Let's Pretend

by Lindsay Rochester

“It’s like I’ve been stumbling around in the dark, and then I bumped into you.”

Finding love with a world-famous movie star seems like a dream, right?

Not to Ivy Hawkins.

She’s looking for someone with staying power, not star power, no matter how handsome. She’s worked hard growing her business, and she finally feels ready to grow personally–with the right guy. One she can trust, who will fit seamlessly into her life.

Enter Alexander Henry, last year’s Sexiest Man Alive. He and Ivy literally collide in London, and he's immediately drawn to her–especially the fact that she isn’t fawning over him like a superfan.

It doesn’t take long for Alexander to realize he’d like something real with Ivy. Something he can’t find in Hollywood. If only she felt the same way. Ivy seems determined to ignore every spark that flies between them.

Alex suggests they spend the rest of her vacation acting like they're a couple. Going on dates, holding hands, etc. And then they go their separate ways. Only for him, it’s buying time to show Ivy what it would be like to truly be together. Can he show her it should be more than just pretend?

Genres: Romance, Rom Com

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2025

Reviews

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary) · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 4.5/5

Have you ever been to London? Whether you have or not, this novel will whisk you away to England with a celebrity romance that will melt your heart! It was so much fun to read a story set in this beautiful city. I love a celebrity romance when the MC isn’t at all fazed by the celeb’s fame status. There’s a natural sassy banter between the two because the MMC and FMC are comfortable being 100% themselves with each other.

Alexander Henry is a shining star, but Hollywood is not what keeps his heart beating. Sure, he’s had success by anyone else’s definition, but finding a partner to love and cherish forever holds higher importance. When Alexander meets Ivy Hawkins while in London, it’s pretty much love at first sight for him. He’s determined to win her heart, regardless of the challenge that he lives in California, and she is extremely happy living her small-town life in North Carolina. Although Ivy is vacationing in London with family, Alexander wants to spend as much time with her as possible and Ivy’s family senses their chemistry and encourages it. Ivy can’t help but guard her heart though, knowing the reality of a future for them is extremely complicated. While they decide on “pretending” to be a couple while in London, it’s going to be hard to sever that connection once their trips inevitably come to an end.

There’s also a fun layer of adventure in this book, a scavenger hunt throughout England so to speak on Alex’s behalf due to unique circumstances. It’s the entire reason he’s in London now actually. I don’t want to give away all the details to that, but it’s a fun and quirky element for sure. The ending of this book was SO incredibly sweet. If you love grand gestures, get ready because the way this one unfolded was TOP NOTCH!

4.5-Star clean rating for a heavy make-out scene.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Lindsay Rochester several months ago and quickly devoured her Laurel Falls series loving every book. So when the opportunity arose to read an ARC of her latest book, Let’s Pretend (which released today), I jumped at it. Y’all! This book! I don’t even know where to begin.

After a fire does massive damage to her restaurant, Ivy travels with her sister’s family from her home in North Carolina to England in search of a break from the stress of life. While there she runs (literally) into Alexander Henry, one of America’s best know film stars and one of the sexiest men ever (According to a magazine and Ivy wholeheartedly agrees!).

Alexander is immediately smitten with Ivy and determines to find a way to spend more time with her. Ivy feels the same but she is determined to tamp down those feelings as there is no way the two of them would work. However, she’s up for some short term vacation fun when Alexander suggests they pretend to date while in England.

Yes, love takes its course but do not think this is a typical fake-dating trope romance. It is so much more! I love every one in this book.. Val, Micah and the kids.. the Parkers!.. such great side characters that add to the story. The adventure of following Alexander’s grandmother’s riddle clues around England. All the Fish and Chips! And “Darling.” I am a Southern US girl, so I hear that term often but here we say it with our drawl and it sounds like “Dahhhh lin”. Alexander is British and the voice I heard in my head every time he called Ivy Darling still has me swooning!

Seriously.. Lindsay Rochester crafted some of the beautiful and moving romantic moments without being explicit or salacious. I am talking truly swoon worthy melt your heart moments. Brava Lindsay!!!!!

I highly recommend this story! Especially if you are like me and love romance. This is a must read for romance lovers! Not only 5 stars, but 5 hearts!

[Maylan Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s Pretend is a fun, happy read for romance lovers! I loved the characters and the story was so sweet. The setting, which is the UK, adds a layer of charm to the story. It keeps you hooked with its lovable characters and engaging plot. Add it to your TBR if you love cozy, sweet romances ❤️

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍

This was honestly perfection! It had all the feels and the two main characters had fantastic chemistry. I am definitely a book girl but I very rarely leave reviews. This one deserved all 5 stars!

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green, green flags!

If you are like me and you love stories where
•He falls first
•ALL green flags
•He falls Harder!
•Did I mention green flags
•He SPOILS her
•British Accents
•GoldenRetriever
•Celebrity
•Found Family

Seriously, I could go on and on!!
This story brings all the Pretty Woman, feet kicking, swoony tention,
mouth dropping,
I can’t believe how gone he is on her - vibes that we read RomComs for 🩵
and will definitely be on my Comfort Reads list!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a millennial, I grew up watching Mary-Kate and Ashley movies taking us on fun adventures through places like London, Rome and Paris... and there was something about this book that gave that same feeling as watching those movies... but more grown up and with a fantastic romance... which I absolutely loved. Ivy and Alex really take us right along with them as they explore England, following the clues left for him by his late aunt. I always love stories where he falls first... and Alex? Oh, he falls first and hard... and unapologetically so! I loved how he didn't hide his feelings right from the start and when he takes care of her during a migraine? Yeah, that's another weakness of mine too! This romance might have happened very quickly, but it felt just right for these two characters, and I couldn't get enough of them together. If you love a good celebrity romance, an England adventure, and kisses that will make you swoon... this is one not to be missed! I loved it!

Let's Pretend is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s Pretend by Lindsay Rochester is a good story. I wanted to love Let’s Pretend so badly, but I ended up just liking it. I am a sucker for the cross-class romance trope. They are some of my most favorite storylines ever. But this one didn’t sit right with me. I think that’s because of the insta-love factor. For insta-love stories to work, there has to be a good dose of reality and some skepticism involved in the character interactions. Ivy has realistic skepticism in spades. I found her character to be quite relatable in this regard. She absolutely understands that falling in love the first second you see someone is possible, but more likely hormonal and probably really unrealistic. And Ivy questioning the validity of a relationship between the two when she lives in North Carolina and Alex lives in Hollywood added even more credence to me taking Ivy seriously as a character. I appreciate her keeping Alexander at arms length for over 50% of this story. Yes, the chemistry is there and then some, but making Ivy a thoughtful-of-reality character is the only thing that sold me on this storyline. Because Alexander made me want to call the cops. I’m sort of joking. It’s just that he comes on so strong! Ok, so he is Hollywood handsome and sweet and kind, but this isn’t enough for me to take him seriously. Often I wanted to pop into the story and say, “Dude, you’re a tad on the cringe side. I need you to take it down a notch and be more realistic.” And I guess that’s why the author made him an uber-famous Hollywood actor. Because then there doesn’t have to be reality. He’s rich. He can just relocate and together Alex and Ivy can live happily ever after. This makes this story, ultimately, a fairy tale. A regular Joe with a typical 9-5 who lives on one side of the country and a regular Jane with a typical 9-5 on the other side of the country can, indeed, meet and fall for each other while on vacation. But the likelihood of them making it work after the vacation is like zilch. And this is my number one issue with the story: I cannot suspend my disbelief enough to take Ivy and Alex’s relationship seriously. So, while it is a cute story, Let’s Pretend is simply a modern-day fairy tale. Not bad at all, just not quite what I was expecting.

Let’s Pretend is a sweet romance, but it left me wanting something deeper. Something more I could sink my reader-teeth into. I wasn’t looking for a fairy tale. I was hoping for a deep, emotional cross-class romance. But it’s OK. This book is good and I recommend it for the right kind of reader: a reader in need of a sweet, endearing romance rather than a deep, emotional slow-burn.

I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on February 27, 2026 in order to review. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author and though I didn’t have to post a review upon finishing it, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression I felt while reading it!

Lindsay has written a wonderful book which those who deal with trust issues readily will understand fully. Ivy goes to England with her sister and her family and when one of the kids turns up missing, Ivy literally runs into Alex searching for him! Except this is someone she knows not personally but someone every girl dreams about because he is a famous movie star!

He shows more than interest in her and she can’t believe someone so famous would want to be around her so she tries to brush him off but despite herself finds she is attracted to him. When he asks her to help him on riddles he needs to solve to receive a mysterious box from his late grandfather their adventures and time together start to wear down her resolve. However because of his fame she decides it’s too much and breaks off their relationship. However Alex has few aces up his sleeve yet to play to win her back and show he’s really serious about her!

This was a wonderful romantic story which helps a woman who was abandoned emotionally and raised her younger sister find the courage to once again take a chance on trusting someone again when she is given a second chance with a man who is determined to win her over!

I loved this story and wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend it as one I know you’ll love just as much as I did! Ivy and Alex will soon become your best friends as you read about their adventures and the feelings that they have and can’t wait for Ivy to learn to trust again with Alex!

This is a no spice heartfelt story that you’ll be hooked on right from the start so read and then let your family and friends know they have to read it as well because it just can’t be missed!

[Jenette Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sick and should’ve gone to bed, but I couldn’t put this down!

I absolutely enjoyed reading “Let’s Pretend” by Lindsay Rochester. This is my first book by her, and I loved it. I originally thought that their relationship might have been pretend for paparazzi, but that isn’t the case, and I was so happy to discover that.

Alexander (Alex!) and Ivy are so precious together. Both have come to this moment in their lives where they are starting to think about finding a solid partner to share life with. Ivy is such a practical, realistic girl. I loved her for it. As the “mature” sister, I related so much to her and her natural ability to take care of everyone around her.

Alex was such a witty, sweet, hero. He was immediately attracted to Ivy but was careful to not push too hard too fast. (But he also wasn’t willing to let her go!). I love how fast they get to know each other (and seem to be able to read each other’s facial expressions).

The plot was great, the kisses were swoony, but my favorite element was the witty banter back and forth. Rochester has a way of making the romance sooo sweet, then she pulls us back with a laugh. I absolutely loved it!

I loved the micro-trope of the girl who takes care of everybody finally being taken care of! That and the migraine scene (…ahhhh!).

Loved this one!

Content: Kisses only, no language!

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abroad romance? Yes please. Ivy’s London vacation gets a full romantic rewrite when she quite literally collides with last year’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” But fame aside, Alex is exhausted by the Hollywood spotlight and is in the UK for family reasons, and from the moment he meets Ivy, he is completely gone. Fully, wholeheartedly, falls first and falls hard gone.

What follows is a charming, clue-filled adventure through London as Ivy reluctantly agrees to pretend date him while she’s on vacation. Between his aunt’s trail of hints, cozy city moments, and Alex’s persistent sweetness, this story becomes a soft, swoony, and super cute escape.

I loved the iconic London backdrop, the easy chemistry, and the way Alex works to show Ivy something real, something steady and safe and far from the noise of his celebrity life. It is heartfelt, fun, and full of sparks Ivy keeps trying and failing to ignore.

A sweet, feel-good read perfect for anyone who loves the "he falls first" and "fake dating" tropes, European settings, and a romance that is definitely meant to be.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.

[Oruare Ojimadu · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started as a whim but became a reality. Let's Pretend is an enjoyable read from the beginning.  Alex and Ivy didn't understand how love could creep in until it happened to them. Two strangers meeting unexpectedly each with their eyes on different paths of life become fast friends. Friendship that led to a happy ever after.
I enjoyed the way the author gave each character life, from Val, Micah, Peter, Juniper, and all the other supporting characters. Together, they made the story a great read.
I applaud Ivy's grit and strength- pushing forward from childhood and being a pillar of support to Val and it was beautiful to see that Val reciprocated the love and concern. Andrew is a young man who has everything going for him but deep down, is lonely and the sudden last wish of his aunt caused him to take steps that led to Ivy and ultimately true happiness. The fact that it all happened on a riddle-solving trip with lots of new experiences added fun to it. The support Ivy got from Andrew, Val, and those who cared is simply beautiful and heartwarming.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Katrinalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a book that takes me places and this one took me to iconic locations in England and Scotland.

Ivy's London vacation gets a romantic rewrite when she runs into, literally, the sexiest man alive, also literally. He's got the award to prove it. Alex is tired of the social scene in his Hollywood movie star life. And he's smitten at first sight. He's come home to London on family business that is sending him to tourist sights from London to Dover. Desperate to spend more time with Ivy, he convinces her to travel with him.

“𝑳𝒆𝒕’𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑. 𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍. 𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒑, 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔. 𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 … 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”

In Ivy's opinion, Alex is the kindest man alive, but agreeing to a road trip with the most recognizable man alive comes with challenges and a lot of fun.

“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒕 𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒚,” 𝑰 𝒋𝒐𝒌𝒆.
“𝑰 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒔,” 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔, 𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒔.
𝑰 𝒏𝒐𝒅. “𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆.”
𝑰 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉; 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅, 𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆. “𝑰’𝒎 𝒂𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈.”

In spite of her lone wolf tendencies, Ivy is drawn to Alex's cinnamon roll personality. Their push and pull is full of sizzling chemistry and clever banter. I pretty much grinned and giggled through the whole book.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this delightful book.

[Karen "Kay" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was only the 2nd story I’ve read of Lindsay’s. The first was the in the Letters to Mrs. Claus series. But won’t be my last, will be on the lookout for more by her. I love the main location being in London. Ivy is there on vacation with her sister, brother-in-law and their 2 children, while her restaurant is being refurbished after a major fire. On their first full day, they were in a park when her nephew disappeared. As they split up to look for him Ivy literally runs into Alexander Henry, a film star. He is instantly attracted to Ivy and offers to help her look. They locate him, safe and sound playing football (soccer). Alex is in London on family business to complete instructions left for him in his aunt’s will. This was a great read, a sweet romance, fake dating story, with Alex convincing Ivy to spend time with him, with a great description of the London, and other English sites. I was really rooting for the two of them.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and unbiased review.

[Hannah Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!!! I got to visit England a long time ago, so this story felt like I was returning there while wrapped in a warm hug. It was heartfelt and genuine.

Ivy is on vacation with her family when she bumps into Alex. She doesn’t care about his fame and Alex is intrigued by Ivy. Ivy agrees to help Alex with his scavenger hunt and the adventure begins.

Highlights:
The boat ride 🥰
Alex reading a book to Ivy over the phone 📞 📕
Alex taking care of Ivy

I love Ivy for her sass. I love her determination and family values.

I love Alex for being calming and thoughtful. I love how down to earth he is despite his fame.

“I cannot believe the power I have over this man. Here he is-literally the dream of seventy percent of the world’s single women-and there’s something about me he likes well enough that it changes his breathing.
Me. Small town, regular woman.”
This was an ARC, all thoughts are my own.

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let it be known that I have never read anything by Lindsay Rochester, let alone heard of her, so that made me even more excited to read this book!  It won’t be the last story I read of hers, that much is certain now!

Ivy is a struggling restauranteur, who is on her way to England for a vacation with her family!  With her professional life in disarray, Ivy has very minimalistic standards for what she’s seeking personally, must be local and love her.  Sounds simple, but in a small town is likely to be a struggle.  Hence her carefree attitude going into her vacation, no flings!  And yet, the first day of burning of jet lag lands her in the arms of one of the world’s sexiest individuals!  Funny to think one of her main purposes of the trip was to try the fish and chips!

Alex[ander] is an A-list celebrity, who is back in his home country to solve his aunt’s riddles to gain possession of a box that belonged to his grandfather.  If his curiosity on the potential contents wasn’t getting the better of him, he would just leave the box in England and be done with it.  Wanting to clear his head, he wanders over a nearby park when he bumps into a semi-frantic woman.  Alex blindly offers his assistance in her hunt for her nephew and is eventually rewarded in receiving her phone number.  Over the few days, he gives Ivy and her family a ‘locals’ take on some of the sights before asking if she would join him on his quest to solve the riddles.  She agrees, this is where the story really takes off! 

It was fun to feel like we were along for the ride as Alex and Ivy, traveled beyond the boundaries of London to answer the various clues.  Along the way, we were also privy to delicious banter, yummy food and subtle flirtation under the guise of “pretending” because is “faking” is totally different!  As a traveler this made my heart happy!  The heart wants what the heart wants!  But all too soon reality catches up with the two of them and hard choices are forced to be made.  While the side characters helped round the story out, I still can’t help but smile in knowing that this book concluded exactly the way I had hoped! 

CW:  Parental disappointment

[Erin Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a clean, light hearted rom com then look no further! This is definitely a different direction from what I have been reading but I thought this was really good!! I felt like I was on vacation with them! The way Alex always calls her darling and how he spoils her 😍 he's attentive and takes such good care of her he's so genuine! The whole time I found myself saying stop pretending already! The chemistry is instant undeniable. The author did a fantastic job with the banter, conversations and setting the stage throughout. It was a slow burn that flowed smoothly that gave the Hallmark feel good ♥️ such a charming book 🥰 it's witty and full of laughter and plenty of awww moments

Tropes to love
-opposites attract
-Movie star/small town girl
-pretend dating
-Slow burn
-Dual pov


Thank you for my ARC! I'm leaving this review voluntarily!

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last thing Ivy Hawkins expected was to run into famous Hollywood actor Alexander Henry while vacationing with her family in England. Alexander is immediately smitten with Ivy, the beautiful American woman who doesn't treat him like the famous actor he is, unlike everyone else he meets. Acting like a couple and tourists, going on dates, and exploring England with Alexander makes Ivy wonder if they could have a life together. But she has a business to get back to, and she would never expect him to give up his life for her.
This is an absolutely beautifully written sweet, and kisses only romance with a happily ever after that I recommend to other readers. Compelling and intriguing characters who are wonderfully realistic and I was engrossed in their love story from the beginning to the last page.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swooning over a British man calling me “Darling” lol just kidding. He never called me this. But let’s be real, most of us gals would swoon over this. Alexander (MMC) is a well-known British actor. Ivy (FMC) is a small-town girl who owns a restaurant. After an unfortunate event, Ivy takes a trip with her family to England. And so our love story begins. Alexander and Ivy literally collide into each other, and their lives are forever changed. They are both looking for something real, consistent, and supportive. They just don’t immediately know that they can find that and then some within each other! This trip to London opens up new doors as sparks fly no matter how hard one tries to pretend they aren’t there.

If you love swoony romance novels, opposites attract, strangers-to-lovers, family-oriented stories, you are going to love Let’s Pretend! This book had me hooked!

[Nadine Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Thank you Lindsay Rochester for letting me be an early reader!

Giving this a solid 4 stars.

It was a great read and I love how the MMC was always trying to keep himself from being recognized. I 100% understand why the FMC called everything off because she didn't want to be in the public eye. I also understand why she felt it was maybe a mistake. She had her family to fall back on as they were there with her on vacation when she met the MMC and had interactions with him. The MMC also had some growth that occurred after the split, but continued to keep a flame for her.

Restaurant walk-through, decorator is mentioned, FMC has questions. But she knows it's probably from MMC.
Random delivery of Crunchies!
Surprise at the grand opening?!?!?
Mrs Parker to Nanna?!?!?

I absolutely loved the Epilogue.

[Kyrie :-) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

This is a fun, quick, closed-door rom-com set in the UK! Made me want to go on vacation in England and see these sights for myself! Because of the short length and the focus on the romance, I felt it was a bit rushed, almost like insta-love. But Alex and Ivy have such good chemistry that I’m willing to look past that. One thing I love about Lindsay Rochester’s characters is that the banter is always top-notch! I was rooting for Alex to break down Ivy’s walls!! The whole dating a British guy felt like every American girl’s dream, I mean how can you not love a good accent? The ending was very satisfying!

Tropes:
•He falls first… and harder
•Movie Star and Small Town Girl
•Fake Dating

Thank you to Lindsay Rochester for sending me this ARC! I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

[Summer Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited for one of my
favorite indie authors, @lindsayrochester.writes ! What a sweet book! You need to read this closed door romance.

Alexander Henry is a big time hollywood actor. While traveling to London, he collides with Ivy. A small town girl who runs her own restaurant, Ivy isn't very impressed with Alex's star power. He realizes pretty quickly that he wants to pursue a relationship with Ivy.
Alex suggests faking a relationship with Ivy until they both leave London. Can he convince Ivy that their relationship should be more than pretend?

Tropes:
He falls first
Opposites Attract
Tour of England
He takes care of her
He's English
He's a Mega Movie Star & She's a Small Town Girl
Dual POV

[Elise Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet book that took place almost entirely during a family's vacation to England. Ivy sets out along with her sister Val, her husband, and her niece and nephew to explore London. A run-in with a movie star, Alexander, while searching for her lost nephew, launches feelings and a partnership neither one was looking for.

I enjoyed watching Alex and Ivy fall in love as they traipsed about England, following clues left by Alex's great aunt after she died.

I also loved Alex's relationship with the Parkers, and I enjoyed seeing how everything worked out in the epilogue.

If you like celebrity romance, England, and grand gestures, you'll love this novel from Lindsay Rochester!

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute read! I’m not normally a fan of insta-love stories but this was sweet! It’s based in London which I absolutely loved🙌🏼 I want to go there so bad!!

Internal thoughts while reading
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
He READS her to sleep🙌🏼😍(I’m melting)
I want to go to London so so bad!
“…if you were mine, you’d have both dresses, and anything you wanted.” Crazy fangirling happening over here, right now😍
Ivy, sweetheart, what are you doing?!? He’s perfect for you🥲
I don’t like this pretend dating thing, please just date already, you’re in love!!!!
I love the “scavenger hunt”

✨Celebrity Romance
♥️He Takes Care Of Her
✨London Adventures
♥️Insta Love
✨He Falls First
♥️Golden Retriever MMC

🌶️: None
🤬: None

I rated this 3.5⭐️ and rounded up to 4⭐️

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Movie star Alex is on a scavenger hunt, and Ivy is on vacation with her family when they meet.
Ivy and Alexander have the sweetest meetcute.
And the premise is so good.
I loved the characters, their friends and family, and the overall story itself. Alex was a cinnamon roll, a golden retriever, a walking, talking green flag… if Ivy didn’t want him, I was prepared to take him.
It’s just… so. sweet. Plenty of moments to make you just feel happy. Others that make you want to laugh.

This was such a charming, sweet, adorable story.

Thank you to Lindsay for providing me with an advanced copy for review.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's Pretend is a great story about Alexander an Actor in Hollywood who goes to England to collect inheritance from his Grandfather but there are many clues to follow before he can receive it . Ivy and her Sister Val and her family holiday in England. Ivy and Alexander accidentally meets when her Nephew goes missing. They start looking and find him. They all visit tourists sites. Ivy helps in his inheritance trail. They begin to get to know each other although Ivy is wary. But can they overcome any obstacles in their lives?
Excellent story that I enjoyed reading very much and highly recommend that you read.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy and Alexander were so cute in this book. The story was sweet and adorable. I loved how Alexander was looking for something real, that he didn’t want just the glitz and glam of a trophy on his arm. And Ivy, she wants the real thing too. But she can’t see that it could possibly be Alexander since he’s a star. So I thought it was being cute that he suggested that they pretend (all while in a beautiful city) just so he can hope to win her over. I’m swooning with how sweet this story was. Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader for you and this wonderful book. It was truly my pleasure to read this.

[Mindy Selu · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 but I'll round up. This was a new-to-me author, and I was so impressed! I loved the premise, but did I think it was super unrealistic that the MMC would be a huge celebrity and just fall instantly and fully for a complete stranger, and based maybe 75% on her hair? YES. But I also loved it, hahaha. One thing that always bugs me about celebrity romances is that it seems like their agent/other people are always hounding them, even when they're on a break, so I was glad that this didn't have that, and that the one time his agent contacted him, it felt realistic.

The little scavenger hunt thing was also a little unrealistic, but whatever because I loved it! Haha.

[Ru4repeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tomorrow will be good..."

"Tomorrow will be good. Tomorrow will change my life. I’m going to hold my future in my arms."
"I’m so far out of the habit of getting up early, that the walk from the bed to the bathroom feels like I’ve been covered in mud and wrapped in weighted blankets."
"The best things aren’t always the easiest or the most convenient.”
"She is so cute over there snuggled in with all her “travel accoutrements” as she called them. She has a blanket, a small pillow, a huge water bottle, and a bag filled with snacks. So many that I think she must have been afraid I’d let her starve to death on our short trip."

[Angee Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexander Henry is a Hollywood star and while traveling to London, he collides with Ivy. She’s a restaurant owner from a small town. She isn’t impressed with his star power. He decides he wants to pursue her. He convinces her to fake date him while they are in London. It’s instalove for sure at least for him. She has to warm up to him a little first. Such a cute and swoony rom-com. The story is well written and has loveable characters. Gives Hallmark movie vibes.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! Alexander and Ivy's story was hilarious and swoony. Their meet-cute was awesome and the ensuing fake relationship as they work together to decode his grandma's clues was fantastic. Their chemistry just lept off the page and while the logistics of what would happen if a real relationship happened seem far from workable, it was so fun to watch them together. You just know its all going to be ok in the end. Great story!!!