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Pretending in Paradise
When travelwisdom.com assigns PR specialist Caroline Beckett and travel blogger Emma Morgan to cover a hot new couples retreat, they’re forced to fake a relationship to secure a reservation. Ten days in paradise would be a dream assignment, if only they’d stop arguing long enough to enjoy it.
Reputations are Caroline’s business. Too bad she was forced out of her previous job when an ex smeared hers all over the office grapevine. She’s never getting involved with a coworker again, especially not one as careless and unprofessional as Emma.
Emma knows that life is too short to play by the rules. But when she goes too far and a defamation lawsuit puts her job in jeopardy, she has to make nice with Caroline, the image police, and deliver the best story of her career.
Only pretending to be in love sure feels a whole lot like falling in love. When their story goes public, ambition and privacy collide, and their chance at making a fake relationship real might just be collateral damage.
Reputations are Caroline’s business. Too bad she was forced out of her previous job when an ex smeared hers all over the office grapevine. She’s never getting involved with a coworker again, especially not one as careless and unprofessional as Emma.
Emma knows that life is too short to play by the rules. But when she goes too far and a defamation lawsuit puts her job in jeopardy, she has to make nice with Caroline, the image police, and deliver the best story of her career.
Only pretending to be in love sure feels a whole lot like falling in love. When their story goes public, ambition and privacy collide, and their chance at making a fake relationship real might just be collateral damage.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2019
32 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
M. Ullrich
14 books202 followersM. Ullrich is a four-time Goldie Award finalist and a two-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, and she has been featured in The Advocate magazine. She currently resides by the New Jersey Shore, but dreams of living someplace a little less touristy and with a whole lot less road rage. When she’s not writing or working her full-time job, M. Ullrich appreciates the simple pleasures in life like breakfast foods and sweet treats, working on her artistic skills, and enjoying the company of someone who laughs at her ridiculous humor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 11, 2019
4.25 Stars. Out of all the books by Bold Strokes Books that are coming out in April, I was looking forward to this one the most. While Ullrich’s books don’t always work for me, I thought Fortunate Sum was just okay and I disliked Fake It Till You Make It, when she puts out hits like Against All Odds and Life in Death, they are books that not only are great but you won’t soon forget. I’m happy to say that this was another hit by Ullrich.
I love fauxmances, I think they are my favorite lesfic trope overall. Not only was this fauxmance well done but it felt like a fresh storyline and newer way to have a fauxmance. Fauxmances are not uncommon so to have a different take on the idea was really nice to read. This book was well written and I think romance fans are going to be happy.
I have to be honest that at first I was worried about liking this. One of the main characters did not come off well in the beginning and I felt my heart sinking. If you feel the same way while reading don’t give up. By the end of the book I loved both characters and absolutely cared about what happened to them. Both characters really grew and it was believable, which was nice to see.
The romance is the shining star of the book. I just loved it. The chemistry is great and the romance its self goes at a really nice pace. I just loved reading about two characters growing close and closer making a real connection. The sex scenes were also well done. Actually, there was a steamy intimate scene about three quarters into the book that was hotter than most sex scenes I’ve read. This is one of those books you might not want to read while in public, at least once you hit the last quarter of the book for sure.
There was only one mild complaint I had. There is an angsty moment that I didn’t care for. I just felt like it wasn’t needed and it also felt a little forced. I did take off a little of my final rating because of it. But in the grand scheme of things it is one small compliant in a book I really enjoyed.
If you are a fauxmance fan, get this book. Heck if you are just a romance fan I would recommend this book. It’s actually one of the better romances I’ve read in a while and I have high hopes people will enjoy it as much as I did.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
I love fauxmances, I think they are my favorite lesfic trope overall. Not only was this fauxmance well done but it felt like a fresh storyline and newer way to have a fauxmance. Fauxmances are not uncommon so to have a different take on the idea was really nice to read. This book was well written and I think romance fans are going to be happy.
I have to be honest that at first I was worried about liking this. One of the main characters did not come off well in the beginning and I felt my heart sinking. If you feel the same way while reading don’t give up. By the end of the book I loved both characters and absolutely cared about what happened to them. Both characters really grew and it was believable, which was nice to see.
The romance is the shining star of the book. I just loved it. The chemistry is great and the romance its self goes at a really nice pace. I just loved reading about two characters growing close and closer making a real connection. The sex scenes were also well done. Actually, there was a steamy intimate scene about three quarters into the book that was hotter than most sex scenes I’ve read. This is one of those books you might not want to read while in public, at least once you hit the last quarter of the book for sure.
There was only one mild complaint I had. There is an angsty moment that I didn’t care for. I just felt like it wasn’t needed and it also felt a little forced. I did take off a little of my final rating because of it. But in the grand scheme of things it is one small compliant in a book I really enjoyed.
If you are a fauxmance fan, get this book. Heck if you are just a romance fan I would recommend this book. It’s actually one of the better romances I’ve read in a while and I have high hopes people will enjoy it as much as I did.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
April 18, 2019
'ARC provided by both NetGalley and The Publisher in exchange for an honest review'
**'Good fiction is made of what is real and reality is difficult to come by..Talents of some writers: observation of their characters,analysis of emotions,reader's feelings and personal relations..'
Brimming with loads of romantic musings between both leads (Caroline & Emma) and offering some sparring anecdotes from it's many entertaining secondary characters, I can say that 'PRETENDING IN PARADISE' had a certain level of beauty and a combination of quality writing that was also propulsive,pleasurable,unfairlingly profound and at times impossible to put down which will also impress many of this author's fan base.
This storyline dive into many different layers of it's storytelling but there was one that stood out -- which simply showed Caroline as part of a raging perfectionist with some self esteem flaws who eventually starts to learn about her acceptance of any new and genuine friendships from close colleagues. Plus having to also realize that she did belong with someone who cared and had a strong bond of authenticity with others.
As the story progress readers will become aware of their thriving friendship that led to intimacy and then found many instances of stability of communicating rationally after all their verbal disagreements and tit for tat disputes from their very first meeting to their then work-ation frolicking trip. Both were faced with their own challenges --- Caroline with her past relationship drama,overbearing & unsupportive parents and her brother's mental health crisis -- to Emma with her carefree attitude towards life and her never succumbing to any committed relationship until.
M. Ullrich is a storyteller. Her books has become a delight to read because what she does is she takes the many downtrodden and painful irritants of her character's life (as well as the lovely parts) and interweave them together into something engaging for readers. One can try to enjoy her craftsmanship in telling this story and even her ability to show that falling in Love can come out of sadness or loneliness. Highly recommended!
**'Good fiction is made of what is real and reality is difficult to come by..Talents of some writers: observation of their characters,analysis of emotions,reader's feelings and personal relations..'
Brimming with loads of romantic musings between both leads (Caroline & Emma) and offering some sparring anecdotes from it's many entertaining secondary characters, I can say that 'PRETENDING IN PARADISE' had a certain level of beauty and a combination of quality writing that was also propulsive,pleasurable,unfairlingly profound and at times impossible to put down which will also impress many of this author's fan base.
This storyline dive into many different layers of it's storytelling but there was one that stood out -- which simply showed Caroline as part of a raging perfectionist with some self esteem flaws who eventually starts to learn about her acceptance of any new and genuine friendships from close colleagues. Plus having to also realize that she did belong with someone who cared and had a strong bond of authenticity with others.
As the story progress readers will become aware of their thriving friendship that led to intimacy and then found many instances of stability of communicating rationally after all their verbal disagreements and tit for tat disputes from their very first meeting to their then work-ation frolicking trip. Both were faced with their own challenges --- Caroline with her past relationship drama,overbearing & unsupportive parents and her brother's mental health crisis -- to Emma with her carefree attitude towards life and her never succumbing to any committed relationship until.
M. Ullrich is a storyteller. Her books has become a delight to read because what she does is she takes the many downtrodden and painful irritants of her character's life (as well as the lovely parts) and interweave them together into something engaging for readers. One can try to enjoy her craftsmanship in telling this story and even her ability to show that falling in Love can come out of sadness or loneliness. Highly recommended!
April 29, 2019
I'm a bit torn on this one...
To sum up, "Pretending in Paradise" is a f/f fauxmance with an opposites attract, from hate to love dynamic set against a holiday get away in Miami. It's a feel good beach read romance made all the more appropriate since it takes place on one.
We get the story through alternating points of view of Caroline and Emma which provided a nice contrast because the two are so different. The characters reveal themselves in a way that make each other and us buck assumptions. I liked that the story unfolded through the characters' interactions, rather than being told this and that happened, and there's a good balance of entertaining scenes that amuse along with a number of diverse steamy scenes to get us fanning ourselves.
And, holy hell, have editors and authors finally gotten the memo that we crave communication between our romantic leads and are taking it into account? This is the second book I've read recently where that occurred so thanks to the author for that.
What I was less pleased about was that something about the storytelling felt choppy. The characters behaviors or thoughts seemed to come out of nowhere sometimes. Their emotional development would take me by surprise as in "Oh, we're here? When did that happen?" so I had a bit of whiplash. There were red flags all over the place in their dynamic which was only soothed by the fact that they communicated through them but still. It's not my fodder for swooning and, if there weren't an epilogue set farther into the future, I'd wonder if they'd have made it. Unfortunately, I never got what made Emma fall for Caroline. She tells us but I didn't feel it.
That said, as different as the two leads are, they don't try to change each other and I really liked that.
One weird storytelling decision, in my opinion, is that the author chose to make Caroline's history mysterious to Emma and to us as the reader. I really think us knowing sooner and getting deeper thoughts about it would've helped me feel closer to Caroline. Instead, I felt more distant than I like being to one of my mains.
Ullrich did do us the favor of not writing instalove, i.e. the characters saying their "I love you"s in two minutes, but we are in a super condensed time frame so it didn't feel like slow burn, either.
Two tiny side notes: The story has a 7 year age gap and Emma's expression and defining of her sexuality, being more open than most, was a nice thing to see.
Overall, "Pretending in Paradise" wasn't out of this world but I found it an entertaining and good enough read. 3.7 stars
To sum up, "Pretending in Paradise" is a f/f fauxmance with an opposites attract, from hate to love dynamic set against a holiday get away in Miami. It's a feel good beach read romance made all the more appropriate since it takes place on one.
We get the story through alternating points of view of Caroline and Emma which provided a nice contrast because the two are so different. The characters reveal themselves in a way that make each other and us buck assumptions. I liked that the story unfolded through the characters' interactions, rather than being told this and that happened, and there's a good balance of entertaining scenes that amuse along with a number of diverse steamy scenes to get us fanning ourselves.
And, holy hell, have editors and authors finally gotten the memo that we crave communication between our romantic leads and are taking it into account? This is the second book I've read recently where that occurred so thanks to the author for that.
What I was less pleased about was that something about the storytelling felt choppy. The characters behaviors or thoughts seemed to come out of nowhere sometimes. Their emotional development would take me by surprise as in "Oh, we're here? When did that happen?" so I had a bit of whiplash. There were red flags all over the place in their dynamic which was only soothed by the fact that they communicated through them but still. It's not my fodder for swooning and, if there weren't an epilogue set farther into the future, I'd wonder if they'd have made it. Unfortunately, I never got what made Emma fall for Caroline. She tells us but I didn't feel it.
That said, as different as the two leads are, they don't try to change each other and I really liked that.
One weird storytelling decision, in my opinion, is that the author chose to make Caroline's history mysterious to Emma and to us as the reader. I really think us knowing sooner and getting deeper thoughts about it would've helped me feel closer to Caroline. Instead, I felt more distant than I like being to one of my mains.
Ullrich did do us the favor of not writing instalove, i.e. the characters saying their "I love you"s in two minutes, but we are in a super condensed time frame so it didn't feel like slow burn, either.
Two tiny side notes: The story has a 7 year age gap and Emma's expression and defining of her sexuality, being more open than most, was a nice thing to see.
Overall, "Pretending in Paradise" wasn't out of this world but I found it an entertaining and good enough read. 3.7 stars
February 20, 2020
This was such a fun read. Caroline and Emma dislike each other at first sight. Then they are forced to spend 10 days in retreat for couples pretending to be one. I really enjoyed their activities. Thanks to the beach, the dates and mainly the group for giving me lots of ship-y moments. Both the MCs were very interesting, Emma especially. She's funny, cocky, always hungry and so adorable with her grumpy loser attitude. This was a very enjoyable pretend relationship book with the usual fake kiss, bed sharing etc.Thankfully no big miscommunication problems here. They didn't make a big deal about wanting to be together, which was refreshing.
April 29, 2019
I often find fake relationship stories unsettling and a lot depends on the reason for the deception as well as how it plays out. The other side of the coin is that characters are forced to get to know one another which often make the relationship more believable. Emma is a travel writer, blogger, vlogger and photographer but a bad review of a destination has had some personal blow-back. Caroline is the new PR expert for the travel review company and she’s sent with Emma to her next resort to ensure that her behaviour can’t be called into question. They don’t hit it off immediately and in fact, there’s a great deal of animosity between them. The resort is a couples-only destination so the next ten days will be interesting.
I didn’t really enjoy the beginning of the book and I’m not entirely sure why. I think my first impression of both them wasn’t a good one. It wasn’t long though, that both Emma and Caroline grew on me and by the end I was invested. I appreciated that in order for them to pass themselves off as a couple, they had to get to know each other which is also probably what dispelled my doubts about them.
They’re so different from each other but also aren’t moulded on stereotypes. Caroline has a lot of baggage but it’s not obvious and her reactions to things, half the time, left me as confused as Emma. Emma wasn’t easy to put in a box either which makes for a much more interesting read.
In the end this was enjoyable with a greater concentration on building a meaningful connection than on the fake relationship.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I didn’t really enjoy the beginning of the book and I’m not entirely sure why. I think my first impression of both them wasn’t a good one. It wasn’t long though, that both Emma and Caroline grew on me and by the end I was invested. I appreciated that in order for them to pass themselves off as a couple, they had to get to know each other which is also probably what dispelled my doubts about them.
They’re so different from each other but also aren’t moulded on stereotypes. Caroline has a lot of baggage but it’s not obvious and her reactions to things, half the time, left me as confused as Emma. Emma wasn’t easy to put in a box either which makes for a much more interesting read.
In the end this was enjoyable with a greater concentration on building a meaningful connection than on the fake relationship.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
March 21, 2019
Loved it. I’m not that big a fan of fake relationships but Ullrich hits all the right notes in Pretending in Paradise.
Caroline and Emma are complete opposites. Emma is Travel Wisdom’s travelling reviewer/photographer. She actively blogs her travels and is not afraid to give hotels and vacation hot spots bad reviews. Her honesty is valued by her followers. She is self-absorbed, at times selfish and more than happy to enjoy one night stands with the women she meets on her travels. Caroline is not. As a new employee in the PR department of Travel Wisdom she is appalled at Emma’s behaviour on the job and in the workplace. When asked to accompany Emma on a couples retreat by her boss, Caroline carries with her as much personal baggage as checked luggage. Her rigid attitude masks a woman struggling to recover from a failed relationship. Tossed into a couples retreat with orders to curb Emma’s Lothario ways is the last thing Caroline wants or needs. Let the fauxmance begin.
I love reading books by Ullrich. I know I am guaranteed witty and often memorable dialogue between her two mains. Her characters shine because they are so well drawn. Emma and Caroline begin their retreat with so much venom that it makes the inevitable attraction, respect and acceptance all the sweeter. It doesn’t hurt that the reader feels like they are also on holiday, enjoying the sun, the sand and the nightlife in and around Little Havana. I liked the group activities at the resort and how they serve to bring Emma and Caroline closer together out of necessity so they wouldn’t blow their cover.
This is a romance so we expect some bumps along the way. With all her hangups it is inevitable that Caroline struggles with trust issues but seeing the growth in Emma throughout the story makes it clear that these two are destined to be together. Sex scenes? Why yes there are sex scenes. The first one is memorable and unique to the genre and fits perfectly with the baby steps required in the moment.
Great escapist read. Well done.
4.5 stars
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Caroline and Emma are complete opposites. Emma is Travel Wisdom’s travelling reviewer/photographer. She actively blogs her travels and is not afraid to give hotels and vacation hot spots bad reviews. Her honesty is valued by her followers. She is self-absorbed, at times selfish and more than happy to enjoy one night stands with the women she meets on her travels. Caroline is not. As a new employee in the PR department of Travel Wisdom she is appalled at Emma’s behaviour on the job and in the workplace. When asked to accompany Emma on a couples retreat by her boss, Caroline carries with her as much personal baggage as checked luggage. Her rigid attitude masks a woman struggling to recover from a failed relationship. Tossed into a couples retreat with orders to curb Emma’s Lothario ways is the last thing Caroline wants or needs. Let the fauxmance begin.
I love reading books by Ullrich. I know I am guaranteed witty and often memorable dialogue between her two mains. Her characters shine because they are so well drawn. Emma and Caroline begin their retreat with so much venom that it makes the inevitable attraction, respect and acceptance all the sweeter. It doesn’t hurt that the reader feels like they are also on holiday, enjoying the sun, the sand and the nightlife in and around Little Havana. I liked the group activities at the resort and how they serve to bring Emma and Caroline closer together out of necessity so they wouldn’t blow their cover.
This is a romance so we expect some bumps along the way. With all her hangups it is inevitable that Caroline struggles with trust issues but seeing the growth in Emma throughout the story makes it clear that these two are destined to be together. Sex scenes? Why yes there are sex scenes. The first one is memorable and unique to the genre and fits perfectly with the baby steps required in the moment.
Great escapist read. Well done.
4.5 stars
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
April 5, 2019
Caroline Beckett is a PR specialist hired by travelwisdom.com to save them from a possible defamation lawsuit caused by the reckless actions of travel blogger Emma Morgan. When Emma is invited to travel to Miami to review a couples retreat, she jumps at the opportunity to redeem herself. But that chance comes with the condition that her travel companion has to be Caroline and they have to pose as a couple. Pretending to be in a relationship can be a hardship when they cannot stand each other but, as time goes by, both women discover that their early dislike for each other is turning into the complete opposite. Will they have a chance to make their fake relationship real?
This is a sweet slow-burn romance combining the fake romance and the enemies to lovers trope. Ms. Ullrich did a great work in building the relationship between the main characters from dislike to attraction. Both leads are well rounded with very distinctive personalities and in this case opposites attract. While Caroline is self conscious and introvert, Emma is extrovert and sociable. As the story progresses, both women - alongside with the reader - discover that there is more than meets the eye about the other. The chemistry is built slowly but surely and the sex scenes are well written, original and hot.
My only criticism is that I felt that the main premise on why they go on a trip together is a bit hard to believe but once that's sorted the rest of the book feels credible, as are their interactions with other people and conversations. There is a good balance between funny and more serious moments and the conflict and resolution have everything that a romance novel needs. As a bonus, the epilogue set a few years later provides a neat conclusion to the story.
Overall, a sweet slow-burn romance with well written characters and great chemistry. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is a sweet slow-burn romance combining the fake romance and the enemies to lovers trope. Ms. Ullrich did a great work in building the relationship between the main characters from dislike to attraction. Both leads are well rounded with very distinctive personalities and in this case opposites attract. While Caroline is self conscious and introvert, Emma is extrovert and sociable. As the story progresses, both women - alongside with the reader - discover that there is more than meets the eye about the other. The chemistry is built slowly but surely and the sex scenes are well written, original and hot.
My only criticism is that I felt that the main premise on why they go on a trip together is a bit hard to believe but once that's sorted the rest of the book feels credible, as are their interactions with other people and conversations. There is a good balance between funny and more serious moments and the conflict and resolution have everything that a romance novel needs. As a bonus, the epilogue set a few years later provides a neat conclusion to the story.
Overall, a sweet slow-burn romance with well written characters and great chemistry. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
April 22, 2019
No pretending to love this book!
Emma is a travel reviewer who puts her company at risk after having relations with someone from a resort she recently evaluated. Caroline is a public relations person hired to help clean up the company image. Emma needs to review a couples retreat and the boss sends Caroline as her +1 to keep her in line while the lawyers work on burying the lawsuit.
These two do not get along in the begging. At. All. To be honest, I didn't like Emma very much at first. I felt she was a bit too critical of Caroline. Thankfully I did end up liking her as I got to know her more throughout the story.. This was my ONLY complaint in the entire book: I wish I could have liked Emma all along.
There were a lot of fun situations they were put in. Some interesting characters encountered. Swoon worthy outings. This was another book where I super enjoyed just being that fly on the wall as I witnessed the relationship evolve.
Caroline's previous relationship and family issues provide a depth that propels this beyond just a light read romance. There is some realistic conflict that happens. 3/4 into the book. I like a little bit of angst to get my heart beating. This checked the box.
Oh. And I'm not the biggest fan of intimate scenes, but I can't complain about the ones between these pages. Chemistry off the charts and supported by emotion.
I really liked this one. My first from this author. I will need to go read some of her previous books.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for an honest review
Emma is a travel reviewer who puts her company at risk after having relations with someone from a resort she recently evaluated. Caroline is a public relations person hired to help clean up the company image. Emma needs to review a couples retreat and the boss sends Caroline as her +1 to keep her in line while the lawyers work on burying the lawsuit.
These two do not get along in the begging. At. All. To be honest, I didn't like Emma very much at first. I felt she was a bit too critical of Caroline. Thankfully I did end up liking her as I got to know her more throughout the story.. This was my ONLY complaint in the entire book: I wish I could have liked Emma all along.
There were a lot of fun situations they were put in. Some interesting characters encountered. Swoon worthy outings. This was another book where I super enjoyed just being that fly on the wall as I witnessed the relationship evolve.
Caroline's previous relationship and family issues provide a depth that propels this beyond just a light read romance. There is some realistic conflict that happens. 3/4 into the book. I like a little bit of angst to get my heart beating. This checked the box.
Oh. And I'm not the biggest fan of intimate scenes, but I can't complain about the ones between these pages. Chemistry off the charts and supported by emotion.
I really liked this one. My first from this author. I will need to go read some of her previous books.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for an honest review
April 3, 2019
I really enjoyed it. Last few books I read disappointed me but this one made me really happy. Fake relationship plot is always one of my favourites.
So I liked both Mcs Caroline and Emma(Emma wasn't very likable for me at first but she grew on me),Emma is travel reviewer of website Travel Wisdom and Caroline is newly employed to its PR department. They are thrown together in a couple retreat trip by their boss. The story follows their time together there and how their relationship progress. Caroline and Emma are exact opposite of each other, but ofcourse opposite attracts. Emma is free, a little selfish and a romantic by heart but Caroline very insecure because of past relationship and family problems.
They pretend like couples so there interactions lead to real romnce and its really sweet and I enjoyed the games played at couple retreat programme and how it brought the Mcs together. Thier brief break up part is reasonable and handled pretty good and epilogue was a nice finish to their story.
Overall its quite enjoyable and I recommend it.
So I liked both Mcs Caroline and Emma(Emma wasn't very likable for me at first but she grew on me),Emma is travel reviewer of website Travel Wisdom and Caroline is newly employed to its PR department. They are thrown together in a couple retreat trip by their boss. The story follows their time together there and how their relationship progress. Caroline and Emma are exact opposite of each other, but ofcourse opposite attracts. Emma is free, a little selfish and a romantic by heart but Caroline very insecure because of past relationship and family problems.
They pretend like couples so there interactions lead to real romnce and its really sweet and I enjoyed the games played at couple retreat programme and how it brought the Mcs together. Thier brief break up part is reasonable and handled pretty good and epilogue was a nice finish to their story.
Overall its quite enjoyable and I recommend it.
May 1, 2019
I’ve always enjoyed M. Ullrich’s books, so I was really looking forward to her take on a fauxmance. I enjoy these storylines because it typically provides circumstances where two characters, who assume they have nothing in common, are forced to actually get to know one another. My qualm here was not only the speed in which these two were brought together, but one of the characters (and it wasn’t the one I was expecting) grated on my nerves to no end.
Caroline is a recently hired PR rep for a travel website where Emma writes reviews on the many locations she visits. When one of her negative reviews backfires, PR exec Caroline is expected to keep Emma in line (’babysit’) on her next adventure. They travel to Miami for an 11 day stay at a new couples resort where they must pretend to be in a relationship.
I think there comes a point in a person’s life where they are mature enough to know the difference between reacting and responding. Unfortunately, one of the characters in this book hasn’t reached this point yet and is constantly reacting to situations…it therefore gave me reason to dislike her because, no matter her endearing qualities, she was a ticking time bomb. I can’t imagine why the other party here tolerated it because one thing someone should never have to do in a relationship is walk on egg shells…and if you’re walking on them in the first week, red flags should be going off! Hell, fireworks should be exploding at your feet telling you to run away. For me, this isn’t romantic or a good source of drama/conflict in a light romance.
Obviously, this really influenced my opinion of what could have been an enjoyable book.
So, back to the time issue: I’ve always enjoyed the time it takes for two people to develop a sense of familiarity with one another in fauxmances. Most of these stories, the one’s I’ve read at least, take place over a span of months...not days…which allows a bit more intimacy to develop. I had a hard time believing the intimacy building here because 1) they were, in essence, on vacation and life is a lot more carefree on vacation and 2) because the little they did learn about one another had nothing to do with how they would really fare in a relationship. Perhaps even the temper-tantrums of the one character may have felt a little less intense if they didn't all happen over the matter of two weeks. Instead, it just made her come across way too mercurial to be likable and it made the other character, who is apparently strong and independent, come across as weak. I found myself screaming (in my head) over and over and over..."You can't fix her!"
Sexy times were sexy, so there’s a plus.
At this point, I’m just rambling. I don’t know if I should recommend Pretending in Paradise or not. I suppose it depends on how sensitive one is to the aforementioned ‘conflict’ building in this book. My recommendation is to read other’s reviews for a more objective opinion. I obviously have no tolerance for grown women throwing childish tantrums. 2.5* rounded up because Ullrich is a talented author who I respect; this one just didn’t work for me.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Caroline is a recently hired PR rep for a travel website where Emma writes reviews on the many locations she visits. When one of her negative reviews backfires, PR exec Caroline is expected to keep Emma in line (’babysit’) on her next adventure. They travel to Miami for an 11 day stay at a new couples resort where they must pretend to be in a relationship.
I think there comes a point in a person’s life where they are mature enough to know the difference between reacting and responding. Unfortunately, one of the characters in this book hasn’t reached this point yet and is constantly reacting to situations…it therefore gave me reason to dislike her because, no matter her endearing qualities, she was a ticking time bomb. I can’t imagine why the other party here tolerated it because one thing someone should never have to do in a relationship is walk on egg shells…and if you’re walking on them in the first week, red flags should be going off! Hell, fireworks should be exploding at your feet telling you to run away. For me, this isn’t romantic or a good source of drama/conflict in a light romance.
Obviously, this really influenced my opinion of what could have been an enjoyable book.
So, back to the time issue: I’ve always enjoyed the time it takes for two people to develop a sense of familiarity with one another in fauxmances. Most of these stories, the one’s I’ve read at least, take place over a span of months...not days…which allows a bit more intimacy to develop. I had a hard time believing the intimacy building here because 1) they were, in essence, on vacation and life is a lot more carefree on vacation and 2) because the little they did learn about one another had nothing to do with how they would really fare in a relationship. Perhaps even the temper-tantrums of the one character may have felt a little less intense if they didn't all happen over the matter of two weeks. Instead, it just made her come across way too mercurial to be likable and it made the other character, who is apparently strong and independent, come across as weak. I found myself screaming (in my head) over and over and over..."You can't fix her!"
Sexy times were sexy, so there’s a plus.
At this point, I’m just rambling. I don’t know if I should recommend Pretending in Paradise or not. I suppose it depends on how sensitive one is to the aforementioned ‘conflict’ building in this book. My recommendation is to read other’s reviews for a more objective opinion. I obviously have no tolerance for grown women throwing childish tantrums. 2.5* rounded up because Ullrich is a talented author who I respect; this one just didn’t work for me.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
April 18, 2019
Another decent read by Ms. Ullrich! I have read a few of her books and am continually impressed by her mature writing and excellent descriptions.
MC Caroline has a new position in PR at a travel company, and has to go on a trip to a new couples resort in Miami with MC Emma, whom she has just met and could not be more different from. Caroline basically has to babysit Emma so she doesn't continue to be a PR nightmare for their company. This was actually a neat twist, and I actually quite enjoyed Emma's character. She was confident, spunky, fearless, independent yet very caring, and as we find out, loyal. She is open and unapologetic about her sexuality, something in direct contrast to Caroline. The two have to pretend to be a couple in order to book in the resort, hence enter the "faux-mance." They bicker and roll their eyes a lot but I truly believed that they had an intense dislike for one another.
However I had a hard time getting a grip on Caroline's character. While I had great empathy for her home/family history and her negative past relationship, there was an element missing that made me feel somewhat cold towards her. Maybe there was some negative counter-transference due to being reminded of someone in my past? That could be it, and that possibly marred my perception. She had self-confidence and trust issues, which were understandable, but perhaps I needed more background to really connect with her. I also could not gel with any of the side characters at the resort and felt a few of them could have been fleshed out more to add more drama.
I don't know why, but the part where Emma walks into the room and Caroline tries to hide the fact she is playing a video game made me giggle for too long. "Are you watching porn??" Emma asked excitedly. A reaction that is so Emma, so encouraging, anything goes, she's into it, but Caroline's obvious discomfort and stumbling over her words.... this whole exchange was highly amusing to me. I was chuckling the next day about it, Inevitably there is an angsty moment near the end that I thought was overdone and unnecessary, where all of a sudden the confident Emma is turned to a mushy ball on the couch eating excessive amounts of ice cream. I could have done without this.
While there were one or two new elements to the story, this formula has been done before and I kind of tired of it halfway through. I didn't learn anything, nor was I challenged. Due to the author's solid writing, it held my interest enough to finish, and thought "that was pretty good!" but it did not blow me away. 3.5 stars.
Thanks much for the ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.!
MC Caroline has a new position in PR at a travel company, and has to go on a trip to a new couples resort in Miami with MC Emma, whom she has just met and could not be more different from. Caroline basically has to babysit Emma so she doesn't continue to be a PR nightmare for their company. This was actually a neat twist, and I actually quite enjoyed Emma's character. She was confident, spunky, fearless, independent yet very caring, and as we find out, loyal. She is open and unapologetic about her sexuality, something in direct contrast to Caroline. The two have to pretend to be a couple in order to book in the resort, hence enter the "faux-mance." They bicker and roll their eyes a lot but I truly believed that they had an intense dislike for one another.
However I had a hard time getting a grip on Caroline's character. While I had great empathy for her home/family history and her negative past relationship, there was an element missing that made me feel somewhat cold towards her. Maybe there was some negative counter-transference due to being reminded of someone in my past? That could be it, and that possibly marred my perception. She had self-confidence and trust issues, which were understandable, but perhaps I needed more background to really connect with her. I also could not gel with any of the side characters at the resort and felt a few of them could have been fleshed out more to add more drama.
I don't know why, but the part where Emma walks into the room and Caroline tries to hide the fact she is playing a video game made me giggle for too long. "Are you watching porn??" Emma asked excitedly. A reaction that is so Emma, so encouraging, anything goes, she's into it, but Caroline's obvious discomfort and stumbling over her words.... this whole exchange was highly amusing to me. I was chuckling the next day about it, Inevitably there is an angsty moment near the end that I thought was overdone and unnecessary, where all of a sudden the confident Emma is turned to a mushy ball on the couch eating excessive amounts of ice cream. I could have done without this.
While there were one or two new elements to the story, this formula has been done before and I kind of tired of it halfway through. I didn't learn anything, nor was I challenged. Due to the author's solid writing, it held my interest enough to finish, and thought "that was pretty good!" but it did not blow me away. 3.5 stars.
Thanks much for the ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.!
April 17, 2019
I love a good fauxmance. Hence the word good! If this troupe is done right, in the end, you have a delightful romance. What I really love about the whole fake girlfriend scenario is you have these tricky moments that both parties have to navigate to "prove" that their love is the real deal. M. Ullrich brings the heat every book she writes but this one took a lot of skill to pull off. Why? She gave us two characters that were not easy sells. What I mean by that is both characters had their flaws, big personality traits, you as the reader don't automatically pull for them, its actually quite the opposite.
The gist of the story is you have Caroline Beckett, a PR specialist, who comes into a new job with an internet travel company. Day one, hour one she is thrown straight into a dilemma she needs to fix quickly. Her problem is travel blogger Emma Morgan and her on the side hookups while at destinations she is reviewing. So throw these two together in Miami while Emma reviews an exclusive couples only resort and Caroline keeps an eye on the wily blogger.
This one is a slow burn, you have two characters that resent being put in the position they are in. Therefore they resent being in the same room together. These ladies did not hit it off at all. I am here to tell you in the first few chapters you are going to wonder how this is a romance. It was not looking good my friends. These two have a lot of personality and they are going to clash epically. I did wince a few times. As the story progresses these ladies find their footing, common ground and begin to look through a new lens. The rocky start morphs into more, and slowly a relationship begins to build.
This is a great read by M. Ullrich. I always expect so much from this amazing author and she has yet to let me down. A fantastic read that will not disappoint.
The gist of the story is you have Caroline Beckett, a PR specialist, who comes into a new job with an internet travel company. Day one, hour one she is thrown straight into a dilemma she needs to fix quickly. Her problem is travel blogger Emma Morgan and her on the side hookups while at destinations she is reviewing. So throw these two together in Miami while Emma reviews an exclusive couples only resort and Caroline keeps an eye on the wily blogger.
This one is a slow burn, you have two characters that resent being put in the position they are in. Therefore they resent being in the same room together. These ladies did not hit it off at all. I am here to tell you in the first few chapters you are going to wonder how this is a romance. It was not looking good my friends. These two have a lot of personality and they are going to clash epically. I did wince a few times. As the story progresses these ladies find their footing, common ground and begin to look through a new lens. The rocky start morphs into more, and slowly a relationship begins to build.
This is a great read by M. Ullrich. I always expect so much from this amazing author and she has yet to let me down. A fantastic read that will not disappoint.
April 1, 2019
What a phenomenal book! It’s sexy, fun and rates up there with all my favourite reads… and have you seen the cover! It’s perfect for this story.
Emma Morgan is the best travel blogger there is and she knows it. However, when her reputation with women has caught up to her and has caused issues for the website, she is assigned Caroline Beckett, a PR specialist who will attend her latest vacation spot with her to review. The only problem is it’s a romantic couples retreat and to have access they must pretend to be together and it’s the last thing either of them want.
I actually loved this storyline. It was the fake girlfriend trope but with a great twist. The pacing was perfect as was the way M. Ullrich revealed the romance and built up, which was totally on point. The angst was on the low side which perfectly fit in with the way these characters were written and I actually think I enjoyed it more because of that. Sometimes too much or too little angst can put me off but this was perfect for the storyline.
I loved Emma’s character. Everything about her screams fun, relaxed and inviting. She just radiated sex appeal and I really wanted to be Caroline in this book just to hang out with her!
But what’s funny is that when I read the book the first time, Emma was 100% my favourite character and I was so excited to write this review to engage you all with her however, she wasn’t my favourite character by the second (and third) time I read it. Caroline was. Caroline is complex with a big heart, a sweet soul and she tends to be a little understated where she’s actually a powerhouse of emotion and bravery. I’m a little in awe of her actually… and maybe a little in love!
When you put the combination of Emma and Caroline together they shouldn’t work. Nope, not even one single bit but for some wild reason they do. They compliment each other beautifully (and don’t get me started on the sex). Well, let’s just say it’s explosive and the build up and foreplay between them is just heavenly! The chemistry was combustible and sexy as hell… just wow!
I really connected to this book on another level because Emma mirrored a lot of my feelings about my sexuality, so in many ways this book also made me feel validated! I actually shouted “Me Too” when she was explaining her sexuality to Caroline.
Lastly the epilogue in this book was everything... get your tissues ready!!!
Fantastic book. Call in sick, make a cup of tea and read it all day long!
5 stars
Emma Morgan is the best travel blogger there is and she knows it. However, when her reputation with women has caught up to her and has caused issues for the website, she is assigned Caroline Beckett, a PR specialist who will attend her latest vacation spot with her to review. The only problem is it’s a romantic couples retreat and to have access they must pretend to be together and it’s the last thing either of them want.
I actually loved this storyline. It was the fake girlfriend trope but with a great twist. The pacing was perfect as was the way M. Ullrich revealed the romance and built up, which was totally on point. The angst was on the low side which perfectly fit in with the way these characters were written and I actually think I enjoyed it more because of that. Sometimes too much or too little angst can put me off but this was perfect for the storyline.
I loved Emma’s character. Everything about her screams fun, relaxed and inviting. She just radiated sex appeal and I really wanted to be Caroline in this book just to hang out with her!
But what’s funny is that when I read the book the first time, Emma was 100% my favourite character and I was so excited to write this review to engage you all with her however, she wasn’t my favourite character by the second (and third) time I read it. Caroline was. Caroline is complex with a big heart, a sweet soul and she tends to be a little understated where she’s actually a powerhouse of emotion and bravery. I’m a little in awe of her actually… and maybe a little in love!
When you put the combination of Emma and Caroline together they shouldn’t work. Nope, not even one single bit but for some wild reason they do. They compliment each other beautifully (and don’t get me started on the sex). Well, let’s just say it’s explosive and the build up and foreplay between them is just heavenly! The chemistry was combustible and sexy as hell… just wow!
I really connected to this book on another level because Emma mirrored a lot of my feelings about my sexuality, so in many ways this book also made me feel validated! I actually shouted “Me Too” when she was explaining her sexuality to Caroline.
Lastly the epilogue in this book was everything... get your tissues ready!!!
Fantastic book. Call in sick, make a cup of tea and read it all day long!
5 stars
May 5, 2019
My favorite thing about this author’s books is the same reason I did not like the first book I read of hers. Her characters are flawed, acerbic, cranky and chaotically human. I didn’t appreciate it in the past because I’ve grown accustomed to expecting likable mc’s in stories.
This is my 4th Ullrich book and each one gets better.
When legal issues ensue, a Travel Website hires a P.R. fixer, Caroline, to smooth over the bad publicity created by their star reviewer, Emma. It’s decided the fixer is to chaperone Emma on her next trip which works out perfectly because it’s a couples only resort. They’ll just have to pretend to be in love.
Emma is selfish, rude, and focused solely on her own needs. Caroline is unbending, harsh, and hugely burdened by past hurts. Some absolutely terrific small scenes and gestures build a heartfelt depth to their story. Their first handholding walk on the beach had me crying. Their interactions with other resort couples had me laughing hard.
Neither Emma nor Caroline magically turn into perfect beings but they do grow. It’s messy, two steps up, one step back kind of progress but it rings true for them as individuals and then eventually, as a couple. If you can let go of the fact that all of this is supposed to happen in 10/11 days, you’ve got a great
read. ARC courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is my 4th Ullrich book and each one gets better.
When legal issues ensue, a Travel Website hires a P.R. fixer, Caroline, to smooth over the bad publicity created by their star reviewer, Emma. It’s decided the fixer is to chaperone Emma on her next trip which works out perfectly because it’s a couples only resort. They’ll just have to pretend to be in love.
Emma is selfish, rude, and focused solely on her own needs. Caroline is unbending, harsh, and hugely burdened by past hurts. Some absolutely terrific small scenes and gestures build a heartfelt depth to their story. Their first handholding walk on the beach had me crying. Their interactions with other resort couples had me laughing hard.
Neither Emma nor Caroline magically turn into perfect beings but they do grow. It’s messy, two steps up, one step back kind of progress but it rings true for them as individuals and then eventually, as a couple. If you can let go of the fact that all of this is supposed to happen in 10/11 days, you’ve got a great
read. ARC courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2019
Just finished my second M. Ullrich story and boy did I struggle with it. Pretending in Paradise falls in the fauxmance category that I started almost three weeks ago and that is already an indication I put it away too many times. Main reason? Not the writing itself, Ullrich can write. Not the plot, I like the fake dating trope and the sub-tropical Miami resort location was fun. It was the two main characters, PR specialist Caroline Beckett and travel blogger Emma Morgan.
Emma started out as a complete brat and had a personality transplant around chapter 8 where she suddenly caters to Caroline’s every mood swing (and there were plenty). I still don’t understand why Emma tried so hard because Caroline was a rigid stick in the mud with more hang-ups than I can count on both hands. This one step forward two steps back push and pull courting ritual went on throughout the story and it ruined the romance for me. Sure, there were reasons for Caroline’s behavior but both Emma and the reader are not partial to that until the very end. By then I really didn’t care one way or the other.
Fauxmance fans will love it as will romance fans who like a high maintenance character.
f/f explicit, hot sexy times
Themes: fake dating, Miami resort, Caroline has too many tantrums, Emma girl why do you try so hard?
3.2 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
Emma started out as a complete brat and had a personality transplant around chapter 8 where she suddenly caters to Caroline’s every mood swing (and there were plenty). I still don’t understand why Emma tried so hard because Caroline was a rigid stick in the mud with more hang-ups than I can count on both hands. This one step forward two steps back push and pull courting ritual went on throughout the story and it ruined the romance for me. Sure, there were reasons for Caroline’s behavior but both Emma and the reader are not partial to that until the very end. By then I really didn’t care one way or the other.
Fauxmance fans will love it as will romance fans who like a high maintenance character.
f/f explicit, hot sexy times
Themes: fake dating, Miami resort, Caroline has too many tantrums, Emma girl why do you try so hard?
3.2 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
November 19, 2020
I’m a huge fan of fake relationship romances, so I was sold on this one the minute I read the blurb and I’m happy to say that Ullrich didn’t disappoint! It was especially fun seeing them pretend to be in love when they don’t even like each other, and it stayed great from there. When they start planning offsite dates, things get even lovelier, and I did a lot of smiling and happy sighing reading this story.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/pret...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/pret...
February 5, 2020
Loved the premise but I struggled to finish this one.
Not sure if it was because they got together quickly and it felt a little forced or if it had something to do with character development. Both characters were well defined but I didn't care about either of them at the same time.
Just an okay read for me.
Not sure if it was because they got together quickly and it felt a little forced or if it had something to do with character development. Both characters were well defined but I didn't care about either of them at the same time.
Just an okay read for me.
March 18, 2019
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t overly impressed with the last M Ullrich book I read, but I enjoyed this one. I’m a sucker for the fake relationship trope, and this doesn’t disappoint there. The main premise here is that Emma and Caroline both work for the same travel review company, though Caroline has only been there one day. Emma is a reviewer who has posted a review that leads to legal action and Caroline is tasked with travelling with her to keep her in line.
I have to be honest though, I did not like Emma’s character to start with (and I shared Caroline’s opinions of her actions). I could not believe her reaction to the lawsuit, I felt her cavalier disregard for how her behaviour affected her workplace was deplorable, so much so that I almost stopped reading about three chapters in, but because this was an ARC I forced myself to keep reading, and I’m glad I did, because the romance here is very sweet once you get past the set up.
By virtue of attending a couples resort, the two main characters are forced to spend a lot of time together, Emma is very laid back, Caroline is very uptight, and during their time away, they manage to meet in the middle a fair bit. The way they get to know each other and start to fall for each other is believable, and sweet and I also enjoyed the myriad of activities/dates they went on. There’s maybe a bit too much time spent on people hitting on Emma/Caroline’s issues, it felt repetitive after awhile (and I could have done without the sex on the plane scene, seriously, having sex surrounded by a bunch of other people on a crowded plane is not my idea of sexy).
The story extends past them leaving the resort, which gives insight into how they relate after their forced relationship, and this leads to the customary ‘angst’ portion of the story, but it’s over fairly quickly and handled reasonably well, (and includes an pretty sweet callback that I enjoyed very much). There’s also a nice epilogue to wrap things up.
3.5 stars rounded up.
I wasn’t overly impressed with the last M Ullrich book I read, but I enjoyed this one. I’m a sucker for the fake relationship trope, and this doesn’t disappoint there. The main premise here is that Emma and Caroline both work for the same travel review company, though Caroline has only been there one day. Emma is a reviewer who has posted a review that leads to legal action and Caroline is tasked with travelling with her to keep her in line.
I have to be honest though, I did not like Emma’s character to start with (and I shared Caroline’s opinions of her actions). I could not believe her reaction to the lawsuit, I felt her cavalier disregard for how her behaviour affected her workplace was deplorable, so much so that I almost stopped reading about three chapters in, but because this was an ARC I forced myself to keep reading, and I’m glad I did, because the romance here is very sweet once you get past the set up.
By virtue of attending a couples resort, the two main characters are forced to spend a lot of time together, Emma is very laid back, Caroline is very uptight, and during their time away, they manage to meet in the middle a fair bit. The way they get to know each other and start to fall for each other is believable, and sweet and I also enjoyed the myriad of activities/dates they went on. There’s maybe a bit too much time spent on people hitting on Emma/Caroline’s issues, it felt repetitive after awhile (and I could have done without the sex on the plane scene, seriously, having sex surrounded by a bunch of other people on a crowded plane is not my idea of sexy).
The story extends past them leaving the resort, which gives insight into how they relate after their forced relationship, and this leads to the customary ‘angst’ portion of the story, but it’s over fairly quickly and handled reasonably well, (and includes an pretty sweet callback that I enjoyed very much). There’s also a nice epilogue to wrap things up.
3.5 stars rounded up.
January 23, 2020
How have I not read this book until now? It's cold outside, but damn what a hot summer read.
Not everyone can pull off a successful pretend relationship, but through Caroline and Emma's characters, M. Ullrich killed it. Like, the very moment they crossed paths, I was on-board for their hate-to-love journey. On top of that, the setting's mostly in a vacation setting, so we don't get many distractions from the main couple. The main characters were also pretty realistic in personality, as were Caroline's family issues.
I must mention that M. Ullrich's writing style is not only lovely, it's fun and feels just my style. I don't exactly have a word for it, but I knew it once I started reading.
Okay, now that I've been mature thus far: IT GETS SO SEXY. I squealed like the giddy little cake I am. Hot, detailed, wonderful scenes really made the slow burn worth it. I love when the story leads to great sex. There's even a certain scene that isn't done enough in lesfic. I should send this author flowers...
I appreciate the sand and sun while it's so cold and dreary out. Five stars!
Not everyone can pull off a successful pretend relationship, but through Caroline and Emma's characters, M. Ullrich killed it. Like, the very moment they crossed paths, I was on-board for their hate-to-love journey. On top of that, the setting's mostly in a vacation setting, so we don't get many distractions from the main couple. The main characters were also pretty realistic in personality, as were Caroline's family issues.
I must mention that M. Ullrich's writing style is not only lovely, it's fun and feels just my style. I don't exactly have a word for it, but I knew it once I started reading.
Okay, now that I've been mature thus far: IT GETS SO SEXY. I squealed like the giddy little cake I am. Hot, detailed, wonderful scenes really made the slow burn worth it. I love when the story leads to great sex. There's even a certain scene that isn't done enough in lesfic. I should send this author flowers...
I appreciate the sand and sun while it's so cold and dreary out. Five stars!
April 17, 2019
I like the fauxmance trope as much as the next person. Nothing more fun than reading how people pretend to be in love whilst trying to achieve their intended goals but inadvertently fall into the love trap in the end, eh? But it's also tricky because I like to read different takes of the trope and too often, in my experience, I ended up reading the same old approach, hence affecting my reading pleasure as a whole. So, I've been very picky and selective about it. But M. Ullrich's latest fauxmance novel, "Pretending In Paradise," had a premise that was both intriguing and the nature of the trope was refreshing to me when I read the blurb. So obviously, I decided to just dive right in for my next Ullrich adventure with this one that had piqued my interest and caught my attention. You know what, it hit the nail for me! The storyline, the nature of the fauxmance trope were all well-executed. Ullrich's style of telling the tale and weaving it fitted well with the contents of the story. The best thing about it was that I had so much FUN reading through it like I hoped I would because if you read the blurb, it just screams fun, with some prickly humour, possibly a bit of a bloody cheek and devilish banter here and there, doesn't it? Anyway, it was a breeze finishing it in one sitting.
First off, my immediate interest about the book was that the story was set in the world of travel blogging and reviewing. ....
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
*An ARC copy of this book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
First off, my immediate interest about the book was that the story was set in the world of travel blogging and reviewing. ....
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
*An ARC copy of this book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
April 13, 2019
4.5 stars
I'll start this review by saying, I'm not a huge fan of the fake girlfriend trope, that is, until it comes to M. Ullrich. She puts such an interesting spin on the concept, I'm immediately drawn in.
I fell in love with both leads from the get-go. Emma is a spunky, shoot from the hip woman. My kind of lady. Caroline is more reserved but every bit as likeable.
The story is relatively low on angst, and honestly didn't need it. Other than the episode over the date/boat outing (something I could've done without) this story hit all the right notes.
I can't wait to see what M. Ullrich comes up with next.
Verdict - Highly recommended.
Oh, and one last thing - look at that cover! Spectacular and so very fitting. Brilliant.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley
I'll start this review by saying, I'm not a huge fan of the fake girlfriend trope, that is, until it comes to M. Ullrich. She puts such an interesting spin on the concept, I'm immediately drawn in.
I fell in love with both leads from the get-go. Emma is a spunky, shoot from the hip woman. My kind of lady. Caroline is more reserved but every bit as likeable.
The story is relatively low on angst, and honestly didn't need it. Other than the episode over the date/boat outing (something I could've done without) this story hit all the right notes.
I can't wait to see what M. Ullrich comes up with next.
Verdict - Highly recommended.
Oh, and one last thing - look at that cover! Spectacular and so very fitting. Brilliant.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley
July 15, 2019
This was simply a very good read.
May 2, 2019
To be honest, at the very start of the book, I really didnt like Emma. She seemed cocky and arrogant. I felt I like I read a story about an antagonist character as a main character. However, as I read on, I gradually came to like her very much.
The story is great. I really enjoyed it. I like how both main characters got to know each other slowly and eventually together. ... I dont know what else to say to be honest o.o i just want to sleep 😴
Oh well, I enjoyed this book. I like both main characters. Though Caroline is a bit complex, I can understand with her circumstance that made her a bit close off. Emma, on the other hand, she’s a laid back person and carefree which is kind of made them suit each other well, by trying to open Caroline up again.
All in all, the story is great, I enjoyed it, plus there is not much go wrong with fake relationship 😆👍
I dont know what i am talking about anymore 😱
The story is great. I really enjoyed it. I like how both main characters got to know each other slowly and eventually together. ... I dont know what else to say to be honest o.o i just want to sleep 😴
Oh well, I enjoyed this book. I like both main characters. Though Caroline is a bit complex, I can understand with her circumstance that made her a bit close off. Emma, on the other hand, she’s a laid back person and carefree which is kind of made them suit each other well, by trying to open Caroline up again.
All in all, the story is great, I enjoyed it, plus there is not much go wrong with fake relationship 😆👍
I dont know what i am talking about anymore 😱
April 22, 2019
Now this is the way to write a beautiful romance!
Pretending in Paradise by M. Ullrich had me smiling almost from the first page, and I don’t believe I lost the joy of reading this novel as I voraciously consumed every word.
The story is what many call a fake (or faux) romance where two unlikely characters are put together and have to pretend to be a loving couple. That is what happened to Emma Morgan and Caroline Beckett who end up pretending to be a loving couple as they spend ten days at a couples resort for their work. This happened in spite of the fact that the two just met and definitely have nothing in common. They don’t even like each other. Of course, this leads to a pretty wild ten days in a gorgeous setting.
I absolutely loved how Ms. Ullrich developed these characters. She lets us see how beautiful they are, both inside and out, but shows us their flaws and insecurities at the same time. In other words, she makes them human. It was amazing how she put two such different characters together. Watching these two grow together in spite of their differences was delightful.
There was some angst in the story, mainly caused by the two characters’ outlook toward life. One character has a little more trouble overcoming past life lessons. I felt it was just the right amount of angst for this type of story.
Another plus is the author’s descriptions of the setting. She had me feeling, seeing, hearing, and tasting everything with the characters. That is not easy to do. Excellent descriptions!
Pretending in Paradise is a lovely romance that is going in my favorites folder.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
Pretending in Paradise by M. Ullrich had me smiling almost from the first page, and I don’t believe I lost the joy of reading this novel as I voraciously consumed every word.
The story is what many call a fake (or faux) romance where two unlikely characters are put together and have to pretend to be a loving couple. That is what happened to Emma Morgan and Caroline Beckett who end up pretending to be a loving couple as they spend ten days at a couples resort for their work. This happened in spite of the fact that the two just met and definitely have nothing in common. They don’t even like each other. Of course, this leads to a pretty wild ten days in a gorgeous setting.
I absolutely loved how Ms. Ullrich developed these characters. She lets us see how beautiful they are, both inside and out, but shows us their flaws and insecurities at the same time. In other words, she makes them human. It was amazing how she put two such different characters together. Watching these two grow together in spite of their differences was delightful.
There was some angst in the story, mainly caused by the two characters’ outlook toward life. One character has a little more trouble overcoming past life lessons. I felt it was just the right amount of angst for this type of story.
Another plus is the author’s descriptions of the setting. She had me feeling, seeing, hearing, and tasting everything with the characters. That is not easy to do. Excellent descriptions!
Pretending in Paradise is a lovely romance that is going in my favorites folder.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
November 29, 2021
This was a great read. I took a while to warm to Emma as a character, but I think that largely comes down to Caroline's observation of her in the early chapters when they're still in the "enemies" phase of their enemies-to-lovers journey.
Once the ball starts rolling, author M. Ullrich gives us a pair of lovable women who need to be together, and the fact that this is a romance novel so we know it'll happen didn't stop me cheering them along the way.
This is a slow-burn romance, and all the better for it, and when the sex comes it is tender and joyful and kindle-meltingly hot.
Very highly recommended.
Once the ball starts rolling, author M. Ullrich gives us a pair of lovable women who need to be together, and the fact that this is a romance novel so we know it'll happen didn't stop me cheering them along the way.
This is a slow-burn romance, and all the better for it, and when the sex comes it is tender and joyful and kindle-meltingly hot.
Very highly recommended.
April 21, 2019
Enjoyable read with interesting characters. The premise of a fake relationship can be a drag or it can be enticing and I am pleased to say this read was the latter. Two very different characters from each other. Emma Morgan, travel blogger, good at her job with an eye for the ladies. Caroline Beckett, PR specialist, recovering from a failed relationship. Due to a bad decision on a previous assignment, Emma has a "babysitter" in the form of the new PR specialist. It is difficult for me to recall two characters that are so fundamentally different from each other and that was what was so appealing. I smiled and frowned as I followed their journey of will they or will they not.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley with thanks.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley with thanks.
April 15, 2019
Wow just wow M Ullrich did a wonderful job with this book, a tremendous amount of polish and talent went into writing this story. Who doesn’t love a good fake relationship especially when the two MC are so total opposites I was like there is no way they will ever make it. Ullrich knows how to spin a great story and before you know it your pulled so deep into the pages that you don’t want to come out. This is definitely a must read
October 16, 2022
DNF 50%
Im sorry, but saying lesbians "sleep with men sometimes on occasion" is just not it. There's unlabeled, queer, bi, sapphic, pan etc for that, but lesbianism has a definition for a reason. I thought the condom part was for maybe trans women but not even, it's actually in case "lesbian Emma" wants to sleep with a man.
Im sorry, but saying lesbians "sleep with men sometimes on occasion" is just not it. There's unlabeled, queer, bi, sapphic, pan etc for that, but lesbianism has a definition for a reason. I thought the condom part was for maybe trans women but not even, it's actually in case "lesbian Emma" wants to sleep with a man.
April 17, 2019
A good, sweet fauxmance. Fairly light on the angst.
April 21, 2019
I liked it, a lot. It’s an easy romance, if you still have vacation time left you should go find a nice spot, a cold drink, this book and relax.
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