Pretend It’s Love by Stefanie London
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stefanie London takes the pretend lovers trope to a new level in this smart, witty and sexy tale. Even though this is book 2 in the series, it was my first Stefanie London read. I’m pleased to say that it doesn’t matter which sequence you read them in because even though Book 1’s characters are featured, you’re not left wondering what happened in Book 1 that led to Book 2. So now I’m reading Book 1 which is proving an equally enjoyable read.
Ms London’s characters are true to life and draw you in completely. I felt for Libby’s plight and the perception that she’d failed to be the perfect daughter, and instead chose to follow her own dreams. Paul is a ‘pretend’ playboy and I was pleased to find that he had a lot more depth than he portrayed in public. The contrast between Libby’s family and Paul’s was believable enough for me to feel empathy for her and pleased when the family embraced her the way they did.
Overall, I though this was a heartwarming, easy read with some great lines and a very satisfying ending.
About Pretend it’s Love
Bar manager Paul Chapman is sick of his family’s traditional ideals. Marriage, babies, and a white picket fence? Not his gig. But now that his ‘golden child’ big brother is tying the knot, Paul’s screwed. His ex will be there…and she’s having his cousin’s baby. Unless he wants to show up to the wedding alone and face his family’s scrutiny, he needs a girl on his arm. Now.
Cocktail specialist Libby Harris has spent her life earning the nickname Little Miss Perfect, all to win the love of her wealthy, controlling father. But she deviated from his plan, and now her business is on shaky ground. If it fails, she might as well kiss his respect—and her dream—good-bye. Her only hope? Convince the hottest bar in town to take on her product.
Luckily for her, the owner’s brother is sexy as sin and in need of a perfect girlfriend…
Small Town Fiction 