REVIEW: Lying To Meet You by Anna Garner

Title: Lying To Meet You
Author: Anna Garner
Publication Date: September, 2013
Genre: Chick-Lit

Description: Does being in a relationship make you a hot commodity in the eyes of would-be suitors?

Chloe Lane is about to find out. When her childhood pal, Ethan Webster, asks her to play the part of his girlfriend in order to test this theory, she reluctantly agrees. As a work-crazed fashion designer, boutique owner and soon-to-be reality show judge, Chloe has no time for a real boyfriend, but being part of a faux pair will do just fine. Not that she has any intention of trying to attract someone else.

However…

Opportunity unexpectedly knocks when Chloe meets fellow reality judge, William Shannon. Super successful and super sexy, this high-powered entrepreneur inspires Chloe to test Ethan’s theory herself. Now, on top of keeping her fashion business productive, carving out a new role as a television personality, maintaining a fake relationship and attempting to lay the groundwork for a future relationship, she’s lying to William, lying to her friends, lying to her family and quite possibly lying to herself. Will Chloe be able to keep it all together, or are things about to explode?

My Thoughts: This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Lying to Meet You was a very cute and entertaining story by new to me author Anna Garner about an up and coming fashion designer who lands a gig as a judge on a reality television show. Over dinner one evening with her childhood friend, Ethan, they discuss the topic of being attractive to the opposite sex only when they are in a relationship. Deciding to test the theory, they agree to pretend to be in a relationship. Ethan has his eye on a coworker and Chloe is quite smitten with William Shannon, a fellow judge on the reality show.

I really enjoyed the premise of this story. Chloe and Ethan’s ruse could result in several outcomes, to my way of thinking. They could learn that their theory proves bupkis and they are no more attractive to others regardless of their relationship status. They could learn that the theory is true and they both get the relationship they are wanting. They could learn that this theory brings them closer together and they develop feelings for one another or the whole thing blows up in their face and not only does it destroy their friendship, but brings down a whole hot mess from all of their friends and family who have been lied to about this project. Exciting, isn’t it? I was quite literally rubbing my hands together in gleeful anticipation to read this book.

I absolutely loved Chloe and Ethan. As friends, they have a great relationship, very close and comfortable, like you would expect to see of life-long friends. I enjoyed their easy dialogue with one another and their companionship. As a pretend couple, I got such a kick at watching them try to come up with cute pet names for one another, having “dates” (I will never look at Karaoke the same again) and being lovey dovey in front of friends and family.

My Final Verdict: As a new reader to Anna Garner’s work, I give her a high-five for delivering a story that immediately drew me in and kept me connected to the story and the characters. I will definitely be on the hunt for more of her work. Fans of contemporary romance and the chick-lit genres will find this story appealing and a lot of fun. If you are already familiar with Ms. Garner’s work, Lying to Meet You will provide another enjoyable experience for your reading adventures. If you are new to her work, this book is an excellent choice to begin.