From author Crystal Perkins comes an all new fake relationship, older brother's best friend romance set in her Metros Hockey Series. Deking the Beauty tells the story of how Santo and Nita's fake relationship became real.
Brother's Best Friend is one of my absolute favorite tropes! Add that in with hockey romance, and I'm a goner. So is it of any surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed Deking the Beauty? I didn't think so.
Now typically I would recap the story, but when it comes to these fake relationship stories that's a bit more difficult to do without dropping spoilers. Honestly, the description that Crystal Perkins has (see below) tells you exactly what you need to know. So I'll just leave it to her!
On to my thoughts...
Santo and Nita (Ani/Anita) may have started off as a fake relationship, but we know Nita has always had feelings for Santo. For her, this relationship wasn't completely fake. It was showing her what they could have been if he had only been open to being with her. But Neal (Rock) is his best friend, and he just can't look at Nita in a romantic way. Of course Santo's parents breaking up has also skewed the way he looks at relationships. So that has impacted his desire to ever enter a relationship, and even think about a happily ever after.
Witnessing these two fall further for each other was so good. Realizing that they are the only two who don't see their love, was also good. The moment of conflict wasn't over the top. If anything it fit perfectly. It showed the vulnerability of our characters, and how actions can change everything.
Fully enjoyed this book, and have continued to fall for the characters. Cannot wait to see what's next in the Metros Hockey series. And there better be another book in the Metros series, as I'm not ready for it to be over.
On to my thoughts...
Santo and Nita (Ani/Anita) may have started off as a fake relationship, but we know Nita has always had feelings for Santo. For her, this relationship wasn't completely fake. It was showing her what they could have been if he had only been open to being with her. But Neal (Rock) is his best friend, and he just can't look at Nita in a romantic way. Of course Santo's parents breaking up has also skewed the way he looks at relationships. So that has impacted his desire to ever enter a relationship, and even think about a happily ever after.
Witnessing these two fall further for each other was so good. Realizing that they are the only two who don't see their love, was also good. The moment of conflict wasn't over the top. If anything it fit perfectly. It showed the vulnerability of our characters, and how actions can change everything.
Fully enjoyed this book, and have continued to fall for the characters. Cannot wait to see what's next in the Metros Hockey series. And there better be another book in the Metros series, as I'm not ready for it to be over.
If you are a hockey romance fan, or just a fan of Crystal Perkins (seriously, have you read Corrigan and Co?), then you need to read Deking the Beauty. No you don't need to read the others in the series to fully enjoy this one, but it does help to understand the characters a bit more.
Thank you for reading my thoughts. Go pick up this book, or any from Crystal's catalog, and fall in love with her storytelling. I am hooked, and will read it all.
Laura
Santo
I’m the“beauty” of the Seattle Metros. The nice guy who always has a smile for the media and the fans. Until I have an “off day” at an event. Coupled with some on ice accidents, I go from fan favorite to pariah. To help my image, it’s suggested I tone down my playboy ways and at least pretend to be in a serious relationship. Even if that fake relationship is with my best friend's little sister.
Nita
I’ve been in love with Santo since he was the boy next door when we were growing up. He’s never seen me as more than his best friend’s little sister, but now he needs my help. Being his girlfriend is all I’ve ever wanted, so a few months with him is like a dream come true. But, the dream turns into a nightmare when things become real between us, and he walks away.
With more than just the two of them to consider, can the Saint overcome his fears about relationships? And can Nita trust him to stay when she needs him the most?
Crystal Perkins has always been a big reader, but she never thought she would write her own book, until she sat down in 2014 and did it. She's now published over 40 books, and has been featured in several anthologies as well.
She lived in Las Vegas for over a decade, where you could find her running author events and winning bookseller. After moving to ND for over a year, she’s back in Vegas again. When she's not reading a few hundred books a year or chasing after her grandson, you can find her watching hockey (Go Knights Go!) and trying to find the perfect shade of lipstick. A mac and cheese connoisseur, she travels the world looking for the perfect version, while attending book conventions and signings as a cover for her research. Poutine research is also conducted regularly on her trips.
Crystal loves hearing from her readers, so please feel free to send her an email, Facebook message, or Tweet! She's also on Instagram, where you can see her monthly reads!
Laura
Santo
I’m the“beauty” of the Seattle Metros. The nice guy who always has a smile for the media and the fans. Until I have an “off day” at an event. Coupled with some on ice accidents, I go from fan favorite to pariah. To help my image, it’s suggested I tone down my playboy ways and at least pretend to be in a serious relationship. Even if that fake relationship is with my best friend's little sister.
Nita
I’ve been in love with Santo since he was the boy next door when we were growing up. He’s never seen me as more than his best friend’s little sister, but now he needs my help. Being his girlfriend is all I’ve ever wanted, so a few months with him is like a dream come true. But, the dream turns into a nightmare when things become real between us, and he walks away.
With more than just the two of them to consider, can the Saint overcome his fears about relationships? And can Nita trust him to stay when she needs him the most?
Add to your Goodreads TBR!
Meet Crystal Perkins
Crystal Perkins has always been a big reader, but she never thought she would write her own book, until she sat down in 2014 and did it. She's now published over 40 books, and has been featured in several anthologies as well.
She lived in Las Vegas for over a decade, where you could find her running author events and winning bookseller. After moving to ND for over a year, she’s back in Vegas again. When she's not reading a few hundred books a year or chasing after her grandson, you can find her watching hockey (Go Knights Go!) and trying to find the perfect shade of lipstick. A mac and cheese connoisseur, she travels the world looking for the perfect version, while attending book conventions and signings as a cover for her research. Poutine research is also conducted regularly on her trips.
Crystal loves hearing from her readers, so please feel free to send her an email, Facebook message, or Tweet! She's also on Instagram, where you can see her monthly reads!
Connect with Crystal
Thank you to Crystal Perkins, Lady Boss Press, and Grey's Promotions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Deking the Beauty.
