A review by emilylovesbooks94
The Romantic by Riley Hart

5.0

Wow, I really loved this story. It started out pretty low key, with two guys who could have been right for each other had the circumstances lined up better but ended up not working out, then transitioned into an unexpected and uncertain fake/real marriage where Parker and Elliot had to learn a lot about each other really fast, then morphed again into a cozy and sweet relationship with swoony dates, deliciously repressed feelings (that were so obvious to everyone except the oblivious couple), and the steamiest steam. Parker and Elliot were seeking very different things from a partner in the beginning, and yet somehow they fell in love anyway--which is one of my favorite types of stories. It was just so sweet to see how attentive Elliot was, even when he didn't think he wanted a love connection, and the way Parker got all melty under Elliot's praise even when he knew he shouldn't be falling for him was my kryptonite. These two had crazy chemistry--even when they didn't want to admit it--and once they added in an emotional connection I was a goner. I enjoyed the grumpy sniping in the beginning, the shock and horror of waking up married, the tense fake marriage pact, the buildup as Elliot and Parker realized their feelings were growing, and the things they each learned about themselves in the process. I angsted over whether or not these two dummies would ever be brave enough to confess their feelings and fell apart when the make or break moment came and it didn't seem like they would make it through. Riley Hart took me on one heck of a journey, and I love, love, loved all the messy and imperfect pieces. I don't even have words for how much I was swooning in the end when Elliot and Parker finally, finally took that leap of faith, and my god was that ending the happiest endorphin rush. I feel like I'm The Romantic instead of Parker, because I seriously don't think I could get enough of the love in this book. 

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.