Falling for Your Fake Boyfriend? Jasmine Guillory’s ‘While We Were Dating’ is a Hollywood Romance with Heart
Lights, camera, action! Get ready for a whirlwind romance set in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. In Jasmine Guillory’s While We Were Dating, we follow the story of Ben Stephens, a charismatic movie star, and Anna Gardiner, an ambitious advertising executive. Their paths cross when Anna’s firm is hired to work on Ben’s latest film, leading to a whirlwind fake relationship that quickly starts to feel all too real.
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While We Were Dating – The Wedding Date Series Book 6
Two people realize that it’s no longer an act when they veer off-script in this sizzling romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.
Ben Stephens has never bothered with serious relationships. He has plenty of casual dates to keep him busy, family drama he’s trying to ignore and his advertising job to focus on. When Ben lands a huge ad campaign featuring movie star, Anna Gardiner, however, it’s hard to keep it purely professional. Anna is not just gorgeous and sexy, she’s also down to earth and considerate, and he can’t help flirting a little…
Anna Gardiner is on a mission: to make herself a household name, and this ad campaign will be a great distraction while she waits to hear if she’s booked her next movie. However, she didn’t expect Ben Stephens to be her biggest distraction. She knows mixing business with pleasure never works out, but why not indulge in a harmless flirtation?
But their light-hearted banter takes a turn for the serious when Ben helps Anna in a family emergency, and they reveal truths about themselves to each other, truths they’ve barely shared with those closest to them.
When the opportunity comes to turn their real-life fling into something more for the Hollywood spotlight, will Ben be content to play the background role in Anna’s life and leave when the cameras stop rolling? Or could he be the leading man she needs to craft their own Hollywood ending?
Brief Plot Overview (No Spoliers!)
Anna Gardiner, a rising star in the advertising world, is thrilled when her firm lands a major account with actor Ben Stephens. However, when a paparazzi photo of them together sparks rumors of a romance, they decide to play along, hoping to benefit from the publicity.
What starts as a fake relationship soon becomes more complicated as Anna and Ben spend more time together. They discover a genuine connection, sharing laughter, vulnerability, and a growing attraction. But with the pressures of Ben’s career, the scrutiny of the media, and their own personal insecurities, they must decide whether their fauxmance has the potential to blossom into something real.
As the lines between reality and make-believe blur, Anna and Ben must navigate the complexities of their feelings and figure out if their love can withstand the challenges of their very public lives.
The Scoop
Ready for a sneak peek behind the scenes of While We Were Dating? Here’s a taste of what makes this Hollywood romance so irresistible:
- Fake Relationship, Real Feelings: This classic trope gets a fresh and modern update as Anna and Ben navigate the complexities of their fauxmance.
- Hollywood Glamour: Get ready to be swept away by the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, with its red carpets, premieres, and paparazzi.
- Complex Characters: Anna and Ben are both flawed and relatable, with their own personal struggles and insecurities.
- Family Dynamics: Family plays a significant role in the story, exploring the bonds between siblings, parents, and children.
- Themes of Self-Discovery: While We Were Dating delves into themes of self-worth, ambition, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life.
- Representation: The novel features a diverse cast of characters, showcasing different backgrounds and experiences.
- Sweet and Sexy: Expect a healthy dose of romance and passion as Anna and Ben’s connection deepens.
- Emotional Depth: The book explores themes of grief, loss, and the healing power of love.
Our Review
A Charming Hollywood Romance with Depth and Heart
While We Were Dating shines as a delightful and heartwarming addition to Jasmine Guillory’s collection. It delivers a captivating fake-dating romance with the added allure of a Hollywood setting. The chemistry between Ben and Anna is undeniable, their banter sparking with wit and genuine affection. Their journey from pretending to be a couple to falling for each other feels authentic and relatable.
Guillory skillfully explores the challenges faced by those in the public eye, touching upon themes of privacy, self-worth, and the pressure to maintain a certain image. Ben’s struggle with anxiety and Anna’s insecurities surrounding her career add depth and complexity to their characters, making them feel all the more real.
The novel also shines in its portrayal of family dynamics. Ben’s close relationship with his siblings and his journey towards healing his strained relationship with his father add emotional weight to the story. Anna’s interactions with her supportive family also highlight the importance of strong familial bonds.
While We Were Dating doesn’t shy away from addressing deeper issues, it always does so with a touch of humor and optimism. The result is a feel-good read that leaves you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Some readers may find the plot predictable, but the journey of Ben and Anna is so enjoyable that it hardly matters.
Overall, While We Were Dating is a sweet and satisfying read for fans of contemporary romance. It’s a testament to the power of love, connection, and the willingness to take a chance on something real, even when it starts as make-believe.
To Summarise
A Hollywood Romance Worth Falling For
What Works:
- Sizzling Chemistry: The spark between Anna and Ben is undeniable, drawing readers into their whirlwind romance.
- Relatable Characters: Both Anna and Ben are flawed and complex, making them feel like real people with relatable struggles.
- Emotional Depth: The novel explores deeper themes of grief, loss, and family dynamics, adding substance to the story.
- Hollywood Setting: The glamorous backdrop of Hollywood adds an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the romance.
Room for Improvement:
- Predictable Plot: The storyline follows a familiar rom-com formula, which some readers might find predictable.
- Uneven Pacing: The pacing could be improved, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag on.
Overall Impression:
While We Were Dating is a charming and heartwarming rom-com with a touch of Hollywood magic. While the plot may not be entirely original, the well-developed characters, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry between the leads make it a worthwhile read.
Who Should Read It:
Fans of Jasmine Guillory’s previous novels, lovers of contemporary romance, and anyone looking for a feel-good read with a touch of Hollywood glamour will enjoy While We Were Dating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the book While We Were Dating about?
“While We Were Dating” by Jasmine Guillory centers on Ben Stephens, an advertising executive, and Anna Gardiner, a rising Hollywood star. When Ben’s agency lands a major campaign featuring Anna, sparks fly between them. As they spend more time together, what begins as a professional relationship turns into a romance. The novel explores themes of love, ambition, and vulnerability, delving into the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives and the impact of fame on relationships.
Is “While We Were Dating” steamy?
Yes, “While We Were Dating” by Jasmine Guillory is steamy. The novel features several intimate and romantic scenes between the main characters, Ben and Anna, adding to its appeal as a contemporary romance.
Is “While We Were Dating” a series?
“While We Were Dating” by Jasmine Guillory is not a series by itself but is part of the larger interconnected series of standalone novels by the author. Each book in the series features overlapping characters and settings, but they can be read independently. “While We Were Dating” is the sixth book in this loosely connected series. The recommended reading order for the series is:
- The Wedding Date (2018)
- The Proposal (2018)
- The Wedding Party (2019)
- Royal Holiday (2019)
- Party of Two (2020)
- While We Were Dating (2021)
Reading them in order provides a richer understanding of recurring characters and their development.
Do I need to read Jasmine Guillory books in order?
No, you do not need to read Jasmine Guillory’s books in order. Each novel in her series can be enjoyed as a standalone story. However, reading them in order can enhance your experience as recurring characters appear, and you get to see their development across different books. The publication order is:
- The Wedding Date (2018)
- The Proposal (2018)
- The Wedding Party (2019)
- Royal Holiday (2019)
- Party of Two (2020)
- While We Were Dating (2021)
Reading in this order provides additional context and background for the characters and their relationships.
If you’re looking for a charming romance with a touch of Hollywood magic, Jasmine Guillory’s While We Were Dating is the perfect escape. So grab a cozy blanket, curl up on the sofa, and get ready to fall in love with Ben and Anna, two characters who will steal your heart from the first page to the last.
