The Sweetheart Hoax by Christy Hayes
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 169 (eReader)
Source: Author (in exchange for an honest review)
Author's Website | Blog | Twitter
Buy it: Kindle | B&N
Description:
When urban architect, Phil Williams, must bring a woman home to quell rumors he's gay, his only choice is the one woman least likely to impress: his dowdy receptionist. Margot Manning has been secretly in love with Phil for years. She's just quit her job and is ready to begin her life anew as a nurse. Phil's outrageous offer is one she can't refuse. As Margot readies to accompany Phil to his hometown, she steels herself for heartbreak. After Margot's makeover and a weekend spent attached at the hip, Phil admits he misjudged his former employee. He's ready to pursue her in earnest, if only her scandalous past didn't stand in their way.
My Rating:
My Review: When Christy Hayes asked me to review The Sweetheart Hoax I was oh so excited. I had already read Heart of Glass and I was so excited to read this one. It did not disappoint. We met Phil in Heart of Glass; he's Danny's partner in their architect business. Phil likes to having a dashing woman on his arm at all times, but he's still looking for that special someone to share his life. He think's he'll find that someone by dating models and the like but we know better. Margot is a hardworking receptionist that has been simultaneously pursuing her dreams. It is no easy task for her because things have not been handed to her on a platter. Margot has secretly had a crush on Phil for years, but he has never quite noticed her...until she quits her job.
I read The Sweetheard Hoax during Dewey's Readathon because I purposefully saved it. I knew it would be a winner and it was. I love how Christy Hayes can take a premise that we've heard before and make the characters wonderful and their story engrossing. I think she also has a talent of connecting with the reader. I found myself laughing out loud at the characters because I understood them, and not just because of their sense of humor. Everything felt real, like it could happen in real life. I don't think a premise has to be unique in romance but it has to stand out for a reason or other. Here, Phil really is clueless and I love him for that. I like that Margot's story isn't wrapped up perfectly in a bow but we still get the things we love to read about--the romance. I think this one was shorter than I would have liked but it wasn't underdeveloped so it was fine. I just wanted more. We do get to see snippets of Kate and Danny's life but this one really is all about Phil and Margot.
I had read a review where the reader said that she would have loved it but for the homophobia. I actually don't think there is any homophobia here at all. It is pretty clear from the description that Phil does not want his friends and family back home to think he is gay when he is not. I think that would be expected from any straight man but if that bothers you, this might not be the read for you.
Overall, we meet another loveable couple in their attempts to find the right person for them. The premise isn't unique but the story is well-done. Read this if you need a cute engrossing story that will make you smile.
