Love & Other Scams

This is an incredibly funny, fall in love with the main characters, debut.

Such a unique concept and executed really well - I can’t wait to read what the author writes next.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest, independent review.

Cat has a lot going on… She has barely anything left in her bank account, her landlord will be kicking her out next month, and she's been invited to a wedding by her former uni best friend, rich girl Louisa.

Even Cat's secret talent as a con artist cannot magic up enough money.

But what's that on Louisa's finger? An absolutely huge priceless diamond… After agreeing with barman Jake – a brilliant hustler and potential pretend boyfriend – they come up with a plan. But can they really pull off this diamond heist?

I must admit, I went into Love & Other Scams completely blind. I met the author at a book party last year (yes, those amazing things exist!) and a few bloggers mentioned PJ Ellis' upcoming book. I requested it on Netgalley without even reading the blurb.

I thought it was going to be a typical girl-meets-boy, girl-and-boy-fall-in-love type of scenario…

But OH MY GOD, I loved it! What a brilliant (shocking to me!) plot!

If you want a well-plotted, fresh novel that you cannot put down, with lots of laugh-out-loud moments, this is the book for you!

Loves & Other Scams has an incredibly smart plot, and feels very Ocean's Eleven or The Hustle, with a wedding and a bit of romance thrown in too. There was great momentum throughout the book, without any dips.

It took me a while to like Cat, especially when I learned she was a part-time con artist, but I gradually warmed to Cat and her sense of humour. I found it odd that I was rooting for a character and her fake boyfriend who are, well, criminals! The other characters are all believable and well-developed, particularly Jake and Louisa.

I can totally see this as a film or TV drama, and I am already working out which actors will play each role!

I cannot wait to see what PJ Ellis writes next. My favourite book of 2023 so far! Highly recommend!

Love And Other Scams // PJ Ellis 💍💰
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

forced proximity✅
fake relationship✅
friends to lovers✅

~ Cat has a dangerously dwindling bank balance. She also has: a month before her landlord kicks her out, a surprise wedding invitation from rich mean girl, Louisa
 and a secret talent for con artistry 💵

~ A priceless jewel the size of a cocktail olive is glinting on Louisa’s finger… when Cat meets her ideal plus one, Jake – who’s gifted at hustling and posing as the perfect boyfriend – this wedding becomes a once in a lifetime opportunity. After all, how hard can a diamond heist be? 💍

***

~ a very very easy five stars for me, constantly wondering how Cat is going to navigate each day, scrambling to make rent and planning the biggest heist 😳

~ it was lovely to see such character development from both Cat and Jake, letting their walls down and for cat finally opening up about how she’s felt since being a little girl to her dad, Jake and most importantly herself🫶🏻

~ the dramas that unveil within the immediate group of the wedding tribe on the actual wedding day… had my jaw to the floor… i could not believe it!!!!

^ cannot recommend enough honestly🤍 ^

~ Release date: 16th March 🌷

Love & Other Scams by PJ Ellis is a delightful and engaging romantic comedy that is sure to leave you with a smile on your face. The book follows the story of Emma, a young woman who is struggling to make ends meet in New York City, and Jack, a charming and handsome con artist who is looking for his next mark.

Ellis's writing is sharp and witty, and she creates a compelling and entertaining story filled with twists and turns. The banter between Emma and Jack is delightful, and the chemistry between them is electric.

What sets Love & Other Scams apart from other romantic comedies is its clever plot and the way in which it subverts our expectations. The book offers a fresh take on the genre and is filled with surprising twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Overall, Love & Other Scams is a fun and entertaining read that is perfect for fans of romantic comedies. It is a celebration of the power of love and the importance of taking risks and following your heart.