What do you think?
Rate this book
Love at Royal Ridge #1
The Lies We Tell
All's fair in love and war, even a few little white lies to stir up a little drama.
Giselle Courtland imagined her future revolving around a simple housewife life with her high school sweetheart, James. But when James unceremoniously dumped her for not being sophisticated enough, her certainty and self-confidence were shattered. Giselle didn't know how to pick up the pieces until someone she once knew returned to her life with a proposition.
Jude Beauregard had all the makings of a modern gentleman, complete with his focus solely on his studies. With his head in the books and a largely private personality, his parents worried about him wasting his best years stuck in study mode. Tired of dodging suitors, Jude discovered a solution in Giselle's recent split from his rival and an opportunity to fix a wrong from their high school years.
So, with one little lie, Jude and Giselle declare themselves a couple, planning to play lovestruck until they get what they need. But neither could anticipate how their arrangement might uncover old feelings throwing a twist in their fake relationship.
Giselle Courtland imagined her future revolving around a simple housewife life with her high school sweetheart, James. But when James unceremoniously dumped her for not being sophisticated enough, her certainty and self-confidence were shattered. Giselle didn't know how to pick up the pieces until someone she once knew returned to her life with a proposition.
Jude Beauregard had all the makings of a modern gentleman, complete with his focus solely on his studies. With his head in the books and a largely private personality, his parents worried about him wasting his best years stuck in study mode. Tired of dodging suitors, Jude discovered a solution in Giselle's recent split from his rival and an opportunity to fix a wrong from their high school years.
So, with one little lie, Jude and Giselle declare themselves a couple, planning to play lovestruck until they get what they need. But neither could anticipate how their arrangement might uncover old feelings throwing a twist in their fake relationship.
- GenresRomanceFake Dating
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2024
1 person is currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Diviak
15 books83 followersBorn and raised in California, Cassandra Diviak loves stories more than life.
When her mother gifted her a Greek mythology atlas, her love of reading jumpstarted her interest in writing. As a child with severe ADHD, Diviak would consume a book a day and start to imagine stories of her own.
Between the schoolyard at recess and the quiet lunch table during the lunch hour, Diviak wrote stories starting at age 8. She had dreams of becoming the next big thing in writing.
For years, she honed her craft with plenty of practice. Everything she learned about writing came from reading and doing. Self-taught, she didn't take her first creative writing course until she was 19 and in college.
During the 2020 pandemic, a professor had convinced Diviak to try her hand at Nanowrimo with a set of characters she'd been holding on to for a while. After a successful draft, completed in 6 months, Diviak set out to become an indie author.
Since her debut novel, published in October 2021, Diviak has continued to write stories in several romance genres. Although she has lived many lives, writing remains a fixture in her world.
When she's not writing, Diviak is likely obtaining a college degree. She has a Bachelor's in Political Science with a minor in gender studies and is in the process of getting a JD from a Los Angeles-based law school.
When her mother gifted her a Greek mythology atlas, her love of reading jumpstarted her interest in writing. As a child with severe ADHD, Diviak would consume a book a day and start to imagine stories of her own.
Between the schoolyard at recess and the quiet lunch table during the lunch hour, Diviak wrote stories starting at age 8. She had dreams of becoming the next big thing in writing.
For years, she honed her craft with plenty of practice. Everything she learned about writing came from reading and doing. Self-taught, she didn't take her first creative writing course until she was 19 and in college.
During the 2020 pandemic, a professor had convinced Diviak to try her hand at Nanowrimo with a set of characters she'd been holding on to for a while. After a successful draft, completed in 6 months, Diviak set out to become an indie author.
Since her debut novel, published in October 2021, Diviak has continued to write stories in several romance genres. Although she has lived many lives, writing remains a fixture in her world.
When she's not writing, Diviak is likely obtaining a college degree. She has a Bachelor's in Political Science with a minor in gender studies and is in the process of getting a JD from a Los Angeles-based law school.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 19, 2024
ok, i liked this but why did they act like teenagers? 🤨
May 12, 2024
Jude Beauregard and Giselle Courtland run into each other after Giselle’s breakup. Because Giselle was in tears over the recent breakup, Jude proposes to fake date so his mother would leave him to do his studies and get back at his rival, James. After spending time together, Giselle realizes she had never been treated like this, like a significant other in a respectable relationship. But there’s a time limit to this. It will end and both of them will walk away after gaining what they wanted from this partnership.
The fake dating trope is what hooked me into the book, but for some reason, I could not connect to the characters. In no way was this book bad in any way, but I found myself disassociated from reading it. From the very beginning when the two characters interact, you can sense their romantic connection, but I personally wanted more banter between the two of them. The author does a great job of making the audience hate James and the friend group, so I do commend her for that. The way the so-called friends interacted with Giselle enraged me because not only are they looking down at her for no longer being their friend, but they were also judging her life choices as if their opinion matters.
I want to thank Cassandra for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The fake dating trope is what hooked me into the book, but for some reason, I could not connect to the characters. In no way was this book bad in any way, but I found myself disassociated from reading it. From the very beginning when the two characters interact, you can sense their romantic connection, but I personally wanted more banter between the two of them. The author does a great job of making the audience hate James and the friend group, so I do commend her for that. The way the so-called friends interacted with Giselle enraged me because not only are they looking down at her for no longer being their friend, but they were also judging her life choices as if their opinion matters.
I want to thank Cassandra for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
I'd like to start by thanking Cassandra & her team in selecting me to read this book as an ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, really finding myself engulfed in the story line, and the characters relationship growth.
Cassandra's writing is sophisticated and mature, and she seems as though she has a great grasp on contemporary writing. Her talent and ability as a writer really shines through, as well as her creative expression.
I loved both main characters, and the twists and turns that were involved in their love story from beginning to end. The banter, flirtatousness and camaraderie between them both was the main source of my Dopamine intake the two days I spent reading this!
I can't wait to read more from this author, and I definitely can't wait to order myself a physical copy to add to my collection!
Thank you once again.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
I'd like to start by thanking Cassandra & her team in selecting me to read this book as an ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, really finding myself engulfed in the story line, and the characters relationship growth.
Cassandra's writing is sophisticated and mature, and she seems as though she has a great grasp on contemporary writing. Her talent and ability as a writer really shines through, as well as her creative expression.
I loved both main characters, and the twists and turns that were involved in their love story from beginning to end. The banter, flirtatousness and camaraderie between them both was the main source of my Dopamine intake the two days I spent reading this!
I can't wait to read more from this author, and I definitely can't wait to order myself a physical copy to add to my collection!
Thank you once again.
May 12, 2024
This was an amazing read for sure🙉. The plot was executed quite nicely and the main characters were so wholesome and sweet🥹. Literally didn’t know I’d appreciate soft boys like my man Jude🙃
February 18, 2025
okay i wont lie i had no idea what i was getting into cause i didnt know the author nor the series so i went into this FULLY blank which is very rare these days for books but here we are. hmm i gave it 2 stars and i contemplated between 2.5 or 2 but i ultimately gave it 2 stars. for me it was genuinely so boring and it fell flat. there was no plot, no real climax to the story and it was just boring to read. i love myself a cliche book but this was just not done well. a reason why i didnt like it also falls to the characters. like these are adults(ya young adults but adults nonetheless) but they acted and spoke like not even high schoolers but middle schoolers. the way they talked and acted, it was cute sure, but it threw me off because they acted like teenagers than adults in university. the only thing that really annoyed me was the whole plotline with giselles parents. we never really get a proper reason why they treat her like shit and even when we do get a “reason” its not even a proper reason and it seemed like negligent parents were added in as a personality trait for giselle and it felt useless. i will say though im curious to see how the next book is like because it is about characters that are a bit older with jobs so im hoping it has a more solid plot and more maturity. a lot of potential; only one way to go and that is up from this point
February 10, 2025
This was my first encounter with this author and as I never read the blurbs, I had no idea what to expect from this - except that the front cover looked like it would be a super cute romance.
This is the first book in the Love At Royal Ridge romance series and I love getting to start a new series and immersing myself in a whole new world of characters.
This book focusses on Giselle and Jude.
After being friends back in high school, but having not seen each for a while, they reconnect just after Giselle has been dumped by her then boyfriend, James - also Jude's nemesis!!
In a bid to show him what he's missing, Giselle and Jude start a fake relationship - but little does she know, that Jude has always liked her a lot...
I really liked the premise of this story and the way the storyline plays out with the friendship building between our main characters and then obviously developing into something real towards the end.
I loved that Jude's family accepted her without question and the fact that we also see snippets of Jude at college and Giselle making progress at work and in her future ideas.
The characters on the whole were relatable and likeable - but I had a couple of major exceptions - James was just so nasty! I really wasn't keen on him or his friends - but moreso, Giselle's parents were just awful!
For quite a large portion of the book, I really had no clue what their problem was at all and felt so sorry for Giselle having to put up with their behaviour!
I did feel like the conversations between Giselle and Jude were quite stilted given what we know of Giselle before with James and the supposed age of her and Jude, I feel like the conversations could have flowed much better.
I also think that some of their actions and behaviours were a little overly shy and immature for their age and experience - but we do some prolonged spice towards the later part of the book.
On the whole, this was a nice read, with a well presented setting which I think has potential for further development through the series. I can't wait to see who will be starring in book 2....
This is the first book in the Love At Royal Ridge romance series and I love getting to start a new series and immersing myself in a whole new world of characters.
This book focusses on Giselle and Jude.
After being friends back in high school, but having not seen each for a while, they reconnect just after Giselle has been dumped by her then boyfriend, James - also Jude's nemesis!!
In a bid to show him what he's missing, Giselle and Jude start a fake relationship - but little does she know, that Jude has always liked her a lot...
I really liked the premise of this story and the way the storyline plays out with the friendship building between our main characters and then obviously developing into something real towards the end.
I loved that Jude's family accepted her without question and the fact that we also see snippets of Jude at college and Giselle making progress at work and in her future ideas.
The characters on the whole were relatable and likeable - but I had a couple of major exceptions - James was just so nasty! I really wasn't keen on him or his friends - but moreso, Giselle's parents were just awful!
For quite a large portion of the book, I really had no clue what their problem was at all and felt so sorry for Giselle having to put up with their behaviour!
I did feel like the conversations between Giselle and Jude were quite stilted given what we know of Giselle before with James and the supposed age of her and Jude, I feel like the conversations could have flowed much better.
I also think that some of their actions and behaviours were a little overly shy and immature for their age and experience - but we do some prolonged spice towards the later part of the book.
On the whole, this was a nice read, with a well presented setting which I think has potential for further development through the series. I can't wait to see who will be starring in book 2....
February 12, 2025
I've been wanting to read this for a while because it looks so cute (look at that cover!) and I loved Cassandra's The Laws of Love duology. I loved the setting and although the series is called Love at Royal Ridge it wasn't all set at the resort, but it played a part and represented the lifestyles of the characters well. Giselle is surrounded by rich people, like her (very swiftly ex-)boyfriend James and their friend group. James was expectedly awful, but what really surprised me was how their mutual friends reacted to everything going on, they were truly awful. I've seen people saying they thought the characters acted quite childishly and sure, James and his friends did but that was part of the story and acknowledged in the book, but I didn't think Giselle and Jude did particularly, although I did think they over-acted the fake relationship a bit. I loved it but if you're out somewhere that you wouldn't be expected to be kissing, but you very obviously notice that James or his friends have spotted you and so you have a big make out session then I feel like it would make it more obvious that it's staged and fake? I loved them both though, they were really sweet characters and it was so sad that she'd wasted 4 years of her life with an idiot like James, but seeing her learn what a real relationship should be like with Jude was lovely. I loved the story and the way it developed the whole way until the last two chapters. It definitely didn't ruin the book for me, but I did think the drama in the second to last chapter was a little unnecessary and I wasn't obsessed with the epilogue. Giselle's parents were terrible, but I loved Jude's, and it was good to see the rep in there of some not-great parents and the fact that Giselle didn't just immediately forgive them for years of neglect.
A lovely read and I'm excited for book 2 and the enemies-to-lovers workplace rivalry!
A lovely read and I'm excited for book 2 and the enemies-to-lovers workplace rivalry!
June 4, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
"𝗜'𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂."
the lies we tell by cassandra diviak is the first book in the love at royal ridge series. it follows the story of kind hearted, loyal & hilarious giselle courtland. giselle thought she had the perfect life until her boyfriend jameson calloway dumps her because "she's not serious enough to fit the life he's building for himself". heartbroken & devasted giselle runs into jameson's life long rival jude beauregard. to get back at jameson, the two begin to fake date until the lines started to get all blurry.
this book felt like i was watching a classic early 2000's rom-com. it was giving legally blonde from the first chapter & i was living for it. i absolutely adore giselle, she's such a cute sunshine girlie who deserves a man like jude who's obssessed with her & will do anything to make her smile.
i'm not really the biggest fan of the fake dating trope but the chemistry between jude & giselle was so hard to ignore and watching them slowly fall in love with each other made me swoon.
thank you to cassandra for giving me an arc for this book. her writing & storytelling ability really blew me away. this was my first book by her and it definitely will not be my last! i was so hooked throughout, i was unable to put the book down, finally breaking my two month long slump.
overall, this was such a fun & cute read. if you're looking for your next fake dating with a boy obsessed trope - pick this up!
"𝗜'𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂."
the lies we tell by cassandra diviak is the first book in the love at royal ridge series. it follows the story of kind hearted, loyal & hilarious giselle courtland. giselle thought she had the perfect life until her boyfriend jameson calloway dumps her because "she's not serious enough to fit the life he's building for himself". heartbroken & devasted giselle runs into jameson's life long rival jude beauregard. to get back at jameson, the two begin to fake date until the lines started to get all blurry.
this book felt like i was watching a classic early 2000's rom-com. it was giving legally blonde from the first chapter & i was living for it. i absolutely adore giselle, she's such a cute sunshine girlie who deserves a man like jude who's obssessed with her & will do anything to make her smile.
i'm not really the biggest fan of the fake dating trope but the chemistry between jude & giselle was so hard to ignore and watching them slowly fall in love with each other made me swoon.
thank you to cassandra for giving me an arc for this book. her writing & storytelling ability really blew me away. this was my first book by her and it definitely will not be my last! i was so hooked throughout, i was unable to put the book down, finally breaking my two month long slump.
overall, this was such a fun & cute read. if you're looking for your next fake dating with a boy obsessed trope - pick this up!
June 3, 2024
Thank you to the wonderful Cassandra Diviak for sending me an arc of your amazing book!!Broken hearts put together with a fake dating arrangement and so many cute moments, this book stole my heart! It had me hooked the moment I read the first chapter. Giselle was a ray of sunshine and rainbows! She always saw the good in others and showed kindness to anyone she met! She is the epitome of a princess✨I loved how she slowly grew into herself and gained more confidence! Especially when Jude was there to help! JUDE, my nerdy shy boy 😩Jude was the perfect fake boyfriend and real boyfriend. He excelled in every way! Before reading I definitely thought he was going to be this arrogant prick who slowly changes when he meets the girl and wants to be better for her. But Jude’s character was the complete opposite. He was soft spoken, shy and mostly focused on his studies. The fact that he was always in love with Giselle from the start had my heart doing somersaults! Reading about them and how they got their second chance was so adorable! The way Jude always wanted to spoil Giselle, and the nickname ughh😩 I need him so bad! I loved the subtle prep school/rich vibe the book had and how this book definitely gave 2000’s romcom vibes with all the cute dates and revenge get back at Giselle’s ex!!! This book exceeded my expectations and I absolutely loved it!!!!
May 10, 2024
The Lies We Tell by Cassandra Diviak.
Release date: 08/05/24
Tropes:
☀️Open Door Spice
🌴Fake Dating
💚Friends to Strangers to Lovers
☀️“It’s Always Been You”
🌴One Sided Love to Mutual Pinning
💚Sunshine FMC x Moon MMC
☀️Coastal California Setting
First I would like to thank Cassandra Diviak on giving me the wonderful opportunity to read this stunning book. I enjoyed every minute and fell in love with both Giselle and Jude right from the start. Cassandra you have done it again the way you make it easy to fall in love with all of the characters, I love it 🥰
The Lies We Tell follows Giselle and Jude. Two wonderful people who met in high school and had feelings for each other but thanks to meddling people things just happen. We move forward a few years and they meet again. This time fate is on their side.
Giselle and Jude have such a wonderful friendship. They have such wonderful chemistry, Jude made me melt 🫠, they both made me giggle 🤭, and the way they supported and stood up for each other made me so happy 🥰
If you love Rom-Coms make sure you check out The Lies We Tell by Cassandra Diviak.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
“Sweetheart is cute.” “But you don’t love it… how about darling?” “That’s a nice one.” “But not perfect. Oh, I’ve got it. I’ll call you Pookie Bear.” "Absolutely not."
“No, because I wouldn’t want to live in a world where we never reconnected. And I don’t care what happens when we stop faking it. I’m not letting you go. Never again.”
"Because I've only been in love once in my life. . . and it's with you,"
Release date: 08/05/24
Tropes:
☀️Open Door Spice
🌴Fake Dating
💚Friends to Strangers to Lovers
☀️“It’s Always Been You”
🌴One Sided Love to Mutual Pinning
💚Sunshine FMC x Moon MMC
☀️Coastal California Setting
First I would like to thank Cassandra Diviak on giving me the wonderful opportunity to read this stunning book. I enjoyed every minute and fell in love with both Giselle and Jude right from the start. Cassandra you have done it again the way you make it easy to fall in love with all of the characters, I love it 🥰
The Lies We Tell follows Giselle and Jude. Two wonderful people who met in high school and had feelings for each other but thanks to meddling people things just happen. We move forward a few years and they meet again. This time fate is on their side.
Giselle and Jude have such a wonderful friendship. They have such wonderful chemistry, Jude made me melt 🫠, they both made me giggle 🤭, and the way they supported and stood up for each other made me so happy 🥰
If you love Rom-Coms make sure you check out The Lies We Tell by Cassandra Diviak.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️
“Sweetheart is cute.” “But you don’t love it… how about darling?” “That’s a nice one.” “But not perfect. Oh, I’ve got it. I’ll call you Pookie Bear.” "Absolutely not."
“No, because I wouldn’t want to live in a world where we never reconnected. And I don’t care what happens when we stop faking it. I’m not letting you go. Never again.”
"Because I've only been in love once in my life. . . and it's with you,"
May 12, 2024
Where do I even start? I was honoured to have received an ARC for this one!! Fake dating is one of my all time favourite tropes and this story was so well done!
Giselle's character was someone I could resonate with closely. She was so comforting for me and I really saw some of my past life experiences, mirror her ones. She was utterly loveable and a joy to read about. Her attitude towards life is something I strive to achieve.
Jude was perfect in every single way possible. His confidence consistently growing throughout the progression of the book was everything! He had me blushing, kicking my feet and screaming! Everyone needs a Jude Beauregard in their lives, or else they are truly missing out.
Overall, I loved their healthy communication and understanding of one another. They truly were soulmates and I am so happy their finally got a 'second chance' to be together! This has been one of my fave reads as of recently!! I highly recommend it if you're looking to feel warm inside :)
Giselle's character was someone I could resonate with closely. She was so comforting for me and I really saw some of my past life experiences, mirror her ones. She was utterly loveable and a joy to read about. Her attitude towards life is something I strive to achieve.
Jude was perfect in every single way possible. His confidence consistently growing throughout the progression of the book was everything! He had me blushing, kicking my feet and screaming! Everyone needs a Jude Beauregard in their lives, or else they are truly missing out.
Overall, I loved their healthy communication and understanding of one another. They truly were soulmates and I am so happy their finally got a 'second chance' to be together! This has been one of my fave reads as of recently!! I highly recommend it if you're looking to feel warm inside :)
April 20, 2024
Jude and Giselle’s fake-to-real relationship was SOOOO cute!! I loved the different types of relationships that the author touched on - those with the MCs parents, friends, education, and hobbies. All are valid, all need their own amounts of time, dedication, and love, and all are necessary.
Jude and Giselle chose each other throughout everything in this story and stuck to the promises they made to each other, which I loved because that meant no third-act breakup!!
I just wish we got a little bit more of Giselle’s growth with her education, like we did with Jude, but it was great to see her closure with James and her “best friend”. I’m not at all upset about her relationship with her parents not being “fixed” because, frankly, not all familial relations can be repaired and that’s okay!
I can’t wait for Book 2 in the Love at Royal Ridge series and I have a guess as to whom it might follow, hehe.
Thank you Cassandra Diviak for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jude and Giselle chose each other throughout everything in this story and stuck to the promises they made to each other, which I loved because that meant no third-act breakup!!
I just wish we got a little bit more of Giselle’s growth with her education, like we did with Jude, but it was great to see her closure with James and her “best friend”. I’m not at all upset about her relationship with her parents not being “fixed” because, frankly, not all familial relations can be repaired and that’s okay!
I can’t wait for Book 2 in the Love at Royal Ridge series and I have a guess as to whom it might follow, hehe.
Thank you Cassandra Diviak for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2024
ARC reader for Cassandra Diviak
3 star rating
Tropes:
*Friends to Strangers to Lovers
*Fake Dating
*He Falls First
*“Its always been you”
*Class Divide/Differences
*Written in Third Person
The Lies we Tell is book one in the “Royal Ridge” series by Cassandra Diviak. The book follows Giselle and Jude as they navigate a Fake dating relationship and how this develops.
Unfortunately, whilst a good premise and easy to understand story line, something didn’t quite connect with this book. The third person narrative detracted from the enjoyability of the story line, the character development/depth and the overall execution of the book, despite being split into “character POV” chapters. The timeline seemed to jump significantly in places, with plot lines seemingly cut short or brushed over. There was a lack of surrounding context with the book due to it purely being focused on the relationship between the FMC and MMC, with side characters being mentioned here or there but never entirely crafted into the storyline.
Personally, there was a missed opportunity to develop this book further and really hone in on the external context surrounding the main characters which would have significantly improved the book.
Overall, The Lies We Tell is a book that I did not connect with due to various factors, leading to the low rating it achieved.
3 star rating
Tropes:
*Friends to Strangers to Lovers
*Fake Dating
*He Falls First
*“Its always been you”
*Class Divide/Differences
*Written in Third Person
The Lies we Tell is book one in the “Royal Ridge” series by Cassandra Diviak. The book follows Giselle and Jude as they navigate a Fake dating relationship and how this develops.
Unfortunately, whilst a good premise and easy to understand story line, something didn’t quite connect with this book. The third person narrative detracted from the enjoyability of the story line, the character development/depth and the overall execution of the book, despite being split into “character POV” chapters. The timeline seemed to jump significantly in places, with plot lines seemingly cut short or brushed over. There was a lack of surrounding context with the book due to it purely being focused on the relationship between the FMC and MMC, with side characters being mentioned here or there but never entirely crafted into the storyline.
Personally, there was a missed opportunity to develop this book further and really hone in on the external context surrounding the main characters which would have significantly improved the book.
Overall, The Lies We Tell is a book that I did not connect with due to various factors, leading to the low rating it achieved.
May 9, 2024
True rating: 3.5/5
*Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
The chemistry between the two main characters in this book was undeniable. From the moment they shared the page, I knew it would be a great love story, and it was!
The primary reason that I docked points is because I think most of the book read more YA than adult, which made the abrupt shift to spicy content towards the end seem out of place. A lot of the dialogue seemed immature and/or robotic, and I know the MCs are young, but it made me imagine them as 15/16 year-olds, not two people in their early twenties. As soon as I got to the more mature portions of the book, I felt like the dialogue problem had been fixed, which made me wish the more natural flow had been present throughout the whole story!
But overall it was a very enjoyable read! I think I can guess who the next book will feature and I’m very excited about it!
*Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
The chemistry between the two main characters in this book was undeniable. From the moment they shared the page, I knew it would be a great love story, and it was!
The primary reason that I docked points is because I think most of the book read more YA than adult, which made the abrupt shift to spicy content towards the end seem out of place. A lot of the dialogue seemed immature and/or robotic, and I know the MCs are young, but it made me imagine them as 15/16 year-olds, not two people in their early twenties. As soon as I got to the more mature portions of the book, I felt like the dialogue problem had been fixed, which made me wish the more natural flow had been present throughout the whole story!
But overall it was a very enjoyable read! I think I can guess who the next book will feature and I’m very excited about it!
May 10, 2024
This is the first book of Cassandra’s that I have read and I really enjoyed it! While reading it, I felt like I was there because I could visualize the story so well. I loved the characters (not James🤣), setting and the plot!
Jude and Giselle had a great friendship and chemistry! While they were fake dating, Jude was so supportive and stood up for her, but she also found herself standing up for herself. This “relationship” allowed her to find herself and discover more about herself. As they were going on dates & spending time with each other you could feel their mutual love growing. Jude wanted to make her happy and he spent time doing one of her favorite hobbies with her - baking.
I think this would be a great spring/summer read!
Tropes:
Fake dating
It was always you
He falls first
Ex’s rival
Friends to strangers to lovers
Found family
I read an arc of this book and this was my honest review!
Jude and Giselle had a great friendship and chemistry! While they were fake dating, Jude was so supportive and stood up for her, but she also found herself standing up for herself. This “relationship” allowed her to find herself and discover more about herself. As they were going on dates & spending time with each other you could feel their mutual love growing. Jude wanted to make her happy and he spent time doing one of her favorite hobbies with her - baking.
I think this would be a great spring/summer read!
Tropes:
Fake dating
It was always you
He falls first
Ex’s rival
Friends to strangers to lovers
Found family
I read an arc of this book and this was my honest review!
May 2, 2024
*Thank you so much to Cassandra for providing me with an ARC for an honest review!
I quite enjoyed this delicious slow burn, fake dating romance. Cassandra really brought such a feel-good love story that will make you swoon! This book is quite literally the definition of a sweet rom-com!
Giselle and Jude are just the most wholesome picture-perfect couple, and I loved reading their love story. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these characters come to find each other again! It's wonderful to see a couple beautifully bring out the best in each other. Cassandra wrote such loving and supportive characters that you can't help but fall in love with.
This book left me feeling nothing but joy. It was such a wonderful change of pace to read about a couple who were so smitten with each other and just had such wonderful, healthy communication.
I am so excited for the next book in the series!!
I quite enjoyed this delicious slow burn, fake dating romance. Cassandra really brought such a feel-good love story that will make you swoon! This book is quite literally the definition of a sweet rom-com!
Giselle and Jude are just the most wholesome picture-perfect couple, and I loved reading their love story. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these characters come to find each other again! It's wonderful to see a couple beautifully bring out the best in each other. Cassandra wrote such loving and supportive characters that you can't help but fall in love with.
This book left me feeling nothing but joy. It was such a wonderful change of pace to read about a couple who were so smitten with each other and just had such wonderful, healthy communication.
I am so excited for the next book in the series!!
April 14, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to read the arc! I adored it so much!
I loved the dynamic between Giselle and Jude. It was endearing to see their relationship as friends and it growing romantically. Every moment of them together just made me feel like they were meant to be together.
I liked how the MMC would read the FMC like an open book whenever she was upset, and they would talk it out. He also demonstrated his love by paying attention to her interests, and needs, and giving supportive encouragement. All those scenes made me fall in love with them even more.
I also liked how the ending showed their future as a couple and following their dreams.
I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the rest of the series.
I loved the dynamic between Giselle and Jude. It was endearing to see their relationship as friends and it growing romantically. Every moment of them together just made me feel like they were meant to be together.
I liked how the MMC would read the FMC like an open book whenever she was upset, and they would talk it out. He also demonstrated his love by paying attention to her interests, and needs, and giving supportive encouragement. All those scenes made me fall in love with them even more.
I also liked how the ending showed their future as a couple and following their dreams.
I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the rest of the series.
May 6, 2024
"Dedicated to all the girls who loved someone way more than they deserved"
Let me tell you, Cassandra knows how to write a romance book! I loved every second of this.
Jude & Giselle were wonderfully written & I never wanted the book to end. Jude is so sweet, fun, and the perfect golden retriever boyfriend. The characters, the setting, and the plot were all described in perfect detail that it actually made you feel like you were there.
If you are looking for a fun summer read, this one is for you!
4.75 ⭐️
And a special thank you to the author, Cassandra Diviak. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC! I enjoyed every second of it, and I wish you all the luck with your upcoming release day!!
Let me tell you, Cassandra knows how to write a romance book! I loved every second of this.
Jude & Giselle were wonderfully written & I never wanted the book to end. Jude is so sweet, fun, and the perfect golden retriever boyfriend. The characters, the setting, and the plot were all described in perfect detail that it actually made you feel like you were there.
If you are looking for a fun summer read, this one is for you!
4.75 ⭐️
And a special thank you to the author, Cassandra Diviak. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC! I enjoyed every second of it, and I wish you all the luck with your upcoming release day!!
April 19, 2024
OH MY GOD?!??! CAN I SAY THAT THIS IS MY FAV FROM HER?!!! I LOVE HOW STRONG AND GENIUS AND IDEK WHAT TO SAY ABOUT GISELLE!!! I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!! I GET WHY JUDE FALLS FOR HER! THE WAY SHES DIDNT LET ANYONE STEP ON HER ANYMORE IS INSANE AND I LOVE HOW SHE HANDLE EVERYTHING!!!!! SHE DESERVES SO MUCH!!! AND JUDE!!!?? HELLO LIKE WHERE CAN I GET THIS MAN?!!! HE SO GREEENNNNN GYAHHHHHH 😩😩😩😩 I NEED THIS MAN IN MY LIFE CAUSE THE WAY HE TREATED GISELLE?!!! THE LOOK SO NEUTRAL TOO LIKE 😍 JDJDJKSKS YALL SHOULD READ THIS ONE BEC ITS LIGHT ROMANCE WHICH IS REALLY COMFORTING!!! I LOVE IT SO MUCH!! THANK U FOR LETTING ME BEING THE ARC READER FOR THIS ONE! IM FOREVER GRATEFUL 😍😆
May 4, 2024
Oh my Lordy this book was cute as heck! It made me feel single on so many levels but it shows that waiting for the right person does work out. I love any book with fake dating and this one was no different. There was such great character development, especially from Giselle. Seeing her come into herself and discover her self worth was amazing. Their relationship was so so cute and pure. The writing was good, fast paced and hooking. My only reason for not giving it a 5 stars is because it was a little on the cringe side at times but that’s more of a me thing. Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to arc read this wonderful book!
May 25, 2024
This book gives me Legally Blonde vibes and I am so here for it! The way the characters were written made them feel like actual existing people to me. I loved watching Giselle and Jude’s relationship grow, along with Giselle’s confidence!
“I’ve spent too much of my life without you in it.”
Jude Beauregard the man that you are < 333 I need a Jude in my life ASAP
My only complaint is that some of the time skips were a little unclear, but it didn’t really affect much and got better throughout the book! I just wish we got a little more insight into Giselle’s time in college.
Thank you to Cassandra for the ARC < 3
“I’ve spent too much of my life without you in it.”
Jude Beauregard the man that you are < 333 I need a Jude in my life ASAP
My only complaint is that some of the time skips were a little unclear, but it didn’t really affect much and got better throughout the book! I just wish we got a little more insight into Giselle’s time in college.
Thank you to Cassandra for the ARC < 3
April 19, 2024
"The Lies We Tell" by Cassandra Diviak was such a fun read! I can't lie, I am a sucker for a "friend to lover" romance. "The Lies We Tell" follows Giselle Courtland, as she and her "fake date" and old school friend Jude Beauregard get back at her ex James! What sparks between Jude and Giselle is unexpected and PERFECT, add a cute little Carrot the cat and we have a masterpiece! "The Lies We Tell" was a heartwarming read that will leave all readers smiling long after they have turned the final page.
April 22, 2024
This book was cute. I enjoyed the fake dating trope and the overall plot. However it took a while to get invested in the character. I just wasn't feeling what I was supposed to with their struggles. Their hardships were realistic but just felt underdeveloped.
This story definitely needed a few more concrete side characters. We were given a select few but they were not flushed out and very one dimensional.
Also the spice scenes felt awkward and just out of place.
Overall I enjoyed it but it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to the Author for the ARC. <3
This story definitely needed a few more concrete side characters. We were given a select few but they were not flushed out and very one dimensional.
Also the spice scenes felt awkward and just out of place.
Overall I enjoyed it but it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to the Author for the ARC. <3
Read
May 7, 2024thank you to cassandra for the arc! 💗
this is my second time arc reading for cassandra and i absolutely loved the lies we tell! it was a fairly fast-paced book with a plot that's introduced early on and grasps the readers. i loved the character development we saw in both characters and thoroughly liked the way their relationship played out. it was sweet, simple, a little spicy, and very wholesome and i loved to see how they discovered each other. overall a really sweet and simple read and excited to celebrate its release!!!
this is my second time arc reading for cassandra and i absolutely loved the lies we tell! it was a fairly fast-paced book with a plot that's introduced early on and grasps the readers. i loved the character development we saw in both characters and thoroughly liked the way their relationship played out. it was sweet, simple, a little spicy, and very wholesome and i loved to see how they discovered each other. overall a really sweet and simple read and excited to celebrate its release!!!
May 15, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book - The lies we tell by @author.cassandradiviak
I really loved the book. The chemistry between the characters were amazing. I really loved the fake dating concept in it. I could clearly see them falling in love with one another, but it was really cute setup.
Jude is a pure sweetheart. I really loved how he remembered the lil details.
Giselle is such a sweetheart❤️
I really loved how he called her dove❤️
People who love fake dating should definitely read this
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book - The lies we tell by @author.cassandradiviak
I really loved the book. The chemistry between the characters were amazing. I really loved the fake dating concept in it. I could clearly see them falling in love with one another, but it was really cute setup.
Jude is a pure sweetheart. I really loved how he remembered the lil details.
Giselle is such a sweetheart❤️
I really loved how he called her dove❤️
People who love fake dating should definitely read this
February 5, 2025
What a sweet, easy, swoony read! I have a soft spot for the "It's always been you" vibe. And I love characters who just fill in the gaps of each other. Jude and Giselle's relationship felt right even when they decided to fake date at first. There was a quick OMG moment in here that I wasn't expecting and made sense in the end. It was also such a joy how these two just pulled each other out from their shells. For me, I think the most gratifying part was seeing Giselle come out and bloom. That was a proud moment for me :)
February 12, 2025
Thank you to Cassandra Diviak and buddyreadbooknook for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on this book tour!
Giselle is an absolute sweetheart and honestly, Jude is perfect for her! I adored the ‘it’s always been you’ feel that you get from this book and how easy it is to see just how much Jude is absolutely obsessed with Giselle. I also loved how even though they’re fake dating they are so gorgeous with each other and care so much!
This book was a very easy read and I don’t know how the author has done it but it feels like a summer romance and a cosy autumnal romance all in one with posh country club vibes! Although this book is an adult book with some spice it also gives off YA vibes? But it could just be me that feels this way!
Giselle is an absolute sweetheart and honestly, Jude is perfect for her! I adored the ‘it’s always been you’ feel that you get from this book and how easy it is to see just how much Jude is absolutely obsessed with Giselle. I also loved how even though they’re fake dating they are so gorgeous with each other and care so much!
This book was a very easy read and I don’t know how the author has done it but it feels like a summer romance and a cosy autumnal romance all in one with posh country club vibes! Although this book is an adult book with some spice it also gives off YA vibes? But it could just be me that feels this way!
May 21, 2024
📚 ARC REVIEW 📚
I am OBSESSED with Jude and Giselle's story! 😍 Seriously, it gave me all the feels! The way Giselle and Jude's relationship evolved from friendship to romance was just chef's kiss perfection!
Giselle just got dumped by her loser of an ex because apparently, she wasn't "responsible" enough for him. Like, excuse me? Enter Jude, her high school friend and her ex's arch-nemesis, who comes up with this brilliant plan that they should fake date. Not only to prove to her ex that he lost an amazing girlfriend, but also to get his mom off his back about his "non-existent" love life.
But little did Giselle know that Jude has been head over heels in love with her FOREVER! 😭 I swear, I melted into a puddle of feels right then and there!
And can we talk about how Jude was the absolute perfect boyfriend, fake and real. 😍 He was so caring, always making sure to ask for permission before getting close, and checking in to see if Giselle was okay during their... intimate moments. I mean, swoon much? And don't even get me started on the nickname he gave her, "Dove"! OMG that is just heart-meltingly adorable.
Cassandra totally nailed the fake dating trope, and I'm here for it! If you love romance, you NEED to read this book ASAP! 💖
I am OBSESSED with Jude and Giselle's story! 😍 Seriously, it gave me all the feels! The way Giselle and Jude's relationship evolved from friendship to romance was just chef's kiss perfection!
Giselle just got dumped by her loser of an ex because apparently, she wasn't "responsible" enough for him. Like, excuse me? Enter Jude, her high school friend and her ex's arch-nemesis, who comes up with this brilliant plan that they should fake date. Not only to prove to her ex that he lost an amazing girlfriend, but also to get his mom off his back about his "non-existent" love life.
But little did Giselle know that Jude has been head over heels in love with her FOREVER! 😭 I swear, I melted into a puddle of feels right then and there!
And can we talk about how Jude was the absolute perfect boyfriend, fake and real. 😍 He was so caring, always making sure to ask for permission before getting close, and checking in to see if Giselle was okay during their... intimate moments. I mean, swoon much? And don't even get me started on the nickname he gave her, "Dove"! OMG that is just heart-meltingly adorable.
Cassandra totally nailed the fake dating trope, and I'm here for it! If you love romance, you NEED to read this book ASAP! 💖
April 11, 2024
My bestie wrote yet another amazing book, thanks for the arc girl! 🤍
Giselle and Jude had one of the most fun dynamics ever. I loved them both as friends and as a couple. It’s rare for a couple to have both a proper platonic relationship and a romantic one but Jude and Giselle were just perfect for each other. You could see how much Cassandra put into the creation of those characters, little details and making them their own people besides the relationship.
I’m also glad that we got a glimpse of them as a real couple rather than the book ending right after they got together for real. It’s one of my icks on fake dating books, let us see them together!
The descriptions are absolutely beautiful. I love everything related to the seaside and even though I’ve never been to anywhere in the states leave alone where the book takes place, I could clearly imagine it as if I was there.
I just wish that the descriptions about the characters’ mindsets, feelings were on the same level as the descriptions of the environment, I feel like one overshadowed another but nonetheless, it was quite a fun read! So excited for the rest of the series and see who the next book is about.
Giselle and Jude had one of the most fun dynamics ever. I loved them both as friends and as a couple. It’s rare for a couple to have both a proper platonic relationship and a romantic one but Jude and Giselle were just perfect for each other. You could see how much Cassandra put into the creation of those characters, little details and making them their own people besides the relationship.
I’m also glad that we got a glimpse of them as a real couple rather than the book ending right after they got together for real. It’s one of my icks on fake dating books, let us see them together!
The descriptions are absolutely beautiful. I love everything related to the seaside and even though I’ve never been to anywhere in the states leave alone where the book takes place, I could clearly imagine it as if I was there.
I just wish that the descriptions about the characters’ mindsets, feelings were on the same level as the descriptions of the environment, I feel like one overshadowed another but nonetheless, it was quite a fun read! So excited for the rest of the series and see who the next book is about.
May 20, 2024
So good! I knew as soon as I started reading this book that I would love this story and the characters. This is an easy read and although it is a romance book with open door scenes, they're at the end of the book so it's not spice focused. This story had me giggling and smiling with the characters and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews