. I liked his growth but found the whole “I don’t date, never date, this can’t happen” a little annoying. She was similar. She had a bad history w other men and takes a minute to trust him.
I love Pippas writing style and humor. But this one was inconsistent for me. Really fun and laugh out loud one minute and then just head scratching the next.
Tropes:
- forced proximity - she stays w Davis after her house is broken into and trashed
- famous boy band/red headed bombshell small town girl
- treasure hunt
- annoying grandma/ex boyfriend who’s trying to drag her home
- trust issues
Favorite moments:
- when they first have sex and he’s so fast - iykyk. Lol
- how’s he’s noticed her over the year and always been interested
- the three legged cat, Nina
- the humor - when she notices that he’s frustrated and finds it so funny just because he never shows any emotion
- all his tattoos and when he finally shares their meaning w her
- when they stay in someone’s guest house and the spice
- when the raccoons attack
- the bodyguard Gisele and how she’s so deadpan
- how he lives in a trailer on some seemingly random piece of land
- when she and the girls go to a concert at the end and the boys surprise them by having a reunion on stage - all bc she told Davis how upset she was that years ago they band broke up the night before she was going to see them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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