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Lovefest #1
Love Charade
Holly Taylor didn’t expect to return to Glasgow. And she certainly didn’t expect her parents to enter her into a dating competition on her first day home.
Jen Berkley is happily single. Having vowed to never date again after her horror ex broke her heart, no one is more surprised when her best friend convinces her to take part in a dating contest.
Jen wants to win the money. Holly wants to regain the trust of her parents. Will they get what their hearts desire or will the charade fool no one?
Set in Glasgow and full of Scottish charm as well as lashings of delicious desire, smouldering sexual tension and even a few laughs, buy Love Charade today and find out if some things just can't be faked…
Jen Berkley is happily single. Having vowed to never date again after her horror ex broke her heart, no one is more surprised when her best friend convinces her to take part in a dating contest.
Jen wants to win the money. Holly wants to regain the trust of her parents. Will they get what their hearts desire or will the charade fool no one?
Set in Glasgow and full of Scottish charm as well as lashings of delicious desire, smouldering sexual tension and even a few laughs, buy Love Charade today and find out if some things just can't be faked…
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2022
191 people are currently reading
1460 people want to read
About the author
Allie McDermid
6 books69 followersAllie McDermid is a sapphic romance author. Her debut novel, Love Charade, has been published in August 2022. Born and raised in Perth, Allie now lives in Glasgow with her ever-growing gang of cats. She is partial to a good scone.
(source: Amazon.com)
(source: Amazon.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 15, 2022
I got this on a whim from kindle unlimited and damn I'm glad I did! I breezed through this in a day. It's really easy to read, and Holly and Jen are great protagonists.
Set in Glasgow during a month long summer festival type thing (I haven't explained that well) we follow Holly and Jen as they agree to fake date for a competition to win 5k. Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes!
The only thing that annoyed me is less about this book in particular and more about romance novels in general; I hate, HATE the 3rd act break up/angst. I know it's about creating conflict but I just don't like it.
Anyway, great book! I understand it's the start of a series, so guess what I've just added to my TBR!
Set in Glasgow during a month long summer festival type thing (I haven't explained that well) we follow Holly and Jen as they agree to fake date for a competition to win 5k. Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes!
The only thing that annoyed me is less about this book in particular and more about romance novels in general; I hate, HATE the 3rd act break up/angst. I know it's about creating conflict but I just don't like it.
Anyway, great book! I understand it's the start of a series, so guess what I've just added to my TBR!
July 18, 2022
Set in the Glasgow area, this romance features Holly and Jen and is a nice introduction to the Lovefest Series.
Jen's passion is mixology but her business of custom mixing cocktails in bulk and prepackaging (along with accessories such as glasses) isn't doing well. Barely breaking even she needs new customers to stay afloat and buy new equipment. Holly trying to recuperate from a bad breakup returns to Shawlands and a town she doesn't recognize. She left for London years before eager to escape from what she considered a dying area. Now hip and bustling, the town is home to her parent's deli business. A thrown bucket of waste water is how the two women meet with Holly getting the wetting.
To become a bigger hub for summer visitors, the Shawlands Business Initiative Group has organized a month long festival "Lovefest" which includes a matchmaking contest. Jen's best pal Chloe encourages her to enter after she is approached by the organizer and unknown to Holly, her parents enter her to gain more publicity for their deli. With good prize money at stake, Holly and Jen eventually make a deal to try to win by acting as a "real" couple.....Jen could really do with a cash infusion for her business and Holly scores more notice for her parent's deli.
With camera trailing and different aspects to the contest, it's hard to be spontaneous. Will the faux romance blossom into something serious? Even the best laid plans can be upended. Roller coaster emotions add to the mix - short time frame for love aside! Parental meddling, humor, heat and romance fill a smooth storyline along with nifty supporting characters. A HEA is elusive unless past hurts are dealt with - trust is paramount.
Fine debut Ms. McDermid. I look forward to more in the series.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is an unbiased review.
Jen's passion is mixology but her business of custom mixing cocktails in bulk and prepackaging (along with accessories such as glasses) isn't doing well. Barely breaking even she needs new customers to stay afloat and buy new equipment. Holly trying to recuperate from a bad breakup returns to Shawlands and a town she doesn't recognize. She left for London years before eager to escape from what she considered a dying area. Now hip and bustling, the town is home to her parent's deli business. A thrown bucket of waste water is how the two women meet with Holly getting the wetting.
To become a bigger hub for summer visitors, the Shawlands Business Initiative Group has organized a month long festival "Lovefest" which includes a matchmaking contest. Jen's best pal Chloe encourages her to enter after she is approached by the organizer and unknown to Holly, her parents enter her to gain more publicity for their deli. With good prize money at stake, Holly and Jen eventually make a deal to try to win by acting as a "real" couple.....Jen could really do with a cash infusion for her business and Holly scores more notice for her parent's deli.
With camera trailing and different aspects to the contest, it's hard to be spontaneous. Will the faux romance blossom into something serious? Even the best laid plans can be upended. Roller coaster emotions add to the mix - short time frame for love aside! Parental meddling, humor, heat and romance fill a smooth storyline along with nifty supporting characters. A HEA is elusive unless past hurts are dealt with - trust is paramount.
Fine debut Ms. McDermid. I look forward to more in the series.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is an unbiased review.
September 3, 2022
3.6 ⭐️ HELL YES, UK SAPPHIC REP!! A damn cute and steamy lesbian romance set in Glasgow.
I really enjoyed this, the concept was something I really latched onto as soon as I heard it. I’m a sucker for a good fake dating trope and this one was a really solid debut.
Firstly I believe this was the authors debut novel which shocked me slightly because normally I begrudge the pacing in debuts, it’s always off on some way or another. This was seriously well paced the whole way through with twists and turns that keep you entertained the whole way.
Plus the spice was pretty hot like… no spoilers but I am gay as shit. It’s confirmed.
The setting is awesome, I’m weak for a good Scottish setting in a novel and the characters are all so vividly portrayed. I have seen a couple folk say they didn’t feel each voice was distinct but personally I thought they were easily separated and of very different character it’s very grumpy sunshine reminiscent which I am WEAK af for.
My only issue was with the dramatisation. I felt that some of the storyline with her ex was slightly over the top and had me groaning when the mc didn’t set boundaries, I found myself yelling at her ‘NO DEAR GOD WHYY’ at multiple points. I definitely felt this could have been worked in slightly more subtle at times.
Rep lesbian mcs, central romance is wlw.
In other words yes, I have already downloaded the next in the series and will be recommending this immediately. 📚
I received a free copy, honest review and opinions are my own.
TW’s listed below skip if you don’t want spoilers.
Tw//cw// sexual content (descriptive), debt, alcohol (prominent), cheating (past ref), minor injury (brief, no gore.)
I really enjoyed this, the concept was something I really latched onto as soon as I heard it. I’m a sucker for a good fake dating trope and this one was a really solid debut.
Firstly I believe this was the authors debut novel which shocked me slightly because normally I begrudge the pacing in debuts, it’s always off on some way or another. This was seriously well paced the whole way through with twists and turns that keep you entertained the whole way.
Plus the spice was pretty hot like… no spoilers but I am gay as shit. It’s confirmed.
The setting is awesome, I’m weak for a good Scottish setting in a novel and the characters are all so vividly portrayed. I have seen a couple folk say they didn’t feel each voice was distinct but personally I thought they were easily separated and of very different character it’s very grumpy sunshine reminiscent which I am WEAK af for.
My only issue was with the dramatisation. I felt that some of the storyline with her ex was slightly over the top and had me groaning when the mc didn’t set boundaries, I found myself yelling at her ‘NO DEAR GOD WHYY’ at multiple points. I definitely felt this could have been worked in slightly more subtle at times.
Rep lesbian mcs, central romance is wlw.
In other words yes, I have already downloaded the next in the series and will be recommending this immediately. 📚
I received a free copy, honest review and opinions are my own.
TW’s listed below skip if you don’t want spoilers.
Tw//cw// sexual content (descriptive), debt, alcohol (prominent), cheating (past ref), minor injury (brief, no gore.)
July 18, 2022
Love Charade
Author Allie McDermid
MC Jen Berkley& Holly Taylor
This story is unique. You get to see a fake relationship / Blind date happen. Both characters are likable. They both go into the situation seeking different things, and coming out of it not realizing what they really needed. To be in a space where you have to deny, or try to deny your feelings because you don’t want to face reality of how you ever feeling. Both characters are struggling from past relationships, Will they be able to admit how they feel and move forward? Or is this just what they can get out of the situation? One is seeking approval and money, the other is trying to appease friends. But what if they end up with something they never thought they would have, Love ?
I highly recommend this book 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ my first book by the author definitely not my last! Thank you to the author for the arc .
Author Allie McDermid
MC Jen Berkley& Holly Taylor
This story is unique. You get to see a fake relationship / Blind date happen. Both characters are likable. They both go into the situation seeking different things, and coming out of it not realizing what they really needed. To be in a space where you have to deny, or try to deny your feelings because you don’t want to face reality of how you ever feeling. Both characters are struggling from past relationships, Will they be able to admit how they feel and move forward? Or is this just what they can get out of the situation? One is seeking approval and money, the other is trying to appease friends. But what if they end up with something they never thought they would have, Love ?
I highly recommend this book 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ my first book by the author definitely not my last! Thank you to the author for the arc .
July 21, 2022
This was a great debut and I'm already looking forward to the upcoming releases from this author. I really enjoyed this one, Holly and Jen had great chemistry and were a lot of fun. Hoping we see glimpses of them in the next books in the series.
June 8, 2024
Good story about Glasgow and a dating competition. Enough angst to keep me on my toes. Enjoyed and have brought Book 2 on the back of this. Recommended. PS: Love the cover.
October 10, 2022
The fire hadn’t quite started, but there was something hanging between them, like they were both fighting to keep it under wraps. Jen certainly was. If she let go, there would be no stopping the blaze.
This was pretty okay. It started out with a lot of potential, and I was really enjoying the flow, the banter, the really closed off small town vibes and the low stakes, but in the end it didn't really wow me as much as I was hoping it to. The plot revolves around Holly, who's just come home to Scotland after having her heart broken in London, and Jen, who is still getting over a bad breakup that happened three years ago. They get teamed up for a dating competition happening in their town, and of course, the fake dating turns into real dating. The beginning was really cute. I loved their banter (especially the quack thing) and how their animosity and awkwardness really felt organic when it turned to attraction and chemistry. The mutual pining was delicious. That's the kind of misunderstanding that I actually really enjoy; it creates great tension and light angst.
The last third of this, unfortunately, I didn't enjoy as much. Not to spoil anything, but the third act conflict revolves largely around ex-girlfriend drama, which is my absolute least favourite type of conflict. It was kinda overwrought and dramatic, coupled with the kind of boring, annoying misunderstandings that I really don't like. The jealous ex storyline never appeals to me, and while I understood the reasons for one of the character's reluctance, it was drawn out way too long. The writing all in all was fine, but there were some issues with pacing and flow, in my opinion.
I might try this author again, because I do like the premise for this series. But this just wasn't my favourite thing.
August 24, 2022
Holly comes home after losing everything. Jen had her heart broken 3 years ago and is not looking to fall for anyone. A town event called Lovefest brings them together and the fun begins. I found this book to be funny and romantic with a bit of angst. Great story and I look forward to reading the next book.
August 11, 2022
'The dirt coated Holly's tongue and she fought the urge to spit. The woman was the colour of a tomato and looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her up, but her embarrassment didn't help a dripping Holly regain composure. 'What the hell was that?' 'Water from my bucket,' the woman replied, pointing to the offending object by her door. 'I'd just mopped the floor.'
I was happy that the main characters first meet wasn't some cheesy cliché of her falling over, the other person catching and then they stare into each others eyes. Nope, it was a dirty mop bucket. This did make me giggle and I knew that there would be comical elements in the book. Which Allie McDermid did supply and I very much laughed a lot.
It was a nice romance to read. I enjoyed the main characters as well as the side characters, apart from Alison (Alison is a b ---- Witch). Two of the side characters are Holly's parents who just seem like such a lovely supporting couple.
I marked this four stars because I didn't enjoy some parts at the end. I felt like this mature broken woman (Holly) went a little immature. I understand it hard when someone has spoiled who you are and things need time to heal , I just think she was a little over the top, but that is just my personal opinion.
This book didn't need an Alison, it didn't need a fall out. McDermid could of easily dragged out the slow burn , chemistry , misunderstanding and just keep the book happy all the way through.
Please read the book, you will get a giggle, get filled with all the feels and ultimately , I assume, like most readers, really dislike Alison.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Allie McDermid.
I was happy that the main characters first meet wasn't some cheesy cliché of her falling over, the other person catching and then they stare into each others eyes. Nope, it was a dirty mop bucket. This did make me giggle and I knew that there would be comical elements in the book. Which Allie McDermid did supply and I very much laughed a lot.
It was a nice romance to read. I enjoyed the main characters as well as the side characters, apart from Alison (Alison is a b ---- Witch). Two of the side characters are Holly's parents who just seem like such a lovely supporting couple.
I marked this four stars because I didn't enjoy some parts at the end. I felt like this mature broken woman (Holly) went a little immature. I understand it hard when someone has spoiled who you are and things need time to heal , I just think she was a little over the top, but that is just my personal opinion.
This book didn't need an Alison, it didn't need a fall out. McDermid could of easily dragged out the slow burn , chemistry , misunderstanding and just keep the book happy all the way through.
Please read the book, you will get a giggle, get filled with all the feels and ultimately , I assume, like most readers, really dislike Alison.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Allie McDermid.
July 16, 2022
This was set in an area I know well, so that had novelty factor. Novelty factor also came from the fact that this fake date trope wasn’t for a huge amount of money and the “couple” interacted really awkwardly together at first. Not just not knowing much about each other but physically awkward. It felt authentic.
The whole, inevitable, they both fancy each other but neither realises, is done well. Not in a new way but I somehow managed to feel the excruciating fear of overplaying their hand, both of them. I dont know quite why but this all feels really real. I usually find fake date enjoyable but a degree of belief suspension is required, not so with this, partly because it is more blind date than fake date really.
I enjoyed some of the turns of phrases that gave a flavour of the city, without being some of the more colourful often heard, which in fairness are not likely to be used by the residents of Shawlands! Some great literal laugh out loud lines, and I agree about the tea making!
70% in, all is going well, but it’s only 70% and I was worried for the mains cos I couldn’t see where the threat was from. When it came it wasn’t from left field but I didn’t quite get how it was introduced (Trying not to do a spoiler). It is no spoiler to say the reverberations from the odd conversation are done really well. Oh boy! 75% in and things are coming to a head, I read quickly, with a tense set of my jaw. I was pretty sure all would end well but….. that didn’t seem to lessen the tension any!
The whole, inevitable, they both fancy each other but neither realises, is done well. Not in a new way but I somehow managed to feel the excruciating fear of overplaying their hand, both of them. I dont know quite why but this all feels really real. I usually find fake date enjoyable but a degree of belief suspension is required, not so with this, partly because it is more blind date than fake date really.
I enjoyed some of the turns of phrases that gave a flavour of the city, without being some of the more colourful often heard, which in fairness are not likely to be used by the residents of Shawlands! Some great literal laugh out loud lines, and I agree about the tea making!
70% in, all is going well, but it’s only 70% and I was worried for the mains cos I couldn’t see where the threat was from. When it came it wasn’t from left field but I didn’t quite get how it was introduced (Trying not to do a spoiler). It is no spoiler to say the reverberations from the odd conversation are done really well. Oh boy! 75% in and things are coming to a head, I read quickly, with a tense set of my jaw. I was pretty sure all would end well but….. that didn’t seem to lessen the tension any!
December 14, 2023
It was okay, I liked it but the story felt a bit general and not surprising. The tension between the characters was good. Just an okay and sufficient read but not on my top list.
September 26, 2022
An easy, breezy, steamy love story over the course of a 4-week Lovefest competition in a small town. It takes place in Scotland and one of my favorite things was all the fun slang Allie McDermid incorporated. I didn’t know what half of it meant but I wanted to. The book really made me want to visit Glasgow. The only thing I didn’t love was how they handle their hang ups with their exes, but I get it, there has to be some drama. I liked the characters and their chemistry was sizzling.
Great quote: “there was little better than a glass of wine and her own company.”
Short summary: Holly’s landed back on her parents’ doorstep after failing at everything in London, at least that’s the way she sees it, and the last thing she’s going to do is fall in love again. So when she ends up participating in a dating competition her first week home, embarking on a fake relationship seems the best, safest course of action in order to garner publicity for her family’s deli. That’s just fine with Jen who needs the money and has exactly zero interest in being in a relationship. Can they keep up the charade or are those real feelings bubbling beneath the games?
Great quote: “there was little better than a glass of wine and her own company.”
Short summary: Holly’s landed back on her parents’ doorstep after failing at everything in London, at least that’s the way she sees it, and the last thing she’s going to do is fall in love again. So when she ends up participating in a dating competition her first week home, embarking on a fake relationship seems the best, safest course of action in order to garner publicity for her family’s deli. That’s just fine with Jen who needs the money and has exactly zero interest in being in a relationship. Can they keep up the charade or are those real feelings bubbling beneath the games?
July 25, 2022
Love Charade by Alie McDermid is an adorable fake relationship romance set in Glasgow, Scotland. Both Holly and Jen are lovely women with giant but guarded hearts. They’ve both been unlucky in love with Holly still nursing a recently broken heart and Jen swearing off romance three years prior after her ex left her for the lights of London. Allie McDermid did a great job describing the awkwardness between Jen and Holly through the first couple of dates as the fake relationship trope rolled full steam ahead. I smiled quite a bit as their feelings progressed and their chemistry started tapping each woman on the shoulder.
I also loved the fun, witty dialogue between Jen and Holly. Holly was able to give as good as she got and never got flustered by Jen’s snark! This is a sweet little romance with likable main characters and delightful supporting characters. It’s high on the smiles and low on the drama and angst.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I also loved the fun, witty dialogue between Jen and Holly. Holly was able to give as good as she got and never got flustered by Jen’s snark! This is a sweet little romance with likable main characters and delightful supporting characters. It’s high on the smiles and low on the drama and angst.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2024
❤️❤️
I was not expecting this book to be as good as it was. I’m normally not a huge fan of fake dating or dating competitions but obviously I don’t know what I like 😂 This book was a page turner for me.
Jen and Holly both agree to enter a dating competition for the grand prize of 5k. Problem is they have no chemistry at first since the way they met wasn’t great. I enjoyed the development of the characters throughout the story and their backgrounds. The dating competition part of the book was well written. I definitely recommend for a fun sweet read with some angst and spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was not expecting this book to be as good as it was. I’m normally not a huge fan of fake dating or dating competitions but obviously I don’t know what I like 😂 This book was a page turner for me.
Jen and Holly both agree to enter a dating competition for the grand prize of 5k. Problem is they have no chemistry at first since the way they met wasn’t great. I enjoyed the development of the characters throughout the story and their backgrounds. The dating competition part of the book was well written. I definitely recommend for a fun sweet read with some angst and spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 25, 2024
A wonderful gem I found on my TBR shelves! This is a beautiful faux romance love story. Neither Holly or Jen are looking for romance, but a dating competition is overing a 5,000 pound winning pot. Neither woman thought they'd find love.
I really love this book! It's cute, with heat, and a little angst. 5 stars!
I really love this book! It's cute, with heat, and a little angst. 5 stars!
January 31, 2023
It was fun
August 19, 2022
trigger warnings: infidelity, emotional abuse, sexual content, alcohol, physical injury
Well I did NOT expect to enjoy this book so much??? It was so fun. The fake dating was immaculate, the sexual tension was off the charts, the long drawn out will they won't they was delicious. And the smut?????? HOHOHHOHOOOOOOO the cherry on top.
Holly and Jen were such fun characters. I loved their meet-disaster and the following banter. I loved how they grew to like each other over time instead of instantaneously and I really enjoyed how the anxiety of does she like me was drawn out the perfect amount. Useless lesbians is so accurate here it's not even funny.
I even enjoyed reading about Holly's parents and about Jen's best friend. The greater cast of characters added just the right amount of influence to round out the two leads and hook me into the community as well.
Well I did NOT expect to enjoy this book so much??? It was so fun. The fake dating was immaculate, the sexual tension was off the charts, the long drawn out will they won't they was delicious. And the smut?????? HOHOHHOHOOOOOOO the cherry on top.
Holly and Jen were such fun characters. I loved their meet-disaster and the following banter. I loved how they grew to like each other over time instead of instantaneously and I really enjoyed how the anxiety of does she like me was drawn out the perfect amount. Useless lesbians is so accurate here it's not even funny.
I even enjoyed reading about Holly's parents and about Jen's best friend. The greater cast of characters added just the right amount of influence to round out the two leads and hook me into the community as well.
August 7, 2022
Solid characters, good comedic moments, and an excellent soundtrack (I've got some new artists on my playlist thanks to the specificity of the music discussed in this book). I love the idea of a festival highlighting romance for a month. The potential for romcoms is endless!
July 16, 2023
3.5 rounded down
This was a cute sapphic fake dating novel with a Scottish setting that made me want to visit Glasgow. It was an easy read for me and the chemistry between Jen and Holly was great. Here we had two women who’d been hurt in the past before and while Jen has been single for three years, Holly is just months off a breakup when she returns to Glasgow. I liked Holly’s character more than Jen’s and thought she was more consistent and the choices Jen made did frustrate me sometimes. I enjoyed the side characters of Holly’s parents and Jen’s friend Chloe. There were just enough steamy scenes in this book and though there was some of the miscommunication/third act breakup trope (which also frustrated me), I was mostly satisfied with how the main characters found their way back to each other and the happily ever after. Will definitely be interested in Allie McDermid’s other Lovefest series books!
This was a cute sapphic fake dating novel with a Scottish setting that made me want to visit Glasgow. It was an easy read for me and the chemistry between Jen and Holly was great. Here we had two women who’d been hurt in the past before and while Jen has been single for three years, Holly is just months off a breakup when she returns to Glasgow. I liked Holly’s character more than Jen’s and thought she was more consistent and the choices Jen made did frustrate me sometimes. I enjoyed the side characters of Holly’s parents and Jen’s friend Chloe. There were just enough steamy scenes in this book and though there was some of the miscommunication/third act breakup trope (which also frustrated me), I was mostly satisfied with how the main characters found their way back to each other and the happily ever after. Will definitely be interested in Allie McDermid’s other Lovefest series books!
January 7, 2023
3.5⭐️
Super cute romance! Really well developed characters, I enjoyed the Glasgow setting & small business vibes! Would definitely read more from this author!
Super cute romance! Really well developed characters, I enjoyed the Glasgow setting & small business vibes! Would definitely read more from this author!
January 12, 2023
excelente decisión ponerle epílogo
November 11, 2022
Well, wasn't this just the cutest read?
September 11, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. A cute fauxmance debut novel.
July 15, 2023
While I may occasionally enjoy a good romance, this wasn't it. 2 stars for originality, but that's about it.
December 11, 2024
an absolute delight
loved the book!
THEIR BANTER was my favorite thing ever, this is exactly what I want when I am looking for banter 😭
also, I am in love with Jen, is Holly ready to throw hands?
having said that, they were absolutely the cutest together, I wish I could read about them just existing and working and thriving
also, chloe is THE best friend!
also why did I go into it thinking it was a novella? it wasn’t, and I am glad for it.
I had the best time reading it after a long time in a slump, which automatically makes it more special.
loved the book!
THEIR BANTER was my favorite thing ever, this is exactly what I want when I am looking for banter 😭
also, I am in love with Jen, is Holly ready to throw hands?
having said that, they were absolutely the cutest together, I wish I could read about them just existing and working and thriving
also, chloe is THE best friend!
also why did I go into it thinking it was a novella? it wasn’t, and I am glad for it.
I had the best time reading it after a long time in a slump, which automatically makes it more special.
February 1, 2023
Fake Dating and Miscommunicating
It’s not really this book’s fault that I didn’t like it; those who are really into the genre and tropes (fake dating, miscommunication, horrible exes) probably would have given it 3.5-4 stars. I’m just trying to find the cute romance and tropes for me, and I’m sorry this book had to be a casualty. However, beyond the tropes there were still quite a few things that bothered me, which I’ll share here.
I had a really hard time telling the two characters apart. They have similar voices, work similar jobs (and are often helping each other out), both have exes they’re struggling to get over, etc. We don’t get much focus at all on Holly’s passions or interests outside of the relationship, which also doesn’t help the struggle to differentiate.
The “I’ll never date again because my heart has been broken” thing is tiresome. All adults getting into relationships come with some kind of baggage, and it’s silly to expect them to be perfect and have a fresh start when that’s not something you yourself can offer. This made the characters seem immature, but it was also never really handled except by someone going mopey and radio silent. In the end all their conflict was internal; there was nothing stopping them from getting together except their own refusal to communicate properly.
Really all they did seem to offer each other in the relationship was purported kindness and honesty, except they were constantly keeping things from each other or hiding their feelings. They claim to trust each other but they definitely do not. The pining felt repetitive with the dual perspective since they were basically thinking and feeling the same things. The chemistry was okay-ish but the spicy scenes left me pretty lukewarm; I felt it more during the kisses. This is a romance novel, so it’s no surprise that we got a one year later epilogue with proposals, but it just felt like part of a script.
As for what I did like, the small business struggles were interesting, I liked the parents and friends who tried to get them sorted out, and the contest aspect was nice; I would have liked more focus on that and specifics on how they were trying to win and what the social media response to each couple was. I also liked that it stretched on for at least a month and not just for a few days. I think this book could have been great if it focused less on having tropes to pander to.
It’s not really this book’s fault that I didn’t like it; those who are really into the genre and tropes (fake dating, miscommunication, horrible exes) probably would have given it 3.5-4 stars. I’m just trying to find the cute romance and tropes for me, and I’m sorry this book had to be a casualty. However, beyond the tropes there were still quite a few things that bothered me, which I’ll share here.
I had a really hard time telling the two characters apart. They have similar voices, work similar jobs (and are often helping each other out), both have exes they’re struggling to get over, etc. We don’t get much focus at all on Holly’s passions or interests outside of the relationship, which also doesn’t help the struggle to differentiate.
The “I’ll never date again because my heart has been broken” thing is tiresome. All adults getting into relationships come with some kind of baggage, and it’s silly to expect them to be perfect and have a fresh start when that’s not something you yourself can offer. This made the characters seem immature, but it was also never really handled except by someone going mopey and radio silent. In the end all their conflict was internal; there was nothing stopping them from getting together except their own refusal to communicate properly.
Really all they did seem to offer each other in the relationship was purported kindness and honesty, except they were constantly keeping things from each other or hiding their feelings. They claim to trust each other but they definitely do not. The pining felt repetitive with the dual perspective since they were basically thinking and feeling the same things. The chemistry was okay-ish but the spicy scenes left me pretty lukewarm; I felt it more during the kisses. This is a romance novel, so it’s no surprise that we got a one year later epilogue with proposals, but it just felt like part of a script.
As for what I did like, the small business struggles were interesting, I liked the parents and friends who tried to get them sorted out, and the contest aspect was nice; I would have liked more focus on that and specifics on how they were trying to win and what the social media response to each couple was. I also liked that it stretched on for at least a month and not just for a few days. I think this book could have been great if it focused less on having tropes to pander to.
November 17, 2024
After they got together I was STRESSING for them it felt like something was gonna go wrong at any second but other than that it was good
September 18, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
👩🏻🤝👩🏼🦆🍸🍕🏴��
These two are completely loveable dorks.
This book had two of my favourite tropes. Sort of enemies (with their awkward first two encounters) to lovers and fake-dating.
Holly and Jen are forced to participate in a Love competition in their hometown of Shawlands, Glasgow. Because of the fact that they both could use the 5k cash prize, they agreed to participate, agreeing to fake date each other, despite both their hearts being broken by ex-partners. Their rules for each other were simple - no feelings, no real relationship, no sex.
Of course, when you're forced to act like a couple and spend a lot of time together, things change, and feelings grow.
I found myself screaming at these loveable dorks a few times. Silly miscommunications missed opportunities, and all that.
Overall this book was funny, heart-warming, a little flustering (🥵) and a little heart-breaking at times (curse you, Alison).
Thank you Allie McDermid for this book. I can't wait to read the next 2 books in the Lovefest series.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
👩🏻🤝👩🏼🦆🍸🍕🏴��
These two are completely loveable dorks.
This book had two of my favourite tropes. Sort of enemies (with their awkward first two encounters) to lovers and fake-dating.
Holly and Jen are forced to participate in a Love competition in their hometown of Shawlands, Glasgow. Because of the fact that they both could use the 5k cash prize, they agreed to participate, agreeing to fake date each other, despite both their hearts being broken by ex-partners. Their rules for each other were simple - no feelings, no real relationship, no sex.
Of course, when you're forced to act like a couple and spend a lot of time together, things change, and feelings grow.
I found myself screaming at these loveable dorks a few times. Silly miscommunications missed opportunities, and all that.
Overall this book was funny, heart-warming, a little flustering (🥵) and a little heart-breaking at times (curse you, Alison).
Thank you Allie McDermid for this book. I can't wait to read the next 2 books in the Lovefest series.
February 20, 2023
A Delightful Love Story
Can two people, each hurt by toxic ex’s, pull down their own walls enough to admit they want to be together?
That’s the question when two acquaintances become friends and then become lovers after deciding to try to win a dating contest with what starts as a fake romance. Add in an eagerness to let past wounds color misunderstandings and you have the makings of trouble at every turn. Jen and Holly held my attention throughout the entire book. Hopefully they’ll hold yours too.
Can two people, each hurt by toxic ex’s, pull down their own walls enough to admit they want to be together?
That’s the question when two acquaintances become friends and then become lovers after deciding to try to win a dating contest with what starts as a fake romance. Add in an eagerness to let past wounds color misunderstandings and you have the makings of trouble at every turn. Jen and Holly held my attention throughout the entire book. Hopefully they’ll hold yours too.
August 8, 2023
Sweet Beginnings
Two damaged hearts brought together in a small, energetic town by an event called Lovefest,
This is a delightful little story which approaches the question, “can two women who have experienced romantic heartbreak, fall fast and hard for each other?”
Or, is it too soon to weather the tidal emotions stirred by the sudden arrival of a villain from the past.
A nice beginning to what obviously will become a series about small Scottish sapphic and the characters who encourage it.
Two damaged hearts brought together in a small, energetic town by an event called Lovefest,
This is a delightful little story which approaches the question, “can two women who have experienced romantic heartbreak, fall fast and hard for each other?”
Or, is it too soon to weather the tidal emotions stirred by the sudden arrival of a villain from the past.
A nice beginning to what obviously will become a series about small Scottish sapphic and the characters who encourage it.
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