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Faking Friends
Your best friend stole your fiancé. Do you run away and hide, or start planning your revenge? Find out in Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Fallon's BRAND NEW novel.
A TOP 5 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
'A deftly plotted, witty tale of revenge. It's a romcom with attitude - a perfect wicked pleasure to begin a NEW YEAR OF READING' The Mail on Sunday
Best friend, soulmate, confidante . . . backstabber.
Amy thought she knew everything there was to know about her best friend Melissa. Then again, Amy also thought she was on the verge of the wedding of her dreams to her long-distance fiancé.
Until she pays a surprise trip home to London. Jack is out, but it's clear another woman has been making herself at home in their flat.
There's something about her stuff that feels oddly familiar . . . and then it hits Amy. The Other Woman is Melissa.
Amy has lost her home, her fiancé and her best friend in one disastrous weekend - but instead of falling apart, she's determined to get her own back.
Piecing her life back together won't be half as fun as dismantling theirs, after all.
'I've just finished this . . . it's FABALISS. I was SO GRIPPED' Marian Keyes
'Barbed, twisty and full of deliciously dry wit, this is smart stuff to race through' Sunday Mirror
'Hugely compelling . . . I loved it and just couldn't put it down!' Ruth Jones
A TOP 5 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
'A deftly plotted, witty tale of revenge. It's a romcom with attitude - a perfect wicked pleasure to begin a NEW YEAR OF READING' The Mail on Sunday
Best friend, soulmate, confidante . . . backstabber.
Amy thought she knew everything there was to know about her best friend Melissa. Then again, Amy also thought she was on the verge of the wedding of her dreams to her long-distance fiancé.
Until she pays a surprise trip home to London. Jack is out, but it's clear another woman has been making herself at home in their flat.
There's something about her stuff that feels oddly familiar . . . and then it hits Amy. The Other Woman is Melissa.
Amy has lost her home, her fiancé and her best friend in one disastrous weekend - but instead of falling apart, she's determined to get her own back.
Piecing her life back together won't be half as fun as dismantling theirs, after all.
'I've just finished this . . . it's FABALISS. I was SO GRIPPED' Marian Keyes
'Barbed, twisty and full of deliciously dry wit, this is smart stuff to race through' Sunday Mirror
'Hugely compelling . . . I loved it and just couldn't put it down!' Ruth Jones
447 pages, ebook
First published January 11, 2018
930 people are currently reading
4579 people want to read
About the author
Jane Fallon
23 books1,520 followersJane Fallon is an English producer and novelist, most famous for her work on popular series Teachers, 20 Things To Do Before You're 30, Eastenders and This Life. She is author of ten novels on the Sunday Times Bestseller List — Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back, Foursome, The Ugly Sister, Skeletons, Strictly Between Us, My Sweet Revenge, Faking Friends, Tell Me A Secret, and Queen Bee. In 2011, Foursome was nominated for the Melissa Nathan Award for Romantic Comedy Fiction, and in 2018, Faking Friends was nominated in the popular fiction category of the National Book Awards and in 2019 was long listed for the Comedy Women In Print prize.
Fallon has been in a relationship with popular comedian Ricky Gervais since 1982, after they met while studying together at the University College London. The couple has lived together since 1984 and are based in North London.
Fallon has been in a relationship with popular comedian Ricky Gervais since 1982, after they met while studying together at the University College London. The couple has lived together since 1984 and are based in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 998 reviews
November 1, 2023
Actual rating: 4,5
I've read several books written by Jane Fallon and now I 100% stand behind my state that her books are perfect pick for book clubs.
There's so many things that can be discussed and interpreted in different way, based on one's look at life, and Faking Friends is no exception.
Out of all Fallon's books, this one was my favourite.
The story pulled me in immediately, and it didn't let go until the very end.
The main reason for that is beside the interesting things that happened the whole time, amazing writing style.
Since Fallon is well known and respected author for years now, it didn't surprise me.
It is written in first person, from Amy's POV, with some parts narrated by her frenemy Mel.
This book explores the topic of toxic friendships and I like how it gives perspective from which the reader can see signs of one being fake friend from the very beginning.
I'd like to believe that it will help some readers recognize toxic people around themselves.
This novel is women's fiction in all it's glory.
It talks about relationships, old ones and new ones, friendships, toxic and healthy ones, and one's strength within herself.
This is not a love story or romance novel, so keep that in mind.
Overall, I really, really enjoyed reading Faking Friends and I can't wait to see what else Jane Fallon has in store for us.
I highly, highly recommend it!
I've read several books written by Jane Fallon and now I 100% stand behind my state that her books are perfect pick for book clubs.
There's so many things that can be discussed and interpreted in different way, based on one's look at life, and Faking Friends is no exception.
Out of all Fallon's books, this one was my favourite.
The story pulled me in immediately, and it didn't let go until the very end.
The main reason for that is beside the interesting things that happened the whole time, amazing writing style.
Since Fallon is well known and respected author for years now, it didn't surprise me.
It is written in first person, from Amy's POV, with some parts narrated by her frenemy Mel.
This book explores the topic of toxic friendships and I like how it gives perspective from which the reader can see signs of one being fake friend from the very beginning.
I'd like to believe that it will help some readers recognize toxic people around themselves.
This novel is women's fiction in all it's glory.
It talks about relationships, old ones and new ones, friendships, toxic and healthy ones, and one's strength within herself.
This is not a love story or romance novel, so keep that in mind.
Overall, I really, really enjoyed reading Faking Friends and I can't wait to see what else Jane Fallon has in store for us.
I highly, highly recommend it!
April 15, 2018
Jane Fallon treads familiar territory as she focuses on betrayal and deceit from two of the most hurtful of corners in a woman's life, her fiance, and perhaps the one that cuts the deepest, the bestfriend, her longest friendship forged at school, remaining the closest of best girlfriends. Amy, an actress, has a part in an American crime show in New York which has entailed leaving her fiance, Jack, behind at home. When circumstances dictate a break, Amy takes the opportunity to return and surprise Jack whilst also attending Melissa, her best friend's 40th birthday party. However, it is Amy that is shocked when she sees evidence of another woman living with Jack. Her life crashes apart when she realises that Melissa is the other woman, as she glimpses her and Jack holding hands.
Given that the character Amy was playing has met her demise, Amy holds herself together by plotting and planning vengeance, aided by her friends, the wonderful couple that is Kat and Greg. There is much fun and humour as Amy deploys a range of tactics to ensure that Jack and Melissa's lives begin to unravel, with a number of twists. In the meantime, Amy puts the pieces of her life back together, rebuilding her future, and developing a greater sense of her identity. This is a thrilling exploration of toxic relationships in Fallon's inimitable style, that entertains, dwelling on friendships and personal relationships. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
Given that the character Amy was playing has met her demise, Amy holds herself together by plotting and planning vengeance, aided by her friends, the wonderful couple that is Kat and Greg. There is much fun and humour as Amy deploys a range of tactics to ensure that Jack and Melissa's lives begin to unravel, with a number of twists. In the meantime, Amy puts the pieces of her life back together, rebuilding her future, and developing a greater sense of her identity. This is a thrilling exploration of toxic relationships in Fallon's inimitable style, that entertains, dwelling on friendships and personal relationships. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
January 6, 2018
Best friend, soulmate, confidante . . . backstabber.
Amy thought she knew everything there was to know about her best friend Melissa. Then again, Amy also thought she was on the verge of the wedding of her dreams to her long-distance fiancé. Until she pays a surprise trip home to London. Jack is out, but it's clear another woman has been making herself at home in their flat. There's something about her stuff that feels oddly familiar . . . and then it hits Amy. The Other Woman is Melissa. Amy has lost her home, her fiancé and her best friend in one disastrous weekend - but instead of falling apart, she's determined to get her own back. Piecing her life back together won't be half as fun as dismantling theirs, after all.
When I read the synopsis for Faking Friends by Jane Fallon I was under the impression it fell under the crime mystery genre. I felt increasingly disappointed when I started reading it as it was significantly more chick-lit based than any other genre. I am not a fan of chick-lit in the most part and the only time I would usually read a book from the genre is if it had a darker side. Which it did. Luckily.
I considered giving this up about halfway through but am pleased I didn't - I actually quite enjoyed it in the end. Even I am quite surprised at that. I don't enjoy romantic lovey-dovey narratives but this had a little more to it for me to get my teeth into. I have heard the term chick-noir bandied about as a suggested genre and feel that it suits the book well.
I'm sure if you are a chick-lit enthusiast with a penchant for a little darkness beneath the surface you would absolutely love this and even for a chick-noir novice I enjoyed it more than I originally thought I was going to.
Thanks to Jane Fallon, Penguin UK and NetGalley for the opportunity of an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Amy thought she knew everything there was to know about her best friend Melissa. Then again, Amy also thought she was on the verge of the wedding of her dreams to her long-distance fiancé. Until she pays a surprise trip home to London. Jack is out, but it's clear another woman has been making herself at home in their flat. There's something about her stuff that feels oddly familiar . . . and then it hits Amy. The Other Woman is Melissa. Amy has lost her home, her fiancé and her best friend in one disastrous weekend - but instead of falling apart, she's determined to get her own back. Piecing her life back together won't be half as fun as dismantling theirs, after all.
When I read the synopsis for Faking Friends by Jane Fallon I was under the impression it fell under the crime mystery genre. I felt increasingly disappointed when I started reading it as it was significantly more chick-lit based than any other genre. I am not a fan of chick-lit in the most part and the only time I would usually read a book from the genre is if it had a darker side. Which it did. Luckily.
I considered giving this up about halfway through but am pleased I didn't - I actually quite enjoyed it in the end. Even I am quite surprised at that. I don't enjoy romantic lovey-dovey narratives but this had a little more to it for me to get my teeth into. I have heard the term chick-noir bandied about as a suggested genre and feel that it suits the book well.
I'm sure if you are a chick-lit enthusiast with a penchant for a little darkness beneath the surface you would absolutely love this and even for a chick-noir novice I enjoyed it more than I originally thought I was going to.
Thanks to Jane Fallon, Penguin UK and NetGalley for the opportunity of an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2022
This was a light hearted book which I saw as a case of women treating women badly.
Amy is a very likeable girl, always putting others first. Her best friend Melissa, the exact opposite. Friends from childhood, thick as thieves, Amy successful in her acting in a very gradual manner, and Melissa not. At all. Her cringeworthy claim to fame from childhood and attempts at modelling were always alluded to, but not true. Mel was a perpetual liar and completely unhappy in love, work and life in general.
Amy allowed this allusion to occur, while Mel was obviously deranged.
Unsurprising is the affair that develops between Mel and Amy's fiancé, and surprisingly is the way Amy handles this with a concoction of revenge with the help of another girlfriend, who seemed to spring from nowhere from times gone by.
The tension gains momentum while Mel continues her lies and deceit, but Mel also is not laying all her cards on the table either.
This is revengey and backstabby, Amy seems to be able to move on and uses the revenge as an avenue to get there, which may not be for everyone.
Well written with great narration with the audio format, I was just a little conflicted about the revenge aspect, but would recommend as a lighter read.
Amy is a very likeable girl, always putting others first. Her best friend Melissa, the exact opposite. Friends from childhood, thick as thieves, Amy successful in her acting in a very gradual manner, and Melissa not. At all. Her cringeworthy claim to fame from childhood and attempts at modelling were always alluded to, but not true. Mel was a perpetual liar and completely unhappy in love, work and life in general.
Amy allowed this allusion to occur, while Mel was obviously deranged.
Unsurprising is the affair that develops between Mel and Amy's fiancé, and surprisingly is the way Amy handles this with a concoction of revenge with the help of another girlfriend, who seemed to spring from nowhere from times gone by.
The tension gains momentum while Mel continues her lies and deceit, but Mel also is not laying all her cards on the table either.
This is revengey and backstabby, Amy seems to be able to move on and uses the revenge as an avenue to get there, which may not be for everyone.
Well written with great narration with the audio format, I was just a little conflicted about the revenge aspect, but would recommend as a lighter read.
March 28, 2021
Faux the Love of... Not Much
I was enticed by the premise of a woman dealing with a simultaneous betrayal of her lifelong friend and fiance. They cheated on her - with each other.
I was determined to locate a copy and it took a bit of a search, but I was able to purchase a paperback version from The Book Depository.
The positives: a cute cat and an interesting plot.
However, the execution didn’t work for me. It was drawn out and looooooong. The funny and poignant remarks were tempered with too many words surrounding them.
In addition to the story, I had wanted to try this author - other people seemed to love her. The rave reviews put me into the outlier position so you might want to give it a try.
January 20, 2018
Though this was again very readable, I detect a formula in Jane Fallon's novels. There is a friendship, a romance, a betrayal and revenge. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read and I would read more by the author in the future when I'm looking for something lighter with a bit of sass.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
October 27, 2025
unsatisfying revenge, and none of the characters was likeble review to come
December 15, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from netgalley
I’ll be honest. I requested this because it looked like a thriller. Clearly I didn’t look at the cover. I don’t like chick lit. I’m not lovey. I like analysing etc.
I nearly. So nearly gave up on this about half way in. And I’m glad I didn’t!!! I loved it!!
A little predictable. But it did have some twists! Really enjoyed this and it’s opened my mind a little to books I wouldn’t normally read.
I’ll be honest. I requested this because it looked like a thriller. Clearly I didn’t look at the cover. I don’t like chick lit. I’m not lovey. I like analysing etc.
I nearly. So nearly gave up on this about half way in. And I’m glad I didn’t!!! I loved it!!
A little predictable. But it did have some twists! Really enjoyed this and it’s opened my mind a little to books I wouldn’t normally read.
January 4, 2018
Let's start with saying I love Fallon's writing. It's fluent and you easily immerse yourself in the characters she creates. You can imagine what they're going through without trying really hard - although I have to admit it helps if you've been cheated on yourself? Here's me hoping you haven't!
If you're expecting a novel with full-blown revenge bursting at the seams, this isn't one for you. Fallon is a master at subtlety, twisting and turning the plot in those small ways that have a huge impact after a while and, honestly, it's what I love about her work. Those small things make Amy's - the MC's - actions that bit more unpredictable which leads to me enjoying the story more.
And then it all explodes! A turn I saw coming, a twist I didn't. Disappointment, disbelief, hope and then disappointment again. All to end with a big burst of "finally!" and "good for you!" from me to Amy. If that makes any sense? No?
Let's keep it at: this was a roller coaster ride I thoroughly enjoyed and wouldn't mind hopping on a second time.
Another thing this book has that I love? A character I love to hate. Hate from the bottom of my heart. Mel is so toxic and seeing her influence on people's lives is cringe-worthy yet so realistic at the same time.
I've had my share of poisonous people in my life, so I definitely know how big of an impact they can make. This novel portrays that perfectly. It hit home. Hard.
Revenge isn't all Faking Friends is about though. It's about Amy having to build an entirely new life, finding new friends, trying to rekindle with old friends and discovering her own place in the world all while being on a non-stop job-hunting spree. I loved it.
5 / 5!
Kathy
Quotes used originate from an unfinished copy and may have been adapted in the final copy. The cheesecake-picture was found on Google; I claim no rights to this image whatsoever.
If you're expecting a novel with full-blown revenge bursting at the seams, this isn't one for you. Fallon is a master at subtlety, twisting and turning the plot in those small ways that have a huge impact after a while and, honestly, it's what I love about her work. Those small things make Amy's - the MC's - actions that bit more unpredictable which leads to me enjoying the story more.
I have a thing about men in open-toed shoes, and it's not a good thing. It's a 'run for the hills' thing.
And then it all explodes! A turn I saw coming, a twist I didn't. Disappointment, disbelief, hope and then disappointment again. All to end with a big burst of "finally!" and "good for you!" from me to Amy. If that makes any sense? No?
Let's keep it at: this was a roller coaster ride I thoroughly enjoyed and wouldn't mind hopping on a second time.
Another thing this book has that I love? A character I love to hate. Hate from the bottom of my heart. Mel is so toxic and seeing her influence on people's lives is cringe-worthy yet so realistic at the same time.
I've had my share of poisonous people in my life, so I definitely know how big of an impact they can make. This novel portrays that perfectly. It hit home. Hard.
Revenge isn't all Faking Friends is about though. It's about Amy having to build an entirely new life, finding new friends, trying to rekindle with old friends and discovering her own place in the world all while being on a non-stop job-hunting spree. I loved it.
I'll be fine.
5 / 5!
Kathy
Quotes used originate from an unfinished copy and may have been adapted in the final copy. The cheesecake-picture was found on Google; I claim no rights to this image whatsoever.
March 16, 2022
4.5/5
Perskaičius Jane Fallon dvi knygas man aiškūs du dalykai: autorė turi labai ryškų savo stilių, kuris turi chick-litams įprasto nuspėjamumo, kurį autorė pajaučia ir pateikia ypač savitai, tik jos knygoms būdingai. Ir dar: beprotiškai mėgstu jos knygas. Neieškau jose kažkokių išminties klonių ir gero elgesio pavyzdžių, bet tiesiog gerai praleidžiu laiką. Man patinka jos humoro jausmas, patinka gana aiškus britiškas stilius, veikėjai – gal kartais truputį per daug juodai balti, bet mane jų gyvenimai be didelių sunkumų įtraukia. Nežinau ar skaitant dar, dar ir dar knygos nesuvienodėtų, o ir šitoji turi panašią problemą, kaip ir Kerštas – yra čiut per ilga, tačiau autorė laiką skiria tokiam įtraukiančiam veiksmui, kad laiko turi ar nelabai – skaityti norisi. Ir nors iš pirmo žvilgsnio gali pasirodyti, kad reikalai sukasi tik aplink vyrus ir jų meilę, man visgi Fallon knygos pirmiausia yra apie meilę sau.
Nors tarsi nujaučiu, ko kitose jos knygose būtų galima tikėtis, visgi jaučiu, kad dar neatsivalgiau – skaityčiau ir daugiau jos kūrinių. Ar prie baseino nudribus, ar tiesiog bėgant nuo gyvenimo žiaurumo ir siaubo beprasmybės – nežinau kaip jums, bet dabar man tokių lengvų kūrinių reikia kaip gryno oro. Ir tikrai mėgavausi kiekvienu skyriumi – pusė balo krenta už kiek per didelį ištemptumą. Tobulas romanas galvos prasivalymui.
Perskaičius Jane Fallon dvi knygas man aiškūs du dalykai: autorė turi labai ryškų savo stilių, kuris turi chick-litams įprasto nuspėjamumo, kurį autorė pajaučia ir pateikia ypač savitai, tik jos knygoms būdingai. Ir dar: beprotiškai mėgstu jos knygas. Neieškau jose kažkokių išminties klonių ir gero elgesio pavyzdžių, bet tiesiog gerai praleidžiu laiką. Man patinka jos humoro jausmas, patinka gana aiškus britiškas stilius, veikėjai – gal kartais truputį per daug juodai balti, bet mane jų gyvenimai be didelių sunkumų įtraukia. Nežinau ar skaitant dar, dar ir dar knygos nesuvienodėtų, o ir šitoji turi panašią problemą, kaip ir Kerštas – yra čiut per ilga, tačiau autorė laiką skiria tokiam įtraukiančiam veiksmui, kad laiko turi ar nelabai – skaityti norisi. Ir nors iš pirmo žvilgsnio gali pasirodyti, kad reikalai sukasi tik aplink vyrus ir jų meilę, man visgi Fallon knygos pirmiausia yra apie meilę sau.
Nors tarsi nujaučiu, ko kitose jos knygose būtų galima tikėtis, visgi jaučiu, kad dar neatsivalgiau – skaityčiau ir daugiau jos kūrinių. Ar prie baseino nudribus, ar tiesiog bėgant nuo gyvenimo žiaurumo ir siaubo beprasmybės – nežinau kaip jums, bet dabar man tokių lengvų kūrinių reikia kaip gryno oro. Ir tikrai mėgavausi kiekvienu skyriumi – pusė balo krenta už kiek per didelį ištemptumą. Tobulas romanas galvos prasivalymui.
March 1, 2018
This book has rave reviews so I’m in the minority here but really If I had to describe this book in one word I’d probably choose silly. Going by the other reviews the author is a one trick pony but I’m afraid I don’t even like the trick. The plot was essentially very good but, in my opinion, badly executed. None of the characters were very likeable and the main one, Amy, conveniently picked up with a different man with every corner she turned without a backwards glance & opportunity just fell into her lap. The best friend was supposed to be the villain of the peace but I didn’t find Amy herself to be particularly likeable either. The acts of revenge on both sides were pretty unlikely/unbelievable and the ending very cheesy. As I said most people love it and t does keep you turning the pages to see what transpires. Just not my cup of tea really & I was pretty pleased to finish it.
June 12, 2019
I’ve been meaning to read a Jane Fallon book for a very long time so I was really excited to pick this one up. But......it didn’t fulfill my expectations. The point of views are not easy to follow at first IMHO. However, once the story got going, it did grip me especially Amy’s college days. They give a backstory that I got into and enjoyed. For a romance/chick lit book, this is not as predictable as you think. The ending is really sweet. It left a smile on my face. If you like your chick-lit books with back stabbing then this is one you should read! LOL. 3.5★s stars!
March 11, 2022
Genre: YA fiction
Tropes: cheated girlfriend, revenge planning, best friends and the boyfriend, friendship
Rating: 3.75 ⭐
OK, this book was better than I expected. I was looking for an interesting, fun, easy-read and I've decided to pick this up, but somehow it managed to surprise me along the way.
"You’d think I would cry. Fall to the floor in a heap and bawl my eyes out. My boyfriend and my best friend. Him, I can get over. Her, never. But actually my overriding emotion is anger. I’m furious. Absofuckinglutely incandescent with rage. I want to hurt them. I want to make them suffer."
✅ I'm always on board with women plotting revenge in a classy way, so the main trope really caught my eye here. The whole best friend and the boyfriend is kind of cliché, but the take on that was great and eventful.
✅ There really was character development going on here, so I didn't get the vibe this was all for nothing. Amy, the main character, went through some changes and, in the end, even Mel, her traitorous best friend, seemed to have evolved.
✅ The writing style was catchy, the story was pretty fast paced but well structured and it was easy to follow and get swiped into.
✅ The friendships here were various and each had their own well illustrated purpose. Toxic friendship, underrated friendship, rekindled friendship... you get the whole range and it really makes you think about your own life and the people surrounding you. It's good to see the difference between the love we give and the one we expect back in return, the way we are scared of being lonely and the need to feel like we belong, even when it's the wrong fit.
"That is, I had lots of friends, but no soulmate. I started to remember all the good stuff about Mel and, gradually, to forget the bad. In her absence, I rewrote her into the friend I had always wished she was."
✅ The ending was fulfilling, in a different way than the one I've imagined.
🆗️ The romance was OK, not great, not terrible, but this novel was clearly not about finding your knight in shining armor and living happily ever after with the love of your life. So, if you are looking for romance, this clearly won't do.
As an overall conclusion, if you feel like dealing with a bit of vengeance, three interesting and resourceful female characters and a messy love life involving cheating, backstabbing, ups and downs, definitely give this book a try.
Tropes: cheated girlfriend, revenge planning, best friends and the boyfriend, friendship
Rating: 3.75 ⭐
OK, this book was better than I expected. I was looking for an interesting, fun, easy-read and I've decided to pick this up, but somehow it managed to surprise me along the way.
"You’d think I would cry. Fall to the floor in a heap and bawl my eyes out. My boyfriend and my best friend. Him, I can get over. Her, never. But actually my overriding emotion is anger. I’m furious. Absofuckinglutely incandescent with rage. I want to hurt them. I want to make them suffer."
✅ I'm always on board with women plotting revenge in a classy way, so the main trope really caught my eye here. The whole best friend and the boyfriend is kind of cliché, but the take on that was great and eventful.
✅ There really was character development going on here, so I didn't get the vibe this was all for nothing. Amy, the main character, went through some changes and, in the end, even Mel, her traitorous best friend, seemed to have evolved.
✅ The writing style was catchy, the story was pretty fast paced but well structured and it was easy to follow and get swiped into.
✅ The friendships here were various and each had their own well illustrated purpose. Toxic friendship, underrated friendship, rekindled friendship... you get the whole range and it really makes you think about your own life and the people surrounding you. It's good to see the difference between the love we give and the one we expect back in return, the way we are scared of being lonely and the need to feel like we belong, even when it's the wrong fit.
"That is, I had lots of friends, but no soulmate. I started to remember all the good stuff about Mel and, gradually, to forget the bad. In her absence, I rewrote her into the friend I had always wished she was."
✅ The ending was fulfilling, in a different way than the one I've imagined.
🆗️ The romance was OK, not great, not terrible, but this novel was clearly not about finding your knight in shining armor and living happily ever after with the love of your life. So, if you are looking for romance, this clearly won't do.
As an overall conclusion, if you feel like dealing with a bit of vengeance, three interesting and resourceful female characters and a messy love life involving cheating, backstabbing, ups and downs, definitely give this book a try.
January 15, 2018
Clever, hilarious, compelling, and absolutely superb are just some of the words that I could use to describe FAKING FRIENDS by Jane Fallon which is already one of my favourite reads of 2018. With excellently crafted characters, crazy and often side-splitting escapades, and a deeper side to the story that reflects the importance of true friendship, everyone should read this novel that will have you devouring it in one sitting. Oh and if you have ever been screwed over by that person that you thought was the one or that friend who just always seems to take without giving anything back, then this book is a must!
When Amy turns up for a surprise visit with her fiancè, she gets the shock of a lifetime when she realises that he hasn't been spending his nights alone during their long-distance relationship over the last few months. Determined to discover the truth, Amy is horrified and heartbroken when she realises that the betrayal goes even deeper when the other person involved is none other than her best friend. With her career as an actress always floundering on the edge of disaster, Amy has now lost her home, the person she thought she would marry, and her childhood best friend all in one swoop. But will she let this break her? Will she heck! Amy is ready to get her own back in any way she can, even if she'll have to fake it before she can make it happen ...
I LOVE THIS STORY!!! Amy is a brilliant character and I loved watching her evolve and realise what friendship should be and what she really wants from her life and all of her relationships. There are so many moments that made me laugh so this is a perfect book to pull you out of the gloominess of January and the post-Christmas blues. The pace of the story is great and there really is never a dull moment. I can safely say there was nothing about this book that I didn't completely enjoy so what are you waiting for? Buy it now!!!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
When Amy turns up for a surprise visit with her fiancè, she gets the shock of a lifetime when she realises that he hasn't been spending his nights alone during their long-distance relationship over the last few months. Determined to discover the truth, Amy is horrified and heartbroken when she realises that the betrayal goes even deeper when the other person involved is none other than her best friend. With her career as an actress always floundering on the edge of disaster, Amy has now lost her home, the person she thought she would marry, and her childhood best friend all in one swoop. But will she let this break her? Will she heck! Amy is ready to get her own back in any way she can, even if she'll have to fake it before she can make it happen ...
I LOVE THIS STORY!!! Amy is a brilliant character and I loved watching her evolve and realise what friendship should be and what she really wants from her life and all of her relationships. There are so many moments that made me laugh so this is a perfect book to pull you out of the gloominess of January and the post-Christmas blues. The pace of the story is great and there really is never a dull moment. I can safely say there was nothing about this book that I didn't completely enjoy so what are you waiting for? Buy it now!!!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
July 21, 2022
Labai smagi ir šmaikšti knyga. 😉
October 23, 2022
i don't really do chick lits but i was in the mood for it and i found this on sale so i was like fuck it why not. i got into a reading slump so it took me way to long to finish it, not the books fault. for me at first it was a 5 star read but it just kept going and going and it ended up being almost 500 pages long. could have been 250-300 pages long.
please let go of your fake and toxic friends. they don't like you and don't deserve your time and energy
please let go of your fake and toxic friends. they don't like you and don't deserve your time and energy
June 29, 2021
Maybe it's the author's first name, but I just can't seem to get enough of Jane Fallon.
After reading "Sweet Revenge", I had cravings for "More Jane!" and downloaded "Faking Friends" and was instantly rewarded.
Soulmates, backstabbers, philanderers, and frenemies. Sorrow, despair, and triumphs. You name it, this book has it all.
Jane Fallon has truly mastered the fine art of "chic-lit" with a signature style that is uniquely her own.
"Faking Friends" was fun, witty, well-plotted with strong characters and no shortage of unpredictable twists and turns.
I listened to the audiobook and both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
Keep 'em coming, Jane Fallon. I look forward to listening to your future titles.
After reading "Sweet Revenge", I had cravings for "More Jane!" and downloaded "Faking Friends" and was instantly rewarded.
Soulmates, backstabbers, philanderers, and frenemies. Sorrow, despair, and triumphs. You name it, this book has it all.
Jane Fallon has truly mastered the fine art of "chic-lit" with a signature style that is uniquely her own.
"Faking Friends" was fun, witty, well-plotted with strong characters and no shortage of unpredictable twists and turns.
I listened to the audiobook and both narrators did a superb job with the narration.
Keep 'em coming, Jane Fallon. I look forward to listening to your future titles.
November 22, 2017
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in return for an honest review.
I always enjoy reading books by Jane Fallon and this certainly lived up to expectation. Strong description with skillful characterization mean the reader is quickly immersed in the plot and feeling empathy \ sympathy for the wronged protagonist.
Amy is engaged to be married to Jack but returns as a surprise to their London flat from her acting job in New York only to find signs that another woman has moved in with Jack. Imagine Amy's horror when she realises that her supposed best friend since childhood is the one who is her rival.
As Amy sets out to get her revenge on Mel and Jack without telling them she has moved back to London and knows about their treachery, she adheres to the old adage that you should keep your friends close and your enemies closer, carefully planning to expose Mel to the world as the scheming bitch she has always been. Will Amy get her well deserved happy ever after and will Mel and Jack get their come uppance? Definitely highly recommended.
I always enjoy reading books by Jane Fallon and this certainly lived up to expectation. Strong description with skillful characterization mean the reader is quickly immersed in the plot and feeling empathy \ sympathy for the wronged protagonist.
Amy is engaged to be married to Jack but returns as a surprise to their London flat from her acting job in New York only to find signs that another woman has moved in with Jack. Imagine Amy's horror when she realises that her supposed best friend since childhood is the one who is her rival.
As Amy sets out to get her revenge on Mel and Jack without telling them she has moved back to London and knows about their treachery, she adheres to the old adage that you should keep your friends close and your enemies closer, carefully planning to expose Mel to the world as the scheming bitch she has always been. Will Amy get her well deserved happy ever after and will Mel and Jack get their come uppance? Definitely highly recommended.
December 27, 2018
Loved it
January 14, 2018
I found this book to be the PERFECT New Years pick-me-up for me! After the hectic festive period there’s always a real downer for me in January, but Faking Friends was just the best antidote for my New Year Blues. I laughed my (warm, cosy Christmas present!) socks off as I curled up with the literary equivalent of a long, gossipy and probably alchohol fuelled, lunch with your best girlfriends! And once you start reading you won’t be able to stop…..rather like me and the Christmas tin of Celebrations!
Jane Fallon has created some fabulous characters here and an intriguing dilemma for them to play around with! Amy returns unexpectedly from her acting job in New York to the home she shares with fiance Jack. Unfortunately, it looks like he has been sharing it with someone else while she’s been away as she finds traces of another womans belongings all over their flat. Amy is devastated, especially when it looks like the other woman is non other than her best friend Melissa. But in true Jane Fallon style, Amy decides to keep quiet about what she’s seen and use it to her advantage. Yes, revenge is a dish best served cold and Amy is going to have a lot of fun deciding how to ladle out their just desserts!
They say payback is a bitch but whoever said that has obviously never met Mel, the best friend from hell!!! I started to wonder how on earth Amy could have been friends with such a nasty piece of work, although like all backstabbers she was only able to succeed because Amy turned her back! But then who would expect their best friend to sleep with their fiance the minute their back is turned? I loved the way that Jane Fallon used flashbacks to earlier times in their lives so we were able to see exactly how the friendship was formed and how any cracks had been papered over. Everything started to become much clearer once we saw how the younger Amy and Melissa became friends, following them through their school years and beyond.
I was completely gripped by Amy’s plan of action and was mentally cheering her on as she used every weapon she could find against the cheating couple, whilst having an enormous amount of fun with it too! And although Mel becomes part of the storyline from the start, it is actually a while before we hear from Mel herself and when we do, things become much more serious in this cat and mouse game as the stakes are raised. I have to admit to gasping out loud at some of the unexpected twists that occurred in this highly enjoyable and unpredictable tale of besties at war. And although there was a dark undertone to the humour, there was also a poignancy in watching the breakdown of that important relationship between friends even though I have to admit to a rather devilishly, devious desire to see Amy succeed with her plans for the cheating couples comeuppance!
This is yet another top notch read from Jane Fallon and I absolutely loved every minute of my time spent with Amy, Jack and Melissa. We all have friends that say they have our backs, just try to make sure you trust them not to have a knife in their hand when they do!
Highly recommended by me!
Jane Fallon has created some fabulous characters here and an intriguing dilemma for them to play around with! Amy returns unexpectedly from her acting job in New York to the home she shares with fiance Jack. Unfortunately, it looks like he has been sharing it with someone else while she’s been away as she finds traces of another womans belongings all over their flat. Amy is devastated, especially when it looks like the other woman is non other than her best friend Melissa. But in true Jane Fallon style, Amy decides to keep quiet about what she’s seen and use it to her advantage. Yes, revenge is a dish best served cold and Amy is going to have a lot of fun deciding how to ladle out their just desserts!
They say payback is a bitch but whoever said that has obviously never met Mel, the best friend from hell!!! I started to wonder how on earth Amy could have been friends with such a nasty piece of work, although like all backstabbers she was only able to succeed because Amy turned her back! But then who would expect their best friend to sleep with their fiance the minute their back is turned? I loved the way that Jane Fallon used flashbacks to earlier times in their lives so we were able to see exactly how the friendship was formed and how any cracks had been papered over. Everything started to become much clearer once we saw how the younger Amy and Melissa became friends, following them through their school years and beyond.
I was completely gripped by Amy’s plan of action and was mentally cheering her on as she used every weapon she could find against the cheating couple, whilst having an enormous amount of fun with it too! And although Mel becomes part of the storyline from the start, it is actually a while before we hear from Mel herself and when we do, things become much more serious in this cat and mouse game as the stakes are raised. I have to admit to gasping out loud at some of the unexpected twists that occurred in this highly enjoyable and unpredictable tale of besties at war. And although there was a dark undertone to the humour, there was also a poignancy in watching the breakdown of that important relationship between friends even though I have to admit to a rather devilishly, devious desire to see Amy succeed with her plans for the cheating couples comeuppance!
This is yet another top notch read from Jane Fallon and I absolutely loved every minute of my time spent with Amy, Jack and Melissa. We all have friends that say they have our backs, just try to make sure you trust them not to have a knife in their hand when they do!
Highly recommended by me!
January 26, 2023
"Ir tada pamatau. Sunertus jųdviejų pirštus."
Nuo pirmų puslapių jau viskas kaip ir aišku. Bet skaitau toliau ir.. Pernelyg greitai ir akivaizdu.. Mano pasąmonė sako, kad kažkas čia ne taip, ar tikrai ji.. Per daug įtartina ir paprasta.
"Ji veikiausiai iš tokių, kurios negali pakęsti, jei niekas nemini jų vardų."
Skaitydama vis pagalvojau, kaip žmonės gali būti tokie veidmainiai. Kodėl net geriausiai draugei negali linkėti gero? Bet gal tokie žmonės niekada ir nebuvo draugai?
Juk visi esame skirtingi ir sekasi vieniems geriau, kitiems blogiau. Bet draugai juk tam ir skirti, kartu džiaugtis ar liūdėti, padėti, išklausyti, rūpintis.
Buvo gaila Eimi, bet ėmė ir pyktis dėl jos tokių keistų poelgių. Kam tempti gumą ir įrodinėti žmogui, kuris to nėra vertas.
O į Mel norėjosi daug kartų mesti plytą ar dar ką nors blogą padaryti, nes nu kodėl?! 🤯
"Kai randi tikrus bičiulius, turi jų nepaleisti."
👯♀️4.0👯♀️ su avansu
Nuo pirmų puslapių jau viskas kaip ir aišku. Bet skaitau toliau ir.. Pernelyg greitai ir akivaizdu.. Mano pasąmonė sako, kad kažkas čia ne taip, ar tikrai ji.. Per daug įtartina ir paprasta.
"Ji veikiausiai iš tokių, kurios negali pakęsti, jei niekas nemini jų vardų."
Skaitydama vis pagalvojau, kaip žmonės gali būti tokie veidmainiai. Kodėl net geriausiai draugei negali linkėti gero? Bet gal tokie žmonės niekada ir nebuvo draugai?
Juk visi esame skirtingi ir sekasi vieniems geriau, kitiems blogiau. Bet draugai juk tam ir skirti, kartu džiaugtis ar liūdėti, padėti, išklausyti, rūpintis.
Buvo gaila Eimi, bet ėmė ir pyktis dėl jos tokių keistų poelgių. Kam tempti gumą ir įrodinėti žmogui, kuris to nėra vertas.
O į Mel norėjosi daug kartų mesti plytą ar dar ką nors blogą padaryti, nes nu kodėl?! 🤯
"Kai randi tikrus bičiulius, turi jų nepaleisti."
👯♀️4.0👯♀️ su avansu
May 30, 2024
4.5⭐
January 30, 2025
4.5 stars
July 16, 2020
Wow, ik heb mij echt eens vermaakt met een chicklit.
Een genre wat ik normaal niet lees, omdat ik het meestal voorspelbaar vind en de hoofdpersonen vaak een man nodig om zich goed te voelen over zichzelf, en daar kan ik slecht tegen.
Dit boek pakte voor mij positief uit: ik vond het niet voorspelbaar, heb erbij gegrinnikt en was echt verbaasd om de plottwist.
Persoonlijk zou ik het toffer vinden als ze de hoofdpersoon gewoon alleen zou eindigen en helemaal happy met zichzelf en haar nieuwe leven zou zijn.
Maar oké, het zou geen chicklit zijn zonder een romantisch einde. (en dat blijf ik jammer vinden ;) )
Een genre wat ik normaal niet lees, omdat ik het meestal voorspelbaar vind en de hoofdpersonen vaak een man nodig om zich goed te voelen over zichzelf, en daar kan ik slecht tegen.
Dit boek pakte voor mij positief uit: ik vond het niet voorspelbaar, heb erbij gegrinnikt en was echt verbaasd om de plottwist.
Persoonlijk zou ik het toffer vinden als ze de hoofdpersoon gewoon alleen zou eindigen en helemaal happy met zichzelf en haar nieuwe leven zou zijn.
Maar oké, het zou geen chicklit zijn zonder een romantisch einde. (en dat blijf ik jammer vinden ;) )
August 2, 2024
3.5 Jau senokai perskaičius knygą turėjau tokius mixed feelings. :D
Tema - įdomi. Apie tai, kaip niekada gyvenime negali pasitikėti niekuo - tik savimi. Apie tai, kiek viduje turime stiprybės ir galime išgyventi didžiulius sukrėtimus. Ir net kai atrodo, kad blogiau būti negali ir atsitinka dar kažkas blogesnio - vis tiek sugebame atsitiesti. Ši dalis - graži, pozityvi.
Bet iš kitos pusės - bene visa knyga apie tokį back and forth kerštą, kuris primena ne dviejų vidutinio amžiaus moterų gyvenimą, o penktos klasės pykčius dėl vienodo sijono. Man šios abi dalys neatrodo kaip tinkamos vienoje vietoje, bet nežinau, tuo pačiu ir susiskaitė. :D
Tema - įdomi. Apie tai, kaip niekada gyvenime negali pasitikėti niekuo - tik savimi. Apie tai, kiek viduje turime stiprybės ir galime išgyventi didžiulius sukrėtimus. Ir net kai atrodo, kad blogiau būti negali ir atsitinka dar kažkas blogesnio - vis tiek sugebame atsitiesti. Ši dalis - graži, pozityvi.
Bet iš kitos pusės - bene visa knyga apie tokį back and forth kerštą, kuris primena ne dviejų vidutinio amžiaus moterų gyvenimą, o penktos klasės pykčius dėl vienodo sijono. Man šios abi dalys neatrodo kaip tinkamos vienoje vietoje, bet nežinau, tuo pačiu ir susiskaitė. :D
November 27, 2017
Faking Friends by Jane Fallon a five star-read that will have you reaching for your bestie to check up on them. I don’t know if it was because I used to have a best friend who betrayed me not in the same way as Amy’s but still in a way that I will never be able to forgive or forget. This could have fast become a story of getting over one man and getting under another but it was so much more than that, it’s a story of how Amy manages to enact some of the most devious and delicious revenge ever written. It makes you wish you had the imagination and passion that Amy shows in this story. There is also other underlying plot twists and stories that will keep you hooked and reading, we get to see into other worlds seeing the toxic relationships not just between couples but in many different relationships.
Jane Fallon is a great writer and she will have you reading this story in moments that you wouldn’t think you have time to read, I was picking this up while waiting for the kettle to boil at work, waiting in que’s every spare second, I had I had to finish this book. It was like I couldn’t not keep reading to find out what Amy would do next. In some ways I felt a little bad for Jack and Mel and then I was doubting myself and wondering why I was feeling like that for them, it didn’t make sense as they didn’t deserve my sympathy but then on the flip side it made me think about how we don’t know what we would do if we were in the same situation, as much as we hope we wouldn’t can you honestly say you haven’t done anything wrong? I think that’s they talent Jane Fallon has in that she makes you doubt and question yourself while reading. It makes reading an all-encompassing experience.
If you are looking for a great Chick-noir (chick-lit with a darker edge, I would say) read then this is the story for you, there is so much you can enjoy in this book. Even if you don’t know what Chick Noir is pick it up, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin and Jane Fallon for my ARC of Faking Friends.
Jane Fallon is a great writer and she will have you reading this story in moments that you wouldn’t think you have time to read, I was picking this up while waiting for the kettle to boil at work, waiting in que’s every spare second, I had I had to finish this book. It was like I couldn’t not keep reading to find out what Amy would do next. In some ways I felt a little bad for Jack and Mel and then I was doubting myself and wondering why I was feeling like that for them, it didn’t make sense as they didn’t deserve my sympathy but then on the flip side it made me think about how we don’t know what we would do if we were in the same situation, as much as we hope we wouldn’t can you honestly say you haven’t done anything wrong? I think that’s they talent Jane Fallon has in that she makes you doubt and question yourself while reading. It makes reading an all-encompassing experience.
If you are looking for a great Chick-noir (chick-lit with a darker edge, I would say) read then this is the story for you, there is so much you can enjoy in this book. Even if you don’t know what Chick Noir is pick it up, you won’t be disappointed. Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin and Jane Fallon for my ARC of Faking Friends.
February 2, 2018
This book took a while to get going, but once the story got going it was a good read. Amy returns home from working away to discover a suitcase with female clothes in her bedroom,and cosmetics in the bathroom. So after a little research Amy discovers her best friend Mel and her fiancé were having affair in her absents.
Then she returns back to London to live and starts to play with the minds of Mel and Jack and slowly dismantles their life in a cool calm way with planning.
There are a few unexpected twists and turns for the main characters.
For me there wasn't enough detail behind the characters actions, giving the reader a chance to see in to the minds of the characters
It all ended with Amy living living happily ever after...... And the wicked cheating best friend slipping in to not a very happy life.
Then she returns back to London to live and starts to play with the minds of Mel and Jack and slowly dismantles their life in a cool calm way with planning.
There are a few unexpected twists and turns for the main characters.
For me there wasn't enough detail behind the characters actions, giving the reader a chance to see in to the minds of the characters
It all ended with Amy living living happily ever after...... And the wicked cheating best friend slipping in to not a very happy life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2022
Man tikrai patiko, lengvesnio turinio, įmanoma perskaityti per kelis gerus prisėdimus, tokia nestokojanti humoro, ir į tam tikrai rimtas ir gyvenimiškas situacijas žvelgianti kiek kitokiu kampu. Atrodytų jei sužinotum apie būsimo sužadėtinio išdavystę su geriausia drauge, žemė turėtų slysti iš po kojų,turėtum lieti graudžias ašaras ir klausti kodėl, bet sugalvoji keršto planą ir imi jį vykdyti,ir galbūt nesitiki, kad iš priešininkes sulauksi atsakomo smūgio. Gal tik buvo gaila, kad pati pagrindinė herojė, pati to neįtardama, turejo santykius su vedusiusiu vyru.
Bet gerai, kai yra tikri ir laiko patikrinti draugai, kurie sunkiu metu neleidžia palūžti ir palaiko visas idėjas, susijusias dėl keršto. Tikrai smagi knyga, kurią rekomenduoju perskaityti!!!
Bet gerai, kai yra tikri ir laiko patikrinti draugai, kurie sunkiu metu neleidžia palūžti ir palaiko visas idėjas, susijusias dėl keršto. Tikrai smagi knyga, kurią rekomenduoju perskaityti!!!
July 22, 2019
𝙁𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 was my first Jane Fallon book. I picked this up on a whim and I’m so glad I did. This audiobook is a high quality British domestic suspense novel with dual narration. A cat & mouse tale of revenge between two women who have been long time BFF’s. I don’t want to give any plot points away so I’ll just say this was extremely satisfying for me; I tore through it in a day. I’m definitely reading more from this author. I highly recommend this book!
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