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Of Pranks and Passion
The stories of success and happiness usually revolve around the golden child of the family. They can do no wrong. This story is about the forgotten child. The one who fights tooth and nail to find their happily ever after, and the found family who supports them the whole way.
Gary had been under his sister’s thumb since he was born, would get punished for his sister’s transgressions, and anything good he shared with his family was ignored or dismissed in favor of praising her. He thought it would always be that way–until he met Easton. Easton was crass, grungy, and would show up to classes with bruises on his knuckles. And when he saw how Gary’s family treated him, he offered to help. Who was Gary to say no?
Gary wanted to be helpful, he caught the attention of a prankster, fake boyfriends, spicy time makes it more realistic, Easton is ready for a fight, pranks are his love language, it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for, fake wedding plans, Gary finally makes a stand against his family, chaos ensues, guaranteed HEA
Gary had been under his sister’s thumb since he was born, would get punished for his sister’s transgressions, and anything good he shared with his family was ignored or dismissed in favor of praising her. He thought it would always be that way–until he met Easton. Easton was crass, grungy, and would show up to classes with bruises on his knuckles. And when he saw how Gary’s family treated him, he offered to help. Who was Gary to say no?
Gary wanted to be helpful, he caught the attention of a prankster, fake boyfriends, spicy time makes it more realistic, Easton is ready for a fight, pranks are his love language, it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for, fake wedding plans, Gary finally makes a stand against his family, chaos ensues, guaranteed HEA
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
86 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 30, 2025
3.5
I'm normally all for OTT and pretty insane plots, but this one was just that bit too much even for me!
I found it hard to like Gary because he let his family walk all over him for almost the entire book, but once he came out of his shell and developed his confidence he felt less of a caricature and more of a character to root for.
Easton was confusing to me. The approach to being aromantic was taken extremely literally, as in the MC didn't like chocolates, flowers, being sappy or dealing with emotions etc. so therefore he was aromantic? My interpretation of aromantic has always been that you aren't romantically interested in anyone i.e. you don't particularly want a romantic partner, in the same way that I'm asexual and I don't want a sexual partner. I've never interpreted it to mean you don't like romantic dates or behaviours e.g. buying chocolates, jewellery for your partner? I just found it unusual, especially because I haven't seen that interpretation of being aromantic in anything else that I've read...
I think what bothered me the most though was how Gary's sister and parents completely dominated the book. Everything was about them, and I honestly could not care less about them, so having them appear so frequently just put me off and left me waiting for the storyline to get back to the relationship between Gary and Easton. I wanted to see more than just Easton being growly, sex scenes, or Gary being harrased and assaulted. It just felt like that solid emotional connection to the characters was missing for me.
I did really enjoy the found family aspect though, and I'd like to see more stories for the friend group, but I also really liked Jayden and would be interested in getting his story too!
Overall, a bit of a mixed bag!
*****
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review
I'm normally all for OTT and pretty insane plots, but this one was just that bit too much even for me!
I found it hard to like Gary because he let his family walk all over him for almost the entire book, but once he came out of his shell and developed his confidence he felt less of a caricature and more of a character to root for.
Easton was confusing to me. The approach to being aromantic was taken extremely literally, as in the MC didn't like chocolates, flowers, being sappy or dealing with emotions etc. so therefore he was aromantic? My interpretation of aromantic has always been that you aren't romantically interested in anyone i.e. you don't particularly want a romantic partner, in the same way that I'm asexual and I don't want a sexual partner. I've never interpreted it to mean you don't like romantic dates or behaviours e.g. buying chocolates, jewellery for your partner? I just found it unusual, especially because I haven't seen that interpretation of being aromantic in anything else that I've read...
I think what bothered me the most though was how Gary's sister and parents completely dominated the book. Everything was about them, and I honestly could not care less about them, so having them appear so frequently just put me off and left me waiting for the storyline to get back to the relationship between Gary and Easton. I wanted to see more than just Easton being growly, sex scenes, or Gary being harrased and assaulted. It just felt like that solid emotional connection to the characters was missing for me.
I did really enjoy the found family aspect though, and I'd like to see more stories for the friend group, but I also really liked Jayden and would be interested in getting his story too!
Overall, a bit of a mixed bag!
*****
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review
July 1, 2025
Amy has outdone themself in writing a story unlike any of their previous works, showing us how strong and diverse a writer they are becoming.
Easton doesn't like labels and just does as he is expected to keep his family even when they tend to drive him up a wall, including attending university. Gary is attending university to distance himself from his family and, hopefully, in time, get a fresh start. When the two work together on a project, for the first time Easton is curious about who this man is, when he sees Gary needs people, he becomes that along with his group of friends. what starts with a fake relationship, go get people to leave Gary alone, and turn into something real. Easton may not be able to love like most people, but he does in his own way. For Gary, that is more than enough he has just needed people to love and support him. This may be an un traditional love story, yet for these two men, this is their love story.
Easton doesn't like labels and just does as he is expected to keep his family even when they tend to drive him up a wall, including attending university. Gary is attending university to distance himself from his family and, hopefully, in time, get a fresh start. When the two work together on a project, for the first time Easton is curious about who this man is, when he sees Gary needs people, he becomes that along with his group of friends. what starts with a fake relationship, go get people to leave Gary alone, and turn into something real. Easton may not be able to love like most people, but he does in his own way. For Gary, that is more than enough he has just needed people to love and support him. This may be an un traditional love story, yet for these two men, this is their love story.
December 4, 2025
3.5*ish ... ended way different than it started. As others suggested, had a very disjointed feeling like it was almost two different books ... and what pranks?
it could have been MUCH shorter and at about 40% or so I started skimming...
it could have been MUCH shorter and at about 40% or so I started skimming...
July 7, 2025
Something a bit new!
I don't think I've ever read a contemporary romance by Amy Padilla and it definitely felt a bit different to her other books, perhaps because it didn't have a setting that was inherently otherworldly. I had mixed emotions about it. There were parts I really liked: Gary once he actually start to become his own person is actually kind of fun and I liked seeing that growth in him; Easton was odd in many ways that just amused me (not in a mean way, but in a people who are different intrigue me - probably because I'm a bit odd myself lol); the found family was massive thumbs up, I adore a good found family and this hit all the right notes for me. Easton and Gary also were kind of great together. They weren't perfect but their jagged edges complimented each other really well so I was rooting for them as a couple. So you can see, there was lots to like and I honestly, overall, did enjoy the book.
Where it was a bit more mixed was some aspects of the characters portrayals. I'm not aromantic (different end of the grey spectrum for me) so I don't know if this was a fair/accurate portrayal but at times it felt a touch like Easton's aromanticism was almost caricaturised? It's not that it ruined anything for me, more like... if you've ever had a hair trapped in some clothing and it itches a little. You can ignore it for the most part but it just feels a little off. Gary also was a mixed bag. I really liked seeing him become more him (and less whatever he was told he could be) but, and I feel almost mean saying this, but there was almost a deliberate helplessness to him. I want to be clear that I do not believe people who have suffered abuse are just playing into being helpless - that could not be further from the truth. I think it was more maybe the way he was written. At times I just felt like it didn't even make sense his level of subjugation. It's not that I didn't think a character could be that oppressed/bullied/abused/subjugated, it was more that it didn't quite feel right. There I go again with things just not feeling right. Maybe I'm just being picky. I also wanted to see more of just Gary and Easton existing together. That's definitely me just being greedy lol.
I think overall, it's one of those books that you almost fall into nitpicking on if that makes sense. Things might not feel quite right in the moment but you get to the end of the book and find that you've enjoyed yourself and had a good time reading something that left you in a good mood. At the end of the day, I take that as a win.
I don't think I've ever read a contemporary romance by Amy Padilla and it definitely felt a bit different to her other books, perhaps because it didn't have a setting that was inherently otherworldly. I had mixed emotions about it. There were parts I really liked: Gary once he actually start to become his own person is actually kind of fun and I liked seeing that growth in him; Easton was odd in many ways that just amused me (not in a mean way, but in a people who are different intrigue me - probably because I'm a bit odd myself lol); the found family was massive thumbs up, I adore a good found family and this hit all the right notes for me. Easton and Gary also were kind of great together. They weren't perfect but their jagged edges complimented each other really well so I was rooting for them as a couple. So you can see, there was lots to like and I honestly, overall, did enjoy the book.
Where it was a bit more mixed was some aspects of the characters portrayals. I'm not aromantic (different end of the grey spectrum for me) so I don't know if this was a fair/accurate portrayal but at times it felt a touch like Easton's aromanticism was almost caricaturised? It's not that it ruined anything for me, more like... if you've ever had a hair trapped in some clothing and it itches a little. You can ignore it for the most part but it just feels a little off. Gary also was a mixed bag. I really liked seeing him become more him (and less whatever he was told he could be) but, and I feel almost mean saying this, but there was almost a deliberate helplessness to him. I want to be clear that I do not believe people who have suffered abuse are just playing into being helpless - that could not be further from the truth. I think it was more maybe the way he was written. At times I just felt like it didn't even make sense his level of subjugation. It's not that I didn't think a character could be that oppressed/bullied/abused/subjugated, it was more that it didn't quite feel right. There I go again with things just not feeling right. Maybe I'm just being picky. I also wanted to see more of just Gary and Easton existing together. That's definitely me just being greedy lol.
I think overall, it's one of those books that you almost fall into nitpicking on if that makes sense. Things might not feel quite right in the moment but you get to the end of the book and find that you've enjoyed yourself and had a good time reading something that left you in a good mood. At the end of the day, I take that as a win.
June 29, 2025
Gary is a shy, scared and somewhat traumatized 24 year old in his first semester of college. His family are so horrible that it's surprising that Gary turned out so good. Doing a kindness for the new student, Easton, gets him something he never expected, total devotion. He's completely enamored of Easton and Easton gives him what he needs.
Easton is cajoled into going to college by his well meaning father. He doesn't really like it but sees the point, so off to college he goes. On his first day he's given help from another student, Gary, which surprises him. He's convinced Gary didn't just do it to be kind, so he starts stalking him to find out why he helped him. During one of his stalking episodes he saves Gary from an attack and finds out Gary's secret. He decides that he'll protect Gary by pretending to be his BF and it will allow him to get this obsession for him out of his system. The fact that Gary doesn't know who his is and isn't interested in using him is the frosting on the cake.
Gary and Easton start hanging out and Gary gets to meet Easton's friends. He starts coming out of his shell. After another attack, Easton has Gary move in with him and all of his friends start helping Easton protect Gary. Knowing who's behind the attacks and what Gary's family is like has Easton ready to do bodily harm, but he's convinced to try a different tactic.
This is a sweet, friends to lovers romance that will have you feelings all the feels. I personally thought Angel's (one of Easton's friends) idea of dealing with the problem was the best. The one they settled on worked but was too drawn out IMO. I wanted instant justice for Gary. The ending for Gary's family was a little too convenient IMO but I guess it worked. I loved how Easton's total devotion to Gary allowed him to thrive and flourish as an individual too. Looking forward to Angel and Coach's book.
Easton is cajoled into going to college by his well meaning father. He doesn't really like it but sees the point, so off to college he goes. On his first day he's given help from another student, Gary, which surprises him. He's convinced Gary didn't just do it to be kind, so he starts stalking him to find out why he helped him. During one of his stalking episodes he saves Gary from an attack and finds out Gary's secret. He decides that he'll protect Gary by pretending to be his BF and it will allow him to get this obsession for him out of his system. The fact that Gary doesn't know who his is and isn't interested in using him is the frosting on the cake.
Gary and Easton start hanging out and Gary gets to meet Easton's friends. He starts coming out of his shell. After another attack, Easton has Gary move in with him and all of his friends start helping Easton protect Gary. Knowing who's behind the attacks and what Gary's family is like has Easton ready to do bodily harm, but he's convinced to try a different tactic.
This is a sweet, friends to lovers romance that will have you feelings all the feels. I personally thought Angel's (one of Easton's friends) idea of dealing with the problem was the best. The one they settled on worked but was too drawn out IMO. I wanted instant justice for Gary. The ending for Gary's family was a little too convenient IMO but I guess it worked. I loved how Easton's total devotion to Gary allowed him to thrive and flourish as an individual too. Looking forward to Angel and Coach's book.
July 1, 2025
""And when he asked me to stay, I knew without a shadow of a doubt, I’d stay by his side forever.
My Easton.
My Solace.
My Chaos Monster with the biggest heart.
Mine.""
Easton and Gary's story isn't your typical romance book, is there romance in this book? Yes. But it's not the conventional kind which was really refreshing. I know there are books out there that have characters who are aromantic or who aren't into romance, but I haven't read one myself until now. I have to say that the way this was written was really stunning, and Easton's character was written in such a respectable, realistic and exquisite way.
He doesn't do romance and feelings, but he does care about people and he shows that in his own way. After he gets to know Gary and spends more time with his hoodie stealing bookworm he grows attached and realizes he wants Gary to be his. Forever. While he isn't a romantic guy in the conventional sense he shows how much he cares about Gary with the little things he does such as; holding Gary when he needs comfort, giving him hoodies when he's cold, making sure he eats, standing up for him when Gary can't do it himself, and he just looks out for Gary's wellbeing and happiness. I really enjoyed reading about these two because their story showcases how there are different types of love and there are different types of ways to show and express that love, and that was really beautiful.
I also want to say I loved Chuckles, Smiley, Angel, and Coach, they are fantastic side characters and they all have each others' backs. Even though they didn't know Gary for long they immediately took him under their wings and made him feel like family. The humor that's interwoven within the pages of this story added a wonderful lightness to this book as well as providing a reprieve from when things got too heavy.
My Easton.
My Solace.
My Chaos Monster with the biggest heart.
Mine.""
Easton and Gary's story isn't your typical romance book, is there romance in this book? Yes. But it's not the conventional kind which was really refreshing. I know there are books out there that have characters who are aromantic or who aren't into romance, but I haven't read one myself until now. I have to say that the way this was written was really stunning, and Easton's character was written in such a respectable, realistic and exquisite way.
He doesn't do romance and feelings, but he does care about people and he shows that in his own way. After he gets to know Gary and spends more time with his hoodie stealing bookworm he grows attached and realizes he wants Gary to be his. Forever. While he isn't a romantic guy in the conventional sense he shows how much he cares about Gary with the little things he does such as; holding Gary when he needs comfort, giving him hoodies when he's cold, making sure he eats, standing up for him when Gary can't do it himself, and he just looks out for Gary's wellbeing and happiness. I really enjoyed reading about these two because their story showcases how there are different types of love and there are different types of ways to show and express that love, and that was really beautiful.
I also want to say I loved Chuckles, Smiley, Angel, and Coach, they are fantastic side characters and they all have each others' backs. Even though they didn't know Gary for long they immediately took him under their wings and made him feel like family. The humor that's interwoven within the pages of this story added a wonderful lightness to this book as well as providing a reprieve from when things got too heavy.
August 9, 2025
This story was much more than the blurb led me to expect, and it was a surprisingly comforting read about finding your person in unexpected places and exploring how relationships and the definition of love does not look the same for everyone
To address the elephant in the room, this book is not a realistic one. It lives in the extremes, starting from the way Gary is treated by his family to Eastons insane solutions to the issue. BUT the book is called of Pranks & Passions and we get PLENTY of both.
We're some parts a bit absurd and a little over the top?
Maybe.
Was it also incredibly sweet and wholesome while exploring the topics of found family and that not everyone's life path and definition of success and happiness look the same?
1000%
Is the book making it onto my list of all-time-favs and will likely be one of the few books I actually re-read?
Without a doubt.
This book takes us through the story of Easton and Gary, two guys in their mid-twenties attending college for the first time and doing their best in their own, very different, ways. I loved the fact that they were older, and I loved that Easton stayed unapologetically himself from beginning to end. I honestly hope we get more, and this becomes a series where everyone in Eastons' closely guarded group gets their own book.
As a side note, the term aromantic is also tossed out there and taken in a very literal sense, but the character himself says he doesn't want or feel like labels apply to him and it is only ever used by his siblings not himself. So, I took it as more of a comparison than a definition of our character
To address the elephant in the room, this book is not a realistic one. It lives in the extremes, starting from the way Gary is treated by his family to Eastons insane solutions to the issue. BUT the book is called of Pranks & Passions and we get PLENTY of both.
We're some parts a bit absurd and a little over the top?
Maybe.
Was it also incredibly sweet and wholesome while exploring the topics of found family and that not everyone's life path and definition of success and happiness look the same?
1000%
Is the book making it onto my list of all-time-favs and will likely be one of the few books I actually re-read?
Without a doubt.
This book takes us through the story of Easton and Gary, two guys in their mid-twenties attending college for the first time and doing their best in their own, very different, ways. I loved the fact that they were older, and I loved that Easton stayed unapologetically himself from beginning to end. I honestly hope we get more, and this becomes a series where everyone in Eastons' closely guarded group gets their own book.
As a side note, the term aromantic is also tossed out there and taken in a very literal sense, but the character himself says he doesn't want or feel like labels apply to him and it is only ever used by his siblings not himself. So, I took it as more of a comparison than a definition of our character
July 3, 2025
Here's Amy Padilla's "Of Pranks and Passion."
["The stories of success and happiness usually revolve around the golden child of the family. They can do no wrong. This story is about the forgotten child. The one who fights tooth and nail to find their happily ever after, and the found family who supports them the whole way.
Gary had been under his sister’s thumb since he was born, would get punished for his sister’s transgressions, and anything good he shared with his family was ignored or dismissed in favor of praising her. He thought it would always be that way–until he met Easton. Easton was crass, grungy, and would show up to classes with bruises on his knuckles. And when he saw how Gary’s family treated him, he offered to help. Who was Gary to say no?"]
I was obsessed with these two from the very beginning. I love their dynamic, I love their personalities. I couldn't wait until they got their heads out of their asses (*cough* Easton *cough*) and figure out their feelings.
I loved protective/possessive/obsessive Easton was over Gary. It was a little feral, but it was glorious in all of it's caveman glory. Gary thought so, too.
Gary needs protected at all costs. Good thing he has Easton, all of Easton's friends and family, to do that from now until forever (as well as spoil him rotten).
Trigger Warnings: violence, blackmail, bullying, attempted assault, attempted rape, and more.
#ofpranksandpassion #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["The stories of success and happiness usually revolve around the golden child of the family. They can do no wrong. This story is about the forgotten child. The one who fights tooth and nail to find their happily ever after, and the found family who supports them the whole way.
Gary had been under his sister’s thumb since he was born, would get punished for his sister’s transgressions, and anything good he shared with his family was ignored or dismissed in favor of praising her. He thought it would always be that way–until he met Easton. Easton was crass, grungy, and would show up to classes with bruises on his knuckles. And when he saw how Gary’s family treated him, he offered to help. Who was Gary to say no?"]
I was obsessed with these two from the very beginning. I love their dynamic, I love their personalities. I couldn't wait until they got their heads out of their asses (*cough* Easton *cough*) and figure out their feelings.
I loved protective/possessive/obsessive Easton was over Gary. It was a little feral, but it was glorious in all of it's caveman glory. Gary thought so, too.
Gary needs protected at all costs. Good thing he has Easton, all of Easton's friends and family, to do that from now until forever (as well as spoil him rotten).
Trigger Warnings: violence, blackmail, bullying, attempted assault, attempted rape, and more.
#ofpranksandpassion #amypadilla #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
July 4, 2025
Gary & Easton
I devoured this book and literally could not put it down. I started it WAY too late after bedtime and then didn't sleep because I was so engrossed. This story was incredible! Absolutely hated Gary's family and everything revolving around them except their comeuppance, but the bulk of the book was awesome and so much fun to read!
As a reader you know going into the book who the romantic leads are but you don't always know how they'll get to their HEA. These guys really took the long way, even though their actual courtship timeframe was short. Easton is immediately intrigued by Gary though he has still never understood why. His obsession becomes Gary's saving grace though, once some of the drama begins to unfold. I loved their unique friendship and friends-with-benefits situation. Gary falls fairly quickly, but doesn't know what to do with those feelings because of his past trauma. Watching this book evolve was really exciting and entertaining. I loved when Easton introduces Gary to The Hideout crew. Gary forms immediate much-needed friendships with the guys and starts to let happiness find him.
Of Pranks and Passion is definitely a divergence from other books I've read from Amy Padilla but I really enjoyed it and would wholly recommend it. But be sure to review Amy's trigger/content warnings because there are some that may be very sensitive to others. The book ends on an exceptional high note and a lot of fun for the MCs. I really loved this duo.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I devoured this book and literally could not put it down. I started it WAY too late after bedtime and then didn't sleep because I was so engrossed. This story was incredible! Absolutely hated Gary's family and everything revolving around them except their comeuppance, but the bulk of the book was awesome and so much fun to read!
As a reader you know going into the book who the romantic leads are but you don't always know how they'll get to their HEA. These guys really took the long way, even though their actual courtship timeframe was short. Easton is immediately intrigued by Gary though he has still never understood why. His obsession becomes Gary's saving grace though, once some of the drama begins to unfold. I loved their unique friendship and friends-with-benefits situation. Gary falls fairly quickly, but doesn't know what to do with those feelings because of his past trauma. Watching this book evolve was really exciting and entertaining. I loved when Easton introduces Gary to The Hideout crew. Gary forms immediate much-needed friendships with the guys and starts to let happiness find him.
Of Pranks and Passion is definitely a divergence from other books I've read from Amy Padilla but I really enjoyed it and would wholly recommend it. But be sure to review Amy's trigger/content warnings because there are some that may be very sensitive to others. The book ends on an exceptional high note and a lot of fun for the MCs. I really loved this duo.
I received an authorized copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
October 3, 2025
A love story with a difference.
I've only recently found Amy Padilla, but I'm avidly reading her books. This one is more contemporary than others I've read, but just as enjoyable.
Gary is a downtrodden brother of the golden child. His family see him as a money pit. He eventually finds money to pay for his university fees and lodgings, finds himself a badly paid part time job and studies.
Easton, the illegitimate son of a wealthy tycoon, makes his money (lots of it) at bare knuckled fights. His father wants him to take a course and enrols him into the university, where he finds himself next to Gary at his first lecture. Gary feels sorry and copies his notes for Easton.
What unfolds are Easton's feelings for Gary when he finds out that his sister and mother are using him, then he discovers that Gary is attacked and his protectiveness goes into overdrive. Easton decides to help Gary to get from his family's clutches. What follows is fake dating, lots of steamy s3x and a lovely HEA for them both.
I have read this twice since picking it up last week. There are bits where I feel Gary perhaps is too clingy and bits where I feel Easton is just a bit jarring. However, this does not detract from the love story, in which Gary and Easton have their happy ending.
I would love to read more about Easton's family and friends, especially Jayden, and find out what is going on between Coach and Angel. I can but dream, I suppose!
I've only recently found Amy Padilla, but I'm avidly reading her books. This one is more contemporary than others I've read, but just as enjoyable.
Gary is a downtrodden brother of the golden child. His family see him as a money pit. He eventually finds money to pay for his university fees and lodgings, finds himself a badly paid part time job and studies.
Easton, the illegitimate son of a wealthy tycoon, makes his money (lots of it) at bare knuckled fights. His father wants him to take a course and enrols him into the university, where he finds himself next to Gary at his first lecture. Gary feels sorry and copies his notes for Easton.
What unfolds are Easton's feelings for Gary when he finds out that his sister and mother are using him, then he discovers that Gary is attacked and his protectiveness goes into overdrive. Easton decides to help Gary to get from his family's clutches. What follows is fake dating, lots of steamy s3x and a lovely HEA for them both.
I have read this twice since picking it up last week. There are bits where I feel Gary perhaps is too clingy and bits where I feel Easton is just a bit jarring. However, this does not detract from the love story, in which Gary and Easton have their happy ending.
I would love to read more about Easton's family and friends, especially Jayden, and find out what is going on between Coach and Angel. I can but dream, I suppose!
December 29, 2025
I enjoy Amy Padilla and her plots and conflicts are always a bit cartoonish, but this one really takes the cake. this is a Saturday morning on Nickelodeon.
the bad:
- this book is way too long for was it is, could probably have been half the length at most and had exactly as much punch. it really starts to drag
- the villainy is OTT. it gave me secondhand embarrassment both on behalf of the villains and on behalf of the writing.
- the plans the MCs make to win the day are downright idiotic and don't seem to accomplish anything. it's a drag!!
the good:
- I mean the characters are cute as heck
- the supporting characters are also corny but still in a fairly charming way. it's an Amy Padilla book! you knew it was gonna be corny, it's fine.
- an attempt at aromantic rep! I love when people make that happen. I don't think it jammed super well with the caveman possessive stalker and hurt/comfort saddest boy needs saving tropes, it made attempting to represent some kind of lack of romantic interest somewhat clumsy... but still! I love him and his aro urges, I love to see it and the book is still fully a romance with the relationship focus.
- fake dating to fake engagement to fake wedding to fake spending their lives together which is pretty cute. fake date all the way to the fuckin grave, baby
the bad:
- this book is way too long for was it is, could probably have been half the length at most and had exactly as much punch. it really starts to drag
- the villainy is OTT. it gave me secondhand embarrassment both on behalf of the villains and on behalf of the writing.
- the plans the MCs make to win the day are downright idiotic and don't seem to accomplish anything. it's a drag!!
the good:
- I mean the characters are cute as heck
- the supporting characters are also corny but still in a fairly charming way. it's an Amy Padilla book! you knew it was gonna be corny, it's fine.
- an attempt at aromantic rep! I love when people make that happen. I don't think it jammed super well with the caveman possessive stalker and hurt/comfort saddest boy needs saving tropes, it made attempting to represent some kind of lack of romantic interest somewhat clumsy... but still! I love him and his aro urges, I love to see it and the book is still fully a romance with the relationship focus.
- fake dating to fake engagement to fake wedding to fake spending their lives together which is pretty cute. fake date all the way to the fuckin grave, baby
July 12, 2025
Of pranks and passion, Amy Padilla.
I can't believe I finished this book though, in my defense, it didn't really, truly go off the rails until about 2/3 of the way in. This book started off as a pretty enjoyable mindless read, but there were some huge gaps in logic that made it hard to enjoy it, even as brain fluff.
This book reads as though the author wrote some of it, put it down, picked it back up and started writing without going back to verify what she had already written. It feels very disjointed, as though she had a notebook of all of the cute ideas and plot bunnies she had wanted to use over the years and this was her chance to stuff them into a story, even when they didn't fit. I hate that because I was excited that Padilla had decided to write a contemporary romance.
Her barbarian series is a guilty pleasure of mine so I was hoping that enjoyment would translate into enjoyment of this book. Not at all. That sense of rooting for the main characters is there. She does a great job of making you feel like the main characters deserve their happy ending, but that's pretty much all we have here.
So much of this book doesn't make sense. Easton's dad's behavior at the beginning of the book, despite us being expected to believe he's a caring father. Gary's sister's plan for the wedding.
I won't go into incredible detail because too much of it would be spoilers. You're gonna have to trust me on this or put yourself through reading the book and figuring it out for yourself. Either way, the best of luck to you!
1,5 stars rounded up
I can't believe I finished this book though, in my defense, it didn't really, truly go off the rails until about 2/3 of the way in. This book started off as a pretty enjoyable mindless read, but there were some huge gaps in logic that made it hard to enjoy it, even as brain fluff.
This book reads as though the author wrote some of it, put it down, picked it back up and started writing without going back to verify what she had already written. It feels very disjointed, as though she had a notebook of all of the cute ideas and plot bunnies she had wanted to use over the years and this was her chance to stuff them into a story, even when they didn't fit. I hate that because I was excited that Padilla had decided to write a contemporary romance.
Her barbarian series is a guilty pleasure of mine so I was hoping that enjoyment would translate into enjoyment of this book. Not at all. That sense of rooting for the main characters is there. She does a great job of making you feel like the main characters deserve their happy ending, but that's pretty much all we have here.
So much of this book doesn't make sense. Easton's dad's behavior at the beginning of the book, despite us being expected to believe he's a caring father. Gary's sister's plan for the wedding.
I won't go into incredible detail because too much of it would be spoilers. You're gonna have to trust me on this or put yourself through reading the book and figuring it out for yourself. Either way, the best of luck to you!
1,5 stars rounded up
June 28, 2025
Standalone. Fake relationship. Aromantic representation. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
One kindness from Gary and Easton becomes obsessed with his fellow college student that just might need his protection. Gary certainly doesn’t expect the attractive bad boy to pay him any attention, but he enjoys every moment he and Easton are together, either hanging out, studying, or steaming up the sheets.
This story starts out with underground fighter/rich boy Easton becoming slightly obsessed with Gary, a serious student paying his own way while trying to avoid his emotionally abusive family. Things ramp up quickly and all their interactions are what might be red flags in reality but Gary appreciates Easton’s caveman attitude and caring protectiveness while Easton is grateful that Gary doesn’t care about his non-romantic nature or that he’s from a wealthy family. There’s a lot to like about this story, the “mine” sentiments from Easton and the fact that he provides Gary with all kinds of affection that Gary craves without realizing that his actions prove his care. Suspend disbelief a little and this is an entertaining read. 4.25
One kindness from Gary and Easton becomes obsessed with his fellow college student that just might need his protection. Gary certainly doesn’t expect the attractive bad boy to pay him any attention, but he enjoys every moment he and Easton are together, either hanging out, studying, or steaming up the sheets.
This story starts out with underground fighter/rich boy Easton becoming slightly obsessed with Gary, a serious student paying his own way while trying to avoid his emotionally abusive family. Things ramp up quickly and all their interactions are what might be red flags in reality but Gary appreciates Easton’s caveman attitude and caring protectiveness while Easton is grateful that Gary doesn’t care about his non-romantic nature or that he’s from a wealthy family. There’s a lot to like about this story, the “mine” sentiments from Easton and the fact that he provides Gary with all kinds of affection that Gary craves without realizing that his actions prove his care. Suspend disbelief a little and this is an entertaining read. 4.25
July 10, 2025
I'm not sure what I was expecting with this book. It felt a bit hit and miss at the same time. I liked Easton and Gary, they were both great characters with serious flaws. Gary starts off as a downtrodden wimp and Easton truly believes he can't be in a relationship because he hates 'all that romance stuff'. Faking a relationship was good for both of them, The plot was solid, college bad boy helps nerd fend off his sister's evil schemes by faking a relationship with him (let's face it, it was never fake on either side) and they all live happily ever after. Where it went off the rails were the 'Pranks'. My definition and Amy's definition of a prank seem to be very different. I enjoy a good ridiculous story (I read a lot of AJ Sherwood and Jennifer Cody), but this felt like it went past the realms of possibility and came out the other side. His family were just a bit too ridiculous for me and I struggled a bit with that. On the whole however, it was a light, fun, ridiculous story which was good, but could have been much better. 3.5*
July 3, 2025
Of Pranks and Passion by Amy Padilla was such an enjoyable story. Easton Warner is being forced to attend college to satisfy his ‘old man’. While there, he meets Gary, a timid student who is abused by his family. Easton is aromantic but feels a pull towards Gary that he really cannot explain. He decides to be Gary’s fake boyfriend to protect him from his horrible sister and family. Gary’s family was trash. I actually loved Easton and Gary together so much (though I did feel bad that Easton could never admit that he ‘loved’ Gary–he did show it in many other ways though). I adored Easton’s friend group and I sincerely hope that we get to see them in their own stories in the future (in particular Angel and Coach). I could not put this one down.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review
July 16, 2025
Nice change of genre from Amy
I love all Amy's previous series and was a bit surprised with this change from paranormal to contemporary but I needn't have worried because it's just as intriguing as all her other books.
I loved Gary and Easton as characters. Gary was such a sweetheart, barely managing to cope because of his awful family, but he was such a good person with morals and principles and deserved happiness. Easton was magnificent in all his growliness and possessiveness. They both stayed true to themselves throughout the story and I liked that.
Easton's friends were great fun, and his family turned out to be much better than I initially expected. Gary's family got their comeuppance in such an over the top fashion and it was so ridiculous but it made me laugh.
I hope the friend group get their own stories, not least because I'd love to see more of Gary and Easton.
I love all Amy's previous series and was a bit surprised with this change from paranormal to contemporary but I needn't have worried because it's just as intriguing as all her other books.
I loved Gary and Easton as characters. Gary was such a sweetheart, barely managing to cope because of his awful family, but he was such a good person with morals and principles and deserved happiness. Easton was magnificent in all his growliness and possessiveness. They both stayed true to themselves throughout the story and I liked that.
Easton's friends were great fun, and his family turned out to be much better than I initially expected. Gary's family got their comeuppance in such an over the top fashion and it was so ridiculous but it made me laugh.
I hope the friend group get their own stories, not least because I'd love to see more of Gary and Easton.
June 28, 2025
This story broke my heart and warmed it right up in equal measure. Gary’s family is the stuff of horror stories and has him conditioned to be constantly afraid and under their control. Easton’s family is the complete opposite, even if he has trouble admitting it due to his early childhood. When he decides to protect Gary and basically adopt him, Easton’s blood family and his found family all become Gary’s. It was beautiful to watch him gain confidence and start to stand his ground against his family. What starts out as sort of a prank becomes an amazing story of love and hope and true family. This was an awesome read. If you have triggers of family abuse and gaslighting though, please be aware of them. Mental health is important.
June 29, 2025
At 25, Easton is forced by his Father to buckle down and get a degree. He had a rough start in life, found his Dad in his teens and fought underground fights on the side so he could live communally with his friends. When he meets shy, nerdy, cute little Gary, he wants him. He is totally opposed to a relationship of any kind but he wants Gary to be his anyway, permanently, all his only, no one else's, just his. He spends all his time denying while he holds on tightly and won't let him go, protecting what's his. Gary is so insecure, even I want to protect and take care of him. It's an enjoyable book even if it's filled with hair-brained schemes. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
June 30, 2025
Easton and Gary were adorable together, and the events that kept unfolding got them closer than ever, built in their trust in each other, and offered them the happiness they deserved.
Gary’s family was horrible, but his sister was the worst of them, and I really enjoyed the retribution when all their actions were punished.
I really liked Easton's friends, their nicknames, and how they received Gary’s in their fold, the support they offered, and the role in righting all wrongs.
I really enjoyed their journey to happiness, the protectiveness and possessiveness, as well as the bouts of jealousy that were followed by hot moments together.
I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
Gary’s family was horrible, but his sister was the worst of them, and I really enjoyed the retribution when all their actions were punished.
I really liked Easton's friends, their nicknames, and how they received Gary’s in their fold, the support they offered, and the role in righting all wrongs.
I really enjoyed their journey to happiness, the protectiveness and possessiveness, as well as the bouts of jealousy that were followed by hot moments together.
I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
July 2, 2025
Who doesn't like a good underdog story? Gary's sense of self worth was so low after a lifetime of abuse and neglect. Easton was a bit of a stalker, although he'd say protector. Their dynamic was so lovingly sweet.
I have only read Amy Padilla's paranormal/fantasy stories where OTT is completely normal and expected. It also worked so well in a contemporary(non monster) setting. Easton's family and found family were a chaotic delight. This was the first time I've encountered an aromantic MC. Easton was well written. His love language, while not flowers and chocolate, was care and possession.
A quick, fun and sometimes quite thoughtful read. Very much enjoyed.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
I have only read Amy Padilla's paranormal/fantasy stories where OTT is completely normal and expected. It also worked so well in a contemporary(non monster) setting. Easton's family and found family were a chaotic delight. This was the first time I've encountered an aromantic MC. Easton was well written. His love language, while not flowers and chocolate, was care and possession.
A quick, fun and sometimes quite thoughtful read. Very much enjoyed.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
July 6, 2025
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
This is an interesting one to rate. I flipping loved this couple, they have a perfect just go with it, kind of romance. They are a wildly entertaining mix of ridiculous, possessive, obsessive, sweet, and steamy. I had a fun time with Easton and Gary. The rest, however, was confusing and frustrating at times. Gary’s family is just so unfathomably outrageous it often felt like a farce, the way they behaved was just utterly bonkers. It was clear right off how truly awful they are for Gary, I didn’t need more evidence. So, I would have loved less from them, as they are a bummer. The couple was the highlight for me - Gary and Easton had me smiling.
This is an interesting one to rate. I flipping loved this couple, they have a perfect just go with it, kind of romance. They are a wildly entertaining mix of ridiculous, possessive, obsessive, sweet, and steamy. I had a fun time with Easton and Gary. The rest, however, was confusing and frustrating at times. Gary’s family is just so unfathomably outrageous it often felt like a farce, the way they behaved was just utterly bonkers. It was clear right off how truly awful they are for Gary, I didn’t need more evidence. So, I would have loved less from them, as they are a bummer. The couple was the highlight for me - Gary and Easton had me smiling.
October 9, 2025
Better than I expected
This was much better than I expected. There are two external challenges for the characters to overcome. The first challenge is handled really well and I liked how it resolved. The second challenge is to remove Gary’s family from Gary’s life. Unfortunately, I think that this plot line was far-fetched and overly complicated. I didn’t find his family to be realistic. In fact, by the end of the story, they were almost caricatures. The poor showing from these “final bosses” resulted in a lost star. The rest of the story was five star quality. I liked Easton’s family and friends, character development for Gary and Easton was slow and steady, and the relationship development was solid.
This was much better than I expected. There are two external challenges for the characters to overcome. The first challenge is handled really well and I liked how it resolved. The second challenge is to remove Gary’s family from Gary’s life. Unfortunately, I think that this plot line was far-fetched and overly complicated. I didn’t find his family to be realistic. In fact, by the end of the story, they were almost caricatures. The poor showing from these “final bosses” resulted in a lost star. The rest of the story was five star quality. I liked Easton’s family and friends, character development for Gary and Easton was slow and steady, and the relationship development was solid.
July 1, 2025
Every book bt Amy Padilla I read before was paranormal or fantasyso I had doubts when I started this novel, but It is one of the best ones I've read in the last months
Gary is a very sweet character, he is brave and takes a Risk not only opening to Easton but all his friends and his roommate.
Easton is a-romantic and his character describes quite well hiw is possible for everyone to have a good relationship when honest and being oneself.
I enjoyed how the author writes this, many pages to begin the relationship and a gap of months where It consolidates in order to approach the wedding.
It was a fun easy read with action, very heated moments and an epic ending. I recommend It!
Gary is a very sweet character, he is brave and takes a Risk not only opening to Easton but all his friends and his roommate.
Easton is a-romantic and his character describes quite well hiw is possible for everyone to have a good relationship when honest and being oneself.
I enjoyed how the author writes this, many pages to begin the relationship and a gap of months where It consolidates in order to approach the wedding.
It was a fun easy read with action, very heated moments and an epic ending. I recommend It!
July 2, 2025
I love this story so much! I couldn’t put it down. My emotions were on a roller coaster and I fell in love with the characters. Easton and Gary were great together. Gary has been abused by his family and college is his way to get away from them. One act of kindness and he catches the attention of Easton. He’s a bad boy fighter who is only in college because his dad told him he had to go. They work together on a project and enter into a fake relationship to protect Gary. However, they find that they are perfect for each other. I loved all the friends, Gary’s roommate, and Easton’s family. This story has possessiveness, humor, comfort, spice, and found family. I highly recommend it!
July 2, 2025
I could not put this down and I immediately want to re-read it.
Gary a downtrodden, self proclaimed, sad little bookworm; mets Easton.
A self proclaimed and labeled, aromantic.
In an effort to help Gary be free of his family, meet cures occur!
So many of them.
Could you even call them dates,perchance?! ;)
both Easton and Gary have a lot to learn, and both manage to squeeze quite a bit of self discovery along the way.
It’s a fun romp with fun and engaging characters, that I want to know more about.
Not everyone can be the star. And those that cameo are written just as well as the mains and the story line. Next book pretty please???!
Gary a downtrodden, self proclaimed, sad little bookworm; mets Easton.
A self proclaimed and labeled, aromantic.
In an effort to help Gary be free of his family, meet cures occur!
So many of them.
Could you even call them dates,perchance?! ;)
both Easton and Gary have a lot to learn, and both manage to squeeze quite a bit of self discovery along the way.
It’s a fun romp with fun and engaging characters, that I want to know more about.
Not everyone can be the star. And those that cameo are written just as well as the mains and the story line. Next book pretty please???!
July 1, 2025
I felt so sad for Gary for a long time while reading as the family abuse was extreme and just nonstop. I was immensely pleased with how Easton who was a bad boy type and an actual underground fighter became in so enamored with Gary when Gary helped him out. It reached stalker levels and then became my favorite kind of possessive. What I loved most though was that Easton got so affectionate with Gary while still being all growly and protective. I really enjoyed these too despite Gary's horrible situation.
July 1, 2025
Poor Gary. What a life! I really enjoyed how Easton took care of him. And what a great ending! Although there are a few scenes I would have liked to have seen (like the mini-golf), maybe the author will write some of them as bonus chapters. I'm also hoping she writes more stories in this world, as I saw the potential for at least two other couples. Overall, I really enjoyed the story even as it ran me through the whole gamut of emotions, especially on Gary's behalf.
I noted only about half a dozen proofreading issues in the ARC.
I noted only about half a dozen proofreading issues in the ARC.
July 6, 2025
“Of Pranks and Passion” by Amy Padilla is a bit different from her usual paranormal based books. It is a good read with interesting characters and plot. I like how Easton and Gary fit with each other and like how each man grows throughout the book.
I did struggle with this book a bit. There were parts I absolutely loved and there were parts that I didn’t. I want to read more in this world based on the wider cast of characters. There were hints as to possible future HEAs for some characters and I would love to see those happen.
I did struggle with this book a bit. There were parts I absolutely loved and there were parts that I didn’t. I want to read more in this world based on the wider cast of characters. There were hints as to possible future HEAs for some characters and I would love to see those happen.
September 7, 2025
Fantastic! Hits all the right notes with a wink, doesn’t take itself too seriously even as it deals with serious emotions and consequences. Not to mention this was just such a fun pair to see together! Empowered, adult chaos gremlins are both terrifying and inspiring, and you just can’t look away. (Both because you can’t wait to see what they get up to next and also because you don’t quite dare take your eyes off them…)
I really hope we see more from this world, but if not I’m still so happy to at least have this lovely book.
I really hope we see more from this world, but if not I’m still so happy to at least have this lovely book.
September 7, 2025
Good characters
The characters were great. I just hate when a character is made so weak and beat down for emotions sake. Gary is the name of a slimy villain, not a sweet main character. He was also wimpy and I almost gave up readying when he would not get a jacket I'm case his sister needed more money. I mean in what way was she going to make his life worse. Easton was rude to his father and no matter what, his father treated him good and he deserved more politeness. I guess I was not feeling this storyline.
The characters were great. I just hate when a character is made so weak and beat down for emotions sake. Gary is the name of a slimy villain, not a sweet main character. He was also wimpy and I almost gave up readying when he would not get a jacket I'm case his sister needed more money. I mean in what way was she going to make his life worse. Easton was rude to his father and no matter what, his father treated him good and he deserved more politeness. I guess I was not feeling this storyline.
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