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Accidentally Matched to my Pen Pal: An Enemies to Lovers He Falls First Sweet Romance
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an Advanced Readers Copy this is my very honest review
I was unsure if I would like this enemies to lovers book but it hooked me in from the start. I loved the Pen Pal chapter headings showing this couples unoffical connection. Also the insight into ERS in Chapter 3.
From Chapter 23 where Rosanna and Seamus fail to talk about whats really going on, like the dinner where Rosanna hints but doesn't straight up ask about the project or Seamus walking the tightrope between the project and Rosanna dream and the pen pals discovery - was frustrating where this reader wanted both to stop sidstepping the issue and actually address it not to continue deceiving each other before it hollows out their relationship.
Rosanna is not very proactive regarding dream, despite continually saying she was fighting - besides putting a deposit down for the build or in her marriage just enquiring about tea or doing the scheduled ERS be seen dates. Whereas Seamus arranged chef dinner, the picnic, and interest attending the artist painting on the buildings.
I had to pause after reading some of the chapters to process what was happening but also the rut Seamus is stuck in emotionally in not making choices and Rosanna testing Seamus but not confronting him about what she has found out regarding the building its just builds from about Chapter 23 and continues from there where a happy or contented ending seems unlikely with a resounding emotionally event where dreams need to be rebuilt of revised or complete starting over. - I am at Chapter 31
Last few chapters did pick up mood wise.
Great Ending!
Some great quotes from the book:
"Or," he says quietly, "maybe it's you finding a way to fight for what you believe in from a position of actual power instead of just passion." (Chapter 6) - I like the challenge Seamus offers to Rosanna
"Drawing is all about how you see things," she tells him, guiding his hand through a simpler approach. "Sometimes we get caught up in what we think something should look like instead of what's actually there." - Rosanna (Chapter 15) - same with relationships too
He may approach the world differently than I do, but his perspective doesn't diminish mine; it complements it. (Chapter 20) - I like Rosanna's observation
Graham doesn't resent Seamus for loving his wife. He resents him for letting that love make him weak. - This thought made me sad where it makes Graham look heartless putting money first and progress instead of finding out what Rosanna project is actually about where it could be a good PR for the company. Instead thinks "Capital, Momentum and Leadership build the future." Yep but a hollow one that will one be its own relic. With no memories. Also what decision can you live with, with no regrets. Also its him justifying his actions.
This is what it could be like, I think. If we could figure out how to be honest with each other. If he could trust me and I could trust him back. (Chapter 29) - keen observation by Rosanna
Risk that even if I fought for Rosanna, she'd realize I was too damaged to be worth fighting for. So I chose silence and plausible deniability and the hope that somehow this would all work out without me having to actually take a stand. (Chapter 30) - or just procrastinating cause you are a relationship beginner and not willing to fight for someone else's dream but then Rosanna did wait for two months into being married before deciding to fight for her dream 🤦♀️ with the nonprofit legal advocacy group—the one that specializes in preservation fights - sigh of frustration
I made my choices—dozens of small choices that all pointed in the same direction. Away from vulnerability. Away from trust. Away from the kind of love that requires risking everything. (Chapter 32) - Both Rosanna and Seamus have done this - feelings might be there but not stated or true openness - neither has talked about having a pen pal
I was unsure if I would like this enemies to lovers book but it hooked me in from the start. I loved the Pen Pal chapter headings showing this couples unoffical connection. Also the insight into ERS in Chapter 3.
From Chapter 23 where Rosanna and Seamus fail to talk about whats really going on, like the dinner where Rosanna hints but doesn't straight up ask about the project or Seamus walking the tightrope between the project and Rosanna dream and the pen pals discovery - was frustrating where this reader wanted both to stop sidstepping the issue and actually address it not to continue deceiving each other before it hollows out their relationship.
Rosanna is not very proactive regarding dream, despite continually saying she was fighting - besides putting a deposit down for the build or in her marriage just enquiring about tea or doing the scheduled ERS be seen dates. Whereas Seamus arranged chef dinner, the picnic, and interest attending the artist painting on the buildings.
I had to pause after reading some of the chapters to process what was happening but also the rut Seamus is stuck in emotionally in not making choices and Rosanna testing Seamus but not confronting him about what she has found out regarding the building its just builds from about Chapter 23 and continues from there where a happy or contented ending seems unlikely with a resounding emotionally event where dreams need to be rebuilt of revised or complete starting over. - I am at Chapter 31
Last few chapters did pick up mood wise.
Great Ending!
Some great quotes from the book:
"Or," he says quietly, "maybe it's you finding a way to fight for what you believe in from a position of actual power instead of just passion." (Chapter 6) - I like the challenge Seamus offers to Rosanna
"Drawing is all about how you see things," she tells him, guiding his hand through a simpler approach. "Sometimes we get caught up in what we think something should look like instead of what's actually there." - Rosanna (Chapter 15) - same with relationships too
He may approach the world differently than I do, but his perspective doesn't diminish mine; it complements it. (Chapter 20) - I like Rosanna's observation
Graham doesn't resent Seamus for loving his wife. He resents him for letting that love make him weak. - This thought made me sad where it makes Graham look heartless putting money first and progress instead of finding out what Rosanna project is actually about where it could be a good PR for the company. Instead thinks "Capital, Momentum and Leadership build the future." Yep but a hollow one that will one be its own relic. With no memories. Also what decision can you live with, with no regrets. Also its him justifying his actions.
This is what it could be like, I think. If we could figure out how to be honest with each other. If he could trust me and I could trust him back. (Chapter 29) - keen observation by Rosanna
Risk that even if I fought for Rosanna, she'd realize I was too damaged to be worth fighting for. So I chose silence and plausible deniability and the hope that somehow this would all work out without me having to actually take a stand. (Chapter 30) - or just procrastinating cause you are a relationship beginner and not willing to fight for someone else's dream but then Rosanna did wait for two months into being married before deciding to fight for her dream 🤦♀️ with the nonprofit legal advocacy group—the one that specializes in preservation fights - sigh of frustration
I made my choices—dozens of small choices that all pointed in the same direction. Away from vulnerability. Away from trust. Away from the kind of love that requires risking everything. (Chapter 32) - Both Rosanna and Seamus have done this - feelings might be there but not stated or true openness - neither has talked about having a pen pal
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of this book and though I wasn’t required to post a review, I loved this book and wanted to share my honest, voluntary impression of it with you.
Susie has written a story most of us can identify with- falling for someone and later finding out you’ve been either misguided or manipulated besides being betrayed!
Rosanna has been struggling in life and during a heated exchange with the CEO of a developing company who wants to tear down her dream building she wants to purchase she feels she can’t win. Then she hears from a company that matches wealthy individuals and is shocked to hear she has been matched to him. Upon talking to them she finds a substantial amount is guaranteed her if they marry and she stays with him for six months. It’s enough money she could put in a bid herself for the property!
She agrees and they marry and she moves to his penthouse and she has to get use to what money can buy and try to remain true to her feelings. Luckily she has a pen pal she’s written to since they were both young- she seven and him eight. She still confides in
him telling him her hopes and dreams. Then two weeks into their marriage he overhears her using a phrase his pen pal always says and testing out his suspicion she is that person sends her a text which she gets and confirms what he thought. The thing is when he found that out he never told her so for four months he’s kept it a secret but his board of directors decides to play hard ball and makes a counter offer which she can’t match even though he was aware of what they wanted to do but like his personal dilemma he does nothing about it and then she discovers the pen pal she has known since childhood is her husband and her asking him for help was rebuffed. Feeling totally betrayed and hurt she confronts him and leaves but tells him she had fallen in love with him. Now he’s finally faced with saving his company or trying to save his marriage if he can.
Once again fear and uncertainty can cloud one’s judgement when honesty should be the only response to a situation! It complicates things because he has fallen in love with her too and now thinks it’s too late to salvage their relationship!
Susie has written a heartfelt story everyone who has been in a relationship will identify with! We’ve all been there and therefore have first hand experience in knowing what should be obvious! Fear and uncertainty because of hesitation now comes due and only two choices remain - try to salvage both problems or walk away.
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book! Cindy’s writing will move you because you will be caught up in the story that is masterfully written. The story will capture you and hold your interest to the end!
I have read the book mentioned in the last chapter as well as it was the first book in this series and I wholeheartedly recommend Matched to the Football Star as well as the next story concerning the three couples who get married that day because again I have read it as well!
If you want to read of relationship’s that sound real and feel real get these books! I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Susie has written a story most of us can identify with- falling for someone and later finding out you’ve been either misguided or manipulated besides being betrayed!
Rosanna has been struggling in life and during a heated exchange with the CEO of a developing company who wants to tear down her dream building she wants to purchase she feels she can’t win. Then she hears from a company that matches wealthy individuals and is shocked to hear she has been matched to him. Upon talking to them she finds a substantial amount is guaranteed her if they marry and she stays with him for six months. It’s enough money she could put in a bid herself for the property!
She agrees and they marry and she moves to his penthouse and she has to get use to what money can buy and try to remain true to her feelings. Luckily she has a pen pal she’s written to since they were both young- she seven and him eight. She still confides in
him telling him her hopes and dreams. Then two weeks into their marriage he overhears her using a phrase his pen pal always says and testing out his suspicion she is that person sends her a text which she gets and confirms what he thought. The thing is when he found that out he never told her so for four months he’s kept it a secret but his board of directors decides to play hard ball and makes a counter offer which she can’t match even though he was aware of what they wanted to do but like his personal dilemma he does nothing about it and then she discovers the pen pal she has known since childhood is her husband and her asking him for help was rebuffed. Feeling totally betrayed and hurt she confronts him and leaves but tells him she had fallen in love with him. Now he’s finally faced with saving his company or trying to save his marriage if he can.
Once again fear and uncertainty can cloud one’s judgement when honesty should be the only response to a situation! It complicates things because he has fallen in love with her too and now thinks it’s too late to salvage their relationship!
Susie has written a heartfelt story everyone who has been in a relationship will identify with! We’ve all been there and therefore have first hand experience in knowing what should be obvious! Fear and uncertainty because of hesitation now comes due and only two choices remain - try to salvage both problems or walk away.
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book! Cindy’s writing will move you because you will be caught up in the story that is masterfully written. The story will capture you and hold your interest to the end!
I have read the book mentioned in the last chapter as well as it was the first book in this series and I wholeheartedly recommend Matched to the Football Star as well as the next story concerning the three couples who get married that day because again I have read it as well!
If you want to read of relationship’s that sound real and feel real get these books! I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
March 15, 2026
Rosanna and Seamus . . .
Fate must have stepped in when Rosanna Lopez needs funds to save and renovate an old historical building as a children's art and literacy center. The building is in danger of being purchased by a development company who want to get rid of it and use the property for something she considers useless, so Rosanna must figure out a way to save it. Seamus O’Malley, a billionaire CEO of the company Rosanna will be battling against, needs a wife to convince his Board that he has settled down and given up his playboy ways. So both of them let ERS (Elite Relationship Solutions), an unusual type of matchmaking group, find them a potential marriage partner. Tessa read their applications and found what she was looking for. Seamus responded to the question of what qualities are most important to him in a partner, writing "Someone who sees possibilities instead of limitations. Someone who is "sunny side up"." And although he and Rosanna have very different personalities, her answer was "I try to approach my life sunny side up." Both using that exact phrasing yet having no common friends on social media had Tessa approving them as a match. If Rosanna remains married for 6 months, she will get funds she can use to purchase the building she is trying to save. Seamus will be able to show his Board that he has settled down into marriage at last. So everyone thinks their problems are solved. Neither Rosanna nor Seamus at first realize that they had been anonymous penpals since back in grade school under the names of Shay and Anna!
Their marriage seems off to a good start. But her reaction to his penthouse as she moves in is that this isn't a "home"; it's a showroom! And she wonders how anyone can live in a place designed to keep life at a distance? How will she exist in this space without leaving fingerprints or smudges or evidence of some kind that she is human? Feeling uncomfortable, she retreats to her bedroom and finds an email from her penpal Shay! It fills her with comfort finding her old friend again, and she is finally able to drift off to sleep. Rosanna had never met Shay personally, so she is unaware that he is now her husband writing to her. When she figures it out, it shakes her trust in him. (They definitely need to learn to communicate with each other to avoid issues that could have been resolved.) Will discovering the penpal situation change her mind about the man she has now fallen for "for better or worse"? Will she assume he has been manipulating and lying to her for his own advantage? And where will they go from here?
Fate must have stepped in when Rosanna Lopez needs funds to save and renovate an old historical building as a children's art and literacy center. The building is in danger of being purchased by a development company who want to get rid of it and use the property for something she considers useless, so Rosanna must figure out a way to save it. Seamus O’Malley, a billionaire CEO of the company Rosanna will be battling against, needs a wife to convince his Board that he has settled down and given up his playboy ways. So both of them let ERS (Elite Relationship Solutions), an unusual type of matchmaking group, find them a potential marriage partner. Tessa read their applications and found what she was looking for. Seamus responded to the question of what qualities are most important to him in a partner, writing "Someone who sees possibilities instead of limitations. Someone who is "sunny side up"." And although he and Rosanna have very different personalities, her answer was "I try to approach my life sunny side up." Both using that exact phrasing yet having no common friends on social media had Tessa approving them as a match. If Rosanna remains married for 6 months, she will get funds she can use to purchase the building she is trying to save. Seamus will be able to show his Board that he has settled down into marriage at last. So everyone thinks their problems are solved. Neither Rosanna nor Seamus at first realize that they had been anonymous penpals since back in grade school under the names of Shay and Anna!
Their marriage seems off to a good start. But her reaction to his penthouse as she moves in is that this isn't a "home"; it's a showroom! And she wonders how anyone can live in a place designed to keep life at a distance? How will she exist in this space without leaving fingerprints or smudges or evidence of some kind that she is human? Feeling uncomfortable, she retreats to her bedroom and finds an email from her penpal Shay! It fills her with comfort finding her old friend again, and she is finally able to drift off to sleep. Rosanna had never met Shay personally, so she is unaware that he is now her husband writing to her. When she figures it out, it shakes her trust in him. (They definitely need to learn to communicate with each other to avoid issues that could have been resolved.) Will discovering the penpal situation change her mind about the man she has now fallen for "for better or worse"? Will she assume he has been manipulating and lying to her for his own advantage? And where will they go from here?
March 15, 2026
Rosanna and Seamus have known each other since childhood, but they’ve never met, never seen each other, never even had phone calls. They started off as pen pals in grade school, and just kept going.
Rosanna has a situation on her hands — an historical building is in danger of being acquired by a development company with deep pockets, and she’s got to find a way to save it. Little do these two know what their futures hold…namely, marriage.
Yes, it’s another entry in the Elite Relationship Solutions saga, and I’ve been invested since the first book. It’s a little crazy to think that two people on opposite sides of the fence could, instead of battling it out, get married. If you haven’t read any of the previous books, that might sound ridiculous, but it’s not what you think.
As Rosanna and Seamus both consent to the marriage, and agree to the six-month end date, they begin the delicate dance of learning to get along, even while having opposing views about the historical building Rosanna wants to save.
Seamus is trying to run his company like his father did, and to that, I say that there is no particular virtue in doing things the way they’ve always been done. It’s interesting that, though he’s the CEO, he still has to answer to the board. And as the story progresses, he’s given the chance to either do the right thing, or…not.
I loved watching these two fall in love, even though there were special provisions put in the ERS contract to make it very clear that Seamus could not take advantage of Rosanna, which was Seamus’s idea. He really did want her to feel comfortable, especially in such a strange situation.
Long story short, it’s a happy ending, and it’s hard-won, by both characters. If you love sweet romances with strangers (who don’t know they’re pen pals) tying the knot for good optics and then falling in love for real, then you’ve just met your next book. So grab this and enjoy.
Rosanna has a situation on her hands — an historical building is in danger of being acquired by a development company with deep pockets, and she’s got to find a way to save it. Little do these two know what their futures hold…namely, marriage.
Yes, it’s another entry in the Elite Relationship Solutions saga, and I’ve been invested since the first book. It’s a little crazy to think that two people on opposite sides of the fence could, instead of battling it out, get married. If you haven’t read any of the previous books, that might sound ridiculous, but it’s not what you think.
As Rosanna and Seamus both consent to the marriage, and agree to the six-month end date, they begin the delicate dance of learning to get along, even while having opposing views about the historical building Rosanna wants to save.
Seamus is trying to run his company like his father did, and to that, I say that there is no particular virtue in doing things the way they’ve always been done. It’s interesting that, though he’s the CEO, he still has to answer to the board. And as the story progresses, he’s given the chance to either do the right thing, or…not.
I loved watching these two fall in love, even though there were special provisions put in the ERS contract to make it very clear that Seamus could not take advantage of Rosanna, which was Seamus’s idea. He really did want her to feel comfortable, especially in such a strange situation.
Long story short, it’s a happy ending, and it’s hard-won, by both characters. If you love sweet romances with strangers (who don’t know they’re pen pals) tying the knot for good optics and then falling in love for real, then you’ve just met your next book. So grab this and enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
I have read and reviewed other books by this author. The author's writing is an easy, uplifting style. Hope this one does not disappoint. 🤞
Rosanna - drawing calms her, from a smaller town with an unofficial historic district
Seamus - billionaire developer trying to revitalize the infrastructure, a "soulless corporate robot" according to Luna (and Rosanna), lived wild and free in his 20s
Is Seamus' nod a 'til we meet again (and spar)? It can't be out of respect because this is what he does for a living and walking out of town meetings is his jam.
Luna I'm confused with the ERS. I don't understand the point/goal/end game.
ERS questionnaire 🛎🛎🛎 🍳
CEO with a shortened life expectancy due to board members = image overhaul.
Ok, things are circling around to the prior books I have read from this author.
What is he going to do with that knowledge??
Museum exhibition connection to prior novels.
Breach of contract
Running scared or self-preservation?
Rosanna and her little shoot 🌱of hope. 🫠
Graham seems like a grumpy, old, bitter man.
I get wanting a friend close, but did she cancel her apartment lease? Why did she not go there?
Seamus, they sound 🐟 🐠 ie in thier business info.
Wow, that's a mouthful... in an amazing way. Great job Rosanna!
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
I have read and reviewed other books by this author. The author's writing is an easy, uplifting style. Hope this one does not disappoint. 🤞
Rosanna - drawing calms her, from a smaller town with an unofficial historic district
Seamus - billionaire developer trying to revitalize the infrastructure, a "soulless corporate robot" according to Luna (and Rosanna), lived wild and free in his 20s
Is Seamus' nod a 'til we meet again (and spar)? It can't be out of respect because this is what he does for a living and walking out of town meetings is his jam.
Luna I'm confused with the ERS. I don't understand the point/goal/end game.
ERS questionnaire 🛎🛎🛎 🍳
CEO with a shortened life expectancy due to board members = image overhaul.
Ok, things are circling around to the prior books I have read from this author.
What is he going to do with that knowledge??
Museum exhibition connection to prior novels.
Breach of contract
Running scared or self-preservation?
Rosanna and her little shoot 🌱of hope. 🫠
Graham seems like a grumpy, old, bitter man.
I get wanting a friend close, but did she cancel her apartment lease? Why did she not go there?
Seamus, they sound 🐟 🐠 ie in thier business info.
Wow, that's a mouthful... in an amazing way. Great job Rosanna!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again the services of a very unusual matchmaking business ERS (Elite Relationship Solutions) are needed by a billionaire CEO. Seamus needs to prove his leadership stability and erase the rich playboy perception he has been trying to shed for the past 6 years.
Rosanna needs funds to save a building and renovate it for a community art center. ERS will pay well for an arranged marriage to a wealthy man in exchange for a 6 month marriage. It’s a win-win situation until she finds out her match is the man who’s company wants to buy the property she wants to make into the community art center. But contracts are written and signed. Wedding bells ring.
Let the fun begin!
What sounds like a crazy solution actually a good fit for them both. Strong characters who are committed to making this work even though it’s not easy or fast. However, it’s effective and is turning into love. When their pasts collide they are split apart and Rosanna is convinced she’s lost. But has she?
Having been deeply involved in 4 community restorations (but no ERS)made it especially interesting for me. I loved the premise of this book and the creativity of this author.
Rosanna needs funds to save a building and renovate it for a community art center. ERS will pay well for an arranged marriage to a wealthy man in exchange for a 6 month marriage. It’s a win-win situation until she finds out her match is the man who’s company wants to buy the property she wants to make into the community art center. But contracts are written and signed. Wedding bells ring.
Let the fun begin!
What sounds like a crazy solution actually a good fit for them both. Strong characters who are committed to making this work even though it’s not easy or fast. However, it’s effective and is turning into love. When their pasts collide they are split apart and Rosanna is convinced she’s lost. But has she?
Having been deeply involved in 4 community restorations (but no ERS)made it especially interesting for me. I loved the premise of this book and the creativity of this author.
March 15, 2026
Keep it Sunny Side-up! 🌞
Rosanna is a children's book illustrator/artist who is trying to save a historic building that's part of the Heritage Street Project and build a children's art and literacy center.
Seamus is the grumpy, powerful billionaire CEO who is trying to bulldoze her dream and rebuild the area by putting in an O'MalleyMart.
Even though they don't know it, they are both looking for someone to love and that will love them back! I love this quote from the book: “Sometimes you meet the right person at exactly the moment you weren't looking for them.” They get paired up through an elite matchmaking service and the roller-coaster ride begins! I love how the author tells their story and had my heart swooning throughout the whole book! 💗
This is a real page turner, very well written and kept my interest all the way through it! It's a quick and easy read with a great storyline! I love the characters and how they interact with each other! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a small town, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, fake relationship romance! ❤
I received an ARC of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rosanna is a children's book illustrator/artist who is trying to save a historic building that's part of the Heritage Street Project and build a children's art and literacy center.
Seamus is the grumpy, powerful billionaire CEO who is trying to bulldoze her dream and rebuild the area by putting in an O'MalleyMart.
Even though they don't know it, they are both looking for someone to love and that will love them back! I love this quote from the book: “Sometimes you meet the right person at exactly the moment you weren't looking for them.” They get paired up through an elite matchmaking service and the roller-coaster ride begins! I love how the author tells their story and had my heart swooning throughout the whole book! 💗
This is a real page turner, very well written and kept my interest all the way through it! It's a quick and easy read with a great storyline! I love the characters and how they interact with each other! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a small town, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, fake relationship romance! ❤
I received an ARC of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2026
This book had me hooked from the very start. I’ve read the previous two books in this series and this one did not disappoint. This story was really relatable and very well written. Rosanna and Seamus have such good banter and are destined from the start. They are polar opposites when it comes to personality but their core values really align together. The paired arrangement helps them both so on they go. It’s so sweet that they have been pen pals since grade school and now they are married, even if it’s a contract marriage. Watching the two of them grow together and individually is endearing. The connection and chemistry between them deepens and love begins to bloom. Seamus truly wanted Rosanna to be comfortable with him and trust him to respect her boundaries. In the end seeing them get the ending I wanted for the two of them all along was heartwarming and so satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story had way more depth than the cover would suggest and might be my favorite one written by this author. Seamus, as CEO of the company his dad built, is expected to run it like his dad - all about profit. So far, he is following in dad’s footsteps. Rosanna, a children's book illustrator, is trying to save an old building that she has big dreams for from being destroyed. Truths are kept hidden and honesty is never completely expressed. That’s what happens when a relationship “… is a contract, not a … connection. When “I can’t decide which version of myself I’m supposed to be.” (There are three options). Is it possible “the building that brought us together even while threatening to tear us apart.”
March 19, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
This marriage is more complicated, involving a conflict of interest, without intended manipulation, and an unknowingly developed pen pal friendship.
There are reasonable questions I would ask in similar situations, but thankfully I don't have to decide if the answers are convincing or accountable.
The reveal of the connection doesn't happen as I would have wanted. It's good that the hero recognizes the predicament he's in and acknowledges the outcome. But choosing not to resolve it is cowardly and not being safe or any other excuse.
In this story, there is smart thinking, worries, fears, a hurtful outcome, a good friend, a legacy to follow, and despite all the tension, sweet moments.
Knowing the inevitable makes me wonder if is it possible to save their marriage, friendship, and love.
Another thing that bothers me is living in an expensive apartment with a feeling of no privacy, like living in a cardboard box with paper-thin walls and doors through which every sound is heard.
I received an ARC from the author.
This marriage is more complicated, involving a conflict of interest, without intended manipulation, and an unknowingly developed pen pal friendship.
There are reasonable questions I would ask in similar situations, but thankfully I don't have to decide if the answers are convincing or accountable.
The reveal of the connection doesn't happen as I would have wanted. It's good that the hero recognizes the predicament he's in and acknowledges the outcome. But choosing not to resolve it is cowardly and not being safe or any other excuse.
In this story, there is smart thinking, worries, fears, a hurtful outcome, a good friend, a legacy to follow, and despite all the tension, sweet moments.
Knowing the inevitable makes me wonder if is it possible to save their marriage, friendship, and love.
Another thing that bothers me is living in an expensive apartment with a feeling of no privacy, like living in a cardboard box with paper-thin walls and doors through which every sound is heard.
I received an ARC from the author.
March 15, 2026
This is a sweet enemies-to-more, secret identity romance.
Seamus and Rosanna are childhood pen friends (which h continued into adulthood), yet they only know each other as Shay and Anna.
They’re on opposite sides of a battle for a property. His company wants to develop it, and she wants to save it…
And, when they’re contracted for a short-term marriage for a reputation fix, things take a turn…
The businessman x artist trope in this opens the door for a little angst, and when you add in the secret identity, temporary marriage and boardroom betrayals, it has a lot going on.
A sweet romance, an enjoyable one, and great for just curling up and enjoying.
Seamus and Rosanna are childhood pen friends (which h continued into adulthood), yet they only know each other as Shay and Anna.
They’re on opposite sides of a battle for a property. His company wants to develop it, and she wants to save it…
And, when they’re contracted for a short-term marriage for a reputation fix, things take a turn…
The businessman x artist trope in this opens the door for a little angst, and when you add in the secret identity, temporary marriage and boardroom betrayals, it has a lot going on.
A sweet romance, an enjoyable one, and great for just curling up and enjoying.
March 16, 2026
When Seamus O'Malley, billionaire CEO board members float the idea that "ERS (Elite Relationship Solutions) should be used to promote a better image for him as old photos are doing the rounds and investors are not impressed it's a straight no.
Meanwhile Rosanna Lopez, children's book illustrator, needs cash to buy a building and fulfil a dream to turn it into a center for kids. Her friend suggests joining ERS so that they will help her achieve that goal.
And so it began, both hesitant and certain that it was a bad idea and yet...
Great story enjoyed the interplay between them so much that I read the book in one sitting.
Meanwhile Rosanna Lopez, children's book illustrator, needs cash to buy a building and fulfil a dream to turn it into a center for kids. Her friend suggests joining ERS so that they will help her achieve that goal.
And so it began, both hesitant and certain that it was a bad idea and yet...
Great story enjoyed the interplay between them so much that I read the book in one sitting.
March 16, 2026
She is trying to save a building from demolition. He is the billionaire trying to destroy it. In order to save his reputation and for her to obtain funding to save her beloved Heritage building they agree to join a match service and marry for 6 months. Little does she know that they have a hidden connection. Will he lose her once that connection is revealed? Will he take her beloved building right out from under her? This was such an emotional filled romance. Loved it. I hope to go back and read the other two books in the series soon. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by bookfunnel.
March 20, 2026
Review of ARC received from author.
This is my first Susie Heart read and I was so impressed with the quality of her writing. I tend to proofread everything while I read (I can't help it, it's my default setting) and in the entire book I found just one mistake, and it was small.
The story was wonderful with unique elements that made it feel fresh and different. Seamus and Rosanna's romance was built over years but the tidbits of their history that we were given never felt boring or forced into the story for the sake of context or drama, they were simply part of the story.
Thank you Susie Heart for providing this ARC, it's a 10/10 recommendation from me.
This is my first Susie Heart read and I was so impressed with the quality of her writing. I tend to proofread everything while I read (I can't help it, it's my default setting) and in the entire book I found just one mistake, and it was small.
The story was wonderful with unique elements that made it feel fresh and different. Seamus and Rosanna's romance was built over years but the tidbits of their history that we were given never felt boring or forced into the story for the sake of context or drama, they were simply part of the story.
Thank you Susie Heart for providing this ARC, it's a 10/10 recommendation from me.
March 15, 2026
I've been reading some interesting marriage-related books and been finding a common theme. Trust, putting in work even when it's hard, and accepting that the other person in the relationship is going to make mistakes even when neither of you want that.
I loved the short little snippets of the old pen pal emails that helped to explore how the characters developed into the people they were. Their relationship felt real and messy, one where both parties had to figure out to fit someone else into their lives especially when the other person turned out to be different than they expected.
I loved the short little snippets of the old pen pal emails that helped to explore how the characters developed into the people they were. Their relationship felt real and messy, one where both parties had to figure out to fit someone else into their lives especially when the other person turned out to be different than they expected.
March 18, 2026
Part of an interconnected series but can be read as a standalone.
Some of the characters overlap.
Opposites attract
They both want the same building for opposite reasons.
Matchmaker thinks they're compatible
Enemies to friends to....
He's struggling with finding balance and his own path
She's desperate to save a landmark
Long term unknown connection could help or hurt
Some of the characters overlap.
Opposites attract
They both want the same building for opposite reasons.
Matchmaker thinks they're compatible
Enemies to friends to....
He's struggling with finding balance and his own path
She's desperate to save a landmark
Long term unknown connection could help or hurt
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is engaging, funny, and romantic with characters that touch your heart and a satisfying ending. Rosanna’s ideas are heartwarming and I loved how Seamus made things possible.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book dragged on. It was mostly written from their thoughts pov. There was so much technical business as the plot, it wasn't fun to read. Not enough interaction or conversation. I struggled to get through this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very nice enemies-to-lovers romance.. Sweet, easy-to-read, and emotional..
March 16, 2026
This is a review of an ARC received from the author.
I really enjoyed this, particularly liked the pen pal angle.
I really enjoyed this, particularly liked the pen pal angle.
March 16, 2026
I really liked the plot and was hoping it would be good. There just wasn't any chemistry between the main characters. It was an okay story.
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