A review by slovenianbookworm
Even Better Than the Real Thing: A Romantic Comedy by Melanie Summers, Melanie Summers
3.0
I have a couple of Melanie Summers books on my Kindle (they were free) but they are still unread. I saw this one on NetGalley and immediately liked it. I’m still on the precipice if I like the whole fake dating and marriage trope though.
Hayden needs to be married in order to get an earldom and, therefore, revenge on his late father. His employee Finley seems like a good candidate because she hates his guts. She needs his family’s paintings in order to have an advantage in her art program with her favorite professor.
They have a cute wedding and then she moves into his castle. (Yes, he has one!)
Even Better Than the Real Thing is described as a romantic comedy. Personally, I still don’t know what classifies as one because this story had one laughable moment in my opinion. I would say this was a very light romance, it had some spicy scenes that are –according to the author – not usual to her style. I liked it even though I prefer steamier scenes.
I’d say the story was good with the chemistry between these two but I think it was executed poorly when it came to the whole art plot. I loved reading about her passion but once the main conflict came this kind of faded into the background. I personally also don’t understand the ending. He gave up too quickly and for his bitchy half-brother I can’t believe he would do what Hayden asked him to do.
All in all, I think this book included a lot of stuff that could have more potential but the author decided to mention it, talk about it a little and drop it.
3.5 stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full post: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.com/2022/04/09/even-better-than-the-real-thing-by-melanie-summers/
Hayden needs to be married in order to get an earldom and, therefore, revenge on his late father. His employee Finley seems like a good candidate because she hates his guts. She needs his family’s paintings in order to have an advantage in her art program with her favorite professor.
They have a cute wedding and then she moves into his castle. (Yes, he has one!)
Even Better Than the Real Thing is described as a romantic comedy. Personally, I still don’t know what classifies as one because this story had one laughable moment in my opinion. I would say this was a very light romance, it had some spicy scenes that are –according to the author – not usual to her style. I liked it even though I prefer steamier scenes.
I’d say the story was good with the chemistry between these two but I think it was executed poorly when it came to the whole art plot. I loved reading about her passion but once the main conflict came this kind of faded into the background. I personally also don’t understand the ending. He gave up too quickly and for his bitchy half-brother I can’t believe he would do what Hayden asked him to do.
Spoiler
Hayden gave up his earldom and asked his half-brother who he doesn't even like to open the castle to the public.All in all, I think this book included a lot of stuff that could have more potential but the author decided to mention it, talk about it a little and drop it.
3.5 stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full post: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.com/2022/04/09/even-better-than-the-real-thing-by-melanie-summers/