He’s acting royalty. She’s a nurse at The Royal hospital. What happens when their scripted romance starts to feel too real…?
When Ellie bluffs her way into a high-end party with her best friend, the last thing she expects is to end up going home with infamous actor Alex King, because he’s too drunk to remember what hotel he’s staying in. But when the paparazzi catch them together the morning after, their new friendship suddenly becomes the tabloids’ front page.
Alex needs a plus-one. Not only is his brother marrying his ex, but he’s become the villain in the eyes of the press. With a loved-up date by his side, the public might finally see him as moving on and his new play might finally get the ticket sales it needs to not close down.
But a wedding in the Bahamas, surrounded by gorgeous celebrities, with the paparazzi lurking everywhere, is plus-sized Ellie’s worst nightmare. Even as Alex’s displays of affectionate become more real and less fake, will she lose a part of herself during their pact?
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My Review
This is a charming, feel-good romcom that delivers big 90s movie vibes with plenty of heart, humour, and emotional warmth. The story follows Ellie, a plus-sized, overworked nurse, who — along with her best friend Hannah — bluffs her way into an exclusive party and unexpectedly catches the attention of Alex King, the down-to-earth son of Hollywood royalty.
What begins as an easy friendship quickly deepens. Alex is captivated by Ellie’s honesty and warmth, while Ellie discovers that behind Alex’s famous surname is a genuinely kind, thoughtful man. When Alex is forced to attend the wedding of his cheating ex and estranged brother — and his agent suggests a fake relationship to deflect bad press — Ellie agrees to be his pretend girlfriend. With their chemistry already undeniable, the line between “fake” and real soon disappears.
Ellie is a wonderfully written heroine: confident yet realistically vulnerable, her journey toward self-acceptance feels authentic and empowering. Alex is equally lovable — charming, respectful, and refreshingly grounded despite his upbringing. The writing is sweet, immersive, and reminiscent of Mhairi McFarlane’s style.
While the ending leans heavily into romcom clichés and feels slightly rushed, it’s also irresistibly cheesy in the best way. Overall, this is a warm, uplifting romance that leaves you smiling.
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