Reviews

Love Charade by Allie McDermid

sulphuric's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

moony4's review

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

eclecticreads's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars. i enjoyed the beginning, the mutual pining, the banter, the fluff, the smut. perfect untilll the ex-gf conflict happened, that just totally put me off

yetanothermegan's review

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

lezreadalot's review

3.0

The fire hadn’t quite started, but there was something hanging between them, like they were both fighting to keep it under wraps. Jen certainly was. If she let go, there would be no stopping the blaze.

This was pretty okay. It started out with a lot of potential, and I was really enjoying the flow, the banter, the really closed off small town vibes and the low stakes, but in the end it didn't really wow me as much as I was hoping it to. The plot revolves around Holly, who's just come home to Scotland after having her heart broken in London, and Jen, who is still getting over a bad breakup that happened three years ago. They get teamed up for a dating competition happening in their town, and of course, the fake dating turns into real dating. The beginning was really cute. I loved their banter (especially the quack thing) and how their animosity and awkwardness really felt organic when it turned to attraction and chemistry. The mutual pining was delicious. That's the kind of misunderstanding that I actually really enjoy; it creates great tension and light angst.

The last third of this, unfortunately, I didn't enjoy as much. Not to spoil anything, but the third act conflict revolves largely around ex-girlfriend drama, which is my absolute least favourite type of conflict. It was kinda overwrought and dramatic, coupled with the kind of boring, annoying misunderstandings that I really don't like. The jealous ex storyline never appeals to me, and while I understood the reasons for one of the character's reluctance, it was drawn out way too long. The writing all in all was fine, but there were some issues with pacing and flow, in my opinion.

I might try this author again, because I do like the premise for this series. But this just wasn't my favourite thing.

turtleybookishbex's review against another edition

I was enjoying this for the first 30% and then the speed of the relationship developing went back to 1MPH. It became very bland and I just couldn’t continue. Some of the wording the author used for female arousal had me cringing. I’m a sapphic woman and that description is horrifying. 

marylee507's review

2.0

This book is like 1.5/2 spice level, there are three scenes with one that fades to black. I found the characters so difficult to relate to, and I really wanted more interactions between the couples competing in lovefest. I would have DNF'd this book if I didn't need to read it for my bookclub. Apparently, later books in this series get better.

reeg_reads's review

4.0

Don’t you just love meddling parents? No? Well neither does Holly. Upon returning to Glasgow after a breakup, Holly’s parents enter her into a dating competition where she meets Jen, who has sworn off dating. The two enter into a fake relationship to win the dating competition. Jen wants the money and Holly wants her parents off her back. Holly and Jen have great chemistry together, once they get over the awkwardness at the beginning. Overall, Love Charade is a fun read.

misha_ali's review

4.0

Solid characters, good comedic moments, and an excellent soundtrack (I've got some new artists on my playlist thanks to the specificity of the music discussed in this book). I love the idea of a festival highlighting romance for a month. The potential for romcoms is endless!

jennabeebs79's review

4.0

Love Charade by Alie McDermid is an adorable fake relationship romance set in Glasgow, Scotland. Both Holly and Jen are lovely women with giant but guarded hearts. They’ve both been unlucky in love with Holly still nursing a recently broken heart and Jen swearing off romance three years prior after her ex left her for the lights of London. Allie McDermid did a great job describing the awkwardness between Jen and Holly through the first couple of dates as the fake relationship trope rolled full steam ahead. I smiled quite a bit as their feelings progressed and their chemistry started tapping each woman on the shoulder.
I also loved the fun, witty dialogue between Jen and Holly. Holly was able to give as good as she got and never got flustered by Jen’s snark! This is a sweet little romance with likable main characters and delightful supporting characters. It’s high on the smiles and low on the drama and angst.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.