Conjuring three fake dates to attend a wedding, no problem. Surviving the experience unbroken…
Thanks to a drunken boast about my relationship status, this ugly duckling needs to find three people to fake date in time for my best friend’s celebrity wedding. One trip to the office later, and I have my recruits:
Leo – PA extraordinaire, friend, & fashion guru. How was I supposed to know he has a crush on me? Elodie – My new intern. The dreamer. Also, prospective crazy cat lady. She made a mistake once, now she’s determined to prove her screenwriting mettle. And Jet – The repair man. The wild card. The enigma who makes my heart boom, boom, boom.
We each of us have our own reasons for playing along, some more obvious than others. Now all we have to do is make our polyamorous quadouple convincing. Heartache is not on the agenda. After all, none of it’s supposed to be real…
Madelynne Ellis is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of over 50 erotic romance novels.
Madelynne lives in the UK, not far from the Welsh border with her partner, family, & assorted pets. She is currently sipping rapidly cooling decaf coffee, listening to loud music, & indulging her obsession for tattooed bad boys.
Stuck in a reading rut? Love fake dating books? You've probably never read one like this before. Alfie Jones never makes things easy on himself, which is why he announces he's bringing three dates to his best friend's wedding. Sadly, Alfie doesn't have one special person, let alone three. But what he does have is three people willing to play along.
Join Alfie, Leo, Jet, and Elodie as they embark on a polyamorous fake dating romance.
4.5 - I really freaking liked this!! Here's a fake dating scenario you've probably never read before: Alfie Jones of the fictional Sunsetters group of actors - the young one, the one who turned out to be a writer instead - drunkenly announces he's in a polyamorous relationship with three other people. The problem is...he's not in a relationship with anyone?
Cue the most convenient setup ever: at Alfie's production office there's his longtime PA (personal assistant) Leo, a struggling writer looking for a job (Elodie), and a suspiciously hot coffee machine repairman (Jet). Alfie is clearly the kind of guy who's used to people going for his kooky ideas, so he proposes the scam to all of them, and they're each in - for their own reasons.
The beginning of this book is tons of fun as the four get to know each other, and the middle is a quite realistic tangle of trying to balance multiple emotions and objectives. 0 of 4 of these characters is declared polyamorous at the start of the book, so do keep that little fact in mind. These folks are exploring their own ideas about what being polyam might mean, as well as how they feel about it with each other.
UGH, I have a lot to say about the dynamics but don't want to spoil. Just let it be known that it's probably not going to go in the direction you think it is. Oh, and one of the characters has a secret that could blow the whole thing up, but it's kudos to Ellis' writing that the other characters aren't entirely unaware that something isn't on the up and up...though one of them DOES overreact when the truth comes out, imo.
Still, it's not fatal to the narrative, and I think Ellis did something really original and creative (and complicated!) with this story. Super kudos!
So, can you read this without reading any of the rest of the series? Yes, I think so. Obviously other characters appear from the earlier books but you can get most of their vibes and backstories from context or actual explanations in the text. SO HONESTLY MORE PEOPLE SHOULD BE READING THIS!
I was really looking forward to this book and am so happy it paid off in a really satisfying way.
What a crazy good but complex story! (all in a good way) All it takes is Alfie making a drunken comment about how he has three others in a relationship and you get a story of everything you would think could happen. Love these four of Alfie, Elodie, Jet and Leo!!
This was an okay read. A lot happened starting with Alfie and his mouth. He couldn’t allow the Sunsetters to know he fibbed on a drunken night so he sets up a foursome to make things look legit. Of course secrets were revealed but also love was given. I didn’t connect fully with the storyline but still enjoyed reading this.
I really enjoyed reading about Alfie Jones. He makes a drunken statement to the Sunsetters about his relationship status and that they will be attending the upcoming wedding of Dare & Flicka. Only problem for Alfie is he isn't in any relationship let alone one with three other people! He has to find them fast. Elodie Ray is waiting in Alfie's reception for a job interview, Jet St Germain is pretending to be the coffee machine repairman and Leo Thorne is Alfie's PA. Perfect so Alfie thinks if they are willing to go along with his plan.
This book then charts the ups & downs of a polyamorous relationship. It's hard to keep feelings out of the way when it isn't meant to be real but feelings develop and make it very real for all involved.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Wow, just wow, this story by Madelynne Ellis simply blew me away. It’s complex, the shifting connections and varied inter- connectivity between Alfie, Jet, Leo and Elodie are so fluid and changing. None of the relationships are straightforward, they’re convoluted and unexpected and all the more engaging for it. You see inside Alfie, Leo and Elodie’s heads, which leaves Jet as this nagging enigma that leaves you wondering when the other shoe will drop. I loved depth of this story, but I also loved the little things too, like the British insults and the Londoner-isms. I completely recommend this book - just book off a good chunk of time, it’s sizeable, and it will utterly consume you.
After a drunken night Alfie wakes to find he has bragged to his happily paired friends that he is in a polyamorous relationship. Now he needs a solution to how he attends one of the friends weddings with his three partners.
Alfie, Leo, Jet, and Elodie start out as a fake polyamorous relationship but they are quick to investigate what that relationship would be like, along with some experimentation. There is a connection between most of them, stronger with some than others. Alfie is having the time of his life, but can they make things work long term?
Each has their own issues that need to be worked through, and all involve have some hot times working them out.
Good writing, but yuck. This story is about unethical sexual behavior under the cloak of "polyamory," using romance genre conventions. Abuse of power is the opposite of ethical polyamory.
The four protagonists are not honest with each other. As you would expect, the woman is in the most vulnerable position, and stands to lose the most professionally.
CW for past sexual assault by a partner, two people pressured by an employer for transactional relationships that turns sexual.
I did read the entire thing, in a rubbernecking, guilty sort of way. Do I believe in the HEA's? Not for a minute.
A different kind of a poly story that really wasn’t a poly story. I loved the different characters and their quirks, banter and wild imagination andthe heat. The language was full of londonesque phrases and words that were new to me but brought a new kind of a spark into the story. At times the book felt a bit too long even though I loved the complex character and relationship development. That’s the reason for the four stars and that the summary was a bit misleading as the book was described as a poly book.
Fake relationships and poly dynamics are some of my favorite romance tropes, so I was intrigued by the premise of this book. The lack of POV scenes from one particular character telegraphed the "big twist" pretty easily, and I was a bit bummed that the relationships all worked out the way that they did when there was potential here for so much more. Overall, still an enjoyable and sexy vacation read.
This book was terrible. It was bad because the author lied. By the synopsis, the story was supposed to be a poly one but it's not. It started off that way only for the author to decide that she was going to axe that idea and turn the book into some love triangle bullshit. I bought this book because it was supposed to be a poly love story and that's not what happened. The author out to be ashamed for leading readers on only to take the story somewhere else. I'll never read from her again.
Another sheer slog. I made it to the end because I wanted to see who ended up together, because it really wasn't obvious and no one actually deserved a HEA. Too many irritations to mention so a minor irk - it's summer but there are repeated open fires and everyone is wearing wool. British summers aren't amazing but that's really pushing it.
Boy, this is one intense read. Not one of my favorites, but definitely worth a go. It was well-written, although sometimes the flow became a bit complicated to grasp.
While this is part of a series, it works as a standalone though not sure it’s for the faint of heart with its steamy scenes. Recommended for fans of the genre.
A different kind of a poly story that really wasn’t a poly story. At times the book felt a bit too long even though I loved the complex character and relationship development.
Apparently last night was quite eventful but its really to bad that I can't remember and I'm seriously fishing for information. The restless sheep have been bleating until there's only a few of us left. I can't believe I'm still waiting who makes appointments but doesn't have the common courtesy to show up on time. Wow that's some story and yeah clearly Alfie's some kind of overachiever glutton for punishment. However I'm game if it gets me a chance at something more. Of all the high falutent ideas and I'm just suppose to fall in line all because he got plastered and let his imagination and mouth land him in trouble. Oh boy Jet was sure winning tons of points with me considering normally this wouldn't be my cuppa of tea but wowzers I'm heading for a different stratosphere. I can't even begin to grasp how big of a karfaffle i'd acidently created; but first and for most it was Jet who'd totally rocked my mind. As much as I truly like Alfie I should known better then to expected anything substantial from some one like him. Okay so we're really going big because I seriously didn't want to go home just yet however we're becoming a little to rowdy and extremely slaphappy because everyone around us is about to get the show of their lives. However once we reached my domicile Jet I certainly didn't waste any time making Elle the beautiful monkey in the middle of our lively fantasties. I honestly thought Alfie and I were on the same page but clearly everything we'd talked about the day before seemed to go in one ear and right out the other. Nevertheless its truly my moment to shine with the wonderful Elle and somewhere along the way I've poured out some serious secrets and a big side of dirty fun later. Yet for some reason it seemed like we're all stuck in a vicious rinse and repeat cycle that went round and round with no end insight. Jet excited me in ways I wasn't sure how to handle but frankly my last experience had left a huge negative impression that I never wanted to repeat. Well until now. To bad I didn't catch on quicker because I never expected to have my world yanked out from under me by the one person I actually invited in. I'm in agony and nope time hasn't lessen it one teeny tiny bit. Unfortunately I'm in no hurry to allow someone who's already hurt me once back in to possibly do it again. Okay I've stewed in my own melancholy long enough I quickly make a snap descion and I hit send before I can chicken out so now what..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good heavens, nothing like complicating the uncomplicated!
Mint to be was a fresh and funny take on fake relationships, longing, self-doubt, friendships, and So much more...
Alfie is quirky and at times completely clueless. He has a habit of doubting his own worth. Leo is the rational, organized one - or so it seems from the outside and he has a crush on a certain eccentric writer Elodie is the visionist, the go-getter. She made a mistake once before, learned from it. Now? She is grabbing that brass ring with both hands (quite literally ). I enjoyed how she complimented Leo Jet is ... I have no idea how to categorize the insanity that is Jet
This was a fun romance that at times offered a slightly psychedelia flavor Mint to be is sure to have something for everyone. I found myself laughing and at times rubbing my chest feeling the hurt and confusion but most of all rallying behind our little 'quadouple'
This is a full-length novel and more enjoyable for it.
Complicated? No! Alfie. Or Leo. Cause they’re both.. complicated that is. And utterly lovable. Both of them. Gosh, makes a long time I had such good laughs with a book! Ella and Jet are also awesome, even if Jet mostly isn’t over sharing.. or never even gives us a better glimpse of himself. His interaction with Alfie is adorable. Beside this excellent plot, wonderful characters, shaming accurate descriptions of London people, amazing dialogues and inside debates I particularly like the cover of this book. I only ever saw it before opening it and closing it with a sight when finished. And had to do a double take...this cover is Alfie!!! Did I mention that I loved the story? I didn’t yet. But how I love this story!!! Amazing! Thank you very much for those lovely hours of living with Ella, Alfie, Jet and Leo!
Oh wow this is a brilliant complicated read that you won't be able to put down. After a drunken night Alfie confesses to be in a polyamorous relationship with 3 others. Now where can he find 3 other people to be in his fake relationship and to go with him to his friends wedding. He finds them in his office but will Joe, Jet and Elodie agree to his proposal. I loved all the different characters but could they successfully pull off a fake relationship when feelings start to get involved. Feelings are hurt, hearts are broken but any of them get their HEA. A must read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Alfie made a slip of the tongue, while drunk. A slip of the polyamorous kind. Now where is he going to find three partners to make his lie "real." Come up with a plan before and fast. They have a wedding to attend.
Leo, Jet,and Elodie to the rescue! What happens when their curious exploration become more for them all?
Enjoy the fun, laughter, and fast-paced read full of steamy moments to keep you engaged.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
This is an interesting story with a cast of colorful characters and an intriguing set of relationships. The author brings all the ups and downs with all the feels and delivers a story that had me hooked from start to finish. I enjoyed watching the relationships develop. It's well written ,moves fluidly with descriptive and detailed scenes and is an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Otay y'all I was excited about this story but im not gonna lie I struggled with parts of this story. Im not sure who was my favorite they have there quirks and things that make them individuals. I gotta say one of my favorite moments was Alfie getting drunk and the quad starting. I loved watching them through the normal highs and lows but I also questioned if they could do it long term. There was less drama than I was expecting and the heat was there.
The Sunsetters just hit the high marks with Alfie Jones and his collective! A "fake" polyamorous foursome with everything to gain and so much more to lose. Alfie, in all his genius, makes a decision to date three other people, Elodie, Leo, and Jet, on a whim to impress his friends. The poly love begins to take on a life of its own when true feelings are revealed. Clever writing, snappy humor, and sex appeal that I truly enjoyed!
Alfie was interesting in that although he mentioned being in a polyamorous relationship while drunk and it would have seemed like a slip the fact that he showed up with three partners and came to enjoy the menagerie said a lot about what he needed. They say that alcohol gives you courage so it was fun to see him and them have fun together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.