Until Now

A Fake Dating Forced Proximity Romance (Strangers, Book 1)

De: Jensen Parker

Narrado por: Sarah Kuklis

She needs a fake boyfriend for family vacation. He just needs a vacation.

Nina Villa told her mother she’s bringing her new boyfriend to Haven. The problem? She doesn’t have a new boyfriend. What are you supposed to do when your mother invites your ex-boyfriend and his family to the summer house? Now everyone is eager to meet the man who managed to capture the attention of workaholic Nina. Her best friend says she should hire someone. They do it in the movies, right? It could be fun in a no-strings-attached kind of way.

Nick Davis seems like the perfect fit. He doesn’t like Nina, so cutting ties at the end of the summer should be easy, right? She makes him an offer: pretend to be her boyfriend for the summer in exchange for more money than he’s ever seen in his life. It’s an offer he can’t refuse. That money will help pay off his brother’s college tuition and maybe send his dad on a vacation of his own for once.

Little do they know, this simple favor will have big consequences. And neither is prepared for when feelings start to grow and the truth about who Nick really is comes to light.

©2023 Made for More Publishing, LLC (P)2025 Made for More Publishing, LLC

a captivating fake dating romance

Until Now by Jensen Parker, narrated by Sarah Kuklis, is a captivating fake dating romance that immediately hooks the reader with its unique storyline and well-drawn characters.

The central premise revolves around Nina Villa, a workaholic who rashly claims to have a new boyfriend for a family vacation, a problem compounded when her mother invites the ex-boyfriend’s family. Enter Nick Davis. Despite his initial dislike for Nina, he accepts her generous offer to be her fake boyfriend for the summer, viewing the paycheck as a vital way to support his own family.

The story starts with a bang and maintains a roller coaster pace, full of intrigue, mystery, and romance. The dynamic between Nina and Nick is fantastic; their chemistry feels authentic, and the development of their relationship is genuinely heartfelt despite their arrangement being purely transactional. The suspense of their ruse and the simmering romantic tension keep the pages turning rapidly.

The narrative skillfully incorporates relatable dysfunctional family dynamics, particularly through Nina’s mother, whose terrible behavior adds unexpected tension and leads to twists that keep the reader guessing.

While the story is utterly immersive, some initial chapter transitions and character introductions felt a bit confusing. Additionally, the book felt slightly too short, particularly in a few chapters where a deeper elaboration on Nina’s inner feelings would have been appreciated. However, this brevity also serves as a testament to her character, reflecting her work-focused nature and tendency to keep her emotional walls up.

Until Now is a delightful read that offers a refreshing spin on the fake dating trope. The narration by Sarah Kuklis is excellent, bringing the story to life. If you love a contemporary romance packed with drama, heart, secrets, and a great deal of anticipation for when the truth about Nick will come to light, this book is a must-add to your reading list. I am already eagerly looking forward to reading the next installment, Strictly Business.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.