Veena’s review of Pretend It’s Love (Behind the Bar, Book 2) by Stefanie London
Contemporary Romance published by Entangled Love Struck 28 Sep 15
“One fake relationship shaken not stirred…” the caption from the back of the book intrigued me from the get-go. I’m glad to report that the book lives up to its promise. Paul and Libby are excellent protagonists with an excellent supporting cast of characters. Definitely a fun read that hit the spot.
Paul Chapman is a drifter in need of a good woman to take him in hand for him to realize his full potential. Working behind the bar at his brother’s restaurant doesn’t leave him hurting for women. But he’s getting jaded and marriage is definitely not the answer for what he’s looking for. Plus, his brother is getting married and now the family is looking for him to deliver.
I love how his relationship with his mother evolves through the book. At heart she totally understands her son and is so supportive of his needs that it hit a nice gooey spot in my heart.
Libby is desperate to succeed on her own terms, despite her father. When a chance encounter with Paul opens up an opportunity for her to drive her business forward, she plunges in wholeheartedly, despite the need to lie to his family and pretend a raging affair with him, which becomes real soon enough. Well, real in a sense that they get horizontal, but not real in the long-term roses and rainbows type, despite his mother’s engagement ring.
This is a solid story that swept me in from page one and kept me engaged all the way to the end. I’d like to read more from this author.
Grade: A
Summary:
One fake relationship shaken not stirred…
Bar manager Paul Chapman is sick of his family’s traditional ideals. Marriage, babies, and a white picket fence? Not his gig. But now that his ‘golden child’ big brother is tying the knot, Paul’s screwed. His ex will be there…and she’s having his cousin’s baby. Unless he wants to show up to the wedding alone and face his family’s scrutiny, he needs a girl on his arm. Now.
Cocktail specialist Libby Harris has spent her life earning the nickname Little Miss Perfect, all to win the love of her wealthy, controlling father. But she deviated from his plan, and now her business is on shaky ground. If it fails, she might as well kiss his respect-and her dream-good-bye. Her only hope? Convince the hottest bar in town to take on her product.
Luckily for her, the owner’s brother is sexy as sin and in need of a perfect girlfriend…
Other books in this series:
