Review of Fake and Forbidden: The Complete Contemporary Romance Collection
When I stumbled upon Fake and Forbidden: The Complete Contemporary Romance Collection by Sofia T. Summers, I was instantly intrigued. The promise of four tantalizing tales involving fake relationships and the irresistible chemistry that brews beneath the surface sounded like the perfect escape I was craving. Little did I know, this box set would have me laughing, swooning, and reflecting on the complexities of love all in one sitting.
Each of the four stories brings something unique to the table while skillfully weaving together the common theme of "forbidden" love. Let’s start with Just Friends, where we dive into the lives of Betty and Oz, longtime friends who blur the lines between platonic and romantic love. Their fake engagement—amid the chaos of impending parenthood—creates a cocktail of emotions that’s both relatable and heartwarming. I found myself rooting for them with each twist and turn, wondering if they could truly handle a relationship forged from necessity rather than desire.
Moving onto Just Pretend, Walker—a single father—finds himself emotionally drawn to Ally, the au pair next door. Their journey from coworkers to lovers is full of tender moments and real challenges, like figuring out how to express feelings that are burgeoning in the most unexpected ways. The push and pull of their relationships kept me riveted; I could almost feel the sizzling tension jump off the pages.
Our Little Secret takes a different route, where a political campaign and past relationships collide in a pretty explosive way. The fact that the protagonist must navigate feelings for an ex while pretending to be someone else’s wife adds an intriguing layer of complexity that kept me turning pages late into the night. The way Ms. Summers writes the characters is commendable; their struggles feel genuine and keep the reader invested in their outcomes.
Last but not least, we have No Strings Attached, the newest addition to the collection. Nate and Beatrix’s fun-filled act of a six-day marriage in Maui spirals into something much deeper than either of them anticipated. Their playful banter and undeniable chemistry shine brightly throughout. This story served as a delightful reminder of what it feels like to let go of control and embrace the joy of love, even if it’s cloaked in a facade.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the effortless flow between the stories. Each narrative felt cohesive, and curiously, character traits and themes often echo from one story to the next, creating a sense of continuity that enhances the reading experience. Sofia T. Summers’ writing style is both engaging and intimate, making her characters feel like trusted friends by the end of the collection. The balance between humor and heartfelt moments struck just the right chord, and I was left wishing each story could go on a bit longer!
Overall, Fake and Forbidden is a delightful collection for romance aficionados looking for an array of emotions—laughter, longing, and a touch of drama wrapped up in some excellent storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of friends-to-lovers tropes or someone drawn to the excitement of fake engagements that turn into something real, there’s something here for everyone. This collection not only entertained but also made me reflect on the nuances of love and the complications that can arise from even the most "simple" arrangements.
If you’re looking for a weekend binge that both warms your heart and keeps you on your toes, grab this collection and dive in. You won’t regret it!