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Dating #2
Fake Date
Working at Bliss, Sarah Harrison deals with all sorts of—interesting clientele. Yet no one sparks her interest more than Jared Gaines, the ultra-rich, ultra-sexy businessman who frequents her shop, buying delicate little “gifts” for the women in his life.
But one day, Jared sends her a gift from Bliss. Then another—and another. So when Sarah walks into his office demanding to know why he can't stop sending her gifts, he makes her an offer she somehow can’t refuse: be his fake girlfriend for the weekend while attending his brother’s engagement party.
Next thing Sarah knows, she’s in San Francisco, pretending to be in love with Jared. Not that it’s a hardship. Once you get the man away from the office, he’s much more relaxed. Sweet. Funny. Even…thoughtful? Oh, and sexier than ever, of course.
Their pretend relationship feels very real, very quickly. Soon Sarah’s in over her head. Could what she and Jared share turn into something real? Or is it all actually…fake?
But one day, Jared sends her a gift from Bliss. Then another—and another. So when Sarah walks into his office demanding to know why he can't stop sending her gifts, he makes her an offer she somehow can’t refuse: be his fake girlfriend for the weekend while attending his brother’s engagement party.
Next thing Sarah knows, she’s in San Francisco, pretending to be in love with Jared. Not that it’s a hardship. Once you get the man away from the office, he’s much more relaxed. Sweet. Funny. Even…thoughtful? Oh, and sexier than ever, of course.
Their pretend relationship feels very real, very quickly. Soon Sarah’s in over her head. Could what she and Jared share turn into something real? Or is it all actually…fake?
358 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2019
About the author
Monica Murphy
96 books16.2k followersNew York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
November 28, 2019
I loved Save the Date, the first book in this series. In Fake Date, i am disappointed. Really I am. The story seems to be repeating formula from the first book.
What really throws me off is the characters. In Fake Date we have Sarah and Jared. Miss Murphy tentalizing me with so much foreplay on the beginning. Then somehow the chemistry is cooling down. When finally Jared and Sarah hooking up, i feel it is forced.
The story is told from dual POV. Yet, i feel i am disconnected from Jared. I can not figure him out. There is nothing warm or swoon worthy about his character.
Overall, i still manage to finish this book. It started with high hope but end up disappointed. I give it 2 stars.
2 stars
What really throws me off is the characters. In Fake Date we have Sarah and Jared. Miss Murphy tentalizing me with so much foreplay on the beginning. Then somehow the chemistry is cooling down. When finally Jared and Sarah hooking up, i feel it is forced.
The story is told from dual POV. Yet, i feel i am disconnected from Jared. I can not figure him out. There is nothing warm or swoon worthy about his character.
Overall, i still manage to finish this book. It started with high hope but end up disappointed. I give it 2 stars.
2 stars
November 5, 2019
He buys sexy lingerie from her for different women all the time
Terrific story about a pair of complete opposites who end up on a fake date. Sarah Harrison works at a high end lingerie shop called Bliss. She has worked there for the past two years in order to make ends meet. Her parents died 4 years ago, when she was twenty and she had to give up her future dreams to help raise her siblings, a brother who was still in high school and a sister who was only twelve at the time.
Sarah has worked her way up to sales and is now full time and works as a personal shopper to some of the clients. One of her clients that she sees every two to four weeks is Jared Gaines, a Billionaire businessman who drives her crazy. He is not only wealthy, but extremely attractive and he buys intimate lingerie for his many women or “mistresses” as she likes to call them to get on his nerves. They constantly exchange barbs during their meetings and every So often a heated look comes her way as well.
From there on the story is great. It is funny how Sarah can’t figure out what to do with him. She is attracted to him without a doubt, but afraid because of all the lingerie he buys for other women. She knows what a player he must be. Jared, on the other hand is completely attracted to Sarah and hasn’t actually been dating anyone for the last six months, but has been buying lingerie just to see Sarah. However, he doesn’t do relationships. Ever since he fell in love when he was younger and was dumped four months before the wedding. He no longer believes in love, only lust.
These two are funny together because they can never seem to just get things right. It is a fun story and it held my interest the entire time. The side characters, including Jared’s sister Candice and Sarah ‘s family are great. The next book will be about Candice and looks good. She is quite a firecracker herself.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Terrific story about a pair of complete opposites who end up on a fake date. Sarah Harrison works at a high end lingerie shop called Bliss. She has worked there for the past two years in order to make ends meet. Her parents died 4 years ago, when she was twenty and she had to give up her future dreams to help raise her siblings, a brother who was still in high school and a sister who was only twelve at the time.
Sarah has worked her way up to sales and is now full time and works as a personal shopper to some of the clients. One of her clients that she sees every two to four weeks is Jared Gaines, a Billionaire businessman who drives her crazy. He is not only wealthy, but extremely attractive and he buys intimate lingerie for his many women or “mistresses” as she likes to call them to get on his nerves. They constantly exchange barbs during their meetings and every So often a heated look comes her way as well.
From there on the story is great. It is funny how Sarah can’t figure out what to do with him. She is attracted to him without a doubt, but afraid because of all the lingerie he buys for other women. She knows what a player he must be. Jared, on the other hand is completely attracted to Sarah and hasn’t actually been dating anyone for the last six months, but has been buying lingerie just to see Sarah. However, he doesn’t do relationships. Ever since he fell in love when he was younger and was dumped four months before the wedding. He no longer believes in love, only lust.
These two are funny together because they can never seem to just get things right. It is a fun story and it held my interest the entire time. The side characters, including Jared’s sister Candice and Sarah ‘s family are great. The next book will be about Candice and looks good. She is quite a firecracker herself.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2021
This enemies to lovers billionaire romance in the DATING series (which was also a fake boyfriend trope romance) starts off with Jared paying yet another visit to Bliss, the high end lingerie shop where Sarah works. She assumes he’s there to buy panties for yet another of his mistresses. Until he sends his purchases to her. This was cute and these two had a sultry dynamic. I really liked Sarah and her no-nonsense attitude and the shopping scene was fun! I think this is my second favorite one of the series, after book three (the Christmas book.)
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
September 19, 2019
2.5 Stars
In the world of romancelandia, some meet-cutes are just better than others. Girl clumsily stumbles into a hard wall of man that’s actually her hot new neighbor? Solid choice. Boy spots girl across a crowded bar and buys her a drink? Kinda boring but most definitely a solid meeting.
Helping a cantankerous asshole pick out lingerie for his bevy of mistresses for six months until he finally asks “what’s your bra size?” and starts sending lingerie to your house without provocation isn’t so cute, people! That’s smack dab in the middle of Creepytown.
Yep, Sara and Jared meet when Jared chooses her to be his one and only salesperson at the high end lingerie boutique she works at. Used to most women throwing themselves at him or not putting up enough of a challenge due to the huge wallet attached to him, Jared finds Sara’s slightly snarky, take it or leave it attitude refreshing.
Sara’s always been attracted to Jared, even though he can be an entitled jerk and seems to have enough mistresses to keep a lingerie store afloat all by himself. Admittedly, Sara could use a break being the main breadwinner for her orphaned brother and sister, but she knows a fling with Jared would be a disaster.
Hold tight to that thought, sunshine.
Going into this, I loved the premise for Fake Date. I love a good fake relationship turned real life love trope as much as the next person, and while that was the case here, I don’t think the story was as successful as others I’ve read. Jared purposely withheld a huge reason for wanting the fake date in the first place and when that info finally landed, it was difficult to look past.
I enjoyed Sara, her group of friends and basically every other female in this story. Even the ex-fiancé was a lovely addition. I’ve been a huge fan of Monica Murphy for years and that’s not changing anytime soon. So why the sub-3 star rating?
That’s all on you, Jared.
He started off being a self-centered douche and pretty much continued on that trek. I know there was some growth there at the end thrown in for good measure, but it felt like the kind that wasn’t going to stick. At some point, I’d would’ve liked the man to apologize just once on his own without being railroaded to do it by someone else.
While not exactly a winner for me, I will be checking out future releases from this series to see what’s in store for the rest of the group.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
In the world of romancelandia, some meet-cutes are just better than others. Girl clumsily stumbles into a hard wall of man that’s actually her hot new neighbor? Solid choice. Boy spots girl across a crowded bar and buys her a drink? Kinda boring but most definitely a solid meeting.
Helping a cantankerous asshole pick out lingerie for his bevy of mistresses for six months until he finally asks “what’s your bra size?” and starts sending lingerie to your house without provocation isn’t so cute, people! That’s smack dab in the middle of Creepytown.
Yep, Sara and Jared meet when Jared chooses her to be his one and only salesperson at the high end lingerie boutique she works at. Used to most women throwing themselves at him or not putting up enough of a challenge due to the huge wallet attached to him, Jared finds Sara’s slightly snarky, take it or leave it attitude refreshing.
Sara’s always been attracted to Jared, even though he can be an entitled jerk and seems to have enough mistresses to keep a lingerie store afloat all by himself. Admittedly, Sara could use a break being the main breadwinner for her orphaned brother and sister, but she knows a fling with Jared would be a disaster.
Hold tight to that thought, sunshine.
Going into this, I loved the premise for Fake Date. I love a good fake relationship turned real life love trope as much as the next person, and while that was the case here, I don’t think the story was as successful as others I’ve read. Jared purposely withheld a huge reason for wanting the fake date in the first place and when that info finally landed, it was difficult to look past.
I enjoyed Sara, her group of friends and basically every other female in this story. Even the ex-fiancé was a lovely addition. I’ve been a huge fan of Monica Murphy for years and that’s not changing anytime soon. So why the sub-3 star rating?
That’s all on you, Jared.
He started off being a self-centered douche and pretty much continued on that trek. I know there was some growth there at the end thrown in for good measure, but it felt like the kind that wasn’t going to stick. At some point, I’d would’ve liked the man to apologize just once on his own without being railroaded to do it by someone else.
While not exactly a winner for me, I will be checking out future releases from this series to see what’s in store for the rest of the group.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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September 19, 2019A standalone, sexy romance with a hate-to-love-you vibe! 💗Available now!
September 13, 2019
An undeniably fun romp. Chemistry galore and two characters I was definitely rooting for. Yay Sarh and Jared!! <3
September 17, 2022
I couldn’t warm to the H in this. His pursuit of her felt more like sexual harassment than alpha male going after what he wanted, probably because he totally lacked any game…or indeed, charm. Ah week, complete story, free listen on audible.
February 12, 2021
I liked Save The Date and Holidate, so I expected to like this story. That wasn't the case. The characters aren't likable and the plot was disappointing.
Although part of a series, this book is fine as a stand-alone.
Although part of a series, this book is fine as a stand-alone.
September 18, 2019
I admit that I would read anything Monica Murphy writes, but this story was so good. The hero, Jared is such a jerk in the beginning that you almost don’t want to see him and Sarah get together. Once you learn why he is this way, you fall in love with him and are hoping that he gets the girl. Sarah is struggling to get through life and doesn’t need any outside interference, but Jared just worms his way in to her life and her heart. I really enjoyed this relationship and the hurdles that were thrown at them. I cannot wait to see what happens to rest of Sarah’s friends!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
October 12, 2020
Another quick fun read / listen!
October 16, 2019
I am a sucker for the fake dating trope and this book really gave me that. I really loved these characters and the chapters really flew by!
Even though this was the second book in a series,(I didn’t know that before I started) I never felt lost. It was easy to follow along and Murphy’s writing was great. She had a way of writing that gets me lost in her words and her characters.
Speaking of characters, I have to say that I am living for the female friendship group that we get in this book! Loving!
I was rooting for these two as soon as we got to witness the banter between them. They were sarcastic and the chemistry was downright sinful. I haven’t been this invested in a couple in quite a while. Like seriously, I was craving for this relationship to become real.
Sarah was feisty and I loved it when she continuously called Jared on his behavior. While yes Jared was an ass, he was willing to change. He was willing to become a better man because he knew that Sarah deserved better. I swoon over that than flirty words any day.
The next book is about Jared’s sister Candice and it sounds like an absolute hallmark movie. Saving that one until closer to Christmas will be so tough!
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Even though this was the second book in a series,(I didn’t know that before I started) I never felt lost. It was easy to follow along and Murphy’s writing was great. She had a way of writing that gets me lost in her words and her characters.
Speaking of characters, I have to say that I am living for the female friendship group that we get in this book! Loving!
I was rooting for these two as soon as we got to witness the banter between them. They were sarcastic and the chemistry was downright sinful. I haven’t been this invested in a couple in quite a while. Like seriously, I was craving for this relationship to become real.
Sarah was feisty and I loved it when she continuously called Jared on his behavior. While yes Jared was an ass, he was willing to change. He was willing to become a better man because he knew that Sarah deserved better. I swoon over that than flirty words any day.
The next book is about Jared’s sister Candice and it sounds like an absolute hallmark movie. Saving that one until closer to Christmas will be so tough!
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September 17, 2019
OK, I'll be honest here--I'm not into billionaire romances generally. However, I do love a fake dating trope, so that's why I requested this one despite some... reservations about the blurb. I really should've listened to my intuition about this, which was "yikes!"
I'll start with the good: I liked Sarah, the female protagonist of this. She's only in her early 20s but took on the responsibility of caring for her two younger siblings when she was only 20 years old when their parents died in a car accident. That's an enormous amount of responsibility for someone her age, and I think it's made her more mature. She certainly came across as the more mature of the two protagonists, at least--and the male protagonist, Jared, is 10 years older than her, so that says something.
I also liked the female friendships in this; not just Sarah's group of friends, but also the friendship that develops between Sarah and Candice, Jared's sister. And it was refreshing that Jared's ex is not an Evil Other Woman.
The real issue with this book is Jared. I couldn't stand him!
First, it's completely inappropriate for him to ask Sarah, in her position as his personal shopper/sales associate at the lingerie store, what size clothing and bras she wears. And she... tells him? Like, seriously? I'd tell him to go fuck himself and report this to my boss, and asked that he either be totally banned from the store (which, in this case, was unlikely to happen) or at the very least have him reassigned to a new person. I knew from the blurb that he was ordering her lingerie, so that should've been a red flag, but I dunno... I didn't think about how he found out. Also, he asks one of her colleagues for Sarah's address, and the colleague gives it to him! Again, what on earth? What if he was dangerous? What if he turned out to be some kind of stalker? Hello, these rules exist for a reason!
Jared is a MAN CHILD. He's incredibly rude to everyone, including Sarah. I know antagonism is a common ~theme~ in romance, but he's honestly awful to her. And he's also terrible to his family members. There is one point in the story where he makes the most judgmental comment to his sister about what she eats for breakfast, and I was FURIOUS. I mean, Sarah storms out and tells him to apologize to his sister, but they make up soon afterwards. Then suddenly he's like, "I want to make this a real relationships because I care about you." I found that almost... jarring. And honestly? didn't really understand their attraction to each other beyond the physical.
Sarah has to call him out for his terrible behavior over the course of the book. I'm not saying characters have to be perfect--on the contrary, I appreciate a nice character arc as much as the next person--but it doesn't work here at all. Why? Because 1) he's an adult and he still acts like a teenager; 2) he only apologizes when he's compelled to by another person (e.g. his sister or Sarah), because he's incapable of realizing on his own that his behavior sucks; and 3) Sarah shouldn't have to get him to stop being a CHILD and grow up.
Honestly, by the end of the book, I wanted him to drive off a cliff and for Sarah to find someone who actually deserved her. I don't care how much money he has, or how ~damaged~ he is from losing a parent and a failed engagement... he's a jerk. He is not life partner material at all.
I would not recommend this book unless you want to read about a woman who otherwise has a good head on her shoulders falling for an immature asshole.
(Note: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
I'll start with the good: I liked Sarah, the female protagonist of this. She's only in her early 20s but took on the responsibility of caring for her two younger siblings when she was only 20 years old when their parents died in a car accident. That's an enormous amount of responsibility for someone her age, and I think it's made her more mature. She certainly came across as the more mature of the two protagonists, at least--and the male protagonist, Jared, is 10 years older than her, so that says something.
I also liked the female friendships in this; not just Sarah's group of friends, but also the friendship that develops between Sarah and Candice, Jared's sister. And it was refreshing that Jared's ex is not an Evil Other Woman.
The real issue with this book is Jared. I couldn't stand him!
First, it's completely inappropriate for him to ask Sarah, in her position as his personal shopper/sales associate at the lingerie store, what size clothing and bras she wears. And she... tells him? Like, seriously? I'd tell him to go fuck himself and report this to my boss, and asked that he either be totally banned from the store (which, in this case, was unlikely to happen) or at the very least have him reassigned to a new person. I knew from the blurb that he was ordering her lingerie, so that should've been a red flag, but I dunno... I didn't think about how he found out. Also, he asks one of her colleagues for Sarah's address, and the colleague gives it to him! Again, what on earth? What if he was dangerous? What if he turned out to be some kind of stalker? Hello, these rules exist for a reason!
Jared is a MAN CHILD. He's incredibly rude to everyone, including Sarah. I know antagonism is a common ~theme~ in romance, but he's honestly awful to her. And he's also terrible to his family members. There is one point in the story where he makes the most judgmental comment to his sister about what she eats for breakfast, and I was FURIOUS. I mean, Sarah storms out and tells him to apologize to his sister, but they make up soon afterwards. Then suddenly he's like, "I want to make this a real relationships because I care about you." I found that almost... jarring. And honestly? didn't really understand their attraction to each other beyond the physical.
Sarah has to call him out for his terrible behavior over the course of the book. I'm not saying characters have to be perfect--on the contrary, I appreciate a nice character arc as much as the next person--but it doesn't work here at all. Why? Because 1) he's an adult and he still acts like a teenager; 2) he only apologizes when he's compelled to by another person (e.g. his sister or Sarah), because he's incapable of realizing on his own that his behavior sucks; and 3) Sarah shouldn't have to get him to stop being a CHILD and grow up.
Honestly, by the end of the book, I wanted him to drive off a cliff and for Sarah to find someone who actually deserved her. I don't care how much money he has, or how ~damaged~ he is from losing a parent and a failed engagement... he's a jerk. He is not life partner material at all.
I would not recommend this book unless you want to read about a woman who otherwise has a good head on her shoulders falling for an immature asshole.
(Note: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)
September 18, 2019
A new Monica Murphy romance novel that will have you flipping every page for more and more...
Okay so Sarah and Jared have slowly mended their way into my heart with this compelling love story! I have no idea how Monica has created another stand-alone in this series. There is witty banter, love, passion, joking, and some nice filthy scenes that will have you heated for sure. Fake relationship tropes are actually not my favorite, but this one made an impact for sure. Make sure you do not miss out on Sarah and Jared's story because though it is a trope that will have you swooning!
ARC kindly provided by the publicist, in exchange for an honest review...
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Okay so Sarah and Jared have slowly mended their way into my heart with this compelling love story! I have no idea how Monica has created another stand-alone in this series. There is witty banter, love, passion, joking, and some nice filthy scenes that will have you heated for sure. Fake relationship tropes are actually not my favorite, but this one made an impact for sure. Make sure you do not miss out on Sarah and Jared's story because though it is a trope that will have you swooning!
ARC kindly provided by the publicist, in exchange for an honest review...
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October 20, 2019
3.5 Stars / 2.5 Steam Fans
Sadly this story was a meh, frustrating, and super slow burn story for me. Sarah works at a lingerie store that is super high end and taking care of her siblings after their parent’s death. Jared is a successful bachelor that has been frequenting the lingerie store and working with Sarah to buy lingerie. Jared needs a date for his brother's engagement party so he gets Sarah to "fake" date him. I was frustrated with Sarah's responsibility and status issues and Jared's "broken heart" issues got old really quick. This just did not go anywhere for me.
This specific video review will be included in the October 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out me YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Sadly this story was a meh, frustrating, and super slow burn story for me. Sarah works at a lingerie store that is super high end and taking care of her siblings after their parent’s death. Jared is a successful bachelor that has been frequenting the lingerie store and working with Sarah to buy lingerie. Jared needs a date for his brother's engagement party so he gets Sarah to "fake" date him. I was frustrated with Sarah's responsibility and status issues and Jared's "broken heart" issues got old really quick. This just did not go anywhere for me.
This specific video review will be included in the October 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out me YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
October 28, 2023DNF at 2%. I hate that she's swooning over him right after helping him buy lingerie for another woman. Yuck.
September 9, 2019
Jared was a big NO for me. To be clear, he was a massively petulant, immature, cold, self-absorbed NO of a lover, brother, son, and all around person. I loved that Sarah read him the riot act and made him apologize to his family members, but the guy never got a clue. Jared was the same jerk at the end of the book as he was from the start. You can imagine my reaction when I read the author's note that she originally wrote Jared to be an even bigger ass.
Let's start with Jared's bizarre wooing of Sarah: after months of buying lingerie purportedly for other women, Jared sends to Sarah's home a bra and panty set from the store she works at. (Sarah, no matter how much your friends tell you this is not creepy, this really is.) Sarah has no idea Jared's interested because he's always been "rude and demanding and cold and discerningly quiet", and "most of the time he looks at me like I disgust him". Things ramp up when Jared sends her a pair of Louboutins with a note, "Call Me".
Turns out Jared firmly believes that his money, power, and looks mean he doesn't need to be nice. Other than Sarah's looks, it appears he's only attracted because she doesn't fall at his feet like all other women:
Go, Sarah, go! Unfortunately, Sarah ends up not only pointing out what a jerk Jared is to his stepmother, brother, and sister but Jared also embarrasses her in the worst way in front of his family and ex-fiancee. And if not for his little sister's interference, Jared would have done nothing to fix it. I was so done with him. I only wished that Sarah was, too.
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed this eARC generously provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Let's start with Jared's bizarre wooing of Sarah: after months of buying lingerie purportedly for other women, Jared sends to Sarah's home a bra and panty set from the store she works at. (Sarah, no matter how much your friends tell you this is not creepy, this really is.) Sarah has no idea Jared's interested because he's always been "rude and demanding and cold and discerningly quiet", and "most of the time he looks at me like I disgust him". Things ramp up when Jared sends her a pair of Louboutins with a note, "Call Me".
Turns out Jared firmly believes that his money, power, and looks mean he doesn't need to be nice. Other than Sarah's looks, it appears he's only attracted because she doesn't fall at his feet like all other women:
"Women tend to just fall at my feet and do whatever I want, whenever I want it.”Ok, but what's to like about Jared? He pretty much tuned out his dad and siblings after his mother's death from cancer years ago. He's still smarting over the fact that his ex-fiancee broke off their engagement years ago. Basically, everyone has moved on but Jared. That doesn't explain his brusque, rude manner towards everyone, including Sarah who has to call him out every time he says or does something hurtful.
Her delicate brows shoot straight up. “Ego much?”
I ignore her little jabs. “They don’t ever play hard to get.”
“Really? Well, I’m pretty sure I do,” she says with the faintest hint of triumph.
“Yes,” I agree. “You do.” And that’s what I like the most about her.
“You have to understand, Sarah. Sometimes when I’m tired or feeling impatient I act like…”
“An asshole?” I supply for him.
Jared glances over his shoulder, giving me the faintest smile. “Yeah. That.”
He remains quiet for a while and I’m ready to choke on the words I want to say to him, so I just let it all spill out. “If you want my help, then you need to treat me with respect at the very least, Jared. You keep acting like a total asshole all the time, and I don’t want to have anything to do with you,” I tell his broad back.
Go, Sarah, go! Unfortunately, Sarah ends up not only pointing out what a jerk Jared is to his stepmother, brother, and sister but Jared also embarrasses her in the worst way in front of his family and ex-fiancee. And if not for his little sister's interference, Jared would have done nothing to fix it. I was so done with him. I only wished that Sarah was, too.
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed this eARC generously provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
September 6, 2019
Fake Date is the second book in the Dating series. Characters from the first one do appear in this one, but it’s still a standalone. It’s a contemporary romance with a fake relationship trope. However, this is not your usual fake relationship trope. It doesn’t follow the usual storyline for that, and there are several parts they make fun of romance movies and specifically fake relationship tropes. It was refreshing, different, and quite creative.
Sarah was a great character. She is raising her younger siblings, always does the right thing, and is responsible and mature for her age. Also, all of the girls in the book were nice and supportive of each other, even the one you would assume would be horrible. This is so rare in books and I loved this so much.
I did struggle with Jared’s character a lot. He came off as an entitled jerk. He had very few redeeming qualities in my opinion. Therefore, I really thought Sarah deserved better than him and didn’t like them together at all. Although, he does get slightly less jerky with Sarah trying to make him into a better person.
Overall, I thought it was a creative, entertaining take on a fake relationship trope and I would recommend this.
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sarah was a great character. She is raising her younger siblings, always does the right thing, and is responsible and mature for her age. Also, all of the girls in the book were nice and supportive of each other, even the one you would assume would be horrible. This is so rare in books and I loved this so much.
I did struggle with Jared’s character a lot. He came off as an entitled jerk. He had very few redeeming qualities in my opinion. Therefore, I really thought Sarah deserved better than him and didn’t like them together at all. Although, he does get slightly less jerky with Sarah trying to make him into a better person.
Overall, I thought it was a creative, entertaining take on a fake relationship trope and I would recommend this.
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 1, 2022
Welp. That was more of the same…from the first book. It’s a really quick and fluffy read, but there really isn’t much substance to this series. And really no spice, which is fine, but the original cover is super misleading. It would be fine if there was more character development and quality discussions and time spent between the two main characters. It was just very surface layer for me. But imma keep reading the series because silly me bought the whole paperback set! Anywho…
Sarah works at Bliss, an upscale lingerie store, where Jared has been a regular at for the past six months. He comes to buy gifts for what she can only assume are his many mistresses, just another thing she hates about him along with his terrible attitude. But then one day he delivers a gift to her, at her house. It’s the lingerie she helped him buy. And then the gifts keep coming. And when she finally confronts him at his office, he asks her on a date to be his fake girlfriend to his brother’s engagement party. He doesn’t tell her that he needs a cover so he can face his ex-fiancé, who is the bride’s sister.
This whole thing fell flat for me. Jared pursues Sarah relentlessly, not even bothered if he looks like a stalker, but then he backs off and just wants a fake relationship for the weekend. Sarah is offended that Jared is trying to buy her, but she also loves the gifts and attention, and keeps the gifts while patting herself on the back for playing hard to get…ehhhh. It’s a pass for me. I did appreciate their back stories though, it made them more human to me.
Sarah works at Bliss, an upscale lingerie store, where Jared has been a regular at for the past six months. He comes to buy gifts for what she can only assume are his many mistresses, just another thing she hates about him along with his terrible attitude. But then one day he delivers a gift to her, at her house. It’s the lingerie she helped him buy. And then the gifts keep coming. And when she finally confronts him at his office, he asks her on a date to be his fake girlfriend to his brother’s engagement party. He doesn’t tell her that he needs a cover so he can face his ex-fiancé, who is the bride’s sister.
This whole thing fell flat for me. Jared pursues Sarah relentlessly, not even bothered if he looks like a stalker, but then he backs off and just wants a fake relationship for the weekend. Sarah is offended that Jared is trying to buy her, but she also loves the gifts and attention, and keeps the gifts while patting herself on the back for playing hard to get…ehhhh. It’s a pass for me. I did appreciate their back stories though, it made them more human to me.
April 8, 2021
This was just what I needed!!
The sweet romance had a slow burn that lead to some hot stuff between Jared and sarah. The way Sarah breaks down Jared's walls was simple but very sweet.
The sweet romance had a slow burn that lead to some hot stuff between Jared and sarah. The way Sarah breaks down Jared's walls was simple but very sweet.
September 22, 2019
Thank you to Social Butterfly and the author for an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Fake Date
By: Monica Murphy
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟
I'm torn about Fake Date. I did like the overall idea and most of the characters. The thing I didn't like was the male lead, Jared. He's the sexy brooding mysterious billionaire who frequently comes into the lingerie shop where Sarah, the female lead, works, and buys lingerie for his mistresses, presumably. One day, Jared sends some lingerie as a gift to Sarah, and he keeps sending more. Granted, she has met Jared in person, but she knows nothing about him. If a male acquaintance, purchasing lingerie mind you, sent this to me, I would call the cops because he's obviously a creepy pervert. The premise is cute, and I understand its appeal; however, I just couldn't make myself believe that any woman would think this is okay. Sarah does, though, and she agrees to be his fake date for a wedding. Jared sends inappropriate stalkerish gifts, so you go away alone somewhere with him??? Nooooo! Sarah is a grown woman with a lot of responsibility, but she does something stupid like this? It's not believable enough for me. The story lost me after this because I could not connect with Sarah or the situation. Jared continued to be a jerk, and it was just too much ridiculousness. I did finish the story. I'm bummed because I wanted to like it so much more than I actually did. Unfortunately, I couldn't squeeze enough reality out of the story to make it plausible and fun.
Fake Date
By: Monica Murphy
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟
I'm torn about Fake Date. I did like the overall idea and most of the characters. The thing I didn't like was the male lead, Jared. He's the sexy brooding mysterious billionaire who frequently comes into the lingerie shop where Sarah, the female lead, works, and buys lingerie for his mistresses, presumably. One day, Jared sends some lingerie as a gift to Sarah, and he keeps sending more. Granted, she has met Jared in person, but she knows nothing about him. If a male acquaintance, purchasing lingerie mind you, sent this to me, I would call the cops because he's obviously a creepy pervert. The premise is cute, and I understand its appeal; however, I just couldn't make myself believe that any woman would think this is okay. Sarah does, though, and she agrees to be his fake date for a wedding. Jared sends inappropriate stalkerish gifts, so you go away alone somewhere with him??? Nooooo! Sarah is a grown woman with a lot of responsibility, but she does something stupid like this? It's not believable enough for me. The story lost me after this because I could not connect with Sarah or the situation. Jared continued to be a jerk, and it was just too much ridiculousness. I did finish the story. I'm bummed because I wanted to like it so much more than I actually did. Unfortunately, I couldn't squeeze enough reality out of the story to make it plausible and fun.
September 22, 2019
Fake Date is the second book in the Dating series by Monica Murphy
The only thing that I didn't like in this book was Jared. Yeah, it's a major thing to not like, but I didn't hate the book. I just had a strong dislike for him. His way of approaching Sarah was not a good one and I wasn't sure what to think of him in the beginning. He is very arrogant and I don't feel like I understood what was driving him for most of the book. Sarah is much more likable and logical, even if she was letting her siblings get away with pretty much everything. And speaking of siblings, I found myself having the same problem as I did in the first book. There is not much interaction between the main characters and the siblings. I think that the only reason Sarah spent so much time with Candice is because Candice is going to be the heroine of the next book in the series. Another question I have is about Jared's net worth. I got the impression that he wasn't very loaded, but people seem to think that he is.
Overall, I liked the book and I could get past Jared's weirdness, so it wasn't that bad. I would recommend the book!
The only thing that I didn't like in this book was Jared. Yeah, it's a major thing to not like, but I didn't hate the book. I just had a strong dislike for him. His way of approaching Sarah was not a good one and I wasn't sure what to think of him in the beginning. He is very arrogant and I don't feel like I understood what was driving him for most of the book. Sarah is much more likable and logical, even if she was letting her siblings get away with pretty much everything. And speaking of siblings, I found myself having the same problem as I did in the first book. There is not much interaction between the main characters and the siblings. I think that the only reason Sarah spent so much time with Candice is because Candice is going to be the heroine of the next book in the series. Another question I have is about Jared's net worth. I got the impression that he wasn't very loaded, but people seem to think that he is.
Overall, I liked the book and I could get past Jared's weirdness, so it wasn't that bad. I would recommend the book!
September 17, 2019
Fake Date by Monica Murphy is book 2 in the Dating Series. This is the story of Sarah Harrison and Jared Gaines. I haven't yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Sarah works at Bliss a lingerie shop where Jared seems to frequent to by a women in his life gifts. They usually have a heated discussion / flirt session. But then the gifts he buys he starts to give to Sarah. Sarah confronts him about this and he tells her that he needs her to be his fake date to his brother's wedding. Of course the falseness starts to feel real but will they actually do it.
This was a fun hot read.
Sarah works at Bliss a lingerie shop where Jared seems to frequent to by a women in his life gifts. They usually have a heated discussion / flirt session. But then the gifts he buys he starts to give to Sarah. Sarah confronts him about this and he tells her that he needs her to be his fake date to his brother's wedding. Of course the falseness starts to feel real but will they actually do it.
This was a fun hot read.
September 9, 2019
Gah. Love this series and the second book is a sexy and fun enemies-t0-lovers romance that you do not want to miss. Full rec on Frolic to follow soon.
October 8, 2019
They don’t like each other first and then suddenly they like each other, break up and fell in love.
It was quick read and boring. There wasn’t any chemistry.
It was quick read and boring. There wasn’t any chemistry.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
August 23, 2023I read one chapter the heroine calling the hero's women mistresses was already irritating the hell out of me.
September 12, 2019
Sarah works at a lingerie shop, where she has one client who is there frequently, Jared Gaines and they were always bickering each other up and flirting with each other. Some time later he becames bold and gives her the lingeries he bought, she confronts him on it and after talking a little he asks her if she would accept to be his fake date for his brother's engagement party.
As the two spend time together, they began having feelings for each other. Will their love story have a happy ending or will Jared's past hurts cause problems between them?
A sweet romantic comedy, i enjoyed the book.
I received an arc copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review, all opinions here are my own.
As the two spend time together, they began having feelings for each other. Will their love story have a happy ending or will Jared's past hurts cause problems between them?
A sweet romantic comedy, i enjoyed the book.
I received an arc copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review, all opinions here are my own.
September 20, 2019
This was a pretty cute little story, and I really like the cover of the book as well. There was the whole hate to love bit at the beginning. The whole build up though was pretty sexy. And the chemistry between Sarah and Jared was hot. Both families were really good ones, and I enjoyed their parts in the story. Sarah's friends were also fun, and I think I need to go back and read book 1, as well as looking forward to reading more of their stories in future books. It was a quick, easy read, with lots of steam and romance all around. Honestly I liked that even the people we thought would be the "bad guy" were actually just normal people when given the chance to give their side.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
October 22, 2019
A grouchy alpha who is a little awkward in most polite situations. Jared is at best too blunt. Unless he is hate flirting with Sarah in the lingerie shop. the two start off with what they think is a total dislike of each other. However, they are attracted. when Sarah and Jared attempt a weekend of fake dating, things come to a head. Cute story with likable characters. Jared is comical and awkward in a lot of situations. He is only willing to change for Sarah. Sarah is sweet and wants see Jared change and especially with his family. There are some fun moments and some sad moments but in the end the story will give you a good feeling .
September 17, 2019
Sarah works at Bliss a lingerie store and she’s the one that helps Jared when he shops at the store. Jared is a jerk but I can see why he is the way he is. He’s not only a jerk to Sarah, he’s a jerk with everyone even his own family.
He’s too serious but he can different when he lets his guard down a bit. Jared has been hurt quite a bit in life. It’s true he shouldn’t take it out on others but that’s how he knows how to deal with things in his life.
I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
He’s too serious but he can different when he lets his guard down a bit. Jared has been hurt quite a bit in life. It’s true he shouldn’t take it out on others but that’s how he knows how to deal with things in his life.
I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
November 3, 2019
3.5 stars for me
I had mixed feelings about this one. I really liked the female lead - Sarah has a lot on her plate for a 20 year old. She's the guardian for her siblings, working and trying to keep herself sane. In walks Jared. Textbook billionaire asshole and although there were moments I liked him, there were a lot of moments I didn't.
I enjoyed this one, but didn't love it like I usually do a billionaire romance.
I received an arc of this book.
I had mixed feelings about this one. I really liked the female lead - Sarah has a lot on her plate for a 20 year old. She's the guardian for her siblings, working and trying to keep herself sane. In walks Jared. Textbook billionaire asshole and although there were moments I liked him, there were a lot of moments I didn't.
I enjoyed this one, but didn't love it like I usually do a billionaire romance.
I received an arc of this book.
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