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elvang's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it. I’m not that big a fan of fake relationships but Ullrich hits all the right notes in Pretending in Paradise.
Caroline and Emma are complete opposites. Emma is Travel Wisdom’s travelling reviewer/photographer. She actively blogs her travels and is not afraid to give hotels and vacation hot spots bad reviews. Her honesty is valued by her followers. She is self-absorbed, at times selfish and more than happy to enjoy one night stands with the women she meets on her travels. Caroline is not. As a new employee in the PR department of Travel Wisdom she is appalled at Emma’s behaviour on the job and in the workplace. When asked to accompany Emma on a couples retreat by her boss, Caroline carries with her as much personal baggage as checked luggage. Her rigid attitude masks a woman struggling to recover from a failed relationship. Tossed into a couples retreat with orders to curb Emma’s Lothario ways is the last thing Caroline wants or needs. Let the fauxmance begin.
I love reading books by Ullrich. I know I am guaranteed witty and often memorable dialogue between her two mains. Her characters shine because they are so well drawn. Emma and Caroline begin their retreat with so much venom that it makes the inevitable attraction, respect and acceptance all the sweeter. It doesn’t hurt that the reader feels like they are also on holiday, enjoying the sun, the sand and the nightlife in and around Little Havana. I liked the group activities at the resort and how they serve to bring Emma and Caroline closer together out of necessity so they wouldn’t blow their cover.
This is a romance so we expect some bumps along the way. With all her hangups it is inevitable that Caroline struggles with trust issues but seeing the growth in Emma throughout the story makes it clear that these two are destined to be together. Sex scenes? Why yes there are sex scenes. The first one is memorable and unique to the genre and fits perfectly with the baby steps required in the moment.
Great escapist read. Well done.
4.5 stars
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Caroline and Emma are complete opposites. Emma is Travel Wisdom’s travelling reviewer/photographer. She actively blogs her travels and is not afraid to give hotels and vacation hot spots bad reviews. Her honesty is valued by her followers. She is self-absorbed, at times selfish and more than happy to enjoy one night stands with the women she meets on her travels. Caroline is not. As a new employee in the PR department of Travel Wisdom she is appalled at Emma’s behaviour on the job and in the workplace. When asked to accompany Emma on a couples retreat by her boss, Caroline carries with her as much personal baggage as checked luggage. Her rigid attitude masks a woman struggling to recover from a failed relationship. Tossed into a couples retreat with orders to curb Emma’s Lothario ways is the last thing Caroline wants or needs. Let the fauxmance begin.
I love reading books by Ullrich. I know I am guaranteed witty and often memorable dialogue between her two mains.
Spoiler
fun sponge. PricelessThis is a romance so we expect some bumps along the way. With all her hangups it is inevitable that Caroline struggles with trust issues but seeing the growth in Emma throughout the story makes it clear that these two are destined to be together. Sex scenes? Why yes there are sex scenes. The first one is memorable and unique to the genre and fits perfectly with the baby steps required in the moment.
Great escapist read. Well done.
4.5 stars
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
rose_exe's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
mjsam's review against another edition
4.0
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t overly impressed with the last M Ullrich book I read, but I enjoyed this one. I’m a sucker for the fake relationship trope, and this doesn’t disappoint there. The main premise here is that Emma and Caroline both work for the same travel review company, though Caroline has only been there one day. Emma is a reviewer who has posted a review that leads to legal action and Caroline is tasked with travelling with her to keep her in line.
I have to be honest though, I did not like Emma’s character to start with (and I shared Caroline’s opinions of her actions). I could not believe her reaction to the lawsuit, I felt her cavalier disregard for how her behaviour affected her workplace was deplorable, so much so that I almost stopped reading about three chapters in, but because this was an ARC I forced myself to keep reading, and I’m glad I did, because the romance here is very sweet once you get past the set up.
By virtue of attending a couples resort, the two main characters are forced to spend a lot of time together, Emma is very laid back, Caroline is very uptight, and during their time away, they manage to meet in the middle a fair bit. The way they get to know each other and start to fall for each other is believable, and sweet and I also enjoyed the myriad of activities/dates they went on. There’s maybe a bit too much time spent on people hitting on Emma/Caroline’s issues, it felt repetitive after awhile (and I could have done without the sex on the plane scene, seriously, having sex surrounded by a bunch of other people on a crowded plane is not my idea of sexy).
The story extends past them leaving the resort, which gives insight into how they relate after their forced relationship, and this leads to the customary ‘angst’ portion of the story, but it’s over fairly quickly and handled reasonably well, (and includes an pretty sweet callback that I enjoyed very much). There’s also a nice epilogue to wrap things up.
3.5 stars rounded up.
I wasn’t overly impressed with the last M Ullrich book I read, but I enjoyed this one. I’m a sucker for the fake relationship trope, and this doesn’t disappoint there. The main premise here is that Emma and Caroline both work for the same travel review company, though Caroline has only been there one day. Emma is a reviewer who has posted a review that leads to legal action and Caroline is tasked with travelling with her to keep her in line.
I have to be honest though, I did not like Emma’s character to start with (and I shared Caroline’s opinions of her actions). I could not believe her reaction to the lawsuit, I felt her cavalier disregard for how her behaviour affected her workplace was deplorable, so much so that I almost stopped reading about three chapters in, but because this was an ARC I forced myself to keep reading, and I’m glad I did, because the romance here is very sweet once you get past the set up.
By virtue of attending a couples resort, the two main characters are forced to spend a lot of time together, Emma is very laid back, Caroline is very uptight, and during their time away, they manage to meet in the middle a fair bit. The way they get to know each other and start to fall for each other is believable, and sweet and I also enjoyed the myriad of activities/dates they went on. There’s maybe a bit too much time spent on people hitting on Emma/Caroline’s issues, it felt repetitive after awhile (and I could have done without the sex on the plane scene, seriously, having sex surrounded by a bunch of other people on a crowded plane is not my idea of sexy).
The story extends past them leaving the resort, which gives insight into how they relate after their forced relationship, and this leads to the customary ‘angst’ portion of the story, but it’s over fairly quickly and handled reasonably well, (and includes an pretty sweet callback that I enjoyed very much). There’s also a nice epilogue to wrap things up.
3.5 stars rounded up.
theamandashelby's review against another edition
5.0
I read two Ullrich books back to back making this my 6th read by her. I have enjoyed them all, but I really enjoyed this one. I love fake relationship books. I loved the way Ullrich brought the two characters together for the trip, and I enjoyed reading how the characters grow close during the trip. The delivery was perfect and this is for sure a book I will be rereading in the future. If you are a fan of fake relationship romances or romances in general you need to pick this one up.
alloveragain's review against another edition
2.0
4/10
Didn’t finish. (68%)
Sadly, the same thing that happened with Jae’s Wrong Number Right Woman happened with M. Ullrich’s Pretending in Paradise as well.
Not as slow-burnish as I’d like and I don’t feel much chemistry. To be honest, everything feels a bit rushed. I just couldn’t bring myself to read another sentence when I knew exactly how everything would play out. Even from the beginning, for some reason, I couldn’t get into the story nor characters.
Since I couldn’t finish the last third of the book the rating should be 1/10 but I gave it a 5/10 because it is nice - just not for me.
I gave Jae another shot and I’m so happy about it since I ended up loving the other book so I’ll be doing the same with Ullrich as well.
Didn’t finish. (68%)
Sadly, the same thing that happened with Jae’s Wrong Number Right Woman happened with M. Ullrich’s Pretending in Paradise as well.
Not as slow-burnish as I’d like and I don’t feel much chemistry. To be honest, everything feels a bit rushed. I just couldn’t bring myself to read another sentence when I knew exactly how everything would play out. Even from the beginning, for some reason, I couldn’t get into the story nor characters.
Since I couldn’t finish the last third of the book the rating should be 1/10 but I gave it a 5/10 because it is nice - just not for me.
I gave Jae another shot and I’m so happy about it since I ended up loving the other book so I’ll be doing the same with Ullrich as well.
kiyari's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rogue_lurker's review against another edition
4.0
A solid romance (faux-mance) with two new co-workers being sent off to review a couple's resort.
At first I wasn't particularly fond of the two characters - didn't hate them, but wasn't sure I was really invested in them. They did grow on me pretty quickly although I found Caroline was a bit sharp at times. Extra points awarded for an inventive and effective intimate scene and a totally cheesy but totally perfect scene near the end that made me smile. I enjoyed this one. Recommended
At first I wasn't particularly fond of the two characters - didn't hate them, but wasn't sure I was really invested in them. They did grow on me pretty quickly although I found Caroline was a bit sharp at times. Extra points awarded for an inventive and effective intimate scene and a totally cheesy but totally perfect scene near the end that made me smile. I enjoyed this one. Recommended
zagsreads's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
wc4's review
4.0
4th book in my quest to read the Lambda Lesbian Romance finalists for 2020. Have to confess though, that I probably will not be able to read all of them. But, I've gone through half the list so far, not bad really.
Anyways, back to the book, I thought that the plot would be familiar. Two opposite personalities thrown together to pretend to be a couple in a new couples' resort. Yes, that premise has been done numerous times. However, I am pleasantly surprised. The MC's do have opposite approaches to life. Emma is the travel reviewer who has a laid back personality. Caroline is the more uptight PR person sent with Emma to babysit her and make sure she remains professional. But, both of them have more nuanced personalities and backstories that explain why they do the things they do. I like the way both of them get to know each other while pretending to be in love. Caroline started out not very likable but we learn as the book goes on her reasons for acting the way she does. Emma started out quite shallow, but we get to know her depth as their relationship grows. In the end, I was very happy to see them get their HEA.
Anyways, back to the book, I thought that the plot would be familiar. Two opposite personalities thrown together to pretend to be a couple in a new couples' resort. Yes, that premise has been done numerous times. However, I am pleasantly surprised. The MC's do have opposite approaches to life. Emma is the travel reviewer who has a laid back personality. Caroline is the more uptight PR person sent with Emma to babysit her and make sure she remains professional. But, both of them have more nuanced personalities and backstories that explain why they do the things they do. I like the way both of them get to know each other while pretending to be in love. Caroline started out not very likable but we learn as the book goes on her reasons for acting the way she does. Emma started out quite shallow, but we get to know her depth as their relationship grows. In the end, I was very happy to see them get their HEA.
lezreviewbooks's review
5.0
Caroline Beckett is a PR specialist hired by travelwisdom.com to save them from a possible defamation lawsuit caused by the reckless actions of travel blogger Emma Morgan. When Emma is invited to travel to Miami to review a couples retreat, she jumps at the opportunity to redeem herself. But that chance comes with the condition that her travel companion has to be Caroline and they have to pose as a couple. Pretending to be in a relationship can be a hardship when they cannot stand each other but, as time goes by, both women discover that their early dislike for each other is turning into the complete opposite. Will they have a chance to make their fake relationship real?
This is a sweet slow-burn romance combining the fake romance and the enemies to lovers trope. Ms. Ullrich did a great work in building the relationship between the main characters from dislike to attraction. Both leads are well rounded with very distinctive personalities and in this case opposites attract. While Caroline is self conscious and introvert, Emma is extrovert and sociable. As the story progresses, both women - alongside with the reader - discover that there is more than meets the eye about the other. The chemistry is built slowly but surely and the sex scenes are well written, original and hot.
My only criticism is that I felt that the main premise on why they go on a trip together is a bit hard to believe but once that's sorted the rest of the book feels credible, as are their interactions with other people and conversations. There is a good balance between funny and more serious moments and the conflict and resolution have everything that a romance novel needs. As a bonus, the epilogue set a few years later provides a neat conclusion to the story.
Overall, a sweet slow-burn romance with well written characters and great chemistry. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is a sweet slow-burn romance combining the fake romance and the enemies to lovers trope. Ms. Ullrich did a great work in building the relationship between the main characters from dislike to attraction. Both leads are well rounded with very distinctive personalities and in this case opposites attract. While Caroline is self conscious and introvert, Emma is extrovert and sociable. As the story progresses, both women - alongside with the reader - discover that there is more than meets the eye about the other. The chemistry is built slowly but surely and the sex scenes are well written, original and hot.
My only criticism is that I felt that the main premise on why they go on a trip together is a bit hard to believe but once that's sorted the rest of the book feels credible, as are their interactions with other people and conversations. There is a good balance between funny and more serious moments and the conflict and resolution have everything that a romance novel needs. As a bonus, the epilogue set a few years later provides a neat conclusion to the story.
Overall, a sweet slow-burn romance with well written characters and great chemistry. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com