This was good and bad. First, it seemed like a lot of the editing on this book was tighter. I'm also tired, and not heavily sensitive to some of that, but I thought I'd note it in case that gives you pause.

Unfortunately, there was some major drag on this book. . The story was of the compartmentalized Hollywood agent and brother's best friend, Julian, and flight attendant who is figuring her life out little sister of Carter, Ashley. In the beginning, these characters focus on wanting to be intimate, rather than building intimacy. I wasn't getting a sense of the characters or a budding relationship. The type of tension built was just from all this 'I want' from the character's POV...nothing to it really. Things begin to shift ever so slightly and really hit stride way too late. I'd estimate 85% by the time I felt the conflict was true, legitimate conflict. This left so little time for growth of the characters. I think parts of it were set up well, but until the last 15% the developments and motivations for the characters felt not even secondary (that'd be Carter & the challenges of a relationship between best friend/little sister) but tertiary. And frankly, it's pretty hard to pull off.

Because I thought I recognized some more polish in this book, and her characters from the first book, I will continue with her. I have a feeling this author will pull off a gem. For me though, this wasn't it. 2.75 ( )

Pretending He's Mine is a handful of sunshine on a cloudy day. Mia Sosa never loses her sense of humor as she opens her heart to readers. To be open to love, one has to be willing to risk the consequences. Julian and Ashley had a bit of wreckage to work through, but watching them muddle through was the fun part. Ashley's looking to find herself. Julian's trying to keep his sanity. A relationship of convenience is the answer to both their prayers, unless their hearts end up being collateral damage. Ms. Sosa will help find your smile, even as she confiscates your heart.

Copyright of Night Owl Reviews ( )

This is my first Mia Sosa book and it won’t be my last. I’ll preface this by saying I bought the first book as soon as I finished this one and I’m excited to read the sequel.

I found the story itself really engaging and enjoyable. We follow Ashley and Julian in the age old trope (that is oh so good) around the older siblings Best Friend. Years of pent up sexual tension come bubbling to a head as Ashley crashes at Julians house AND they have a pretend relationship. I was sold on the premise almost immediately.

Pretending He’s Mine is well written but lacks in some of the things I generally look for in romance. There is to much in the other characters heads for my taste. We read a lot about both Julian and Ashley fantasizing about each other instead of seeing them take action. Much less the fact it took a long time for them to really act anything out.

The positives of this book are more than the negatives though. I loved how the family dynamics were handled and how much growth we saw with the characters. They had relatively healthy family relationships and the drama of the entire book was pretty minor. I liked that it felt more real and not as unrealistic issues we often read about in contemporaries. Also the conflict and resolution happened pretty quickly. I did have my yelling at the book moment when Ashley and Julian hit their main conflict, but we got to see them fix their problems like adults.

Overall I enjoyed my time with these characters and left interested enough to buy the first book and want to read book 3. This really is the epitome of a solid 3 star read for me. I liked it but that’s about it. Perfect palette cleanser too after a heavy read!

*Book was received as an ARC for review purposes. ( )

Like the book before it ( Acting on Impulse ), Pretending He's Mine had a beginning that draws you right in to the story as Ashley pulls off a Meg-Ryan-in-the-deli performance for the ages. Poor Julian doesn't have a chance!

I really liked Ash and Julin together, though at times it felt like there were a few too many threads going in too many directions--brother's best friend, fake relationship, job dissatisfaction times two, and family drama--there's a lot going on. Julian's tendency to run hot and cold was pretty frustrating--he's lucky Ashley's got more patience than I do, that's for sure. The solutions to resolving their job problems seemed the easiest and most obvious to fix, yet took the longest and we really didn't even see them come to the realization of what they should do, which was a little disappointing. Still, there's a solid ending, plenty of Tori and Carter page time, and a decent set up for Eva's book which helped to keep me satisfied. It can't come out soon enough, IMHO!

Pretending He's Mine could be read as a standalone, though you'll definitely appreciate what happens here with Tori and Carter if you've already read their book.

(Side note and minor complaint--this is the second book I've read recently with a POC hero where the cover most definitely doesn't reflect it. Facial scruff and a tan just don't cut it, people; WTH? It doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the story, but it is getting annoying...)

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. ( )