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Cloverleigh Farms #8
Tease
Felicity
I didn’t mean to say I was engaged to a hot billionaire–it just slipped out.
In my defense, I’d had a really bad haircut, a really strong drink, and I was trying to save face in front of the Mean Girl at my high school reunion.
Lucky for me, I happen to know a hot billionaire. Hutton French and I have been friends forever, and even though big social gatherings are not his thing, I called him from the coat closet and begged him for a favor–show up and play my fake fiancé for the night.
Except that word of our engagement spreads like wildfire. Our families are ecstatic. We’re front page news. My little food blog is launched into the stratosphere.
Of course, I offer to set the record straight right away, but Hutton wants to give it a little time–the phony engagement is keeping his matrimony-mad mother and every matchmaking granny in town off his back.
He even suggests I move in with him to make the ruse more real.
And we don’t stop there.
We practice kissing. Undressing each other. Saying things–and doing things–we’d never dare if we weren’t pretending. Because it’s all for show, right? We’re just role-playing. Hutton doesn’t want a real relationship, and I don’t want to get hurt. But the more time we spend faking it, the more I start to wonder.
Could Hutton French and I actually be right for each other, or is it all just one big tease?
I didn’t mean to say I was engaged to a hot billionaire–it just slipped out.
In my defense, I’d had a really bad haircut, a really strong drink, and I was trying to save face in front of the Mean Girl at my high school reunion.
Lucky for me, I happen to know a hot billionaire. Hutton French and I have been friends forever, and even though big social gatherings are not his thing, I called him from the coat closet and begged him for a favor–show up and play my fake fiancé for the night.
Except that word of our engagement spreads like wildfire. Our families are ecstatic. We’re front page news. My little food blog is launched into the stratosphere.
Of course, I offer to set the record straight right away, but Hutton wants to give it a little time–the phony engagement is keeping his matrimony-mad mother and every matchmaking granny in town off his back.
He even suggests I move in with him to make the ruse more real.
And we don’t stop there.
We practice kissing. Undressing each other. Saying things–and doing things–we’d never dare if we weren’t pretending. Because it’s all for show, right? We’re just role-playing. Hutton doesn’t want a real relationship, and I don’t want to get hurt. But the more time we spend faking it, the more I start to wonder.
Could Hutton French and I actually be right for each other, or is it all just one big tease?
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2022
About the author
Melanie Harlow
69 books18.9k followersUSA Today bestselling author of sweet and sexy romance. Lover of cocktails, high heels, and history with the naughty bits left in. Michigan girl. INTJ. Always seeking ginspiration...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,510 reviews
July 14, 2022
THIS WAS SO STINKING CUTE!!! SOMEBODY SEDATE ME!!
and my Gianni and Ellie crumbs🥺 i love my little crazy cherry blossom bitches. i can’t wait for Millie to get a book! i didn’t think id end up being so invested in the series, yet here we are.
and the newsletter teaser of Hutton and Felicity two years into the future had me weeping, eurgh. even the last few chapters of the book had me tearing up. i just surprisingly loved this. it’s definitely perfect for when you want a swoony, low-angst read thats pretty quick to consume.
⟡ super fun tropes but doesn’t rely too heavily on them— fake-dating, childhood best friends to lovers, forced proximity, mutual pining... “practice” kissing. it was adorable.
⟡ unique hero— this was the main reason i was excited to read this one, because Hutton, the H, isn’t your typical cocky, self-assured charmer. he’s very introverted and shy, a bit flustered and awkward... but also hot. just a big hot nerd. gimme more.
⟡ the couple is the ultimate focus of the story. you have side characters but they don’t take over the story. instead they enhance the existing dynamics and its super sweet— especially Felicity (h) and her sisters, Winnie and Millie. their bond made me wanna cry, fr.
⟡ similarly with Gianni and Ellie, Felicity and Hutton had such a strong relationship basis due to knowing each other their whole lives. but it’s executed in a way that avoids info-dumping and flashbacks, yet still provides you with such a strong sense of who they are to one another, and just how deeply their bond really goes. i honestly don’t know how Harlow does it... but both times, she’s nailed it! their memories in regards to one another are filtered through the dialogue really seamlessly to provide stark clarity about their past, just without the info-dumping. other authors need to make notes.
⟡ the story is low-angst but still really engaging. i will admit, once they first slept together, the story lulled a little bit afterwards towards the middle of the story. but it didn’t last long, thank god. i think it’s just a me thing since with best friends to lovers, the first time they sleep together, i feel like it should be a bit more awkward and unsure. but with Felicity and Hutton it escalated quickly which didn’t make a lot of sense to me, considering the type of people they were. but again, i got over it pretty quickly because they were just so adorably sweet together. i loved the way they loved each other.
⟡ there were just sooooo many sweet moments here, eurgh. i can’t name them all. it just ties into the way they loved, respected and cared for one another. they were each other’s greatest advocates and supporters, so you could really feel just how much they meant to one another. the soulmatism was strong in this one.
and my Gianni and Ellie crumbs🥺 i love my little crazy cherry blossom bitches. i can’t wait for Millie to get a book! i didn’t think id end up being so invested in the series, yet here we are.
and the newsletter teaser of Hutton and Felicity two years into the future had me weeping, eurgh. even the last few chapters of the book had me tearing up. i just surprisingly loved this. it’s definitely perfect for when you want a swoony, low-angst read thats pretty quick to consume.
July 11, 2022
✮ ✮ 𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝗡𝗢𝗪 ✮ ✮
✓ fake fiancé
✓ hot billionaire
✓ secret pining
✓ friends to lovers
✓ small town romance
✓ romantic comedy with plenty of searing hot tension and five-alarm sexytimes
Who's ready to meet Hutton and Felicity?
𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗯 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!
✦ Amazon → https://harlow.pub/Tease-amazon
✦ Amazon Worldwide → https://mybook.to/teaseMH
✦ Paperback → https://harlow.pub/Tease-pb
✦ Audio → coming soon!
✓ fake fiancé
✓ hot billionaire
✓ secret pining
✓ friends to lovers
✓ small town romance
✓ romantic comedy with plenty of searing hot tension and five-alarm sexytimes
Who's ready to meet Hutton and Felicity?
𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗯 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!
✦ Amazon → https://harlow.pub/Tease-amazon
✦ Amazon Worldwide → https://mybook.to/teaseMH
✦ Paperback → https://harlow.pub/Tease-pb
✦ Audio → coming soon!
April 26, 2023
"And I don’t care what the odds are. I’d bet on us every time."
Childhood best friends meets small-town romance, and the result absolutely kills me. This is the perfect storm for me. I needed this story this weekend, and I don’t think I even know why.
All I know is that I love this feeling in my chest. So, thank you for that, Melanie Harlow.
"Being with her almost felt like a memory of something that hadn’t happened yet—maybe a memory of a dream."
I love how real Felicity is. The stuff she thinks, what she does to try to control her anxiety and her bad thoughts, the way she’s trying to fight for her dream. The way she’s there for her sisters. The way she’s been pining for the one guy who always got her, but she never had the guts to go there.
Have you ever felt that? Because I have.
"I never want you to change, Hutton. I’ll always take you. I just wish you could see yourself like I do."
At the same time, Hutton is absolutely real too. He could be the annoying billionaire, full of himself and grumpy AF, but he’s not. He’s still a kid at heart, one who is in love with his best friend, but doesn’t see it. He’s someone with social anxiety, who thinks he’s not enough. All I wanted to do was tell him he is more than enough, and honestly? That he’s so freaking amazing.
"What would it be like to kiss her? What would she do if I took her hand? Should I tell her I want to be more than friends?"
Hutton and Felicity have been best friends for what seems like forever. They’ve always been there for each other; they even had their own secret language. Life kind of set them apart both physically and financially, but he’s back in town, even if just for a little while.
They’ve always loved each other, but that’s because they were friends. Because friendship is love, right?
Right?
Except… when you can’t avoid thinking about what it would be like to kiss your best friend.
"What am I going to do without you?"
"No matter where I am, I’ll always be there when you need me."
Felicity has a catering business, and she’s off to her high school reunion. When she meets the mean girl from years ago, she realizes mean girls stay that way as adults. Under the pressure of an impossible situation, she lies. She tells people she’s engaged to Hutton. And then she calls him to save her. And he’s there, like he always said he would be.
"My mind hopefully stepped in where her tongue left off. Wondering if you want to get naked? Curious about what your body would feel like on mine? Thinking about fucking you in ten different ways? Great, me too."
Faced with the fact that both their families know about the “engagement” and are really happy for them, they decide to keep the ruse for both their sakes. Felicity moves in. And suddenly, that big house is not enough for them to escape temptation.
I love how they fight tooth and nail against it when we all know it’s unavoidable.
"You taste even better than I imagined."
"You’ve imagined this?"
"Oh yeah. I’ve played this movie in my mind a thousand times."
When it happens, I may have squealed at my Kindle because—YES! They know each other so well, to the point where you know there’s no one else. No one could compare. But they’re also stubborn as hell, and it’s hard for them to admit that this can happen, that it’s within reach.
That they deserve to take the leap and risk what they have for so much more.
"You don’t have to have control. You have to surrender it. That’s what I like."
"Surrender is harder than I thought."
Hutton also had a side that I appreciated and understood, and they’re sort of unexpectedly steamy together—and I love me a heroine who knows what she wants! Felicity’s sisters provide amazing advice, and so does Hutton’s sister. Because everyone sees it—in fact, everyone’s seen it since they were teens. They were just waiting for them to open their eyes.
"I had to admit that even with imperfections, some moments in life were still perfect. Both things could be true."
I love stories with real people—especially when they’re loved because of, and not despite, whatever “flaws” they may have. Felicity and Hutton’s imperfections made them, and this book, perfect for me.
Childhood best friends meets small-town romance, and the result absolutely kills me. This is the perfect storm for me. I needed this story this weekend, and I don’t think I even know why.
All I know is that I love this feeling in my chest. So, thank you for that, Melanie Harlow.
"Being with her almost felt like a memory of something that hadn’t happened yet—maybe a memory of a dream."
I love how real Felicity is. The stuff she thinks, what she does to try to control her anxiety and her bad thoughts, the way she’s trying to fight for her dream. The way she’s there for her sisters. The way she’s been pining for the one guy who always got her, but she never had the guts to go there.
Have you ever felt that? Because I have.
"I never want you to change, Hutton. I’ll always take you. I just wish you could see yourself like I do."
At the same time, Hutton is absolutely real too. He could be the annoying billionaire, full of himself and grumpy AF, but he’s not. He’s still a kid at heart, one who is in love with his best friend, but doesn’t see it. He’s someone with social anxiety, who thinks he’s not enough. All I wanted to do was tell him he is more than enough, and honestly? That he’s so freaking amazing.
"What would it be like to kiss her? What would she do if I took her hand? Should I tell her I want to be more than friends?"
Hutton and Felicity have been best friends for what seems like forever. They’ve always been there for each other; they even had their own secret language. Life kind of set them apart both physically and financially, but he’s back in town, even if just for a little while.
They’ve always loved each other, but that’s because they were friends. Because friendship is love, right?
Right?
Except… when you can’t avoid thinking about what it would be like to kiss your best friend.
"What am I going to do without you?"
"No matter where I am, I’ll always be there when you need me."
Felicity has a catering business, and she’s off to her high school reunion. When she meets the mean girl from years ago, she realizes mean girls stay that way as adults. Under the pressure of an impossible situation, she lies. She tells people she’s engaged to Hutton. And then she calls him to save her. And he’s there, like he always said he would be.
"My mind hopefully stepped in where her tongue left off. Wondering if you want to get naked? Curious about what your body would feel like on mine? Thinking about fucking you in ten different ways? Great, me too."
Faced with the fact that both their families know about the “engagement” and are really happy for them, they decide to keep the ruse for both their sakes. Felicity moves in. And suddenly, that big house is not enough for them to escape temptation.
I love how they fight tooth and nail against it when we all know it’s unavoidable.
"You taste even better than I imagined."
"You’ve imagined this?"
"Oh yeah. I’ve played this movie in my mind a thousand times."
When it happens, I may have squealed at my Kindle because—YES! They know each other so well, to the point where you know there’s no one else. No one could compare. But they’re also stubborn as hell, and it’s hard for them to admit that this can happen, that it’s within reach.
That they deserve to take the leap and risk what they have for so much more.
"You don’t have to have control. You have to surrender it. That’s what I like."
"Surrender is harder than I thought."
Hutton also had a side that I appreciated and understood, and they’re sort of unexpectedly steamy together—and I love me a heroine who knows what she wants! Felicity’s sisters provide amazing advice, and so does Hutton’s sister. Because everyone sees it—in fact, everyone’s seen it since they were teens. They were just waiting for them to open their eyes.
"I had to admit that even with imperfections, some moments in life were still perfect. Both things could be true."
I love stories with real people—especially when they’re loved because of, and not despite, whatever “flaws” they may have. Felicity and Hutton’s imperfections made them, and this book, perfect for me.
September 3, 2023
A secret code, friends to lovers romance
Another MH win for me, this time it’s a F2L (which can be hard to get right IMO).
Felicity’s and Hutton’s (both 28) high school reunion is coming up. Felicity wants to go and asks her best friend if he’s planning to go- he’s not. You see, Hutton suffers from social anxiety, even family gatherings can be too much for him 😬. So Felicity completely understands.
Except she blurts out that she’s engaged to him 🫣when her high school nemesis flaunts her upcoming nuptial and engagement 😅.
Using their secret code, she messages him that she needs him, and they agreed that whenever they used their language, the other one HAD to be there.
So he shows up in all his handsome, billionaire glory, and all of a sudden they’re getting married in about a month.
Once their families find out, they have a hard time breaking their hearts by telling them it was all a lie😬. So they don’t 😅.
Let the fake relationship begin 😉.
What I loved: possible spoilers:
— the easiness in their relationship. You can tell these two have been in each other’s lives for years. They made up a secret code to communicate with. Like. That’s so freaking cute 🥰. Plus, everyone in their families have always wanted them together. No pressure right 😅😬. This guy is willing to buy apps to get bullies off of her back. SWOOON!!! 🥹
—their “imperfections” make them human. Hutton’s has social anxiety and generally stays quiet; Felicity can be awkward and has a nose bleeding problem on top of her fear of people leaving her; but these two together are perfect in my eyes 🤷🏻♀️. I love that MH had people that helped write these two characters, especially with Hutton’s SAD
—practice makes perfect 🔥👀. I love LOVE that they do the whole “let’s practice kissing” which leads to “let’s practice un dressing” and well… “let’s practice…🥵💦😉🔥” sigh. I needed a cigarette after that 👀 ( I don’t smoke… But you get the picture)
—the 🔥 and k!nk. Ummm… excuse me Hutton… sir… SIR… you can’t tell me what to do? Oh no wait. Yes you can 🥵. Oh LAWD. The one (😐😒😑) D/s scene was scrumptious… absolutely delicious. So she didn’t quite use the safe word correctly lol… I was very invested regardless 👀
It’s always the quiet ones 😉😅💦
Could we had had more? Yes 😑 but I was happy at least one of those rumors were correct 👀
—the role playing. Well of course I’m gonna want this scene. Taking it back to their teenage years? Yaaaasss 😉😅🔥
—the side characters. Gahhh! I looooved seeing Winnie and the other characters from the other books (and Millie’s book’s next 👀). Winnie made me cackle 🤣🤣🤣. Taping her mouth shut was hilarious 😅
—Luna and Hallie. These two won my heart in Ignite and continue to woo me with their antics and words 😅🤣
What I wanted more of/didn’t like:
—his k!nk. The scene was like an appetizer for me. Give me more puuu lease!!! Hutton being alpha and dom is what I need in my life 👀.
—the heroine becoming friends with her nemesis. We don’t need her in her life💁🏻♀️. Don’t try being friends please 🤦🏻♀️. The bad woman doesn’t need to be redeemed 😐 lol
Overall, I loved it
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-no virgins
-praise kink/safe words/D-s/edging
-each have had some relationships but nothing serious
-mental health/anxiety/social anxiety
-condoms
-bullying (kind of) is recounted. The woman is at the reunion and causes mild drama
-HEA/epilogue/bonus epilogue years later
Another MH win for me, this time it’s a F2L (which can be hard to get right IMO).
Felicity’s and Hutton’s (both 28) high school reunion is coming up. Felicity wants to go and asks her best friend if he’s planning to go- he’s not. You see, Hutton suffers from social anxiety, even family gatherings can be too much for him 😬. So Felicity completely understands.
Except she blurts out that she’s engaged to him 🫣when her high school nemesis flaunts her upcoming nuptial and engagement 😅.
Using their secret code, she messages him that she needs him, and they agreed that whenever they used their language, the other one HAD to be there.
So he shows up in all his handsome, billionaire glory, and all of a sudden they’re getting married in about a month.
Once their families find out, they have a hard time breaking their hearts by telling them it was all a lie😬. So they don’t 😅.
Let the fake relationship begin 😉.
What I loved: possible spoilers:
— the easiness in their relationship. You can tell these two have been in each other’s lives for years. They made up a secret code to communicate with. Like. That’s so freaking cute 🥰. Plus, everyone in their families have always wanted them together. No pressure right 😅😬. This guy is willing to buy apps to get bullies off of her back. SWOOON!!! 🥹
—their “imperfections” make them human. Hutton’s has social anxiety and generally stays quiet; Felicity can be awkward and has a nose bleeding problem on top of her fear of people leaving her; but these two together are perfect in my eyes 🤷🏻♀️. I love that MH had people that helped write these two characters, especially with Hutton’s SAD
—practice makes perfect 🔥👀. I love LOVE that they do the whole “let’s practice kissing” which leads to “let’s practice un dressing” and well… “let’s practice…🥵💦😉🔥” sigh. I needed a cigarette after that 👀 ( I don’t smoke… But you get the picture)
—the 🔥 and k!nk. Ummm… excuse me Hutton… sir… SIR… you can’t tell me what to do? Oh no wait. Yes you can 🥵. Oh LAWD. The one (😐😒😑) D/s scene was scrumptious… absolutely delicious. So she didn’t quite use the safe word correctly lol… I was very invested regardless 👀
It’s always the quiet ones 😉😅💦
Could we had had more? Yes 😑 but I was happy at least one of those rumors were correct 👀
—the role playing. Well of course I’m gonna want this scene. Taking it back to their teenage years? Yaaaasss 😉😅🔥
—the side characters. Gahhh! I looooved seeing Winnie and the other characters from the other books (and Millie’s book’s next 👀). Winnie made me cackle 🤣🤣🤣. Taping her mouth shut was hilarious 😅
—Luna and Hallie. These two won my heart in Ignite and continue to woo me with their antics and words 😅🤣
What I wanted more of/didn’t like:
—his k!nk. The scene was like an appetizer for me. Give me more puuu lease!!! Hutton being alpha and dom is what I need in my life 👀.
—the heroine becoming friends with her nemesis. We don’t need her in her life💁🏻♀️. Don’t try being friends please 🤦🏻♀️. The bad woman doesn’t need to be redeemed 😐 lol
Overall, I loved it
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/owd/omd
-no virgins
-praise kink/safe words/D-s/edging
-each have had some relationships but nothing serious
-mental health/anxiety/social anxiety
-condoms
-bullying (kind of) is recounted. The woman is at the reunion and causes mild drama
-HEA/epilogue/bonus epilogue years later
August 13, 2022
4 ⭐️
2 🌶
Tease is the first novel I read by Melanie Harlow and I would definitely read more! I was hesitant about reading this because it's the eighth book in the Cloverleigh Farms series. They can be read as standalones and I really didn't want to read 7 books before reading Tease (I'm impatient like that) so I decided to pick it up! I honestly don't regret it, it was a super fun read and I always love finding new-to-me authors!
Felicity and Hutton have been best friends since met in middle school! They remained best friends all through high school and harbored crushes on each other... However, they were too awkward and cherished their friendship too much to make a move on the other. They still kept in touch after graduating, but one day, at their high school reunion, Felicity's mouth gets her in trouble when she shares that she's engaged to Hutton, her best friend, the sexy billionaire. She asks Hutton to go to the reunion to be her fake fiancee and he drops everything to go to her. They decide to fake their engagement for a bit longer and practice kissing because it makes sense, right? what happens when their pretend engagement doesn't seem so pretend anymore...
I had fun reading this. It was so cheesy and I was laughing at some of their interactions. I love how they’re lowkey awkward around each other! I loved that it was equal parts humor and spice.
and you know what I loved above all else? THE RING! you're telling me that Felicity described her fake engagement ring to people and Hutton, HUTTON, finds and buys that exact same ring??!!!! UMM EXCUSE ME WHILE I THROW MY KINDLE ACROSS THE ROOM. I loved that and I loved that he just had the audacity to say:
NAAAHHHHHH. this FICTIONAL man just raised my standards.
Overall, I always love and look forward to reading small-town rom-coms and this was fantastic!
read if you like:
→ fake fiancé
→ anxiety rep (hero)
→ friends to lovers
→ steamy romcom
→ small town romance
→ billionaire hottie<3
2 🌶
Tease is the first novel I read by Melanie Harlow and I would definitely read more! I was hesitant about reading this because it's the eighth book in the Cloverleigh Farms series. They can be read as standalones and I really didn't want to read 7 books before reading Tease (I'm impatient like that) so I decided to pick it up! I honestly don't regret it, it was a super fun read and I always love finding new-to-me authors!
Felicity and Hutton have been best friends since met in middle school! They remained best friends all through high school and harbored crushes on each other... However, they were too awkward and cherished their friendship too much to make a move on the other. They still kept in touch after graduating, but one day, at their high school reunion, Felicity's mouth gets her in trouble when she shares that she's engaged to Hutton, her best friend, the sexy billionaire. She asks Hutton to go to the reunion to be her fake fiancee and he drops everything to go to her. They decide to fake their engagement for a bit longer and practice kissing because it makes sense, right? what happens when their pretend engagement doesn't seem so pretend anymore...
I had fun reading this. It was so cheesy and I was laughing at some of their interactions. I love how they’re lowkey awkward around each other! I loved that it was equal parts humor and spice.
and you know what I loved above all else? THE RING! you're telling me that Felicity described her fake engagement ring to people and Hutton, HUTTON, finds and buys that exact same ring??!!!! UMM EXCUSE ME WHILE I THROW MY KINDLE ACROSS THE ROOM. I loved that and I loved that he just had the audacity to say:
"I understand," he said quietly, "that this is unusual. I know most people don't gift diamond rings to their friends- it's traditionally something reserved for the one person you're going to spend your life with. Your soul mate. But you know what?"[...] "At the risk of sounding a little crazy, my mom taught me that there are all kinds of soul mates--past-life soul mates, kindred spirits, soul ties... She thinks there are certain people you just feel a deep, extraordinary connection with, and it transcends time and place as we know it.[...] "So think of this as a symbol of that connection. Because even though we aren't getting married, you are the person I cherish most, someone I will always want in my life."
NAAAHHHHHH. this FICTIONAL man just raised my standards.
Overall, I always love and look forward to reading small-town rom-coms and this was fantastic!
read if you like:
→ fake fiancé
→ anxiety rep (hero)
→ friends to lovers
→ steamy romcom
→ small town romance
→ billionaire hottie<3
August 23, 2022
2⭐️ I’m honestly not sure how I managed to finish this book, I practically skim read half of it. The thing is there was nothing inherently bad about it, it was just EXTREMELY boring 😭
July 10, 2022
Sweet, hot, and anxiety-ridden. Fab story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are so many pieces in the story that we can totally relate to. Social awkwardness? Absolutely 100%. Have a mad crush on your Bestie forever? Yeah, I can I can see that one.
Harlow gifts us a friend to lovers romance with two amazing characters that are the perfect balance for each other. I absolutely love Hutton. He is this amazing character with this hot little kink to him that just absolutely tore up the sheets! MMMmmm yes, please!
Felicity, I liked a lot but I do have to say at 28-ish years old, she’s still stress cuts her hair; I had an issue with that. Most people by then have learned ways to not feel worse about themselves. Which ends up causing more issues down the road. Obviously, as you progress into the story we learn more about that.
This book had everything you want in terms of it being an amazingly hot read. Honestly to me the best part is hottie Hutton and the absolute love he has to give. Supportive and amazing. Do you think there are really guys out there like this?
While this book is loaded with anxiety issues, all in all, it’s also sweet and spicy, and simply a fabulous read!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/tease-by-mel...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are so many pieces in the story that we can totally relate to. Social awkwardness? Absolutely 100%. Have a mad crush on your Bestie forever? Yeah, I can I can see that one.
Harlow gifts us a friend to lovers romance with two amazing characters that are the perfect balance for each other. I absolutely love Hutton. He is this amazing character with this hot little kink to him that just absolutely tore up the sheets! MMMmmm yes, please!
Felicity, I liked a lot but I do have to say at 28-ish years old, she’s still stress cuts her hair; I had an issue with that. Most people by then have learned ways to not feel worse about themselves. Which ends up causing more issues down the road. Obviously, as you progress into the story we learn more about that.
This book had everything you want in terms of it being an amazingly hot read. Honestly to me the best part is hottie Hutton and the absolute love he has to give. Supportive and amazing. Do you think there are really guys out there like this?
While this book is loaded with anxiety issues, all in all, it’s also sweet and spicy, and simply a fabulous read!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/tease-by-mel...
July 20, 2022
I can’t put into words how much I hated this book, it’s like Melanie wanted to write a childish book but at the same time wanted to put some kink in it. You know when you’re seventeen and you fantasize about living in a Kate Hudson’ romance movie? This book is about a 28 year old girl fantasizing about how fun would it be to fake date a hot billionaire. It was surreal to me.
Also, characters need dimensions, they can’t be perfect and they need to grow. But this characters needed therapy, a hobby and honest to God a little talk with their parents. Without that happening they shouldn’t be in a relationship.
People, when a guy says “I can’t be in a relationship” or “I am not wired for love”, believe him. The problems start when you think you are special enough to change him because no one changes unless they want to and are willing to do the work. Hutton said that the entire time to Felicity and then when she fall for him, he said “I warned you”. He had zero affective responsibility. He said he didn’t want a relationship but bought her a diamond ring, invited her to live with him… I mean, actions speak louder than words. Also, he has multiple personality, he has OCD and anxiety but in the bedroom he was Christian Grey. It made no sense, it was like he was all in one.
Felicity on the other hand is so immature it’s sad. She needed someone to tell her to go to therapy and realize that it’s alarming how she deals with stress by cutting her own hair. She got married wearing a bloodstained dress, for fuck sake!
Seriously, I have no idea what the hell Melanie Harlow is doing writing so much nonsense. It almost feels like someone else is writing this because I can’t believe is the same person who wrote the first generation series.
Also, characters need dimensions, they can’t be perfect and they need to grow. But this characters needed therapy, a hobby and honest to God a little talk with their parents. Without that happening they shouldn’t be in a relationship.
People, when a guy says “I can’t be in a relationship” or “I am not wired for love”, believe him. The problems start when you think you are special enough to change him because no one changes unless they want to and are willing to do the work. Hutton said that the entire time to Felicity and then when she fall for him, he said “I warned you”. He had zero affective responsibility. He said he didn’t want a relationship but bought her a diamond ring, invited her to live with him… I mean, actions speak louder than words. Also, he has multiple personality, he has OCD and anxiety but in the bedroom he was Christian Grey. It made no sense, it was like he was all in one.
Felicity on the other hand is so immature it’s sad. She needed someone to tell her to go to therapy and realize that it’s alarming how she deals with stress by cutting her own hair. She got married wearing a bloodstained dress, for fuck sake!
Seriously, I have no idea what the hell Melanie Harlow is doing writing so much nonsense. It almost feels like someone else is writing this because I can’t believe is the same person who wrote the first generation series.
July 11, 2022
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Felicity MacAllister lives in a small town in northern Michigan where she’s trying to grow her vegetarian catering business. At twenty eight she’s still figuring out her path in life, and following her dreams. She’s a quirky girl with an amazing family. Growing up she was never part of the popular crowd, so when she attends her high school reunion she’s suddenly in over her head with the mean girls. In a desperate moment she tells a little lie to save face. She then needs a hot billionaire fiancé to save her. Luckily her best friend is America’s youngest self made billionaire, and the one person who always shows up for her, and just gets her. They’ve shared a close bond since middle school, and he’s willing to play pretend and go with it. He’s now a polished, put together, famous celebrity everyone thinks she’s engaged to.
Hutton French created an algorithm that made him extremely wealthy, but inside he’s still that socially awkward math nerd. He’s an introvert that guards his privacy, so when his best friend asks for a favor, it takes him out of his comfort zone and into the spotlight. He’d known Felicity since they were twelve, and she was special to him. He would do just about anything for her, so he comes to her rescue. He is playing the part temporarily, but the line between real and make believe begins to blur. He’s always been afraid of crossing that line, but lately something feels different between them. He just has to stick to the plan, but as feelings spiral out of control he’s confused and wondering if they could be more than friends? Will they soon be over, or are they meant to be?
Tease (Cloverleigh Farms, #8) by Melanie Harlow is a sexy, small town, billionaire, fake relationship, friends to lovers romance about family, friendship, beautiful connections and second chances. I loved this book and this next generation in the Cloverleigh Farms series! I can’t wait for more! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3AGzUv2
(ARC provided by author)
Felicity MacAllister lives in a small town in northern Michigan where she’s trying to grow her vegetarian catering business. At twenty eight she’s still figuring out her path in life, and following her dreams. She’s a quirky girl with an amazing family. Growing up she was never part of the popular crowd, so when she attends her high school reunion she’s suddenly in over her head with the mean girls. In a desperate moment she tells a little lie to save face. She then needs a hot billionaire fiancé to save her. Luckily her best friend is America’s youngest self made billionaire, and the one person who always shows up for her, and just gets her. They’ve shared a close bond since middle school, and he’s willing to play pretend and go with it. He’s now a polished, put together, famous celebrity everyone thinks she’s engaged to.
Hutton French created an algorithm that made him extremely wealthy, but inside he’s still that socially awkward math nerd. He’s an introvert that guards his privacy, so when his best friend asks for a favor, it takes him out of his comfort zone and into the spotlight. He’d known Felicity since they were twelve, and she was special to him. He would do just about anything for her, so he comes to her rescue. He is playing the part temporarily, but the line between real and make believe begins to blur. He’s always been afraid of crossing that line, but lately something feels different between them. He just has to stick to the plan, but as feelings spiral out of control he’s confused and wondering if they could be more than friends? Will they soon be over, or are they meant to be?
Tease (Cloverleigh Farms, #8) by Melanie Harlow is a sexy, small town, billionaire, fake relationship, friends to lovers romance about family, friendship, beautiful connections and second chances. I loved this book and this next generation in the Cloverleigh Farms series! I can’t wait for more! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3AGzUv2
July 30, 2022
“ In fact, I liked giving it away just as much as I liked earning it—what was the point of being a billionaire if all you did was horde your riches? Collect yachts and cars? For fuck’s sake, how many Porsches does one person’s ego need”
I need man like Hutton who likes to give his money away for good use such as charities. And knows how to pleasure women by doing an extensive research.
“(It wasn’t all that surprising to me, since I’d done extensive online research on how to please a woman. I was excellent at research.”)
I need man like Hutton who likes to give his money away for good use such as charities. And knows how to pleasure women by doing an extensive research.
“(It wasn’t all that surprising to me, since I’d done extensive online research on how to please a woman. I was excellent at research.”)
July 12, 2022
I was just kind of meh with this one. I appreciated the Anxiety rep with the hero. I loved their friendship and the fake engagement leading to real sexy experiments... but for me it's hard to fall for characters who are so insecure about their feelings. One character can be like thay for me. But for both of them to be is just too much.
Also..this definitely was a tease... one scene with the dominant on display? Not enough after all the hints.
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
Also..this definitely was a tease... one scene with the dominant on display? Not enough after all the hints.
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
July 16, 2022
SO CUTE!!
De los últimos libros de Melanie, éste ha sido el mejor.
O sea, es
Friends to Lovers
Fake Fiancé/dating
Estos tropes juntos son combinación ganadora.
Me gustaron mucho los protagonistas, la historia, si puede que haya avanzado rápido la relación, pero la justificación es que ellos ya se traían ganas desde hace mucho. pero por inseguros y sus issues mentales nunca se animaron a decirse lo que sentían y al momento de estar fingiendo se quitaron esa presión y empezaron actuar en base a sus sentimientos.
Tuvo escenas bien cheesy y algunas bastante spicy.
Y la propuesta/declaración estuvo bien bonita muy fairy tale, pero es que es la especialidad de Melanie y así hace que sus protagonistas masculinos se rediman.
El epilogo extendido también estuvo lindo, aunque pensé que sería más al futuro. pero así me gustó mucho.
De los últimos libros de Melanie, éste ha sido el mejor.
O sea, es
Friends to Lovers
Fake Fiancé/dating
Estos tropes juntos son combinación ganadora.
Me gustaron mucho los protagonistas, la historia, si puede que haya avanzado rápido la relación, pero la justificación es que ellos ya se traían ganas desde hace mucho. pero por inseguros y sus issues mentales nunca se animaron a decirse lo que sentían y al momento de estar fingiendo se quitaron esa presión y empezaron actuar en base a sus sentimientos.
Tuvo escenas bien cheesy y algunas bastante spicy.
Y la propuesta/declaración estuvo bien bonita muy fairy tale, pero es que es la especialidad de Melanie y así hace que sus protagonistas masculinos se rediman.
El epilogo extendido también estuvo lindo, aunque pensé que sería más al futuro. pero así me gustó mucho.
July 15, 2023
Friend to lover is not exactly my favorite thrope in romance. However Tease is a big exception. This book is awesone. I love both Felicity and Huddson. They are so adorable together.
Miss Harlow was samrt by putting so much fun, quirky banter in her story.
The story is minimum of drama and overload with cuteness. I like the slow setting of the story. It was set on small town. I was worried that Huddson has no backbone but he turned out to be darling.
Overall a very good book.
4 stars
Miss Harlow was samrt by putting so much fun, quirky banter in her story.
The story is minimum of drama and overload with cuteness. I like the slow setting of the story. It was set on small town. I was worried that Huddson has no backbone but he turned out to be darling.
Overall a very good book.
4 stars
August 7, 2022
2.5 ⭐️
This was disappointing… /: There was no angst, no built up of sexual tension, no flow of the story. It was just eh.
Hutton and Felicity have been friends since childhood and each has had a crush on each other for years. From the very first chapter they each express how much they like each other. Because of that reading that right away I lost all emotions towards them.
It started to get a bit interesting when they start the fake fiancé lie, but then it just all of a sudden went from 0 to 100 within a chapter or two. When I say there was zero sexual tension, I really mean it. They had thoughts about wanting to have sex with each other, and then once a situation of rises because they want to “practice kissing“ they all of a sudden fuck. 1) then practice kissing each other to make this whole situation look real seemed really childish to me. 2) I repeat no sexual tension, and the sex scenes weren’t even that interesting to me.
The whole book didn’t really seem to have a proper structure. All of a sudden this happened. Both Hutton and Felicity just seemed really flat too. There wasn’t much of a personality. The fact that they were grown adults they seemed more like teenagers to me. They were also really awkward an nerdy… I don’t mind when one character has those qualities, but with both it’s not for me.
Hutton was also a billionaire, but he was the worst billionaire out of all billionaires I’ve read. He more the humble billionaire. He used his “status” two times in the entire book. I like a billionaire who acts like a billionaire, if that even makes sense.
This was disappointing… /: There was no angst, no built up of sexual tension, no flow of the story. It was just eh.
Hutton and Felicity have been friends since childhood and each has had a crush on each other for years. From the very first chapter they each express how much they like each other. Because of that reading that right away I lost all emotions towards them.
It started to get a bit interesting when they start the fake fiancé lie, but then it just all of a sudden went from 0 to 100 within a chapter or two. When I say there was zero sexual tension, I really mean it. They had thoughts about wanting to have sex with each other, and then once a situation of rises because they want to “practice kissing“ they all of a sudden fuck. 1) then practice kissing each other to make this whole situation look real seemed really childish to me. 2) I repeat no sexual tension, and the sex scenes weren’t even that interesting to me.
The whole book didn’t really seem to have a proper structure. All of a sudden this happened. Both Hutton and Felicity just seemed really flat too. There wasn’t much of a personality. The fact that they were grown adults they seemed more like teenagers to me. They were also really awkward an nerdy… I don’t mind when one character has those qualities, but with both it’s not for me.
Hutton was also a billionaire, but he was the worst billionaire out of all billionaires I’ve read. He more the humble billionaire. He used his “status” two times in the entire book. I like a billionaire who acts like a billionaire, if that even makes sense.
July 12, 2022
4.5 ★
hutton 😩❤️🔥🫶🏼 this was such a cute and fun book! Hutton and Felicity were best friends in high school, and while they haven’t seen each other much since then, they’ve always remained close. They’re both back in their hometown as adults, Hutton is a succesful CEO of something that’s over my head, and Felicity just launched her blog & catering company. When Felicity attends their 10 year reunion, one too many drinks results in her telling everyone that her & Hutton are engaged.
They decide that keeping up the story for a while is mutually beneficial for both of them, but soon their “fake” engagement starts to feel a little too real. Between the ring shopping, dress shopping, and ~kissing practice~, lines get blurred.
I have to say how much I loved reading about two characters that were so awkward and unsure of how to act around their crush bc that’s the kind of representation i need. Felicity’s determination to never get close to anyone so that she never has to experience rejection!?! pls stop reading my diary Miss Harlow. This “fake” relationship finally gave them the permission they both wanted for years to test the waters of something more, all under the illusion that “it’s fine! it’s not real! haha!” and it was so cute and also a little painful bc they both wanted it so badly but had no idea how to deal with the potential change.
Both characters dealt with anxiety and handled it in different ways, Hutton with his recluse like tendencies and Felicity w her compulsions. I really appreciated reading about something that so many of us deal with! I’m picky about friends to lovers, but i really enjoyed this one! Hutton was wayyyy too hottt in the most unexpected ways and i was so here for it.
hutton 😩❤️🔥🫶🏼 this was such a cute and fun book! Hutton and Felicity were best friends in high school, and while they haven’t seen each other much since then, they’ve always remained close. They’re both back in their hometown as adults, Hutton is a succesful CEO of something that’s over my head, and Felicity just launched her blog & catering company. When Felicity attends their 10 year reunion, one too many drinks results in her telling everyone that her & Hutton are engaged.
They decide that keeping up the story for a while is mutually beneficial for both of them, but soon their “fake” engagement starts to feel a little too real. Between the ring shopping, dress shopping, and ~kissing practice~, lines get blurred.
I have to say how much I loved reading about two characters that were so awkward and unsure of how to act around their crush bc that’s the kind of representation i need. Felicity’s determination to never get close to anyone so that she never has to experience rejection!?! pls stop reading my diary Miss Harlow. This “fake” relationship finally gave them the permission they both wanted for years to test the waters of something more, all under the illusion that “it’s fine! it’s not real! haha!” and it was so cute and also a little painful bc they both wanted it so badly but had no idea how to deal with the potential change.
Both characters dealt with anxiety and handled it in different ways, Hutton with his recluse like tendencies and Felicity w her compulsions. I really appreciated reading about something that so many of us deal with! I’m picky about friends to lovers, but i really enjoyed this one! Hutton was wayyyy too hottt in the most unexpected ways and i was so here for it.
May 12, 2023
I mean it was okay but nothing too special. I'm not really a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope so it's not like I was expecting to love it. A decent but kinda forgettable read. 3 ⭐
July 4, 2022
Tease: ★ ★ ★ . 7 5
Melanie Harlow (Cloverleigh Farms, #8)
"I have been and always shall be your friend."
Felicity didn't think that making up an engagement to her billionaire childhood best friend was going to go anywhere, okay? Has she kind of been in love with him forever? Sure. Has he also been in love with her? Yeah. What could possibly go wrong?
Fake dating is my religion. I eat it up with no questions asked! So when this book was announced by the one and only queen of spicy small town romance, my excitement was naturally off the charts.
Felicity is a ray of sunshine! She's very cute and just trying to make it in the world on her own two feet. I really liked her. Hutton was so sweet. Unlike other classic billionaires who are just so confident, sure of themselves, and straight up rude, Hutton is a gem. He's anxious and doesn't do well with crowds. He's tender and loving with a hidden dirty streak (CHAPTER 13. Lord. Have Mercy.)
The chemistry and longing between Felicity & Hutton was so worth it. I absolutely adored their relationship when they were kids & how they grew up together. So precious. I loved the way Hutton just wanted to spoil her and make her feel confident & worth all the hassle and how Felicity encouraged him to come out into gatherings and battle some of that anxiousness.
Qualms:
1. The third act conflict was really avoidable and would have been solved if the two of them just communicated like adults. I wanted this book to be different than the others where they can actually admit their feelings for one another but alas. I hate when people just pack up their bags and leave without taking through things.
2. Know this was Melanie's first billionaire book, but the plot being so centered around him being the aforementioned billionaire was... repetitive at times.
3. There seemed to be different little subplots that never really got explored the way I would have liked. How did Hutton get through the hearing? How did Felicity's career aspirations go? What happened with her relationship with her mother?
4. The Mimi plot line... felt off. The mean girl in high school coming back for vengeance? Meh...
5. So much Winnie... I liked her a lot and it is clear she's the author's fave, but where were my Ellie & Gianni crumbs (Taste)?!
I'm am looking forward to Millie's book though!
*ARC provided by author and Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
Melanie Harlow (Cloverleigh Farms, #8)
"I have been and always shall be your friend."
Felicity didn't think that making up an engagement to her billionaire childhood best friend was going to go anywhere, okay? Has she kind of been in love with him forever? Sure. Has he also been in love with her? Yeah. What could possibly go wrong?
Fake dating is my religion. I eat it up with no questions asked! So when this book was announced by the one and only queen of spicy small town romance, my excitement was naturally off the charts.
Felicity is a ray of sunshine! She's very cute and just trying to make it in the world on her own two feet. I really liked her. Hutton was so sweet. Unlike other classic billionaires who are just so confident, sure of themselves, and straight up rude, Hutton is a gem. He's anxious and doesn't do well with crowds. He's tender and loving with a hidden dirty streak (CHAPTER 13. Lord. Have Mercy.)
The chemistry and longing between Felicity & Hutton was so worth it. I absolutely adored their relationship when they were kids & how they grew up together. So precious. I loved the way Hutton just wanted to spoil her and make her feel confident & worth all the hassle and how Felicity encouraged him to come out into gatherings and battle some of that anxiousness.
Qualms:
1. The third act conflict was really avoidable and would have been solved if the two of them just communicated like adults. I wanted this book to be different than the others where they can actually admit their feelings for one another but alas. I hate when people just pack up their bags and leave without taking through things.
2. Know this was Melanie's first billionaire book, but the plot being so centered around him being the aforementioned billionaire was... repetitive at times.
3. There seemed to be different little subplots that never really got explored the way I would have liked. How did Hutton get through the hearing? How did Felicity's career aspirations go? What happened with her relationship with her mother?
4. The Mimi plot line... felt off. The mean girl in high school coming back for vengeance? Meh...
5. So much Winnie... I liked her a lot and it is clear she's the author's fave, but where were my Ellie & Gianni crumbs (Taste)?!
I'm am looking forward to Millie's book though!
*ARC provided by author and Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
July 11, 2022
But can you imagine fake dating your billionaire best friend who will whisk you away to a luxury vacation on a private jet
just
to go get the engagement ring you lied about? i totally COULD never... 👀
Tropes: bestfriends to lovers, fake dating, billionaire romance, small town romance.
Melanie Harlow definitely knows how to do small-town romance justice! Tease is the 8th installment in the Cloverleigh Farms series, following characters from the second generation, and while this entire series brings ALL the feelings and the best tropes to life, it can be read as a standalone.
check my bookstagram edit for this book, and more HERE :-)
Does anyone else feel identified with characters that blurts things out when nervous? that's Felicity McAllister in a nutshell. Her 10-year high school reunion couldn't go any worse, and the best way to save face in front of the always perfect mean girl? make up an engagement... to her billionaire best friend. Hutton French hates social gatherings, but he and his longtime friend once promised to always be there for each other when they both use their secret code, and the time has come.
These two best friends had been circling each other for YEARS, ever since their high school years trying to figure out if the other felt differently or if they were just one step away from ruining a perfect just-best-friends relationship, too scare to act on their feelings. The easy friendship between the two was one of my favorite parts of this book, like, even when it involved things the other hated, they were always there, supporting each other. And the chemistry? WOW... does anyone else here love the "practice" scenes in fake dating romances? These two are oscar-worthy with their performances and practices! And then the angst of "am I the only one catching feelings?", "what if I ruin a perfect friendship of years?", "did I imagine all those heated looks, the touches, the tension?", and all the mixed signals when two shy best friends don't want to take the big step that could lead to their HEA or to ruin them forever.
Just look at those tropes and tell me you're not waiting for a serve... this whole series is amazing, and I totally recommend it if you're in the mood for some small town romance!
Tropes: bestfriends to lovers, fake dating, billionaire romance, small town romance.
Melanie Harlow definitely knows how to do small-town romance justice! Tease is the 8th installment in the Cloverleigh Farms series, following characters from the second generation, and while this entire series brings ALL the feelings and the best tropes to life, it can be read as a standalone.
check my bookstagram edit for this book, and more HERE :-)
Does anyone else feel identified with characters that blurts things out when nervous? that's Felicity McAllister in a nutshell. Her 10-year high school reunion couldn't go any worse, and the best way to save face in front of the always perfect mean girl? make up an engagement... to her billionaire best friend. Hutton French hates social gatherings, but he and his longtime friend once promised to always be there for each other when they both use their secret code, and the time has come.
These two best friends had been circling each other for YEARS, ever since their high school years trying to figure out if the other felt differently or if they were just one step away from ruining a perfect just-best-friends relationship, too scare to act on their feelings. The easy friendship between the two was one of my favorite parts of this book, like, even when it involved things the other hated, they were always there, supporting each other. And the chemistry? WOW... does anyone else here love the "practice" scenes in fake dating romances? These two are oscar-worthy with their performances and practices! And then the angst of "am I the only one catching feelings?", "what if I ruin a perfect friendship of years?", "did I imagine all those heated looks, the touches, the tension?", and all the mixed signals when two shy best friends don't want to take the big step that could lead to their HEA or to ruin them forever.
Just look at those tropes and tell me you're not waiting for a serve... this whole series is amazing, and I totally recommend it if you're in the mood for some small town romance!
July 3, 2022
HUTTON is the most surprisingly sexy MMC I have read in quite some time!!
Fake dating is my addiction, and Melanie delivered. This story follows Felicity and Hutton. Felicity heads to her high school reunion, runs in to her old bully and blurts out that she is engaged to a billionaire. The only billionaire she knows is Hutton, her best friend since they were kids, who just happens to have extreme social anxiety. But Hutton would do anything for her, so he gets in his car and plays fake fiancé.
So what happens when they decide they need some practice - practice kissing, practice EVERYTHING... and feelings get involved.
Let me say this, I LOVED HUTTON. I loved his sweet but sexy vibe. I love that all he wanted to do was make Felicity happy. And I LOVED when he needed control (HELLO SPICY SCENE). He was a pleasant surprise. The nice guy that can be dirty when he needs to be.
Felicity was a little lost. She wasn't sure how to just be herself. You could tell Hutton was her rock and she felt the most secure when she was around him. He allowed her to be herself without fear of judgement and I enjoyed watching their dynamic. I will say, there were a few times I wanted to yell at her. LIKE JUST TELL HIM HOW YOU FEEL DANGIT!! But I get why she couldn't... the line between best friends and lovers is very thin and she didn't want to lose him.
The only thing I felt was missing was ONE scene from Hutton's POV (I don't want to spoil it), but it was something I would have like to see him accomplish... iykyk...
but overall I loved this book and once again Melanie just makes me happy!
4.5/5 stars
2.5/5 spice
**Arc for honest review**
Fake dating is my addiction, and Melanie delivered. This story follows Felicity and Hutton. Felicity heads to her high school reunion, runs in to her old bully and blurts out that she is engaged to a billionaire. The only billionaire she knows is Hutton, her best friend since they were kids, who just happens to have extreme social anxiety. But Hutton would do anything for her, so he gets in his car and plays fake fiancé.
So what happens when they decide they need some practice - practice kissing, practice EVERYTHING... and feelings get involved.
Let me say this, I LOVED HUTTON. I loved his sweet but sexy vibe. I love that all he wanted to do was make Felicity happy. And I LOVED when he needed control (HELLO SPICY SCENE). He was a pleasant surprise. The nice guy that can be dirty when he needs to be.
Felicity was a little lost. She wasn't sure how to just be herself. You could tell Hutton was her rock and she felt the most secure when she was around him. He allowed her to be herself without fear of judgement and I enjoyed watching their dynamic. I will say, there were a few times I wanted to yell at her. LIKE JUST TELL HIM HOW YOU FEEL DANGIT!! But I get why she couldn't... the line between best friends and lovers is very thin and she didn't want to lose him.
The only thing I felt was missing was ONE scene from Hutton's POV (I don't want to spoil it), but it was something I would have like to see him accomplish... iykyk...
but overall I loved this book and once again Melanie just makes me happy!
4.5/5 stars
2.5/5 spice
**Arc for honest review**
November 14, 2022
4.5 stars!
Friends to lovers, fake dating, lots of anxiety representation, low angst and just a really cute story.
I really loved this book. It had fake dating but it was used more as a way for them to be together than anything else. It was so cute watching them blur the lines between real and fake, and trying to convince themselves it’s only for a month. Yeah, oookay.
Their friendship was also so sweet. They’ve been friend since the 7th grade so they already had that deep connection and knew each other pretty well. Although they lost touch and reconnected before the story started, it didn’t feel like we were missing anything. They were both the smart, shy kids in school and it was cute when we got little glimpses into their past, passing coded notes and being a ball of nerves around the other person.
Also, the way they handled each other’s mental health was amazing. Felicity never made him feel bad for not handling things well and always checked up on him in social environments. As someone with anxiety, I can say that is so comforting to read about and a huge thing that can ease some of the anxiety.
The only thing I didn’t like was everything with Mimi, the stereotypical high school mean girl. She plays a big part in the beginning but I didn’t like how they closed that drama off. It felt rushed, out of no where, and way too cheesy for me. But that only takes up a few pages so it wasn’t a huge bother to me.
This may be a new favourite of mine in the Next Generation series and maybe top three for the entire series. The next one is an ex’s dad trope and I can’t wait!
Friends to lovers, fake dating, lots of anxiety representation, low angst and just a really cute story.
I really loved this book. It had fake dating but it was used more as a way for them to be together than anything else. It was so cute watching them blur the lines between real and fake, and trying to convince themselves it’s only for a month. Yeah, oookay.
Their friendship was also so sweet. They’ve been friend since the 7th grade so they already had that deep connection and knew each other pretty well. Although they lost touch and reconnected before the story started, it didn’t feel like we were missing anything. They were both the smart, shy kids in school and it was cute when we got little glimpses into their past, passing coded notes and being a ball of nerves around the other person.
Also, the way they handled each other’s mental health was amazing. Felicity never made him feel bad for not handling things well and always checked up on him in social environments. As someone with anxiety, I can say that is so comforting to read about and a huge thing that can ease some of the anxiety.
The only thing I didn’t like was everything with Mimi, the stereotypical high school mean girl. She plays a big part in the beginning but I didn’t like how they closed that drama off. It felt rushed, out of no where, and way too cheesy for me. But that only takes up a few pages so it wasn’t a huge bother to me.
This may be a new favourite of mine in the Next Generation series and maybe top three for the entire series. The next one is an ex’s dad trope and I can’t wait!
September 22, 2022
I was so excited about this book especially as I loved the previous two books... sadly this was just kind of meh... I didn't find these two interesting..their mental issues masquerading as "funny" quirks were annoying
2.5,🌟
August 19, 2022
Nobody speak to me…..I’ll never be same 😭 A MASTERPIECE! When I die bury me with all my fake relationship & marriage of convenience books because nothing makes me happier, ♾⭐️s
January 14, 2023
4.5⭐️ This book was so freaking cute. I am obsessed with the friends to lovers trope and this book just made me so darn happy.
Hutton and Felicity are soulmates, they understood each other on level that no one else could comprehend (and this was before they even got together and were just best friends!!!) Also the spice in this book?? Absolutely immaculate. I absolutely adore them and this series so much. ❤️🔥
“Felicity MacAllister, I’ve loved you longer than you know, and there will never be another human on this earth that matters more to me.”
Hutton and Felicity are soulmates, they understood each other on level that no one else could comprehend (and this was before they even got together and were just best friends!!!) Also the spice in this book?? Absolutely immaculate. I absolutely adore them and this series so much. ❤️🔥
“Felicity MacAllister, I’ve loved you longer than you know, and there will never be another human on this earth that matters more to me.”
July 20, 2022
So so good! Two nerdy best friends (with major anxiety issues) find out they could be each other's forever if they just give it a try--and the perfect situation forces them into close proximity!
It was sweet...and hot! Hutton and Felicity were all kinds of imperfectly perfect...I loved them together and I love this series!
5 stars
It was sweet...and hot! Hutton and Felicity were all kinds of imperfectly perfect...I loved them together and I love this series!
5 stars
June 29, 2022
Melanie Harlow's stories are always full of swoons and sass with a hero and heroine that completely rock your world! I have loved the Cloverleigh Farms storyline from the very beginning and am always obsessed with every new book that Harlow pens. This story is no different. I enjoyed Hutton and Felicity very much and was curious about them since seeing them both in Taste. Their banter was sexy, their history was amazing and their connection could be felt right off the pages.
While I did lose my heart to Tease, I did find that there were some issues left unresolved that personally took me out of the story. In particular, (without giving any spoilers), I hoped to see more closure with Felicity over her relationship with Carla and (selfishly) would have loved to see the adult encounters *ahem* between Hutton and Felicity fleshed out more specifically Hutton's preferences. It was a delicious part of the story that I felt was quickly glossed over.
Overall, this was a fun addition to an already amazing series. Now I can't wait for more! 4 stars! ~Ratula
While I did lose my heart to Tease, I did find that there were some issues left unresolved that personally took me out of the story. In particular, (without giving any spoilers), I hoped to see more closure with Felicity over her relationship with Carla and (selfishly) would have loved to see the adult encounters *ahem* between Hutton and Felicity fleshed out more specifically Hutton's preferences. It was a delicious part of the story that I felt was quickly glossed over.
Overall, this was a fun addition to an already amazing series. Now I can't wait for more! 4 stars! ~Ratula
July 13, 2022
4.5⭐️ and 2.5🌶
I loved Hutton and Felicity story so much. A perfect friends for lover AND fake dating/engagement! What I loved about their friendship and ultimate love story is that they’ve both actually been in love with each other since high school. They just didn’t REALIZE suddenly they have feelings (i hate that in F2Ls tropes!)
Felicity struggles with commitment Since her mom abandoned her when she was little this her barrier to love. While Hutton suffers from very bad social anxiety and doesn’t think he would be good at being in a relationship.
I loved that Hutton was a freak in the sheets but a Saint on the streets. Their entire trip to NYC was so fabulous and you saw their relationship deepen more so here.
Why isn’t this a 5 star? 2 plot points that i could have done without. The call from felicity’s mom and the drama with Mimi. The drama with Mimi was so unnecessary
Overall Melanie Harlow can never steer me wrong and write QUALITY romance
Received an ARC for an honest review
I loved Hutton and Felicity story so much. A perfect friends for lover AND fake dating/engagement! What I loved about their friendship and ultimate love story is that they’ve both actually been in love with each other since high school. They just didn’t REALIZE suddenly they have feelings (i hate that in F2Ls tropes!)
Felicity struggles with commitment Since her mom abandoned her when she was little this her barrier to love. While Hutton suffers from very bad social anxiety and doesn’t think he would be good at being in a relationship.
I loved that Hutton was a freak in the sheets but a Saint on the streets. Their entire trip to NYC was so fabulous and you saw their relationship deepen more so here.
Why isn’t this a 5 star? 2 plot points that i could have done without. The call from felicity’s mom and the drama with Mimi. The drama with Mimi was so unnecessary
Overall Melanie Harlow can never steer me wrong and write QUALITY romance
Received an ARC for an honest review
December 11, 2022
3.5⭐
“I love you,” I whispered, pulling him closer.
“I love you too,” he said as he began to move. “And I don’t care what the odds are. I’d bet on us every time.”
When i heard he was a shy socially lacking rich nerd that liked to tie up and boss women in the bedroom i was READY for a steamy book I'm sorry this had me on the EDGE
Emotions?!?
I have never in my life wanted to slap the living soul of a character more than i wanted to slap Felicity and Hutton throughout this book.
Also the "we're fake dating/engaged/married and we HAVE to kiss in front of people so we should probably practice" never lets you down honestly
“I love you,” I whispered, pulling him closer.
“I love you too,” he said as he began to move. “And I don’t care what the odds are. I’d bet on us every time.”
When i heard he was a shy socially lacking rich nerd that liked to tie up and boss women in the bedroom i was READY for a steamy book I'm sorry this had me on the EDGE
Emotions?!?
I have never in my life wanted to slap the living soul of a character more than i wanted to slap Felicity and Hutton throughout this book.
Also the "we're fake dating/engaged/married and we HAVE to kiss in front of people so we should probably practice" never lets you down honestly
December 9, 2022
4.5 stars ⭐️
“Being with her almost felt like a memory of something that hadn’t happened yet—maybe a memory of a dream.
She was familiar to me, and yet she was a revelation.”
THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!
“Being with her almost felt like a memory of something that hadn’t happened yet—maybe a memory of a dream.
She was familiar to me, and yet she was a revelation.”
THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!
July 27, 2022
⭐: 2/5
🌶️: 3/5
📌 fake dating
📌 best friends to lovers
📌 Nerdy (i liked the secret codes)
📌 lowkey lessons on seduction
It's not that bad, though it's not the best either.
🌶️: 3/5
📌 fake dating
📌 best friends to lovers
📌 Nerdy (i liked the secret codes)
📌 lowkey lessons on seduction
It's not that bad, though it's not the best either.
January 2, 2023
I finally discovered a book by this author I enjoyed! Tease is a friends to lovers/fake dating/fake engagement romance between Felicity and Hutton. They have been besties since high school. At their high school reunion, to get back at the class bully, Felicity claims she’s engaged to Hutton, who is now a billionaire. Though Hutton struggles with anxiety, he shows up to go along with Felicity’s scheme. BUT, soon the entire town and public believe these two are genuinely engaged. So what choice do they have but to go forward with it?
I loved seeing these two dance around their feelings for each other. It was obvious they’ve been in love forever, but both have their understandable hang ups about love. They were so perfect for each other, and gave each other the room to be quirky and comfortable in their skin.
Also Hutton’s bedroom persona was HOT. Quiet in the streets, freak in the sheets!
Loved how the third act breakup was resolved, as Hutton definitely had some groveling to do. I can’t wait to try the next book in this series!
TROPES: friends to lovers; small town; rich hero; chef/caterer heroine; fake dating/fake engagement; mental health rep (hero with anxiety); BDSM lite
I loved seeing these two dance around their feelings for each other. It was obvious they’ve been in love forever, but both have their understandable hang ups about love. They were so perfect for each other, and gave each other the room to be quirky and comfortable in their skin.
Also Hutton’s bedroom persona was HOT. Quiet in the streets, freak in the sheets!
Loved how the third act breakup was resolved, as Hutton definitely had some groveling to do. I can’t wait to try the next book in this series!
TROPES: friends to lovers; small town; rich hero; chef/caterer heroine; fake dating/fake engagement; mental health rep (hero with anxiety); BDSM lite
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