A review by thewizardofbooks
Love and Other Scams by Philip Ellis

funny mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

 This book was the perfect morally grey romance where two con artists decide to join forces and swap a priceless engagement ring for a fake. Full of some of my favorite tropes (Only one bed, Fake Dating), this book tugged at my heart strings and made me root for Cat and Jake until the very end. 

Of course, in these types of books there is always a communication problem. One where if the characters just talked to each other, the main “conflict” wouldn’t be as big. Cat and Jake both have their own issues and reasons why they need money and that certainly adds to their miscommunication. 

Beyond the general romantic plotline, Love and Other Scams is full of wit, chemistry and some slight law breaking. It doesn’t really have any spice, so if that’s what you’re looking for in a romance this might not be the book for you. But, it does have some great shenanigans, banter, and feel good family moments.