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The Lords of Manhattan #3
Making It While Faking It
From Z.L. Arkadie/Zoey Locke comes a brand new contemporary billionaire romance about two people who are total opposites accepting a marriage pact to get themselves out of desperate situations. Making It While Faking It , a passionate standalone and swoony page-turner, is book two of The Lords of Manhattan series.
A new pair of singles from the Lord and Grove families are engaged.
They should be able to keep it strictly business since she’s the life of the party and he doesn’t like people--right? They’re the sort of the opposites that will never attract.
Plus, they don't actually have to live together.
For five years their marriage will be on paper only. However, they can't screw this up. If the world finds out they're faking, then it will all be for naught.
Everything goes as planned until two exes ruin everything.
Now, these total opposites find themselves asking yet again...
They should not be feeling butterflies or any kind of yearning feelings for each other, right?
In theory, two people like them should never be attracted to each other, right?
Wrong.
A new pair of singles from the Lord and Grove families are engaged.
They should be able to keep it strictly business since she’s the life of the party and he doesn’t like people--right? They’re the sort of the opposites that will never attract.
Plus, they don't actually have to live together.
For five years their marriage will be on paper only. However, they can't screw this up. If the world finds out they're faking, then it will all be for naught.
Everything goes as planned until two exes ruin everything.
Now, these total opposites find themselves asking yet again...
They should not be feeling butterflies or any kind of yearning feelings for each other, right?
In theory, two people like them should never be attracted to each other, right?
Wrong.
382 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2022
254 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 4, 2022
This was an easy and quick read, it took me a couple of chapters to get into fully as i was trying to work Treasure Grove (our main female lead) out. The storyline is intriguing and keeps you reading and the chemistry between Treasure (TG) and Achilles Lord is so hot and steamy. Achilles is Alpha, private, strong, kind, caring and dominant. Well worth a read to see how this turns out.
Treasure and Achilles are both playing at this relationship for the money and security it will provide, but when the chemistry becomes to much, can they keep themselves separate.
This is the second in a series but I read as a standalone and it still made sense, but feel the storyline may have been richer as I would be more invested in the other characters storylines. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Treasure and Achilles are both playing at this relationship for the money and security it will provide, but when the chemistry becomes to much, can they keep themselves separate.
This is the second in a series but I read as a standalone and it still made sense, but feel the storyline may have been richer as I would be more invested in the other characters storylines. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2022
This author is quickly turning into a “one click” for me!
Not sure how she does it, but her broody, grumpy male hero thing really works for me.
I liked the way she introduced Achilles Lord with no apologies as to who he was to his family and to Treasure Grove.
The storyline had depth and was full of family love, loyalty, and betrayal.
Treasure’s history with Orion Lord was also an added plus that created a tension and mild hatred for his twisted personality. In spite of this, Achilles easily accepted the fact that he was his brother and he loved him. Disliking Orion has not kept me from wanting to know more about his storyline.
As for Achilles, he came off as a cool, controlled, borderline OCD-ish alpha male, and I loved the way his control vanished when it came to Treasure. Strong, smart, and still willing to be vulnerable to her family’s Machiavellian machinations, Treasure was also a heroine I could rally for.
What I really liked was the connection between the main couple and the talent the author exhibited by creating a truly romantic atmosphere. Lots of steamy scenes that created a sweet building connection between this not so fake couple.
I continue to be impressed at the way this author creates a romance that is definitely a step up from the typical storylines out there.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not sure how she does it, but her broody, grumpy male hero thing really works for me.
I liked the way she introduced Achilles Lord with no apologies as to who he was to his family and to Treasure Grove.
The storyline had depth and was full of family love, loyalty, and betrayal.
Treasure’s history with Orion Lord was also an added plus that created a tension and mild hatred for his twisted personality. In spite of this, Achilles easily accepted the fact that he was his brother and he loved him. Disliking Orion has not kept me from wanting to know more about his storyline.
As for Achilles, he came off as a cool, controlled, borderline OCD-ish alpha male, and I loved the way his control vanished when it came to Treasure. Strong, smart, and still willing to be vulnerable to her family’s Machiavellian machinations, Treasure was also a heroine I could rally for.
What I really liked was the connection between the main couple and the talent the author exhibited by creating a truly romantic atmosphere. Lots of steamy scenes that created a sweet building connection between this not so fake couple.
I continue to be impressed at the way this author creates a romance that is definitely a step up from the typical storylines out there.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2023
so glad for my girl treasure 💞
April 4, 2022
So well worth a read, more so because right now the world is in such dire straights, we need the love and lighter mood, on each page we turn, to help us keep our sanity. Therefore this HEA is more than welcome.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2022
OMG what a fab book from beginning to end, couldn’t put it down. I’ve loved the story and the chemistry between the characters. More twists and turn with the two families and rivals. I can’t wait to read the next book
April 3, 2022
Treasure Grove,31, had been cut off by her rich family and now had a social media presence and owned a restaurant but needed money to help her restaurant stay afloat. After breaking up with her cheating fiancé her dad offered to restore her money if she would marry a Lord family son so that their family business could financially benefit. The Lord and Grove families were longtime competitors but Treasure agreed to a 5 year in-name-only marriage to Achilles Lord and received the money to reopen her restaurant. She realized she could withdraw from the deal if she could pay back the money and the deal between the 2 families would be void. Achilles was handsome but cold and she was intimidated by him. As they spend more time together will they become attracted to each other or will the contract keep them from finding happiness?
It took me a while reading this story to really understand the plot, but when I fully understood the storyline I loved the book. The book started with a somewhat confusing storyline that lacked continuity with a 28 day gap, but once that was finished the story flowed smoothly. I loved how Treasure and Achilles were both strong characters who took time to get to know one another. Their families played an important role in the story with some interesting twists.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It took me a while reading this story to really understand the plot, but when I fully understood the storyline I loved the book. The book started with a somewhat confusing storyline that lacked continuity with a 28 day gap, but once that was finished the story flowed smoothly. I loved how Treasure and Achilles were both strong characters who took time to get to know one another. Their families played an important role in the story with some interesting twists.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2022
Treasure Grove and Achilles Lord are expected to marry because of something-or-other going on with the business of their families. They live together and at first Treasure thinks Achilles glares at her disapprovingly but it turns out it might be desire. He takes care of her when she's sick and helps her with her business and despite the grumpy exterior, even has a sense of humor, occasionally. I liked the general writing style and the characters. I was entertained and finished the book in one sitting.
What I didn't care for: There were a lot of details about the whys and wherefores that were still fuzzy to me at the end of the book. I don't understand why they had to marry to begin with. There are deals, projects and other acronyms that come up repeatedly and I don't know what they're all about. At the end of the story there is a double-crossing involving something-or-other that is not clear to me, and a vote about I-have-no-idea-what-they-were-voting-about. The book is part of a series and it's possible the backstory might be clearer if I had read the other books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What I didn't care for: There were a lot of details about the whys and wherefores that were still fuzzy to me at the end of the book. I don't understand why they had to marry to begin with. There are deals, projects and other acronyms that come up repeatedly and I don't know what they're all about. At the end of the story there is a double-crossing involving something-or-other that is not clear to me, and a vote about I-have-no-idea-what-they-were-voting-about. The book is part of a series and it's possible the backstory might be clearer if I had read the other books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2022
Treasure and Achilles . . .
Treasure Grove came from a wealthy family, but her father cut her off from any funding. She put all she had into a restaurant, but it’s not doing well and she needs more funds to make things rights. Then her father shows up needing something from her. So he makes an offer that if she will marry one of the Lord brothers, he will give her a share of the family money. The timing is perfect, but the groom not so much. But she can avoid her fake husband, so it won’t be too bad.
Achilles Lord is a handsome billionaire. But he is grumpy, crabby, and cold. Achilles and Treasure are complete opposites. And her ex-fiance, Simon, is doing all he can to call them out on the fake relationship. Fortunately, the magazines think he’s just bitter and trying to make things bad for them. But as they have to be together and spend more time with each other, they are both surprised at the feelings that start to seem real. He becomes more protective and caring. Is there a chance that they may keep the marriage together for real? Or is this desire just temporary and maybe they are only fooling themselves?
Treasure Grove came from a wealthy family, but her father cut her off from any funding. She put all she had into a restaurant, but it’s not doing well and she needs more funds to make things rights. Then her father shows up needing something from her. So he makes an offer that if she will marry one of the Lord brothers, he will give her a share of the family money. The timing is perfect, but the groom not so much. But she can avoid her fake husband, so it won’t be too bad.
Achilles Lord is a handsome billionaire. But he is grumpy, crabby, and cold. Achilles and Treasure are complete opposites. And her ex-fiance, Simon, is doing all he can to call them out on the fake relationship. Fortunately, the magazines think he’s just bitter and trying to make things bad for them. But as they have to be together and spend more time with each other, they are both surprised at the feelings that start to seem real. He becomes more protective and caring. Is there a chance that they may keep the marriage together for real? Or is this desire just temporary and maybe they are only fooling themselves?
April 2, 2022
This is book two in The Lord's of Manhattan Series and it is Treasure and Achilles story. Treasure has been cut of From her inheritance by her father and things have got more difficult for her and then to top it all off she finds her fiance has been cheating on her and this starts a chain reaction and she wonders if it can get any worse only for her father to show up saying that if she gets married to one of the Lord brother's he will give her back the money but Treasure said that she would only marry Achilles and this is where everything changes but some of it not in a good way. There are twists and turns along with betrayal, family, secrets, drama, anger, hope and some difficult situations for Treasure and Achilles and even though there chemistry was so strong and intense how will it all end. The characters and storyline pulled you in and kept your attention and I couldn't put this book down and even though this is a new author to me I can't wait to read more's in this series as it was a real page turner and definitely worth reading.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
April 4, 2022
A SLOW BURN THAT IGNITES THE PAGES!
A bubbly cut off heiress and a grouchy billionaire agree to enter a marriage contract of 5 years to help their feuding families which leads to a slow burn romance!
Aspiring actress and reality tv star Treasure Grove catches her actor fiancé cheating but she does not confront him as she needs the money from the film to support her failing restaurant but her father pitches up with a better deal…..
Marry one of the Lord heirs for five years and she will receive her trust fund again. She agrees only to marry Achilles and not Orion as he hurt her in the past!
It was hate at first sight but the sparks flew when they accidentally touched…. and then Treasure brought sunshine into a grouches life!
A slow burn for them to get to know each other and then holy hotness they can’t keep their hands to themselves!
I really enjoyed these authors writing style and look forward to Orion’s story!
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2022
The second book in the Lords of Manhattan series. I also read the first one, but that was a while ago, so I had to refresh my memory. I then wondered which of the Lord Brothers Treasure would end up with. That becomes clear in this book. In an attractive writing style, dry humor, it is a story that you read quickly. It's a standalone story, but it does build on events from the first book.
Due to financial benefit for both families, Treasure and Achilles decide to get married. Because they are completely different types it takes some effort to present a believable engagement, but they’re faking it while they’re making it.
Treasure and Achilles are sweet together. While It was obvious it would happen, I found the turning point in their relationship a bit sudden in the story.
We still have the family feud between Treasure’ s and Achilles’ family and Orion Lord who just can’t seem to improve his behavior. Who knows in the next book?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Due to financial benefit for both families, Treasure and Achilles decide to get married. Because they are completely different types it takes some effort to present a believable engagement, but they’re faking it while they’re making it.
Treasure and Achilles are sweet together. While It was obvious it would happen, I found the turning point in their relationship a bit sudden in the story.
We still have the family feud between Treasure’ s and Achilles’ family and Orion Lord who just can’t seem to improve his behavior. Who knows in the next book?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2022
I have to tell you to me this story started slow, because I could not understand what was going on with the heroine, Treasure Grove, aka Treasure Chest. Then after her father Leo came and got her from Iceland where she was working on a movie, in which she had a bit part, it all started coming together. This to me was a romantic comedy, aka Rom-Com. I didn't think I would like Achilles, at first, but he turned out to be the most gorgeous, generous man of the Lord brothers. He was the oldest and was loyal to a fault, trying to make sure that his brothers and cousins were okay. I like that Z.L. Arkadie and Zoey Locke decided to get together and write this story and I am definitely ready to read the next story Crossing the line and I want to preorder Boss on Notice. This was a well written romantic comedy, you need these sometimes, because I read a lot of mafia series and dark romance stories. This was a story I would highly recommend. I just want to say I have become a fan of
Z.L. Arkadie and I happened upon this author through another author's recommendation.
Z.L. Arkadie and I happened upon this author through another author's recommendation.
April 5, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I was not sure that I liked Achillles by the way he was portrayed in the previous book of this series. I though of him as controlling and he was only worried about money. Boy was I wrong! Z.L. Arkadie has definitely redeemed him. I can relate to Treasure. She is strong and independent and will do what she needs to. The chemistry between Treasure and Achilles is off the charts. Of course, you are going to have the family feud still going strong but with a few unexpected twists. I was happy that Herc and Paisley and Lake and Mason are a big part of the book also. This is a must read, you will not be disappointed. I can’t wait for the book in the series!
April 1, 2022
I’m a sucker for a fake relationship romance! This story follows the sometimes odd, yet inevitably love between Achilles and Treasure. Their intertwined family and friends create many mini storylines throughout the book. I see why this is a series!!!
A note to the reader- the supporting characters are often called by their first names (instead of dad, mom, grandmother), so pay attention to who they are in relation to the MCs. It will make the story even more enjoyable! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A note to the reader- the supporting characters are often called by their first names (instead of dad, mom, grandmother), so pay attention to who they are in relation to the MCs. It will make the story even more enjoyable! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. This story was about Achilles Lord and how he was contracted to marry Treasure Groves and their relationship went from not liking each other to fooling around. I really liked the characters, the main characters and the side characters. I have not read Hercules' story yet but will definitely check out that book next. The book was steamy and told a wonderful story that I got caught up with from the very first chapter. Definitely a recommended read in my opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2022
Making It While Faking It
Book 2 of The Lords of Manhattan
by
Z.L. Arkadie
Cut off from all family money, Treasure sinks all her money into her restaurant that isn't making much money. Her father comes to her to marry a Lord brother and he will give her money. As she gets to know Achilles Lord, things change and she sees more than he shows everyone else. Her ex tries to stir up trouble but only moves them into more of relationship than before. Great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 2 of The Lords of Manhattan
by
Z.L. Arkadie
Cut off from all family money, Treasure sinks all her money into her restaurant that isn't making much money. Her father comes to her to marry a Lord brother and he will give her money. As she gets to know Achilles Lord, things change and she sees more than he shows everyone else. Her ex tries to stir up trouble but only moves them into more of relationship than before. Great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2022
I thought this was a well written book. She clearly was not happy with acting. He l9ve was her restaurant. Her father had good intentions for her to be better about money but the execution was bad. He only thought of how it would benefit him. He never counted on her being happy with him. Achilles caught her eye anyway so it made a big difference for her. They learned to love each other. That made it so much better for her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2022
It was Ok. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters. The Hero was rather cold, the heroine rather bland and I did not buy into their relationship. The ex boyfriend/actor/fiancee angle could have been made into more to give it passion. I enjoyed the family drama more than the romance aspect.
Solid time filler read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Solid time filler read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2022
Treasure Grove is trying to save her restaurant, just when she finds her fiancé cheating her father shows up making her offer. She agrees to a contract marriage to Achilles Lord over Orion Lord due to their past. Achilles and Treasure’s story was different leading up to them finally getting physical. The brother Orion Lord is up to something and quite the narcissist.
I received this ARC via Booksprout and my review is voluntary
I received this ARC via Booksprout and my review is voluntary
August 1, 2022
Great story!
Achilles is rich and handsome. He’s a workaholic. Treasure is a beauty. She had her trust taken away. She bought a restaurant and was an actress to make her own money. Her restaurant was failing. Her father said if she married Orian, Achilles brother she would get her trust back. She said she would marry Achilles instead, boy oh boy so much happened. It’s crazy. It’s a need to read story.
Achilles is rich and handsome. He’s a workaholic. Treasure is a beauty. She had her trust taken away. She bought a restaurant and was an actress to make her own money. Her restaurant was failing. Her father said if she married Orian, Achilles brother she would get her trust back. She said she would marry Achilles instead, boy oh boy so much happened. It’s crazy. It’s a need to read story.
April 3, 2022
Really enjoyable read. You fall in love with Treasure and Achilles and their not so conventional romance. Love her innocent thinking, and his tight lip expressions. If you enjoy family drama and a great plot, then this is a must read. Absolutely worth it. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2022
The story was good, interesting book. The peculiar thing that was weird were the names of the characters. Orion, Hercules, Achilles. All Greek gods. Treasure? For the FMC. It put me off a bit. But I had to finish the book as the story was good and the plot line was okay. So four stars anyway…….
July 13, 2022
Surprised
This book was a refreshing
surprise, it wasn't really what I expected, I loved it. Achilles turned out to be a sweetheart under that tough workaholic bosshole exterior.
I loved that Achilles and Treasure were pretty upfront with each other and they didn't play immature games.
The heat between them was 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This book was a refreshing
surprise, it wasn't really what I expected, I loved it. Achilles turned out to be a sweetheart under that tough workaholic bosshole exterior.
I loved that Achilles and Treasure were pretty upfront with each other and they didn't play immature games.
The heat between them was 🔥🔥🔥🔥
December 1, 2022
Wow! 🥵 This book had all the fireworks. I was little apprehensive about Achilles becoming the male love interest but he did not disappoint. Treasure and Achilles had all the chemistry. He was her exs big brother, supposed to be together for the trust but turns into so much more so quickly. This is an easy read and this series has quickly become a favorite for this year.
February 7, 2023
Excellent Story
Be sure to read Boss on Notice next, it’s well worth the read also. I made the mistake of reading it first, but still thoroughly enjoyed this book as well. Anxious for the Story on Herc which may have actually been the first 🤷♀️ Don’t care, I know it will not disappoint either
Be sure to read Boss on Notice next, it’s well worth the read also. I made the mistake of reading it first, but still thoroughly enjoyed this book as well. Anxious for the Story on Herc which may have actually been the first 🤷♀️ Don’t care, I know it will not disappoint either
October 8, 2023
Great Book
I really loved reading this series I read the books out of order however I have really grown to love these characters and now that I'm done reading the books I really going to miss these characters I Wanted more of Achilles and Treasure Love Story! This book will have you reading it until your done.
I really loved reading this series I read the books out of order however I have really grown to love these characters and now that I'm done reading the books I really going to miss these characters I Wanted more of Achilles and Treasure Love Story! This book will have you reading it until your done.
April 1, 2022
Every emotion feels like a punch to the heart. Locke and Arkadie remind us what the word family means from every angle. Achilles and Treasure drag the soul through shocking betrayals, heartbreaking losses and a captivating story of love that threatens to swallow you whole.
April 5, 2022
I couldn’t put this second book of the series down, twists and turns and betrayed. The book pulls you in right away cannot wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2022
This book was about a billionaire who needed a relationship on paper.
He found someone, and sadly, her ex wanted to bring all the drama to their lives.
Are they able to navigate the waters of a fake relationship?
Good book.
He found someone, and sadly, her ex wanted to bring all the drama to their lives.
Are they able to navigate the waters of a fake relationship?
Good book.
June 13, 2022
Too bad
Enjoyed the the Christmas, Lord /Groves collections so far. But really disappointed you killed off Mason just to give Max a story line. I’m sure you could have come up with another angle if you thought about. Lost interest in the series’s after that.
Enjoyed the the Christmas, Lord /Groves collections so far. But really disappointed you killed off Mason just to give Max a story line. I’m sure you could have come up with another angle if you thought about. Lost interest in the series’s after that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews