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The Perfect Illusion
It’s only pretend…
And it’s only three months.
I’m in the midst of scrawling “I QUIT!” onto his fancy cardstock letterhead when my boss corners me. He needs a favor, he says. And then he asks how well I can act …
Hudson Rutherford needs a fiancée.
With his old-moneyed parents forcing him to marry some bratty hotel heiress and his hedonistic, playboy lifestyle at stake, the only way to get them to back off is to make them think he’s truly, madly, deeply in love … with me—his third personal assistant this year.
But I can hardly stand working for him as it is.
Hudson is crazy hot and well-aware. He’s arrogant, spoiled, and silver-spooned. He checks me out when he thinks I’m not looking, and his life is a revolving door of beautiful women. Plus, he can’t even pronounce my name correctly—how’s he going to convince his family he’s in love with me?!
I’m seconds from giving him a resounding “no” when he flashes his signature dimpled smirk and gives me a number that happens to contain a whole mess of zeroes …
On second thought, I think I can swallow my pride.
But, oh baby, there’s one thing I haven’t told him, one teensy-tiny thing that could make this just a hair complicated …
Here’s hoping this entire thing doesn’t explode in our faces.
And it’s only three months.
I’m in the midst of scrawling “I QUIT!” onto his fancy cardstock letterhead when my boss corners me. He needs a favor, he says. And then he asks how well I can act …
Hudson Rutherford needs a fiancée.
With his old-moneyed parents forcing him to marry some bratty hotel heiress and his hedonistic, playboy lifestyle at stake, the only way to get them to back off is to make them think he’s truly, madly, deeply in love … with me—his third personal assistant this year.
But I can hardly stand working for him as it is.
Hudson is crazy hot and well-aware. He’s arrogant, spoiled, and silver-spooned. He checks me out when he thinks I’m not looking, and his life is a revolving door of beautiful women. Plus, he can’t even pronounce my name correctly—how’s he going to convince his family he’s in love with me?!
I’m seconds from giving him a resounding “no” when he flashes his signature dimpled smirk and gives me a number that happens to contain a whole mess of zeroes …
On second thought, I think I can swallow my pride.
But, oh baby, there’s one thing I haven’t told him, one teensy-tiny thing that could make this just a hair complicated …
Here’s hoping this entire thing doesn’t explode in our faces.
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First published April 4, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
April 29, 2017
Omg! I just LOVED THIS STORY!!! LOVED IT. From beginning to end there was not one point that I did not love.
Winter Renshaw is an amazing writer, who writes stories beautifully, with passion and intensity and just NAILS the stories. Winter also writes enemies to lovers BRILLIANTLY and is undoubtedly one of my FAVE writers because of this.
The Perfect Illusion is a quick, easy read that manages to pack a huge punch in the feels department. From intense hate, to passionate lust to sweet love this book was just perfect.
Hudson and Mari are electric. They ooze chemistry and passion. I had these crazy skin tingles and huge tummy flutters ALL THE WAY THROUGH! They just dug their way into my heart and settled right in. I loved them and their story.
5 INSANELY PERFECT stars.
Winter Renshaw is an amazing writer, who writes stories beautifully, with passion and intensity and just NAILS the stories. Winter also writes enemies to lovers BRILLIANTLY and is undoubtedly one of my FAVE writers because of this.
The Perfect Illusion is a quick, easy read that manages to pack a huge punch in the feels department. From intense hate, to passionate lust to sweet love this book was just perfect.
Hudson and Mari are electric. They ooze chemistry and passion. I had these crazy skin tingles and huge tummy flutters ALL THE WAY THROUGH! They just dug their way into my heart and settled right in. I loved them and their story.
5 INSANELY PERFECT stars.
April 27, 2017
I love this author, everyone knows that. I have always gushed about her books.
This one however, was a tad unconventional and maybe the old fashioned me just could not get with the programme. I saw that train wreck from a mile...and that was what this book was. A complete train wreck. I really can't divulge much as this book takes a diversion from the mainstream plots.
Hudson Rutherford, millionaire, hot, sexy arrogant jerk extraordinaire(*rolls eyes*- how many more of these do we need!) needs a fake fiancee before his 30th birthday. So he pays his personal assistant Maribel to play the role. Maribel is struggling, poor, trying to find her foot bla bla (again, *rolls eyes*) Small thing, Maribel is hiding a HUGE secret.... one i completely was not a fan of! So hence begins a drama of forgiveness and acceptance.
Again, this is only my opinion. There are many 5 star ratings and if you are a fan of this author, you should check this book out.
This one however, was a tad unconventional and maybe the old fashioned me just could not get with the programme. I saw that train wreck from a mile...and that was what this book was. A complete train wreck. I really can't divulge much as this book takes a diversion from the mainstream plots.
Hudson Rutherford, millionaire, hot, sexy arrogant jerk extraordinaire(*rolls eyes*- how many more of these do we need!) needs a fake fiancee before his 30th birthday. So he pays his personal assistant Maribel to play the role. Maribel is struggling, poor, trying to find her foot bla bla (again, *rolls eyes*) Small thing, Maribel is hiding a HUGE secret.... one i completely was not a fan of! So hence begins a drama of forgiveness and acceptance.
Again, this is only my opinion. There are many 5 star ratings and if you are a fan of this author, you should check this book out.
May 21, 2017
3.5 Stars!
dnf
May 1, 2017There is NO way in hell that "main issue" could've been worked out this easily! It was beyond oversimplified!
Also, may be I failed as a feminist AND an open-minded person. But I didn't like that twist/issue.
I couldn't accept that or the real casual treatment or the oversimplified resolution of the issue in my romance!
Also, may be I failed as a feminist AND an open-minded person. But I didn't like that twist/issue.
I couldn't accept that or the real casual treatment or the oversimplified resolution of the issue in my romance!
August 16, 2019
Geez, what a tangle mess! Like a bad soap opera this book entangle itself. The story is pretty simple. A marriage of convenience. Because the hero needs to show off to his family that he can settle down.
And as usual, they fall in love. Meanwhile the heroine is keeping a secret. The story does not have complex plot. Its pretty simple and straight forward. Character development is also minimum. I don't evem know why the hero and the heroine falls with each other and then falls out of each other.
Like i said.... tangle mess.
2 stars
And as usual, they fall in love. Meanwhile the heroine is keeping a secret. The story does not have complex plot. Its pretty simple and straight forward. Character development is also minimum. I don't evem know why the hero and the heroine falls with each other and then falls out of each other.
Like i said.... tangle mess.
2 stars
August 6, 2018
This book was a disaster.
I went in expecting a new fun twist on the troupe, but I did not get it. (Ive just read Sally Thorne’s the Hating Game, and wanted more in the line.)
I am giving up at 60 some percent. I NEVER do that. I always finish the book, even if I hate it. Just to see if it gets redeemed. I can’t.
First of all, The plot is extremely ordinary. Nothing done to vary it up or make it feel special. Very generic. I keep waiting for *something* to happen.
The heroine is very two dimensional. She is not someone I want to be friends with or root for. She’s very naive, and not in a cute way.
The hero is a misogynistic, narcissistic asshole. He justifies his douchery by saying things like “I’m toughening you up” and “there’s a lot of ass holes out there”. I’m sorry, no. Every woman has had to deal with THAT guy at least once, and I feel confident saying we can all feel the collective shudder. He’s the mansplainer, the colleague that speaks over you even though you are more experienced, the jerk who says things like “You don’t worry your pretty little head over it.” UGH!
The hero also constantly downs “her generation” (She is 25 and he is 30. They are both millennials. gtfover yourself.) by saying they are all lazy, entitled, and easily moved by strong emotions. The words “Special Snowflake” are mentioned more than once. (Lets not forget he is a billionaire playboy who has never wanted for anything.) Meanwhile the heroine (a simple, hardworking Midwestern girl) is working 60 hours a week and making “Barely 40,000 a year.”. *insert that face. You know the one.*
We all have to deal with those ass holes enough in real life, let’s keep them out of romance.
I don’t even have enough words to talk about how much I hated this book. Don’t waste your time.
I went in expecting a new fun twist on the troupe, but I did not get it. (Ive just read Sally Thorne’s the Hating Game, and wanted more in the line.)
I am giving up at 60 some percent. I NEVER do that. I always finish the book, even if I hate it. Just to see if it gets redeemed. I can’t.
First of all, The plot is extremely ordinary. Nothing done to vary it up or make it feel special. Very generic. I keep waiting for *something* to happen.
The heroine is very two dimensional. She is not someone I want to be friends with or root for. She’s very naive, and not in a cute way.
The hero is a misogynistic, narcissistic asshole. He justifies his douchery by saying things like “I’m toughening you up” and “there’s a lot of ass holes out there”. I’m sorry, no. Every woman has had to deal with THAT guy at least once, and I feel confident saying we can all feel the collective shudder. He’s the mansplainer, the colleague that speaks over you even though you are more experienced, the jerk who says things like “You don’t worry your pretty little head over it.” UGH!
The hero also constantly downs “her generation” (She is 25 and he is 30. They are both millennials. gtfover yourself.) by saying they are all lazy, entitled, and easily moved by strong emotions. The words “Special Snowflake” are mentioned more than once. (Lets not forget he is a billionaire playboy who has never wanted for anything.) Meanwhile the heroine (a simple, hardworking Midwestern girl) is working 60 hours a week and making “Barely 40,000 a year.”. *insert that face. You know the one.*
We all have to deal with those ass holes enough in real life, let’s keep them out of romance.
I don’t even have enough words to talk about how much I hated this book. Don’t waste your time.
May 11, 2017
I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book.
Hudson is Trumpesque. This makes him very unlikable. I despise the types of attitude he portrays in his business dealings with his employees. I despise the idea that you have to treat employees badly to see if they hold up under pressure. I despise the idea that to make an employee stronger and better you have to also treat them very badly. Refusing to call an employee by the correct name is not good business practice to keep employees at an appropriate distance. It is VERY unprofessional.
I don’t care if Mari comes to like him and he is a nicer person around her and towards her, his basic businesses beliefs and views of employees is horrendous. And completely reminds me of Donald Trump which does not recommend this character or book to me.
The story itself is straight forward, predictable, no surprises. The conflict and then resolution seems to happen too fast and too easy. It is just me or have all romance novels gotten too straight forward. Rarely any subplots and no 'cross' plots as I like to call them. People who have a story in the book whose plot line started in a place where it wasn't connect to the main plot but at some point they cross with the main characters and their stories become tangled up. It seems like romance novels for the last 20 years or so have gotten too simple, going from point A to point B with very little disruption.
I can't recommend this book without it being reworked.
Hudson is Trumpesque. This makes him very unlikable. I despise the types of attitude he portrays in his business dealings with his employees. I despise the idea that you have to treat employees badly to see if they hold up under pressure. I despise the idea that to make an employee stronger and better you have to also treat them very badly. Refusing to call an employee by the correct name is not good business practice to keep employees at an appropriate distance. It is VERY unprofessional.
I don’t care if Mari comes to like him and he is a nicer person around her and towards her, his basic businesses beliefs and views of employees is horrendous. And completely reminds me of Donald Trump which does not recommend this character or book to me.
The story itself is straight forward, predictable, no surprises. The conflict and then resolution seems to happen too fast and too easy. It is just me or have all romance novels gotten too straight forward. Rarely any subplots and no 'cross' plots as I like to call them. People who have a story in the book whose plot line started in a place where it wasn't connect to the main plot but at some point they cross with the main characters and their stories become tangled up. It seems like romance novels for the last 20 years or so have gotten too simple, going from point A to point B with very little disruption.
I can't recommend this book without it being reworked.
May 22, 2017
Eh. It was alright. I just loved Dark Paradise and I keep hoping this author writes more of that kind of thing. And definitely less of the Royal types (holy hell the agony). This was low on angst, no revenge on the OW who needed to come down off her high horse (well the H DID call her a whore, soooo), and I never saw where these two fell for each other.
When did it happen? The one time they had sex? The second? I only really remember maybe 3 times. And when they had a water fight? Or went shopping at the market? Oh wait, we didn't see that scene. We just knew they went and he had a "great time" and "didn't expect to like her as much". I just didn't see it. One minute she hates him, then she likes him. Because he was nice. TWICE.
Of course, this was a novella, not that anyone warned me. Novellas are hard to like, you really have to SHOW me when the lurve happens.
And he just gives up his entire life for her? How many houses can he design in Nowhere, Nebraska? Work was his passion. I hate all this nonsense about not being able to raise kids in the "city". And I'm a small town girl. But I might point out, for DECADES children. have. been. raised. in. the. city.
When did it happen? The one time they had sex? The second? I only really remember maybe 3 times. And when they had a water fight? Or went shopping at the market? Oh wait, we didn't see that scene. We just knew they went and he had a "great time" and "didn't expect to like her as much". I just didn't see it. One minute she hates him, then she likes him. Because he was nice. TWICE.
Of course, this was a novella, not that anyone warned me. Novellas are hard to like, you really have to SHOW me when the lurve happens.
And he just gives up his entire life for her? How many houses can he design in Nowhere, Nebraska? Work was his passion. I hate all this nonsense about not being able to raise kids in the "city". And I'm a small town girl. But I might point out, for DECADES children. have. been. raised. in. the. city.
May 1, 2017
2.5 Stars.
I feel like The Perfect Illusion is exactly that. The perfect illusion of a book. It should be labeled a novella, or short story IMO. It is so short, that the pacing doesn't allow any development in characters or plot. The book ends at 43% and there are two more books included. I'm used to this by this author, and I usually don't have a problem with this, but in this case, I feel like the story was very rushed.
It starts of great. It grabbed my attention right away and found both MCs very likeable. The H "Hudson" was at first painted as an incredibly arrogant, rude and selfcententered guy, but it doesn't take long for the reader to discover there's a lot more to him that meets the eye. Out of both characters (H/h) I have to say we get to see a little more depth and development in him. I ended up liking him a lot.
The h "Maribel", is very likeable at first. An independent young woman who is not going to put up with the H's rudeness or mistreatment of her. However I feel like her character took a turn for the worse about halfway through, and after that it was hard for me to like her. And it maybe because the story moves so fast, that I didn't get the chance to understand her and her actions better. To be specific, I didn't like that she kept her BIG secret from the H, and then her self righteousness towards him, as if he was the one that deceived her. Granted he had a small secret too, but I don't think it was a bad secret, or one that could have prompted such a reaction from her.
The premise of the book was great. A fake marriage storyline reminiscent of pretty woman, but with a twist. Sounds good, and it would have been if properly developed and executed. Like I said I feel like there was no development in the characters. There is no gradual change in them, more like a switch in personalities. One example is, the author tried to give the H some depth, by adding a couple of details about his past to justify his coldness and rudeness in the beginning. However, after a couple of chapters we get to see Hudson as a nice, generous and caring guy. They mention how he grew up the product of rich uncaring parents, raised in boarding schools and lacking a sense of family or real love. However it felt contradictory that when we meet his parents they are so nice and seem to be so caring and involved in his life that that storyline didn't make much sense.
I really feel like the story got too messy and the author really bit more that she could chew. There was no way she was going to properly address and develop all the convoluted events that were happening at one point, so she just rushed over major events, glossed over some other issues, and tried to tie up everything nice and quick. Too convenient and a little weird if I may say so.
All in all I don't want to discourage anybody from reading the book, I just feel like it's a very short story and it doesn't reach its full potential.
I feel like The Perfect Illusion is exactly that. The perfect illusion of a book. It should be labeled a novella, or short story IMO. It is so short, that the pacing doesn't allow any development in characters or plot. The book ends at 43% and there are two more books included. I'm used to this by this author, and I usually don't have a problem with this, but in this case, I feel like the story was very rushed.
It starts of great. It grabbed my attention right away and found both MCs very likeable. The H "Hudson" was at first painted as an incredibly arrogant, rude and selfcententered guy, but it doesn't take long for the reader to discover there's a lot more to him that meets the eye. Out of both characters (H/h) I have to say we get to see a little more depth and development in him. I ended up liking him a lot.
The h "Maribel", is very likeable at first. An independent young woman who is not going to put up with the H's rudeness or mistreatment of her. However I feel like her character took a turn for the worse about halfway through, and after that it was hard for me to like her. And it maybe because the story moves so fast, that I didn't get the chance to understand her and her actions better. To be specific, I didn't like that she kept her BIG secret from the H, and then her self righteousness towards him, as if he was the one that deceived her. Granted he had a small secret too, but I don't think it was a bad secret, or one that could have prompted such a reaction from her.
The premise of the book was great. A fake marriage storyline reminiscent of pretty woman, but with a twist. Sounds good, and it would have been if properly developed and executed. Like I said I feel like there was no development in the characters. There is no gradual change in them, more like a switch in personalities. One example is, the author tried to give the H some depth, by adding a couple of details about his past to justify his coldness and rudeness in the beginning. However, after a couple of chapters we get to see Hudson as a nice, generous and caring guy. They mention how he grew up the product of rich uncaring parents, raised in boarding schools and lacking a sense of family or real love. However it felt contradictory that when we meet his parents they are so nice and seem to be so caring and involved in his life that that storyline didn't make much sense.
I really feel like the story got too messy and the author really bit more that she could chew. There was no way she was going to properly address and develop all the convoluted events that were happening at one point, so she just rushed over major events, glossed over some other issues, and tried to tie up everything nice and quick. Too convenient and a little weird if I may say so.
All in all I don't want to discourage anybody from reading the book, I just feel like it's a very short story and it doesn't reach its full potential.
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August 1, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (8/1/2018)!💝
Blurb:
It’s only pretend…
And it’s only three months.
I’m in the midst of scrawling “I QUIT!” onto his fancy cardstock letterhead when my boss corners me. He needs a favor, he says. And then he asks how well I can act …
Hudson Rutherford needs a fiancée.
With his old-moneyed parents forcing him to marry some bratty hotel heiress and his hedonistic, playboy lifestyle at stake, the only way to get them to back off is to make them think he’s truly, madly, deeply in love … with me—his third personal assistant this year.
But I can hardly stand working for him as it is.
Hudson is crazy hot and well-aware. He’s arrogant, spoiled, and silver-spooned. He checks me out when he thinks I’m not looking, and his life is a revolving door of beautiful women. Plus, he can’t even pronounce my name correctly—how’s he going to convince his family he’s in love with me?!
I’m seconds from giving him a resounding “no” when he flashes his signature dimpled smirk and gives me a number that happens to contain a whole mess of zeroes …
On second thought, I think I can swallow my pride.
But, oh baby, there’s one thing I haven’t told him, one teensy-tiny thing that could make this just a hair complicated …
Here’s hoping this entire thing doesn’t explode in our faces.
Blurb:
It’s only pretend…
And it’s only three months.
I’m in the midst of scrawling “I QUIT!” onto his fancy cardstock letterhead when my boss corners me. He needs a favor, he says. And then he asks how well I can act …
Hudson Rutherford needs a fiancée.
With his old-moneyed parents forcing him to marry some bratty hotel heiress and his hedonistic, playboy lifestyle at stake, the only way to get them to back off is to make them think he’s truly, madly, deeply in love … with me—his third personal assistant this year.
But I can hardly stand working for him as it is.
Hudson is crazy hot and well-aware. He’s arrogant, spoiled, and silver-spooned. He checks me out when he thinks I’m not looking, and his life is a revolving door of beautiful women. Plus, he can’t even pronounce my name correctly—how’s he going to convince his family he’s in love with me?!
I’m seconds from giving him a resounding “no” when he flashes his signature dimpled smirk and gives me a number that happens to contain a whole mess of zeroes …
On second thought, I think I can swallow my pride.
But, oh baby, there’s one thing I haven’t told him, one teensy-tiny thing that could make this just a hair complicated …
Here’s hoping this entire thing doesn’t explode in our faces.
August 8, 2018
My favorite story premise. I love finding these books, especially when they are done well. I enjoyed this one.
March 9, 2018
The Perfect Illusion by Winter Renshaw was not the first book by this author that I read and I really love her writing style. She perfectly manages to draw you into the story that she presents you at that time. No matter where your mind was before but after 10 minutes you are in the story.
The Perfect Illusion is not different. Starting from 0 to 100 within 5 minutes you are thrown into a whirlwind of emotions that you have trouble keeping up until you finally reach a calmer water that lets your breath and think about what just happened.
Which brings me to the story and its leading character. I liked the characters – I can not say I LOVED them to be honest because I kind of stumbled over one or two things within the storyline that I either have to count as mayor character flaw of the leads or as glitch in the storyline.
One was that I could not really follow the female lead falling in love because it went to fast for my taste.
The other – and that was more serious – was that I had trouble digesting some reasoning’s that were uncovered as the story unfolded. They were explained but honestly they sounded childish in the concept of the whole storyline. More like something I would have expected from a YA novel and not from this book.
But anyway that is just my personal taste and others might see it totally different. AND (and that is more important) it does not change my opinion on this authors writing – I love it – and as not every story can be a love at first sight – it would never stop me from picking up her next book at any given time.
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April 25, 2017
Mari hates her boss - to the point she is quitting. He is arrogant, rude, and so disrespectful Mari knows she cant work for him any longer - even if that means leaving New York City and returning home to Nebraska. Of course he is also handsome but that doesn't make up for everything else. Now Mari has just found out she is pregnant after a 1 night stand she know that going home is the right decision for her and her baby; that is until Hudson makes her an offer - pay her 4 million dollars to pretend to be married to him. This could be just what she needs to help her family. But when the baby's father turns out to be Hudson's best friend and Mari sees a side to Hudson that he keeps hidden she knows she is in trouble. Not to mention the fact his touch makes her whole body sizzle - she is definitely in trouble.
Hudson needs a wife and Mari seems to be the perfect candidate, she is beautiful, sweet and can adapt into any situation even meeting his parents. When he starts to fall for her something he didnt think he was capability of he is determined to make their fake relationship work for real, but when he has the rug taken out from under him can he still find love with the Mari?
I love Mari and Hudson - the secrets they keep from each other though made me want to hurt both of them. That is a testament to Ms Renshaw's great writing - she makes her readers feel something towards her characters even if you want to hurt them. Told in dual POV's we get to see what Hudson and Mari go through and the twist at the end I didn't see coming. There are great secondary characters especially Mari's parents that seemed to be the voice of the readers.
If you enjoy Winter Renshaw's books then I promise you wont be disappointed with The Perfect Illusion.
Hudson needs a wife and Mari seems to be the perfect candidate, she is beautiful, sweet and can adapt into any situation even meeting his parents. When he starts to fall for her something he didnt think he was capability of he is determined to make their fake relationship work for real, but when he has the rug taken out from under him can he still find love with the Mari?
I love Mari and Hudson - the secrets they keep from each other though made me want to hurt both of them. That is a testament to Ms Renshaw's great writing - she makes her readers feel something towards her characters even if you want to hurt them. Told in dual POV's we get to see what Hudson and Mari go through and the twist at the end I didn't see coming. There are great secondary characters especially Mari's parents that seemed to be the voice of the readers.
If you enjoy Winter Renshaw's books then I promise you wont be disappointed with The Perfect Illusion.
July 22, 2017
It was ok...well written but a lot shorter than I thought and I wanted more- more character development, story development, more time together "after"
I would read this author again
I would read this author again
January 5, 2023
I'll keep this review short. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters in this book. It was the perfect balance of dramatic without being annoying nor was it cheesy in it's happy ending. The only reason for taking one star away, is because I don't find "bedroom scenes" and language necessary for any book. Thankfully, the language doesn't take away from the flow of the book and the "steamy" stuff is easy to skip beyond. Also, the cover doesn't do this book justice in my opinion. The protagonist, Hudson, doesn't come off like this "sexy", smoldering model-type guy. Not that it matters, but I felt it necessary to put out there. I liked it and would read this one again. 4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
August 10, 2018
This was a fun and sexy enemies to lover story. Mari works for Hudson. Hudson is quite the douche as a boss. Mari wants to quite but she finds herself in a difficult situation, damn those one night stands that go bad. When Hudson gives Mari an opportunity she just can't pass up the two of them find themselves getting to know the small things they both hid during the time they worked together. There were flaws in the story but overall it was a fun, sexy, and sassy story.
This specific video review will be included in the August 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
This specific video review will be included in the August 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
April 26, 2017
This is one you will want to read. It's so full of angst and when these two finally decide to give into the feelings they are having it just got so much better. But the twists make it great.
Wonderful, awesome, amazing, and excellent. (WOW) I so enjoyed the story and didn't want it to end. I loved it.
Wonderful, awesome, amazing, and excellent. (WOW) I so enjoyed the story and didn't want it to end. I loved it.
November 11, 2019
Pse, mala suerte la mia que acabo de leer una historia parecida y no salvo a ninguna de las 2.
Novio falso y embarazo en ambos casos
Novio falso y embarazo en ambos casos
May 10, 2017
Nothing in this story appealed to me.
Sometimes I love the fake marriage trope, other times, I don't.
This was the latter.
Renshaw usually has more feeling and grit.
This one felt rushed and the ending was unbelievable.
Even to me.
Sometimes I love the fake marriage trope, other times, I don't.
This was the latter.
Renshaw usually has more feeling and grit.
This one felt rushed and the ending was unbelievable.
Even to me.
September 11, 2018
SWEET, SENSUAL, SLOW BURN ROMANCE!!!
Title: The Perfect Illusion
Author: Winter Renshaw
Designation: Full-Length, Standalone, No Cliffhanger #slowburn #office #wealthyboss/assistant #enemiestolovers #oppositesattract #fakefiancee #contemporaryromance
My Rating: Four Delightfully Entertaining Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a lovely read! This was my first time reading the work of Winter Renshaw, and it certainly won't be my last! I love finding talented new-to-me authors, and Winter Renshaw is most definitely super talented. There were so many things I truly enjoyed about The Perfect Illusion, but allow me to list just a few. The narrative was beautifully written in the first person with clearly discernible his and her perspectives. My favorite for contemporary romance! The dialogue was smart, natural, well executed, at times hilarious, and flowed effortlessly. I liked the premise for the story, though it would be difficult to describe as only one trope. It's more a mashup of several - adversaries to lovers, who originally meet in an office environment as boss and personal assistant, combined with fake fiance, plus opposites attract since they have extremely different backgrounds and upbringing. I think what I liked most was the way Renshaw wove all the different elements together with a surprising and special twist. It sure as heck surprised me! The book was well crafted with only a few minor typos, but nothing that distracted me from the story. The story was fast paced and easy to follow, but the romance was more of a sweet, slow, yet sensual build up which I also enjoyed. But, without a doubt, my favorite component was the cast of easily relatable characters, especially the two protagonists, handsome architect Hudson Rutherford and beautiful personal assistant Maribel Collins. They were so darn cute! Hudson was wealthy, egotistical, self entitled, always rude, very difficult to work for, and a real player with the ladies. His life was a revolving door of beautiful women - no strings, no commitments, and no relationships. Mari was intelligent, hardworking, efficient, gracious under fire, underpaid, woefully underappreciated, and had no time for a personal life because of her demanding work schedule. And Hudson didn't help matters by always pronouncing Mari's name incorrectly, which we discover he did on purpose. Yeah, I wanted to strangle him! lol... It was so entertaining watching these two lock horns which is how the story begins, but it even more fun watching Mari bring Hudson down a few pegs! I was instantly engaged and fell head over heels for both Hudson and Mari. I snickered, snorted, chuckled, sniffled, and fumed through the entire book but by the end, I was happy, satisfied, and well entertained.
Did I like this book! Yes, very much! Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Would so recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit language and dreamy sex. The Perfect Illusion is definitely sexy but more of a slow burn romance. Although both Hudson and Mari are attracted to each other, it takes a little while for these two to act on their feelings, and it takes even longer for them to realize and finally admit that what they feel is love. But when is love ever easy? That would be no fun at all. Lol... There's no violence, though I did want to slap Hudson's snobby ex-girlfriend, Audrina, a few times, but there is some drama and angst. You can't have a realistic love story without a little heartbreak and a few tears, right? And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Title: The Perfect Illusion
Author: Winter Renshaw
Designation: Full-Length, Standalone, No Cliffhanger #slowburn #office #wealthyboss/assistant #enemiestolovers #oppositesattract #fakefiancee #contemporaryromance
My Rating: Four Delightfully Entertaining Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a lovely read! This was my first time reading the work of Winter Renshaw, and it certainly won't be my last! I love finding talented new-to-me authors, and Winter Renshaw is most definitely super talented. There were so many things I truly enjoyed about The Perfect Illusion, but allow me to list just a few. The narrative was beautifully written in the first person with clearly discernible his and her perspectives. My favorite for contemporary romance! The dialogue was smart, natural, well executed, at times hilarious, and flowed effortlessly. I liked the premise for the story, though it would be difficult to describe as only one trope. It's more a mashup of several - adversaries to lovers, who originally meet in an office environment as boss and personal assistant, combined with fake fiance, plus opposites attract since they have extremely different backgrounds and upbringing. I think what I liked most was the way Renshaw wove all the different elements together with a surprising and special twist. It sure as heck surprised me! The book was well crafted with only a few minor typos, but nothing that distracted me from the story. The story was fast paced and easy to follow, but the romance was more of a sweet, slow, yet sensual build up which I also enjoyed. But, without a doubt, my favorite component was the cast of easily relatable characters, especially the two protagonists, handsome architect Hudson Rutherford and beautiful personal assistant Maribel Collins. They were so darn cute! Hudson was wealthy, egotistical, self entitled, always rude, very difficult to work for, and a real player with the ladies. His life was a revolving door of beautiful women - no strings, no commitments, and no relationships. Mari was intelligent, hardworking, efficient, gracious under fire, underpaid, woefully underappreciated, and had no time for a personal life because of her demanding work schedule. And Hudson didn't help matters by always pronouncing Mari's name incorrectly, which we discover he did on purpose. Yeah, I wanted to strangle him! lol... It was so entertaining watching these two lock horns which is how the story begins, but it even more fun watching Mari bring Hudson down a few pegs! I was instantly engaged and fell head over heels for both Hudson and Mari. I snickered, snorted, chuckled, sniffled, and fumed through the entire book but by the end, I was happy, satisfied, and well entertained.
Did I like this book! Yes, very much! Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Would so recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain explicit language and dreamy sex. The Perfect Illusion is definitely sexy but more of a slow burn romance. Although both Hudson and Mari are attracted to each other, it takes a little while for these two to act on their feelings, and it takes even longer for them to realize and finally admit that what they feel is love. But when is love ever easy? That would be no fun at all. Lol... There's no violence, though I did want to slap Hudson's snobby ex-girlfriend, Audrina, a few times, but there is some drama and angst. You can't have a realistic love story without a little heartbreak and a few tears, right? And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
April 25, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of ths book. I really enjoyed this latest book from Ms Renshaw. I found Mari and Hudson great characters from the start. Mari is a woman who will not be taken advantage of and decides two months is long enough to work for Hudson and his disrespectful and rude behavior. She has made up her mind to quit and tell him how she really feels about the way he is. Hudson is so caught up in his own world that the can't believe it. He however has an offer for Mari that she agrees to. The story picks up from there and what happens makes for a great read. This book had me smiling from the beginning. I loved the chemistry between Mari and Hudson. The "illusion" the two try to present is great. This is one of my top favorites of Ms Renshaw's books. Would love to see what becomes of Mari and Hudson's story. Great HEA!
September 1, 2017
Not so perfect.
Wasn't so much into this one. A little slow and drawn out. He was totally unlikable and a jerk. Didn't feel any connections. They hated each other but very very slowly build up to more but I wouldn't say love. I get she had a pretty big secret but I felt his was twice as worse. Everything was based off a lie for his amusement. The only things I liked was Mari. The idea of the story and how Alec stepped up in the end. I wish the ending would have given you more. I wanted to know how they managed to work things out in the end. I must say the drama was also entertaining. Happy ending.
Wasn't so much into this one. A little slow and drawn out. He was totally unlikable and a jerk. Didn't feel any connections. They hated each other but very very slowly build up to more but I wouldn't say love. I get she had a pretty big secret but I felt his was twice as worse. Everything was based off a lie for his amusement. The only things I liked was Mari. The idea of the story and how Alec stepped up in the end. I wish the ending would have given you more. I wanted to know how they managed to work things out in the end. I must say the drama was also entertaining. Happy ending.
August 13, 2018
This was just missing something. I'm not even sure what - whether the romance developed too quickly or the characters just didn't stay true to their initial outlines. Either way, it just didn't have that spark.
Holly Chandler and Matthew Holland were ok on the audio. Unfortunately their efforts didn't really raise the book up a notch for me.
Holly Chandler and Matthew Holland were ok on the audio. Unfortunately their efforts didn't really raise the book up a notch for me.
June 27, 2019
A delightful story that was predictable from the very beginning, yet had so many twists and turns and emotions that you didn't care if you knew the ending. The journey to the end was rewarding and fun. I had never read this author before, and she didn't disappoint me in any way. Perfect feel good read for times when a break is needed from reality!
September 7, 2020
The baby daddy drama was obvious from early on. I'm conflicted about the super happy ending. I like that everyone was involved and happy about the baby and couple getting back together, but it seemed a bit cheesy/boring/too perfect.
July 12, 2020
Cute
Fake engagement - check
Fall in love - check
Plot twist - check
What a turn of events. They were made for each other.
Fake engagement - check
Fall in love - check
Plot twist - check
What a turn of events. They were made for each other.
December 5, 2021
3.5 stars. Well written and entertaining romance with fake fiancee trope. I enjoyed it.
April 24, 2017
ARC received in exchange for review!
This one had ALOT of potential and I am a sucker for this kinda theme ..
But I just didn't enjoy this much.. The characters and the whole mess was not very absorbing. I literally finished the book in a few minutes.
This one had ALOT of potential and I am a sucker for this kinda theme ..
But I just didn't enjoy this much.. The characters and the whole mess was not very absorbing. I literally finished the book in a few minutes.
April 26, 2017
Title: The Perfect Illusion
Author: Winter Renshaw
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5/5
What happens when a fake romance isn't so fake anymore and feelings become involved? Read this and find out, the answer isn't as straight forward as you'd first think The Perfect Illusion has a twist or two making it a five star read. Brilliant characters all round especially the main H and h who as well as sharing an intense chemistry keep us entertained with their witty banter throughout this book. This was a pleasure to read I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Author: Winter Renshaw
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5/5
What happens when a fake romance isn't so fake anymore and feelings become involved? Read this and find out, the answer isn't as straight forward as you'd first think The Perfect Illusion has a twist or two making it a five star read. Brilliant characters all round especially the main H and h who as well as sharing an intense chemistry keep us entertained with their witty banter throughout this book. This was a pleasure to read I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in return for an honest review.
April 30, 2017
Winter Renshaw is my go to author for complex, emotional, and sexy romances. The Perfect Illusion has everything I look for in romance reads. The heroine Mari Collins is sassy, spunky, and beautiful. The hero Hunter Rutherford is quite arrogant, a know it all, thinks the world is his playground rich gorgeous snob. But there is more to both of these two characters. Hunter finds himself in a place where he needs a “fake fiancée” and he sees his assistant Mari as the solution to the problem. Mari doesn’t want anything to do with it or him but she has a HUGE secret and when Hunter offers her $$$$$$$$$$$$, she really has no choice but to accept. She doesn’t tell Hunter her secret but what she doesn’t know, Hunter lured her in until false pretense with this fake fiancée gig. Hunter needs this fake fiancée/ wife thing for a reason , not for the reason he told Mari. He, too, is hiding a secret. The more these two spend time together, the more they come to realize there is more to each of them, more that they have in common and they start to fall in love.
Their path to love is beautiful, angsty, complex and so awesome. This was a plot that was tight and perfect. I found myself falling in love with everyone involved EXCEPT Hunter’s ex fiancée from years before—she was and still is a total jerk. I really wanted her to fall in a deep dark hole somewhere. Mari is a character that you will totally root for. She is strong and independent yet at the same time, is a woman in distress who is trying to hold everything all together and is secretly praying for help. Hunter is a man who is so alpha , its awesome. He doesn’t want to fall in love yet he is with Mari and neither want to admit it. There are so many twists and turns that I literally couldn’t put my book down. I literally took my kindle with me until I finished this book then turned back around and re-read this book again because it was so awesome. I wished this book would never end… Their fake relationship really ended up becoming one of strength and of light after all the rough seas they encountered. I would love to read a book about Alex( hint hint) As Always, Ms. Renfrew did an outstanding job with characters and places because I felt like I connected to everything and everyone.
My Rating:5.0 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Their path to love is beautiful, angsty, complex and so awesome. This was a plot that was tight and perfect. I found myself falling in love with everyone involved EXCEPT Hunter’s ex fiancée from years before—she was and still is a total jerk. I really wanted her to fall in a deep dark hole somewhere. Mari is a character that you will totally root for. She is strong and independent yet at the same time, is a woman in distress who is trying to hold everything all together and is secretly praying for help. Hunter is a man who is so alpha , its awesome. He doesn’t want to fall in love yet he is with Mari and neither want to admit it. There are so many twists and turns that I literally couldn’t put my book down. I literally took my kindle with me until I finished this book then turned back around and re-read this book again because it was so awesome. I wished this book would never end… Their fake relationship really ended up becoming one of strength and of light after all the rough seas they encountered. I would love to read a book about Alex( hint hint) As Always, Ms. Renfrew did an outstanding job with characters and places because I felt like I connected to everything and everyone.
My Rating:5.0 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
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