Pretend For Me

by River Laurent

He needed to get married and quickly... but that was just part of the problem.

Willow

I never wanted to go to that party in the first place. I mean, what would an ordinary girl like me do amongst the crème de la crème of society? I'd rather have curled up with a good book at home, but my best friend was determined to go. She wanted us to dress up like Cinderella and pretend that we belonged at that party

I'll admit, she made me look good, better than I had ever expected. But surely not good enough to catch the eye of Gabe Grayson, one of the most eligible billionaires in the world.

And yet the ruggedly handsome hunk not only approached me, but told me he needed someone to pretend to be his wife and I was the perfect woman for the job. I nearly died when he mentioned the financial gain I would make, but once I'd got over the shock I had to admit I was in no position to turn down that once in a lifetime offer. Anyway, it wasn't like my life was filled with excitement as a waitress.

So I said sure I could pretend to be his wife. The problem came after we got married. When he accidentally crushed his lips against mine... and I accidentally melted in his arms.

Hmmm... obviously I didn't think this one through.
Pull up on a comfy sofa girls with your kindle and get ready to swoon! Gabe is one hot hunk that'll melt all your troubles away.

A sexy standalone romance with HEA.

Genres: Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella

175 pages, ebook

First published March 20, 2019

Reviews

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Willow's convinced by her best friend, Lorraine, to go as her plus one to an A list party, she's in for the surprise of her life. Gabe hates these types of events, where everyone's fake and money hungry. But when he sees a gorgeous woman so different from the rest of the plastic crowd, he has to introduce himself, AND give her a once in a lifetime proposition - be his fake wife for a year so he can inherit the family business, the business he's spent his life growing into an empire. Will Willow take the $1M to better her life, or will her fear of not fitting in make her run?

I liked Gabe and Willow together - they're such a sweet couple, so perfect together even with their obvious differences. Although short, Pretend for Me is paced well, and Gabe and Willow are well drawn, their relationship is passionate and their feelings develop naturally.

ARC via Booksprout for an honest review.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I loved Gabe and Willow. Gabe is sexy, handsome, rich and running his grandfather’s company which he’s hoping to take over after his grandfather passes, but to his dismay, he’s recently learned about the stipulation added to the will, he must marry and produce an heir within a year. Where the hell is he going to find someone to go along with this? When Gabe sees Willow, there’s just something about her that pulls him to her and he can’t help but approach her with a proposition that will change her life in so many ways. Willow had no idea that crashing a party would so drastically change her life and wasn’t ready for the proposition she was about to receive. Will she go along with Gabe proposal or will she walk away? I guess you will need to pick this up to find out how their tale ends. Great read, definite recommendation from me.

[M Hurford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Characters and Storyline.
PRETEND FOR ME, by author River Laurent, is another book that must be added to my virtual library of fake fiancées genres.
I liked the main characters (and the names) of Willow and Gabe. The premise in this story was based on the will of Gabe’s grandfather. He put in the caveat that in order for Gabe to inherit the business he must marry and produce an heir within a year. That’s where Willow, the waitress enters the picture and, Gabe’s evil cousin, Austin.
How will Austin throw a wrench in their plot or if Gabe and Willow can remain focused is written by the author in an engaging manner. Kudos!
Definitely recommending this book for your reading enjoyment and pleasure.
I am leaving this review for your consideration. Peace.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! What a seriously wonderful read! River never fails to disappoint & this book just epitomizes that fact.

I fell in love with both the characters in this really sweet story. Gabe was deliciously described & Willow was the unassuming girl that caught his eye. With a few twists & turns, this story had me on the edge of my seat until the very end, needing to know what happened next!

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone - It's a sweet, steamy & heart-warming story to blow you away!

Well done River. An eloquently written book to be proud of. I look forward to more!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing read will make you smile, laugh and swoon! Gabe and Willow were simply wonderful characters. It was easy to fall for them as they fell for each other in this fake marriage romance. The chemistry was intense, the attraction powerful and the emotions sweet. Some drama and powerful emotional turmoil make sure your attention never wanders while you are read this heart melting, temperature raising read. This is my freely posted frank review.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fake fiancee romance. Willow ends up at a party with her best friend. She meets billionaire Gabe Grayson. He makes her an offer to pretend to be his wife so he can inherit his grandfather's business. Willow accepts since she needs the money and won't make it as a waitress. What could go wrong with this deal? Once they end up married and kiss, the attraction becomes strong and may not let them go. A good read.

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

[Latifa Morrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

In order to inherit his grandfather's company have must get married and produce an heir in a year. When Willow and her friend crash a high profile party, Willow's life changes. Pretend to be Gave Grayson's wife should be easy, but what started as a fake marriage is turning into something real. This book was so good. I'm a big fan of River's books and I'm ready for more.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the good books to read on the fake marriage romance sub-genre. Willow is so unpretentious that she sticks out to Gabe. Once the agreement is underway, their interaction turns out to be natural. They are having steamy sex just like any newlyweds. The conflict in the story came unexpectedly. All in all, it was an easy and entertaining read. [I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.]

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretend For Me By: River Laurent
"Pretend For Me" & Have MY Back... And When IT Turns REAL, I'll Be THERE 4 YOU TOO!
According to HIS Grandfather, He's been a VERY BAD BOY,
And Now He's gotta Make some Changes FAST,
or Lose the Company He's built into an Empire,
Which, means His Career IS Hang'n ON TenderHooks!
But... Hey! He's got a Stupendous Plan...
He just NEEDS the Right Stand-in,
To Pull the Wool Over the Eyes of... Well EveryOne they Run into,
And who better than SomeOne who's Desperate...
To Change Her Life TOO,
And won't likely take HIS Advances to HEART!
Only, SomeThing happens when She Plays "Pretend For Me,"
And Playtime becomes Ohhh Sooo REAL!
I received River Laurent's ARC "Pretend For Me" via B00|{$P®0UT; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Avid · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ridiculous. Doesn't even try to make sense or reason out of the situation. See my progress notes for more details. Overall, total cliche and reads like a porn movie. I'm intrigued by arranged marriages, but honestly, if you were thinking of reading this novel, read Wife by Wednesday instead. The characters actually act the way they're illustrated. Here, Willow is supposed to be this quiet, bookish, mousy girl, but then she flips into this demanding vixen. He's supposed to be this business savvy guy, and he acts like a novice. They can't stop talking in public about this confidential arrangement. seriously, at 50%, she's still revealing details out loud in public places that reveal their fraud. They have zero relationship, have agreed over and over again that this is purely platonic, and suddenly they're in bed. Stupid. On a technical note, super messy writing in terms of grammar and punctuation. I'm done.

[Angelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion, the story of Willow and Gabe needed to be longer. I wanted to see the relationship between them build. I also felt the plot twist involving Gabe's cousin needed to be expanded as it all happened so quickly and it was over even before it started

I always enjoy this author's books and never hesitate to download one as they're perfect if I just need a story to shut out the world for a while. Pretend For Me has a great storyline and I really felt for Gabe who had worked so hard, but was faced with losing it all if he didn't do as directed by his grandfather

I would recommend this book

[Crystal D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something was missing

I’m a sucker for the fake marriage storyline so I was excited to start reading this. It was a decent story but I get frustrated when it seems as if there is a lack of build up to the feelings developing. Willow is a month or so into meeting/marrying Gabe and is already falling and questioning if she should get out of the marriage because of her feelings and fear of getting hurt. You signed a contract, you can’t just up and quit. I would have liked a little more development and angst.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

River Laurent has created a sweet and poignant romance about two people whose lives are turned completely on their head. Willow is a waitress, earning just enough to get by. Her best friend and roommate, Lorraine, works with Willow at the restaurant and is also a housecleaner. As a tip, a woman gave Lorraine tickets to an exclusive party called the Ambonnay Gala. Willow refuses to go because she thinks she'd be out of place, but Lorraine talks her into it. Gabe is a billionaire who has made his money in the food industry with the family business Grayson Distribution. The company was started by his grandfather and Gabe knows he is next in line to have full ownership. When his grandfather passes, Gabe is made aware of a stipulation in the will that he never saw coming. He has to marry and have a child, all within a year. If not, his cousin, Austin, will take ownership. Gabe doesn't trust Austin so he decides it's time to get to work. He's going to honor his grandfather's wishes and start by attending the Ambonnay Gala. The minute Gabe walks in, he catches sight of Willow and knows there's something different about her. She doesn't belong, in a good way! When they talk, he just knows that this is it. She is the one for him and the plan is decided. He will ask her to marry him and they'll use a surrogate to bear the child. Gage asks her to consider being his fake wife, but she turns him down. To sweeten the pot, he offers her $1,000,000 to pretend. She's shocked and wants to turn him down, realizes what that money would do for her and Lorraine's future. Gabe assured Willow that there wouldn't be any pressure on her for sex or anything else as long as they lived together. There never was a lack of heat between Gabe and Willow and, when he finds her in the bathtub, it goes from heated to downright steamy! They make a wonderful couple in all ways but there's still a little bump in the road ahead. Because Willow was born a heroin addict and never felt love in her life, she has a problem thinking that she's good enough for any man, let alone a man like Gabe. When his cousin tells her that Gabe only wants her for sex, she believes it...if only for a little while. I understand her hesitancy and how she has doubts about asking Gabe if his cousin's ugly claims are true. Her personality and behaviors are written so well that it feels as if Willow comes alive on the pages. River Laurent is skilled at writing characters that have an abundance of heart, self-discovery, empathy, passion and strength and it's apparent in them all. Gabe and Willow find their happy ending and it comes with a special little gift! The prologue takes us full circle and signals the promise of a beautiful future.

[Joanne Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am voluntarily writing this review for this book through Booksprouts arc

Willow friend Lorraine comes home to tell her that she got an invitation to the most famous party Ambonnay Gala. Lorraine is taking Willow as a plus one. Willow didn’t want to go she would feel like a fish out of water. Lorraine has a client told her if she had to be some where special she could borrow a dress. He Now they had to figure out a cover story for each one of them. Gabe was heading his grandfathers company increasing it net worth. He grandfather told him he would own the business outright when he passed away. That isn’t what happen he placed stipulations before it was he could take the business otherwise it would go to his cousin Austin. He then spotted Willow and knew at once that she wasn’t comfortable so he started to get to her. Willow confesses that she is not what they presented she told him about her and her friend. They are both waitresses and a women gave her friend the invitation. Gabe made a proposition of her being his wife as a business arrangement. Gabe and Willow were married a short time later. Gabe walks in on Willow in the kitchen she is in scantily clad sleep wear. Gabe and Willow start to fool around and all of a sudden the doorbell sounded. Gabe called Willow for lunch. But, just before that Austin had come to their house and made accusations that Gabe had been slumming and that she was just lowly waitress hoping to make some money being with Gabe . That he had plenty of woman in his black book to call when he gets tired of her. Willow kept her temper in check and asked him to leave. Gabe notices that Willow was a little stiff and he wanted to know what was wrong she hadn’t been herself. How could she tell him what had happened earlier with Austin and he knew all about the contracts they has signed. On top of everything Willow had a surprise for him and wasn’t sure how he would take it.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Willow and Gabe. Willow was a young woman who worked as a waitress and lived with her best friend Lorraine. When Lorraine gets a ticket to a lavish party, she wants to take Willow and pretend like they belong there. Willow agrees with the idea of having a night that will make Lorraine happy. At the party, Gabe sees Willow and he is intrigued by her. Gabe is a billionaire businessman who ran his grandfather's company and thought he would get full control over it when his grandfather died. Gabe was shocked to learn his grandfather put the condition that Gabe had to marry and produce an heir within a year to get control of the company, or it would go to his useless cousin. When Gabe saw Willow, he went to talk to her and asked her to dance. Gabe asked Willow if she would marry him and he would give her $1 million after a year. Gabe told her he was going to use a surrogate for the baby but she would have to pretend it was hers. Willow agreed, even thought she thought he was going to change his mind. After they married, Willow moved into Gabe's penthouse and soon they had a routine. One day Gabe came home early and found Willow in his bathtub and he couldn't control the growing attraction to her anymore. They agreed to have a relationship where they could enjoy each other's company without feelings. Soon Willow was battling her growing feelings and the thought Gabe was slumming it with her and would soon send her away. When Gabe's cousin visited Willow when Gabe wasn't home, he put doubts in Willow's mind about Gabe and he vowed he would prove their relationship was fake. I really enjoyed this story. I liked the added danger from Gabe's cousin and his evil ways. I think Willow and Gabe were great together and had an amazing connection. Good one.

[Samantha Oledan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I could definitely feel the chemistry between Gabe and Willow. I understand that the book was short, so the pacing of the story was faster than I would have preferred. Some parts were pretty unrealistic especially the initial meeting of the couple (in my opininon... but who knows, this could probably happen in real life?), hence the minus 1 star. But I was willing to overlook that because the overall story really grabbed my attention. The sexy parts also made me feel things... nice things ;P! I just thought that Willow would have a bit of reservation initially before doing the the deed given her introverted personality. It was wrong of me to assume that :D. I wish that the encounter with Austin (towards the end of the book) was more intense and prolonged. It would have been nice to read about Gabe's POV once he knew Willow was in danger.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I did not have any moments of boredom. I also liked that it was written in both Willow's and Gabe's POV. I wish there were more Gabe's POV, though. But I appreciate the fact that I could differentiate the "voices" of each character when the story was being told in their POV. Bonus pro: the guy model they used for the book cover was really HOT!!! :D

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rags to riches💕

Willow and her roommate Lorraine get an invite to one of the most up and coming parties. Willow doesn’t really want to go, but if it makes Lorraine happy she will put aside her feelings. Whilst there, they are approached by the sexiest man alive, Gabe Grayson!

Gabe is not happy when he rocks up to the event of the year, as he has just found out that his grandfather has put a stipulation into his will, that Gabe will inherit the company he’s toiled over for the past two decades but only if he gets married and has an heir within that year😀 When he spots Willow, so out of place at the party...he approaches her and makes his move❣️

Suffice to say Willow and Gabe have an impractical start to their marriage, pretend one at that, but someone is moving in the shadows that could endanger everything they are both working towards! Fantastic story, loved the characters and their steamy interactions and the development of their relationship together😍 Thank you to River and Booksprout for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review and eagerly await Lorraine’s story!

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Willow's friend talks her into going to this gala she got an invitation to Willow knows its no a good idea. However she goes with her anyways and meets Gabe there. Gabe sees Willow and knows instantly that she's the woman he needs for his plan. He asks her to dance and then asks her if she would be willing to marry him to help him gain his company. When Gabe tells her that she'll get one million dollars for just pretending to be married for a year she agrees. They exchange numbers to talk about meeting again later. After they meet and talk Willow moves in with him and they're married. Everything is going smoothly between them and then Gabe's cousin that is also in the running to get the company shows up. Will they be found out? Will Gabe see that he really needs Willow permanently in his life?

This is an amazing story that will draw you in from beginning to end. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend it to any book lover.

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

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!
Wow! Talk about jaw dropping. A plethora of emotions rush to the fore bringing a full range that will rock you to the core. All the trials and tribulations, ins and outs, along with a few bumps and bruises bring this little jewel roaring to life flawlessly. The two main characters chemistry is intense, palpable and off the charts. The characters are complex and so realistic with traits and individuality it feels like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you were right there with them. Twists and turns abound with unexpected surprises that will keep you spellbound and frozen to your seat. All the drama and uncertainty, along with a little suspense and you have one incredible experience. An amazing storyline and strong plot really pulls this little treasure together perfectly. Remarkable job River, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.

[Magali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tender romance
Good romance, but a little too predictable.
The first lines immediately gave me empathy for the main character, Willow, who was born a heroin addict, and who is placed in different foster families from birth. She finds herself invited by her best friend, at a gala. She meets Gabe, who spends his time at work, but who, to inherit the empire of his grandfather, whom he himself has enlarged, must marry and have a child in less than a year.
It's quite classic as a false marriage story. The interest is more about the characters because of the past of Willow who always lacked everything, who understands very well the notion of false relationship, but who is quickly attracted by this man who wants to take care of her, even if it's only for a year. However, she doubts because of Gabe's entourage that makes her feel that she may be out of place and that he's manipulating her or that she's manipulating him.

[Janet Taggart Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

PRETENDING NEVER LOOKED SO REAL!

Willow and her best friend attend a fancy charity ball they are given tickets to. They dress up in borrowed dresses and how to each other to have a wonderful evening.

Gabe is a billionaire who has grown his grandfather's business into a worldwide conglomerate over the past 20 years. He expects it to be his after his grandfather dies. Instead there are some stipulations in the will that Gabe is not expecting!

As Gabe and Willow meet at the ball and strike up a deal, neither could have dreamed where this contract would take them. These two take off for an adventure in love that will have you believing in fairy tales of you didn't already.

This sweet story has very little angst, a little adventure toward the end, a lot of steamy sex, and a HEA! You will love spending a few hours with these wonderful folks in their quest for true love. 💖

[Chris Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I’d even give it 5+ stars if I could. River Laurent tells the story of Willow, a waitress and Gabe, a billionaire who needs to be married and have a child to inherit his Grandfather’s business. Gabe has put his blood, sweat and tears into building the business up to what it is and has no intention of losing it to his lazy, good for nothing cousin, and so a plan is hatched to meet the requirements of his Grandfather’s will. The story is well-written and the characters are wonderful, even the evil cousin is wonderfully evil. I don’t want to spoil your reading pleasure, just know that their are twists and turns that must be overcome before Willow and Gabe find their happy ever after. Do yourself a favour, read this book, I’m positive you will love it as much as I did.

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

[Jessica CW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabe is in need of a wife to inherit his company he's been running for his grandfather. He also needs an heir down the line to secure it from his grandfather's will. But who can play that part when all Gabe does is work and have casual hook ups.

Willow is living the life of working poor and sticks to herself, her best friend and her books. After coming into the world abandoned and then only physically cared for her best friend is her sister and with one arranged marriage proposal and enough money to take care of herself and her bestie, who can say no to a hot guy?

I liked this story. Falling in love after marriage, add in a splash of a jealous family member plus loads of steamy moments and it's a page turner.

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

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful. You love it when a plan comes together! Gabe was given an ultimatum to get married and produce an heir within a year to receive his inheritence from his GrandDad. Willow is persuaded to attend a party of the rich elite by her best friend Lorraine daring to be adventurous. Lorrain is a hoot and keeps the humor tinkling and tipping. Gabe decides Willow can meet his needs. Willow decides to use the opportunity for her financial advantage. They enter into their relationship thinking they only needed to keep their eyes open. But their hearts were open also. Their relationship turned out not to be a simple agreement. Their chemistry was volatile! The adventure of a relationship goes through all the cycles of romance and a developing partnership. Fun read! I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review.

[Valentina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe was mad as all hell on what his grandfather did in his will. Gabe was to believe that when his grandfather passed away that he would inherit that company business that he has worked so hard to make it what it is today. So Gabe comes up with a plan of his own. Willow is a waitress at the same restaurant that her best friend Lorraine. Lorraine ended up getting a black card to go to a party for the rich. So when Willow was offer a deal by Gabe to be his wife for one year and get payed one million dollars at the end of the year Willow took the offer. The rules where that she could tell one or the contract would be broken. The bonus is that she would live with Gabe and his life style. I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the storyline and plot. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa Banschbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe has run & built up his grandfather's company & expects to inherit it when the older man passes. Grandpa appreciates all the hard work Gabe has done but feels he's been neglecting his personal life. Therefore he has situated in his will that Gabe must marry and have a child within one year. Willow is a waitress who's best friend has scored an invitation to a local charity gala event. Well not strictly their Forte they decide to go and see how the other half lives. Gabe is immediately drawn to Willow even though he recognizes she's out of place at the event. So drawn, in fact, he makes her a proposition. Grab this book and follow along to see how she responds to the proposition. Guaranteed hea with no Cliffhanger.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

CEO Gabe Grayson built his grandfather's humble business into a billion dollar empire and is upset to learn that his recently deceased grandfather's will stipulates that in order to gain ownership of the business, Gabe has to marry and produce an heir within a year ... otherwise, everything goes to his slacker Austin. Waitress Willow goes to an exclusive party where she meets the handsome Gabe and agrees to be his wife for one year in exchange for $1 million. What started out as fake starts to feel very real, that is, until Austin pays Willow a visit to tell her some things about Gabe. Is Austin right? Will Willow and Gabe get their HEA?

Pretend For Me is a sweet, steamy and suspenseful story with twists and turns that will keep you on your toes

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great "in between-er". What I mean is, you know what you're going to get and it gives you a HEA with a lighthearted read. Whenever I read a crap book, I go for the IB'er (in between-er), until I can find another great read.
Just so happened, I read a book that scared the $#!% out of me, so this was a great find.
I loved the NO OTHER WOMAN DRAMA! Give an AMEN for that one. Wash rinse repeat with that plot. So I was super happy about this one focusing solely on their relationship and a disgruntled cousin. Super cute. Really light hearted. Quick read. I mean, what else could you ask for when you need a little HEA in your life?

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t you love great romance with meddling Grandpa?This is is the you will enjoy.
Gabe will inherent his grandfather ‘s business with one stipulation. He has to be married and produce heir in one year.
A little rushed but..
He meet Willow at a party and make an offer she can’t refuse. She has to pretend to be his wife ,purely monetary business Willow accepts since she needs the money,badly.
What could go wrong with this deal? ”They accidentally kissed and she accidentally fall in his arms”
After this was no more pretending.
Great read,very enjoyable.

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

[Renata Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book from page one, loved the characters and found that the book was well written and easy to read.
Gabe has worked hard bringing in billions for his grandfather and now finds out that the company won't be his to inherit if he doesn't find a wife and have a child by the end of the year.
The moment Gabe sees Willow at a charity event he knows that she is the woman that can help him. The only thing he didnt count on was the attraction and sizzling chemistry between them..... now he finds him self wanting more than just a fake marriage.

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