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The Insta Series #1
Insta Boyfriend
Dear Universe,
If this man will follow my lead and pretend to be my boyfriend, even for five minutes, I promise to never eat Oreos in the bathtub again…
Iris McCoy has a problem. Her cousin is about to marry her pig headed ex and Iris just happened to mention that she maybe, sort of, for sure… has a boyfriend.
Which she doesn’t.
In any way.
Shape.
Or form.
Dean Cooper Hale has a solution. Sure, Iris may not remember him, but he remembers her and he would love to help out the girl who made the tenth grade survivable. He’ll be her boyfriend—her fake boyfriend, that is. And being a social media influencer, he has all sorts of ideas on how to make this lie one-hundred percent believable.
Only who is Dean trying to convince of their perfect couple standing? Iris’s family? Or Iris herself?
If this man will follow my lead and pretend to be my boyfriend, even for five minutes, I promise to never eat Oreos in the bathtub again…
Iris McCoy has a problem. Her cousin is about to marry her pig headed ex and Iris just happened to mention that she maybe, sort of, for sure… has a boyfriend.
Which she doesn’t.
In any way.
Shape.
Or form.
Dean Cooper Hale has a solution. Sure, Iris may not remember him, but he remembers her and he would love to help out the girl who made the tenth grade survivable. He’ll be her boyfriend—her fake boyfriend, that is. And being a social media influencer, he has all sorts of ideas on how to make this lie one-hundred percent believable.
Only who is Dean trying to convince of their perfect couple standing? Iris’s family? Or Iris herself?
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2023
198 people are currently reading
1107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
December 12, 2025
Insta Boyfriend by Jen Atkinson is a sweet, clean contemporary romance about Iris McCoy, a quirky and lovable freelance photographer whose life gets awkward fast when her car breaks down on the way to her cousin’s wedding photo consult and she realizes she *claimed to have a boyfriend she doesn’t actually have. In a beautiful twist of fate, Dean Cooper Hale, a charismatic outdoors influencer and someone who actually remembers Iris from high school even though she doesn’t remember him, stops to help her, and ends up agreeing to pretend they’re dating so she doesn’t look ridiculous in front of her cousin and her awful ex, who is now the groom. What starts as a fake‑dating fake Instagram boyfriend scheme slowly blossoms into something real as they spend time together, bond over adventure, and show each other what real affection feels like.
From the very first quirky moment I felt myself grinning at how genuine and warmhearted this story feels. Iris’s nervous enthusiasm and self‑doubt are deeply relatable, and I loved how her beloved dog Hazel and her Gramgram’s Johnny Cash obsession added personality and charm to every scene. Dean’s kindness, his supportive nature, and the gentle way he draws Iris out of her comfort zone made me root for them with that light flutter in the chest you get when a slow‑burn romance feels earned. There’s so much laughter, awkward hilarity, and sweet banter as their fake relationship becomes a series of moments where they actually begin to care for one another.
I liked how the story uses social media and fake dating not just for plot convenience, but to explore confidence, self‑worth and the bravery it takes to let someone see the real you. The chemistry between Iris and Dean, blended with their shared adventures and moments of genuine vulnerability, made me smile more than once; and even though some parts feel light and breezy (this is a feel‑good rom‑com after all), the emotional warmth and character growth stayed with me long after I finished reading.
I give Insta Boyfriend 4 out of 5 stars. It made me feel joyful, cozy and genuinely invested in every laugh, shared smile and tender moment between Iris and Dean, and I loved how the story reminded me that sometimes love sneaks up on you in the most unexpected ways. If you’re craving a clean, uplifting romance with lovable characters, gentle humor and that deeply satisfying “don’t want it to end” feeling, this is a delightfully joyous read.
From the very first quirky moment I felt myself grinning at how genuine and warmhearted this story feels. Iris’s nervous enthusiasm and self‑doubt are deeply relatable, and I loved how her beloved dog Hazel and her Gramgram’s Johnny Cash obsession added personality and charm to every scene. Dean’s kindness, his supportive nature, and the gentle way he draws Iris out of her comfort zone made me root for them with that light flutter in the chest you get when a slow‑burn romance feels earned. There’s so much laughter, awkward hilarity, and sweet banter as their fake relationship becomes a series of moments where they actually begin to care for one another.
I liked how the story uses social media and fake dating not just for plot convenience, but to explore confidence, self‑worth and the bravery it takes to let someone see the real you. The chemistry between Iris and Dean, blended with their shared adventures and moments of genuine vulnerability, made me smile more than once; and even though some parts feel light and breezy (this is a feel‑good rom‑com after all), the emotional warmth and character growth stayed with me long after I finished reading.
I give Insta Boyfriend 4 out of 5 stars. It made me feel joyful, cozy and genuinely invested in every laugh, shared smile and tender moment between Iris and Dean, and I loved how the story reminded me that sometimes love sneaks up on you in the most unexpected ways. If you’re craving a clean, uplifting romance with lovable characters, gentle humor and that deeply satisfying “don’t want it to end” feeling, this is a delightfully joyous read.
April 16, 2024
Oh my goodness I loved this book! Dean and Iris were the CUTEST couple ever! I’ve been loving the fake dating trope recently😍 And my favorite part of this book was the Dean chapters! He was so obsessed with her!! I loveeeeeed it!!!! My only issue with this book was Iris’s immaturity….I felt like she was very childish at some points. But, other than that I loved her character! I loved the Instagram side of it! I thought it was a fresh take on the whole fake dating trope! I really loved how Dean really got vulnerable with her at the end🥹 Anyway, I loved this book so much! Totally recommend!! 🩵🩵🩵
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length of book: 288 pages
Language/TW: 4/10
Format I read: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Closed door rom com
Would I recommend to others: Yes!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length of book: 288 pages
Language/TW: 4/10
Format I read: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Closed door rom com
Would I recommend to others: Yes!!
February 14, 2023
I loved everything about this story! The fake dating trope is a fun one, and this one is exceptionally well done.
With Dean’s sweetness and Iris’s quirky personality and vulnerability, I instantly fell in love with both of them. The chemistry and the tension between them was wonderful, and so was their bantering. One scene in particular had me laughing so hard that I was really glad I wasn’t reading it in public.
Insta Boyfriend is such a feel-good, entertaining, sweet and funny story! If you enjoy sweet romcoms, you won’t want to miss this one.
I received an eARC from the author. All opinions are completely my own.
With Dean’s sweetness and Iris’s quirky personality and vulnerability, I instantly fell in love with both of them. The chemistry and the tension between them was wonderful, and so was their bantering. One scene in particular had me laughing so hard that I was really glad I wasn’t reading it in public.
Insta Boyfriend is such a feel-good, entertaining, sweet and funny story! If you enjoy sweet romcoms, you won’t want to miss this one.
I received an eARC from the author. All opinions are completely my own.
February 4, 2023
Insta Boyfriend is a sweet, kissing-only romance between Iris McCoy and Dean Cooper. When Iris's car dies and she gets stranded on the side of the road, Dean rescues her. When Iris needs a quick fake boyfriend to save face in front of her cousin and ex-boyfriend, Travis, (who is now marrying Iris's cousin!) Dean rescues her and acts like her boyfriend. It's only until the wedding that is three weeks away.
Dean's not a stranger, though. She just doesn't remember the sad lonely boy from her tenth grade English class, but he has always remembered her. The Dean of today is an outdoor adventure social media influencer. I loved how he got Iris to explore the outdoors with him and have fun.
Dean and Iris come up with a plan through Instagram photos to show everyone that they have been dating for a while. It was cute how they brought different outfits to pose in with her sweet dog, Hazel. There are a lot of fun situations, a loveable dog, and a Johnny Cash loving Gramgram.
Iris had said no kissing to Dean as their relationship was fake, but once they finally did kiss, it was the end of the story. So, the ending felt just a little rushed or abrupt to me. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this cute romance.
Thank you to the author for the advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dean's not a stranger, though. She just doesn't remember the sad lonely boy from her tenth grade English class, but he has always remembered her. The Dean of today is an outdoor adventure social media influencer. I loved how he got Iris to explore the outdoors with him and have fun.
Dean and Iris come up with a plan through Instagram photos to show everyone that they have been dating for a while. It was cute how they brought different outfits to pose in with her sweet dog, Hazel. There are a lot of fun situations, a loveable dog, and a Johnny Cash loving Gramgram.
Iris had said no kissing to Dean as their relationship was fake, but once they finally did kiss, it was the end of the story. So, the ending felt just a little rushed or abrupt to me. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this cute romance.
Thank you to the author for the advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 1, 2023
DNF 15%
Couldn’t get past the writing
Couldn’t get past the writing
May 8, 2024
Cute. Loved the characters so much.
March 1, 2023
'Yo era olvidable e invisible. Para todos. Excepto tu.'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
Insta Boyfriend de Jen Atkinson serie Insta libro 1
Argumento:
Querido Universo:
Si este hombre sigue mi ejemplo y finge ser mi novio, aunque sea por cinco minutos, prometo no volver a comer Oreos en la bañera...
Iris McCoy tiene un problema. Su prima está a punto de casarse con su ex cabeza de cerdo e Iris acaba de mencionar que tal vez, más o menos, seguro... tiene novio. Cosa que ella no lo tiene.
De cualquier manera. O forma. Dean Cooper Hale tiene una solución. Claro, es posible que Iris no lo recuerde, pero él la recuerda a ella y le encantaría ayudar a la niña que hizo que el décimo grado sobreviviera. Él será su novio, su novio falso, eso es. Y al ser un influencer en las redes sociales, tiene todo tipo de ideas sobre cómo hacer que esta mentira sea cien por ciento creíble.
¿Solo a quién está tratando de convencer Dean de su posición de pareja perfecta? ¿La familia de Iris? ¿O la propia Iris?
Mi humilde opinión:
Insta Boyfriend es un dulce romance con el tema del novio falso/ relación falsa/ segundas oportunidades. Hay mucho instagram, citas falsas, cachorros peludos apachuchables, un ex novio imbécil, una prima molesta, amor de hermanas incondicional, un héroe para comérselo con chocolate, increíbles lugares para visitar y menciona algunos temas sensibles también.
La historia me gustó. El romance fue ligero y lindo, tuvo algunos momentos de risas y otros dramáticos pero sí sentí que todo se alargó. La quemadura lenta me encanta pero acá se pasó un poco.
Algunos personajes me divertían como Gramgram, la abuela fanática de Johnny Cash y Hazel que era un amor! la raza tan peludamente adorable! Me gustaba lo loca que estaba Iris por su perrita y me identifique con ella en ese aspecto porque yo soy así con mis mascotas. Les doy todo mí amor. Lamentablemente esa es la única parte con la que congeniamos con la heroína porque con lo demás? Pufff Iris podía ser una chica taaan dura a veces, eso me sacaba de quicio! Entendía que desconfiara de Dean al comienzo cuando se encontraron en la ruta, era un total extraño pero luego? Me pareció que era grosera con él y no lo trataba bien todo el tiempo. Él demostró una y otra vez ser un buen tipo y ella seguía realmente dura con él. Me daba pena Dean! Y él estaba tan enganchado con ella que más de una vez me pregunté cómo la aguantaba. Iris mejora cuando él le dice que fue su amigo de la escuela.
Adoré a Dean, la persona sensible y buena que era, no le encontré faltas. Él hacía las cosas más dulces por Iris, de verdad era para el desmayo!
Por supuesto hubo final feliz sin muchas vueltas ni drama innecesario pero esperaba un mejor epilogo.
February 2, 2023
Wanna read a heart fluttering fake relationship romance that features a Johnny Cash obsessed grandma, a swoony male lead, an adorable female lead and a very human-ish dog? I know that so many of you have been sitting around, scrolling Amazon/Instagram/Goodreads for that exact book description. So you're welcome. 😉
But seriously. Read this. Fall in love with Dean and Iris. Enjoy having a sudden desire to be a photographer and an outdoors influencer. Have Alexa turn on Walk the Line (or any other Johnny Cash song but not gonna lie, that's the only one I know) and just love it. And then message Jen Atkinson and tell her you loved it and then message me and we can gush together!
Thank you @authorjenatkinson for the ARC. I adored it and all opinions are my own.
- cute title, cute cover
- cheese and crackers is a great exclamation
- seriously. Such a sucker for message strands
- not in love with Shelia
- poor girl. She's a bit scattered
- maggots are really super nasty things. I'm not sure I would wish them on my worst enemy. Also, I don't think I have a worst enemy. Or any enemies 🤔
- I love that he's a little clumsy.
- I definitely call people buttholes. But not real people. Only fictional characters. Otherwise I feel extremely guilty
- the hike! The pictures! For the cute!
- the clouds just parted and I realize how cute and appropriate the title instaboyfriend is for a fake relationship story.
- "It takes every ounce of my energy not to turn my face. Just a few inches to the right and her lips would meet my lips and I’d love to make that introduction."
- the ice cream 'why, woman, why?' 😅😍
- this is just so adorable.
- cooking bacon shirtless?? Seems like a bad idea
- Shelia is not great. Travis is a weenie. And the sisters... Sherry and Shandon? Two thumbs down. But very well written!
- oh the epilogue.
But seriously. Read this. Fall in love with Dean and Iris. Enjoy having a sudden desire to be a photographer and an outdoors influencer. Have Alexa turn on Walk the Line (or any other Johnny Cash song but not gonna lie, that's the only one I know) and just love it. And then message Jen Atkinson and tell her you loved it and then message me and we can gush together!
Thank you @authorjenatkinson for the ARC. I adored it and all opinions are my own.
- cute title, cute cover
- cheese and crackers is a great exclamation
- seriously. Such a sucker for message strands
- not in love with Shelia
- poor girl. She's a bit scattered
- maggots are really super nasty things. I'm not sure I would wish them on my worst enemy. Also, I don't think I have a worst enemy. Or any enemies 🤔
- I love that he's a little clumsy.
- I definitely call people buttholes. But not real people. Only fictional characters. Otherwise I feel extremely guilty
- the hike! The pictures! For the cute!
- the clouds just parted and I realize how cute and appropriate the title instaboyfriend is for a fake relationship story.
- "It takes every ounce of my energy not to turn my face. Just a few inches to the right and her lips would meet my lips and I’d love to make that introduction."
- the ice cream 'why, woman, why?' 😅😍
- this is just so adorable.
- cooking bacon shirtless?? Seems like a bad idea
- Shelia is not great. Travis is a weenie. And the sisters... Sherry and Shandon? Two thumbs down. But very well written!
- oh the epilogue.
October 3, 2023
Jen Atkinson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! I love the characters she writes and the stories she weaves.
I absolutely loved this one about Iris and Dean. There is something so sweet when the guy falls first and when the main characters are just all around good people.
I love Dean for how sweet he is with Iris. I love that he is her protector and builds up her confidence. I love that we get to follow his story from his younger years in high school to who he is currently. He has depth and he is so easy to love.
Iris is just the best! I love her quirks and that she absolutely adores her dog Hazel and her GramGram. Add in her Twin Ebony and this book is just full of characters that keep you turning page after page.
I love that this book has the fake dating trope that forces Iris and Dean together. I loved every interaction between them! They just have so much chemistry and balance each other out so well!
Jen definitely wrote the perfect book that I needed to read and I'm so happy that I've discovered her books! I know if I read one of hers that they will be filled with lovable characters, laugh out loud moments, and ones that make your heart warm.
Physical Intimacy: Lvl 2
Zero Swearing
Dual POV
I absolutely loved this one about Iris and Dean. There is something so sweet when the guy falls first and when the main characters are just all around good people.
I love Dean for how sweet he is with Iris. I love that he is her protector and builds up her confidence. I love that we get to follow his story from his younger years in high school to who he is currently. He has depth and he is so easy to love.
Iris is just the best! I love her quirks and that she absolutely adores her dog Hazel and her GramGram. Add in her Twin Ebony and this book is just full of characters that keep you turning page after page.
I love that this book has the fake dating trope that forces Iris and Dean together. I loved every interaction between them! They just have so much chemistry and balance each other out so well!
Jen definitely wrote the perfect book that I needed to read and I'm so happy that I've discovered her books! I know if I read one of hers that they will be filled with lovable characters, laugh out loud moments, and ones that make your heart warm.
Physical Intimacy: Lvl 2
Zero Swearing
Dual POV
February 1, 2023
This book is exactly as promised, a cute and sweet clean romance read! I enjoyed the fake-dating angle of this romance and loved the slight twist to this {insta} relationship. Iris is very quirky and it can come off as cheesy a few times, but it always feels genuine. Dean is a well rounded character and I loved the dual perspective so the reader could “hear” Dean’s voice. The author has a wonderful voice and is an excellent writer. Even though there were a few moments that felt awkward with the characters, it was clearly the intention of the author to spread that awkwardness. I really enjoyed the writing style in general. This book wasn’t terribly deep, but was a perfect lighthearted romance. I can’t wait to read Ebony’s story next! 4⭐️, 0🌶
Much thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Much thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this book. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and this one was done SO WELL!
Yes, I'm bringing out the caps for this.
'Ugh. It's really bad for my sanity to have feelings for my fake boyfriend.'
Right from the beginning, the feelings are there and that's why you should absolutely read this book. There was still the unknown and the tension, but it's in a league of it's own overall and I really can't put into words how much I enjoyed this one.
"As your fake boyfriend, can I give you some advice?"
"Is it fake advice?"
Dean is so playful and fun. He is determined to have Iris see what he sees in her and I loved how "feel good" this book is. The banter is so much fun too!
"Am I still your fake boyfriend?"
...
"Yes," she hisses."
...
"I wasn't sure if all that silence meant you had fake broken up with me or not."
Iris is super relatable and really wants to see the good in everything. She may not see things that way in herself and her character arc is a thing of beauty to watch develop through these pages.
If you're looking for a feel good, entertaining, make everything right in the world kind of book- this is the one you should pick up next!
{Insta}Boyfriend
By @authorjenatkinson
Coming February 14, 2023
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Yes, I'm bringing out the caps for this.
'Ugh. It's really bad for my sanity to have feelings for my fake boyfriend.'
Right from the beginning, the feelings are there and that's why you should absolutely read this book. There was still the unknown and the tension, but it's in a league of it's own overall and I really can't put into words how much I enjoyed this one.
"As your fake boyfriend, can I give you some advice?"
"Is it fake advice?"
Dean is so playful and fun. He is determined to have Iris see what he sees in her and I loved how "feel good" this book is. The banter is so much fun too!
"Am I still your fake boyfriend?"
...
"Yes," she hisses."
...
"I wasn't sure if all that silence meant you had fake broken up with me or not."
Iris is super relatable and really wants to see the good in everything. She may not see things that way in herself and her character arc is a thing of beauty to watch develop through these pages.
If you're looking for a feel good, entertaining, make everything right in the world kind of book- this is the one you should pick up next!
{Insta}Boyfriend
By @authorjenatkinson
Coming February 14, 2023
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
September 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Iris McCoy is completely taken aback by the news that her cousin (Sheila) is not only dating, but set to marry her awful ex (Travis). An already uncomfortable situation is made worse when the unlikely couple asks her to be their wedding photographer. Unable to turn down the job she reluctantly accepts. But the universe must be co-signing her reluctance when her car breaks down in route to discussing terms of the job. Thankfully, a handsome stranger comes to her rescuer in more ways than one. Will she find a way to back out of the destination wedding, or will she survive with the help of her “new” friend?
INSTA Boyfriend is the first book in Jen Atkinson’s INSTA Series. This is the perfect book to be a series starter. Combing popular tropes with stellar writing this is bound to be a great read!
There were a handful of moments that stood out to me while reading. However, the one I loved the most was Dean standing by Iris’ side when her family treated her unfairly. This perfectly played into the hidden identity element that Atkinson incorporated. While Dean remembers Iris from their high school English course, Iris has no recollection. As a result, he was able to secretly repay her for being a shining light in his life when he needed it most.
Be sure to read this book for:
-FMC Photographer
-MMC Adventurer Influencer
-Fake Dating
-He Falls First
-Hidden Identity
-Friends to More
-Forced Proximity
-Dual POVs
Special thanks to Jen Atkinson for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Iris McCoy is completely taken aback by the news that her cousin (Sheila) is not only dating, but set to marry her awful ex (Travis). An already uncomfortable situation is made worse when the unlikely couple asks her to be their wedding photographer. Unable to turn down the job she reluctantly accepts. But the universe must be co-signing her reluctance when her car breaks down in route to discussing terms of the job. Thankfully, a handsome stranger comes to her rescuer in more ways than one. Will she find a way to back out of the destination wedding, or will she survive with the help of her “new” friend?
INSTA Boyfriend is the first book in Jen Atkinson’s INSTA Series. This is the perfect book to be a series starter. Combing popular tropes with stellar writing this is bound to be a great read!
There were a handful of moments that stood out to me while reading. However, the one I loved the most was Dean standing by Iris’ side when her family treated her unfairly. This perfectly played into the hidden identity element that Atkinson incorporated. While Dean remembers Iris from their high school English course, Iris has no recollection. As a result, he was able to secretly repay her for being a shining light in his life when he needed it most.
Be sure to read this book for:
-FMC Photographer
-MMC Adventurer Influencer
-Fake Dating
-He Falls First
-Hidden Identity
-Friends to More
-Forced Proximity
-Dual POVs
Special thanks to Jen Atkinson for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2023
Very fun, highly recommend it as a lighthearted read
The name says it all. Dean becomes a (fake) Instant Boyfriend for Iris. They battle with the attraction they feel while they create an Instagram photo trail to sell the relationship to the naysaying Ex and cousin. Ex Travis is just a horrible person. Why is anyone even with him? The cousin is horrible herself but not as horrible as her fiancé/Iris’ Ex.
I’m not a big fan of the Insta love genre but this isn’t like that at all. The Fake Boyfriend, Dean is actually a childhood friend that she doesn’t recognize initially, and no I’m not giving away any spoilers. There is just something about Dean that makes Iris feel comfortable (hmmm shared past perhaps?). 🤔😉
I loved reading about the adventures they took together. My favorite scene is fishing in Lake Tahoe. Somehow it became like a birthing scene, so hilarious little Puff Daddy.
This was funny and an easy morning read. I’m decidedly a moody cat person but I think little Hazel, Iris’ wirehaired pointing griffon, may have stolen my heart.
I am really looking forward to Ebony’s story. The teaser chapter given got me hook line sinker in just like 2 pages.
Rating: PG, clean, fun, Iris deals with issues of self worth, book is overall positive.
The name says it all. Dean becomes a (fake) Instant Boyfriend for Iris. They battle with the attraction they feel while they create an Instagram photo trail to sell the relationship to the naysaying Ex and cousin. Ex Travis is just a horrible person. Why is anyone even with him? The cousin is horrible herself but not as horrible as her fiancé/Iris’ Ex.
I’m not a big fan of the Insta love genre but this isn’t like that at all. The Fake Boyfriend, Dean is actually a childhood friend that she doesn’t recognize initially, and no I’m not giving away any spoilers. There is just something about Dean that makes Iris feel comfortable (hmmm shared past perhaps?). 🤔😉
I loved reading about the adventures they took together. My favorite scene is fishing in Lake Tahoe. Somehow it became like a birthing scene, so hilarious little Puff Daddy.
This was funny and an easy morning read. I’m decidedly a moody cat person but I think little Hazel, Iris’ wirehaired pointing griffon, may have stolen my heart.
I am really looking forward to Ebony’s story. The teaser chapter given got me hook line sinker in just like 2 pages.
Rating: PG, clean, fun, Iris deals with issues of self worth, book is overall positive.
February 18, 2023
Sooooo funny, like one of my top 3-5 funniest books. So much swooning!
Dual POV. Ex boyfriend drama. Fake dating. One bed. Gramgram is the best. Hazel (her dog) makes a fun character too. It's got tons of fun, awkward situations 😅
Dean 🤩😏 is a youtube/IG sports guy/adventurer. He's flirty and charming and sweet.🥰
Iris is a photographer. Her and Dean were high school friends then parted ways. So she doesn't recognize him.
I absolutely LOVED this story. It has officially stolen a spot in my top favorite reads!! Absolutely recommend. Can't wait for the next one!
💕RCRS: 2-3 (Brief to heavier kissing)
🗨Some Quotes:
Dean Cooper Hale has layers— like Shrek, and onions, and delicious puff pastries.
Although, it might be better not to look haggard and smell like dirt and sweat when trying to woo a girl.
“Woo?” I say aloud. Did Carry Grant invade my body? I sound like I should be in a black and white film.
She is fascinating— and beautiful. Her lips are a siren calling to mine. I am in a famine and relief is just three inches away.
Dual POV. Ex boyfriend drama. Fake dating. One bed. Gramgram is the best. Hazel (her dog) makes a fun character too. It's got tons of fun, awkward situations 😅
Dean 🤩😏 is a youtube/IG sports guy/adventurer. He's flirty and charming and sweet.🥰
Iris is a photographer. Her and Dean were high school friends then parted ways. So she doesn't recognize him.
I absolutely LOVED this story. It has officially stolen a spot in my top favorite reads!! Absolutely recommend. Can't wait for the next one!
💕RCRS: 2-3 (Brief to heavier kissing)
🗨Some Quotes:
Dean Cooper Hale has layers— like Shrek, and onions, and delicious puff pastries.
Although, it might be better not to look haggard and smell like dirt and sweat when trying to woo a girl.
“Woo?” I say aloud. Did Carry Grant invade my body? I sound like I should be in a black and white film.
She is fascinating— and beautiful. Her lips are a siren calling to mine. I am in a famine and relief is just three inches away.
September 23, 2024
Iris is on her way to meet her cousin, when her car breaks down and strands her in the middle of nowhere. Dean happens to be driving by and offers to assist her. Iris grudgingly allows him to wait in his car while she calls for a tow truck, with her pepper spray handy.
From the moment Iris and Dean meet, they have great banter and chemistry. While I am not usually a fan of "insta" love, they have an instant connection which had me rooting for them from the beginning. Their banter and some of their thoughts had me snort laughing out loud.
Read for:
📸fake dating
📸she's against social media 😂
📸Instagram chats
📸wirehaired pointing griffon
📸Gramgram
📸adventures
📸sweet chemistry
📸Iris and Ebony's relationship
I absolutely adored this story and can't wait to dive into the next one!
From the moment Iris and Dean meet, they have great banter and chemistry. While I am not usually a fan of "insta" love, they have an instant connection which had me rooting for them from the beginning. Their banter and some of their thoughts had me snort laughing out loud.
Read for:
📸fake dating
📸she's against social media 😂
📸Instagram chats
📸wirehaired pointing griffon
📸Gramgram
📸adventures
📸sweet chemistry
📸Iris and Ebony's relationship
I absolutely adored this story and can't wait to dive into the next one!
July 7, 2023
Insta Love!
This is such a cute book! I love me a fake dating trope and this one was adorable!! I loved the chemistry between Iris and Dean and how they complimented each other with their likes and differences! It was also fun to see Dean’s side of remembering Iris from high school even though it took her some time to figure it out!!
Can’t wait to read Ebony’s story!!
This is such a cute book! I love me a fake dating trope and this one was adorable!! I loved the chemistry between Iris and Dean and how they complimented each other with their likes and differences! It was also fun to see Dean’s side of remembering Iris from high school even though it took her some time to figure it out!!
Can’t wait to read Ebony’s story!!
July 16, 2024
This was so cute omggg. It was a quick and cute read that I rlly liked!!
We <3 gramgram
We <3 gramgram
May 17, 2023
REALLY poor editing
The lack of editing really distracted from the story. The poor grammar, typos, and syntax errors were abundant and painful.
The story was cute, but the main character was pretty annoying without any redeeming qualities. I mean, the author tells us she has redeeming qualities, but we only get to see immaturity, self-pity, self-doubt, extreme irrational embarrassment over stupid situations, and no backbone. It’s hard to sympathize with her.
The lack of editing really distracted from the story. The poor grammar, typos, and syntax errors were abundant and painful.
The story was cute, but the main character was pretty annoying without any redeeming qualities. I mean, the author tells us she has redeeming qualities, but we only get to see immaturity, self-pity, self-doubt, extreme irrational embarrassment over stupid situations, and no backbone. It’s hard to sympathize with her.
May 5, 2023
Very sweet and very fun.
May 23, 2024
Iris McCoy is hired to be her cousin's wedding photographer, not realizing that her cousin is marrying her obnoxious and demeaning ex. Travis looks down on her and assumes she is alone and lonely. In response, Iris claims to be dating Dean, the guy who just helped her when her car broke down. She doesn't remember Dean, but he was the lonely, abused boy she was kind to in high school, and he wants to repay her kindness by acting like her boyfriend -- down to creating an elaborate backstory in photos and attending the wedding with her.
But will it all stay fake?
I love how relatably awkward and quirky Iris is! I love her relationships with her twin Ebony, her Gramgram, and her dog Hazel (plus Hazel's big personality). I love her kindness to Dean when they were in high school. His growth as a person is super admirable! I love the wedding being at Lake Tahoe, whichbis a place dear to my family and me.This book is as also hilarious all the way through. There were three things I didn't like: Iris prays to and thanks "the universe" a lot, which makes no sense. It would be the same to pray to and thank a blade of grass. It's created nature, not the Creator who has a mind and power. Secondly, there are a ton of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, plus inconsistencies in spelling and capitalization. It actually does not take away from the story or make it less enjoyable like it has in other books, but it's noticable (and I corrected them all with Kindle highlights because I have problems.). Lastly (and this is small), Dean says at one point that Iris looks good enough to eat. That just seems creepy 😅 Great book overall.
But will it all stay fake?
I love how relatably awkward and quirky Iris is! I love her relationships with her twin Ebony, her Gramgram, and her dog Hazel (plus Hazel's big personality). I love her kindness to Dean when they were in high school. His growth as a person is super admirable! I love the wedding being at Lake Tahoe, whichbis a place dear to my family and me.This book is as also hilarious all the way through. There were three things I didn't like: Iris prays to and thanks "the universe" a lot, which makes no sense. It would be the same to pray to and thank a blade of grass. It's created nature, not the Creator who has a mind and power. Secondly, there are a ton of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, plus inconsistencies in spelling and capitalization. It actually does not take away from the story or make it less enjoyable like it has in other books, but it's noticable (and I corrected them all with Kindle highlights because I have problems.). Lastly (and this is small), Dean says at one point that Iris looks good enough to eat. That just seems creepy 😅 Great book overall.
March 1, 2023
Romance: 3/5
Chemistry: 4/5
1st kiss: +-75% in
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean one y'all)
Drama: 0/5
Humor: 4/5
Cry Factor: 1/5
Foul language: 0/5
How I felt:
- I love how corky Iris is and Dean seams to have a thrill with it. They really fill the gap missing in one another beautifully. They look like they are not meant for each other, different hobbies, jobs, likes, you know when opposites attract, it's a wild ride, it's fun and the chemistry!
- I love how Dean finds little adventures to go one with Iris (and her dog). He tries hard to satisfy his passion of the outdoors but in a way she will enjoy it too.
- Hazel is the cutest, dorky dog ever. The relationship Iris has with her is just amazing.
- There is a time in the whole fake dating act where Dean admits he hasn't been faking at all and it just melted me off my seat!
- Her Grandmother was so much fun, she gave me a lot of my laugh-out-loud moments too.
Overall:
- This is a clean, romance full of comedy, swoony moments and chemistry.
- If you're a dog lover, you'll love this book. If you're not a dog lover, you'll still have laugh-out-loud moments.
- The "Insta" in the title doesn't not mean insta-love, oh no this is a sort of slow burn. This is the first book that involves Instagram and how two people use it to come together or move the world around them.
Tropes:
- He fell first
- Slow burn
- Adorable big dog
- Beach wedding
- Small town
- Second chance
- Dual POV
- Fun Grandmother
Chemistry: 4/5
1st kiss: +-75% in
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean one y'all)
Drama: 0/5
Humor: 4/5
Cry Factor: 1/5
Foul language: 0/5
How I felt:
- I love how corky Iris is and Dean seams to have a thrill with it. They really fill the gap missing in one another beautifully. They look like they are not meant for each other, different hobbies, jobs, likes, you know when opposites attract, it's a wild ride, it's fun and the chemistry!
- I love how Dean finds little adventures to go one with Iris (and her dog). He tries hard to satisfy his passion of the outdoors but in a way she will enjoy it too.
- Hazel is the cutest, dorky dog ever. The relationship Iris has with her is just amazing.
- There is a time in the whole fake dating act where Dean admits he hasn't been faking at all and it just melted me off my seat!
- Her Grandmother was so much fun, she gave me a lot of my laugh-out-loud moments too.
Overall:
- This is a clean, romance full of comedy, swoony moments and chemistry.
- If you're a dog lover, you'll love this book. If you're not a dog lover, you'll still have laugh-out-loud moments.
- The "Insta" in the title doesn't not mean insta-love, oh no this is a sort of slow burn. This is the first book that involves Instagram and how two people use it to come together or move the world around them.
Tropes:
- He fell first
- Slow burn
- Adorable big dog
- Beach wedding
- Small town
- Second chance
- Dual POV
- Fun Grandmother
May 5, 2023
Romance level: kissing 🔥
This book is not what your expect in any way & I love it.
Iris was so awkward & funny 😅. I would also be a little apprehensive with a stranger doing what Dean did.
I love all of their adventures😍. The pond hike was super fun. Gail was the best 😂.
Their chemistry was really good! I love the outdoors & I was so happy seeing Iris gaining confidence in herself... Allowing Dean to love her as she should be & trusting herself.
🌄
"Way to be brave.”
“Brave isn’t doing something dangerous or risky. Brave is doing something despite the fear you feel.”
🌄
Dean was such a sweetheart 😍. I love his support & confidence in her work.The bacon for breakfast scene😍🔥. We're all in for a shirtless Dean.
Their first kiss... I have no words for it. So chaotically them. Every scene was funnier & better than the last. The adventures, hiking, fishing, the nightmare scene😍 Dean is so precious. The after hike scene😍 You go Dean!
I loved the second kiss🔥. He was so passionate, protective, sweet & cute. I love this man. I wanted more of them together 🥺 I just felt I didn't get enough.
I hated her cousins. They were despicable bullies. And Shelia didn't know any boundaries. But there were awesome second characters such as Gramgram & Ebony. Loved the epilogue. Ebony's story is next!
⚠️TW: alcoholism; abusive & manipulative partner (not MC); foster care; strained relationship w/family.
This book is not what your expect in any way & I love it.
Iris was so awkward & funny 😅. I would also be a little apprehensive with a stranger doing what Dean did.
I love all of their adventures😍. The pond hike was super fun. Gail was the best 😂.
Their chemistry was really good! I love the outdoors & I was so happy seeing Iris gaining confidence in herself... Allowing Dean to love her as she should be & trusting herself.
🌄
"Way to be brave.”
“Brave isn’t doing something dangerous or risky. Brave is doing something despite the fear you feel.”
🌄
Dean was such a sweetheart 😍. I love his support & confidence in her work.The bacon for breakfast scene😍🔥. We're all in for a shirtless Dean.
Their first kiss... I have no words for it. So chaotically them. Every scene was funnier & better than the last. The adventures, hiking, fishing, the nightmare scene😍 Dean is so precious. The after hike scene😍 You go Dean!
I loved the second kiss🔥. He was so passionate, protective, sweet & cute. I love this man. I wanted more of them together 🥺 I just felt I didn't get enough.
I hated her cousins. They were despicable bullies. And Shelia didn't know any boundaries. But there were awesome second characters such as Gramgram & Ebony. Loved the epilogue. Ebony's story is next!
⚠️TW: alcoholism; abusive & manipulative partner (not MC); foster care; strained relationship w/family.
April 3, 2023
What I read: {Insta} Boyfriend by Jen Atkinson
Why I picked it up: It was in an email from an author I like or in a targeted ad on Amazon for me.
How I read it: On Kindle Unlimited in less than 24 hours (they were right on target).
What it’s about: Iris is on the way to a wedding photo consult with her cousin who’s marrying her ex! Only she found out the groom-to-be was Travis five minutes before her car broken down in the middle of nowhere. Dean drives by and offers to help – he recognizes her, but for her, he’s a stranger … who ends up being her fake boyfriend by the end of the night to stick it to the ex who thinks she’s “not exciting and not enough” for him or any man. They are in a fake relationship, but it doesn’t remain fake for long.
What I liked: I just loved Dean – and there’s a sweet dog, and Iris is a delight. I loved this!
What I disliked: Travis the ex was the worst – he’s the one who’s not all that exciting, not Iris.
Genre: Chaste love story, fake dating.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and absolutely – it’s the first in a series of 4, can’t wait for the others. I’ll be reading this author again very soon!
Why I picked it up: It was in an email from an author I like or in a targeted ad on Amazon for me.
How I read it: On Kindle Unlimited in less than 24 hours (they were right on target).
What it’s about: Iris is on the way to a wedding photo consult with her cousin who’s marrying her ex! Only she found out the groom-to-be was Travis five minutes before her car broken down in the middle of nowhere. Dean drives by and offers to help – he recognizes her, but for her, he’s a stranger … who ends up being her fake boyfriend by the end of the night to stick it to the ex who thinks she’s “not exciting and not enough” for him or any man. They are in a fake relationship, but it doesn’t remain fake for long.
What I liked: I just loved Dean – and there’s a sweet dog, and Iris is a delight. I loved this!
What I disliked: Travis the ex was the worst – he’s the one who’s not all that exciting, not Iris.
Genre: Chaste love story, fake dating.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and absolutely – it’s the first in a series of 4, can’t wait for the others. I’ll be reading this author again very soon!
July 6, 2023
I actually read the second book in this series before this one, the first. It worked out okay, but it would have been better if I'd read the first first. If that makes sense.
I loved this book. Iris and her wirehaired pointing griffon, Hazel, were so fun in this book. I loved the way Hazel has her own personality, likes, and dislikes. Iris treats her almost as though she's a person. I really felt like that brought her to life.
Iris was kind of funny with the way she refused to use social media. And then she met Dean, and became accidentally fake engaged to him. Suddenly being on social media was really important to making people believe they were engaged. Iris went into that kicking and screaming a little bit.
Dean was a great guy! I loved the way he stopped to help Iris when she needed it most. But also gave her space when she was obviously worried about the kind of guy he was. Dean has a bit of a secret, he knew Iris from when they were in high school. I loved that the reader knew that, but Iris didn't.
It was so fun watching these two reconnect and then fall in love. I loved every bit of this book!
I loved this book. Iris and her wirehaired pointing griffon, Hazel, were so fun in this book. I loved the way Hazel has her own personality, likes, and dislikes. Iris treats her almost as though she's a person. I really felt like that brought her to life.
Iris was kind of funny with the way she refused to use social media. And then she met Dean, and became accidentally fake engaged to him. Suddenly being on social media was really important to making people believe they were engaged. Iris went into that kicking and screaming a little bit.
Dean was a great guy! I loved the way he stopped to help Iris when she needed it most. But also gave her space when she was obviously worried about the kind of guy he was. Dean has a bit of a secret, he knew Iris from when they were in high school. I loved that the reader knew that, but Iris didn't.
It was so fun watching these two reconnect and then fall in love. I loved every bit of this book!
March 30, 2023
Accept a ride from a stranger and get a fake boyfriend who may want a real relationship
This is so much more than I was expecting. The characters are vivid and interesting. I love Iris with her dog who is smarter than some people and her Gramgram who lives next door. You can tell a lot about her character by the relationship she has with her grandmother. Her idiot ex boyfriend has left her believing the crappy things he told her, that she is undesirable and not exciting enough for him/
When Dean finds Iris broken down on a country road he recognizes her as the girl who was kind to him when he was having a really hard time in tenth grade. When he volunteers to be her fake boyfriend he has every intention of baking that real. He goes to great lengths to draw her out and show her she is a beautiful and desirable woman. I truly loved all the things he did to win her over.
I enjoyed this because it was a little different from others with the fake boyfriend trope. I liked Iris and Dean and their adventures. Hazel was a great addition. Hope you will love it too.
This is so much more than I was expecting. The characters are vivid and interesting. I love Iris with her dog who is smarter than some people and her Gramgram who lives next door. You can tell a lot about her character by the relationship she has with her grandmother. Her idiot ex boyfriend has left her believing the crappy things he told her, that she is undesirable and not exciting enough for him/
When Dean finds Iris broken down on a country road he recognizes her as the girl who was kind to him when he was having a really hard time in tenth grade. When he volunteers to be her fake boyfriend he has every intention of baking that real. He goes to great lengths to draw her out and show her she is a beautiful and desirable woman. I truly loved all the things he did to win her over.
I enjoyed this because it was a little different from others with the fake boyfriend trope. I liked Iris and Dean and their adventures. Hazel was a great addition. Hope you will love it too.
April 11, 2023
This is the first book in Jen's Insta Series and let me just say that it is starting out super amazing! I absolutely adored how this story played out. Jen did an amazing job with Iris and Dean and their relationship. Iris is a wedding photographer, hired to photograph her cousin's wedding. Dean happens to be a past classmate that Iris doesn't remember. But when Iris ends up in need of a fake date for her wedding gig, Dean offers to help her out. The two embark on an adorable journey together proving to social media that their relationship is real. Toss in a little sprinkle of a protective sister, a Johnny Cash loving grandma, and a fur baby Hazel you end up with the perfect family mix. This is a super sweet, closed door romance with laugh out loud moments and sweet romantic gestures that will leave you wondering if / when Iris will figure out who Dean really is! Their opening meet cute moment was quite possibly one of the best meet cutes I've read. I am completely Iris in that situation. I can't wait for the next {Insta} book to come out in the series!
February 7, 2024
This story was an -Insta- love for me! Right from the get go I was invested! Laugh out loud moments, heartfelt growth, and the sweetest Fur Baby.
Iris is just a regular girl trying to move on from a relationship that didn’t end well and things keep piling on. Luckily her twin sister Ebony is just a phone call away and she has her wonderful fur baby Hazel. Though this isn’t enough to get herself through a sticky, slightly awful situation with her cousin.
Dean has a rough past and lives his life to the fullest enjoying the outdoors. Dean remembers Iris as the only kind person from his youth and when he has the opportunity to help he is more than happy to return the favor. I loved how quickly he jumped in to help/protect her and continually be supportive!
Instantly love:
🐕Their Meet Cute
🐕 Fake Dating
🐕One Bed
🐕The Unintentional Dip in the Pond
🐕Tub Mishap
🐕Their Hike
🐕When he kisses her 🫠
Iris is just a regular girl trying to move on from a relationship that didn’t end well and things keep piling on. Luckily her twin sister Ebony is just a phone call away and she has her wonderful fur baby Hazel. Though this isn’t enough to get herself through a sticky, slightly awful situation with her cousin.
Dean has a rough past and lives his life to the fullest enjoying the outdoors. Dean remembers Iris as the only kind person from his youth and when he has the opportunity to help he is more than happy to return the favor. I loved how quickly he jumped in to help/protect her and continually be supportive!
Instantly love:
🐕Their Meet Cute
🐕 Fake Dating
🐕One Bed
🐕The Unintentional Dip in the Pond
🐕Tub Mishap
🐕Their Hike
🐕When he kisses her 🫠
May 20, 2023
Iris is a photographer with a snotty cousin who wants her to photograph her wedding. Who is she marrying? Surprise! Iris’s ex-boyfriend.
Dean comes from a hard past. In the foster care system in high school, only one person at school was ever nice to him, a beautiful girl named Iris. Fast forward ten years, he’s on his way home and sees a woman stranded on the side of the road with a broken down car. He stops to help and lo and behold its Iris. She doesn’t recognize him and he drives her to meet her cousin and ex butthole Travis. Iris blurts out Dean is her boyfriend, this starting a fake dating trope that of course always works out so well.
Read this if you like-
💕fake dating tropes
👨🏻💻handsome Instagram boys
🐶obsessed dog owners
🎵Johnny Cash obsessed grandmas
⛰️hiking and adventures
💛Insta love tropes
Dean comes from a hard past. In the foster care system in high school, only one person at school was ever nice to him, a beautiful girl named Iris. Fast forward ten years, he’s on his way home and sees a woman stranded on the side of the road with a broken down car. He stops to help and lo and behold its Iris. She doesn’t recognize him and he drives her to meet her cousin and ex butthole Travis. Iris blurts out Dean is her boyfriend, this starting a fake dating trope that of course always works out so well.
Read this if you like-
💕fake dating tropes
👨🏻💻handsome Instagram boys
🐶obsessed dog owners
🎵Johnny Cash obsessed grandmas
⛰️hiking and adventures
💛Insta love tropes
February 15, 2023
This was my first book by Jen Atkinson but it most definitely will not be my last!
This one had everything I love about fake dating stories - the awkward beginning, the quirky characters the slow burn realization, the "I'm going to kiss you for show" but really, it's not, and I loved it all!!
Throw in the one-bed trope, some cute outdoor scenes, Dean's swooniess, a meddling grandma, an adorable dog, and some super swoony kisses, and you can see why I am using so many exclamation points!
This was a lighthearted, fun read that I honestly binged in one sitting - it was just too cute to put down! Looking forward to reading more from this author 4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
This one had everything I love about fake dating stories - the awkward beginning, the quirky characters the slow burn realization, the "I'm going to kiss you for show" but really, it's not, and I loved it all!!
Throw in the one-bed trope, some cute outdoor scenes, Dean's swooniess, a meddling grandma, an adorable dog, and some super swoony kisses, and you can see why I am using so many exclamation points!
This was a lighthearted, fun read that I honestly binged in one sitting - it was just too cute to put down! Looking forward to reading more from this author 4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
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