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Is This Real or Just Pretend?
Alexandra Atkinson's talent for spotting successful business ideas has helped enrich her father's company while leaving her with little time for a social life—and certainly nothing as silly as love. But when her father hints that Alex will need to marry as well if she ever wants to win the approval of the company's far more fusty board members, she hatches her most ambitious plan a fake courtship that lasts just long enough to see an important deal through and secure her place at the head of the company.
As the son of the Atkinson's chauffeur, Lucien Taylor grew up admiring the family from a distance—and pining for Winifred, the youngest sister. But when he finally accepts that she will never see him as anything other than a playmate, Lucien leaves home to make his fortune. Now he’s back and in search of funding after his duplicitous partner ruins his business. Help comes from the most unexpected place when Alexandra, the eldest Atkinson sister known for her icy beauty and infamously brusque manner, makes a she will help him secure what he needs to start his business if he pretends to court her for a few weeks. Her offer is too good to pass up, but the more time they spend together, the more Lucien realizes that a fake courtship with Alex isn’t enough. He wants something real.
As the son of the Atkinson's chauffeur, Lucien Taylor grew up admiring the family from a distance—and pining for Winifred, the youngest sister. But when he finally accepts that she will never see him as anything other than a playmate, Lucien leaves home to make his fortune. Now he’s back and in search of funding after his duplicitous partner ruins his business. Help comes from the most unexpected place when Alexandra, the eldest Atkinson sister known for her icy beauty and infamously brusque manner, makes a she will help him secure what he needs to start his business if he pretends to court her for a few weeks. Her offer is too good to pass up, but the more time they spend together, the more Lucien realizes that a fake courtship with Alex isn’t enough. He wants something real.
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2025
14 people are currently reading
6003 people want to read
About the author
Emily Sullivan
7 books321 followersEmily Sullivan is an award-winning author of historical romance and mysteries set in the late Victorian period. Her books have received multiple starred reviews from trade journals including Publishers Weekly and Booklist, and have been praised in publications such as Entertainment Weekly, Buzzfeed, Parade, Self, and Bookpage.
She lives in New England with her family, where she enjoys reading about history and writing about rebellious women.
She lives in New England with her family, where she enjoys reading about history and writing about rebellious women.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
August 30, 2025
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Better than book one
Alexandra Atkinson (Alex) is a master of business and has spent all her life helping her father with their company. However, none of her talents is of use if she cannot win the approval of the board. It doesn’t help that she has no time or inclination for parties and balls. She never really fit.
Lucien Taylor is the son of a coachman and a childhood friend of the Atkinson girls. He had always crushed on Winifred, who treated him like a little playmate. Years later, he is back from Paris after a failed business.
Alex offers a simple proposition – a fake courtship for her to secure the board vote and him to get investment for a new business. It seems easy enough until they realize love could complicate things.
The story comes in Alex and Lucien’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
Though I didn’t much enjoy the previous book (Duchess Material), I knew I would read this one. I liked Alex in that and liked her even more in this book. It is sad that no one really seems to see her and try to understand her.
The MMC is nice enough, not a complete idiot, but I didn’t like that he hurt the FMC more than once. He does apologize, yet it doesn’t seem enough.
The danger elements are pretty much non-existent until the last quarter, so much so that I totally forgot the track until the Inspector walked in.
The FMC’s sisters have substantial roles, though, as before, I wasn’t much impressed by them. Book three will certainly be interesting, given who it will have as the main leads.
Historical romance is changing, which is nice in a way. We have the reverse age gap and virgin hero tropes in this one. There is spice (2.5 maybe), which is not great. You can skim through.
The pacing is solid. I like that it keeps a steady momentum and doesn’t slacken at any point, even when the characters are being idiots. It made me finish the book faster!
This could have been a proper 4-star if the lead couple had a proper and heartfelt conversation, at least at the end. They patch up and all, but where is the conversation where they sort things out?
To summarize, Is This Real or Just Pretend? is a fast-paced and entertaining read for a lazy afternoon. You can finish it in three hours or so.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #IsThisRealorJustPretend
One Liner: Better than book one
Alexandra Atkinson (Alex) is a master of business and has spent all her life helping her father with their company. However, none of her talents is of use if she cannot win the approval of the board. It doesn’t help that she has no time or inclination for parties and balls. She never really fit.
Lucien Taylor is the son of a coachman and a childhood friend of the Atkinson girls. He had always crushed on Winifred, who treated him like a little playmate. Years later, he is back from Paris after a failed business.
Alex offers a simple proposition – a fake courtship for her to secure the board vote and him to get investment for a new business. It seems easy enough until they realize love could complicate things.
The story comes in Alex and Lucien’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
Though I didn’t much enjoy the previous book (Duchess Material), I knew I would read this one. I liked Alex in that and liked her even more in this book. It is sad that no one really seems to see her and try to understand her.
The MMC is nice enough, not a complete idiot, but I didn’t like that he hurt the FMC more than once. He does apologize, yet it doesn’t seem enough.
The danger elements are pretty much non-existent until the last quarter, so much so that I totally forgot the track until the Inspector walked in.
The FMC’s sisters have substantial roles, though, as before, I wasn’t much impressed by them. Book three will certainly be interesting, given who it will have as the main leads.
Historical romance is changing, which is nice in a way. We have the reverse age gap and virgin hero tropes in this one. There is spice (2.5 maybe), which is not great. You can skim through.
The pacing is solid. I like that it keeps a steady momentum and doesn’t slacken at any point, even when the characters are being idiots. It made me finish the book faster!
This could have been a proper 4-star if the lead couple had a proper and heartfelt conversation, at least at the end. They patch up and all, but where is the conversation where they sort things out?
To summarize, Is This Real or Just Pretend? is a fast-paced and entertaining read for a lazy afternoon. You can finish it in three hours or so.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #IsThisRealorJustPretend
August 14, 2025
3.75 / 5 Stars
This was a Victorian era romance that had a lot of fun gender role reversals but if you hate miscommunications, oh, baby, this book will drive you up the wall. Alexandra (Alex) has had the weight of her family on her shoulders for a long time. As the eldest daughter, she keeps her family together, including being the brains behind her father’s business, but because she is a woman, she doesn’t get the credit she deserves nor does the board trust her to take over the family business unless she gets married (BOOOOOOOOO sexism). Which leads us to our dear male protagonist, Lucien. Lucien grew up on Alex’s family’s estate as both his parents worked for the family and Lucien has had a life long crush on Alex’s youngest sister, Freddie. But Alex makes him a business proposition he can’t refuse: she will help him restart his cooking business if he fake courts her. Lucien may be pining for Freddie but he needs the business to help his own father so he agrees. As Lucien and Alex spend time together, Lucien realizes that Alex isn’t the heartless, ice queen everyone thinks she is and maybe they could be something real.
You will probably like this book if you like:
💜 Victorian era historical romance that is a Sabrina retelling
💜 Eldest daughter vibes
💜 Faking dating
💜 He liked her sister growing up but it isn’t a really love triangle
💜 Virgin MMC
💜 Age gap (he’s 22 and she’s 27)
I personally really liked Alex, though I think she may be a tiny bit of a divisive character. If you vibe with the “everyone expects everything from me and then makes me feel bad for being an overworked perfectionist even though they reap the benefits of that perfectionism,” you will like and understand Alex (flaws and all). If you do not, you will think she is overbearing, rigid, and cold. I am the former. I like that Alex was quiet and hardworking. I felt so sad for her that her sisters told her she was no fun and worked too much and yet didn’t mind spending the money she made for the family. At work, people overlooked and downplayed her accomplishments. That was a lose-lose at work and at home, so I really felt for Alex. And to add insult to injury, she was considered a spinster at 27 (🙄 – I’m a corpse then if that is the case. Bury me immediately). Yes, she would wear the ice queen mask as a front and yes, it was frustrating towards the end but I don’t blame her for it and I feel for her. And her family LOVED saying the most hurtful things to her because our families know exactly which buttons to push to make us feel the worst, so yes, I am an Alex apologist. On a side note, I hated Freddie. Lord, I tried to have compassion for her but she was so deeply unserious and immature in my opinion. Her romantic interests shifted with the wind and she put Alex in multiple tight situations and got grace from her (when she would not have gotten it from me). If you liked her, please like her for the both of us because I was DONE with her.
I also like Lucien. He was attracted to Alex because he understood how smart and capable she was (and not just how attractive) which I loved. Yes, Lucien, she is a finance baddie and that is why you should like her (no insta-lust here)! I also like the role reversal where she was the high status character in most cases: she had more money, she protected him in a physical situation, he was the virgin. And he was not turned off by it because he is a secure man and we love to see that.
But these two constantly made assumptions and did not say what they meant. I guess that it is part of the fake dating trope but boy was it a lot. They were especially excellent at making wild assumptions and not communicating right after having sex. We got that specific situation not once, not twice, but THREE times. And that not-exactly-a-love-triangle with Freddie. I am so glad Lucien rid himself of those feelings pretty quickly, but was that communicated to Alex? Of course not. It was truly two steps forward and one step back with these two all the way until the end. They got a happily ever after because this is a romance, but I am convinced that they constantly misunderstand each other, sulk, and then get back together. Bless their hearts.
If you like Victorian era romances, I think there is a lot to like here. If you like women fighting the patriarchy, there is a lot to like here. But it is all wrapped in miscommunication so just know that going in.
Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: September 9, 2025
_________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: I haven't read a historical romance in a LOOOONNNNGGG time so I am excited to try this one. I am hoping for yearning, longing stares at each other, tension. I am ready.
This was a Victorian era romance that had a lot of fun gender role reversals but if you hate miscommunications, oh, baby, this book will drive you up the wall. Alexandra (Alex) has had the weight of her family on her shoulders for a long time. As the eldest daughter, she keeps her family together, including being the brains behind her father’s business, but because she is a woman, she doesn’t get the credit she deserves nor does the board trust her to take over the family business unless she gets married (BOOOOOOOOO sexism). Which leads us to our dear male protagonist, Lucien. Lucien grew up on Alex’s family’s estate as both his parents worked for the family and Lucien has had a life long crush on Alex’s youngest sister, Freddie. But Alex makes him a business proposition he can’t refuse: she will help him restart his cooking business if he fake courts her. Lucien may be pining for Freddie but he needs the business to help his own father so he agrees. As Lucien and Alex spend time together, Lucien realizes that Alex isn’t the heartless, ice queen everyone thinks she is and maybe they could be something real.
You will probably like this book if you like:
💜 Victorian era historical romance that is a Sabrina retelling
💜 Eldest daughter vibes
💜 Faking dating
💜 He liked her sister growing up but it isn’t a really love triangle
💜 Virgin MMC
💜 Age gap (he’s 22 and she’s 27)
I personally really liked Alex, though I think she may be a tiny bit of a divisive character. If you vibe with the “everyone expects everything from me and then makes me feel bad for being an overworked perfectionist even though they reap the benefits of that perfectionism,” you will like and understand Alex (flaws and all). If you do not, you will think she is overbearing, rigid, and cold. I am the former. I like that Alex was quiet and hardworking. I felt so sad for her that her sisters told her she was no fun and worked too much and yet didn’t mind spending the money she made for the family. At work, people overlooked and downplayed her accomplishments. That was a lose-lose at work and at home, so I really felt for Alex. And to add insult to injury, she was considered a spinster at 27 (🙄 – I’m a corpse then if that is the case. Bury me immediately). Yes, she would wear the ice queen mask as a front and yes, it was frustrating towards the end but I don’t blame her for it and I feel for her. And her family LOVED saying the most hurtful things to her because our families know exactly which buttons to push to make us feel the worst, so yes, I am an Alex apologist. On a side note, I hated Freddie. Lord, I tried to have compassion for her but she was so deeply unserious and immature in my opinion. Her romantic interests shifted with the wind and she put Alex in multiple tight situations and got grace from her (when she would not have gotten it from me). If you liked her, please like her for the both of us because I was DONE with her.
I also like Lucien. He was attracted to Alex because he understood how smart and capable she was (and not just how attractive) which I loved. Yes, Lucien, she is a finance baddie and that is why you should like her (no insta-lust here)! I also like the role reversal where she was the high status character in most cases: she had more money, she protected him in a physical situation, he was the virgin. And he was not turned off by it because he is a secure man and we love to see that.
But these two constantly made assumptions and did not say what they meant. I guess that it is part of the fake dating trope but boy was it a lot. They were especially excellent at making wild assumptions and not communicating right after having sex. We got that specific situation not once, not twice, but THREE times. And that not-exactly-a-love-triangle with Freddie. I am so glad Lucien rid himself of those feelings pretty quickly, but was that communicated to Alex? Of course not. It was truly two steps forward and one step back with these two all the way until the end. They got a happily ever after because this is a romance, but I am convinced that they constantly misunderstand each other, sulk, and then get back together. Bless their hearts.
If you like Victorian era romances, I think there is a lot to like here. If you like women fighting the patriarchy, there is a lot to like here. But it is all wrapped in miscommunication so just know that going in.
Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for providing the eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: September 9, 2025
_________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: I haven't read a historical romance in a LOOOONNNNGGG time so I am excited to try this one. I am hoping for yearning, longing stares at each other, tension. I am ready.
September 4, 2025
All new HR is terrible. It’s terrible. And this one was especially disappointing because the beginning was so fun and held so much promise!
And then Lucien shows his true beta hero self and I just couldn’t freaking handle the reverse roles here. Alex is a businesswoman and of course she’s mistreated cause she’s a woman blah blah blah who cares, just be a good person. Have some character points besides just your work. But she’s not really a good person and she doesn’t do anything besides work, does she? I was struggling to find personality with this girl and some chemistry with the hero and it wasn’t there. The author is telling me that feelings are changing and there’s longing there but in the dialogue? I’m not buying it. I’m not sensing anything that would cause these two to actually fall in love. It’s like the author is just gonna tell me this is how it is. They’re in love cause the author said so when the heroine is just cold and rude and the hero just rolls over in his beta ways and lets it happen.
There are about 4 different times in this book where Alex is a complete POS to our hero and has him storming out with hurt feelings and he just…comes back the next day with a smile on his face. There are a number of times when she says something to him and he’s stuttering and dumbfounded and has no response. I didn’t buy these two together because it seems like she’s just gonna brow beat this poor dude the rest of their lives.
Bummer.
Also the heroine complains about virginity being a social construct to control women and I think my eyeballs fell out of my head at that eye roll. Just shut up please. I’m about to socially construct my fist into your face.
This is why HR these days is terrible! Why do we have to make women super feminists and men doormats and add these stupid ass modern bs into these books? Honestly it’s why contemporaries suck these days too.
Uuuuggggggghhhhhhhh. Men can be manly and have personalities and they can be alphas. It’s okay. It’s in their nature. And women can also be successful in business and not simultaneously tell women who want to be successful with family that they suck. It’s okay. It’s in their nature.
Anyway. Guess I have a lot of bitterness and hate in my heart.
Also I got an ARC. Review is my own.
And then Lucien shows his true beta hero self and I just couldn’t freaking handle the reverse roles here. Alex is a businesswoman and of course she’s mistreated cause she’s a woman blah blah blah who cares, just be a good person. Have some character points besides just your work. But she’s not really a good person and she doesn’t do anything besides work, does she? I was struggling to find personality with this girl and some chemistry with the hero and it wasn’t there. The author is telling me that feelings are changing and there’s longing there but in the dialogue? I’m not buying it. I’m not sensing anything that would cause these two to actually fall in love. It’s like the author is just gonna tell me this is how it is. They’re in love cause the author said so when the heroine is just cold and rude and the hero just rolls over in his beta ways and lets it happen.
There are about 4 different times in this book where Alex is a complete POS to our hero and has him storming out with hurt feelings and he just…comes back the next day with a smile on his face. There are a number of times when she says something to him and he’s stuttering and dumbfounded and has no response. I didn’t buy these two together because it seems like she’s just gonna brow beat this poor dude the rest of their lives.
Bummer.
Also the heroine complains about virginity being a social construct to control women and I think my eyeballs fell out of my head at that eye roll. Just shut up please. I’m about to socially construct my fist into your face.
This is why HR these days is terrible! Why do we have to make women super feminists and men doormats and add these stupid ass modern bs into these books? Honestly it’s why contemporaries suck these days too.
Uuuuggggggghhhhhhhh. Men can be manly and have personalities and they can be alphas. It’s okay. It’s in their nature. And women can also be successful in business and not simultaneously tell women who want to be successful with family that they suck. It’s okay. It’s in their nature.
Anyway. Guess I have a lot of bitterness and hate in my heart.
Also I got an ARC. Review is my own.
August 31, 2025
1896, England.
Lucien Taylor had a successful supper club business in Paris until his business partner embezzled and fleeced him and ran off with the wife of one of their investors. Penniless and sleeping on a friend's couch, he needs a new start and new investors to restart in London. Visiting his father in Surrey after five years away, he is reacquainted with two out of the three Atkinson sisters: Freddie, a childhood friend for whom he has always carried a torch, and the ice queen Alex, practical, capable, and terrifying. Alex has the acumen for business investments and a keen eye for prospects, and what she needs is at least the appearance of a suitor so that the board can have more trust in her. She approaches Lucien with a business deal: pretend to court her, and she'll help him with his business proposal and connect him with investors. What can possibly go wrong with a fake relationship with a man who has admitted feelings for her youngest sister?
Wow I loved this. Emily Sullivan has been a favorite historical romance author since I first picked up her League of Scoundrels series in early 2022. She has a knack for creating believable characters with complex outlooks on life, and Lucien and Alex are no different. Is This Real or Just Pretend is inspired by the 1995 film Sabrina (a remake of a 1954 classic), with a gender reversal that works incredibly well for a modern reader. Alex is the buttoned-up and driven older sister who told Lucien he needed to get away and find himself, because Freddie won't ever give him the time of day. Lucien is sensitive and insightful, and observant of the people he cares about.
I probably say this nearly every time I read a book set in the 1890s, but this may be my favorite decade to read about. There is a sense of modernism, with fresh ideas, women working more publicly in non-traditional jobs, mobile middle and service classes, ease of travel, crossed with the social proprieties of the Victorian era and an aristocracy desperately clinging to the tradition of wealth. This creates ground for an examination of class differences and social theory and philosophy that feel familiar to a modern reader. You can't help but watch the 2025 parallels to Alex's world 200 years ago with the barriers women face professionally. We can publish under our own names or run businesses, but only if we play the right rules and act less intimidating.
Watching two characters fall madly in love with one another will always be my favorite thing to read about. But watching a stubborn character break down their facade to show emotion around those they love? Is This Real hits that sweet spot where the unraveling is naturally driven by the cautious act of falling in love and the events surrounding it. Add a virgin hero responsible for the undoing of the ice queen and you have perfection.
Thank you to Forever for an eARC. Is This Real or Just Pretend is out 9/9/25.
Lucien Taylor had a successful supper club business in Paris until his business partner embezzled and fleeced him and ran off with the wife of one of their investors. Penniless and sleeping on a friend's couch, he needs a new start and new investors to restart in London. Visiting his father in Surrey after five years away, he is reacquainted with two out of the three Atkinson sisters: Freddie, a childhood friend for whom he has always carried a torch, and the ice queen Alex, practical, capable, and terrifying. Alex has the acumen for business investments and a keen eye for prospects, and what she needs is at least the appearance of a suitor so that the board can have more trust in her. She approaches Lucien with a business deal: pretend to court her, and she'll help him with his business proposal and connect him with investors. What can possibly go wrong with a fake relationship with a man who has admitted feelings for her youngest sister?
Wow I loved this. Emily Sullivan has been a favorite historical romance author since I first picked up her League of Scoundrels series in early 2022. She has a knack for creating believable characters with complex outlooks on life, and Lucien and Alex are no different. Is This Real or Just Pretend is inspired by the 1995 film Sabrina (a remake of a 1954 classic), with a gender reversal that works incredibly well for a modern reader. Alex is the buttoned-up and driven older sister who told Lucien he needed to get away and find himself, because Freddie won't ever give him the time of day. Lucien is sensitive and insightful, and observant of the people he cares about.
I probably say this nearly every time I read a book set in the 1890s, but this may be my favorite decade to read about. There is a sense of modernism, with fresh ideas, women working more publicly in non-traditional jobs, mobile middle and service classes, ease of travel, crossed with the social proprieties of the Victorian era and an aristocracy desperately clinging to the tradition of wealth. This creates ground for an examination of class differences and social theory and philosophy that feel familiar to a modern reader. You can't help but watch the 2025 parallels to Alex's world 200 years ago with the barriers women face professionally. We can publish under our own names or run businesses, but only if we play the right rules and act less intimidating.
Watching two characters fall madly in love with one another will always be my favorite thing to read about. But watching a stubborn character break down their facade to show emotion around those they love? Is This Real hits that sweet spot where the unraveling is naturally driven by the cautious act of falling in love and the events surrounding it. Add a virgin hero responsible for the undoing of the ice queen and you have perfection.
Thank you to Forever for an eARC. Is This Real or Just Pretend is out 9/9/25.
September 8, 2025
Trials of a Victorian business woman!
Lucien Taylor returns from Paris after some years to visit his father, head groom at the wealthy Atkinson’s country home. Lucien ran a very successful supper club in Paris which unfortunately hit some financial snags.
When he’d left Winifred (Freddie) Atkinson had been the object of Lucien’s adoration. Freddie hadn’t even noticed him. That hurt.
It was Alexandra (Alex) Atkinson who told him to go far away from there where he could be whomever he wanted to be. He did just that.
Alex has meanwhile been the driving force behind her father’s company, Atkinson Enterprises. She needs to be on the Board. Now there’s an opportunity for her to do just that but unfortunately the Board doesn’t understand her contributions to the company. Alex’s father feels that if she were married there would be no bar to her.
Alex proposes that Lucien become engaged to her as a part of her move towards Board membership. In return she will help him start a supper club in London. It’s a mutually advantageous business arrangement. Or is it? Alex draws up a contract 🤣
Alex feels like an unnoticed spinster and is treated like that by her family, largely ignored. Yet it’s her hard work that keeps them in the lifestyle they desire. They don’t seem to appreciate her business acumen, including her father. Really!
Alex is hiding a secret from her past, that confronts her when she and Lucien attend a Salon. Of course this becomes mixed up with their engagement charade.
Underlying this is the treatment of women who might make worthwhile contributions towards the philosophy of economics in Victorian times.
Where will it all end?
A lively, ironic, of the enemies to lovers type trope.
A Forever ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Lucien Taylor returns from Paris after some years to visit his father, head groom at the wealthy Atkinson’s country home. Lucien ran a very successful supper club in Paris which unfortunately hit some financial snags.
When he’d left Winifred (Freddie) Atkinson had been the object of Lucien’s adoration. Freddie hadn’t even noticed him. That hurt.
It was Alexandra (Alex) Atkinson who told him to go far away from there where he could be whomever he wanted to be. He did just that.
Alex has meanwhile been the driving force behind her father’s company, Atkinson Enterprises. She needs to be on the Board. Now there’s an opportunity for her to do just that but unfortunately the Board doesn’t understand her contributions to the company. Alex’s father feels that if she were married there would be no bar to her.
Alex proposes that Lucien become engaged to her as a part of her move towards Board membership. In return she will help him start a supper club in London. It’s a mutually advantageous business arrangement. Or is it? Alex draws up a contract 🤣
Alex feels like an unnoticed spinster and is treated like that by her family, largely ignored. Yet it’s her hard work that keeps them in the lifestyle they desire. They don’t seem to appreciate her business acumen, including her father. Really!
Alex is hiding a secret from her past, that confronts her when she and Lucien attend a Salon. Of course this becomes mixed up with their engagement charade.
Underlying this is the treatment of women who might make worthwhile contributions towards the philosophy of economics in Victorian times.
Where will it all end?
A lively, ironic, of the enemies to lovers type trope.
A Forever ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
November 20, 2025
3.5⭐️
A fun, Sabrina-inspired historical romance! Full disclosure I've never actually seen Sabrina, so I have no idea how loyal to the movie this was. But honestly I think that helped because I could just sit back and read without constant comparisons. I also didn't realize this was a sequel to Duchess Material- the heroines of the books are sisters.
This book was fun to start and had some good promise, but I don't think it kept that steam going all the way through. Our main characters Alexandra and Lucien were meant to be a driven business woman and golden retriever boyfriend but I think the author went too far and just ended up making them cliches of themselves. They can have complex individualities and still hold up the plot!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A fun, Sabrina-inspired historical romance! Full disclosure I've never actually seen Sabrina, so I have no idea how loyal to the movie this was. But honestly I think that helped because I could just sit back and read without constant comparisons. I also didn't realize this was a sequel to Duchess Material- the heroines of the books are sisters.
This book was fun to start and had some good promise, but I don't think it kept that steam going all the way through. Our main characters Alexandra and Lucien were meant to be a driven business woman and golden retriever boyfriend but I think the author went too far and just ended up making them cliches of themselves. They can have complex individualities and still hold up the plot!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2025
Many thanks to Read Forever and NetGalley for the preview. All opinions are my own.
I have always loved the movie Sabrina, but I never completely loved the older brother character. It turns out the way to fix this is to make it a gender-flipped retelling in an historical setting! This was absolutely delightful, and it enhanced my favorite parts of the movies.
Alex is so cold and focused, but she also broke my heart with her conviction that she wasn’t what any man would want. And I loved that Lucien so quickly realized that a childhood infatuation with the youngest sister could never hold a candle to the feelings he develops for Alex. I also really appreciated that the fake relationship was negotiated up front; it always bothered me that Linus tricked Sabrina in the movies.
Now, the path of true love never did run smooth, and these are 2 intelligent idiots (my favorite pairing), so of course they cause all sorts of issues for themselves. And there’s a villain and a separate shadowy danger that must be dealt with. But the ending was so satisfying! And now I want to go back and read Will and Phoebe’s book, plus I’m excited for Freddie’s book!
Final notes: spice on point, virgin hero, hurt/care scene, and big gesture
I have always loved the movie Sabrina, but I never completely loved the older brother character. It turns out the way to fix this is to make it a gender-flipped retelling in an historical setting! This was absolutely delightful, and it enhanced my favorite parts of the movies.
Alex is so cold and focused, but she also broke my heart with her conviction that she wasn’t what any man would want. And I loved that Lucien so quickly realized that a childhood infatuation with the youngest sister could never hold a candle to the feelings he develops for Alex. I also really appreciated that the fake relationship was negotiated up front; it always bothered me that Linus tricked Sabrina in the movies.
Now, the path of true love never did run smooth, and these are 2 intelligent idiots (my favorite pairing), so of course they cause all sorts of issues for themselves. And there’s a villain and a separate shadowy danger that must be dealt with. But the ending was so satisfying! And now I want to go back and read Will and Phoebe’s book, plus I’m excited for Freddie’s book!
Final notes: spice on point, virgin hero, hurt/care scene, and big gesture
September 11, 2025
Is This Real or Must Pretend by Emily Sullivan
Historical romance.
A successful business woman, Alexandria Atkinson has grown the family business with long hours and a driving purpose. She doesn’t have much of a social life and in particular doesn’t like the inequality for rules of conduct between men and women. When Lucien Taylor returns home from a Paris cooking school, looking for funding, Alex makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Pretend to be courting her and she’ll fund his next business. As the son of a chauffeur, and a bit younger than Alex, he is a bit naive and doesn’t know all of society rules. Alex knows what’s proper but doesn’t alway care to acknowledge the rigid proprietary. Together, they manage to stir up a bit of trouble that neither expected. A little romance anyone?
A cute fake dating troupe, with a flip of her being the more experienced of the two. Plus as a working business woman, this story is a bit unique for the setting. I loved the support she got for her job from both her father and Lucien.
Sweet and a little bit spicy.
Charming and delightful.
🎧 I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Historical romance.
A successful business woman, Alexandria Atkinson has grown the family business with long hours and a driving purpose. She doesn’t have much of a social life and in particular doesn’t like the inequality for rules of conduct between men and women. When Lucien Taylor returns home from a Paris cooking school, looking for funding, Alex makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Pretend to be courting her and she’ll fund his next business. As the son of a chauffeur, and a bit younger than Alex, he is a bit naive and doesn’t know all of society rules. Alex knows what’s proper but doesn’t alway care to acknowledge the rigid proprietary. Together, they manage to stir up a bit of trouble that neither expected. A little romance anyone?
A cute fake dating troupe, with a flip of her being the more experienced of the two. Plus as a working business woman, this story is a bit unique for the setting. I loved the support she got for her job from both her father and Lucien.
Sweet and a little bit spicy.
Charming and delightful.
🎧 I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
August 3, 2025
This is wonderful reading when their ruse for mutual benefit turned real except they do not know how to get out of the pretence into reality. Very strong and kind hearted heroine is perfect match for a wonderful man who can make her laugh.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
July 20, 2025
Gender reverse Sabrina retelling in historic romance!!!!! I loved this. I loved Alex in the first book and couldnt wait to get her story and point of view. She’s such a strong character, the heart of her family, quietly noticing and taking care of everyone around her. I love how quickly Lucien saw this, and how hard he fell! Similar to the first book there was a lot of foreshadowing of Freddie, the youngest sister’s story, which wasn’t my favorite parts of either book- I really just want to focus on the main couple, but still a 5 star read that I devoured in just 1 extended sitting.
July 21, 2025
Oh, I just loved his book! It did take me until the author’s notes to realize it’s a Sabrina-esque retelling, which then made me love it even more. Wit, humor, smart Victorian women, and nice spice - all the hallmarks of an Emily Sullivan book! Thanks to Forever for the ARC.
September 17, 2025
I have so many feelings about this book. First, I really really liked how it was written. It was so engaging that I started it and felt like I had to finish it! I was engrossed and I needed to know what happened between Alex and Lucien.
I loved Alex, our FMC, she was modeled after usually forgotten Victorian women who worked and were brilliant but unfortunately described as cold or looked down upon for their drive. Lucien took me a while to warm up to. He had a lot of sweet characteristics and moments but sometimes he would say some really harsh things to Alex in the midst of arguments that I felt like were never fully resolved.
I did think the miscommunication trope went on for a bit too long and it did frustrate me, but honestly given how emotionally constipated Alex was it made sense and it was fun to see this be from the FMC as it’s usually the MMC who is broody. I also wish to have gotten a spicy scene post conciliation. But it’s just because I liked the couple so much I wanted to see more of them getting to know each other and loving each other and having it be them against the outside problems. Definitely had some swoon worthy moments and it was so well written that I could really feel what Alex was feeling in her internal dialogue. The picnic in her office. 🤪😍 I’ll think about that scene again.
One thing I did dislike is Freddie the sister. I hated her so much and it made me a little sad to not have seen her relationship with Alex resolved. But the writing was so awesome because it truly made me feel viscerally about Freddie and Alex’s description of Freddie and their little spats felt so real. Also this suffers a bit of the Mary Balogh family-treatment where the family is painted as loving but is actually kind of terrible to Alex and Alex just takes it and doesn’t resolve that with them.
However, I loved that Alex grows emotionally and even though it’s a bit of up and down I think it’s so realistic for someone who has closed themselves off and is learning to love. I also think there were some really lovely moments of Lucien understanding and seeing Alex in ways that made the romance feel real.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
I loved Alex, our FMC, she was modeled after usually forgotten Victorian women who worked and were brilliant but unfortunately described as cold or looked down upon for their drive. Lucien took me a while to warm up to. He had a lot of sweet characteristics and moments but sometimes he would say some really harsh things to Alex in the midst of arguments that I felt like were never fully resolved.
I did think the miscommunication trope went on for a bit too long and it did frustrate me, but honestly given how emotionally constipated Alex was it made sense and it was fun to see this be from the FMC as it’s usually the MMC who is broody. I also wish to have gotten a spicy scene post conciliation. But it’s just because I liked the couple so much I wanted to see more of them getting to know each other and loving each other and having it be them against the outside problems. Definitely had some swoon worthy moments and it was so well written that I could really feel what Alex was feeling in her internal dialogue. The picnic in her office. 🤪😍 I’ll think about that scene again.
One thing I did dislike is Freddie the sister. I hated her so much and it made me a little sad to not have seen her relationship with Alex resolved. But the writing was so awesome because it truly made me feel viscerally about Freddie and Alex’s description of Freddie and their little spats felt so real. Also this suffers a bit of the Mary Balogh family-treatment where the family is painted as loving but is actually kind of terrible to Alex and Alex just takes it and doesn’t resolve that with them.
However, I loved that Alex grows emotionally and even though it’s a bit of up and down I think it’s so realistic for someone who has closed themselves off and is learning to love. I also think there were some really lovely moments of Lucien understanding and seeing Alex in ways that made the romance feel real.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
August 1, 2025
Is This Real Or Just Pretend? by Emily Sullivan
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Thank you to Forever, Grand Central Publishing, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
What an entertaining and engaging read with wit, humor, and romance! A fake dating historical romance, Is This Real or Just Pretend? is wonderfully written and so much fun!
Alexandra Atkinson has an unflappable demeanor and always remains in control. Her personality helps her thrive at her father’s investment firm, along with her lack of a social life and her ability to recognize investments worth pursuing. Her father is retiring soon though and the board is unwilling to have a woman join. Alex could lose everything she worked so hard for and is determined to find a way to make it work despite all odds. Lucien Taylor is focused on starting again after his business partner betrayed him. His childhood friend’s sister, Alex, comes to him with an unusual proposal. She offers to help him obtain the funding he needs for his new business venture if he pretends to court her so that she can stake her claim on her father’s company. Alex and Lucien quickly realize that they are developing feelings though. The more time they spend together, the more the intensity of their feelings increases.
The main characters are both likable and complex. The character depth and development is excellent! Alex is a woman with a passion for business, which was interesting to see her navigate in a Victorian setting. At first glance, she may seem cold, but she actually deeply cares. Her multifacetedness is amazing and her determination is remarkable. Lucien is caring, thoughtful, kind and wears his heart on his sleeve. It was delightful to see them become closer and their romance was super sweet. Even though they’re opposites, they work so well together. The fake dating trope was well done and helped to develop their romance. Also, the supporting characters really strengthen the story as a whole and the Victorian setting was great.
Overall, Is This Real or Just Pretend? is such a charming and sweet historical romance with so many heartwarming and absolutely adorable moments!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Thank you to Forever, Grand Central Publishing, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
What an entertaining and engaging read with wit, humor, and romance! A fake dating historical romance, Is This Real or Just Pretend? is wonderfully written and so much fun!
Alexandra Atkinson has an unflappable demeanor and always remains in control. Her personality helps her thrive at her father’s investment firm, along with her lack of a social life and her ability to recognize investments worth pursuing. Her father is retiring soon though and the board is unwilling to have a woman join. Alex could lose everything she worked so hard for and is determined to find a way to make it work despite all odds. Lucien Taylor is focused on starting again after his business partner betrayed him. His childhood friend’s sister, Alex, comes to him with an unusual proposal. She offers to help him obtain the funding he needs for his new business venture if he pretends to court her so that she can stake her claim on her father’s company. Alex and Lucien quickly realize that they are developing feelings though. The more time they spend together, the more the intensity of their feelings increases.
The main characters are both likable and complex. The character depth and development is excellent! Alex is a woman with a passion for business, which was interesting to see her navigate in a Victorian setting. At first glance, she may seem cold, but she actually deeply cares. Her multifacetedness is amazing and her determination is remarkable. Lucien is caring, thoughtful, kind and wears his heart on his sleeve. It was delightful to see them become closer and their romance was super sweet. Even though they’re opposites, they work so well together. The fake dating trope was well done and helped to develop their romance. Also, the supporting characters really strengthen the story as a whole and the Victorian setting was great.
Overall, Is This Real or Just Pretend? is such a charming and sweet historical romance with so many heartwarming and absolutely adorable moments!
July 26, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Another great Emily Sullivan story, this time about Alex, elder sister of the FMC from Duchess Material who we know to be slightly odd and very business minded. She takes center stage in this fake courtship-business meets pleasure HR when her unmarried status begins to get in the way of her being taken seriously at her father’s company (which she mostly runs on her own). MMC Lucien is a down on his luck restauranteur who used to crush on her younger sister but agrees to court her in exchange for investment help to start a new supper club. Both have pre conceived ideas about the other and both find themselves dealing with new and not entirely unwelcome feelings. I appreciated that FMC was older and more sexually experienced than our virgin MMC, but that when it came to relationships and communication he was the more mature of the two. I think some of the side characters and subplots could have been a little tighter or maybe even deferred in service of continuing to expand the main characters’ growth and relationship. It felt like the last part of the book was rushing and did not quite live up to the bar set by the rest of it. Could have been a 5 star with a little more fine tuning!
Another great Emily Sullivan story, this time about Alex, elder sister of the FMC from Duchess Material who we know to be slightly odd and very business minded. She takes center stage in this fake courtship-business meets pleasure HR when her unmarried status begins to get in the way of her being taken seriously at her father’s company (which she mostly runs on her own). MMC Lucien is a down on his luck restauranteur who used to crush on her younger sister but agrees to court her in exchange for investment help to start a new supper club. Both have pre conceived ideas about the other and both find themselves dealing with new and not entirely unwelcome feelings. I appreciated that FMC was older and more sexually experienced than our virgin MMC, but that when it came to relationships and communication he was the more mature of the two. I think some of the side characters and subplots could have been a little tighter or maybe even deferred in service of continuing to expand the main characters’ growth and relationship. It felt like the last part of the book was rushing and did not quite live up to the bar set by the rest of it. Could have been a 5 star with a little more fine tuning!
July 27, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Sullivan, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the fact that we were following Alex, an incredible businesswoman, in a time when women weren't allowed to hold a role like that. Thankfully, her father saw her potential and let her run the business. I understand that she is not like other girls; however, I loved her confidence and strategic mind. The fact that this is a fake marriage arrangement was good. Sometimes in these kinds of books, I don't always enjoy the love interest, but I liked Lucien. I thought he was a realistic character struggling with childhood fantasies and trying to make a name for himself. This was the first time I have read a book by Emily Sullivan, and it will not be my last. She knows how to write characters and an interesting story. I highly recommend this book!
4.5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the fact that we were following Alex, an incredible businesswoman, in a time when women weren't allowed to hold a role like that. Thankfully, her father saw her potential and let her run the business. I understand that she is not like other girls; however, I loved her confidence and strategic mind. The fact that this is a fake marriage arrangement was good. Sometimes in these kinds of books, I don't always enjoy the love interest, but I liked Lucien. I thought he was a realistic character struggling with childhood fantasies and trying to make a name for himself. This was the first time I have read a book by Emily Sullivan, and it will not be my last. She knows how to write characters and an interesting story. I highly recommend this book!
August 27, 2025
I have read most of the books of this author and I have loved some of them, others were just OK for. This one falls in the second category.
I liked the idea of a strong, independent woman and a caring, cinnamon roll hero but I feel the author took this opposition too far at times. I got annoyed by both characters who acted so much like cliches that they lost any charm and individuality.
The story starts quite strong and then around the middle the pacing got off, we had repeated misunderstandings between the MCs. The ending was fine and the set for the next book is also quite intriguing.
I felt the characters lacked depth. He is a chef with brilliant innovative ideas about serving food but we get this just in passing without any details. Same goes for Alex, she is a successful business woman and that's it, not enough personality, nothing to make me care for or sympathize with her.
I'm all for the empowerment of women but it was rather heavy handed here, it felt stuck on on the characters, not genuine pert of their nature. Same goes for the male MC - there is an attempt to dismantle toxic masculinity but presenting him as soft, caring was not it really.
I still want to read the next book in the series but this one was not as good as I wanted it to be.
CW: misogyny, violence, physical attack
I liked the idea of a strong, independent woman and a caring, cinnamon roll hero but I feel the author took this opposition too far at times. I got annoyed by both characters who acted so much like cliches that they lost any charm and individuality.
The story starts quite strong and then around the middle the pacing got off, we had repeated misunderstandings between the MCs. The ending was fine and the set for the next book is also quite intriguing.
I felt the characters lacked depth. He is a chef with brilliant innovative ideas about serving food but we get this just in passing without any details. Same goes for Alex, she is a successful business woman and that's it, not enough personality, nothing to make me care for or sympathize with her.
I'm all for the empowerment of women but it was rather heavy handed here, it felt stuck on on the characters, not genuine pert of their nature. Same goes for the male MC - there is an attempt to dismantle toxic masculinity but presenting him as soft, caring was not it really.
I still want to read the next book in the series but this one was not as good as I wanted it to be.
CW: misogyny, violence, physical attack
September 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Oh this one is truly for the eldest daughters!
I’ve been waiting on Alex’s story since reading Duchess Material last year and it did not disappoint! I absolutely loved her and Lucien and I loved that although she fell in love she didn’t exactly change everything that made her, HER! I also liked this one a little bit more than the first.
I also love that the gender roles were reversed here, it made things interesting and Alex was such a force in Phoebe’s book that it felt like it was a continuation and there was no characterisation blips because of that.
Lucien is just amazing I don’t want to call him a golden retriever because that just shadows him as a character and he’s so much more than that caricature in my opinion. He’s complicated, confused and complex!
At this point I’ll read Emily Sulivans shopping lists she’s really solidified herself as a top 10 histrom author for me!
Anyways this is MY The Summer I Turned Pretty!!! (Also extremely convenient that it was based off of the 1995 Sabrina so 🤷♀️ also have I said how much I loved reading authors notes?)
Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Freddie as she did get on my nerves a little bit in this one and she does seem spoiled so I’m hoping for some real growth there.
October 6, 2025
Thank you, Forever and Netgalley, for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
I’m always drawn to a fake dating trope, which instantly hooks me. This is my first book by Emily Sullivan, and I’m excited to read more.
Sullivan did a great job tackling gender roles and societal expectations. Alex is a character I loved because she was bold and ahead of her time. She sets up a scheme to keep her dad’s company since she has to be married. She will get what she wants! Lucien, meanwhile, tries to improve his status despite financial challenges, accepting unconventional arrangements to fit in.
The relationship between Alex and Lucien was so good. I love how they have always known of each other. I know, he was more into her sister, and I didn’t know how Sullivan would work this out. She did it in a really great way, though. I loved seeing how all of Lucien’s misconceptions about Alex started falling apart. She seems a certain way, but in reality, she’s so much more.
I didn’t realize there was a previous book before this one! It makes sense now with some of the hints throughout. I will go back and read that one. I enjoyed this read because it was a lot of fun. The romance was so sweet.
I’m always drawn to a fake dating trope, which instantly hooks me. This is my first book by Emily Sullivan, and I’m excited to read more.
Sullivan did a great job tackling gender roles and societal expectations. Alex is a character I loved because she was bold and ahead of her time. She sets up a scheme to keep her dad’s company since she has to be married. She will get what she wants! Lucien, meanwhile, tries to improve his status despite financial challenges, accepting unconventional arrangements to fit in.
The relationship between Alex and Lucien was so good. I love how they have always known of each other. I know, he was more into her sister, and I didn’t know how Sullivan would work this out. She did it in a really great way, though. I loved seeing how all of Lucien’s misconceptions about Alex started falling apart. She seems a certain way, but in reality, she’s so much more.
I didn’t realize there was a previous book before this one! It makes sense now with some of the hints throughout. I will go back and read that one. I enjoyed this read because it was a lot of fun. The romance was so sweet.
August 3, 2025
Historical romances have a harder time capturing my interest, but I was immediately intrigued by the cover and description of this one. I love a good fake dating and woman who is underappreciated by men book. Especially when you just know her love interest is going to become her biggest cheerleader!
This book did not disappoint. Alex and Lucian were an adorable dynamic of reverse grumpy/sunshine, which is a trope I always love. Alex is chronically underappreciated by her family, father's business associates, and herself, and by the end, she finds her own strength and is ready to step out on her own path. Lucian, meanwhile, is an adorable golden retriever who also needs to figure out what he really wants in life (which is for Alex to boss him around...).
While I enjoy some more traditional historical romances and don't fault women who desire to fit within the defined structure of their society, I really love books like this with more independent women. We know historically there were plenty of intelligent women whose accomplishments were claimed by the men around them, so its nice to see the woman win her own recognition.
I would definitely recommend this book, and if you want a few other books, I really enjoy Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti and The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes.
This book did not disappoint. Alex and Lucian were an adorable dynamic of reverse grumpy/sunshine, which is a trope I always love. Alex is chronically underappreciated by her family, father's business associates, and herself, and by the end, she finds her own strength and is ready to step out on her own path. Lucian, meanwhile, is an adorable golden retriever who also needs to figure out what he really wants in life (which is for Alex to boss him around...).
While I enjoy some more traditional historical romances and don't fault women who desire to fit within the defined structure of their society, I really love books like this with more independent women. We know historically there were plenty of intelligent women whose accomplishments were claimed by the men around them, so its nice to see the woman win her own recognition.
I would definitely recommend this book, and if you want a few other books, I really enjoy Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti and The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes.
November 5, 2025
4.25 stars rounded down
What a delightful historical romance. This is a loose, gender-bent retelling of Sabrina! I liked the callbacks, and they weren’t too heavy-handed. The romance was sooo steamy, and I liked how the “him being in love with her sister his whole life” issue was addressed. I was anticipating their first kiss SO HARD. I love it when books make me feel that way. I wish I had realized this was a sequel, though. Reading the first book isn’t required to understand this one (I think I still understood everything perfectly well), but there were a lottt of callbacks and even a continued side plot. I’m not sure I’ll go back and read book 1 (I basically know it all now), but I will read book 3!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
What a delightful historical romance. This is a loose, gender-bent retelling of Sabrina! I liked the callbacks, and they weren’t too heavy-handed. The romance was sooo steamy, and I liked how the “him being in love with her sister his whole life” issue was addressed. I was anticipating their first kiss SO HARD. I love it when books make me feel that way. I wish I had realized this was a sequel, though. Reading the first book isn’t required to understand this one (I think I still understood everything perfectly well), but there were a lottt of callbacks and even a continued side plot. I’m not sure I’ll go back and read book 1 (I basically know it all now), but I will read book 3!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 17, 2025
Oh this was so good!
It was my first Emily Sullivan book and now I want to look up all of the author's other books 👀
I loved the main characters' chemistry, the unfolding of the plot and how richly built the family and their world is. I felt like we really got to know their circle of relationships and the dynamivs between all of them.
Very fun, very cute, love love!
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read this ARC. The book comes out on September 9th, 2025.
It was my first Emily Sullivan book and now I want to look up all of the author's other books 👀
I loved the main characters' chemistry, the unfolding of the plot and how richly built the family and their world is. I felt like we really got to know their circle of relationships and the dynamivs between all of them.
Very fun, very cute, love love!
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read this ARC. The book comes out on September 9th, 2025.
July 22, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Alex Atkinson has a head for business. She successfully runs her father’s company behind the scenes. When she finds out that she will need to be engaged in order to get the board’s approval, she comes up with a plan for a fake courtship. She enlists the help of Lucien Taylor, a childhood friend who has pined for her sister Freddie. In exchange for the courtship, she offers to find Lucien investors for his business. The more time Lucien spends with Alex, the more he sees behind her icy facade. The question becomes: is this real or is it pretend?
Oh, I really enjoyed this book. The characters are so likable and earnest. Alex is a complex and caring woman. In order to succeed in a world run by men, she hides herself behind an icy demeanor in order to be taken seriously. What Ms. Sullivan does so well is show us the Alex that hides underneath it all. We get glimpses throughout the novel of her vulnerable side. She’s multifaceted and always strives to be honest with Lucien. I really enjoyed the intimacy of their communication. Even if there is a misunderstanding, it is always addressed. It was lovely to see him draw out Alex’s true nature and watch them slowly fall in love. I appreciated that he was fixated on Freddie only for a short bit at the start of the novel, and he never compared the two sisters. He very quickly acknowledges his feelings for Alex. He was a thoughtful man, and immediately saw through Alex’s walls.
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far, and I’m looking forward to Freddie’s book. She’s going to be a handful for sure.
Alex Atkinson has a head for business. She successfully runs her father’s company behind the scenes. When she finds out that she will need to be engaged in order to get the board’s approval, she comes up with a plan for a fake courtship. She enlists the help of Lucien Taylor, a childhood friend who has pined for her sister Freddie. In exchange for the courtship, she offers to find Lucien investors for his business. The more time Lucien spends with Alex, the more he sees behind her icy facade. The question becomes: is this real or is it pretend?
Oh, I really enjoyed this book. The characters are so likable and earnest. Alex is a complex and caring woman. In order to succeed in a world run by men, she hides herself behind an icy demeanor in order to be taken seriously. What Ms. Sullivan does so well is show us the Alex that hides underneath it all. We get glimpses throughout the novel of her vulnerable side. She’s multifaceted and always strives to be honest with Lucien. I really enjoyed the intimacy of their communication. Even if there is a misunderstanding, it is always addressed. It was lovely to see him draw out Alex’s true nature and watch them slowly fall in love. I appreciated that he was fixated on Freddie only for a short bit at the start of the novel, and he never compared the two sisters. He very quickly acknowledges his feelings for Alex. He was a thoughtful man, and immediately saw through Alex’s walls.
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far, and I’m looking forward to Freddie’s book. She’s going to be a handful for sure.
August 16, 2025
This was lackluster for me. The premise was promising enough. However, I was bored most of the time. It's just didn't work for me.
July 30, 2025
I loved the first book in this series, Duchess Material. It was my favorite historical romance of 2024 so I was ecstatic when I got a chance to read Is This Real or Just Pretend early. I have been waiting to get into Alex’s story. I am so happy that she got not only her romantic happily ever after but also got her business happily ever after. I’d love to see a modern woman in Victorian times l overcoming the obstacles in her way! Thank you so much for a chance to read this book early. I’m so invested in this series. And hopefully there’s a book by 3!
Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2025
This upcoming historical fiction novel is something I really enjoyed reading. Ivlike the whole concept of fake dating because usually it turns into something so much more. I adored the main female character because she wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed in. The leading man of the book had the best personality.
July 20, 2025
It’s 1897 and fake dating has never been so fantastic! Alexandra and Lucien pretend a courtship to help her business and so he can have the capital to start a restaurant. Lucien has had a crush on her little sister for years, but quickly realizes that his feelings for Alex are both different and real. Alex likes to be in control, but love isn’t like business.
The characters are charming and sweetly vulnerable. You can’t help but cheer for these two opposites to have their own happy ending. I absolutely loved this story and gobbled it up like a French pastry.
Gentle readers: there are multiple intimate scenes.
The characters are charming and sweetly vulnerable. You can’t help but cheer for these two opposites to have their own happy ending. I absolutely loved this story and gobbled it up like a French pastry.
Gentle readers: there are multiple intimate scenes.
July 22, 2025
Oh my god this was absolutely delicious. I’m begging everyone to add this to their tbr’s for Sept.
And I’m gonna need Winnifred’s book like yesterday!!!
And I’m gonna need Winnifred’s book like yesterday!!!
July 28, 2025
A cute story about two opposites who bring out the best in each other. While the book takes place in Victorian England, it does not shy away from spice and sex.
Tropes:
opposites attract
fake dating
love triangle
reverse grumpy x sunshine
YEARNING on both sides (dual POV)
Alex is known as a heartless ice queen who cares more about work and her career at her father's company than she does her social duties. Lucien has come back to England after a failed business venture to visit his father, who works for Alex's family. He also has had a massive unrequited crush on Alex's sister for most of his life. They strike up a mutually beneficial deal to undergo a fake courtship. As they spend more time together, their feelings for each other begin to grow.
I loved Alex and was rooting for her the whole time - she's the responsible sister who's independent, sharp, and intelligent. She is caged in by the societal rules of her era, and unfortunately, her business acumen and personality are seen as an affront to her society. As a result, she is judged and looked upon unfavorably, which has impacted her insecurities about herself and what she expects and deserves from other people. She doesn't expect Lucien to fall in love with her (other than the fact that he has been in love with her sister, Freddie, for forever) because she thinks she is not what Lucien or what any man wants in a partner. Luckily, Lucien sees her for who she really is: an asset to her company and also beautiful, and I loved him for her. He's patient with her as she battles between what she wants and what holds her back. As they do the "will they/won't they" dance, we are treated with excellent yearning from both sides - prepare for a slow burn.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC!
Tropes:
opposites attract
fake dating
love triangle
reverse grumpy x sunshine
YEARNING on both sides (dual POV)
Alex is known as a heartless ice queen who cares more about work and her career at her father's company than she does her social duties. Lucien has come back to England after a failed business venture to visit his father, who works for Alex's family. He also has had a massive unrequited crush on Alex's sister for most of his life. They strike up a mutually beneficial deal to undergo a fake courtship. As they spend more time together, their feelings for each other begin to grow.
I loved Alex and was rooting for her the whole time - she's the responsible sister who's independent, sharp, and intelligent. She is caged in by the societal rules of her era, and unfortunately, her business acumen and personality are seen as an affront to her society. As a result, she is judged and looked upon unfavorably, which has impacted her insecurities about herself and what she expects and deserves from other people. She doesn't expect Lucien to fall in love with her (other than the fact that he has been in love with her sister, Freddie, for forever) because she thinks she is not what Lucien or what any man wants in a partner. Luckily, Lucien sees her for who she really is: an asset to her company and also beautiful, and I loved him for her. He's patient with her as she battles between what she wants and what holds her back. As they do the "will they/won't they" dance, we are treated with excellent yearning from both sides - prepare for a slow burn.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC!
September 13, 2025
Emily Sullivan is one of my go-to historical romances, so I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of Is This Real or Just Pretend? The story reminds me of a gender reversed Sabrina, which is one of my favorite romances from the 90s, and follows Alex, a businesswoman trying to prove her worth, and Lucien, the son of the chauffeur who has returned after several years in Paris. The pair enters into a mutually beneficial arrangement where they pretend to date, but their fake relationship quickly turns into something more real.
Alex works so hard at her father’s business, trying to prove her worth, and Lucien is trying to reinvigorate a business idea that had some success in Paris before he was swindled. They both face a lot of conflicts, as Alex needs a husband to ensure her position at the top of the company, and Lucien needs to find investors. I felt for both of them and their struggles, and thought there were some strong messages about gender issues, social constraints, and more.
Alex and Lucien have a fantastic love story with so many tropes I enjoy. Though Lucien is initially interested in Alex’s sister ( his childhood crush and friend), his affections quickly shift. Generally, I don’t like a love triangle when it involves siblings, but in this case, it totally worked. Even though Alex and Lucien enter into a fake dating situation, it’s pretty clear early on that Lucien’s feelings for Alex are deep and true, and not based on childhood feelings.
I also love how they truly see each other. They’ve known each other since childhood, and though they weren’t close, they circled each other’s orbits. With that background, their relationship feels even more intimate and special. And the way he talks about her, as if he’s in awe of her in so many different ways, is almost as swoon-worthy as some of his romantic declarations. My word, this man might not be super experienced, but he sure knows how to make Alex feel wanted and loved and respected.
There’s also a bit of suspense in the plot, as someone is targeting Alex. Though this relates to the antagonists in the first book in the series, you don’t need to read that one to follow this one. There’s ample context, and it’s a tense and intriguing part of the story.
As you can tell, I really enjoyed this read, which is no surprise. I always love reading books by this author, and I’m looking forward to the next book. I’m hoping it focuses on Alex’s younger sister and a certain side character that seems to affect her.
Alex works so hard at her father’s business, trying to prove her worth, and Lucien is trying to reinvigorate a business idea that had some success in Paris before he was swindled. They both face a lot of conflicts, as Alex needs a husband to ensure her position at the top of the company, and Lucien needs to find investors. I felt for both of them and their struggles, and thought there were some strong messages about gender issues, social constraints, and more.
Alex and Lucien have a fantastic love story with so many tropes I enjoy. Though Lucien is initially interested in Alex’s sister ( his childhood crush and friend), his affections quickly shift. Generally, I don’t like a love triangle when it involves siblings, but in this case, it totally worked. Even though Alex and Lucien enter into a fake dating situation, it’s pretty clear early on that Lucien’s feelings for Alex are deep and true, and not based on childhood feelings.
I also love how they truly see each other. They’ve known each other since childhood, and though they weren’t close, they circled each other’s orbits. With that background, their relationship feels even more intimate and special. And the way he talks about her, as if he’s in awe of her in so many different ways, is almost as swoon-worthy as some of his romantic declarations. My word, this man might not be super experienced, but he sure knows how to make Alex feel wanted and loved and respected.
There’s also a bit of suspense in the plot, as someone is targeting Alex. Though this relates to the antagonists in the first book in the series, you don’t need to read that one to follow this one. There’s ample context, and it’s a tense and intriguing part of the story.
As you can tell, I really enjoyed this read, which is no surprise. I always love reading books by this author, and I’m looking forward to the next book. I’m hoping it focuses on Alex’s younger sister and a certain side character that seems to affect her.
August 11, 2025
My first ARC read, I picked this up from Netgalley.
I loved this story!
If you’re a fan of Bridgerton and fake dating tropes, I 100% recommend grabbing this book!
When I had to put it down, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up. I’d think about during the day. I also felt like it was the perfect length for this story.
I loved this story!
If you’re a fan of Bridgerton and fake dating tropes, I 100% recommend grabbing this book!
When I had to put it down, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up. I’d think about during the day. I also felt like it was the perfect length for this story.
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