Review: Is This Real or Just Pretend? by Emily Sullivan

*I received a copy of this book from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Is This Real or Just Pretend?

by Emily Sullivan 

September 9, 2025

Goodreads Summary:

Alexandra Atkinson's talent for spotting successful business ideas has helped enrich her father's company while leaving her with little time for a social life—and certainly nothing as silly as love. But when her father hints that Alex will need to marry as well if she ever wants to win the approval of the company's far more fusty board members, she hatches her most ambitious plan a fake courtship that lasts just long enough to see an important deal through and secure her place at the head of the company.

As the son of the Atkinson's chauffeur, Lucien Taylor grew up admiring the family from a distance—and pining for Winifred, the youngest sister. But when he finally accepts that she will never see him as anything other than a playmate, Lucien leaves home to make his fortune. Now he’s back and in search of funding after his duplicitous partner ruins his business. Help comes from the most unexpected place when Alexandra, the eldest Atkinson sister known for her icy beauty and infamously brusque manner, makes a she will help him secure what he needs to start his business if he pretends to court her for a few weeks. Her offer is too good to pass up, but the more time they spend together, the more Lucien realizes that a fake courtship with Alex isn’t enough. He wants something real.

Review

Emily Sullivan’s writing is so easy to read I didn’t even realize I was halfway through Is This Real or Just Pretend? when I picked it up for the first time. I greatly enjoyed Phoebe’s story in Duchess Material and now Alex’s story has proven to be just as entertaining!

As a successful businesswoman, who was also excellent at looking after her family, Alex seemed independent and assured. But underneath her intimidating intelligence was an awkward girl who needed someone to take care of her too. Lucien saw the vulnerabilities Alex hid. He saw the brave acts she put on and the kindness she possessed. While their feelings came on a little fast, I love a romance where two people support and make each other better.

It is so much fun to see Phoebe and Will again! In Is This Real or Just Pretend? they had wise words for Alex and Lucien and were the perfect buffer. I initially disliked Freddie a lot because of her childishness, however, both Alex and Lucien benefitted from her directness.

Is This Real or Just Pretend? wasn’t a particularly deep story but it was meaningful and enjoyable. I absolutely adore these characters and can’t wait to hear from them again! I can just imagine how hysterical Freddie and Detective Holland’s story will be~

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.