Playing House follows Oliver and Fay, two people who have occasionally crossed paths as they’re both in the real estate business, but never became anything more than acquaintances. Fast forward to an unexpected (re-)meet cute when Fay pretends Oliver is her boyfriend to escape a man’s overeager approach at an open house. Both Fay and Oliver are in a kind of limbo when they meet – Fay is newly divorced and facing the anxiety of living without a partner, and Oliver is between jobs, desperate to get off his brother’s couch and back into business. Essentially, both are looking for that missing puzzle piece to be happy again. From their meet cute on, they embark on a journey of staking out open houses pretending to be a couple to making out in gorgeous closets and finding love once more.
Quite like the characters, the story feels incomplete. Playing House reminded me of classic Hallmark Christmas movies – a bit cute, a bit bland, and ultimately forgettable. There is nothing wrong with this story – but there isn’t anything quite right, either. Both main characters could have done with some more development. There is a lot missing – more background, more emotions, more personality.
While I am aware that this is only a 30,000 words story, I feel like those words could have been put to better use. There is enough time to describe the homes Fay and Oliver visit in mind-numbingly detail, ranging from the curtains to the chandeliers, but no elaborating on the character’s looks or personalities which left me a bit unsettled. The same goes for the dual POV that was almost indistinguishable.
A huge plus point for this book, though, is its representation – both main characters are Chinese-American and the supporting cast is incredibly diverse. They may not be dynamic, but at least they’re diverse.
I’m struggling to find more to say about this quick read. Unfortunately, the characters and storyline were unremarkable but it did make for a nice palate cleanser. Also, how stunning is this cover? This new wave of cartoony covers for romances is taking my heart by storm!
All in all, this was a nice read with little substance but a happily ever after – if you’re looking for a quick read and some guaranteed happiness (or you just need a fix until the cheesy Christmas movies that we all hate to love and love to hate start up again), Playing House just might be right up your alley!
Playing House is available from Amazon and other good book retailers as of August 12th 2019.
Will you be reading Playing House? Or have you already? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
“Playing House is relatable, heartwarming, and oh so sexy. I zoomed through this thoughtful and joyful story about two people finding themselves and each other.” —Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Date and The Proposal
Romance blossoms between two city planners posing as newlyweds in this first in a bright new series by acclaimed author Ruby Lang
The last thing Oliver Huang expects to see on the historic Mount Morris home tour is longtime acquaintance Fay Liu bustling up and kissing him hello. He’s happy to playact being a couple to save her from a pushy admirer. Fay’s beautiful, successful and smart, and if he’s being honest, Oliver has always had a bit of a thing for her.
Maybe more than a bit.
Geeking out over architectural details is Oliver and Fay’s shared love language, and soon they’re touring pricey real estate across Upper Manhattan as the terribly faux but terribly charming couple Darling and Olly.
For the first time since being laid off from the job he loved, Oliver has something to look forward to. And for the first time since her divorce, Fay’s having fun.
Somewhere between the light-filled living rooms and spacious closets they’ve explored, this faux relationship just may have sparked some very real feelings. For Oliver and Fay, home truly is where their hearts are.
