Power Pose

by Emily Silver

She’s my fake girlfriend…that’s it. It’s not real.

To get the company of my dreams, I need a girlfriend. For three weeks. Of course, being the workaholic I am, there are no prospects in sight.

When I hire Blair Stevens to be my girlfriend, I think nothing of it. I can fake it with the best of them for a few weeks to get what I want.

My dream company.

I won’t fall for her, right?

Wrong.

I fall—hard. Racing heart, tingling hands, and a possessive desire every time she’s near. I shouldn’t feel any of this. We aren’t a real couple.

As the two of us get closer, the ticking time clock on our relationship gets louder. Can we continue this thing in the real world? Or am I foolish to think there’s room in my life for someone else?

It’s all supposed to be pretend, right?

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Audiobook, Fake Dating, LGBT, Lesbian Fiction, Queer

Audible Audio

Published September 30, 2024

About the author

After winning a Young Author’s Award in second grade, Emily Silver was destined to be a writer. She loves writing strong heroines and the swoony men who fall for them.

A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe.

When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!

Find her on social media to stay up to date on all her adventures and upcoming releases!

Reviews

[Star]

Content warnings: homophobic parents mentions, alcohol, explicit sex scenes.

Rep: Raven (MC) is cis, white (?) and lesbian. Blair is cis, white, and lesbian.


This was short, sweet, and sexy.

I love the fake dating trope in this one. The chemistry between Raven and Blair was palpable, and while it was a bit insta-love, it was so worth it. And so hot, too!

[Unpopmary]

This seems like a short, sweet story about a fake dating arrangement and everything that comes with it, but unfortunately, it's pretty much insta-love in its maximum expression, which is not my thing...

[Aunt Missa]

Instalove with a side of smut. Super easy and short read.

[Book Chick]

A wonderfully sweet story

This was a wonderful story! While short, the character development was great and the story was captivating. You will root for these two! And the narration was excellent!!

[Noëmie]

It was my first FF romance and I loved it so much. The performance of the narrators were perfect, the best voices to bring Raven and Blair to life.

It was a short audiobook, less than 4 hours but it was so worthy.

Thank you for this ALC I'll have to read more FF romance now.

[Evi Janssens]

4,5 ⭐️

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily)]

Power Pose is a story about Blair and Raven who find themselves in a situation outside of their comfort zone, but necessary to move further in their individual life. Raven needs a girlfriend to impress a company that she is trying to acquire and Blair, quite frankly, needs the money.

Neither of them make dating a priority in their lives, so going through Elite Connections worked out in both of their favor!

I loved how Blair and Raven started off as a fake relationship, but quickly you realize how much chemistry is running between both of them! I loved how they were both strong and powerful in their own right, but together, they vibe so perfectly.

And the spicy times between these two was chefs kiss! I loved their attraction and how they couldn't keep their hands off of one another.

I absolutely love these two! Emily does FF romances SO WELL!!

Rose Dioro and Samantha Brentmoor are absolutely fantastic as Raven and Blair! I read this story when it was in the anthology and I was so ecstatic to listen to it now with these two.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads]

**Audiobook Review**

It’s no secret how much I love Emily Silver’s writing and I was so happy to discover that this novella is a sapphic story. Raven is an absolute powerhouse of a businesswoman and I loved how she ran her investment firm. She would help small businesses that were woman and/or minority owned. And when a lesbian owned travel company came up for sale, she made that her next opportunity. Blair is an assistant prosecutor and is trying to help the world in any way she can. She also is the guardian to her younger sister and works tirelessly to pay for her schooling. When the opportunity from Elite Connections comes in, she can’t say no.

I loved Blair and Raven from the start and was so excited to read about their arrangement. Both were passionate about their careers and the family members that they were close with. You could tell the beginning and it only grew as they spent time together in Italy. I love how they connected on the small things and then went deeper as time went by. Raven really listened to Blair and was able to show her things she might have never seen before. Blair is a genuine woman and I loved how she helped Raven achieve her goal of being able to buy the travel company. Once these two gave into their feelings, the chemistry went from hot to sizzling. It might have started temporarily but they quickly realized they had a chance for me. The ending was so sweet and I hope we get more from them in the future.

Samantha Brentmoor and Rose Dioro narrate this audiobook and I’m in love with them narrating together! I loved Samantha as Blair, she brought her caring and independent personality alive perfectly. Rose’s narration was empowering and sensual, just like Raven. Samantha and Rose’s narration style complimented each other perfectly and I hope we get more from them together in the future.

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens]

** Audio Review **Obsessed with these ladies! Power Pose by Emily Silver was a sweet and swoony fake dating/ billionaire romance that swept me off my feet and had me longing for my very own romantic trip to Milan. Blair and Raven’s journey to HEA was full of tension, lingering kisses, intimate conversations, and all the spicy times. This sapphic novella is not to be missed! (Especially in audio!)

Rose Dioro and Samantha Brentmoor perform this audiobook in dual narration. To say how excited I am that we finally get a #rosemoor narrator pairing is an understatement because these ladies were pure sultry magic! Rose added a seductive allure to her voice when delivering Raven’s desires for Blair. At the same time, Rose’s performance also exuded strength and passion when showcasing Blair’s hopes and dreams. Samantha’s soft, sensual tone conveyed Blair’s dedication to her sister and her newfound temptation with Raven. Plus, Samantha added a vulnerability to her voice to show Blair’s doubt to open her heart to love. Rose and Samantha brought the heat when it came to Raven and Blair’s undeniable chemistry. (Yes, ladies!)

Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a sapphic romance novella with a dark-haired billionaire CEO, a dedicated assistant prosecutor, fake dating, flying first class to Milan, going after your dream touring company, a bag of Dicks, one bed, wine tasting, duomo tours, art experiences, steamy times with heels, opera, intimate conversations, and a HEA that will take your heart on a trip of a lifetime, then you will love Blair and Raven’s romance. I always look forward to more from Emily Silver.

[Amy]

3.75⭐️

[Kristina Maysonet]

This short story is a FF fake dating romance. Raven needs a girlfriend to help impress a company she is trying to buy. Blair needs the money because she is the guardian for her sister. Together all the time in this glorious city of Milan, Blair and Raven have deep conversations and lots of shared kisses. Their fake dating quickly turns to so much more. I really love the way that Emily writes FF romance. I don’t think there is enough out there. Their chemistry, and the spice really was perfect. I loved how comfortable they were together. I was really invested in these characters and their growth. I was also really interested in Blair’s sister Avi and I can only hope that we see something from her in the future.

This audio really enhanced this story. I had read this story a while back but now was listening to it for the first time and I just can’t even express how amazing it was. These two narrators did a perfect job bringing the characters to life. They brought a fun loving side to these characters as well as the sexy passionate side.

[Meredith (SweetReadsandTreats)]

2 amazing FMCs

I was so excited when Emily announced this audiobook because Samantha Brentmoor and Rose Dioro are two powerhouse female narrators and I knew it would be an amazing experience. This listen was the perfect fake dating to love story set in Italy with intense attraction, some slow burn heat, and only one bed. It’s spicy and sweet and each narrator fit their character perfectly. Blair and Raven were contrasts while both being educated, professional women. I adored them both so much and loved when they started dating without realizing it.

Raven wants to acquire her dream company, but when she learns about the importance of family and work-life balance to the current owners, she realizes her workaholic lifestyle may hurt her chances of winning the buyout. Her assistant connects her to an agency who pairs her with Blair. Blair needs a lifeline. She’s raising her teenage sister and even working as a lawyer, making ends meet in the city is hard. They both come to this romance with something to gain, but had no idea, love was coming for them. This story is short, without feeling short and such a perfect snack of a read to cozy up with. I couldn’t get enough of this audio and wouldn’t be sad if it turned into a series… just saying.

[Julie Kristine]

I read this as part of the Elite Connections anthology.

CEO Raven wants to buy a company she's had her eye on for a while—but the owners want to really get a feel for their potential buyers and invite anyone interested to a retreat in Milan with their significant others. Raven's only problem? She doesn't have a partner. Enter Blair, who signed up to work for Elite Connections to earn money to support her younger sister. The money from this job would do that and then some.
This story was okay - but not quite my cup of tea. It felt like the relationship was based more on the women being attracted to each other, not getting to know each other (on-page anyway). Therefore, the romance felt a bit rushed to me, and it felt like I didn't get to know the characters either. Told in dual POV and first person.

[CourtneyS]

OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
•Storyline: ⭐⭐⭐️⭐
•Duet Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
🎙️ Samantha Brentmoor and Rose Diorio
•Spice Level: 🌶.5

•Trope:
Billionaire Romance
Sapphic Romance
Fake Dating
Single Parent

Series: Standalone

• THOUGHTS:
This was my first Emily Silver book. I will sY I did enjoy it. However, I think my biggest complaint is going be the length of the story. This felt a lot like a novella, but it wasn't advertised as one. I felt the story was rushed. I think had I known going into it, how short it truly was I would have come at this story a lot differently, but with this being said. I think the story was definitely worth the read! I liked Blair and Raven and their connection they establish and build. They were each others missing piece.

Oookkaayy, narrator chat time:
Samantha and Rose nailed it!!!! Period the end!! .

[Sophie Hutchins]

“I hate that I can’t pull her into my arms and taste her. I want to wake up tangled in her.”

A sweet and spicy FF story!

I love how these two slotted in together. Neither of them wanted a partner yet they both fell head over heels the second they met.

I’m always a sucker for fake dating romances, and this one didn’t let down. I actually liked that they didn’t know one another before, that Blair was hired for the role. It made it all new and exciting.

Raven was cool, a ceo and didn’t take nothing from nobody. She was strong but she also got of show her fun side with Blair. I also loved how when it came to the 🌶️ she submitted to Blair.

Blair had so much on her shoulders and it hurts a little to know she’s carrying it all on her own. She Raven comes in and slowly but surely starts to demolish her walls. I loved her caring streak and how she always put everyone else first before herself yet when it came to Raven she allowed herself to be put first.

🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

“For her? I’d give it all up. Everything I’ve worked for and everything I want just to spend another day with her.”

[SJ]

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Lesbian FMCs

📝Tropes/Themes: Fake Dating, Vacation/Travel, Escort, Insta Love

I was excited for this book after listening to another of Emily Silver’s books, especially since I love the fake dating trope. Unfortunately, this book fell short for me. Everything felt very surface level. At the end of the story I still barely knew anything about two main characters - their lives, their pasts, etc. They lacked depth, which is one thing I always look for in a story. Everything felt very flat. We get a few minor details/backstory things, but not much. I didn’t feel a connection between the characters on any kind of emotional level. Physical attraction, yes. Lust. But that was where it stopped.

I also was just bothered by the fact that Blair was Raven’s paid escort, who she then sleeps with and ends up in a relationship but not once do they ever even talk about the mess that is that situation. That’s kind of a big deal in my book, so I was shocked it didn’t even get addressed.

While the story was well written and entertaining, it’s just not what I look for in a romance. I want to feel like the characters belong together. I want depth and emotion and all the feels. Clearly others have enjoyed this book, though. So just because it wasn’t my cup of tea, doesn’t mean it won’t be yours!

I will say, the narration was excellent. Samantha Brentmoor and Rose Dioro did a phenomenal job.

[Josie]

Really the ending was the best of it all. I loved every second of this book. It has the perfect length and I enjoyed the realistic steamy parts in that book. The constant compliments they gave each other were laid on a little too thick for my taste and I wish the build up of them getting to the first kiss would have been edged a little more out. I hope to see more of these stories from this author. Amazon should make it into a movie it's worth it. Love it! Thank you for this!

[Amanda | manda_reads_]

This was so good! It was a fun, quick, and spicy sapphic romance novella. This is my first sapphic romance from Emily, and I enjoyed it a lot. Emily could write anything, and it would be really good. I didn't mind that it was insta-lovey either. I loved Blair and Raven. The whole fake dating trope is one of my favorites. Their chemistry together was so good. I couldn't stop smiling and kicking my feet while reading. Also, the spice was so hot.

[Lüke J A]

I think we’ve all hired someone from a professional placement agency to be our fake romantic partner in order to sway the owners of a travel agency we love into selling said agency to us. That old chestnut. I’m still all for it because when I faux dated my wife it wasn’t narrated by Samantha Brentmoor. I’m bitter about that and will make sure to rectify that for our next acquisition trip to Rome.

[Booklover Judy Lynn]

#FF #LGBTQIA+ #FakeRelationship #Novella
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this novella is a standalone and ends with a HEA.
I love a good fake relationship book and this one was fabulous. Raven is a boss babe and CEO of her family’s company in Seattle. She has an amazing heart that uses her business to create good in the world. Blair is an assistant prosecutor who has custody of her teenage sister and a lot on her plate. While Raven seems fearless in so many ways, Blair loves the comfort of predictability and security. There are times in the book where Blair is leading Raven to become more adventurous than she otherwise would. Blair embraces the world with wide-eyed wonder while assessing her own love life as fairly hopeless.
Together they have a fake dating contract that leads them to three fantastic weeks in Milan, Italy. There they fall in love, give in to lust and the chemistry between them, and take a chance on forever.
This was only my second FF book (both by this author) and I adored their story. I loved the deep emotional connection they developed. There are plenty of steamy open-door moments as they can’t really help themselves. I really loved their HEA as they help each other to live their very best lives together with love. A beautiful romance.

[Liza Broadaway]

A great novella. For me sapphic romances are give or take. Too many are cliche and way to romcom for me. Going in I knew this was a novella so my expectations weren’t high. I honestly loved how this story developed and how the two fmcs found the person they needed for balance in their life! Super sweet and just what I needed this afternoon!

[M Silver]

Faking it and making it work

This book was exciting to read. I wasn’t sure what or how it would end but I was quite pleased with the results. They were able to get the company and each other. The trip to Milan helped create a romantic setting and allowed them to explore each other.

[Bev]

Another fabulous book by Emily silver.

I love Emily's books and this one is no different.
I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down. The love in these pages is there for all to see.
I love Emily's style of writing and im yet to find one of her books that I dont love!

[Vibeke]

A 🔥 and sweet story. I normally don’t like the short stories because you seem to miss a lot in the story but this one I actually loved. It’s greatly narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Rose Dioro. They too gets 5⭐️

[Bookishlyhaley]

This was my time first time reading a sapphic romance, and I really enjoyed it! This was a quick read, and while things moved fast, the development was perfect. I really loved Raven and Blairs' connection.

[Manar]

Super quick read so naturally the plot felt very fast paced. unfortunately i think it’s hard to pull off fake dating stories with this short of a book. not enough time to get to know the characters and give them a build up

[Pat Stanton]

Blair and Raven's Story

The standalone book about a high power CEO and her fake girlfriend who becomes her real girlfriend is just moderately entertaining. The characters seem two dimensional, stereotypical lesbian women. Not up to the author's usual standard.

[briebriereads]

This is a quick read - things move fast and for me, that worked. I love a good happy ending to a story so this was a feel good book that moved fast, had a little spice, and made my heart happy.

[Equeeny]

Nice story, but too spicy in my opinion. 🫣

[Micah]

Never the biggest fake dating fan but it wanted awful