Of Pranks and Passion: An Unexpected Love Story by Amy Padilla

OF PRANKS AND PASSION is a unconventional fake dating romance. Older college students find a special connection that is only supposed to be temporary but that neither wants to let go.


From the blurb:

The stories of success and happiness usually revolve around the golden child of the family. They can do no wrong. This story is about the forgotten child. The one who fights tooth and nail to find their happily ever after, and the found family who supports them the whole way.

Gary had been under his sister’s thumb since he was born, would get punished for his sister’s transgressions, and anything good he shared with his family was ignored or dismissed in favor of praising her. He thought it would always be that way–until he met Easton. Easton was crass, grungy, and would show up to classes with bruises on his knuckles. And when he saw how Gary’s family treated him, he offered to help. Who was Gary to say no?

Tags: Gary wanted to be helpful, he caught the attention of a prankster, fake boyfriends, spicy time makes it more realistic, Easton is ready for a fight, pranks are his love language, it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for, fake wedding plans, Gary finally makes a stand against his family, chaos ensues, guaranteed HEA


Molly Otto's review:

Amy has outdone themself in writing a story unlike any of their previous works, showing us how strong and diverse a writer they are becoming.

Easton doesn't like labels and just does as he is expected to keep his family even when they tend to drive him up a wall, including attending university. Gary is attending university to distance himself from his family and, hopefully, in time, get a fresh start. When the two work together on a project, for the first time Easton is curious about who this man is, when he sees Gary needs people, he becomes that along with his group of friends. what starts with a fake relationship, go get people to leave Gary alone, and turn into something real. Easton may not be able to love like most people, but he does in his own way. For Gary, that is more than enough he has just needed people to love and support him. This may be an un traditional love story, yet for these two men, this is their love story.

SNik's review:

Standalone. Fake relationship. Aromantic representation. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV. Heed content warnings. 

One kindness from Gary and Easton becomes obsessed with his fellow college student that just might need his protection. Gary certainly doesn’t expect the attractive bad boy to pay him any attention, but he enjoys every moment he and Easton are together, either hanging out, studying, or steaming up the sheets. 

This story starts out with underground fighter/rich boy Easton becoming slightly obsessed with Gary, a serious student paying his own way while trying to avoid his emotionally abusive family. Things ramp up quickly and all their interactions are what might be red flags in reality but Gary appreciates Easton’s caveman attitude and caring protectiveness while Easton is grateful that Gary doesn’t care about his non-romantic nature or that he’s from a wealthy family. There’s a lot to like about this story, the “mine” sentiments from Easton and the fact that he provides Gary with all kinds of affection that Gary craves without realizing that his actions prove his care. Suspend disbelief a little and this is an entertaining read. 

Angel's review:

""And when he asked me to stay, I knew without a shadow of a doubt, I’d stay by his side forever.
My Easton.
My Solace.
My Chaos Monster with the biggest heart.
Mine.""

Easton and Gary's story isn't your typical romance book, is there romance in this book? Yes. But it's not the conventional kind which was really refreshing. I know there are books out there that have characters who are aromantic or who aren't into romance, but I haven't read one myself until now. I have to say that the way this was written was really stunning, and Easton's character was written in such a respectable, realistic and exquisite way.

He doesn't do romance and feelings, but he does care about people and he shows that in his own way. After he gets to know Gary and spends more time with his hoodie stealing bookworm he grows attached and realizes he wants Gary to be his. Forever. While he isn't a romantic guy in the conventional sense he shows how much he cares about Gary with the little things he does such as; holding Gary when he needs comfort, giving him hoodies when he's cold, making sure he eats, standing up for him when Gary can't do it himself, and he just looks out for Gary's wellbeing and happiness. I really enjoyed reading about these two because their story showcases how there are different types of love and there are different types of ways to show and express that love, and that was really beautiful.

I also want to say I loved Chuckles, Smiley, Angel, and Coach, they are fantastic side characters and they all have each others' backs. Even though they didn't know Gary for long they immediately took him under their wings and made him feel like family. The humor that's interwoven within the pages of this story added a wonderful lightness to this book as well as providing a reprieve from when things got too heavy.

Of Pranks and Passion is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription