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Pretending #3
Pursuing Carrie
Carrie is plain, quiet and doesn’t really give a shit what people think. Her priorities in life have absolutely nothing to do with dating or relationships. Quite the opposite, in fact, seeing as how a relationship is the absolute last thing she wants. Ever.
Joe is charming and charismatic, but the only thing he’s ever worked hard at in his adult life is his job. Outside of being a cop, he’s only interested in things that come easily, and that includes women. He gives the women he sleeps with respect, affection, and mind blowing orgasms - but that’s all he gives.
After being brought together by a mutual friend, Stacy, Joe and Carrie don’t exactly hit it off. They are the exact opposite of what the other looks for in a lover, yet they can’t fight the growing attraction that blossoms between them.
Under the pretense of wanting to be friends for the sake of Stacy, Joe sets out to win Carrie over, but his normal charms don’t work on her. And the more he tries to win her friendship, the more he realizes that friendship is not at all what he really wants.
Carrie’s willpower is strong, but it’s no match for Joe’s persistence, and despite her reluctance, Carrie finds herself falling for Joe in a way that she’s sure will cause irreparable damage in the end. Because nothing good ever comes out of hooking up with someone you care about, and why should this time be the exception?
Tainted pasts, crazy ex-lovers and flying dildos notwithstanding, Carrie and Joe find themselves venturing into unknown territory. It’s not easy, but it’s hot as hell, and luckily they are both too stubborn to give up easily on something that feels a lot more real than a short fling.
**Can be read as a standalone, but backstory and character development from the first two books of the series may make this read more enjoyable.
Joe is charming and charismatic, but the only thing he’s ever worked hard at in his adult life is his job. Outside of being a cop, he’s only interested in things that come easily, and that includes women. He gives the women he sleeps with respect, affection, and mind blowing orgasms - but that’s all he gives.
After being brought together by a mutual friend, Stacy, Joe and Carrie don’t exactly hit it off. They are the exact opposite of what the other looks for in a lover, yet they can’t fight the growing attraction that blossoms between them.
Under the pretense of wanting to be friends for the sake of Stacy, Joe sets out to win Carrie over, but his normal charms don’t work on her. And the more he tries to win her friendship, the more he realizes that friendship is not at all what he really wants.
Carrie’s willpower is strong, but it’s no match for Joe’s persistence, and despite her reluctance, Carrie finds herself falling for Joe in a way that she’s sure will cause irreparable damage in the end. Because nothing good ever comes out of hooking up with someone you care about, and why should this time be the exception?
Tainted pasts, crazy ex-lovers and flying dildos notwithstanding, Carrie and Joe find themselves venturing into unknown territory. It’s not easy, but it’s hot as hell, and luckily they are both too stubborn to give up easily on something that feels a lot more real than a short fling.
**Can be read as a standalone, but backstory and character development from the first two books of the series may make this read more enjoyable.
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First published March 16, 2016
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About the author
Jenn Hype
10 books503 followersWhat's up world - I'm Jenn Hype.
Author, mother, wife, singer/songwriter, aspiring comedian - I wear many hats. Some of them fit, some of them look ridiculous, and all of them are fun. Life's too short to take anything too seriously, so I don't.
Sarcasm is my go-to, especially when it's most inappropriate. Need someone to make an uncomfortable situation even more awkward? I'm the girl for the job.
I'm ridiculously A.D.D. and I own it. I have a serious addiction to ecards and the majority of my Pinterest account is dedicated to them. The key to my heart is glitter and caffeine - my needs are basic.
I'm a bookaholic and I crush hard on my book boyfriends and their authors. Some might call me obsessive, but I disagree. That word really doesn't do justice to how crazy I get when it comes to something I'm passionate about. I'm not afraid to go fangirl on you, so don't test me.
Anything else you want to know, feel free to ask. I'm an open book, and I love to hear from readers
Author, mother, wife, singer/songwriter, aspiring comedian - I wear many hats. Some of them fit, some of them look ridiculous, and all of them are fun. Life's too short to take anything too seriously, so I don't.
Sarcasm is my go-to, especially when it's most inappropriate. Need someone to make an uncomfortable situation even more awkward? I'm the girl for the job.
I'm ridiculously A.D.D. and I own it. I have a serious addiction to ecards and the majority of my Pinterest account is dedicated to them. The key to my heart is glitter and caffeine - my needs are basic.
I'm a bookaholic and I crush hard on my book boyfriends and their authors. Some might call me obsessive, but I disagree. That word really doesn't do justice to how crazy I get when it comes to something I'm passionate about. I'm not afraid to go fangirl on you, so don't test me.
Anything else you want to know, feel free to ask. I'm an open book, and I love to hear from readers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 2, 2016
Ok Jenn did it again. She wrote another fabulous book. She has a way to keep me involved with the story. The flow of the story was perfect. Kept me interested and couldn't wait to see what was next.
So I knew Joe was a dream worthy book boyfriend but he was ten times that in this book. I was not disappointed. He's a playboy and has a revolving door of friends in and out of his house almost 24/7 You'll find out why and understand and when you do your heart breaks for him.
Now Carrie is a little more hard to read. She's shy and conservative. Comes across as a bitch but you'll see more about her and what makes her tick. I love that she's a strong woman! A strong business woman too. At times I was a little frustrated with her but understood why she was standoffish.
For a lighter note or more funny note the missing Gerard and the antics Stacy went through to get him back. Loved those scenes. I literally laughed out loud and my hubby thought I was nuts!
Jenn has a way with words that I totally can see it like I'm watching it on tv. Her writing IMO is a fabulous.
Thank you again Jenn for letting me be part of an arc to read this prior to being released. I loved it! Highly recommend along with the other two books in this series!!
So I knew Joe was a dream worthy book boyfriend but he was ten times that in this book. I was not disappointed. He's a playboy and has a revolving door of friends in and out of his house almost 24/7 You'll find out why and understand and when you do your heart breaks for him.
Now Carrie is a little more hard to read. She's shy and conservative. Comes across as a bitch but you'll see more about her and what makes her tick. I love that she's a strong woman! A strong business woman too. At times I was a little frustrated with her but understood why she was standoffish.
For a lighter note or more funny note the missing Gerard and the antics Stacy went through to get him back. Loved those scenes. I literally laughed out loud and my hubby thought I was nuts!
Jenn has a way with words that I totally can see it like I'm watching it on tv. Her writing IMO is a fabulous.
Thank you again Jenn for letting me be part of an arc to read this prior to being released. I loved it! Highly recommend along with the other two books in this series!!
February 25, 2018
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars, but ultimately it was a little long, and the romance was a little stilted.
I wasn't expecting much from a free book though and was pleasantly surprised by the interesting characters and quirky humour.
The story starts with a random comical flying dildo incident and then steps into the past events that lead up to said dildo incident.
Carrie is a woman of layers who avoids men because of past experiences. She and her brother had a difficult childhood, but so did Joe. Joe has dealt with his demons by being a happy go lucky manho whose house is always filled with partiers. He's a cop though, so they can only party so much ; )
When their mutual friend Stacey first introduces them, he barely notices Carrie and she isn't surprised or bothered.
In fact, it's Joe who first starts to realize that he's becoming infatuated with Carrie. Her knee jerk reaction is to avoid, and it becomes a drawn out dance of Joe doing what he can to get closer to Carrie. Of course she will give in eventually and although it felt like it took a little too long, there were some entertaining scenes along the way.
Joe worries that the stigma of his manho past will keep Carrie from having a relationship with him.
There is an OW wannabe but none of the predictable happens and it was pretty funny!
There is also a grandly romantic gesture at the end where Joe sweeps her off her feet.
I wished for more of a look at their domestic bliss without the crazy friends. Maybe more opportunity for tenderness. And I also felt like it should have been Carrie making the grand gesture, but it was sweet none-the-less.
Sex is hot, but mostly off screen. So imho just enough to keep the story sexy.
Safety is pretty good
I wasn't expecting much from a free book though and was pleasantly surprised by the interesting characters and quirky humour.
The story starts with a random comical flying dildo incident and then steps into the past events that lead up to said dildo incident.
Carrie is a woman of layers who avoids men because of past experiences. She and her brother had a difficult childhood, but so did Joe. Joe has dealt with his demons by being a happy go lucky manho whose house is always filled with partiers. He's a cop though, so they can only party so much ; )
When their mutual friend Stacey first introduces them, he barely notices Carrie and she isn't surprised or bothered.
In fact, it's Joe who first starts to realize that he's becoming infatuated with Carrie. Her knee jerk reaction is to avoid, and it becomes a drawn out dance of Joe doing what he can to get closer to Carrie. Of course she will give in eventually and although it felt like it took a little too long, there were some entertaining scenes along the way.
Joe worries that the stigma of his manho past will keep Carrie from having a relationship with him.
There is an OW wannabe but none of the predictable happens and it was pretty funny!
There is also a grandly romantic gesture at the end where Joe sweeps her off her feet.
I wished for more of a look at their domestic bliss without the crazy friends. Maybe more opportunity for tenderness. And I also felt like it should have been Carrie making the grand gesture, but it was sweet none-the-less.
Sex is hot, but mostly off screen. So imho just enough to keep the story sexy.
Safety is pretty good
May 6, 2016
Super sad that it's over! Loved this book the most out of the three. Maybe it's because the authors writing keeps getting better and better or maybe the shy Carrie was more like me, who knows but I loved it!
May 25, 2020
There was potential. The writing was a bit all over the place. It would jump weeks, then slow down days, then skip months, and slow down to days, but it didn’t connect well in between. The relationship was weird. With the background stories not fitting the personalities.
February 25, 2018
I am surprised at all the 5 star reviews for this book. Besides all the errors, I just thought it was all over the place. The beginning dragged for me, I almost put it in my DNF list a couple of times, but thought I would continue reading. Then the ending seemed rushed, so this wasn’t for me.
February 27, 2018
This book was absolutely horrible. The characters were just nasty people. I didn't find it funny. It was extremely immature for people who were supposed to be near 30. This is what teenagers would do. I couldn't even finish.
July 18, 2017
I never would have expected Carrie to wind up my favorite book of this series but it did. And Joe is now my dancing king! I thought Chad had moves *cough* on the dance floor! Move over Joe is mine! As always, Hype didn't disappoint. She gave us feels along with her special brand of Snarky hilarity and it was a hit! Recommendation Status: Read ASAP, but be careful of drinking and eating while you do......wouldn't want you to choke or spit things out when things or people go flying :0 :P
April 3, 2016
LOVE this series!
If this is the first book in the series you are reading, you will want to stop and start at the beginning. You do not want to miss one of these emotional and laugh out loud stories. This author has magic in her fingers as she comes up with the funniest, most side-splitting scenes and in the next moment throws raw and honest feelings into the mix. The characters are sometimes zany and off the wall but always completely lovable. They are crazy, flawed – wouldn’t perfect be boring – but totally relatable and achingly human.
“Why the h*ll would you take a picture of your dildo?”
“They say you should take pictures of your valuables in case anything is ever stolen.”
It’s Carrie and Joe’s turn at the romance wheel and their journey is my new favourite! Carrie has been the quieter one in this trio of friends but that doesn’t mean she is not interesting. Far from it. There are hidden, pained depths in her and Joe. Joe’s happy go lucky exterior is just that and seeing the layers peeled off, for both of them, pinged the heart more than once. Their pasts definitely affect the decisions they make now and they are anything but simple. Despite that, the attraction and feelings, they can’t deny for each other are going to make them walk through their minefields. They will have to if they are going to come to any agreement…
“I liked his personality, his sense of humor and his confidence. I could see myself spending time with him, fully clothed, and actually enjoying it.”
The back and forth between these two is plagued with humour, sarcasm and hot, hotter, hottest sex. I devoured this book way too quickly but I couldn’t help myself – it was too much fun to stop! I can’t wait for more! Please, please let there be more!
September 6, 2016
This is the third and final installment of Jenn's 'Pretending' series. As above, it can be read as a standalone book but I wouldn't recommend it. I found there was more to this story I wouldn't have fully understood if I hadn't already read the first two.
I'd thoroughly enjoyed the previous two and was looking forward to more hillarity in this one. I read it immediately after finishing book two (which I gave 5 out of 5 stars).
I don't really know why but I just didn't enjoy this one quite as much. Maybe its because I totally fell in love with Stacy (the lead in book 2) and she was a hard act to follow, maybe I should have left a bit of time between them, whatever the case, whilst this book is a really good read, it really didn't hold me in the same way as the previous two.
I honestly didn't relate to Carrie as much as I'd have liked to, especially given 'we' have similar past experiences - I found this a shame.
That said, Jenn Hype is a fabulous writer and as with the others, the story itself; whilst wild and sassy, was pretty blinking good!
Carrie's back-story wasn't really covered very much in the previous two books but more of Joe was, so this is why I feel it necessary to read the others first. Their matching was not entirely obvious at first, but kind of inevitible given the circle of friends.
The final few chapters did have me gripped - I needed to know what the ending would be and I did want to finish it but then, kinda wished I hadn't.
I hope Jenn finds it in herself to write one final book - maybe based a few years in the future, showing us a slideshow of what happened next, how the lives progressed - did they all work out? did they stay close together? Were there any massive arguments between the friends? I can't imagine things would run smoothly, I just cant...
I'd thoroughly enjoyed the previous two and was looking forward to more hillarity in this one. I read it immediately after finishing book two (which I gave 5 out of 5 stars).
I don't really know why but I just didn't enjoy this one quite as much. Maybe its because I totally fell in love with Stacy (the lead in book 2) and she was a hard act to follow, maybe I should have left a bit of time between them, whatever the case, whilst this book is a really good read, it really didn't hold me in the same way as the previous two.
I honestly didn't relate to Carrie as much as I'd have liked to, especially given 'we' have similar past experiences - I found this a shame.
That said, Jenn Hype is a fabulous writer and as with the others, the story itself; whilst wild and sassy, was pretty blinking good!
Carrie's back-story wasn't really covered very much in the previous two books but more of Joe was, so this is why I feel it necessary to read the others first. Their matching was not entirely obvious at first, but kind of inevitible given the circle of friends.
The final few chapters did have me gripped - I needed to know what the ending would be and I did want to finish it but then, kinda wished I hadn't.
I hope Jenn finds it in herself to write one final book - maybe based a few years in the future, showing us a slideshow of what happened next, how the lives progressed - did they all work out? did they stay close together? Were there any massive arguments between the friends? I can't imagine things would run smoothly, I just cant...
May 6, 2016
There's a quote that truly describes how I feel now that I finished this book.
You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend." ~Paul Sweeney
That's how I feel right now. Maybe it's because this series is over, these charters are gone, and now i'm truly depressed! I loved everything about this series but this was the best one yet!
Carrie was more reserved than the other two Leads in this series. She was still funny, but so reserved, I liked it. She was the most vulnerable and it worked for her. She had these outgoing friends and while at times you could see her insecurities, you truly felt like she was with ok with it. She didn't want to let herself feel for Joe. She fought it. The best part about watching her fight herself is seeing the her demeanor change when she was around Joe, it will have you cracking up the whole time!
Joe was a total alpha and as funny as Stacy! (That's saying a lot). From the start you could see him change. It was so funny to watch him fall. I'm not sure why, because we have seen it before, the hero fall for the heroine…… But Joe falling for Carrie was epic beyond anything I've read!
Joe and Carrie balance each other out perfectly. With Friendships with the other couples in the series you can be sure that madness would ensure and boy did it happen. I was laughing half the book, and spent the other half waiting to see what was going to happen. The feel of this book was a lot tamer then the previous books before it. It worked well for this story and for the end of the trilogy.
Overall this book was the best yet! Total 5 star read! Pick up this book and the others and carve out time in your schedule to read this book. You won't be sorry you did! #2OCCJD
May 30, 2016
Carrie carries a lot of emotional baggage from her parent's marriage and her dad leaving. She keeps a lot bottled up emotionally and is very leery of opening up to a relationship beyond what she has with her family and her best friend Stacy.
Joe doesn't do relationships with women at all. He's up front about expectations yet remains friendly and flirty with his previous conquests. You'd think a relationship between these two wouldn't work out but, surprisingly, it does. Joe definitely pursues Carrie. A lot. The hoops he jumps through for her got frustrating because it seemed so one sided. The flip side to the frustration was watching Carrie deal with her baggage and eventually realize just how much she closed herself off to finding someone who could love her for herself.
Although Pursuing Carrie is a bit heavier than Pressing Adalyn and Playing Stacy, Hype did her job well. While Carrie made me want to seriously pull my hair out with her cold and hot behavior towards Joe, I kept reading because 1) I really like Joe and hoped he would have an HEA he deserved, 2) I had to understand the dynamics of Carrie and Joe's odd attraction, 3) Stacy-her name says it all!
I received this ARC from the publisher, which in no way impacts the content of my review.
Julie-Alphas Do It Better Book Blog.
Joe doesn't do relationships with women at all. He's up front about expectations yet remains friendly and flirty with his previous conquests. You'd think a relationship between these two wouldn't work out but, surprisingly, it does. Joe definitely pursues Carrie. A lot. The hoops he jumps through for her got frustrating because it seemed so one sided. The flip side to the frustration was watching Carrie deal with her baggage and eventually realize just how much she closed herself off to finding someone who could love her for herself.
Although Pursuing Carrie is a bit heavier than Pressing Adalyn and Playing Stacy, Hype did her job well. While Carrie made me want to seriously pull my hair out with her cold and hot behavior towards Joe, I kept reading because 1) I really like Joe and hoped he would have an HEA he deserved, 2) I had to understand the dynamics of Carrie and Joe's odd attraction, 3) Stacy-her name says it all!
I received this ARC from the publisher, which in no way impacts the content of my review.
Julie-Alphas Do It Better Book Blog.
April 21, 2016
I received this book as an ARC from the author. This has no affect on the content of this review.
Carrie carries a lot of emotional baggage from her parent's marriage and her dad leaving. She keeps a lot bottled up emotionally and is very leery of opening up to a relationship beyond what she has with her family and her best friend Stacy. Joe doesn't do relationships with women at all. He's up front about expectations yet remains friendly and flirty with his previous conquests. You'd think a relationship between these two wouldn't work out but, surprisingly, it does.
Joe definitely pursues Carrie. A lot. The hoops he jumps through for her got frustrating because it seemed so one sided. The flip side to the frustration was watching Carrie deal with her baggage and eventually realize just how much she closed herself off to finding someone who could love her for herself.
Although Pursuing Carrie is a bit heavier than the Pressing Adalyn and Playing Stacy, Hype did her job well. While Carrie made me want to seriously pull my hair out with her cold and hot behavior towards Joe, I kept reading because 1) I really like Joe and hoped he would have an HEA he deserved, 2) I had to understand the dynamics of Carrie and Joe's odd attraction, 3) Stacy-her name says it all!
Review by Julie
Carrie carries a lot of emotional baggage from her parent's marriage and her dad leaving. She keeps a lot bottled up emotionally and is very leery of opening up to a relationship beyond what she has with her family and her best friend Stacy. Joe doesn't do relationships with women at all. He's up front about expectations yet remains friendly and flirty with his previous conquests. You'd think a relationship between these two wouldn't work out but, surprisingly, it does.
Joe definitely pursues Carrie. A lot. The hoops he jumps through for her got frustrating because it seemed so one sided. The flip side to the frustration was watching Carrie deal with her baggage and eventually realize just how much she closed herself off to finding someone who could love her for herself.
Although Pursuing Carrie is a bit heavier than the Pressing Adalyn and Playing Stacy, Hype did her job well. While Carrie made me want to seriously pull my hair out with her cold and hot behavior towards Joe, I kept reading because 1) I really like Joe and hoped he would have an HEA he deserved, 2) I had to understand the dynamics of Carrie and Joe's odd attraction, 3) Stacy-her name says it all!
Review by Julie
March 29, 2016
4 ½ out of 5 stars
This series has quickly became one of my favorites of all time. I like interconnected stand alones where the characters are friends, but you could still read any of them without having to read the others in the series...this one was so well played out though that there isn’t anyway I couldn’t have read all three!!!
Joe and Carrie have been in the other books and I already loved Joe...Carrie I was on the fence about. She was so standoffish that I wasn’t sure I would really enjoy her story. Joe was the life of the party -- just like Stacy from Playing Stacy -- and I couldn’t help but want the very best for him.
Carrie had a past that made her close herself off. Joe had a past, too, but he opened himself up instead of closing himself off. Though they seemed to be so very opposite, they also fit so well together.
One of my favorite quotes in the book was this conversation between Joe (who speaks first) and Carrie:
“Okay, just to make sure I’m hearing you correctly...you’re saying the only person who can give you an orgasm is yourself?”
“Yes.”
“Challenge accepted.”
Overall, this story really took a piece of my heart with it and I’m sad to see the series in, but I’ll begin stalking Ms Hype in hopes for getting some snippets of these couples as time goes by.
This series has quickly became one of my favorites of all time. I like interconnected stand alones where the characters are friends, but you could still read any of them without having to read the others in the series...this one was so well played out though that there isn’t anyway I couldn’t have read all three!!!
Joe and Carrie have been in the other books and I already loved Joe...Carrie I was on the fence about. She was so standoffish that I wasn’t sure I would really enjoy her story. Joe was the life of the party -- just like Stacy from Playing Stacy -- and I couldn’t help but want the very best for him.
Carrie had a past that made her close herself off. Joe had a past, too, but he opened himself up instead of closing himself off. Though they seemed to be so very opposite, they also fit so well together.
One of my favorite quotes in the book was this conversation between Joe (who speaks first) and Carrie:
“Okay, just to make sure I’m hearing you correctly...you’re saying the only person who can give you an orgasm is yourself?”
“Yes.”
“Challenge accepted.”
Overall, this story really took a piece of my heart with it and I’m sad to see the series in, but I’ll begin stalking Ms Hype in hopes for getting some snippets of these couples as time goes by.
March 26, 2016
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Review by The Club.
The third installment of this series was just as entertaining as the first two. With a whole new set of issues and new couple I was pleased with the differences in these two coming together.
Carrie had issues that made her unwilling to have a relationship with men. She didn't trust her heart wouldn't get shattered so she never dated. But Joe's easy persona made it hard for her not to fall for him. Even as she denied her feelings. At first he was distant but after one kiss it all changed for the both of them. With neither having any relationships really they had to learn how to behave. With the push and pull between Carrie and Joe it was entertaining to say the least. To see Joe trying to be with her no matter how he'd she pushed made me really fall in love with the he guy. The characters were all vastly different but had a fierce love for each other.
And the end. Omfg I was not expecting some of the stuff that happened. Seriously shocked to shi@. I loved how the author wrapped the series up with a glimpse of everyone's lives and the hilarious moments from each. Truly they were all funny (Especially Stacy) in their own way.
5+ Stars
Review by The Club.
The third installment of this series was just as entertaining as the first two. With a whole new set of issues and new couple I was pleased with the differences in these two coming together.
Carrie had issues that made her unwilling to have a relationship with men. She didn't trust her heart wouldn't get shattered so she never dated. But Joe's easy persona made it hard for her not to fall for him. Even as she denied her feelings. At first he was distant but after one kiss it all changed for the both of them. With neither having any relationships really they had to learn how to behave. With the push and pull between Carrie and Joe it was entertaining to say the least. To see Joe trying to be with her no matter how he'd she pushed made me really fall in love with the he guy. The characters were all vastly different but had a fierce love for each other.
And the end. Omfg I was not expecting some of the stuff that happened. Seriously shocked to shi@. I loved how the author wrapped the series up with a glimpse of everyone's lives and the hilarious moments from each. Truly they were all funny (Especially Stacy) in their own way.
5+ Stars
March 23, 2016
I was a little annoyed with myself because I read this book out of order. While I do believe it is considered a standalone, I highly recommend reading Pressing Adalyn and Playing Stacy first. I absolutely love all the characters in these series. These books are centered on a group of friends, and they delve into the romantic relationships and friendships between them.
Carrie is a very interesting character. In the other books, there was not a whole lot about Carrie other than her interactions with her friends. In the other books Carrie wasn’t exactly the most likeable character. In fact, she was a little stuck up. I really ended up liking Carrie a lot by the end of this book. There was a lot more to her character than I originally thought. Joe was an awesome character throughout the entire series. After reading about him in the other two books, I was really glad to see how his story played out in the end.
Carrie is a very interesting character. In the other books, there was not a whole lot about Carrie other than her interactions with her friends. In the other books Carrie wasn’t exactly the most likeable character. In fact, she was a little stuck up. I really ended up liking Carrie a lot by the end of this book. There was a lot more to her character than I originally thought. Joe was an awesome character throughout the entire series. After reading about him in the other two books, I was really glad to see how his story played out in the end.
March 15, 2016
Jenn has done it again! She definitely did not disappoint with the 3rd book in the series.
Now I can honestly say I started out as not the biggest fan of Carrie, however by the time I got to her book I had warmed up to her considerably.
I can admit to being Joe's biggest fan though =) I just love his character.
I felt the flow of the book was fab, as with the previous two I was desperate to finish to find out what happened yet just as desperate to hold on to it forever.
I love the dynamics of the whole group, how they bounce off each other, lean on and comfort each other and how they are all there when there is a problem.
I also loved the flying dildo scene and laid in bed laughing so much I had to dry my eyes and take a break so I didn't wake up the whole house.
I'm so glad I was lucky enough to be chosen to read this before general release and Jenn has an extra fan who will buy anything she writes.
Bravo! X
Now I can honestly say I started out as not the biggest fan of Carrie, however by the time I got to her book I had warmed up to her considerably.
I can admit to being Joe's biggest fan though =) I just love his character.
I felt the flow of the book was fab, as with the previous two I was desperate to finish to find out what happened yet just as desperate to hold on to it forever.
I love the dynamics of the whole group, how they bounce off each other, lean on and comfort each other and how they are all there when there is a problem.
I also loved the flying dildo scene and laid in bed laughing so much I had to dry my eyes and take a break so I didn't wake up the whole house.
I'm so glad I was lucky enough to be chosen to read this before general release and Jenn has an extra fan who will buy anything she writes.
Bravo! X
March 9, 2016
This book was a lot of fun from the first page - a flying dildo!
The characters were a whole lot of fun and their relationships make the whole book. The way they play off each other and interact make you laugh out loud!
Joe is a sexy cop - and in the typical way he is confident, cocky and has women at his feet, but the surprising thing is under that he is as soft as a marshmallow! And when he falls for the illusive Carrie, he falls hard!
For all appearances Carrie is uptight, determined and bitchy - but she has a reason to be. The only problem is, she won't share that reason with anyone. EVER. But Joe won't be discouraged putting himself on the line time and time again trying to break through the barriers Carrie insists on keeping in place.
This book was just so much damn fun!
The characters were a whole lot of fun and their relationships make the whole book. The way they play off each other and interact make you laugh out loud!
Joe is a sexy cop - and in the typical way he is confident, cocky and has women at his feet, but the surprising thing is under that he is as soft as a marshmallow! And when he falls for the illusive Carrie, he falls hard!
For all appearances Carrie is uptight, determined and bitchy - but she has a reason to be. The only problem is, she won't share that reason with anyone. EVER. But Joe won't be discouraged putting himself on the line time and time again trying to break through the barriers Carrie insists on keeping in place.
This book was just so much damn fun!
March 30, 2016
I love this whole series but Carrie and Joe's story is my favorite. Again this can be read as a standalone but you miss the awesome craziness that happens in the first two and might not get some of the inside jokes...so just start at the beginning with Pressing Adalyn you won't regret it. Pursuing Carrie is emotional, funny and an all around great read. I love the characters and enjoy reading about the whole gang in each book. T,he storyline is written well and relatable. Love this book!
Review by Raychel
Review by Raychel
October 4, 2017
More 'snark', more nonsense. Another romp through the lives of these inane little people. The series did get better, and unfortunately you have to read them all to get to this point. This book seems to flit about but not really tell you much of anything. The saving grace of this book is likeable Joe. They say opposites attract. If you like contemporary romance that doesn't require much thought, you will probably enjoy this whole series. I didn't.
May 3, 2016
I am unable to string together enough words to say how much I enjoyed this book.
February 26, 2018
I didn't read the first two books but from the sounds of it, I didn't have to.
The story idea was very appealing. Young, attractive cop that doesn't do relationship. Plain, simple dance teacher.
But that is as far as it got for me..."the idea." I don't get all the 5 stars. It opened up with it being in the present but in the middle of the first chapter it went back several months. I thought it was stupid how it opened up like that. It didn't add anything to the story and it wasn't necessary. When it went back several months, that is where the story should have started.
I tried to push through but just couldn't continue. Stopped at the end of chapter 8. I skimmed alot.
The story is written more of the individual telling us how he or she feels. Just dragged out. and was repetitive.
Carrie? I couldn't tell if she was plain or had multiple personalities. I felt she was never true to herself. and by the end of chapter 8, there wasn't much to her. I didn't understand what she was thinking if though she was thinking the whole time.
I liked Joe. but it would have been better if he was a tough cop vs someone that is easily walked over.
Dual POV and not written well. It should be more like a one star but gave two b/c the idea was good. Just wasn't thought out well.
The story idea was very appealing. Young, attractive cop that doesn't do relationship. Plain, simple dance teacher.
But that is as far as it got for me..."the idea." I don't get all the 5 stars. It opened up with it being in the present but in the middle of the first chapter it went back several months. I thought it was stupid how it opened up like that. It didn't add anything to the story and it wasn't necessary. When it went back several months, that is where the story should have started.
I tried to push through but just couldn't continue. Stopped at the end of chapter 8. I skimmed alot.
The story is written more of the individual telling us how he or she feels. Just dragged out. and was repetitive.
Carrie? I couldn't tell if she was plain or had multiple personalities. I felt she was never true to herself. and by the end of chapter 8, there wasn't much to her. I didn't understand what she was thinking if though she was thinking the whole time.
I liked Joe. but it would have been better if he was a tough cop vs someone that is easily walked over.
Dual POV and not written well. It should be more like a one star but gave two b/c the idea was good. Just wasn't thought out well.
December 14, 2017
Best in the series
I liked every book in this series, but I think this one was my favorite. There wasn't all the back and forth with these two characters. Sometimes all the angst can be too much.
I liked how we got to see all of their lives progress in this book. While Joe and Carrie were the main story, the author did a good job of bringing the other couples to the forefront also.
Stacy is still crazy and she'd be an entertaining friend to have. The whole Gerard thing was hilarious.
Joe was a great character throughout all of these stories. I was glad both he and Carrie could move past his life he led before they met.
Prob the greatest thing that stood out to me was that Joe never slept with anyone else after their first kiss, which was just a ruse.
Carrie has her hangups, but she saw how she was and tried to move forward or react the opposite of what she wanted.
How you liked this one as much as I did.
I liked every book in this series, but I think this one was my favorite. There wasn't all the back and forth with these two characters. Sometimes all the angst can be too much.
I liked how we got to see all of their lives progress in this book. While Joe and Carrie were the main story, the author did a good job of bringing the other couples to the forefront also.
Stacy is still crazy and she'd be an entertaining friend to have. The whole Gerard thing was hilarious.
Joe was a great character throughout all of these stories. I was glad both he and Carrie could move past his life he led before they met.
Prob the greatest thing that stood out to me was that Joe never slept with anyone else after their first kiss, which was just a ruse.
Carrie has her hangups, but she saw how she was and tried to move forward or react the opposite of what she wanted.
How you liked this one as much as I did.
February 26, 2018
Love Joe!! Definitely worth waiting for!!!
So finally we get to JOE!! My favorite of the three heroes in this book series! He is a flirt with a heart of gold. A guy who keeps his house open and his heart closed until he meets Carrie, an emigma wrapped in conservative clothes who makes his heart, amongst other things, pump just a little harder. Carrie is as closed off as her clothing appears, she's been burned and by what she believes her family history, she is afraid to trust...but when these two do come together, they are the perfect match. They trust, they communicate, they have typical misunderstandings and insecurities, but they lay it all on the line...and they are sooo worth the read!!
Carrie and Joe were worth the wait!!
So finally we get to JOE!! My favorite of the three heroes in this book series! He is a flirt with a heart of gold. A guy who keeps his house open and his heart closed until he meets Carrie, an emigma wrapped in conservative clothes who makes his heart, amongst other things, pump just a little harder. Carrie is as closed off as her clothing appears, she's been burned and by what she believes her family history, she is afraid to trust...but when these two do come together, they are the perfect match. They trust, they communicate, they have typical misunderstandings and insecurities, but they lay it all on the line...and they are sooo worth the read!!
Carrie and Joe were worth the wait!!
February 23, 2018
10 stars!!!!! A must read!!
Omg Jenn Hype!!! I have never laughed so much while reading a book. I mean so many roflmbo moments from start to finish. Stacy is one crazy and funny as heck character. I was laughing so hard at certain points in the book that it took me about 15 minutes to stop laughing and continue reading. The ending really did it for me when Stacy tried you know what with Chad. My stomach hurts from laughing so much. I can't wait to read this again!!! Highly recommending this book to all my friends. I can't wait to read more books from this author. Look forward to reading this book again.
Omg Jenn Hype!!! I have never laughed so much while reading a book. I mean so many roflmbo moments from start to finish. Stacy is one crazy and funny as heck character. I was laughing so hard at certain points in the book that it took me about 15 minutes to stop laughing and continue reading. The ending really did it for me when Stacy tried you know what with Chad. My stomach hurts from laughing so much. I can't wait to read this again!!! Highly recommending this book to all my friends. I can't wait to read more books from this author. Look forward to reading this book again.
April 11, 2018
Pursuing Carrie by Jenn Hype is a fun contemporary romance. Ms. Hype has given us a well-written book and lots of laughs. I would rather have read it in third person, but that's a personal preference. Carrie is a dance instructor and choreographer. Joe is a cop. Their story is packed with hilarious, lovable characters, drama, humor and sizzle. This story grabbed me at page one and entertained me until the end. I enjoyed this book and look forward to my next book by Jenn Hype. Pursuing Carrie is book 3 of the Pretending Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
July 19, 2019
I kind of bounced between three and four stars on this book. I really enjoyed the dialogue. I mean I’m not crazy about so much cursing, but the dialogue was good. It was fun and playful. Being insides Carrie’s head for so much of the book was kind of difficult. And the end was a bit odd. Their relationship wrapped up, but the very end was about a different couple. It was one of the group but I still felt like it was displaced. I never really liked Carrie in the other books. I liked her much more in this one. And Joe is that cool guy. Who couldn’t like him? It was a good read overall. I would give it a 3.5.
March 19, 2018
2.5
Eh. There were some good moments, but mostly 'eh' covered it. Lots of skipping, or telling 'that just happened' instead of showing us 'that's happening now'. Also lots of 'THAT happened over there... but now we are t going to look at it or talk about it again... ever'. There's a chance that last bit could be because I haven't read the first 2 bks, so PERHAPS the story line on bk2&3 is tandem... but from the blurbs and the happenings, I kind of don't think so. And tbh, I don't care or like any of them enough to find out.
Eh. There were some good moments, but mostly 'eh' covered it. Lots of skipping, or telling 'that just happened' instead of showing us 'that's happening now'. Also lots of 'THAT happened over there... but now we are t going to look at it or talk about it again... ever'. There's a chance that last bit could be because I haven't read the first 2 bks, so PERHAPS the story line on bk2&3 is tandem... but from the blurbs and the happenings, I kind of don't think so. And tbh, I don't care or like any of them enough to find out.
October 7, 2020
This is the third book in the Pretending series and can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend you read them in order. Carrie has a lot of emotional baggage and is leery of relationships. Joe is easy going, flirty, and doesn’t do relationships, at all. I loved watching Joe pursue Carrie and it was fun watching him fall for her. The back and forth between these two is quite humorous. Joe and Carrie were absolutely perfect together. A book I loved from the first page until the last and I highly recommend.
February 28, 2018
I laugh so hard at times
I really enjoyed this book. I haven’t actually laughed out loud while reading a book I’m a while. This group of friends are exactly how I would be with my friends. So this is about Carrie she’s a dancer and pretty had given up on men. She’s a tough cookie and doesn’t let people in to often. But something about Joe just makes her crazy. Can she let her walls drop enough to let him in? Check out this book and she where it leads.
I really enjoyed this book. I haven’t actually laughed out loud while reading a book I’m a while. This group of friends are exactly how I would be with my friends. So this is about Carrie she’s a dancer and pretty had given up on men. She’s a tough cookie and doesn’t let people in to often. But something about Joe just makes her crazy. Can she let her walls drop enough to let him in? Check out this book and she where it leads.
September 3, 2019
I love the characters in this book they are so scatty and funny and the things they get up to. So many times I was talking to them in my head trying to get them to do what I wanted them to do! Including wanting to bash their heads together at several points. The story really pulled me in and I so care about this whole cast. I hope there are more books in this world as I am not ready to let them go just yet.
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