Enemies to lovers? Fake dating? Hot chemistry? If any of these tropes send you to the heavens, Carrie Elks’s “Strictly Pretend” is a must. Elks brilliantly mixes familiar tropes with whimsical writing. She is a master at blending humorous storylines with heartwarming themes and incorporating sharply witty dialogue. I gravitate toward novels with banter interspersed by deeply moving emotional moments. Let’s dive into the review of this book.
- Author:- Carrie Elks
- Series:- The Salinger Brothers (Book 6)
- Pages:- 304 Pages
- Genre:- Rom-Com, Fake Relation, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity.
- My Rating:- 4.5 Stars
- Goodreads:- 4.28 Stars
About Strictly Pretend Book
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks centers on stories about mystical connections, hesitating collaboration, and the mutual feeling between two people who profess to loathe each other. Within the pages of the novel, the reader encounters a character who, while a guest at a wedding, has her heart broken. She is distracted by Brooks Salinger, who seems to be her greatest supporter that day.
Brooks resurfaces in her world, bringing the threat of destroying something she holds dear: her family’s beloved bookstore. In Brooks’s world, all’s good as long as you’re busy and he’s not sick. As she’s about to give up on him permanently, he makes a stunning proposal. He’ll find a way to save the bookstore if she agrees to be his “real girlfriend” at a lavish wedding.
My Review: Character Chemistry That Steals the Show
The real magic of Strictly Pretend lies in its characters. The dynamic between Brooks and the heroine is electric from the start. Their banter is quick-witted, sharp, and filled with the kind of playful antagonism that makes the enemies-to-lovers trope so addictive. What begins as tension rooted in resentment gradually morphs into a connection built on mutual respect and understanding. Brooks, in particular, was a revelation; yes, he’s the enemy at first, but his layers are peeled back so beautifully that it’s impossible not to fall for him.
A Relatable Heroine with Heart
The heroine is not just feisty and stubborn but also deeply relatable. Her love for her family’s bookstore adds warmth to her character and grounds the story in something meaningful. Watching her navigate her dislike for Brooks while grappling with her growing attraction was a delight. She embodies vulnerability and strength in equal measure, making her journey feel authentic.
Tropes Done Right
Carrie Elks knows how to take beloved tropes and breathe fresh life into them. The fake dating setup is executed with flair—full of hilarious situations, awkward moments, and plenty of swoon-worthy encounters. Meanwhile, the enemies-to-lovers arc gives the romance its intensity. What could have felt predictable instead comes alive through strong dialogue, carefully built tension, and the genuine emotional stakes at play.
The Writing Style
Elks’ writing is warm, engaging, and cinematic. She captures the awkwardness of forced proximity with humor while balancing it. There are also moments of quiet vulnerability in her writing. The family scenes felt rich and real, adding depth to the world beyond just the central romance. The pacing is smooth, keeping readers turning pages without ever dragging.
Emotional Core Beneath the Comedy
What impressed me most was the emotional undertone running beneath the fun. This isn’t just a rom-com filled with witty banter—it’s also about trust, healing, and redefining what it means to love. Brooks’s hidden layers and the heroine’s fears of retaliation infuse the story with a tenderness that amplifies the impact of the romance. By the end, I wasn’t just rooting for them to end up together—I felt invested in their happiness.
Why 4.5 Stars?
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I gave it 4.5 instead of 5 stars. This is because some sections relied too much on clichés. Certain conflicts felt predictable, and I wished for just a bit more exploration of Brooks’ backstory earlier in the novel. These are small critiques, though, in an otherwise delightful romance.
Final Thoughts
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks is a very lovely romance. It is warm, witty, and utterly charming and will fulfill anyone looking for a romantic escape. It has sharp and witty dialogues and emotional depth, which makes it the kind of book that would make a reader laugh out loud at one point and sigh with pleasure at another.
This book is perfect for you if you enjoy the fake dating trope, enemies-to-lovers, or any romance that gives you butterflies. This is ideal for a weekend while you enjoy a cup of coffee, a blanket, and a book. You can even have a cozy read.
Have you read Strictly Pretend? If you have, we would like to know your thoughts on the dynamic between the heroine and Brooks. You can leave your thoughts in the comments, and we would like to know if you swooned as much as we did.
