I have forever loved Lucy Score’s books. I was so excited to see this on NetGalley, as I’d never even heard of it! I thought the premise sounded so good. But I was fairly disappointed. I love a steamy book as much as the next person, but I found this to be just too much sex and not enough plot.

This book was all over the place with me. There were situations and actions by three main characters I felt were irredeemable and the writing was pretty cheesy at time. But it was also delightfully funny in parts to I’m going to let most of the cheesiness slide on this one.

The story took a different route than most romances and that was a nice change of pace. Mainly, it’s the specific story revolving around the couple’s troubles that really had me. I cant say more without it being a spoiler but trust me when I say it’s enough to make you cry.

Fans of “Things We Never Got Over” will definitely love this one and even those who weren’t huge fans of that (🙋🏻‍♀️) might be like me and like this one more.

This book had ALL the feels.
Luke went through something so heart wrenching and couldn't move on from his past until Harper showed up in his life in the craziest way. She's a strong main character (as is Luke). I loved their story and definitely recommend this series!

Thank you Lucy Score, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, and Netgalley for this ARC

Harper and Lukes story sound alot like another book I read about a year ago. Lots of drama, anuse, and verbal bantering. First Lucy Score book I have read... hope not all her writing is like this.

Harper is on her way from a break up and lost job when she finds herself stuck in the town of Benevolence and staying with Luke, who has some baggage of his own that he doesn’t want to share. Sparks fly but they both promise to keep it temporary since she will be leaving and he will be deploying soon. Things get complicated as feelings get stronger.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot spicier that I was expecting, but there were so many other elements in the story that made it worth reading. Luke’s family and friends were so supportive and it was amazing how they immediately took Harper in as one of their own. Luke frustrated me a lot, but he had a lot of inner struggling happening throughout the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved some of Lucy Score's other books, but this was not a favorite for me. After doing some research, I discovered this was a re-release and I think her writing style is not quite as developed in this older novel. Small-town romance, which is her go-to trope, but I just wasn't as attached or invested in these characters. I would recommend it if you love Lucy Score and her genre, but overall I found it fell a little flat for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and write an honest review.

This book destroyed me inside in a good way. All the feels for sure! Pretty sure a few tears escaped the edges of my eyes. Meet Harper (female main character) who bounces of her current situation, drives (in the wrong way), runs out of gas and ends up in the town of Benevolence. Meet Luke who is just hurting inside, unable to love anyone else, and is someone you want to punch in his face for his stupidity in pushing Harper away. This is a must read if you like small town romances, fake dating, military hero/deployment, sharing one bed, and a close circle of good friends.
Book is quite spicy, so make sure you are ready for that (the descriptions could have been a little less descriptive, but its okay).

Lucy Score never misses or fails to delight! This book is chock full of sweet romance, tender feelings, and such a wonderful connection. Harper and Luke captured my whole heart, and I could not adore their heartfelt and captivating romance more.

Lucy always creates such compelling characters that have just the right dramatic flair but also are so empathetically relatable- and I just adored Luke and Harper. Seeing them come together, how they cope with their painful pasts, but each in very different ways. Harper is an easy heroine to love and cheer for. you know her heart is the right medicine for Luke, and you know that if he can work through is "ish" he can give her the HEA she deserves. They aren't on the same page, struggling to open up and align, but when they do it's so beautiful. I loved seeing Luke open his heart- and he turns into that Lucy Score hero that just OWNS you. And gah, I got all verklempt seeing Harper find family and home, find a center- her heart is so big and finds the perfect landing space to let her love shine.

The chemistry as always is delectable, a great balance of heart and heat between them. I just swooned seeing them fall. And Lucy always has such a keen understanding when it comes to setting- creating a rich tapestry of eccentric and scene stealing secondary characters and a lovely town that is the perfect backdrop for this rich and enchanting love story.

Adore this series!

I absolutely loved this book! So cute! Only complaint is that Goodreads does not have this edition added yet

Harper is a badass woman who stumbles into the town of Benevolence and meets home town hero Luke. Harper and Luke have pasts that are haunting them and have to learn to live together and be strong.

This book was good and great for people who love small time romances. It made me think of It Happened One Summer so if you’re a fan that book definitely check this out.

A spicy read that is released already.

Thank you netgalley and sourcebooks bloom for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When Harper catches her boyfriend cheating on her she leaves with nothing but the clothes on her back.
When she breaks up a fight and gets knocked out in the process Harper is "forced" to stay in town, and forced into the orbit of the mysterious Luke Garrison.

What is this life.

Right off the bat I had some issues with these characters. 
I get it Luke is supposed to be this safe, hot guy. But it seems a little out there that Harper would not only -
1. sleep at his house. But also,
2. insist on sharing a bed with him.
Seems pretty reckless. 

Even more so at her doctors visit. 
The doctor tells her to get undressed and then says 
-Hey. You cool with Luke, this virtual stranger, being in the room ?? 
And she’s like sure why not. 
Why not? I mean. I could give you a couple reasons. 

Then when Luke asks to see her bruises and she again says 
“Why the hell not”
The he calls her baby as "he trails his fingers over her bruises".
He is a literal stranger at this point...

I cringed and that set off my general feelings toward this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book (new cover release) for an honest review.

Harper literally falls into Luke's life, and the told hold he has on how he lives goes out the window. Lots of steam, lots of heart, and maybe a slightly too long conflict. I loved all the other side characters and want to go on to Aldo's book!

Lucy Score knows how to write an addicting book! I can never put them down! While I did have my grips, such as with Luke’s overall character, I loved Benevolence and all of the characters we got to know. Score shines with her world building.

Not my most favorite LS novel but still well written! I’ve been reading a lot of romance novels lately and there was just nothing original that made my heart jump for glee

As always, Lucy Score knocks it out of the park with her romances. I loved this small-town romance, and it's been a while since I've read a great heart warming story. Harper is a strong, amazing main character that was easy to love. I was rooting for her from the get go. She was fun, outgoing, and I connected to her immediately. Luke, the hometown hero, was delicious and I love watching the growth he went through throughout the book, he was frustrating at times but it felt so real. The romance between Harper and Luke was intoxicating and I loved going through the ups and downs beside them. The ending was a bit cheesy but I also loved it, and this was a great contemporary romance from Lucy.

A Captivating Tale of Pretense and Passion - 4/5 Stars

Pretend Your Mine by Lucy Score is a delightful romance novel that takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, combining the perfect blend of fake relationship tropes, heartwarming moments, and sizzling chemistry. With engaging characters, a charming small-town setting, and a storyline that keeps you hooked from beginning to end, this book is a captivating read.

Luke Garrison, the broody hometown hero, is a member of the National Guard preparing for another deployment. Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements, he concocts a plan to use Harper as a decoy—a fake girlfriend to appease his family. However, as their charade unfolds, Luke finds himself irresistibly drawn to Harper, discovering a connection that goes far beyond their pretense.

Harper, a woman seeking a fresh start, is instantly captivated by Luke's rugged allure. The author skillfully brings out her vulnerability and strength, making her a relatable and endearing character. As the chemistry between Luke and Harper intensifies, Score beautifully explores their emotional journey, taking the readers on a compelling exploration of trust, redemption, and the healing power of love.

The romance between Luke and Harper is electric, filled with passionate encounters that will leave readers breathless. Their connection develops naturally, as they share intimate moments and discover a sense of safety and belonging in each other's arms. Lucy Score masterfully crafts the building tension between them, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see if their pretend relationship will turn into something real.

One of the highlights of this book is the well-developed small-town setting. The sense of community and the vividly depicted supporting characters add depth and richness to the story. The author expertly weaves their lives into the narrative, creating a tapestry of relationships and connections that enhance the overall reading experience.

While the plot relies on some familiar romance tropes, Lucy Score infuses her own unique touch, injecting freshness into the story. The writing style is engaging, with a good balance between humor, heartache, and steamy romance. The pacing keeps the story moving at a satisfying pace, and the twists and turns along the way add excitement and unpredictability.

The only slight drawback is that some aspects of the characters' pasts and motivations could have been further explored and developed. However, this doesn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, Pretend Your Mine is a captivating romance novel that will leave readers swooning and sighing with contentment. With its engaging characters, well-crafted storyline, and undeniable chemistry, Lucy Score delivers a memorable and satisfying read. If you're a fan of small-town romances with fake relationship tropes, this book is an excellent choice that will keep you entertained until the very last page.

an emotional read, the first book in this series. Harper meets Luke when she has left her whole life behind. He is adamant that they can't have a relationship so will hearts be broken. Can't wait to read the next book.

I couldn't get behind this relationship. There is one thing to have a brooding MC, but it's another for him to be unlikeable and unlovable to a fault. Just wasn't feeling this fake couple.

Unplanned events land Harper in small-town, middle of nowhere Benevolence and immediately in a fist fight of drama with a local man who is abusing another woman in a parking lot. Not one to back down, she stands up for the woman and at the end of the altercation finds herself in the arms of local dreamboat, Luke. What started as a fun romp between two adults who are heavily attracted to each other, grows into something more serious - real. After just a month relationship, Luke’s National Guard unit gets called out for a 6-month tour, leaving Harper behind. While he’s gone she builds roots in the town and his family, but she also discovers a major event in his past that he neglected to disclose. Ultimately, each of them missed each other, but worry the relationship won’t be the same when he returns - and eventually it isn’t. Now Harper’s past is coming into play and both of them are having to sort out their feelings while dealing with ghosts of their past. Will they be able to move on with each other or will they be left to go separate ways?

This is only my second Lucy Score book but it definitely has a feel that is “her.” The spice level at the beginning is high but the last quarter of the book turns more romantic and “real” and it almost made me cry. I love Harper’s strength and mentality after all she’s been through. I really felt like she was a great role model for the other characters in the book and I enjoyed reading about her. The family relationships in this book were so loving and warm and I appreciated their presence in the story. I would recommend this read for someone who likes a strong female hero who doesn’t need a man, but has a heart big enough for one and his entire family.

Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book via netgalley and in exchange I'm leaving my honest review. This is the ARC of the trad published version, and I was unable to find that on Goodreads. So pretend this is that one.
I'ma be real with y'all, I'm not a fan of the military. I have my reasons for it, but let's just say that. I half expected to be denied the ARC because I'm usually denied for her books, which is why this is the first one of hers I've read. 😅 That being said because this isn't really combat heavy like military fiction seems to be, I was sort of able to look past that. And ngl, Luke irritated me. But seeing the way he starts to heal from his past and melt the ice in his heart made me happy. I Lowkey almost cried a couple times. I also almost threw my ipad because I got irritated with his stubbornness but. 😅 I digress. I know I seem like I'm complaining but I think it's normal to get irritated with characters? Because them being fictional doesn't mean they have to be perfect.
I really liked the message about how Karen in a way sent Harper to Luke, even though I don't really believe in the afterlife. And I liked seeing that despite the pain in both of their pasts, they are able to heal upon finding each other. They're two halves of the same whole in a lot of ways. I appreciated the PTSD representation as well, as someone who has it. It's a reminder that it looks different on everyone, and that neither Luke nor Harper are exempt from that.