Otherwise Engaged Paperback – November 30, 2021

Okay but why did I giggle like a little school girl throughout this whole book? HIGHLY recommend!To set the scene:Two once close friends have drifted apart. It’s now years later and they’re both trying to keep their businesses afloat. Thayer runs a lingerie store with her twin sister. While Bennet has a boring math job that I mentally skipped over every time he mentioned it lol, but I think he’s a CFO. There’s not much reason for their paths to cross until Thayer fabricates a boyfriend when her family points out her lack of plus one to her sister’s wedding. (Un)fortunately Bennet happens to be in the market for a fake girlfriend in order to seal an important business deal. In a case of two birds one stone, they propose a deal that will serve them both. That’s if they can keep their heads on straight and put their pasts aside.The Main Characters:Thayer is the epitome of girl power. She says she’s the plain twin, but it’s obvious she’s a force to be reckoned with. Between her sarcasm, her impeccable taste in underwear, and her incredible math skills—she’s quite the leading lady. I think she’d best be described as having Elle Woods vibes.Bennet is a lovable player who’s being forced to clean up his act. He’s confident, handsome, and snark is his favorite weapon; but it’s clear he’s a cinnamon roll at heart. Especially when matched against Thayer. This reformed player is too cute as a doting boyfriend.Thoughts and Plot:The sparks between these two are electric. As much as they try to deny their chemistry, we all know they’re endgame. I guess this book could be considered a slow burn, but it doesn’t feel like it. The tension was there right from the beginning. It was only a matter of how long they could hold off their desire. And when they do come together, the smut is worth the wait. (I’d say a solid three on the chili pepper scale)The plot itself is blissfully predictable. Including the last little conflict at the end. But sometimes you just need a really simple standalone with a HEA. Despite it following the standard book about unrelatable rich people problems formula to a tee, it was so entertaining. The banter between the two is truly funny. I was cracking up at their antics the whole time. Throughout the book you get really cute glimpses of their past to find out what really went down in high school. The flashbacks are a much needed touch of angst that contrasted really well to the current timeline. I was hooked from beginning to end and flew through the book in less than a day. I genuinely laughed out loud and smiled nearly the whole time.If that wasn’t enough to convince you, here are the tropes: (I’ll give you a chance to skip them though)••••Fake dating. Fake fiancé. Friends to sort of enemies to lovers. Forced proximity. And dare I say, one bed. Umm what more could you need?Honestly, I loved this book and could see myself reading it again and smiling just as hard. Give this one a read if you want something silly and sweet.

But a decent showing. I’m guessing this is one of her earlier works. Will have to go look but the burn was WAY TOO slow and the happy time way too short. I didn’t feel the connection and the typos took me out of the book a ton! This one was just okay…

This was an amazing read. I did not get bored and felt I needed to skip pages. A must read

Overall, an enjoyable enemies-to-lovers with a fake engagement. The writing is well done. My only criticism is that the FMC is somewhat unlikeable for the first half or so of the book. Fortunately, there’s character development for both the FMC and the MMC but I do have a hard time reading books where the main character is annoying!

“It was like drowning while breathing, flying while falling, a blessing and a curse.”* Our leading lady, Thayer, may have used these words to describe something else entirely, but no words could better capture the experience that was reading Avery Keelan’s ‘Otherwise Engaged’ for the first time.From the onset, Keelan demonstrates a keen awareness of what makes the perfect romance sizzle and pop. Both Thayer and Bennett are strong, relatable characters with an undeniable chemistry that singes upon each page. Not to mention the build up of angst, drama, and sex appeal that’ll leave you otherwise flustered. Every word, each whisper of a touch, and every possibility between Thayer and Bennett was executed perfectly and I found myself cheering them on through every obstacle and miscommunication that sought to rob them of their well deserved happily ever after - it was a true (and balanced) masterpiece of sugar, spice, and everything nice.With a flair for dramatic realism, and a natural, well-defined voice - not to mention the skill behind one of the best first person dual POV’s and use of flashbacks that I’ve read - Keelan’s storytelling leaves much to be admired.A vivid narrative laced with sexual tension, and a marriage of hope, history, and a natural chemistry culminate perfectly in this friends turned somewhat enemies turned fake to real lovers. It’s got something for everyone! Place your order today so you too can experience this beautiful tale for yourself - the cover and the graphics are quite the looker too!I received an ARC copy of Otherwise Engaged in exchange for my honest review.** A curse in the sense that time didn’t stand still, and that, simultaneously, it was over all too swiftly.

The chemistry between MCs is sizzling! If you like fake dating, old friends to enemies a hot, ceo MC (hello rolled up sleeves!!) and a strong, smart FMC this is for you!I’ve read this book three times and every time I fall in love a bit more. The author, Avery, is masterful in creating relatable characters, villains that you love to hate, great build up and great plots!I love that this isn’t a sport romance, even though the authors sport romance books are 💯!! (See enforcer and offside!) it’s nice with a professional setting and fun aspect with the rich club background.This is a fast, sexy and fun read that will leave you fully satisfied! 😉

Second Chance + Childhood best friends + miscommunication trope + TAX FRAUD + fake engagementIt has it all!

I loved this book from the first page right up until the last, including the rollercoaster of emotions and the sudden twists in the story - this is one of my favourite books.

My my 😍😍🥵🥵what chemistry between main characters just love it 🥰

This book was right up my alley! I loved it from start to finish! A great fake dating/relationship book with plenty of spice and banter. This was actually one of my first fake engagement books and it definitely got me hooked. I liked the writing and the story and I would definitely recommend reading this book. Will check her other books for sure.Can't wait to reread this book in a while! Read it!

New to me author and with a modern back drop set in upper class, this was sweet and felted like those high dramas.

A fake engagement story that is really well done and interesting with a background story a out a company threat of bankruptcy

I absolutely love this book. Seeing Thayer and Bennett's relationship change from mutual dislike to love was a delight, especially because the pacing was just right and it didn't feel rushed like in some enemies-to-lovers books. It's impossible not to root for these two because it's clear they're made for each other.Avery is amazing at creating realistic, flawed characters and giving them distinct voices as well as showing their development. The steamy scenes will give you all the feels, and Bennett will surely be one of your top book boyfriends.Absolutely recommend the book to all lovers of steamy, contemporary romance.