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kennyt's review against another edition
1.0
Although it is a novella, it just seemed as if the story was jumping everywhere. A quick read, just felt a little rushed and had missing pieces. Not my typical type of book. If .5 was a rating..that would be my rating.
sara11_reads's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the beginning where they negotiate the fake relationship but wanted more of the middle part where they are actually in the fake relationship. I felt like that was sort of skimmed over and the end a bit rushed. I liked Xandra's character but didn't quite understand why she still depended on her parents (it seemed like she had plenty of money of her own) and the Jermaine thing made no sense to me.
goofyasstaye's review against another edition
4.0
4/5
Anybody that knows me knows that fake dating is my FAVORITE trope.
Xandra and August were just… right for each other. Even though this was just a publicity stunt for their careers, it happened at the best time. It did move a little fast but I don’t mind it.
When he called her baby for the first time I literally GIGGLED
Anybody that knows me knows that fake dating is my FAVORITE trope.
Xandra and August were just… right for each other. Even though this was just a publicity stunt for their careers, it happened at the best time. It did move a little fast but I don’t mind it.
When he called her baby for the first time I literally GIGGLED
melaninbooklover's review against another edition
4.0
Actor August has some work to do on his image, his primary fan base is black women but the problem is he has only ever dated white women so his fans aren't pleased. August publicist convinces him the only way to fix his image is by fake dating a black woman, which is how fate brings him to Xandra. Xandra is a socialite who knows all to well how an image is important to a celebrities career. Having done the fake dating thing before Xandra agrees to the job with August. Neither of them expected to develop feelings for each other and because acting is what they do best they try to hide the growing feeling they have but when its love its hard to hide.
I haven't read a lot of the fake dating trope but I really enjoyed this storyline. In the beginning I was like oh hell no August black ass don't date black women, I didn’t like his ass from the first page. I almost put the book down because I was like oh if he is about to be one of those black men who don’t like black women we have a problem, but as I continued to read I softened a little. August was so sweet and considerate of Xandra during the entire process that I couldn’t help but like him in the end. Xandra genuinely cared for August and was there for him in his time of need doing more than what the job required her to do. I loved how confident Xandra was, sis didn't care what anyone thought about her but when necessary she stood up for herself. I also enjoyed their playfulness it was too cute how Xandra used August’ pet peeve to tease him.
This was a slow burn but when things heated up it heated up honey. I didn't mind the slow burn at all because it built the foundation of their relationship and built on their chemistry which was obvious from the first time they met.
I haven't read a lot of the fake dating trope but I really enjoyed this storyline. In the beginning I was like oh hell no August black ass don't date black women, I didn’t like his ass from the first page. I almost put the book down because I was like oh if he is about to be one of those black men who don’t like black women we have a problem, but as I continued to read I softened a little. August was so sweet and considerate of Xandra during the entire process that I couldn’t help but like him in the end. Xandra genuinely cared for August and was there for him in his time of need doing more than what the job required her to do. I loved how confident Xandra was, sis didn't care what anyone thought about her but when necessary she stood up for herself. I also enjoyed their playfulness it was too cute how Xandra used August’ pet peeve to tease him.
This was a slow burn but when things heated up it heated up honey. I didn't mind the slow burn at all because it built the foundation of their relationship and built on their chemistry which was obvious from the first time they met.
shaaay's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Grief
bandherbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Up and coming actor August Chambers has a PR problem. If he wants a chance for more roles and awards opportunities, he needs to cater to his fan base. His publicist thinks a fake relationship with influencer and socialite Xandra Nicole is the key to launching his reputation back into good graces.
Xandra is intrigued by August's teams offer; she's not new at playing the perfect fake girl friend for PR. But when real feelings immediately enter the equation, Xandra and August will need to have faith that neither of them is acting.
Slow-burn sexy with the biggest payoff, wow this was delicious fun. A great novella, with wonderful characters and plot. August and the feet holy wow!!! Five alarm fire.
Sanders also does an excellent job of showing two different Black character's experience and background with wealth and fame, as Xandra and August have had completely opposite lives until this point.
A perfect pick for those looking for a mix of the Hollywood fame scene in Kennedy Ryan's Reel and the more lighthearted spoiling and socialite plot of Tessa Bailey's It Happened One Summer.
CW: Xandra has an "arranged" future match who August thinks is her boyfriend, August likes to be slapped in the face and roughed up leading up to sex (consensual), discussions of grief. An off page minor character passes away and the characters attend the funeral.
Xandra is intrigued by August's teams offer; she's not new at playing the perfect fake girl friend for PR. But when real feelings immediately enter the equation, Xandra and August will need to have faith that neither of them is acting.
Slow-burn sexy with the biggest payoff, wow this was delicious fun. A great novella, with wonderful characters and plot. August and the feet holy wow!!! Five alarm fire.
Sanders also does an excellent job of showing two different Black character's experience and background with wealth and fame, as Xandra and August have had completely opposite lives until this point.
A perfect pick for those looking for a mix of the Hollywood fame scene in Kennedy Ryan's Reel and the more lighthearted spoiling and socialite plot of Tessa Bailey's It Happened One Summer.
CW: Xandra has an "arranged" future match who August thinks is her boyfriend, August likes to be slapped in the face and roughed up leading up to sex (consensual), discussions of grief. An off page minor character passes away and the characters attend the funeral.
jaydee4219's review against another edition
4.0
Why I thought I could read another celebrity book when I hate them, I don't know but I'm glad I did! This was such a good book. This is the second book by Shae Sanders that I've read and I'm really enjoying her writing! This was a novella but I still felt like we got a lot from the MCs. It was a slow burn with no steam until about 70% but once we got there it was hot! Everything about this book just felt so real even with it being about celebrities. Would definitely recommend!