America's Geekheart Paperback – April 3, 2019

Why did I wait so long to read this? It was SO good, and such a feel good read! I've been a big fan of Pippa Grant's work for years, but I've also been reading every series completely out of order, so this just got lost on my TBR for a long time. It's the kind of light and sexy read that catches your attention from the start and holds it the whole way through, and I loved the chemistry between this adorkable cinnamon roll of a hero (who just so happens to be an underwear model and former boy band member) and the woman he falls for by accident. It's low angst, playful, and JUST quirky enough - one of my new favorites from the author, easily. The whole story put a smile on my face, and it made for a great, very bingeable read.The story follows Sarah, a woman who has been avoiding the spotlight for years. She's got her reasons to shy away from the camera, but one accidental social media post by a famous heartthrob makes her the center of everyone's attention. Beck didn't mean to insult Sarah via social media, so now he's asking for a favor - fake it for the cameras, and he'll both restore his reputation AND be able to do a lot of good in the world. It's an offer Sarah can't resist, and pretending not to hate Beck is much easier than expected. She should hate him for shoving her back into the spotlight, but the man is entirely too happy and caring to resist. The situation makes both Beck and Sarah reevaluate the way they've been living their lives, and their interactions feel so natural that maybe they aren't so fake after all.It was interesting to go back and read a book by Grant from three years ago, because it's easy to see how her style has changed since then. This was less overtly funny and certainly less "ridiculous" than some of her more recent books, which have been trying a little too hard to make the reader laugh. I loved how effortlessly charming the story is, and - while it's still quirky and funny - it's less over the top. Beck made a MUCH more compelling hero than expected; he's made appearances in other books over the years, and I guess I just pictured him differently. He's sweet and loving, a hot guy with a nerdy side, and I LOVED how determined he was to make things work with Sarah. Their relationship was refreshing and comfortable, and there are a few heart-melting scenes in here. The slow burn really worked for me, and the swoon-factor was high with this one. I loved it!Audio note: Highly recommended on audio! It's dual narration with Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon. Need I say more? The runtime was perfect for bingeing in one day, and the slow burn romance lended itself to a workday listen. I was laughing, but not snort-laughing, and the steam is pretty minimal. Probably one of Grant's least steamy books. The combination of narrators was great, and they both have such easy voices to listen to - it was relaxing and compelling at the same time, and the audio narration definitely enhances the reading experience.

AMERICA’S GEEKHEARTI was just about to start this review with yet another confession that I don’t really enjoy books about famous musicians, actors, models, etc. Then I realized how I seem to always mention how I don’t usually like certain romance tropes and/or genres but Pippa Grant always seems to change my mind. I guess that’s probably the lesson we all can walk away from Pippa’s books, that she does it all really well and that is true reason I will never NOT read her stories.Beck Ryder is the star of this book! The feminist in me wants to riot against not giving a large chunk of the kudos to the heroines for being strong and amazing, and Sarah totally is all that, don’t get me wrong. However, I don’t think I’ve ever read a character with as much personality, charisma, fame and money as Beck who also just happens to be the most down-to-earth, caring and least superficial human on earth.Sure he’s gorgeous and he knows it, and it feels weird to say that he’s humble because he almost comes across ass arrogant if you’re not paying attention, but he knows he has flaws and that he could be cocky, selfish billionaire but he doesn’t want to be. He really does believe in making a mark on the world by changing it, in more ways than just selling comfy underwear.I love his fierce protectiveness of Sarah and his love for his family and lifelong neighborhood friends. He was a total breath of fresh air.Everyone knows I love a good, geeky girl who doesn’t care about outward appearances and actually shies away from the limelight. Even better when she catches the eye of someone as amazing as Beck but doesn’t just fall at his feet. Even better, she doesn’t try to change herself for him but does open herself up to seeing the things he sees in her and learning that she doesn’t have to avoid attention and fame just because she’s different.This story was fun and sweet but it was also a lesson in how sometimes getting out of your comfort zone is the best way to find your true self and how love with the right person helps bring out the best in both of you.Bro Code is an absolute must read series and I can’t wait to what’s coming next!

America’s Geekheart was such a fun and sweet book. I always turn to Pippa Grant when I need a happy pick me up story to warm my heart and she definitely delivered with Beck and Sara’s story. You get fake dating with lots of humor and some really great surprises. Plus a guaranteed HEA!Beck is a former boy band member turned model and fashion empire mogul. He’s very successful, but he’s really just a normal guy who likes the simple things in life like family and friends. Unfortunately being rich and famous means it’s hard to find genuine people who like him for him so he keeps to his childhood friends and leaves love to everyone less. Little does he know an errant social media snafu will lead him to Sara. Sara just so happens to be the neighbor to Beck’s sister Ellie. Sara is a geeky girl who is more interested in saving the planet and animal conservation than getting involved with someone. She is also hiding a huge secret that she really doesn’t want discovered. The last thing she wants is media attention.These two are so darn adorable and perfect as a couple. I love how awkward and then absolutely amazing they are in their own way. I adore how Pippa writes her characters. They have so much depth and soul. You can’t help, but ship the two MC’s together and root for that HEA. I’m glad to get more interactions from previously introduced characters. I just love the Bro’s! Most importantly you will laugh your way to the end. This book is absolutely enjoyable from beginning to end. Go read it and enjoy!