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From Illustrating to Love
How hard could it be to pretend to love and adore someone for seven days?
Marley Hamilton-Shaw is an up-and-coming illustrator who isn’t afraid to tackle challenging projects. There’s only one thing she refuses to do: Marley doesn’t illustrate for children’s books, period.
Conor Sullivan is a successful children’s book author. Since he first discovered her work, he’s wanted Marley to design his book covers for a new young adult series. But Marley turns down his project with a giant resounding no.
When a best-selling horror author—who just happens to be Conor’s best friend—announces he’s looking for illustrators to turn his anthology of short stories into graphic novels, Marley is willing to do whatever it takes to be one of the illustrators selected ...
... And Conor has the perfect solution. He promises to get her artwork in front of his best friend if she agrees to be his fake girlfriendat a week-long family celebration and illustrates his young adult books. But his proposal to Marley has nothing to do with her gorgeous curves and bewitching smile.
Conor holds the key to Marley’s dream project. Is she willing to put her convictions aside to get what she wants? If she agrees, it will have nothing to do with Conor’s thick strawberry blond hair or smoldering dark blue eyes.
Come and visit the small waterfront town of Point Harbor and fall in love with Marley and Conor in this sweet, interracial romance. Debut novella from the 2022 Leslie Esdaile Aspiring Author Winner
Marley Hamilton-Shaw is an up-and-coming illustrator who isn’t afraid to tackle challenging projects. There’s only one thing she refuses to do: Marley doesn’t illustrate for children’s books, period.
Conor Sullivan is a successful children’s book author. Since he first discovered her work, he’s wanted Marley to design his book covers for a new young adult series. But Marley turns down his project with a giant resounding no.
When a best-selling horror author—who just happens to be Conor’s best friend—announces he’s looking for illustrators to turn his anthology of short stories into graphic novels, Marley is willing to do whatever it takes to be one of the illustrators selected ...
... And Conor has the perfect solution. He promises to get her artwork in front of his best friend if she agrees to be his fake girlfriendat a week-long family celebration and illustrates his young adult books. But his proposal to Marley has nothing to do with her gorgeous curves and bewitching smile.
Conor holds the key to Marley’s dream project. Is she willing to put her convictions aside to get what she wants? If she agrees, it will have nothing to do with Conor’s thick strawberry blond hair or smoldering dark blue eyes.
Come and visit the small waterfront town of Point Harbor and fall in love with Marley and Conor in this sweet, interracial romance. Debut novella from the 2022 Leslie Esdaile Aspiring Author Winner
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2022
120 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Ruby James
3 books15 followersRuby James is a pen name of a wife, business owner, and author living in the Land of Enchantment (New Mexico). The name is in honor of my parents, who are no longer with me but supported me in my wild, crazy ideas and choices growing up.
A transplant from the Washington, DC area, I moved to Albuquerque with my soon-to-be husband in 2006. A former healthcare claims specialist, I left to start my own virtual assistant company, Juniper Administrative Services, in 2022 to focus on my writing. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made. With a different kind of stress, I can finally say I enjoy what I do.
I am a proud curvy woman in midlife. A hippie chick that believes in a body-positive message, kind words (though that is hard some days when on the phone with PayPal and cable). I am a Marvel nerd, classic rock fan, and avid reader with a slight addiction to coffee, chocolate, and cheesecake. My home is ruled by Queen Random, our gorgeous tuxedo cat (yes, that’s her below supervising edits).
If you’re remotely curious about what I am reading, new releases from my author friends, daily positive or funny posts, or a random picture of a recipe that turned out well, sign up for my newsletter or follow me on social media.
A transplant from the Washington, DC area, I moved to Albuquerque with my soon-to-be husband in 2006. A former healthcare claims specialist, I left to start my own virtual assistant company, Juniper Administrative Services, in 2022 to focus on my writing. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made. With a different kind of stress, I can finally say I enjoy what I do.
I am a proud curvy woman in midlife. A hippie chick that believes in a body-positive message, kind words (though that is hard some days when on the phone with PayPal and cable). I am a Marvel nerd, classic rock fan, and avid reader with a slight addiction to coffee, chocolate, and cheesecake. My home is ruled by Queen Random, our gorgeous tuxedo cat (yes, that’s her below supervising edits).
If you’re remotely curious about what I am reading, new releases from my author friends, daily positive or funny posts, or a random picture of a recipe that turned out well, sign up for my newsletter or follow me on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 10, 2022
Cute.
This was a cute fake dating story. It had low angst, MCs that actually communicated like adults, and a lovable cast.
This was a cute fake dating story. It had low angst, MCs that actually communicated like adults, and a lovable cast.
February 28, 2023
I liked this book but at the same time there was just something that didn't make me like it more. I wanted to put 3.5 but once again I had to make a choice so stars it is. Conor was so sweet and a good guy, I really liked him. He was trying to do the right thing and trying to be with her at the same time, it never really was fake for him, he liked her from the start. I liked Marley and her spunk, but I didn't like that she didn't made an effort to be with him, not really and not for real, I just didn't feel it from her part. They were a good couple but yeah, I wanted more from her
November 19, 2022
Finally Adults Acting Like Adults
From Illustrating To Love's heroine and hero, Marley and Conor, are adults acting like adults, not reacting like wounded children. I loved watching how they grew from pretend lovers to real friends to real lovers. Ruby James has crafted a sweet romance you'll find as thoughtful as it is heartwarming.
From Illustrating To Love's heroine and hero, Marley and Conor, are adults acting like adults, not reacting like wounded children. I loved watching how they grew from pretend lovers to real friends to real lovers. Ruby James has crafted a sweet romance you'll find as thoughtful as it is heartwarming.
August 6, 2023
I've found a new interracial romance author! And she lives in my state. Ruby James has written a book filled with details and adults behaving like adults. The drama is not foolish or excessive and all the characters (but one) are are thoughtful, deep thinking adults. I especially appreciate that race isn't made and issue, but a man and a woman learning about each other and figuring things out between them. It is a very modern story with modern characters. Its a sweet tale.
April 3, 2024
too short
This was a very cute story. Just wish there was a little more to it. I would definitely read it again.
This was a very cute story. Just wish there was a little more to it. I would definitely read it again.
March 5, 2023
reminds me of a television episode
Nice short story, but the entire thing felt rushed. Conversations could’ve been more fleshed out; if felt more like getting a glimpse of what was happening versus the full story. Otherwise, I enjoyed the quick read.
Nice short story, but the entire thing felt rushed. Conversations could’ve been more fleshed out; if felt more like getting a glimpse of what was happening versus the full story. Otherwise, I enjoyed the quick read.
February 17, 2023
This is a great one day read but it was missing a few things for me. The characters are all lovable that’s good. However the story is just very quick and to the point and there quick turn around. I needed a bit more meat and sides for a story and I got an appetizer. The bones were there but something was missing, just can’t pinpoint it.
October 5, 2023
Conor & Marley!
This is the first book of a series and is another clean, interracial love story.
After reading Ronan's Queen, I couldn't wait to read the first two books in this series. There were two couples, in addition to Ronan and Queenie, who were fascinating. They were Conor and Marley and Addison and Sebastian. This is the love story of Conor Sullivan and Marley Hamilton-Shaw. Conor is Ronan's brother and a famous artist and Marley is one of his artist/book illustrator.
They both were more vibrant in Ronans's book than they are here. As this was the first book in the series, I expected more backstory on Conor and Marley. Had I not met them in the third book, I would have been more disappointed. The book was very shallow and barely touched on their life experiences. Their personalities were flat. There was not much plot development. She agreed to be his fake girlfriend for a week with his family so his mother would stop trying to set him up with women. Why would a 34 year old famous author need a fake girlfriend to fool his mother? Why would an over 30 year old woman agreed to a scheme. She was a well known artist/book illustrator.
Of course we find out that Ronan set them up. as an agent, he represented both of them. He was the oldest and divorced, it would seem that he needed someone. Everything was just superficial. You were told that they both were "in trouble" but there was no real attraction.
The book was very short and ended rather abruptly. You had to read Ronan's book to know that they did they get their HEA. Had I read this book first, I wouldn't have read the others. Hopefully, the second book will be better
This is the first book of a series and is another clean, interracial love story.
After reading Ronan's Queen, I couldn't wait to read the first two books in this series. There were two couples, in addition to Ronan and Queenie, who were fascinating. They were Conor and Marley and Addison and Sebastian. This is the love story of Conor Sullivan and Marley Hamilton-Shaw. Conor is Ronan's brother and a famous artist and Marley is one of his artist/book illustrator.
They both were more vibrant in Ronans's book than they are here. As this was the first book in the series, I expected more backstory on Conor and Marley. Had I not met them in the third book, I would have been more disappointed. The book was very shallow and barely touched on their life experiences. Their personalities were flat. There was not much plot development. She agreed to be his fake girlfriend for a week with his family so his mother would stop trying to set him up with women. Why would a 34 year old famous author need a fake girlfriend to fool his mother? Why would an over 30 year old woman agreed to a scheme. She was a well known artist/book illustrator.
Of course we find out that Ronan set them up. as an agent, he represented both of them. He was the oldest and divorced, it would seem that he needed someone. Everything was just superficial. You were told that they both were "in trouble" but there was no real attraction.
The book was very short and ended rather abruptly. You had to read Ronan's book to know that they did they get their HEA. Had I read this book first, I wouldn't have read the others. Hopefully, the second book will be better
February 10, 2024
blurb:
Conor Sullivan, hoping to start a new standing in the young adult fantasy genre, seeks out Lilith (marley hamilton-shaw) to illustrate his new and upcoming series. But she is hesitant to put herself back out into the children's area of fiction after a terrible rejection to her art in the past. They make a deal; Marley will illustrate his book if he will get her an opening with Bas Gilmore. Conor agrees to this arrangemen on one condition: Marley must agree to be his pretend girlfriend for one week at his family's vacatio home. Can they keep their fake relationship professional, or will a fun filled week lead to something more?
my thoughts:
For a story so short, I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Marley and Conor were a cute interracial couple with complimentary professions to each other's lives. Despite the length of the novel, it was surprisingly well spaced out for a romance under 200 pages. I certainly think it had the potential to be longer, but the author did a splendid job at writing this short story! I am so thankful to have found this on my kindle for a quick and enjoyable read.
Conor Sullivan, hoping to start a new standing in the young adult fantasy genre, seeks out Lilith (marley hamilton-shaw) to illustrate his new and upcoming series. But she is hesitant to put herself back out into the children's area of fiction after a terrible rejection to her art in the past. They make a deal; Marley will illustrate his book if he will get her an opening with Bas Gilmore. Conor agrees to this arrangemen on one condition: Marley must agree to be his pretend girlfriend for one week at his family's vacatio home. Can they keep their fake relationship professional, or will a fun filled week lead to something more?
my thoughts:
For a story so short, I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Marley and Conor were a cute interracial couple with complimentary professions to each other's lives. Despite the length of the novel, it was surprisingly well spaced out for a romance under 200 pages. I certainly think it had the potential to be longer, but the author did a splendid job at writing this short story! I am so thankful to have found this on my kindle for a quick and enjoyable read.
October 29, 2022
A Real Feel Good Romance
Loved this story from the first word to the last, and all in between. Endearing and humorous, sometimes laugh out loud funny, it's a real feel good romance. Conor's a writer and Marley's an illustrator and both are workaholics as they make their marks in the literary world. Conor needs help with a family matter and Marley wants to illustrate his next series of books. They have a central person in their lives that puts a deal to help them both - his brother who's also her agent. Well written, humorous and full of diverse family members - it was a great escape from today's real world stresses.
Loved this story from the first word to the last, and all in between. Endearing and humorous, sometimes laugh out loud funny, it's a real feel good romance. Conor's a writer and Marley's an illustrator and both are workaholics as they make their marks in the literary world. Conor needs help with a family matter and Marley wants to illustrate his next series of books. They have a central person in their lives that puts a deal to help them both - his brother who's also her agent. Well written, humorous and full of diverse family members - it was a great escape from today's real world stresses.
October 30, 2022
A good; sweet romance
Great characters; sweet romance. Connor and Marley are equals which is not common in romance novels. I really appreciated that. There was great chemistry between the characters. The characters also felt well rounded with defined personalities, ambition, goals. The family characters were also very well done. Each had a loving family and that family grounding showed in how the characters interacted with each other. Like many novels, there was a bit of angst but the characters were classy and not vindictive or judgmental in how they handled it. Just a good romance.
Great characters; sweet romance. Connor and Marley are equals which is not common in romance novels. I really appreciated that. There was great chemistry between the characters. The characters also felt well rounded with defined personalities, ambition, goals. The family characters were also very well done. Each had a loving family and that family grounding showed in how the characters interacted with each other. Like many novels, there was a bit of angst but the characters were classy and not vindictive or judgmental in how they handled it. Just a good romance.
September 27, 2022
Enjoyable Read
This was a very enjoyable read. I really liked Marley and Conner. They were just alike, but different in a good way. They had the same goals, values and love of family that sealed their fate when they first met. The chemistry between Conner and Marley was definitely there and I was glad that they didnt rush into anything, but took the time to figure out what they wanted from each other. Definitely worth reading .
This was a very enjoyable read. I really liked Marley and Conner. They were just alike, but different in a good way. They had the same goals, values and love of family that sealed their fate when they first met. The chemistry between Conner and Marley was definitely there and I was glad that they didnt rush into anything, but took the time to figure out what they wanted from each other. Definitely worth reading .
June 19, 2023
Different from usual book
Loved the storyline. loved the hero and heroine and
The family dynamics. The book was sweet and there was no sex between the hero and heroine. It was a sweet story about 2 people falling in love. About to read Addison's story and hope that it is just as good. The author shows you can write a good story without throwing sex into the mix . Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Loved the storyline. loved the hero and heroine and
The family dynamics. The book was sweet and there was no sex between the hero and heroine. It was a sweet story about 2 people falling in love. About to read Addison's story and hope that it is just as good. The author shows you can write a good story without throwing sex into the mix . Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
September 22, 2024
Super cute! I loved the characters in this, even all the side characters - and there was a cat, which obviously makes everything better. It got a bit annoying to read organic or reusable so often, but I appreciated that it showed what the characters valued - even if it felt a bit over the top to add it everywhere. Actually wished the book was longer, because it felt really cosy the whole way through.
November 19, 2022
Marley was a successful illustrator with a bohemian style that was confident in her self and proud of her family. Conor was handsome and charming famous writer that was a fan of Marley’s work. Neither were looking for a relationship but love found them both by surprise. Cute story. No real conflict. It ends in a HFN but you feel the potential for a HEA.
June 23, 2024
This was so cute!!
Oh my goodness. Even though it was a short story I loved every single second of it. I love when a story doesn't need spice or a physical connection to make it interesting. A cute fluffy romance is always so refreshing to read. I loved both of the main characters and I am glad that they found each other in the end. Who says fake dating can't be cute?!
Oh my goodness. Even though it was a short story I loved every single second of it. I love when a story doesn't need spice or a physical connection to make it interesting. A cute fluffy romance is always so refreshing to read. I loved both of the main characters and I am glad that they found each other in the end. Who says fake dating can't be cute?!
October 6, 2022
cute 🥰
Cute story with little to no angst. It’s a sweet story with no sex scenes, but I need a good plot driven story over sex do it was no problem for me. Looking forward to Bas and Ronan’s books.
Cute story with little to no angst. It’s a sweet story with no sex scenes, but I need a good plot driven story over sex do it was no problem for me. Looking forward to Bas and Ronan’s books.
January 24, 2023
Short but sweet
I thought this novella was perfect for someone inbetween novels. I wouldn't mind visiting the main characters and their families afaik in the future. Looking forward to the next one.
I thought this novella was perfect for someone inbetween novels. I wouldn't mind visiting the main characters and their families afaik in the future. Looking forward to the next one.
September 8, 2023
Loved it!
This is a great read. I love how the characters truly got to know each other and then sat down and honestly communicated their feelings. It is so wonderful to read a clean, well-written romance.
This is a great read. I love how the characters truly got to know each other and then sat down and honestly communicated their feelings. It is so wonderful to read a clean, well-written romance.
February 7, 2024
Marley and Conor are one of the best couples I’ve read about.
They’re mature, funny, and wholesome, and the fake dating worked.
Their families were cute, too.
I took a star down because Kat was so annoying ugh 😑
They’re mature, funny, and wholesome, and the fake dating worked.
Their families were cute, too.
I took a star down because Kat was so annoying ugh 😑
March 3, 2024
5*
This was a very cute book. Reminds me of Nicholas Sparks's books so that's a great thing. Every character was loveable. The pacing was really good, too.
I made this into a challenge to read it all in one go and I did. Very proud of myself!!
This was a very cute book. Reminds me of Nicholas Sparks's books so that's a great thing. Every character was loveable. The pacing was really good, too.
I made this into a challenge to read it all in one go and I did. Very proud of myself!!
April 3, 2024
I enjoyed this short read! I thought it was very cute and a great short story for me to just pick up when I was waiting at a doctors office or in between clients. It was cute and fun and just a good heartfelt story!
September 7, 2024
This is a great book. I think the characters are composed well. I love the fake dating trope. They are too cute. I love Conor’s and Marley’s family. I couldn’t put the book down. It’s a short read. There are some grammar mistakes.
September 29, 2022
Pleasantly Surprised
It was really nice reading g a book that was interesting and enjoyable without having to add sex in every chapter. I'm really glad to see this
It was really nice reading g a book that was interesting and enjoyable without having to add sex in every chapter. I'm really glad to see this
November 5, 2022
Cute read
It's a simple love story of people that are great for each other. I personally love the kitty in the story.
It's a simple love story of people that are great for each other. I personally love the kitty in the story.
November 26, 2022
sweet but very boring
There’s nothing more to say to that. It felt like it was a book for YA..
sweet but extremely slow and boring.
Her type of writing isn’t my cup of tea
There’s nothing more to say to that. It felt like it was a book for YA..
sweet but extremely slow and boring.
Her type of writing isn’t my cup of tea
April 3, 2023
Nothing particularly stood out about this book
April 16, 2023
A sweet and adorable read
May 29, 2023
Marley's a grown ass woman so whys she running to her mom with every little problem?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews