With fan-worthy steam, a playful feel, and tons of sexual tension, this grumpy/sunshine romance absolutely flies by. It’s an office romance with a side of fake relationship, pairing up two total opposites who have never really gotten to know each other. Once this boss and his assistant interact outside of the office, their entire dynamic shifts – and then it’s on. The lovable grump of a hero is endearing and just a little bit sweet, so he is the perfect match to our bright and bubbly heroine. I loved the forced proximity, which makes for plenty of hot and sexy moments to keep things interesting. I’m not sure why I left this one on my TBR for so long, but I’m very happy that I finally made time for it – the whole thing was great.
The story follows Everly, an executive assistant who has learned how to deal with her cold and aloof boss. She’s been working for Shepherd for three years now, but they never actually communicate in a meaningful way. It’s all business between this boss and his assistant, which is why a late night call from Shepherd leaves Everly so surprised. His demand that she meet him at a party – and wear something sexy – has Everly confused… until she gets there. Turns out, her cold-hearted boss has a soft spot for his dad, and Shepherd doesn’t have the heart to tell his dad that the gold-digger on his arm is his recent ex. One thing leads to another, and Everly soon finds herself agreeing to play the role of Shepherd’s fake girlfriend, even going so far as to move in temporarily. But sleeping next to the boss who has never taken the time to get to know you is sure to change any relationship.
I think I left this on my TBR for so long because some readers thought Shepherd had been lusting after his assistant while continuing to be a playboy or that he only saw her after she looked hot one night. I didn’t see it that way at all. While Shepherd acknowledges that Everly is attractive (BEFORE that night), he goes out of his way to keep their relationship professional – and has never looked past her sweet and unassuming exterior. It’s not until they both let down their guards and see beneath the surface that the dynamic shifts. I loved that they have that shared history while also learning about the things that make them right for each other one step at a time. The forced proximity is a definite win here, and I loved the roommates element. The sexual tension ratchets up over time, and then this got so steamy and intimate towards the end. Their closeness allows them to open up in a meaningful way, and that made for some excellent moments.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xnZxyG
Audio Note:
Highly recommended on audio! It’s dual narration, with Jason Clarke and Emma Wilder each reading about half the book. Clarke is my personal favorite, so hearing steamy scenes in his gravelly voice was particularly fan-worthy. The vibe also works perfectly in audio; it’s slightly over the top and certainly humorous, so the upbeat feel made the story fly by. The runtime is also great for bingeing in one day, though I don’t necessarily recommend this for the office. Maybe the first half, certainly not the second. But it was so fun and playful that it made my day go by in the blink of an eye. I have zero complaints about the audio, and I’m sure it enhanced the story.
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3mozEsg
Blurb:
“When I kissed you last night, I wasn’t pretending.”
Everly Dalton is a walking, talking, martini-drinking dating disaster. Forget kissing frogs. She can’t even get past the first date. But at work, she’s a badass—the longest-running assistant billionaire Shepherd Calloway has ever had. Her coworkers wonder how she handles the big bad wolf—and never gets bit.
Shepherd Calloway isn’t interested in being anyone’s sugar daddy. Tired of women who only want him for his money, he swears off dating, determined to focus on running his empire. Until his gold-digging ex hits him where it hurts, putting him in a difficult position.
His solution—to have Everly pose as his live-in girlfriend—is obviously crazy. But the timing is uncanny. It just so happens Everly needs a favor from her boss—a big and awkward one—and this could ensure everyone gets what they want.
Besides, Everly can totally survive a few months of faux romance.
Except there’s a problem. Shepherd is supposed to be a single-minded, unemotional robot boss. Not an actual human with a heart and morning wood. Between the awkward bed-sharing and tingly fake dates, lines are blurring. And as Everly gets to know the real Shepherd, she discovers there’s more to the man behind the bank account.
And faking it gets all too real.
Faking Ms. Right is a hot, STAND-ALONE romantic comedy.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xnZxyG
About the Author:
Claire Kingsley is an Amazon Top 5 bestselling author of sexy, heartfelt contemporary romance and romantic comedies. She writes books with sassy, quirky heroines, swoony heroes who love their women hard, panty-melting sexytimes, romantic happily ever afters, and lots of big feels.
For sneak peeks, exclusive short stories, the popular (and usually ridiculous) Ask Cooper Miles advice column, and lots of awesome book news, sign up for Claire’s newsletter: http://www.clairekingsleybooks.com/sign-up/
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