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Love Connections #4
The Ruse of Romancing
She’s here to write a novel. He’s about to become her biggest plot twist.
Bestselling author Dani Baldwin escapes to the Oregon coast expecting peace, quiet, and maybe a little inspiration. What she doesn’t expect? A ladies’ man for a neighbor with a talent for getting under her skin.
Mason Stuart, local heartbreaker and graphic designer, has one rule—no serious relationships. Whether it’s with the tourists who breeze through town or the women who call Cascade Harbor home, all attachments are a resounding no. But when the sassy writer next door turns out to be exactly what he needs to boost his career, he makes a tiny, little, not-at-all-dangerous decision… to pretend he's someone else entirely.
As stolen glances turn into late-night banter and undeniable sparks, Dani finds herself falling for the town—and the charming artist who lives there. But when Mason’s ruse comes to light, she’ll have to decide if their love story is worth a rewrite… or if some stories are better left unfinished.
Pillow Talk meets Gilmore Girls in this delightful summer romance about a bestselling romantasy writer seeking her own happy ending and the infuriatingly charming flirt determined to win her heart.
Bestselling author Dani Baldwin escapes to the Oregon coast expecting peace, quiet, and maybe a little inspiration. What she doesn’t expect? A ladies’ man for a neighbor with a talent for getting under her skin.
Mason Stuart, local heartbreaker and graphic designer, has one rule—no serious relationships. Whether it’s with the tourists who breeze through town or the women who call Cascade Harbor home, all attachments are a resounding no. But when the sassy writer next door turns out to be exactly what he needs to boost his career, he makes a tiny, little, not-at-all-dangerous decision… to pretend he's someone else entirely.
As stolen glances turn into late-night banter and undeniable sparks, Dani finds herself falling for the town—and the charming artist who lives there. But when Mason’s ruse comes to light, she’ll have to decide if their love story is worth a rewrite… or if some stories are better left unfinished.
Pillow Talk meets Gilmore Girls in this delightful summer romance about a bestselling romantasy writer seeking her own happy ending and the infuriatingly charming flirt determined to win her heart.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2025
36 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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July 23, 2025
The Ruse Of Romancing
(Love Connection Series, Book #4)
by: Hillary Slaughter
@hillaryslaughter_author
“Give joy a chance.”
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~She’s here to write a novel. He’s about to become her biggest plot twist…
“There is literally no such thing as watching Pillow Talk too many times.”
-My friends, Pillow Talk meets Gilmore Girls in this delightful summer romance about a bestselling romantasy writer seeking her own happy ending and the infuriatingly charming flirt determined to win her heart. Simply put, I adored this fun story. The Ruse Of Romancing is blended wonderfully with such humor and heart. I loved watching characters realize that they can let go of past hurts and give room to the possibility of joy and the difference it can make when you find the one that makes you smile and sees your worth. Real life, real love is what it’s all about. This is a delightful story worth reading!🙌🏻📚🩷
“And while it wasn’t exactly the storybook romance I’d always imagined for myself, it
was infinitely better because it was real. Even if it had come with some plot twists I hadn’t seen coming.
•Content: past hurt/breakup, lying, misunderstandings, no language, kisses only.
“You can’t live on the Oregon coast if you don’t occasionally take the time to enjoy the view.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“It’s time to let the past go and allow yourself
to be happy.”
#theruseofromancing
“Life’s too short to be settling for temporary moments of happiness when you could pursue lasting things that bring you joy. It’s time you took a chance and let someone back into your life again. Give joy a chance.”
#loveconnectionseries
“You’re a writer. You believe in editing. So let’s edit this meeting into what we want it to be.”
#hillaryslaughterauthor
“It’s good to know the way to your heart just might be through your stomach.”
#allaboutthebestreads
“If you think I could forget how beautiful you are at any given moment, you’re wrong.”
(Love Connection Series, Book #4)
by: Hillary Slaughter
@hillaryslaughter_author
“Give joy a chance.”
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~She’s here to write a novel. He’s about to become her biggest plot twist…
“There is literally no such thing as watching Pillow Talk too many times.”
-My friends, Pillow Talk meets Gilmore Girls in this delightful summer romance about a bestselling romantasy writer seeking her own happy ending and the infuriatingly charming flirt determined to win her heart. Simply put, I adored this fun story. The Ruse Of Romancing is blended wonderfully with such humor and heart. I loved watching characters realize that they can let go of past hurts and give room to the possibility of joy and the difference it can make when you find the one that makes you smile and sees your worth. Real life, real love is what it’s all about. This is a delightful story worth reading!🙌🏻📚🩷
“And while it wasn’t exactly the storybook romance I’d always imagined for myself, it
was infinitely better because it was real. Even if it had come with some plot twists I hadn’t seen coming.
•Content: past hurt/breakup, lying, misunderstandings, no language, kisses only.
“You can’t live on the Oregon coast if you don’t occasionally take the time to enjoy the view.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“It’s time to let the past go and allow yourself
to be happy.”
#theruseofromancing
“Life’s too short to be settling for temporary moments of happiness when you could pursue lasting things that bring you joy. It’s time you took a chance and let someone back into your life again. Give joy a chance.”
#loveconnectionseries
“You’re a writer. You believe in editing. So let’s edit this meeting into what we want it to be.”
#hillaryslaughterauthor
“It’s good to know the way to your heart just might be through your stomach.”
#allaboutthebestreads
“If you think I could forget how beautiful you are at any given moment, you’re wrong.”
July 18, 2025
Just like the main character, Dani, I’ve seen Pillow Talk so many times I’ve lost count. And also like Dani, I’m a big Doris Day fan. So when I heard about this romcom retelling of Pillow Talk I knew I had to read it. And it did not disappoint! The author did a fantastic job of incorporating so many elements of the movie into this book! “Allen Bradley” for the fake name was great. I loved it! Dani is a great character. I love her whole personality. Mason is a playboy of sorts and gets off on the wrong foot with Dani. After a makeover, he is unrecognizable and he uses that to take on a new persona to get on friendlier terms with Dani and hopes to work with her. Of course it leads to romance. I did like that there was dual pov so we could see that he did feel bad about the deception and wanted to fix it. I liked how there was even Tony Randall’s character in Spencer. This was my first read by this author and I really liked her writing style. Overall a great read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: several innuendos, mild ogling
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: several innuendos, mild ogling
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
July 14, 2025
The Ruse of Romancing is the fourth book in the Love Connections multi author series.
This one features Dani an upcoming author who needs to finish her next book and Mason her next door neighbour in the town Dani is staying at. This wholesome romance gives you a glimpse into the life of writer set in Oregon. This book as with all the others in the series is a sweet romcom and very easy to read. I received a complementary copy from the author.
This one features Dani an upcoming author who needs to finish her next book and Mason her next door neighbour in the town Dani is staying at. This wholesome romance gives you a glimpse into the life of writer set in Oregon. This book as with all the others in the series is a sweet romcom and very easy to read. I received a complementary copy from the author.
July 27, 2025
My favorite aspect of Hillary Slaughter’s books is how they just immediately pull you in! The Ruse of Romancing had me hooked right from the first page until the last; the writing, characters, and setting all matched up to be perfectly immersive!
Dani, the FMC, is exactly the sort of woman I want to have as a friend. She’s kind and loyal and loving with those she cares about. I love how she’s just so real too, with her drive to succeed as an author and also the all-consuming early-career panic so integral to being a young adult (also, the overactive imagination and coming up with random ax murderer scenarios is just so spot on!). Her relationships with her sister and cousins are so genuine, and written beautifully, and I absolutely adored this part of the book!
While I’ve yet to see Pillow Talk (I did Google it! It’s apparently a large gap in my movie experiences), I loved all the clear references to the film and the way that the original story was used as inspiration but not copied. I love seeing beloved stories retold, and it was fun to see how the arc of Dani and Mason’s story played out in comparison to the inspiring movie. I loved that Mason got a backstory that explained why he was such a heartbreaker; it makes him more understandable and possible to sympathize with.
Fun connection to Hillary Slaughter’s other books: I enjoyed getting to see a bit of a redemption arc for Mason’s place in his family, in addition to his redemption arc with Dani. When he’s mentioned in Losing Sleep, it kind of feels like he’s just abandoning his familial responsibilities; once you get to know him, you realize it’s actually how he coped with losing his father and finding himself (also, I totally think the long hair/bushy beard was a coping mechanism too 😅).
Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.
Dani, the FMC, is exactly the sort of woman I want to have as a friend. She’s kind and loyal and loving with those she cares about. I love how she’s just so real too, with her drive to succeed as an author and also the all-consuming early-career panic so integral to being a young adult (also, the overactive imagination and coming up with random ax murderer scenarios is just so spot on!). Her relationships with her sister and cousins are so genuine, and written beautifully, and I absolutely adored this part of the book!
While I’ve yet to see Pillow Talk (I did Google it! It’s apparently a large gap in my movie experiences), I loved all the clear references to the film and the way that the original story was used as inspiration but not copied. I love seeing beloved stories retold, and it was fun to see how the arc of Dani and Mason’s story played out in comparison to the inspiring movie. I loved that Mason got a backstory that explained why he was such a heartbreaker; it makes him more understandable and possible to sympathize with.
Fun connection to Hillary Slaughter’s other books: I enjoyed getting to see a bit of a redemption arc for Mason’s place in his family, in addition to his redemption arc with Dani. When he’s mentioned in Losing Sleep, it kind of feels like he’s just abandoning his familial responsibilities; once you get to know him, you realize it’s actually how he coped with losing his father and finding himself (also, I totally think the long hair/bushy beard was a coping mechanism too 😅).
Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.
July 29, 2025
“Baked goods and cheese, what more did a girl need?”
Seriously. There are so many things to love about Book 4 in the Love Connections series. While they are inner-connected, they can stand alone, and this story, based on a modern-day Pillow Talk, is absolutely so much fun!
🏹Pillow talk
🏹Dough-ris Day (sourdough starter)
🏹Vintage green dress with a mishap
🏹Author and graphic designer
🏹Meet ugly
🏹Oregon
🏹Sticky notes
🏹An audacious man with a hidden identity
🏹Small town gossip gang
Dani’s first and only book went viral and now she’s off to write book two–in Oregon. She’s such a sweet character and I loved the cousin chat, but it’s the way Mason (aka Allen) worms his way into her heart that had me swooning. Their first meet, and subsequent meetings, had me laughing and the enemies vibe was strong.
“It was just my luck that I was going to be living next door to some kind of flannel-wearing Fabio for the foreseeable future.”
Traveling around the small town and coastal areas with this couple was a dream. Not only does the author incorporate the beauty and specialties of the area into this story, but they come alive through this couple’s connection. I lived for every moment, glance, and touch, as the chemistry was palpable.
“I’d had my fill of female tourists who smelled like vanilla to last a lifetime. Strawberry was a nice, safe aroma. Strawberry didn’t spell trouble and heartbreak.”
Summer flings and romances with an expiration date aren’t all that, but everything about this one was perfect and I’m on a reader’s high.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
Seriously. There are so many things to love about Book 4 in the Love Connections series. While they are inner-connected, they can stand alone, and this story, based on a modern-day Pillow Talk, is absolutely so much fun!
🏹Pillow talk
🏹Dough-ris Day (sourdough starter)
🏹Vintage green dress with a mishap
🏹Author and graphic designer
🏹Meet ugly
🏹Oregon
🏹Sticky notes
🏹An audacious man with a hidden identity
🏹Small town gossip gang
Dani’s first and only book went viral and now she’s off to write book two–in Oregon. She’s such a sweet character and I loved the cousin chat, but it’s the way Mason (aka Allen) worms his way into her heart that had me swooning. Their first meet, and subsequent meetings, had me laughing and the enemies vibe was strong.
“It was just my luck that I was going to be living next door to some kind of flannel-wearing Fabio for the foreseeable future.”
Traveling around the small town and coastal areas with this couple was a dream. Not only does the author incorporate the beauty and specialties of the area into this story, but they come alive through this couple’s connection. I lived for every moment, glance, and touch, as the chemistry was palpable.
“I’d had my fill of female tourists who smelled like vanilla to last a lifetime. Strawberry was a nice, safe aroma. Strawberry didn’t spell trouble and heartbreak.”
Summer flings and romances with an expiration date aren’t all that, but everything about this one was perfect and I’m on a reader’s high.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
July 24, 2025
What a fun book! While I have to admit, I have never watched Pillow Talk, but after reading this I really want to see it!
Oh, I felt for Dani! She was really relatable in her love of reading, in her desire to do well and her worries about the future. I felt for her in her anxieties and concerns about her book. It was so lovely to read about her love of reading, books, pastries, and bread! I think Dani and I would definitely get along! Oregon was beautiful through her eyes and I loved getting to know Cascade Harbor with her. I loved her relationship with her cousins and their group chat was hilarious! They were such a support to one another, even if they did annoy each other at times!
Mason was quite the character! It was pretty funny to see how he dug himself into quite the situation with Dani. I was a bit miffed at him at times, and wanted to just shake him to tell the truth, but I feel like I understood him. Dani was a surprise to him. While initially he was drawn to her and saw the influence she could have on his career, Dani quickly became more to him than he expected. I loved how their relationship grew. They really enjoyed one another’s company and encouraged one another.
I must admit, I was quite anxious to see how things would play out, especially with Mason’s deception. It did take a bit for things to unravel, but it was a lovely ending. I am excited to read more of this series and to see other characters again!
I received an ARC.
Oh, I felt for Dani! She was really relatable in her love of reading, in her desire to do well and her worries about the future. I felt for her in her anxieties and concerns about her book. It was so lovely to read about her love of reading, books, pastries, and bread! I think Dani and I would definitely get along! Oregon was beautiful through her eyes and I loved getting to know Cascade Harbor with her. I loved her relationship with her cousins and their group chat was hilarious! They were such a support to one another, even if they did annoy each other at times!
Mason was quite the character! It was pretty funny to see how he dug himself into quite the situation with Dani. I was a bit miffed at him at times, and wanted to just shake him to tell the truth, but I feel like I understood him. Dani was a surprise to him. While initially he was drawn to her and saw the influence she could have on his career, Dani quickly became more to him than he expected. I loved how their relationship grew. They really enjoyed one another’s company and encouraged one another.
I must admit, I was quite anxious to see how things would play out, especially with Mason’s deception. It did take a bit for things to unravel, but it was a lovely ending. I am excited to read more of this series and to see other characters again!
I received an ARC.
July 24, 2025
I can honestly say this Love Connections multi-author series has been fantastic so far. This is the fourth book in the series and is so good.
Dani is a best selling romantasy author, her debut book took the world by storm and now she needs to write the sequel but is suffering major writers block. She heads from her Utah home to Oregon, hoping a change of scenery will kick start her creativity again and help her finish the book.
Her neighbour is Mason, caretaker of the duplex and graphic designer, rocking the rugged mountain man look with bushy beard and long hair. They have a great meet-ugly and Dani is determined to stay away from him for the rest of her stay, not wanting to become another vacation fling,
Thanks to a barbershop mishap, Mason ends up short haired and clean shaven and his next encounter with Dani results in her not knowing who he is and he realises he has another chance at a better first impression, and maybe a shot at designing her next book cover.
I loved the interactions between Mason (as Allen) and Dani. They were so good together, truly enjoying each others company. I loved the supporting characters, from the Cousin Chat we’ve met in previous books in the series, to the new ones in Oregon such as Joane, Spencer and the Gossip Gang in the barbershop.
The ending was beautiful and sweet and just perfect, a great homage to the movie Pillow Talk.
Dani is a best selling romantasy author, her debut book took the world by storm and now she needs to write the sequel but is suffering major writers block. She heads from her Utah home to Oregon, hoping a change of scenery will kick start her creativity again and help her finish the book.
Her neighbour is Mason, caretaker of the duplex and graphic designer, rocking the rugged mountain man look with bushy beard and long hair. They have a great meet-ugly and Dani is determined to stay away from him for the rest of her stay, not wanting to become another vacation fling,
Thanks to a barbershop mishap, Mason ends up short haired and clean shaven and his next encounter with Dani results in her not knowing who he is and he realises he has another chance at a better first impression, and maybe a shot at designing her next book cover.
I loved the interactions between Mason (as Allen) and Dani. They were so good together, truly enjoying each others company. I loved the supporting characters, from the Cousin Chat we’ve met in previous books in the series, to the new ones in Oregon such as Joane, Spencer and the Gossip Gang in the barbershop.
The ending was beautiful and sweet and just perfect, a great homage to the movie Pillow Talk.
July 26, 2025
The Rules of Romance had a couple dynamic you don’t see often. I wasn’t a huge fan of the male main character Mason, and I was eager to see if the author could change my mind and the mind of Dani.
Dani wrote a best seller, but then when she tries to write the second book in the series, she suffers from writers black and imposter syndrome. She takes a trip to the Oregon coast to clear her mind and help her focus, however she keeps having issues with her rental duplex and the owner’s grandson next door. He’s a womanizer and just plain rude. Focusing might be more difficult than expected.
Mason has been burned by love in this tourist town, and has learned to keep things casual with women who are just visiting. He’s been used and heartbroken as a vacation fling and has decided to gift women visiting his vacation town the vacation flings they want and nothing more.
I love stories with a transformation or redemption arc. I loved seeing Mason make progress and learn to take a chance with his heart. I loved Dani and her quest to overcome writers black and find happiness again. I also loved the reminder that we need stress outlets in life. Definitely a reminder I often need!
Dani wrote a best seller, but then when she tries to write the second book in the series, she suffers from writers black and imposter syndrome. She takes a trip to the Oregon coast to clear her mind and help her focus, however she keeps having issues with her rental duplex and the owner’s grandson next door. He’s a womanizer and just plain rude. Focusing might be more difficult than expected.
Mason has been burned by love in this tourist town, and has learned to keep things casual with women who are just visiting. He’s been used and heartbroken as a vacation fling and has decided to gift women visiting his vacation town the vacation flings they want and nothing more.
I love stories with a transformation or redemption arc. I loved seeing Mason make progress and learn to take a chance with his heart. I loved Dani and her quest to overcome writers black and find happiness again. I also loved the reminder that we need stress outlets in life. Definitely a reminder I often need!
July 15, 2025
Favorite parts:
- Joane
- Hiding from Joyce Campbell
- Run in at the beach
- First date
- Powell's bookstore
- Book party
- The beach
Thia is my first book by Hillary, and it is such a cute story! I loved all the details that were shared about being in Oregon, the sights, the sounds, and the tastes (especially Sugar and Sea Bakery).
Dani and Mason have a pretty rough meet cute, more like meet ugly. Because of this, Dani is totally against her temporary neighbor. Mason, on the other hand, decides he needs to get in Dani's good books so that hopefully, his job as a graphic artist can become known by a publisher.
You'll have to read the story to find out how Dani and Mason become friends and are able to learn more about each other and how their relationship grows. Suffice it to say, I love all of the things they do together that help their relationship grow.
I also really love the side characters, Joane is great, I even enjoyed Spencer's a little awkward character, and I also liked the Gossip Gangs antics!
Thanks for a great story in this fun Love Connections Series! It is the 4th book in the series and can be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
- Joane
- Hiding from Joyce Campbell
- Run in at the beach
- First date
- Powell's bookstore
- Book party
- The beach
Thia is my first book by Hillary, and it is such a cute story! I loved all the details that were shared about being in Oregon, the sights, the sounds, and the tastes (especially Sugar and Sea Bakery).
Dani and Mason have a pretty rough meet cute, more like meet ugly. Because of this, Dani is totally against her temporary neighbor. Mason, on the other hand, decides he needs to get in Dani's good books so that hopefully, his job as a graphic artist can become known by a publisher.
You'll have to read the story to find out how Dani and Mason become friends and are able to learn more about each other and how their relationship grows. Suffice it to say, I love all of the things they do together that help their relationship grow.
I also really love the side characters, Joane is great, I even enjoyed Spencer's a little awkward character, and I also liked the Gossip Gangs antics!
Thanks for a great story in this fun Love Connections Series! It is the 4th book in the series and can be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2025
However, I really disliked the MMC. My own opinion though.
July 25, 2025
I stayed up way too late for two nights reading this. Partly because that’s my only time I have to read uninterrupted and mostly because I didn’t want to stop reading this cute Rom-com.
My kindle broke down right after I started and I hate reading on my phone so you bet I got on and ordered a new kindle ASAP to continue reading!
New kindle, nighttime uninterrupted reading, and a cooling blanket was as close to the feeling of a cozy beach read I’m going to get this summer.
I haven’t seen Pillow Talk in years but I love Doris Day and Rock Hudson and need to watch this in the very near future after all the references in this book. Think I can convince my hubby to watch with me?
Hilary did a lovely job transporting you to the Oregon coast and making you want to stay there forever.
My kindle broke down right after I started and I hate reading on my phone so you bet I got on and ordered a new kindle ASAP to continue reading!
New kindle, nighttime uninterrupted reading, and a cooling blanket was as close to the feeling of a cozy beach read I’m going to get this summer.
I haven’t seen Pillow Talk in years but I love Doris Day and Rock Hudson and need to watch this in the very near future after all the references in this book. Think I can convince my hubby to watch with me?
Hilary did a lovely job transporting you to the Oregon coast and making you want to stay there forever.
August 6, 2025
Oh Mason. Oh sweet (eventually), dumb-dumb Mason. Those are the first sentiments that come to mind when trying to put my review of this book into words. You want to love him but he was not making wise choices... My second thought was that I've been enjoying the Love Connections series as each cousin travels to a different location for their own specific reason and find love along the way. The Ruse of Romancing follows Dani to the Oregon coast as she seeks a change of scenery to finally write a best selling sequel to her best selling debut novel. This is where she meets the lovable (eventually) idiot in question, Mason.
As a reader, it always fun to have a bookish main character and what better bookish character than an author. I loved the glimpses into Dani writing her next book and how Mason (moonlighting as his fake self) took her to a huge bookstore to live her best life. It seemed like a great date idea to me! They did have some sweet moments together. Also, on an unrelated note, the part about getting a piece of Carl was cracking me up. I had a feeling I knew what was happening but Dani certainly did not!
Mason started off being such a bone head and he kind of remained a bone head for most of the book. He did really start to genuinely like Dani and treat her so well but in the back of my mind I couldn't help shouting, "You're lying to her! Confess now!" And of course, in typical romance fashion, it does explode in his face. Personally, I wish Dani had made him grovel a bit more because the ratio of him lying to him giving his speech felt off, but in all I still really enjoyed this book and think it fit in well with the continuation of the series.
As a reader, it always fun to have a bookish main character and what better bookish character than an author. I loved the glimpses into Dani writing her next book and how Mason (moonlighting as his fake self) took her to a huge bookstore to live her best life. It seemed like a great date idea to me! They did have some sweet moments together. Also, on an unrelated note, the part about getting a piece of Carl was cracking me up. I had a feeling I knew what was happening but Dani certainly did not!
Mason started off being such a bone head and he kind of remained a bone head for most of the book. He did really start to genuinely like Dani and treat her so well but in the back of my mind I couldn't help shouting, "You're lying to her! Confess now!" And of course, in typical romance fashion, it does explode in his face. Personally, I wish Dani had made him grovel a bit more because the ratio of him lying to him giving his speech felt off, but in all I still really enjoyed this book and think it fit in well with the continuation of the series.
August 2, 2025
I’m loving “The Love Connections,” series! Hillary Slaughter’s book “The Ruse of Romancing,” was my latest read and it was such a great addition to these stories! 💕
I really enjoyed the Oregon coast scene! I could easily picture that setting in my mind and it was dreamy. Dani was a fun character! As I reader, I loved seeing into an author’s life and all the thoughts and feelings that she had with that!
Mason is the guy with a bad rep but you can’t help but love! He’s charming, and he’s an artist too! It was so cool to see him change, and open up to love despite being hurt in the past!
This was the perfect summer read, and I can’t wait for more books with these fun cousins! ☀️
*Thank you to the author for the E-ARC copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the Oregon coast scene! I could easily picture that setting in my mind and it was dreamy. Dani was a fun character! As I reader, I loved seeing into an author’s life and all the thoughts and feelings that she had with that!
Mason is the guy with a bad rep but you can’t help but love! He’s charming, and he’s an artist too! It was so cool to see him change, and open up to love despite being hurt in the past!
This was the perfect summer read, and I can’t wait for more books with these fun cousins! ☀️
*Thank you to the author for the E-ARC copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
July 30, 2025
I was already looking forward to reading the Love Connections Sweet Romcom series, so when I heard that Hillary Slaughter’s The Ruse of Romancing was a Pillow Talk retelling, my excitement went through the roof. Pillow Talk has been a favorite movie for years (I can’t tell you how many times I have seen it), so I loved that Slaughter also shared an appreciation for the movie, and I loved that I could read the story with a modern take. I went into this read with high expectations and all of those expectations were exceeded. I loved this book so much.
After her first book is a brilliant bestseller, Dani heads to the Oregon coast to clear her mind and overcome her writer’s block as she tries to write the sequel. On her first night there, she encounters her heartbreaker next door neighbor/duplex maintenance man mid make out with a lady friend. When Mason expresses interest in her once his lady friend is gone, Dani’s negative opinion of Mason is firmly in place. She is not interested in him at all. When Mason hears Dani is a successful author, he regrets the poor first impression he made on Dani. He needs Dani’s connections to help launch his graphic design career to the next level. On their next meeting Dani does not recognize Mason because his beard and long hair are gone. Mason decides to take advantage of his transformation and introduces himself to Dani as Allen. The story that follows is so fabulous.
Dani and Mason were adorable together. I loved how open and honest (except for the whole Allen really being Mason thing) they were regarding their hopes, fears, and desires. I loved how their relationship developed—in emotional, physical, and friendship ways. It was so sweet.
As I was reading, I kept thinking, oh this scene is retelling this scene from the movie, or she tweaked this from the movie. I seriously had a smile on my face the whole time as I noticed every nod to the movie. I loved how Slaughter tweaked the movie to fit a modern time. It was so clever. The banter, chemistry, and swoony kisses were on point. I could go on and on about how much I loved this one.
As in all the Love Connections books, the setting played an important role. I loved the Oregon coast setting; it was the perfect place for Dani and Mason to fall in love. I also loved all the cousins and their texting. Their friendship and love for each other are really what make this series so phenomenal.
I will be reading this book again… and rewatching Pillow Talk for the hundredth time.
After her first book is a brilliant bestseller, Dani heads to the Oregon coast to clear her mind and overcome her writer’s block as she tries to write the sequel. On her first night there, she encounters her heartbreaker next door neighbor/duplex maintenance man mid make out with a lady friend. When Mason expresses interest in her once his lady friend is gone, Dani’s negative opinion of Mason is firmly in place. She is not interested in him at all. When Mason hears Dani is a successful author, he regrets the poor first impression he made on Dani. He needs Dani’s connections to help launch his graphic design career to the next level. On their next meeting Dani does not recognize Mason because his beard and long hair are gone. Mason decides to take advantage of his transformation and introduces himself to Dani as Allen. The story that follows is so fabulous.
Dani and Mason were adorable together. I loved how open and honest (except for the whole Allen really being Mason thing) they were regarding their hopes, fears, and desires. I loved how their relationship developed—in emotional, physical, and friendship ways. It was so sweet.
As I was reading, I kept thinking, oh this scene is retelling this scene from the movie, or she tweaked this from the movie. I seriously had a smile on my face the whole time as I noticed every nod to the movie. I loved how Slaughter tweaked the movie to fit a modern time. It was so clever. The banter, chemistry, and swoony kisses were on point. I could go on and on about how much I loved this one.
As in all the Love Connections books, the setting played an important role. I loved the Oregon coast setting; it was the perfect place for Dani and Mason to fall in love. I also loved all the cousins and their texting. Their friendship and love for each other are really what make this series so phenomenal.
I will be reading this book again… and rewatching Pillow Talk for the hundredth time.
July 26, 2025
Loved this book! This is my first book by Hillary Slaughter & I can’t wait to read more. The Ruse of Romancing is an amazing, modern take on Doris Day’s marvelous movie Pillow Talk. I enjoyed every moment of this hidden identity, enemies to more romcom!
Dani Baldwin’s first novel was an instant best seller. Now she suffers from imposter syndrome as she tries to write a sequel. Escaping to the Oregon coast seems like a great idea to recharge her batteries & fuel her imagination. But, when she meets her neighbor, she’s less than impressed. He’s a hunky, flirtatious, ladies’ man artist who seems to enjoy goading her through sticky notes.
When a summer romance with a visiting tourist ended in heart break, Mason Stuart vowed never again. So any relationship he has with a woman is casual & superficial until he meets Dani. The sassy, attractive writer next door sparks an interest in him. When a mishap at the barbershop completely changes his looks, & Dani doesn’t recognize him, his next meeting with her prompts him to change his name as well. She needs a cover design for her next book, & Mason/Allen sees an opportunity to not only get to know her better, but to launch his graphic design career.
I loved this story so much & all the nods to Pillow Talk. Dani’s & Mason’s romance was so much fun. I loved their witty banter, swoony kisses, & the lengths Mason goes to, to hide his identity. His friend & bookshop owner Spencer has a way of popping up unexpectedly & I enjoyed all the ways Mason tries to keep him & Dani from seeing each other. Seeing both Dani & Mason really open up & share their fears added another sweet layer to their relationship. I loved seeing Mason’s motivations change as he falls for Dani.
Oregon’s iconic locations including The Cheese Factory, Powell’s Book Store, & the gorgeous beaches were captured so well. The Gossip Gang, Joane, the bakery shop owner with sourdough bread to die for, & Dani’s relatives were such endearing characters too. I also loved bookshop shenanigans, the dress mishap, beach run, & watching Pillow Talk.
Highly recommend this fourth book in the Love Connections series! Definitely a must read. It’s easily read as a standalone, but looking forward to reading the other books. I received an advanced copy from the author, but also purchased a copy in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
Dani Baldwin’s first novel was an instant best seller. Now she suffers from imposter syndrome as she tries to write a sequel. Escaping to the Oregon coast seems like a great idea to recharge her batteries & fuel her imagination. But, when she meets her neighbor, she’s less than impressed. He’s a hunky, flirtatious, ladies’ man artist who seems to enjoy goading her through sticky notes.
When a summer romance with a visiting tourist ended in heart break, Mason Stuart vowed never again. So any relationship he has with a woman is casual & superficial until he meets Dani. The sassy, attractive writer next door sparks an interest in him. When a mishap at the barbershop completely changes his looks, & Dani doesn’t recognize him, his next meeting with her prompts him to change his name as well. She needs a cover design for her next book, & Mason/Allen sees an opportunity to not only get to know her better, but to launch his graphic design career.
I loved this story so much & all the nods to Pillow Talk. Dani’s & Mason’s romance was so much fun. I loved their witty banter, swoony kisses, & the lengths Mason goes to, to hide his identity. His friend & bookshop owner Spencer has a way of popping up unexpectedly & I enjoyed all the ways Mason tries to keep him & Dani from seeing each other. Seeing both Dani & Mason really open up & share their fears added another sweet layer to their relationship. I loved seeing Mason’s motivations change as he falls for Dani.
Oregon’s iconic locations including The Cheese Factory, Powell’s Book Store, & the gorgeous beaches were captured so well. The Gossip Gang, Joane, the bakery shop owner with sourdough bread to die for, & Dani’s relatives were such endearing characters too. I also loved bookshop shenanigans, the dress mishap, beach run, & watching Pillow Talk.
Highly recommend this fourth book in the Love Connections series! Definitely a must read. It’s easily read as a standalone, but looking forward to reading the other books. I received an advanced copy from the author, but also purchased a copy in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
July 26, 2025
Before I begin, I would like to thank Hillary Slaughter for allowing me to read a copy of her new release, The Ruse of Romancing, which is part of the multi-author Love Connections series and is available on Amazon starting on July 23rd, 2025.
Dani Baldwin is a bestselling author that is having trouble writing her next book. Determined, she goes to Oregon for new scenery, inspiration, and peace. Mason Stuart is known in town as the local who doesn’t do serious romantic relationships, preferring to flirt with women from out of town with no strings attached. After meeting Dani, he realizes that she’s the key to advancing his career as a graphic designer and decides to hide his true identity after messing up. As they spend more time together, Dani begins developing romantic feelings between the banter, dates, and glances they share. When Mason’s secret is revealed, Dani has to figure out if a budding romance is worth giving him a second chance or whether she should move on to the next chapter of her life without him.
This book was great. You have Dani Baldwin, a sassy, driven, intelligent, kind, and beautiful young woman that faces a lot of pressure after her debut novel to make her next one a success by family and strangers alike. You have Mason Stuart, a talented, considerate, charismatic, and handsome young man that loves designing illustrations and is guarded against experiencing another heartbreak. The interactions between the main characters were funny, snarky, and sweet. Both Dani and Mason’s insecurities were relatable, and I sympathized with Dani’s imposter syndrome about whether she has the talent and know-how to have a career as an author for the rest of her life. I loved Joane, Mason’s grandparents, and Poppy. Overall, if you like the Pillow Talk movie, Doris Day, Oregon, found family, and sweet secret identity / author x local romance with low spice, then I would highly recommend this book.
Dani Baldwin is a bestselling author that is having trouble writing her next book. Determined, she goes to Oregon for new scenery, inspiration, and peace. Mason Stuart is known in town as the local who doesn’t do serious romantic relationships, preferring to flirt with women from out of town with no strings attached. After meeting Dani, he realizes that she’s the key to advancing his career as a graphic designer and decides to hide his true identity after messing up. As they spend more time together, Dani begins developing romantic feelings between the banter, dates, and glances they share. When Mason’s secret is revealed, Dani has to figure out if a budding romance is worth giving him a second chance or whether she should move on to the next chapter of her life without him.
This book was great. You have Dani Baldwin, a sassy, driven, intelligent, kind, and beautiful young woman that faces a lot of pressure after her debut novel to make her next one a success by family and strangers alike. You have Mason Stuart, a talented, considerate, charismatic, and handsome young man that loves designing illustrations and is guarded against experiencing another heartbreak. The interactions between the main characters were funny, snarky, and sweet. Both Dani and Mason’s insecurities were relatable, and I sympathized with Dani’s imposter syndrome about whether she has the talent and know-how to have a career as an author for the rest of her life. I loved Joane, Mason’s grandparents, and Poppy. Overall, if you like the Pillow Talk movie, Doris Day, Oregon, found family, and sweet secret identity / author x local romance with low spice, then I would highly recommend this book.
July 26, 2025
I lived in Oregon for about 18 months and there isn’t anything I loved more than going to the coast! So, The Ruse of Romancing was the perfect setting for me!
Dani Baldwin is a fantasy author and is under pressure to write book two after a phenomenal best seller debut novel. Dani heads to coastal Oregon for quality writing time and maybe a little inspiration. Mason is a local artist who keeps it light and flirty with all women and his one rule – don’t get attached. From the start Dani is not impressed with Mason and Mason can’t understand why Dani won’t give him the time of day. After a haircut mishap (enter “Allen”), Mason gets a second chance with the feisty and sassy writer next door. But how will Dani take Mason’s ruse when it comes to light?
The Ruse in Romancing is a delightful retelling of the Doris Day and Rock Hudson movie Pillow Talk! I enjoyed every minute of it. Dani is relatable in her love of reading, and I truly felt for Dani and her worries about her future as an author. I loved how much she enjoyed bookstores, and I loved the scenes that took place in one. Mason is charismatic, charming, and quite the flirt and digs himself in deep with Dani from the first moment they met. While his intentions of getting close to Dani in the beginning were strictly to promote his career as a graphic designer Dani quickly became more to him. The only thing that redeemed Mason for me is that we got to see how badly he felt for what he was doing. I’m glad we got to see the real Mason through his ruse. What a great summer read!
Favorite things:
- Oregon coast!
- The Gossip Gang
- Joane and the bakery
- The bookstore
- The Pillow Talk vibes
- Dani’s interactions with Mason
- Dani’s interactions with “Allen”
- The grand gesture
Tropes:
- Travel romance
- Pillow Talk retelling
- Charming & flirty MMC
- Romantasy writing FMC
- Enemies to more
- Oregon coast
- Secret identity
- Swoony kisses
Happy reading!
Dani Baldwin is a fantasy author and is under pressure to write book two after a phenomenal best seller debut novel. Dani heads to coastal Oregon for quality writing time and maybe a little inspiration. Mason is a local artist who keeps it light and flirty with all women and his one rule – don’t get attached. From the start Dani is not impressed with Mason and Mason can’t understand why Dani won’t give him the time of day. After a haircut mishap (enter “Allen”), Mason gets a second chance with the feisty and sassy writer next door. But how will Dani take Mason’s ruse when it comes to light?
The Ruse in Romancing is a delightful retelling of the Doris Day and Rock Hudson movie Pillow Talk! I enjoyed every minute of it. Dani is relatable in her love of reading, and I truly felt for Dani and her worries about her future as an author. I loved how much she enjoyed bookstores, and I loved the scenes that took place in one. Mason is charismatic, charming, and quite the flirt and digs himself in deep with Dani from the first moment they met. While his intentions of getting close to Dani in the beginning were strictly to promote his career as a graphic designer Dani quickly became more to him. The only thing that redeemed Mason for me is that we got to see how badly he felt for what he was doing. I’m glad we got to see the real Mason through his ruse. What a great summer read!
Favorite things:
- Oregon coast!
- The Gossip Gang
- Joane and the bakery
- The bookstore
- The Pillow Talk vibes
- Dani’s interactions with Mason
- Dani’s interactions with “Allen”
- The grand gesture
Tropes:
- Travel romance
- Pillow Talk retelling
- Charming & flirty MMC
- Romantasy writing FMC
- Enemies to more
- Oregon coast
- Secret identity
- Swoony kisses
Happy reading!
July 24, 2025
‘𝕀𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝕝𝕦𝕔𝕜 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕟𝕖𝕩𝕥 𝕕𝕠𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕗𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕝-𝕨𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔽𝕒𝕓𝕚𝕠 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕗𝕦𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖.’
Have you seen the show Pillow Talk??
This is a book with similar vibes and the show and I am here for it!! The meet-hate in this story had me giggling so much!! The tension and banter, the excursions, hidden identity, and the enemies to friends to more all weaved such a fun and sweet story!! Dani is such a relatable FMC and I wanted to reach through the book and give her a hug 🤍
“Be still my beating heart! The man was smooth, I’d give him that much. Almost as smooth as the scoop of ice cream I’d be getting later once I was done eating this amazing sandwich.”
Dani goes to Oregon to get her creative mind churning again to write another epic novel. The imposter syndrome and self doubt of creating another best selling book gets to her and she goes on a journey of letting go of the expectations and learns how to enjoy her writing again.
“𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒓𝒖𝒏. 𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈’𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆”
Mason’s character was so fun! He’s closed himself off to love after a summer tourist broke his heart. Now he’s all about having fun with no commitments. After an unfortunate first meeting with Dani, who is renting out one side his duplex for the summer, he learns that she is an author and could help jump start his career designing book covers. To recover from their awful first impression, an idea forms in his mind and his ruse begins.
‘𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵-𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦.’
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Have you seen the show Pillow Talk??
This is a book with similar vibes and the show and I am here for it!! The meet-hate in this story had me giggling so much!! The tension and banter, the excursions, hidden identity, and the enemies to friends to more all weaved such a fun and sweet story!! Dani is such a relatable FMC and I wanted to reach through the book and give her a hug 🤍
“Be still my beating heart! The man was smooth, I’d give him that much. Almost as smooth as the scoop of ice cream I’d be getting later once I was done eating this amazing sandwich.”
Dani goes to Oregon to get her creative mind churning again to write another epic novel. The imposter syndrome and self doubt of creating another best selling book gets to her and she goes on a journey of letting go of the expectations and learns how to enjoy her writing again.
“𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒓𝒖𝒏. 𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈’𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆”
Mason’s character was so fun! He’s closed himself off to love after a summer tourist broke his heart. Now he’s all about having fun with no commitments. After an unfortunate first meeting with Dani, who is renting out one side his duplex for the summer, he learns that she is an author and could help jump start his career designing book covers. To recover from their awful first impression, an idea forms in his mind and his ruse begins.
‘𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵-𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦.’
Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
July 23, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
After finding success as a debut author, Danielle “Dani” Baldwin is desperately trying to break through her writer’s block. Seeking refuge from her home in Herriman, Utah she travels to Cascade Harbor, Oregon for an extended writing retreat. Staying in a secluded home in a small-town, Dani hopes to find enough inspiration to write the highly anticipated conclusion to her Romantasy Duology. But when she discovers her neighbor and caretaker of her rental property is Mason Stuart, the town Casanova, she quickly regrets traveling to Oregon. Will Dani be able to meet her impending deadline, or will her work suffer at the hands of the man next-door?
Hillary Slaughter’s The Ruse of Romancing is the fourth book in the Love Connections Series. This is an interconnected, multi-author series that follows the lives of six female cousins as they travel the world and find love. While this series has strong character crossovers, readers have the ability to read it in its entirety or as standalone novels.
Slaughter’s book pays homage to the 1959 movie, Pillow Talk. While this is a modern day retelling of the classic, it is chocked full of nostalgia. She beautifully weaves references to the characters, actors, and plot points affiliated with the film.
While fans of Pillow Talk are guaranteed to be swept up in this love story, the modern twist WILL hook everyone else!!!
Be sure to read this book for:
-hidden identity
-graphic designer MMC
-author FMC
-dual POVs
-set in Oregon
-witty banter
-tight knit family
-sweet/ closed door romance
Special thanks to HMS Press, LLC and Hillary Slaughter for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
After finding success as a debut author, Danielle “Dani” Baldwin is desperately trying to break through her writer’s block. Seeking refuge from her home in Herriman, Utah she travels to Cascade Harbor, Oregon for an extended writing retreat. Staying in a secluded home in a small-town, Dani hopes to find enough inspiration to write the highly anticipated conclusion to her Romantasy Duology. But when she discovers her neighbor and caretaker of her rental property is Mason Stuart, the town Casanova, she quickly regrets traveling to Oregon. Will Dani be able to meet her impending deadline, or will her work suffer at the hands of the man next-door?
Hillary Slaughter’s The Ruse of Romancing is the fourth book in the Love Connections Series. This is an interconnected, multi-author series that follows the lives of six female cousins as they travel the world and find love. While this series has strong character crossovers, readers have the ability to read it in its entirety or as standalone novels.
Slaughter’s book pays homage to the 1959 movie, Pillow Talk. While this is a modern day retelling of the classic, it is chocked full of nostalgia. She beautifully weaves references to the characters, actors, and plot points affiliated with the film.
While fans of Pillow Talk are guaranteed to be swept up in this love story, the modern twist WILL hook everyone else!!!
Be sure to read this book for:
-hidden identity
-graphic designer MMC
-author FMC
-dual POVs
-set in Oregon
-witty banter
-tight knit family
-sweet/ closed door romance
Special thanks to HMS Press, LLC and Hillary Slaughter for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2025
The Ruse of Romancing is the fourth book in the Love Connections Sweet Romcom series. While each story stands alone, they share a connected world. Characters from other books make appearances or interact, often as family members like cousins and siblings.
This novel features Dani Baldwin, a popular author. She is having trouble writing her next book. Dani's debut Romantasy novel was a big hit and "Writer's Block" has her stuck. To break free, she leaves her Utah home for the Oregon coast. Like other books in the series, we see the cousins stay in touch with their group chat, which provides humor and support.
Dani and Mason clash right away. A nighttime misunderstanding causes major issues. The next day, Mason gets a new look. A shave and haircut transform him and Dani doesn't recognize the new him. You can guess what happens next. Mason wants to know Dani better. He hopes to boost his graphic design career. Maybe if he gets lucky, he'll get the job to design her next book cover.
This book was charming and funny, and it kept me engaged as the romance began to spark. Mason and Dani start to fall for each other, but I worried whether Mason would tell Dani the truth. Would he confess before she found out?
I think readers will adore the Oregon coast setting. I felt like I was right there. Funny moments included sticky notes passed back and forth, and The Sugar and Sea Bakery charmed me with its unique owner. The silly barber shop crew also amused me. And oh, the wardrobe mishap! I also loved Mason's sweet grandparents.
This was a real treat to read, and will leave you happy for spending time with these great characters that Author Hillary Slaughter writes so well.
This novel features Dani Baldwin, a popular author. She is having trouble writing her next book. Dani's debut Romantasy novel was a big hit and "Writer's Block" has her stuck. To break free, she leaves her Utah home for the Oregon coast. Like other books in the series, we see the cousins stay in touch with their group chat, which provides humor and support.
Dani and Mason clash right away. A nighttime misunderstanding causes major issues. The next day, Mason gets a new look. A shave and haircut transform him and Dani doesn't recognize the new him. You can guess what happens next. Mason wants to know Dani better. He hopes to boost his graphic design career. Maybe if he gets lucky, he'll get the job to design her next book cover.
This book was charming and funny, and it kept me engaged as the romance began to spark. Mason and Dani start to fall for each other, but I worried whether Mason would tell Dani the truth. Would he confess before she found out?
I think readers will adore the Oregon coast setting. I felt like I was right there. Funny moments included sticky notes passed back and forth, and The Sugar and Sea Bakery charmed me with its unique owner. The silly barber shop crew also amused me. And oh, the wardrobe mishap! I also loved Mason's sweet grandparents.
This was a real treat to read, and will leave you happy for spending time with these great characters that Author Hillary Slaughter writes so well.
July 22, 2025
This is book #4 in the Love Connections series. It starts with a first meeting that was a comedy of errors. Mason and Dani got off on more than the wrong foot. It was a disaster of category five hurricane proportions. Words were exchanged and seething anger does not even begin to describe how Dani felt. I knew by the end of the second chapter that it was going to be a long, sleepless night for me because I was not going to be satisfied until I read the words "The End".
Dani has escaped to the Oregon coast to try and write a sequel to her wildly popular, best selling novel. She has a bad case of writer's block and time is ticking. She does not have time for anyone to get in her way, and she will certainly not have time for any kind of romance.
Mason is a talented graphic designer and self-professed ladies' man. He is about to learn that his wooing ways do not work on everything in a skirt.
There are so many great things about this book. I can assure you of one thing and that is laughter is on the menu while reading this wonderful book. From the barber shop scene, meeting Carl with Joane, a wardrobe malfunction and the Gossip Gang, who are always present at the barber shop, it was one great scene after another. I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic comedy and all of the characters in it. I laughed, swooned and smiled until my face hurt, but I mostly enjoyed myself immensely.
This was the first book I have read by this author, and now I will be looking for more books. I can happily give this book a shining five stars.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dani has escaped to the Oregon coast to try and write a sequel to her wildly popular, best selling novel. She has a bad case of writer's block and time is ticking. She does not have time for anyone to get in her way, and she will certainly not have time for any kind of romance.
Mason is a talented graphic designer and self-professed ladies' man. He is about to learn that his wooing ways do not work on everything in a skirt.
There are so many great things about this book. I can assure you of one thing and that is laughter is on the menu while reading this wonderful book. From the barber shop scene, meeting Carl with Joane, a wardrobe malfunction and the Gossip Gang, who are always present at the barber shop, it was one great scene after another. I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic comedy and all of the characters in it. I laughed, swooned and smiled until my face hurt, but I mostly enjoyed myself immensely.
This was the first book I have read by this author, and now I will be looking for more books. I can happily give this book a shining five stars.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2025
Dani and Mason’s story was a delightful read. I had so many laugh out loud moments from the Gossip Gang at the barbershop to the driveway battles. I snickered at the thought that Dani doesn’t think she’s joining a cult when she starts working with Dough-ris Day, but…maybe she is? You’ll have to read it and decide.
I LOVED the Oregon Coast setting! I could picture everything Dani and Mason did together, and it had me reminiscing of teenage visits to Powell’s Books, and my own visit to the Tillamook creamery a couple years ago. The Oregon Coast will always have a piece of my heart, so it’s always fun reading books that remind me of home.
I really enjoyed watching Dani and Mason grow together. Their relationship helps spark each other’s creative endeavors and they allow themselves to be vulnerable in front of each other. Author Dani finally has inspiration to work past her fears about writing a sequel, and artist Mason gains the courage to put his work (and himself) out into the world. I loved seeing them have deep and meaningful conversations where they confide their fears and start to work past them.
This is such a fun retelling of the classic Doris Day & Rock Hudson movie, Pillow Talk. At first I was uncertain of how I felt about the concealed identity, but the more I read, the more I enjoyed seeing it all play out. I need to rewatch the movie ASAP! I also enjoyed the nod to the movie’s main male character, Brad Allen. IYKYK.
This enemies to lovers, hidden identity, small town romance is sure to bring you to laughter. This is the 4th book in the Love Connections multi-author series about a group of cousins traveling the world and finding love along the way.
I LOVED the Oregon Coast setting! I could picture everything Dani and Mason did together, and it had me reminiscing of teenage visits to Powell’s Books, and my own visit to the Tillamook creamery a couple years ago. The Oregon Coast will always have a piece of my heart, so it’s always fun reading books that remind me of home.
I really enjoyed watching Dani and Mason grow together. Their relationship helps spark each other’s creative endeavors and they allow themselves to be vulnerable in front of each other. Author Dani finally has inspiration to work past her fears about writing a sequel, and artist Mason gains the courage to put his work (and himself) out into the world. I loved seeing them have deep and meaningful conversations where they confide their fears and start to work past them.
This is such a fun retelling of the classic Doris Day & Rock Hudson movie, Pillow Talk. At first I was uncertain of how I felt about the concealed identity, but the more I read, the more I enjoyed seeing it all play out. I need to rewatch the movie ASAP! I also enjoyed the nod to the movie’s main male character, Brad Allen. IYKYK.
This enemies to lovers, hidden identity, small town romance is sure to bring you to laughter. This is the 4th book in the Love Connections multi-author series about a group of cousins traveling the world and finding love along the way.
July 12, 2025
The Ruse of Romancing is the fourth book in the Love Connections series. This is a multi-author series of interconnected stories following a group of cousins, each traveling to a different destination and finding love. While those who've read the previous books may have more appreciation for the family dynamics, I do believe this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
For this story, we pack our bags for Oregon... and what a fun trip it was! I don't know that I've ever read a first meeting quite like this one--- and admittedly I was very much prepared not to like Mason and his womanizing ways right from the start. Let's just say, he didn't make a great first impression! Thankfully, he did redeem himself by the end, but he definitely made some mistakes along the way! Dani likewise didn't have a good first impression, so when he's given a second chance, he takes it--- telling her he was someone else entirely. Little did he expect when he started the ruse that he would fall for her! These two had such a fun dynamic--- both in the bantering as neighbors upon their first meetings and in the romantic chemistry as they spend more time together under his new persona--- and I was here for it all! And that She's the Man reference thrown in there? Yes, please! This was definitely a fun read that kept me smiling throughout!
The Ruse of Romancing is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
For this story, we pack our bags for Oregon... and what a fun trip it was! I don't know that I've ever read a first meeting quite like this one--- and admittedly I was very much prepared not to like Mason and his womanizing ways right from the start. Let's just say, he didn't make a great first impression! Thankfully, he did redeem himself by the end, but he definitely made some mistakes along the way! Dani likewise didn't have a good first impression, so when he's given a second chance, he takes it--- telling her he was someone else entirely. Little did he expect when he started the ruse that he would fall for her! These two had such a fun dynamic--- both in the bantering as neighbors upon their first meetings and in the romantic chemistry as they spend more time together under his new persona--- and I was here for it all! And that She's the Man reference thrown in there? Yes, please! This was definitely a fun read that kept me smiling throughout!
The Ruse of Romancing is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 25, 2025
There's something about reading about an author that scratches my brain in JUST the right way.
LET ME SET THE MOOD - An author, Dani, is trying to write a sequel to her wildly successful book and she is in a writers block. She decides with a push from her loved ones, that she is going to take a trip to get a change of scenery to hopefully get the writing juices going. She rents a side of a duplex next to someone she hates. HE GETS A HAIRCUT (which I know, LOL she doesn't recognize him but I don't think too deeply into it so I don't care) and she doesn't recognize him and he lies about who he is!
I felt like there was so much going on, but not so much that I was confused or overran with story lines. I truly loved the story line and the characters in this book. I wanted to had Mason, but truly ended up loving his character too and Dani is just so relatable on so many levels that I would have walked into battle for her.
Hillary's writing is SUPERB. Was it the best book ever? No. BUT THE VIBES ARE IMMACULATE. I couldn't put it down and I had the best time throughout, from start to finish.
The banter is also so funny. The FMC, Dani, had just the right amount of insecurity and humor to make me feel so seen and heard in her character.
The Vibes:
-Author x Graphic Designer
-Vacation Fling
-Forced Proximity (kinda)
-Secret Identity / Fake Identity
-Third Act Conflict
-Enemies to Lovers
-Small Town Vibey Romance
LET ME SET THE MOOD - An author, Dani, is trying to write a sequel to her wildly successful book and she is in a writers block. She decides with a push from her loved ones, that she is going to take a trip to get a change of scenery to hopefully get the writing juices going. She rents a side of a duplex next to someone she hates. HE GETS A HAIRCUT (which I know, LOL she doesn't recognize him but I don't think too deeply into it so I don't care) and she doesn't recognize him and he lies about who he is!
I felt like there was so much going on, but not so much that I was confused or overran with story lines. I truly loved the story line and the characters in this book. I wanted to had Mason, but truly ended up loving his character too and Dani is just so relatable on so many levels that I would have walked into battle for her.
Hillary's writing is SUPERB. Was it the best book ever? No. BUT THE VIBES ARE IMMACULATE. I couldn't put it down and I had the best time throughout, from start to finish.
The banter is also so funny. The FMC, Dani, had just the right amount of insecurity and humor to make me feel so seen and heard in her character.
The Vibes:
-Author x Graphic Designer
-Vacation Fling
-Forced Proximity (kinda)
-Secret Identity / Fake Identity
-Third Act Conflict
-Enemies to Lovers
-Small Town Vibey Romance
July 28, 2025
ARC Book Review
The Ruse of Romancing
A Novel Written By Hillary Slaughter
Fiction - Romance
Published July 2025
280 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is Book 4 in A Love Connections Sweet Romcom Series. I am enjoying reading this interconnected series.
This book takes readers to the Oregon Coast. Dani Baldwin is a best selling author of romantasy. Her first book was a bestseller. She is struggling with writer’s block as she attempts to write the sequel. She travels to the Oregon coast hoping that a change in scenery will bring her inspiration.
Mason Stuart is a graphic designer who manages his grandparent’s duplex in Cascade Harbor, Oregon. This is the duplex where Dani will be staying.
Dani and Mason have an ugly meet the first time they meet late at night. She finds him obnoxious and a player. The next time they meet Dani does not recognize him. This is because of an unfortunate incident in the barber’s chair for Mason.
This case of mistaken identity allows Dani to fall for Mason’s charm. He also gets a chance at a second impression.
I enjoyed learning more about Dani in this book. She has appeared in the first three books of the series. I also liked that characters from the first three books are featured again in this book through the cousin text thread.
Fans of the movie Pullow Talk will enjoy this take on the movie.
“I’m just a guy who sees how incredible you are and wants you to see the same thing.”
The Ruse of Romancing
A Novel Written By Hillary Slaughter
Fiction - Romance
Published July 2025
280 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is Book 4 in A Love Connections Sweet Romcom Series. I am enjoying reading this interconnected series.
This book takes readers to the Oregon Coast. Dani Baldwin is a best selling author of romantasy. Her first book was a bestseller. She is struggling with writer’s block as she attempts to write the sequel. She travels to the Oregon coast hoping that a change in scenery will bring her inspiration.
Mason Stuart is a graphic designer who manages his grandparent’s duplex in Cascade Harbor, Oregon. This is the duplex where Dani will be staying.
Dani and Mason have an ugly meet the first time they meet late at night. She finds him obnoxious and a player. The next time they meet Dani does not recognize him. This is because of an unfortunate incident in the barber’s chair for Mason.
This case of mistaken identity allows Dani to fall for Mason’s charm. He also gets a chance at a second impression.
I enjoyed learning more about Dani in this book. She has appeared in the first three books of the series. I also liked that characters from the first three books are featured again in this book through the cousin text thread.
Fans of the movie Pullow Talk will enjoy this take on the movie.
“I’m just a guy who sees how incredible you are and wants you to see the same thing.”
September 10, 2025
4.5 stars for this one ⭐💯
Okay, now, I have a lot to say about this book.
First of all, Ma'am you made me realize what feelings go through an author's mind when they get a scathing, super critical review of their precious book baby 🥺 I'm also (kinda) guilty of writing few harsh reviews like that😞
This was such a superb story for so many reasons ❤️ And, after a long time, I finished a whole book in just few hours without trying to dnf at every chapter😍
✅ The realistic portrayal of a player MMC👍 He goes through new women very frequently, yes. But, he doesn't act sleazy, doesn't act entitled AND is not a billionaire. And he's fully loyal once he begins dating the FMC.
✅ The FMC, she is not holier than thou. Accepts the MMC back once he has apologized❤️
✅ Like I wrote above, the workings of an author's mind are so nicely explained without being whiny.
✅ Supportive families and no sobby back story.
✅ These days the little scenes of MCs spending quality time together in different books all look mostly same. They go on a road trip, they get stuck at xyz place blah blah but the scenes in this one were different 💕
✅ Lastly, I'm really glad he didn't turn into a bearded mountain man again at the end of the book👍
✅ 3rd act break up happens around 85% but is resolved quickly.
✅ No cheating, no OW/OM drama (MMC kisses a random woman at the beginning though)
✅ Spice level: 🌶️
Okay, now, I have a lot to say about this book.
First of all, Ma'am you made me realize what feelings go through an author's mind when they get a scathing, super critical review of their precious book baby 🥺 I'm also (kinda) guilty of writing few harsh reviews like that😞
This was such a superb story for so many reasons ❤️ And, after a long time, I finished a whole book in just few hours without trying to dnf at every chapter😍
✅ The realistic portrayal of a player MMC👍 He goes through new women very frequently, yes. But, he doesn't act sleazy, doesn't act entitled AND is not a billionaire. And he's fully loyal once he begins dating the FMC.
✅ The FMC, she is not holier than thou. Accepts the MMC back once he has apologized❤️
✅ Like I wrote above, the workings of an author's mind are so nicely explained without being whiny.
✅ Supportive families and no sobby back story.
✅ These days the little scenes of MCs spending quality time together in different books all look mostly same. They go on a road trip, they get stuck at xyz place blah blah but the scenes in this one were different 💕
✅ Lastly, I'm really glad he didn't turn into a bearded mountain man again at the end of the book👍
✅ 3rd act break up happens around 85% but is resolved quickly.
✅ No cheating, no OW/OM drama (MMC kisses a random woman at the beginning though)
✅ Spice level: 🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2025
The Oregon coast
Secret identity
Enemies to More Neighbors
Pillow Talk
Books
Joane
Carl
Great meet-ugly
Sticky Notes
Sugar and Sea Bakery
Powell’s
“You’re a writer. You believe in editing. So let’s edit this meeting into what we want it to be.”
Oh my goodness, this story had fun Pillow Talk Vibes. I loved Dani and her complete inability to say what she means outloud, but she can write it to her heart's content. These 2 have the best meet ugly and I was laughing the entire time.
“I didn’t want to be just friends with Dani. I wanted to break my every rule about dating and tourists, and it terrified me.”
Mason might have come off as a player & jerk, but when Dani doesn’t recognize him, he has a whole new plan for first impressions and getting what he needs. He pretends to be Allen and shows Dani his true colors. As Dani gets to know Allen, her writer's block goes away and she pounds out her second novel. She is slowly forming an attachment to Allen and the charming Cascade Harbor, but can trust herself and the people around her?
“And while it wasn’t exactly the storybook romance I’d always imagined for myself, it was infinitely better because it was real.
Secret identity
Enemies to More Neighbors
Pillow Talk
Books
Joane
Carl
Great meet-ugly
Sticky Notes
Sugar and Sea Bakery
Powell’s
“You’re a writer. You believe in editing. So let’s edit this meeting into what we want it to be.”
Oh my goodness, this story had fun Pillow Talk Vibes. I loved Dani and her complete inability to say what she means outloud, but she can write it to her heart's content. These 2 have the best meet ugly and I was laughing the entire time.
“I didn’t want to be just friends with Dani. I wanted to break my every rule about dating and tourists, and it terrified me.”
Mason might have come off as a player & jerk, but when Dani doesn’t recognize him, he has a whole new plan for first impressions and getting what he needs. He pretends to be Allen and shows Dani his true colors. As Dani gets to know Allen, her writer's block goes away and she pounds out her second novel. She is slowly forming an attachment to Allen and the charming Cascade Harbor, but can trust herself and the people around her?
“And while it wasn’t exactly the storybook romance I’d always imagined for myself, it was infinitely better because it was real.
July 18, 2025
📚ARC Review 📚
The Ruse or Romancing⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When bestselling author Dani Baldwin hits a writers block, she decides to clear her mind and spend some time at the coast hoping for a little inspiration. But what she didn’t expect was a ladies’ man as her rental property manager and neighbor, who has the talent of getting under her skin. She knows his kind and is determined to stay away from him.
Mason, the local heartbreaker and graphic designer, doesn’t do relationships. But when the sassy writer next door moves in, he can’t help but to think otherwise. Especially, when he gets the chance to make her think he is someone else.
Dani finds herself falling for the small town and the charming artist who lives there. But when the truth comes out, can Dani forgive Mason and rewrite her own story? Or is it best to just let it go?
This is the fourth book in the Love Connections Sweet Romcom multi author series, where we travel to the Oregon coast. I enjoyed this enemies to lovers, Pillow Talk retelling with the Gilmore Girls vibes. This is a closed door romance with funny banter and Mason and Dani’s chemistry was great. I also liked the small town vibes and the side characters who especially made the story. Overall, it was a good book and a great summer read!
Thank you to the author for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
The Ruse or Romancing⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When bestselling author Dani Baldwin hits a writers block, she decides to clear her mind and spend some time at the coast hoping for a little inspiration. But what she didn’t expect was a ladies’ man as her rental property manager and neighbor, who has the talent of getting under her skin. She knows his kind and is determined to stay away from him.
Mason, the local heartbreaker and graphic designer, doesn’t do relationships. But when the sassy writer next door moves in, he can’t help but to think otherwise. Especially, when he gets the chance to make her think he is someone else.
Dani finds herself falling for the small town and the charming artist who lives there. But when the truth comes out, can Dani forgive Mason and rewrite her own story? Or is it best to just let it go?
This is the fourth book in the Love Connections Sweet Romcom multi author series, where we travel to the Oregon coast. I enjoyed this enemies to lovers, Pillow Talk retelling with the Gilmore Girls vibes. This is a closed door romance with funny banter and Mason and Dani’s chemistry was great. I also liked the small town vibes and the side characters who especially made the story. Overall, it was a good book and a great summer read!
Thank you to the author for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
August 11, 2025
This series is so good! And this one is no exception!
Once again, we have a beautiful and iconic setting, the Oregon coast. I was able to visit the PNW last year and once when I was a teenager, and this area is just amazing. I love it out there. So that made this one a bit special to me.
Dani is awesome, I want to be her friend! She was a very relatable character and I loved that she was introverted and not always bubbling with sunshine but she also was not a grump. And it was so fun seeing the way her creative side came to life! I wish I could create stories like her!
Mason took a little longer for me to like. He's not great at the first impression he insists on making, but let him stick around and you start shipping these two so much!
I loved the way they brought out the best in each other.
And I don't want to give anything away, but I loved his commitment to doing something and the plan he had in place to do so. That really made his character so likable and showed such growth!
Iloved seeing Dani's and Avery's relationship and I can't wait to see more of them and get to know Avery better in the next book!
Once again, we have a beautiful and iconic setting, the Oregon coast. I was able to visit the PNW last year and once when I was a teenager, and this area is just amazing. I love it out there. So that made this one a bit special to me.
Dani is awesome, I want to be her friend! She was a very relatable character and I loved that she was introverted and not always bubbling with sunshine but she also was not a grump. And it was so fun seeing the way her creative side came to life! I wish I could create stories like her!
Mason took a little longer for me to like. He's not great at the first impression he insists on making, but let him stick around and you start shipping these two so much!
I loved the way they brought out the best in each other.
And I don't want to give anything away, but I loved his commitment to doing something and the plan he had in place to do so. That really made his character so likable and showed such growth!
Iloved seeing Dani's and Avery's relationship and I can't wait to see more of them and get to know Avery better in the next book!
July 26, 2025
The Ruse of Romancing by Hillary Slaughter is now available and the perfect read for any day! Dani and Mason are so much fun to follow – from their meet cute to their other adventures, this book had me hooked!
Things to enjoy:
Dual POV – spot on fun
Hidden identity
Small town
The. Bookstore.
“James Bond, I was not, but I could dodge and hide when needed”
Sticky notes
Text messages
Picnic dinner
I absolutely love that Dani is an author who is struggling to write her next novel. The authenticity of the character with her hopes and fears, with her doubts and triumphs, was so fresh and exciting. I love how much depth Mason has to him as well and the changes he undergoes to realize what really matters in life. I love the writing style by the author and there are so many moments that I highlighted – I can’t wait to go back and re-read them again!
The Ruse of Romancing is part of the Love Connections series and I have to say – so far this whole series has just been amazing. These cousins and their “Cheaper Than Therapy” text messages are fantastic and I love reading each of their stories.
CW: kisses only, no swearing
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