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The Real Thing #1
Not So Fake
an alternate cover edition can be found here
Wanted: One fake boyfriend.
Lane
All I wanted was a date to my ex-boyfriend’s wedding. What I got was a blisteringly hot fake boyfriend I can’t seem to stop thinking about. One date turns into two, until my mom’s inviting Zach to our vacation home for the weekend. Now we’re lying to everyone, but I can’t help pretending it could actually be real.
Zach
All I wanted was to make some money to put myself through law school. If working for a dating service helps me do that, then who cares that I’m dating guys for money? It’s not like I have time for the real thing. But the more time I spend with Lane, the more all my plans fly out the window. Our relationship might be fake, but everything about us feels real.
But a real relationship was never part of the deal, nor was falling for each other. But the lie that brought us together might be what keeps us apart.
Wanted: One fake boyfriend.
Lane
All I wanted was a date to my ex-boyfriend’s wedding. What I got was a blisteringly hot fake boyfriend I can’t seem to stop thinking about. One date turns into two, until my mom’s inviting Zach to our vacation home for the weekend. Now we’re lying to everyone, but I can’t help pretending it could actually be real.
Zach
All I wanted was to make some money to put myself through law school. If working for a dating service helps me do that, then who cares that I’m dating guys for money? It’s not like I have time for the real thing. But the more time I spend with Lane, the more all my plans fly out the window. Our relationship might be fake, but everything about us feels real.
But a real relationship was never part of the deal, nor was falling for each other. But the lie that brought us together might be what keeps us apart.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2021
About the author
Emma Lyon
21 books49 followersEmma Lyon writes feel-good, sexy M/M contemporary romance that always has a happily ever after. She lives in Maryland in a house on a wooded hill, with two indoor cats and various outdoor wildlife she watches from her office window.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 9, 2021
Emma Lyon is a new to me author and this may even be her debut novel? Either way, it's a cracker🥰.
One of my favourite tropes - fake boyfriends to lovers - Not So Fake delivers on all aspects. Low angst, cute main characters in Lane and Zach, the requisite amount of steam 🔥 and of course a HEA 💕 .
Can't wait to read Ethan's story in Not So Innocent soon.
Recommended 4 stars ✨✨✨✨
One of my favourite tropes - fake boyfriends to lovers - Not So Fake delivers on all aspects. Low angst, cute main characters in Lane and Zach, the requisite amount of steam 🔥 and of course a HEA 💕 .
Can't wait to read Ethan's story in Not So Innocent soon.
Recommended 4 stars ✨✨✨✨
August 14, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ This is your typical predictable, sweet, low angst, fake dating the escort read that has two super like-able boys (Zach and Lane) and some editing errors to make you work a little.
Spent a relaxing rainy afternoon with it and looking forward to reading the brother’s book.
Spent a relaxing rainy afternoon with it and looking forward to reading the brother’s book.
May 22, 2021
The Fake dating thing is one of the most common tropes that exist but still we all like a good cliché rt?
It was written well and kept me wanting the MC's to have their HEA. If you like a relaxing read then here you go.
It was written well and kept me wanting the MC's to have their HEA. If you like a relaxing read then here you go.
August 24, 2021
Very sweet. Next to no angst. A little formulaic but I didn’t hate it.
February 2, 2021
The idea of fake boyfriend and an escort seems too common these days. But when you can write the story to make the readers hooked, is another story. Not So Fake is a fun fake boyfriends to lovers romance that made me hooked and finished quickly. I haven't get my reading mojo for three months now and behind my goals. So thanks to books I can keep going to read even my mood is distracted.
Lane and Zach are adorable together, again facing controlling parent and shitty ex (I read this trope just earlier before I read Not So Fake).
Full review soon :)
January 30, 2021
Lane needs a temp boyfriend and hires Zach. This quickly becomes much more than either character can foresee. Their chemistry is smoking hot from the first meeting. Both characters were very well written and both were so endearing.
I loved the flow of the book. This author is new to me but I’m hooked! I’m excited for the next book
I loved the flow of the book. This author is new to me but I’m hooked! I’m excited for the next book
Read
May 9, 20212.5 Stars
March 23, 2024
Sweet, low angst aaand a fake-boyfriend trope- I'm happy 😊
April 4, 2021
It was so short. Especially at the end there. It didn't seem too rushed but I felt like it was over before it started. But, I still liked it. Not what I was hoping for when I picked up the book but good nenetheless.
February 16, 2021
This started out so well. I have been struggling to read lately due to real world stresses, and I instantly was able to dive into this and get through a large chunk of it. But, then, it begin to head south fast, and I struggled to finish. It's not bad; it just lost the potential it had for me.
What I Loved: Lane and Zach are likable, so is Lane's mother. The fake date trope has been done a thousand times, and yet, I just love it. The premise here was cute, and their attraction to each other in the beginning was palpable. The sexual tension in the beginning was so hot, so much teasing, but with a softness, and the excitement of something new. It really felt like we were going to keep that tension throughout and have some smoking sex scenes. And yes, the writing style was easy to read, and the initial pace done well.
Where It Went South: All the areas I loved suddenly went haywire, and the pace got off the rails. It was no longer a slow burn, but rather both Lane and Zach were in love with each other over the span of a weekend. I know for some people when they know, they know, but in for these two characters, it didn't fit in my opinion. They both had previous baggage from prior relationships, along with trust issues. They felt a connection, sure, but they knew really not much about the other. And when Zach experienced even the slightest push back with regards to their future, their connection frayed easily. It was an example, to me, that their love needed some time, care, and work. I'm not saying I needed to go on this epic journey with them, but something more than a weekend would have done some wonders.
All that tension in the beginning with kisses, squeezes, strokes, and touches went away in the sex scenes. Many may argue, but they were rushed compared to the lead-up. Because of that, I didn't get a sense of connection to either character nor did I really feel they were that steamy.
I have no idea why Bryce made an appearance in the end. Lane stated how that re-appearance made him feel, but I think the move back to Zach at the end could have been done with more character development or scenes with Zach rather than bring back some non-essential douchebag.
Most of Ethan scenes felt like build-up to his own book rather than a strong supporting character, and the same goes with the introduction of Quinn. It just didn't seem as smoothly introduced as it could have been.
Final Thoughts: This was decent, and I think I'd consider reading Quinn's book (I'll likely pass on Ethan's book because the market is flooded with age-gap twinky/daddy type books, and I've never really been a fan of this trope) to see where the author takes this series. I think if the author can write a book in the future that feels less insta-love, then I am likely on board. This was sweet, easy, and a nice getaway from real life.
What I Loved: Lane and Zach are likable, so is Lane's mother. The fake date trope has been done a thousand times, and yet, I just love it. The premise here was cute, and their attraction to each other in the beginning was palpable. The sexual tension in the beginning was so hot, so much teasing, but with a softness, and the excitement of something new. It really felt like we were going to keep that tension throughout and have some smoking sex scenes. And yes, the writing style was easy to read, and the initial pace done well.
Where It Went South: All the areas I loved suddenly went haywire, and the pace got off the rails. It was no longer a slow burn, but rather both Lane and Zach were in love with each other over the span of a weekend. I know for some people when they know, they know, but in for these two characters, it didn't fit in my opinion. They both had previous baggage from prior relationships, along with trust issues. They felt a connection, sure, but they knew really not much about the other. And when Zach experienced even the slightest push back with regards to their future, their connection frayed easily. It was an example, to me, that their love needed some time, care, and work. I'm not saying I needed to go on this epic journey with them, but something more than a weekend would have done some wonders.
All that tension in the beginning with kisses, squeezes, strokes, and touches went away in the sex scenes. Many may argue, but they were rushed compared to the lead-up. Because of that, I didn't get a sense of connection to either character nor did I really feel they were that steamy.
I have no idea why Bryce made an appearance in the end. Lane stated how that re-appearance made him feel, but I think the move back to Zach at the end could have been done with more character development or scenes with Zach rather than bring back some non-essential douchebag.
Most of Ethan scenes felt like build-up to his own book rather than a strong supporting character, and the same goes with the introduction of Quinn. It just didn't seem as smoothly introduced as it could have been.
Final Thoughts: This was decent, and I think I'd consider reading Quinn's book (I'll likely pass on Ethan's book because the market is flooded with age-gap twinky/daddy type books, and I've never really been a fan of this trope) to see where the author takes this series. I think if the author can write a book in the future that feels less insta-love, then I am likely on board. This was sweet, easy, and a nice getaway from real life.
May 2, 2022
DNF @ 25%.
I’ve been on a streak of DNFing fake relationship trope books, so I guess I’m sticking with the trend.
First off, while I knew one of the later books had political themes, there is no mention in the blurb that this did too. Had I known, I wouldn’t have even bothered with this one. I don’t want politics in my books.
Second, this is just terribly meh, 100% unengaging. It did help me fall asleep last night, so I guess it has that working in it’s favour… sleep aid.
I’ve been on a streak of DNFing fake relationship trope books, so I guess I’m sticking with the trend.
First off, while I knew one of the later books had political themes, there is no mention in the blurb that this did too. Had I known, I wouldn’t have even bothered with this one. I don’t want politics in my books.
Second, this is just terribly meh, 100% unengaging. It did help me fall asleep last night, so I guess it has that working in it’s favour… sleep aid.
February 1, 2021
I really liked Lane and Zach, they have a connection when they first meet that is undeniable. I didn't think their relationship was so fake when they were at the vacation house but Lane's father placed too much doubt into Zach's head. I loved seeing them work it out and quickly begin to build a life together.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review
February 5, 2021
Can’t help but love a good fake boyfriend love story. Lane and Zach are such a sweet couple. But they have to figure out how to switch from fake to real without getting hurt. This story was sweet and fun and I couldn’t get enough. I’m excited to read more from this author in the future
February 9, 2023
loved!!
this story was real and adorable all at the same time. Zach is realistic and not I’m the clouds about coming up with funds to pay for his law degree. And although it sounds shady to work as an escort, the business seemed very reputable with how they handled sleazy people. Lane was cool and you could tell early on that he tended to over extend himself at the expense of others. Like with his ex and then his dad sometimes. Loved how they had instant chemistry and that Zach hated how he was being paid in the beginning. They just clicked and it was adorable see even lanes brother Ethan tease them. Not some horrible drama, just mild parental over bearing normality. That they all worked out. Cute story. Can’t wait for Ethan’s.
this story was real and adorable all at the same time. Zach is realistic and not I’m the clouds about coming up with funds to pay for his law degree. And although it sounds shady to work as an escort, the business seemed very reputable with how they handled sleazy people. Lane was cool and you could tell early on that he tended to over extend himself at the expense of others. Like with his ex and then his dad sometimes. Loved how they had instant chemistry and that Zach hated how he was being paid in the beginning. They just clicked and it was adorable see even lanes brother Ethan tease them. Not some horrible drama, just mild parental over bearing normality. That they all worked out. Cute story. Can’t wait for Ethan’s.
October 26, 2021
Zach needs money to finish his law degree, so he agrees to work as a no-sex escort. Lane is a congressman's son who is invited to his ex's wedding. He doesn't want to show up alone, so he hires Lane to accompany him as his fake boyfriend. What will happen when the two attend another event and things start to heat up? This book has a nice relationship arc, plenty of emotion, and passion, not to mention a few jerks around them. Great HEA, too.
November 29, 2022
Cute story with a fake boyfriend who turns out to be not fake at all. I loved both Lane and Zach. Lane is the congressman’s son. Zach works for a dating service. They face a few hurdles, a bit of “does he like me”, but the story is pretty low angst, which was exactly what I was looking for in a book. Emma Lyons created super likable characters, and you can’t help but root for them to find their happy ending.
July 2, 2021
Loved this book so much. Fake relationship is one of my favorite tropes but their journey felt more real than others in this theme. I adored the two together.
___
Personal notes:
Zach: in law school, bartender, escort
Lane: Senator's son, openly gay, in school want to become a teacher and not follow in his dad's footsteps.
Willing to RR
___
Personal notes:
Zach: in law school, bartender, escort
Lane: Senator's son, openly gay, in school want to become a teacher and not follow in his dad's footsteps.
Willing to RR
September 5, 2021
Definitely enjoyed this one. I liked both characters right off the bat. I adored how attentive Zach was for Lane at Bryce's wedding. It was that chemistry between the two of them that pulled me in. The conflict in the story was reasonable and not manufactured. I loved how the two of them stepped up for each other at the end.
October 20, 2021
3.5
I love a good fake boyfriend story. I also love the escort story. This was both and I enjoyed it. It was sweet. They had chemistry from the start. From the first kiss. The ending was a little rushed but I like the story. The writing was ok, the smexy was nice and I’m excited to see who Ethan was texting.
I love a good fake boyfriend story. I also love the escort story. This was both and I enjoyed it. It was sweet. They had chemistry from the start. From the first kiss. The ending was a little rushed but I like the story. The writing was ok, the smexy was nice and I’m excited to see who Ethan was texting.
November 23, 2021
Overall a decent afternoon read with only mild angst. The characters were interesting enough that I would appreciate more character development. The story is built to be the first in a series with new characters in each book so the possibility exists for at least glimpses into the character's lives as the series progresses.
February 4, 2021
Instalove fake boyfriend story.
Lane hires escort Zach to be his boyfriend at his ex’s wedding. Feelings very quickly develop between the
And how could they not when they are both so adorable and charming.
Not so fake is a very enjoyable and light read,
Lane hires escort Zach to be his boyfriend at his ex’s wedding. Feelings very quickly develop between the
And how could they not when they are both so adorable and charming.
Not so fake is a very enjoyable and light read,
April 24, 2021
Excellent!
I loved this book! Lane and Zach are wonderful together! This is a very sweet book with very little angst. I liked everything about it and can’t wait for Ethan’s book.
I loved this book! Lane and Zach are wonderful together! This is a very sweet book with very little angst. I liked everything about it and can’t wait for Ethan’s book.
April 26, 2021
Good Romance
A favorite theme for me, this is well written storyline is supported by good character development. While the ending is as expected, the plot development provided sufficient obstacles along the way to keep my interest.
A favorite theme for me, this is well written storyline is supported by good character development. While the ending is as expected, the plot development provided sufficient obstacles along the way to keep my interest.
August 20, 2021
Really good!
Enjoyed this one. Zach and Lane meet under unusual circumstances and nothing that is supposed to involve caring for each other but can they control that or should they just go with how they feel?
Enjoyed this one. Zach and Lane meet under unusual circumstances and nothing that is supposed to involve caring for each other but can they control that or should they just go with how they feel?
October 26, 2021
Sweet
Sweet fake boyfriend to real boyfriend love story. A dual POV with low angst and some steamy moments. No homophobic parents even though one of the parents was a Congressman. Loved the snarky younger brother and his story's next.
Sweet fake boyfriend to real boyfriend love story. A dual POV with low angst and some steamy moments. No homophobic parents even though one of the parents was a Congressman. Loved the snarky younger brother and his story's next.
February 5, 2022
Standard romance is average and shall get a perfectly medium rating. This was neither good nor bad, I'll probably forget that I've read it in a few weeks, though, because nothing about it stands out for me.
April 27, 2022
Pleasantly surprised about this book…
It was better than I expected given some of the reviews. Glad I gave it a shot.
I think this is the 1st book by this author that I read. I am inclined to read the remainder of the series.
It was better than I expected given some of the reviews. Glad I gave it a shot.
I think this is the 1st book by this author that I read. I am inclined to read the remainder of the series.
December 4, 2022
Cute. I have to admit that I read the second book before this so I already loved Lane. I liked Zach too and they had amazing chemistry. But just like the other book it felt a bit shallow and rushed. A bit more detailed story would have been better. Still better that the second book in my opinion.
February 8, 2023
Oh, that was so damn cute. Obviously, so much of the drama/angst parts of this story could have been cleared up with communication, but.. you know.. romance novels. That's how they work. Anyway. This was adorable and Zach was absolutely perfect.
July 20, 2023
What a good story that was a joy to read.
You could say that this was a story of two guys from the opposite side of the tracks but it isn't. Lane needed a fake boyfriend but what he didn't realize, is that he found a real one in Jack.
You could say that this was a story of two guys from the opposite side of the tracks but it isn't. Lane needed a fake boyfriend but what he didn't realize, is that he found a real one in Jack.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews