A very quick romance with some really well done relationships.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

So excited for this new series from Gillian! Sophia is a struggling screenwriter who moonlights as a barista and dog walker and seems to be starting to feel like she will never make her dreams a reality. While walking her latest dog assignment, the dog runs off and tackles someone, and while completely mortified, she gets even more embarrassed when the guy asks her why she’s trying to take his dog, and realizes he is none other than famous actor Roman (who is also one of her biggest crushes). Returning home early from his shoot due to the death of his sister-in-law, and with the press down his brother’s back, he concocts a plan to redirect the press to a different story – his fake relationship with Sophia. At first extremely hesitant, Sophia decides to take Roman up on his offer, but she has no idea what she’s in store for and that becomes apparent when she is essentially exiled to Roman’s place since everywhere else is swarmed with reporters. As the pair get to know each other, their agreement turns into more when they get to know each other outside the presumptions and fake news, but when Roman’s plans come to light, will it risk him losing Sophia forever? This was such a cute read, and I can’t wait to get the other brothers’ books, especially after getting a little bit of background on each of them!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I have recently been on a romance binge and I been trying to broaden my romance collection a bit if that makes sense, I also am a self proclaimed fan girl for multiple celebs so felt why not pick up a book with a famous person trope.

This books followed Rome (the celeb) and Sophia (the normie). Romes brother is having a rough time with the media and paparazzi so Rome and his assistant come up with a plan to distract the media by Rome having a romance, which is where Sophia comes in. Sophia is poor girl struggling to pay bills, working cafe jobs while chasing her dreams of being a screenwriter. She picks up an extra job of dog walking which turns out to be Rome's dog.

I was a bit sad at how fast Sophia and Rome met in the book and how fast the romance happened and progressed. I wished it maybe was more like a slow build to him falling for her instead of him fighting his urge to want to be with her straight away pretty much.

Although there was some family history into both of the characters, there wasn't as much as I would have liked and I ended the book feeling like I didn't really know a lot about either of them. I wasn't very invested in either of them. Nothing really stood out as being terrible but on the other hand nothing stood out as being great either.

One thing I found was weird was how it kept coming up that she was using him and why was she with him for when he was clearly seen as a good looking sought after guy and she was a young pretty girl. I just didn't really understand why there had to be some reason to why she was with other than they were attracted to each other and liked one another.

I see that this is the first in a series. I am unsure if I will carry on in the series. It was a quick easy read but nothing special and something that will probably fade my memory in a couple of months.

I enjoy Gillian Archer's books. I know I am going to get a story that I enjoy and it's going to have characters whom I not only like, but also feel like read people.

Rome is a Hollywood celebrity and Sophia is a barista, a dogwalker, and not a Hollywood celebrity...which is sort of the point. The paparazzi catch them together, and in order to deflect some of the news off of his brother, Rome decides that fake dating Sophia is the best way to go.

Is the book a little predictable? Yes, yes it is. But, all romance is in a way as we all know how the book is going to end. But, what is fun about this one is the journey in getting there. I believed in their story, and their romance, and the actions of the people around them. I did think the fake dating plan seemed a little silly, but what I did believe was the reason for doing it, and that the characters thought it was a good idea.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

My oh my! What’s not to love about this book? This was such a quick read for me, I couldn’t put it down! I loved the main trope of fake dating with a famous love interest. Getting the dual pov between Sophia and Roman was nice to see what was they were thinking. I loved that Sophia kept going for her dreams regardless of what happened with her love life.

“It was the reason I couldn’t help falling for Rome.”

Authors Blurb: Hollywood’s hottest actor is off the market! Who’s the mystery woman that caught his eye…and his heart?

Rome: My brother’s whole world imploded this week, and the media coverage is relentless. My assistant has come up with the perfect plan to take the attention off him and put it on me. Who doesn’t love a love story? Now let’s see if what’s-her-name wants to make some money and industry connections. It’s a win-win.

Sophia: The whole world knows who the Grier brothers are. The sexy Hollywood actors are on every woman’s wish list—and if I’m honest, mine too. But then I met Roman Grier and totally embarrassed myself. At least I’ll never see him again.

Only now he’s pursuing me. Well, kinda. He is promising me the world. Literally. I’ve always wanted to be a screenwriter, and he’s got the connections to get me through the door—if I pretend to date him and lie to everyone. It’s only a few months, and it’s not like I’m going to fall for Roman Grier for real…

This was my first book of Gillian Archer’s and it certainly won’t be the last!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. Falling for Rome is available on February 10th!

Trope: Fake dating

It was a good book. I wished there was more depth into the main character's background story, Roman Grier. As for the heroine, the author did well with Sophia's background story.

For the full review, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4520909285?book_show_action=false

Not gonna lie this was so close to being a 5 star.
1.Love that there was no miscommunication trope cause that’s ass.
2.Rome was adorable in every way possible and we love a bad bitch with her own ambitions.
3. I’m a hoe for the one of us is famous trope
4. Mutual pining? Absolutely
So excited to read whatever else this author has to offer

3.5 stars!

This book had me at the fake-dating trope. I'm such a sucker for romances in books, and indeed this did not disappoint.

Sophia Scott, an aspiring screenwriter, crossed paths with Hollywood's hottest actor Roman Grier as she discovered that he was the dog owner of the dog she was dogsitting. Aka, she met eyes with the man who was the leading man in Sophia's screenplays. On the other hand, Rome's brother, Kingston, was being bombarded by the paparazzi as he was grieving the death of his wife. Rome came up with a plan in the hopes of redirecting the attention of the paparazzi away from his grieving brother by proposing a deal with Sophia where she agrees to pretend to date him in exchange for him introducing her to key people through his connections to help take off her career as a screenwriter.

As the plan carried on, they started to spend so much time with each other. However, when the fake dates become blurry, they realize they are falling for each other, for real. Well, let us just say that we are all in for a hell of a ride.

This book was exquisitely written, the two first-person POV was refreshing! The plot was remarkable, and I am glad to be able to witness Rome and Sophia's story. I would say that Rome did piss me off at times with his cocky-arrogant-manipulative attitude nevertheless, I felt his sincerity in his intentions. On the other hand, Sophia is the sweetest person ever. She may come upon as quiet and shy, but her empathy and compassion are what the Hollywood actor needed. Sophia's personality is authentic and genuine, which literally makes her the perfect match for Rome. This book was such an adorable and delightful read.

Release date: February 10, 2022

Huge thanks to XPresso Book Tours and the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

This was cute. I wavered between 3 and 4 stars. I liked Sophia and Rome's characters, both of which felt fairly believable. Their meet-cute was adorable. I enjoyed the dog (Pongo), too, the inclusion of which felt organic and wasn't overly relied on as a crutch between the main characters. Everything was moving along nicely until all the sudden Rome went from using Sophia as a distraction from his brother's mess to being absolutely head over heels for her. I sort of missed that transition in the story, and honestly I thought they slept together way too fast (although this might be an unintended side effect of reading a whole bunch of slow burn romance in the near past). There were also several loose ends that could have been tied a little tighter - who leaked the information from the set? We never found out. Molly, the bff, felt sort of unfinished, as well. What about the jaybird drama? Resolution with Phoenix? Maybe this is fodder for the next book, which I am *assuming* is based on (this is an educated guess) Kingston and the nanny.

I did like the way that the toxicity of fame and the dichotomy between public persona and real-life person were portrayed. It seems like Rome is lucky to find a person who sees his real-life personality before his public persona solidifies into a full-on, full-time "Hollywood douche" as he says. I liked the story; as I said, it was super cute. It is definitely a fantasy-world romance, as with most stories involving movie stars/rockstars/pro football QBs falling for your average jane, but a girl can dream, right? I would try more by Ms. Archer, especially book #2 of this series.

Falling for Rome
By: Gillian Archer

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Anything he wouldn’t do? But for who!

Oh my oh my! This book has so much to unpack I’m not sure were to start. Two brother who are Hollywood heartthrobs, an adorable baby and the sweet girl who got caught in the middle.

Is Roman the nice guy Sophia always believed he was are is he selfish when it comes to her safety. Is his heart in the right place? Time will tell.

The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: Rome: My brother’s whole world imploded this week, and the media coverage is relentless. My assistant has come up with the perfect plan to take the attention off him and put it on me. Who doesn’t love a love story? Now let’s see if what’s-her-name wants to make some money and industry connections. It’s a win-win.
Sophia: The whole world knows who the Grier brothers are. The sexy Hollywood actors are on every woman’s wish list—and if I’m honest, mine too. But then I met Roman Grier and totally embarrassed myself. At least I’ll never see him again.

Only now he’s pursuing me. Well, kinda. He is promising me the world. Literally. I’ve always wanted to be a screenwriter, and he’s got the connections to get me through the door if I pretend to date him and lie to everyone. It’s only a few months, and it’s not like I’m going to fall for Roman Grier for real…

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

fast paced with some smexy times and a few twists. it's a quick read that keeps you entertained for awhile

Rome Grier is a hotshot holiday actor trying to help his actor brother deal with the crazy media coverage going on during a tough family time, but how can he get the “vultures “ to leave his brother alone, why by diverting attention to himself, of course. Sophia is a writer/barista/dog walker trying to make a go of her dream when she unintentionally falls into the hottest man around, Rome. Soon all the talk around town is about Rome and his mystery new woman, so Rome strikes a deal with Sophia, he’ll help her if she helps him, and Sophia reluctantly agrees, but no one could have prepared her for the onslaught of being in the public eye, which soon becomes more than she can bear. While helping her deal Rome soon starts to fall for Sophia, for real, but secrets and family dramas are working against them. How can America’s hottest actor fall for an average woman, and how can one relationship handle the intense spotlight? Rome initially seems a bit like a jerk, but his love for his family is strong and redeems him, although some personal choices he makes make you want to shake him, and Sophie seems like your average dreamer. There is a lot of heat, mixed with some sweetness in their story that makes you want to root for them and overall is a nice quick read. I am anxious to see if the other Grier boys get their own story too. 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc copy of this book. All thoughts an opinions are my own.

My first book by Gillian Archer and intrigued me to react the next book in the series when it comes. It was a quick read with a good storyline, but felt like it was a bit rushed. I quickly fell for the Roman and wanted to see how his relationship with Sophia would play out and workout their obstacles. I think we could’ve gotten a bit more from them throughout the story. It felt a bit rushed but I also liked how Sophia was blunt with Rome. A good quick read that will get you in your feels.

Sofia Scott never expected her life to completely take a turn for the suddenly famous when she suddenly becomes the girlfriend of America, by dating the country's most eligible bachelors. She is thrown into the world of Hollywood, complete with invading paparazzi, family drama, and secrets. Roman Grier is the perfect boyfriend in every movie, but now he is tasked with keeping his dream girl but he just can't seem to get it right. But what if none of it was real, what if it was all an act, an image carefully molded by his managers? Who is Sophia Scott, and what does she get of this deal? And better yet what will Roman Grier do in order to prove everybody wrong, to show it wasn't a façade, how far will he go to win her affections.

This was the first arc I had ever received and I was so excited, and from the day I received it to today I have not stop talking about it. I’m so obsessed with this entire universe and storyline, and cannot wait for the rest of the series. By no means, is this the best book I have ever read it is full of overused tropes, and if you're looking for a story with a heavy plot in the background, I would not recommend this book to you. However if you love Hollywood-fake-dating romantic comedies, then will absolutely love this book. One of my favorite things about this book, is that it is a fast burn, which many people may hate but in my opinion it really added to the depth of Roman and Sophia as a couple. With the fake-dating-trope, we often do not get to see the outcome and consequences of transitioning from a fake relationship to a real one. You really get to see what goes wrong when you lie to most of the people around to, and how that can affect your life, and relationships. This book really went into the whole perspective of celebrity privacy within Hollywood, and how so many celebrities cultivate a public image for themselves, which isn’t at all who they are. The only negative thing I could really say about ‘Falling For Rome,’ is that it lacks depth in terms of plot and character development, but i’m very excited to read both King, and Nix’s story and think that both have large potential to have very strong character development. I have incredibly high hopes for the rest of this series and i’m very excited to jump back into this universe with the following books in the series.

5 songs that remind me of Rome and Sophia
1). Pink and White by Frank Ocean
2). Pierre by Ryn Weaver
3). Potential Breakup Song by Aly & AJ
4). A Sunday Kind of Love by Etta Jones
5). Put Your Head On My Shoulder by Paul Anka

This book is good. It’s a solid 3.5 star book with classic tropes, good writing, and a decent plot. We have fake dating, a famous love interest, an ambitious heroine, a toxic brother (who will hopefully get a redemption arc), and sets you up for a few more stories in the same world. It’s a solid read. It’s not exceptional and it didn’t blow my mind, but it’s a solid read with a solid plot and good characters.

Here’s what I liked:

-The book tropes were everything I typically love, and they were done well.
-The set up for future novels was good. WE know the other two brothers will get books, just by reading this book.
-It discussed the difficult parts of fame, especially when you don’t want to be famous, which I liked.
-There wasn't a discussion of too many topics: we got the toxicity of social media, paparazzi, drugs, dealing with fame, but that’s it. I like that the author didn’t try to tackle too much in one book.

Here what I didn’t like:
-I love a good insta-love plot, but the characters get together really quickly, even for my taste.
-The ending seemed rushed - all of the sudden things were wrapping up with the younger brother, the relationship, she forgave him, etc. It just all happens very quickly.

Overall though, a solid read.

While scrolling through NetGalley I saw the cover of this book, and it intrigued me. I read the synopsis and I am a sucker for a fake dating trope especially when actors are involved so I had to request it! As soon as I got approved I downloaded it and had to force myself to put it down last night cause if I didn’t I would have stayed up all night to finish it….on a “school night” no less.

What I loved:
- Pongo, I LOVE when pets are involved in a story and can’t help but notice the 101 Dalmatians reference
- Goonies references, this is one of my favorite movies and it was such a fun surprise to see it play a part in the story overall
- Rome, he jut sounds AMAZING even when he makes some dumb decisions
- Sophia and Rome together, there is just a lot of fun stuff there
- Family, Rome’s family plays a big part in this and it adds to him as a character

If you are a fan of the fake dating trope and like to read stories about opposites attracting and fun movie references this is the story for you. I know there are more books in the series to come and I can’t wait to get my hands on those!!!

I also plan to post my review on my instagram page the Friday before the publish date (www.instagram.com/readingwiththecatlady)

This is the first book I have read by Gillian Archer and it was exceptionally good. I loved Roman and Sophie's love story! Roman will do anything to try and protect his brother and niece from the paparazzi and he ropes Sophie into pretending to be his girlfriend to deflect the paps from King. I did really love the interactions between Sophie and Roman. I really liked that Ms. Archer didn't let Rome get away with his manipulations. Sophie was the best thing that ever happened to him, so he really needed to step up and be the man she deserved.

5 Stars-enjoyed every page.

A wonderful romantic romp! Hunky movie star and local barista - my kind of romance!! Right from the start this book has all the best feels. Add in the cute dog and well …perfection! I hope the other Grier brothers will get their stories soon! Make sure to add this to your tbr list!

Even famous men are able to mess everything up by being dumb, and Rome is no exception! He and Sophia start as fake, maybe, and progress to real, possibly. But when it all hits the fan due to vindictiveness by someone who should be better, what’s real and what’s fake? Sophia isn’t sure, but it doesn’t feel like she’s on this ride with Rome. Instead, it sort of feels like she’s the vehicle by which good publicity is made. But is she?

The progression between Sophia and Rome to love was fantastic and felt real, even if it may have been fake. But that’s the glory of Hollywood, I guess. No one had a clue where fake ended and real began. Or if fake was ever really even a thing. Rome sure didn’t feel like anything was fake, but it would seem that his ability to share wasn’t always the best. And Sophia knew that she felt the realism, but she doubted so much about their whole relationship that she couldn’t trust anything for a bit.

Luckily, these two figure it out and make it all right. And there is a spectacular grovel when Rome does what so many men do: puts his foot and half a leg in it. But he’s determined and oh so willing to sacrifice himself on the altar of loving Sophia that I couldn’t be too angry. I could just hope for it all to shake out right in the end. It definitely did and now I can’t wait for more. Maybe Kingston is next? I sort of hope so because Nix is still on my bad list and deserves to be for a bit longer.

It happened again. I got an ARC and added an author to my literary family. I loved Falling for Rome so much that I searched Gillian Archer and added a bunch of her books to my TBR. Do yourself a favor and check her out!

What I liked about this book:
1. The writing was fantastic. It had heart, drama, and swoon. I found literally only one spelling/grammar error. The pace and style of writing was easy to just keep churning through pages. Seriously, it was *chef's kiss*

2. Sophia may just be the sweetest character I have ever read. She has so much heart and humility, even after she goes through so much chaos. This is definitely the type of woman I can buy a Hollywood Heartthrob falling in love with because she's just so authentic and such a good person to her core.

Roman was a flawed hero, but aren't those the best? We don't want some perfect man, we want a man with flaws who gets his heart broken and has some atonement to do. While I didn't love the manipulation aspects of his personality, I did love how he gave his full, unbridled support and love to Sophia and immediately dropped the manipulation as soon as he started falling hard for her. I never thought a drive-in movie date could be sweet, but now I want to go with Rome!!!

King, I'm calling it now, he's going to be my favorite.
Divorced man who wasn't treated right by his ex? Check
Hot Captain America Actor? Check
Single dad to a precious baby girl? Check!
This man checks all the important boxes!

Nix, who hurt you? Or are you that far down the well? Going into your book, I'm going to have to have a strike against you already. Hopefully you can afford it.

Molly, while I didn't appreciate the way you handled the paps at your house and taking it out on your BFF, I grew to see your value and what you really brought to Sophia. Why do I have a really incredible need for you to be the woman to set Nix straight? I have a feeling you the swift kick in the ass he needs. I really hope its you.

3. SPIN OFFS!!! I love books with spin off potential! When I got to the end of this book in my kindle, I saw that Gillian already has books planned for King and Nix.

Why it didn't get 5 Stars:
1. I wanted to know more about Rome. While I wouldn't call him surface-level, I felt we didn't get to know him too much.

2. MORE PONGO!!!!

4 falling stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review. This book is set to be published on February 10, 2022 so make sure you grab it!