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When the Ink Is Dry
From author A.R. Rose comes a billionaire romance perfect for readers who loved Gossip Girl mixed with tension, angst, humor, and spice.
What do alcohol, Paris, and a hot guy have in common?
Evidently, me.
The last thing I expected when I went to Paris on a work trip was to drink too much and end up legally wed.
What I really didn’t expect was to wake up the next day and have no recollection of what happened.
Now, more than a year later, my husband has shown up in my penthouse foyer, waving our marriage license in my face and demanding I step into the role of his wife.
The only person who can help me get rid of this little legal problem I’ve found myself in is Manhattan’s most prestigious divorce attorney, Luciano Paladino.
Oh, did I mention my new attorney is also my best friend’s brother?
My best friend’s super grumpy, sinfully hot, older brother, who just so happens to hate me.
Lucky for him, he just needs to tell me where to sign and I’ll be on my way.
So why is he looking at me like he wants to break every one of his ethical rules of conduct?
When the Ink Is Dry is the first book in the When in Manhattan series and can be read as a complete standalone. This book features high tension, laugh out loud moments, and cameo's from previous A.R. Rose books. Reader discretion is advised. When the Ink Is Dry features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Please visit the author's website for a full list of content warnings.
What do alcohol, Paris, and a hot guy have in common?
Evidently, me.
The last thing I expected when I went to Paris on a work trip was to drink too much and end up legally wed.
What I really didn’t expect was to wake up the next day and have no recollection of what happened.
Now, more than a year later, my husband has shown up in my penthouse foyer, waving our marriage license in my face and demanding I step into the role of his wife.
The only person who can help me get rid of this little legal problem I’ve found myself in is Manhattan’s most prestigious divorce attorney, Luciano Paladino.
Oh, did I mention my new attorney is also my best friend’s brother?
My best friend’s super grumpy, sinfully hot, older brother, who just so happens to hate me.
Lucky for him, he just needs to tell me where to sign and I’ll be on my way.
So why is he looking at me like he wants to break every one of his ethical rules of conduct?
When the Ink Is Dry is the first book in the When in Manhattan series and can be read as a complete standalone. This book features high tension, laugh out loud moments, and cameo's from previous A.R. Rose books. Reader discretion is advised. When the Ink Is Dry features mature themes and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Please visit the author's website for a full list of content warnings.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
June 29, 2026
3.75🌟, 3🌶️
There is something so satisfying about a story where the chemistry is just undeniable.
I devoured this boook, completely hooked by the explosive tension and witty banter between the leads. Watching Raina navigate a chaotic, accidental marriage alongside her grumpy, protective best friend’s brother, Luciano, was pure gold. I found myself giggling and swooning as they finally broke down years of barriers to admit their true feelings for one another.
The story felt like a glamorous, grown-up version of high-society drama, and the magnetic pull between Raina and Luciano kept me glued to the pages. While I absolutely adored the slow-burn buildup, the resolution felt a bit rushed, relying on grand gestures where I would have preferred more grounded, honest conversation. It was occasionally frustrating to see them behave so recklessly with their professional lives, especially during the moments when Luciano let his insecurities cause unnecessary heartbreak.
Still, the emotional high points and the genuine warmth of the friend group made for a fantastic reading experience. Even with those small speed bumps, the eventual groveling was incredibly sweet and tied everything together quite nicely. It was a messy, spicy, and ultimately heartwarming ride that left me eager to follow the rest of the cast on their own journeys.
An entertaining story that was well worth my time.
~~~~
Huge thank you to A.R. Rose and Luna Literary for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
There is something so satisfying about a story where the chemistry is just undeniable.
I devoured this boook, completely hooked by the explosive tension and witty banter between the leads. Watching Raina navigate a chaotic, accidental marriage alongside her grumpy, protective best friend’s brother, Luciano, was pure gold. I found myself giggling and swooning as they finally broke down years of barriers to admit their true feelings for one another.
The story felt like a glamorous, grown-up version of high-society drama, and the magnetic pull between Raina and Luciano kept me glued to the pages. While I absolutely adored the slow-burn buildup, the resolution felt a bit rushed, relying on grand gestures where I would have preferred more grounded, honest conversation. It was occasionally frustrating to see them behave so recklessly with their professional lives, especially during the moments when Luciano let his insecurities cause unnecessary heartbreak.
Still, the emotional high points and the genuine warmth of the friend group made for a fantastic reading experience. Even with those small speed bumps, the eventual groveling was incredibly sweet and tied everything together quite nicely. It was a messy, spicy, and ultimately heartwarming ride that left me eager to follow the rest of the cast on their own journeys.
An entertaining story that was well worth my time.
~~~~
Huge thank you to A.R. Rose and Luna Literary for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
June 18, 2026
When the Ink Is Dry was such a fun mix of romance, tension, humor, and Manhattan-level drama. From the moment the accidental marriage reveal dropped, I knew I was in for a chaotic ride, and A.R. Rose absolutely delivered.
The premise immediately grabbed me. Waking up married is one thing. Discovering over a year later that your husband wants you to actually fulfill the role of wife is another entirely. Add in a grumpy divorce attorney who happens to be your best friend's older brother, and the situation becomes deliciously complicated.
Luciano was exactly the kind of hero I enjoy reading. He's controlled, protective, stubborn, and constantly fighting his attraction while trying to maintain professional boundaries. The attorney-client dynamic created so much tension, especially because neither of them seemed capable of ignoring what was happening between them.
The heroine brought a lot of energy to the story. Her humor and determination balanced Luciano's grumpier personality perfectly, creating plenty of banter and chemistry. I loved watching them challenge each other while slowly peeling back the layers behind their assumptions and frustrations.
The fake engagement trope worked particularly well here because it amplified all the existing tension. Every forced interaction, every public appearance, and every moment they spent pretending only made it harder for them to deny what was developing between them.
Beyond the romance, the story also delivers plenty of family drama, friendship dynamics, and high-society Manhattan chaos. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and the emotional moments hit just as well as the lighter, humorous scenes.
Overall, When the Ink Is Dry is a fun, tension-filled billionaire romance packed with fake dating, best friend's brother angst, lawyer hero goodness, and plenty of chemistry. If you enjoy grumpy heroes, forced proximity, and romantic chaos with a healthy dose of spice, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The premise immediately grabbed me. Waking up married is one thing. Discovering over a year later that your husband wants you to actually fulfill the role of wife is another entirely. Add in a grumpy divorce attorney who happens to be your best friend's older brother, and the situation becomes deliciously complicated.
Luciano was exactly the kind of hero I enjoy reading. He's controlled, protective, stubborn, and constantly fighting his attraction while trying to maintain professional boundaries. The attorney-client dynamic created so much tension, especially because neither of them seemed capable of ignoring what was happening between them.
The heroine brought a lot of energy to the story. Her humor and determination balanced Luciano's grumpier personality perfectly, creating plenty of banter and chemistry. I loved watching them challenge each other while slowly peeling back the layers behind their assumptions and frustrations.
The fake engagement trope worked particularly well here because it amplified all the existing tension. Every forced interaction, every public appearance, and every moment they spent pretending only made it harder for them to deny what was developing between them.
Beyond the romance, the story also delivers plenty of family drama, friendship dynamics, and high-society Manhattan chaos. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and the emotional moments hit just as well as the lighter, humorous scenes.
Overall, When the Ink Is Dry is a fun, tension-filled billionaire romance packed with fake dating, best friend's brother angst, lawyer hero goodness, and plenty of chemistry. If you enjoy grumpy heroes, forced proximity, and romantic chaos with a healthy dose of spice, this one is definitely worth picking up.
June 23, 2026
I’m going to be honest: the first part of the book genuinely hooked me. The plot was fresh and engaging, and I was excited to see where it was going. Unfortunately, that excitement died once we hit the middle and the MC became almost completely insufferable.
For two people who have known each other for a long time and where the MC was fully aware of the FMC’s deep, longstanding crush—his behavior was ridiculous. When some asshole started spewing obvious lies, the MC immediately believed him over his own girlfriend. Instead of trusting the person closest to him, he let his bruised male ego take the wheel and dragged the conflict out for far too long.
And then the MC confessed his love in the club, lol. To make things worse, he “apologized” by buying all of the FMC’s favorite things—as if throwing gifts at the situation could magically erase the stupid thing he did.
But oh wow, color me surprised (I’m not surprised at all), because the FMC accepted his sorry excuse of an apology almost immediately. The MC’s plot armor isn’t his charm, his looks, or his grand gestures—it’s the fact that the FMC has been down bad for him since forever. Give that man an Olympic gold medal in getting away with things because the FMC was practically doing the forgiveness for him.
A few sweet words later, and suddenly we’re supposed to move on like nothing happened.
And if that wasn’t enough, he PROPOSED right after apologizing. 😭 Sir, you haven’t even let the apology marinate yet. We went from “I’m sorry” to “will you marry me?” in record time. The emotional whiplash nearly gave me a concussion.
Of course, the FMC accepted because, once again, the MC’s strongest ally is the fact that she’s been down bad for him for years.
Ahhh, another disappointment.
For two people who have known each other for a long time and where the MC was fully aware of the FMC’s deep, longstanding crush—his behavior was ridiculous. When some asshole started spewing obvious lies, the MC immediately believed him over his own girlfriend. Instead of trusting the person closest to him, he let his bruised male ego take the wheel and dragged the conflict out for far too long.
And then the MC confessed his love in the club, lol. To make things worse, he “apologized” by buying all of the FMC’s favorite things—as if throwing gifts at the situation could magically erase the stupid thing he did.
But oh wow, color me surprised (I’m not surprised at all), because the FMC accepted his sorry excuse of an apology almost immediately. The MC’s plot armor isn’t his charm, his looks, or his grand gestures—it’s the fact that the FMC has been down bad for him since forever. Give that man an Olympic gold medal in getting away with things because the FMC was practically doing the forgiveness for him.
A few sweet words later, and suddenly we’re supposed to move on like nothing happened.
And if that wasn’t enough, he PROPOSED right after apologizing. 😭 Sir, you haven’t even let the apology marinate yet. We went from “I’m sorry” to “will you marry me?” in record time. The emotional whiplash nearly gave me a concussion.
Of course, the FMC accepted because, once again, the MC’s strongest ally is the fact that she’s been down bad for him for years.
Ahhh, another disappointment.
July 8, 2026
We have best friends brother, fake engagement, an amazing love story.
Luciano and Raina have circled each other for years but wouldn’t cross that line….. until she needs his professional help. The lines blur into an amazing story that A.R Rose sucks us into and we need to finish all at once.
Luciano and Raina have circled each other for years but wouldn’t cross that line….. until she needs his professional help. The lines blur into an amazing story that A.R Rose sucks us into and we need to finish all at once.
June 8, 2026
I loved this book!! I devoured it in 24 hours! Full of banter, chemistry, tension, and all the angst & added drama! Yes please. I love a fake dating/fake engagement story & this one was perfection!! Raina is absolutely amazing & Luciano!! His grumpy self sucked me right in!
When a drunken one night stand in Paris ends in a marriage that needs fixing, Raina seeks out the best divorce attorney in NY, who happens to be her best friend’s brother. This book was messy, hilarious, & such a fun ride!! The yearning between these two & the absolute sparks they had just made this one so good & the spice was delicious!
This was an addictive read that just kept my attention fully held!! I fell in love with these two, their history, & this friend group! This was my first by AR Rose, but I will definitely be going back for more of these stories!! Highly recommend!! 😍
Thank you AR Rose for this arc opportunity!!
When a drunken one night stand in Paris ends in a marriage that needs fixing, Raina seeks out the best divorce attorney in NY, who happens to be her best friend’s brother. This book was messy, hilarious, & such a fun ride!! The yearning between these two & the absolute sparks they had just made this one so good & the spice was delicious!
This was an addictive read that just kept my attention fully held!! I fell in love with these two, their history, & this friend group! This was my first by AR Rose, but I will definitely be going back for more of these stories!! Highly recommend!! 😍
Thank you AR Rose for this arc opportunity!!
May 30, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
“It’s jarring, but for the first time in my life, I feel like I want to let my guard down. I want to let my guard down for her.”
Tropes:
🖊️Best Friend’s Brother
💍Grumpy/Sunshine
🖊️Attorney/Client
💍Fake Engagement
🖊️Billionaire
💍Small Age Gap (5 years)
🖊️High Society New York
One year after Raina’s work trip to Paris, her one night stand tracks her down in New York to inform her they are married and she is to return home to Spain with him. The only thing she can think to say to try and get herself out of the obligations her husband is demanding of her is that she is engaged. But even then, he still won’t take no for an answer. Now she must quickly find a divorce lawyer and a fiancé. When the best divorce lawyer in New York happens to be her best friend’s brother, she has no choice but to ask him for help.
Luciano has been drawn to Raina, but would never let himself act on it because she was her little sisters best friend. She has made if obvious how she felt several times over the years, but he always kept his distance. But when she comes to him for help with a divorce she did’t know about he ends up being more than just her divorce lawyer. He steps in as her fake fiancé.
OMG I’m am OBSESSED with When the Ink is Dry! I was so excited when this book was announced! It has some of my favorite tropes…Best Friend’s brother, billionaire, fake engagement, and Grumpy x Sunshine…and it DELIVERED!
It was such an addictive read and I simply didn’t want to put it down! I fell in love with Raina and Luciano and adored their story so much! The angst, tension, and undeniable chemistry were perfect. When the Ink is Dry was described as Gossip Girl for Adults and I could not agree more!
When the Ink is Dry is book one in the When in Manhattan series and I cant wait for more! (Sully’s story is next!) In the meantime while I wait, I will also be reading the With a Kiss series for Vinnie (Raina’s best friend & Luciano’s sister) and Sly’s story!
“It’s jarring, but for the first time in my life, I feel like I want to let my guard down. I want to let my guard down for her.”
Tropes:
🖊️Best Friend’s Brother
💍Grumpy/Sunshine
🖊️Attorney/Client
💍Fake Engagement
🖊️Billionaire
💍Small Age Gap (5 years)
🖊️High Society New York
One year after Raina’s work trip to Paris, her one night stand tracks her down in New York to inform her they are married and she is to return home to Spain with him. The only thing she can think to say to try and get herself out of the obligations her husband is demanding of her is that she is engaged. But even then, he still won’t take no for an answer. Now she must quickly find a divorce lawyer and a fiancé. When the best divorce lawyer in New York happens to be her best friend’s brother, she has no choice but to ask him for help.
Luciano has been drawn to Raina, but would never let himself act on it because she was her little sisters best friend. She has made if obvious how she felt several times over the years, but he always kept his distance. But when she comes to him for help with a divorce she did’t know about he ends up being more than just her divorce lawyer. He steps in as her fake fiancé.
OMG I’m am OBSESSED with When the Ink is Dry! I was so excited when this book was announced! It has some of my favorite tropes…Best Friend’s brother, billionaire, fake engagement, and Grumpy x Sunshine…and it DELIVERED!
It was such an addictive read and I simply didn’t want to put it down! I fell in love with Raina and Luciano and adored their story so much! The angst, tension, and undeniable chemistry were perfect. When the Ink is Dry was described as Gossip Girl for Adults and I could not agree more!
When the Ink is Dry is book one in the When in Manhattan series and I cant wait for more! (Sully’s story is next!) In the meantime while I wait, I will also be reading the With a Kiss series for Vinnie (Raina’s best friend & Luciano’s sister) and Sly’s story!
June 8, 2026
I received this as an ARC. thank you to AR Rose for this opportunity to review this book!
I took my time in reading this book so I can be absorbed into the world that A.R. Created. I needed to live in it for a little while in the best way possible!! I cannot love this book enough! Luciano and Raina are funny and so good together.. the slow burn from Raina and the Freight Train from Luciano in the realization of their feelings for each other is messy, beautiful, sweet, spicy and snarky as hell! The way Raina gets under Luciano’s skin just be being herself feels so real!! I have to highly recommend this book!! It’s truly fun to read!
I took my time in reading this book so I can be absorbed into the world that A.R. Created. I needed to live in it for a little while in the best way possible!! I cannot love this book enough! Luciano and Raina are funny and so good together.. the slow burn from Raina and the Freight Train from Luciano in the realization of their feelings for each other is messy, beautiful, sweet, spicy and snarky as hell! The way Raina gets under Luciano’s skin just be being herself feels so real!! I have to highly recommend this book!! It’s truly fun to read!
June 13, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC REVIEW
There’s something so satisfying about picking up a book because the premise sounds good and then realizing a few chapters in that you’re completely hooked. That was exactly my experience with When the Ink Is Dry. What started as “I’ll read a little before bed” quickly turned into “just one more chapter” until I found myself fully invested in Raina and Luciano’s story.
This book delivered everything I love in a romance: tension that practically jumps off the page, witty banter, heartfelt moments, and characters I couldn’t stop rooting for. Raina is strong, ambitious, and unapologetically herself, while Luciano is the kind of grumpy, protective hero who pretends he has everything under control when he’s actually been gone for her all along.
The fake fiancé setup, complicated marriage situation, and years of buried feelings created the perfect amount of drama without ever feeling overdone. Every time Luciano stepped in to help Raina, my heart melted a little more. Their chemistry was undeniable from the start, but it was the emotional connection between them that truly made this story shine.
I loved watching both characters grow as they navigated old feelings, unexpected obstacles, and the realization that maybe what they’ve been looking for has been right in front of them the whole time. The longing, the tension, and the moments when their walls finally started coming down had me completely invested.
And yes, there is angst. There are emotional moments that will have your heart aching right alongside these characters. But the payoff was absolutely worth it. The romance felt earned, the swoony moments delivered, and I closed the book with a huge smile on my face.
If you’re a fan of best friend’s brother romances, fake engagements, possessive book boyfriends, delicious tension, and couples with incredible chemistry, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
✨ What I loved:
• Best Friend’s Brother
• Fake Fiancé
• Billionaire Hero
• Grumpy Hero Energy
• Years of Unspoken Feelings
• Plenty of Tension & Swoon
• Emotional Growth
• HEA 💕
I finished this one already excited for the next book in the series, which is always the sign of a winner for me. 📚✨
Thank you to the Author for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
There’s something so satisfying about picking up a book because the premise sounds good and then realizing a few chapters in that you’re completely hooked. That was exactly my experience with When the Ink Is Dry. What started as “I’ll read a little before bed” quickly turned into “just one more chapter” until I found myself fully invested in Raina and Luciano’s story.
This book delivered everything I love in a romance: tension that practically jumps off the page, witty banter, heartfelt moments, and characters I couldn’t stop rooting for. Raina is strong, ambitious, and unapologetically herself, while Luciano is the kind of grumpy, protective hero who pretends he has everything under control when he’s actually been gone for her all along.
The fake fiancé setup, complicated marriage situation, and years of buried feelings created the perfect amount of drama without ever feeling overdone. Every time Luciano stepped in to help Raina, my heart melted a little more. Their chemistry was undeniable from the start, but it was the emotional connection between them that truly made this story shine.
I loved watching both characters grow as they navigated old feelings, unexpected obstacles, and the realization that maybe what they’ve been looking for has been right in front of them the whole time. The longing, the tension, and the moments when their walls finally started coming down had me completely invested.
And yes, there is angst. There are emotional moments that will have your heart aching right alongside these characters. But the payoff was absolutely worth it. The romance felt earned, the swoony moments delivered, and I closed the book with a huge smile on my face.
If you’re a fan of best friend’s brother romances, fake engagements, possessive book boyfriends, delicious tension, and couples with incredible chemistry, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
✨ What I loved:
• Best Friend’s Brother
• Fake Fiancé
• Billionaire Hero
• Grumpy Hero Energy
• Years of Unspoken Feelings
• Plenty of Tension & Swoon
• Emotional Growth
• HEA 💕
I finished this one already excited for the next book in the series, which is always the sign of a winner for me. 📚✨
Thank you to the Author for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
June 16, 2026
Raina had some fun during a work trip to Paris and now after a year her one night stand tracks her down in New York because they are actually married! He insists she must return to Spain with him and of course that’s not what she wants to do and tries to find a way out of it. She needs help from a very good divorce lawyer and that’s where Luciano is the perfect man for the job. He is extremely good at his job and has known Raina for a long time since his sister is her friend. He has always had a soft spot for her but never allowed himself to give in to his feelings. Now that they must work together to figure out a way to get Raina out of this “unwanted” marriage he discovers it’s a lot more difficult to not blur the lines. He not only takes the role as her divorce lawyer he also takes on the role of her “fake” fiancée.
Here’s what you can expect in this book:
Tropes
🔹Best Friend’s Brother
🔹Billionaire Romance
🔹Grumpy/Sunshine
🔹Attorney/Client
🔹Small Age Gap
🔹FakeEngagement
This story had me hooked and I didn’t want to put down the book at all. Sometimes being an adult isn’t ideal when you’re trying to read such a phenomenal book as this one. A.R. Rose has written a romance that is equal parts entertaining, emotional, and unforgettable. When the Ink Is Dry is a fantastic start to the When in Manhattan series and a must-read for fans of billionaire romance, enemies-to-lovers vibes, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and stories filled with heart. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next. I rate this book 5 Stars!!!!
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***
Here’s what you can expect in this book:
Tropes
🔹Best Friend’s Brother
🔹Billionaire Romance
🔹Grumpy/Sunshine
🔹Attorney/Client
🔹Small Age Gap
🔹FakeEngagement
This story had me hooked and I didn’t want to put down the book at all. Sometimes being an adult isn’t ideal when you’re trying to read such a phenomenal book as this one. A.R. Rose has written a romance that is equal parts entertaining, emotional, and unforgettable. When the Ink Is Dry is a fantastic start to the When in Manhattan series and a must-read for fans of billionaire romance, enemies-to-lovers vibes, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and stories filled with heart. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next. I rate this book 5 Stars!!!!
***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***
June 19, 2026
Raina and Luciano’s story made me feel a whole range of emotions.
One minute I was giggling at the ridiculousness that was Sully; the next I was wanting to dive into the pages and knock some sense into Luce. The push and pull between our MC’s gave off serious tension, and sometimes I felt like I was going to get whiplash from their back and forth.
From sassy banter to toe-curling kisses, his chemistry with Raina was off the charts. And while they took their sweet time figuring out how to be together, there was never a dull moment.
I really enjoyed Raina. She was strong, independent, and knew her worth. She always saw the best in everyone and stood up for herself when it counted.
Luciano frustrated me to no end at the beginning. He was the king of mixed signals, but throughout the book he slowly figured out his feelings (which was rewarding to read), and once he was sure, that was it. All in.
Plus, if you decide to read this delightful story, you will see that he gives REALLY good grovel. Exceptional, really.
The found family vibe and friendly banter levelled up this story in the best way. I can’t wait to read more from this world!
4.5 stars
One minute I was giggling at the ridiculousness that was Sully; the next I was wanting to dive into the pages and knock some sense into Luce. The push and pull between our MC’s gave off serious tension, and sometimes I felt like I was going to get whiplash from their back and forth.
From sassy banter to toe-curling kisses, his chemistry with Raina was off the charts. And while they took their sweet time figuring out how to be together, there was never a dull moment.
I really enjoyed Raina. She was strong, independent, and knew her worth. She always saw the best in everyone and stood up for herself when it counted.
Luciano frustrated me to no end at the beginning. He was the king of mixed signals, but throughout the book he slowly figured out his feelings (which was rewarding to read), and once he was sure, that was it. All in.
Plus, if you decide to read this delightful story, you will see that he gives REALLY good grovel. Exceptional, really.
The found family vibe and friendly banter levelled up this story in the best way. I can’t wait to read more from this world!
4.5 stars
June 13, 2026
ARC READ:
Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Have you ever read a book and wished there was more groveling? Because I have. Thankfully, this book delivered.
This was my first time reading a book by A.R. Rose, and she did not disappoint. There was humor, denial, frustration, and groveling. Honestly, what more could I ask for? 😂
We follow Raina, who discovers she got married over a year ago and has absolutely no memory of it ....until her husband suddenly shows up. As if that wasn’t enough to deal with, getting a divorce turns out to be far more complicated than she expected. There are stipulations on top of stipulations, and all she wants is the best divorce attorney she can find.
Enter Luciano.
The problem? He’s her longtime crush, her best friend’s older brother, and seemingly has no interest in her whatsoever.
Luciano agrees to take her case and ends up pretending to be her fake fiancé to help her get the divorce. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. Because this man spends a significant amount of time refusing to acknowledge what is painfully obvious to everyone else.
The amount of denial Luciano served throughout this book should honestly be studied.
I could go into detail about all the ways he messed up and how much groveling was eventually required, but I won’t ruin that journey for you. Just know that I spent a good portion of this book waiting for the moment he finally realized he was in love.
And because no romance is complete without a little chaos, there is a misunderstanding that threatens to ruin everything.
Overall, I was completely invested in Raina and Luciano’s story. The humor, the tension, the fake fiancé antics, and yes..the groveling...kept me turning the pages.
I’ll definitely be reading more books by A.R. Rose in the future. 📚💕
Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Have you ever read a book and wished there was more groveling? Because I have. Thankfully, this book delivered.
This was my first time reading a book by A.R. Rose, and she did not disappoint. There was humor, denial, frustration, and groveling. Honestly, what more could I ask for? 😂
We follow Raina, who discovers she got married over a year ago and has absolutely no memory of it ....until her husband suddenly shows up. As if that wasn’t enough to deal with, getting a divorce turns out to be far more complicated than she expected. There are stipulations on top of stipulations, and all she wants is the best divorce attorney she can find.
Enter Luciano.
The problem? He’s her longtime crush, her best friend’s older brother, and seemingly has no interest in her whatsoever.
Luciano agrees to take her case and ends up pretending to be her fake fiancé to help her get the divorce. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. Because this man spends a significant amount of time refusing to acknowledge what is painfully obvious to everyone else.
The amount of denial Luciano served throughout this book should honestly be studied.
I could go into detail about all the ways he messed up and how much groveling was eventually required, but I won’t ruin that journey for you. Just know that I spent a good portion of this book waiting for the moment he finally realized he was in love.
And because no romance is complete without a little chaos, there is a misunderstanding that threatens to ruin everything.
Overall, I was completely invested in Raina and Luciano’s story. The humor, the tension, the fake fiancé antics, and yes..the groveling...kept me turning the pages.
I’ll definitely be reading more books by A.R. Rose in the future. 📚💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2026
I love me a billionaire book and this book didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t put it down once I picked it up.
Tropes:
Best Friend's Brother
Attorney x Client
Fake Engagement
Grumpy x Sunshine
Billionaire
Small Age Gap (5 years)
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Best Friend's Brother
Attorney x Client
Fake Engagement
Grumpy x Sunshine
Billionaire
Small Age Gap (5 years)
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 7, 2026
Wow! What a book! I was absolutely enthralled with Raina and Luciano’s story. I love the best friend’s brother trope and this one was on top form and I loved how his sister (her best friend) knew that she had feelings for him and never once got in the way of those feelings if anything she was supportive.
After a drunk night out in Paris Raina escapes from her one night stand and heads home to Manhattan until a year later he shows up announcing they are married and she has obligations to uphold. She throws in she’s engaged (when she is not) from there this book will have you in a choke hold when her new divorce lawyer aka her best friends brother decides to play the fake fiancé role.
The chemistry between these two is indescribable and when Luciano realises he can’t hold back his feelings any longer they decide not to!
I loved them, I disliked Javier and his twisted mind games and I loved these group of friends. I will 100% be reading Vinnie and Sly’s book and cannot wait for the rest of the series.
Thank you so much to A.R and her team for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
After a drunk night out in Paris Raina escapes from her one night stand and heads home to Manhattan until a year later he shows up announcing they are married and she has obligations to uphold. She throws in she’s engaged (when she is not) from there this book will have you in a choke hold when her new divorce lawyer aka her best friends brother decides to play the fake fiancé role.
The chemistry between these two is indescribable and when Luciano realises he can’t hold back his feelings any longer they decide not to!
I loved them, I disliked Javier and his twisted mind games and I loved these group of friends. I will 100% be reading Vinnie and Sly’s book and cannot wait for the rest of the series.
Thank you so much to A.R and her team for this eARC in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
⚖️💍❤️ The Divorce Lawyer Who Never Wanted To Let Her Go ❤️💍⚖️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️½
I am officially obsessed.
When the Ink Is Dry delivered everything I wanted in a romance and then some. Best friend's brother? Check. Fake engagement? Check. Billionaire hero? Check. Grumpy sunshine? Check. Add in years of buried feelings, incredible tension, high-society Manhattan drama, and one of my favorite book boyfriends of the year, and I was completely hooked from beginning to end.
Raina's life takes an unexpected turn when a one-night stand from a work trip to Paris shows up over a year later to inform her that they're legally married. Desperate to get herself out of the mess she's accidentally created, she seeks out the best divorce attorney in Manhattan.
The problem?
That attorney happens to be Luciano Paladino.
Her best friend's older brother.
The man she's been crushing on for years.
The man who has spent years pretending he doesn't feel the same way.
Luciano Paladino completely stole my heart.
This man has officially earned a spot on my Top Tier Book Boyfriend Shelf.
Beneath the grumpy exterior, expensive suits, and intimidating reputation is a man who has been quietly carrying feelings for Raina for years. Watching him finally stop fighting those feelings and step into the role of fake fiancé was everything I wanted and more.
The chemistry between Luciano and Raina was absolutely electric. Every conversation, every stolen glance, every moment of tension had me completely invested. Their banter was sharp, their attraction was undeniable, and the years of unresolved feelings only made everything more intense.
One of my favorite things about this book was how well balanced it was. It gave me laugh-out-loud moments, emotional moments, family dynamics, tension, angst, and just enough drama to keep me completely glued to the pages.
Raina was such a fantastic heroine. She was strong, independent, headstrong, and completely unwilling to let anyone tell her what to do. I loved that she challenged Luciano just as much as he challenged her.
And Luciano?
The man stalked her Pinterest board to learn her favorite things.
I mean...
How was I supposed to recover from that?
The fake engagement storyline was perfection. Watching these two navigate their growing feelings while pretending to be engaged created some of my favorite moments in the entire book. The tension was off the charts, the chemistry was undeniable, and every step forward felt earned.
I also loved the glamorous Manhattan setting. The high-society atmosphere, luxury lifestyle, and Gossip Girl for Adults vibe added another layer of fun to the story and made the world feel incredibly immersive.
There is plenty of tension, emotional growth, and just enough drama to keep you completely invested in Luciano and Raina's journey. Watching both characters confront years of buried feelings and learn to let their guards down made their relationship feel authentic and deeply satisfying. Every obstacle they faced only made me root harder for them, and the emotional payoff was absolutely worth the journey.
When the Ink Is Dry was addictive, emotional, swoony, and impossible to put down. I found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading and staying up far too late for "just one more chapter."
If you love best friend's brother romances, fake engagements, billionaire heroes, grumpy sunshine dynamics, and possessive book boyfriends who secretly have the biggest hearts, this book absolutely belongs on your TBR.
Thank you to A.R. Rose and Luna Literary for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 💜📚
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️½
I am officially obsessed.
When the Ink Is Dry delivered everything I wanted in a romance and then some. Best friend's brother? Check. Fake engagement? Check. Billionaire hero? Check. Grumpy sunshine? Check. Add in years of buried feelings, incredible tension, high-society Manhattan drama, and one of my favorite book boyfriends of the year, and I was completely hooked from beginning to end.
Raina's life takes an unexpected turn when a one-night stand from a work trip to Paris shows up over a year later to inform her that they're legally married. Desperate to get herself out of the mess she's accidentally created, she seeks out the best divorce attorney in Manhattan.
The problem?
That attorney happens to be Luciano Paladino.
Her best friend's older brother.
The man she's been crushing on for years.
The man who has spent years pretending he doesn't feel the same way.
Luciano Paladino completely stole my heart.
This man has officially earned a spot on my Top Tier Book Boyfriend Shelf.
Beneath the grumpy exterior, expensive suits, and intimidating reputation is a man who has been quietly carrying feelings for Raina for years. Watching him finally stop fighting those feelings and step into the role of fake fiancé was everything I wanted and more.
The chemistry between Luciano and Raina was absolutely electric. Every conversation, every stolen glance, every moment of tension had me completely invested. Their banter was sharp, their attraction was undeniable, and the years of unresolved feelings only made everything more intense.
One of my favorite things about this book was how well balanced it was. It gave me laugh-out-loud moments, emotional moments, family dynamics, tension, angst, and just enough drama to keep me completely glued to the pages.
Raina was such a fantastic heroine. She was strong, independent, headstrong, and completely unwilling to let anyone tell her what to do. I loved that she challenged Luciano just as much as he challenged her.
And Luciano?
The man stalked her Pinterest board to learn her favorite things.
I mean...
How was I supposed to recover from that?
The fake engagement storyline was perfection. Watching these two navigate their growing feelings while pretending to be engaged created some of my favorite moments in the entire book. The tension was off the charts, the chemistry was undeniable, and every step forward felt earned.
I also loved the glamorous Manhattan setting. The high-society atmosphere, luxury lifestyle, and Gossip Girl for Adults vibe added another layer of fun to the story and made the world feel incredibly immersive.
There is plenty of tension, emotional growth, and just enough drama to keep you completely invested in Luciano and Raina's journey. Watching both characters confront years of buried feelings and learn to let their guards down made their relationship feel authentic and deeply satisfying. Every obstacle they faced only made me root harder for them, and the emotional payoff was absolutely worth the journey.
When the Ink Is Dry was addictive, emotional, swoony, and impossible to put down. I found myself thinking about it when I wasn't reading and staying up far too late for "just one more chapter."
If you love best friend's brother romances, fake engagements, billionaire heroes, grumpy sunshine dynamics, and possessive book boyfriends who secretly have the biggest hearts, this book absolutely belongs on your TBR.
Thank you to A.R. Rose and Luna Literary for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 💜📚
June 23, 2026
╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
I had such a fun time with this! Between the fake engagement, best friend's brother romance, years of unresolved feelings, and all the banter and tension, this was an addictive read that kept me turning the pages.
Raina's work trip to Paris takes a very unexpected turn when one drunken night ends with a marriage she doesn't even remember happening. Over a year later, her unexpected husband appears, marriage license in hand, expecting her to return to Spain as his wife. In a panic, she blurts out that she's engaged....even though she's very much single. She doesn't know what to do and is desperate for a divorce. She seeks help from Manhattan's top divorce attorney, Luciano Paladino, who just so happens to be her best friend's older brother... and the man she's been in loved for years. When circumstances force Luciano to become her fake fiancé, the line between pretending and reality becomes harder and harder to ignore.
I loved the characters so much! Raina was such a fun heroine to follow. She's confident, witty, independent, and never lets anyone push her around. I loved how she challenged Luciano at every turn, and their back-and-forth had me smiling throughout the book!
Luciano, on the other hand... tested my patience!! He's the definition of grumpy, protective, and emotionally repressed. His constant denial of his feelings was infuriating at times, but he more than made up for it with all his sweetness!
Honestly, their chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS!!! I love a good fake dating/fake engagement trope, and A.R Rose did it very well! All the tension-filled moments, and I loved watching years of buried feelings slowly come to the surface. Their romance was literally like a perfect slow burn with plenty of yearning, witty banter, and just the right amount of spice.
I also really enjoyed the friend group and family dynamics. All the side characters really added depth and a found family aspect to the story, which I really liked!
My biggest issue was the third act break-up... ugh, that push-and-pull between Raina and Luciano dragged on a little too long.
But overall, this was a fun, tension-filled romance with lovable characters and plenty of swoonworthy moments and with a HEA!! I can't wait to read Sully's book!
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥Best friend's brother
❥Fake engagement
❥Grumpy x sunshine vibes
❥Billionaire hero
❥Slow burn romance
❥Spicy
❥Years of unresolved tension
❥Protective/Possessive MMC
❥Touch her an die energy
❥Banter that actually makes you laugh
❥Excellent groveling
❥Plenty of angst
❥HEA
Thank you for the ARC, A.R. Rose!
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
"I’m only whole when you’re near me. Without you, I am a shell of a man, half of the person I know I can be because you turn me into that man worthy of you. I need you, just like I need air to breathe and food to survive. I can’t sustain a life without you, and I don’t want to."
I had such a fun time with this! Between the fake engagement, best friend's brother romance, years of unresolved feelings, and all the banter and tension, this was an addictive read that kept me turning the pages.
Raina's work trip to Paris takes a very unexpected turn when one drunken night ends with a marriage she doesn't even remember happening. Over a year later, her unexpected husband appears, marriage license in hand, expecting her to return to Spain as his wife. In a panic, she blurts out that she's engaged....even though she's very much single. She doesn't know what to do and is desperate for a divorce. She seeks help from Manhattan's top divorce attorney, Luciano Paladino, who just so happens to be her best friend's older brother... and the man she's been in loved for years. When circumstances force Luciano to become her fake fiancé, the line between pretending and reality becomes harder and harder to ignore.
I loved the characters so much! Raina was such a fun heroine to follow. She's confident, witty, independent, and never lets anyone push her around. I loved how she challenged Luciano at every turn, and their back-and-forth had me smiling throughout the book!
Luciano, on the other hand... tested my patience!! He's the definition of grumpy, protective, and emotionally repressed. His constant denial of his feelings was infuriating at times, but he more than made up for it with all his sweetness!
Honestly, their chemistry was OFF THE CHARTS!!! I love a good fake dating/fake engagement trope, and A.R Rose did it very well! All the tension-filled moments, and I loved watching years of buried feelings slowly come to the surface. Their romance was literally like a perfect slow burn with plenty of yearning, witty banter, and just the right amount of spice.
I also really enjoyed the friend group and family dynamics. All the side characters really added depth and a found family aspect to the story, which I really liked!
My biggest issue was the third act break-up... ugh, that push-and-pull between Raina and Luciano dragged on a little too long.
But overall, this was a fun, tension-filled romance with lovable characters and plenty of swoonworthy moments and with a HEA!! I can't wait to read Sully's book!
────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────
⊹ 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽 ⊹
❥Best friend's brother
❥Fake engagement
❥Grumpy x sunshine vibes
❥Billionaire hero
❥Slow burn romance
❥Spicy
❥Years of unresolved tension
❥Protective/Possessive MMC
❥Touch her an die energy
❥Banter that actually makes you laugh
❥Excellent groveling
❥Plenty of angst
❥HEA
Thank you for the ARC, A.R. Rose!
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been so interested in this book since AR Rose announced its reveal and it did not disappoint! I devoured this book — I mean was thinking about reading it when I wasn’t reading, found myself waking up wanting to finish it, and definitely stayed up way too late wanting to read just one more chapter! Her goal was to create a romance book that gave off Gossip Girl vibes, a man with obsessiveness deep rooted in him, and a head strong FMC who didn’t let any man tell her what to do, with all the top notch banter and spicy moments — mission accomplished!
Luciano was the ultimate man! I mean boys, take notes! One of the best divorce lawyers in the city, extremely sexy, and of course obsessed with his sister’s best friend who is way off limits. He may come across grumpy and broody, but deep down he has the biggest hearts. I mean stalks her Pinterest board to find all her favorite things, come on! Raina is the headstrong FMC who truly knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to get it. She even goes as far to announce her crush on Luciano, and it’s well known she’ll always say yes to him. She gets herself into a drunken “marriage” back some time ago, and it now comes to haunt her, when her husband shows up and demands she go back to his home. Only then will he grant her a divorce. But her come back — to say she’s already engaged and the only way she goes is for her now her fake fiancé to travel. Of course Lucanio rushes in to save the day, at the same time as his feelings being brought to the surface. These two together have the electric spark, that natural attraction that can be felt radiating off each page. Their chemistry is so fiery that it’ll make you melt! I loved seeing how Raina pushed the wall down in Luciano’s heart, and how he came to realize he had zero reason to deny his feelings for her because he’s really liked her for a long time.
This does have some added drama and intensity to it with this husband Raina ends up having. It definitely had my interest peaked and I loved the added flare of possessiveness it brought out in Luciano. It definitely had me kicking my feet!
There is also a third act break up, but! Hear me out — it was totally needed and truly just made me fall in love with the characters even more. It definitely had a lot of swoony moments and groveling that will make your heart ache with sweetness. And it definitely ends up with a HAE.
I seriously can’t wait for Sully’s book next! This series is going to be so good!
This was an ARC read from the author, and these are my honest opinions.
Luciano was the ultimate man! I mean boys, take notes! One of the best divorce lawyers in the city, extremely sexy, and of course obsessed with his sister’s best friend who is way off limits. He may come across grumpy and broody, but deep down he has the biggest hearts. I mean stalks her Pinterest board to find all her favorite things, come on! Raina is the headstrong FMC who truly knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to get it. She even goes as far to announce her crush on Luciano, and it’s well known she’ll always say yes to him. She gets herself into a drunken “marriage” back some time ago, and it now comes to haunt her, when her husband shows up and demands she go back to his home. Only then will he grant her a divorce. But her come back — to say she’s already engaged and the only way she goes is for her now her fake fiancé to travel. Of course Lucanio rushes in to save the day, at the same time as his feelings being brought to the surface. These two together have the electric spark, that natural attraction that can be felt radiating off each page. Their chemistry is so fiery that it’ll make you melt! I loved seeing how Raina pushed the wall down in Luciano’s heart, and how he came to realize he had zero reason to deny his feelings for her because he’s really liked her for a long time.
This does have some added drama and intensity to it with this husband Raina ends up having. It definitely had my interest peaked and I loved the added flare of possessiveness it brought out in Luciano. It definitely had me kicking my feet!
There is also a third act break up, but! Hear me out — it was totally needed and truly just made me fall in love with the characters even more. It definitely had a lot of swoony moments and groveling that will make your heart ache with sweetness. And it definitely ends up with a HAE.
I seriously can’t wait for Sully’s book next! This series is going to be so good!
This was an ARC read from the author, and these are my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a fun and addictive read. It had tension, chaos, humour, angst, spice 🌶️, and enough drama to keep me completely invested in Luciano and Raina’s messy whirlwind romance.
The accidental marriage 💍 is a huge part of the story and creates so many of the complications, tension, and emotional stakes between Luciano and Raina. I loved that, even through all the chaos, it ultimately brought them together. Watching their connection build from something messy and unexpected into something intense, emotional, and impossible to ignore was one of my favourite parts. They challenged each other constantly, but I also loved the softer moments 🥹 where you could see their walls starting to come down.
The chemistry between them was definitely one of the highlights. The dinner scene in Spain deserves its own mention because Luciano and Raina having their little bit of fun under the table was spicy, cheeky, and exactly the kind of bold moment 🔥 that made their dynamic so entertaining. Was a shame when they got interrupted. 😂
I really enjoyed the Manhattan setting, the glamorous fashion-world touches, and the billionaire romance chaos. Also, I wish I could casually spend $6 million on a choker 💎, because honestly? I am so jealous😅. And Luciano checking Raina’s Pinterest board 📌 was goals right there. It was such a small detail, but it showed how much he paid attention to her and made him feel even more swoony.
I also loved the little hint of mafia vibes 🖤 with Javier and his family. That thread added an extra layer of intrigue and danger. Would have loved it to be explored more but Javier’s rooftop bomb definitely made up for it and I realised that was not where the story was going.
Vinnie was another standout for me. She was the perfect sister and friend 🤍, and I loved how supportive she was of both Luciano and Raina. She brought so much warmth to the story, especially with the best friend’s brother complication in the background, and I liked that she wanted the best for them without feeling like she was only there to move their romance along.
Overall, this was a highly entertaining, spicy billionaire romance with great chemistry, fun drama, and characters I really enjoyed. I’m definitely interested in seeing where the When in Manhattan series goes next.
👯♀️ Best Friend’s Brother
💰 Billionaire
💍 Fake Engagement
🌙 One Night Stand
⚖️ Attorney/Client
☀️ Grumpy/Sunshine
This was such a fun and addictive read. It had tension, chaos, humour, angst, spice 🌶️, and enough drama to keep me completely invested in Luciano and Raina’s messy whirlwind romance.
The accidental marriage 💍 is a huge part of the story and creates so many of the complications, tension, and emotional stakes between Luciano and Raina. I loved that, even through all the chaos, it ultimately brought them together. Watching their connection build from something messy and unexpected into something intense, emotional, and impossible to ignore was one of my favourite parts. They challenged each other constantly, but I also loved the softer moments 🥹 where you could see their walls starting to come down.
The chemistry between them was definitely one of the highlights. The dinner scene in Spain deserves its own mention because Luciano and Raina having their little bit of fun under the table was spicy, cheeky, and exactly the kind of bold moment 🔥 that made their dynamic so entertaining. Was a shame when they got interrupted. 😂
I really enjoyed the Manhattan setting, the glamorous fashion-world touches, and the billionaire romance chaos. Also, I wish I could casually spend $6 million on a choker 💎, because honestly? I am so jealous😅. And Luciano checking Raina’s Pinterest board 📌 was goals right there. It was such a small detail, but it showed how much he paid attention to her and made him feel even more swoony.
I also loved the little hint of mafia vibes 🖤 with Javier and his family. That thread added an extra layer of intrigue and danger. Would have loved it to be explored more but Javier’s rooftop bomb definitely made up for it and I realised that was not where the story was going.
Vinnie was another standout for me. She was the perfect sister and friend 🤍, and I loved how supportive she was of both Luciano and Raina. She brought so much warmth to the story, especially with the best friend’s brother complication in the background, and I liked that she wanted the best for them without feeling like she was only there to move their romance along.
Overall, this was a highly entertaining, spicy billionaire romance with great chemistry, fun drama, and characters I really enjoyed. I’m definitely interested in seeing where the When in Manhattan series goes next.
👯♀️ Best Friend’s Brother
💰 Billionaire
💍 Fake Engagement
🌙 One Night Stand
⚖️ Attorney/Client
☀️ Grumpy/Sunshine
Review of advance copy received from Author
“It’s jarring, but for the first time in my life, I feel like I want to let my guard down…for her.”
I am officially obsessed. When the Ink Is Dry delivered everything I wanted and then some, packed with tension, angst, banter, and chemistry that practically burns off the page.
We’ve got a chaotic, delicious setup: a surprise marriage from a Paris ONS, a forced return demand, and a desperate fake engagement that spirals into something very real. Enter Luciano—NYC’s best divorce lawyer, billionaire, grump… and her best friend’s brother. The man who has always kept his distance, until he can’t anymore.
Raina is such a standout FMC, headstrong, honest, a little chaotic, and completely unapologetic. And Luciano? The ultimate grumpy, possessive, secretly-soft hero who has been down bad for her all along. Their dynamic is EVERYTHING: sunshine vs grump, slow-burn yearning on her side, and an absolute freight train of realization on his.
The fake fiancé trope hits so well here, layered with years of tension, forbidden feelings, and high-society drama that gives major Gossip Girl for adults vibes. The chemistry? Electric. The banter? Sharp and addictive. The angst? Perfectly painful in the best way.
And yes—there’s drama, there’s a third-act breakup, but it works. It deepens their growth and makes the payoff even sweeter. The grovel, the swoon, the HEA? 100% worth it.
Tropes you’ll love:
• Best Friend’s Brother
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Fake Engagement
• Attorney/Client
• Billionaire Romance
• Small Age Gap
• High Society NYC
I genuinely couldn’t put this down, thinking about it when I wasn’t reading, staying up way too late, and wanting to live in this world just a little longer. Luciano and Raina are messy, magnetic, and completely unforgettable.
If you love possessive book boyfriends, undeniable chemistry, and romances that balance spice, emotion, and drama, this one belongs on your TBR immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I already can’t wait for the next book in the series (Sully’s story!!)
I am officially obsessed. When the Ink Is Dry delivered everything I wanted and then some, packed with tension, angst, banter, and chemistry that practically burns off the page.
We’ve got a chaotic, delicious setup: a surprise marriage from a Paris ONS, a forced return demand, and a desperate fake engagement that spirals into something very real. Enter Luciano—NYC’s best divorce lawyer, billionaire, grump… and her best friend’s brother. The man who has always kept his distance, until he can’t anymore.
Raina is such a standout FMC, headstrong, honest, a little chaotic, and completely unapologetic. And Luciano? The ultimate grumpy, possessive, secretly-soft hero who has been down bad for her all along. Their dynamic is EVERYTHING: sunshine vs grump, slow-burn yearning on her side, and an absolute freight train of realization on his.
The fake fiancé trope hits so well here, layered with years of tension, forbidden feelings, and high-society drama that gives major Gossip Girl for adults vibes. The chemistry? Electric. The banter? Sharp and addictive. The angst? Perfectly painful in the best way.
And yes—there’s drama, there’s a third-act breakup, but it works. It deepens their growth and makes the payoff even sweeter. The grovel, the swoon, the HEA? 100% worth it.
Tropes you’ll love:
• Best Friend’s Brother
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Fake Engagement
• Attorney/Client
• Billionaire Romance
• Small Age Gap
• High Society NYC
I genuinely couldn’t put this down, thinking about it when I wasn’t reading, staying up way too late, and wanting to live in this world just a little longer. Luciano and Raina are messy, magnetic, and completely unforgettable.
If you love possessive book boyfriends, undeniable chemistry, and romances that balance spice, emotion, and drama, this one belongs on your TBR immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I already can’t wait for the next book in the series (Sully’s story!!)
July 6, 2026
A Grumpy Lawyer Had Me Hooked
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5)
Book Review: When the Ink Is Dry by A.R. Rose
If you love billionaire romances with banter, unresolved tension, forced proximity, and a grumpy hero who slowly unravels, When the Ink Is Dry is a fun, addictive read.
The story kicks off with an unforgettable premise: a drunken night in Paris leads to an accidental marriage that the heroine doesn’t even remember. Over a year later, her surprise husband resurfaces, forcing her to deal with the consequences—and that’s where Luciano Paladino, her best friend’s older brother and an incredibly attractive divorce attorney, enters the picture.
Luciano absolutely stole the show for me. He’s the perfect grumpy, protective hero whose actions speak louder than his words. The chemistry between him and the heroine is undeniable from the beginning, and their push-and-pull dynamic kept me turning pages. Their witty exchanges balanced the heavier emotional moments, making the romance feel both heartfelt and entertaining.
I also appreciated that the fake engagement and attorney/client tropes didn’t feel overdone. A.R. Rose blended them naturally into the story, creating plenty of tension, longing, and laugh-out-loud moments. The pacing was steady, and I found myself invested in both the romance and the mystery surrounding the unexpected marriage.
While there were a few moments that required suspending disbelief, and I wished some emotional conversations had gone a little deeper, neither issue took away from how enjoyable the story was overall.
This is a romance that’s equal parts funny, swoony, and dramatic, with enough spice to satisfy readers looking for a steamy contemporary romance without sacrificing emotional connection.
If you’re a fan of:
* Grumpy sunshine
* Best friend’s brother
* Billionaire romance
* Fake engagement
* Attorney/client tension
* Slow-burn chemistry with plenty of spice
…then When the Ink Is Dry deserves a spot on your TBR. I’m definitely interested in reading more from the When in Manhattan series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5)
Book Review: When the Ink Is Dry by A.R. Rose
If you love billionaire romances with banter, unresolved tension, forced proximity, and a grumpy hero who slowly unravels, When the Ink Is Dry is a fun, addictive read.
The story kicks off with an unforgettable premise: a drunken night in Paris leads to an accidental marriage that the heroine doesn’t even remember. Over a year later, her surprise husband resurfaces, forcing her to deal with the consequences—and that’s where Luciano Paladino, her best friend’s older brother and an incredibly attractive divorce attorney, enters the picture.
Luciano absolutely stole the show for me. He’s the perfect grumpy, protective hero whose actions speak louder than his words. The chemistry between him and the heroine is undeniable from the beginning, and their push-and-pull dynamic kept me turning pages. Their witty exchanges balanced the heavier emotional moments, making the romance feel both heartfelt and entertaining.
I also appreciated that the fake engagement and attorney/client tropes didn’t feel overdone. A.R. Rose blended them naturally into the story, creating plenty of tension, longing, and laugh-out-loud moments. The pacing was steady, and I found myself invested in both the romance and the mystery surrounding the unexpected marriage.
While there were a few moments that required suspending disbelief, and I wished some emotional conversations had gone a little deeper, neither issue took away from how enjoyable the story was overall.
This is a romance that’s equal parts funny, swoony, and dramatic, with enough spice to satisfy readers looking for a steamy contemporary romance without sacrificing emotional connection.
If you’re a fan of:
* Grumpy sunshine
* Best friend’s brother
* Billionaire romance
* Fake engagement
* Attorney/client tension
* Slow-burn chemistry with plenty of spice
…then When the Ink Is Dry deserves a spot on your TBR. I’m definitely interested in reading more from the When in Manhattan series.
June 30, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶
𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙠 𝙄𝙨 𝘿𝙧𝙮 by A.R. Rose
Thank you A.R Rose for this ARC🫶🏻
Tropes
💗 Best Friend’s Brother
💗 Grumpy/Sunshine
💗 Attorney/Client
💗 Fake Engagement
💗 Billionaire
💗 Small Age Gap (5 years)
💗 High Society New York
When in Manhattan Book 1
Raina’s work trip to Paris takes a wild turn when one drunken night ends in a marriage she doesn’t even remember 🍾🇫🇷 A year later, her unexpected husband shows up in New York with the marriage license, insisting she return to Spain as his wife. Panicking, she blurts out that she is engaged… even though she is very much single. Now she needs a divorce lawyer and a fake fiancé, and fast. Enter Luciano Paladino, Manhattan’s top divorce attorney, her best friend’s older brother, and the man she has secretly loved for years 😮💨🔥
Raina is such a fun heroine. She is confident, witty, independent, and refuses to let anyone push her around. Her banter with Luciano had me smiling the entire time. Luciano, on the other hand, is grumpy, protective, emotionally locked up, and absolutely determined to deny his feelings. But when he finally lets those walls crack, he is so sweet it hurts.
Their chemistry is off the charts. The fake engagement trope is done so well, and watching years of buried feelings rise to the surface was delicious. The tension, the yearning, the spice, the slow burn… perfection 🔥💋 Their romance feels like the ideal blend of fake dating and long‑held longing.
I also loved the friend group and family dynamics. The side characters add so much warmth and humor, and the found family vibe makes the story even better. Javier’s mind games made me want to scream, but Luciano and Raina’s crew had me obsessed. I will absolutely be reading Vinnie and Sly’s book next 💕
🎧 Narrated by Stephen Dexter and Kasi Hollowell, who made this story entertaining and so enjoyable. Their voices brought the tension, humor, and chemistry to life beautifully.
🌶🌶🌶
𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙠 𝙄𝙨 𝘿𝙧𝙮 by A.R. Rose
Thank you A.R Rose for this ARC🫶🏻
Tropes
💗 Best Friend’s Brother
💗 Grumpy/Sunshine
💗 Attorney/Client
💗 Fake Engagement
💗 Billionaire
💗 Small Age Gap (5 years)
💗 High Society New York
When in Manhattan Book 1
Raina’s work trip to Paris takes a wild turn when one drunken night ends in a marriage she doesn’t even remember 🍾🇫🇷 A year later, her unexpected husband shows up in New York with the marriage license, insisting she return to Spain as his wife. Panicking, she blurts out that she is engaged… even though she is very much single. Now she needs a divorce lawyer and a fake fiancé, and fast. Enter Luciano Paladino, Manhattan’s top divorce attorney, her best friend’s older brother, and the man she has secretly loved for years 😮💨🔥
Raina is such a fun heroine. She is confident, witty, independent, and refuses to let anyone push her around. Her banter with Luciano had me smiling the entire time. Luciano, on the other hand, is grumpy, protective, emotionally locked up, and absolutely determined to deny his feelings. But when he finally lets those walls crack, he is so sweet it hurts.
Their chemistry is off the charts. The fake engagement trope is done so well, and watching years of buried feelings rise to the surface was delicious. The tension, the yearning, the spice, the slow burn… perfection 🔥💋 Their romance feels like the ideal blend of fake dating and long‑held longing.
I also loved the friend group and family dynamics. The side characters add so much warmth and humor, and the found family vibe makes the story even better. Javier’s mind games made me want to scream, but Luciano and Raina’s crew had me obsessed. I will absolutely be reading Vinnie and Sly’s book next 💕
🎧 Narrated by Stephen Dexter and Kasi Hollowell, who made this story entertaining and so enjoyable. Their voices brought the tension, humor, and chemistry to life beautifully.
July 17, 2026
I stayed up until 2 am to finish this.
Because I expected this to be way fucking better.
Let's begin. With bullet points. Because again, it's 2 am.
1. Raina (mmkay with the name) is in love with Luciano (again with the names), who is her best friend Vinnie's brother (Vinnie is a girl. Took me awhile to figure that out).
2. Raina has some one night stand with a Baron from Spain. Can't remember his name, so I'll be calling him Baron from now on. She blacked out and remembers absolutely nothing. Yay for alcohol.
3. One year later, Baron arrives on her doorstep to inform her that they got married in France the night of their sexual endeavors. She takes his word for it like the dumbaas she is.
4. She obviously goes to Luciano, who is apparently the best divorce attorney money can buy.
5. Oh yeah, everyone is rich just FYI.
6. Luciano agrees to represent her but also secretly want to screw her 24/7.
7. So he does. By agreeing ti be her fake fiancé that she intentionally told Baron she had to get Baron off her back.
8. Baron is not an idiot.
9. THEY FUCKING FLY TO SPAIN BECAUSE BARON INSISTS.
10. Because Baron has a dead dad and now that he's gone, Baron is next in line to be Baron, but he has to have a wife because tradition and shit.
11. Luciano and Raina have sex in a church bathroom during Baron's dad's funeral and then ditch it to fly home and have more sex.
12. Baron finds them and then says some shit like oh, the marriage certificate was fake you idiot. I just wanted you. Then he leaves, knowing he pissed them both off.
13. Luciano thinks both Raina and Baron played him and Raina tricked him into falling in love with her. Because he, too, is a dumbass.
14. What the fuck.
15. Takes his sweet time "forgiving" her? Then proposes.
16. HEA.
17. The only saving grace in this book is the group of friends Luciano has, because they are fucking hilarious.
18. Seems like this could have had more plot twists and less idiots.
Because I expected this to be way fucking better.
Let's begin. With bullet points. Because again, it's 2 am.
1. Raina (mmkay with the name) is in love with Luciano (again with the names), who is her best friend Vinnie's brother (Vinnie is a girl. Took me awhile to figure that out).
2. Raina has some one night stand with a Baron from Spain. Can't remember his name, so I'll be calling him Baron from now on. She blacked out and remembers absolutely nothing. Yay for alcohol.
3. One year later, Baron arrives on her doorstep to inform her that they got married in France the night of their sexual endeavors. She takes his word for it like the dumbaas she is.
4. She obviously goes to Luciano, who is apparently the best divorce attorney money can buy.
5. Oh yeah, everyone is rich just FYI.
6. Luciano agrees to represent her but also secretly want to screw her 24/7.
7. So he does. By agreeing ti be her fake fiancé that she intentionally told Baron she had to get Baron off her back.
8. Baron is not an idiot.
9. THEY FUCKING FLY TO SPAIN BECAUSE BARON INSISTS.
10. Because Baron has a dead dad and now that he's gone, Baron is next in line to be Baron, but he has to have a wife because tradition and shit.
11. Luciano and Raina have sex in a church bathroom during Baron's dad's funeral and then ditch it to fly home and have more sex.
12. Baron finds them and then says some shit like oh, the marriage certificate was fake you idiot. I just wanted you. Then he leaves, knowing he pissed them both off.
13. Luciano thinks both Raina and Baron played him and Raina tricked him into falling in love with her. Because he, too, is a dumbass.
14. What the fuck.
15. Takes his sweet time "forgiving" her? Then proposes.
16. HEA.
17. The only saving grace in this book is the group of friends Luciano has, because they are fucking hilarious.
18. Seems like this could have had more plot twists and less idiots.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2026
💕"I was just trying to be friendly."
👔"We're not friends."
💕"Wow, my bad for thinking we could be."
👔"We can't be friends, Raina. It's impossible."
💕"Why?"
👔"Because the things I want to do to you are not in the least bit friendly."
3,25⭐ 2.5🌶️
Here's what I loved about this book:
+ best friends brother will absolutely get me every time that forbidden tension is EVERYTHING and A. R. Rose nailed it... the stolen glances... the will they/won't they tension.... his inner monologues about wanting her so bad *chef's kiss*
+ the friend group is LOL funny - I greatly enjoyed their text messages and am anxious for more!
+ the writing style made this sooooooooooooo easy to binge!!! It flows so well and completely pulls you in
+Raina and Luciano’s chemistry is MAGNETIC. Like omfg explosive 🥵🥵🥵 and when they finally give in????? SUCH a good payoff
Where I personally struggled a bit:
The storyline involving Javier didn’t fully work for me especially once the climax at the end happened. I just didn't understand why he needed her in his life. I did understad the purpose it served in bringing the storyline along and bring emotions/conversations to the surface but I personally wish it had been handled a little differently. the climax had me shaking my fist at Luciano!
Overall I DID enjoy this book!
And every time the title connection came up in the story??? GOOSEBUMPS 😭 I loved that detail so much
I’ll definitely be continuing the series because I’m already invested in this friend group and need more!
💕You will enjoy this if you are into:
+ best friend's brother
+ fake dating
+ forced proximity
+ billionaire lawyer
+ LOL funny text messages
+ one bed!!!!
👔"We're not friends."
💕"Wow, my bad for thinking we could be."
👔"We can't be friends, Raina. It's impossible."
💕"Why?"
👔"Because the things I want to do to you are not in the least bit friendly."
3,25⭐ 2.5🌶️
Here's what I loved about this book:
+ best friends brother will absolutely get me every time that forbidden tension is EVERYTHING and A. R. Rose nailed it... the stolen glances... the will they/won't they tension.... his inner monologues about wanting her so bad *chef's kiss*
+ the friend group is LOL funny - I greatly enjoyed their text messages and am anxious for more!
+ the writing style made this sooooooooooooo easy to binge!!! It flows so well and completely pulls you in
+Raina and Luciano’s chemistry is MAGNETIC. Like omfg explosive 🥵🥵🥵 and when they finally give in????? SUCH a good payoff
Where I personally struggled a bit:
The storyline involving Javier didn’t fully work for me especially once the climax at the end happened. I just didn't understand why he needed her in his life. I did understad the purpose it served in bringing the storyline along and bring emotions/conversations to the surface but I personally wish it had been handled a little differently. the climax had me shaking my fist at Luciano!
Overall I DID enjoy this book!
And every time the title connection came up in the story??? GOOSEBUMPS 😭 I loved that detail so much
I’ll definitely be continuing the series because I’m already invested in this friend group and need more!
💕You will enjoy this if you are into:
+ best friend's brother
+ fake dating
+ forced proximity
+ billionaire lawyer
+ LOL funny text messages
+ one bed!!!!
July 6, 2026
My Third A.R. Rose Book and I’m Hooked
Thank you to the author for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book I've read by A.R. Rose, and I can confidently say I'm becoming a huge fan of her writing style. There's something about the way she tells a story that just feels effortless—it's engaging, easy to sink into, and keeps me turning the pages without even realising how much I've read.
Honestly, if life hadn't interrupted me, I would have devoured When the Ink Is Dry in a single sitting.
Luc and Raina completely won me over. Their relationship felt natural, their chemistry was undeniable, and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. I also adored the friendships throughout the book. They added so much heart to the story, and every interaction felt genuine. Even Enzo had such a cool, effortless vibe that I couldn't help but love every scene he was in.
One of my favourite things about this book was how much it made me smile. The humour landed perfectly, the banter was fun, and the balance between the lighter moments and the emotional ones made the story feel so authentic. It was the kind of book that wrapped me up in its world and made it so easy to forget everything else for a while.
This was such a comforting read—one of those books that doesn't need unnecessary drama to keep you invested because the characters do all the work.
If you're looking for a romance filled with heart, humour, wonderful friendships, and characters you'll genuinely care about, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
A.R. Rose has quickly become an author whose books I'll happily keep reaching for, and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Thank you to the author for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book I've read by A.R. Rose, and I can confidently say I'm becoming a huge fan of her writing style. There's something about the way she tells a story that just feels effortless—it's engaging, easy to sink into, and keeps me turning the pages without even realising how much I've read.
Honestly, if life hadn't interrupted me, I would have devoured When the Ink Is Dry in a single sitting.
Luc and Raina completely won me over. Their relationship felt natural, their chemistry was undeniable, and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. I also adored the friendships throughout the book. They added so much heart to the story, and every interaction felt genuine. Even Enzo had such a cool, effortless vibe that I couldn't help but love every scene he was in.
One of my favourite things about this book was how much it made me smile. The humour landed perfectly, the banter was fun, and the balance between the lighter moments and the emotional ones made the story feel so authentic. It was the kind of book that wrapped me up in its world and made it so easy to forget everything else for a while.
This was such a comforting read—one of those books that doesn't need unnecessary drama to keep you invested because the characters do all the work.
If you're looking for a romance filled with heart, humour, wonderful friendships, and characters you'll genuinely care about, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
A.R. Rose has quickly become an author whose books I'll happily keep reaching for, and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It is so great to be back with the New York crew!
Raina didn't know a one-night stand in Paris a year ago would lead to him coming back now, claiming they're married. So who does she turn to but the best divorce lawyer in town, who's also her best friend's brother, Luciano, someone she's had a crush on for the last decade. He doesn't think it's a good idea to take her on as a client, but does anyway. He even goes along with her idea of a fake fiancé that she lied about to get out of going to Spain. Having only one bed makes Luciano confront feelings he was ignoring, and fake turns real. But what happens when the "husband" comes forward and claims it was all fake and Raina knew all along, how is Luciano supposed to respond?
Raina and Luciano get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
Until starting this book, I hadn't realized how much I had missed this group of friends! We had met them in the "With A Kiss" duet, and to see them all together again was so much fun! I do love that Raina still had her crush but was also living her life and having fun. I am surprised that she had lasted as long as she did at her job without being moved up from a lowly position, and it was great that she found somewhere that appreciated her hard work and respected normal working hours. I do hope that all the guys and Cecilia get their happy endings when the series is over, because this is such a fun group.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Raina didn't know a one-night stand in Paris a year ago would lead to him coming back now, claiming they're married. So who does she turn to but the best divorce lawyer in town, who's also her best friend's brother, Luciano, someone she's had a crush on for the last decade. He doesn't think it's a good idea to take her on as a client, but does anyway. He even goes along with her idea of a fake fiancé that she lied about to get out of going to Spain. Having only one bed makes Luciano confront feelings he was ignoring, and fake turns real. But what happens when the "husband" comes forward and claims it was all fake and Raina knew all along, how is Luciano supposed to respond?
Raina and Luciano get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
Until starting this book, I hadn't realized how much I had missed this group of friends! We had met them in the "With A Kiss" duet, and to see them all together again was so much fun! I do love that Raina still had her crush but was also living her life and having fun. I am surprised that she had lasted as long as she did at her job without being moved up from a lowly position, and it was great that she found somewhere that appreciated her hard work and respected normal working hours. I do hope that all the guys and Cecilia get their happy endings when the series is over, because this is such a fun group.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I swear A.R. Rose could put grocery lists in front of me and I’d happily read every single word because this author just never misses for me. 😍
When the Ink Is Dry had me completely hooked from the first chapter and I devoured it way too fast. The tension, the angst, the humor, the spice, the chaos of that accidental marriage, I ate it all up. It seriously felt like Gossip Girl with grown up problems and I was living for every second.
But the real stars of this book were Riana and Luciano. I absolutely adored them. Luciano being the super grumpy, older brother, morally conflicted divorce attorney had me swooning so hard. The way he fought his feelings while trying to stay professional was delicious. And Riana was such a fun heroine. I loved her humor, her determination, and the chemistry between these two was absolutely off the charts.
The banter was perfection, the slow burn and tension had me kicking my feet, and once things finally started happening between them I was gone. Completely gone. I could not put this book down.
There were moments that had me laughing, moments that made my heart ache, and plenty of moments where I was grinning like an idiot. I loved every bit of the journey and didn’t want it to end.
Honestly, I will read absolutely anything A.R. Rose puts in front of me because this author owns a permanent spot on my auto-buy list. Riana and Luciano have my whole heart and When the Ink Is Dry was everything I wanted and more.
Five stars without hesitation. I already need my next A.R. Rose fix. ❤️✨
I swear A.R. Rose could put grocery lists in front of me and I’d happily read every single word because this author just never misses for me. 😍
When the Ink Is Dry had me completely hooked from the first chapter and I devoured it way too fast. The tension, the angst, the humor, the spice, the chaos of that accidental marriage, I ate it all up. It seriously felt like Gossip Girl with grown up problems and I was living for every second.
But the real stars of this book were Riana and Luciano. I absolutely adored them. Luciano being the super grumpy, older brother, morally conflicted divorce attorney had me swooning so hard. The way he fought his feelings while trying to stay professional was delicious. And Riana was such a fun heroine. I loved her humor, her determination, and the chemistry between these two was absolutely off the charts.
The banter was perfection, the slow burn and tension had me kicking my feet, and once things finally started happening between them I was gone. Completely gone. I could not put this book down.
There were moments that had me laughing, moments that made my heart ache, and plenty of moments where I was grinning like an idiot. I loved every bit of the journey and didn’t want it to end.
Honestly, I will read absolutely anything A.R. Rose puts in front of me because this author owns a permanent spot on my auto-buy list. Riana and Luciano have my whole heart and When the Ink Is Dry was everything I wanted and more.
Five stars without hesitation. I already need my next A.R. Rose fix. ❤️✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
“You’ve always been my choice, Luciano. I’ve just never been yours.”
I absolutely loved the twist on the fake relationship trope in When The Ink Is Dry. Raina and Luciano had me hooked from the very first page with their deliciously tense dynamic—two people who have a bit of a enemies to lovers vibe while secretly carrying years of unspoken longing. And once that fake relationship kicked in? I was done for. This story is wildly addictive, full of heartbreaking emotion, simmering tension, and the kind of character growth that hits you right in the chest.
The snarky banter and chemistry between Raina and Luciano were off the charts, but what really made their connection shine was how deeply they saw each other. All those tiny observations they’d tucked away over the years—things they never said out loud but always noticed—made their relationship feel intimate long before either of them admitted it. I LOVED that layer of quiet devotion.
And Raina? She’s everything. Strong, self aware, and fiercely protective of her worth. I adored how she refused to let a relationship define her, even when the feelings between them are so strong.
This was my first book by this author, and now I’m officially hooked. I need to dive into her backlist immediately while I impatiently wait for the next book in this series. If the rest of her stories are anything like this one—emotionally charged, character driven, and impossible to put down—I already know I’m in for a treat.
I absolutely loved the twist on the fake relationship trope in When The Ink Is Dry. Raina and Luciano had me hooked from the very first page with their deliciously tense dynamic—two people who have a bit of a enemies to lovers vibe while secretly carrying years of unspoken longing. And once that fake relationship kicked in? I was done for. This story is wildly addictive, full of heartbreaking emotion, simmering tension, and the kind of character growth that hits you right in the chest.
The snarky banter and chemistry between Raina and Luciano were off the charts, but what really made their connection shine was how deeply they saw each other. All those tiny observations they’d tucked away over the years—things they never said out loud but always noticed—made their relationship feel intimate long before either of them admitted it. I LOVED that layer of quiet devotion.
And Raina? She’s everything. Strong, self aware, and fiercely protective of her worth. I adored how she refused to let a relationship define her, even when the feelings between them are so strong.
This was my first book by this author, and now I’m officially hooked. I need to dive into her backlist immediately while I impatiently wait for the next book in this series. If the rest of her stories are anything like this one—emotionally charged, character driven, and impossible to put down—I already know I’m in for a treat.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5
Fake engagement? Best friend's older brother? Years of unresolved feelings? A drunken marriage in Paris that spirals into complete chaos? Say less. This was messy, dramatic, spicy, and ridiculously addictive. I definitely loved the first part of this...and liked it overall despite a very drawn out third drama.
Raina's work trip to Paris takes a very unexpected turn when one drunken night leaves her married to a man she barely remembers. Fast forward a year and her surprise husband shows up expecting her to honor the marriage. In a panic, she claims she's already engaged... except she's absolutely not. Desperate for a divorce, she turns to Manhattan's top divorce attorney, Luciano Paladino. The only problem? He's also her best friend's older brother... and the man she's secretly loved for years. Cue the fake engagement, endless tension, and all the delicious chaos that follows.
The chemistry between Raina and Luciano absolutely carried this book. Their banter was so much fun, the slow burn had me completely invested, and the years of buried feelings made every little moment between them feel loaded. Watching these two dance around what was so obviously there had me giggling one minute and wanting to shake Luciano the next. His grumpy, protective personality paired so well with Raina's confidence and wit, and once those walls finally started coming down, it was so delicious. This is my first AR book, but if her other books have this level of chemistry, I'm down to read more.
Raina was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. She's smart, independent, knows exactly who she is, and never lets anyone walk all over her. Luciano... well, he tested my patience more than once. He spends a good chunk of the book buried under his own insecurities, sending enough mixed signals to give anyone emotional whiplash. But when that man finally commits, he's all in. Until he's not LOL. But I have to give him credit, the grovel was genuinely sweet.
Beyond the romance, I loved the friend group and family dynamics. The text messages, the banter, the found family vibes, all of it added a lot of fun to the story. It made me just as excited to read everyone else's books as I was invested in Raina and Luciano.
My biggest struggle came in the final stretch. I absolutely loved the slow burn, but the third act conflict dragged a little longer than I wanted, and the resolution leaned more on grand romantic materialistic gestures than the honest conversations I felt these two really needed and that reflected the level of intimacy and chemistry AR had achieved. It just felt drawn out yet lacking all at once in the third act.
That said, I flew through this book. The writing is incredibly bingeable, the chemistry is magnetic, the tension is delicious, and the spice definitely delivers. Between the fake engagement, the years of longing, all the banter, and one very grumpy lawyer finally falling completely apart for the woman he's loved all along, this was a wildly entertaining romance that has me curious enough to continue the series and check out more of AR's work.
What to Expect
💗 Best Friend's Brother
💗 Fake Engagement
💗 Accidental Marriage
💗 Grumpy x Sunshine
💗 Slow Burn
💗 Years of Mutual Pining
💗 Forbidden Romance
💗 Attorney Hero
💗 Billionaire
💗 Found Family
💗 High Society New York
💗 Banter
Fake engagement? Best friend's older brother? Years of unresolved feelings? A drunken marriage in Paris that spirals into complete chaos? Say less. This was messy, dramatic, spicy, and ridiculously addictive. I definitely loved the first part of this...and liked it overall despite a very drawn out third drama.
Raina's work trip to Paris takes a very unexpected turn when one drunken night leaves her married to a man she barely remembers. Fast forward a year and her surprise husband shows up expecting her to honor the marriage. In a panic, she claims she's already engaged... except she's absolutely not. Desperate for a divorce, she turns to Manhattan's top divorce attorney, Luciano Paladino. The only problem? He's also her best friend's older brother... and the man she's secretly loved for years. Cue the fake engagement, endless tension, and all the delicious chaos that follows.
The chemistry between Raina and Luciano absolutely carried this book. Their banter was so much fun, the slow burn had me completely invested, and the years of buried feelings made every little moment between them feel loaded. Watching these two dance around what was so obviously there had me giggling one minute and wanting to shake Luciano the next. His grumpy, protective personality paired so well with Raina's confidence and wit, and once those walls finally started coming down, it was so delicious. This is my first AR book, but if her other books have this level of chemistry, I'm down to read more.
Raina was easily one of my favorite parts of the story. She's smart, independent, knows exactly who she is, and never lets anyone walk all over her. Luciano... well, he tested my patience more than once. He spends a good chunk of the book buried under his own insecurities, sending enough mixed signals to give anyone emotional whiplash. But when that man finally commits, he's all in. Until he's not LOL. But I have to give him credit, the grovel was genuinely sweet.
Beyond the romance, I loved the friend group and family dynamics. The text messages, the banter, the found family vibes, all of it added a lot of fun to the story. It made me just as excited to read everyone else's books as I was invested in Raina and Luciano.
My biggest struggle came in the final stretch. I absolutely loved the slow burn, but the third act conflict dragged a little longer than I wanted, and the resolution leaned more on grand romantic materialistic gestures than the honest conversations I felt these two really needed and that reflected the level of intimacy and chemistry AR had achieved. It just felt drawn out yet lacking all at once in the third act.
That said, I flew through this book. The writing is incredibly bingeable, the chemistry is magnetic, the tension is delicious, and the spice definitely delivers. Between the fake engagement, the years of longing, all the banter, and one very grumpy lawyer finally falling completely apart for the woman he's loved all along, this was a wildly entertaining romance that has me curious enough to continue the series and check out more of AR's work.
What to Expect
💗 Best Friend's Brother
💗 Fake Engagement
💗 Accidental Marriage
💗 Grumpy x Sunshine
💗 Slow Burn
💗 Years of Mutual Pining
💗 Forbidden Romance
💗 Attorney Hero
💗 Billionaire
💗 Found Family
💗 High Society New York
💗 Banter
Review of advance copy received from Author
Raina had a one-night fling in Paris with a man she didn't want to continue seeing.However, everything is rushing back to her when, a year later, the same man appears on her door and claims they are married and she must go with him to Spain to meet his family. She told him, shocked, that they had to get a divorce because she was already engaged. She goes to Luciano, her best friend brother and the best divorce lawyer, for help in this massive situation she finds herself in. Although he knew she had a long-standing crush on him, he decided to help her in dissolving her marriage after finding out she was already married.
Raina is a sassy, rich, caring, and kind girl who has had constant crush on Luciano for more than ten years. However, she managed to set it aside and carry on with her life.
Luciano is a grumpy, smart, determined, and attractive man who keeps his feelings for Raina hidden. Even he is unaware of how deep it is; he constantly claims that they cannot be together even in the absence of resistance from anybody other than his own thoughts.
The plot, events, and bantering are all well-written. They had a strong connection from the beginning.
There are a few turns that caught me off guard. I may say that at some points in the novel, I swooned and laughed.
The story is fast paced, simple to read, and it's a lovely billionaire romance.
The side characters made the narrative intriguing. Also the boys' phone group was amusing.
Cannot wait to read their stories.
Raina is a sassy, rich, caring, and kind girl who has had constant crush on Luciano for more than ten years. However, she managed to set it aside and carry on with her life.
Luciano is a grumpy, smart, determined, and attractive man who keeps his feelings for Raina hidden. Even he is unaware of how deep it is; he constantly claims that they cannot be together even in the absence of resistance from anybody other than his own thoughts.
The plot, events, and bantering are all well-written. They had a strong connection from the beginning.
There are a few turns that caught me off guard. I may say that at some points in the novel, I swooned and laughed.
The story is fast paced, simple to read, and it's a lovely billionaire romance.
The side characters made the narrative intriguing. Also the boys' phone group was amusing.
Cannot wait to read their stories.
June 18, 2026
I’m not sure how I have missed A.R Rose’s books but this is such a good story. This is kind of the spin off from the 3-part Romeo and Juilet retelling With a Kiss series. I think maybe it’s a good idea to read these first because I didn’t and I felt like it would have been a better experience if I had. In fact, I’m adding them to the never-ending TBR.
This was still a good time despite not really knowing the backstory of the characters. The story opens with Raina Lancaster on a date where she gets black out drunk and seems to have a good time. Fast forward about a year and the guy she had that one-night good time with turns up and drops a bomb they are married!
Lucky for her (or unlucky depending on how you look at it) her best friends older brother Luciano (delicious name) who she has been in love with f o r e v e r is a hot shot divorce attorney. She asks him to take her case, and he refuses at first because it’s a conflict of interest then he decides to take it and finds out she is travelling to Spain with her fake fiancé (who she is yet to find) to help her “husband” out. He steamrolls her into making him her fake fiancé and travels to Spain.
These two are so hot! Luciano is fighting his attraction to Raina so hard and then when he finally falls, he is all in! Until the twist that I won’t reveal cause I’m annoying like that but sigh it’s the dreaded communication trope! Ok I know there would be half the romance books without this trope but for God’s sake why are our characters always so useless at picking up the phone or listening!
This was still a good time despite not really knowing the backstory of the characters. The story opens with Raina Lancaster on a date where she gets black out drunk and seems to have a good time. Fast forward about a year and the guy she had that one-night good time with turns up and drops a bomb they are married!
Lucky for her (or unlucky depending on how you look at it) her best friends older brother Luciano (delicious name) who she has been in love with f o r e v e r is a hot shot divorce attorney. She asks him to take her case, and he refuses at first because it’s a conflict of interest then he decides to take it and finds out she is travelling to Spain with her fake fiancé (who she is yet to find) to help her “husband” out. He steamrolls her into making him her fake fiancé and travels to Spain.
These two are so hot! Luciano is fighting his attraction to Raina so hard and then when he finally falls, he is all in! Until the twist that I won’t reveal cause I’m annoying like that but sigh it’s the dreaded communication trope! Ok I know there would be half the romance books without this trope but for God’s sake why are our characters always so useless at picking up the phone or listening!
June 30, 2026
This book was so much fun. Raina and Luce have the best dynamic. Right from the start, you could tell there was tension between them, and the way they tried to fight it was adorable. Luce is such a grump, but in that “I’m being mean to keep you away” kind of way. I’m not even sure if it was to protect himself or to protect Raina because the minute she showed up with a problem, he was all over it… of course, after grumbling about it first. Raina is a force to be reckoned with. She’s also a little chaotic and manages to get herself into quite the predicament. I’m sure she wasn’t expecting to wind up getting married in Paris, only for that husband to track her down a year later demanding she fulfill her wifely duties. Of course, Luciano isn’t too thrilled with the idea of her being married, so when she asks for his help, he steps up. He really goes above and beyond for her, even if she is the annoying friend of his sister that he supposedly can’t stand… yeah right, who is he kidding? Some things just can’t be avoided, and honestly, their attraction to each other was undeniable, even if they couldn’t see it or didn’t want to admit it.
I love how AR Rose writes her characters. They’re so relatable and easy to love, and every book makes me more attached to this family. I will say Sully is still at the top of my favorites list. He’s so sarcastic and funny, and his sense of humor mirrors my own. I love every scene he’s in because he’s that one friend you can always count on to tell it like it is. I really hope we get his story because that’s definitely one I want to read.
I love how AR Rose writes her characters. They’re so relatable and easy to love, and every book makes me more attached to this family. I will say Sully is still at the top of my favorites list. He’s so sarcastic and funny, and his sense of humor mirrors my own. I love every scene he’s in because he’s that one friend you can always count on to tell it like it is. I really hope we get his story because that’s definitely one I want to read.
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