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Pretty Complicated
What would you do if a passing acquaintance left you their entire fortune, but with a pretty complicated caveat?
When Tara Mishra gambles on a mysterious offer, she doesn’t expect to collide with Brady Pierce: the man who wrecked her finances and her peace of mind. Brady’s mission is simple: protect Lionridge Hall from his aunt’s scheming nephew. But Tara’s arrival turns his world upside down.
The will is missing. The clock is ticking. And someone in the shadows wants them to fail. Between a meddling crew, a mischievous piglet, and a chemistry that could burn the house down, Tara and Brady must decide: trust each other or lose everything.
Pretty Complicated is a meet-cute, rags-to-riches romance featuring a lowkey morally grey heroine, and a hero forced to burn his rule book.
Sit back, relax, and watch the sparks fly...
When Tara Mishra gambles on a mysterious offer, she doesn’t expect to collide with Brady Pierce: the man who wrecked her finances and her peace of mind. Brady’s mission is simple: protect Lionridge Hall from his aunt’s scheming nephew. But Tara’s arrival turns his world upside down.
The will is missing. The clock is ticking. And someone in the shadows wants them to fail. Between a meddling crew, a mischievous piglet, and a chemistry that could burn the house down, Tara and Brady must decide: trust each other or lose everything.
Pretty Complicated is a meet-cute, rags-to-riches romance featuring a lowkey morally grey heroine, and a hero forced to burn his rule book.
Sit back, relax, and watch the sparks fly...
Paperback
Published March 3, 2026
About the author
Arini Vlotman
6 books65 followersArini is a romance fanatic, bookworm, book hoarder, and writer who believes that writers are superheroes and readers are her tribe. A people person and self-proclaimed word nerd, she finds comfort in almost any space. However, nothing compares to the joy of being at home with her husband, son, and fur babies.
Living in Johannesburg, South Africa, has gifted her a quirky worldview. In a place where laughter often involves poking fun at oneself, her sense of humour occasionally gets lost in translation. She hopes readers will be kind—she promises she’s funny!
One of her favourite hobbies is unapologetic fangirling (yes, it’s a thing!). Whether it’s musicians, books, movies, or obscure characters, Arini dives into her obsessions with the same gusto as Harry Potter charging into the Whomping Willow.
Connect with Arini on Instagram and TikTok (@arini_author) to share in her journey. Quirkiness, unite!
Living in Johannesburg, South Africa, has gifted her a quirky worldview. In a place where laughter often involves poking fun at oneself, her sense of humour occasionally gets lost in translation. She hopes readers will be kind—she promises she’s funny!
One of her favourite hobbies is unapologetic fangirling (yes, it’s a thing!). Whether it’s musicians, books, movies, or obscure characters, Arini dives into her obsessions with the same gusto as Harry Potter charging into the Whomping Willow.
Connect with Arini on Instagram and TikTok (@arini_author) to share in her journey. Quirkiness, unite!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 27, 2026
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Another fabulous book in the Femme Facade series by the Queen of opening paragraphs.
It took me a little while to warm up Tara but I loved Brady from the beginning.
Top tier banter and characters that just crawl into your heart without you evening knowing it 🐖 Ladoo is the cutest! iykyk
If Arini writes it, it's on my preorder list, anticipated release calendar and auto-buy every time!!
Another fabulous book in the Femme Facade series by the Queen of opening paragraphs.
It took me a little while to warm up Tara but I loved Brady from the beginning.
Top tier banter and characters that just crawl into your heart without you evening knowing it 🐖 Ladoo is the cutest! iykyk
If Arini writes it, it's on my preorder list, anticipated release calendar and auto-buy every time!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.0 stars
Funny,chaotic,quirky, cute, laden with Batman x Joker references and a touch of mystery/suspense concocts the mixture that is Pretty Complicated.
I really enjoyed reading about Tara & Brady ♥️ they were quite the chaotic duo that's for sure and once the sparks of love began to burn their sweetness started to show, trust that their romance made for a cute & messy (in a good way) read. It definitely reads easy!
I liked the added mystery/suspense angle that Vlotman explored. It kept things interesting. I must say I never liked Glinda 😂
The Batman x Joker references had me grinning so hard as a superhero girly. Hands down my favourite pet/nicknames ever done in a romance so far. Like this book could be marketed to me with just 1 line:
✨️ She's the Joker to his Batman ✨️ consider me SOLD.
That golf cart scene really cemented the relationship between the 2 MCs. A pivotal & playful moment indeed so I definitely see why it was one of the author's favourite scenes to write.
Throw in a cutesy cat and pig as the fmc's pets and this was delightful. Ladoo's name is just everything 😂
I enjoyed seeing the other characters from the Femme Facade series. I joked and told Arini that like how Ana Huang has the Ana-verse she can have the Arini-verse 😂💖
I look forward to reading her upcoming work.
If you enjoyed Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry I have a feeling you'll love this one! So check it out. Also how cool it is that I'm the first Goodreads review yay! I'll be the first Storygraph review too as I'm gonna pop this onto their database.
Overall, a great read that I recommend!
Releases: March 3rd 2026
Go support a South African author! She deserves it ♥️
• Thanks Arini for the e-arc. All opinions are my own honest takes •
Funny,chaotic,quirky, cute, laden with Batman x Joker references and a touch of mystery/suspense concocts the mixture that is Pretty Complicated.
I really enjoyed reading about Tara & Brady ♥️ they were quite the chaotic duo that's for sure and once the sparks of love began to burn their sweetness started to show, trust that their romance made for a cute & messy (in a good way) read. It definitely reads easy!
I liked the added mystery/suspense angle that Vlotman explored. It kept things interesting. I must say I never liked Glinda 😂
The Batman x Joker references had me grinning so hard as a superhero girly. Hands down my favourite pet/nicknames ever done in a romance so far. Like this book could be marketed to me with just 1 line:
✨️ She's the Joker to his Batman ✨️ consider me SOLD.
That golf cart scene really cemented the relationship between the 2 MCs. A pivotal & playful moment indeed so I definitely see why it was one of the author's favourite scenes to write.
Throw in a cutesy cat and pig as the fmc's pets and this was delightful. Ladoo's name is just everything 😂
I enjoyed seeing the other characters from the Femme Facade series. I joked and told Arini that like how Ana Huang has the Ana-verse she can have the Arini-verse 😂💖
I look forward to reading her upcoming work.
If you enjoyed Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry I have a feeling you'll love this one! So check it out. Also how cool it is that I'm the first Goodreads review yay! I'll be the first Storygraph review too as I'm gonna pop this onto their database.
Overall, a great read that I recommend!
Releases: March 3rd 2026
Go support a South African author! She deserves it ♥️
• Thanks Arini for the e-arc. All opinions are my own honest takes •
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book Review 💥💥💥💥💥
All hail the queen of opening lines — Arini Vlotman!
“The Universe was a heifer sitting on a throne, drinking gin while laughing at humanity.”
Honestly? Who else could open a book like that and make you immediately sit up straighter?
Pretty Complicated (Book Three in the Femme Façade series) is classic Arini : bold, layered, deliciously dramatic, and unapologetically clever.
And can we talk about the food? Arini’s books always make me hungry. The way she writes about what her characters eat, how they eat, the comfort and culture woven into every bite, it adds such richness and sophistication to the story. You don’t just read her books, you taste them.
The Batman references had me smiling every single time. And Ladoo? Oh my heart. That little pig completely stole the show. I adore animals with personality in books, and that name is perfection.
Seeing familiar faces from the series was such a treat. Esha. Zarna. My girls. I have the softest spot for powerful female friendships, and this delivered. There is something so satisfying about women standing strong together.
“Not only beautiful and powerful, but stronger than the men in her life gave her credit for.”
Yes. That line stayed with me.
No spoilers here — but that plot twist? So well done. It caught me in the best way.
“Buckle up, Batman, it’s going to be a ride to remember.”
And it absolutely was.
Entertaining. Dramatic. Layered. Funny. Emotional.
Arini Vlotman, you’ve done it again. I loved every moment, the highs, the chaos, the sisterhood, the surprises.
If you’re not reading this series yet… what are you even doing?
💛📚
#arinivlotman #prettycomplicated
All hail the queen of opening lines — Arini Vlotman!
“The Universe was a heifer sitting on a throne, drinking gin while laughing at humanity.”
Honestly? Who else could open a book like that and make you immediately sit up straighter?
Pretty Complicated (Book Three in the Femme Façade series) is classic Arini : bold, layered, deliciously dramatic, and unapologetically clever.
And can we talk about the food? Arini’s books always make me hungry. The way she writes about what her characters eat, how they eat, the comfort and culture woven into every bite, it adds such richness and sophistication to the story. You don’t just read her books, you taste them.
The Batman references had me smiling every single time. And Ladoo? Oh my heart. That little pig completely stole the show. I adore animals with personality in books, and that name is perfection.
Seeing familiar faces from the series was such a treat. Esha. Zarna. My girls. I have the softest spot for powerful female friendships, and this delivered. There is something so satisfying about women standing strong together.
“Not only beautiful and powerful, but stronger than the men in her life gave her credit for.”
Yes. That line stayed with me.
No spoilers here — but that plot twist? So well done. It caught me in the best way.
“Buckle up, Batman, it’s going to be a ride to remember.”
And it absolutely was.
Entertaining. Dramatic. Layered. Funny. Emotional.
Arini Vlotman, you’ve done it again. I loved every moment, the highs, the chaos, the sisterhood, the surprises.
If you’re not reading this series yet… what are you even doing?
💛📚
#arinivlotman #prettycomplicated
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a light read , an interesting plot regarding acquiring a will which in turn comes with a mansion and loads of money.
It is set in Johannesburg, and the jargon of South Africa can put a smile on your face . The mention of our native foods and snacks is an absolute treat like Easter eggs in this book .
There is no spice, it is a cutesy romance , with the charcaters still trying to figure themselves out (introspection) , until at the end they relaised they better together. Giving us a lovely slow burn.
It is not your typical boy meets girl , ... and boom in love . Our FMC , Tara is fiesty and a wonderfully strong lady . Whilst our MMC , Brady, is stubborn and a rule follower .
It was lovely to see these charcaters grow within the book . The is a sidekick , little piglet 😍. This story ties up so well , leaving one with a smile on their face .
It is set in Johannesburg, and the jargon of South Africa can put a smile on your face . The mention of our native foods and snacks is an absolute treat like Easter eggs in this book .
There is no spice, it is a cutesy romance , with the charcaters still trying to figure themselves out (introspection) , until at the end they relaised they better together. Giving us a lovely slow burn.
It is not your typical boy meets girl , ... and boom in love . Our FMC , Tara is fiesty and a wonderfully strong lady . Whilst our MMC , Brady, is stubborn and a rule follower .
It was lovely to see these charcaters grow within the book . The is a sidekick , little piglet 😍. This story ties up so well , leaving one with a smile on their face .
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A brilliant, hilarious book 👏 THIS is what we're looking for as readers! I loved the banter in this book, the quirky Batman comments thrown in and the inner struggles of our characters was SO relatable! 🙏 there is a hidden depth to this book that my heart loved and my soul craved ❤️ the fact that the author also brought in characters from her previous books made it so special and unique too, I love how its interconnected!
"You deserve acceptance and unconditional love because there's someone out there, someone who'll help you be the very best version of yourself"
"You deserve acceptance and unconditional love because there's someone out there, someone who'll help you be the very best version of yourself"
February 22, 2026
I finished Pretty Complicated by Arini Vlotman and I have ONE thing to say:
The tension??? EXCUSE ME.
This book is pure chaotic romance energy and I loved every second of it. If you enjoy:
enemies-to-lovers but make it personal
forced proximity that makes you want to scream into a pillow
banter that is basically foreplay
stubborn FMC x equally stubborn MMC
slow burn with actual payoff tension
…you will eat this up the way I did.
Tara and Brady?? The chemistry is not cute. It’s not soft. It’s sharp. It’s sarcastic. It’s “I dare you to say that again” energy. Every conversation feels like a battle and a flirtation at the same time. You can literally feel the push and pull — the pride, the irritation, the underlying attraction they are absolutely NOT handling well.
And the humour?? So my vibe. Witty. Slightly chaotic. The kind where you’re giggling and then suddenly the tension spikes and you’re like oh?? OH??
I also loved that underneath all the sass and stubbornness, there’s emotional depth. It’s not just sparks for the sake of sparks you feel why the tension matters. And that just makes it hit harder.
It’s dramatic. It’s funny. It’s messy in the best way.
And I was fully invested.
Five stars. No notes. Would absolutely put myself through that tension again.
The tension??? EXCUSE ME.
This book is pure chaotic romance energy and I loved every second of it. If you enjoy:
enemies-to-lovers but make it personal
forced proximity that makes you want to scream into a pillow
banter that is basically foreplay
stubborn FMC x equally stubborn MMC
slow burn with actual payoff tension
…you will eat this up the way I did.
Tara and Brady?? The chemistry is not cute. It’s not soft. It’s sharp. It’s sarcastic. It’s “I dare you to say that again” energy. Every conversation feels like a battle and a flirtation at the same time. You can literally feel the push and pull — the pride, the irritation, the underlying attraction they are absolutely NOT handling well.
And the humour?? So my vibe. Witty. Slightly chaotic. The kind where you’re giggling and then suddenly the tension spikes and you’re like oh?? OH??
I also loved that underneath all the sass and stubbornness, there’s emotional depth. It’s not just sparks for the sake of sparks you feel why the tension matters. And that just makes it hit harder.
It’s dramatic. It’s funny. It’s messy in the best way.
And I was fully invested.
Five stars. No notes. Would absolutely put myself through that tension again.
Review of advance copy
Tropes: Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Suspense, Multicultural (Indian and Cape Malay-Afrikaans), Opposites, Found Family, Mental Health Issues
Arini Vlotman writes multicultural romances teeming with humor and zest set in South Africa. Pretty Complicated is the third book in her series, Femme Façade; the books relate to crossover characters but can be read as standalones. Tara Mishra is larger than life and enters the first scene in the story like a sarcastic whirlwind! She goes into stealth mode when she observes her dishonest landlord talking to a stranger (handsome but still a stranger). Trying to avoid both, she is almost hit by a car when
“said” stranger swoops in to rescue her. Brady Pierce is conducting business when he observes Tara’s near accident, he rushes to save her, and she goes from spewing amusing sarcasm to blatant hostility. What in the world is her problem? But the universe again puts them in the same orbit and coincidently, Tara and Brady have yet another encounter when they learn that Tara is named in his aunt’s will. Now they are stuck together as they unravel his aunt’s schemes from the great beyond. They start off as dire enemies but gradually develop warmer feelings. What will happen when Brady discovers that they are connected in more ways than one?
Conclusion:
This book was a fun read with many laugh-out-loud moments. The dialog was crisp and sparkling. Tara was brash and sometimes belligerent but with a core of sweetness and nurturing. Poignantly, Brady was still grappling with an early loss and trying to make a difference in the lives of others. They made a well matched pair. Ms. Vlotman provided an intriguing mystery to her story, and I was absolutely surprised when the villains (at least one) were manifested! Final word, great entertainment, rich love story and a neatly executed mystery. I have not read all the stories in this series, but I certainly plan on doing just that!
Favorite Lines:
And together they would ensure he’d get Project Next Class off the ground again.
Her Indian genes, along with years of turmeric pastes and coconut oil, kept her skin looking vibrant and smooth.
There’s nothing like a fuzzy, cuddly kitten to warm up my cold, blackened heart.”
You deserve acceptance and unconditional love because there’s someone out there, someone who’ll help you be the very best version of yourself.
He'd have to work to bring the light back into her eyes, and into his life.
The woman was crazy.
“Oh, babe, you do that every time you smile at me.”
As much as she hated to admit it, Tara wasn't suited to a life of leisure.
Elron Pierce, who slipped into his native tongue of Cape Malay-Afrikaans when he was angry or excited, frowned even when he smiled, and ate koeksisters like bread, didn’t know the first thing to say to his only child.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/pretty...
Arini Vlotman writes multicultural romances teeming with humor and zest set in South Africa. Pretty Complicated is the third book in her series, Femme Façade; the books relate to crossover characters but can be read as standalones. Tara Mishra is larger than life and enters the first scene in the story like a sarcastic whirlwind! She goes into stealth mode when she observes her dishonest landlord talking to a stranger (handsome but still a stranger). Trying to avoid both, she is almost hit by a car when
“said” stranger swoops in to rescue her. Brady Pierce is conducting business when he observes Tara’s near accident, he rushes to save her, and she goes from spewing amusing sarcasm to blatant hostility. What in the world is her problem? But the universe again puts them in the same orbit and coincidently, Tara and Brady have yet another encounter when they learn that Tara is named in his aunt’s will. Now they are stuck together as they unravel his aunt’s schemes from the great beyond. They start off as dire enemies but gradually develop warmer feelings. What will happen when Brady discovers that they are connected in more ways than one?
Conclusion:
This book was a fun read with many laugh-out-loud moments. The dialog was crisp and sparkling. Tara was brash and sometimes belligerent but with a core of sweetness and nurturing. Poignantly, Brady was still grappling with an early loss and trying to make a difference in the lives of others. They made a well matched pair. Ms. Vlotman provided an intriguing mystery to her story, and I was absolutely surprised when the villains (at least one) were manifested! Final word, great entertainment, rich love story and a neatly executed mystery. I have not read all the stories in this series, but I certainly plan on doing just that!
Favorite Lines:
And together they would ensure he’d get Project Next Class off the ground again.
Her Indian genes, along with years of turmeric pastes and coconut oil, kept her skin looking vibrant and smooth.
There’s nothing like a fuzzy, cuddly kitten to warm up my cold, blackened heart.”
You deserve acceptance and unconditional love because there’s someone out there, someone who’ll help you be the very best version of yourself.
He'd have to work to bring the light back into her eyes, and into his life.
The woman was crazy.
“Oh, babe, you do that every time you smile at me.”
As much as she hated to admit it, Tara wasn't suited to a life of leisure.
Elron Pierce, who slipped into his native tongue of Cape Malay-Afrikaans when he was angry or excited, frowned even when he smiled, and ate koeksisters like bread, didn’t know the first thing to say to his only child.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/pretty...
March 11, 2026
Pretty Complicated, the third book in the Femme Facade series, has arguably one of the best opening sentences in any book I've read in recent years.
I mean who wouldn't be reeled in by, “The Universe was a heifer sitting on a throne, drinking gin while laughing at humanity.” I certainly was. I was equally prepared to settle in and turn the pages of thislight, no spice romance quickly but, sadly, that didn't happen.
Instead what I got was the very annoying main female character, Tara Mishra, with an irksome main male character, Brady Pierce who were on a collision course from the start.
I may be the outlier here but hear me out.
I have no issues with the author's writing or her style. I liked the setting, I love how descriptive everything was as it allowed me to see everything clearly. I learnt things about South Africa. The writing was what I term, "take me there" which allows me to immerse myself in the story.
I love the premise of the story. I got an update on some of the characters I met before but I couldn't get over the main characters' idiosyncrasies no matter how much I tried.
I understand why Tara was so guarded, jaded, and distrustful. I got that she wanted to do everything on her own but her attitude was too much for me I didn't enjoy the story, not even the Batman references why were cute initially and I found myself chuckling.
Her redeeming qualities, such as how she cared for others in her life, didn't endear me to her at all. Honestly, I just couldn't care for her or Brady and kept yelling at them to talk to each other. I felt I was being punished by their conversations and actions.
So what kept me reading after I was going to stop? The mystery elements.
I'm a mystery/thriller/suspense buff and was eager to solve the mystery and wish Tara and Brady a happily ever after. This aspect of the novel kept me intrigued enough to continue till the end.
They were well written. I figured out early who he culprit was and wanted to see if I was right. I didn't skip pages or skim the story.
I will definitely continue reading the author's work. She is good at her craft and I continue to recommend her to others. Regrettably Pretty Complicated was not for me.
Thanks to the Ms. Vlotman and Book Sirens for the advance review copy. These thoughts are all mine.
I mean who wouldn't be reeled in by, “The Universe was a heifer sitting on a throne, drinking gin while laughing at humanity.” I certainly was. I was equally prepared to settle in and turn the pages of thislight, no spice romance quickly but, sadly, that didn't happen.
Instead what I got was the very annoying main female character, Tara Mishra, with an irksome main male character, Brady Pierce who were on a collision course from the start.
I may be the outlier here but hear me out.
I have no issues with the author's writing or her style. I liked the setting, I love how descriptive everything was as it allowed me to see everything clearly. I learnt things about South Africa. The writing was what I term, "take me there" which allows me to immerse myself in the story.
I love the premise of the story. I got an update on some of the characters I met before but I couldn't get over the main characters' idiosyncrasies no matter how much I tried.
I understand why Tara was so guarded, jaded, and distrustful. I got that she wanted to do everything on her own but her attitude was too much for me I didn't enjoy the story, not even the Batman references why were cute initially and I found myself chuckling.
Her redeeming qualities, such as how she cared for others in her life, didn't endear me to her at all. Honestly, I just couldn't care for her or Brady and kept yelling at them to talk to each other. I felt I was being punished by their conversations and actions.
So what kept me reading after I was going to stop? The mystery elements.
I'm a mystery/thriller/suspense buff and was eager to solve the mystery and wish Tara and Brady a happily ever after. This aspect of the novel kept me intrigued enough to continue till the end.
They were well written. I figured out early who he culprit was and wanted to see if I was right. I didn't skip pages or skim the story.
I will definitely continue reading the author's work. She is good at her craft and I continue to recommend her to others. Regrettably Pretty Complicated was not for me.
Thanks to the Ms. Vlotman and Book Sirens for the advance review copy. These thoughts are all mine.
January 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars) — ARC Review
Pretty Complicated by Arini Voltman hooked me from the very first chapter with tension, history, and banter that walks the line between sharp and hilarious.
What starts off looking like a chaotic meet-cute quickly reveals itself to be anything but. Tara and Brady already share a past, and it’s clear from their very first interaction that whatever happened between them left scars — especially for Tara. I loved that the story doesn’t info-dump their history, but instead lets the mystery simmer underneath every exchange.
Tara is already shaping up to be a layered FMC. She’s guarded, divorced, a plant lover, and devoted to her not-so-cuddly cat — which feels like the perfect metaphor for her personality. There’s a softness there, but it’s protected. The hint that she’s “morally grey” has me very curious about how her past choices will unfold.
Brady, on the other hand, is giving emotionally repressed man trying very hard to stay in control energy. His attempt to brush Tara off after their encounter is almost funny considering how clearly he cannot stop thinking about her. The internal denial vs. obvious fixation is delicious tension this early on.
One thing I especially appreciated is the strong South African setting. The details feel natural and lived-in — from everyday environmental touches to small background references that ground the story in a real place. It adds authenticity that makes the world feel familiar rather than generically “city romance.”
Pretty Complicated by Arini Voltman hooked me from the very first chapter with tension, history, and banter that walks the line between sharp and hilarious.
What starts off looking like a chaotic meet-cute quickly reveals itself to be anything but. Tara and Brady already share a past, and it’s clear from their very first interaction that whatever happened between them left scars — especially for Tara. I loved that the story doesn’t info-dump their history, but instead lets the mystery simmer underneath every exchange.
Tara is already shaping up to be a layered FMC. She’s guarded, divorced, a plant lover, and devoted to her not-so-cuddly cat — which feels like the perfect metaphor for her personality. There’s a softness there, but it’s protected. The hint that she’s “morally grey” has me very curious about how her past choices will unfold.
Brady, on the other hand, is giving emotionally repressed man trying very hard to stay in control energy. His attempt to brush Tara off after their encounter is almost funny considering how clearly he cannot stop thinking about her. The internal denial vs. obvious fixation is delicious tension this early on.
One thing I especially appreciated is the strong South African setting. The details feel natural and lived-in — from everyday environmental touches to small background references that ground the story in a real place. It adds authenticity that makes the world feel familiar rather than generically “city romance.”
March 6, 2026
Pretty Complicated by @arini_author
Book 3: Femme Facades
Tropes
💸Meet-cute
💸Rags-to-riches
💸Unhinged Banter
💸Romcom
💸She’s low-key morally grey
This is book 3 in the Femme Facades series. We follow Tara and Brady as they navigate a pretty complicated situation. Tara gets a mysterious offer and she doesn't know if this is real or not. The offer comes with a few conditions. One is that she needs to stay in the house, the only thing is the house comes with Brady. Brady's world is turned upside down when he losses the only family he knows. Now a complete stranger is staying in his home and they have to work together or he can loss everything.
Omw this was so cute. I was captivated from page one. It was one of those books I just couldn’t put down but I read it over a couple of days. The story went almost as I suspected but surprised me as well. I love the writing style, found family and the animals as well the fact it played off in Johannesburg.
The banter between the main character was so good as well as all the batman references. There so many scenes that had me laughing. There was a communication trope which I wasn’t a big fan off but overall I really enjoyed the book and will definitely be reading more of the author’s work.
I love that I could come back every day and continue reading the story. One of my favourite parts was where the staff members interaction with Tara. The 3rd act twits, I didn’t see the twist coming and it was so good.
Thank you @arini_author for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review
Book 3: Femme Facades
Tropes
💸Meet-cute
💸Rags-to-riches
💸Unhinged Banter
💸Romcom
💸She’s low-key morally grey
This is book 3 in the Femme Facades series. We follow Tara and Brady as they navigate a pretty complicated situation. Tara gets a mysterious offer and she doesn't know if this is real or not. The offer comes with a few conditions. One is that she needs to stay in the house, the only thing is the house comes with Brady. Brady's world is turned upside down when he losses the only family he knows. Now a complete stranger is staying in his home and they have to work together or he can loss everything.
Omw this was so cute. I was captivated from page one. It was one of those books I just couldn’t put down but I read it over a couple of days. The story went almost as I suspected but surprised me as well. I love the writing style, found family and the animals as well the fact it played off in Johannesburg.
The banter between the main character was so good as well as all the batman references. There so many scenes that had me laughing. There was a communication trope which I wasn’t a big fan off but overall I really enjoyed the book and will definitely be reading more of the author’s work.
I love that I could come back every day and continue reading the story. One of my favourite parts was where the staff members interaction with Tara. The 3rd act twits, I didn’t see the twist coming and it was so good.
Thank you @arini_author for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review
March 4, 2026
I didn’t rush this book and that was a deliberate choice.
By the time I reached the second chapter, I realised I wanted to take my time with it. The writing is thoughtful and textured, especially the way the metaphors and descriptions are handled. There’s a line about glitter bouncing around like a snow globe that stayed with me. It was so vivid that I actually went to find a snow globe at home and shook it, just to see that movement for myself. It’s rare for a single image in a book to follow you off the page like that.
I found myself deeply invested in Tara from the very beginning. Her vulnerability, particularly in those early chapters, felt honest and unpolished in the best way. You can sense her longing and her frustration. It never feels exaggerated for drama. It feels real. I wanted things to work out for her because I understood her.
Brady took longer to win me over. But that made the gradual shift in their dynamic far more satisfying. When the chemistry finally began to settle into something meaningful.
The supporting characters add depth to the story rather than simply filling space. The plot itself is carefully structured and well thought out. Nothing feels rushed or convenient. The relationship grows within a story that has substance and direction.
When I finished the book, I did not simply close it and move on. I kept thinking about what might happen next. For me, that is always the sign of a story that has truly worked. The characters stay with you.
By the time I reached the second chapter, I realised I wanted to take my time with it. The writing is thoughtful and textured, especially the way the metaphors and descriptions are handled. There’s a line about glitter bouncing around like a snow globe that stayed with me. It was so vivid that I actually went to find a snow globe at home and shook it, just to see that movement for myself. It’s rare for a single image in a book to follow you off the page like that.
I found myself deeply invested in Tara from the very beginning. Her vulnerability, particularly in those early chapters, felt honest and unpolished in the best way. You can sense her longing and her frustration. It never feels exaggerated for drama. It feels real. I wanted things to work out for her because I understood her.
Brady took longer to win me over. But that made the gradual shift in their dynamic far more satisfying. When the chemistry finally began to settle into something meaningful.
The supporting characters add depth to the story rather than simply filling space. The plot itself is carefully structured and well thought out. Nothing feels rushed or convenient. The relationship grows within a story that has substance and direction.
When I finished the book, I did not simply close it and move on. I kept thinking about what might happen next. For me, that is always the sign of a story that has truly worked. The characters stay with you.
Review of advance copy
This is the third novel of Arini Vlotman I've read. I like that she sets all of her novels in South Africa and has many of her characters from an Indian background.
This plot was a little different from her others. Tara, the main character, suddenly finds herself on the receiving end of a rich customer's will. She's inherited her fortune. Meanwhile, the other guy to inherit, Brady, is actually related to the rich lady...and the guy who had some shady dealings with Tara's ex-husband. Of course, she doesn't let on that she already knows Brady from back in the day. Tara has to learn how to fit into the lifestyle of the rich and famous, but she sort of feels like a pig wearing lipstick because she's doing it "all wrong," according to certain people. Sort of reminds me of "Miss Congeniality" when Sandra Bullock has to go undercover in a beauty contest. But don't be dismayed, both will come out swinging when things get tough.
Oh, and my absolute favorite line was, "I guess your bloodline ends today."
This plot was a little different from her others. Tara, the main character, suddenly finds herself on the receiving end of a rich customer's will. She's inherited her fortune. Meanwhile, the other guy to inherit, Brady, is actually related to the rich lady...and the guy who had some shady dealings with Tara's ex-husband. Of course, she doesn't let on that she already knows Brady from back in the day. Tara has to learn how to fit into the lifestyle of the rich and famous, but she sort of feels like a pig wearing lipstick because she's doing it "all wrong," according to certain people. Sort of reminds me of "Miss Congeniality" when Sandra Bullock has to go undercover in a beauty contest. But don't be dismayed, both will come out swinging when things get tough.
Oh, and my absolute favorite line was, "I guess your bloodline ends today."
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the absolute honour of being an ARC reader for this book and let me just say… I LOVED it 😭🫶🏽
Yes it sounds cliché but I genuinely do not care. It was perfect. Idc 💅🏽
From rags to riches we meet our FMC and when I tell you she is a breath of fresh air??? 🌸
No overthinking.
No dramatic inner monologues.
Just vibes 😌
Unhinged. Hilarious. Completely unapologetic.
She says what we’re all thinking but are too socially adjusted to admit 😭✨
Then we have Mr From Riches to Riches 👀
Stuck up? Maybe.
Rule follower? Absolutely.
But the way this man slowly makes you understand him 🥹
You start appreciating him. Relating to him. Softening for him.
And listen… I know. A man (😑) 😭
But bare with me I promise he is worth it.
Fictional. Respectful. Emotionally competent.
My nonchalant king 🤏🏽🖤
This was my first book by this WONDERFUL author and it is most definitely not my last 📚✨
Five star read ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Still not over it. Still thinking about them. Still smiling at nothing like a loser 😭🤍
Yes it sounds cliché but I genuinely do not care. It was perfect. Idc 💅🏽
From rags to riches we meet our FMC and when I tell you she is a breath of fresh air??? 🌸
No overthinking.
No dramatic inner monologues.
Just vibes 😌
Unhinged. Hilarious. Completely unapologetic.
She says what we’re all thinking but are too socially adjusted to admit 😭✨
Then we have Mr From Riches to Riches 👀
Stuck up? Maybe.
Rule follower? Absolutely.
But the way this man slowly makes you understand him 🥹
You start appreciating him. Relating to him. Softening for him.
And listen… I know. A man (😑) 😭
But bare with me I promise he is worth it.
Fictional. Respectful. Emotionally competent.
My nonchalant king 🤏🏽🖤
This was my first book by this WONDERFUL author and it is most definitely not my last 📚✨
Five star read ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Still not over it. Still thinking about them. Still smiling at nothing like a loser 😭🤍
March 21, 2026
‘Pretty Complicated’ was delightful. The amusing plot involved a female main character who used humorous quips as a defense mechanism, a male main character who kept trying to keep up, an eclectic deceased elderly lady who bequeathed her property and other belongings to the female and male protagonists under some specific conditions, working together to achieve good results, uh oh…a fire, a jolly good time driving a golf cart, an adorable piglet, a blast from the past, getting attacked, a scheming nephew, oh no…a twist, getting to the bottom of the situation, and falling in love. Moreover, Tara and Brady, the protagonists, had to trust each other if they wanted to fulfill their dreams. Additionally, I appreciated the author’s vivid descriptions, which created an upbeat tone. Also, I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily. Overall, I liked the entertaining narrative.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Arini Vlotman, for a truly delightful ARC read.
After a complicated past, Tara found herself—safely tucked away inside her own guarded space. When she’s pushed out of her comfort zone, she is rough around the edges and clueless among the elite. Yet her authenticity quietly wins hearts.
Brady, on the other hand, hides behind rules. Structured, controlled, and impeccably neat. He steps out of his tangled thoughts and den into the world as the ultimate gentleman.
Pretty Complicated is a light, humorous journey with just enough butterflies-in-the-stomach tension to keep me wondering whether the task at hand would succeed in time — and whether the taboos between the characters might unlock deeper truths instead.
Brilliant character arcs throughout.
After a complicated past, Tara found herself—safely tucked away inside her own guarded space. When she’s pushed out of her comfort zone, she is rough around the edges and clueless among the elite. Yet her authenticity quietly wins hearts.
Brady, on the other hand, hides behind rules. Structured, controlled, and impeccably neat. He steps out of his tangled thoughts and den into the world as the ultimate gentleman.
Pretty Complicated is a light, humorous journey with just enough butterflies-in-the-stomach tension to keep me wondering whether the task at hand would succeed in time — and whether the taboos between the characters might unlock deeper truths instead.
Brilliant character arcs throughout.
April 12, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book of Arini's that I've read, and it was so wonderful to get to meet and get a sense of the main characters from the other books. The strong friendship and powerful FMCs make me excited to get into this world.
Tara and Brady's dynamic was fun and hilarious. Getting to see them get under one another's skin is always a recipe for a good time.
I enjoyed the way they slowly peeled back the layers and let the other in.
I do wish the chapters were split (specifically in POVs) because it got a bit confusing at some points when it jumped from one POV to the next in the same chapters.
Overall, easy read with comedy, romance, and a thrilling plot with unexpected twists.
This is the first book of Arini's that I've read, and it was so wonderful to get to meet and get a sense of the main characters from the other books. The strong friendship and powerful FMCs make me excited to get into this world.
Tara and Brady's dynamic was fun and hilarious. Getting to see them get under one another's skin is always a recipe for a good time.
I enjoyed the way they slowly peeled back the layers and let the other in.
I do wish the chapters were split (specifically in POVs) because it got a bit confusing at some points when it jumped from one POV to the next in the same chapters.
Overall, easy read with comedy, romance, and a thrilling plot with unexpected twists.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly thank you to the lovely Arini for sending me an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed Tara & Brady. Tara is feisty, a little morally grey but also trying to find her people. Brady's past is a bit heartbreaking and all he wants is a family and to belong. The banter is sharp, the Batman and Joker nicknames and references were cute and the pet pig stole the show!
I was invested in this story and of course waiting to see if Tara and her Batman would get their happily ever after. I can definitely recommend Pretty Complicated and encourage you to read this authors books. Let's support our South African authors who are so talented and deserve all the praise. Love your work Arini!
I was invested in this story and of course waiting to see if Tara and her Batman would get their happily ever after. I can definitely recommend Pretty Complicated and encourage you to read this authors books. Let's support our South African authors who are so talented and deserve all the praise. Love your work Arini!
Review of advance copy
This is book 3 in Vlotman's Femme Facade series. A great addition to the series but can be read as a standalone. I loved our main characters Tara and Brady. Vlotman delivers a captivating and smooth flowing storyline. I loved the Batman comments, and the witty banter. I also loved the humor but also the character depth and inner struggles that made them so relatable. I so enjoyed this complicated romance read - so good and I'm definitely looking forward to more from Vlotman!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2026
OH MY WORD ! Honestly my favorite book in this series so far ! I was completely immersed from the first chapter and I felt so connected to all of the characters. I loved the setting of the story and the way it felt comfy and like a warm hug. I wanted literally teleport into to the book and help them on their adventure. I really appreciated the depth of the characters and how they grew and adapted. This book is an absolute masterpiece! READ IT NOW 🤭
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 2, 2026
“If wishes were unicorns I’d be farting rainbows.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. So much so that I’m going to send Arini my caffeine bill because I stayed up till who knows how late not able to put the book down.
Love myself an enemies to lovers and Arini did a good job to keep that tension throughout the novel. Both MC’s had good objectives and reasons for their behaviour. A fun read with emotion depth.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. So much so that I’m going to send Arini my caffeine bill because I stayed up till who knows how late not able to put the book down.
Love myself an enemies to lovers and Arini did a good job to keep that tension throughout the novel. Both MC’s had good objectives and reasons for their behaviour. A fun read with emotion depth.
Review of advance copy
Loved this adorable story, and a fitting installment in the Femme Facade series! Tara is an unlikeable heroine and Brady is annoyingly buttoned up, but somehow they work together as they solve the mystery of Kya's missing will. My favorite part, honestly, is how Tara keeps calling the universe/fate a heifer! Thank you to StoryOrigin for an advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is my first opportunity to read a book written by Arini Vlotman, nice to read some South African influences. It was good enough to finish the book but I wasn't invested in it from the start. There were parts where I laughed but overall an average storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Firstly, I want to say thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of the book. I absolutely loved and enjoyed the story! The banter was everything and the slow burn was eating me up to the point where I had to binge the last 37% of the book.
Absolutely great work!
Firstly, I want to say thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of the book. I absolutely loved and enjoyed the story! The banter was everything and the slow burn was eating me up to the point where I had to binge the last 37% of the book.
Absolutely great work!
Review of advance copy
This book was ok. It was good enough to keep reading but I found it lacked something for me. I would probably read another book by this author. I think others might enjoy it better than I did.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I always love the banter between the characters that Arini writes. And I am not just talking MC's, but the whole cast of them. And don't get me started with the glimpses of our beloved couples from previous books. I love the friendships these characters build as the series continues.
The tension between Tara and Brady could be cut with a knife most of the time, and it wasn't just one kind of tension either. And the continuous tension growth definitely got me on the edge of my seat.
I loved the plot of this romance, with second chances, tension, adventure, and mystery.
And let's not forget our four legged friends!! 🐖🐈
The tension between Tara and Brady could be cut with a knife most of the time, and it wasn't just one kind of tension either. And the continuous tension growth definitely got me on the edge of my seat.
I loved the plot of this romance, with second chances, tension, adventure, and mystery.
And let's not forget our four legged friends!! 🐖🐈
February 21, 2026
An unexpected first encounter and an unexpected inheritance sets the story of Tara and Brady
What I loved the most was the banter between the two. There were a few times when I was laughing out loud at all their adventures before the deadline run out.
This is my favorite book in the series. I have come to absolutely love Arini’s writing.
What I loved the most was the banter between the two. There were a few times when I was laughing out loud at all their adventures before the deadline run out.
This is my favorite book in the series. I have come to absolutely love Arini’s writing.
Review of advance copy
Loved Pretty Complicated.
Tara's ex made some bad decisions and she pulled the plug on a business venture. Brady is the founder of the business venture. They have never met but she knows his name and that he is responsible for their downfall. Other circumstances bring them together and they fall in love but is their love strong enough to survive the truth?
Arini has a beautiful way with words. This is also set in South Africa, which I love. Both main characters are strong and relatable.
Tara's ex made some bad decisions and she pulled the plug on a business venture. Brady is the founder of the business venture. They have never met but she knows his name and that he is responsible for their downfall. Other circumstances bring them together and they fall in love but is their love strong enough to survive the truth?
Arini has a beautiful way with words. This is also set in South Africa, which I love. Both main characters are strong and relatable.
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