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Degrees of Engagement
A celebration of non-traditional milestones and a book for all the single women in their thirties who have wondered where their gift registry is, Degrees of Engagement is a smart and witty read.
When Bianca Dimitriou's family and friends don't show up to celebrate her PhD, after years of her attending their bridal showers, bachelorette weekends, destination weddings and post-divorce benders, she knows it's because it's not a milestone they value. Angry, sad and a little more than drunk, she gets her revenge by getting fake engaged to Xavier Byrne, a brooding archaeologist turned librarian whose passion is returning artifacts to their native lands.
But the longer it goes, the more it becomes clear that the tension that's been building between them has given way to very real feelings. Which would be fine, except Bianca's post-doc work is keeping her close to home while Xavier's is about to take him halfway around the world.
She can't ask him to stay and he'd never ask her to give up her dreams. Can their love go the distance?
When Bianca Dimitriou's family and friends don't show up to celebrate her PhD, after years of her attending their bridal showers, bachelorette weekends, destination weddings and post-divorce benders, she knows it's because it's not a milestone they value. Angry, sad and a little more than drunk, she gets her revenge by getting fake engaged to Xavier Byrne, a brooding archaeologist turned librarian whose passion is returning artifacts to their native lands.
But the longer it goes, the more it becomes clear that the tension that's been building between them has given way to very real feelings. Which would be fine, except Bianca's post-doc work is keeping her close to home while Xavier's is about to take him halfway around the world.
She can't ask him to stay and he'd never ask her to give up her dreams. Can their love go the distance?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 24, 2024
A sizzlingly swoon-worthy, fake dating romance that gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings of a 00s Rom-com— but with a refreshingly take that focuses just as much on the complexities of friendship as it does the chemistry-laden relationship that grows between our MCs.
The only way I can best describe this is My Fake Fiancée meets 27 Dresses, with two relatable, Ali Hazelwood-esque protagonists that charmed their way into my heart!
I really liked Bianca; the sweetest and ever reliable, drop-everything-for-the-ones-she-loves kinda person. Despite being ditched at the celebration of her biggest achievement by literally everyone, it’s only after copious amounts of alcohol and Xavier’s suggestion that she even thinks to make them pay.
And yet, even when the worst is confirmed (her friends & family caring more about an upcoming wedding than a career altering PHD) her first reaction is to drop everything to accommodate them as they share their struggles & emotional dilemmas.
Which is why I loved Xavier soo much, he listens and supports Bianca and (in a voice of reason capacity) shows Bianca how to put boundaries between herself and her loved ones, who constantly take her for granted.
Not to mention the chemistry between the pair, which is breathtakingly palpable and swoon worthy in the most delicious of ways!
I should mention that miscommunication is the main (and only) catalyst to Bianca and Xavier’s blossoming feelings, which may be frustrating for some. However the emotional introspection we experience from them both (and their personal feelings on marriage/relationships) was intriguing and did keep me on my toes.
Overall, a well written and wonderfully addictive Rom-com for anyone who loves Ali Hazelwood and Emily Henry or wishes untraditional milestones were celebrated just as enthusiastically as traditional ones.
Also, a huge thank you to Felicia at Headline Eternal for the finished copy.
The only way I can best describe this is My Fake Fiancée meets 27 Dresses, with two relatable, Ali Hazelwood-esque protagonists that charmed their way into my heart!
I really liked Bianca; the sweetest and ever reliable, drop-everything-for-the-ones-she-loves kinda person. Despite being ditched at the celebration of her biggest achievement by literally everyone, it’s only after copious amounts of alcohol and Xavier’s suggestion that she even thinks to make them pay.
And yet, even when the worst is confirmed (her friends & family caring more about an upcoming wedding than a career altering PHD) her first reaction is to drop everything to accommodate them as they share their struggles & emotional dilemmas.
Which is why I loved Xavier soo much, he listens and supports Bianca and (in a voice of reason capacity) shows Bianca how to put boundaries between herself and her loved ones, who constantly take her for granted.
Not to mention the chemistry between the pair, which is breathtakingly palpable and swoon worthy in the most delicious of ways!
I should mention that miscommunication is the main (and only) catalyst to Bianca and Xavier’s blossoming feelings, which may be frustrating for some. However the emotional introspection we experience from them both (and their personal feelings on marriage/relationships) was intriguing and did keep me on my toes.
Overall, a well written and wonderfully addictive Rom-com for anyone who loves Ali Hazelwood and Emily Henry or wishes untraditional milestones were celebrated just as enthusiastically as traditional ones.
Also, a huge thank you to Felicia at Headline Eternal for the finished copy.
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April 25, 2024No rating yet. Need to think about it.
April 21, 2024
I immediately requested DoE when I read the blurb because 1) academia, 2) friends to lovers, and 3) why are some big events (relationships) considered more significant than others (job, life goal, etc)??
Bianca and Xavier: I loved their passion for academic advancement and their encouragement for each other. I cheered for Xavier’s righteous anger over Bianca’s hurt over her family & friends flaking! His speech at the end was so good 👏🏼 I related so much with Bianca. Her love for her family, her academic passion, her willingness to drop whatever for her people, and her resentment when things that matter to her aren’t taken as seriously by others. I love that Xavier validated her and supported her every step.
The plot: Whew so much happened… Pleasantly surprised at the surfing scene and I loved the reference to Disney’s Robin Hood! There were so many side characters that I kind of blended them together in my head haha. I was very confused at the ending and feel like like we didn’t get a full resolution.
CW: cursing, open door scenes
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader e-copy. All opinions are mine.
Bianca and Xavier: I loved their passion for academic advancement and their encouragement for each other. I cheered for Xavier’s righteous anger over Bianca’s hurt over her family & friends flaking! His speech at the end was so good 👏🏼 I related so much with Bianca. Her love for her family, her academic passion, her willingness to drop whatever for her people, and her resentment when things that matter to her aren’t taken as seriously by others. I love that Xavier validated her and supported her every step.
The plot: Whew so much happened… Pleasantly surprised at the surfing scene and I loved the reference to Disney’s Robin Hood! There were so many side characters that I kind of blended them together in my head haha. I was very confused at the ending and feel like like we didn’t get a full resolution.
CW: cursing, open door scenes
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader e-copy. All opinions are mine.
March 16, 2024
It was definitely not a romance for me. It was way too quick and too insta-lovey and insta-lustey. The characters were not memorable, which is fine in itself, but they pissed me off a little. I did not like their cowardice and the way they hid behind the fake engagement to avoid dealing with their feelings. There was also too much sex scenes for my liking. I did appreciate the main message about the milestones and the way some characters were called out for not considering work achievements as actual worthy achievements (like a wedding would be to these characters) but it was not enough to save this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
April 25, 2024
4⭐️ - my guilty pleasure is academia🤭
If you love Ali Hazelwood for the academia vibes, then this book is for you!!!
For two doctors, Bianca and Xavier are both incredibly stupid. Did I still enjoy their dynamic? Absolutely, I did.
The banter between these two drove me crazyyy to the point where I was laughing with them. Not once did Xavier take Bianca for granted, and it was the sweetest thing to read about. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but it was such a heartwarming read🥰
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Eternal for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
If you love Ali Hazelwood for the academia vibes, then this book is for you!!!
For two doctors, Bianca and Xavier are both incredibly stupid. Did I still enjoy their dynamic? Absolutely, I did.
The banter between these two drove me crazyyy to the point where I was laughing with them. Not once did Xavier take Bianca for granted, and it was the sweetest thing to read about. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but it was such a heartwarming read🥰
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Eternal for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
April 7, 2024
4.25 stars
I love, love, love this book! Let me just start by saying what a touching dedication it has—really sets the vibe for the story. Now, imagine this: academia, strong women, LA vibes, a mmc named Xavier (like hello?!), and honestly good humor. That’s what this story’s all about.
Bianca’s such a badass, and Xavier literally worships the ground she walks on. Like, come on, he calls her boss! They’re just so good together. The story does develop kinda fast, and it feels a teeny-tiny bit insta-lovey, but you must remember they’ve known each other for five years when the story starts. The fengagement, as Bianca and Xavier call it, is a fun ruse they keep up for basically the entire book, though it obviously turns heated and a little… (too) real pretty quickly.
I really enjoyed all the academia content! It’s so refreshing to see power couples and women in academia getting the representation they deserve. Bianca’s story deals with the struggle of career accomplishments not being acknowledged or celebrated by friends and family, which is incredibly relatable to a lot of women out there.
The writing is flawless, to say the least. Bianca and Xavier’s characters are relatable, fleshed-out, and beautiful. The two of them are almost too perfect for each other already. But seriously, the book is super well-written and so worth reading!
My only issue is with the miscommunication and general lack of communication between Bianca and Xavier. It is one of my least favorite tropes, and basically the make-up of their story. It’s a little disappointing to see such mature characters deal with relationships like that since a whole lot of their mentak beat-ups could’ve been avoided and resolved if they’d just talked to each other. But it all gets resolved nicely, and there’s no unnecessary and cringe third-act break-up—which we love!
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for providing me with an ARC of this book!
I love, love, love this book! Let me just start by saying what a touching dedication it has—really sets the vibe for the story. Now, imagine this: academia, strong women, LA vibes, a mmc named Xavier (like hello?!), and honestly good humor. That’s what this story’s all about.
Bianca’s such a badass, and Xavier literally worships the ground she walks on. Like, come on, he calls her boss! They’re just so good together. The story does develop kinda fast, and it feels a teeny-tiny bit insta-lovey, but you must remember they’ve known each other for five years when the story starts. The fengagement, as Bianca and Xavier call it, is a fun ruse they keep up for basically the entire book, though it obviously turns heated and a little… (too) real pretty quickly.
I really enjoyed all the academia content! It’s so refreshing to see power couples and women in academia getting the representation they deserve. Bianca’s story deals with the struggle of career accomplishments not being acknowledged or celebrated by friends and family, which is incredibly relatable to a lot of women out there.
The writing is flawless, to say the least. Bianca and Xavier’s characters are relatable, fleshed-out, and beautiful. The two of them are almost too perfect for each other already. But seriously, the book is super well-written and so worth reading!
My only issue is with the miscommunication and general lack of communication between Bianca and Xavier. It is one of my least favorite tropes, and basically the make-up of their story. It’s a little disappointing to see such mature characters deal with relationships like that since a whole lot of their mentak beat-ups could’ve been avoided and resolved if they’d just talked to each other. But it all gets resolved nicely, and there’s no unnecessary and cringe third-act break-up—which we love!
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for providing me with an ARC of this book!
August 17, 2024
This book was so cute, I loved Bianca and Xavier so fucking much❤️❤️
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
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September 22, 2024This was, unfortunately, a dnf.
I had a tough time with the dynamics between Xavier and Bianca, bc we are told that they are academic rivals and maybe crushed on each other in the recent past, but we are not SHOWN that. And so it felt like they got fake-engaged just like that. No thinking about it, no great discussions. Which would maybe feel better if I had more background information on them?
Lots of telling instead of showing, which is one of my least favorite things.
Thank you to Headline Eternal for the ARC via Netgalley UK. All opinions are my own.
I had a tough time with the dynamics between Xavier and Bianca, bc we are told that they are academic rivals and maybe crushed on each other in the recent past, but we are not SHOWN that. And so it felt like they got fake-engaged just like that. No thinking about it, no great discussions. Which would maybe feel better if I had more background information on them?
Lots of telling instead of showing, which is one of my least favorite things.
Thank you to Headline Eternal for the ARC via Netgalley UK. All opinions are my own.
February 8, 2024
Interesting take on relationships in contemporary society!
Degrees of Engagement centres around Bianca Dimitriou, a woman who has just completed her PhD - her biggest accomplishment and pride and joy - but finds herself alone in her celebratory party. All her friends and family send their apologies, but also excuses for not being there, but she is alone nonetheless. She feels like this is the type of accomplishment her family and friends don't value, as opposed to events related to relationships. As a sort of payback, she orchestrates a fake engagement to Xavier Byrne in a drunken decision to prove her point. Xavier was a fellow PhD student with whom she had been building up quite a tension over her degree and this fake arrangement starts eventually to seem more real than pretend to both of them.
I really liked this romance! I thought the take on how relationships are viewed and valued by society, as opposed to professional accomplishments, was quite interesting. It challenges the idea that only relationships can make you happy and fulfilled while also saying that romantic connections are also, but not necessarily the most, important. Xavier was a real green flag. He really respects and admires Bianca and that was great to see. Overall, a very fun read which also challenges conservative ideas of the position romantic relationships should have in our lives.
Thank you very much to Headline Eternal/Headline and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Degrees of Engagement centres around Bianca Dimitriou, a woman who has just completed her PhD - her biggest accomplishment and pride and joy - but finds herself alone in her celebratory party. All her friends and family send their apologies, but also excuses for not being there, but she is alone nonetheless. She feels like this is the type of accomplishment her family and friends don't value, as opposed to events related to relationships. As a sort of payback, she orchestrates a fake engagement to Xavier Byrne in a drunken decision to prove her point. Xavier was a fellow PhD student with whom she had been building up quite a tension over her degree and this fake arrangement starts eventually to seem more real than pretend to both of them.
I really liked this romance! I thought the take on how relationships are viewed and valued by society, as opposed to professional accomplishments, was quite interesting. It challenges the idea that only relationships can make you happy and fulfilled while also saying that romantic connections are also, but not necessarily the most, important. Xavier was a real green flag. He really respects and admires Bianca and that was great to see. Overall, a very fun read which also challenges conservative ideas of the position romantic relationships should have in our lives.
Thank you very much to Headline Eternal/Headline and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Shelved as 'dnf'
August 22, 2024DNF @ 55%
Really bummed I didn't like this one more! The set up of faking an engagement because your family doesn't respect your academic achievements was a lot of fun, but the characters were pretty flat aside from that.
Tense rarely is an issue for me in books, but third present, was notttt working for me here!!
Overall, I found it boring and that's always a sign I need to just stop reading it :(
Really bummed I didn't like this one more! The set up of faking an engagement because your family doesn't respect your academic achievements was a lot of fun, but the characters were pretty flat aside from that.
Tense rarely is an issue for me in books, but third present, was notttt working for me here!!
Overall, I found it boring and that's always a sign I need to just stop reading it :(
February 10, 2024
It was cute overall but I was also kinda bored. The chemistry between the two characters was great and I loved how they supported each other. The idea of complex relationships with friends and family is nice to see as well. I just wish the author had plotted the book a bit differently. The premise itself is a little flawed but so is most fake dating so you can overlook that. But then it's a lot of "we shouldn't be we do anyway" for pages on end without any real escalation or plot. It's just two people pining for each other and a lot of other people in their life being bad at relationships. Also as someone who actually HAS degrees in archaeology, can authors please contact people in those professions before writing about them? Because Xavier's job doesn't work like that. at all. Also the ending is not very satisfactory. Like yes it is an HEA, but it doesn't really explain how they solve the reason they decided not to be together in the first place.
August 6, 2024
Wanted this to be like Ali Hazelwood, but it was very boring.
April 28, 2024
ARC provided by Headline through netgalley
DNF at 35%
I reached for this book because I cannot pass up any academic-themed book ever.
It has all the workings to be a fantastic book:
Fake dating? Check
Academic rivals? Check
Women in academia? Check
But unfortunately it just fell flat.
I think mostly the issues stemmed from the first chapter, it has an almost compelling hook of starting with the FMC at her PHD graduation celebration where none of her friends and family show up, which then hatches the fake dating scheme; but unfortunately this set up led to further issues. FMC and MMC are meant to have had a previous relationship (friendly? Flirty? Rivals? Honestly it wasn’t explained well so I don’t have an answer) that leads to some sort of distance (falling out? Who’s to say) where they then rekindle their relationship (and create a fake engagement) at the celebration. This is all well and good but you don’t see their previous relationship at all, so much so that (as can be seen already) you don’t really know what’s going on with them. Their current fake relationships tension is entirely built on this past unrequited crushes (I think?) but without seeing it you’re more so being told that there is tension rather than feeling it.
Another issue with the beginning hook scene is the excuses FMCs friends and family gave for bailing. I feel like the author couldn’t decide whether to lean completely into the ‘my friends actually suck and there is no reason why they should’ve bailed’ or ‘these are valid reasons to bail but they all involve choosing their own stuff over what’s important to me’ which COULD have worked if the writing was just a little better and these were a bit more fleshed out. It just ended up with a constant flip flop between empathizing with the MC and being like…uhhhhh???
Overall I’m just a bit disappointed and this book will not be filling the Hazelwood-shaped hole in my heart.
DNF at 35%
I reached for this book because I cannot pass up any academic-themed book ever.
It has all the workings to be a fantastic book:
Fake dating? Check
Academic rivals? Check
Women in academia? Check
But unfortunately it just fell flat.
I think mostly the issues stemmed from the first chapter, it has an almost compelling hook of starting with the FMC at her PHD graduation celebration where none of her friends and family show up, which then hatches the fake dating scheme; but unfortunately this set up led to further issues. FMC and MMC are meant to have had a previous relationship (friendly? Flirty? Rivals? Honestly it wasn’t explained well so I don’t have an answer) that leads to some sort of distance (falling out? Who’s to say) where they then rekindle their relationship (and create a fake engagement) at the celebration. This is all well and good but you don’t see their previous relationship at all, so much so that (as can be seen already) you don’t really know what’s going on with them. Their current fake relationships tension is entirely built on this past unrequited crushes (I think?) but without seeing it you’re more so being told that there is tension rather than feeling it.
Another issue with the beginning hook scene is the excuses FMCs friends and family gave for bailing. I feel like the author couldn’t decide whether to lean completely into the ‘my friends actually suck and there is no reason why they should’ve bailed’ or ‘these are valid reasons to bail but they all involve choosing their own stuff over what’s important to me’ which COULD have worked if the writing was just a little better and these were a bit more fleshed out. It just ended up with a constant flip flop between empathizing with the MC and being like…uhhhhh???
Overall I’m just a bit disappointed and this book will not be filling the Hazelwood-shaped hole in my heart.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
April 22, 2024DNF 47%
Thank you to Netgalley UK and Headline for sending me this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
If this book hadn’t been kindly sent to me by Netgalley and Headline Eternal, I would have DNFed earlier, but I always feel so bad about disliking a book that I was so excited to read an ARC. Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me.
On paper, this book has so many elements and tropes that I like. I love fake dating and how she is disappointed that her family doesn’t support her academic achievements but drops everything else to support milestones that are considered so important in a woman’s life: engagement, marriage, and babies. I could feel her frustration and I think I would feel the same, but in 20% I felt like so much had already happened in the book. The plot just went too fast for me to connect with the romance. Bianca and Xavier decided to go in a fake engagement extremely quickly. For two people who barely knew each other, interacted so little before accepting fake dating each other. The whole fake dating was supposed to be a one-time thing but in every scene, they would just postpone the end of it and I never say any advantage for Xavier. If he has a crush on her, isn’t it disingenuous to pretend that you are helping an unknown person just out of kindness when there is another reason behind it? For me, I enjoy when two characters accept fake dating if there is an advantage for both of them or if they are friends. I don’t know… Maybe if she had suggested it and there was some insistence from her side, but I just thought the whole plot developed too quickly for me to care about them.
Sadly, this book didn’t work for me, but many readers love a quick and fast-burn plot.
Thank you to Netgalley UK and Headline for sending me this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
If this book hadn’t been kindly sent to me by Netgalley and Headline Eternal, I would have DNFed earlier, but I always feel so bad about disliking a book that I was so excited to read an ARC. Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me.
On paper, this book has so many elements and tropes that I like. I love fake dating and how she is disappointed that her family doesn’t support her academic achievements but drops everything else to support milestones that are considered so important in a woman’s life: engagement, marriage, and babies. I could feel her frustration and I think I would feel the same, but in 20% I felt like so much had already happened in the book. The plot just went too fast for me to connect with the romance. Bianca and Xavier decided to go in a fake engagement extremely quickly. For two people who barely knew each other, interacted so little before accepting fake dating each other. The whole fake dating was supposed to be a one-time thing but in every scene, they would just postpone the end of it and I never say any advantage for Xavier. If he has a crush on her, isn’t it disingenuous to pretend that you are helping an unknown person just out of kindness when there is another reason behind it? For me, I enjoy when two characters accept fake dating if there is an advantage for both of them or if they are friends. I don’t know… Maybe if she had suggested it and there was some insistence from her side, but I just thought the whole plot developed too quickly for me to care about them.
Sadly, this book didn’t work for me, but many readers love a quick and fast-burn plot.
July 24, 2024
I adored this book with my whole heart. Besides being able to see myself in Bianca and even Xavier, the writing was really so warm and realistic. The way Hennessy writes dialogue should be studied by other writers. She has a knack for showing how people actually speak. And then she throws in jokes about grammar and words and other smarty pants stuff and it was all so wonderful and entertaining. I also loved the Billy Crystal SNL line when Bianca put her shoes back on. 💫
September 10, 2024
Hard to taste this one. On one hand, the synopsis tells you the whole book. On the other, i really liked torturing her friends and the ending.
April 25, 2024
*Sigh
Getting into this, I was super excited because HELLO, I thought I was gonna get a well written academically achiever couple and, of course, the plot and the romance.
Well, well, well. If my previous read was boring, this one, on the other hand, went overboard in the sense that it bypassed character developments and went straight in one of the most irritating romance developments.
2⭐️ for the premise and that 10% intriguing parts.
Getting into this, I was super excited because HELLO, I thought I was gonna get a well written academically achiever couple and, of course, the plot and the romance.
Well, well, well. If my previous read was boring, this one, on the other hand, went overboard in the sense that it bypassed character developments and went straight in one of the most irritating romance developments.
2⭐️ for the premise and that 10% intriguing parts.
July 31, 2024
4,5 ⭐
Delightful, funny, cosy and lovely with I'd say a original plot.
Delightful, funny, cosy and lovely with I'd say a original plot.
July 23, 2024
No because I need characters to start communicating it’s getting too much for me now and I will cry every time without fail
March 2, 2024
Thank you Headline and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bianca Dimitriou is the friend who is always there at the drop of a hat for her friends. She flies to different continents to be in weddings or babysits with hardly any notice. She has many close friends who she would do anything for. She is therefore incredibly hurt when none of her friends or family go to her party celebrating the fact that she successfully defended her thesis and is now a PhD. One of the few people who does come is her classmate, Xavier. Xavier was Bianca's only friend in her academic program, but he pulled away upon learning that he would soon be moving to Greece for a fellowship. When Bianca suggests that her family and friends would have dropped everything if she was getting married, Xavier suggests that they should pretend to be engaged. Bianca agrees and well, you probably see where this is going.
Another fake dating book (you know I can't get enough of those) but this time it's a fake engagement! I think this book had a lot of positives and a few negatives that took me out of the story a bit.
Pros:
I liked how much the Bianca and Xavier respected each other academically. I liked that their friendship was formed from challenging each other. As the story goes on, both characters comment on how brilliant they think the other is and it was nice to see "could be rivals" acknowledge each other's strengths.
Xavier was so supportive of Bianca throughout the book. Is only reason for suggesting/agreeing to the fake engagement is because he was a good friend and was mad at Bianca's other friends for not being there for her. He repeatedly shows that he wants her friends to be supportive of her and defends her when they are not.
I liked that each of Bianca's friends were at a different stage in relationships. It was fun seeing her interact with friends who have reached different milestones.
I enjoyed this book in general. The writing was good and I wanted to keep reading it.
Cons:
I get annoyed when pretty much the only conflict in a book is that the characters won't communicate. Bianca goes into this fake engagement to teach her friends and family a lesson, but she spends most of the book not even telling them how she feels. All she had to do was say, "It hurt me that you weren't there to celebrate the massive accomplishment that I made." She also continually semi-communicates with Xavier about their feelings for each other, but they never actually say what they mean and always immediately change their minds when they set boundaries.
While the different friends showed up every so often, I felt like I didn't really know any of them. The characters felt like they were in a bubble.
Overall it was a solid read.
Bianca Dimitriou is the friend who is always there at the drop of a hat for her friends. She flies to different continents to be in weddings or babysits with hardly any notice. She has many close friends who she would do anything for. She is therefore incredibly hurt when none of her friends or family go to her party celebrating the fact that she successfully defended her thesis and is now a PhD. One of the few people who does come is her classmate, Xavier. Xavier was Bianca's only friend in her academic program, but he pulled away upon learning that he would soon be moving to Greece for a fellowship. When Bianca suggests that her family and friends would have dropped everything if she was getting married, Xavier suggests that they should pretend to be engaged. Bianca agrees and well, you probably see where this is going.
Another fake dating book (you know I can't get enough of those) but this time it's a fake engagement! I think this book had a lot of positives and a few negatives that took me out of the story a bit.
Pros:
I liked how much the Bianca and Xavier respected each other academically. I liked that their friendship was formed from challenging each other. As the story goes on, both characters comment on how brilliant they think the other is and it was nice to see "could be rivals" acknowledge each other's strengths.
Xavier was so supportive of Bianca throughout the book. Is only reason for suggesting/agreeing to the fake engagement is because he was a good friend and was mad at Bianca's other friends for not being there for her. He repeatedly shows that he wants her friends to be supportive of her and defends her when they are not.
I liked that each of Bianca's friends were at a different stage in relationships. It was fun seeing her interact with friends who have reached different milestones.
I enjoyed this book in general. The writing was good and I wanted to keep reading it.
Cons:
I get annoyed when pretty much the only conflict in a book is that the characters won't communicate. Bianca goes into this fake engagement to teach her friends and family a lesson, but she spends most of the book not even telling them how she feels. All she had to do was say, "It hurt me that you weren't there to celebrate the massive accomplishment that I made." She also continually semi-communicates with Xavier about their feelings for each other, but they never actually say what they mean and always immediately change their minds when they set boundaries.
While the different friends showed up every so often, I felt like I didn't really know any of them. The characters felt like they were in a bubble.
Overall it was a solid read.
May 21, 2024
Degrees of Engagement is a fast-paced read with a spicy romance centred about a bit of a revenge fake engagement plot that was entertaining, but casts off into a whirlwind romance that neither the main characters, Bianca Dimitriou and Xavier Byrne, can control. Well-written and engaging with some enjoyable funny moments and heart-warming romantic scenes to make your toes curl.
The premise is a bit absurd, but I rolled with it because it sounded fun. I’ve been in Bianca’s shoes in my life more than I can count with friends and family focusing on more traditional big life events to celebrate like marriages, births and buying houses. My heart twisted for Bianca when her family and friends failed to be there for her biggest achievement of her life getting her PhD. Her pain over this was something readers in similar boats will connect to and vibe with.
Bianca and Xavier’s characters are nicely developed, relatable with some insightful characters arcs helping build their feelings for each other. Their chemistry is a nice sweet and spicy balance with fun banter in their fake revenge engagement ploy, which quickly turns the tables on them both with both of them secretly harbouring feelings for each other.
The miscommunication trope felt like the only conflict in this story - Bianca seem incapable of speak to anyone about how she felt or how they made her feel with their actions. It gets a little old by the midpoint of the book; especially when the same problem creeps with regard to her feelings with Xavier. Communication isn’t everyone’s strong point – but in this world of digital communication writing it down has never been easier – send a text or an email. Over use of the miscommunication trope cost this book some rating points from me as I nearly DNF twice, I pushed through and things did improve but I felt there could have been some better plot points explored to remove the need to rely on the miscommunication to carry the plot.
A nice rom-com with wild card plot with a sweet and spicy romance that will keep you turning the page with Jennifer Hennessy easy to read writing style. I keep my eye out for more books by her in the future, hopefully we’ll see a little less of the miscommunication trope in the next book.
The premise is a bit absurd, but I rolled with it because it sounded fun. I’ve been in Bianca’s shoes in my life more than I can count with friends and family focusing on more traditional big life events to celebrate like marriages, births and buying houses. My heart twisted for Bianca when her family and friends failed to be there for her biggest achievement of her life getting her PhD. Her pain over this was something readers in similar boats will connect to and vibe with.
Bianca and Xavier’s characters are nicely developed, relatable with some insightful characters arcs helping build their feelings for each other. Their chemistry is a nice sweet and spicy balance with fun banter in their fake revenge engagement ploy, which quickly turns the tables on them both with both of them secretly harbouring feelings for each other.
The miscommunication trope felt like the only conflict in this story - Bianca seem incapable of speak to anyone about how she felt or how they made her feel with their actions. It gets a little old by the midpoint of the book; especially when the same problem creeps with regard to her feelings with Xavier. Communication isn’t everyone’s strong point – but in this world of digital communication writing it down has never been easier – send a text or an email. Over use of the miscommunication trope cost this book some rating points from me as I nearly DNF twice, I pushed through and things did improve but I felt there could have been some better plot points explored to remove the need to rely on the miscommunication to carry the plot.
A nice rom-com with wild card plot with a sweet and spicy romance that will keep you turning the page with Jennifer Hennessy easy to read writing style. I keep my eye out for more books by her in the future, hopefully we’ll see a little less of the miscommunication trope in the next book.
September 29, 2024
[współpraca reklamowa z @wydawnictwopapieroweserca ]
𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚: 𝟑,𝟓/𝟓 ⭐️
~ Przyjaciele zawsze mogą na ciebie liczyć. Bez wahania polecisz na drugi koniec świata i wydasz tysiące dolarów, aby uczestniczyć w najważniejszych wydarzeniach w ich życiu. A ten jeden raz, gdy to ty po latach ciężkiej pracy chcesz z nimi świętować swój sukces zawodowy-nie zjawia się nikt.
🏛️ Tak właśnie wyglądała impreza Bianki z okazji obrony doktoratu. Aby zemścić się na bliskich, zaręcza się dla żartu z kolegą ze studiów, Xavierem i publikuje to na swoich social mediach. Następnego dnia wszyscy znajdują czas i spotykają się, aby świętować ich zaręczyny.
~ Żart, który powstał z zemsty, przeradza się w prawdziwe uczucie. Problem w tym, że za dwa miesiące Xavier wyjeżdża do Grecji…
🏛️ Bianca i Xavier są dla siebie stworzeni! Warto dodać, że znają się już od pięciu lat, a przez ten czas oboje skrycie się w sobie podkochiwali. Może wydawać się, że jest to insta love, ale w rzeczywistości jest to uczucie, które dojrzewało przez lata.
🏛️ Xavier jest głosem rozsądku Bianki i uczy ją jak postawić na siebie i wyznaczać granice wobec bliskich. Jednak brakowało mi szczerych rozmów o uczuciach. Momentami ten brak komunikacji był przytłaczający, przez co ich związek wydawał się pozbawiony prawdziwej głębi, opierając się głównie na wzajemnym pociągu fizycznym.
🏛️ Jak na tak krótką książkę, pojawiło się zbyt wiele postaci drugoplanowych. Te wszystkie przyjaciółki zaczęły mi się mieszać i w pewnym momencie trudno było zapamiętać, kto jest kim. Wszystko działo się trochę szybko, niektóre dialogi sprawiały wrażenie chaotycznych.
🏛️ Wątek pracy Bianki nie został wystarczająco rozwinięty. Książka jest reklamowana jako “dla fanów Ali Hazelwood”, co wydaje się trochę wymuszone. Oprócz tego, że główną bohaterką jest ambitna kobieta, trudno znaleźć więcej podobieństw do bestsellerów Ali. Zabrakło tego samego poziomu skupienia na karierze i szczegółów związanych z pracą naukową.
~ Książkę jednak czyta się szybko i przyjemnie. Pewne momenty mogą być lekko frustrujące, ale poza tym jest to fajny romans na jeden wieczór.
𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚: 𝟑,𝟓/𝟓 ⭐️
~ Przyjaciele zawsze mogą na ciebie liczyć. Bez wahania polecisz na drugi koniec świata i wydasz tysiące dolarów, aby uczestniczyć w najważniejszych wydarzeniach w ich życiu. A ten jeden raz, gdy to ty po latach ciężkiej pracy chcesz z nimi świętować swój sukces zawodowy-nie zjawia się nikt.
🏛️ Tak właśnie wyglądała impreza Bianki z okazji obrony doktoratu. Aby zemścić się na bliskich, zaręcza się dla żartu z kolegą ze studiów, Xavierem i publikuje to na swoich social mediach. Następnego dnia wszyscy znajdują czas i spotykają się, aby świętować ich zaręczyny.
~ Żart, który powstał z zemsty, przeradza się w prawdziwe uczucie. Problem w tym, że za dwa miesiące Xavier wyjeżdża do Grecji…
🏛️ Bianca i Xavier są dla siebie stworzeni! Warto dodać, że znają się już od pięciu lat, a przez ten czas oboje skrycie się w sobie podkochiwali. Może wydawać się, że jest to insta love, ale w rzeczywistości jest to uczucie, które dojrzewało przez lata.
🏛️ Xavier jest głosem rozsądku Bianki i uczy ją jak postawić na siebie i wyznaczać granice wobec bliskich. Jednak brakowało mi szczerych rozmów o uczuciach. Momentami ten brak komunikacji był przytłaczający, przez co ich związek wydawał się pozbawiony prawdziwej głębi, opierając się głównie na wzajemnym pociągu fizycznym.
🏛️ Jak na tak krótką książkę, pojawiło się zbyt wiele postaci drugoplanowych. Te wszystkie przyjaciółki zaczęły mi się mieszać i w pewnym momencie trudno było zapamiętać, kto jest kim. Wszystko działo się trochę szybko, niektóre dialogi sprawiały wrażenie chaotycznych.
🏛️ Wątek pracy Bianki nie został wystarczająco rozwinięty. Książka jest reklamowana jako “dla fanów Ali Hazelwood”, co wydaje się trochę wymuszone. Oprócz tego, że główną bohaterką jest ambitna kobieta, trudno znaleźć więcej podobieństw do bestsellerów Ali. Zabrakło tego samego poziomu skupienia na karierze i szczegółów związanych z pracą naukową.
~ Książkę jednak czyta się szybko i przyjemnie. Pewne momenty mogą być lekko frustrujące, ale poza tym jest to fajny romans na jeden wieczór.
April 22, 2024
Bianca has just received her doctorate and when she arrives at the bar to celebrate with her loved ones, she discovers that no one else attended except her nemesis/friend/classmate Xavier Byrne.
.
With a couple of drinks as advisors, the two embark on a fake relationship to teach a lesson to all their loved ones for whom she always does everything possible to be by their side. Seeing how everyone reacts they decide to continue with the charade.
.
But in this forced proximity, Xavier, who always lived alone, begins to see the opposite side of his life full of family and friends and it is not so difficult for them to continue denying the attraction they feel for each other for so long.
.
I like the dose of “My big fat Greek wedding" and several Nia Vardalos movies where friendship and family play a great role along with Greek heritage. I think it is a book for fans of Indiana Jones and the Mummy with all the background of Xavier's career as a paleontologist
.
I really enjoyed the steamy scenes that always started with a good dialogue, the chemistry was there, and even though it was a strange reason to enter a fake relationship I accepted it, but I struggled a bit to get into the story, at times it felt impersonal, as if they weren't talking about themselves and the third person describing their feelings felt a little off.
.
I felt that there were too many secondary characters, family and friends, and since they did not fully participate in the story, I tried to remember who was who a big part of the chapter when they were. But I'm a big fan of tropes and romance and I know that many people are going to love this story and look forward to books about characters like Chloe and Frankie
.
.
.
Thank to Jennifer Hennessy and Headline for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion
.
.
With a couple of drinks as advisors, the two embark on a fake relationship to teach a lesson to all their loved ones for whom she always does everything possible to be by their side. Seeing how everyone reacts they decide to continue with the charade.
.
But in this forced proximity, Xavier, who always lived alone, begins to see the opposite side of his life full of family and friends and it is not so difficult for them to continue denying the attraction they feel for each other for so long.
.
I like the dose of “My big fat Greek wedding" and several Nia Vardalos movies where friendship and family play a great role along with Greek heritage. I think it is a book for fans of Indiana Jones and the Mummy with all the background of Xavier's career as a paleontologist
.
I really enjoyed the steamy scenes that always started with a good dialogue, the chemistry was there, and even though it was a strange reason to enter a fake relationship I accepted it, but I struggled a bit to get into the story, at times it felt impersonal, as if they weren't talking about themselves and the third person describing their feelings felt a little off.
.
I felt that there were too many secondary characters, family and friends, and since they did not fully participate in the story, I tried to remember who was who a big part of the chapter when they were. But I'm a big fan of tropes and romance and I know that many people are going to love this story and look forward to books about characters like Chloe and Frankie
.
.
.
Thank to Jennifer Hennessy and Headline for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion
.
February 18, 2024
This book was super cute and had concepts that I absolutely love. Give me all the books with academic rivals turned lovers, even if they were fake engaged at first. The mutual pining in this book that lasted YEARS before they got together in an attempt to get back at Bianca's friends and family, while proving what society views as important milestones, was a delight to read. This book pissed me off in all the right ways, especially how Bianca's theory that her friends and family would actually show up for her if she was engaged, rather than making huge strides in her career in getting a PhD. Hennessy does a really good job at showing the painful reality that relationship advancements sometimes take a higher value to society rather than professional ones. Bianca deserves so much more from her friends and family, and it had to take Xavier, her fake fiancé, to put them in their place and make them show up for her. I got upset in all the right ways over this. The romance had some heat to it, but the spice fell a bit flat. I also was a bit confused at what the POV was at times as the writing was not what I am used to in that sense. The rating took a hit on the insta-love because this seemed a bit unbelievable to me at times, and for a third act breakup. I despise third act breakups, especially ones that don't make a whole lot of sense and end up being resolved extremely quickly like this one. Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read, and I plan on throwing this onto a friends TBR because I know she'd enjoy this as well. If you like a fun academia heavy romance read, this might be for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 4, 2024
I’d never heard of this book before it popped up on Netgalley but as soon as I read the description, I had to request it and I’m really glad I did because I had a great time reading and a hard time putting it down.
Bianca and Xavier were so cute together! Their chemistry was great and I loved the way they couldn’t stay away from each other. After knowing each other for so long and having worked together so many times, they knew each other very well and the intimacy that came with that was beautiful! Their banter was really fun as well, and I loved the way they were each other’s biggest supporters and weren’t afraid to call each other on their bullshit (except when it comes to their feelings I guess lol).
I also really enjoyed the message about the importance of celebrating all big events in a person’s life. This whole fake engagement situation stemmed from the fact that none of Bianca’s friends and family showed up to celebrate her getting her PhD; an already upsetting situation was made worse by them all showing up the next day when they heard that she’d gotten engaged. This was obviously heartbreaking for Bianca, who’d spent years bending her back backwards to celebrate all of her friends; later on in the book, Bianca and Xavier have a really interesting conversation about this, about the difference between an accomplishment and a milestone and I think this could be the topic of such a great discussion.
Overall, this was a great book and a solid adult romance debut from Jennifer Hennessy. I’ll keep an eye out for her next book.
4.5/5 Stars
Thank you to Headline Eternal for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review💙
Bianca and Xavier were so cute together! Their chemistry was great and I loved the way they couldn’t stay away from each other. After knowing each other for so long and having worked together so many times, they knew each other very well and the intimacy that came with that was beautiful! Their banter was really fun as well, and I loved the way they were each other’s biggest supporters and weren’t afraid to call each other on their bullshit (except when it comes to their feelings I guess lol).
I also really enjoyed the message about the importance of celebrating all big events in a person’s life. This whole fake engagement situation stemmed from the fact that none of Bianca’s friends and family showed up to celebrate her getting her PhD; an already upsetting situation was made worse by them all showing up the next day when they heard that she’d gotten engaged. This was obviously heartbreaking for Bianca, who’d spent years bending her back backwards to celebrate all of her friends; later on in the book, Bianca and Xavier have a really interesting conversation about this, about the difference between an accomplishment and a milestone and I think this could be the topic of such a great discussion.
Overall, this was a great book and a solid adult romance debut from Jennifer Hennessy. I’ll keep an eye out for her next book.
4.5/5 Stars
Thank you to Headline Eternal for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review💙
July 17, 2024
A Delightful Tale of Love, Revenge, and Self-Discovery
Bianca Dimitriou's story is a refreshing and heartwarming exploration of love, friendship, and personal validation. Here's why this book deserves four stars:
Engaging Plot with a Unique Twist
Bianca, a brilliant PhD candidate, stages a fake engagement with her classmate Xavier Byrne after her friends and family fail to celebrate her achievement. This ingenious and relatable plot is filled with unexpected twists that kept me hooked.
Complex and Relatable Characters
Bianca's anger, sadness, and vulnerability are portrayed with authenticity, making her a relatable protagonist. Xavier's brooding demeanor and hidden depths perfectly complement her, and their evolving relationship from a ruse to something real is both satisfying and heartwarming.
Realistic Depiction of Emotions
The book delves into the intricacies of human relationships, showcasing the highs and lows of friendship and love. The reactions of Bianca's loved ones to her fake engagement are both illuminating and thought-provoking.
A Bit Too Much Angst
While the story is engaging, the level of angst felt overwhelming at times. Bianca's constant emotional turmoil could have been toned down slightly to maintain a better balance.
Bianca Dimitriou's story is a delightful and thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt undervalued. The blend of humor, emotion, and romance makes it a standout novel, despite the high level of angst. I highly recommend it for a heartfelt and engaging read. Four stars well deserved!
August 17, 2024
3.5
Bianca has just got her PhD and wants to celebrate, but her friends are nowhere to seen even though she is always there for them. The only person who comes to the party is fellow classmate Xavier. They agree to a fake engagement to get back at her friends, thinking it’ll be a one night thing but it turns into much more than that.
Elements of this are really fun. Xavier worships B and we love to see it. We get to know both their backgrounds which I enjoyed. I am probably giving a whole star for B’s accurate curly hair representation to be honest, my goodness I felt seen for how complicated curly hair is haha.
I think at times it was a little repetitive, and they changed their minds so quickly from scene to scene I felt on a rollercoaster. The lack of just talking to each other at the end was frustrating, I felt we could have had a chapter less and skipped the third act breakup given it is resolved quickly anyway. There is no fall out from B having lied to her friends and basically massively insulting them, despite the fact I don’t think her friends were really made out to be as bad as she thought they were anyway. The sex scenes felt a little rushed at times, and a little too perfect for people who hadn’t slept with anyone else for 5 years but were still fun. I also feel we lacked the build up to getting to the engagement - their history together is reflected on but I’d have liked to live it with them through the pages to really believe in these too, and this could have replaced the repetitive / see saw elements.
Bianca has just got her PhD and wants to celebrate, but her friends are nowhere to seen even though she is always there for them. The only person who comes to the party is fellow classmate Xavier. They agree to a fake engagement to get back at her friends, thinking it’ll be a one night thing but it turns into much more than that.
Elements of this are really fun. Xavier worships B and we love to see it. We get to know both their backgrounds which I enjoyed. I am probably giving a whole star for B’s accurate curly hair representation to be honest, my goodness I felt seen for how complicated curly hair is haha.
I think at times it was a little repetitive, and they changed their minds so quickly from scene to scene I felt on a rollercoaster. The lack of just talking to each other at the end was frustrating, I felt we could have had a chapter less and skipped the third act breakup given it is resolved quickly anyway. There is no fall out from B having lied to her friends and basically massively insulting them, despite the fact I don’t think her friends were really made out to be as bad as she thought they were anyway. The sex scenes felt a little rushed at times, and a little too perfect for people who hadn’t slept with anyone else for 5 years but were still fun. I also feel we lacked the build up to getting to the engagement - their history together is reflected on but I’d have liked to live it with them through the pages to really believe in these too, and this could have replaced the repetitive / see saw elements.
March 23, 2024
I am currently knee-deep in academic trenches, working on my master's thesis which is currently killing me. And during this time, I stumbled upon Degrees of Engagement purely by chance when I was on Netgalley. From the blurb itself, this would be a book that would be the perfect, kind of escapist romance as I start to draft my thesis. For the most part, it was. I definitely related to Bianca and her reaction when no one in her circle showed up after she completed her PhD. Even more so, when you learn that she showed up for everyone. I thought that would make me love this book all the more.
However, it was the writing style that put me off. Like there was nothing wrong with it and it was really beautiful at some points too, but it felt strangely stilted and it lacked a certain degree of emotions you have in romance books. Not that it didn't make me feel things, it just felt short of my expectations. Plus things seemed to progress far more quickly than it can be believable, which is why it was quite hard to believe in the chemistry between Xavier and Bianca. All though, I will say that towards the end, the chemistry started to shine. But by then, I had already, kind of, lost interest and was basically just skimming through the book.
All in all, Degrees of Engagement is not a bad book, it's just not a book for me.
Thank you Headline Eternal for providing me with an e-ARC!
However, it was the writing style that put me off. Like there was nothing wrong with it and it was really beautiful at some points too, but it felt strangely stilted and it lacked a certain degree of emotions you have in romance books. Not that it didn't make me feel things, it just felt short of my expectations. Plus things seemed to progress far more quickly than it can be believable, which is why it was quite hard to believe in the chemistry between Xavier and Bianca. All though, I will say that towards the end, the chemistry started to shine. But by then, I had already, kind of, lost interest and was basically just skimming through the book.
All in all, Degrees of Engagement is not a bad book, it's just not a book for me.
Thank you Headline Eternal for providing me with an e-ARC!
April 19, 2024
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and publishers for providing me a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
When I first requested this book I wanted it because it had my favourite tropes - academic rivals, archaeology, and fake dating. Little did I know that I would end up with a book that I would reread again and again and again. However, I must digress.
When it comes to the scientific of it - the way the book is written - I really couldn't have asked for me. It was clear the author had done their research and had thought deeply about the representation of the characters in the book. There was no irritating repetitiveness, nothing was said that had me cringing or putting the book down. Instead, the representation was well articulated, well thought out and so realistic I felt like I was being seen within a book. Not only were the characters relatable but they were also lovable, the kind that you are rooting for at every moment. I loved Bianca, her personality, her brains, her cat. Xavier was the ideal book boyfriend. Kind, respectful with just the right amount of flirty to be swoon-worthy.
The story itself was fabulous. Too often you find a fake dating romance that doesn't deliver. Degrees of Engagement was the opposite. Not only did the author deliver, she delivered above and beyond what I was expecting. The discussions about priorities, the thoughts on marriage, the chemistry between the characters - all of it combined made for a swoon-worthy, steamy romance that I would read on repeat for the rest of my life.
Easiest 5 stars ever.
When I first requested this book I wanted it because it had my favourite tropes - academic rivals, archaeology, and fake dating. Little did I know that I would end up with a book that I would reread again and again and again. However, I must digress.
When it comes to the scientific of it - the way the book is written - I really couldn't have asked for me. It was clear the author had done their research and had thought deeply about the representation of the characters in the book. There was no irritating repetitiveness, nothing was said that had me cringing or putting the book down. Instead, the representation was well articulated, well thought out and so realistic I felt like I was being seen within a book. Not only were the characters relatable but they were also lovable, the kind that you are rooting for at every moment. I loved Bianca, her personality, her brains, her cat. Xavier was the ideal book boyfriend. Kind, respectful with just the right amount of flirty to be swoon-worthy.
The story itself was fabulous. Too often you find a fake dating romance that doesn't deliver. Degrees of Engagement was the opposite. Not only did the author deliver, she delivered above and beyond what I was expecting. The discussions about priorities, the thoughts on marriage, the chemistry between the characters - all of it combined made for a swoon-worthy, steamy romance that I would read on repeat for the rest of my life.
Easiest 5 stars ever.
April 22, 2024
Degrees of Engagement
By Jennifer Hennessy
4/5 ⭐
🎓Bianca is a loyal friend and a loving sister and daughter. But when she completes her PhD, none of her friends or family show up to her celebratory party, except her supervisor/mentor and Xander, an academic rival she often avoids. After too much to drink, they fake an engagement to prove a point to her family and friends that they don't care about her academic and career accomplishments. It was supposed to be a prank; temporary before Xander moves to Greece for work. But tensions rise and feelings bloom.
🎓 This book has all my favourite tropes - fake engagement, close proximity and academic rivals. It also has lovable characters, green flagged MMC and sizzling chemistry! Bianca is someone we all can relate to and Xander is one of those men that come across as simply perfect! I really enjoy the narrative that is pushed in the book — that we don't need to all care about marriage and kids and that settling down can be finding your dream job and landing your dream career.
🎓 I just wish we got a better prologue that explains more of their history, because it felt more insta-love than necessary. The pretense of the story could have been stronger and made to feel more realistic as well, considering the mention of the academic rivalry trope.
By Jennifer Hennessy
4/5 ⭐
🎓Bianca is a loyal friend and a loving sister and daughter. But when she completes her PhD, none of her friends or family show up to her celebratory party, except her supervisor/mentor and Xander, an academic rival she often avoids. After too much to drink, they fake an engagement to prove a point to her family and friends that they don't care about her academic and career accomplishments. It was supposed to be a prank; temporary before Xander moves to Greece for work. But tensions rise and feelings bloom.
🎓 This book has all my favourite tropes - fake engagement, close proximity and academic rivals. It also has lovable characters, green flagged MMC and sizzling chemistry! Bianca is someone we all can relate to and Xander is one of those men that come across as simply perfect! I really enjoy the narrative that is pushed in the book — that we don't need to all care about marriage and kids and that settling down can be finding your dream job and landing your dream career.
🎓 I just wish we got a better prologue that explains more of their history, because it felt more insta-love than necessary. The pretense of the story could have been stronger and made to feel more realistic as well, considering the mention of the academic rivalry trope.
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