Summary
Date Me Like You Mean It
by R.S. Grey
I’m good at hiding my feelings.
Having to pretend I’m not in love with my best friend?
Pfft. That’s child’s play.
Here’s how I do it: I avert my eyes when he walks out of his room, shirtless in all his toned glory. I squash the butterflies that fill my stomach every time he slowly unfurls a dimpled smile. And, most importantly, I keep an arsenal of “personal massagers” in my bedside drawer. Wink.
Not to brag, but Aiden Smith isn’t hard to resist if you’ve been doing it for as long as I have. In fact, we might have continued as best friends forever if not for the fact that I needed him to play the part of my fake boyfriend.
Date me like you mean it, I told him. Nudge nudge. C’mon, just go along with a little lie, help a girl out, and then we can all return to life as we know it.
Except he veered from the plan.
He crossed the line.
Flirting with me when no one else was around? Pinning me down and kissing me like that? Okay, how exactly is taking off my bra part of the ruse, Aiden?!
I’d ask him about it if I could, but well…things got ugly and we’re not best friends anymore.
In fact, we’re the exact opposite.
Now, I have to play nice even though I want to crush his heart in the palm of my hand.
Pretending not to love Aiden was the easy part.
Pretending not to hate him?
Well…I might need a little more practice.
.
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Martial Peak Reviews
R.S. Grey's Date Me Like You Mean It is a delightful foray into the world of romantic comedy, offering readers a story that is both heartwarming and hilariously awkward. The novel centers around the classic trope of friends-to-lovers, but with a twist that keeps the narrative fresh and engaging. The journey of the protagonist, who is secretly in love with her best friend, Aiden Smith, is both relatable and entertaining, making it a compelling read for fans of contemporary romance.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its character development. The protagonist, whose internal monologue is both witty and endearing, is a well-rounded character who captures the essence of someone caught in the throes of unrequited love. Her ability to mask her feelings while navigating the complexities of friendship is portrayed with a deft touch. The humor she employs to cope with her situation is not only amusing but also adds depth to her character, making her someone readers can easily root for.
Aiden Smith, the object of her affections, is equally well-crafted. He is not just a one-dimensional love interest but a character with his own set of complexities and vulnerabilities. His interactions with the protagonist are charged with chemistry, and their banter is both playful and poignant. The evolution of their relationship from friends to something more is handled with a subtlety that makes the eventual shift feel organic and believable.
The theme of unrequited love is explored with a refreshing honesty in this novel. The protagonist's struggle to maintain her friendship with Aiden while harboring deeper feelings is depicted with a realism that many readers will find relatable. The internal conflict she experiences is palpable, and R.S. Grey does an excellent job of capturing the emotional turmoil that comes with loving someone who may not feel the same way.
Another significant theme in the book is the idea of self-discovery. As the protagonist navigates her feelings for Aiden, she also embarks on a journey of self-awareness. This journey is not just about her romantic feelings but also about understanding her own needs and desires. The narrative beautifully illustrates how love can be a catalyst for personal growth, pushing individuals to confront their fears and insecurities.
The plot, while centered around a familiar trope, is executed with a flair that sets it apart from other similar stories. The use of a fake relationship as a plot device is a clever twist that adds an element of unpredictability to the story. It serves as a catalyst for the characters to confront their true feelings, leading to moments of both comedic and emotional intensity. The tension between the protagonist and Aiden as they navigate their faux relationship is palpable, and the stakes feel real, making the reader invested in their journey.
R.S. Grey's writing style is another highlight of the book. Her prose is crisp and engaging, with a perfect balance of humor and emotion. The dialogue is sharp and witty, capturing the essence of the characters and their relationships. The pacing of the story is well-maintained, with each chapter building on the last to create a satisfying narrative arc.
In comparison to other works in the genre, such as Sally Thorne's The Hating Game or Christina Lauren's Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating, Date Me Like You Mean It holds its own with its unique blend of humor and heart. While it shares similarities with these novels in terms of its exploration of romantic relationships, it distinguishes itself with its focus on the intricacies of friendship and the blurred lines that often accompany it.
Overall, Date Me Like You Mean It is a charming and engaging read that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies. Its well-developed characters, relatable themes, and witty writing make it a standout in the genre. R.S. Grey has crafted a story that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, offering readers a fresh take on the age-old tale of friends becoming lovers. Whether you're a long-time fan of R.S. Grey or new to her work, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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