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Pretending With the Greek Billionaire
Always the life of the party, Luca Vasilakis needs to prove he’s capable of taking over his father’s billion-dollar corporation. The perfect opportunity falls in his arms in the form of the reserved but sexy social worker Constance McMurty. What better way to improve his reputation than to get engaged to a do-gooder who is raising six orphans?
Constance wants nothing to do with Luca. But a poorly timed paparazzi photo lands her in the middle of a media nightmare, and Luca is her only way out. He proposes an idea that will help them both — be his fiancée to gain him some respectability and he’ll make a huge donation to her organization… and save her reputation.
But when their lie starts feeling like the truth, and the chemistry just won’t stop, they have a hard time separating what’s real and what’s fantasy…
Constance wants nothing to do with Luca. But a poorly timed paparazzi photo lands her in the middle of a media nightmare, and Luca is her only way out. He proposes an idea that will help them both — be his fiancée to gain him some respectability and he’ll make a huge donation to her organization… and save her reputation.
But when their lie starts feeling like the truth, and the chemistry just won’t stop, they have a hard time separating what’s real and what’s fantasy…
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2016
56 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Kira Archer
20 books614 followersUSA Today bestselling author Kira Archer lives in Pennsylvania with her hubs and two kids. And 3 ridiculous cats. She's one of those people who laughs at inappropriate moments (especially overly emotional occasions like weddings or funerals), and she has an insanely overactive imagination which is great when she's writing but not so great when she's shutting all the lights off at night and then has to go up the stairs. She has a PhD in Procrastination (or would if there was such a thing and there soooo should be because she's seriously at expert level here). And if she's not writing, she's reading, or thinking about reading or writing. And running her kids around because they are busy and she's the taxi driver. She also writes historical romances as Michelle McLean.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 19, 2016
'Pretending With the Greek Billionaire' by Kira Archer is the story of Luca Vasilakis and Constance McMurty.
Constance is a social worker and is in charge of six little orphan/foster girls who Constance really cares about. On one of Constance outing with the girls they end up at Luca's house in his pool.
Luca is a hardcore playboy who has just been informed if he doesn't start acting in a more professional way and settle down he will loose his promise place in the family business. When Luca meets Constance and the girls he feels attracted to Constance and somewhat protective of the girls.
Luca comes up with a deal that will help Constance not loose her job after a picture of her at his house goes viral. Constance is in jeopardy of loosing her job if the Nuns at the orphanage takes it at face value. So Constance agrees to a pretend engagement to save herself and Luca...but can they stop this attraction that is growing? I really liked this story and book...I couldn't put it down!
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
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Constance is a social worker and is in charge of six little orphan/foster girls who Constance really cares about. On one of Constance outing with the girls they end up at Luca's house in his pool.
Luca is a hardcore playboy who has just been informed if he doesn't start acting in a more professional way and settle down he will loose his promise place in the family business. When Luca meets Constance and the girls he feels attracted to Constance and somewhat protective of the girls.
Luca comes up with a deal that will help Constance not loose her job after a picture of her at his house goes viral. Constance is in jeopardy of loosing her job if the Nuns at the orphanage takes it at face value. So Constance agrees to a pretend engagement to save herself and Luca...but can they stop this attraction that is growing? I really liked this story and book...I couldn't put it down!
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
August 13, 2016
I’ve yet to find a book by this author that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed - and I certainly enjoyed this one. It tells the story of Greek billionaire and heir Luca Vasilakis and the young lady he finds trespassing on his supposedly secure property, Constance McMurtry - and she had her six young girls with her! Constance is acting as house mother to the girls, all of whom are orphaned or fostered and only ventured onto his property to retrieve one of the children but when the paparazzi take incriminating photographs of them she’s in danger of having the children taking off her. Luca offers to help her keep them because that will also help him, too. His father is adamant that Luca needs to change his playboy ways and find himself a decent young woman instead of bed hopping and partying his life away, and sees Constance as a brilliant way to improve his reputation and restore hers - by her agreeing to be his fake fiancee! The only problem is, they really are attracted to each other and, as the lines between fact and fiction become blurred, their attraction escalates. Can two such different people become a couple in reality? How will she cope with the intrusive paparazzi? When someone else meddles, seeking revenge, will it tear them apart?
This is a fun read with a somewhat self centred, over indulged alpha male lead and a feisty, caring and determined young lady as his counterpart. During the story both of them are influenced by the other, growing in maturity, self confidence and love. I read it in a day and enjoyed doing so. It has many humorous events to bring a smile to your face as well as other dramatic episodes to keep you guessing. The television appearance near the end is brilliant (not saying any more about that, I don’t want to give spoilers, but I’m sure you’ll know what I mean if you read it). This is an engaging romance in every sense of the term and one that I have no hesitation in highly recommending if, like me, this is a genre you enjoy reading.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun read with a somewhat self centred, over indulged alpha male lead and a feisty, caring and determined young lady as his counterpart. During the story both of them are influenced by the other, growing in maturity, self confidence and love. I read it in a day and enjoyed doing so. It has many humorous events to bring a smile to your face as well as other dramatic episodes to keep you guessing. The television appearance near the end is brilliant (not saying any more about that, I don’t want to give spoilers, but I’m sure you’ll know what I mean if you read it). This is an engaging romance in every sense of the term and one that I have no hesitation in highly recommending if, like me, this is a genre you enjoy reading.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this book, I pushed through it and am glad I did because I did like the ending. Why did I have trouble getting there (and did more than a bit of skimming)?
I didn't really like either character in the beginning. Their arrangement happens at an accelerated pace that felt like it went through the trope style-guide at hyper-speed. I love trope and predictable books, but this one didn't quite work for me due to a lack of connection and pacing.
The last 25% of the book when they've given in to each other, both characters came alive for me. Loved it! Yet, I was still felt like there were a lot of loose ends - I can't even remember the names of the other children? maybe a little more with Elena to continue that connection? what about their fathers?
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Entangled Publishing for an honest review.
I didn't really like either character in the beginning. Their arrangement happens at an accelerated pace that felt like it went through the trope style-guide at hyper-speed. I love trope and predictable books, but this one didn't quite work for me due to a lack of connection and pacing.
The last 25% of the book when they've given in to each other, both characters came alive for me. Loved it! Yet, I was still felt like there were a lot of loose ends - I can't even remember the names of the other children? maybe a little more with Elena to continue that connection? what about their fathers?
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Entangled Publishing for an honest review.
August 27, 2016
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley***
So, no. I wanted to like this, the premise seemed amusing...the whole Brady Bunch idea. But what I got was the most judgmental, sanctimonious and bitchy heroine, well, ever.
I thought she was rude, condescending, preachy, and just plain impossible to like. For example...Constance moves into Luca's home to assist with maintaining the charade. She brings the children with her...fine. None of them all babies. None of them. But she proceeds to lecture Luca on how the house needs to be arranged (and maybe some things, like keeping the alcohol out of reach of children) were reasonable...but her reaction of essentially bagging up the contents of the room when he tells her to go ahead and make it reasonable to have kids in it? She was being a complete bitch. For the sake of being a complete bitch. This annoyed me. Kids will be kids, and bringing 6 children into a home, and with a person, who is not accustomed to having children around will bring humor and amusing, and heartwarming situations...even if there is no one there in the role of tyrannical, overprotective, harsh, intentionally condescending Constance. That said, I did believe her character enough to react strongly to her. Which is something. I guess. I am certain there are people out there like her, who would behave in this manner, I just don't want to know them, or spend time with them. Or read about them.
I think, as readers, you are supposed to sympathize with her because they are CHILDREN and they are ORPHANS. But, Constance was such a bitch, all I could think was that Luca, and the children, could do better. A lot better.
Needless to say, I was not able to connect with a romance between Constance and Luca as I was never convinced he would want anything to do with her.
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
So, no. I wanted to like this, the premise seemed amusing...the whole Brady Bunch idea. But what I got was the most judgmental, sanctimonious and bitchy heroine, well, ever.
I thought she was rude, condescending, preachy, and just plain impossible to like. For example...Constance moves into Luca's home to assist with maintaining the charade. She brings the children with her...fine. None of them all babies. None of them. But she proceeds to lecture Luca on how the house needs to be arranged (and maybe some things, like keeping the alcohol out of reach of children) were reasonable...but her reaction of essentially bagging up the contents of the room when he tells her to go ahead and make it reasonable to have kids in it? She was being a complete bitch. For the sake of being a complete bitch. This annoyed me. Kids will be kids, and bringing 6 children into a home, and with a person, who is not accustomed to having children around will bring humor and amusing, and heartwarming situations...even if there is no one there in the role of tyrannical, overprotective, harsh, intentionally condescending Constance. That said, I did believe her character enough to react strongly to her. Which is something. I guess. I am certain there are people out there like her, who would behave in this manner, I just don't want to know them, or spend time with them. Or read about them.
I think, as readers, you are supposed to sympathize with her because they are CHILDREN and they are ORPHANS. But, Constance was such a bitch, all I could think was that Luca, and the children, could do better. A lot better.
Needless to say, I was not able to connect with a romance between Constance and Luca as I was never convinced he would want anything to do with her.
***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***
September 1, 2016
When billionaire playboy, Luca Vasilakis finds out his father is ready to cut him out of the family business, Luca realizes he has to make some changes. It just so happens that Constance McMurty falls into his lap, well pool and she is not alone she six young girls with her. Luca makes Constance a a deal, pretend to be his fiancee and he will help her so she does not lose custody of her wards. Constance pushes back though and comes up some terms of her own. Throw six precocious children, relentless paparazzi and a pretend engagement by a couple whose natural chemistry is off the charts and you have a wonderfully crafted story.
Charming, this had me smiling from the start. I liked how Luca dealt with getting used to a house full of children and a head strong woman. This was a perfect end of the summer read, grab an ice tea and relax with Pretending with the Greek Billionaire.
Charming, this had me smiling from the start. I liked how Luca dealt with getting used to a house full of children and a head strong woman. This was a perfect end of the summer read, grab an ice tea and relax with Pretending with the Greek Billionaire.
August 18, 2016
Awesome fun read! He's a fun loving carefree playboy, she's a serious house mother to six small children. Together they are they oddest of odd couples but they need each other. He needs to prove to his father that he has settle down and given up his playboy ways. She needs to prove to the mother superior at the orphanage that the pictures the paparazzi took were innocent and her reputation is safe. As they spend time together their relationship begins to change but can they really count on each other??
This was a great read and definitely a book I recommend to everyone.
This was a great read and definitely a book I recommend to everyone.
November 11, 2020
Typical billionaire playboy falls for a woman with a heart of gold (in this case a foster mother) while faking an engagement, requisite misunderstanding, etc.
I couldn't get past the big misunderstanding part, I just am not in the mood for contrived drama right now while we are going through so much of it in the world at large right now. I know, I know, you need the big misunderstanding so you can have the big reveal with the "I love yous" and the HEA, but I just couldn't get through it.
NOT the book, COMPLETELY me on this. It's formulaic, but if that is what you like, (our biggest seller at the store is romance, so I am not knocking the genre or the readers of it, I respect that it makes people happy. And we SERIOUSLY need some more happy in this world right now), then this book would be a good fit for you.
3, it wasn't what I needed right now, stars. Recommended if this genre is one you enjoy.
Small warnings: lots of bad language by the H before the h melts his heart, some steamy though not too graphic scenes, child with trauma from losing both parents in a car accident.
My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC/Indulgence for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I couldn't get past the big misunderstanding part, I just am not in the mood for contrived drama right now while we are going through so much of it in the world at large right now. I know, I know, you need the big misunderstanding so you can have the big reveal with the "I love yous" and the HEA, but I just couldn't get through it.
NOT the book, COMPLETELY me on this. It's formulaic, but if that is what you like, (our biggest seller at the store is romance, so I am not knocking the genre or the readers of it, I respect that it makes people happy. And we SERIOUSLY need some more happy in this world right now), then this book would be a good fit for you.
3, it wasn't what I needed right now, stars. Recommended if this genre is one you enjoy.
Small warnings: lots of bad language by the H before the h melts his heart, some steamy though not too graphic scenes, child with trauma from losing both parents in a car accident.
My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC/Indulgence for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2016
I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this one. I've never read Kira Archer before and I knew this was one of those shorter books with a goofy title and those are always hit or miss.
Glad I didn't miss this one. It was a nice and fun and a great way to spend a lazy day reading. It wasn't as long as the novels I usually read but it wasn't minuscule either. I felt like the author fit everything in without it feeling too rushed. Which is weird because if you look at the actual timeline it's a really short amount of time. It just didn't seem like it to me and I didn't get that total instalove vibe which was nice.
Luca was a great character. He had the whole disillusioned, bad boy, rich guy, thing going on but deep down I think he'd always been a good guy who just didn't really know what to do with himself. He didn't come from some awful family or have a dark and damaging past which was refreshing. I mean dark and gritty has it's place but sometimes you just need a sweet guy to steal the day.
Constance was a bit of a contradiction. She seems a bit stuffy but acts the total opposite with Luca. She's extremely organized and down to earth with the kids and yet did not seem embarrassed or bothered when the kids first entered Luca's home and acted like uncivilized animals running in screaming and jumping all over his couches within the first 5 seconds. (Seriously??!!) She's all about the kids and making them her priority but spent very little actual time with them. Aside from that though she really was a sweet and caring person and a good match for Luca. Her personality and character were what Luca needed to ground himself.
The kids play very little part in the story aside from just the idea of them. I don't think any of them actually spoke in the book aside from Elena and even that was just one or two lines. Bummer. I didn't want the kids taking over the book but since the blurb seemed to make the idea of these kids a priority I did expect them to have some part in the story. I think that's what kept the book from being really great for me. I needed more interaction between them and Luca and Constance.
That being said, I did enjoy the book and watching Luca and Constance's relationship develop. It was a smooth and fast paced read and I liked the time I spent in their world.
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Glad I didn't miss this one. It was a nice and fun and a great way to spend a lazy day reading. It wasn't as long as the novels I usually read but it wasn't minuscule either. I felt like the author fit everything in without it feeling too rushed. Which is weird because if you look at the actual timeline it's a really short amount of time. It just didn't seem like it to me and I didn't get that total instalove vibe which was nice.
Luca was a great character. He had the whole disillusioned, bad boy, rich guy, thing going on but deep down I think he'd always been a good guy who just didn't really know what to do with himself. He didn't come from some awful family or have a dark and damaging past which was refreshing. I mean dark and gritty has it's place but sometimes you just need a sweet guy to steal the day.
Constance was a bit of a contradiction. She seems a bit stuffy but acts the total opposite with Luca. She's extremely organized and down to earth with the kids and yet did not seem embarrassed or bothered when the kids first entered Luca's home and acted like uncivilized animals running in screaming and jumping all over his couches within the first 5 seconds. (Seriously??!!) She's all about the kids and making them her priority but spent very little actual time with them. Aside from that though she really was a sweet and caring person and a good match for Luca. Her personality and character were what Luca needed to ground himself.
The kids play very little part in the story aside from just the idea of them. I don't think any of them actually spoke in the book aside from Elena and even that was just one or two lines. Bummer. I didn't want the kids taking over the book but since the blurb seemed to make the idea of these kids a priority I did expect them to have some part in the story. I think that's what kept the book from being really great for me. I needed more interaction between them and Luca and Constance.
That being said, I did enjoy the book and watching Luca and Constance's relationship develop. It was a smooth and fast paced read and I liked the time I spent in their world.
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 3, 2016
What a delightful story! The combination of committed playboy Luca, and caring and kindhearted Constance, mother to six orphans (that she's already practically adopted) on a picturesque Greek island sounded like a fun and unique premise (if rather fanciful) so I was excited to read this. Having to pose as an engaged couple to save Constance's reputation and improve Luca's due to an inopportune paparazzi photo sets them up to spend time together and discover they are more than just what's on the surface. Luca goes through quite the evolution in the story, from his carefree and somewhat arrogant attitude to a more responsible and considerate man. Plus he's a real sweetheart underneath (a guitar serenade on a moonlit beach - 'sigh'). Constance comes across as more proper for sure, not surprising since she's taken on the task of raising six young orphaned girls, a consequence of her own orphaned status and adoption early in life. But who wouldn't succumb to Luca's slow and steady seduction! It is a slow burn romance as Luca and Constance have to move from a pretend engagement to something more real, but the eventual love scenes are well written and pretty steamy! The presence of the six girls doesn't take over the story. For the most part they are in the background, other than one young girl, Elena who takes a liking to Luca and vice versa. Luca suddenly finds himself wanting the instant family that's taken over his life to be a real one. The press are the bad guys in this story, a constant in Luca's life but one Constance will have to adjust to if their relationship can ever move forward. Things get a little rocky for the couple at the end but they do get their happy ever after in some moving scenes and overall it's a very entertaining and fun story.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
March 29, 2018
Come on!!!
This is a ready for TV movie script.....with better then average sexual exploits!! But it's So typical it makes me a little pissed!! I was so mad towards the end I almost didn't finish it!! I mean the word LAME comes to mind.....the woman main character was so stupid at the end and click I might add, it made me sad to read it!!! She's shy, she's tough, she's a prude, she's has pent up sexuality.....then she also jumps to conclusions and punishes perceived wrongs like a true blue blood bitch would!!! I was really routing for her to fall off a cliff at the end!!! Why? Simply because she was miserable on purpose and would not even talk to the guy.....nobody does that!!! And then, It was just so far fetched with him going on a talk show of all places and professing his love....when the media was the problem in the first place!!! I mean, could you have come up with some punishment for any of the wrong doers? I just didn't like it....I only gave this two stars because the sex scenes between them were pretty good....but the end of this book was ridiculous!!!
This is a ready for TV movie script.....with better then average sexual exploits!! But it's So typical it makes me a little pissed!! I was so mad towards the end I almost didn't finish it!! I mean the word LAME comes to mind.....the woman main character was so stupid at the end and click I might add, it made me sad to read it!!! She's shy, she's tough, she's a prude, she's has pent up sexuality.....then she also jumps to conclusions and punishes perceived wrongs like a true blue blood bitch would!!! I was really routing for her to fall off a cliff at the end!!! Why? Simply because she was miserable on purpose and would not even talk to the guy.....nobody does that!!! And then, It was just so far fetched with him going on a talk show of all places and professing his love....when the media was the problem in the first place!!! I mean, could you have come up with some punishment for any of the wrong doers? I just didn't like it....I only gave this two stars because the sex scenes between them were pretty good....but the end of this book was ridiculous!!!
July 18, 2016
What a delightfully comical and just plain fun story. I've read the same premise by other authors, but with Luca in this mix, there is just so much more energy to this book. While Luca brings the humor, edge and "hot" to the story, Constance brings the utter charm and emotion. The story is riddled with clever, witty dialogue (and a few memorable inner monologues) and banter, while at the same time creating a flow from beginning to end that was hard to resist. Luca is a force of nature throughout the story, while Constance serves as his straight man, or woman in this case. She actually does a remarkable job of bringing credence to him, while he brings out the passion hidden in her.
Even tough you might think you know where the story is going, there are still plenty of twists and turns to not only provide surprises, but also substance. There's a deeper, more impactful message that runs throughout the story that I feel is remarkable.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
Even tough you might think you know where the story is going, there are still plenty of twists and turns to not only provide surprises, but also substance. There's a deeper, more impactful message that runs throughout the story that I feel is remarkable.
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley for my honest review.
July 5, 2016
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, LLC, Indulgence and Kira Archer.)
I enjoyed reading this book. Finished it within a day. It was a fast read. I was not bored at all, mostly since it was really entertaining. I loved both characters. I loved how they grew. Sometimes I got confused of the time changes, cause it flew too fast but it was ok for the most part.
Both characters; growth was showcased in a tasteful way, however they were cliche parts which made me kind of cringe, but I got over it with the help of the actual message of this book. We are stronger than we think, and we can influence others easily, however it is our choice how we will do it, in a good or in a bad way.
I enjoyed reading this book. Finished it within a day. It was a fast read. I was not bored at all, mostly since it was really entertaining. I loved both characters. I loved how they grew. Sometimes I got confused of the time changes, cause it flew too fast but it was ok for the most part.
Both characters; growth was showcased in a tasteful way, however they were cliche parts which made me kind of cringe, but I got over it with the help of the actual message of this book. We are stronger than we think, and we can influence others easily, however it is our choice how we will do it, in a good or in a bad way.
August 30, 2016
A fun, get your act together book.
We have Luca Vasilakis, playboy who of course gets hounded by the paparazzi. His father gives him an ulitmatium--one month to show him that he changed and can run his billion dollar company or he is out and someone else will get the company.
In walks in Constance, a social worker who is raising six orphans, and comes off a little stuffy. They way these two are thrown into the spotlight is nothing short of funny. Their personalities should not work but they do. I laughed so much and even shed a tear or two. The book moved smoothly and rather quickly. Once I opened the cover I went through the book in one day.
This type of story is cliché but....the author made it work and I have to admit I would read it again.
We have Luca Vasilakis, playboy who of course gets hounded by the paparazzi. His father gives him an ulitmatium--one month to show him that he changed and can run his billion dollar company or he is out and someone else will get the company.
In walks in Constance, a social worker who is raising six orphans, and comes off a little stuffy. They way these two are thrown into the spotlight is nothing short of funny. Their personalities should not work but they do. I laughed so much and even shed a tear or two. The book moved smoothly and rather quickly. Once I opened the cover I went through the book in one day.
This type of story is cliché but....the author made it work and I have to admit I would read it again.
February 1, 2021
DNF 40%
I was excited by the blurb but not happy with the main characters. I was disappointed she talked about protecting the kids but didn't consider how the scheme would impact them emotionally, especially with the guy being a tabloid star and dealing with paparazzi/safety issues. I'd be more convinced if she had tried to adopt the kids but was denied due to citizenship or something and they traded engagement for help adopting them all. She needed a stronger motivation than my boss is going to yell at me for kissing a man in front of the children.
The set up didn't do anything to convince me the guy was misunderstood or whatever. He was just a playboy whining about not getting his due. The most that was said about him working was that he reads the reports that he is sent.
I was excited by the blurb but not happy with the main characters. I was disappointed she talked about protecting the kids but didn't consider how the scheme would impact them emotionally, especially with the guy being a tabloid star and dealing with paparazzi/safety issues. I'd be more convinced if she had tried to adopt the kids but was denied due to citizenship or something and they traded engagement for help adopting them all. She needed a stronger motivation than my boss is going to yell at me for kissing a man in front of the children.
The set up didn't do anything to convince me the guy was misunderstood or whatever. He was just a playboy whining about not getting his due. The most that was said about him working was that he reads the reports that he is sent.
February 3, 2023
I truly loved this. Luca and Constance face very different challenges.
Playboy Luca has one month to convince his father he has changed his ways or lose his position with his company. When Constance foster children wander onto his property and into his pool he uses that to blackmail Constance into pretending to be his fiance. Dealing with the children and the way they alter his lifestyle and the ever invasive paparazzi his life is turned upside down. The way they handle each situation especially with the little girl Spans was touching. Growing attraction, precocious children, rude paparazzi, and betrayal make for plenty of action and intrigue.
I had to read this as soon as the download was complete and thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end.
Playboy Luca has one month to convince his father he has changed his ways or lose his position with his company. When Constance foster children wander onto his property and into his pool he uses that to blackmail Constance into pretending to be his fiance. Dealing with the children and the way they alter his lifestyle and the ever invasive paparazzi his life is turned upside down. The way they handle each situation especially with the little girl Spans was touching. Growing attraction, precocious children, rude paparazzi, and betrayal make for plenty of action and intrigue.
I had to read this as soon as the download was complete and thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end.
February 27, 2020
I have been looking forward to reading more from author Kira Archer for a while and maybe that's why I was disappointed by this book (and yes, that might be the reason I am giving such a low rating!). It is not bad bad, but it can't compare to 69 Million Things I Hate About You, one of the funniest books I've read in a long long time. That book made me crack up and I was really hopping this would be similar on that sense but... it was not, just plain classic romcom and quite predictable. Main character was also a bit of a Saint....which was annoying. Nobody can be thaaaat good.
July 15, 2023
This is a fun read. Luca and Constance are interesting, captivating, relatable characters. It’s fun watching Luca changes his ways as he falls in love with not only Constance but with a child as well. There banter is fun and entertaining. I wish we had gotten an epilogue or more from the ending, but otherwise really enjoyed the story.
The narrator was easy to understand and follow.
The narrator was easy to understand and follow.
January 16, 2024
Dnf.
If you are looking for spice, this isn't the book for you.
I listened to the book, 5hrs in and I just can't hang in for the remaining less than 2hrs. I am not a fan of the FL, and the male lead is just ok. The storyline was interesting, but not enough for me to stick with it after the disappointing spice scene.
If you are looking for spice, this isn't the book for you.
I listened to the book, 5hrs in and I just can't hang in for the remaining less than 2hrs. I am not a fan of the FL, and the male lead is just ok. The storyline was interesting, but not enough for me to stick with it after the disappointing spice scene.
October 16, 2017
It's time for a Greek adventure with a man who needs to give up his playboy ways and the woman who will capture his heart.
June 3, 2019
3.5 stars
July 7, 2019
For the better
Beautiful story of how an international playboy becomes a changed man!
Great storyline, the lovely Elena is a strong factor in the story
Beautiful story of how an international playboy becomes a changed man!
Great storyline, the lovely Elena is a strong factor in the story
March 22, 2022
Hørt på Storytel
March 18, 2023
I couldn't. I can't stand a prude for a heroine. It doesn't equal fun times for me. I quit at like 15%.
August 9, 2023
2.5 stars for me⭐️⭐️💫 a quick, easy, romantic read with the trope of fake engagement. And with that we all know what kind of story happens next. That’s about it😅☺️
November 25, 2024
Cute and short book I quite enjoyed.
Listened to the audiobook version - the narration was great.
If you like fake dating and grumpy billionaires, this is for you.
Listened to the audiobook version - the narration was great.
If you like fake dating and grumpy billionaires, this is for you.
August 28, 2016
After a hard night of partying, Luca Vasilakis is awakened by his personal assistant Joseph Stavros: Luca has a meeting with his father, which is the last thing he wants or needs. Augustine Vasilakis has built his international real estate business from the ground up, but he is ready to sweep his son Luca aside; he feels Luca will destroy the family business. Vasilakis père will be opening an office in New York in a month, and if Luca is to be president of that office, he will have to shape up or literally ship out. Luca’s father would like him to settle down and get married, but no way is this happening. Luca just returned home, and he’s getting ready to lounge around his pool, when he notices a woman and several children, who should not be on his property. Constance is trying to gather her charges when a helicopter flies above and frightens the children, and the littlest one falls in the pool; Luca doesn’t care for children, but doesn’t hesitate to dive to save the child.
Of course, Constance knows who Luca is: a rich man, known mostly for his womanizing ways and partying. Constance McMurty, a social worker, is a House Mother at a convent on the island of Mykonos, and she’s the legal guardian of the six little girls who are with her. But the paparazzi manage to take some photos that appear somewhat compromising, at least to Constance, who could lose her children if her reputation is tarnished. And that’s when Luca has this idea: Constance is the perfect woman to convince his father that Luca has mended his wayward ways. He asks her to pose as his fiancée for 6 weeks, and then they can go their own ways. However there are some conditions that rattle Constance, especially since they are obviously attracted to each other…
This was a very painful review to write. I love Kira Archer for her originality in making old tropes sparkling new, as was the case with Totally, Sweetly, Irrevocably, which a adored, but I was hoping the author would be as brilliant with PRETENDING WITH THE GREEK BILLIONAIRE. Pretend engagement is a difficult trope to pull off in contemporary romance, and I wondered how Constance and Luca would maintain their charade and make it believable in my eyes. Well, as you can see with my rating, it wasn’t very successful. I loved how Ms. Archer could translate Luca’s slight accent on the page, and make Greece vivid, and how frightening the author made the paparazzi appear. Even though the premise was a bit shaky at the beginning – the reason as to how Constance and the children happened to be on Luca’s grounds – I was willing to gloss over it and go on. One of the problems I had was that I never felt anything beyond lust on either Constance’s and Luca’s parts; he came off as rather two-dimensional, and with Constance there was so much blushing, shivering and trembling, she would have put a medieval maiden to shame. Not to mention one particular condition of the terms Luca insisted on, which required a lot of suspension of disbelief. I was TOLD so many times so many things, and yet I didn’t feel any of these. I was TOLD they had unbelievable chemistry, I was TOLD that Luca was such a good man, but it never felt it was happening; I was being TOLD it was. I was hovering towards a 3-star rating, but towards the end, a revelation about who was leaking information to the paparazzi brought the whole thing down to 2 stars; that was one thing too many, utterly unnecessary, and let’s be honest, just plain silly. I so wanted to love this book, but I just couldn’t. However, I will be looking forward to Kira Archer’s next book on the force of what I had thought of the previous one I read and loved so much. Unfortunately, that is what is called an honest review; I could have lied, written just a few words about what I liked, but I have integrity, and so be it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Of course, Constance knows who Luca is: a rich man, known mostly for his womanizing ways and partying. Constance McMurty, a social worker, is a House Mother at a convent on the island of Mykonos, and she’s the legal guardian of the six little girls who are with her. But the paparazzi manage to take some photos that appear somewhat compromising, at least to Constance, who could lose her children if her reputation is tarnished. And that’s when Luca has this idea: Constance is the perfect woman to convince his father that Luca has mended his wayward ways. He asks her to pose as his fiancée for 6 weeks, and then they can go their own ways. However there are some conditions that rattle Constance, especially since they are obviously attracted to each other…
This was a very painful review to write. I love Kira Archer for her originality in making old tropes sparkling new, as was the case with Totally, Sweetly, Irrevocably, which a adored, but I was hoping the author would be as brilliant with PRETENDING WITH THE GREEK BILLIONAIRE. Pretend engagement is a difficult trope to pull off in contemporary romance, and I wondered how Constance and Luca would maintain their charade and make it believable in my eyes. Well, as you can see with my rating, it wasn’t very successful. I loved how Ms. Archer could translate Luca’s slight accent on the page, and make Greece vivid, and how frightening the author made the paparazzi appear. Even though the premise was a bit shaky at the beginning – the reason as to how Constance and the children happened to be on Luca’s grounds – I was willing to gloss over it and go on. One of the problems I had was that I never felt anything beyond lust on either Constance’s and Luca’s parts; he came off as rather two-dimensional, and with Constance there was so much blushing, shivering and trembling, she would have put a medieval maiden to shame. Not to mention one particular condition of the terms Luca insisted on, which required a lot of suspension of disbelief. I was TOLD so many times so many things, and yet I didn’t feel any of these. I was TOLD they had unbelievable chemistry, I was TOLD that Luca was such a good man, but it never felt it was happening; I was being TOLD it was. I was hovering towards a 3-star rating, but towards the end, a revelation about who was leaking information to the paparazzi brought the whole thing down to 2 stars; that was one thing too many, utterly unnecessary, and let’s be honest, just plain silly. I so wanted to love this book, but I just couldn’t. However, I will be looking forward to Kira Archer’s next book on the force of what I had thought of the previous one I read and loved so much. Unfortunately, that is what is called an honest review; I could have lied, written just a few words about what I liked, but I have integrity, and so be it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2016
3.5+☆ “With great power comes great responsibilities” o (^‿^✿)ｏ
After having experienced some disillusionment with the last few Greek hunk stories I had picked up, I wasn’t really sure about this one. Fortunately, Luka and Constance were so good together I’m more than glad I took a chance on Pretending With the Greek Billionaire.
Luka has lived in the spotlight for a long time now. Tired of the paparazzi making up stories about him no matter what he does, he’s decided to be the party animal they report him to be. Now his spot as his father’s heir is at risk unless he can pull himself together and start acting like a responsible adult.
The Gods must love him as he gets exactly what he needs in the form of Constance and her six charges trespassing on his property at exactly the right moment. Photographs of the misunderstanding and seemingly compromising situation soon are everywhere putting Constance’s job in jeopardy. Being House Mother (something akin to a foster mom but more permanent) to her six beautiful girls is the most important thing to her, but a seemingly improper conduct might mean losing them all.
Thus Luca and Constance come to an arrangement: she’d pretend to be his fiancée giving him respectability by mere association and he’d smooth things over with her superiors. After six weeks, when everyone had gotten what they needed, they’d part ways and everything would go back to normal… Ha! I love it when they’re so sure nothing’s gonna change.
Luka was the incorrigible party boy, sexy, fun, and used to following his every whim… which wasn’t as easy with seven females suddenly flooding his home. His steady change into a family man was simply lovely and the way his feelings for Constance developed was inspiring.
Constance was a force in her own way. Dedicated and caring to the girls, I found her a lovely and sweet leading lady. That she had a backbone and didn’t take any shit from anyone impressed me too. The ease at which she was able to make quick judgments which were not always accurate bugged me a little bit, but near the end I don’t think anyone could have reacted differently given the circumstances.
I liked how both Luka and Constance changed a little throughout the story, although Luka was the most active in reinventing himself. I wish all the little girls could have been involved more in the course of story, and there was certainly more to be explored with both their father’s threads and the whole “leak” issue. The fact that Luke didn’t seem Greek but for a couple of words of endearment didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the story.
As it was, Pretending With the Greek Billionaire was a steamy, sweet and sexy read I had a great time reading.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book*
After having experienced some disillusionment with the last few Greek hunk stories I had picked up, I wasn’t really sure about this one. Fortunately, Luka and Constance were so good together I’m more than glad I took a chance on Pretending With the Greek Billionaire.
Luka has lived in the spotlight for a long time now. Tired of the paparazzi making up stories about him no matter what he does, he’s decided to be the party animal they report him to be. Now his spot as his father’s heir is at risk unless he can pull himself together and start acting like a responsible adult.
The Gods must love him as he gets exactly what he needs in the form of Constance and her six charges trespassing on his property at exactly the right moment. Photographs of the misunderstanding and seemingly compromising situation soon are everywhere putting Constance’s job in jeopardy. Being House Mother (something akin to a foster mom but more permanent) to her six beautiful girls is the most important thing to her, but a seemingly improper conduct might mean losing them all.
Thus Luca and Constance come to an arrangement: she’d pretend to be his fiancée giving him respectability by mere association and he’d smooth things over with her superiors. After six weeks, when everyone had gotten what they needed, they’d part ways and everything would go back to normal… Ha! I love it when they’re so sure nothing’s gonna change.
Luka was the incorrigible party boy, sexy, fun, and used to following his every whim… which wasn’t as easy with seven females suddenly flooding his home. His steady change into a family man was simply lovely and the way his feelings for Constance developed was inspiring.
Constance was a force in her own way. Dedicated and caring to the girls, I found her a lovely and sweet leading lady. That she had a backbone and didn’t take any shit from anyone impressed me too. The ease at which she was able to make quick judgments which were not always accurate bugged me a little bit, but near the end I don’t think anyone could have reacted differently given the circumstances.
I liked how both Luka and Constance changed a little throughout the story, although Luka was the most active in reinventing himself. I wish all the little girls could have been involved more in the course of story, and there was certainly more to be explored with both their father’s threads and the whole “leak” issue. The fact that Luke didn’t seem Greek but for a couple of words of endearment didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the story.
As it was, Pretending With the Greek Billionaire was a steamy, sweet and sexy read I had a great time reading.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book*
September 8, 2016
Received in exchange for a honest review.
I loved the transformation of Luca and how he related to the little girl. Luca starts off as this self absorbed party billionaire who was good at his job but didn’t know how to be out of the spotlight. You could see that subconsciously he didn’t like all the attention but because of wild youth moments it is there and he is stuck with it. His dad gives him the ultimatum and that is when Constance crashes into his world and turns it upside down.
Constance is a little bit of a snob at first or she comes off as one even though she isn’t. Her high handedness is due to her belief in what she is doing and judging a book by its cover. She gets in a pickle and needs Luca to save her. Luca needs Constance to help him with his dad and they need each other to help them discover love and life.
When Constance and her children move in we see a Luca that isn’t liking children in his world. Over time he begins to love them and want to do nothing but get them to smile. Same with Constance, he starts out having just a sexual chemistry with her but as they got to know each other he sees her as more. He sees her as the one he wishes to come home to and support. The one to talk to at night and help him when he has a problem. The one to be his best friend, lover and one and only. He respects her and her opinions. She gets him to change. To want to be a better person. When they come together wow. when she mistakes something and walks away it is heartbreaking but watching that moment transform Luca was awesome.
This is the sweet fun story of Luca and Constance. How they come together via a need to help each other out of a situation and in return find out more about themselves, each other and find love and support with one another. A wonderfully entertaining story of changing to be a better version of yourself and letting love in while seeing what is important.
I loved the transformation of Luca and how he related to the little girl. Luca starts off as this self absorbed party billionaire who was good at his job but didn’t know how to be out of the spotlight. You could see that subconsciously he didn’t like all the attention but because of wild youth moments it is there and he is stuck with it. His dad gives him the ultimatum and that is when Constance crashes into his world and turns it upside down.
Constance is a little bit of a snob at first or she comes off as one even though she isn’t. Her high handedness is due to her belief in what she is doing and judging a book by its cover. She gets in a pickle and needs Luca to save her. Luca needs Constance to help him with his dad and they need each other to help them discover love and life.
When Constance and her children move in we see a Luca that isn’t liking children in his world. Over time he begins to love them and want to do nothing but get them to smile. Same with Constance, he starts out having just a sexual chemistry with her but as they got to know each other he sees her as more. He sees her as the one he wishes to come home to and support. The one to talk to at night and help him when he has a problem. The one to be his best friend, lover and one and only. He respects her and her opinions. She gets him to change. To want to be a better person. When they come together wow. when she mistakes something and walks away it is heartbreaking but watching that moment transform Luca was awesome.
This is the sweet fun story of Luca and Constance. How they come together via a need to help each other out of a situation and in return find out more about themselves, each other and find love and support with one another. A wonderfully entertaining story of changing to be a better version of yourself and letting love in while seeing what is important.
October 16, 2021
https://celebrityreaders.com/2016/08/...
3.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
I am a self-confessed Harlequin book lover. Before the days of my Kindle and my discovery of Indie authors (b/c I've always been an underdog kind of girl, so Indie books are right up my alley), I used to consume Harlequin books at an ALARMING rate. Cheap books individually, but with the number of books I read it was an expensive habit. And one of my favourite lines was the Harlequin Presents line...so this is a LONG introduction paragraph to say that this book reminded me so much of the books I used to read in that line -- European Billionaire Playboy? Check. And so I totally requested this book with that kind of nostalgia in mind. And it definitely fulfilled what I was looking for from that.
I loved the chemistry between Luca and Constance. It was a very sexy book, and they definitely had a palpable connection. And the progression of the romance was exactly what I was expecting, and I'm ok with that. It definitely followed a pattern that I'm used to, so there weren't any surprises, but again, sometimes I want a book that gives me exactly what I'm expecting... A bit tropey, definitely, but I wanted that push and pull between a hero and heroine that don't really fit together, but somehow bring out the best in one another.
It would have been a full 4 stars if it weren't for the completely useless children characters. I honestly don't know why Ms. Archer even bothered with 6 foster children in this story, they really only focused on the one girl throughout the story, and it was like they barely interacted with the other girls...they had the other people taking care of them. It just felt like a plot device, but it didn't really add anything of substance to the story. The author really could have done a bit more with that storyline, or else just had the one orphan girl or something. I was disappointed.
So all in all, a great light romance read. Definitely what I was needing in this moment.
3.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
I am a self-confessed Harlequin book lover. Before the days of my Kindle and my discovery of Indie authors (b/c I've always been an underdog kind of girl, so Indie books are right up my alley), I used to consume Harlequin books at an ALARMING rate. Cheap books individually, but with the number of books I read it was an expensive habit. And one of my favourite lines was the Harlequin Presents line...so this is a LONG introduction paragraph to say that this book reminded me so much of the books I used to read in that line -- European Billionaire Playboy? Check. And so I totally requested this book with that kind of nostalgia in mind. And it definitely fulfilled what I was looking for from that.
I loved the chemistry between Luca and Constance. It was a very sexy book, and they definitely had a palpable connection. And the progression of the romance was exactly what I was expecting, and I'm ok with that. It definitely followed a pattern that I'm used to, so there weren't any surprises, but again, sometimes I want a book that gives me exactly what I'm expecting... A bit tropey, definitely, but I wanted that push and pull between a hero and heroine that don't really fit together, but somehow bring out the best in one another.
It would have been a full 4 stars if it weren't for the completely useless children characters. I honestly don't know why Ms. Archer even bothered with 6 foster children in this story, they really only focused on the one girl throughout the story, and it was like they barely interacted with the other girls...they had the other people taking care of them. It just felt like a plot device, but it didn't really add anything of substance to the story. The author really could have done a bit more with that storyline, or else just had the one orphan girl or something. I was disappointed.
So all in all, a great light romance read. Definitely what I was needing in this moment.
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