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Love Connections #3
The Perils of Pretending
Hello rock bottom, it’s me, the girl fake dating her brother’s best friend at a family reunion.
When I get tricked into joining a ten-day family trip to Alaska (because Grandma doesn’t take no for an answer), I thought awkward family dinners would be the worst part. That is, until Grandma unveils her pièce de résistance—a suitor she’s handpicked just for me. I’d rather marry a moose.
Enter Max, my brother’s annoyingly charming best friend. His genius solution? Fake dating to dodge Grandma’s matchmaking. Sure, it starts with convincing everyone we’re madly in love, but things take a turn when his smirks start feeling less fake, and my heart decides to join the chaos.
Of course, it’s not that simple—falling for Max means facing my biggest his career. The same dangerous job that took my dad’s life. Can I survive Grandma’s schemes, family shenanigans, and my runaway feelings, or will I end up in the kind of mess not even Max can charm his way out of?
The Perils of Pretending is a sweet romantic comedy packed with love, mischief, and a dash of moose-related drama, proving that the most unexpected relationships might just be the real deal.
When I get tricked into joining a ten-day family trip to Alaska (because Grandma doesn’t take no for an answer), I thought awkward family dinners would be the worst part. That is, until Grandma unveils her pièce de résistance—a suitor she’s handpicked just for me. I’d rather marry a moose.
Enter Max, my brother’s annoyingly charming best friend. His genius solution? Fake dating to dodge Grandma’s matchmaking. Sure, it starts with convincing everyone we’re madly in love, but things take a turn when his smirks start feeling less fake, and my heart decides to join the chaos.
Of course, it’s not that simple—falling for Max means facing my biggest his career. The same dangerous job that took my dad’s life. Can I survive Grandma’s schemes, family shenanigans, and my runaway feelings, or will I end up in the kind of mess not even Max can charm his way out of?
The Perils of Pretending is a sweet romantic comedy packed with love, mischief, and a dash of moose-related drama, proving that the most unexpected relationships might just be the real deal.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2025
47 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Amanda P. Jones
11 books317 followersWhen not reading or writing (which is rare), Amanda loves to travel, camp, spend time with family and friends, and eat chocolate chip cookies—or any other excuse she can come up with to avoid doing housework. She lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 16, 2025
“If fake dating was this easy, I would have done it earlier.”
There are so many things to love in this story and it all started with my immediate obsession with Max and Sadie. A brother’s-best-friend romance is always a favorite, but a fake one set at a family reunion in Alaska with a lovable moose? It’s a done deal.
This is my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last. Not only do I love her writing style, but I quickly became infatuated with these characters. While there are whiffs of heavy topics floating about, they are handled with grace, light humor, and depth. And the moose? Perfection!
I loved the midnight sun talks, cherished every excursion and activity that brought these two closer together, and appreciated the way they each saw beneath the surface to value and treasure their connection. Every interaction was laced with swoon and watching them defeat fears and expectations nearly burst my heart.
Are there perils with pretending? Of course–but they were worth every risk taken in this case.
Content: toxic family; off-page past loss of parent; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
There are so many things to love in this story and it all started with my immediate obsession with Max and Sadie. A brother’s-best-friend romance is always a favorite, but a fake one set at a family reunion in Alaska with a lovable moose? It’s a done deal.
This is my first book by this author and it definitely won’t be my last. Not only do I love her writing style, but I quickly became infatuated with these characters. While there are whiffs of heavy topics floating about, they are handled with grace, light humor, and depth. And the moose? Perfection!
I loved the midnight sun talks, cherished every excursion and activity that brought these two closer together, and appreciated the way they each saw beneath the surface to value and treasure their connection. Every interaction was laced with swoon and watching them defeat fears and expectations nearly burst my heart.
Are there perils with pretending? Of course–but they were worth every risk taken in this case.
Content: toxic family; off-page past loss of parent; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
July 11, 2025
THE PERILS OF PRETENDING
(Love Connections #3)
by: Amanda P. Jones
@authoramandapjones
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Hello rock bottom, it’s me, the girl fake dating her brother’s best friend at a family reunion…
-THE PERILS OF PRETENDING, is a sweet romantic comedy packed with love, mischief, and a dash of moose-related drama, proving that the most unexpected relationships might just be the real sweet deal. It’s a story that will have you wanting to travel to Alaska. Now while there are many moments that had me laughing out loud, I loved that this dear story didn’t shy away from more difficult subjects with the loss of Sadie’s dad playing a beautiful part of the story too. This my friends is. Great story worth reading!🙌🏻📚❤️
“Life is full of unknowns. You can focus on the
what ifs and live in fear, or you can acknowledge that something might happen, but drive all your energy into making memories and living life to the fullest.”
•Content: death of a loved one, loss, grief, mild violence, discussion of a school shooting, fear, strained family relationships,
“In Max’s arms I’m safe, warm, and, best of all, I’m home.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Thanks to fake dating, I found the love of my life. And my happiness couldn’t be more real.”
#theperilsofpretending
#loveconnectionseries
#authoramandapjones
“It’s okay to be scared. What’s not okay is for
the fear to prevent you from chasing after what you want.”
#allaboutthebestreads
(Love Connections #3)
by: Amanda P. Jones
@authoramandapjones
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Hello rock bottom, it’s me, the girl fake dating her brother’s best friend at a family reunion…
-THE PERILS OF PRETENDING, is a sweet romantic comedy packed with love, mischief, and a dash of moose-related drama, proving that the most unexpected relationships might just be the real sweet deal. It’s a story that will have you wanting to travel to Alaska. Now while there are many moments that had me laughing out loud, I loved that this dear story didn’t shy away from more difficult subjects with the loss of Sadie’s dad playing a beautiful part of the story too. This my friends is. Great story worth reading!🙌🏻📚❤️
“Life is full of unknowns. You can focus on the
what ifs and live in fear, or you can acknowledge that something might happen, but drive all your energy into making memories and living life to the fullest.”
•Content: death of a loved one, loss, grief, mild violence, discussion of a school shooting, fear, strained family relationships,
“In Max’s arms I’m safe, warm, and, best of all, I’m home.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Thanks to fake dating, I found the love of my life. And my happiness couldn’t be more real.”
#theperilsofpretending
#loveconnectionseries
#authoramandapjones
“It’s okay to be scared. What’s not okay is for
the fear to prevent you from chasing after what you want.”
#allaboutthebestreads
June 29, 2025
The Perils of Pretending is book three in the A Love Connection series. This wholesome brother’s best friend, fake dating romance features Sadie and Max. This was an enjoyable read and I liked the way Max supported Sadie especially with the family encounters Sadie had to face. I am looking forward to the next book in this sweet series. I received a complementary copy from the author.
July 14, 2025
This is a darling rom-com that had me laughing out loud and smiling from ear to ear over the sweet romance.
One of my favorite tropes (yes, I know I love A LOT of tropes) is Best Friend's Sibling! Combine that with the Fake Dating trope and good writing and this was a winner for me!
From Sadie's family to Max's family, to the setting of beautiful Alaska, to the crazy antics of Sadie's grandma, to the sorrow and healing from Sadie's dad's passing years before, to the banter, to the swoony chemistry and sweet kisses! And I can't forget Captain Big Rack, the moose! I giggled so much every time we saw him! You're going to love it!
I really loved watching Sadie and seeing her strength and her happiness. She had some reservations but she was happy with who she was and didn't need people telling her to change to be happy. And Max, he just loved her and was there for her and cheering her on in what her dreams were. And he dropped everything for her! He is the bestest!!!
This was another fun addition in the Love Connections series! Super cute! And my first read by this author. Time to go search for more of her books!
Content: Clean. Only sweet kisses.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
One of my favorite tropes (yes, I know I love A LOT of tropes) is Best Friend's Sibling! Combine that with the Fake Dating trope and good writing and this was a winner for me!
From Sadie's family to Max's family, to the setting of beautiful Alaska, to the crazy antics of Sadie's grandma, to the sorrow and healing from Sadie's dad's passing years before, to the banter, to the swoony chemistry and sweet kisses! And I can't forget Captain Big Rack, the moose! I giggled so much every time we saw him! You're going to love it!
I really loved watching Sadie and seeing her strength and her happiness. She had some reservations but she was happy with who she was and didn't need people telling her to change to be happy. And Max, he just loved her and was there for her and cheering her on in what her dreams were. And he dropped everything for her! He is the bestest!!!
This was another fun addition in the Love Connections series! Super cute! And my first read by this author. Time to go search for more of her books!
Content: Clean. Only sweet kisses.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
July 9, 2025
This is the 3rd book in the Love Connections series. It is a kisses only contemporary romcom with a standalone plot. It does have some supporting crossover characters from the other books in the series, but it doesn't need to be read in any particular order.
This was a fun trip to Alaska. There were people I wanted to punch and others I wanted to hug. This was my first book by this author, but I would like to read others. I enjoyed the writing style and humor.
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was a fun trip to Alaska. There were people I wanted to punch and others I wanted to hug. This was my first book by this author, but I would like to read others. I enjoyed the writing style and humor.
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 10, 2025
I absolutely adore Max & Sadie's sassy, sweet, caring, protective, tender, loving, swoony happily ever after!!
December 28, 2025
ARC review
Honestly, I really loved this book. It was sweet, cute, no 3rd act breakup, had strong characters, beautiful scenario, the love was loving, everything went right.
I loved Sadie, she didn't let anyone tell her how to live, she had her life and she was happy as she was. She didn't want to fall for Max because of how his father died but she couldn't help it, and at the end of the day, she liked him too much to let fear rule her life.
Max was awesome. An amazing man that was there for Sadie no matter what. He wanted her and he showed it.
They made a fabulous couple, I loved them
Honestly, I really loved this book. It was sweet, cute, no 3rd act breakup, had strong characters, beautiful scenario, the love was loving, everything went right.
I loved Sadie, she didn't let anyone tell her how to live, she had her life and she was happy as she was. She didn't want to fall for Max because of how his father died but she couldn't help it, and at the end of the day, she liked him too much to let fear rule her life.
Max was awesome. An amazing man that was there for Sadie no matter what. He wanted her and he showed it.
They made a fabulous couple, I loved them
July 22, 2025
The Perils of Pretending
Book 3 in the Love Connections Series
“That’s a morbid question.” Why is he thinking of dying? “Are you planning to push me overboard?”
Fake dating, brother’s best friend, moose encounters, a bucket list, a family reunion, and a narcissistic grandma, what could possibly go wrong for Sadie?? Just about everything from the moment she heads to the airport. You are in for a treat with this story!! Also…Captain Big Rack is my new favorite spirit animal! 🫎
‘𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓭𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭. 𝓘 𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓘 𝓶𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓪𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵.’
Sadie dislikes Max, he is her brother’s best friend after all, and all he does is tease her mercilessly. He is the last man she expects to be her knight in shining armor to save her from a touchy, smelly, obnoxious seat mate on their flight to Alaska. He pretends to be her boyfriend so the guy will back off….its supposed to be temporary. Only, Sadie’s meddling grandmother meets them during their layover and Max continues the ruse after hearing the disrespectful way she talks about Sadie. Max is an devoted school principle with all the charms of a very protective gentleman 🔥😍
“𝕀 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕀’𝕞 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕜 𝕠𝕗 𝕗𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕄𝕒𝕩 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕥’𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕗𝕒𝕦𝕔𝕖𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕟 𝕗𝕦𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀’𝕞 𝕓𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤. 𝕀𝕥’𝕤 𝕒 𝕝𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕝 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙.”
I COULD NOT get enough of this story!!! I laughed, I cried, and I was rooting for Sadie and Max! The one bedroom, brother’s best friend trope was written so well! The story has some deeper topics discussed but it is written so beautifully that it pulled at my heart and I grew attached to these lovely characters. Sadie is grieving the loss of her father and I am grateful that the author allowed the raw emotions to be worked through. The messy parts of grieving was not washed over and it made me loved this story even more.
Things I loved:
Max’s grandparents 🥹
The watermelon berries
The airplane ride😆
Dual POV
Moose encounters 🫎
The bucket list
The fake dating set up
All the pop culture references!! 😂
And so much more!
‘ᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴇʀʏ ᴍᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴀᴅᴜʟᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴀᴍ, ɪ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ꜰɪꜱᴛꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʙᴏᴛʜ ʜᴀɴᴅꜱ, ᴛʜᴜᴍʙ-ꜱɪᴅᴇꜱ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛɪɴɢ ᴏᴜᴛᴡᴀʀᴅ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴋɴᴏᴄᴋ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴇᴀᴛʏ ꜱɪᴅᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴍʏ ʜᴀɴᴅꜱ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ʀᴏꜱꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴏɴɪᴄᴀ ᴅᴏ ɪɴ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ.’
Thank you to the author for my early copy. All thoughts are my own.
Book 3 in the Love Connections Series
“That’s a morbid question.” Why is he thinking of dying? “Are you planning to push me overboard?”
Fake dating, brother’s best friend, moose encounters, a bucket list, a family reunion, and a narcissistic grandma, what could possibly go wrong for Sadie?? Just about everything from the moment she heads to the airport. You are in for a treat with this story!! Also…Captain Big Rack is my new favorite spirit animal! 🫎
‘𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓭𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭. 𝓘 𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓘 𝓶𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓪𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵.’
Sadie dislikes Max, he is her brother’s best friend after all, and all he does is tease her mercilessly. He is the last man she expects to be her knight in shining armor to save her from a touchy, smelly, obnoxious seat mate on their flight to Alaska. He pretends to be her boyfriend so the guy will back off….its supposed to be temporary. Only, Sadie’s meddling grandmother meets them during their layover and Max continues the ruse after hearing the disrespectful way she talks about Sadie. Max is an devoted school principle with all the charms of a very protective gentleman 🔥😍
“𝕀 𝕕𝕠𝕟’𝕥 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕀’𝕞 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕜 𝕠𝕗 𝕗𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕄𝕒𝕩 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕥’𝕤 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕒 𝕗𝕒𝕦𝕔𝕖𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕠𝕟 𝕗𝕦𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀’𝕞 𝕓𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕕 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤. 𝕀𝕥’𝕤 𝕒 𝕝𝕠𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕝 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙.”
I COULD NOT get enough of this story!!! I laughed, I cried, and I was rooting for Sadie and Max! The one bedroom, brother’s best friend trope was written so well! The story has some deeper topics discussed but it is written so beautifully that it pulled at my heart and I grew attached to these lovely characters. Sadie is grieving the loss of her father and I am grateful that the author allowed the raw emotions to be worked through. The messy parts of grieving was not washed over and it made me loved this story even more.
Things I loved:
Max’s grandparents 🥹
The watermelon berries
The airplane ride😆
Dual POV
Moose encounters 🫎
The bucket list
The fake dating set up
All the pop culture references!! 😂
And so much more!
‘ᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴇʀʏ ᴍᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ ᴀᴅᴜʟᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ ᴀᴍ, ɪ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ꜰɪꜱᴛꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʙᴏᴛʜ ʜᴀɴᴅꜱ, ᴛʜᴜᴍʙ-ꜱɪᴅᴇꜱ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛɪɴɢ ᴏᴜᴛᴡᴀʀᴅ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴋɴᴏᴄᴋ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴇᴀᴛʏ ꜱɪᴅᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴍʏ ʜᴀɴᴅꜱ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ʀᴏꜱꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴏɴɪᴄᴀ ᴅᴏ ɪɴ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ.’
Thank you to the author for my early copy. All thoughts are my own.
July 9, 2025
This is the third book in the multi-author love connections series. Each book can be read as a stand alone, however it’s fun to see the friendships between different perspectives.
Amanda P. Jones is a new to me author that pleasantly surprised me. I really enjoyed her light hearted contemporary romance that took place in beautiful Alaska.
Brother’s best friend trope is a great one and when paired with a fake relationship, it makes a great story. Sadie and Max have known each other for years, however have never particularly got along. When Sadie joins her mom and brother on a trip to Alaska for a family reunion, she is surprised when her brother’s friend Max is traveling with them for his own visit to family. When Max sees what Sadie is up against with her controlling grandmother, he steps in to protect her from the unwanted advances of the man her grandmother has picked out for her.
I loved all the adventures the main characters experienced while touring Alaska. It’s such a beautiful area and it really came to life on the page. I’ve always loved the awkwardness of a fake relationship paired with close proximity that allows two people to really get to know each other. While the story was light, funny and entertaining, it also included some depth that helped me connect to the main characters. I truly enjoyed the writing of this new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books, as well as more books in this series.
Amanda P. Jones is a new to me author that pleasantly surprised me. I really enjoyed her light hearted contemporary romance that took place in beautiful Alaska.
Brother’s best friend trope is a great one and when paired with a fake relationship, it makes a great story. Sadie and Max have known each other for years, however have never particularly got along. When Sadie joins her mom and brother on a trip to Alaska for a family reunion, she is surprised when her brother’s friend Max is traveling with them for his own visit to family. When Max sees what Sadie is up against with her controlling grandmother, he steps in to protect her from the unwanted advances of the man her grandmother has picked out for her.
I loved all the adventures the main characters experienced while touring Alaska. It’s such a beautiful area and it really came to life on the page. I’ve always loved the awkwardness of a fake relationship paired with close proximity that allows two people to really get to know each other. While the story was light, funny and entertaining, it also included some depth that helped me connect to the main characters. I truly enjoyed the writing of this new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books, as well as more books in this series.
July 13, 2025
A Witty Alaska Romance
For most people, a ten-day trip to Alaska would be a dream come true, but for Sadie, it's a reluctant obligation, and to fulfill a promise she made with her late father. The trip becomes even more unbearable when she discovers her brother's best friend, Max, is joining them, reigniting a tense and snarky dynamic between them. The Alaska backdrop was wonderful, but Sadies grandma was a total grump - luckily Max was there to save the day.
For most people, a ten-day trip to Alaska would be a dream come true, but for Sadie, it's a reluctant obligation, and to fulfill a promise she made with her late father. The trip becomes even more unbearable when she discovers her brother's best friend, Max, is joining them, reigniting a tense and snarky dynamic between them. The Alaska backdrop was wonderful, but Sadies grandma was a total grump - luckily Max was there to save the day.
October 5, 2025
The romance of this romcom was so sweet! I am definitely a fan of the brother’s best friend trope and this one did it really well. Although I have to say Sadie’s grandma and her minion definitely took the cake for their dastardly intentions. With relatives like that who needs enemies?!! This was my first story by Amanda, but it won’t be my last because I am already looking up her other books and adding them to my TBR. This was a really cute story!
July 9, 2025
cute romance
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked how Max supported and stood up for Sadie. I also really like her relationship with her mom, brother and sister. The grandma was a bit unbelievably. I loved reading about their excursions in Alaska. I could totally picture them.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked how Max supported and stood up for Sadie. I also really like her relationship with her mom, brother and sister. The grandma was a bit unbelievably. I loved reading about their excursions in Alaska. I could totally picture them.
July 3, 2025
If you love snark, witty banter and swoony romance you’ll love this book. When fake dating threatens to cross the line Sadie and Max are forced to face their feelings.
I loved:
The Airplane Cowboy
Captain Big Rack
Late Night Talks
Protective Brother and “Boyfriend”
Alaskan Adventures
Supportive Family
Snoring
Bathroom Confrontations
This was so fun! I loved the plot points that necessitated the fake dating. The villains in the story really are over the top, especially Dorian. Such an entertaining story!
I loved:
The Airplane Cowboy
Captain Big Rack
Late Night Talks
Protective Brother and “Boyfriend”
Alaskan Adventures
Supportive Family
Snoring
Bathroom Confrontations
This was so fun! I loved the plot points that necessitated the fake dating. The villains in the story really are over the top, especially Dorian. Such an entertaining story!
July 5, 2025
Talk about a dysfunctional family, Sadie’s paternal grandmother made me cringe. But her mother, brother & her brother’s best friend saved the day. Max was the best fake boyfriend, so protective & sweet.
June 27, 2025
This is a sweet romance with endearing characters. At least mostly endearing. There are a couple villainous characters that have no charm and are not remotely endearing. Moose, Captain Big Rack, is the most endearing character though. So protective. Sadie is a pretty strong personality but is really trying to appease her horrible grandmother so she holds back time and time again. Max is wonderfully protective as well but not in a smothering I know best alpha male way. And it turns out that he is pretty swoony as well.
Sex: making out
Language: no
Violence: no
Sex: making out
Language: no
Violence: no
June 28, 2025
I love a good brother's best friend romance, throw in some fake dating and this story was perfection! I couldn't put it down, and read it in one sitting!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
July 24, 2025
This is the third book in the love connections multi-author series. These are all standalone books that can be enjoyed alone or in any order. Alaska totally has my heart after this book. Sadie is dreading going to a forced family reunion with her late father’s family the only thing making her go is her dad’s list of things they were supposed to do on their Alaskan trip. To make it worse her brother Brody’s best friend Max is flying with them. Traveling from Utah to Alaska a fake dating deal is struck to save Sadie from her tormenting grandmother’s set up at the reunion. Fake dating turns into real feelings but will they step over the line to brother’s best friend romance? This book has it all from incredible banter that had me rolling in laughter to heart felt moments that had me tearing up. Warning there is discussion of school shooting that led to Sadie’s dad’s death when she was younger. I did appreciate this topic being discussed as it brought depth to Sadie and Max’s relationship and so much meaning to a moose in Alaska iykyk :)
July 17, 2025
Before I begin, I would like to thank Amanda P. Jones for allowing me to read a copy of her new book, The Perils of Pretending, which is part of the multi-author Love Connections series and is available on Amazon starting on July 9th, 2025.
Somehow Sadie got sucked into going on a ten-day trip to Alaska for a family reunion because her grandmother, Alice, wouldn’t listen when Sadie said no. At first, Sadie thought that the worst of the trip would be a few awkward events, but her grandmother reveals that she has picked a suitor for Sadie, who would much prefer marrying a moose. When Max, her brother’s best friend that is both charming and loves to get on her nerves, suggests that they should fake date to solve her predicament, Sadie agrees. However, spending more time together makes his smirks seem more genuine and she might be developing feelings for the man. Throw in the fact that Max has the same career that ended up with her dad losing his life, Grandma Alice’s persistence, and other family shenanigans, Sadie has enough on her plate when it comes to matters of the heart. Can Sadie begin to heal from her grief and choose to pursue a real relationship with Max, or is the ruse only going to result in heartbreak?
This book was amazing. You have Sadie, a sassy, hardworking, kind, determined, and beautiful young woman that loves editing books for her career and spending time with her loved ones. You have Max, a strong, charming, funny, protective, and handsome young man that works as a principal at a school and hangs out with Sadie’s family and his grandparents. The interactions between the main characters were funny, sweet and vulnerable. Grandma Alice and Dorian were jerks, and at times even Sadie’s brother Brody got on my nerves. I loved Big Rack so much and Alaska sounds beautiful. I appreciated how the book emphasized that consent is mandatory, and communication is important. Sadie’s fears were understandable, and I cheered both of the main characters on to discover what they wanted to fight for. Overall, if you like great banter, Alaska, strong family bonds, and sweet fake dating / brother’s best friend romance with low spice, then I would highly recommend this book.
Somehow Sadie got sucked into going on a ten-day trip to Alaska for a family reunion because her grandmother, Alice, wouldn’t listen when Sadie said no. At first, Sadie thought that the worst of the trip would be a few awkward events, but her grandmother reveals that she has picked a suitor for Sadie, who would much prefer marrying a moose. When Max, her brother’s best friend that is both charming and loves to get on her nerves, suggests that they should fake date to solve her predicament, Sadie agrees. However, spending more time together makes his smirks seem more genuine and she might be developing feelings for the man. Throw in the fact that Max has the same career that ended up with her dad losing his life, Grandma Alice’s persistence, and other family shenanigans, Sadie has enough on her plate when it comes to matters of the heart. Can Sadie begin to heal from her grief and choose to pursue a real relationship with Max, or is the ruse only going to result in heartbreak?
This book was amazing. You have Sadie, a sassy, hardworking, kind, determined, and beautiful young woman that loves editing books for her career and spending time with her loved ones. You have Max, a strong, charming, funny, protective, and handsome young man that works as a principal at a school and hangs out with Sadie’s family and his grandparents. The interactions between the main characters were funny, sweet and vulnerable. Grandma Alice and Dorian were jerks, and at times even Sadie’s brother Brody got on my nerves. I loved Big Rack so much and Alaska sounds beautiful. I appreciated how the book emphasized that consent is mandatory, and communication is important. Sadie’s fears were understandable, and I cheered both of the main characters on to discover what they wanted to fight for. Overall, if you like great banter, Alaska, strong family bonds, and sweet fake dating / brother’s best friend romance with low spice, then I would highly recommend this book.
July 20, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Attending a family reunion (in Homer, Alaska) Sadie should be looking forward to reconnecting with her paternal side. Unfortunately, this all-expense, paid vacation comes with some strings attached; in the form of a judgmental, meddling grandmother who refuses to take no for an answer. Desperate to survive a week without being thrust into an arranged relationship, Sadie pretends she is dating her brother’s best friend, Max. Will Sadie and Max be able to convince everyone they are in a happy, committed relationship or will their plan backfire?
The Perils of Pretending by Amanda P. Jones is the third book in the Love Connections Series. This is a multi-author, interconnected series that follows six female cousins. While the books feature character cross-overs, each story has been written as a standalone. This allows readers the flexibility to read the series in its entirety or individually, whatever suits their fancy!
One of the aspects that drew me to this unique series was the vast array of settings. So far, the first two books took place outside The United States (Peru and Canada). While it was fun reading about other countries and the cultures that come along with them, I was excited to see a location in our own country (Alaska) had just as much to offer.
Jones did a great job capturing the beauty of Alaska through Sadie’s To-Do List her father compiled for her. Every activity offered an opportunity to connect with the stunning land and wildlife native to the state. Reading this story inspired me to add Alaska to my bucket list. I hope to one day travel there and experience many of the same things Sadie and Max did!
Read this book for:
-Brother’s Best Friend
-Age Gap (less than a decade)
-Fake Dating
-Forced Proximity
-Family Reunion
-Meddling Grandmother
-Alaskan Setting
Special thanks to Pine Lake Publishing LLC and Amanda P. Jones for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
*Trigger Warning: this book mentions death, gun violence, and dysfunctional family relationships. Without giving away the plot readers who are sensitive to these subjects should proceed with caution.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Attending a family reunion (in Homer, Alaska) Sadie should be looking forward to reconnecting with her paternal side. Unfortunately, this all-expense, paid vacation comes with some strings attached; in the form of a judgmental, meddling grandmother who refuses to take no for an answer. Desperate to survive a week without being thrust into an arranged relationship, Sadie pretends she is dating her brother’s best friend, Max. Will Sadie and Max be able to convince everyone they are in a happy, committed relationship or will their plan backfire?
The Perils of Pretending by Amanda P. Jones is the third book in the Love Connections Series. This is a multi-author, interconnected series that follows six female cousins. While the books feature character cross-overs, each story has been written as a standalone. This allows readers the flexibility to read the series in its entirety or individually, whatever suits their fancy!
One of the aspects that drew me to this unique series was the vast array of settings. So far, the first two books took place outside The United States (Peru and Canada). While it was fun reading about other countries and the cultures that come along with them, I was excited to see a location in our own country (Alaska) had just as much to offer.
Jones did a great job capturing the beauty of Alaska through Sadie’s To-Do List her father compiled for her. Every activity offered an opportunity to connect with the stunning land and wildlife native to the state. Reading this story inspired me to add Alaska to my bucket list. I hope to one day travel there and experience many of the same things Sadie and Max did!
Read this book for:
-Brother’s Best Friend
-Age Gap (less than a decade)
-Fake Dating
-Forced Proximity
-Family Reunion
-Meddling Grandmother
-Alaskan Setting
Special thanks to Pine Lake Publishing LLC and Amanda P. Jones for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
*Trigger Warning: this book mentions death, gun violence, and dysfunctional family relationships. Without giving away the plot readers who are sensitive to these subjects should proceed with caution.
July 8, 2025
A ten day trip to Alaska sounds like a dream for most people, but not if you are a member of this family where what Grandma says, Grandma gets.
Sadie is not happy about this trip. The only reason she has agreed to go is to complete a bucket list she prepared with her now deceased father. She is pretty grouchy in the first place, but when she finds out her brother's best friend, Max, is along for the ride, things get a little tense. Snark does not even begin to describe the banter between Max and Sadie. I could not award either one of them the winner because they were both equally snarky, but also a little funny. A stinky passenger in the airplane was quite hilarious.
When Max finds out what kind of grandma Sadie is having to deal with, he stands in as her boyfriend. This is when things get even more interesting. This family reunion will never be the same.
There are so many wonderful scenes and things I could write about. I guess one my favorites (outside of the sweetness of Max) was a moose that Sadie named Captain Big Rack. I also felt for Sadie as she struggled daily with the loss of her father. This loss has left a big hole in her life, and has tainted all of her relationships.
The cast of characters are likeable, funny and easy to get to know, with the exception of grandma and her co-hort. Scheming and meddling do not even begin to describe this tyrannical woman who calls herself grandmother. I felt sorry for Sadie and her entire family so many times as I read this book. I even gritted my teeth a few times. This little wealthy old lady needed a swift kick in the buttocks. But even her antics could not take away from how delightful and funny this book was for the most part. There was drama and a little sadness, but it was mostly swoony, sweet and witty.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sadie is not happy about this trip. The only reason she has agreed to go is to complete a bucket list she prepared with her now deceased father. She is pretty grouchy in the first place, but when she finds out her brother's best friend, Max, is along for the ride, things get a little tense. Snark does not even begin to describe the banter between Max and Sadie. I could not award either one of them the winner because they were both equally snarky, but also a little funny. A stinky passenger in the airplane was quite hilarious.
When Max finds out what kind of grandma Sadie is having to deal with, he stands in as her boyfriend. This is when things get even more interesting. This family reunion will never be the same.
There are so many wonderful scenes and things I could write about. I guess one my favorites (outside of the sweetness of Max) was a moose that Sadie named Captain Big Rack. I also felt for Sadie as she struggled daily with the loss of her father. This loss has left a big hole in her life, and has tainted all of her relationships.
The cast of characters are likeable, funny and easy to get to know, with the exception of grandma and her co-hort. Scheming and meddling do not even begin to describe this tyrannical woman who calls herself grandmother. I felt sorry for Sadie and her entire family so many times as I read this book. I even gritted my teeth a few times. This little wealthy old lady needed a swift kick in the buttocks. But even her antics could not take away from how delightful and funny this book was for the most part. There was drama and a little sadness, but it was mostly swoony, sweet and witty.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2025
This book is a MOOSE-T read!
I absolutely loved Sadie and Max’s story. I cannot stop thinking about it! It was captivating, charming, humorous, and just an all-around good read. I read it in a single day. I have so many highlights of moments that made me laugh, cry, and swoon!
I loved the dynamics between Sadie and Max. Her “he’s handsome but obnoxious and arrogant” and his “she’s beautiful but she’s always been like a sister to me” viewpoints really made the sudden “oh shoot, I think I like this person” realizations pop! “A man protecting you will make you change your opinion of him real fast.”
Sadie had BIG trauma to overcome in order to make her heart available to Max. She is reluctant to love and even more hesitant because of losing someone in a traumatic way. Max’s patience in waiting for Sadie to come around is admirable. He is so gone for her and all he can do is hope she will eventually feel safe loving him. “She’s funny, kind, brave, smart, and gorgeous. She’s someone I’d want to spend the rest of my life with. Whoa, brain, it’s too soon for that.”
Grandma Alice and Dorian are THE WORST! I appreciate that we know this from the very beginning and it wasn’t a surprise reveal that he’s a “slimy shark”. I am amazed that no one has ever stood up to that wretched woman, but also not really surprised. Again, she’s the worst.
Captain BR…a moose after my own heart! I love the symbolism given to this giant of a moose. I need a spirit animal like Captain BR! “Max keeps calling me princess and, lo and behold, just like fictional royalty, I have a sidekick animal here to help me.”
As with the other books in the series so far, the Cousins “Better Than Therapy” chat thread is GOLDEN! I love how all of their personalities shine through in their messages. It makes me so excited for the rest of the series.
This brother’s best friend, fake dating, travel romance will have you wishing for your own bodyguard moose and to find your own person who just fits - “out of all the palms in the world, hers (his) was meant for mine.” This is the 3rd book in the Love Connections multi-author series, and the 3rd Hayes cousin to find love around the world.
I absolutely loved Sadie and Max’s story. I cannot stop thinking about it! It was captivating, charming, humorous, and just an all-around good read. I read it in a single day. I have so many highlights of moments that made me laugh, cry, and swoon!
I loved the dynamics between Sadie and Max. Her “he’s handsome but obnoxious and arrogant” and his “she’s beautiful but she’s always been like a sister to me” viewpoints really made the sudden “oh shoot, I think I like this person” realizations pop! “A man protecting you will make you change your opinion of him real fast.”
Sadie had BIG trauma to overcome in order to make her heart available to Max. She is reluctant to love and even more hesitant because of losing someone in a traumatic way. Max’s patience in waiting for Sadie to come around is admirable. He is so gone for her and all he can do is hope she will eventually feel safe loving him. “She’s funny, kind, brave, smart, and gorgeous. She’s someone I’d want to spend the rest of my life with. Whoa, brain, it’s too soon for that.”
Grandma Alice and Dorian are THE WORST! I appreciate that we know this from the very beginning and it wasn’t a surprise reveal that he’s a “slimy shark”. I am amazed that no one has ever stood up to that wretched woman, but also not really surprised. Again, she’s the worst.
Captain BR…a moose after my own heart! I love the symbolism given to this giant of a moose. I need a spirit animal like Captain BR! “Max keeps calling me princess and, lo and behold, just like fictional royalty, I have a sidekick animal here to help me.”
As with the other books in the series so far, the Cousins “Better Than Therapy” chat thread is GOLDEN! I love how all of their personalities shine through in their messages. It makes me so excited for the rest of the series.
This brother’s best friend, fake dating, travel romance will have you wishing for your own bodyguard moose and to find your own person who just fits - “out of all the palms in the world, hers (his) was meant for mine.” This is the 3rd book in the Love Connections multi-author series, and the 3rd Hayes cousin to find love around the world.
July 26, 2025
The Perils of Pretending was a quick read for me because it’s just so adorable. This fake dating story with Sadie and her brother’s best friend will make you laugh from the very first page. Each book in the Love Connections series focuses on a different cousin searching for love.
In this book, Sadie deals with a bossy, rude grandmother—who reminded me of Cinderella’s stepmother—and an older brother who still treats her like a kid. There’s also a pushy stranger her grandma wants her to marry, and Max, her brother’s best friend, who ends up pretending to be her boyfriend. A big moose named Captain BR also makes an appearance and surprisingly turns into a hero.
I loved that the story is set in Alaska, one of my top places I want to visit. They also go to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, where you can watch wild bears fishing for salmon. {You can see this live during summer and early fall on Explore.org.} It was special to see Sadie doing things from a list her dad made for her to do in Alaska on her 16th birthday, and it hit me hard — he passed away before that could happen. It was emotional for her entire family.
What I enjoyed most was how Sadie and Max’s relationship grew. Funny how life situations can change how we see someone. Sadie used to think Max was annoying and full of himself, but she learns he’s brave, loyal, and caring. She also begins to stand up for herself with her pushy relatives.
This book is a sweet rom-com, but it’s also about dealing with loss and heartbreak. It shows how love can help heal and how setting boundaries is necessary. Max and Sadie make a wonderful couple, and they’re so cute together. I especially loved how the story ended. This is the perfect summer read—fun and heartfelt all at once.
In this book, Sadie deals with a bossy, rude grandmother—who reminded me of Cinderella’s stepmother—and an older brother who still treats her like a kid. There’s also a pushy stranger her grandma wants her to marry, and Max, her brother’s best friend, who ends up pretending to be her boyfriend. A big moose named Captain BR also makes an appearance and surprisingly turns into a hero.
I loved that the story is set in Alaska, one of my top places I want to visit. They also go to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, where you can watch wild bears fishing for salmon. {You can see this live during summer and early fall on Explore.org.} It was special to see Sadie doing things from a list her dad made for her to do in Alaska on her 16th birthday, and it hit me hard — he passed away before that could happen. It was emotional for her entire family.
What I enjoyed most was how Sadie and Max’s relationship grew. Funny how life situations can change how we see someone. Sadie used to think Max was annoying and full of himself, but she learns he’s brave, loyal, and caring. She also begins to stand up for herself with her pushy relatives.
This book is a sweet rom-com, but it’s also about dealing with loss and heartbreak. It shows how love can help heal and how setting boundaries is necessary. Max and Sadie make a wonderful couple, and they’re so cute together. I especially loved how the story ended. This is the perfect summer read—fun and heartfelt all at once.
July 10, 2025
12 years ago Sadie, Poppy and their older brother Brody lost their father in an active school shooting. For Sadie it had been just before her 16th birthday and he had left her a bucket list for them to do on their next trip to Alaska…only they never got to go. NOW In an effort to maintain contact with his mother and his extended family, Sadie has been coerced into attending their family reunion in Alaska alongside her Mother and Brody.
*poor* Poppy has to work.
But not only does this mean that Sadie will be facing countless invasive question about her love life from her extended family she isn’t close with…but her paternal grandmother uses her wealth to for relationships with her grandchildren (doesn’t she realize she is pushing them away?) and Sadie is facing all of this alone…until she isn’t.
Fake dating her brother’s best friend from college may just keep her crazy family, her manipulative grandmother, and the Alaska wildlife at arms length…but will it help Sadie protect her heart?
With her focused intention on completing as much of her dad’s list as possible Sadie starts to realize that life is in the living and maybe Max is the one she wants life with.
—
My DAYS. Book 3 of the Love Connections series is a special one indeed. From the moose 🫎 that I just need to be in my own life…like seriously…to the growth of Sadie as she stands up for herself and her family and creates healthy boundaries. 👏🏻 what seems a light hearted fake dating trope based story is actually a very beautiful narrative about loss, grief in multiple forms, and about finding and allowing love to be the risk you take. However perilous that risk may feel.
*poor* Poppy has to work.
But not only does this mean that Sadie will be facing countless invasive question about her love life from her extended family she isn’t close with…but her paternal grandmother uses her wealth to for relationships with her grandchildren (doesn’t she realize she is pushing them away?) and Sadie is facing all of this alone…until she isn’t.
Fake dating her brother’s best friend from college may just keep her crazy family, her manipulative grandmother, and the Alaska wildlife at arms length…but will it help Sadie protect her heart?
With her focused intention on completing as much of her dad’s list as possible Sadie starts to realize that life is in the living and maybe Max is the one she wants life with.
—
My DAYS. Book 3 of the Love Connections series is a special one indeed. From the moose 🫎 that I just need to be in my own life…like seriously…to the growth of Sadie as she stands up for herself and her family and creates healthy boundaries. 👏🏻 what seems a light hearted fake dating trope based story is actually a very beautiful narrative about loss, grief in multiple forms, and about finding and allowing love to be the risk you take. However perilous that risk may feel.
July 11, 2025
This is one of my favorite brother's BFF stories ever, and BBFF is one of my favorite tropes. It is such a treat to have a closed-door romcom do this so well.
Here's what I loved:
1) They didn't set out to deceive the brother, even though there was fake dating, and the brother was looped in on that. I adored how protective both Brody (bro) and Max (MMC) were of Sadie (FMC).
2) Mom shipped Max and Sadie so hard. They had a public first "fake-until-it-wasn't" kiss, and Mom was BEAMING (she also knew about the fake dating). She was a source of really solid support and advice for Sadie.
3) Max convinced Sadie he wanted to actually know her as a friend, and value her as a person beyond his BFF. Their conversations are really sweet. When they know they want to be more than friends, it's fast, but they know each other really well by that point.
4) The interference of Grandma Alice and her hand-picked husband (for Sadie), Dorian, really run amok throughout this story. It's Max's grandparents who really make them both feel like family. When Sadie cried, I was crying along with her. That girl went through some STUFF.
This is just a really lovely sweet romance. Amanda juat nailed this story, and handled some really tough traumatic backstory with a lot of sensitivity, and she allowed Sadie to grow past her fear while dealing with some really nasty people. It's crazy when family is the villain!
Check it out, and I know you will love Max and Sadie's HEA as much as I did!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
Here's what I loved:
1) They didn't set out to deceive the brother, even though there was fake dating, and the brother was looped in on that. I adored how protective both Brody (bro) and Max (MMC) were of Sadie (FMC).
2) Mom shipped Max and Sadie so hard. They had a public first "fake-until-it-wasn't" kiss, and Mom was BEAMING (she also knew about the fake dating). She was a source of really solid support and advice for Sadie.
3) Max convinced Sadie he wanted to actually know her as a friend, and value her as a person beyond his BFF. Their conversations are really sweet. When they know they want to be more than friends, it's fast, but they know each other really well by that point.
4) The interference of Grandma Alice and her hand-picked husband (for Sadie), Dorian, really run amok throughout this story. It's Max's grandparents who really make them both feel like family. When Sadie cried, I was crying along with her. That girl went through some STUFF.
This is just a really lovely sweet romance. Amanda juat nailed this story, and handled some really tough traumatic backstory with a lot of sensitivity, and she allowed Sadie to grow past her fear while dealing with some really nasty people. It's crazy when family is the villain!
Check it out, and I know you will love Max and Sadie's HEA as much as I did!
I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
July 10, 2025
Hello, fake dating. Hello, chaos. Hello… feelings?
Amanda P. Jones delivers a laugh-out-loud, heart-squeezing romantic comedy in The Perils of Pretending, where family reunions meet matchmaking mayhem—and a reluctant heroine finds herself fake-dating her brother’s best friend in the wilds of Alaska. What could possibly go wrong?
Our leading lady hits rock bottom the second she’s bamboozled into a ten-day family trip orchestrated by her iron-willed grandma. Just when she thinks things can’t get worse, Grandma introduces a handpicked suitor that’s more cringe than charming. Enter Max: smooth-talking, smirky, maddeningly attractive—and her brother’s best friend. His quick-thinking plan to fake date their way out of disaster turns into a slow-burn spiral of stolen glances, real sparks, and emotionally loaded moments that feel anything but pretend.
Beneath the witty banter and family hijinks, Jones tugs at deeper threads—grief, fear, and the risks of loving someone in a dangerous profession. Max isn’t just the fun-loving guy next door; he’s a walking reminder of the very loss she’s spent years guarding her heart against. But as feelings grow and the lines blur, readers are treated to a swoony, heartfelt journey with just the right touch of moose-related comedy.
If you love fake dating, found family, and charming chaos with a guaranteed HEA, this one’s for you. The Perils of Pretending is a warm, romantic escape that proves sometimes the best love stories start with a little pretending.
Amanda P. Jones delivers a laugh-out-loud, heart-squeezing romantic comedy in The Perils of Pretending, where family reunions meet matchmaking mayhem—and a reluctant heroine finds herself fake-dating her brother’s best friend in the wilds of Alaska. What could possibly go wrong?
Our leading lady hits rock bottom the second she’s bamboozled into a ten-day family trip orchestrated by her iron-willed grandma. Just when she thinks things can’t get worse, Grandma introduces a handpicked suitor that’s more cringe than charming. Enter Max: smooth-talking, smirky, maddeningly attractive—and her brother’s best friend. His quick-thinking plan to fake date their way out of disaster turns into a slow-burn spiral of stolen glances, real sparks, and emotionally loaded moments that feel anything but pretend.
Beneath the witty banter and family hijinks, Jones tugs at deeper threads—grief, fear, and the risks of loving someone in a dangerous profession. Max isn’t just the fun-loving guy next door; he’s a walking reminder of the very loss she’s spent years guarding her heart against. But as feelings grow and the lines blur, readers are treated to a swoony, heartfelt journey with just the right touch of moose-related comedy.
If you love fake dating, found family, and charming chaos with a guaranteed HEA, this one’s for you. The Perils of Pretending is a warm, romantic escape that proves sometimes the best love stories start with a little pretending.
July 15, 2025
This book is the third in the Love Connections series. While they can definitely be read alone, there is nothing in them that reveals too much about the previous ones. Having read the first two, I loved the familiarity with the cousins in the chat group; it’s great how they are all connected through these books.
This one sees Sadie heading to her father's side of the family for a reunion, one she is not looking forward to. Her grandmother is trying to fix her up with a suitor she’s never met, and when she does finally meet him, is totally not interested in him because he’s a complete creep. Enter Max, her brother Brody’s best friend, someone who completely gets on her nerves with his endless teasing. Yet Max steps in and pretends to be her boyfriend at the airport so her grandmother leaves her alone for the flight. However, they have to part ways as they are staying in different parts of Alaska. But soon, Max comes running to Sadie’s side when she needs him, when Grandma raises the stakes, and the suitor becomes more persistent.
The initial banter between Sadie and Max was so funny, they had great chemistry, and as they spent more time with each other, it was lovely to see how much they belonged together. Sadie’s backstory with her father’s senseless death was tragic, and the fact that Max had the same job was one of the obstacles they had to face. Also, Max was wary about Sadie being his best friend’s sister; he didn’t want to upset Brody or lose him as a friend.
All in all, a great fake-dating story, one of my absolute favourite tropes.
This one sees Sadie heading to her father's side of the family for a reunion, one she is not looking forward to. Her grandmother is trying to fix her up with a suitor she’s never met, and when she does finally meet him, is totally not interested in him because he’s a complete creep. Enter Max, her brother Brody’s best friend, someone who completely gets on her nerves with his endless teasing. Yet Max steps in and pretends to be her boyfriend at the airport so her grandmother leaves her alone for the flight. However, they have to part ways as they are staying in different parts of Alaska. But soon, Max comes running to Sadie’s side when she needs him, when Grandma raises the stakes, and the suitor becomes more persistent.
The initial banter between Sadie and Max was so funny, they had great chemistry, and as they spent more time with each other, it was lovely to see how much they belonged together. Sadie’s backstory with her father’s senseless death was tragic, and the fact that Max had the same job was one of the obstacles they had to face. Also, Max was wary about Sadie being his best friend’s sister; he didn’t want to upset Brody or lose him as a friend.
All in all, a great fake-dating story, one of my absolute favourite tropes.
August 8, 2025
When heading to Alaska make sure you have a bucket list of activities and don’t have a crazy family reunion going on, that’s the advice Sadie would give you!
Sadie Ashcombe is a mid 20 something, who has a very sensible head on her shoulders. She’s a devoted daughter/sister, book editor, and just been suckered into a family reunion with her dad’s family! That means Grandma Alice, ugg! She’s not the cute little granny that has milk and cookies waiting for you, thus begins Sadie’s reluctant trip up north, but at least she has her mom, brother, and the “Sweet 16 List” her dad made her. Cue some tears, as her dad died when she was an early teen. Oh, did we mention her brother’s best friend was going to be on the same flights…
Max is an early 30 something, who is a native Alaskan who has spent the last 14 years in the lower 48! He’s headed to Anchorage to visit his own grandparents, but what he doesn’t account for is developing a small hero complex to help Sadie. What starts as a simple save during an airport layover turns into so much more! As awkward as it is, Max is the best thing to happen to Sadie’s trip, that and Captain Big Rack!
This book while this book had many heartfelt moments and even good belly laughs, there was some tough stuff too. This was book was highly recommended to me, so I’m paying it forward…add this to your TBR, if you love brother’s best friend or age gap or “vacation” romcoms!
TW: grief (parental loss), verbal/emotional abuse (from side character), in your face suitor
Sadie Ashcombe is a mid 20 something, who has a very sensible head on her shoulders. She’s a devoted daughter/sister, book editor, and just been suckered into a family reunion with her dad’s family! That means Grandma Alice, ugg! She’s not the cute little granny that has milk and cookies waiting for you, thus begins Sadie’s reluctant trip up north, but at least she has her mom, brother, and the “Sweet 16 List” her dad made her. Cue some tears, as her dad died when she was an early teen. Oh, did we mention her brother’s best friend was going to be on the same flights…
Max is an early 30 something, who is a native Alaskan who has spent the last 14 years in the lower 48! He’s headed to Anchorage to visit his own grandparents, but what he doesn’t account for is developing a small hero complex to help Sadie. What starts as a simple save during an airport layover turns into so much more! As awkward as it is, Max is the best thing to happen to Sadie’s trip, that and Captain Big Rack!
This book while this book had many heartfelt moments and even good belly laughs, there was some tough stuff too. This was book was highly recommended to me, so I’m paying it forward…add this to your TBR, if you love brother’s best friend or age gap or “vacation” romcoms!
TW: grief (parental loss), verbal/emotional abuse (from side character), in your face suitor
July 29, 2025
The Perils of Pretending was another great addition to the Love Connections series that I've been reading through this summer. Even though this is a multi-author series, the books are all working together so well and while you can see subtle differences in each author's writing, they've done such a great job of meshing them all together in a way that has made the whole series feel so coherent. It's been fun traveling the globe with the Cheaper Than Therapy cousins group!
I am such a fan of the fake dating trope so Sadie and Max's story was right up my alley! You know they're supposed to be "pretending" with those feelings but are they really? Even if they are to begin with, it doesn't stay that way. Another dynamic I like to this story is that Sadie isn't a huge fan of Max as he is pretty self-confident, but I enjoy that she gets to know another side of him through this ordeal. And let me tell you, it's an ordeal. Her grandmother and Dorian were just such terrible characters! (But they were meant to be that way so the author did a great job writing them) They both made me want to lock them in a broom closet forever. Bleh. But to offset that, you get the amazing chemistry between Max and Sadie as those pretend feelings are starting to feel oh so real. Also, I loved how Captain Big Rack (Sadie's moosey bodyguard) was a recurrent side character all on his own. I would definitely encourage reading this book as well as the rest of the series!
I am such a fan of the fake dating trope so Sadie and Max's story was right up my alley! You know they're supposed to be "pretending" with those feelings but are they really? Even if they are to begin with, it doesn't stay that way. Another dynamic I like to this story is that Sadie isn't a huge fan of Max as he is pretty self-confident, but I enjoy that she gets to know another side of him through this ordeal. And let me tell you, it's an ordeal. Her grandmother and Dorian were just such terrible characters! (But they were meant to be that way so the author did a great job writing them) They both made me want to lock them in a broom closet forever. Bleh. But to offset that, you get the amazing chemistry between Max and Sadie as those pretend feelings are starting to feel oh so real. Also, I loved how Captain Big Rack (Sadie's moosey bodyguard) was a recurrent side character all on his own. I would definitely encourage reading this book as well as the rest of the series!
July 6, 2025
- Brother's best friend
- Fake dating
- Enemies to more
- MOOSE
- Family dynamics
First of all, I am SUCH a fan of the fake dating trope! I just love seeing the awkward situations unfold! Second, brother's best friend is another trope I enjoy. Put them together and set it in Alaska (with MOOSE) and it's a winner for me!
This is the third book in the Love Connection series, but I think enough details are given that this could be read as a standalone.
Sadie is reluctantly on her way to Alaska for a family reunion. Her paternal grandmother is not sweet nor encouraging, but funds many things for her family (which she then holds over them to do what she wants them to). Her current scheme is to introduce Sadie to Dorian, who is from a family her grandmother deems acceptable. Many problems with this - Sadie lives in Utah, she is not interested in meeting Dorian, and she has ZERO plans to move to Alaska for this man.
Luckily (or not, in her opinion), her brother's best friend Max is traveling to Alaska himself to visit family. He offers to be her fake boyfriend so her grandmother can't set her up with Dorian. He also can help her with the travel list Sadie's father made for her 16th birthday (which he was not alive for), so this trip is also pretty bittersweet.
I adored the banter, the emotions, the dual POV. Such a sweet romance!
- Fake dating
- Enemies to more
- MOOSE
- Family dynamics
First of all, I am SUCH a fan of the fake dating trope! I just love seeing the awkward situations unfold! Second, brother's best friend is another trope I enjoy. Put them together and set it in Alaska (with MOOSE) and it's a winner for me!
This is the third book in the Love Connection series, but I think enough details are given that this could be read as a standalone.
Sadie is reluctantly on her way to Alaska for a family reunion. Her paternal grandmother is not sweet nor encouraging, but funds many things for her family (which she then holds over them to do what she wants them to). Her current scheme is to introduce Sadie to Dorian, who is from a family her grandmother deems acceptable. Many problems with this - Sadie lives in Utah, she is not interested in meeting Dorian, and she has ZERO plans to move to Alaska for this man.
Luckily (or not, in her opinion), her brother's best friend Max is traveling to Alaska himself to visit family. He offers to be her fake boyfriend so her grandmother can't set her up with Dorian. He also can help her with the travel list Sadie's father made for her 16th birthday (which he was not alive for), so this trip is also pretty bittersweet.
I adored the banter, the emotions, the dual POV. Such a sweet romance!
July 8, 2025
This is such a sweet romantic comedy. I loved the banter between Max and Sadie. Max is Sadie’s brother’s best friend and they are always testing each other’s patience. Sadie accidentally agrees to be part of a family reunion with her late father’s side of the family and has to go up to Alaska for it. Max ends up on the same flight as he is from Alaska and is headed there to visit his grandparents. Max and Sadie end up sitting next to each other and the passenger sitting on the other side of Sadie was a bit pushy and touchy and smelled quite weird. To try to get away from him she ends up leaning into Max and they pretend to be together. On their first stop, her grandmother is there to fly with them to Alaska which surprises Sadie. Her grandmother, Alice tells her about the guy she wants to introduce to Sadie which upsets her and has her panicking so Max and Sadie end up pretending they are dating to ensure there’s no blind dates happening during the reunion. Well, a few days in and Alice won’t let up on the situation which has Sadie calling Max to help her. He drives to where they are to continue the “fake relationship” going in hopes it will keep Dorian away from Sadie. This story gave me all the feels. What to expect?
🔹 Brother’s Best Friend
🔹 Fake Dating
🔹 Close Proximity
🔹 Small Age Gap
🔹 No Third Act Break up
I rate this story 5 stars. It’s an absolute great closed door romance. I loved the chemistry between Mac and Sadie. Highly recommend it.
🔹 Brother’s Best Friend
🔹 Fake Dating
🔹 Close Proximity
🔹 Small Age Gap
🔹 No Third Act Break up
I rate this story 5 stars. It’s an absolute great closed door romance. I loved the chemistry between Mac and Sadie. Highly recommend it.
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