This was my second book from Jeevani Charika and I think I enjoyed it even more! You can find my review for Playing for Love further down my feed. The books are linked through its characters but you can absolutely read them separately.

Picture Perfect includes one of my favourite tropes - fake dating. It follows Niro and Vimal as they go on a holiday together as a 'couple' with the aim of getting Vimal's ex girlfriend back with him.

While it's a trope that's been done so very many times, Charika puts her own spin in it and it wasn't too cliché. I loved Niro and Vimal as a couple and I enjoyed their Sri Lankan roots. The inclusion of their Aunties was a highlight for me!

There is also an element of 'chalk and cheese' in Niro and Vimal. Niro is creative and expressive (with some insecurities) and Vimal is very straight thinking, favouring maths and code. They balanced each other so well and the various references to romcoms added to the feel that this book isn't taking itself too seriously.

This would make a lovely festive read as it's set between Christmas and New Year. It's just delightful and I would recommend if you're after a nice easy but engaging romance novel with unique characters.

A lovely quick read that contains several tropes:

The fake weekend away to make someone jealous and to pull someone out of a rut.

Fat shaming.

Bigotry.

Possible borderline personality disorder.

Tropes aside, I had a lot of fun reading this very fast read, and since it takes place around the holidays, it is perfect for this time of the year. The Kindle edition is only $2.99 American too! Cool bargain for this much story!

ARC is supplied by NetGalley, the publisher HQ, HQ Digital, and the Author.

When you fake a relationship, what could possibly go wrong? Well, a fair few things, but I won’t give away any spoilers here!

Niro is a photographer at a low point in her life caused by failed relationships, constant derogatory comments about her weight, racism, workplace bullying and having lost her enthusiasm for her work. Hard-working Vimal has recently received the ultimate slap in the face when his girlfriend dumps him because she finds him boring. Still, he’s trying to win her back.

Their meddling Sri-Lankan Aunties introduce them, and they somehow end up in Switzerland on holiday together, with a plan; she rebuilds her confidence in her photography, and he wins back his girlfriend. At least that’s the plan …

I’ve read books by Jeevani Charika before (under her pen name Rhoda Baxter), and I love the way she tackles heavier topics, but with a feather light touch. Picture Perfect was quirky, funny and just the ticket on a rainy afternoon, but even as I was laughing, I learned something about the human condition. There’s a lot of emotional depth to this book, and despite the fake dating tropes (or because of them, if you like) it was an ultimately satisfying read.

Will definitely recommend, but also, do read some of her other books too.

Niro's confidence has been shattered by a spiteful ex. She's making a living as a graphic artist, but her true love is photography.

Vimal is pining for an ex-girlfriend. He can't bear the idea of going on a holiday vacation at a Swiss chateau alone, knowing she'll be there with her new beau.

Mutual friends convince Niro to go with Vimal, hoping the beautiful setting will bring back her creative spark. Will their fake relationship turn real?

I love this author's unique, funny, heartfelt romances. Niro and Vimal have absolutely no chemistry in the beginning, and it's delightful to see them grow as friends first before the romantic attraction develops. The supporting characters were interesting and surprising. The setting was rich and vibrant. It's a fun, uplifting, and thoroughly enjoyable novel.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This was a charming fake dating/forced proximity romance between two virtual strangers who are set up by mutual friends.

Photographer Niro is depressed after a bad break up and socially awkward Vimal is determined to win back his ex-girlfriend. Together the two travel to Switzerland for a weeklong vacation over the holidays. Knowing Vimal's ex will be there the plan is to try to make her jealous, while also giving Niro some new inspiration for her photos.

There was a lot of emotional depth to this book, the characters wrestle with some heavier topics, including microaggressions, racism, workplace bullying and worse. I liked how real and relatable the MCs were and how they slowly found themselves falling for one another (in spite of their pillow wall/only one bed situation).

A sweet, kissing only romance that's perfect for fans of authors like Nicola Marsh and Sonali Dev. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

This is such a cute rom
Com! I absolutely love a fake dating trope. This book was refreshing. It's nice to see something different than the usual chick lit.

Jeevani made characters you can't resist and you will dive into this story head first. At least that's how I felt about it. I liked that Jeevani covered a few different issues not just your typical rom com.

Niro melted my heart and the ending will make you smile!

Thanks to netgalley and Harper collins for this book

Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Okay, not going to lie but the cover was what enticed me initially and the book did no injustice at all to this beautiful cover.

Perfect fake dating, perfect easy read.

⭐⭐⭐.5
Picture Perfect is the perfect book for those looking for a cutesy fake dating romcom to get lost in.

Vimal is all about math and living what is considered a "boring" life.
Niro is a photographer that expresses her creative side not just through pictures but in her appearance.
Both are still dealing with heart break that left the damaged and Vimal still hoping to win his ex back.

One meddling family, one set-up to meet, and several drinks later Niro with the assistance of her cousins decides to go on a vacation with Vimal. But its not just to help him win his girlfriend back but to also help her get pictures for a competition she entered.

As you can imagine fake dating never goes as planned.

While I enjoyed the plot and the characters in the story, I felt that there could have been just a little bit more in the story. More of a connection build up between characters.

This book does contain some sensitive subjects including racism and weight discussion.

ARC was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.

❄More than a light holiday romance!📸

I found this romance charming, largely due to the way the two main characters, thrown together in a fake relationship on overseas holiday, end up quickly becoming friends and just the right influence on each other. The romance does develop quickly, but only because they are in each other's pocket from the moment they take off on their week vacation in Switzerland in a quickly-hatched plan to win back the fellow's ex-girlfriend.

Niro is a photographer whose self confidence hit rock bottom after a bad break-up and she has yet to recover belief in her personal and professional worth. Vimal is his own man, not taken in by office politics, but pretty set in his ways. He is desperate to win back the girl who, after four years, broke it off. Niro and Vimal handle life so differently yet from their first meeting orchestrated by matchmaking family I wanted them to work.

The secondary characters have an interesting range. The author paints an unfortunately realistic picture of some social snobs and one particularly unpleasant, two-faced, privileged bigot who can't be crossed for fear of retribution at work. But, in general, the good people who befriend the couple outweigh the bad and, in my opinion, the right people end up together.

I enjoyed and recommend it.

Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

3.5*
Fake relationship and a one bed lovers book. Need I say more?

Picture Perfect was such an enjoyable cute romantic novel. We have Niro, a photographer who has lost her groove after a cheating (now)ex-boyfriend harshly criticized her work, and Vimal a corporate analyst who is still madly in love with his ex. The two pair together as a fake couple and head to Switzerland to a friend's New Year's Gathering.
Niro's gain on the fake relationship is to take photos of the charming snowy town. Charika descriptions of Niro's photos sound beautiful. While you're able to visualize it in your head, I still would love to physically see these photos. They sound breathtaking.
I loved the sprinkled references of romcoms. I'd laugh when Niro's cousin would reference Niro's life as if it were a romcom happening like from the movies they would watch together. It was almost like breaking the wall to the audience.
I feel as though Vimal and Niro's personalities complimented each other well. Despite being in a fake relationship they really pushed the other to grow.
I truly could not stand the "friend" who invited him. His idea of entertainment was disgusting. I am happy that the author did address his racist and fatphobic butt.

The writing in the book was fun although there were times I found that it was far too wordy. But that is a personal preference of mine to have more dialogue
Overall, I truly enjoyed reading this novel. It was a perfect book to get lost in a fake relationship for a few hours.
TW: fatphobia and racism.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a free copy of the novel. In no way does this shape or change my opinions of the story.

I loved Playing for Love and as a photographer I couldn’t wait to read this! Again, a great, contemporary read which is so relaxing and makes you feel right at home with the characters.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for my review.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is my first Jeevani Charika book and I loved it , This is a fake-dating rom-com that is sweet and swoon-worthy between Vimal (a handsome ,successful introvert who also happens to be a nerd ) and Niro an ambitious photographer that has been in a slump. Book was a perfect dose of travel goals, couple goals, banter and romance. I recommend it.

Actual rating: 3.5

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute read with connections made by mutal friends/family members. I loved the Swiss setting!

A very cute PG multicultural contemporary romance. Loved the fake dating premise and would definitely read more by the author.

I LOVE a faking dating romance novel, ticked all the boxes for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending.

A sweet romcom about Sri Lankans from a Sri Lankan author!

There’s Vimal - a perfect husband material - hot and successful but an introverted nerd, and Niro - a slightly overweight hippie photographer who’s been in a slump for a while. They fake a relationship to get his ex and her mojo back, and travel to Switzerland for a posh New Year’s party.

It took Vimal AGES to realize that he was not into his ex anymore. He was going on and on about her when Nori was already pining after him, it was exasperating! On the other hand he was adorable in his cluelessness so maybe that was the point that he didn’t see what was in front of him? Luckily they got their HEA eventually, phew!

There were some bad guys in this story but most of it makes for a great comfort read. I loved that the ex girlfriend was not the evil type who wants the guy back when he’s into someone else. I loved that a young, beautiful influencer did not turn out to be stupid or shallow. And that epilogue was total badass!

There were however two things that I’m especially grateful for. One is the peek into the Sri Lankan culture and the unique and authentic portrayal of Sri Lankans, and the other is Vimal who was so perfectly fine with Nori being overweight that it was truly heartwarming 😍.

3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and HQ for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute story.

We follow the story of Niro who is a photographer that lost her passion after a messy breakup.

And Vimal an analyst that is still hung up on his ex-girlfriend.

Vimal hears that his ex will go to an exclusive holiday and enlists Niro to be his fake girlfriend.

The characters compliment each other so well.

This has been a new author for me and I liked her writing very much.

This story also contains fake dating, journey of self-discovery and knowing your worth.

A very cute romcom that starts with a fake relationship, which we all know is usually not a good idea. Niro and Vimal were very cute together from the start. As a reader I was glad to see Sam and Luke back in this book. Hopefully the author gives us some more stories in this friend circle! I would love for Felicia, Gihan, and Kerry to get happy endings.

Nice setting for a Christmas romance as well. Great job describing the outside surroundings and weather, I felt like I was there on some posh holiday.

Die Autorin Ms Charika ist British-Sri Lankan, und die Helden ihrer RomComs, ihrer Romantic Comedys, stammen ebenfalls aus diesem Kulturkreis. Das heisst, wir sind in England / hier London, und die Hauptdarsteller haben Wurzeln in Sri Lanka. Das fand ich persönlich jetzt interessant, weil es einfach eine spannende Sichtweise gibt.
Aber zurück zu Picture Perfect; hierum geht es: Niro ist Ende 20 und seit ihr Freund sie ziemlich mies fallen gelassen hat, befindet sie sich in einer Sinn- und Schaffenskrise. Sie ist Künstlerin, Fotografin, aber irgendwie hat sie ihren Drive völlig verloren. Ihre Aunties, die Tanten der erweiterten Grossfamilie, versuchen sie zu verkuppeln: auf einer Weihnachtsparty wird sie mit Vimal bekannt gemacht. Vimal ist 30, mathematisches Genie, und ebenfalls unschön verlassen worden. Nun haben weder Vimal noch Niro vor, sich verkuppeln zu lassen, aber sie finden sich am späteren Abend mit gemeinsamen Freunden in einem Pub wieder. Vimal erhält unverhofft einen Anruf: einer seiner Kollegen lädt ihn zur jährlichen Sylvesterparty ein – ein paar Tage in einem schweizer Chalet. Ob er seine Freundin mitbringe? Um das Gesicht zu wahren, sagt Vimal zu, und braucht nun dringend eine Freundin. Und Niro würde dieses faszinierende Resort gerne fotographieren, um diese Bilder bei einem Wettbewerb einzureichen – also trifft sich das doch perfekt….und kurz darauf macht sich das ungleiche Paar zu einem Kurztrip in die schweizer Alpen auf…..
Wer RomComs liebt, weiss, was ihn erwartet: natürlich werden die beiden Gefühle für einander entwickeln, es wird allerlei lustige Zwischenfälle geben, aber am Ende wird alles gut – ist völligst klar, aber diese Story hat noch mehr zu bieten: ich habe die Vimal, Niro und ihre Freunde echt geliebt. Niro ist mir von Anfang an ans Herz gewachsen. Sie, die Künstlerin, die dermassen gekränkt von ihrem Ex wurde, dass ihr alles an künstlerischem Selbstwertgefühl abhanden kam, und die jetzt mühsam wieder ihre Leidenschaft entdeckt. Niro, die ein wenig übergewichtig ist, deren Haut einen zu dunklen Ton hat und die sich für unattraktiv hält – und die doch so viel zu bieten hat. Ich hab mit ihr einfach mitgefühlt und gelitten. Und fand ihre Entwicklung so unfassbar schön.
Spannend fand ich auch die Nebencharaktere. Felicia, die blutjunge Instagram-Beauty, die allen zeigt, dass sie einiges im Kopf hat; Kerry, die Ex von Vimal, die zwar irgendwie auf der Suche nach sich selbst ist, aber ihr Herz auf dem rechten Fleck hat (als sie aufgetaucht ist, hätte ich klassisch mit Zickenterror gerechnet, aber das war nicht der Fall, im Gegenteil), und auch all die anderen Figuren, die ich jetzt nicht alle aufzählen kann – sie haben mich zu einem Gutteil überrascht.
Was auch thematisiert wurde: Rassismus. Dieser ganz alltägliche Rassismus, dem PoC in der britischen Gesellschaft immer noch ausgesetzt sind. Das war jetzt nicht das Hauptthema, aber doch sehr präsent. Und auch diese Negativität, die die Sri Lankans untereinander haben: ich fand es so schockierend, dass Niro darunter zu leiden hatte, dass sie ein paar Nuancen dunkler ist als viele ihrer Grossfamilie – und darüber gelästert wurde. Man kann sich auch untereinander fertig machen.
Gut, wenn man sich dann zur Wehr setzen kann (Spoiler: bitte den Epilog nicht überlesen! Die letzten Seiten haben es noch mal in sich!).
Also, mein Fazit, ich habe die Story geliebt! Es war mitreissend, es war witzig, es war romantisch, und es hatte auch einen ernsten Background. Alle Daumen hoch!
Lieben Dank an Netgalley und den Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar!!!

Solid fake dating romance. Felt so bad for both of the main characters. So desperately wanted them to be together but there were barriers they needed to climb or destroy. It was hard to catch up with the fact the the guy was after an other woman for over half of the book but I was happy for them in the end.

Trigger warnings - bullying, body shaming and racism. It really did upset me because they were such a lovely people and I just can’t stand how badly people can treat each other. I wanted to punch Lucien on the face so badly.

But whatever, my babies got together in the end and they find their happy ending. So Im happy too.

Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.