What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Rom-com #1
How to Fake Date Your Grumpy Boss
I did not mean to kiss him.
All I’ve ever wanted is to be a writer, but support isn’t exactly forthcoming in my household, and I wouldn’t say it’s particularly available in college either. When I learn about an opportunity to write Levi Danner’s autobiography, I cross my fingers and send in my resume, hoping things might turn around once I have the job of my dreams.
After an amazing interview with the billionaire CEO of Leopard, one wrong trip sends me hurdling into my would-be boss’s mouth. Making matters worse, the paparazzi immortalize the moment, and, needless to say, my strict upbringing did not prepare me for a mistake of this magnitude.
Because I’m as book-obsessed as I am, my solution to the resulting bad rep is as simple as it is insane. Cue the usual fake-dating shenanigans, minus the falling in love. Or who am I kidding? I know this trope, and the falling in love part isn’t exactly optional, no matter what stands against it.
Good thing Melanie Richards has a book for me.
How to Fake Date Your Grumpy Boss is a fake dating satirical romance with plenty of pining and plenty of spunk. Each book in this series has sensual description that is ultimately closed door/fade to black, minimal cursing if any at all, and a swoon-worthy love story. Please reference the reader expectations after the title page for specific details.
All I’ve ever wanted is to be a writer, but support isn’t exactly forthcoming in my household, and I wouldn’t say it’s particularly available in college either. When I learn about an opportunity to write Levi Danner’s autobiography, I cross my fingers and send in my resume, hoping things might turn around once I have the job of my dreams.
After an amazing interview with the billionaire CEO of Leopard, one wrong trip sends me hurdling into my would-be boss’s mouth. Making matters worse, the paparazzi immortalize the moment, and, needless to say, my strict upbringing did not prepare me for a mistake of this magnitude.
Because I’m as book-obsessed as I am, my solution to the resulting bad rep is as simple as it is insane. Cue the usual fake-dating shenanigans, minus the falling in love. Or who am I kidding? I know this trope, and the falling in love part isn’t exactly optional, no matter what stands against it.
Good thing Melanie Richards has a book for me.
How to Fake Date Your Grumpy Boss is a fake dating satirical romance with plenty of pining and plenty of spunk. Each book in this series has sensual description that is ultimately closed door/fade to black, minimal cursing if any at all, and a swoon-worthy love story. Please reference the reader expectations after the title page for specific details.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2022
258 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Evergreen
37 books326 followersCamilla Evergreen is an alias of USA Today bestselling author Anne Stryker. Originally intended as a dumping ground for all things lacking fantasy, Camilla/Anne came to the shocking discovery that writing sarcastic, chaotic romcoms full of quippy heroines and adoring heroes has a kick to it.
Camilla/Anne’s neurodivergent tendencies leave her hyperfocused on writing sweet and sassy romances from dawn till dusk and lending whatever her current creative obsessions are to her characters. From arranged marriages to falling for the boss, there’s lots of love to go around.
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorannemilla
Camilla/Anne’s neurodivergent tendencies leave her hyperfocused on writing sweet and sassy romances from dawn till dusk and lending whatever her current creative obsessions are to her characters. From arranged marriages to falling for the boss, there’s lots of love to go around.
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorannemilla
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
December 4, 2022
There's nothing like grumpy humour to get you laughing till your tummy hurts.
Romance: 4/5
Chemistry: 4/5
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean one y'all)
1st kiss: 90% in (yeah, its slooow burn goodness)
Humour: 5/5
Cry factor: 0,5/5
Drama: 1/5
Suspense: 0/5
Positive thoughts:
- This one was splendidly hilarious, it made me bust in laughter almost on every page. I was in my happy cloud throughout the book.
- I just loved Levi's dry and "inappropriate" humour. You cannot beat grumpy humour, it's just the best! And to see it only come out with Rose was even better.
- Levi was all for Rose, in every way possible. He just wanted her to shine and be all she was in her goodness. He was a true gentleman and such a sweetheart (yes, book boyfriend alert, right here!). I loved the way he respected her and the boundaries.
- And I loved how he protected her from her parents. So good!
Negative thoughts:
- I knew going in we could only have single POV, but still I was craving Levi's POV, I really wanted to get into his head in certain moments.
- There were some slower parts, where we just got a lot into Rose's head, but it's not too bad.
Overall:
- This is a clean romance with lots of chemistry. Very slow burn but with a whole lot of goodness till we get to our first kiss.
- It is super funny, you'll be laughing a lot and out loud, so watch out where you read this one (I had people looking at me funny when I laughed at a book while sitting on the train home).
- It's a page turner and you just want her to get to that point where she finds out who Levi really is (we know it, and that caused some angst, which I love!)
Tropes:
- Fake relationship
- Slow burn
- Rich guy, poor girl
- Billionaire MMC
- It's always been you vibe
- He falls first
- Insecure parents
Romance: 4/5
Chemistry: 4/5
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean one y'all)
1st kiss: 90% in (yeah, its slooow burn goodness)
Humour: 5/5
Cry factor: 0,5/5
Drama: 1/5
Suspense: 0/5
Positive thoughts:
- This one was splendidly hilarious, it made me bust in laughter almost on every page. I was in my happy cloud throughout the book.
- I just loved Levi's dry and "inappropriate" humour. You cannot beat grumpy humour, it's just the best! And to see it only come out with Rose was even better.
- Levi was all for Rose, in every way possible. He just wanted her to shine and be all she was in her goodness. He was a true gentleman and such a sweetheart (yes, book boyfriend alert, right here!). I loved the way he respected her and the boundaries.
- And I loved how he protected her from her parents. So good!
Negative thoughts:
- I knew going in we could only have single POV, but still I was craving Levi's POV, I really wanted to get into his head in certain moments.
- There were some slower parts, where we just got a lot into Rose's head, but it's not too bad.
Overall:
- This is a clean romance with lots of chemistry. Very slow burn but with a whole lot of goodness till we get to our first kiss.
- It is super funny, you'll be laughing a lot and out loud, so watch out where you read this one (I had people looking at me funny when I laughed at a book while sitting on the train home).
- It's a page turner and you just want her to get to that point where she finds out who Levi really is (we know it, and that caused some angst, which I love!)
Tropes:
- Fake relationship
- Slow burn
- Rich guy, poor girl
- Billionaire MMC
- It's always been you vibe
- He falls first
- Insecure parents
July 11, 2025
Love Between Dense Geniuses
Rose Briar is as pure as driven snow, never touched by man or machine… literally. Her only romantic experience is a tall guy she met in the rain who gave her his coat and took the box of kittens she found. She never saw him again.
Levi Mars owns a massive business enterprise and advertised for a ghost writer to write his autobiography. Rose is very excited when she gets an actual interview. It looked like she would get the job, until she fell for Levi… also literally. An inconvenient picture of Rose lying on top of the billionaire goes viral.
To keep the public from thinking Levi was a womanizer and her a gold digger, Rose suggested a common romance trope; fake dating.
These were deep and lovable characters that you become quickly invested in, and the plot as common as it is, is uncommonly delightful. Five stars of delirious happiness.
Rose Briar is as pure as driven snow, never touched by man or machine… literally. Her only romantic experience is a tall guy she met in the rain who gave her his coat and took the box of kittens she found. She never saw him again.
Levi Mars owns a massive business enterprise and advertised for a ghost writer to write his autobiography. Rose is very excited when she gets an actual interview. It looked like she would get the job, until she fell for Levi… also literally. An inconvenient picture of Rose lying on top of the billionaire goes viral.
To keep the public from thinking Levi was a womanizer and her a gold digger, Rose suggested a common romance trope; fake dating.
These were deep and lovable characters that you become quickly invested in, and the plot as common as it is, is uncommonly delightful. Five stars of delirious happiness.
February 7, 2023
I lost sleep over this book (in a good way)
First of all I’d like to note that the amount of stars available is inadequate for declaring my love for this book. I need a million, and I think our billionaire MMC can spare me some.
It’s past 2AM and I stayed up reading this book because it was simply addicting! It’s unlike most sweet romcoms I’ve read. It’s got more sizzle and heat that’s for sure (without any on page scenes). I felt more in the first hug scene than I’ve felt during some kiss scenes. Camilla has her own brand and I am now a brand fan!
Things I loved:
The past colliding with the present
The nicknames, oh the beautiful nicknames
The TENSION.
The obsession from both of them.
The character development
The library
All the bookish things
The banter!!!!
So much more.
Go get this book!
First of all I’d like to note that the amount of stars available is inadequate for declaring my love for this book. I need a million, and I think our billionaire MMC can spare me some.
It’s past 2AM and I stayed up reading this book because it was simply addicting! It’s unlike most sweet romcoms I’ve read. It’s got more sizzle and heat that’s for sure (without any on page scenes). I felt more in the first hug scene than I’ve felt during some kiss scenes. Camilla has her own brand and I am now a brand fan!
Things I loved:
The past colliding with the present
The nicknames, oh the beautiful nicknames
The TENSION.
The obsession from both of them.
The character development
The library
All the bookish things
The banter!!!!
So much more.
Go get this book!
March 24, 2024
3.5⭐️
lo disfruté muchísimo pero fue muy cheesy en muchas cosas jajaja
lo disfruté muchísimo pero fue muy cheesy en muchas cosas jajaja
January 10, 2024
Great start to the series, couldn’t put it down
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I was really impressed with the story. Of course as a reader you guess right away the who’s who from the prologue once the story starts. But it was a different kind of book, one that caught my attention and had me thinking about it for days after reading it. I still thought about this book while reading the next book on my TBR list. Yes it stayed with me that much.
I loved seeing the improvement in Rose’s interfamily relationships. The chemistry between Levi and Rose was sizzling. Their relationship was so easy and they had this great banter back and forth. Loved the cute pet names.
I wasn’t expecting some of the bumps and detours in their relationship so that made it more interesting to read. I will definitely be looking out for the next in the series.
Rating: PG, clean, some mild innuendo. Rose has family that is always paranoid of someone falling prey to cults, alcohol and drug use, even if the exposure is only in literature. These are mentioned often as cautionary but none of those happen in the story.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. I was really impressed with the story. Of course as a reader you guess right away the who’s who from the prologue once the story starts. But it was a different kind of book, one that caught my attention and had me thinking about it for days after reading it. I still thought about this book while reading the next book on my TBR list. Yes it stayed with me that much.
I loved seeing the improvement in Rose’s interfamily relationships. The chemistry between Levi and Rose was sizzling. Their relationship was so easy and they had this great banter back and forth. Loved the cute pet names.
I wasn’t expecting some of the bumps and detours in their relationship so that made it more interesting to read. I will definitely be looking out for the next in the series.
Rating: PG, clean, some mild innuendo. Rose has family that is always paranoid of someone falling prey to cults, alcohol and drug use, even if the exposure is only in literature. These are mentioned often as cautionary but none of those happen in the story.
September 17, 2025
Warmed my cold heart.
I absolutely loved this book and I’m not normally a sweet romance leader but they really got me with the slow burn.
At first I was a little annoyed at Rose and her inability to communicate her feelings AT ALL. But I really had to consider her upbringing and naïveté. When in that context it was probably about right even if I did want to slightly strangle her near the end.
Levi… oh Levi. I’m not normally a fan of single POV books but this one worked for me. Mostly because there were enough clues for us that weren’t blind *cough* Rose *cough* to figure out how he was feeling. I mean, we all knew who he was after the prologue right? That was pretty obvious. Though, I wish he would have come clean sooner, it was a little shady hiding it from her. Plus, I expected a bigger reaction the first time he saw her jacket.
The alcohol stuff came off a little preachy to me. It would have been one thing coming from her parents but quite another coming from Levi. With how wonderful everything else was, I let it slide.
I absolutely loved this book and I’m not normally a sweet romance leader but they really got me with the slow burn.
At first I was a little annoyed at Rose and her inability to communicate her feelings AT ALL. But I really had to consider her upbringing and naïveté. When in that context it was probably about right even if I did want to slightly strangle her near the end.
Levi… oh Levi. I’m not normally a fan of single POV books but this one worked for me. Mostly because there were enough clues for us that weren’t blind *cough* Rose *cough* to figure out how he was feeling. I mean, we all knew who he was after the prologue right? That was pretty obvious. Though, I wish he would have come clean sooner, it was a little shady hiding it from her. Plus, I expected a bigger reaction the first time he saw her jacket.
The alcohol stuff came off a little preachy to me. It would have been one thing coming from her parents but quite another coming from Levi. With how wonderful everything else was, I let it slide.
March 22, 2025
With a comedic meet-cute, a grumpy gentleman, and a hurricane heroine with a knack for disaster, this book was very cute!
Levi (again, always weird when a little bro’s name is the MMC) is the grumpy billionaire with a *reputation* who hires Rose, the hurricane with a petulance for tripping, as the ghostwriter for his autobiography. Her innocence is part of her charm (truly, I loved her & that she was a tall girly!) and his reputation is unfounded, revealing his true nature. While one bed tropes will never be my favourite, this story charmed me, and I felt seen between the pages.
Levi (again, always weird when a little bro’s name is the MMC) is the grumpy billionaire with a *reputation* who hires Rose, the hurricane with a petulance for tripping, as the ghostwriter for his autobiography. Her innocence is part of her charm (truly, I loved her & that she was a tall girly!) and his reputation is unfounded, revealing his true nature. While one bed tropes will never be my favourite, this story charmed me, and I felt seen between the pages.
March 28, 2025
Ages are not consistent and certain characters (her parents) act wildly out of character.
March 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Ok camilla evergreen you are one of my new favorite authors.
EXCUSE ME??? I DEVOURED THIS BOOK. SO FAST.
I love a good grumpy man and he is grumpy. And the strict parents I loved since i related heavily to the struggles the fmc had with them but still loving them
Overall 100% would reccomend
Ok camilla evergreen you are one of my new favorite authors.
EXCUSE ME??? I DEVOURED THIS BOOK. SO FAST.
I love a good grumpy man and he is grumpy. And the strict parents I loved since i related heavily to the struggles the fmc had with them but still loving them
Overall 100% would reccomend
November 8, 2024
Wow. Do I have thoughts about this book. This book quickly morphed into a hate read for me - i.e. I'm going to read this so that I can count it in my book count and write a full review. I, for the life of me, cannot figure out what book all the 5 star reviewers were reading because this was not anywhere close to a 5 star book for me. First and foremost, this book should be given a whole list of what to expect. Someone else said this book is a romance book for 10 year olds and I kind of believe that it's more of a YA with adults.
I'm not sure that I can talk about all the things to unpack here. As someone else said, if you were to tell me that the author grew up in a religious cult, toxic household - I would believe it. First, can we talk about the math that ain't mathing? When Rose meets Levi in the prologue, she's a junior in high school and he's in college, living in the dorms. But when we jump ahead 5 years, she's 22 and he's 30. So you're telling me that when they met, he was a 25 year old college student living in a dorm??? Age gap tropes are definitely not my favorites but ew, 30 to 22? At one point her father mentions grooming and I kind of feel like he's not too far off. I appreciate that in the prologue he didn't want interact with a minor but that would have still been relevant if he was 22 and their age gap was only 4 or 5 years. I feel like the author made her 22 to keep Rose sheltered and naive.
Let's talk about Rose some more. She has the most toxic relationship with her parents. Her parents are the very definition of religious zealots who are helicopter parents. She grew up being homeschooled and then went to an all girls college? (If that's true, why was Levi there in the prologue?) Her parents call her every Saturday and Sunday evening to make sure she's not at parties, doing drugs, drinking, or doing anything unbecoming of a lady. They flat out ask the most intrusive questions of both Levi AND Rose. The whole fake dating angle happens because her parents in Florida see a paparazzi photo (puh-lease) of Rose tripping into Levi and basically call her a whore for doing it. Her mother calls her out for having a fantasy book on a table in another paparazzi shot (again, puh-lease). They basically call her a whore and slut but then make Levi and Rose share a bed? Rose is the most sheltered character I have ever read. And maybe that is your jam but man, it's not mine. I found her unrelatable and annoying.
Nothing, and I do mean nothing, happens between Levi and Rose until the 90% mark. Where...Rose figures out what the reader has known since basically chapter one. Levi is a sweet book boyfriend who really does care about Rose. But he's almost as sheltered as Rose in some ways. I do love how he stands up for Rose and tells her parents like it is.
Speaking of those parents - anyone else get whiplash from their turnaround behavior? All of sudden they're cool because Levi put them in their place and they "approve" of him??? Rose, grow an f'ing backbone. Can you imagine these parents with their grandkids???
I'm sure there is more that I can write about this book but I think I've covered the big stuff. Only read this book if you're looking for an odd YA book that is masquerading as a romance. Only read this book if you relate to (or enjoy reading about) sheltered and naive FMC who take every joke seriously and have no gumption. Only read this book if you like awkward interactions between characters.
This will be my only foray into books by this author. And I will not be reading on in the series. I would read the other 5 star reviews with a grain of salt.
I'm not sure that I can talk about all the things to unpack here. As someone else said, if you were to tell me that the author grew up in a religious cult, toxic household - I would believe it. First, can we talk about the math that ain't mathing? When Rose meets Levi in the prologue, she's a junior in high school and he's in college, living in the dorms. But when we jump ahead 5 years, she's 22 and he's 30. So you're telling me that when they met, he was a 25 year old college student living in a dorm??? Age gap tropes are definitely not my favorites but ew, 30 to 22? At one point her father mentions grooming and I kind of feel like he's not too far off. I appreciate that in the prologue he didn't want interact with a minor but that would have still been relevant if he was 22 and their age gap was only 4 or 5 years. I feel like the author made her 22 to keep Rose sheltered and naive.
Let's talk about Rose some more. She has the most toxic relationship with her parents. Her parents are the very definition of religious zealots who are helicopter parents. She grew up being homeschooled and then went to an all girls college? (If that's true, why was Levi there in the prologue?) Her parents call her every Saturday and Sunday evening to make sure she's not at parties, doing drugs, drinking, or doing anything unbecoming of a lady. They flat out ask the most intrusive questions of both Levi AND Rose. The whole fake dating angle happens because her parents in Florida see a paparazzi photo (puh-lease) of Rose tripping into Levi and basically call her a whore for doing it. Her mother calls her out for having a fantasy book on a table in another paparazzi shot (again, puh-lease). They basically call her a whore and slut but then make Levi and Rose share a bed? Rose is the most sheltered character I have ever read. And maybe that is your jam but man, it's not mine. I found her unrelatable and annoying.
Nothing, and I do mean nothing, happens between Levi and Rose until the 90% mark. Where...Rose figures out what the reader has known since basically chapter one. Levi is a sweet book boyfriend who really does care about Rose. But he's almost as sheltered as Rose in some ways. I do love how he stands up for Rose and tells her parents like it is.
Speaking of those parents - anyone else get whiplash from their turnaround behavior? All of sudden they're cool because Levi put them in their place and they "approve" of him??? Rose, grow an f'ing backbone. Can you imagine these parents with their grandkids???
I'm sure there is more that I can write about this book but I think I've covered the big stuff. Only read this book if you're looking for an odd YA book that is masquerading as a romance. Only read this book if you relate to (or enjoy reading about) sheltered and naive FMC who take every joke seriously and have no gumption. Only read this book if you like awkward interactions between characters.
This will be my only foray into books by this author. And I will not be reading on in the series. I would read the other 5 star reviews with a grain of salt.
November 16, 2022
I was hoping to start this book and then get some stuff done. You know chores and such. But this book was so addicting that I couldn’t focus on anything else! So here we are on a book high at 2am.
So anyway that should be enough to convince anyone to read this! Holy smokes this book was amazing. I love this author and her ability to really connect you to her characters! Rose and Levi’s love story was so riveting! They were funny and adorable and unique! Also the blurbs at the beginning of each chapter were awesome! Added an extra dimension to the book! Read it and everything else she’s written.
So anyway that should be enough to convince anyone to read this! Holy smokes this book was amazing. I love this author and her ability to really connect you to her characters! Rose and Levi’s love story was so riveting! They were funny and adorable and unique! Also the blurbs at the beginning of each chapter were awesome! Added an extra dimension to the book! Read it and everything else she’s written.
July 14, 2023
I really love the writing style of this author. I've read most of her other series, and I love how she handles heavy topics.
August 30, 2025
This is a slow burn, closed door romance.
It was a little slower than my preference (and of course I saw the tiny twist coming from a mile away, but...
It was beautiful and it touched me...
It was a little slower than my preference (and of course I saw the tiny twist coming from a mile away, but...
It was beautiful and it touched me...
September 9, 2025
Awww
Such a wonderful beautiful story!! Camilla always makes my heart sing!! I absolutely loved this sweet sweet book. I love how she weaves so much pain and love so seamlessly.
Such a wonderful beautiful story!! Camilla always makes my heart sing!! I absolutely loved this sweet sweet book. I love how she weaves so much pain and love so seamlessly.
November 22, 2022
I’m just going to say are word and that is coats.
This is a grumpy/sunshine romantic comedy by author Camilla Evergreen also known as authorannestryk on instagram! I was given the opportunity to get an ARC version of this book and I can say that it does not disappoint!
The way the two characters are written is like they are your best friends. Rose and Levi are just adorable, it’s a he falls first and it is so obvious to everyone but her (honestly one of my favourite tropes, this book is full of all the best tropes you could think of). Can’t forget to mention the kittens as well. Rose is so relatable from a reader to another reader. Their first date is honestly to die for – the way Levi is also so protective of Rose from the get go.
This book honestly captured me from the beginning and I could not put it down. The character development not just for the main characters but also the side character is amazing. It melted my heart, made me laugh, made me cry and also in a few chapters made me squeal in excitement and anticipation!
This is a grumpy/sunshine romantic comedy by author Camilla Evergreen also known as authorannestryk on instagram! I was given the opportunity to get an ARC version of this book and I can say that it does not disappoint!
The way the two characters are written is like they are your best friends. Rose and Levi are just adorable, it’s a he falls first and it is so obvious to everyone but her (honestly one of my favourite tropes, this book is full of all the best tropes you could think of). Can’t forget to mention the kittens as well. Rose is so relatable from a reader to another reader. Their first date is honestly to die for – the way Levi is also so protective of Rose from the get go.
This book honestly captured me from the beginning and I could not put it down. The character development not just for the main characters but also the side character is amazing. It melted my heart, made me laugh, made me cry and also in a few chapters made me squeal in excitement and anticipation!
December 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
GENRE
romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: some crude language
-❤️: makeouts, mentions of sex
-⚠️: controlling parents, mentions of past bullying
After Rose interviews with billionaire Levi Danner to be a ghostwriter for his autobiography, he walks her to her scooter. Unfortunately, Rose’s heel breaks and she ends up on top of her potential future employer on the sidewalk. A picture is taken and splashed all over the media of their compromising position. To help lessen the scandal, they decide to fake date for a while as Rose works on the book.
Rose’s parents were very controlling and narrow minded. I absolutely loved the way that Levi helped to put them in their place but also to open their minds some. The healing in the relationship particularly between Rose and her mom was beautiful.
Favorite Quotes:
🐉"Basically, you're saying purchasing one book for you is the gateway into turning you into a book-hoarding dragon?"
“Correct."
"Good to know. Do you prefer paper
or hardback?"
🤣"Have I ever told you that you're cute
when you're conjugating?"
'Have I ever told you to stop flirting
with me?"
He breathes a laugh. "A couple times I think. It's not that I'm a bad listener. I just think that I would die.”
🌎 This is something I've always hated
about the real world. When an ending comes, it's not so easy to turn back to the first page and live it all out exactly as it was the first time. When an ending comes, all we're left with are vague pictures that fade, memories that rewrite themselves into different creatures. Everything from yesterday already feels like a dream.
📖 In a world as vast as fiction there will always be a story that draws a connection between souls. We just need to be brave enough to find it, open the book, and turn the first page.
GENRE
romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: some crude language
-❤️: makeouts, mentions of sex
-⚠️: controlling parents, mentions of past bullying
After Rose interviews with billionaire Levi Danner to be a ghostwriter for his autobiography, he walks her to her scooter. Unfortunately, Rose’s heel breaks and she ends up on top of her potential future employer on the sidewalk. A picture is taken and splashed all over the media of their compromising position. To help lessen the scandal, they decide to fake date for a while as Rose works on the book.
Rose’s parents were very controlling and narrow minded. I absolutely loved the way that Levi helped to put them in their place but also to open their minds some. The healing in the relationship particularly between Rose and her mom was beautiful.
Favorite Quotes:
🐉"Basically, you're saying purchasing one book for you is the gateway into turning you into a book-hoarding dragon?"
“Correct."
"Good to know. Do you prefer paper
or hardback?"
🤣"Have I ever told you that you're cute
when you're conjugating?"
'Have I ever told you to stop flirting
with me?"
He breathes a laugh. "A couple times I think. It's not that I'm a bad listener. I just think that I would die.”
🌎 This is something I've always hated
about the real world. When an ending comes, it's not so easy to turn back to the first page and live it all out exactly as it was the first time. When an ending comes, all we're left with are vague pictures that fade, memories that rewrite themselves into different creatures. Everything from yesterday already feels like a dream.
📖 In a world as vast as fiction there will always be a story that draws a connection between souls. We just need to be brave enough to find it, open the book, and turn the first page.
October 30, 2023
His brows lift. “I’m being a jerk by offering to buy you a book?”
“You may buy me dinner later. If you start buying me pretty books, we’re going to have a huge problem.”
The amusement in his eyes tames as his face requests an explanation. I put the book down, making sure it is perfectly stacked, before I lift my nose into the air. “You’ll turn me into an actual gold digger.” Folding my arms, I decree that if I get a book here, it shall be with my own money. “Do you really want me to be batting my lashes and asking for entire bookstores —just because I know you can afford them?”
“Basically, you’re saying purchasing one book for you is the gateway into turning you into a book-hoarding dragon?”
“Correct.”
“Good to know. Do you prefer paper or hardback?”
“You may buy me dinner later. If you start buying me pretty books, we’re going to have a huge problem.”
The amusement in his eyes tames as his face requests an explanation. I put the book down, making sure it is perfectly stacked, before I lift my nose into the air. “You’ll turn me into an actual gold digger.” Folding my arms, I decree that if I get a book here, it shall be with my own money. “Do you really want me to be batting my lashes and asking for entire bookstores —just because I know you can afford them?”
“Basically, you’re saying purchasing one book for you is the gateway into turning you into a book-hoarding dragon?”
“Correct.”
“Good to know. Do you prefer paper or hardback?”
March 21, 2023
This series is just fantastic, and I cannot get enough. I've read them all (so far), and this one has definitely been my favorite (again, so far). The chemistry is great, with some major kissing scenes and some innuendos, but nothing beyond that. It's still a clean read, but maybe a little steamy for those who prefer only the squeaky cleanest of reads. (The author does a great job of letting the reader know what to expect before the story begins, so definitely check that out first!). Overall, I loved it and can't wait for the next book in the series.
January 20, 2025
I hate to say it but. I think this is my new favorite book. It was so good. It was cheesy in the best ways. It was funny. It was hot. And it was clean. There were some good jokes but there was no language. It was an enjoyable read and I would 1000% read again. I had waaaaaay too many highlights. It was all so good, I highlighted multiple paragraphs at a time. Highly recommend. Oh my goodness. Read it.
December 8, 2022
4.5 out of 5 stars!
"All important meetings occur in the rain, with a clap of thunder."
Rose is venturing out on her own and trying to make it as an adult! Being in college with roommates and away from her strict parents she's trying to do her best. Wanting to make her folks proud as she becomes an independent person. When an application for a potential dream job appears, Rose takes her chances. But things don't go so well. . .
It's not recommended to kiss your potential future boss on the first interaction, even if it was an accident! The media and paparazzi don't see it as an accident as the billionaire is caught kissing a young, unknown woman. The solution to both their problems and reputations is simple fake date. Will they be able to convince people of the lie? Can Rose manage to get her parents to see she's still a good and innocent girl? How will this all turn out?
"I like words. And I like when my words are correct, thank you very much." - Rose
Rose reminded me of Rose from "The Golden Girls", just the innocence of her character and her strict upbringing. I also thought about the movie "Tangled" as I was reading and how Rose and Levi's dynamic was similar to Rapunzel and Flynn's. Him being knowledgeable about the world and her being sheltered. Wanting to explore and learn everything but worried about what her parents will say.
I can relate to Rose and having a strict upbringing and parents who wanted to keep you as innocent as possible. Sheltered and protected from the world to a degree with age appropriateness is okay but you will be an adult and need to know how to navigate through life. A balance in everything is needed along with an amount of trust in your kids.
I didn't like Rose's parents because it brought back memories of mine. But I did enjoy that there was a little redeeming arc for them within the read. You can still tell that Rose is going to have a healing journey ahead of her and realizing things so that she can find her happiness and what that means for her.
I loved the sheer comedy of this book! Camilla has always had comedy in her romcoms, but I can tell the comedy is improving and getting better. By no means am I stating her other series failed in the laugh out loud moments. Just naturally with each new work there's improvement. I was laughing so much with this read and finding several lines I thoroughly enjoyed.
"Basically, you're saying purchasing one book for you is the gateway into turning you into a book-hoarding-dragon?" - Levi
"Correct." - Rose
I mean if you buy me books then that's it! The dynamic between the two was fantastic and I enjoyed the age gap. Levi being only eight years older than Rose, but it was still an age gap! There are so many things about Levi I loved and picked up on instantly, but I don't want to give anything away. This was a very good story and start to the series of romcoms. I enjoyed the single POV being from Rose but would love to have seen Levi's POV with a couple of scenes.
With this read there is mention of being heavily bullied, no in-depth details but an understanding that it was bad. Anxiety attack on page and depictions of not wanting to disappoint parents to a hefty fault. Wanting to maintain that good girl image for her parents and be acknowledged for it. Levi didn't fully get the memo about no language; he toes the line but there are no straight up curse words.
This is a clean, closed-door romance meaning there's no sex on the page. There was some passionate kissing and the tension of the slow burn along with implications something more happened but no details. Again, I love Camilla's clean romances but how she includes adult situations/wants and not over the top clean.
The author has even mentioned her MMCs don't seem to get the memo about the "clean read". Pretty sure Levi just chuckled and marked the email as spam. I also agreed with Levi's standpoint with several scenes. He is very much disrespect her or touch her and die vibe.
I really loved the scene in Target with some of the main characters. And there was a line from Levi that just hit me square in the gut! Made me a little emotional when I read the line. I cannot wait for more from this series and to see more characters Camilla comes up with! There is a HAE, and these books are standalones, but you may see previous couples mentioned within the series. I also really loved "The Reader Expectations" breakdown at the beginning of the book along with the little quotes at the start of every chapter!
Enjoy the romantic comedy and I will just say this man takes Rose out on a first date and the place Levi takes her to is just phenomenal! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
"All important meetings occur in the rain, with a clap of thunder."
Rose is venturing out on her own and trying to make it as an adult! Being in college with roommates and away from her strict parents she's trying to do her best. Wanting to make her folks proud as she becomes an independent person. When an application for a potential dream job appears, Rose takes her chances. But things don't go so well. . .
It's not recommended to kiss your potential future boss on the first interaction, even if it was an accident! The media and paparazzi don't see it as an accident as the billionaire is caught kissing a young, unknown woman. The solution to both their problems and reputations is simple fake date. Will they be able to convince people of the lie? Can Rose manage to get her parents to see she's still a good and innocent girl? How will this all turn out?
"I like words. And I like when my words are correct, thank you very much." - Rose
Rose reminded me of Rose from "The Golden Girls", just the innocence of her character and her strict upbringing. I also thought about the movie "Tangled" as I was reading and how Rose and Levi's dynamic was similar to Rapunzel and Flynn's. Him being knowledgeable about the world and her being sheltered. Wanting to explore and learn everything but worried about what her parents will say.
I can relate to Rose and having a strict upbringing and parents who wanted to keep you as innocent as possible. Sheltered and protected from the world to a degree with age appropriateness is okay but you will be an adult and need to know how to navigate through life. A balance in everything is needed along with an amount of trust in your kids.
I didn't like Rose's parents because it brought back memories of mine. But I did enjoy that there was a little redeeming arc for them within the read. You can still tell that Rose is going to have a healing journey ahead of her and realizing things so that she can find her happiness and what that means for her.
I loved the sheer comedy of this book! Camilla has always had comedy in her romcoms, but I can tell the comedy is improving and getting better. By no means am I stating her other series failed in the laugh out loud moments. Just naturally with each new work there's improvement. I was laughing so much with this read and finding several lines I thoroughly enjoyed.
"Basically, you're saying purchasing one book for you is the gateway into turning you into a book-hoarding-dragon?" - Levi
"Correct." - Rose
I mean if you buy me books then that's it! The dynamic between the two was fantastic and I enjoyed the age gap. Levi being only eight years older than Rose, but it was still an age gap! There are so many things about Levi I loved and picked up on instantly, but I don't want to give anything away. This was a very good story and start to the series of romcoms. I enjoyed the single POV being from Rose but would love to have seen Levi's POV with a couple of scenes.
With this read there is mention of being heavily bullied, no in-depth details but an understanding that it was bad. Anxiety attack on page and depictions of not wanting to disappoint parents to a hefty fault. Wanting to maintain that good girl image for her parents and be acknowledged for it. Levi didn't fully get the memo about no language; he toes the line but there are no straight up curse words.
This is a clean, closed-door romance meaning there's no sex on the page. There was some passionate kissing and the tension of the slow burn along with implications something more happened but no details. Again, I love Camilla's clean romances but how she includes adult situations/wants and not over the top clean.
The author has even mentioned her MMCs don't seem to get the memo about the "clean read". Pretty sure Levi just chuckled and marked the email as spam. I also agreed with Levi's standpoint with several scenes. He is very much disrespect her or touch her and die vibe.
I really loved the scene in Target with some of the main characters. And there was a line from Levi that just hit me square in the gut! Made me a little emotional when I read the line. I cannot wait for more from this series and to see more characters Camilla comes up with! There is a HAE, and these books are standalones, but you may see previous couples mentioned within the series. I also really loved "The Reader Expectations" breakdown at the beginning of the book along with the little quotes at the start of every chapter!
Enjoy the romantic comedy and I will just say this man takes Rose out on a first date and the place Levi takes her to is just phenomenal! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
September 5, 2025
beautiful, engaging, witty and full of the absolute love of books
A sweet fun book.
Closed door.
No actual swearwords.
Oh, the MMC is liberal with his use of them. And the FMC swears in her thoughts. -single POV- But, you only see “swears”. Or “swear word”. (I love it! It’s just too funny).
Anyway…Rose is “starving student”, wannabe author. A book lover that has been shamed into being just a shadow of herself.
She prides herself on being honest- claims it’s to the point of a bluntness; an honest compulsion to tell everything.
But you quickly notice that Rose only shares observable truths. She keeps her thoughts, desires, opinions- her true self hidden from everyone-even herself sometimes.
Rose is desperately trying to BE herself, but it is only rattling the cage of the cutting fear she grew up with. Only half dreaming of actually ever exiting that cage.
Levi is a handsome, scowling, sharp tongued, ruthless, billionaire with the reputation of bringing employees and grown men to tears.
The blackest of reputations- Black except where women are concerned. That is a line he doesn’t cross.
Unfortunately fate has other ideas. The wardrobe malfunction of a potential hireling very publicly lands him flat on his back -with the scandalously clad young woman clinging to his lips. (Of course).
She suggests fake dating is the only way to save both their reputations.
Commence the fun.
It’s obvious from the start that he is smitten with her. Why Levi doesn’t speak up and bluntly ask her out? I thought it was because he knew it would scare her off. Typical of Camilla Evergreen she has more depth to the characters waiting for the reader to discover.
I love how Rose finds her honesty. I love how Levi protects and defends her. Really love that snuggling while reading is even on the menu for dating activities.
…spoiler? Maybe??….
there is one scene near the middle where a man makes an incredibly rude and completely inappropriate comment to Rose.
Levi is incensed and doesn’t hesitate to defend her. I think rightfully so. I don’t think it was too harsh. What the man said was wildly insulting.
Rose, however, accuses Levi of being a monster and walks away from him right there.
I scratched my head and re-read the scene two, three times. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. The only explanation I can see is that she is THAT sheltered- even though she claimed to understand the comment she truly did not.
Which brings me to my next question- if she didn’t really understand that comment, how is she going to be a best selling romance author? Anyway, I’m not going to question the scene any further. I realize it had to happen for the plot to move forward. So we will too…
I admit that I could be wrong, maybe threatening to get a delivery guy fired and potentially blackballed was going a bit too far. Maybe.
It was a threat I am sure Levi would have gladly follow through with. Ok, and Levi was rightfully ticked and acting out of anger. But As legit as his threat was, I am pretty sure Levi knew he only trying to scare the man.
I kind of really liked that he was so fierce with the defense. There are plenty of girls/women out there who don’t have anyone willing to stand up with them against verbal assaults. If Levi scared that foul comment from ever leaving that guys’ lips again, well, then Levi just left the world a little bit safer for all of us. I am not going to fault that.
****REAL SPOILER ALERT****
The theme of monster is interesting.
Rose is raised believing that every man is a monster. She has very limited interactions with anybody identifying as male. When she meets the young man at the university She calls him “Slenderman” (a real villain/monster) because she never knew his real name. It was fitting, he was tall, overly slender, pale with long hair. But she called the nicest, most handsome young man she ever met the name of a video game villain. She idolized and romanticized him. didn’t even remotely put him in the villain category. Her parents certainly tried to villainize him.
Then she waffles with whether or not Levi is a monster for a good potion of the book. When she decides that he isn’t, but by that time it’s an inside joke for them.
Finally finds out that her “monster” billionaire, the one person who makes her feel safe and loved and free IS her long lost Slenderman.
What she thought were monsters weren’t villains after all. Hmmm..men? Yeah, not monsters or villians either.
Full circle. Loved it!
Good job Camilla Evergreen. Good job.
A sweet fun book.
Closed door.
No actual swearwords.
Oh, the MMC is liberal with his use of them. And the FMC swears in her thoughts. -single POV- But, you only see “swears”. Or “swear word”. (I love it! It’s just too funny).
Anyway…Rose is “starving student”, wannabe author. A book lover that has been shamed into being just a shadow of herself.
She prides herself on being honest- claims it’s to the point of a bluntness; an honest compulsion to tell everything.
But you quickly notice that Rose only shares observable truths. She keeps her thoughts, desires, opinions- her true self hidden from everyone-even herself sometimes.
Rose is desperately trying to BE herself, but it is only rattling the cage of the cutting fear she grew up with. Only half dreaming of actually ever exiting that cage.
Levi is a handsome, scowling, sharp tongued, ruthless, billionaire with the reputation of bringing employees and grown men to tears.
The blackest of reputations- Black except where women are concerned. That is a line he doesn’t cross.
Unfortunately fate has other ideas. The wardrobe malfunction of a potential hireling very publicly lands him flat on his back -with the scandalously clad young woman clinging to his lips. (Of course).
She suggests fake dating is the only way to save both their reputations.
Commence the fun.
It’s obvious from the start that he is smitten with her. Why Levi doesn’t speak up and bluntly ask her out? I thought it was because he knew it would scare her off. Typical of Camilla Evergreen she has more depth to the characters waiting for the reader to discover.
I love how Rose finds her honesty. I love how Levi protects and defends her. Really love that snuggling while reading is even on the menu for dating activities.
…spoiler? Maybe??….
there is one scene near the middle where a man makes an incredibly rude and completely inappropriate comment to Rose.
Levi is incensed and doesn’t hesitate to defend her. I think rightfully so. I don’t think it was too harsh. What the man said was wildly insulting.
Rose, however, accuses Levi of being a monster and walks away from him right there.
I scratched my head and re-read the scene two, three times. I couldn’t wrap my head around it. The only explanation I can see is that she is THAT sheltered- even though she claimed to understand the comment she truly did not.
Which brings me to my next question- if she didn’t really understand that comment, how is she going to be a best selling romance author? Anyway, I’m not going to question the scene any further. I realize it had to happen for the plot to move forward. So we will too…
I admit that I could be wrong, maybe threatening to get a delivery guy fired and potentially blackballed was going a bit too far. Maybe.
It was a threat I am sure Levi would have gladly follow through with. Ok, and Levi was rightfully ticked and acting out of anger. But As legit as his threat was, I am pretty sure Levi knew he only trying to scare the man.
I kind of really liked that he was so fierce with the defense. There are plenty of girls/women out there who don’t have anyone willing to stand up with them against verbal assaults. If Levi scared that foul comment from ever leaving that guys’ lips again, well, then Levi just left the world a little bit safer for all of us. I am not going to fault that.
****REAL SPOILER ALERT****
The theme of monster is interesting.
Rose is raised believing that every man is a monster. She has very limited interactions with anybody identifying as male. When she meets the young man at the university She calls him “Slenderman” (a real villain/monster) because she never knew his real name. It was fitting, he was tall, overly slender, pale with long hair. But she called the nicest, most handsome young man she ever met the name of a video game villain. She idolized and romanticized him. didn’t even remotely put him in the villain category. Her parents certainly tried to villainize him.
Then she waffles with whether or not Levi is a monster for a good potion of the book. When she decides that he isn’t, but by that time it’s an inside joke for them.
Finally finds out that her “monster” billionaire, the one person who makes her feel safe and loved and free IS her long lost Slenderman.
What she thought were monsters weren’t villains after all. Hmmm..men? Yeah, not monsters or villians either.
Full circle. Loved it!
Good job Camilla Evergreen. Good job.
December 2, 2022
Romance level: lots of innuendos; language; make outs🔥; sensual; mentions of sex (no details).
"That's my girl"
This book was so good. 1st chapter was unique & a mixture of feelings. Also, chapter 2? 😂 Epic way to go.
The chemistry/tension was 🔥. I love his dry humour, it was a nice touch to his grumpy self. I loved that they were so honest w/each other.
The whole book trope situation was hilarious! I can't with Levi! He's so precious w/her. He was relentless with the teasing!
I felt connected over some situations w/Rose. (Minus the parents).
I love how protective he is of Rose. A little intense sometimes, but I think Anne did a pretty amazing job balancing him out.
That's it. Levi is a straight dream. Their late night dinner talks were amazing. I loved their dynamic & honesty w/each other. I also don't like Halloween or celebrate it, but Levi was cute😂.
You know what I love? The healthy communication. She gets mad, walks it off & they talk later. He doesn't raise his voice or gets angry. He assertively makes his point through.
I love Thanksgiving! I loved him & his answers! He took the questions & showed she was part of the decisions/solutions. 🔥The one bed scene. Wow. It was so deep to see their connection. Pass their fears.
It's such a slow burn! I loved to see them getting closer & still respecting her pace. I think it's the most I've waited for a kiss! but so worth it! Also, how obsessed he was w/her...If it wasn't him it would be creepy. The background kinda sets it up.
I love how supportive he is of her dreams! He's just so precious. I love the character development of every single one of the characters! It's amazing. His whole thrive & motivation 🥺. Really small miscommunication (goes w/ trope). Quick solve.
The epilogue, extended one & gesture 😍. Can't wait for book 2!
My favorite scenes:
💙His date idea
🐾Nicknames
🦃 Thanksgiving
📖Reading genres
🤳Pictures
💌 THE EMAIL💞
⚠️TW: bullying; overprotective parents; "reputation".
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
"That's my girl"
This book was so good. 1st chapter was unique & a mixture of feelings. Also, chapter 2? 😂 Epic way to go.
The chemistry/tension was 🔥. I love his dry humour, it was a nice touch to his grumpy self. I loved that they were so honest w/each other.
The whole book trope situation was hilarious! I can't with Levi! He's so precious w/her. He was relentless with the teasing!
I felt connected over some situations w/Rose. (Minus the parents).
I love how protective he is of Rose. A little intense sometimes, but I think Anne did a pretty amazing job balancing him out.
That's it. Levi is a straight dream. Their late night dinner talks were amazing. I loved their dynamic & honesty w/each other. I also don't like Halloween or celebrate it, but Levi was cute😂.
You know what I love? The healthy communication. She gets mad, walks it off & they talk later. He doesn't raise his voice or gets angry. He assertively makes his point through.
I love Thanksgiving! I loved him & his answers! He took the questions & showed she was part of the decisions/solutions. 🔥The one bed scene. Wow. It was so deep to see their connection. Pass their fears.
It's such a slow burn! I loved to see them getting closer & still respecting her pace. I think it's the most I've waited for a kiss! but so worth it! Also, how obsessed he was w/her...If it wasn't him it would be creepy. The background kinda sets it up.
I love how supportive he is of her dreams! He's just so precious. I love the character development of every single one of the characters! It's amazing. His whole thrive & motivation 🥺. Really small miscommunication (goes w/ trope). Quick solve.
The epilogue, extended one & gesture 😍. Can't wait for book 2!
My favorite scenes:
💙His date idea
🐾Nicknames
🦃 Thanksgiving
📖Reading genres
🤳Pictures
💌 THE EMAIL💞
⚠️TW: bullying; overprotective parents; "reputation".
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
February 26, 2023
“You saved me, Rose. The way you looked at me and talked with me that night saved me. In a matter of moments, you had given me a reason to exist and a push to change my world. I’ve spent every day since searching for the way you made me feel like I belonged here and had a purpose—like someone could see me and joke with me. I told myself it wasn’t love that night, because that would be ridiculous and illegal.” — Levi
'The hardest part isn’t breaking up. It’s admitting that you fell in love when you weren’t supposed to.' — Rose
Ahh, where do I begin? 💞
To be completely honest, I didn’t have high expectations for this book when I first picked it up. Initially, I thought that it will be a cliché fake dating trope with the characters falling for each other in the setting of an office. Needless to say, it was a fun, sweet, clean romance book. I enjoyed it more than I expected.
(Spoiler Alert) I’m so, so, SO thankful that the “conflict” in the second act wasn’t because Levi hasn’t told her that he was the coat guy. I was expecting Levi to break the news to Rose, which will make her angry and break up with him. If the author decided to head down this path, I would have been so disappointed 😭
The only problem I have with this book was how strict Rose's parents seem. To me, the way Rose's parents treated and controlled her was a little bit over the board. There were times when I wondered if it was realistic enough. But this is not a major issue and it didn't affect the way I devoured the book.
Levi is also the perfect book boyfriend—sweet, protective and funny. The things that this man says and does also gives me butterflies as a reader. Meanwhile, Rose was a likeable character. While she didn't grow up in a perfect family, she wasn't portrayed in a weak manner. She was daring to speak up when needed to, which made her character development satisfying to read.
This book is definitely one of my favourite books now. It was such an easy read. Combined with comedy and a sweet romance between two characters, I was hooked 💞
'The hardest part isn’t breaking up. It’s admitting that you fell in love when you weren’t supposed to.' — Rose
Ahh, where do I begin? 💞
To be completely honest, I didn’t have high expectations for this book when I first picked it up. Initially, I thought that it will be a cliché fake dating trope with the characters falling for each other in the setting of an office. Needless to say, it was a fun, sweet, clean romance book. I enjoyed it more than I expected.
(Spoiler Alert) I’m so, so, SO thankful that the “conflict” in the second act wasn’t because Levi hasn’t told her that he was the coat guy. I was expecting Levi to break the news to Rose, which will make her angry and break up with him. If the author decided to head down this path, I would have been so disappointed 😭
The only problem I have with this book was how strict Rose's parents seem. To me, the way Rose's parents treated and controlled her was a little bit over the board. There were times when I wondered if it was realistic enough. But this is not a major issue and it didn't affect the way I devoured the book.
Levi is also the perfect book boyfriend—sweet, protective and funny. The things that this man says and does also gives me butterflies as a reader. Meanwhile, Rose was a likeable character. While she didn't grow up in a perfect family, she wasn't portrayed in a weak manner. She was daring to speak up when needed to, which made her character development satisfying to read.
This book is definitely one of my favourite books now. It was such an easy read. Combined with comedy and a sweet romance between two characters, I was hooked 💞
October 24, 2024
This was one of the best books I have read this year! It reminds me a bit about The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood with similar characters - a much younger, naive, innocent MFC and an older, taciturn, tall MMC with all the feels but with a lot of emotions expressed non-verbally.
This lovely, clean and swear word-free, heartwarming story is about sheltered twenty two year old college student, Rose Briars, an English lit major who is commissioned by Levi Danner, a thirty year old billionaire to ghost write his autobiography. This unlikely couple were instantly attracted to one another and the chemistry between them was electric.
Both characters were so likeable and flawed but so right for each other. They muddle their way through a fake relationship after an incriminating photograph is taken of them "kissing" outside Levi's offices upon the completion of Rose's interview with him. Rose's family is incredibly stern and strict and she has a hard time receiving support from them and Levi helps to smooth the path for her with them. This book details their interactions over a few months after their initial meeting and Levi brings out the best in Rose with his support and encouragement. Rose, in turn, brings companionship and comfort to lonely Levi.
Rose is obsessed with Slenderman Guy (and his coat!) after a chance meeting that took place when she was seventeen and five years prior to her meeting Levi, which changed her trajectory in life and in Levi's life (unbeknownst to her).
This is such a charming story with very endearing characters and some humour, I loved both Rose and Levi and thought they were a perfect pair. This story was well written and caused me lost sleep! Highly recommended and a very enjoyable read.
This lovely, clean and swear word-free, heartwarming story is about sheltered twenty two year old college student, Rose Briars, an English lit major who is commissioned by Levi Danner, a thirty year old billionaire to ghost write his autobiography. This unlikely couple were instantly attracted to one another and the chemistry between them was electric.
Both characters were so likeable and flawed but so right for each other. They muddle their way through a fake relationship after an incriminating photograph is taken of them "kissing" outside Levi's offices upon the completion of Rose's interview with him. Rose's family is incredibly stern and strict and she has a hard time receiving support from them and Levi helps to smooth the path for her with them. This book details their interactions over a few months after their initial meeting and Levi brings out the best in Rose with his support and encouragement. Rose, in turn, brings companionship and comfort to lonely Levi.
Rose is obsessed with Slenderman Guy (and his coat!) after a chance meeting that took place when she was seventeen and five years prior to her meeting Levi, which changed her trajectory in life and in Levi's life (unbeknownst to her).
This is such a charming story with very endearing characters and some humour, I loved both Rose and Levi and thought they were a perfect pair. This story was well written and caused me lost sleep! Highly recommended and a very enjoyable read.
March 21, 2024
Awww! Just so much adorable awww
My good friend recommended book 5 of this series, not realizing it was part of a series. When I looked the book up, I sent her a text to tease her and said I’d have to start at book 1, even though she said it wasn’t that kind of series. But my ADHD brain insists on starting at the beginning. I’m so glad I did!
I wasn’t even sure I’d like this story, but a few pages in and I couldn’t put it down. It was romantic and predictable and cheesy, as I expected, but there’s such a strong current running just below the surface.
The author does a brilliant job illustrating the trauma of growing up with all the expectations of overbearing but well meaning parents. And never once does she use the word “trauma” like I have because it’s a lazy way to describe all of the complex emotions that come with trying to meet expectations that are too high for anyone, and none of the loving forgiveness and grace that children should be allowed to have. That sense of never feeling like you’re trusted to make your own decisions and experience your own mistakes.
Wow, right? Super deep. But written so elegantly, and with a gentle hand, so maybe if you grew up trying to be that impossibly good girl (or boy), you might see yourself and your family in this story. And maybe you might feel a sense of relief, maybe a little jealousy, that if you’d just had someone who knew the right things to say, you could have rescued yourself from that situation. Maybe even it might help you to know what to say next time your parents or parent starts in on you, if you’re lucky enough to have a next time.
My good friend recommended book 5 of this series, not realizing it was part of a series. When I looked the book up, I sent her a text to tease her and said I’d have to start at book 1, even though she said it wasn’t that kind of series. But my ADHD brain insists on starting at the beginning. I’m so glad I did!
I wasn’t even sure I’d like this story, but a few pages in and I couldn’t put it down. It was romantic and predictable and cheesy, as I expected, but there’s such a strong current running just below the surface.
The author does a brilliant job illustrating the trauma of growing up with all the expectations of overbearing but well meaning parents. And never once does she use the word “trauma” like I have because it’s a lazy way to describe all of the complex emotions that come with trying to meet expectations that are too high for anyone, and none of the loving forgiveness and grace that children should be allowed to have. That sense of never feeling like you’re trusted to make your own decisions and experience your own mistakes.
Wow, right? Super deep. But written so elegantly, and with a gentle hand, so maybe if you grew up trying to be that impossibly good girl (or boy), you might see yourself and your family in this story. And maybe you might feel a sense of relief, maybe a little jealousy, that if you’d just had someone who knew the right things to say, you could have rescued yourself from that situation. Maybe even it might help you to know what to say next time your parents or parent starts in on you, if you’re lucky enough to have a next time.
October 23, 2024
Cute and almost sickeningly sweet. Rose and Levi have a chance meet-cute when she’s 17 and he’s 25. In this meet-cute she gives him something and he gives her a thing belonging to him. They meet again in 5 yrs when she’s interviewing for a job as his ghostwriter. They’ve each kept their “things” from 5 yrs ago. It is one of Rose’s cherished possessions. Levi is now a billionaire. He remembers her but he’s so different physically from their first meeting that she doesn’t remember him. This story is told only from her POV but the small glimpses of Levi from Rose’s perspective is enough to show us how he feels about her.
No sex, no swearing, very little PDA. Some snark. Mild flirting. Not really a rom-com. These two are pretty much virginal in their interactions. Some might be triggered by the overbearing, judgmental helicopter parents. Also Rose needed to develop a backbone and it was interesting to see it happen with Levi’s help. I don’t feel it was enough. She has serious self esteem issues which give her quite a bit of angst. Bullying is a theme as well. They were both bullied quite a bit when they were growing up. I would label Rose’s parents as bullies. A lot of bullies will say they’re doing it out of love, like her parents keep claiming. It’s still bullying. I also would’ve liked for Levi’s backstory to have been fleshed out more.
Not my typical genre but a nice easy read.
No sex, no swearing, very little PDA. Some snark. Mild flirting. Not really a rom-com. These two are pretty much virginal in their interactions. Some might be triggered by the overbearing, judgmental helicopter parents. Also Rose needed to develop a backbone and it was interesting to see it happen with Levi’s help. I don’t feel it was enough. She has serious self esteem issues which give her quite a bit of angst. Bullying is a theme as well. They were both bullied quite a bit when they were growing up. I would label Rose’s parents as bullies. A lot of bullies will say they’re doing it out of love, like her parents keep claiming. It’s still bullying. I also would’ve liked for Levi’s backstory to have been fleshed out more.
Not my typical genre but a nice easy read.
October 28, 2024
How to Fake Date Your Grumpy Boss by Camilla Evergreen is a delightful clean romance.
Rose Briars grew up in a sheltered home, her innocent outlook shaped by a strict upbringing. Her escape? Secretly bought books and her own budding stories, which she began writing at a young age. Though she dreamed of being a writer, she chose ghostwriting due to a lack of support. Writing Levi Danner’s autobiography seemed like the perfect opportunity to jumpstart her career—until a clumsy moment nearly cost her the chance. Fortunately, Levi was impressed by her skills and gave her a second shot, though with some peculiar conditions.
This story is a cute, feel-good read for bookworms! It features beloved romance tropes: forced proximity, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, boss/employee, and a dash of nerdy charm. The story centers on the pretend relationship between Rose and Levi and how their feelings gradually evolve. Both characters are wonderfully relatable, each having been misunderstood and bullied in their pasts, now finding a unique support system in one another. Their dates are some of the best parts of the book!
This is the ultimate dream for book lovers, and you’ll understand why as you near the end—I don’t want to spoil the surprise.
Highly recommended!
My Favorite Lines:
1)“If you’re okay with it, we can book trope our way out.”
2)“What exactly do you think you’re doing?”
He lifts a brow. “For the most part? Teasing you.”
Rose Briars grew up in a sheltered home, her innocent outlook shaped by a strict upbringing. Her escape? Secretly bought books and her own budding stories, which she began writing at a young age. Though she dreamed of being a writer, she chose ghostwriting due to a lack of support. Writing Levi Danner’s autobiography seemed like the perfect opportunity to jumpstart her career—until a clumsy moment nearly cost her the chance. Fortunately, Levi was impressed by her skills and gave her a second shot, though with some peculiar conditions.
This story is a cute, feel-good read for bookworms! It features beloved romance tropes: forced proximity, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, boss/employee, and a dash of nerdy charm. The story centers on the pretend relationship between Rose and Levi and how their feelings gradually evolve. Both characters are wonderfully relatable, each having been misunderstood and bullied in their pasts, now finding a unique support system in one another. Their dates are some of the best parts of the book!
This is the ultimate dream for book lovers, and you’ll understand why as you near the end—I don’t want to spoil the surprise.
Highly recommended!
My Favorite Lines:
1)“If you’re okay with it, we can book trope our way out.”
2)“What exactly do you think you’re doing?”
He lifts a brow. “For the most part? Teasing you.”
October 8, 2025
This was fun. But it also felt completely and totally detached from reality.
Everything from how in love this billionare is with her to her parents reaction when she gets home (a single bed - really?) to how easy it was for them to come around and see her side on issues they spent their entire life battling to how easy and perfect everything was.
So yes, the banter was amusing. The story flowed. The romance developed nicely.
It was also frustrating and so unrealistic that I wanted to throw the book across the room at times (which, apparently Levi even does sometimes). It was so close to being real and great, but ended up just seeming fake to me.
And to make things worse. The last part of the romance introduced the classic miscommunicating lovers trope which was so frustrating. Also, I guessed the twist from practically the start, though she doesn't discover it until the very end.
Look, I'm happy it worked out so well for Levi and Rose, I'm happy she found her first job and the love of her life so easily, and that her relationship with her parents worked out so smoothly. But none of it was possible in real life, which ruined part of the book for me.
Content:
The content warning at the beginning was great.
Brief mentions of drugs, suicide, alcohol. Heated scenes, innuedo, fade to black style scenes where nothing actually happens because they want to wait until they're married.
Everything from how in love this billionare is with her to her parents reaction when she gets home (a single bed - really?) to how easy it was for them to come around and see her side on issues they spent their entire life battling to how easy and perfect everything was.
So yes, the banter was amusing. The story flowed. The romance developed nicely.
It was also frustrating and so unrealistic that I wanted to throw the book across the room at times (which, apparently Levi even does sometimes). It was so close to being real and great, but ended up just seeming fake to me.
And to make things worse. The last part of the romance introduced the classic miscommunicating lovers trope which was so frustrating. Also, I guessed the twist from practically the start, though she doesn't discover it until the very end.
Look, I'm happy it worked out so well for Levi and Rose, I'm happy she found her first job and the love of her life so easily, and that her relationship with her parents worked out so smoothly. But none of it was possible in real life, which ruined part of the book for me.
Content:
The content warning at the beginning was great.
Brief mentions of drugs, suicide, alcohol. Heated scenes, innuedo, fade to black style scenes where nothing actually happens because they want to wait until they're married.
December 24, 2023
📕2%
- Hmm, age gap. I used to not be a huge fan of those but the older I get the more I don’t really mind them. I’m more open minded I guess?
📕17%
- “Kitten” *snicker*
“Basically, you’re saying purchasing one book for you is the gateway into turning you into a book-hoarding dragon?” “Correct.” “Good to know. Do you prefer paper or hardback?”
- Hehe, I like him. 🥰
“I’m not answering that.” “Both? Plus special edition copies?” His eyes go wide in mock surprise. “And the British covers? Rose. Calm down.”
- 😂😂 Okay, I REALLY, REALLY like him.
📕43%
- Not sure how I feel about 'Puppy'. Is that sexist of me? I just don’t see it falling naturally from her lips during a conversation. Sigh! Whatever, going to keep reading.
📕90%
"Books are your love language, huh?" 🥰
- But seriously having a library that’s bigger than the actual home is too much fantasy but isn’t that why we are here, reading this?
📕 Tropes:
🌷Age gap (8 years)
🌷One POV (MMC POV in epilogue).
🌷Clean Romance (Fade to Black)
🌷Forced Proximity & One Bed
Overall: 4⭐️
I really appreciate the minimal misunderstands, open and honest conversations and lack of third act drama. Thank you. And when he says "That's my girl!" everything in me lights up!! 🥰 *Swooning* My second book boyfriend of 2023 ❤️
- Hmm, age gap. I used to not be a huge fan of those but the older I get the more I don’t really mind them. I’m more open minded I guess?
📕17%
- “Kitten” *snicker*
“Basically, you’re saying purchasing one book for you is the gateway into turning you into a book-hoarding dragon?” “Correct.” “Good to know. Do you prefer paper or hardback?”
- Hehe, I like him. 🥰
“I’m not answering that.” “Both? Plus special edition copies?” His eyes go wide in mock surprise. “And the British covers? Rose. Calm down.”
- 😂😂 Okay, I REALLY, REALLY like him.
📕43%
- Not sure how I feel about 'Puppy'. Is that sexist of me? I just don’t see it falling naturally from her lips during a conversation. Sigh! Whatever, going to keep reading.
📕90%
"Books are your love language, huh?" 🥰
- But seriously having a library that’s bigger than the actual home is too much fantasy but isn’t that why we are here, reading this?
📕 Tropes:
🌷Age gap (8 years)
🌷One POV (MMC POV in epilogue).
🌷Clean Romance (Fade to Black)
🌷Forced Proximity & One Bed
Overall: 4⭐️
I really appreciate the minimal misunderstands, open and honest conversations and lack of third act drama. Thank you. And when he says "That's my girl!" everything in me lights up!! 🥰 *Swooning* My second book boyfriend of 2023 ❤️
November 13, 2023
This was cute. I thought the main character was adorable and relatable because I, too, was raised very innocent. It was just a cute book.
However. I didn’t appreciate how this 22 year old woman allowed her parents to dictate her life. I didn’t appreciate how she claimed she was “making her own decisions” and being her “own person” but all her decisions were made based on what her parents would want. She was afraid to disappoint them. She actually seemed afraid of them in general.
I also did not appreciate how she said, “I’m not a prude” then acted very prudish, indeed. She read “spicy” novels but there was absolutely no spice in this book. It was squeaky clean. It made sense for the character, who was beyond naive and innocent, but annoyed me as a a reader because it heavily hinted at “I like spicy content” but delivered none.
The author actually went out of her way to not use curse words. There was one character who cursed somewhat regularly and the author essentially bleeped them out. Why go out of your way to do that?
I just found it oddly contradictory that the author defended spicy books and making decisions that went against their upbringing but the character didn’t actually do any of that. What a weird way to make a point.
However. I didn’t appreciate how this 22 year old woman allowed her parents to dictate her life. I didn’t appreciate how she claimed she was “making her own decisions” and being her “own person” but all her decisions were made based on what her parents would want. She was afraid to disappoint them. She actually seemed afraid of them in general.
I also did not appreciate how she said, “I’m not a prude” then acted very prudish, indeed. She read “spicy” novels but there was absolutely no spice in this book. It was squeaky clean. It made sense for the character, who was beyond naive and innocent, but annoyed me as a a reader because it heavily hinted at “I like spicy content” but delivered none.
The author actually went out of her way to not use curse words. There was one character who cursed somewhat regularly and the author essentially bleeped them out. Why go out of your way to do that?
I just found it oddly contradictory that the author defended spicy books and making decisions that went against their upbringing but the character didn’t actually do any of that. What a weird way to make a point.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews