Pretend I'm Yours

Pretend #1

by Ella Miles

I’m a twenty-two-year-old virgin. Tonight that changes.

I thought my first time had to be magical. The perfect date. The perfect place. The perfect guy. I thought I wanted to be in love.
But now, I’m desperate.
I’ll take any guy as long as he’s decent looking and treats me well, at least for the night.
Turns out Mr. Perfect isn’t so hard to find. He’s hot, dreamy, and filthy rich. And he wants me.
Sex with him is going to be better than I ever imagined. He’s going to ruin me for all other guys. I know that it is just for one night, but it doesn’t matter. I’m happy to get my perfect night.
One night isn’t enough, for either of us.
Because Mr. Perfect just fake proposed to me. And he wants this proposal to last a lot longer than one night.

Will you pretend to be my wife?

**This book is a standalone romance on the steamy side.**

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Forced Proximity, Audiobook, Marriage Of Convenience

Unknown Binding

First published May 25, 2018

About the author

Ella Miles writes sexy romance with strong females that could kick your butt if you piss them off, which they often do to the men that fall for them. She's currently living her own fairy tale near the Rocky Mountains with her high school sweetheart husband. Her heart is also taken by her goofy two year old black lab that is scared of everything, including her own shadow. Ella is the author of the Aligned series. Get a free book by visiting her website: EllaMiles.com

Reviews

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blowhard

4.5 stars - Kade is an idiot and Larkyn definitely has her moments but when the chips are down, they are there for each other. I really liked this story. When they aren't intentionally driving each other crazy, they are sweet, loving, fierce, loyal, and a tad bit possessive. Hehehe....

A little extra at the end would have been nice but that's my own greed. With any luck, Sebastian's story will visit these two a bit more. *fingers crossed* (UPDATE: Yes, they are revisited in the next book.)


UPDATE 10/2020:
I listened to and loved the audio book for this, too. I like the narrators, Addison Barnes and Jason Clarke, and will be listening to this one again for certain.


UPDATE 6/2022:
I was skimming through as I read the complete series and kept stopping to read large sections. Larkyn and Kade are definitely a fun read. ... Even when driving me nuts. 😏

There are some dark subjects covered. There are also awful family members that are frequently encountered, and I don't mean Sebastian.

[Joanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just above flaming trash but trash none the less. I mean the steamy scenes were good but Larkyn wanting Kade to treat her like a jerk so that she doesn't fall in love with him during their fake marriage is just bull. I couldn't even write that sentence with out chuckling. Anyways I'm glad to just get another ebook off my list this year. Will only read the sequel to this about the brother if the copy is free on ibooks and even then I may only think about it.

Happy Reading

Jo

[Samantha (bookgramsaga reviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

''But you can never be mine''

Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- Unimportant OW/OM drama
- Fake marriage
- Separation
- Mention of r*pe/assault
- Parental neglect
- Emotional abuse
- HEA

SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️

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Sadly, this book was not memorable as it lost its spark for me after the halfway point. The beginning was great, and I enjoyed how these two ended up needing each other and their arranged/fake marriage scenario.

I liked that he was willing to shut up everyone in her life and make them feel insignificant for hurting her.

I even liked how much he was tormented about wanting her and loving her, but his issues stemmed deeply, and he believed himself incapable of love or being good for someone.

But sadly, it fell apart for me when they just did not communicate properly, and things spiraled without both of them opening up.

Once she found out she was pregnant she assumed things (after overhearing a conversation with a former ONS of his) and believed the worst and left him while demanding a divorce. He granted it and they were apart for months until he sees her again and sees that she is pregnant.

I feel like their fears left them too closed off and things could have been fixed if they just allowed the other in and were not being led by their assumptions or by what they were afraid of.

I also did not like the fact there were too many connections between everyone: He slept with her sister years ago in college, she almost sleeps with his younger brother, he slept with a girl in the same circle a few months before they got together. The only one that is shown on page is her and his younger brother.

It was just a mess lol

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with Larkyn and Kade's story! What started out as fake, with a mutual understanding that they cannot fall in love with each other and after a year they will divorce and go their separate ways. But life does not always go according to plan, and things happen, and the lines get blurred and crossed.
Kade is such a strong male, at times he can be overbearing, and even though his reason for going into this fake marriage is to keep other women at arms length, he could not have picked a better pretend bride. And poor Larkyn, her family is so unbelievable, that I was cringing with their interactions.
That ending was perfect and oh so good for this couple.

[Muzmuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is described as A stupid mix of cuteness and steaminess, both leads are adorable to the point of making my entire body curl as well as too hot in bed together.
of course you get your typical "am doing this for you" and " i don't deserve you" shit but never the less it ends in the most sweetness way possible.
nice for those days when you are down and just need a pick me up

[Blue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dropped 2025
3 Stars 2019
This is so awful, I’m pretty sure I had a brain transplant or something to be able to finished reading this book and rated it a 3 stars. I couldn’t even made it past 4% on audio. We got an V FMC that’s like lusting after this OM, her thoughts are so juvenile, I couldn’t stand it.

[Aysha]

no rating. on hold

[Maheswari · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story has potential- the main characters were left “ brusque” impressions , in everything they did

Is just like authors compiling best scene in every movie that ever exist & made it into one snapshot
What’s makes me quite un impressed as to why the author have to underline the words “ Virgin “ while the fact were far from it from the h conditions

Anyway there’s so many things in this books doesn’t makes any sense after all

I gave two stars because this book succeeds in avoiding too many drama and both h & H are pretty decent

[Mila · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I read this by accident and I liked it.
Some parts didn't make sense or were dumb to me, but still one enjoyable story for me.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (7/7/2020)! 🎁

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I love this fast-paced fake marriage romance, it's packed with angst, frustration and emotions.
He needs fake wife and she said yes to that proposal, both have their own reasons, it should be easy and simple, fake marriage with fun sex and just being friends, no strings attached. But when they're starting to care more for each other and afraid and have doubts, that's where everything not so simple anymore.
Oh yeah this sure has intriguing story, always make me wondering how the story end, how they'll face their feelings, why he or she did those frustrating things, what's the secrets.
Yes this one is easily to be devoured in one sitting. All the drama and all the exasperation and all the questions make me can't put it down.

As for characters, love Kade and Larkyn, although I wanted to smack them most of the time, both stubborn and too afraid to face their own feelings. He acts obnoxious and she's too easily to forgive. The push and pull is so frustrating, but still love all those fun, easygoing, sweet, steamy moments between them.

If you love fake marriage romance packed with angst, you'll love this one.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Larkyn was ready to lose her virginity and hope it is to Sebastian King. Before anything can happen between them, Sebastian’s brother breaks things up and Larkyn ends up going home. She is hit by a car on the way and Sebastian is driving. Larkyn is hurt but in the hospital, soon Kade realizes they could help each other. He offers a fake marriage, but what will happen when sparks begin to fly between them? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama, great characters and lots of steam. I liked it.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the start i thought this book was going to be a romantic comedy. Which i didnt mind reading because i like them but what i didnt expect was the story was less one-dimensional. It has back-stories for both the main characters Larkyn (FMC) and Kade. Ones that made them less likely to trust each other as well as others. Still i couldnt help but like them both and their fake relationship with each other. Plus i wanted them to get or should i say in their case stay together . I loved it

[ConstantReader76a · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried, but when the so-called hero proposed with a 10 carrot ring (I kid you not), I decided that life is just too short to waste on bad books. And this book is really, really bad. Carrots ffs, carrots!! DNF, obviously.

[Mandi Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The style of writing was a bit amateurish. The characters were immature in their reactions. A lot of the details were thrown in for effect but then didn't fit actions later. Lots of sexy parts, not much substance.

[Bibliobibuli McGee · Rating 2 out of 5]

She was raped. Didn't finish the book

[April Abrams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

This was a solid read. I enjoyed the bit of angst and the lovable characters. I’ll be checking out more from this author.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written book with strong characters and an interesting and intriguing story line. The author once again brings strong emotions in this fake marriage romance and does a great job building the story , filling it with drama,secrets and tons of steam. She brings it to life with her descriptive writing and detailed scenes and delivers a fun and sexy read. I loved and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this smoking hot panty melting book. Larkin agrees to the fake relationship with Cade. He is not an easy man to be with and is an arrogant a$$ most of the time. Larkin doesn't let him affect her and puts him in his place. Narrators Jason Clarke and Addison Barnes were perfect for the characters of Larkin and Cade.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. It was rough at times. However, you have to remember that both of them come from screwed up families. I can't imagine having to be treated by your family the way that Larkyn was. I was thankful that she got to be happy in the end. It was also nice that Kade's brother finally got the help he needed.

[╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad story.

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Romantic Fake Marriage

I love when I find new to me authors. This story is so touching and fun and sexy. It’s a different take on Fake Marriage, and that’s what makes it so touching. Kade may be my new favorite book boyfriend.

[Brynnlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t read very many marriage of convenience stories. I’m not sure why, they just never catch my eye. Maybe it’s because some of them seem a little cold blooded. That’s definitely not true here, and while this book has some issues overall it was a fun and entertaining read.

The story begins with Larkyn and her best friend crashing Sebastian King’s graduation party. Sebastian is wealthy, popular, and his parties are known to be wild. Larkyn is determined to find someone there to lose her virginity to, and she winds up catching Sebastian’s eye. They fairly quickly wind up in his bed, but they’re interrupted by his older brother Kade. A fight has broken out and Kade orders Sebastian to break it up, then sends Larkyn home with a few cruel words. A short while later a drunk Sebastian takes off in his car. He winds up hitting Larkyn, who is walking beside the road, almost killing her. Kade was following his brother to try to stop him and rushes Larkyn to the hospital.

Kade feels guilty about the accident and offers to do whatever he can to make it up to Larkyn. She asks him to attend her graduation party as her fake boyfriend. He not only agrees, he decides to be as charming and attentive as possible to ensure Larkyn has a great day. He even winds up fake proposing to her when he finds out Larkyn’s sister is going to make the event all about her. Larkyn is stunned when he tells her afterwards he wants to continue the ruse and get fake married. He’ll give her one million dollars, and in exchange she can protect him from gold diggers.

One of the things I liked best about this book is that even though the characters say the marriage is fake they really just mean they’re not marrying for love and they only intend the relationship to last for a year. It’s more like they’re flirting and dating their way through the engagement and marriage. They’re already friends and lovers when they get married, and they tell themselves the ceremony is for practical reasons.

That’s what I liked, but there were three things about this book that bugged me. First, there were way too many typos. My favorite was “her eyes are fierce balls of furry.” She’s so angry she’s turned in to a stuffed animal? Second, the pacing in this book felt off. I swear more time is spent on Sebastian and Larkyn flirting at the beginning of the book than on the wedding, the Big Misunderstanding, or the make-up scene. The book felt very rushed at the end, though to be honest I was both happy and irritated by that How many marriage of convenience stories involve pregnancy? Most of them right? It’s so predictable and a trope I dislike

The third thing that bugged me was the number of soap opera elements that were thrown in, but barely addressed. For example, we find out Larkyn was adopted, but we never get any details. Was she adopted as an infant or a child? Is that why her last name is Day? Then there’s Sebastian and his mess of a life. Kade is in town to help his brother, but we see them together maybe once after the party at the beginning. Larkyn is in a serious car accident, but she’s more or less recovered in a matter of days. It’s all a little too over the top, but what’s the point of introducing all of this when it goes nowhere.

As much as certain things bothered me, I still enjoyed this book. It was a fun, quick read. I liked the characters, especially Kade. He was sweet, charming, funny, and attentive. I loved the way he was always try to look out for Larkyn, and even when he was trying to push her away he never turned into a bad guy. I liked that Larkyn was independent and strong. These two were really fun together, and while the ending was completely predictable the way they got there wasn’t quite what I was expecting.

[Milan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing *french chef kiss*
It had romance, it had humor, however it rarely had any REAL raunchy parts (like the kind where it feels like you’re reading porn) BUT THAT DIDN’T TAKE AWAY FROM THE BOOK!
I love the alpha male Kade and even though Sebastian isn’t truly a main character I wish we had a little more of him.
Now you’re thinking “is that why you gave an amazing book (in your opinion) a 4 star rating instead of 5?” The answer is no.
Reason being, this definitely could’ve been broken down into two books and dare I say it, had more fluff. And I say fluff because it’s not TRULY necessary but the way Ella threw in certain details in the book, it honestly could’ve used that back story without the fluff being annoying. Like more insight to Larkyn’s past like maybe a little flashback. More on the situation with Kade and Sebastian. Or just leave those details out completely until it’s truly necessary to bring it up. I felt certain details that was needed for the story was just brought up at the WRONG times. I don’t want to get too into for fear of spoiling the book, but I’m sure you’ll understand once you’re reading it. Bringing in those details at the wrong time made certain scenes awkward and added to the predictability of the book. And THAT is why I only took off one star because the predictability wasn’t SO bad to the point where you’ve feel like you’ve read this book before. Other than that *french chef kiss*

SN when you read the book, his favorite food is spaghetti. You’ll see why I say that when you read it.

Oh adding! Really thought this book really wouldn’t end the way it did, hence why I thought this would have a sequel not a spin-off. It REALLY should be broken into two book because you’d be on page 296 and then everything starts feeling rushed (it’s only 315 pages via iBook) and that’s what I also didn’t like.

[CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars!!
Everything about Larkyn's past and present was a painful testament to her strength. Browbeaten, ridiculed, embarrassed, and humiliated by her cruel sister, controlling heartless father, and uncaring mother, Larkyn's homelife was abysmally lacking.
Her horrible experience with Sebastian King that ended with her in the hospital, broken and bruised was nightmarish. Still, stubborn and proud, she refused the help of Kade King, the elder brother to Sebastian when he tried to right the wrongs of his younger irresponsible brother.
The fake relationship was a means to protect Larkyn from her rich sadistic family, but the ruse took on a life of its own as Kade was determined to protect Larkyn.
I liked the way Kade fell for Larkyn, but I didn't like the twisted real but fake relationship they had. Pretty fantastic in the way they related to each other and had true connection and chemistry. The games they played with each other to protect themselves were frustrating though. So much more hurt for Larkyn to bear with Kade not quite getting what she really needed.
Loved the way the author wove this tale with easy to follow dialogue that developed the main couple well. Some drama with a clinging ex who refused to give up on Kade, and not enough pain for her awful family (I'm a bit more bloodthirsty than the author), but all in all a very satisfying HEA for this worthy couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too Ridiculous for Words

Ugh. I don't know why everyone loved this so much - it was all I could do to finish. Larkyn is wishy-washy, willing to throw her virginity at anyone. Kade wants her, but for the life of me, I can't figure out why. He met her briefly and suddenly wants to see up a fake marriage? I hated all of their interactions be ause none of it rang true. Her family is too OTT awful to be believable and it's cliche. Their relationship is ridiculous. The storytelling is ridiculous. Overuse of smirks and winks totally turned me off and annoyed me. Throw in a terrible villain and you've hit the trifecta of dumb.

[Starr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parts of the story are dumb and don't make sense because the writer didn't go deep enough to understand the why. There's never any understanding of why her family treats her the way they do if she is an A student. Why does her father consider her a failure? It was also predictable, I could see a part coming very early (don't want to spoil it for others). However, their relationship was interesting enough to make me want to finish it.

[Mom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got about half way through and lost interest.

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretend I'm Yours: A Fake Marriage Romance

I am convinced that the right person in your life can change you and make you better. I loved this story that Ella Miles wrote, but then I love her stories anyway. I liked how she takes two flawed people and make them better. Larkyn Day is a twenty something virgin who is getting ready to graduate in a couple of weeks. She's going to a party with her best friend Serena. All Katlyn can think about is finding someone to have sex so that she loses her virginity. They go to this party at the home of Sebastian King. Sebastian Is a rich cool guy who everyone wants to hang out with. He lets Serena and Katlyn in his Party and claims Katlyn for his date. Things happen and before Katlyn and Sebastian do anything in his bedroom his brother puts a stop to it. He makes her get dressed but her being stubborn she puts on one of his t-shirts and goes to look for Serena can't find her and decides she is close enough to walk. Kade feels bad for not making sure she gets home okay runs downstairs after her. He doesn't find her but he realizes his brother has left with his car and he's drunk. He gets in another car and follows him and find him speeding to his usual make out spot. He runs him off the road. He checks him out and he is okay and then checked on his girlfriend and she was laughing and he knew she was okay. He hears some moaning coming from somewhere and realizes there's someone else and goes to where the sound is and finds Katlyn hurt badly because there is glass sticking out of her stomach and she is bleeding badly. He calls 911 and is told there's going to be about 10 minutes because there's a road block. Kade picks her up and places her in the back of his car with his brother holding her. She is in the hospital for awhile and she goes home but before she does Kade asks what he can do for her and she wants him to go to her graduation party with her. Now about Kade at Sebastian King. Father is deceased, he died when Kade was fifteen and Sebastian was twelve and he has been taking care of him since. His father was abusive emotionally and physically. Kade has turned to work and one night stands. Sebastian turned to drugs and alcohol. But everyone wants the King men. Katlyn is adopted and she really doesn't like her family. Her father wants to control her and her mother is usually drunk and her sister can't stand her. Two flawed families. Kade takes her to her graduation party and realizes he knows who they are but then he sees how they treat Katlyn and decides maybe they could help one another. She can "Pretend to be his wife and that keeps women from hitting on him and gives her a chance to figure out what she wants to do and so the story begins. It's entertaining. It's an easy read. It's has drama and romance. Get this book by Ella Miles.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this fake marriage romance. Larkyn was adopted into a wealthy family who treated her like she was always a disappointment. She is smart, feisty, stubborn, athletic, authentic, kind, loving, very forgiving and still a virgin. She refuses to use her father's last name so she can live in anonymity. Kade is from an extremely wealthy family and is use to doing things his way. He is business savvy, good looking, successful, and tired of playing games to avoid the parsons trap. When Larkyn goes to a private party thrown by Kade's brother Sebastian, she wants to give up her V-card. That's the night she saw Kade. She almost does give her virginity to Sebastian but fate intervened. Feeling humiliated, she ends up walking home in the dark when a car driven by a drunk Sebastian careens right into her. Kade who was following Sebastian, was going to try and get him to pull over but then he witnessed the car accident. Fearing for Sebastian, Kade pulls him and his passenger out of the demolished car. Then he hears moaning and realizes that Sebastian hit someone. Shocked to find it was Larkyn. Kade rushes everyone to the hospital. When Larkyn wakes up, Kade and her best friend Serena have been vigilant by her side. Kade tries to avoid a law suit by offering money to Larkyn which she refuses. A confused Kade then asks what does she want. Larkyn says that she wants a fake boyfriend to go to the graduation party being thrown by her father. Kade agrees. When the evening arrives, Kade surpasses all of Larkyn's expectations for a fake boyfriend. Kade witnesses how Larkyn's family treats her. Knowing her selfish, evil sister, Anastasia, is going to disrupt Larkyn's party he does the unthinkable. He proposes to Larkyn in front of everyone. So a confused Larkyn says yes. Later Kade proposes a fake marriage for one year that would end up benefiting both of them. It would stop women from hitting on him and would help Larkyn stick it to her family. Larkyn agrees to do it. Kade has his lawyer draw up a contract. A week later they have a very small ceremony and get married. The story goes up and down with twists and turns from here on out. Larkyn and Kade have many lively and fun interactions. Even Sebastian is affected in a very emotional and good way. Larkyn finds out that there is a sincere and real person behind the playboy, @sshole persona that Kade portrays. As time goes on Larkyn and Kade develop feelings that they are too scared to share with each other. This is a great romance. I highly recommend you read this book, you will not be disappointed. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.