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Concocted
I’m already on my second chance in Hollywood when a proposal video of scowly, intimidating studio head Argus Waterbury and me goes viral. Except… the sexy silver fox and I met a minute before the video was recorded and it was a proposition, not a proposal.
There’s no way I’ll let one silly misunderstanding ruin everything I’ve worked for, not when I love what I do. So when Argus concocts the perfect Hollywood fairytale, I jump in with everything I’ve got. Good thing Argus has some reputation problems of his own that an engagement to an actor like me can solve. If Argus can learn how to fake being in love with me… and if I can remember it’s fake…
There’s no way I’ll let one silly misunderstanding ruin everything I’ve worked for, not when I love what I do. So when Argus concocts the perfect Hollywood fairytale, I jump in with everything I’ve got. Good thing Argus has some reputation problems of his own that an engagement to an actor like me can solve. If Argus can learn how to fake being in love with me… and if I can remember it’s fake…
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2022
14 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Lee
14 books123 followersZoe writes contemporary romances and believed everyone will get extraordinary love stories since before she ever fell in love. She lives with her family near the mountains in Colorado, where she writes while listening to music, never drinks coffee, reads books in one sitting, and watches too many movies and tv shows. She’s been writing since she was a kid, but luckily she knows how grown-ups work now. Mostly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 19, 2022
3 Stars 🌟
Argus and Dallas ❤️
Meet cute ✔️
Grumpy/ Sunshine ✔️
This one started off full steam ahead and fell flat somewhere in the middle.....I really liked Argus and Dallas individually and as a couple, I thought they complimented each other so well, where this book fell flat for me was when I realized that most of their relationship was off page and that the majority of their dialogue was with other characters in their lives rather than with each other. It felt like their lives (as busy as they were) outside of their relationship overtook this story ..... with that being said, it was still ended up being a really sweet story with two very likable characters, and a satisfying HFN.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Argus and Dallas ❤️
Meet cute ✔️
Grumpy/ Sunshine ✔️
This one started off full steam ahead and fell flat somewhere in the middle.....I really liked Argus and Dallas individually and as a couple, I thought they complimented each other so well, where this book fell flat for me was when I realized that most of their relationship was off page and that the majority of their dialogue was with other characters in their lives rather than with each other. It felt like their lives (as busy as they were) outside of their relationship overtook this story ..... with that being said, it was still ended up being a really sweet story with two very likable characters, and a satisfying HFN.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
April 8, 2022
When a man falls into your lap, you take the opportunity and start a fake relationship of course. This is Hollywood after all.
Fake relationships are always a fun trope, especially when the two characters have amazing chemistry and hilarious banter. I love how natural their relationship progresses and how thoughtful they are with each other. And I especially love the care that Dallas takes with Argus, protecting the teddy bear of an introvert.
Surrounded by some wonderful characters who are very real and sometimes brutally honest, in the best possible way, this story is fun and also hot.
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
Fake relationships are always a fun trope, especially when the two characters have amazing chemistry and hilarious banter. I love how natural their relationship progresses and how thoughtful they are with each other. And I especially love the care that Dallas takes with Argus, protecting the teddy bear of an introvert.
Surrounded by some wonderful characters who are very real and sometimes brutally honest, in the best possible way, this story is fun and also hot.
< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >
April 30, 2022
DNF @ 51%.
I don’t know why I keep giving fake relationship tropes a chance, when I know I don’t like them, especially when featuring celebrities, another trope I don’t like.
But, even with that against it, I was enjoying the book. There were three other factors that lead to this being a DNF for me:
1. I couldn’t shake the feeling while reading this that it felt like this read like the second book in a series, or a spin off series. There were so many characters and established and past events referenced that I kept checking names against the author’s other books. I did eventually realize that Dallas’ ex who I repeatedly mentioned is the MC in His Thawing Heart, and that he previously appeared in Hidden Tracks. That in itself is a pet peeve when authors tie all their books together without being in the same series. I don’t want to have to read every book you’ve ever read to understand all the references.
2. The annoying mother who overshares, and overly nosey extended family. The instantaneous welcoming of Dallas the second they meet, the “you’re a part of this family now no matter what happens” is such a cheesy trope.
3. The thing that was the final nail in the coffin for me was Argus being butthurt that a highly intoxicated Dallas “shut [him] down”. Dude, you’re sober, you literally carried him out of the bar and held his hair back while he puked… and your upset this intoxicated person, who wasn’t in a state to consent anyway, shut down your kiss? Squick.
I don’t know why I keep giving fake relationship tropes a chance, when I know I don’t like them, especially when featuring celebrities, another trope I don’t like.
But, even with that against it, I was enjoying the book. There were three other factors that lead to this being a DNF for me:
1. I couldn’t shake the feeling while reading this that it felt like this read like the second book in a series, or a spin off series. There were so many characters and established and past events referenced that I kept checking names against the author’s other books. I did eventually realize that Dallas’ ex who I repeatedly mentioned is the MC in His Thawing Heart, and that he previously appeared in Hidden Tracks. That in itself is a pet peeve when authors tie all their books together without being in the same series. I don’t want to have to read every book you’ve ever read to understand all the references.
2. The annoying mother who overshares, and overly nosey extended family. The instantaneous welcoming of Dallas the second they meet, the “you’re a part of this family now no matter what happens” is such a cheesy trope.
3. The thing that was the final nail in the coffin for me was Argus being butthurt that a highly intoxicated Dallas “shut [him] down”. Dude, you’re sober, you literally carried him out of the bar and held his hair back while he puked… and your upset this intoxicated person, who wasn’t in a state to consent anyway, shut down your kiss? Squick.
April 10, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Concocted by Zoe Lee is a new MM romance by Zoe Lee. Argus Waterbury has a reputation as a stern stick in the mud who runs his studio like a drill sergeant. He never expects Dallas Birch to fall into his lap and turn his entire world upside down. A misunderstanding leads to Dallas and Argus putting on a front for everyone so neither man’s career falls apart. Dallas has worked so hard to put his career back on the right path and never expects Argus to be so much more than his reputation. Argus finds himself drawn into the warmth that Dallas radiates but fears that it’s all acting. Both men must decide to trust themselves and their hearts to each other before the gig is up.
Argus Waterbury is a bit of an enigma. He puts on his gruff and serious front but is a family man with a soft heart. Dallas immediately thaws some of the ice that Argus has been hiding behind. He is afraid of allowing Dallas to get too close especially with his own family falling for him too. Argus hopes that they can keep up the charade and be convincing especially when they learn how compatible they are behind closed doors.
“You’re a secret romantic,” he whisper-hissed, his powerful pout reappearing. Angling my face into his neck, I said into his ear, “You’re a secret optimist.”
Dallas Birch has been making up for his past romantic mistakes and rebuilding his career. Everything is heading down the right path when he meets Argus and people mistake some flirting for so much more. Dallas sees early on that there is so much more to Argus and is happy to explore more between them. He struggles to maintain the terms of their agreement as he gets to know Argus even better.
He was charming and upbeat, a little silly, and all of his teasing made me understand he wasn’t intimidated by me, but happy to give as good as he got, slinging meaningless insults.
I am always torn when I truly enjoy the main characters in a book but the pacing of the story takes me completely out of it. Unfortunately that is what happened for me here. I loved Argus and Dallas and watching them get to know each other under the guise of being engaged. That being said I was just so thrown off by the last third of the book that I couldn’t get my bearings and be content with the end.
3 stars for Argus and Dallas finding that there really are happy accidents.
Concocted by Zoe Lee is a new MM romance by Zoe Lee. Argus Waterbury has a reputation as a stern stick in the mud who runs his studio like a drill sergeant. He never expects Dallas Birch to fall into his lap and turn his entire world upside down. A misunderstanding leads to Dallas and Argus putting on a front for everyone so neither man’s career falls apart. Dallas has worked so hard to put his career back on the right path and never expects Argus to be so much more than his reputation. Argus finds himself drawn into the warmth that Dallas radiates but fears that it’s all acting. Both men must decide to trust themselves and their hearts to each other before the gig is up.
Argus Waterbury is a bit of an enigma. He puts on his gruff and serious front but is a family man with a soft heart. Dallas immediately thaws some of the ice that Argus has been hiding behind. He is afraid of allowing Dallas to get too close especially with his own family falling for him too. Argus hopes that they can keep up the charade and be convincing especially when they learn how compatible they are behind closed doors.
“You’re a secret romantic,” he whisper-hissed, his powerful pout reappearing. Angling my face into his neck, I said into his ear, “You’re a secret optimist.”
Dallas Birch has been making up for his past romantic mistakes and rebuilding his career. Everything is heading down the right path when he meets Argus and people mistake some flirting for so much more. Dallas sees early on that there is so much more to Argus and is happy to explore more between them. He struggles to maintain the terms of their agreement as he gets to know Argus even better.
He was charming and upbeat, a little silly, and all of his teasing made me understand he wasn’t intimidated by me, but happy to give as good as he got, slinging meaningless insults.
I am always torn when I truly enjoy the main characters in a book but the pacing of the story takes me completely out of it. Unfortunately that is what happened for me here. I loved Argus and Dallas and watching them get to know each other under the guise of being engaged. That being said I was just so thrown off by the last third of the book that I couldn’t get my bearings and be content with the end.
3 stars for Argus and Dallas finding that there really are happy accidents.
April 16, 2022
Complete opposites but so perfect for each other
I love fake relationships but I'm not the biggest fan of Hollywood, both in real life and in fiction. This book is definitely my exception to the rule.
Argus and Dallas are oil and water, reserved and outgoing, grumpy and sunshine to the nth degree. Argus has a stern and forbidding outer persona that he shows the outside world and only his family and very close friends know the real him. When Dallas literally falls into his lap, everything changes in an instant. Dallas gets under his skin with ease and their fake engagement gives him the chance to get to know the man who intrigues and enchants him.
Dallas has had his issues in the past but has worked hard to correct his bad behaviour and get back into everyone's good books. He comes across as a genuinely nice person who temporarily got caught up in his own hype and made some bad decisions. Argus is not going to be another one of those bad decisions, if only he can keep his heart guarded from the man who consumes his thoughts.
Argus and Dallas are scorching hot together, unable to keep their hands off each other, but they also share a real connection from the start and it's plain to see that hearts and minds are involved, if only they can get out of their own way.
The affection and banter between them is beautiful, with Argus' dry sense of humour and Dallas' hilarious comments making me laugh out loud. Dallas glows in Argus' presence and Argus comes alive when they're together. I couldn't get enough of their story and I loved every minute of it.
Argus' mother was instrumental to the plot and I loved her, as well as their family and friends who just made the book more special. I can't wait to read Lev's story now and hope that Argus and Dallas appear in it too.
I love fake relationships but I'm not the biggest fan of Hollywood, both in real life and in fiction. This book is definitely my exception to the rule.
Argus and Dallas are oil and water, reserved and outgoing, grumpy and sunshine to the nth degree. Argus has a stern and forbidding outer persona that he shows the outside world and only his family and very close friends know the real him. When Dallas literally falls into his lap, everything changes in an instant. Dallas gets under his skin with ease and their fake engagement gives him the chance to get to know the man who intrigues and enchants him.
Dallas has had his issues in the past but has worked hard to correct his bad behaviour and get back into everyone's good books. He comes across as a genuinely nice person who temporarily got caught up in his own hype and made some bad decisions. Argus is not going to be another one of those bad decisions, if only he can keep his heart guarded from the man who consumes his thoughts.
Argus and Dallas are scorching hot together, unable to keep their hands off each other, but they also share a real connection from the start and it's plain to see that hearts and minds are involved, if only they can get out of their own way.
The affection and banter between them is beautiful, with Argus' dry sense of humour and Dallas' hilarious comments making me laugh out loud. Dallas glows in Argus' presence and Argus comes alive when they're together. I couldn't get enough of their story and I loved every minute of it.
Argus' mother was instrumental to the plot and I loved her, as well as their family and friends who just made the book more special. I can't wait to read Lev's story now and hope that Argus and Dallas appear in it too.
April 10, 2022
This is such a fantastic fake relationship romance. We have two very different men in Argus and Dallas who are both working in Hollywood but in different roles.
Argus is almost reclusive in his interactions with others, only letting those in his inner circle know the true him whilst Dallas has had to work his way back into the hearts of his friends and fans after some seriously bad attitude and bad press nearly wrecked his acting career. Dallas is the life of the party whilst Argus would rather just not go, so when a video of their "proposal" comes out and they decide to make it a fake relationship for the betterment of both their careers and perceived personas, you'd think it would end in disaster but it's actually anything but.
I love the way these two men interact, it's fun from the offset with Dallas having a surprising understanding of Argus and Argus's sweet nature being shown the light. Banter and barbs are akin to compliments and caresses with these two but there is also no lack of chemistry and heated moments between them. There's interesting discussions about the downsides of fame, interacting with people and bargaining to get yourself out of a group setting to just the two of them.
The cast of characters bring some entertainment as well, Argus's mum being very dramatic with her obvious happiness for her son and some wonderful friends that they have both met across the years.
I cannot recommend this enough for those who enjoy a fake relationship, opposites attract, age gap, Hollywood set romance. The character and relationship development is strong throughout and makes for an entertaining read.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Argus is almost reclusive in his interactions with others, only letting those in his inner circle know the true him whilst Dallas has had to work his way back into the hearts of his friends and fans after some seriously bad attitude and bad press nearly wrecked his acting career. Dallas is the life of the party whilst Argus would rather just not go, so when a video of their "proposal" comes out and they decide to make it a fake relationship for the betterment of both their careers and perceived personas, you'd think it would end in disaster but it's actually anything but.
I love the way these two men interact, it's fun from the offset with Dallas having a surprising understanding of Argus and Argus's sweet nature being shown the light. Banter and barbs are akin to compliments and caresses with these two but there is also no lack of chemistry and heated moments between them. There's interesting discussions about the downsides of fame, interacting with people and bargaining to get yourself out of a group setting to just the two of them.
The cast of characters bring some entertainment as well, Argus's mum being very dramatic with her obvious happiness for her son and some wonderful friends that they have both met across the years.
I cannot recommend this enough for those who enjoy a fake relationship, opposites attract, age gap, Hollywood set romance. The character and relationship development is strong throughout and makes for an entertaining read.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
April 12, 2022
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This was an enjoyable fake-fiancé read that had two great characters with lots of chemistry. From the outset, you can tell that Dallas and Argus just click and have a lot of potential together. Both are also surrounded by some great secondary characters too, some of which I'd like to hear more about. The premise itself was quite funny and the pair had lots of amusing banter to read throughout too. I liked how their personalities complimented each other and that the romance between them developed naturally the more time they spent together. Also, Argus' family seemed like a lot of fun - one thing I couldn't quite understand was why Argus never told them the truth of how things started! I'd also have liked a little more background to the two men but really this is just me wanting more, more more of them!
Overall, this is a great MM romance with lots of heartfelt moments as well as plenty of steamy ones too. I'd definitely recommend it to those who like the fake- fiancé trope!
This was an enjoyable fake-fiancé read that had two great characters with lots of chemistry. From the outset, you can tell that Dallas and Argus just click and have a lot of potential together. Both are also surrounded by some great secondary characters too, some of which I'd like to hear more about. The premise itself was quite funny and the pair had lots of amusing banter to read throughout too. I liked how their personalities complimented each other and that the romance between them developed naturally the more time they spent together. Also, Argus' family seemed like a lot of fun - one thing I couldn't quite understand was why Argus never told them the truth of how things started! I'd also have liked a little more background to the two men but really this is just me wanting more, more more of them!
Overall, this is a great MM romance with lots of heartfelt moments as well as plenty of steamy ones too. I'd definitely recommend it to those who like the fake- fiancé trope!
April 6, 2022
Where to start with this book. I laughed so many times at Dallas' antics and quips. I mean, who doesn't need a sexy young man to try a dance move that lands them in your lap?! The writing of the fake fiance trope is done so well for this book. The banter between the two MC's is so fun and flirty throughout the entire book and it made me LOL. It is also kind of a slow burn because it takes a little time, okay not that long, for them to decide to start a physical relationship. This ignites deep feelings that are not supposed to be a part of this arrangement. However, neither of them can help themselves nor can they tell the other. Dallas and Argus are a fun and loving couple even before they really become such for real.I know you will enjoy it as much as I did. Now I have to wait to find out who the mystery man is in Lev's life.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 12, 2022
Where to start with this book. I laughed so many times at Dallas' antics and quips. I mean, who doesn't need a sexy young man to try a dance move that lands them in your lap?! The writing of the fake fiance trope is done so well for this book. The banter between the two MC's is so fun and flirty throughout the entire book and it made me LOL. It is also kind of a slow burn because it takes a little time, okay not that long, for them to decide to start a physical relationship. This ignites deep feelings that are not supposed to be a part of this arrangement. However, neither of them can help themselves nor can they tell the other. Dallas and Argus are a fun and loving couple even before they really become such for real. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did. Now I have to wait to find out who the mystery man is in Lev's life.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 18, 2022
Dallas is trying his best to make good as he reinvents himself in Hollywood after flaming out while being a jerk who believed his own press. He attends a wrap party for a movie his good friend was in and meets Argus quite because of an accident. When he literally falls into Argus' lap and the flirting that they do is mistakenly reported as their proposal moment they find themselves in the midst of their own little Hollywood drama. They had just met actually but that meet cute that led to a fake proposal then the engagement that leads them to a very real relationship as they find out that a grumpy studio executive and a sunny actor on the remake make a lovely couple. Argus and Dallas were such a fun couple to read about with chemistry from the moment Dallas lands in Argus' lap until the last word of their story. And lots of good supporting characters to help them get there.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
April 4, 2022
Fake relationship is one of my favorite tropes, and this book pulled together so many of the things I love about it. Dallas and Argus have amazing chemistry, both physical (seriously, they’re hot together) and emotional (the banter. The banter is awesome). Their first meeting is epic, in all the good ways, and they are, from the start, more than convenient co-conspirators. I love how careful and honest they are with each other, and I appreciated how naturally they seem to fit together, despite the oddness of their circumstances. It helps, also, that they’re surrounded by a large cast of supportive friends and family members who add a lot of fun and feelings of their own– everyone should have at least one person in their life who will dish out serious but supportive life advice while waving an inflatable dinosaur.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 6, 2022
I have read a couple of Zoe Lee’s books at this point and was dearly looking forward to reading this. I have to read it again! This was so good. These two characters dragged me into their story and didn’t let go. Argus has been the strict, private person for so long, he has forgotten how to relax. Only a handful of people see the real man behind the mask. Enter a case of someone mistaking one thing for something else, and Dallas shakes his world upside down and all around. Dallas is everything Argus is not: extroverted, optimistic, and secretly not disturbed by Argus’s idea. These two are so perfect! I could not stop reading it and I want more! I love the giant tribe that envelops Dallas as one of their own, too. These two are amazing and I can’t say enough good about this book.
April 9, 2022
This book was an absolute blast to read! It was hilarious and full of witty banter and some amazing chemistry between these two unlikely men. What started out as a fake engagement slowly turns into something that is very real. Their relationship progresses naturally and before they knew it they had intense feelings for each other. It started out with a physical relationship and progressed into a truly beautiful love. Dallas and Argus had off the charts chemistry and I was hooked into their story from the start. I really enjoyed this book and I am very excited for the next one in the series!!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 1 in the Fakers series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st Person Dual POV
Standalone or series: Book 1 in the Fakers series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
April 12, 2022
Dallas, an actor, and Argus, a Studio Head, meet at a wrap party. In a drunken moment, a photo is taken that starts a a fake engagement. They go along to avoid scandal but the fake becomes all too real. I loved this book! Dallas is such a clever, cheerful person like sunshine and Argus is a grumpy old bear, Beneath all the clever comebacks is a burning, hot craving for each other. Argus's family is is a warm loving family and their friends are all supportive and likable. They fill each other's true needs and their desires are out there for all to see. I was so happy they found each other in that world. This is a book worth reading and rereading as Dallas makes Argus a genuine human and what was fake becomes real for this Hollywood couple. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
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May 27, 2022I'm a sucker for a fake relationship and when it comes with excellent banter and an age gap? I'm all in. If it had an ugly duckling theme I'd be over the moon, but sadly, these characters were just beautiful on the outside as well as the inside...most of the time.
I liked the MC's for one another and felt that when they got it right, they absolutely got it right. But sometimes the pacing, the sheer number of "happenings", the times they wouldn't get out of their own way...all of that really dragged the story down for me. The end made up for most of it, but I won't deny that there were parts I skimmed on purpose.
Overall this was well done, despite being sometimes frustrating because of the immaturity level at times, but definitely not a waste of time. I'm interested in more from the series as I do enjoy this author so I'll very likely be back.
I liked the MC's for one another and felt that when they got it right, they absolutely got it right. But sometimes the pacing, the sheer number of "happenings", the times they wouldn't get out of their own way...all of that really dragged the story down for me. The end made up for most of it, but I won't deny that there were parts I skimmed on purpose.
Overall this was well done, despite being sometimes frustrating because of the immaturity level at times, but definitely not a waste of time. I'm interested in more from the series as I do enjoy this author so I'll very likely be back.
April 20, 2022
**ARC Review** Between 3.5 and 4 Stars!
OK...I really love a good fake relationship that turns real. The reasons behind Dallas and Argus getting together was interesting and entertaining. I loved their romantic interactions, their banter and their HOT as Hades sexy times. What made this a little less interesting is all the unnecessary long interactions with side characters that didn't add absolutely anything to the romance/story. I really tried not to but I must admit those dialogues I might have flew past...oopsie...but for the most part, the relationship/getting to know each other parts were delightful and fun and I enjoyed this. Would have loved for the ending to have been a little bit different...an actual wedding would have been nice.
OK...I really love a good fake relationship that turns real. The reasons behind Dallas and Argus getting together was interesting and entertaining. I loved their romantic interactions, their banter and their HOT as Hades sexy times. What made this a little less interesting is all the unnecessary long interactions with side characters that didn't add absolutely anything to the romance/story. I really tried not to but I must admit those dialogues I might have flew past...oopsie...but for the most part, the relationship/getting to know each other parts were delightful and fun and I enjoyed this. Would have loved for the ending to have been a little bit different...an actual wedding would have been nice.
April 17, 2022
Fun fake relationship
It took a couple of chapters before I started to enjoy the story (seemed a bit disjointed at first).
Glad I stayed with it, it has some of the best banter between 2 MCs in a fake relationship! Grumpy Argus definitely met his match in Dallas, though he was able to hold his own with his dry wit. As they navigate their fake relatonship, they get to know one another better and, because this is a romance, they actually fall for each other. What makes this all the better is that it is a virtually angst/misunderstanding-free HEA! Yay!
The supporting characters are just as much fun and add to the overall story. Looking forward to the next book.
It took a couple of chapters before I started to enjoy the story (seemed a bit disjointed at first).
Glad I stayed with it, it has some of the best banter between 2 MCs in a fake relationship! Grumpy Argus definitely met his match in Dallas, though he was able to hold his own with his dry wit. As they navigate their fake relatonship, they get to know one another better and, because this is a romance, they actually fall for each other. What makes this all the better is that it is a virtually angst/misunderstanding-free HEA! Yay!
The supporting characters are just as much fun and add to the overall story. Looking forward to the next book.
April 19, 2022
What a sweet and satisfying read! I loved how Argus and Dallas meet and get roped into their crazy fake fiancés scheme. Both characters were so interesting but each had their own issues they had to work through before their true relationship could be successful, which is honestly sometimes really refreshing to read. Argus' parents were hilarious and I loved seeing their dynamic and how successfully that made that work for them over the years. The ending was fantastic and I loved that even after everything they had been through, Dallas and Argus were still showing up for each other. I can't wait for future books in this series!
April 19, 2022
#ARC received from GRR for an honest review.
Dallas, an actor, and Argus, a studio manager, meet at a wrap party. In a drunken moment, a reporter takes a photo, leading to a fake engagement. Argus and Dallas go along with the photo's mistaken story to avoid scandal, but their arrangement soon becomes natural. Dallas and Argus could not be more opposite if they tried. Dallas is a cheerful person, while Argus is grumpy. Their witty comebacks are a poor disguise for the growing attraction between them. Argus and Dallas work so well together. They were so cute! This book showcases how pretending can quickly become real. Read it!
Dallas, an actor, and Argus, a studio manager, meet at a wrap party. In a drunken moment, a reporter takes a photo, leading to a fake engagement. Argus and Dallas go along with the photo's mistaken story to avoid scandal, but their arrangement soon becomes natural. Dallas and Argus could not be more opposite if they tried. Dallas is a cheerful person, while Argus is grumpy. Their witty comebacks are a poor disguise for the growing attraction between them. Argus and Dallas work so well together. They were so cute! This book showcases how pretending can quickly become real. Read it!
April 25, 2022
Such a great book. I loved it from start to finish. Funny and entertaining. Sexy and steamy. The story between actor Dallas and studio head Argus. They are thrown together at a party. Dallas literally falls across Argus's lap. Argus is holding a cufflink box that literally resembles a box that would contain an engagement ring. Pictures are taken of what resembles a marriage proposal. The pics go viral with the faux marriage proposal. Grumpy Argus suggests a proposal to continue with the faux proposal as a means to help them both out. Thus begins the faux/or not so faux engagement. The attraction is intense. Can the two turn the faux into real? I highly recommend.
April 9, 2022
4.5 stars
I love a fake relationships story. This one is set around the glamorous world of Hollywood. The story focuses on famous actor, Dallas and studio head, Argus.
I really liked them together. It was sweet watching their fun banter and teasing of each other. The story kept moving in a way that had great flow, ensuring I was fully engaged the whole way through the book.
Overall, Concocted is a lovely, happy, feel good story with great character growth and story development. A great afternoon read with all the fun and feels.
I look forward to the next one in the series.
I love a fake relationships story. This one is set around the glamorous world of Hollywood. The story focuses on famous actor, Dallas and studio head, Argus.
I really liked them together. It was sweet watching their fun banter and teasing of each other. The story kept moving in a way that had great flow, ensuring I was fully engaged the whole way through the book.
Overall, Concocted is a lovely, happy, feel good story with great character growth and story development. A great afternoon read with all the fun and feels.
I look forward to the next one in the series.
April 13, 2022
I seriously loved this story!!! It was fun to read Dallas and Argus’s story. It was faced paced, steamy and undeniable chemistry between Dallas and Argus!! The banter was hilarious! It was a fantastic fake relationship troupe, one of my favorite troupes. Overall, a fantastic read! The story was really well written and kept me engaged, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
April 17, 2022
This is an hilariously fun story that does the fake boyfriends trope extremely well! When the characters have such amazing chemistry, the relationship just flows perfectly throughout the story. Argus and Dallas’s relationship played out exactly how it was meant to be. They brought out the best in each other, Dallas doing anything and everything he can to protect Argus’s secretly soft heart. Extra swoon worthiness here! I adored both characters and I was fully invested in them finding their real HEA.
April 29, 2022
This story of unexpected love between Argus Waterbury and Dallas Birch was exhausting. I felt like I was in a constant race just to keep up with all the stuff that happens between them. It's supposed to be an age gap story, but sometimes the silver fox didn't seem any older than the younger actor he falls for. The premise on which this story hinges seems a bit far-fetched to me, but then, most fake boyfriend stories do stretch the bounds of belief, so I forgive that, but the title definitely fits because of this. The main characters are likable enough to make it an okay story.
April 11, 2022
These two were seriously hot for each other. Poor Argus may have hated the spotlight, but he braved it for Dallas. Dallas brought out the best in Argus, he allowed him to be real and vulnerable with him. I absolutely loved when Argus let his jealous/possessive side show over the video Dallas sent him. There was some time jumping at the end that cut out things I would have liked to read about. Overall, I enjoyed reading about Dallas and Argus.
April 12, 2022
This was the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. Dallas and Argus meet when Dallas trips and ends up on Argus’ lap. The media thought that Argus proposed and the couple decided to run with the whole fake boyfriend idea. Fast paced and great chemistry between the MCs. Loved it and looking forward to reading Lev’s book.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
April 14, 2022
This is an adorable fake fiance romance between Argus and Dallas. These two had never met before they were "betrothed", but this could be the opportunity they both need to benefit their respective careers. The chemistry between these characters was scorching from their first encounter and proving their "relationship" is real just turns up the heat more! This was a sweet, sexy story that will make your heart melt.
April 15, 2022
I really enjoy the whole fake boyfriend trope, which is why in requested an ARC of this one. Argus and Dallas were a good match. Argus especially had hidden depths. I really liked the premise, however, at times the story didn't flow particularly well, and especially in the last part of the book the writing was a little 'clunky,' and just needed some tweaking. I did like the idea though, and if you enjoy this particular trope you'll likely enjoy this one. Nice ending. 3.5 stars.
April 17, 2022
Concocted is a slow burning gay romance from fake to lovers.
By accident Dallas falls on the lap of Argus and by some strange things happening it looks like a proposal. Für the video goes viral both decide to fake a relationship as it could be good for their careers.
Follow the two guys in their fake relation ship finding each other and love. The book is written well with a lot of romance. I had a lot of fun to read it.
I had the luck to get an ARC to read.
By accident Dallas falls on the lap of Argus and by some strange things happening it looks like a proposal. Für the video goes viral both decide to fake a relationship as it could be good for their careers.
Follow the two guys in their fake relation ship finding each other and love. The book is written well with a lot of romance. I had a lot of fun to read it.
I had the luck to get an ARC to read.
April 18, 2022
I love fake relationships that turn real. Concocted gives us Argus and Dallas, total opposites in every way. One is grumpy and the other pure sunshine.
Together they have chemistry to spare.
I really liked how they balanced each other out. The banter between them is adorable.
They are surrounded by a large cast of supportive friends and family members who add a lot of fun to the mix.
I loved watching these guys get their well deserved HEA.
Together they have chemistry to spare.
I really liked how they balanced each other out. The banter between them is adorable.
They are surrounded by a large cast of supportive friends and family members who add a lot of fun to the mix.
I loved watching these guys get their well deserved HEA.
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