Cover Image: Counterfeit Courtship

Counterfeit Courtship

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Member Reviews

What It's About: Tyrone and his brothers have finished filming Season One of their tv show and Tyrone is spending the break trying to make sure they get a Season Two by networking the hell out of the people on the network. He finds himself attending a wedding where he's seated beside make-up artist, Kiera. The two share a steamy kiss that goes a little viral and the execs are suddenly hesitant about giving them a Season Two because they think Tyrone isn't being so family-friendly. So obviously, Tyrone blurts out that it's alright, he and Kiera are together and some intense fake dating commences.

What I Loved: Honestly, basically the whole thing. Kiera has some deep insecurities from when she was growing up and I loved how Williams explores that in such a short space. I especially loved that Kiera has largely worked through it on her own, but it's still helpful to have Tyrone supporting her and telling her how stunning she is. I really loved the relationships between Tyrone and his brothers and felt like it was a great conclusion.

What I Didn't Love: It's not that I didn't love it so much as I just really wish there was more space in categories sometimes to fully explore the way the brothers all have their own hang ups over the way the other brothers and them interact. I think we worked through each of those in a fairly satisfying way, but I just know what Williams' can do with more space and I think I would have really loved to see that arc fully explored.

Overall: I loved this book and this series and I highly, highly recommend.

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UPDATE: New guidance from the Harper Collins Union that Harlequin and their imprints are NOT included in the ongoing strike. So here's my review...

4.5 stars rounded up

Synithia Williams writes really fantastic romances! Counterfeit Courtship is the final book in a series following Black brothers who are paranormal investigators and the women they fall in love with. And this one has fake dating!

Tyrone is the baby of the family and has a reputation as a player. But that reputation is getting him into trouble with their TV network. So when he is photographed kissing a near stranger (Kiera) he pretends they have a long term secret relationship. Keira is a talented makeup artist struggling to make ends meet and angling to work on his show, so she goes along with it. But pretending to be in love, might just heat up the chemistry that really exists between them...

I really loved the relationship between Tyrone and Kiera, plus I am a fan of fake dating. But I also liked how this unpacked how Tyrone got his reputation in the first place and involved him making amends to someone he had hurt. I also really love how this offers a nuanced perspective of makeup and self-love. Kiera uses makeup as a tool for artistry and feeling confident, but has also come a long way in feeling self-conscious about her own body and skin. I think this does a good job tackling a complex issue. This is a quick read but very good. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

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I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Review based on final copy. All opinions are my own.
I’ve enjoyed this series so far, and this one was no different. Fake dating is hit or miss, but generally liked Tyrone and Kiera’s dynamic together. And seeing how Tyrone was much more than his media image was particularly sweet.

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I adored the first two books in this series, but this one didn’t quite stand up to those. I’m not often a huge fan of fake dating but I thought it was well thought out in this case. The sparkling dialogue makes the characters come to life. I just wish this had had a more compelling paranormal element the way the other books did.

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The Counterfeit Courtship is a great final book in the Livingston brothers saga. Tyrone Livingston and Kiera Fox make a great team as they pose as boyfriend and girlfriend. The two soon discover that they are good for each other and able to do what no one else has which is make them believe in themselves. Tyrone and Kiera bring out the best in each other and watching them realize they love each other was a delight. I highly recommend this book and the paranormal parts of the book are also very intriguing.

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This was a cute fake relationship romance, I truly enjoyed it. Tyrone and Kiera had great chemistry on page, the story itself is fun, steamy and very entertaining. I enjoyed it.

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I loooooooved this book!!! What a great read! It was amazing! The perfect love story. A fake relationship turned real love! You won't be able to help falling in love with Tyrone and Kierra. Definitley worth the read!

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This is my first time reading this author, and it won't be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed the time getting to know Tyrone and Kiera. This was such a unique fake relationship that started at a highly anticipated wedding. I love when meet-cutes set the scene for the rest of the book. Synithia really gave us a believable initial meeting at a wedding. The tension and attraction between Tyrone and Kiera were undeniable.
Kiera struggled to keep her dreams of being a network make-up artist alive while paying her medical bills. So she took seat filler jobs at various events to network and have some free fun. It was at this high-profiled wedding, Kiera sat next to Tyrone. Tyrone is definitely intrigued by Kiera and wants to know more about her. Tyrone and his brothers have a paranormal show on the same network as the couple getting married. The brothers desperately want a season 2 on the network but Tyrone's dating history is slowing the process. A secret kiss throws Tyrone and Kiera together to save both of their dreams.

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Good conclusion to the series. Tyrone is the youngest Livingston brother and the one who was most interested in taking their ghost hunters show to the next level. He is outgoing and charming and has quite a reputation as a ladies' man. Because a family-oriented channel picked up their show, Tyrone has been careful to dial back his activities. When an impulsive kiss with makeup artist Kiera is caught on camera, Tyrone has to think fast or watch his career crash and burn. He quickly claims that they are dating.

Kiera is a makeup artist who has earned a reputation for quality work. She'd like to add a few more clients to her portfolio to increase her income and prove to her family that she can earn a good living doing what she loves. The last thing she needs is a scandal involving the notorious Tyrone.

I enjoyed watching this relationship develop. Both Tyrone and Kiera have some confidence issues dating from their teen years. Tyrone battles his feelings of being the "screw-up" little brother who created problems for his oldest brother and his need for Dion's approval. Kiera was a bullying victim, leaving her with the need to use makeup as armor against those who looked down on her. When Tyrone came up with the idea of the fake relationship, he pitched it to Kiera as being good for both of their careers. Tyrone kept the show from being canceled, and Kiera was hired to do the brothers' makeup. Neither expected the show's producer to make their relationship, and those of his brothers, part of the show.

In the beginning, neither is interested in a real relationship. Tyrone isn't ready to settle down, and a cheating boyfriend recently burned Kiera. But as they get to know each other, they realize they also like each other. I liked seeing Tyrone's surprise as he discovered that other women no longer caught his attention. It freaks him out initially, but he starts thinking about making their relationship real. Kiera is a harder nut to crack. She fights her growing feelings for Tyrone, unable to make herself believe she is enough to keep his attention from eventually wandering. I ached for them both when Kiera turned down his suggestion that they keep going. With Tyrone's reluctance to commit and Kiera's fears, both had some self-evaluation and growing to do. I loved that Tyrone gave Kiera the space she needed, though it took a kick in the pants from his brothers to boot him out of his self-pity. Meanwhile, Kiera had an enlightening conversation with her mom that helped put her fears to rest. I loved the ending with a fun reconciliation scene.

Throughout the series, I enjoyed the brothers' ghost-hunting experiences. Each showed their sensitivity to the homeowners and the subjects doing the hauntings. This book had an especially disturbing haunting that left the brothers shaken. I liked how their significant others were attuned to the effects on their men and took steps to help them. I would have liked an epilogue to show them a few months or years in the future.

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When reality star Tyrone and makeup artist Keira share a kiss at a wedding, a photo of them goes viral. For the sake of their careers, they fake a relationship. The attraction between them is real, but their lives don't fit together long-term. Can they find a way to make it work?

Tyrone and Keira are fun and flirty. She's too smart to fall for a man who doesn't know what he wants. Tyrone slowly realizes he needs to evolve if he wants to be with her. The emotions and motivations in this story felt genuine, and I loved the family elements.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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This is the third book in the Heart and Soul trilogy and this time we get to watch Tyrone the play boy baby brother fine Love. While attending the celebrity couples wedding he meets seat filler and make up artist Kiiara. Although his first reaction is intense Tyrone is a playboy but throughout the night his urge to be around her grows. Because Kiara wants to be the head make up artist on his show she doesn’t have a one night staying with him because that would be too awkward but they do kiss in the photo goes viral. Tyrone Wesley and Dion are the Brothers of the popular show Haunted Homeboys and due to Tyrone‘s reputation as being a playboy the last thing he wants is proof of another frivolous relationship. This is why he convinces Keira to be his fake girlfriend and although they fake it for everyone else Tyrone and Kiara can’t help but feel real feelings. Can Tyrone find a way to fit Kiérah in his life or is he destined to be a playboy forever? I loved the stories and knew when I read Dion and Vanessa story I was going to read the whole trilogy and I am so glad I did. Miss Williams is a definite romantic at heart and you can tell through her writing. If you love contemporary romance with a few lol moment you’ll love A Counterfeit Court Ship it is a great fake relationship romance and one I highly recommend. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

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A celebrity wedding, meeting folks who are new,
Networking, endeavouring to make a good impression, too.
He is hoping for a second series of his show to be given the go,
She's hoping to become the make up artist for a show!

The attraction between them is there from the start,
But neither are there to risk their heart.
A kiss can't be wrong - they were only saying "Bye!"
But for reputations sake now they'll a fake relationship try.

It's hard resisting each other and following the rule
Pretending with each other, trying not to be a fool.
But with attraction like theirs, it is hard to resist
Maybe make the most of their chances till they have to desist?

With families (and ghosts) involved in the drama
Will their fake relationship involve karma?
A fun read with great characters, too,
But in the end will their dreams come true?

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

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I think she is the perfect candidate for him and I love how Kiera handled their predicament. They have great chemistry. She's focused, driven and strong, only the strong can survive this chick magnet not that that was all his fault but I think there were times he could've been more persistent requesting hands-off. By the end, I was a little more convinced about his commitment to make their relation real. It's a long courtship, I enjoyed reading how they get to know and respect one another as they play along. Emotionally engaging, steamy and sweetly romantic story. First time reading a book by this author, I wish this couple's story had an epilogue.

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I'm withholding this review in solidary with the HarperCollins Union members currently on strike. I support their right to a fair contract.

Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC.

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A fake romance leads to much more. Our two main characters, Tyrone and Keira, find themselves in a compromising position. To save their reputations and careers, they enter into a fake romance.
Tyrone is the easy going, handsome , media labeled playboy. He and his brothers have a ghost Hunter series. He is ambitious and will do what he needs to move his show to the next level.
Keira is a makeup artist also trying to amp her career. She is fun and a good person.
The two must learn to trust each other and their new relationship to get their HEA.
Fun, sexy and easy to read. Entertaining

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Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒

Counterfeit Courtship by Synithia Williams is the third book in her popular Heart & Soul series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone book. I loved this fake dating story and now I need to go back and read the first two books in the series.

Story Recap:
Tyrone Livingston is a ghost hunter and makes a paranormal television series with his brothers. Tyrone has always wanted to bring their TV show to the next level so when a family-oriented channel wants to pick up their show, Tyrone knows he needs to clean up his playboy reputation. But, when he gets caught kissing makeup artist, Kiera Fox, they both decide to fake date in order to save both of their reputations and ensure the television show gets picked up. But, will fake dating turn into more?

My Thoughts:
I loved the inside look into making a show about ghost hunters. I would have liked more ghosts in the story, but it’s focused on the romance, as it should be. I loved Tyrone, as he’s such an outgoing and charming man and he loves his family so much and wants the show to succeed. Kiera is such a strong character and she knows what she wants in life and is willing to work hard to obtain it.

Both characters have issues with relationships and neither wants a real relationship, so fake dating is perfect for both of them. They both need to face some issues from their childhood in order to move on. And I loved the way they leaned on each other to help each other grow stronger. Their attraction was strong from the beginning, but they both have relationship fears.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend Counterfeit Courtship for anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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This is the 3rd and finale book in the “Heart And Souls Series” and this is Tyrone and Kiera’s journey to an HEA. Fake relationships are one of my favorite reading tropes. Kiera is a makeup artist and Tyrone has a history of being a playboy and he and his brothers are paranormal hunters. Kiera and Tyrone are caught kissing on camera on his show. Tyrone is very much so attracted to Kiera and he comes up with a plan for two to enter into a fake relationship and the couple gets more than they bargained for. The thing is that the relationship is not fake for the couple. The two have awesome chemistry and make for a perfect couple. I enjoyed this series very much. Can’t wait to see what Synithia Williams has next for her readers.

I received an ARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

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This is one of my favorite series by Synithia Williams (aside from her Jackson Falls series)... and I was so awaiting Tyrone's story. I am obsessed with these ghost hunting, paranormal loving dudes and their quests for both ghost and love always leads them into some stuff. I thought this was perfect third entry into the series and I cant wait to read more.

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I have been so excited to see how Tyrone's story played out and OH MY GOSH!!! It was even better than I could have hoped! I loved Kiera so much - I love how focused she is on herself and her goals and going for what she wants. And Tyrone...watching him mature and grow and figure out his place and what he wants...be still my heart. This whole series was wonderful, but Tyrone's story is the one that squeezed my heart. But not in a ghostly way...ha!

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Tyrone meets Kiera. Sparks fly, a slight scandal ensues, and they enter into a fake relationship. This book follows the tried and true fake relationship trope to a “t”. It is steamy but somewhat by the numbers; overall an enjoyable read.

I’d give this an 8 out of 10.

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