Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$4.99 with 67 percent savings
Print List Price: $14.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Charlie Novak
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Like I Pretended (Heather Bay Book 4) Kindle Edition

by Charlie Novak (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 595 ratings

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 read as a standalone, it’s best enjoyed as part of the series.

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 4 of 5
    Heather Bay
  2. Print length
    297 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    July 20, 2023
  6. File size
    4.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 5 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start over
Previous page
  1. Like I Pictured (Heather Bay)
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  4. Drama Queen (The Court Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  5. A Wedding in a Week
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  9. Affogato (BrewBiz Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  15. Mandatory Repairs
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  17. Ray of Sunshine
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  20. Winter Wishes and Coffee Kisses
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  25. Grinch Kisses
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  28. Whiskey Neat (Last Call Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  30. Accidentally August
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
Next page
Loading...

From the Publisher

Pretending to be in love
Never felt so real.
Whole Image: A handsome East Asian man stands in front of an English country house

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BTHN4BXN
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 20, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 297 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 4 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Heather Bay
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 595 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Charlie Novak

Charlie Novak

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Charlie lives in England with her husband and two cheeky dogs. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.

She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters — because the world needs more of them.

Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with baking, Dungeons and Dragons, reading and many other nerdy pursuits. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…

You can find her at charlienovak.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter, on Twitter and Instagram as @charlienwrites and you can join her Facebook reader group Charlie's Angels for cover reveals, sneak peaks and general book shenanigans!

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
595 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers enjoy this book in the series and find it witty, with one mentioning it's well written.

Select to learn more

EnjoymentWit
5 customers mention "Enjoyment"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, with one mentioning it provides enough interest to keep reading.

"I absolutely loved this! It is my favorite book in the series so far!..." Read more

"This was so good. The banter between Henry and Alex is off the charts from the beginning...." Read more

"...I absolutely loved the change of pace. It gave enough interest and story in the beginning to prevent the “instant love” feel while still allowing..." Read more

"...Well read about one and see how it works out. Very enjoyable read." Read more

3 customers mention "Wit"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's wit, with one mentioning it's well written and another noting it provides lots of giggles.

"Charming and witty, this series makes me smile. Henry Lu from a previous series shows up in this one and sweeps out grouchy Alex off of his feet...." Read more

"Great romance novel, well written and edited, lots of steamy scenes once you get past the first 180 pages...." Read more

"...This one I just sailed through, with lots of giggles." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Lisa L Teetz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved It!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I absolutely loved this! It is my favorite book in the series so far! I've been so eager for Henry's story since we met him briefly in the Roll For Love series. And then to find out his love interest was going to be Alex from Heather Bay? Yes please! We've come to know Alex over the last 3 books as a part of the tight knit group of friends and the owner of the local coffee house. He's direct and a little abrasive on the surface but deep down he is such a sweet and caring man filled with so much love for his found family. I adored how he interacted with Henry. He couldn't have cared less that Henry was a famous actor, he immediately shot him down, which just made Henry want to get behind his walls even more. Their slow, evolving friendship was so endearing and we get to watch them just fall in love day by day. They were so open and honest with each other, they talked to each other, and when they finally moved from friendship to more, they burned up the sheets! So hot! I loved the interaction with all of their friends and family. We get to revisit with Jason and Lewis from the previous series, and the entire cast of characters we have grown to love in Heather Bay. It was absolutely wonderful! While the author does a great job of providing the necessary backstory for this to stand alone, I highly recommend the whole series to really feel the connection between everyone in Heather Bay! And the next book is going to be Theo and Laurie! Cannot wait!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Susana
    4.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2023
    Format: Kindle
    Like I Pretended is the new book in the Heather Bay series, this is Alex's story. This is a grumpy
    /sunshine, fake boyfriend, opposites attract romance.
    Henry is a famous movie star, he doesn’t wants to do more actions movies and he wants to do something different, so he is part of the TV series for a queer period drama that is going to be filming on Heather Bay. Alex and his brother are the owners of a coffee shop in Heather Bay, he loves his small town were he has lived in all of his life, he is grumpy and he is not impressed with the hot movie actor and his flirting. I love the interaction between Alex and Henry, there’s a constant back and forth with these two. Henry have to know why Alex don’t like him and is doing everything to charm him, but Alex isn’t giving in. As they get to know each other they build a friendship and are through in to a fake boyfriend relationship. Alex and Henry arrangement is supposed to be for a few months but pretending to be in love was never to feel like real. Both Alex and Henry have been hurt in the past and have different ideas of how to deal with it, Alex close off himself and is afraid of being hurt, instead Henry is the kind of guy of learn and moves on, but Alex is different he don’t want him because he is famous or rich, but could they make it work? I like the romance between them, Alex and Henry are so different and that was what makes it work for them, they were perfect together! I really have a great time reading this book! Enjoy!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Terry@BismARk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun characters
    Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This series is full of fun characters and I love seeing them get their HEA's. Henry and Alex are sweet together and help each other get past their relationship phobias. I'm looking forward to the next book.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jessica G. Duet
    5.0 out of 5 stars so good
    Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was so good. The banter between Henry and Alex is off the charts from the beginning. I love good banter between characters and these two didn’t disappoint. Henry tried to break my heart at one point but he did redeem himself quickly. So freaking good. I couldn’t put it down!!!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Becky Shaum
    4.0 out of 5 stars Alex and Henry
    Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2023
    Format: Kindle
    This was exactly the type of book I needed this week. It wasn't angsy, it wasn't particularly spicy, and it wasn't rot your teeth out sweet. The best way I can think to describe it is like a huge warm hug. I was invested from page 1, although knowing a bit about the characters before starting helps lol. The story kept my attention and I didn't want to put the book down which is amazing with my current lack of sleep.

    I love how Novak's books are all interconnected. It's great getting cameos of some of my favorite characters plus I start getting invested in characters before their books are released. Henry and Alex have both been in books before and it was fun learning more about them and watching them get their HEA. Their relationship worked out pretty easily, but they did have a couple little bumps along the way. There were a few spicy scenes, but the story is much more plot and character focused. Heather Bay is such a quaint little town, and the world building and imagery is fantastic. It's one of those places you wish was real so you could go visit.

    This is probably my favorite in the series (although I'm really looking forward to Theo and Laurie's story). It was a great combination of sweet and romantic with plenty of sarcasm and sass thrown in.

    I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion.
    Helpful
     Report
  • TarteCherry
    5.0 out of 5 stars what a crew
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Charming and witty, this series makes me smile. Henry Lu from a previous series shows up in this one and sweeps out grouchy Alex off of his feet. The whole gang gets into the action as they bring their popcorn to watch it all go down. Dying for Theo and Laurie’s book.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Life Is Good
    3.0 out of 5 stars Fairytale
    Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I usually steer away from books involving actors/rock stars/celebrities because they are, in my opinion, unrealistic. This was no exception. I knew before going in that this would read too much like a fairytale but I really wanted to know Alex’s story, so I gave it a shot. The reason for Alex being so prickly and reluctant to be in another relationship for 7 years was kind of weak. Then all of a sudden he just fell hard and fast for Henry and Henry him. So yes, a fairytale.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Bibliosip
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Follow-up
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    For some reason the trope of some tragedy that the couple has to overcome is getting a bit irritating to me over the years. So has the “fake boyfriend becomes real boyfriend” Yes, there was a little bit of both those tropes. But, very underplayed and cleared up within a few pages. I absolutely loved the change of pace. It gave enough interest and story in the beginning to prevent the “instant love” feel while still allowing plenty of time for a real relationship to develop with just a little moment of angst close to the end.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Paul Ryan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great series!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 26, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I've been enjoying this series a lot. The books are well written and the characters have been fleshed out well. Plenty of background detail and setting of scene. So far I've read about Will & Jamie and Alex & Henry. It's refreshing to find books like these that are not set in the US - life seems more normal and comfortable.
    Report
  • book.lover.so_fantastic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in France on April 9, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Finally Henry’s story, since his first appearance I was excited to read his live story and he found the perfect match with Alex who doesn’t hesitate to turn him down and call him out.

    Henry just wants to be seen and loved as him and not as the famous actor, so when pictures of him and Alex having a coffee are released, he asks him to be his fake boyfriend even if he is convinced that Alex would never agree, little does he know.

    Alex is the member of the group who has the more sass, but mostly he’s hiding his fears and his broken heart, he doesn’t want a boyfriend or a fling. But seeing Henry’s situation and Henry’s pouting, he agrees to help him with his scheme which turns real sooo fast (they’re so good for each other). It’s time to let the past go and start building something new even if it’s scary, they find peace together ❤️

    Another beautiful story, I loved their interaction and all the cameos !! They just go with their life, taking risk to be together and just love each other.

    Rating 4,5
    Report
  • sylvia mann
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Alex and Henry have a stilted relationship first due to Alex not being impressed with Henry's chat up lines but as soon as he sees the sincerity it brings the sexy times along. Cue the deal that is made for appearances sake and it sure gets hot fast.
    Report
  • Dawn Barrell
    4.0 out of 5 stars Really Enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a grumpy/sunshine, fake boyfriend, slow burn romance, set in the small town of Heather Bay.

    Henry is a Hollywood actor who is tired of the superhero roles he has been playing and so accepts a role in a TV period drama, a gay period drama. He is not only tired of the roles he has been playing but also the personal role he has been playing as a straight man and so accepting the TV role he decides to come out.

    Alex has lived in Heather Bay his whole life and owns the local coffee shop Novel Tea with his brother Spencer, who now lives with Alex’s best friend Noah. Alex has a large and loving chosen family around him (books 1-3) but he is the grumpy prickly one of the group, a loner who has secrets even his best friend doesn’t know about.

    When Henry and some of his fellow actors visit the coffee shop and he meets Alex the attraction is instant, but Alex isn’t impressed with Henry’s fame and turns him down flat. This only makes Henry more determined and up his coffee intake.

    The studio Henry is contracted to are not happy with their star playing a gay role or coming out so when photos start to appear on social media of Henry and Alex they want Henry to talk Alex into playing his boyfriend for a few months.

    I wasn’t sure I liked Henry at first. He seemed to have an ego the size of a house but it was mostly tongue in cheek and as they spent more time together so their feelings grew and they found they actually had a lot in common. They had both been hurt in the past and were dealing with it in different ways but the thing they both shared was loneliness.

    An enjoyable book and I loved their HEA.
    Report
  • KR Phoenix @ Books, Tattoos and Tea
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and funny
    Reviewed in Australia on September 6, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved Alex and his gruff, no nonsense 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.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report