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Pretending in Paradise
Lucas broke his cardinal don't dip your toe in the office pool, let alone dive in further by dating Caleb, the boss's son. Breaking the rule seemed worth it until seven months ago when Caleb abruptly ended their two-year relationship.
When Lucas comes face to face with his ex, celebrating his bachelor party at the bar he frequents, Avery-the cocky, tattooed, flirts-with-everyone, undeniably hot bartender-unexpectedly swoops in to play the loving boyfriend and save his dignity in the process.
Lucas's lies catch up to him when he's put on a high-priority project at work, with the prospect of a promotion, and required to spend a week on a tropical resort, full of meetings and brainstorming. The an invitation to Caleb's wedding with a plus one for his "boyfriend."
Suddenly, Lucas finds himself trapped on an island for a week, watching his ex swoon over his fiancé while playing pretend boyfriends with Avery.
Every part of him knows this is a terrible idea, but sometimes, the best things in life are unexpected.
When Lucas comes face to face with his ex, celebrating his bachelor party at the bar he frequents, Avery-the cocky, tattooed, flirts-with-everyone, undeniably hot bartender-unexpectedly swoops in to play the loving boyfriend and save his dignity in the process.
Lucas's lies catch up to him when he's put on a high-priority project at work, with the prospect of a promotion, and required to spend a week on a tropical resort, full of meetings and brainstorming. The an invitation to Caleb's wedding with a plus one for his "boyfriend."
Suddenly, Lucas finds himself trapped on an island for a week, watching his ex swoon over his fiancé while playing pretend boyfriends with Avery.
Every part of him knows this is a terrible idea, but sometimes, the best things in life are unexpected.
- GenresRomance
328 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2025
22 people want to read
About the author
Rachel O'Rourke
4 books28 followers🌈18+ MM Romance Author
🎀Top 5 Amazon Best Sellers List
📚Australian Indie Author
🌶️Spice levels vary
🫂Emotional stories with HEAs
✍🏻3rd person
🎀Top 5 Amazon Best Sellers List
📚Australian Indie Author
🌶️Spice levels vary
🫂Emotional stories with HEAs
✍🏻3rd person
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 4, 2025
OMG OMG OMG OMG. Where can I find myself an Avery? And why did this book have to end?
This is so different and yet not, compared to Rachel’s other stories. It was funny and cute and the witty, cocky, confident banter had me grinning from ear to ear. But then the characters developed and we saw the layers that had been written for them. Ugh, it was the tropes we have read a million times told in a way that had me in love and gasping like it was the first time.
Everyone should read this, and please let there be more.
This is so different and yet not, compared to Rachel’s other stories. It was funny and cute and the witty, cocky, confident banter had me grinning from ear to ear. But then the characters developed and we saw the layers that had been written for them. Ugh, it was the tropes we have read a million times told in a way that had me in love and gasping like it was the first time.
Everyone should read this, and please let there be more.
June 25, 2025
Well, I am not disappointed whatsoever in this latest book written by Rachel O'Rourke. It was light, it was funny and it kept me interested from the get go.
I am undoubtedly obsessed with Lucas and Avery, but all of the characters played a major role in this book and it would not have been flawless without them.
The banter between Avery and Lucas was priceless. The desire for them to connect is undeniable.
I love their friendship and their ability to discover one another in a way that might not have happened had it not been for the villains of the story.
Five stars from me, more if I could....
I am undoubtedly obsessed with Lucas and Avery, but all of the characters played a major role in this book and it would not have been flawless without them.
The banter between Avery and Lucas was priceless. The desire for them to connect is undeniable.
I love their friendship and their ability to discover one another in a way that might not have happened had it not been for the villains of the story.
Five stars from me, more if I could....
June 6, 2025
"Pretending in Paradise" is another amazing book written by Rachel O'Rourke.
Proves you should never judge a book by its cover.
Lucas and Avery 2 smart, good-looking and hard-working men, with 1 judging the other instantly, and for the other, it was love at first...can you guess which one it is????
One-sided pretending?...will it end with Avery and Lucas sailing away into the sunset, happy and in love or broken hearts?
I highly recommend this!!!!
Vonnie♥️
Proves you should never judge a book by its cover.
Lucas and Avery 2 smart, good-looking and hard-working men, with 1 judging the other instantly, and for the other, it was love at first...can you guess which one it is????
One-sided pretending?...will it end with Avery and Lucas sailing away into the sunset, happy and in love or broken hearts?
I highly recommend this!!!!
Vonnie♥️
May 25, 2025
ARC READER
When Lucas unexpectedly finds himself invited to his ex’s wedding he has to bring his pretend boyfriend Avery (bar keeper from his local bar) along for the trip to paradise.
Lucas and Avery navigate all the obstacles during this stay and learn a whole lot about themselves and each other. Slow burn romance that has all the feels and leaves you wanting to find your own Avery. Great read, another great book from Rachel.
When Lucas unexpectedly finds himself invited to his ex’s wedding he has to bring his pretend boyfriend Avery (bar keeper from his local bar) along for the trip to paradise.
Lucas and Avery navigate all the obstacles during this stay and learn a whole lot about themselves and each other. Slow burn romance that has all the feels and leaves you wanting to find your own Avery. Great read, another great book from Rachel.
June 19, 2025
I literally devoured this book in a day so good. Caleb urgh narcissistic gaslighter, Ted don’t even give there, Lucas clueless but absolutely adorable, Avery completely smitten and those tats🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2025
Thank you Rachel O'Rourke for this ARC.
This author has done it again!!! I discovered this author last year and absolutely fell in love with their book and this book has just made me fall further.
We are introduced to to Lucas, a man that is dealing with heartbreak after his boyfriend broke up with him. He finds himself in the bar that Avery is working in and continues to go to that bar. From the start we can feel the chemistry from Lucas and Avery. Their banter draws you in and had me laughing.
One night, Lucas' ex comes into the bar and Lucas finds out that he is getting married. Avery steps in and pretends to be his boyfriend and that is the start of one epic romance.
They go to the destination wedding and from there, them falling in love is inevitable. But not easy.
This is a love story that doesn't happen over night but once it does we can't help but wonder why it took them so long to see what was right in front of them. We have a tropical getaway, banter, a protective pretend boyfriend and a nerd who realizes that there is more to him than he realized...all it took was one person to show him and see him. Throw in some cockblocking and what we have is one of the greatest love stories.
This book is different from the author's other books and shows the versatility of this author. If you are looking for a heartwarming, laugh out loud love story that will leave you feeling like jealous that you do not have a Lucas or Avery (or both), then look no further. This book will capture your heart and soul and make you never want to leave.
This author has done it again!!! I discovered this author last year and absolutely fell in love with their book and this book has just made me fall further.
We are introduced to to Lucas, a man that is dealing with heartbreak after his boyfriend broke up with him. He finds himself in the bar that Avery is working in and continues to go to that bar. From the start we can feel the chemistry from Lucas and Avery. Their banter draws you in and had me laughing.
One night, Lucas' ex comes into the bar and Lucas finds out that he is getting married. Avery steps in and pretends to be his boyfriend and that is the start of one epic romance.
They go to the destination wedding and from there, them falling in love is inevitable. But not easy.
This is a love story that doesn't happen over night but once it does we can't help but wonder why it took them so long to see what was right in front of them. We have a tropical getaway, banter, a protective pretend boyfriend and a nerd who realizes that there is more to him than he realized...all it took was one person to show him and see him. Throw in some cockblocking and what we have is one of the greatest love stories.
This book is different from the author's other books and shows the versatility of this author. If you are looking for a heartwarming, laugh out loud love story that will leave you feeling like jealous that you do not have a Lucas or Avery (or both), then look no further. This book will capture your heart and soul and make you never want to leave.
May 10, 2025
Thank you Rachel O’Rourke for popping my ARC read cherry with the witty and teasing banter of Lucas and Avery. While it’s always easy to guess how a fake dating trope is going to end, I thoroughly enjoyed being along for the ride in tropical paradise. I would definitely place Avery alongside the great book boyfriends of Xaden, Kaan, Butcher and the many others that leave us lusting over the love stories they weave.
Pretending in Paradise has the right amount of pace, dramatic events and banter to keep you turning the page right up to the end. Cutest love story I’ve read in a while which is why I gave it 5 stars! And now I definitely need to read more of Rachel’s work!!
Pretending in Paradise has the right amount of pace, dramatic events and banter to keep you turning the page right up to the end. Cutest love story I’ve read in a while which is why I gave it 5 stars! And now I definitely need to read more of Rachel’s work!!
October 14, 2025
This book was a little slow to start with for me but I was so glad I stuck with it; unable to put it down after a couple of chapters.
“𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲’𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘄.”
The tension is perfection between Avery and Lucas in this fake dating MM romance.
Absolutely loved the relationship between Avery and Lucas. They are each others opposites in every way and yet they are what each other needs. Avery is just perfection.
“𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐫.”
The revelation will have you swooning!
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 1 🌶️
“𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲’𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘄.”
The tension is perfection between Avery and Lucas in this fake dating MM romance.
Absolutely loved the relationship between Avery and Lucas. They are each others opposites in every way and yet they are what each other needs. Avery is just perfection.
“𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐫.”
The revelation will have you swooning!
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 1 🌶️
July 29, 2025
My first MM and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Avery is a darling. The chemistry and relationship between the two MCs is very endearing.
September 17, 2025
“You don’t have to change for them. I don’t need their approval,”
Thoughts - such a great read. i absolutely loved it. Avery and Lucas's banter and their connection is incredible. I love how supportive Avery is of Lucas and the predicament he is in.
“When you don’t think and you just do, you have the power to bring the world to its knees.”
I loved watching Lucas find himself again and remember happiness, and I loved the fake relationship/one bed/forced proximity. This was my first exclusive MM romance, and I really enjoyed it.
Thoughts - such a great read. i absolutely loved it. Avery and Lucas's banter and their connection is incredible. I love how supportive Avery is of Lucas and the predicament he is in.
“When you don’t think and you just do, you have the power to bring the world to its knees.”
I loved watching Lucas find himself again and remember happiness, and I loved the fake relationship/one bed/forced proximity. This was my first exclusive MM romance, and I really enjoyed it.
June 2, 2025
Loved this one! Avery & Lucas. Fake boyfriend at ex's wedding. Perfect tropes for me. I loved their flirty banter and the evolution of their relationship. Avery was so sweet the entire time, always taking care of and looking out for Lucas. And Lucas just endeared me to him immediately. He was so sweetly insecure, but not over the top. It was super relatable. Loved how Avery did everything he could to make Lucas's ex jealous, all while making Lucas feel good. There was a lot of buildup before they got too spicy, but it was worth it! I only wish there had been more of an epilogue to see them back home together. Overall, this was a fun, enjoyable read! A new-to-me-author that I will definitely be reading more from!
June 25, 2025
If you haven't read this, I'm not sure what you are waiting for. It is the perfect one-bed, enemy to lovers story that you have yet to discover.
Everyone needs an Avery on their side like Lucas, a loyal friend who stands strong beside those he cares about. As well, I wouldn't mind my own Lucas as well, a friend will to go lengths for you, making sure you are happy.
Together they show how sometimes what you need is closer than you think.
Beautifully written, smart and steamy. Thank you Rachel.
Everyone needs an Avery on their side like Lucas, a loyal friend who stands strong beside those he cares about. As well, I wouldn't mind my own Lucas as well, a friend will to go lengths for you, making sure you are happy.
Together they show how sometimes what you need is closer than you think.
Beautifully written, smart and steamy. Thank you Rachel.
December 21, 2025
I devoured this!! I stayed up until 2am to finish, saying just one more chapter. Avery was so delightful. Such a great character! Safe to say, I loved it!
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy fake dating trope, rom coms with extra heart and a focus on mental health, and lovers of Ali Hazelwood style writing.
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy fake dating trope, rom coms with extra heart and a focus on mental health, and lovers of Ali Hazelwood style writing.
May 6, 2025
The perfect fake dating rom com I didn't know I needed! Perfect balance of comedy and deep moments. I think I've found my new book boyfriend in Avery!
December 19, 2025
The most perfect slow burn, fake dating MM romance!! Everything you could ever want and more.
“A pavement has cracks, but that doesn’t mean it’s not sturdy. It can still support the weight.”
“A pavement has cracks, but that doesn’t mean it’s not sturdy. It can still support the weight.”
June 13, 2025
‘Can’t get a broken heart when no one’s heart is involved, right?’
Avery and Lucas are pretending to be boyfriends at Lucas’s ex boyfriend’s extravagant week long wedding celebration on a tropical island.
With lots of witty banter, a jealous ex and his husband to be this book draws the reader in from the first page. Lucas is an adorable nerd and Avery’s tough guy exterior eventually falls away to reveal a caring, loving (perfect) guy.
Although Caleb and Ted are the villains of the story, Caleb reveals himself to be not such a bad guy and the exchanges between Avery and Ted have some laugh out loud moments.
It’s no surprise that Lucas and Avery’s pretend romance becomes real as they are so perfect for each other which was obvious to the reader from the start but took Avery and Lucas a little longer to see what was staring them in the face.
Overall this is a fun and entertaining read which left me wanting my own Avery!
Thanks to Rachel O’Rourke for the ARC.
Avery and Lucas are pretending to be boyfriends at Lucas’s ex boyfriend’s extravagant week long wedding celebration on a tropical island.
With lots of witty banter, a jealous ex and his husband to be this book draws the reader in from the first page. Lucas is an adorable nerd and Avery’s tough guy exterior eventually falls away to reveal a caring, loving (perfect) guy.
Although Caleb and Ted are the villains of the story, Caleb reveals himself to be not such a bad guy and the exchanges between Avery and Ted have some laugh out loud moments.
It’s no surprise that Lucas and Avery’s pretend romance becomes real as they are so perfect for each other which was obvious to the reader from the start but took Avery and Lucas a little longer to see what was staring them in the face.
Overall this is a fun and entertaining read which left me wanting my own Avery!
Thanks to Rachel O’Rourke for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews