Genre: Romance, Suspense
Publication Date: March 22, 2024
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads Blurb:
From USA Today bestselling author Logan Chance comes a riveting tale about friendship, love, and lies. This scorching romance shatters the boundaries between love and make-believe.
Thanks to podcaster gossip, my firm thinks I’m not a good fit for the high-profile case of my dreams. They want someone in a committed relationship.
Stone Ages, right?
So, I lie and mention I’m dating the charismatic billionaire, Roman Thorne—my brother’s best friend and my secret crush.
Dating Roman is totally off limits, but fake dating could be the answer. Finally having a reason to touch the man that stars in my fantasies without ruining our friendship is an added bonus.
But no one’s buying it. We’re opposites, they say. He’s too much of a playboy and I’m too much of a prude.
Challenge accepted.
Once we move in together the passion intensifies. But before long, it’s hard to find the line where reality begins and illusion ends.
Until trouble threatens our fauxmance.
Just how far am I willing to go for a relationship that feels all too real?
The Gods of Saint Pierce series is able to be enjoyed as standalones, but why not check out the whole series!
Book #1 Say My Name – see my review here!
Book #2 Cross My Heart
Book #3 Close Your Eyes (expected publication TBD)
Review:
I initially picked up this series because of my excitement around the release of Cross My Heart. A brother’s best friend romance written by Logan Chance? I knew it was going to be spicy and everything I love about the brother’s best friend trope, and it didn’t disappoint!
What I liked about the book:
1. The MMC in the book suffered from anxiety and panic attacks induced by that anxiety. As someone who has lived with anxiety her whole life and has in the past had numerous panic attacks because of unchecked anxiety, it was great to have this representation.
Not only did the author represent well how quickly panic attacks can come on and some of the symptoms you can feel both before and during a panic attack, but he also provided a note at the beginning of the book stating:
Roman’s journey is his own and not a reflection of anyone else’s. We all have to decide what’s best for us and there is no judgement on what it takes to make that happen.
This statement could not be more true!! Everyone copes differently and managing anxiety is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The fact that Chance felt the need to state this openly before the story even started makes me appreciate him.
2. I absolutely ADORED the flashback chapter to when Greer was 14 years old! I love when the brother’s best friend romance has a long backstory dating back to when the MCs were kids/teens as the pining just feels that much more authentic to me. I only wish there were more flashback chapters!
I mean, how is this not swoony as hell?!?!
“I don’t have anybody. Dev’s got you and Ledger. Dad’s got his whiskey. Mom left me to take care of myself.”
He pulls me into him and cradles my head against his chest. It’s warm and safe. “You’ve got me.”
“Promise?”
“Cross my heart, Greer.”
3. I loved how strong Greer was and how her most “domestic sphere” characteristic was given a reasonable backstory.
She was a lawyer who understood both that she didn’t need a man but also that corporate politics of a company ruled by straight, old, white men may dictate she play the game a certain way. Her reaction to the Company, while not something I would want anyone to do, did make sense and was a good move for the story overall. Kind of like strangers who wear masks and chase us through forests at night to ravage us…a walking red flag and a definite “hell no!” in real life, but fun to read about and live vicariously through the characters in the safety of a book.
When it came to the most feminine characteristic about her (her hosting brunch for a bunch of dudes every Sunday like June Cleaver), I absolutely did not love this in book 1. But learning the backstory of her doing this because it reminded her of when her and her mom would go to brunch every Sunday, and she just wanted to carry on the tradition, was a great way to throw me on my ass in surprise and get my nod of approval.
4. Chance promised a scorching romance with this read, and he succeeded! Between the innocent flirting, dirty talk, and many delicious intimate scenes, my Kindle and loins were definitely on fire! Love me a man who can talk like Roman.
5. I loved seeing Paxton Atwood (from Latte Be Desired, and soon to star in his own book Don’t Fall For Your Best Friend) and Marley Dale (from Study Me) in passing in this book. It’s always fun to see authors reference characters from their past works.
6. Finally, I loved that the release date for this book lined up with a significant date in the story! That was a fun little detail.
What I wasn’t a fan of:
1. Similar to book 1, I’m not a huge fan of one of the tropes that came in at the very end, but that’s a me thing.
Thank you to Logan Chance for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Want to check out what else Logan is working on? Hop on over to his social media accounts using the below.
Goodreads | Instagram | Website
While you’re at it, let’s be antisocial together!
Brittanica Bold's Book Babblings 