| Title | : | The Stand-in |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 291 |
| Publication | : | First published October 9, 2019 |
But when it's time to go our separate ways, he makes me an offer I can't refuse–an interview with my dream company and ten grand in cash.
All I have to do is pretend to be his girlfriend for the week.
Easy peasy.
It isn't until he takes me home to meet the parents that I realize he left out some MAJOR details.
But there's too much at stake for me to back out now. I MUST play the part.
Only ... it won't be quite the one he's expecting.
Worst Fake Girlfriend: Scene 1, Take 1.
ACTION!
The Stand-in Reviews
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The Stand-in is a romantic comedy. I previously read and liked The Evolution of Ivy by this author. So I was curious to see her take on a rom com.
Earlier this year I read and enjoyed the first 7 chapters of this book as a teaser. So I was anxious to see what happened next.
This book is a romantic comedy. So it is light and funny. But it was also full of some great twists.
The narrator is Tess (26 years old -1st person POV). She meets a guy 10 months before. And then meets him again. He comes up with a plan for her to pretend to be his girlfriend (in front of his family). What ensues is a lot of witty banter and shenanigans. It was really fun to read.
The story sounds simple enough. But there is actually so much more to the story! This book was funny. But I really was not sure where the story was headed.
My favorite thing about this book was the last third. There were a lot of big reveals. I love when authors do this for romance books. There were so many surprising and fun reveals. This is exactly what I love. One shocking reveal after another. Wow.
Overall, this was a charming and funny book with a satisfying ending.
Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. -
5 stars because I almost died writing this
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5 star book for a 5 star author
Oh wow. This book was HILARIOUS. Just when I thought it couldn't get funnier, it got funnier. It had EVERYTHING. Humor, family, swoon-worthy moments, I could go on and on. I LOVED IT ALL. This book was worth wait!! This author is one of my most favorites. I cannot get enough of her work. She has a one of a kind mind and I hope one day she will see what we all see. That she is AMAZING.
"If you are fishing for compliments the lake is dry". I am going to start using that saying.
LAUREN CAMPBELL CAN WRITE NO WRONG -
Tbh, It's not the greatest romcom but still, it was a nice one-time read with some fun situations.
Definitely better than I expected. -
Lauren Campbell is fast becoming one of my must-read authors and she absolutely kills it with this adorable rom-com!
Earlier this year I was lucky enough to read the first 7 chapters of this book and it had me hooked from the first paragraph. Since then I have been waiting anxiously for the book's release to find out what happens to Tess and the crazy situation she finds herself in.
I am very happy to report that I enjoyed every page of The Stand-in and was pleasantly surprised with the twists and fun turns this book contained. I am a total sucker for good banter and Lauren is queen. Definitely one of the most original, laugh-out-loud romantic comedies I have read in a long time! -
4.5 Stars
The Stand-In is a must read. If you want something that will actually make you laugh, read this.
Even if you don’t usually read rom-coms, (like me) pick this one up.
This book was hilarious.
I didn’t expect to laugh a lot, yet I did so bad!
I honesty expected a light read. Thought I’d smile a little and that would be it, but this book was so much more!
I’d say the first half was just pure laughter and silliness and the second half was way more deep.
The tension I get by reading something by Lauren!
I’m sure I said the last book I read by her felt like a roller coaster and this was just that same!
I know now for definite, read Lauren’ books when I have a lot of free time because I can’t put them down!
My ‘just one more chapter’ turned into another and another and next thing you know, it was 8am (I read through the night) and I was finished.
The first twist of events that happened had me sitting up and having a wtf moment, and then these small twists and turns carried on!
The comebacks between the characters were wonderful.
”Good.” He looks up. “You're back.”
“Awful,” I quip. “You're back.”
Tess played crazy pretty well:
”I'm only a week away from making thousands with my acting debut”
“A truly beautiful specimen, but then again, Satan was the most beautiful angel.”
“But I think it'll be worth it.”
“I was hoping something good came of all this.”
“It did. You.”
Spoilers without context:
There were moments I thought it would be hard to pick one of them.. moments I liked someone better than the other... moments I liked the other one more than the other.... moments I said get away from them all.
And soo many moments where my opinion changed about a character, to only change again later on!
The only reason I rated it a little lower than 5 starts is because it took me a few chapters to get invested and interested in the story, but once I was, it was amazing.
Also, can we appreciate the cover? It’s so pretty! And I usually hate covers with faces on them!!
Write more books soon Lauren! Please xx -
Well this was quite a book... i can seriously say this is a book of PLOT TWISTS! So much was happening that i could not afford to put it down! And now, it’s 5am, i just finished this book, i don’t know what to write in the review because i’m in awe, and i’m just about to sleep. LOL
Where to start? Tess is a quirky woman who is also drowning herself in self-pity; comparing herself to her sister who she claims “has-it-all”.
Rhett is actually a nice and caring guy, he respects women and all those nice stuff but he puts up a front that makes him look arrogant, mean, and a bastard altogether because of his twin brother, Nate, who he hates the most.
Their love story is quite unique and remarkable. It’s a story you wouldn’t want to miss and you will definitely never forget. There’s so much plot twist in this story that would not allow you to put it down. Like seriously, when I was at the climax part and all hell came loose, I thought “here we go, it’s happening”. Then bam, another plot twist, then another, then another...
I absolutely loved how Lauren Campbell wrote this one.. she had so much plot twist in this book that i can finally say i already have my FIRST FAVORITE BOOK of the year! I recommend this to Romantic-Comedy readers out there and for anyone looking for a Rom-Com read this year!
Hope you guys enjoy this as much as i did! Happy reading! 🤍✨ -
I was curious from the synopsis and eager to check out to see what the MAJOR family secret could be and didn't see it coming and it was a surprise but that's where the excitement ended. There seemed to be many gaps and the characters didn't seem fleshed out enough. I was hoping the ending would go in a completely different direction where Tess doesn't end up with either brother (Rhett/Nate) and be a twist but no. There was just too much repetitiveness and unnecessary drama. Honestly, I enjoyed the interactions of Tim and Tessa out of everyone
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Such a fun read! I read the teaser to this a while back and fell in love with it instantly. This FULL BOOK VERSION WAS 👏 WORTH 👏 THE 👏 WAIT!! I couldn't put it down. I absolutely love how versatile the author is in her writing style, if you have read her other novels you can appreciate that, if you haven', definitely go read them now! This storyline is witty and refreshing. The banter is hilarious! I feel Tess and her petty ways on a personal level. She kept me at the edge of my seat with needing to know how it ends and constant fits of laughter. 5 star read on all fronts. WHALLLLLEEE. THAT IS ALL.
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This made me LOL and that’s not a easy feat. I’m picky with my rom coms. Was hoping for a better ending but can’t have it all.
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The Stand-In is a WHALE of a good read!
Okay, I just finished reading Lauren Campbell's newest book, The Stand-In. It is a romantic comedy one of my favorite genres, and I have to tell you, this book truly fits the category! Lauren's descriptive writing is so good that the scenes just jump off the page! One example is a pool scene, that has one outrageous thing happening after another, and it works so well. In addition there are parts that are angsty, you wonder if there will be a happy ever after for any of the characters due to some duplicitous situations. Don't worry there are sexy guys and sexy parts too, so you get those feels going. The kisses were so swoon worthy! But, hey, I can't tell you anything more, but to say, get The Stand-In...you'll be so happy you did! -
Lauren Campbell writes amazing, funny banter, and you never know what's going to happen next, or what her characters are going to say. I enjoyed this book and this genre from her.
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To be honest, I’m not even sure where to begin. My mind is BLOWN!! Lauren deviates from her first two books that were more psychological fiction/romance (and were OUTSTANDING!!!) to bring us a rom com…. wasn’t expecting that. I’m a huge lover of romantic comedy, it’s one of my favorite genres. There is just something about watching someone fall in love while laughing my head off. It just leaves me with a smile on my face and ooey-gooey-ness dripping from my pores and honestly, I like feeling that way.
I opened up the book (love the pop art cover!!) and from the first paragraph I was pulled in. We meet Tess who seems to have a knack for getting herself into some unusual, albeit hilarious, situations. She’s feisty, headstrong, and a little bit vindictive. Ten months ago, she met a guy…. if you could call it that, and basically saved him from getting arrested. (There was just a “little” bit of an obsessive, fantasy crush happening after that, but that doesn’t matter…much) Now, she sees him again, only this time she’s the one who needs a rescue. He comes across as a douche, the complete opposite of what she saw in him before, but she manages to wrangle a ride home from him after her car breaks down. What she doesn’t expect is the proposition that he tosses her way. Act as his girlfriend, who is madly in love with him, for a week filled with his family and holiday “togetherness”. Ten grand in cash and an interview at her dream job is the bait that he dangles in front of her face. Easy decision, right? She dusts off her shoulders and grabs her acting hat and off they go. Everything is fine and dandy until she meets his parents…. BAM! Plot twist. He left a few minor details out about this situation that he dragged her into. It’s too late for her to back out now and that cash and job are a major incentive to pull up her pants and wade through the crap that has been dropped right in front of her. Enter payback. The agreement was to “keep her mouth shut and pretend to be in love with him.” He never said how she had to go about that. A little evil slithers out as she decides to be the worst fake girlfriend anyone has ever seen. She will meet the requirements he laid out and laugh all the way to the bank. Best plan ever!!!
I can’t even with Lauren. This was FANTASTIC!! I can’t tell you how many times my husband looked over at me like I was a crazy loon because I couldn’t stop the obnoxious laughter from escaping my mouth. He once even asked me if I smelled something foul…apparently, I was cringing…hard. (see explanation below) I have read plenty of rom com’s through the years and while I adore them, there haven’t been that many that managed to make me bust out in uncontrollable giggles. The banter between the characters is perfect and I have no idea how Lauren managed to create the ridiculous and entertaining circumstances these characters find themselves in, but she does a remarkable job of it. There is a little scene with Tess coming out to the pool… brilliant!! I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention Pepper, the little demon Chihuahua that gives us a few chuckles. There are so many situations in this story where you just can’t contain the laughter. Then there are times where evil Lauren pops out like the puppet master she is and yanks hard on the strings of our souls…I confess, I definitely cursed her for this. WARNING!!! Around 61% of the book (enter my cringing and foul-smelling face from above) you will want to close it, put it down. Walk away for a few minutes if you must but CARRY ON!! YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!! Don’t DNF this story because you’ll miss out on some obnoxious situations, shrieks of laughter, a serious “What the…” moment, and complete fulfillment at the end.
This is a HUGE 5 STARS for me. I waited patiently for this book to come out and I was rewarded for my restraint. The Stand-In is a must read if you love hilarious situations, a little bit of crazy and can handle Lauren jerking you around. It’s unique and honestly just a FANTASTIC FREAKING READ!!! -
1.5 stars
Wow, that was some ridiculously, stupid soap opera.
As far as I'm concerned, it didn't even contain any romance. Sure, they were suddenly in love in the last few chapters, but until then? None.
I found it hard to finish, and ended up speed reading/skipping in the last couple of chapters.
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This was such a fun read! I love a good rom com and The Stand-In by Lauren Campbell will definitely have you laughing it up.. I haven't literally laughed out loud while reading a book in a while.. But wait there's also some lots twist revealed in the story too.. I really hope Lauren Campbell writes more books in this genre.. She's definitely great at it..
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A girl saves a guy from going to jail. Almost a year later, a chance encounter gives him the opportunity to pay her back. Easy, isn't it? Trust me when I say it's not.
Tess is desperate when the guy she helped out so many months ago pops out of nowhere. She needs his help and will have no qualms cashing up in that favor. But when he ups the ante and offers to get her the interview of a lifetime, she'll agree to play his girlfriend for a week.
Unfortunately, Rhett is not the man she thought and when she finds herself backed against a wall and unable to walk out of a deal made with the devil, she'll opt to play the worst girlfriend known to man.
This book is fun, fun, fun! Tess' antics made me laugh to the point of tears and though this is not the perfect story of a match made in heaven, I wasn't able to stop wanting to know what kind of mess they'd cause next.
I enjoyed the way the story developed and the characters. The situations Tess creates to annoy Rhett are par to none and I loved her spunk and the way she made him regret his actions.
This is a different story with an unusual couple that you can either love or hate, but there's no way you won't laugh while trying to find out if there's a HEA for the heroine. -
Looks like I'm well in the minority on this one, but there were numerous things I disliked about this book. I only finished it hoping it got better, but it didn't. I could rant and list so many issues I had, but all I will say is the bratty heroine and the jerkwad hero deserve each other, and good riddance to them both.
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Where are the laughs promised? Must be in a different book because all I did was vomit in my mouth occasionally, not laugh.
The FMC and I don’t get off to a good start, and we never make up.
She’s such a kind person that she doesn’t want a hot drunk guy to get arrested, but in the same act…. A young girl stops to also possibly help the stranger, and the FMC is bitch enough to make the girl throw her sandwich away because the FMC lies to her that same food is why the guy is sick.
Her mouth gapes a bit before she slowly walks off, tossing her sandwich in the trash. I smile. Why would you smile about someone tossing their lunch as if time and money grow on trees? I don’t like mean girls, and the FMC proves at EVERY turn in this book that she’s the kind of girl you never want to be friends with because she’d stab you in the back and blame you for having a back.
Before I go on, let me say that the twist early in the book caught me by total surprise, and not in the eyeroll way. Clever. Interesting dynamics. I’m hooked, and I want to know the family turmoil deal here. Can’t say more because it would ruin it.
Yet, as I’m salivating over the plot and MMC of the book, my distaste for the FMC and *other* character just gets more gag-worthy by the minute. After her own cheating ex, you’d think she wouldn’t be a mean, thirsty girl over TAKEN men, but no… she’s hyped on the taken man. Her behavior toward this taken man makes my lip curl in disgust, and I don’t want her to get her HEA.
“He played it off as if he didn't want me to have to walk so far to the liquor store, but I saw through the lie. In reality, he didn't want to chance Becca running into us together. I wasn't sure I did, either. I was going to get some alone time with him. It excited me more than it morally should.”
Yeah, cheaters don’t work for me. This book is full of them. Eventually, that aspect murders the rest of the plot. What a waste.
What could be worse?
She befriends the taken guy’s girlfriend all whilst obsessively wanting him for herself. Sick, twisted. Am I supposed to root for her to get anything other than a painful root canal?
She’s also TSTL - defending someone she spoke to for five minutes after finding him in a very unappealing situation while dismissing the warm slice of yummy right in front of her. Ehh.
Shallow, too… “Fleetingly, I want to squeeze his hand tighter, huddle up against him, because let's face it … it feels good to have something that's revered by everyone else.” So, she only wants him because others do. Nice. FMC is such a winner.. not.
Despite the FMC bitchnet, the dry humor here sucks me further in. It really don’t get kicked off until 25%.
The big reveal is indeed a “Passions” episode, and there’s a reason that pissy show went off the air. The writers, like this author, can’t distinguish between fantasy and stupidity for the sake of stupidity. This is just outlandish without the humor to reign it in.
Everyone turns out to be a bad guy in some way. The FMC doesn’t even trust or admit anything but hate for the guy up until the last 10% of the book.
Finally, the MCs have a sex scene at 96%, and the FMC mentions her ex over and over. Yeah, sexy times, indeed…
96% “Where Clint would have told me to turn over, Rhett grabs me and places me where he wants me––on my side.” … “He moves slowly but with a wildness Clint never possessed for me,” …..”a blowjob. I've always hated it. It was Clint's favorite thing, and after a straight month of doing it, I fully understood why they call it a blowjob.” … “I'm extremely hard to please––an unfortunate side effect of Clint comparing me to his 30-second, multiple-orgasm, squirting ex.”
As if all the ex sex talk isn’t bad enough. He can’t get her off and ends up shooting off in her eye.
At 96%, this is the *romance* that’s supposed to leave me with a HEA? Really ~
“You're never going to want to have sex with me again. I nearly took out your eye, and you didn't even come.”
Add another sex doom nail at 97%…
“We've only been banging for three days, but it feels good––being with him, not the banging. Well, um ... that feels good, too, of course.”
I’m soooo freaking envious… not. Doesn’t everyone read a romance novel to end with the girl saying the sexual equivalent of “I’m fine.” Gag me.
This book took everything I hate - cheating, lies, mean girls, thinking of ex’s during sex, 30yos saying “totes,” serious selfishness, outlandish secrets, etc and seemed to plaster them in single book.
I’d recommend this book for someone seeking sadistic torment and eye rolls. Morbid curiosity pushed me to the end, and this is four hours of life I’d have better spent hovering a toilet. -
As a fan of Lauren Campbell’s devilishly dark “Ivy” Duet (a must read), I was eager to read her newest book. What a surprise to find out it was a Rom-com, and even more surprising to realize it was an outstanding, hilarious Rom-com, with outstanding dialog, memorable characters, and a storyline that keeps the reader thoroughly entertained. I was truly impressed and can’t wait to read what comes next from this talented author.
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Best Romance Comedy I’ve read in forever! I could not put it down. The amazing writer keeps your attention the entire time! Prepare to laugh out loud and have your husband stare at you in confusion. The details are outstanding, very well written! It played out in my mind as a movie and I didn’t want it to end.
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Such a funny witty sarcastic read!
If you are looking for a light and fun then look no further than The Stand-In! I had just finished reading a few dark reads and this book totally had my laughing and surprised by certain events. Love that Lauren took this fake girlfriend story trope and turned it on it’s head with her own crazy spins! A must read for all Rom Com lovers. -
The first few chapters I wasn't really enjoying all that much, but then I don't know what happened, but the book just clicked for me. It was funny [absurdly, OTT, but it just worked], and I very seldom find comedies work for me. I enjoyed the story telling, characters and antics. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
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Omg what can I say appart from: I freaking loved it ! I can’t wait to read more? Loved the characters and omg the end of that 7th chapter !!! Probably going to read Lauren Campbell’s other books in the meantime.
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Oh my gosh! What can I say about this book?! It was a roller coaster of a journey and I loved absolutely every second of it! I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what was going to happen next! Simply fantastic!
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Very Funny! I loved the banter between Rhett aka Tootie and his Most Horrible Fake Girlfriend Tess. Kept my attention the whole time and I had a hard time putting the book down. This is the 1st book that I have read by this Author and now I definitely want to read her other books.
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The Stand In - Lauren Campbell ❤
This book was so very funny! I haven't laughed that hard in ages. I think you all need to read this as nothing makes a book great like a hard laugh and a great adventure. Dating at it finest! 😉
5 STARS - Great read -
A funny enjoyable book.
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Ughhhh sad I didn't love this as it started out so good, but Tess was annoying and I really didn't enjoy having all the chapters in her POV. I think having Rhett's POV would have massively helped.
