I'd rate this 4.5 stars. Having only read several of this author's other, darker romances I wasn't sure what to expect here, especially with its tropetastic title. And while the book will certainly mark off a few squares on your 'popular trope clichés' bingo card, it was a pleasant surprise and I really loved it. I'm a sucker for grumpy/sunshine romances and this book really ticked all the right boxes for me.
While it's heavy on well-worn themes, clichés and popular trends (opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, billionaire alpha go-getter/world domination playboy Wall Street type, bright and bubbly heroine who vomits pink sparkles, Hello Kitty and glitter while occasionally hiding her brains and sadness, fake fiancée, nefarious plan afoot, rich/poor and a bit of the old 'we're from two different worlds so it can never work so let's not even try' and 'I've been hurt before so would prefer to just live my life sad but safe'), the author's writing style and two main characters really shone and despite familiar characteristics they won me over. The dialogue was on point, the banter and comedy wasn't over the top and the romance was both steamy and sweet enough to fully pull me into the story and the relationship.
The story revolves around Tabitha, a mobile hairdresser. She's shiny, sweet and chirpy and effuses happiness and colour to everyone around her; everyone except Rex, her regular Friday night cut. Sitting well on top of the finance and investment world, Rex is a workaholic with no time or tolerance for anything that doesn't involve work, his billionaire-level firm or his success. Tabitha is pretty much the antithesis of everything he surrounds his monochrome life with. He's brutally gruff, has no time for games and is grumpy and abrupt to the point of being rude. Tabitha approaches Rex's demeaner with sunshine, effusive happiness and making light of his moods and comments. Hiding a wrist injury that could lead to the end of her hairdressing business, Tabitha is training one of her employees to cut Rex's hair and beard the exact way he likes it while she takes a necessary six weeks off to hopefully help her body heal. Meanwhile, Rex is in the running to land one of the biggest accounts of his life and give him the key to power and world domination in the finance industry. Unfortunately, his playboy lifestyle has caught up to him after a focus piece written about him is published. When the head of the Driscoll family invites him on her mega-yacht for a two week gathering, he knows he has to go in order to win the account from a rival also in the running and hopefully rebuild his reputation. His right hand man comes up with a plan after putting his foot in it and saying Rex was engaged: organise a fake fiancée of his choosing and write his own narrative to help with the account. Writing a list of all the things Rex hates so that he doesn't pick and get distracted by his usual waif, blonde, model-type woman of preference and can continue to work the whole trip, the characteristics described can only be ticked off by one lucky lady who just happens to be in great need of the money they'll dangle her way: Tabitha.
I adored both of the main characters and their dynamic. While Tabitha's personality and mannerisms would normally be a recipe for disaster for me and I would hate such a character from the get-go, the author did a terrific job, especially in making her mostly strong, smart, independent and sensible (there's always a risk with this type of character that they end up being the dreaded 'too stupid to live'. I thought Tabitha was fantastic, killing Rex with humour, patience and kindness. She was quirky and charming and her dialogue and monologues were really entertaining. While her love of soap operas popped up and played a part in the plot, it didn't overwhelm it and although some bits might have been a little over the top, it worked. At the polar opposite end of the happiness yardstick was Rex, who also won me over. His bulldozer mannerisms and general grumpiness, hate and cynicism for everything around him was great to read and I love how the author didn't hang back from the fear of maybe making him too amenable. As a result, I found their personalities and relationship realistic and charming which gave me a high quality reading experience. There was a good amount of steam here and there and while the book followed the usual lines in this trope where the grumpy guy starts coming out of his shell, it was enjoyable to read.
There are hijinks aboard the cruise as a fake relative pops up and poses an possible risk to the client as well as Rex's business. Along with that are the trials and tribulations of Rex and Tabitha's budding relationship while he tries to run his empire from the boat. I loved that Rex was chasing her and while the plot was pretty predictable with events being overly convenient and oddly specific at times (as to be expected with this type of easy read), I still really enjoyed it. I took half a star off because some elements were a little bit too predictable and cliché regarding Tabitha (which is a personal preference). Her sad backstory made her pull away from someone she'd supposedly been in love with for years whilst constantly caving to his manly ways on the boat, even when they were fighting. I thought this lack of willpower didn't quite mesh with her positivity and way she attacked life. Rex also made a couple of questionable choices that had me questioning his intelligence but all up, these were minor things, the grovel was decent and I loved the story the author wove. I'll definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Next 5 for you in this series
See full series
Total Price:
$24.95
More like The Billionaire's Fake Fiancée: A grumpy-sunshiny opposites-attract surly-boss romantic comedy (Billionaires of Manhattan)
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Loading...
Popular Highlights in this book
“Maybe you never really escape the misery of the past. Maybe you just carry it as part of your load, like stones in a sack.”Highlighted by 246 Kindle readers- “When people are frantically running toward something,” she says, “it actually means they’re running away from something.”Highlighted by 208 Kindle readers
- Hot Pink Barbie that has coconut rum, vodka, Sprite, and three juices—orange, cranberry, and pineapple—with a cherry.Highlighted by 179 Kindle readers
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Just a normal girls opinion!
Another cute romance with some chemistry.The typical fake fiancé story but laughs and alittle mystery going on in the middle.
Top reviews from other countries
Cat Doherty
The Billionaire's fake Fiancée
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2023