Monday, October 17, 2022

BOOK REVIEW starring... THE LOVE ARRANGEMENT by Ruby Basu

 


Today, we take on a Contemporary Romance that squarely fits into the fake relationship trope with flying colors.  It's by an author whom I recently featured on my site, and if this story was any indication of their writing style, I simply HAVE to check out that other book!  Ladies and gents, if you'd be so kind as to join me as we welcome Rachel's Random Resources, and today's ebook of choice...



The Love Arrangement 
by
Ruby Basu
HQ Digital


About the book...
Love was never supposed to be part of the deal… 

Independent and free-spirted Annika has no plans to settle down anytime soon… if only her parents felt the same way. But when her father unexpectedly falls ill, she’ll do anything to make things better. Even if it means suddenly blurting out she has a boyfriend. 

The only issue is, he doesn’t exist. 

Then, by chance, she bumps into handsome entrepreneur Rav, and she can’t believe her luck. He’s single, sworn off relationships and looking for a date to attend work events with. He’s the perfect solution to her troubles. Or is he? 

Because there’s just one slight catch – he also happens to be her childhood nemesis. 

It was only ever supposed to be a simple, temporary arrangement. Nothing more. Certainly love was never part of the terms and conditions. But Annika’s about to discover that some deals are made to be broken… 








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From cover to concept, I loved this story!
We've got a free spirited, loves her life as is leading lady that doesn't want to disappoint her semi-traditional family, and yet can't bare to break her own heart.  We've got a straight laced, plans each day to the second, good looking yet business focused male lead, that has his 3 year plan on target, but needs something...or rather someone...to help him get his business to the next level.  Annika needs a fake suitor; Rav needs a fake partner.  They've known each other since childhood, despite running in different circles.  A fake relationship would work for both of them with no complications or strings attached...what could go wrong?  What indeed!

The "go wrong" is what makes this story extra special because watching them fall in love with each other against their supposed better judgement was good for my heart.  The inadvertently removed the pressure from themselves to impress or be perfect because they were so focused on being what the other needed for their arrangement.  It was perfect...well, for US...not so much them in the moment, but little things add up along the way to make you wonder if there was perhaps more at work here than simply good timing, and a mutual need.  *raises eyebrow...but only one*  Suffice it to say, the more they get to know each other, the deeper those nonexistent feelings run, but once again, all the better for readers!  Rav was not the most likeable out the gate, but eventually as his walls come down, and we see the other sides of him, that connection is easier to feel and understand.  Annika was brilliant, and while I wanted to believe wholeheartedly that she was one hundred percent loving her present and future, I always caught the vibe that there was something more she was waiting for.  By book's end, they both find what they needed from their arrangement...and we get a HEA we were hoping for, but couldn't swear would come!

A great read for Contemporary Romance fans, filled with a multicultural cast of characters that bring spice and color to the tale, while reminding us we all speak the same language...when it comes to love.




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About the author...


Ruby lives in the beautiful Chilterns with her husband, two children, and the cutest dog in the world. She worked for many years as a lawyer and policy lead in the Civil Service.

As the second of four children, Ruby connected strongly with Little Women’s Jo March and was scribbling down stories from a young age. A huge fan of romantic movies, Star Wars, and Marvel, she loves creating new characters and worlds while waiting for her superpowers to develop.







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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the author for the Q&A. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


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