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Caught Up In Love #1
The Pretending Plot
A delicious and all new reimagining of Lauren Blakely's original fake fiancé romance! All preorder proceeds go to Australian fire relief!
I don't mean to just blurt it out. "Why, yes I'm engaged!"
But once I say it to a potential client, there's only one logical thing to do -- cast the role of my fake fiancé.
Easy enough. As a casting director, my job is to find the most talented players for every part, so I choose dreamy, edgy, sexy, sarcastic Reeve.And I sign him up for one week in the role of mine.
It's not as if I'll fall for him in five nights even if we get a little cozy one night at theater. It's not as if I'll want more even after a scorching afternoon in the stacks of the New York Public Library.
I can't let myself fall because on Friday at midnight the curtain drops on our fake romance . . .�
The Pretending Plot is a reimagining of the 2013 story Pretending He's Mine (no longer available for sale). The Pretending Plot has been rewritten in first person and expanded from a novella to novel length!
Caught Up in Love: The Swoony New Reboot of the Contemporary Romance Series1: The Pretending Plot (previously called Pretending He's Mine)
2: The Dating Proposal
3: The Second Chance Plan (previously called Caught Up In Us)
4: The Private Rehearsal (previously called Playing With Her Heart)
I don't mean to just blurt it out. "Why, yes I'm engaged!"
But once I say it to a potential client, there's only one logical thing to do -- cast the role of my fake fiancé.
Easy enough. As a casting director, my job is to find the most talented players for every part, so I choose dreamy, edgy, sexy, sarcastic Reeve.And I sign him up for one week in the role of mine.
It's not as if I'll fall for him in five nights even if we get a little cozy one night at theater. It's not as if I'll want more even after a scorching afternoon in the stacks of the New York Public Library.
I can't let myself fall because on Friday at midnight the curtain drops on our fake romance . . .�
The Pretending Plot is a reimagining of the 2013 story Pretending He's Mine (no longer available for sale). The Pretending Plot has been rewritten in first person and expanded from a novella to novel length!
Caught Up in Love: The Swoony New Reboot of the Contemporary Romance Series1: The Pretending Plot (previously called Pretending He's Mine)
2: The Dating Proposal
3: The Second Chance Plan (previously called Caught Up In Us)
4: The Private Rehearsal (previously called Playing With Her Heart)
202 pages, ebook
First published January 28, 2020
804 people are currently reading
4720 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
238books23.4kfollowersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
February 14, 2020
Dive into my original fake fiancé romance, reimagined, rewritten into first person and expanded into a novel!
THE PRETENDING PLOT!
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THE PRETENDING PLOT!
✦Amazon �
✦A�
✦Nook �
✦Kobo �
✦Google �
✦Audible �
March 16, 2020
I liked it...but...he's an actor 😲😕😒
It cracks me up that the hero in The Pretending Plot articulated perfectly why I struggle with romances that have actors as the main characters. Now, I can't quote because I listened to it, but the gist of it was that if they're a really good actor, how can you tell if they're actions and words are sincere?
For a lot of this story, I wasn't sure whether the hero's feelings were real or just a result of his appreciation in getting work. I was completely convinced that he was a struggling actor and NEEDED the work. So convinced, that I was surprised when he declared his feelings for the heroine were more than lust and attraction.
Unfortunately, with my narrow-minded views about actors, The Pretending Plot was definitely starting from behind. As this is a short story, we really only skim the surface of their relationship. I just think I would have rated it higher if I had spent more time with these characters to see more of their connection, communication and commitment.
Even though the storyline is not my favourite type of romance, I was mostly left satisfied. The narrators do a fantastic job and I think they complimented each others style.
I'm a fan of Lauren Blakely as her work always puts a smile on my face. I originally bought (pre-ordered) the Kindle version of this story as it was a fundraiser set up by Ms Blakely to raise money for the Aussie bushfire appeal. Thank you, Ms Blakely, you're a bloody legend!!
It cracks me up that the hero in The Pretending Plot articulated perfectly why I struggle with romances that have actors as the main characters. Now, I can't quote because I listened to it, but the gist of it was that if they're a really good actor, how can you tell if they're actions and words are sincere?
For a lot of this story, I wasn't sure whether the hero's feelings were real or just a result of his appreciation in getting work. I was completely convinced that he was a struggling actor and NEEDED the work. So convinced, that I was surprised when he declared his feelings for the heroine were more than lust and attraction.
Unfortunately, with my narrow-minded views about actors, The Pretending Plot was definitely starting from behind. As this is a short story, we really only skim the surface of their relationship. I just think I would have rated it higher if I had spent more time with these characters to see more of their connection, communication and commitment.
Even though the storyline is not my favourite type of romance, I was mostly left satisfied. The narrators do a fantastic job and I think they complimented each others style.
I'm a fan of Lauren Blakely as her work always puts a smile on my face. I originally bought (pre-ordered) the Kindle version of this story as it was a fundraiser set up by Ms Blakely to raise money for the Aussie bushfire appeal. Thank you, Ms Blakely, you're a bloody legend!!
April 28, 2020
This is an adorable romance. Our heroine wants to land a big client. Unfortunately the client doesn't want to test her husband with the wandering eye, so our heroine confesses to be engaged. It helps that a socialite with the same name just announced her engagement.
Since she has a steady lined of handsome actors waiting for her call for a job, she picks the one that fits her bill perfectly. Its a short stint and she is sure she won't fall in love. After all, she never dates actors!
Great romcom!
Since she has a steady lined of handsome actors waiting for her call for a job, she picks the one that fits her bill perfectly. Its a short stint and she is sure she won't fall in love. After all, she never dates actors!
Great romcom!
March 8, 2020
How did I not know about this series?
The Pretending Plot was a pretty quick audiobook. It had everything that I love when it comes to Lauren Blakely books. In it, you will meet Sutton and Reeve. Yet, there was something special about them because they were both open to anything (sexually that is). I loved it and love them quite easily.
Honestly, these two had chemistry, sparks, and everything in between. Their story was fun, sexy, and highly entertaining. Just wished it was longer.
The Pretending Plot was a pretty quick audiobook. It had everything that I love when it comes to Lauren Blakely books. In it, you will meet Sutton and Reeve. Yet, there was something special about them because they were both open to anything (sexually that is). I loved it and love them quite easily.
Honestly, these two had chemistry, sparks, and everything in between. Their story was fun, sexy, and highly entertaining. Just wished it was longer.
June 8, 2020
4.5 stars. I listened to this book and I quite enjoyed it. I found myself quite engrossed at times to the displeasure of anyone who wanted to talk to me. I also found myself smiling throughout as it was quite sweet, although it was also quite steamy at times too.
June 10, 2021
summary: she's a casting director, he's a struggling actor. she hires him to be her fake fiance.
very low angst.
you know my problem with this book? i don't like when the way they show they love each other, is through sex, I love reading steamy books, but sometimes I just want a forehead kiss, or just a hug. i felt that every time they were together they had sex.
one thing i loved, was seeing characters from the Big Rock series.
very low angst.
you know my problem with this book? i don't like when the way they show they love each other, is through sex, I love reading steamy books, but sometimes I just want a forehead kiss, or just a hug. i felt that every time they were together they had sex.
one thing i loved, was seeing characters from the Big Rock series.
February 29, 2020
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3 stars
This was an entertaining and cute fake fiance/dating romance. I found it refreshing that Sutton was a little older than Reeve and that she was the more successful of the two. I also appreciated that she was just as sexually open as Reeve and not afraid to take charge of her (or his) pleasure. Things unfolded fairly predictably, but it was still fun and very sexy, seeing things go from pretend to something more.
The story was wonderfully narrated by Joe Arden and Vanessa Edwin. I am a huge fan of Joe Arden, but this is only my second time hearing Vanessa Edwin. She was amazing! I was very impressed by her range and ability to switch seamlessly between accents/no accent, as well as male/female characters. I had no problem distinguishing between characters and she complemented Joe Arden so well. I will definitely be looking for more titles that she has narrated.
Note: The Pretending Plot is a re-imagining and expanded version of Lauren Blakely's Pretending He's Mine.
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3 stars
This was an entertaining and cute fake fiance/dating romance. I found it refreshing that Sutton was a little older than Reeve and that she was the more successful of the two. I also appreciated that she was just as sexually open as Reeve and not afraid to take charge of her (or his) pleasure. Things unfolded fairly predictably, but it was still fun and very sexy, seeing things go from pretend to something more.
The story was wonderfully narrated by Joe Arden and Vanessa Edwin. I am a huge fan of Joe Arden, but this is only my second time hearing Vanessa Edwin. She was amazing! I was very impressed by her range and ability to switch seamlessly between accents/no accent, as well as male/female characters. I had no problem distinguishing between characters and she complemented Joe Arden so well. I will definitely be looking for more titles that she has narrated.
Note: The Pretending Plot is a re-imagining and expanded version of Lauren Blakely's Pretending He's Mine.
February 20, 2020
Cute and sexy
Want to read
July 9, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (7/9/2020)! 🎁
December 23, 2020
It was an ok book but I didn't enjoy it as much
June 14, 2020
The plot was a bit on the light side, but the sex scenes are phenomenal. It seems a bit like the adult after dark movies on premium channels with a little bit of plot to set up the next scene, the next and the next. Personally, I found it fabulously entertaining, but if you are looking for a meaty plot this isn't it....if you are looking for some serious steam and heat...well grab a towel as things are about to get wet. I've already downloaded the next couple of books in this series so I'm definitely in to listen to a few more and I know my husband will quite enjoy my listening material even if he never hears it!
March 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this book.
It was just a quick read, with a swoony hero and a likable heroine. It wasn't a deep story at all, and i really liked that, because the previous book i read was kind of heavy.
Definitly a good way to pass the time.
It was just a quick read, with a swoony hero and a likable heroine. It wasn't a deep story at all, and i really liked that, because the previous book i read was kind of heavy.
Definitly a good way to pass the time.
October 23, 2020
This book is short and sweet, but I do think it might have benefited from being a little longer. We barely scratch the surface of who the hero and heroine are and what makes them tick, and I would have liked for the book to have gone a little deeper. I’ve noticed that Lauren Blakely likes the fake fiance/boyfriend trope, and I have to say that I do too. I read her book The Real Deal which also explores this trope. Unfortunately, I feel like that book was much better than this one. Both the hero and heroine were far more three-dimensional and the writing style and plot were superior to this one.
That said, this book was still sweet and steamy and had a fast-paced plot with a satisfying conclusion.
That said, this book was still sweet and steamy and had a fast-paced plot with a satisfying conclusion.
February 16, 2020
Sutton has created a successful career as a casting director but her future promotion could go up in smoke if she doesn’t ante up the fiancé she doesn’t have. She hasn’t gotten this far in her career without being resourceful and that starts with putting out a casting call for a fiancé and she has the perfect man in mind for the job.
Reeve has achieved modest success as an actor but wants to take it to the next level. Although the opportunity from Sutton is unorthodox it may just be the solution to both their problems. What could possibly go wrong?
Fun and flirty I enjoyed watched what was supposed to be an arrangement to advance both their careers turn into a love match that would change their lives.
Reeve has achieved modest success as an actor but wants to take it to the next level. Although the opportunity from Sutton is unorthodox it may just be the solution to both their problems. What could possibly go wrong?
Fun and flirty I enjoyed watched what was supposed to be an arrangement to advance both their careers turn into a love match that would change their lives.
February 25, 2020
Sutton and Reeve
I love that they knew of each other a little before this proposal thing became something more. They really enjoyed each others company I think if they didn't it wouldn't have worked out as well as it did.
I kind of love that Reeve puts it all out there. But Sutton really doesn't know if it was all an act or if it was more.
The chemistry was off the hook and I love how unabashed they were when emotions got involved. And how explosive they become when they get their hands on each other.
I loved the narration Joe is a favorite of mine and Vanessa is awesome I want her to narrate more things because not only does she give you all of the character but her male voice is fantastic.
I love that they knew of each other a little before this proposal thing became something more. They really enjoyed each others company I think if they didn't it wouldn't have worked out as well as it did.
I kind of love that Reeve puts it all out there. But Sutton really doesn't know if it was all an act or if it was more.
The chemistry was off the hook and I love how unabashed they were when emotions got involved. And how explosive they become when they get their hands on each other.
I loved the narration Joe is a favorite of mine and Vanessa is awesome I want her to narrate more things because not only does she give you all of the character but her male voice is fantastic.
April 3, 2020
This is the third audiobook by Lauren Blakely that I've listened to this week and I have to say this one was the weakest (at least for me). I was a bit disappointed by the female narrator. I can't say I enjoyed listening to her voice or her accent that made it more difficult to understand what she was saying when I was trying to do other tasks at the same time.
As for the book itself, I didn't connect with the characters. Perhaps it was because of the characters type (actors) or maybe the trope which isn't my favorite (fake fiancé).
Not all novellas can be winners even if they're written by Lauren Blakely. I still want to read more by this author :)
As for the book itself, I didn't connect with the characters. Perhaps it was because of the characters type (actors) or maybe the trope which isn't my favorite (fake fiancé).
Not all novellas can be winners even if they're written by Lauren Blakely. I still want to read more by this author :)
November 25, 2020
A fun quick "read". I listened to it on audio, which was amazing. I mean it's Joe Arden. I can just listen to him by himself, but his counterpart here was amazing also. Vanessa Edwin. I believe this was a first for me with her, but it will not be the last.
Sutton and Reeve had great chemistry, and I think the narration made it pop.
Just to say, even though these to were faking an engagement, they weren't fooling anyone but themselves.
Sutton and Reeve had great chemistry, and I think the narration made it pop.
Just to say, even though these to were faking an engagement, they weren't fooling anyone but themselves.
October 4, 2020
Lauren Blakely is an automatic download for me. Read it off and on in between other books. I liked this well enough, maybe not as much as previous but enjoyed the banter, easy story. Definitely not as complex as some of her others but maybe I don’t need to read anything complex before bedtime these days.
Read
February 10, 2021This was a fun audiobook. I wasn't super invested in the romance, but it's a new-to-me set-up and easy to breeze through. I liked the performances as well. Probably not one that will stick with me but absolutely worth a read if you want something fast and fun, and it's available in the Audible Plus catalog.
June 8, 2021
I liked it but the one character and their motivations just threw it off for me. Can't say which character as it would be a spoiler. Won't stop me from reading others in this series.
February 27, 2020
Sweet and sexy. I love the pretend relationship trope, so this was a blast. I also really enjoyed the setting for the characters - the young actor, and the casting director. Wonderful characters, with a lot of heart, and fun. So your Lauren's usual :)
August 1, 2020
***ARC Provided by the Author***
Sutton and Reeve had a shorter story originally and now they have a longer, more flushed out story.
I've read both, and I enjoyed both... But I admit I liked this one better.
I liked the story, and the banter between the characters was what made this one feel unique and different. Let's face it, fake boyfriend/engagement/wedding is a pretty common trope, so it takes skill to make it feel new.
This one was enjoyable, the chemistry worked and I liked the secondary characters.
It's perfect for those who have read the original and for those who haven't.
Sutton and Reeve had a shorter story originally and now they have a longer, more flushed out story.
I've read both, and I enjoyed both... But I admit I liked this one better.
I liked the story, and the banter between the characters was what made this one feel unique and different. Let's face it, fake boyfriend/engagement/wedding is a pretty common trope, so it takes skill to make it feel new.
This one was enjoyable, the chemistry worked and I liked the secondary characters.
It's perfect for those who have read the original and for those who haven't.
April 18, 2020
When you get a Lauren Blakely book, you always know that you are going to be sitting with a huge grin on your face for the whole time, she does romance and witty banter like no other.
This book was not exception, if you love a fake-fiancé trope then you are in for a treat with this one.
Narration by Joe Arden and Vanessa Edwin was a match made in heaven, and I hope she pairs this couple up again soon.
This book was not exception, if you love a fake-fiancé trope then you are in for a treat with this one.
Narration by Joe Arden and Vanessa Edwin was a match made in heaven, and I hope she pairs this couple up again soon.
December 22, 2020
1.5/5
Really not good. The writing is really simple and cliche. The characters are basic and have absolutely no chemistry with each other. It’s honestly just not good.
Really not good. The writing is really simple and cliche. The characters are basic and have absolutely no chemistry with each other. It’s honestly just not good.
February 11, 2020
The Pretending Plot was a taste of what you can expect from a Lauren Blakely creation. It had sharp wit and endless humor. It had steam and sweetness balanced perfectly. It's the kind of romance that warms you to the core and make you feel every single good thing!
Reeves is a struggling actor in New York city and Sutton is the hotshot casting specialist in Hollywood. Don't worry, it has no casting couch scandal. But Reeves is fresh out of luck and Sutton needs someone to pose as her fake fiance to score the casting contract with the next erotic romance blockbuster. It is a good deal until their chemistry starts to blur lines.
Reeves is a typical Lauren Blakely man. Seriously these guys are a category of their own. A charming, courteous and nice gentleman who can turn on and off his devious and sinful ways with alpha edge so easily. Sutton is a sweet and sassy charcter who does not give control easily and can hold her own against Reeves' magnetism. But the chemistry is so deliciously hot! I could not help but squirm a lot whenever they were in the same space.
The Pretending Plot was a soft yet intense rom com from Lauren Blakely. I had a blast with all the fun filled, sexy as sin and heartwarming moments!
Received ARC for honest review
Reeves is a struggling actor in New York city and Sutton is the hotshot casting specialist in Hollywood. Don't worry, it has no casting couch scandal. But Reeves is fresh out of luck and Sutton needs someone to pose as her fake fiance to score the casting contract with the next erotic romance blockbuster. It is a good deal until their chemistry starts to blur lines.
Reeves is a typical Lauren Blakely man. Seriously these guys are a category of their own. A charming, courteous and nice gentleman who can turn on and off his devious and sinful ways with alpha edge so easily. Sutton is a sweet and sassy charcter who does not give control easily and can hold her own against Reeves' magnetism. But the chemistry is so deliciously hot! I could not help but squirm a lot whenever they were in the same space.
The Pretending Plot was a soft yet intense rom com from Lauren Blakely. I had a blast with all the fun filled, sexy as sin and heartwarming moments!
Received ARC for honest review
February 12, 2020
The Pretending Plot is a reboot of Lauren Blakely’s older novella, Pretending He’s Mine. This is longer and told in first person. I did not read the novella and it is no longer available, so I cannot speak to how much it has changed but I thought this was a quick, sweet, and swoony romance and I enjoyed it so much. It’s a fake relationship trope. Sutton is a casting director and trying to secure an incredible job opportunity, so when her potential employers mention her engagement, she goes along with it, and decides to just cast the role of her fiancé. Immediately, Reeve comes to mind, as she cast him in a small role in a previous movie. Reeve is a struggling actor and desperately needing a job, so he agrees to Sutton’s proposal, and as you can imagine, sparks fly between them. These two had so much chemistry and were so great together. Sutton did get on my nerves with her hot and cold routine, but I adored Reeve! This is a super quick, cute contemporary romance and I would recommend it.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 24, 2021
I thought the story was cute, I liked the main characters but I wasn't a fan of that Janelle woman. I really felt like she was creepy. But anyway, I was gaga over Reeve and Sutton right until the "I'm clean/you're clean" conversation right before sex.
Seriously people, why can't you have the discussion before sex. What person in the right mind, right before they are about to get busy will answer that question honestly as they are about to put the tip in? I mean honestly, would someone after their partner says "I'm clean", go "Ah, well that changes things, I guess now would be the right time to tell you that I've got a nasty case of crabs." Come on!
We need to get that whole part of things out romance. It's now like a bucket of cold water on an otherwise *really* good scene (in this case).
Ok, my slightly unhinged rant is over, but I just had to say, I was disappointed in that and I took off 1/2 star for it.
But loved the narrator's, Joe Arden is my jam. I even listen up to the very end when it says "Audible hopes you enjoyed this program" when he's narrating.
Seriously people, why can't you have the discussion before sex. What person in the right mind, right before they are about to get busy will answer that question honestly as they are about to put the tip in? I mean honestly, would someone after their partner says "I'm clean", go "Ah, well that changes things, I guess now would be the right time to tell you that I've got a nasty case of crabs." Come on!
We need to get that whole part of things out romance. It's now like a bucket of cold water on an otherwise *really* good scene (in this case).
Ok, my slightly unhinged rant is over, but I just had to say, I was disappointed in that and I took off 1/2 star for it.
But loved the narrator's, Joe Arden is my jam. I even listen up to the very end when it says "Audible hopes you enjoyed this program" when he's narrating.
February 18, 2020
4.5 star review of The Pretending Plot (Caught Up In Love #1) by Lauren Blakely
If you are looking for a quick, hot read then The Pretending Plot will be right up your alley. This is an extended and updated edition of Pretending He’s Mine.
I could not wait to read this book. As a very proud Australian, I so appreciate the fact that all of the pre order proceeds are going to the Australian Bush fire Relief so for me this was a win/win.
This is Sutton Brenner and Reeve Larkin’s story and is an entertaining read that had me hooked from start to finish. As I have come to expect from Ms. Blakely, the story was funny with characters you cannot help but like.
The chemistry between Sutton and Reeve sizzles as pretence morphs into reality. I was intrigued by this story and couldn’t put it down.
If you are looking for a quick, hot read then The Pretending Plot will be right up your alley. This is an extended and updated edition of Pretending He’s Mine.
I could not wait to read this book. As a very proud Australian, I so appreciate the fact that all of the pre order proceeds are going to the Australian Bush fire Relief so for me this was a win/win.
This is Sutton Brenner and Reeve Larkin’s story and is an entertaining read that had me hooked from start to finish. As I have come to expect from Ms. Blakely, the story was funny with characters you cannot help but like.
The chemistry between Sutton and Reeve sizzles as pretence morphs into reality. I was intrigued by this story and couldn’t put it down.
April 17, 2021
Luckily I listened to this book on audible. I found this book predictable, and at times a little boring. It was really short which made it easy to get through. I was really disappointed since fake relationships trope is one of my favorites. I really didn't get this book. So they get into a fake relationship because the couple that she was talking to got her confused with someone else. She got it in her mind she had to get into this fake relationship in order to get this job. I didn't really get it.
January 7, 2021
Audiobook review: this was a quick and fun listen. Absolutely loved Vanessa Edwin’s British accent. She’s truly amazing. And as always, Joe is just a delight to listen to.
Loved this fake relationship turned true love. Reeve was the perfect fake boyfriend for Sutton. Even though he was getting something out of the deal, he ended up truly playing the part to perfection.
Loved this fake relationship turned true love. Reeve was the perfect fake boyfriend for Sutton. Even though he was getting something out of the deal, he ended up truly playing the part to perfection.
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