ARC Review: Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay

This was my first read by Tracey Livesay and it was fantastic! I absolutely loved “Pretending with the Playboy.” This is the second book in the “In Love with a Tycoon” series. Although I did not read the first book this is can easily be a stand-alone and readers won’t be lost with the series.

When the story begins our playboy Carter Richardson is doing just that, acting like a playboy. He is just waking up with his latest fling with a hangover. This is a common occurrence in Carter’s life. His philosophy seems to be “work hard, play harder.” Lauren Olsen shows up on his door step when all this is happening and throws his world upside down.

First, I loved Lauren so much. She was an incredible heroine. One thing I loathe in romance novels is when a successful, smart, strong woman becomes a moron the minute she is attracted to a guy. Livesay held true to her heroine and I loved that! Lauren has known Carter, practically their entire lives. She is now an assistance to his very wealthy aunt, Dorothy. Dorothy was such a great character as well. The author really took time to develop her character and show the strength in her relationship to Lauren and to Carter. It was heartbreaking to see how much she loved and how easily she gave her love to both Lauren and Carter. In a way Lauren and Carter are both “orphans.” Dorothy plays the mother to both and she is passionately loyal and loving.

Carter is a typical rich, spoiled, no- worries -in –the- world playboy. He is very successful in his career but he is also very selfish and self-absorbed. Laurens sole purpose is to bring him to visit his aunt Dorothy before she passes away. Unbeknownst to Carter she has cancer and doesn’t have much time left. I had a hard time warming up to Carter but it became part of his charm! Livesay held true to her hero also! I loved that he didn’t magically change overnight and I also loved his relationship with his aunt and eventually the real relationship he developed for Lauren.

Aside from these wonderful characters, the author also makes the hero and heroine so enjoyable! They had great chemistry and fun banter. She also adds some villains to the mix as Carter has to re-evaluate his goals and priorities and think of the people he loves first. Livesay has been added to my to-read list! I really enjoyed her writing and can’t wait to read more by her!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Tycoon’s Socialite Bride by Tracey Livesay

Marcus Pearson is a successful real estate developer and the third youngest man on the Forbes richest people list. His life started at the bottom and he has clawed his way to the top. One property remains high on his list. The sale has stalled because Marcus is deemed unworthy by the current owner. The Holcombe Hotel represents a promise he made to his late mother. She had worked there as a maid and was attacked by a wealthy patron. Then she was fired for reporting the crime. Marcus sees owning it as validation for his family. Pamela Harrington is the daughter of the powerful African American senator from Virginia. Her family’s name is sterling and perfect for Marcus. She wants him to keep a women’s shelter open in a building he owns. They strike a deal involving a marriage of convenience. The shelter stays open and he can purchase the hotel. They don’t plan to fall in love, but the physical attraction can’t be denied. Her father is not pleased with the rushed nuptials and demands she go back to her former fiancé. She defies him and marries Marcus. She is the ultimate trophy wife and his association with her pays off, but at what price?

Pamela is a woman trying to find her way in a man’s world. The power and influence belong to her father and Marcus. She is seen as a prize to be won. Her life revolves around public service. She has taken it a step further by getting personally involved in the women’s shelter. She offers seminars to the women and works there. She is trying to break out of the box she has been put in by her father and the perception of her class. She uses her influence for the sake of others. She’s likeable and proves to her father and Marcus she’s entitled to make her own choices in life.

Marcus is a good foil for Pamela. He understands her relationship with her father and her fight for the shelter. He knows his mother would have benefitted from help. He knows there is a need and is impressed she’s stepped in to speak for the disadvantaged. Some of his judgment is clouded by his past experiences, but he also sees the passion in Pamela. The marriage is set to be short lived, but Marcus falls in love first. They stumble into the relationship, but he proves he’s a keeper.

Pamela Harrington made me think of many wealthy women who have pushed social issues forward through money and personal pleas. They may not work in regular settings, but follow their hearts and devote themselves to charity and volunteerism. She represents a throwback to a different time, but fills a real need in her community. Together, they make a true power couple and interesting to watch.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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