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Fake Love
In the twenty-five years I’ve known Cory York, the only thing I didn’t fake with him were my orgasms.
In seventh grade, I faked a stomach flu to stay home and keep him company while he was sick. I ended up with a virus that kept me out of school for an entire week.
In twelfth grade I faked an injury to avoid going to prom by myself. He took pity on me, dumped his original date and escorted me to the dance where the spurned girl dumped an entire pitcher of red punch over my head.
In college, I faked being in a relationship with him to get him out of a bind with a classmate. Most recently, I faked a proposal, an engagement, and wedding date.
Between the ring on my finger and the home cooked meals every night, I fell for him. So I left, because Cory York is a good friend, but a terrible boyfriend. I had to leave before he broke my heart.
We went from best friends to silent strangers. Now that I’m back in town, he wants me to be his plus one for his cousin’s wedding. This time I’ll have to fake not loving him.
In seventh grade, I faked a stomach flu to stay home and keep him company while he was sick. I ended up with a virus that kept me out of school for an entire week.
In twelfth grade I faked an injury to avoid going to prom by myself. He took pity on me, dumped his original date and escorted me to the dance where the spurned girl dumped an entire pitcher of red punch over my head.
In college, I faked being in a relationship with him to get him out of a bind with a classmate. Most recently, I faked a proposal, an engagement, and wedding date.
Between the ring on my finger and the home cooked meals every night, I fell for him. So I left, because Cory York is a good friend, but a terrible boyfriend. I had to leave before he broke my heart.
We went from best friends to silent strangers. Now that I’m back in town, he wants me to be his plus one for his cousin’s wedding. This time I’ll have to fake not loving him.
Audiobook
First published November 19, 2018
317 people are currently reading
888 people want to read
About the author
Claire Contreras
46 books17.8k followersClaire Contreras is a New York Times Best Selling Author. Her books range from romantic suspense to contemporary romance.
When she's not writing, she's usually lost in a book or hanging out with her family.
Sign up for her NL: geni.us/ClairesNewsletter
When she's not writing, she's usually lost in a book or hanging out with her family.
Sign up for her NL: geni.us/ClairesNewsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
March 9, 2019
OMG, what was that!!!!!
I picked this up as a quick read(only 69 pages) before I started in on a new book.
Having recently read "The Consequences of Falling" also by Claire Contreras and rather enjoying it, I was thinking this might be a fun quickie...WRONG!!!!!!
It was a chaotic mess, no real storyline, too many characters for such a short story and I had the sense that I was dropped in the middle of said story with no real explanation for what came before.
I would have to give it a big fat zero for character development and the writing itself was so flat and non expansive.
You also have absolutely no backstory on any of these characters or how they know each other.
Puzzling!!!! Are they characters from other books by this author???
There are really only two reasons that I finished this confusing mess:
No.1 I ended up DNFing the previous book that I was reading at 51% so I didn't want to DNF 2 books in a row and
No.2 It was only 69 pages!!!!!
😔😕😔😕😔😕😔😕😔😕
I picked this up as a quick read(only 69 pages) before I started in on a new book.
Having recently read "The Consequences of Falling" also by Claire Contreras and rather enjoying it, I was thinking this might be a fun quickie...WRONG!!!!!!
It was a chaotic mess, no real storyline, too many characters for such a short story and I had the sense that I was dropped in the middle of said story with no real explanation for what came before.
I would have to give it a big fat zero for character development and the writing itself was so flat and non expansive.
You also have absolutely no backstory on any of these characters or how they know each other.
Puzzling!!!! Are they characters from other books by this author???
There are really only two reasons that I finished this confusing mess:
No.1 I ended up DNFing the previous book that I was reading at 51% so I didn't want to DNF 2 books in a row and
No.2 It was only 69 pages!!!!!
😔😕😔😕😔😕😔😕😔😕
February 3, 2019
I’ve never read Claire Contreras and I really like her writing style. The only reason I didn’t love this more was just due to the fact that it wasn’t my favorite type of trope. This is a friends to lovers trope and they usually start out with a lot miscommunication between the couple. It’s that miscommunication that drives me crazy. It’s the only negative I have, especially after the hero made his intentions known. I’ll be checking out more from this author.
June 14, 2019
Cuando decidi leer Fake Love lo hice esperando una historia diferente a la que me encontre.
No es que este pequeño relato sea malo u horrible, pero si es cierto que me parecio demasiado superficial, extrañe que tuviera mas profundidad en ciertas partes y un desarrollo mas coherente pero sobretodo me falto que la historia entre Evelyn y Cory tuviera un par de paginas mas para asentar mejor la trama, tuve la sensacion de que la autora escribio este libro dando por hecho demasiados detalles.
En fin, Fake Love es una lectura breve y de facil lectura que puedes leer en cualquier momento, no sera el libro de tu vida pero te distraera durante un rato.
2 Estrellas!
November 29, 2018
This is my first read by this author and I’m not sure it sold me on reading more. And I understand it’s a novella, but...
Don’t get me wrong, the writing was good. I think a full length book would be a whole lot better.
First the blurb says Cody, but the audiobook he’s Corey. Second, it was sister’s wedding when in the audiobook it’s a cousin???
Back to the review-
As much as I enjoy a book that jumps into the action, when this one started I felt like I missed a couple of chapters. I wasn’t really sure what was going on and so much info dump, I didn’t connect or care about the characters. We don’t really see them together much as a potential couple until the 4th out of 5 podcast.
By then, it was too late for me.
SPOILERS
We never got what he said on the phone that pissed her off. She never shows up for their lunch date after that and couldn’t be bothered to text him and won’t apologize for it. She comes off as a whiny spoiled bitch and I wasn’t at all sure why he liked her.
Then they claim to be best friends, but in his chapter he didn’t know if she maintained a relationship with her father??? I thought they knew everything about each other. We are told they talk??? IDK.
This story was really disjointed. The bones were there, but it didn’t work as a novella. I think cutting out a lot of the telling and unnecessary convos with her other friends and more page time with the couple would have made for a stronger short story.
Probably 2.5 stars story for me, but the writing was good enough, I’ll round up.
Don’t get me wrong, the writing was good. I think a full length book would be a whole lot better.
First the blurb says Cody, but the audiobook he’s Corey. Second, it was sister’s wedding when in the audiobook it’s a cousin???
Back to the review-
As much as I enjoy a book that jumps into the action, when this one started I felt like I missed a couple of chapters. I wasn’t really sure what was going on and so much info dump, I didn’t connect or care about the characters. We don’t really see them together much as a potential couple until the 4th out of 5 podcast.
By then, it was too late for me.
SPOILERS
We never got what he said on the phone that pissed her off. She never shows up for their lunch date after that and couldn’t be bothered to text him and won’t apologize for it. She comes off as a whiny spoiled bitch and I wasn’t at all sure why he liked her.
Then they claim to be best friends, but in his chapter he didn’t know if she maintained a relationship with her father??? I thought they knew everything about each other. We are told they talk??? IDK.
This story was really disjointed. The bones were there, but it didn’t work as a novella. I think cutting out a lot of the telling and unnecessary convos with her other friends and more page time with the couple would have made for a stronger short story.
Probably 2.5 stars story for me, but the writing was good enough, I’ll round up.
December 2, 2019
I listened to this via the Read Me Romance Podcast!
I have been meaning to pick up something by the lovely Claire Contreras for a long time now. I've been told that she writes some angsty romances and I got a taste of that with Fake Love. However, I don't think it translated well to a novella.
The couple had been best friends forever. They saved each other from blind dates and going stag to events like prom. But when their fake dating crossed the line, Evelyn bolted. Leaving Cory wondering what he did wrong and how to win her back.
Honestly, if I were Cory, I would have moved on a long time ago. Evelyn clearly doesn't know a good man from a jerk because the whole, "Cory is a terrible boyfriend," was lost on me. He was head-over-heels for Evelyn. He would have given her the moon and the stars. He shows interest and tells her he's interested AND SHE STILL PUSHES HIM AWAY.
This book was a load of fake conflict and I wasn't having any of it.
It's clear that Claire is a talented writer. I did finish the book because of her storytelling. I think I will just steer clear of her novellas in favor of her more detailed novels.
This review was originally posted on Sincerely, Whitney
I have been meaning to pick up something by the lovely Claire Contreras for a long time now. I've been told that she writes some angsty romances and I got a taste of that with Fake Love. However, I don't think it translated well to a novella.
The couple had been best friends forever. They saved each other from blind dates and going stag to events like prom. But when their fake dating crossed the line, Evelyn bolted. Leaving Cory wondering what he did wrong and how to win her back.
Honestly, if I were Cory, I would have moved on a long time ago. Evelyn clearly doesn't know a good man from a jerk because the whole, "Cory is a terrible boyfriend," was lost on me. He was head-over-heels for Evelyn. He would have given her the moon and the stars. He shows interest and tells her he's interested AND SHE STILL PUSHES HIM AWAY.
This book was a load of fake conflict and I wasn't having any of it.
It's clear that Claire is a talented writer. I did finish the book because of her storytelling. I think I will just steer clear of her novellas in favor of her more detailed novels.
This review was originally posted on Sincerely, Whitney
July 9, 2021
Vi en la sinopsis Fake romance Friend to Lovers… I´M IN.
Yo emocionada y que abro el libro y está súper cortito.
Tenía todo el potencial de ser un libro largo, desarrollando su relación romántica de ellos fingiendo, cuandose difuminan las líneas de los fingido a lo real, de la amistad al amor romántico pero no pasó. Porque el libro empieza cuando ya están enamorados ya fingieron mucho tiempo y ahora tienen que revelar sus sentimientos.
Me quitaron mi parte favorita.
Yo emocionada y que abro el libro y está súper cortito.
Tenía todo el potencial de ser un libro largo, desarrollando su relación romántica de ellos fingiendo, cuandose difuminan las líneas de los fingido a lo real, de la amistad al amor romántico pero no pasó. Porque el libro empieza cuando ya están enamorados ya fingieron mucho tiempo y ahora tienen que revelar sus sentimientos.
Me quitaron mi parte favorita.
February 9, 2019
You can listen to this audiobook for free via the Read Me Romance Podcast or purchase the ebook from Amazon. Some of the ebooks will have extra content like an extended epilogue but I'm not sure if that's the case with this one since I've only listened to the audio version.
I have to be honest and say that the stories I've listened to in the Read Me Romance podcast have been a bit hit and miss so far so I was a bit wary going into Fake Love, especially since I've not read anything by Claire Contreras before. Luckily I was pleasantly surprised and this was my favourite of the stories I've listened to so far.
I always enjoy a good friends to lovers romance and as much as I would have liked this to have been a longer book I still liked Evelyn and Cory's story. Evelyn has known she's in love with Cory for years, they've been best friends forever but even though they faked being in a relationship to get an ex girlfriend off his back she knows Cory doesn't feel the same way about her. Moving away to school has put a lot of distance between them both physically and emotionally, especially since they had a big falling out before she left. When she comes home to visit they're thrown together at a mutual friend's wedding and Evelyn finally realises that Cory might not be so emotionally uninvolved after all.
This was quite a cute story that was very quick and easy to read. I liked both of the main characters and thought it had enough depth for a short novella, obviously there could have been more character development if it had been a full length book but for a freebie introduction to the author it did a great job and I'll definitely consider reading more of Claire Contreras' books in the future.
I have to be honest and say that the stories I've listened to in the Read Me Romance podcast have been a bit hit and miss so far so I was a bit wary going into Fake Love, especially since I've not read anything by Claire Contreras before. Luckily I was pleasantly surprised and this was my favourite of the stories I've listened to so far.
I always enjoy a good friends to lovers romance and as much as I would have liked this to have been a longer book I still liked Evelyn and Cory's story. Evelyn has known she's in love with Cory for years, they've been best friends forever but even though they faked being in a relationship to get an ex girlfriend off his back she knows Cory doesn't feel the same way about her. Moving away to school has put a lot of distance between them both physically and emotionally, especially since they had a big falling out before she left. When she comes home to visit they're thrown together at a mutual friend's wedding and Evelyn finally realises that Cory might not be so emotionally uninvolved after all.
This was quite a cute story that was very quick and easy to read. I liked both of the main characters and thought it had enough depth for a short novella, obviously there could have been more character development if it had been a full length book but for a freebie introduction to the author it did a great job and I'll definitely consider reading more of Claire Contreras' books in the future.
March 2, 2019
Audiobook: Narrator - Savannah Peachwood
Pretty good job of both the male and female voices.
Quick little listen/read that I picked up from Read Me Romance podcast and then read the bonus content from the book via Kindle Unlimited. This couple had a relationship already established prior to the beginning of this story so that helped. And while it was a friends to lovers which can be one of my favorites, if it’s done well, this one had a bit of angst developed from the heroine overhearing something the hero said. Everything after that is pretty much based on that and after years of friendship, instead of just talking to him she allowed their relationship to take a beating.
I did enjoy it once they reunited and I felt the chase from the hero. The epilogue was a bit thin and didn’t really add to the overall story, in my opinion. But the audio ending through the podcast was pretty nice.
Read Me Romance - Kindle Unlimited
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Pretty good job of both the male and female voices.
Quick little listen/read that I picked up from Read Me Romance podcast and then read the bonus content from the book via Kindle Unlimited. This couple had a relationship already established prior to the beginning of this story so that helped. And while it was a friends to lovers which can be one of my favorites, if it’s done well, this one had a bit of angst developed from the heroine overhearing something the hero said. Everything after that is pretty much based on that and after years of friendship, instead of just talking to him she allowed their relationship to take a beating.
I did enjoy it once they reunited and I felt the chase from the hero. The epilogue was a bit thin and didn’t really add to the overall story, in my opinion. But the audio ending through the podcast was pretty nice.
Read Me Romance - Kindle Unlimited
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
June 5, 2019
2 estrellas
No me gustó mucho, entretuvo por unas horas pero hasta ahí, no fue nada memorable ni nada... pero no puedes esperar un buen desarrollo en los personajes y en la trama cuando es un libro tan corto...
me había llamado la atención porque los protas eran amigos desde chiquitos que se enamoran y este tipo de temática me gustan mucho... pero los protagonistas no convencieron y el argumento se perdió en alguna parte.
No me gustó mucho, entretuvo por unas horas pero hasta ahí, no fue nada memorable ni nada... pero no puedes esperar un buen desarrollo en los personajes y en la trama cuando es un libro tan corto...
me había llamado la atención porque los protas eran amigos desde chiquitos que se enamoran y este tipo de temática me gustan mucho... pero los protagonistas no convencieron y el argumento se perdió en alguna parte.
SINOPSIS:
En los veinticinco años que he conocido a Cory York, lo único que no fingí con él fueron mis orgasmos.
En séptimo grado, fingí una gripe estomacal para quedarme en casa y hacerle compañía mientras estaba enfermo. Terminé con un virus que me mantuvo fuera de la escuela durante toda una semana.
En doceavo grado fingí una lesión para evitar ir al baile sola. Se compadeció de mí, abandonó a su cita original y me acompañó al baile donde la niña rechazada tiró un jarro entero de ponche rojo sobre mi cabeza.
En la universidad, fingí estar en una relación con él para sacarlo de un enganche con una compañera de clase. Más recientemente, fingí una propuesta, un compromiso y una fecha de boda.
Entre el anillo en mi dedo y la comida casera todas las noches, me enamoré de él. Así que me fui, porque Cory York es un buen amigo, pero un novio terrible. Tuve que irme antes de que me rompiera el corazón.
Pasamos de mejores amigos a desconocidos silenciosos. Ahora que estoy de vuelta en la ciudad, él quiere que yo sea su acompañante para la boda de su prima. Esta vez tendré que fingir que no lo quiero.
November 23, 2018
I was abit confused since the summary said Cody.. and the audio gal said Corey? So maybe wanna fix that.. also it's Corey's cousin who's getting married not his sister in the summary also..
So we start off in a flashback with Evelyn overhearing Corey talking on the phone about their fake relationship, sad about what he said she up and leaves to her friends place to tell her the big news. Hours later she breaks the news to corey that she's leaving to go back to Harvard, he's upset she didn't inform him first alot of drama and tension even more so when Corey's ex calls him. Plus the tension between them since she is falling for him.. and thinks he doesn't love or like her like that
9 months later their friendship is strain and they haven't been talking that much (summary said enemies it isn't) its alot of push and pull... like alot..
This was my least favorite audio from read me romance... most of it was told by just a females POV only one chapter was told from a mans audio. :/ which was blah.. i might change the rating in few months if she puts in epilogues in the ebooks..
Drama
No cheating
Mentions of ow
Fake dating trope
Friends with benefits
Push and pull
Background chara
Sex
Hea
So we start off in a flashback with Evelyn overhearing Corey talking on the phone about their fake relationship, sad about what he said she up and leaves to her friends place to tell her the big news. Hours later she breaks the news to corey that she's leaving to go back to Harvard, he's upset she didn't inform him first alot of drama and tension even more so when Corey's ex calls him. Plus the tension between them since she is falling for him.. and thinks he doesn't love or like her like that
9 months later their friendship is strain and they haven't been talking that much (summary said enemies it isn't) its alot of push and pull... like alot..
This was my least favorite audio from read me romance... most of it was told by just a females POV only one chapter was told from a mans audio. :/ which was blah.. i might change the rating in few months if she puts in epilogues in the ebooks..
Drama
No cheating
Mentions of ow
Fake dating trope
Friends with benefits
Push and pull
Background chara
Sex
Hea
January 30, 2019
Fake Love sounded really promising—a heartfelt, intense on emotion, friends-to-lovers romance. It is filled with angst and sexual tension, mixed together with light-hearted flirtatious banter. However, the story came across as disjointed in certain areas. Despite being best friends, Cory didn't seem to know much about Evelyn.
I listened to this for free via Read Me Romance *
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I listened to this for free via Read Me Romance *
Follow me on: Blog | Instagram
January 3, 2019
I listened to the complete audiobook book for FREE on the Read Me Romance Podcast
Read Me Romance FREE Audiobooks ➝ https://bit.ly/2PzD65g
Listen for FREE here:
iTunes ➝ http://geni.us/A888vRA
Google Play ➝ http://geni.us/7lB4UBK
Stitcher ➝ https://bit.ly/2yX2zeH
Website ➝ www.readmeromance.com
Read Me Romance FREE Audiobooks ➝ https://bit.ly/2PzD65g
Listen for FREE here:
iTunes ➝ http://geni.us/A888vRA
Google Play ➝ http://geni.us/7lB4UBK
Stitcher ➝ https://bit.ly/2yX2zeH
Website ➝ www.readmeromance.com
November 23, 2018
Here is another fun sexy, funny erotic romance novella. I did have to re-listen to part of the story but once I did I really enjoyed it. Cory and Evelyn are life-long friends that fake an engagement but you know the saying, "fake it ‘til you make it."
This specific video review will be included in the November 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
This specific video review will be included in the November 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
May 2, 2019
2.5 fake stars!
Another free audiobook listen from Read Me Romance Podcast. These are fun podcasts and short enough that I can listen to them quickly while puttering around town.
I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous two audiobooks. At least one star taken off for the female narrator who made Evelyn sound like such a weak, whiny, annoying heroine.
This was an okay friends-to-lover story. I was just so annoyed with Evelyn that I couldn't see past it to really enjoy the book. I mean, Corey pretty much came out and told her that he loved her, over and over again, and she still played dumb even though she had just as strong feelings for him.
Sorry.
Another free audiobook listen from Read Me Romance Podcast. These are fun podcasts and short enough that I can listen to them quickly while puttering around town.
I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous two audiobooks. At least one star taken off for the female narrator who made Evelyn sound like such a weak, whiny, annoying heroine.
This was an okay friends-to-lover story. I was just so annoyed with Evelyn that I couldn't see past it to really enjoy the book. I mean, Corey pretty much came out and told her that he loved her, over and over again, and she still played dumb even though she had just as strong feelings for him.
Sorry.
June 8, 2019
La historia no me ha gustado demasiado. La siguiente queja puede contener spoilers.
Se supone que Cory y Evelyn eran mejores amigos desde pequeños. Pues de verdad que cariño entre ellos no he visto.
También se supone que estaban enamorados el uno del otro desde hace tiempo. Yo no lo sentí, para nada.
Evelyn está enfadada con él porque ha dicho por teléfono que en realidad no siente nada por ella. Pero jamás jamás, incluso cuando por fin están juntos le pide explicaciones. Oye pues yo me plantearía un par de cositas después de eso que quieres que te diga.
No sé, simplemente está historia empieza como a la mitad y termina demasiado rápido. No es que sea malísima pero no fue de mi agrado, puede hacerse una historia corta mucho mejor que esta y que te haga sentir mucho más. Lo único que me gustó y me pareció dulce fue el epílogo.
Se supone que Cory y Evelyn eran mejores amigos desde pequeños. Pues de verdad que cariño entre ellos no he visto.
También se supone que estaban enamorados el uno del otro desde hace tiempo. Yo no lo sentí, para nada.
Evelyn está enfadada con él porque ha dicho por teléfono que en realidad no siente nada por ella. Pero jamás jamás, incluso cuando por fin están juntos le pide explicaciones. Oye pues yo me plantearía un par de cositas después de eso que quieres que te diga.
No sé, simplemente está historia empieza como a la mitad y termina demasiado rápido. No es que sea malísima pero no fue de mi agrado, puede hacerse una historia corta mucho mejor que esta y que te haga sentir mucho más. Lo único que me gustó y me pareció dulce fue el epílogo.
September 16, 2019
SUPER FAST REVIEW:
Kinda stupid TBH. I mean it isn’t terrible or anything but just very unoriginal and kinda dumb plot IMO. Maybe someone will find this cute but it isn’t for me.
2/5
Kinda stupid TBH. I mean it isn’t terrible or anything but just very unoriginal and kinda dumb plot IMO. Maybe someone will find this cute but it isn’t for me.
2/5
June 20, 2019
This was a short quick read that I liked. Cory and Evelyn have been friends for years Evelyn did a lot to help Cory out. These two have danced around there feeling for each other for years. When they fake being in a relationship to get an ex girlfriend off his back she knows Cory doesn't feel the same way about her. Moving away to school has puts some distance between them especially since they had a big falling out before she left. When she comes home to visit they're thrown together at a mutual friend's wedding and Evelyn finally realises that Cory might have feelings for her. This was my first time reading this author. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
November 29, 2018
OMG I NEED MORE!! I’m complete in love with these characters. Run and listen to the podcast you won’t be disappointed.
November 26, 2018
I expected more, 3 stars!
I really did expect more from this book. This was the first book I read by this author and now I am a little bit hesitant about reading more of her books. In my opinion, there wasn't enough sexy smut and both male and female main characters were annoying af and were making dumb ass decisions. So this was more of a 3 star read for me.
I really did expect more from this book. This was the first book I read by this author and now I am a little bit hesitant about reading more of her books. In my opinion, there wasn't enough sexy smut and both male and female main characters were annoying af and were making dumb ass decisions. So this was more of a 3 star read for me.
February 26, 2019
3 fake it stars!
“I can’t stop thinking about you. I can’t stop missing you. I can’t stop wanting you.”
An enjoyable, safe but predictable story. I must admit that I'm not used to such easy reads with Claire Contreras, her books always leave me so worked up that it takes me days to forget the story.
From the first chapter you would know that Cory and Ev are deeply in love with each other and that everybody knows that but Cory and Ev...
If you're into sweet, safe and short reads then this definitely your book.
“I can’t stop thinking about you. I can’t stop missing you. I can’t stop wanting you.”
An enjoyable, safe but predictable story. I must admit that I'm not used to such easy reads with Claire Contreras, her books always leave me so worked up that it takes me days to forget the story.
From the first chapter you would know that Cory and Ev are deeply in love with each other and that everybody knows that but Cory and Ev...
If you're into sweet, safe and short reads then this definitely your book.
February 21, 2019
A fast read. It was enjoyable, not much time for character development but it was a nice story. Too little too small though.
"The powerful thing about thoughts is that they change your viewpoint in things, but when those thoughts become words that you speak aloud, there’s no way of getting them back. I felt like our entire friendship was being balanced on my next words and they could either bring us together or tear us apart completely. Still, I pushed forward."
May 14, 2019
Another free audiobook through the "Read Me Romance" podcast, and this time it's a friends to lovers story.
Evelyn and Cory have been best friends for years and have even pretended to be more a time or two, but they actually crossed the line when Evelyn pretended to be Cory's fiance in order to make his ex girlfriend jealous.
A sweet story that felt like a summary more than anything else, since most of what the couple go through happens in the background and we only see what is more or less the epilogue of their story. That also meant that I couldn't get as invested in them as I would have liked, which explains the two stars.
Evelyn and Cory have been best friends for years and have even pretended to be more a time or two, but they actually crossed the line when Evelyn pretended to be Cory's fiance in order to make his ex girlfriend jealous.
A sweet story that felt like a summary more than anything else, since most of what the couple go through happens in the background and we only see what is more or less the epilogue of their story. That also meant that I couldn't get as invested in them as I would have liked, which explains the two stars.
February 14, 2019
Short and Sweet! ❤
This was soo fucken crazy super cute. Loved it!
This was soo fucken crazy super cute. Loved it!
January 19, 2019
I am a huge Claire Contreras fan and was so excited when I saw she would have a story featured on the Read Me Romance Podcast. Fake Love was a a quick friends-to-lovers romance that was angsty and sweet. Cory and Evelyn have danced around each other for years, but the best friends did not want to jeopardize their friendship. But when a face engagement blurs the line, is it already to late or can they finalize realize there was nothing fake about it at all!
Loved it! Happy listening!
Loved it! Happy listening!
January 8, 2019
I listened to the professionally narrated audiobook on the Read Me Romance Podcast for FREE!
December 1, 2018
Sweet, Short, and Hot! I really enjoyed listening to this in my car. It made my commute enjoyable! Great narration!
-4 Stars!-
-4 Stars!-
December 10, 2018
Fake Love is my first read by Claire Contreras, and unfortunately it wasn’t for me.
Summary:
Corey and Evelyn are lifelong best friends. They have always been there for each other, supportive and encouraging. They’ve faked illnesses, injuries, and relationships to get each other out of binds. So when they hatch a plan to fake an engagement, it’s nothing new. But Evelyn didn’t count on falling in love. With their history, shared living space, and the added physical intimacy, there was no way she could avoid it. She’s almost positive Corey doesn’t feel the same, and Evelyn can’t continue to fake real feelings. She had to leave before her heart was broken. But Corey isn’t responding the way she thought he would. Can Evelyn fake not loving him in order to keep their close friendship?
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I was really looking forward to Fake Love when the blurb was first announced on the podcast, and I even enjoyed the first couple of sections played. I love a good unrequited friends-to-lovers romance, but this missed the mark for me. Evelyn was only an okay heroine. There wasn’t anything really great about her. She didn’t cave to please Corey, but she also didn’t communicate what she wanted. Corey was a weak hero, IMO. I didn’t connect with him at all, and I wanted to see him go after what he wanted. As a couple, I think their relationship had potential. They obviously had the history and closeness for a good foundation. They also had some steamy scenes. That said, it felt like tension was building for something momentous, but then sort of fizzled out too early. Overall, there just wasn’t enough. The beginning had anticipation buzzing beneath my skin, but that overheard conversation was never brought up again. I wanted more action from the hero. The ending was sweet but the lead-up to it could have been shortened, and that time given to more to tension building and reveal. I’m also really bummed there is no epilogue. I want to see where they end up and how they work around Evelyn’s residency. Although this particular story wasn’t for me, I’m not opposed to trying one of the author’s other books that are longer and more fleshed out. ♡
Summary:
Corey and Evelyn are lifelong best friends. They have always been there for each other, supportive and encouraging. They’ve faked illnesses, injuries, and relationships to get each other out of binds. So when they hatch a plan to fake an engagement, it’s nothing new. But Evelyn didn’t count on falling in love. With their history, shared living space, and the added physical intimacy, there was no way she could avoid it. She’s almost positive Corey doesn’t feel the same, and Evelyn can’t continue to fake real feelings. She had to leave before her heart was broken. But Corey isn’t responding the way she thought he would. Can Evelyn fake not loving him in order to keep their close friendship?
*************************
I was really looking forward to Fake Love when the blurb was first announced on the podcast, and I even enjoyed the first couple of sections played. I love a good unrequited friends-to-lovers romance, but this missed the mark for me. Evelyn was only an okay heroine. There wasn’t anything really great about her. She didn’t cave to please Corey, but she also didn’t communicate what she wanted. Corey was a weak hero, IMO. I didn’t connect with him at all, and I wanted to see him go after what he wanted. As a couple, I think their relationship had potential. They obviously had the history and closeness for a good foundation. They also had some steamy scenes. That said, it felt like tension was building for something momentous, but then sort of fizzled out too early. Overall, there just wasn’t enough. The beginning had anticipation buzzing beneath my skin, but that overheard conversation was never brought up again. I wanted more action from the hero. The ending was sweet but the lead-up to it could have been shortened, and that time given to more to tension building and reveal. I’m also really bummed there is no epilogue. I want to see where they end up and how they work around Evelyn’s residency. Although this particular story wasn’t for me, I’m not opposed to trying one of the author’s other books that are longer and more fleshed out. ♡
December 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this quick little read. This is actually my first Claire Contreras book, she has been on my TBR forever...I think I actually own some of her books too, but I just haven't read them yet. This was sticky sweet and I adored it. Second chance romances usually aren't my thing because it frequently stems from some corny misunderstanding between the main characters, I was happy I gave this book a go. While again, there was a corny misunderstanding, I really liked how the characters came together and actually communicated.
There was plenty of angst and tension that mashed-up with the light-hearted, flirty story that was the perfect balance. There was actually depth to the story and they characters didn't just jump in the sack and call it a day. There was only one thing that wasn't addressed that kinda irked me as the story ended, and that was phone call Cory had with his brother. In the end, I definitely was left wanting more.
Disclaimer, there are several moments of confusion as his name is Cory, but the blurbs are saying its Cody on retailers. Secondly there was a little confusion as to if a secondary character was Cory's cousin or sister...
There was plenty of angst and tension that mashed-up with the light-hearted, flirty story that was the perfect balance. There was actually depth to the story and they characters didn't just jump in the sack and call it a day. There was only one thing that wasn't addressed that kinda irked me as the story ended, and that was phone call Cory had with his brother. In the end, I definitely was left wanting more.
Disclaimer, there are several moments of confusion as his name is Cory, but the blurbs are saying its Cody on retailers. Secondly there was a little confusion as to if a secondary character was Cory's cousin or sister...
December 4, 2018
3.5 stars. This book was another audiobook through the Read Me Romance podcast. This is Evelyn and Corey's story. They are best friends who have been pretending to be fake fiances for a while and the lines have blurred between real and pretend. I liked this story, but I felt there were some unexplained plot holes and unanswered questions. I think I am finding that with most of these weeklong audiobook podcasts. The books are too short to answer all of the questions the story invokes. Still, I did enjoy the book in general and found it entertaining.
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