Cita falsa para una boda: Secretos al descubierto

Little Black Book of Secrets #3

by Karen Booth

Coming soon! How to Fake a Wedding Date by Karen Booth will be available Jun 28, 2022.

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2023

About the author

Karen Booth is a Midwestern girl transplanted in the South, raised on 80s music and repeated readings of Forever by Judy Blume. She writes steamy contemporary romance and women's fiction. When she isn't creating fictional hunky men and the women who test them, she's listening to music with her kids, honing her Southern cooking skills or sweet-talking her astoundingly supportive husband into whipping up a batch of cocktails.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since the GR bug wanted to let you know I read this series ages ago I figured I'd share my reviews again with my new format.

3.5 ⭐
Genre ~ contemporary fiction
Series ~ Little Black Book #3
Others in the series ~ The Problem with Playboys, Black Tie Bachelor Bid
Publication date ~ June 28, 2022
Est Page Count ~ 185
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ fake dating, brother's best friend, best friend's sister, steamage

Alex is busy helping her bff, Chloe, plan her wedding, but is unsuccessful in securing a date to the wedding. She recently broke off an engagement and the tabloids are calling her 'the trust fund tornado.' Her brother, Daniel, suggests she take his bff, Ryder. Unbeknownst to Daniel, Alex has had a crush on Ryder for years and slept with him a few months ago.

Ryder has always had a thing for Alex, but she is deemed off limits. He doesn't want to risk his business partnership or friendship with Daniel. Typical brothers best friend/best friends sister, fake dating romance, with Daniel being over the top protective, but I liked how Ryder FINALLY put him in his place.

I love that although each book follows a new couple the couples from the previous two books are involved in this installment. Alex, Chloe and Taylor are friendship goals. I really liked how Alex/Ryder and Geoffrey/Katrina eased into a new friendship seamlessly.

Honesty alert ~ this was my least favorite book in the series. It could be because the whole conclusion to who little black book was, and why they did what they did, seemed a little lackluster to me. I never got a curvy vibe either. And she never wanted to marry Henry to begin with, so why was she so sad about it and being at a wedding?

This was a quick and easy read and I'll be ready for Karen's next book.

Series notes:
This is the conclusion to the Little Black Book series ~ definitely not a standalone.

*Thanks to Karen Booth and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

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[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 3 out of 5]

First thing to note is I picked this up because of the cover and because it's pitched as a "curvy" romance, so I was hoping to see some solid fat representation. What I got instead was ONE reference to the heroine being "curvy" and it otherwise read like any other straight size romance. So if you're going looking for actual representation, you won't find it her. Though I love the cover model choice!

That aside, this was an enjoyable, very tropey romance following a woman who needs a date to a wedding for PR reasons and ends up going with her brother's best friend who she has secretly had a thing for for years. And also they had a one-night stand months ago. But her brother doesn't know and made his friend swear to never do anything romantic with his sister.

The main thing I didn't like was how much of a jerk her brother is. They are supposedly close but he's so dismissive of who she is, and is aggressively freaked out by the idea of his friend and his sister being together. Which for grown adults strikes me as strange. The romance itself was pretty good though and it's a quick read. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read and enjoyed the previous book in this series under Harlequin's imprint. The Problem with Playboys: An opposites attract, workplace romance I was curious about Alexandra's character and the cover for her book got me even more eager to read it. Curvy heroines and fat rep remain few and nary in romance so I jumped on the occasion to read this one.

That being said, I found the story pretty boring and unimaginative. Not because of the tried tropes at play but because of the execution. I'm actually here for the tropes.
The character development was flat, the dialogues were dated and cheesy, I wouldn't be surprised if this was a backlist story from a couple decades dusted off and slapped with an attractive cover.

Not only this but the cover is pretty much A LIE.
The heroine is barely described has having any curves, for all intent and purposes she could have been a size 2. No fat rep whatsoever. Highly disappointing. I found that both cover and blurb were misleading here.

And last, the sex scenes were blah. I mean, I'm fine with every level of steam but nothing was remotely sexy to me. I always find it ridiculous when characters in romance get super chatty during lovemaking. Dirty talk? Sure. Pretty please, even! But lyrical musing and purple prose? Please, DON'T.
The sex scenes were dry AF.

"I want you. Every inch of you. I want you to bury yourself in me. I want us to get lost in each other."

"She gasped when he found her apex"
"They began to move in a way that was mutually pleasing."

Also, I've read my fair share of older brother's best friend and I must have done some growing up since because the portrayal and reasons the heroine's brother had to FORBID and warn his best friend off Alexandra were strange and juvenile. Why was her brother so ticked about the idea of them together? They're all adults!?

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[Shae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, this one was pretty cute.
I mostly wanted to read it, because LOOK AT THIS COVER MODEL!! We need more covers with curvy women please!
That said, the references to her body being curvy were few, and early on. I could have done with a little more of that.
For a brother's best friend story, this one is solid. The push and pull of the couple was great, with mutual pining and a one night stand months before the events of this book.
The brother ended up being a little over the top for me personally. I found him overly rude to his sister, and for a grown man, he wasn't understanding at all.
But, it was a quick and fun read overall.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Booth is one of my favorite authors. And best friend/sibling romances are one of my favorite romance tropes. Combining these two makes me really happy.

How to Fake a Wedding Date is the third and final book in Karen’s Little Black Book of Secrets series. The series is about three childhood best friends and a social media account going after the three and others who all share a link. From the romance standpoint, this is a standalone read, however, the mystery of who is behind the social media account plays out over the course of the three books.

How to Fake a Wedding Date finds Alexandra “Alex” Gold in desperate need of a date for her best friend Chloe’s wedding that is being held at the family estate of her other best friend Taylor. Generally, it wouldn’t be a big deal if a person didn’t have a date for a wedding. But Alex isn’t just any old person. After calling off her own wedding mere days before it was to take place, Alex has been hounded by the tabloids and given the nickname “Trust Fund Tornado”. The last fourteen months have been hard for her. Trying to get back into the dating pool is all fine and dandy until the men figure out who she actually is and think of any excuse to get away from her. In her eyes, having a date for the wedding would show that she is fine and has moved on.

When Alex confides in her older brother Daniel, he has the perfect solution. He offers up his best friend and business partner Ryder Carson as tribute. Daniel figures Alex is safe with Ryder and that Ryder can use the wedding as an opportunity to meet and connect with Chloe’s uncle Geoffrey who they have been trying to meet with. “Pretend to like me for three days.” ~ Alex has no idea that Ryder doesn’t have to pretend at all. Ryder is very much attracted to Alex, but his relationship with Daniel and the Gold family is too important to him. He feels that he owes them everything and doesn’t want to jeopardize what he has with them.

Alex who has been attracted to Ryder for some time now plans on using this time to convince him that they should be together. Immediately, I was a little put off by Alex pushing Ryder so hard for a relationship or to bed him again (yes, there’s a story there) when she knew about the bro code and how Ryder feels bad about risking his friendship with Daniel and their business together. She doesn’t care. Like she literally doesn’t care about that, she just wants Ryder and the consequences for him mean nothing to her. Somehow Karen managed to pull Alex from the dark side and make her likable. And of course, Ryder gives in to his attraction and forgets about everything except for him and Alex. When these two are together, they’re really amazing. Alex brings out a different side of Ryder and he just simply makes her happy, without having to pretend she’s someone or something else.

One of the reasons I was looking forward to this story was the mystery of who was behind Little Black Book. For me, the mystery and reveal fell flat. I was expecting more of a climactic reveal than what I got. Friendship and romance are what drove this story. I’m not sure if I can say that Alex grew during the course of this book, but you did get to see her vulnerabilities and truths shine through. It actually made me like and feel for her. Ryder definitely grew throughout the course of the story. He had a couple of moments that really made him hero material and one in particular that made my heart soar.

If you’re into stories with tropes galore How to Fake a Wedding Date definitely has you covered. Karen has thrown everything in. There’s best friend/sibling, forbidden love, friends to lovers, fake relationship, a curvy heroine, and only one bed.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

“The person you’re meant to be with will find you. I promise. Don’t give up hope.”

**Received a copy of the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**

[Noelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Content Warnings: Loss of a parent, stalking, bullying, and verbally/emotionally abusive/manipulative parent.

It’s been about a year since Alex canceled her own wedding. Labeled the “Trust Fund Tornado”, by the media, it has been impossible to date once men realize who Alex is. The last thing Alex wants is to show up at one of her best friends’ weddings…dateless. Tired of the media casting a negative light on her she’s determined to find a date for the wedding and hopefully change the media’s narrative of her.

Ryder’s been best friends with Daniel, Alex’s brother, since college. Their friendship and partnership mean everything to him. Growing up with nothing was hard, especially after the loss of his mother, but Ryder’s friendship with Daniel changed everything. Though he can’t stop thinking about Alex, and they’ve crossed the line already, Ryder is determined to stay away to protect his relationship with Daniel.

The idea that her friend’s wedding has Alex sad and melancholy about her own canceled wedding made no sense to me. The way she describes her ex, even before admitting she didn’t love him, you can tell she had no emotional connection to him. It made it really hard for me to believe Alex believes in Happily Ever After when she stayed in a relationship with someone she really didn’t like…and then almost married them.

Ryder and Daniel’s friendship isn’t giving best friend vibes. It really felt like Ryder and Daniel are competitors, even though they own a company together, I was hoping to really see their friendship and why going behind Daniel’s back would break Ryder’s heart. Nothing I read helped me understand Ryder’s adamant stance of trying to stay away from Alex.

Going in I thought the Little Black Book drama, and reveal, would take up a good chunk of the story—as each book in the series felt like it was building to the reveal—so I was getting worried when we really hadn’t gotten any confirmed evidence, as the ending was looming closer. It felt like LBB’s reveal was an afterthought that was last minute, with very little time to explain it all. Something that I thought would have a grand reveal was left feeling rushed and incomplete.

I really wanted to like this book—with a plus-size cover model, failing for your brother’s best friend, and the reveal of Little Black Book—but sadly it just didn’t hit like I needed it to.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story but have read many variations of the same theme ; Man falling in love with his best friends sister. The writing was okay not up to the same level as Karen Booth's book (Gray hair don't care).
I liked the characters Ryder Carson H and the h Alex Gold.
Love Story
Highlights
Alex has had a crush on Ryder for years. She ended up engaged to a wealthy man when he proposed at a party with many people in attendance. She would have refused but didn't want to make a scene. On her wedding day she talked to Ryder as a friend and he told her to follow her heart. She broke it off on her wedding day. She became a tabloid nightmare.
Her best friend Chloe was getting married and Alex a florist (Flora)planned her wedding and did her flowers. Their other best friend Taylor hosted it at her boutique country hotel for the rich and famous in Connecticut.
To end the negative social media about her before the wedding she needed a date. Her brother offered Ryder as her solution. What Akex 's brother didn't know was that she and Ryder kissed one New Years Eve and slept together after another social event.
Daniel made Ryder promise he wouldn't touch his sister. He threatened him with ending their friendship and business partnership.
Ryder and Alex had to share a room with one bed . They made it through the first night with no hanky panky but not the second night.
They were invited out to dinner with the older couple Geoffrey and Katrina from the wedding. They acted naturally because you can't fake true love. The older couple said Alex and Ryder reminded them of themselves when they were younger. Ryder's partner Daniel was putting pressure on Ryder to get a meeting with Geoffrey and thought Alex and Ryder were putting on a good show.
Alex confessed her true feelings to Ryder after spending the night at his apartment. He was upset because of the promise he made to his best friend and her brother. She left thinking he didn't care about her.
He realized he messed up and five days later he and Daniel had their big pitch for Geoffrey. Geoffrey mentioned seeing Ryder and Alex kissing passionately in the hall. He talked of his love for his wife and what he witnessed at the wedding and in his home between Alex and Ryder. He advised him not to let her get away. After Geoffrey left the office Daniel accused Ryder of betraying their friendship and taking advantage of his vulnerable little sister. Ryder told Daniel that as his best friend he should trust him to love his sister.
He went to Alex's business Flora's and gave her an apology red tulip bouquet telling her he loved her.
Epilogue
He proposed on her birthday and she said yes. He gave her an empty ring box and was going to let her pick out the ring together.

[Katie Mettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Fake a Wedding Date was a fun, flirty romance between a woman whose reputation has been torn apart by the tabloids and her brother's best friend. They both need something out of a wedding they must attend, and decide to team up as a 'fake' couple to accomplish it. Alex wants to go to her friend's wedding without the tabloids saying she can't get a date and Ryder just doesn't want to go. He's had a crush on Alex for years, but knows that the can't date her since he works with his best friend who is also her brother. Daniel talks him into it because a client they want to land will be at the wedding.

Soon, Alex and Ryder figure out that there is nothing 'fake' about their dates and they're connecting and falling more in love with each other. The problem is, her family. I'm just going to keep it real. They're snobs. They don't think Ryder is good enough for Alex and Daniel is a huge jerk about it. I also didn't like how rude her brother was supposedly in the name of love for his sister when it was really just callous disregard of her feelings for his business gain, but Ryder got his hits in and pushed back, and that started to change, which I was happy to see.

The only thing that I was hugely disappointed by was how they didn't address 'curvy' romance except for once when he referred to her thighs as 'curvy' at the very end. That was it. Otherwise, if you hadn't seen the cover, you never would have known this was supposed to be a curvy romance. I was seriously bummed about that. I didn't dock any stars because the book was such a fun romance, but if you're going to claim it's representing a community, then it should represent that community or it shouldn't be included at all.

All in all, I loved this book for how fun and easy it was to turn the pages to see if Alex and Ryder end up together. I did like the little black book aspect of it, and wished that had been more prominent and her brother less prominent. I was happy to get the resolution of it at the end of the book and can't wait to go back and grab the first two books. If you love a fast, flirty romance with heart, definitely grab How to Fake a Wedding Date!

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Fake a Wedding Date is the third in the Little Black Book of Secrets series but can be read as a stand alone but I suggest reading the other two first for the backstory of mystery of the little black book. This is a story of crushing on the big brother's best friend/business partner and finding your self-worth. Alexandra's reputation has been destroyed in the tabloids after calling off her wedding at the last minute and now she is trying to find a date to her best friend's wedding. Her older brother suggests his business partner because a client they want is attending but Alex is worried that her true feelings will come through. Daniel makes it clear to Ryder not to cross the line with his sister. Ryder grew up in a cash strapped house but now is partners in an architecture firm with his best friend. He is attracted to Alex but in fear of ruining his relationship with Daniel so he tries desperately to keep things platonic. However, the more time they spend together the closer they get and he must decide what is more important. The identity of the author of the little black book is identified and the reasons for the attacks is revealed. This is a great conclusion to the trilogy and fun, entertaining read with relatable characters and their realistic problems.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Mileena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Harlequin romances don’t quite reach the depth of those close to 400 page romances that I’ve been reading more so lately. But holy shit are they addictive. They’re like a fun snack. A quick read that will give you a couple to route for with a very light plot. And every time I finish one I find myself wanting to buy and read like ten more. This one in particular stood out to me at first because 1, the beautiful cover that actually features a plus sized woman and the plot not being that she hates herself.

Fake dating is one of my all time favorite romance tropes and this was done in such a fun way. I get for fake dating there’s usually a reason they don’t just get together but Jesus fuck I hate “brothers-best-friend” plots cause every time I’ve read it the brothers are such cunts to them both when it’s like bro you love both these people.

After reading It Ends With Us I also realized now that I really enjoy the main heroine owning a flower shop. Also then Little Black Book thing that was basically just Gossip Girl was honestly so fun and I’m so excited to read the rest in the series. Overall this was really fun and light. The conflict was frustrating but I think this author is very good at writing chemistry and was excited to realize I have another book by her in my kindle already.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex is still trying to overcome the negative publicity that ensued when she cancelled her wedding and in order to diffuse the situation she needs a date for her best friend’s wedding. Her brother Daniel suggests that she take his best friend and business partner Ryder as it will help her out and Ryder can approach a man that they have been trying to connect with professionally.

Not only is Ryder’s best friend Daniel but Daniel’s father invested in the company that they are partners in. He knows that Daniel would not want him and Alex to be together and he has managed to control his feelings together except for the one night they spent together in the past. Now that they find themselves pretending to be a couple he is conflicted between his loyalty to Daniel and his feelings for Alex.

You can empathize with the struggle that Alex and Ryder are facing as they must choose between what makes them happy verses the edicts of those in their lives as they take us on an emotional and romantic journey.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

STEAMY BROTHER'S BEST FRIEND MYSTERY ROMANCE!

Alexandra Gold needs a break from weddings and it has been fourteen months since she broke off her wedding, now she is planning her friend's wedding but she needs a fake date to appease the haters and the only man she can think of is Ryder Carson, her brothers business partner and best friend and love of her life....

Ryder made a promise to Alex's brother that he would not touch Alex but promises were made to be broken....

Little black book strikes again at the wedding and this time it is Alex's turn...

Will they unearth who Little Black Book is?
Will Alex get over her love for Ryder Carson?
Will Ryder Carson realise Alex is his perfect woman?

The conclusion to Little Black Book is full of mystery, steam and thrills!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book, it was a quick enjoyable read. It was brother’s best friend, with a little fake dating and toss in a little one bed trope goodness. It felt like a warm comforting romance.
I did feel like I was missing the mystery plot a bit since I picked this up mid series, but besides that it was an enjoyable read. It was easy to relax into this story for a night.

[Amy Rhoads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a few hours. I throughly enjoyed Alex and Ryder’s love. I loved the honesty between the couple.

I loathed the family of Alex- Especially the brother! I felt like he was cold and didn’t trust the people closest to him.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Net Galley. I’m glad I did, as it was a fun read and I’d read it again.

[Beth (what.beth.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and cute read! Filled with some of my favorites: fake dating, brother’s best friend, and curvy heroine with no focus or mention of her needing to make any sort of change. She’s amazing just the way she is right now. 🙌🏻

Thank you to Harlequin Books/Harlequin Desire for the finished copy of the book!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you lose yourself inside of a mysterious heartache, that's when you know you have found something special. How to Fake a Wedding Date is a sincere dance between strength and vulnerability. Booth turns an emotional mess into an intriguing pot of gold that stays on your mind and sticks to your heart.

[Esther (esther.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brothers best friend, fake dating, fat heroine - basically everything that I love wrapped up into a steamy delightful romance! Imagine grown-up gossip girl; that’s exactly what this book is! I didn’t realize that this was book three and I immediately went back to read the other two. This book was an absolute delight. Relatable billionaires at a wedding?

I wish that there was less of a brother/friend conflict, because I felt like it was really possessive in a weird way. But I really did love this book. I think Karen Booth is a new fave author!

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

How to Fake a Wedding Date brings the Little Black Book of Secrets trilogy to a conclusion – and what an amazing romance it turned out to be. Alex and Ryder turned out to be my favorite couple of this series – although, Ryder really needed to find his courage to stand up to his best friend and business partner far, far sooner than he did. If there was a character that I could not stand (aside from the obvious Little Black Book people) it was Daniel, and his inability to see beyond business or to comprehend how his words and actions were hurting his sister (Alex) and his friend/business partner (Ryder). No, Daniel was not on my people-to-love list, at all.

Alex canceled her very expensive wedding practically at the altar. She knew she didn’t love the man, she was being pushed into a marriage that she didn’t want. And when she stood up for herself, for her own happiness she was rewarded with an angry parent, and became the most talked-about woman in town, and not in a good way. The Little Black Book gossip site made certain that she was always in the spotlight in a negative way.

Now she needs a date for her best friend, Chloe’s wedding and there is one man that she wishes would really see her and not only as his business partner’s sister. She has a proposition for Ryder, pretend to like her for the three days of the wedding celebrations and she’ll make certain he gets an introduction to a man who could take their business to the next level with one deal. Daniel isn’t going to let this chance go by but warns Ryder over and over about keeping his distance from Alex. A warning that, unfortunately, has mixed reactions.

I laughed and cried and got angry for Alex throughout How to Fake a Wedding Date. The emotions just rolled over me. Ryder and Alex work so well as a couple, but Ryder needed to get his head on straight about what was truly important in life before that romance left the fake it portion of their time together. If I could have sat Alex’s mother down for a stern conversation I would have. The people behind the Little Black Book weren’t the only villain like people in this story.

We finally have answers as to who and why these people were being targeted by Little Black Book. And I’m not going there, you’ll have to discover that for yourself. In all, I had a fantastic time back in this world. I loved the cover, believe it is time to show a more diverse representation of people who fall in love, and the cover nailed that message. I adored Alex, and wanted her to find her happiness, and was almost as devastated as she was when people let her down again. Ryder needed to find his backbone. He let Daniel call the shots far too long, he lost points with me for not sticking up for the woman he loved so much sooner – business deal, bro code or not. But I loved How to Fake a Wedding Date and would recommend it to any reader who loves a good, solid romance, an emotional journey, sizzling chemistry, and a couple who need to work through issues but eventually finds their forever love.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent. I was not financially compensated for this review and no expectation of a positive review was promised.*

[Donna Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: Best friend’s sister, fake dating, contemporary romance with plus size representation *(see note in review below)
********************
Triggers: Loss of a parent, stalking, bullying, and verbally/emotionally abusive/manipulative parent.
********************
Quote: “That kiss was sheer heaven. The sort of moment that you hold on to forever, until the day you die, because it’s just that perfect. ”
********************
Book three in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. Alex and her friends have been the victim of an anonymously written scandal sheet/social media account called the Little Black Book. Alex was especially hit hard when a year prior she had called off her highly publicized wedding and LBB publicly humiliated her. Alex is responsible, despite her painful past, to plan her friends’ wedding weekend. She needs a date, one that she hopes will rehabilitate her badly damaged reputation, so she turns to her brother’s best friend and business partner, Ryder. The trope pretty much writes itself.

*A note about the plus sized representation. It begins with the very nice cover image, and ends with one brief description of our heroine as being “curvy.” Otherwise, Alex reads like your stereotypical average size woman. It felt vaguely like a bait and switch to me.

The story is fairly standard for the trope, both our hero, Ryder, and our heroine, Alex, are in love with each other. But her brother Daniel is more than emphatic that there be any “ funny business” between his BFF and his baby sister. He only gives his blessing to allow Ryder to meet with a potential big client at the wedding. I didn’t care for the character Daniel. His emotional manipulation was a big part of why. Both the plot and subplot were generic, and while there was potential, I felt like it never rose to that potential.

All of the characters felt forced and stiff. For a romance story there wasn’t a great deal of romance. I must admit, though, I kept reading, maybe because I was waiting for something transformative to take place? The spicy scenes were kind of bland, but expected that since this is from Harlequin. They’re not known for their spice. It worked, though, as anything spicier would’ve come across as pandering to the current majority of romance readership who require graphic and dark aspects of romance.

All in all, I didn’t hate it, I just don’t adore it either. Movie rating PG13, overall 3/5, 1/5 romance, 0/5 violence, and 1/5 spice. 3/5 for the cover, although considering it baited me in I probably should rate it higher.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Fake a Wedding Date by Karen Booth, book three in the Little Black Book of Secrets series, is a multi-trope story including brother’s best friend, fake dating and only one bed, that I could not put down. This fun, flirty romance is a story of crushing on a big brother's best friend/business partner and finding your self-worth. Alexandra Gold’s reputation has been destroyed by the tabloids, after calling off her wedding at the last minute, and is in need of a date to her best friend's wedding. Her older brother suggests his business partner, Ryder Carson; especially since a client they want is also attending. Alex has crushed on Ryder for years and is worried that her true feelings about him will come across. Daniel Gold makes it clear to Ryder that he is not to cross the line with his sister. Ryder is attracted to Alex but fears ruining his relationship with Daniel so he tries desperately to keep things platonic. However, the more time they spend together the closer they get. Sparks fly and the chemistry sizzles between Ryder and Alex, such that wedding guests notice. Before long, Alex and Ryder figure out that there is nothing 'fake' about their dates and they're connecting and falling more in love with each other. Soon Ryder must decide which is more important, his friendship with Daniel or love for Alex.

Ms. Booth wrote an emotional, wonderful, heartwarming romance that kept me turning the pages wanting to see how Alex and Ryder handle their situation and hoping a happy ending is in their future. I highly recommend How to Fake a Wedding Date to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Trader (RedHotBlueReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Gold has a problem. She's notorious for canceling her high profile wedding and the paparrazzi are still looking for a story. When it comes time to manage her friend Chloe's wedding, she realizes she's going to need a date for the wedding.

To solve the problem, her brother recommends his business partner and friend Ryder, with the caveat it's all fake and Ryde will never touch his sister.

Oopsy.

The bro-code is very strong in this story. Alex's brother is really sort of a jerk when he insists on that condition as if it's okay for Ryder to be a business partner but not a boyfriend to his sister? Ugh. I wanted to smack him, or at least tell him off because Alex was amazing and her and Ryder together --- even better.

There are no big surprises here, it's a story of two people finding love and then having to deal with everyone around them, many who think they belong together and some that believe they don't.

How to Fake a Wedding Date is a lovely and sweet happily-ever-after story that I ripped through quickly, just because it was a wonderful world to spend time it. I loved Ryder and Alex together and even more so after all the drama gets resolved. An amazing feel-good story, with a terrific cover and a heart warming HEA.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

Alexandra Gold always had a crush on her brother's best friend but Daniel always made it clear to Ryder that his sister was off-limits.

But five months ago, Alex and Ryder succumbed to the temptation. But the morning after, he had already left, feeling guilty about betraying his friend. Everything is fine, as long as they keep their distance. But when Daniel insist she ask Ryder to be her fake date to avoid gossips, the more real it all become for Alex and Ryder.


Let me start by saying I wasn't a fan of the heroine's brother. The way he's always saying to his best friend to not get involve romantically with his sister every time he see him bothered me. In real life, his behavior would have alarming. It also means his almost lack of reaction when Ryder admited to him that Alex and him are together wasn't that believable. Having said that, I had a great time "watching" them try to resist each other and fall in love. Personally, I'm happy that there was no mention of the heroine's size or any insecurities from her about that and that she was never judged on her weight when the gossip account talked about her online. I found it refreshing and sound and to me it illustrates perfectly that being fat doesn't have to be what define someone.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra has had a thing for Ryder for years, even when she was engaged to another man. She called that wedding off and now she’s known as Trust Fund Tornado, Ritzy Runaway Bride, and her favorite Million-Dollar Meltdown. Chloe, her best friend, is getting married to Parker, so Alex will need a date. Daniel is her older brother and Ryder’s best friend and business partner. Daniel tells Alex that Ryder will be perfect as her date to the wedding, which is taking place in Connecticut at Taylor’s, Alex and Chloe’s other best friend, family’s summer estate. Daniel wants Alex and Ryder to get Chloe’s uncle, Geoffrey Burnett, to agree to a meeting so they can pitch their architecture firm to him. Daniel tells Ryder no funny business with my sister. Of course, Little Black Book is still around, but they’re close to solving the mystery behind the social media site. No spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens. I just love this series and I think you will too, especially if you love close friends, steamy love stories, and a touch of mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Booth’s end story in the Little Black Book series is How to Fake a Wedding Date. I LOVED the way she featured a strong curvy heroine into this story. Alexandra Gold was a runaway bride who’s been raked over the tabloid coals. Ryder Carson, her brother’s best friend and business partner, has always been her secret crush. Imagine her surprise when her own brother, Daniel, suggests Alex and Ryder “fake” date for her best friend’s wedding. Ryder has had the hots for Alex for a while but despite the one time they got together before, which Daniel doesn’t know about, he’s been keeping his hands off because of a promise he made to Daniel. The weekend proves too much for them both and they rekindle the relationship while trying to keep it from Daniel. Alex proves her worth when she helps Ryder land a meeting with a potential high-profile client, but the client sees through the fake to the real love behind them. It takes a breakup, an admission, and a confession for this HEA. All while the three couples blow the cover off the Little Black Book and restore order to their lives. Way to go, Karen. Thanks for the great series.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Partnership for life! This is about Alex and Ryder. Ryder is Alex’s brother, Daniel, business partner, and best friend. Daniel asked Ryder to be Alex’s fake date at the wedding to her close friend as her name has been on tabloids due to her recent engagement breakoff. Unknown to Daniel, Ryder and Alex have a history, but as good friends, Daniel is accepted and Alex agreed. This story is about the rich and fabulous, the issues they endure for being in the public light, and who is seen as truly rich (old money) to those becoming wealthy (new money). Crazy if you ask me, but it is what it is. These two find their way back into their life-giving each other a chance to make things right from their first encounter, of course, there is drama especially when Daniel finds out as he is an overprotective brother!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a mixed bag for me. Cheers for the cover art—that finally Harlequin has decided to feature a heroine who isn’t supermodel thin. The character, Alex, between the covers also is confident about her business and her brother’s business, even though she lacks some confidence in regards to Ryder, whom she’s crushed on all her life.
But the the big thing that really bothers me is how does her brother get off telling Ryder—a GROWN adult male, not a teenager—not to have a sex or a relationship with his sister? I could understand if Ryder was Daniel’s enemy, but the fact that they’re best friends and business partners, doesn’t make any sense to me. This behavior by Daniel also treats his sister as though she’s not adult enough to make decisions for herself about her relationships.
And this leads me to rant about Alex’s mother. What the heck is her mother doing choosing her husband for her in the 21st century in New York state? Good for her for ending that disaster-to-be.

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryder Carson is best friends and business partners with Daniel Gold, Alexandra Golds older brother. Alex has had a crush on Ryder for years, but the friend and business relationship her brother shares with Ryder precludes anything from developing between her and Ryder.

Until Alex’s life implodes after her cancelled wedding and the Little Black Book (LBB) targets Alex.

Chloe’s wedding and Daniel’s business needs force a fake relationship between Ryder and Alex, but it’s all real to the vulnerable and sweet Alexandra.

I’ve enjoyed reading this series, and Alex is my favorite heroine. While I initially loved Ryder, I also wanted to bop him upside his stubborn head so he could see the treasure placed in front of him, Alex.

There’s a very happy ending, and a conclusion to the mysterious LBB.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, moderately paced novel. It perfectly fits into the Harlequin Desire banner, with its passion and drive.

Our two main characters, Alex and Ryder were really balanced for each other. I do wish we had a little more expansion on their meeting, who they are as individuals and their lives outside of one another as a build up.

The plot was easy to follow, not too wild. The sub plot of Little Black Book was not needed, if I was asked. I would have liked to hear about the business ventures more as well.

The only thing I thought the book was lacking was character development. They both seemed to go through a similar change of asserting their own feelings but nothing much else.

All in all it was a nice fun novel. Glad to have read it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Veronica Lockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts out with Alex not wanting to attend her friend's wedding alone this is where Ryder comes in the man that she's been in love with for years. Daniel is Alex's brother, and he owns an architecture company with Ryder he believes this is a great opportunity to obtain a client their company desperately wants to acquire which could be a win win for both. Alex and Ryder have some secrets for Alex she is hiding that she has be in love with Ryder for a decade. Ryder and Alex are both keeping the fact that they had a one-night stand with each other. This is good lots of secrets come out and Little Black Book of Secrets gets closure. I loved this series, but Alex's story is my favorite. Thanks for ARC KB!!

[Novel Obsession · Rating 2 out of 5]

How to Fake a Wedding Date left me feeling wanting, but not in the way the author might like. The characters felt flat, the story line felt flat, and any romance also felt flat. If you were expecting a more progressive story because the book was advertised as a curvy romance, you can forget it. The only body positivity representation, or reference to the main character being curvy, besides the front cover is one scant line saying she is curvy. The overbearing older brother constantly freaking out about the idea of his best friend and sister ever possibly becoming involved, and the male lead's adherence to his best friend and partner's controlling whims, is a turn off to the story.

Disclaimer: A copy was provided by the publisher.