The Romance Novel for People Who Don’t Read Romance
I’ve been battling a stubborn winter cold for the last few days, and while the weather hasn’t been doing me any favors, this book certainly did. I’ll be honest: I am not typically a “romance girlie.” Usually, I find myself reaching for other genres, but there is something about a well-executed marriage of convenience trope that I find absolutely addictive. If romance stories are packaged with this much heart and charm, I will happily add this author to my permanent TBR and share their work with all my bookish friends. This is a debut that is truly worth your time, and I am already crossing my fingers that we get a book two in this series soon.
The setup for this one is fantastic: we have Nico, the aloof heir to a media empire, and Emily, Hollywood’s Golden Girl who has been laying low on an acting hiatus. On paper, they are the perfect match. Nico needs to rehab his family image, while Emily is looking for a bit of revenge on an ex-boyfriend. They propose a marriage that benefits both of them, planning to keep it a secret until the perfect moment to announce it.
I will say that I found the very beginning a bit overwhelming. There was a lot happening at once, and the writing in the third-person perspective felt a little clunky at first. However, as the story unfolded, the prose became much smoother and more engaging. It turned into one of those easy, “just one more chapter” reads that I simply couldn’t put down. I particularly loved the sections that focused solely on Emily and Nico’s relationship; it allowed me to really witness their growth from strangers to a legitimate couple.
One thing I have to highlight is how the author handled the more intimate moments. I usually find myself skimming steamy scenes in other books because they can feel a bit forced, but these were not cringy at all. They felt natural to the characters and actually added to the story.
Nico is initially portrayed as cold-hearted and strong, but he eventually reveals such a soft spot for Emily. Emily herself struggles with self-esteem and the habit of never saying no, but she truly shines when she’s with Nico. He doesn’t just protect her—he uplifts her, helping her discover her own voice and finally prioritize her own needs. Capturing the process of them falling in love resulted in a beautiful and touching story that I didn’t want to end. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am already eagerly anticipating whatever this author writes next.
Love, Unscripted: A Marriage of Convenience Celebrity Romance by Zanielle Hart
