“Men in Books Aren’t Better” by Lisa-Marie Potter and Amanda Nelson

What attracts a romance reader to a romance novel? A happy ending, the things that people should but rarely do for those they love, a beautiful postcard setting – in one word, an escape. What attracts readers of other genres to a love story? Some depth to the characters’ backstory to make us care for them, an unexpected twist or two that we didn’t see coming, some relatable detail to spark our interest – to put it simply, an incentive to read what we would normally skip.

To me, that incentive to read “Men in Books Aren’t Better” by Lisa-Marie Potter and Amanda Nelson – and irresistible that one proved to be! – was the setting. Not a gambling person to put it mildly, I fell in love with Las Vegas during our family trip to the US back in 2024. Sin City had never been on my bucket list, and when planning that trip, it was simply the closest destination to the Grand Canyon where we intended to go. But, just like it happens in romance novels, I found the pull of the least likely candidate for my affections irresistible. It is now my dream to go to Las Vegas again and lose myself in its glittering extravaganza. This place is like no other and not because of the staggering number of casinos per square meter.

Back to the book. Molly is an author and a very successful one at that. As luck, or its nemesis, would have it, just when she decided to make a switch between genres, she lost the inspiration that led her to that decision. If she had kept on writing thrillers, a painful breakup with her fiancé would have probably played out in her favour. Under the circumstances, writing a romance seemed an insurmountable challenge. A creative soul, Molly approached the problem creatively. If she couldn’t draw inspiration from a real boyfriend, she would procure a fake one, but one that would perform the role impeccably. Little did Molly know just how impeccable the Plus One companion whom she chose would turn out to be.

Jared isn’t in the business for pleasure. Nor has he chosen the role of a fake boyfriend for sex. He isn’t a gigolo, and a special clause in the Plus One contract stipulating that any intimate intercourse with clients is strictly forbidden suits him just fine. Jared is in the business for the money. I really liked that this part wasn’t as simple as one could imagine, rushing to a standard conclusion. Jared isn’t from a poor family, nor is he lacking an education. The circumstances, which many will find relatable, led him to being stuck in debt, which tied his hands and prevented him from doing solely what he enjoyed for a living. I also appreciated that Jared isn’t portrayed as bitter or disillusioned but rather as someone who is focused on his goal. True, his years working as a companion did influence his views on love, relationships, and marriage. So, when confirming a booking of his services from Molly, he could not imagine that these views were about to get smashed and shattered after only three short days in Vegas…

I won’t spoil the pleasure for you by telling more about the plot. Let me just say again: oh, Vegas! What a riot of light, experiences, and colour you are! The authors have definitely done justice to your unique atmosphere, that of an endless party that caters to every visitor’s individual needs. Reading “Men in Books Aren’t Better” has given me a dozen more reasons to plan the next visit and some exciting ideas as to what we would enjoy seeing and doing while there.