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All for Show
Sun, sea, and the very last man she expected to find on a tropical island.
Dana Lequire's book on infidelity made her a household name. What it didn't do was prepare her for being ghosted by the charming — and devastatingly Scottish — Graeme, leaving her humiliated and more than a little heartbroken.
So when she's offered a slot on True Hearts, the summer's hottest reality dating show, Dana says yes. An island escape, a fake name and a behind-the-scenes exposé is the perfect hook for her next book.
Until she comes face-to-face with the one man she swore she'd never see again.
Graeme’s still gorgeous, still maddeningly sure of himself — only now he's hiding behind a fake identity. Turns out they're both undercover. Both lying to everyone. And both about to discover that pretending not to want each other, on camera, in front of thirty million viewers, is a lot harder than it looks.
Between staged dates, scheming producers, and a villain edit with Dana's name on it, the cameras keep rolling. But the chemistry crackling between them? That part was never in the script.
Dana came to True Hearts to write the story.
She never meant to become the love story.
A sharp, funny, slow-burn, romantic comedy packed with reality TV drama, secret identities, second chances, forced proximity and sizzling chemistry on a tropical island.
Dana Lequire's book on infidelity made her a household name. What it didn't do was prepare her for being ghosted by the charming — and devastatingly Scottish — Graeme, leaving her humiliated and more than a little heartbroken.
So when she's offered a slot on True Hearts, the summer's hottest reality dating show, Dana says yes. An island escape, a fake name and a behind-the-scenes exposé is the perfect hook for her next book.
Until she comes face-to-face with the one man she swore she'd never see again.
Graeme’s still gorgeous, still maddeningly sure of himself — only now he's hiding behind a fake identity. Turns out they're both undercover. Both lying to everyone. And both about to discover that pretending not to want each other, on camera, in front of thirty million viewers, is a lot harder than it looks.
Between staged dates, scheming producers, and a villain edit with Dana's name on it, the cameras keep rolling. But the chemistry crackling between them? That part was never in the script.
Dana came to True Hearts to write the story.
She never meant to become the love story.
A sharp, funny, slow-burn, romantic comedy packed with reality TV drama, secret identities, second chances, forced proximity and sizzling chemistry on a tropical island.
- GenresRomance
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2026
About the author
Paula Rogers
3 books13 followersPaula Rogers is a novelist and twice BAFTA-nominated writer in video games, journalism, film, and television.
She was Lead Writer and Story Editor of the game Neo Cab, which was named one of the best titles of 2019 by the L.A. Times, The Washington Post, and Paste Magazine. She was a lead writer on the 2023 Tribeca award-winning game Goodbye Volcano High, and has worked on IP for Marvel, DC, and others.
She is also the creator of the anti-algorithm, rom-com webcomic, Blind Data, where she chronicles her dating experiences and draws the men as cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I applied for this ARC because I thought the synopsis was amazing. Truly, what could be better than a lovers to enemies(ish, you can tell they still have feelings for each other) to lovers (possibly)?
This was also my first time reading Paula Rogers and I was happily surprised; the writing is easy and fast paced, and it’s kind of addictive. I read through the 264 pages like it was water, and I was thirsty!
I really enjoyed Dana’s inner monologues and the way she kept trying to do her best while not knowing what that would be. I felt compassion and respect for her, all while reading her thoughts and being like “miss girl?!” — truly a point of it being good.
Plot wise, I ended up guessing part of the twist (the whole thing left me gagged) but it was still great.
Overall, 4 stars feel like a good representation of that this book is.
I applied for this ARC because I thought the synopsis was amazing. Truly, what could be better than a lovers to enemies(ish, you can tell they still have feelings for each other) to lovers (possibly)?
This was also my first time reading Paula Rogers and I was happily surprised; the writing is easy and fast paced, and it’s kind of addictive. I read through the 264 pages like it was water, and I was thirsty!
I really enjoyed Dana’s inner monologues and the way she kept trying to do her best while not knowing what that would be. I felt compassion and respect for her, all while reading her thoughts and being like “miss girl?!” — truly a point of it being good.
Plot wise, I ended up guessing part of the twist (the whole thing left me gagged) but it was still great.
Overall, 4 stars feel like a good representation of that this book is.
July 3, 2026
The book was overall good and fun to read, I just didn't really feel a connection with the fmc, Dana. The entire start of the book was her telling herself she wasn't serious about him, but girl sit down, you cared too much to talk about it so much. I also wanted to know more about Graeme, I couldn't root for him so much as I barely knew him, this book would have entertained me more if it were dual POV.
June 30, 2026
Dana Lequire became famous for her book on infidelity. She is offered a slot on the hottest reality show of the summer - True Hearts. Seeing it as a perfect opportunity to get some behind-the-scenes information for her next book, Dana decides why not? So naturally, this is where she bumps into Graeme again - the man who ghosted her a month ago. But why is he under a different name? It seems they are both undercover and being untruthful. There are fake dates, manipulative producers and someone getting an undesirable edit. But that chemistry? That’s pretty hard to fake….
The Pros:
1) There are: * secrets *betrayals * lies * being ghosted * secret identities
2) I love stories about writers - especially when they are under cover/behind the scenes.
3) I love reality TV shows/social media and how they manipulate people - including the public
4) The romance 💖
The Cons:
1) I wasn’t 100% behind all of the MMCs decisions
The Quotes:
1) As counterintuitive as it might seem, I actually wrote a book about heartbreak because I want to understand it - because I want to believe in love. Even if it doesn’t believe in me.
2) But writing is cathartic, after all, and right now I have some serious demons to exorcise.
3) ... we craft a villain arc as a form of self-protection, even if that can mean the goodness in someone gets left on the cutting room floor.
The Summary:
There are so many elements I liked in this story. I am always a fan of how reality TV/social media can manipulate the truth, plus add in some undercover writers and I will be having a great time lol! I loved the secrets, lies, betrayals etc. Dana was a great FMC, not only was she strong, but in the sadder moments, I really felt for her. I adored Dana’s Mum too and how she was always a ‘Mum’ to Dana in the best way. The only thing I wasn’t 100% behind was some of the decisions the MMC made. Overall, I loved this story and I look forward to reading more from the author!
Summed up in a sentence?:
Writer Dana goes on a love reality TV show to write a behind-the-scenes book
I rated the book 4.5 🌟 (rounded up to 5)
The Pros:
1) There are: * secrets *betrayals * lies * being ghosted * secret identities
2) I love stories about writers - especially when they are under cover/behind the scenes.
3) I love reality TV shows/social media and how they manipulate people - including the public
4) The romance 💖
The Cons:
1) I wasn’t 100% behind all of the MMCs decisions
The Quotes:
1) As counterintuitive as it might seem, I actually wrote a book about heartbreak because I want to understand it - because I want to believe in love. Even if it doesn’t believe in me.
2) But writing is cathartic, after all, and right now I have some serious demons to exorcise.
3) ... we craft a villain arc as a form of self-protection, even if that can mean the goodness in someone gets left on the cutting room floor.
The Summary:
There are so many elements I liked in this story. I am always a fan of how reality TV/social media can manipulate the truth, plus add in some undercover writers and I will be having a great time lol! I loved the secrets, lies, betrayals etc. Dana was a great FMC, not only was she strong, but in the sadder moments, I really felt for her. I adored Dana’s Mum too and how she was always a ‘Mum’ to Dana in the best way. The only thing I wasn’t 100% behind was some of the decisions the MMC made. Overall, I loved this story and I look forward to reading more from the author!
Summed up in a sentence?:
Writer Dana goes on a love reality TV show to write a behind-the-scenes book
I rated the book 4.5 🌟 (rounded up to 5)
July 4, 2026
Reality television has always thrived on manufactured drama, but *All for Show* reminds us that the biggest twists are the ones no producer could ever script.
Dana heads to a tropical dating show under a fake identity with one goal: gather material for her next book. The last thing she expects is to come face-to-face with Graeme—the Scottish man who disappeared from her life without explanation and left her nursing a broken heart. When they discover they're both hiding secrets while pretending to be someone they're not, every staged moment begins to blur into something undeniably real.
Paula Rogers delivers a romance that perfectly balances humor, heart, and just the right amount of reality TV chaos. The island setting feels bright, vibrant, and escapist, while the behind-the-scenes glimpse into dating-show production adds an entertaining layer of manipulation, producer interference, and public perception. It becomes impossible not to wonder what is genuine and what is simply another scene for the cameras.
Dana is an easy heroine to root for. Intelligent, independent, and understandably guarded, she refuses to let past hurt define her, even when she's forced into close quarters with the man responsible for it. Graeme is equally compelling, carrying enough mystery to keep readers questioning his motives while still making it clear there's more beneath his confident exterior. Their chemistry builds naturally through witty banter, lingering glances, and emotional conversations that slowly peel back the misunderstandings separating them.
The fake dating, forced proximity, and secret identity elements all intertwine seamlessly, creating tension that feels playful one moment and surprisingly heartfelt the next. While the romance burns slowly, every interaction adds another layer of trust, making the eventual emotional payoff feel earned rather than rushed.
Beyond the romance, the novel offers a clever commentary on image versus reality. Between editing, producer influence, and public perception, it asks how well we truly know the stories we're shown—and whether vulnerability can survive when the entire world is watching.
Lighthearted, funny, romantic, and wonderfully addictive, *All for Show* is the perfect escape for readers who love second-chance romance, reality TV drama, tropical settings, and couples whose best moments happen when the cameras stop rolling.
I had the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication, and these are my honest thoughts.
Dana heads to a tropical dating show under a fake identity with one goal: gather material for her next book. The last thing she expects is to come face-to-face with Graeme—the Scottish man who disappeared from her life without explanation and left her nursing a broken heart. When they discover they're both hiding secrets while pretending to be someone they're not, every staged moment begins to blur into something undeniably real.
Paula Rogers delivers a romance that perfectly balances humor, heart, and just the right amount of reality TV chaos. The island setting feels bright, vibrant, and escapist, while the behind-the-scenes glimpse into dating-show production adds an entertaining layer of manipulation, producer interference, and public perception. It becomes impossible not to wonder what is genuine and what is simply another scene for the cameras.
Dana is an easy heroine to root for. Intelligent, independent, and understandably guarded, she refuses to let past hurt define her, even when she's forced into close quarters with the man responsible for it. Graeme is equally compelling, carrying enough mystery to keep readers questioning his motives while still making it clear there's more beneath his confident exterior. Their chemistry builds naturally through witty banter, lingering glances, and emotional conversations that slowly peel back the misunderstandings separating them.
The fake dating, forced proximity, and secret identity elements all intertwine seamlessly, creating tension that feels playful one moment and surprisingly heartfelt the next. While the romance burns slowly, every interaction adds another layer of trust, making the eventual emotional payoff feel earned rather than rushed.
Beyond the romance, the novel offers a clever commentary on image versus reality. Between editing, producer influence, and public perception, it asks how well we truly know the stories we're shown—and whether vulnerability can survive when the entire world is watching.
Lighthearted, funny, romantic, and wonderfully addictive, *All for Show* is the perfect escape for readers who love second-chance romance, reality TV drama, tropical settings, and couples whose best moments happen when the cameras stop rolling.
I had the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication, and these are my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Came across this on NetGalley with the following blurb: “Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Christina Lauren and Love Island.” Well, guess what? That’s me to a TEE. So I picked it up because, long story short, I once had this idea of writing a murder mystery book set in a dating reality competition show (I made it to about 45k words and it’s not fit for consumption), so of course, in general books about reality tv are a topic I love! I was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed this from the get go, because even though the premise was my cup of tea, my skepticism was high cause I haven’t been vibing with contemporary romance lately. But All for Show was the book to break the curse! The premise is the following: Dana (named after Dana Scully from the X-Files, another check mark for me) is a hapkido instructor and nonfiction writer and she is in a rut. The last boy she dated ghosted her, her book did not do the sales she thought it would even though everyone in her life is acting like she’s a big important writer now, and ti make matters worst she has no idea what to write next. Her best friend is also in a professional rut working for a reality tv series and trying to stand out amongst her colleagues, but her assigned contestants keep dropping like flies. The friends decide to help each other out: the plan is that Dana will go on the show for just a day to be voted off immediately, and then will write a tell all about being a participant in a very popular reality tv, and her friend will look good to her boss. Except….. people like Dana too much, and she does not get voted out, and HAS TO ship immediately to an island to live in “captivity” with 7 other hot strangers wearing very little clothing. But when she arrives in the island, to her surprise, the boy who ghosted her is there… with a new haircut, new name, and new personality… cause he is also an undercover journalist! So they fight, they make up, they can’t help being attracted to each other, but also the cameras are always rolling and the microphone is always hot (oh, that should be the tagline for this book… 😅) and very fast what’s real and what’s not gets very confusing. My favorite thing about it is the behind the scenes of the reality tv show, the producers, the people working to make it happen. I am fascinated by that stuff. I am still mad about Riki, tho, Paula!!!!! Final Rating: 4.5🌟
June 15, 2026
Cast on a reality dating show, Dana, a published writer wants to write a new story about this experience.
Twists and turns throughout, the usual drama you'd find on shows like Love Island, are captured beautifully on the page.
The other characters on the island were fun and mostly memorable, although a few, I kind of forgot about.
Dana's trauma surrounding abandonment and her love life were very relatable and Rogers does a good job of not making it her whole personality. You see, Dana's been ghosted one too many times, and the last guy Graeme, he was different. (No spoilers allowed!)
The writing style took a bit for me to get used to, for example: it was sometimes hard to understand who is saying what. But this was really funny! I havent loled this much at a book in a long time.
I thought the first person POV of Dana worked well here. There are no MMC chapters, but Dana was so great, it was okay with me! The twist at the end was great and really showed who your real friends are with the found family of it all!
Thank you to Joffe boCast on a reality dating show, Dana, a published writer wants to write a new story about this experience.
Twists and turns throughout, the usual drama you'd find on shows like Love Island, are captured beautifully on the page.
The other characters on the island were fun and mostly memorable, although a few, I kind of forgot about.
Dana's trauma surrounding abandonment and her love life were very relatable and Rogers does a good job of not making it her whole personality. You see, Dana's been ghosted one too many times, and the last guy Graeme, he was different. (No spoilers allowed!)
The writing style took a bit for me to get used to, for example: it was sometimes hard to understand who is saying what. But this was really funny! I havent loled this much at a book in a long time.
I thought the first person POV of Dana worked well here. There are no MMC chapters, but Dana was so great, it was okay with me! The twist at the end was great and really showed who your real friends are with the found family of it all!
Thank you to Joffe books and NetGalley for this eARC for my honest review.
Twists and turns throughout, the usual drama you'd find on shows like Love Island, are captured beautifully on the page.
The other characters on the island were fun and mostly memorable, although a few, I kind of forgot about.
Dana's trauma surrounding abandonment and her love life were very relatable and Rogers does a good job of not making it her whole personality. You see, Dana's been ghosted one too many times, and the last guy Graeme, he was different. (No spoilers allowed!)
The writing style took a bit for me to get used to, for example: it was sometimes hard to understand who is saying what. But this was really funny! I havent loled this much at a book in a long time.
I thought the first person POV of Dana worked well here. There are no MMC chapters, but Dana was so great, it was okay with me! The twist at the end was great and really showed who your real friends are with the found family of it all!
Thank you to Joffe boCast on a reality dating show, Dana, a published writer wants to write a new story about this experience.
Twists and turns throughout, the usual drama you'd find on shows like Love Island, are captured beautifully on the page.
The other characters on the island were fun and mostly memorable, although a few, I kind of forgot about.
Dana's trauma surrounding abandonment and her love life were very relatable and Rogers does a good job of not making it her whole personality. You see, Dana's been ghosted one too many times, and the last guy Graeme, he was different. (No spoilers allowed!)
The writing style took a bit for me to get used to, for example: it was sometimes hard to understand who is saying what. But this was really funny! I havent loled this much at a book in a long time.
I thought the first person POV of Dana worked well here. There are no MMC chapters, but Dana was so great, it was okay with me! The twist at the end was great and really showed who your real friends are with the found family of it all!
Thank you to Joffe books and NetGalley for this eARC for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have really mixed feelings about this book. I understand that the author was trying to write in the voice of a non-fiction writer who got stuck on a reality dating show, but it didn't feel like it was written by a novelist. There was a weird, clinical remove about the book. I get that Dana wasn't engaging and protecting herself, but as such I didn't feel the need to root for her or the book overall and I thought that was an odd choice by the author.
After being ghosted by a man named Graeme, Dana ends up doing a last-minute favor for best friend Rita, who is a producer on a reality dating show. Rita promises that she'll be eliminated immediately and she'll be able to write an article or even a book about the experience. But from the beginning everything seems to go wrong, and Dana finds herself on a plane to Puerto Rico with a wardrobe of string bikinis.
But it's hard to care too much about Dana's issues because we don't know her. The story begins AFTER she's been ghosted by Graeme, after being abandoned by her father, all we are given is woman who is physically strong and not afraid to fight. She's guarded and quick to believe that she's better than everyone else, while behaving in an unhinged manner just for fun and then is surprised to learn that she receives the "Villain Edit".
During bouts of self-pity, we learn some of why she has trouble trusting men and people in general and yet she trusts Rita blindly. There was a lot about the show True Hearts that was icky but Dana was really messy when she should have known better. Also, for as important as Ollie was to everything that happened to Dana, she was little more than a sound tech in a yellow hat. I was completely surprised when she said to Dana that as women of color they get troublesome edits on reality shows, as I had no idea that Ollie was supposed to be a woman of color, in fact she was so underwritten, that I mostly had her as a sort of Dobby in a yellow hat.
In the end there is a happy ending, but I didn't really care much one way or the other.
After being ghosted by a man named Graeme, Dana ends up doing a last-minute favor for best friend Rita, who is a producer on a reality dating show. Rita promises that she'll be eliminated immediately and she'll be able to write an article or even a book about the experience. But from the beginning everything seems to go wrong, and Dana finds herself on a plane to Puerto Rico with a wardrobe of string bikinis.
But it's hard to care too much about Dana's issues because we don't know her. The story begins AFTER she's been ghosted by Graeme, after being abandoned by her father, all we are given is woman who is physically strong and not afraid to fight. She's guarded and quick to believe that she's better than everyone else, while behaving in an unhinged manner just for fun and then is surprised to learn that she receives the "Villain Edit".
During bouts of self-pity, we learn some of why she has trouble trusting men and people in general and yet she trusts Rita blindly. There was a lot about the show True Hearts that was icky but Dana was really messy when she should have known better. Also, for as important as Ollie was to everything that happened to Dana, she was little more than a sound tech in a yellow hat. I was completely surprised when she said to Dana that as women of color they get troublesome edits on reality shows, as I had no idea that Ollie was supposed to be a woman of color, in fact she was so underwritten, that I mostly had her as a sort of Dobby in a yellow hat.
In the end there is a happy ending, but I didn't really care much one way or the other.
July 13, 2026
3.5 stars
12 July 2026
I was really keen to enjoy this book. As someone who watches some reality dating shows, the premise was intriguing. Unfortunately it was too close to reality tv to be a good read: it is definitely gripping but Dana is a really inconsistent and baffling character. Her POV shifts all over the place - she was in love with her 2-month situationship but also didn’t look him up properly as a writer or research him enough to know? She trusts her friend blindly, which is fine, and considers Riki her best friend in fact, but doesn’t know so much about her life - e.g. what she did for a job for “a couple of years”.
And her issues with her father just sounds so immature from start to finish. Also her book concept makes no sense, how did it her a lot of critical acclaim? It’s all so random. She’s put together as a character with so many assorted storyline bits that make her feel less like a person and more like an emo patchwork quilt.
What she likes best about Graeme is their chemistry and conversations. But he seems like such a loser in all ways other than his accent I suppose, and some basic kindness.
Graeme saying it’s all her issues related to her father is also very stupid, during their big confrontation. He lied to her for their entire acquaintance but then expects to just get her trust back in an instant? Also he repeatedly created situations where she had to look after him.
In general, no one feels like a fully developed character with basic common sense. Her best friend was being really mean to her and sketchy about everything but she just believes that Riki “lost” her journal. Also what kind of shitty person does this to their best friend? And the ending gave me no joy, cause what the hell, there were so many unresolved issues. I kept reading this in the hope that it would get better. It was short enough that I could read it in one go. But it really remained true to the reality tv genre and was highly frustrating from end to end.
I am grateful to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
12 July 2026
I was really keen to enjoy this book. As someone who watches some reality dating shows, the premise was intriguing. Unfortunately it was too close to reality tv to be a good read: it is definitely gripping but Dana is a really inconsistent and baffling character. Her POV shifts all over the place - she was in love with her 2-month situationship but also didn’t look him up properly as a writer or research him enough to know? She trusts her friend blindly, which is fine, and considers Riki her best friend in fact, but doesn’t know so much about her life - e.g. what she did for a job for “a couple of years”.
And her issues with her father just sounds so immature from start to finish. Also her book concept makes no sense, how did it her a lot of critical acclaim? It’s all so random. She’s put together as a character with so many assorted storyline bits that make her feel less like a person and more like an emo patchwork quilt.
What she likes best about Graeme is their chemistry and conversations. But he seems like such a loser in all ways other than his accent I suppose, and some basic kindness.
Graeme saying it’s all her issues related to her father is also very stupid, during their big confrontation. He lied to her for their entire acquaintance but then expects to just get her trust back in an instant? Also he repeatedly created situations where she had to look after him.
In general, no one feels like a fully developed character with basic common sense. Her best friend was being really mean to her and sketchy about everything but she just believes that Riki “lost” her journal. Also what kind of shitty person does this to their best friend? And the ending gave me no joy, cause what the hell, there were so many unresolved issues. I kept reading this in the hope that it would get better. It was short enough that I could read it in one go. But it really remained true to the reality tv genre and was highly frustrating from end to end.
I am grateful to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author (Paula Rogers), the publisher (Joffe Books/Choc Lit), and Netgalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.
I'll be honest and say that I picked this book because I've been so so on contemporary romance novels at the moment and wanted something to get back into the genre.
I had a hard time getting into this book because Dana's character felt a little bit flat at the beginning. She had such potential with being a strong, independent woman who sought to understand relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed her open and honest relationship with her mom and felt like that was easy to get behind, but she was so stuck in the rut of the "boy she wasn't serious about" ghosting her.
It wasn't until she actually got onto the Love Island style dating show that I felt like her character became more interesting. That is where I felt like I saw more depth in her exploring her feelings, figuring out who she was internally, and expanding on the reasons for her distrust of Graeme.
And while I didn't think Graeme's character made the right decisions every time, I think the way the story plays out with him leaving her in the hotel room was a great climax point in the book. I do wish she would have asked him to stay rather than falling into the same maladaptive patterns of feeling insecure because of fear of abandonment, but that might be a smidge unrealistic for where she was at on her emotional journey at that point regarding her dad. Also, I know that it brings closure, but it just felt a little jarring that Dana's dad after abandoning her and never reaching out for years all of a sudden sent a postcard and apologized.
Regardless, all is well that ends well because the ending of the "show" is adorable. I like that she got the love and romance in the end of it all. It was a nice, easy, mostly lighthearted read. My favorite characters were honestly Dio and Ollie because they seemed the most grounded!
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.
I'll be honest and say that I picked this book because I've been so so on contemporary romance novels at the moment and wanted something to get back into the genre.
I had a hard time getting into this book because Dana's character felt a little bit flat at the beginning. She had such potential with being a strong, independent woman who sought to understand relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed her open and honest relationship with her mom and felt like that was easy to get behind, but she was so stuck in the rut of the "boy she wasn't serious about" ghosting her.
It wasn't until she actually got onto the Love Island style dating show that I felt like her character became more interesting. That is where I felt like I saw more depth in her exploring her feelings, figuring out who she was internally, and expanding on the reasons for her distrust of Graeme.
And while I didn't think Graeme's character made the right decisions every time, I think the way the story plays out with him leaving her in the hotel room was a great climax point in the book. I do wish she would have asked him to stay rather than falling into the same maladaptive patterns of feeling insecure because of fear of abandonment, but that might be a smidge unrealistic for where she was at on her emotional journey at that point regarding her dad. Also, I know that it brings closure, but it just felt a little jarring that Dana's dad after abandoning her and never reaching out for years all of a sudden sent a postcard and apologized.
Regardless, all is well that ends well because the ending of the "show" is adorable. I like that she got the love and romance in the end of it all. It was a nice, easy, mostly lighthearted read. My favorite characters were honestly Dio and Ollie because they seemed the most grounded!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4/5 Stars
This quirky romance novel follows Dana, a Hapkido instructor at her family business, who is also a journalist/author on the side. Dana is the sort of heroine you want to cheer for—smart, independent, and just a little bit stubborn, with a knack for landing herself in situations most of us would only dream (or dread) of. When her longtime friend Riki reappears and ropes her into joining a reality TV show—one Riki is helping to write, no less—Dana signs up to support her friend, blissfully unaware of the chaos (and potential for love) about to disrupt her orderly world. Will she find her happily ever after on reality TV, or will her reputation end up as yesterday’s headline?
The book reads like a delightful mashup of ‘Love Island’ and ‘Love is Blind,’ serving up plenty of flirty, Hollywood-inspired antics that make for an irresistibly breezy read. The behind-the-scenes look at reality TV production adds a fun twist, giving readers both the glitz of on-camera drama and the chaos lurking just out of frame. I especially appreciated the author’s witty dialogue—there are moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud.
Confession: I never quite warmed up to the male lead—he just wasn’t my cup of tea. However, Dana’s journey (and their story together) was undeniably adorable. The secondary cast of characters is also worth mentioning: quirky, supportive, and full of big personalities, they added heart and humor throughout.
The ending? Chef’s kiss. Every loose end tucked away with satisfying flair, plus a few surprises I didn’t see coming. It’s the kind of conclusion that leaves you smiling and maybe even wishing for a spin-off.
If you’re a fan of romance—especially second-chance love stories and forced proximity tropes—consider this your next cute summer read. It’s light, witty, and perfect for anyone looking to escape into a world where love might just be one reality show away.
This quirky romance novel follows Dana, a Hapkido instructor at her family business, who is also a journalist/author on the side. Dana is the sort of heroine you want to cheer for—smart, independent, and just a little bit stubborn, with a knack for landing herself in situations most of us would only dream (or dread) of. When her longtime friend Riki reappears and ropes her into joining a reality TV show—one Riki is helping to write, no less—Dana signs up to support her friend, blissfully unaware of the chaos (and potential for love) about to disrupt her orderly world. Will she find her happily ever after on reality TV, or will her reputation end up as yesterday’s headline?
The book reads like a delightful mashup of ‘Love Island’ and ‘Love is Blind,’ serving up plenty of flirty, Hollywood-inspired antics that make for an irresistibly breezy read. The behind-the-scenes look at reality TV production adds a fun twist, giving readers both the glitz of on-camera drama and the chaos lurking just out of frame. I especially appreciated the author’s witty dialogue—there are moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud.
Confession: I never quite warmed up to the male lead—he just wasn’t my cup of tea. However, Dana’s journey (and their story together) was undeniably adorable. The secondary cast of characters is also worth mentioning: quirky, supportive, and full of big personalities, they added heart and humor throughout.
The ending? Chef’s kiss. Every loose end tucked away with satisfying flair, plus a few surprises I didn’t see coming. It’s the kind of conclusion that leaves you smiling and maybe even wishing for a spin-off.
If you’re a fan of romance—especially second-chance love stories and forced proximity tropes—consider this your next cute summer read. It’s light, witty, and perfect for anyone looking to escape into a world where love might just be one reality show away.
July 4, 2026
Dana is a struggling writer who is looking for the topic of her next book. She just got ghosted by a guy she can’t stop thinking about, and she’s working at and living above her family’s dojang. Then, her college friend offers her a unique job: fill in on a hit new reality dating show. The problem? The Scottish “ghost” is there too. Dana is not only caught up in the reality show drama, but in her own personal struggles as she tries to remain impartial and calm, while fighting the passion between herself and Graeme, the man who has the potential to break her heart - again.
Steamy factor - mild (some love scenes, but this isn’t a romp by any means) but with some great flirty scenes. The romance factor is very, very high.
I totally tore through this one. It had everything I look for in a great rom-com: heavy flirtation, tension, the right amount of love scenes to satisfy, some laugh-out-loud moments, and ultimately, the HEA that I was waiting for. Perfect. And the fact that it was set against the backdrop of a soapy reality TV dating show? *chefs kiss*
It’s definitely a book rom-com fans will enjoy many times over.
The storyline was also good, not only with the reality show, but there were some nice twists in there. The author obviously is talented, and was able to keep things interesting and that was also something that kept me reading. I just couldn’t stop reading! I was so hooked right from the beginning!
Overall, this book was not only charming, funny, and interesting, it had great depth and characters that kept me turning pages throughout. I highly recommend it to fans looking for a good beach/pool read that has some oomph behind it.
Steamy factor - mild (some love scenes, but this isn’t a romp by any means) but with some great flirty scenes. The romance factor is very, very high.
I totally tore through this one. It had everything I look for in a great rom-com: heavy flirtation, tension, the right amount of love scenes to satisfy, some laugh-out-loud moments, and ultimately, the HEA that I was waiting for. Perfect. And the fact that it was set against the backdrop of a soapy reality TV dating show? *chefs kiss*
It’s definitely a book rom-com fans will enjoy many times over.
The storyline was also good, not only with the reality show, but there were some nice twists in there. The author obviously is talented, and was able to keep things interesting and that was also something that kept me reading. I just couldn’t stop reading! I was so hooked right from the beginning!
Overall, this book was not only charming, funny, and interesting, it had great depth and characters that kept me turning pages throughout. I highly recommend it to fans looking for a good beach/pool read that has some oomph behind it.
July 6, 2026
This is a really fun romcom that explores the phenomenon that is reality TV! This is the second book from this author about relationships and how you have to work at making them and they dont always progress as you may expect.
I really liked Dana, she was kick-ass, literally, dont mess with that black-belt or her equally imposing family! She had faced adversity that she was still struggling with many years later as an adult, but she was instantly likeable and despite acting like someone else, remained true to her core beliefs at all times.
Dana had an incredibly supportive mum who really seems like superwoman. We met lots of other people throughout the book, and I often think gosh I'd really like that character if I met them in the real world, let's just say I cannot say the same for Riki, even before the reveal of her true nature she did not strike me as someone that was deserving of Dana's friendship.
The premise of the reality TV seemed to be a bit of a MAFS X Love Island mashup. I dont watch the latter but I thought the idea of the coupling up and mixing dates that sounded like what I know of the show actually sounded quite interesting. Of course the setting on Puerto Rico also made it seem so idyllic.
I felt like there were a couple of threads I would have just liked to see the resolution of in a bit more detail, but I did enjoy reading the epilogue and how things had progressed for the group.
I found this a very quick read, over with in two sittings. It was fun, flirty and full of heart. I think this would be a great accompaniment to sitting on the beach with a fruity cocktail!
I really liked Dana, she was kick-ass, literally, dont mess with that black-belt or her equally imposing family! She had faced adversity that she was still struggling with many years later as an adult, but she was instantly likeable and despite acting like someone else, remained true to her core beliefs at all times.
Dana had an incredibly supportive mum who really seems like superwoman. We met lots of other people throughout the book, and I often think gosh I'd really like that character if I met them in the real world, let's just say I cannot say the same for Riki, even before the reveal of her true nature she did not strike me as someone that was deserving of Dana's friendship.
The premise of the reality TV seemed to be a bit of a MAFS X Love Island mashup. I dont watch the latter but I thought the idea of the coupling up and mixing dates that sounded like what I know of the show actually sounded quite interesting. Of course the setting on Puerto Rico also made it seem so idyllic.
I felt like there were a couple of threads I would have just liked to see the resolution of in a bit more detail, but I did enjoy reading the epilogue and how things had progressed for the group.
I found this a very quick read, over with in two sittings. It was fun, flirty and full of heart. I think this would be a great accompaniment to sitting on the beach with a fruity cocktail!
July 17, 2026
A tough female protagonist, summery backdrops and intentional pretense form the foundation of this novel, and I found myself enjoying the ride. Paula Rogers nailed the entirety of the reality TV plotline, with each curveball feeling all too real.
I loved the main character Dana a whole lot more than I'd thought possible. In a crisis of FMCs that are damsels in distress, clumsy, insecure, awkward, and dependent, Dana strongly stood out to me in her opinionated way of thinking, confidence and athleticism. Her background of being a Hapkido (martial art) instructor only added to her immense aura. Working against the backdrop of her intriguing family dynamics after her father ghosted her along with her mother and two half brothers spice things up in the drama department (which I love).
Unfortunately, I do have some complaints with the story. On the romance front, I found it incredibly difficult to buy the chemistry between Dana and the MMC of the story Graeme. Yes, they have some history so there is second chance romance thrown into the plot, yet I just couldn't see the appeal. So for me, the highlight of the story was the side characters and Dana more than the romance of it all. Looking at it that way, I actually liked Dana's narration from her first POV. If you are to read this, I'd advise against going under hopes of a memorable romance.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and Paula Rogers for the opportunity to read this complimentary e-ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all thoughts are authentically mine.
I loved the main character Dana a whole lot more than I'd thought possible. In a crisis of FMCs that are damsels in distress, clumsy, insecure, awkward, and dependent, Dana strongly stood out to me in her opinionated way of thinking, confidence and athleticism. Her background of being a Hapkido (martial art) instructor only added to her immense aura. Working against the backdrop of her intriguing family dynamics after her father ghosted her along with her mother and two half brothers spice things up in the drama department (which I love).
Unfortunately, I do have some complaints with the story. On the romance front, I found it incredibly difficult to buy the chemistry between Dana and the MMC of the story Graeme. Yes, they have some history so there is second chance romance thrown into the plot, yet I just couldn't see the appeal. So for me, the highlight of the story was the side characters and Dana more than the romance of it all. Looking at it that way, I actually liked Dana's narration from her first POV. If you are to read this, I'd advise against going under hopes of a memorable romance.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and Paula Rogers for the opportunity to read this complimentary e-ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all thoughts are authentically mine.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐
I had really high hopes for this book because the premise sounded right up my alley. A reality dating show, second-chance romance, and plenty of drama? It honestly seemed like a guaranteed win for me. Sadly, while I didn't dislike it, it wasn't quite what I was expecting.
The reality TV setting was definitely the strongest part of the book. I enjoyed all the drama and the behind-the-scenes look at how these shows are put together. There were some entertaining moments, a few surprises along the way, and I appreciated the found family aspects that developed throughout the story.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the writing style. It felt a little awkward for me at times, and I never fully settled into the narrative. Because of that, I found it difficult to connect with the characters on a deeper level, especially when it came to the romance. I wanted to be more invested in Dana and Graeme's relationship, but I never quite got there.
That being said, this definitely feels like one of those books where your mileage may vary. I've seen plenty of positive reviews, so I can absolutely understand why it works for other readers. It just wasn't the right fit for me.
Overall, this was an okay read—entertaining in parts, but not as memorable as I'd hoped. If you enjoy reality TV-inspired romances and don't mind a writing style that may take some getting used to, you might have a better experience with this one than I did.
I had really high hopes for this book because the premise sounded right up my alley. A reality dating show, second-chance romance, and plenty of drama? It honestly seemed like a guaranteed win for me. Sadly, while I didn't dislike it, it wasn't quite what I was expecting.
The reality TV setting was definitely the strongest part of the book. I enjoyed all the drama and the behind-the-scenes look at how these shows are put together. There were some entertaining moments, a few surprises along the way, and I appreciated the found family aspects that developed throughout the story.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the writing style. It felt a little awkward for me at times, and I never fully settled into the narrative. Because of that, I found it difficult to connect with the characters on a deeper level, especially when it came to the romance. I wanted to be more invested in Dana and Graeme's relationship, but I never quite got there.
That being said, this definitely feels like one of those books where your mileage may vary. I've seen plenty of positive reviews, so I can absolutely understand why it works for other readers. It just wasn't the right fit for me.
Overall, this was an okay read—entertaining in parts, but not as memorable as I'd hoped. If you enjoy reality TV-inspired romances and don't mind a writing style that may take some getting used to, you might have a better experience with this one than I did.
July 2, 2026
3.5 Star rounded to 4.
I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am leaving an honest review.
Dana, a dojang instructor, writer, and recent victim of ghosting, can't seem to get over the man who ghosted her, Graeme. To help Dana write a story and try to forget Graeme, Riki, Dana's friend, pulls strings to get Dana undercover as a contestant for the reality show, True Heats. Dana isn't supposed to be on the show for long but she gets voted to go to Puerto Rico. Soon she meets the other contestants, including Zach but his name isn't actually Zach, it's her ex, Graeme. Dana and Graeme are both pretending to be people they're not, on a reality show where you're meant to find true love...what could go wrong?
This was a light, easy read. The pace was good throughout the book, it slowed down a bit about halfway through but picked up near the end. Dana's character was likeable, she had a hard time being insincere; which I though was a great character trait and it kept me rooting for her. The chemistry and tension between the fmc and mmc was well done, however; I would have liked to have more spice in the characters' relationship. This book kept me guessing. I can usually predict who the liar/villain is but I had a hard time with this one which was a nice change.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a slow burn romance with a lower spice level. I enjoyed reading this book, it was quite a refreshing change from the dark romances I've been reading.
I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am leaving an honest review.
Dana, a dojang instructor, writer, and recent victim of ghosting, can't seem to get over the man who ghosted her, Graeme. To help Dana write a story and try to forget Graeme, Riki, Dana's friend, pulls strings to get Dana undercover as a contestant for the reality show, True Heats. Dana isn't supposed to be on the show for long but she gets voted to go to Puerto Rico. Soon she meets the other contestants, including Zach but his name isn't actually Zach, it's her ex, Graeme. Dana and Graeme are both pretending to be people they're not, on a reality show where you're meant to find true love...what could go wrong?
This was a light, easy read. The pace was good throughout the book, it slowed down a bit about halfway through but picked up near the end. Dana's character was likeable, she had a hard time being insincere; which I though was a great character trait and it kept me rooting for her. The chemistry and tension between the fmc and mmc was well done, however; I would have liked to have more spice in the characters' relationship. This book kept me guessing. I can usually predict who the liar/villain is but I had a hard time with this one which was a nice change.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a slow burn romance with a lower spice level. I enjoyed reading this book, it was quite a refreshing change from the dark romances I've been reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"All for Show" follows Dana, a writer and Hapkido instructor who unexpectedly ends up taking part in a Love Island-style reality dating show as part of a deal to support a friend working behind the scenes.
I was intrigued by the book because of exactly that: the behind-the-scenes look at a reality TV production. As I love contemporary romance, I picked up this book.
The read turned out to be light, entertaining, and also humorous. I really loved some of the side characters. However, the writing style just wasn’t for me. That is a personal POV, and others might find it totally fine. Some parts of the story were also predictable, but that is often the case in the romance genre, especially if you read a lot of books in it, as I do. The more you read, the more you recognize familiar patterns. So for readers who are newer to romance, the story may feel less predictable. Reading is always subjective.
The book is written in a single POV, which readers should be aware of. I usually enjoy both single and dual POV when done well, but here it sometimes felt like pieces were missing.
All in all, the book was okay. The story idea was great, but I couldn’t fully connect with the main characters, and the writing style wasn’t for me (which may also explain the lack of connection). Still, I wish the author the best with this book, and I’m sure she will find her readers.
I was intrigued by the book because of exactly that: the behind-the-scenes look at a reality TV production. As I love contemporary romance, I picked up this book.
The read turned out to be light, entertaining, and also humorous. I really loved some of the side characters. However, the writing style just wasn’t for me. That is a personal POV, and others might find it totally fine. Some parts of the story were also predictable, but that is often the case in the romance genre, especially if you read a lot of books in it, as I do. The more you read, the more you recognize familiar patterns. So for readers who are newer to romance, the story may feel less predictable. Reading is always subjective.
The book is written in a single POV, which readers should be aware of. I usually enjoy both single and dual POV when done well, but here it sometimes felt like pieces were missing.
All in all, the book was okay. The story idea was great, but I couldn’t fully connect with the main characters, and the writing style wasn’t for me (which may also explain the lack of connection). Still, I wish the author the best with this book, and I’m sure she will find her readers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.75 rounded to 4 stars for me.
Helping a friend and go to reality dating show Dana didn't expect to find Graeme,her fling that felt more then that but ghosted her over a month ago.Pretending to be someone else Graeme is the total opposite of the guy that she fall for,and with competition for his heart Dana will discover more about herself than she ever thought.
Will she get her story and Graeme?
It was interesting and unusal for me read.A reality show that as not realy reality as they do act more as actors at the producers command.The tension between Dana and Graeme was filled full of chemistry,and I could feel their connection and Dana's hurt over him leaving without the explanation.That being said I wish there was more interaction between them to keep me more satisfied.Still a great story,I liked Dana friendship with Gio,it was I think the only real thing in this reality show.A story that I enjoyed,not everything it is as it seems,and the betrayal at the end was hurtful,Dana really didn't deserve that,but she lose some and then gain some better friends.My first book by ths author and hope to read more.
If you looking for as story that have reality show,romance and some interesting moments I would recommend this one.
Thank you Joffe Books and athor for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Helping a friend and go to reality dating show Dana didn't expect to find Graeme,her fling that felt more then that but ghosted her over a month ago.Pretending to be someone else Graeme is the total opposite of the guy that she fall for,and with competition for his heart Dana will discover more about herself than she ever thought.
Will she get her story and Graeme?
It was interesting and unusal for me read.A reality show that as not realy reality as they do act more as actors at the producers command.The tension between Dana and Graeme was filled full of chemistry,and I could feel their connection and Dana's hurt over him leaving without the explanation.That being said I wish there was more interaction between them to keep me more satisfied.Still a great story,I liked Dana friendship with Gio,it was I think the only real thing in this reality show.A story that I enjoyed,not everything it is as it seems,and the betrayal at the end was hurtful,Dana really didn't deserve that,but she lose some and then gain some better friends.My first book by ths author and hope to read more.
If you looking for as story that have reality show,romance and some interesting moments I would recommend this one.
Thank you Joffe Books and athor for arc,my review is honest and my own.
June 30, 2026
A new take on Love Island. A clever witty fly on the wall.
Recently tilted Dana is heartbroken when she meets up with her best friend Riki steams I to town. Riki is a co-producer of the latest reality dating show – True Hearts. The TV blockbuster is already underway and Riki is desperate to get a replacement contestant.
Dana has risen to fame with her one and only book on infidelity, she thinks that going on the show will giver her some new writing material. Riki promises that she will be voted off the show in the early stages and filming will only take a day. Easily persuaded Dana is taken to the film set and the charade begins. The preliminaries are a sort of speed dating but the contestants can only hear each other. She is shocked and stunned when one of her dates sounds exactly like her recent ex Graeme. She’s even more horrified when she is voted onto the next round and finds herself on a private jet to a luxury mansion on the love island. She finds that she has signed so many legal documents and NDAs that shes trapped in the game and has to face her Ex. Is there still a spark? Can she forgive him?
The show is everything and filming must continue hence the title All For Show.
Recently tilted Dana is heartbroken when she meets up with her best friend Riki steams I to town. Riki is a co-producer of the latest reality dating show – True Hearts. The TV blockbuster is already underway and Riki is desperate to get a replacement contestant.
Dana has risen to fame with her one and only book on infidelity, she thinks that going on the show will giver her some new writing material. Riki promises that she will be voted off the show in the early stages and filming will only take a day. Easily persuaded Dana is taken to the film set and the charade begins. The preliminaries are a sort of speed dating but the contestants can only hear each other. She is shocked and stunned when one of her dates sounds exactly like her recent ex Graeme. She’s even more horrified when she is voted onto the next round and finds herself on a private jet to a luxury mansion on the love island. She finds that she has signed so many legal documents and NDAs that shes trapped in the game and has to face her Ex. Is there still a spark? Can she forgive him?
The show is everything and filming must continue hence the title All For Show.
July 6, 2026
🎬💕📺 ✨ 4 ⭐️ REVIEW | All For Show by Paula Rogers ✨ 📺💕🎬
Okay book besties, imagine if Love Island had a book baby… and then sprinkled in secrets, drama, romance, betrayals, and enough emotional damage to make me cry. Because that’s exactly what All For Show gave me! 😂❤️
From page one, I had a theory. A very specific theory. And let me just say… I WAS RIGHT! 😌💅✨ I won’t spoil anything because I love you all too much, but i love being right 😂😭.
Dana was such an easy character to root for. She’s a Hapkido instructor, an author, fiercely independent, and just stubborn enough to make things interesting. When her longtime friend Riki convinces her to join a reality dating show, Dana finds herself thrown into a world of cameras, drama, romance, and questioning what is actually real. 📺💘
. Watching her navigate love, friendship, betrayal, and her own vulnerabilities was honestly one of my favourite parts of the book. 🥹❤️
The reality show aspect was SO much fun. There were twists, betrayals, shocking moments, and all the delicious chaos you’d expect from reality TV. The supporting cast was so much fun . and I genuinely found myself racing through the pages to see what happened next.
This book was funny, emotional, dramatic, romantic, and honestly just a breath of fresh air. If you’re looking for a romance packed with reality TV drama, relatable characters, emotional moments, and plenty of intrigue, I absolutely recommend picking this one up! ✨📚💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
#Bookstagram #RomanceBooks #BookReview #ContemporaryRomance #ReadersOfInstagram
Okay book besties, imagine if Love Island had a book baby… and then sprinkled in secrets, drama, romance, betrayals, and enough emotional damage to make me cry. Because that’s exactly what All For Show gave me! 😂❤️
From page one, I had a theory. A very specific theory. And let me just say… I WAS RIGHT! 😌💅✨ I won’t spoil anything because I love you all too much, but i love being right 😂😭.
Dana was such an easy character to root for. She’s a Hapkido instructor, an author, fiercely independent, and just stubborn enough to make things interesting. When her longtime friend Riki convinces her to join a reality dating show, Dana finds herself thrown into a world of cameras, drama, romance, and questioning what is actually real. 📺💘
. Watching her navigate love, friendship, betrayal, and her own vulnerabilities was honestly one of my favourite parts of the book. 🥹❤️
The reality show aspect was SO much fun. There were twists, betrayals, shocking moments, and all the delicious chaos you’d expect from reality TV. The supporting cast was so much fun . and I genuinely found myself racing through the pages to see what happened next.
This book was funny, emotional, dramatic, romantic, and honestly just a breath of fresh air. If you’re looking for a romance packed with reality TV drama, relatable characters, emotional moments, and plenty of intrigue, I absolutely recommend picking this one up! ✨📚💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
#Bookstagram #RomanceBooks #BookReview #ContemporaryRomance #ReadersOfInstagram
June 30, 2026
This idea of this book is good: a behind the scenes look at a reality tv dating show. I’ve got to admit I struggled with parts of it though as the additional characters didn’t really seem to go beyond cliches. The two main characters: Dana and Graeme did have a bit more about them , although Graeme was slightly ‘parody scottish’. But their behaviour seemed to be so inconsistent the whole thing began to feel too contrived and I can’t believe Dana was naive enough to trust her friend, at the end they seemed to still be friends as if nothing had happened- can an unexpected moment of fame really compensate? A sequel could well be a murder story! However I really enjoyed the beginning when Dana was teaching her martial arts class and dealing with the stroppy ones, that definitely could be expanded into a whole book. I liked how the boy defended her in the end. So, good idea perhaps not too well executed, due to character development, , but with the germs of 2 other good books!?
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
All for Show by Paula Rogers is the story of Dana and Graeme.
Dana and Graeme have a fantastic romantic encounter together, after which he promptly ghosts her.
Reeling from the situation, Dana is talked into being a last-minute replacement for a contestant on a reality TV dating show. Imagine her surprise to discover that Graeme is also a contestant on the show, going by the name of Zach.
What follows is a behind-the-scenes view of a reality dating competition with predetermined storylines, heroes, and villains. And through it all, Dana is trying to figure out if Graeme/Zach is the man that she thought he was all along.
This was a really fun, romantic comedy with some drama thrown in along the way. There were lots of lies, betrayals, and a fair bit of intrigue as Dana and Graeme try to figure out if what they had was real, or all for show.
Dana and Graeme have a fantastic romantic encounter together, after which he promptly ghosts her.
Reeling from the situation, Dana is talked into being a last-minute replacement for a contestant on a reality TV dating show. Imagine her surprise to discover that Graeme is also a contestant on the show, going by the name of Zach.
What follows is a behind-the-scenes view of a reality dating competition with predetermined storylines, heroes, and villains. And through it all, Dana is trying to figure out if Graeme/Zach is the man that she thought he was all along.
This was a really fun, romantic comedy with some drama thrown in along the way. There were lots of lies, betrayals, and a fair bit of intrigue as Dana and Graeme try to figure out if what they had was real, or all for show.
July 6, 2026
Dana is a writer, and her book about infidelity made her a household name. She’s working on her next book and is given an invitation to join True Hearts, a reality dating show. What she doesn’t expect is to see there is the man who ghosted her, Graeme. They are both undercover on the show. They have secret identities and storylines for the show, but their chemistry is 100% real.
I thought the slow build of the reunion was well paced. I thought their chemistry was great. Their feelings for each other remained even after time apart. I enjoyed how the book examines love and relationships through the lens of Dana’s writing and reality televisions. We see Dana’s outlook on wanting to find love and believe in love. Writing is how she processes how she feels.
In addition to how the novel’s discussion about love and relationships, I thought this was a fun summer romcom read!
I thought the slow build of the reunion was well paced. I thought their chemistry was great. Their feelings for each other remained even after time apart. I enjoyed how the book examines love and relationships through the lens of Dana’s writing and reality televisions. We see Dana’s outlook on wanting to find love and believe in love. Writing is how she processes how she feels.
In addition to how the novel’s discussion about love and relationships, I thought this was a fun summer romcom read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Books about reality TV are among those I find most fun to read, so I had high expectations for this one and I'm now pleased to report it entirely met them (and that's despite the 1st person in present tense narration that is my least favourite kind). I greatly enjoyed following Dana's eventful experience in the dating show she entered as a favour to a producer friend who needed a new contestant at very short notice. I also loved the hidden identity part, and how the MC and LI had to pretend they didn't know each other. I never wanted to put the book down.
June 18, 2026
I’m soo sad to say that this is not something I really enjoyed….i was really excited to read this because the description intrigued me a lot…but I’m a little disappointed…
I’m not gonna lie when I started reading the first chapters wasn’t that enjoyable so I had a hard time reading the rest…
I did really like the storyline and some of the characters but I didn’t really get attached or anything…. I think my biggest problem was that I didn’t like the writing so I couldn’t be into it as much as I wanted too.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!
I’m not gonna lie when I started reading the first chapters wasn’t that enjoyable so I had a hard time reading the rest…
I did really like the storyline and some of the characters but I didn’t really get attached or anything…. I think my biggest problem was that I didn’t like the writing so I couldn’t be into it as much as I wanted too.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for a honest review
I'm not sure why but I just wasn't feeling this book, and just couldn't feel any connection to the dana and Zach/Graeme and honestly had a hard time being engaged in the story, it had a strong start with the dojo and sadness about being ghosted but then the dating show bit came in and I didn't love how it went, It was really predictable.
To sumrise the book wasn't really my thing, however if someone enjoys dating show romances then I would absolutely recommend.
I'm not sure why but I just wasn't feeling this book, and just couldn't feel any connection to the dana and Zach/Graeme and honestly had a hard time being engaged in the story, it had a strong start with the dojo and sadness about being ghosted but then the dating show bit came in and I didn't love how it went, It was really predictable.
To sumrise the book wasn't really my thing, however if someone enjoys dating show romances then I would absolutely recommend.
June 20, 2026
I was so intrigued by the blurb for this book as I’d never read anything like it before.
There are some moments of really clever writing that break the fourth wall and there are some other moments that can be quite slow to push through.
If you’re a fan of dating shows and reality tv, this book allows you to explore the world behind the screen and question how much of it is really true.
Every girl needs a friend like Ollie - great character!
Thanks to Joffe Books for my advanced copy.
There are some moments of really clever writing that break the fourth wall and there are some other moments that can be quite slow to push through.
If you’re a fan of dating shows and reality tv, this book allows you to explore the world behind the screen and question how much of it is really true.
Every girl needs a friend like Ollie - great character!
Thanks to Joffe Books for my advanced copy.
July 3, 2026
I enjoyed this book, which is an interesting take on what it would feel like to be a participant in a television based reality show, with the twist being that the heroine is actually there to write an expose of the concept of strangers falling in love and at the end of the series deciding whether or not they want to ‘pop the question’.
Dana is herself a fascinating character as a mixed race petite non-girly girl who is very much not the typical contender for such programmes.
The story successfully gripped my attention despite my dislike of so-called reality television.
Dana is herself a fascinating character as a mixed race petite non-girly girl who is very much not the typical contender for such programmes.
The story successfully gripped my attention despite my dislike of so-called reality television.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
Wow, wow, wow. I was not expecting that ending at all. This book was a crazy whirlwind and I enjoyed every part. From the characters to the plot to the tropes, this book hit every mark that I needed. If you are a reality tv show lover like me, you will definitely love this book and the twist and turns in it.
Wow, wow, wow. I was not expecting that ending at all. This book was a crazy whirlwind and I enjoyed every part. From the characters to the plot to the tropes, this book hit every mark that I needed. If you are a reality tv show lover like me, you will definitely love this book and the twist and turns in it.
June 30, 2026
thank you NetGalley and Paula for this arc!
i just finished this beautiful book! i’ve seen some reality shows, and let me tell you, this book captures that vibe soo soo sooo good! i was kicking my feet so bad reading this. i enjoyed it a lot, the mystery and the plot twist!!!!
i would totally recommend it, if you want to have a good time, trying to put pieces together, definitely read this!!!
i just finished this beautiful book! i’ve seen some reality shows, and let me tell you, this book captures that vibe soo soo sooo good! i was kicking my feet so bad reading this. i enjoyed it a lot, the mystery and the plot twist!!!!
i would totally recommend it, if you want to have a good time, trying to put pieces together, definitely read this!!!
July 11, 2026
Having read Swiped towards the end of last year, I was excited to see this new release coming and I was really drawn to the gorgeous front cover.
I love the purple and it just looked like the perfect summer read.
Other than the cover, I went into this blind and so finding this to be centred around a reality show, I was so excited.
I'm a little past watching Love Island nowadays, but still love the whole idea and seeing as both Dana and Graeme were there undercover, made this even better.
Both planning to write stories about the show, neither realised the other would be there.
Having been ghosted by Graeme when they last met, Dana is definitely not pleased to see her ex, but will the spark still be there - especially in such an intense and beautiful setting.
It was so obvious that the pair had great chemistry and I had so much fun seeing them struggle and unravel under the scrutiny of all the camera - and those pesky producers too.
The characters were really relatable with vulnerabilities that we all have at some point in life.
I really felt for Dana and he fear of abandonment - I think this really was holding her back so much and it was great to see the way the pair worked through things.
This was well written and I had so much fun reading this, I flew through it ....
Perfect for your summer tbr.
I love the purple and it just looked like the perfect summer read.
Other than the cover, I went into this blind and so finding this to be centred around a reality show, I was so excited.
I'm a little past watching Love Island nowadays, but still love the whole idea and seeing as both Dana and Graeme were there undercover, made this even better.
Both planning to write stories about the show, neither realised the other would be there.
Having been ghosted by Graeme when they last met, Dana is definitely not pleased to see her ex, but will the spark still be there - especially in such an intense and beautiful setting.
It was so obvious that the pair had great chemistry and I had so much fun seeing them struggle and unravel under the scrutiny of all the camera - and those pesky producers too.
The characters were really relatable with vulnerabilities that we all have at some point in life.
I really felt for Dana and he fear of abandonment - I think this really was holding her back so much and it was great to see the way the pair worked through things.
This was well written and I had so much fun reading this, I flew through it ....
Perfect for your summer tbr.
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