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The Big Fake
From USA Today bestselling author of His Banana comes a brand new romantic comedy about a recklessly charming billionaire in need of a fake girlfriend.
What do you do when you find out your boyfriend cheated?
Throw up on a gorgeous stranger. Obviously.
Rock bottom, nice to meet you.
Dean Slater–the guy wearing my breakfast–got cheated on, too.
And we have a perfectly stupid plan to make sure it never happens again.
If everyone thinks we’re together, we can both stay off the market.
No matchmaking friends and family. No more messy breakups.
We’ll keep things long distance, never be in the same room, and it’ll be smooth sailing.
Except there’s a catch.
We’re both invited to my sister’s wedding.
Oh, don’t worry, it gets worse.
My sister’s wedding to my boss.
The wedding my whole family is invited to.
And guess who else is invited?
My new fake boyfriend everybody is thrilled to finally meet in the flesh.
To survive, we’re going to have to fake it harder than either of us planned.
Messy “fake” kisses, a shared hotel room with a see-through shower door, one painfully memorable couple’s game later, and things are way past complicated.
Real feelings collide with old promises. Our big messy lie threatens to unravel my sister’s perfect weekend. And that vow I made to never date again? If it could wear boots, it would be shaking in them.
Opposites collide in this hilarious romp of an enemies-to-lovers rom-com. Watch and swoon as the charming playboy slowly realizes his unlikely fake girlfriend may be the perfect match.
What do you do when you find out your boyfriend cheated?
Throw up on a gorgeous stranger. Obviously.
Rock bottom, nice to meet you.
Dean Slater–the guy wearing my breakfast–got cheated on, too.
And we have a perfectly stupid plan to make sure it never happens again.
If everyone thinks we’re together, we can both stay off the market.
No matchmaking friends and family. No more messy breakups.
We’ll keep things long distance, never be in the same room, and it’ll be smooth sailing.
Except there’s a catch.
We’re both invited to my sister’s wedding.
Oh, don’t worry, it gets worse.
My sister’s wedding to my boss.
The wedding my whole family is invited to.
And guess who else is invited?
My new fake boyfriend everybody is thrilled to finally meet in the flesh.
To survive, we’re going to have to fake it harder than either of us planned.
Messy “fake” kisses, a shared hotel room with a see-through shower door, one painfully memorable couple’s game later, and things are way past complicated.
Real feelings collide with old promises. Our big messy lie threatens to unravel my sister’s perfect weekend. And that vow I made to never date again? If it could wear boots, it would be shaking in them.
Opposites collide in this hilarious romp of an enemies-to-lovers rom-com. Watch and swoon as the charming playboy slowly realizes his unlikely fake girlfriend may be the perfect match.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2022
1610 people are currently reading
990 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Bloom
69 books2,607 followersUSA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Charts Bestselling author Penelope Bloom is taking her first flight into romantasy—and yes, there are dragons. After years of contemporary romance, she's temporarily trading meet-cutes for magical academies and coffee shops for castles that reek of blood. She promises the banter is just as sharp, but now it comes with deadly consequences.
Fun fact: “Penelope Bloom” started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the family dog, Penelope—never meant to be anything serious. But then the books took off, and the name stuck. Behind the scenes, Penelope Bloom is actually a husband-and-wife team. He handles the writing; she edits, helps with brainstorming, and runs the reader-facing side of things (like social media and messages). So if you’ve chatted with “Penelope” online, you’ve likely been talking to her—with the author chiming in whenever needed. Together, they’ve built the voice readers know and love.
Fun fact: “Penelope Bloom” started as a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the family dog, Penelope—never meant to be anything serious. But then the books took off, and the name stuck. Behind the scenes, Penelope Bloom is actually a husband-and-wife team. He handles the writing; she edits, helps with brainstorming, and runs the reader-facing side of things (like social media and messages). So if you’ve chatted with “Penelope” online, you’ve likely been talking to her—with the author chiming in whenever needed. Together, they’ve built the voice readers know and love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
December 18, 2022
Can someone please explain to me why every book ever has a woman be so forgiving????? I really loved Dean for parts of the book, but more times than not I just found him straight up annoying. He was more wishy washy than Pearl and his reasonings seemed immature. He was horribly rude to her several times (especially after sex which is just ick) and then flat out rejects her after she spills her real feelings, then proceeds to walk away from her for 3 MONTHS!
Literally, 3 months of radio silence before his sister convinced him he was an idiot? He even tried dating????? But couldn’t date Pearl? So if his sister hadn’t shown up, then what?
THEN! He somehow gathers a whole town in a barn on a whim, announces his feelings after everything he did to her, and she just forgives him all Willy nilly after not seeing him for 12 weeks. I’m just confused. Why. First of all, a public declaration for someone with anxiety??? That’s not thoughtful at all and also pressured her into saying yes.
There should have been way way way way way more groveling. After reading this book if I read one more where the H messes up and the h forgives him with a snap of fingers I’m going to lose my ever loving mind.
Which honestly is disappointing because normally I adore this author. The characters had a whole lot of potential but the execution and details just didn’t add up for me.
Literally, 3 months of radio silence before his sister convinced him he was an idiot? He even tried dating????? But couldn’t date Pearl? So if his sister hadn’t shown up, then what?
THEN! He somehow gathers a whole town in a barn on a whim, announces his feelings after everything he did to her, and she just forgives him all Willy nilly after not seeing him for 12 weeks. I’m just confused. Why. First of all, a public declaration for someone with anxiety??? That’s not thoughtful at all and also pressured her into saying yes.
There should have been way way way way way more groveling. After reading this book if I read one more where the H messes up and the h forgives him with a snap of fingers I’m going to lose my ever loving mind.
Which honestly is disappointing because normally I adore this author. The characters had a whole lot of potential but the execution and details just didn’t add up for me.
January 3, 2023
I really disliked this book but please don’t let that stop YOU from still enjoying it.
The book itself is honestly funny. Especially towards the beginning. There are scenes that genuinely had me laughing out loud. It’s very light and the banter is great. The main characters both seemed very interesting and I enjoyed the side characters personalities. They’re all very fun and I could see a lot of characters getting their own spin off. The storyline is perfect set up for hilarity. Pearl and Dean run into each other on one of their lowest days. They very publicly find out their significant others are cheating on them and decide to pretend date each other so that their families don’t try to force them on any dates out of pity. It’s a bit of jump, but honestly who ever thinks clearly after a brutal break up? It’s all fun and games until they have to spend a week together faking it in front of Pearl’s family. As you can imagine, shenanigans ensue and feelings get more complicated than they expect.
Here’s where it fell short for me. All the characters who fall for Dean and Pearls lies are a box of rocks. Dean and Pearl are a hot mess and are so clearly fibbing. It doesn’t take an expert to read body language. Which was why it was odd that only one character really questioned their authenticity.
Aside from the obvious lies, their maturity levels really bothered me. Perhaps I could have excused everything that took place if they were high schoolers. But they’re adults and I was baffled by their choices. Every time they explained their cracked out reasoning for doing stupid things or lying further I wanted to close the book. It just got to a point where I was faceplaming so hard.
Pearl was a pretty good character. She has a lot of personal growth to do, but she felt very real. It was easy to relate to her anxiety and insecurities. Dean on the other hand was very charming, but anyone who didn’t completely get the ick from his behavior should seek out therapy. Without spoiling anything, Dean makes some odds choices for the sake of “protecting” Pearl that absolutely just sent me into a new dimension. And not in a good way. His thought process was just infuriating. To the point where I was truly speechless when he tried to fix things.
This one one of those books where my grudge holding personality could not move past the conflict. The ending is very sweet, I just couldn’t get on board with it because I’m a Dean hater. No forgiveness from meeee.
If men being completely stupid is something you can easily ignore, I highly recommend this read. It’s funny, the ending is really cute, and there’s a puppy! Everybody loves puppies.
The book itself is honestly funny. Especially towards the beginning. There are scenes that genuinely had me laughing out loud. It’s very light and the banter is great. The main characters both seemed very interesting and I enjoyed the side characters personalities. They’re all very fun and I could see a lot of characters getting their own spin off. The storyline is perfect set up for hilarity. Pearl and Dean run into each other on one of their lowest days. They very publicly find out their significant others are cheating on them and decide to pretend date each other so that their families don’t try to force them on any dates out of pity. It’s a bit of jump, but honestly who ever thinks clearly after a brutal break up? It’s all fun and games until they have to spend a week together faking it in front of Pearl’s family. As you can imagine, shenanigans ensue and feelings get more complicated than they expect.
Here’s where it fell short for me. All the characters who fall for Dean and Pearls lies are a box of rocks. Dean and Pearl are a hot mess and are so clearly fibbing. It doesn’t take an expert to read body language. Which was why it was odd that only one character really questioned their authenticity.
Aside from the obvious lies, their maturity levels really bothered me. Perhaps I could have excused everything that took place if they were high schoolers. But they’re adults and I was baffled by their choices. Every time they explained their cracked out reasoning for doing stupid things or lying further I wanted to close the book. It just got to a point where I was faceplaming so hard.
Pearl was a pretty good character. She has a lot of personal growth to do, but she felt very real. It was easy to relate to her anxiety and insecurities. Dean on the other hand was very charming, but anyone who didn’t completely get the ick from his behavior should seek out therapy. Without spoiling anything, Dean makes some odds choices for the sake of “protecting” Pearl that absolutely just sent me into a new dimension. And not in a good way. His thought process was just infuriating. To the point where I was truly speechless when he tried to fix things.
This one one of those books where my grudge holding personality could not move past the conflict. The ending is very sweet, I just couldn’t get on board with it because I’m a Dean hater. No forgiveness from meeee.
If men being completely stupid is something you can easily ignore, I highly recommend this read. It’s funny, the ending is really cute, and there’s a puppy! Everybody loves puppies.
January 22, 2023
This has become one of my all time favorite books. I am so glad I read it and I really hope that others do too. This book won’t let you down. It is a perfect romantic comedy with a guaranteed HEA.
It had me laughing throughout. I mean… just imagine throwing up on someone the first time you meet and then falling in love with them. 😂
The H in this story, Dean, is beyond swoon worthy and charming. His heart is so big and his teasing side (hello amazing banter!) matches just perfect. What I loved most is his understanding of anxiety and even the way he talked to the h, Pearl, calmed my anxiety too. Ladies, if Dean was real we would all want him to be ours.
The h, Pearl, was smart and determined. She grew up trying to navigate through life with a high level of anxiety. It broke my heart when she thought that there was something wrong with her because of her past failed relationships. I felt so much of my own insecurities and anxieties in her and I love how Penelope Bloom made those insecurities be something beautiful and those anxieties into feeling oh so calm. Her writing is a talent like no other.
I laughed. I cried. I swooned… big time. I was blown away with this book.
Not only will you read a HEA but this book might also help you see yourself different and love yourself a little more.
🐸
It had me laughing throughout. I mean… just imagine throwing up on someone the first time you meet and then falling in love with them. 😂
The H in this story, Dean, is beyond swoon worthy and charming. His heart is so big and his teasing side (hello amazing banter!) matches just perfect. What I loved most is his understanding of anxiety and even the way he talked to the h, Pearl, calmed my anxiety too. Ladies, if Dean was real we would all want him to be ours.
The h, Pearl, was smart and determined. She grew up trying to navigate through life with a high level of anxiety. It broke my heart when she thought that there was something wrong with her because of her past failed relationships. I felt so much of my own insecurities and anxieties in her and I love how Penelope Bloom made those insecurities be something beautiful and those anxieties into feeling oh so calm. Her writing is a talent like no other.
I laughed. I cried. I swooned… big time. I was blown away with this book.
Not only will you read a HEA but this book might also help you see yourself different and love yourself a little more.
🐸
December 23, 2022
3.5 Stars
Limited time for reviews during the holiday rush – so please read the book blurb to find out the basic ins and outs of this romantic holiday romp. It’s wild, crazy, sexy and a ho-ho-ho jolly holiday read.
Told in dual POVs by Dean Slater and Pearl Moreno, who have both been jilted by their significant others – and they were cheated on by the other’s significant other.
Fast-paced and lots of laughs in a fake romance that becomes the real thing. At times, I got a little frustrated with both Dean and Pearl (not a name I favor for a leading lady – but that’s another story). Santa’s sleigh was in a rush to get this one delivered and return to the North Pole – making the ending quick, quick, quick and frustrating as well.
January 20, 2023
Ehh. I read some reviews about inconsistencies and thought, surely it's not that bad! But. It really was! And it started with the second sentence in the book. I originally thought it could be a 4 star book but the more I thought about it, the more I just couldn't do it.
Back to the second sentence in the book:
"You could call it a form of “ESPN,” as my cousin would say–like a telepathic connection to the future."
I read that sentence 3x and looked around as if I was being punked and someone was going to jump out and say, "gotcha! We were doing a spin of ESP!" But no one jumped out at me and so I continued reading to see if they wrote it instead... But nope, no one was punking me! The author, and editors, and beta readers, and publisher, and whoever else read it prior to going to print, never noticed the fact that they refer to ESP as ESPN 3x in the book as if it was the correct abbreviation they meant.
For those in the dark about this blunder, ESP is the telepathic connection aspect; ESPN is a cable channel - Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. Two very different things. Three times they got it wrong! And to begin with the second sentence of a book like this?! Wow. I was flabbergasted and just couldn't believe it. But it didn't get better for consistency and expectations.
There was plenty of items that didn't add up, and I feel like I'm forgetting some...
-her hair being blonde vs brown (supposed to be blonde but was listed as brown at one point).
-his sister's name change from Makenna to Laney (not even close).
-Dean was Dan at one point too. I had to read that a couple times because I was like, who the F is Dan?!
Pearl's sister marries Pearl's boss, Jonas, who has tons of money and they go to Key West for their honeymoon. Really? All the money in the world and they go to Key West? But then vacation around the globe after the boss splits from the company?! I can think of more exciting places to honeymoon with a ton of money vs key west.
Jonas's brother, Alec, was just a big jerk that seemed to make everyone uncomfortable too. And the way he spilled the beans about the fake relationship? Tacky! But seriously, who doesn't lock their phone these days?! Alex should never have been able to pick up either of their phones and access anything. So dumb.
And the 3rd brother, Maxwell was just loving Dean's work and everything that Dean showed him for moving the company forward. But as soon as he found out about the fake engagement, he ditched him as a contractor. Which, sure. Dean/Pearl shouldn't have lied about their relationship, but it didn't change his work quality. So that was a bit silly and I felt they should have been able to work through that based on the rapport they already formed together. But whatever. He got fired in the end. It needed to happen I suppose.
Overall, Pearl and Dean were sometimes just not likeable characters. I mean, that happens on occasion, I get it. And it can make or break a story at times. In this case, it broke it. Both of them had plenty of moments of being quite ridiculous (and not in a good way), so it simply wasn't what I was hoping for or expecting in a book.
Back to the second sentence in the book:
"You could call it a form of “ESPN,” as my cousin would say–like a telepathic connection to the future."
I read that sentence 3x and looked around as if I was being punked and someone was going to jump out and say, "gotcha! We were doing a spin of ESP!" But no one jumped out at me and so I continued reading to see if they wrote it instead... But nope, no one was punking me! The author, and editors, and beta readers, and publisher, and whoever else read it prior to going to print, never noticed the fact that they refer to ESP as ESPN 3x in the book as if it was the correct abbreviation they meant.
For those in the dark about this blunder, ESP is the telepathic connection aspect; ESPN is a cable channel - Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. Two very different things. Three times they got it wrong! And to begin with the second sentence of a book like this?! Wow. I was flabbergasted and just couldn't believe it. But it didn't get better for consistency and expectations.
There was plenty of items that didn't add up, and I feel like I'm forgetting some...
-her hair being blonde vs brown (supposed to be blonde but was listed as brown at one point).
-his sister's name change from Makenna to Laney (not even close).
-Dean was Dan at one point too. I had to read that a couple times because I was like, who the F is Dan?!
Pearl's sister marries Pearl's boss, Jonas, who has tons of money and they go to Key West for their honeymoon. Really? All the money in the world and they go to Key West? But then vacation around the globe after the boss splits from the company?! I can think of more exciting places to honeymoon with a ton of money vs key west.
Jonas's brother, Alec, was just a big jerk that seemed to make everyone uncomfortable too. And the way he spilled the beans about the fake relationship? Tacky! But seriously, who doesn't lock their phone these days?! Alex should never have been able to pick up either of their phones and access anything. So dumb.
And the 3rd brother, Maxwell was just loving Dean's work and everything that Dean showed him for moving the company forward. But as soon as he found out about the fake engagement, he ditched him as a contractor. Which, sure. Dean/Pearl shouldn't have lied about their relationship, but it didn't change his work quality. So that was a bit silly and I felt they should have been able to work through that based on the rapport they already formed together. But whatever. He got fired in the end. It needed to happen I suppose.
Overall, Pearl and Dean were sometimes just not likeable characters. I mean, that happens on occasion, I get it. And it can make or break a story at times. In this case, it broke it. Both of them had plenty of moments of being quite ridiculous (and not in a good way), so it simply wasn't what I was hoping for or expecting in a book.
December 20, 2022
DNF. Boring, trite, bad editing.
Read
July 14, 2023DNF @ 57%
Enjoyed parts of the first half, but kept finding myself getting bored. Anytime I would force myself to pick it back up it seemed to only get worse.
Enjoyed parts of the first half, but kept finding myself getting bored. Anytime I would force myself to pick it back up it seemed to only get worse.
December 25, 2022
It started out really good. For me, it was really dragging. This book could have been cut in half. I would have liked it better if she didn’t make the main character to be a compulsive liar.
December 18, 2022
20% in and DNF
BESIDES THE ROUGH UNEDITED shape this is in.
It jumps
Around a lot
Characters are underdeveloped
And just gross
Descriptions
nobody talks or thinks like this
BESIDES THE ROUGH UNEDITED shape this is in.
It jumps
Around a lot
Characters are underdeveloped
And just gross
Descriptions
nobody talks or thinks like this
December 14, 2022
This is a laugh out loud story for me. I have never seen a person with so much anxiety and who causes worry when not necessary. So when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her not with one but probably a few other woman in her company, she make a deal with a stranger to be each other's fake boyfriend/girlfriend when ever needed. When people start asking Pearl about her guy she makes things up, like any intelligent person in a fake relationship, NOT. When Pearl and Dean have to attend the same retreat for work, then her sisters wedding those lies build and build, until the Jenja tower falls. The quips, unspoken attraction and entire story is so much fun.
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.
December 16, 2022
I am really becoming a fan of this troupe and I’ve been a fan of this author for about a decade. This was a great read. The story revolves around love a fake relationship between Dean and Pearl. They had a simple plan that would help them both but when they had to spend time together and get to know each other, the ‘fake’ turned ‘real’ real fast. Such an enjoyable and entertaining read- well done.
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.
December 13, 2022
Sometimes, when I'm reading a RomCom, I find situations engineered to make something happen to ensure the grand romantic gesture is required and everyone lives happily ever after. Penelope Bloom is the master at telegraphing why characters will act as they do and then following through in a way that seems so real and so believable, yet so hilariously funny at the same time, that it really is a joy to read!.
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.
December 15, 2022
I thought this was a cute and funny romance. What a meet cute to remember for these two. Dean and Pearl both have bad break-ups and say they are going to swear off relationships. They agree to be in a fake relationship so that they can avoid any well-meaning matchmakers. This leads to some hilarious and steamy escapades. Their past relationships sours their future attempts, and they will need to learn to take a leap of faith to get to their HEA. I had to really giggle during parts of this book.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
December 15, 2022
Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
December 17, 2022
This was a good read. Dean and Pearl find out that their partners have been sleeping together. They decide to tell everyone they are dating. Of course, they end up with real feelings and things get complicated. Luckily, in the end it all works out and they get their happy ending.
January 31, 2023
I rarely ever write reviews, but this book is screaming for my opinion. This book had so much potential, but just couldn’t get there for me!
I didn’t dislike the main characters as much as some other reviewers, but they were definitely both immature enough to mess up this relationship, fake or not. In the end, they went from nothing to engaged in two months? Rushed ending for sure.
The editing of this book was awful! Is it Makenna or Laney? Is she blonde or brunette? And the misspelled words! Lord, fire your editor please!!
Then there are the head scratchers….what does Dean actually do? How did he make so much money when he has about 3 clients? It was mentioned he grew up poor, but now he’s young and so rich he leaves bags of money around town for strangers to find? If he’s that rich, why drive from NC to Colorado? Speaking of rich, if the Pollard brothers are so rich, why honeymoon in Key West?!?!
Don’t get me started on the Alabama family of Pearl. Just, what?? First, why would you have a character named Laney, who is female, and a male character named Lane?? Pearl grew up in “the north” so how are they related? I guess the author put that in the book for comedic purposes, but it was really unnecessary. It was also a really unfair stereotype of southerners too. Just stupid.
This book just fell flat. Not sure if I’m game to try another from this author.
I didn’t dislike the main characters as much as some other reviewers, but they were definitely both immature enough to mess up this relationship, fake or not. In the end, they went from nothing to engaged in two months? Rushed ending for sure.
The editing of this book was awful! Is it Makenna or Laney? Is she blonde or brunette? And the misspelled words! Lord, fire your editor please!!
Then there are the head scratchers….what does Dean actually do? How did he make so much money when he has about 3 clients? It was mentioned he grew up poor, but now he’s young and so rich he leaves bags of money around town for strangers to find? If he’s that rich, why drive from NC to Colorado? Speaking of rich, if the Pollard brothers are so rich, why honeymoon in Key West?!?!
Don’t get me started on the Alabama family of Pearl. Just, what?? First, why would you have a character named Laney, who is female, and a male character named Lane?? Pearl grew up in “the north” so how are they related? I guess the author put that in the book for comedic purposes, but it was really unnecessary. It was also a really unfair stereotype of southerners too. Just stupid.
This book just fell flat. Not sure if I’m game to try another from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2023
2.5 stars
Haven't written a review in a hot minute, what with the holidays, work, and miscellaneous adulting, I have barely had time to read. Woe is me.
Ok, this one is the fake dating trope, which is one I do like. It is labeled here as enemies-to-lovers, but that is not really the case, so, not sure how that label came about.
Dean is very likeable when he is not being wishy-washy, but unfortunately that is most of the time so he comes across as an asshole.
Pearl is likeable, but their story is not one that will stick with me. I will forget about it quickly. Their fake dating setup was cute, but it is not believable that their jobs would be in jeopardy because of it.
This book is also in some serious need of editing. There are story inconsistencies and misspelled words that I can't believe we're not caught in the proofing stage. Pearl is a blonde in one chapter, then brunette in another. Dean is called Dan at one point, and Pearl is called Peal.
This brings me to my last point, and the top reason for my rating...the Southern stereotypes. Please, for the love of gravy biscuits and sweet tea, stop it. Just. Stop. It.
As a Southern girl, born and raised, I can assure you we are not a bunch of toothless, ignorant hillbillies. My family came from those hills and "we ain't stupid y'all".
Haven't written a review in a hot minute, what with the holidays, work, and miscellaneous adulting, I have barely had time to read. Woe is me.
Ok, this one is the fake dating trope, which is one I do like. It is labeled here as enemies-to-lovers, but that is not really the case, so, not sure how that label came about.
Dean is very likeable when he is not being wishy-washy, but unfortunately that is most of the time so he comes across as an asshole.
Pearl is likeable, but their story is not one that will stick with me. I will forget about it quickly. Their fake dating setup was cute, but it is not believable that their jobs would be in jeopardy because of it.
This book is also in some serious need of editing. There are story inconsistencies and misspelled words that I can't believe we're not caught in the proofing stage. Pearl is a blonde in one chapter, then brunette in another. Dean is called Dan at one point, and Pearl is called Peal.
This brings me to my last point, and the top reason for my rating...the Southern stereotypes. Please, for the love of gravy biscuits and sweet tea, stop it. Just. Stop. It.
As a Southern girl, born and raised, I can assure you we are not a bunch of toothless, ignorant hillbillies. My family came from those hills and "we ain't stupid y'all".
March 11, 2023
It would’ve been a 3 star but the miscommunication lasted for about 70 pages and the ending was kind of rushed.
December 13, 2022
💒 The Big Fake 🎭
✒️ Penelope Bloom
https://www.facebook.com/PenelopeBloo...
Release Date 12/13/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM57CHLT?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
From USA Today bestselling author of His Banana comes a brand new romantic comedy about a recklessly charming billionaire in need of a fake girlfriend. What do you do when you find out your boyfriend cheated? Throw up on a gorgeous stranger. Obviously. Rock bottom, nice to meet you. Dean Slater–the guy wearing my breakfast–got cheated on, too. We have a perfectly stupid plan to make sure it never happens again. If everyone thinks we’re together, we can both stay off the market. No matchmaking friends and family. No more messy breakups. We’ll keep things long distance, never be in the same room, and it’ll be smooth sailing. Except there’s a catch. We’re both invited to my sister’s wedding. Oh, don’t worry, it gets worse. My sister’s wedding to my boss. The wedding my whole family is invited to. And guess who else is invited? My new fake boyfriend everybody is thrilled to finally meet in the flesh. To survive, we’re going to have to fake it harder than either of us planned. Dirty “fake” kisses, a shared hotel room with a see-through bathroom door, one painfully memorable couple’s game later, and things are way past complicated. Real feelings collide with old promises. Our big messy lie threatens to unravel my sister’s perfect weekend. And that vow I made to never date again? If it could wear boots, it would be shaking in them. Opposites collide in this hilarious romp of an enemies-to-lovers rom-com. Watch and swoon as the charming playboy slowly realizes his unlikely fake girlfriend may be the perfect match.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he get his head out before it is too late …
I confess I struggled a bit to enter into the story. I do not know really why, maybe the beginning when the two heroes, right after seeing vivid giant proofs their significant others cheated on them, are immediately drawn to one another.
Why the first half of the book was a bit difficult for me to adhere, I also found a bit weird the games set at the beginning the work conference. Very peculiar for business oriented event.
At first I preferred Dean as he appears easy going and quick to rebond but soon it seems he is the one the most broken, as he is in a large part responsible for his failed romances, kind of aware of his wrong doing but unable or unwilling to change it. Pearl has instead learned to deal with her apprehension, yet her last amorous disaster put a large dent on her confidence.
Why they are too scared to mess up again, so they stand with the beginning of a friendship they have, then send wrong signals and misinterpret many of the hints they receive.
They walk backwards afraid to misstep again.
Pearl has anxiety issues why she never goes out of her comfort line privately or professionally. Her boyfriends are mostly men introduced by her relatives, and her job while satisfying does not prevent her from dreaming of something different.
Dean self appointed himself the protector of his family, he is the one taking care of the others, shielding his little sister. So much it has become a second persona, even when he is hurt, he distracts himself by looking for someone else in need of cheering.
He is unable to let people in, keeping them at arm-length, so much he hurts them again and again.
So as they waltz both around the other, Pearl offers overtures he rejects, thinking he does the right thing.
Why by the end of the book, I was exasperated so much I would have bashed his head more than one time, not sure I wanted him to deserve Pearl’s affection after so many rebuffs when she laid out her heart.
3.5 stars rounded up.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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✒️ Penelope Bloom
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Release Date 12/13/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM57CHLT?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
From USA Today bestselling author of His Banana comes a brand new romantic comedy about a recklessly charming billionaire in need of a fake girlfriend. What do you do when you find out your boyfriend cheated? Throw up on a gorgeous stranger. Obviously. Rock bottom, nice to meet you. Dean Slater–the guy wearing my breakfast–got cheated on, too. We have a perfectly stupid plan to make sure it never happens again. If everyone thinks we’re together, we can both stay off the market. No matchmaking friends and family. No more messy breakups. We’ll keep things long distance, never be in the same room, and it’ll be smooth sailing. Except there’s a catch. We’re both invited to my sister’s wedding. Oh, don’t worry, it gets worse. My sister’s wedding to my boss. The wedding my whole family is invited to. And guess who else is invited? My new fake boyfriend everybody is thrilled to finally meet in the flesh. To survive, we’re going to have to fake it harder than either of us planned. Dirty “fake” kisses, a shared hotel room with a see-through bathroom door, one painfully memorable couple’s game later, and things are way past complicated. Real feelings collide with old promises. Our big messy lie threatens to unravel my sister’s perfect weekend. And that vow I made to never date again? If it could wear boots, it would be shaking in them. Opposites collide in this hilarious romp of an enemies-to-lovers rom-com. Watch and swoon as the charming playboy slowly realizes his unlikely fake girlfriend may be the perfect match.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he get his head out before it is too late …
I confess I struggled a bit to enter into the story. I do not know really why, maybe the beginning when the two heroes, right after seeing vivid giant proofs their significant others cheated on them, are immediately drawn to one another.
Why the first half of the book was a bit difficult for me to adhere, I also found a bit weird the games set at the beginning the work conference. Very peculiar for business oriented event.
At first I preferred Dean as he appears easy going and quick to rebond but soon it seems he is the one the most broken, as he is in a large part responsible for his failed romances, kind of aware of his wrong doing but unable or unwilling to change it. Pearl has instead learned to deal with her apprehension, yet her last amorous disaster put a large dent on her confidence.
Why they are too scared to mess up again, so they stand with the beginning of a friendship they have, then send wrong signals and misinterpret many of the hints they receive.
They walk backwards afraid to misstep again.
Pearl has anxiety issues why she never goes out of her comfort line privately or professionally. Her boyfriends are mostly men introduced by her relatives, and her job while satisfying does not prevent her from dreaming of something different.
Dean self appointed himself the protector of his family, he is the one taking care of the others, shielding his little sister. So much it has become a second persona, even when he is hurt, he distracts himself by looking for someone else in need of cheering.
He is unable to let people in, keeping them at arm-length, so much he hurts them again and again.
So as they waltz both around the other, Pearl offers overtures he rejects, thinking he does the right thing.
Why by the end of the book, I was exasperated so much I would have bashed his head more than one time, not sure I wanted him to deserve Pearl’s affection after so many rebuffs when she laid out her heart.
3.5 stars rounded up.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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December 15, 2022
Dean and Pearl meet in the weirdest way their ex’s cheated on them with each other (smdh…just sad) leaving the two of them both wondering why, pick up the pieces, fixing their hearts and with family who loves to play matchmaker or butt into their lives bombarding them with questions that neither of the can answer when all they want to do is pick up the pieces of their lives. So, meeting talking realizing that they need to work together to keep their families at bay by agreeing to tell everyone they are dating but they also agree to walk away so pretty much dating at a distance from the start. Pear worries about everything including wondering why her boyfriend cheated on her and Dean total opposite he is wealthy who has no problem helping others often times forgetting about himself they both work together at the same consultant company which is all fate needs to open their eyes to what’s right in front of them. The are at the same work retreat months later for a whole week ….oh boy what a week playing games, winning games, getting to know each other realizing they are more in common besides having cheating ex’s and that magnetic pull can’t be ignored giving in but creates more issues or so they think since they have both been hurt neither of them are ready to talk about what was suppose to remain fake is all of a sudden very real add to that their guilt of not being honest with their families but of course we all know things kept in the dark will soon come to the light and when they do the fireworks will leave them both going separate ways her walking away with a broken heart, him thinking he did the right thing by letting her go but thanks to an annoying sister who wakes him up to see what he had, causing him to go get his girl but will she forgive, where are their ex’s, what happens when something fake turns real very quickly and can they find happiness …true happiness?.
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.
February 8, 2023
Pearl has significant anxiety issues, but her inner monologue has some semblance of comedy and is a hot mess. She works for a marketing firm in New York. Oh, she gets a lousy interruption on Monday morning. In the form of a lewd image and a wake-up call for her now ex-boyfriend.
Dean is detail-oriented, but he seems to need help with relationships. They always seem to poof into the air for him. He can see the bright side despite being the worst Monday ever. He starts a fake girlfriend deal with the only person who can understand his feelings. His inner monologue is funny but more like a rambling crazy person.
Dean is slightly sunny, even if his humor is a little out there. However, I did notice a spelling mistake in this book. I didn’t see this coming, but the book jumps forward in time, and now her little white lies will put her in a very awkward situation. The tension is high between them even though they are only friends. I like the clever way the forced proximity was added to the fake relationship.
This gets moderately steamy as they cross some lines but then cools off again. I do secretly love that Dean is rich, hot, and sweet. But can either of them trust enough to give up the fake relationship and start a real one? I don’t know; they both seem to have their fears and cover them up differently. Miscommunication or not saying what they mean seems to be a thing in this story.
Of course, Dean has his idiotic man moments where you want to slap some sense into him. However, Pearl does it, too. They are both so damaged. It sucks when they make the wrong decision, but I love the grand gesture. The book ends happily and kinda sappy, but it was a cute read. Overall this was a sweet read. It had moments of being a sappy romance and even some steamy moments. The general storyline was exciting, and the tropes helped me enjoy the read. However, the two spelling mistakes definitely surprised me. I liked this book for a stand-alone read.
Dean is detail-oriented, but he seems to need help with relationships. They always seem to poof into the air for him. He can see the bright side despite being the worst Monday ever. He starts a fake girlfriend deal with the only person who can understand his feelings. His inner monologue is funny but more like a rambling crazy person.
Dean is slightly sunny, even if his humor is a little out there. However, I did notice a spelling mistake in this book. I didn’t see this coming, but the book jumps forward in time, and now her little white lies will put her in a very awkward situation. The tension is high between them even though they are only friends. I like the clever way the forced proximity was added to the fake relationship.
This gets moderately steamy as they cross some lines but then cools off again. I do secretly love that Dean is rich, hot, and sweet. But can either of them trust enough to give up the fake relationship and start a real one? I don’t know; they both seem to have their fears and cover them up differently. Miscommunication or not saying what they mean seems to be a thing in this story.
Of course, Dean has his idiotic man moments where you want to slap some sense into him. However, Pearl does it, too. They are both so damaged. It sucks when they make the wrong decision, but I love the grand gesture. The book ends happily and kinda sappy, but it was a cute read. Overall this was a sweet read. It had moments of being a sappy romance and even some steamy moments. The general storyline was exciting, and the tropes helped me enjoy the read. However, the two spelling mistakes definitely surprised me. I liked this book for a stand-alone read.
December 19, 2022
Another great story by Penelope Bloom.
2 incredible people come together at a truly horrible moment. Pearl was called by her best buddy to not come in to work that day. But she was already on the way so why not just go? But once the elevator opens to the 10th floor she sees a crowd around a billboard. And her heart is thrown by a copy machine picture of her boyfriend having sex with someone else. So she goes to an empty area in the office and sits to get her head around this.
Dean is coming in to have a meeting with one of his clients from the Pollard group. When he steps off the elevator he also sees a group of people standing and looking at a lady's bare butt and it shows she's having sex with someone with bad tattoo. But he recognized the certain freckle pattern on her backside. It was his girlfriend. So as he starts to walk away he notices a beautiful woman sitting on a bench in a quiet area and she seems upset. When he sits next to her and asks if she's OK, she tells him that photo was of her boyfriend. Then he tells her that was his girlfriend. Next thing you know Pearl throws up on him. She is mortified when he comes out of men's restroom changed in workout clothes. But Dean smiles and to make her feel better he suggests that if she ever needs a fake boyfriend to call him. So they exchanged numbers.
Now months later Pearl is desperate for a man to bring to her sister's wedding. She has not dated since her break-up so she needs sso her family doesn't try to set her up. She remembers the deal with Dean and then the fun begins,
I got such a kick out of this story. I loved how protective Dean got around Pearl. How he was there for her in her tough moments. I nearly fell out of my chair laughing during a competition. So good. Must read if you love a great romantic comedy. Enjoy
2 incredible people come together at a truly horrible moment. Pearl was called by her best buddy to not come in to work that day. But she was already on the way so why not just go? But once the elevator opens to the 10th floor she sees a crowd around a billboard. And her heart is thrown by a copy machine picture of her boyfriend having sex with someone else. So she goes to an empty area in the office and sits to get her head around this.
Dean is coming in to have a meeting with one of his clients from the Pollard group. When he steps off the elevator he also sees a group of people standing and looking at a lady's bare butt and it shows she's having sex with someone with bad tattoo. But he recognized the certain freckle pattern on her backside. It was his girlfriend. So as he starts to walk away he notices a beautiful woman sitting on a bench in a quiet area and she seems upset. When he sits next to her and asks if she's OK, she tells him that photo was of her boyfriend. Then he tells her that was his girlfriend. Next thing you know Pearl throws up on him. She is mortified when he comes out of men's restroom changed in workout clothes. But Dean smiles and to make her feel better he suggests that if she ever needs a fake boyfriend to call him. So they exchanged numbers.
Now months later Pearl is desperate for a man to bring to her sister's wedding. She has not dated since her break-up so she needs sso her family doesn't try to set her up. She remembers the deal with Dean and then the fun begins,
I got such a kick out of this story. I loved how protective Dean got around Pearl. How he was there for her in her tough moments. I nearly fell out of my chair laughing during a competition. So good. Must read if you love a great romantic comedy. Enjoy
October 26, 2024
Made the decision to DNF this one. There are so many problems with this book that I simply cannot get past.
1) Pearl has unrealistic levels of “anxiety,” I think the author was thinking of paranoid delusions and has somehow confused these for anxiety. Which doesn’t surprise me because…
2) the author repeatedly refers to ESP as ESPN. I can ignore the first usage of the word as like a Mean Girls reference…but you can only stick the landing on that joke once. Each additional time you force it on the reader, you’re just grating at the nerves.
3) Dean is seriously like a five year old. I love grapes!
Yeah, it’s kinda like that.
4) workplaces competition “couple’s” event in which no employees were allowed to bring their significant others…it’s almost like this shit wasn’t thought out at all and Jonas just let his fiancée throw her weight around. At a work event. Which she shouldn’t even be attending because NO OTHER SIGNIFICANT OTHERS ARE IN ATTENDANCE.
5) in addition, the events in this competition were actually pretty highly inappropriate and second hand cringey and embarrassing moments do not make me think “yes, I’m here for this.”
6) why wasn’t the opening of this novel paced better? Because fuck character development am I right? The author sincerely missed some heartfelt “getting to know you” moments by not having Pearl or Dean converse AT ALL once making this fake relationship pact or whatever. The first time they talk in months is when this work retreat is planned and they realize “oh shit we have to actually make this happen.”
7) I HATE the portrayal of Pearl’s southern family. I don’t get offended by much, but I found this shit incredibly offensive and actually pretty fucking gross.
8) I sincerely CANNOT get over the shitty way Dean acts towards Pearl directly after they have sex. This made the novel irredeemable for me.
1) Pearl has unrealistic levels of “anxiety,” I think the author was thinking of paranoid delusions and has somehow confused these for anxiety. Which doesn’t surprise me because…
2) the author repeatedly refers to ESP as ESPN. I can ignore the first usage of the word as like a Mean Girls reference…but you can only stick the landing on that joke once. Each additional time you force it on the reader, you’re just grating at the nerves.
3) Dean is seriously like a five year old. I love grapes!
Yeah, it’s kinda like that.
4) workplaces competition “couple’s” event in which no employees were allowed to bring their significant others…it’s almost like this shit wasn’t thought out at all and Jonas just let his fiancée throw her weight around. At a work event. Which she shouldn’t even be attending because NO OTHER SIGNIFICANT OTHERS ARE IN ATTENDANCE.
5) in addition, the events in this competition were actually pretty highly inappropriate and second hand cringey and embarrassing moments do not make me think “yes, I’m here for this.”
6) why wasn’t the opening of this novel paced better? Because fuck character development am I right? The author sincerely missed some heartfelt “getting to know you” moments by not having Pearl or Dean converse AT ALL once making this fake relationship pact or whatever. The first time they talk in months is when this work retreat is planned and they realize “oh shit we have to actually make this happen.”
7) I HATE the portrayal of Pearl’s southern family. I don’t get offended by much, but I found this shit incredibly offensive and actually pretty fucking gross.
8) I sincerely CANNOT get over the shitty way Dean acts towards Pearl directly after they have sex. This made the novel irredeemable for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2022
This is a fun fluff sort of a story in which the hero and heroine meet when somebody at work puts up a show of artistic photos of their significant others cheating with each others. Pearl gets anxiety attacks and Dean is often able to calm her down. They both swear off relationships because they invariably turn sour, and agree to fake date to keep the matchmakers at bay. They end up going to a work conference together as well as a family wedding. The problems in the relationship are mostly caused by Dean who has determined that he was the common denominator in all his failed relationships and one with Pearl would be doomed to fail because of it. It requires some outside intervention to get him out of his backside. I liked his grand gesture and the proposal. It was an amusing story and I finished it in a day. I generally enjoy this author's entertaining style.
Steam level: Initially they are trying not to but in the long run it is not a sustainable plan.
Series status: This stands alone but there are some minor characters from previous books.
What stood out: The weirdest plot point was a games night at the work conference. The company has organized entertainment in the form of a quiz for couples that involves asking them things about their romantic partner, dry humping with balloons, and graded kissing. This seemed a little out of place for any work conference organized by any employer, and especially odd because these particular employers have rules to discourage co-workers dating. I waited for the suspicious boss to reveal that he set it up as a trap but no.
I got this from Booksprout and this is a voluntary review.
Steam level: Initially they are trying not to but in the long run it is not a sustainable plan.
Series status: This stands alone but there are some minor characters from previous books.
What stood out: The weirdest plot point was a games night at the work conference. The company has organized entertainment in the form of a quiz for couples that involves asking them things about their romantic partner, dry humping with balloons, and graded kissing. This seemed a little out of place for any work conference organized by any employer, and especially odd because these particular employers have rules to discourage co-workers dating. I waited for the suspicious boss to reveal that he set it up as a trap but no.
I got this from Booksprout and this is a voluntary review.
January 27, 2023
Funny Fake Out
As always, Penelope Bloom delivers a funny romcom worth reading! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents.
Quick recap:
Pearl walks into work and sees her boyfriend’s and a mystery woman’s butt photocopied on a board for everyone to see. She goes to sit down to digest the information, when Dean sees her and decides to take a seat next to her. Pearl learns Dean’s girlfriend was the mystery woman. They both decide it would be better to be fake girlfriend/boyfriend than to have family and friends try to set them up with other people. 6 months later they need to prove their relationship at a company retreat and family wedding. Can they fool everyone?
My two cents:
I laughed out loud more times than I can count! Penelope Bloom has a way with creating funny leading character who you can identify with and enjoy.
I loved that Pearl had anxiety. It made her inner dialogue interesting and it made me enjoy Dean’s reactions to her even more. Dean’s sister has anxiety and he is sensitive to Pearl’s needs in a way most men wouldn’t necessarily be. I loved this about them!
There were a few sex scenes. They were okay. But to be honest, I’ve already forgotten them. So, don’t expect too much.
At times the inner monologue gets to be a bit much, but you can skip it without missing anything important. You can only read, “if I ask for this to be real, can my heart take the rejection if they don’t want it?!” so many times before you’re tired of it.
If you like fake romance romcoms, then you’ll probably like this book! There’s a happily ever after that’ll make you swoon. Give this book a try! Happy reading y’all!
As always, Penelope Bloom delivers a funny romcom worth reading! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents.
Quick recap:
Pearl walks into work and sees her boyfriend’s and a mystery woman’s butt photocopied on a board for everyone to see. She goes to sit down to digest the information, when Dean sees her and decides to take a seat next to her. Pearl learns Dean’s girlfriend was the mystery woman. They both decide it would be better to be fake girlfriend/boyfriend than to have family and friends try to set them up with other people. 6 months later they need to prove their relationship at a company retreat and family wedding. Can they fool everyone?
My two cents:
I laughed out loud more times than I can count! Penelope Bloom has a way with creating funny leading character who you can identify with and enjoy.
I loved that Pearl had anxiety. It made her inner dialogue interesting and it made me enjoy Dean’s reactions to her even more. Dean’s sister has anxiety and he is sensitive to Pearl’s needs in a way most men wouldn’t necessarily be. I loved this about them!
There were a few sex scenes. They were okay. But to be honest, I’ve already forgotten them. So, don’t expect too much.
At times the inner monologue gets to be a bit much, but you can skip it without missing anything important. You can only read, “if I ask for this to be real, can my heart take the rejection if they don’t want it?!” so many times before you’re tired of it.
If you like fake romance romcoms, then you’ll probably like this book! There’s a happily ever after that’ll make you swoon. Give this book a try! Happy reading y’all!
December 13, 2022
Pearl and Dean's Fake Agreement . . .
Pearl and Dean both want to avoid relationships going forward because they just don’t seem to work out. Being a victim of her boyfriend Landon’s cheating photographs with another woman (who turns out to be Dean’s ex-girlfriend) being viewed by the office staff as the day’s entertainment is not worth the humiliation or heartbreak. To protect themselves from getting fixed up on “pity dates”, they agree to pretend to a fake relationship with each other.
Attending a work conference together, things don’t always fare much better. But the two of them are hilarious. The conference is followed by the invitation to attend Pearl’s sister’s wedding to one of Pearl’s bosses. Her family is of course eager to meet Pearl’s new boyfriend. The two of them will need to ramp up their relationship to a more convincing display, which involves lots of believable romantic kissing and sleeping together in the same hotel room. Will this intense relationship start to become more real? Could they possibly want to give it a chance to become something more than fake?
Dean and Pearl are perfect characters for this story. They kept me laughing and I enjoyed the dialog and antics they shared. Dean sees himself as the failure in his relationships, yet he is kind and understanding with Pearl. He really seems to know how to provide what she needs. Will they finally realize that they are good for each other after all?
Pearl and Dean both want to avoid relationships going forward because they just don’t seem to work out. Being a victim of her boyfriend Landon’s cheating photographs with another woman (who turns out to be Dean’s ex-girlfriend) being viewed by the office staff as the day’s entertainment is not worth the humiliation or heartbreak. To protect themselves from getting fixed up on “pity dates”, they agree to pretend to a fake relationship with each other.
Attending a work conference together, things don’t always fare much better. But the two of them are hilarious. The conference is followed by the invitation to attend Pearl’s sister’s wedding to one of Pearl’s bosses. Her family is of course eager to meet Pearl’s new boyfriend. The two of them will need to ramp up their relationship to a more convincing display, which involves lots of believable romantic kissing and sleeping together in the same hotel room. Will this intense relationship start to become more real? Could they possibly want to give it a chance to become something more than fake?
Dean and Pearl are perfect characters for this story. They kept me laughing and I enjoyed the dialog and antics they shared. Dean sees himself as the failure in his relationships, yet he is kind and understanding with Pearl. He really seems to know how to provide what she needs. Will they finally realize that they are good for each other after all?
December 13, 2022
Hilarious Rom-Com with characters you will love; some steam, lots of passion
What happens when happy-go-lucky, never-met-a-stranger finds he has something in common with the walking personification of anxiety, worries about everything? Pearl says, she’s “one thread away from broke.” Dean Slater finds out that Pearl Moreno and he share cheating partners. Eric and Annabelle cheated with each other and left proof on a copy machine which is now posted on the bulletin board for all to see. Dean has a need to help others so when he sees this lone girl sitting away from the crowd, he sits beside her. They understand their connection, which causes them to come up with a pact to pretend date. Six months later, Pearl needs her fake date for an important event. As with any well-intentioned Bloom book, their pretense falls apart at the same time we see love bloom (pun intended). Will it be the end?
Oh. My. Word. This book was hilarious. Caught me off guard so many times that I couldn’t stop the laughter. Wait until you meet her male cousins from Alabama. Too funny. I love Dean and Pearl and all the secondary characters from Fairhope. The reader can easily tell from the narrative or the dialogue which character is speaking. If you like humor with your romance between Mr. Rich Ridiculous and Ms. Serious all the time, read this book. You will love it. Guaranteed! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Booksprout.
What happens when happy-go-lucky, never-met-a-stranger finds he has something in common with the walking personification of anxiety, worries about everything? Pearl says, she’s “one thread away from broke.” Dean Slater finds out that Pearl Moreno and he share cheating partners. Eric and Annabelle cheated with each other and left proof on a copy machine which is now posted on the bulletin board for all to see. Dean has a need to help others so when he sees this lone girl sitting away from the crowd, he sits beside her. They understand their connection, which causes them to come up with a pact to pretend date. Six months later, Pearl needs her fake date for an important event. As with any well-intentioned Bloom book, their pretense falls apart at the same time we see love bloom (pun intended). Will it be the end?
Oh. My. Word. This book was hilarious. Caught me off guard so many times that I couldn’t stop the laughter. Wait until you meet her male cousins from Alabama. Too funny. I love Dean and Pearl and all the secondary characters from Fairhope. The reader can easily tell from the narrative or the dialogue which character is speaking. If you like humor with your romance between Mr. Rich Ridiculous and Ms. Serious all the time, read this book. You will love it. Guaranteed! I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Booksprout.
December 13, 2022
Dean and Pearl meet under the weirdest of circumstances. Both of their significant others have cheated on them, with each other, and now they are both left picking up the pieces. Both have intrusive families who will immediately want to set them up once they find out what happened. So after knowing each other for less than ten minutes, they devise a plan to tell anyone who asks that they are dating, but never actually spend time together or talk.
Here we are six months later and they both have to spend two long weeks together pretending to be a couple. The problem - they haven’t spoken one word to each other since that initial meeting and know nothing about each other. This makes for an interesting two weeks!
While pretending to be a couple, they find themselves stuck together more and more and being forced to learn more about each other. While doing so, they both seem to be falling into lust and like with each other. But one of them puts a stop to that. Will they be able to survive it? Or will they forever be the pretend couple that never became more?
This was a fun, hilarious romcom. It was a very light read with minimal spice for those just looking for a quick read!
I will say, I really empathized with Pearl and her exactly and I felt what she was feeling into my bones. Dean was such a good partner for her because they were essential opposites and he helped calm and center her.
Here we are six months later and they both have to spend two long weeks together pretending to be a couple. The problem - they haven’t spoken one word to each other since that initial meeting and know nothing about each other. This makes for an interesting two weeks!
While pretending to be a couple, they find themselves stuck together more and more and being forced to learn more about each other. While doing so, they both seem to be falling into lust and like with each other. But one of them puts a stop to that. Will they be able to survive it? Or will they forever be the pretend couple that never became more?
This was a fun, hilarious romcom. It was a very light read with minimal spice for those just looking for a quick read!
I will say, I really empathized with Pearl and her exactly and I felt what she was feeling into my bones. Dean was such a good partner for her because they were essential opposites and he helped calm and center her.
December 14, 2022
One random day Pearl discovers that her boyfriend has cheated on her, trying to comprehend what happened a sexy stranger, Dean checks on her to see if she’s alright even though he just found out his girlfriend cheated on him with her boyfriend. They come to an agreement to fake date to keep everyone from trying to set them up on dates. Pearl is a worrier over everything and Dean is a wealthy man who helps others before taking care of himself. Dean is a consultant at the company she works at and boy do they have a interesting conversation. Six months later they are at the same work retreat for a week then right after her sisters wedding to her boss. Dean gives Pearl his undivided attention for 2 weeks, flirts and slowly opens her heart They play a couples game winning with 2 great prizes. Their fake relationship turns complicated when they are intimate and hide their feelings from one another. At the wedding the stakes are higher as Pearl knows being dishonest with her family will not end well. When everything falls apart Pearl has a broken heart, moves away from the city and Dean walks away thinking he did the right thing by letting Pearl go. There are some hilarious situations in this story that will having you laughing out loud. Dean gets a kick in the butt from his sister and he goes to get his girl! Hope to read a story about Pearls crazy and over the top cousins. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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