Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genre: Romance

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶

I decided to add spice level because I know some people love it, some hate it, and some don’t care. Personally, I’m indifferent to open-door scenes, but I absolutely hate when that’s all there is, or when the plot feels half-baked and overshadowed by steamy scenes. That’s just not my cup of tea.

This book, however, was very well written. I know C.W. Farnsworth can be hit or miss in the Kindle Unlimited world, but this one really hit for me. The main reasons? Incredible world-building, sharp banter, and a perfect “will they, won’t they” tension. False God by C.W. Farnsworth is the closest I’ve come to a modern Pride and Prejudice vibe. The dynamic is witty yet raw, and you never know if the characters will end up together in the way you hope, which I personally loved.

False God follows Elizabeth “Lili,” an American heiress, and Charles “Charlie”, an English Duke. Lili struggles with dating because of her name and the wealth attached to it, while Charles wrestles with the pressures that come with his title. Initially, Lili thinks Charles is pretentious, and Charles assumes Lili is an airhead, an assumption Lili overhears. This sparks an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, though it quickly evolves beyond the trope.

I have to say, their banter and push-and-pull was unmatched. The mutual yearning, coupled with constantly pushing each other away, made it so fun to read, especially with all the little signs showing they know and care about each other, more than either is willing to admit.

The steamy scenes were more graphic than expected at times, and occurred earlier than I expected, but considering their relationship was mostly physical at first, I’m okay with that. They were not constantly, and were timed well for the actual layout of the story.

My main critique would be that I wish we’d seen more of Lili’s life outside of Charles. She has so many interesting friends, a fascinating job, and a vibrant personality, she truly screams individualist, until Charles enters the picture. I think that was part of the story on a deeper level, though. Seeing two people who are supposed to be straightforward and independent gradually let that go for each other, almost unintentionally. It felt like they were being physically drawn together, even when neither fully realized it.

Should you read this story? If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice, banter and a happy ending that is not too obvious, I say go for it!