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188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2019
“I need you to be my fake boyfriend for the next week and a half.”
“Your what?”
Oh, for Pete’s sake. Had he never read a romance novel? — Josie Morgan & Riley Parker
The ending is so so cute. Sweet and a wonderful pair for Pumpkin Everything. Riley and Josie and developed well from what we know, becoming more than stereotypes. Those stereotypes are the poor little rich girl and the best friend (also 'former' goth). I'm going to be honest poor little rich girl with a rags to riches backstory is truly oversimplifying Josie's societal position. Anyone who read Pumpkin Everything knows that Josie has more money than most of us care to even this about from her $458,000,000 Powerball jackpot won five years prior to the start of the book. But she is frugal with it, giving it to people who need it or ask for it politely and just wanting to help others. We get all the answers as to why Josie is how she is. The issues that the money has caused her that has formed her current self, the whole truth not the watered-down version.
My love for Riley didn't change between the books. Riley is a gorgeous character he's so death positive and aware of himself. His reason for going into his job is so endearing. He takes Josie's behaviours well, he reminds her of what is normal and builds her back up. Look goth boys are the best boys, and there really is no such thing as a reformed or ex goth they just learn how to blend better. There is one moment I really like "He met me halfway across the parking lot and immediately handed over his phone.
“What’s this?” I asked, laughing as I took it from him.
“This is one of those eyes on you and not my phone type of things.”. Riley is a Pokemon Go addict. To me this is one of the most romantic things he could do. And the phone is a huge part of their relationship which is handled so, so well.
Josie and Riley are both likeable and I find them relatable on different levels. Their story suits them. It is anchored well in their personality traits. And their communication breakdowns are so human and so very millennial as much as anything else. Maple Sugar Crush took me far, far longer than it had any right to. But realistically this is readable in a day and is definitely worth reading as either a standalone holiday romance or as a companion to Pumpkin Everything.
Jawline of a Greek god, and a heart of gold to boot. Now he was picking out sweaters for my dog. — Josie Morgan (Josie has her priorities straight what can I say)
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