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  • Like I Pretended

  • Heather Bay, Book 4
  • By: Charlie Novak
  • Narrated by: Dan Calley
  • Length: 6 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (8 ratings)

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Like I Pretended cover art

Like I Pretended

By: Charlie Novak
Narrated by: Dan Calley
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Summary

Pretending to be in love never felt so real.

Henry Lu hates being a superstar. Action movies have left a sour taste in his mouth and filming a queer period drama on the Yorkshire coast sounds like the perfect antidote. Meeting grumpy coffee shop owner, Alex, is the cherry on top.

Alex isn't impressed with the appearance of Hollywood royalty in his life, especially because Henry refuses to accept that Alex doesn't like him. But when rumours about the production draw the attention of stuffy streaming service bigwigs and the ire of Henry’s superhero franchise, Henry and Alex must put on a show and fake a relationship to smooth things over.

Alex doesn’t want a relationship, and Henry isn’t good at them, but their arrangement is only supposed to be for a few months, then they'll both be free to go back to their lives. The only problem is that pretending to be in love never felt so real.

Like I Pretended is a slow burn contemporary MM romance featuring a sunshine Hollywood superstar whose never been told no, a grumpy coffee shop owner who wants to be left alone, bad attempts at flirting, terrible catering, and finding home.

It is book four in the Heather Bay series and while it can be listened to as a standalone, it’s best enjoyed as part of the series.

©2023 Charlie Novak (P)2023 Charlie Novak

What listeners say about Like I Pretended

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Listener received this title free

One of my favorite series!

I have read all of these books and love Charlie Novak’s work so much but there is something about Henry that is so special. I was so thrilled to see him get his happy ending with Alex, after some speed bumps! Dan Calley did a phenomenal job as always - exceptional!

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Amazing book! I loved it!

In this book we follow Alex who owns "Novel Tea", a coffee shop, and Henry an award winning Hollywood movie star.
Henry comes to Heather Bay to film a period drama and on his first day meets Alex, hits on him and gets rejected.
Alex doesn't want a relationship, he doesn't even want a hook up but he can't stop thinking about Henry.
The two of them end up in a fake relationship but soon realise they want something more.
Henry was sweet and down to earth and I really liked him. I thought that he was perfect for Alex.
Alex stole my heart. He was grumpy and sarcastic but he was aslo fiercely loyal and kind and I just loved it when he showed Henry his sweet side.
This series keeps getting better and better.
I really loved the narrator he did an absolutely fantastic job bringing this wonderful story and the characters to life. I loved every minute.

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Sweet and funny.

I loved Alex and his gruff, no sh*t manner. I liked that he's still no nonsense and speaks his mind but became a little softer around the wedges with Henry's involvement.

The meet-cute with Henry is perfection!!! From their first meeting their relationship dynamics are totally set up and were so funny to watch their back and forth evolve.

I love Heather Bay and all its wonderful characters. It's a before collection of unique personalities that make up a perfect found family.

Filled with so much heart, swoony emotions and a bit of sass here and there!! Highly recommended.

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  • AL
  • 07-09-23
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Cute as always

Story: As all books in this series, we get a cute small town romance with unique, lovable characters. Loved the feels and devoured the book!
Narration: Great voice and acting skills. Matched the vibe and characters really well!

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So sweet!

Loved this new book in the Heather Bay series. We have an incredible group of friends, more like found family, finding love one after the other. This time it’s the turn of our resident snarky coffee shop owner, Alex, who’s sworn off relationships, to fall for the action movie star filming in town. But things aren’t as easy as they may seem to be…
I adore Henry! He’s a superstar actor and yet the snarky, handsome coffee shop owner turns him into a fumbling mess! And he’s adorable when he pouts - which he apparently can’t pull off - and just acts like a lost puppy wondering how could anyone say no to him! (Yes, Henry has his ego-filled, egotistical moments, but he’s still adorable!)
Alex is so acidic and prickly, and I love that even when he finally admits that he’s in love with Henry, he never gets sappy, he just keeps snarking and calling him out!

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So much more than acting.

MM, Grumpy/Sunshine, Slow Burn, Insta attract, Small Town, Contemporary, Romance. The fourth book in the series and whilst it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone I feel it's best when enjoyed as part of the series with low angst and high heat and full of wit and humour including some cameo appearances. Fantastic narration, thoroughly enjoyed, guaranteed HEA.

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