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Experimental Love #2
Bona Fide Fake
My new fake boyfriend may not like me, but he needs me. There are worse foundations for a relationship.
Ned
Toni Fairweather is a liar and a fake. I suspected it the day we met, but when he lies to his friends about being my boyfriend, I know for sure. I’ll play along with his deception, but Toni will owe me – big time.
I have my own reasons for needing a boyfriend. Someone who can handle me. Someone who can keep me in line. Toni is demanding enough to fulfil every requirement.
I don’t need to like the man… to obey him.
Toni
I never meant to fake a relationship with the lead singer of a local rock band. But the fib popped out over lunch with my best friend, and now I’m expected to present my new boyfriend at his engagement party next month.
The good news? I’m not the only one in need of a date.
Being boyfriends for a month shouldn’t be hard, but I do have one condition: this won’t be some fake boyfriends deal. I want a real relationship, and Ned’s going to give it to me.
Ned
Toni Fairweather is a liar and a fake. I suspected it the day we met, but when he lies to his friends about being my boyfriend, I know for sure. I’ll play along with his deception, but Toni will owe me – big time.
I have my own reasons for needing a boyfriend. Someone who can handle me. Someone who can keep me in line. Toni is demanding enough to fulfil every requirement.
I don’t need to like the man… to obey him.
Toni
I never meant to fake a relationship with the lead singer of a local rock band. But the fib popped out over lunch with my best friend, and now I’m expected to present my new boyfriend at his engagement party next month.
The good news? I’m not the only one in need of a date.
Being boyfriends for a month shouldn’t be hard, but I do have one condition: this won’t be some fake boyfriends deal. I want a real relationship, and Ned’s going to give it to me.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2022
27 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Raine
13 books230 followersRebecca is a long-time lover of all things romance. Whether it’s a book, movie, or real-life, she will always have more fun if there’s a love interest thrown into the mix. She lives in Queensland, Australia with her very own hero husband, two adorable children and one big, black dog. Other than reading and writing books, her favourite things include loud music, enjoying a glass of wine on the patio, organising everything in existence, and spending too much time on the Internet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 23, 2022
4,5 stars
Ever since I read and loved The Experiment, I wanted Toni's book. It's not that he was a very present secondary character in said book, but he certainly was interesting. So this is his book and I really, really loved it!
Toni (with an 'i' so it added to the fabulous persona Anthony 'created') is a flamboyant guy. He's the sweetheart everybody loves, always an ear for other people's problems and always a pep talk ready. When people ask about him, he always tries to live up to people's expectations: he's fabulous as always, even if he isn't. But are people really interested in how he feels? They are all so used to seeing happy Toni, they probably can't even imagine him ever feeling miserable. Ever since he was bullied in high school, Toni hid behind his masks, his designer clothes and his flamboyant style. But all he really wants is a boyfriend, a man of his own, like his friends are having. He has one night stands, and they don't ask for more than the casual hot sex, which is fine, but proving the world he is capable of more, is something Toni longs for. So when he fools his best friend by telling he is in a relationship with Ned, the singer of the popular rock band Fifth Circle, he has to live up to that lie. Luckily Ned needs someone to take with him to a festival he doesn't want to play, so they decide to help each other out. Faking their relationship until they have reached their exasperation date. But as real boyfriends, with everything that comes with that. Because they have an insane chemistry and are exactly what the other needs.
Their story was a joy to read. It's a bit angsty because of a past abusive relationship, but for the rest it's all about the character growth both Ned and Toni experience. They are an unexpected couple - Toni often made out to be the twink and Ned to be the dominant rockstar, while in real life it's the other way around and it works perfectly for them. The sex is off the charts hot - I think this is the sexiest book Rebecca Raine has written so far! But other than just hot, it's also meaningful, and it is part of the reason why Toni and Ned work so well together.
I loved to watch them fight for their deserved hea. Their story was not like a dozen other fake relationship books, it was quite unique and different, and I loved that. There's also some submissive-dominance trope, and it worked really well here. All in all, this was a very enjoyable read. Rebecca Raine's writing is one I really click with, and I love to see what she comes up with next!
Highly recommended!
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, unbiased review
Ever since I read and loved The Experiment, I wanted Toni's book. It's not that he was a very present secondary character in said book, but he certainly was interesting. So this is his book and I really, really loved it!
Toni (with an 'i' so it added to the fabulous persona Anthony 'created') is a flamboyant guy. He's the sweetheart everybody loves, always an ear for other people's problems and always a pep talk ready. When people ask about him, he always tries to live up to people's expectations: he's fabulous as always, even if he isn't. But are people really interested in how he feels? They are all so used to seeing happy Toni, they probably can't even imagine him ever feeling miserable. Ever since he was bullied in high school, Toni hid behind his masks, his designer clothes and his flamboyant style. But all he really wants is a boyfriend, a man of his own, like his friends are having. He has one night stands, and they don't ask for more than the casual hot sex, which is fine, but proving the world he is capable of more, is something Toni longs for. So when he fools his best friend by telling he is in a relationship with Ned, the singer of the popular rock band Fifth Circle, he has to live up to that lie. Luckily Ned needs someone to take with him to a festival he doesn't want to play, so they decide to help each other out. Faking their relationship until they have reached their exasperation date. But as real boyfriends, with everything that comes with that. Because they have an insane chemistry and are exactly what the other needs.
Their story was a joy to read. It's a bit angsty because of a past abusive relationship, but for the rest it's all about the character growth both Ned and Toni experience. They are an unexpected couple - Toni often made out to be the twink and Ned to be the dominant rockstar, while in real life it's the other way around and it works perfectly for them. The sex is off the charts hot - I think this is the sexiest book Rebecca Raine has written so far! But other than just hot, it's also meaningful, and it is part of the reason why Toni and Ned work so well together.
I loved to watch them fight for their deserved hea. Their story was not like a dozen other fake relationship books, it was quite unique and different, and I loved that. There's also some submissive-dominance trope, and it worked really well here. All in all, this was a very enjoyable read. Rebecca Raine's writing is one I really click with, and I love to see what she comes up with next!
Highly recommended!
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, unbiased review
January 22, 2022
"Men like him are nothing but trouble for men like me."
So many tropes to choose from in the delightful Bona Fide Fake by Rebecca Raine. We have:
💙Fake dating
💙Dom-sub (mild)
💙Power exchange
💙High steam
💙Opposites attract
💙Rock star
💙Off the charts chemistry
💙HEA
Following on from The Experiment, this is a linked standalone and it's Ned and Toni's story.
I loved Bona Fide Fake because it's not a traditional 'fake dating' story. Ned and Toni go into it knowing their 'relationship' has a limited duration, but with the intention of making it a real relationship (in very way🔥) during that time.
The MM roles aren't 'traditional' either - Toni is cast very much as a flamboyant, 'twinky' type of guy, with Ned as the dominant rock star - but that's not how things pan out...
There is some angst and a past abusive relationship, but overall this is definitely a feel-good read, and I totally fell in love with Toni and Ned.
Highly recommended for a feel-good, steamy read.
4 ✨✨✨✨
January 31, 2022
After reading RR's The Harder We Fall, you better believe that I requested this ARC as soon as it came up!
And the book didn't disappoint. So...let's have a Q&A.
Q: Ok. What tropes should I expect in this book?
A: Fake Relationship, Power exchange, Very light BDSM,
Q: Sounds delicious! What about the characters?
A: We have Ned, the vocalist for an up and coming band, who is content with being semi-famous bartends on the side. He's got some secrets that he keeps close to his heart and never expected Toni to be the one who makes him share them.
Toni, the twinky web designer, is all kinds of prickly and unavailable. That is... until he sets his eyes on Ned. He has some secrets of his own too, and so many walls erected for safety. Ned though, is convinced that he can break these walls down.
Q: These characters both seem deep! What about the plot?
A: It's all about the fake relationship that turns into a real one with neither of them the wiser. Although both of them kind of fight it a bit, it doesn't turn into a "thing" and succumb easily for which I was grateful.
Q: Angst-o-meter?
A: Minimal angst between the MCs, some angst from outside sources but nothing overwhelming.
Q: Steam-o-meter?
A: Steamy with a bit of lite D/s play.
Q: HEA?
A: Yes! It's sweet and lovely too.
Mind the triggers!
And the book didn't disappoint. So...let's have a Q&A.
Q: Ok. What tropes should I expect in this book?
A: Fake Relationship, Power exchange, Very light BDSM,
Q: Sounds delicious! What about the characters?
A: We have Ned, the vocalist for an up and coming band, who is content with being semi-famous bartends on the side. He's got some secrets that he keeps close to his heart and never expected Toni to be the one who makes him share them.
Toni, the twinky web designer, is all kinds of prickly and unavailable. That is... until he sets his eyes on Ned. He has some secrets of his own too, and so many walls erected for safety. Ned though, is convinced that he can break these walls down.
Q: These characters both seem deep! What about the plot?
A: It's all about the fake relationship that turns into a real one with neither of them the wiser. Although both of them kind of fight it a bit, it doesn't turn into a "thing" and succumb easily for which I was grateful.
Q: Angst-o-meter?
A: Minimal angst between the MCs, some angst from outside sources but nothing overwhelming.
Q: Steam-o-meter?
A: Steamy with a bit of lite D/s play.
Q: HEA?
A: Yes! It's sweet and lovely too.
Mind the triggers!
Read
January 25, 2022DNF at 43% - don’t feel anything for the characters
January 25, 2022
4.5 stars - I'm glad poor Toni got his own chance at love. I was so mad on his behalf while reading The Experiment. There's only one thing worse than seeing an innocent person getting their feelings hurt and that's watching them pretend like their feelings aren't hurt and that was 100% Toni in the first scene of that book. I liked that it was addressed in this book and that it wasn't brushed under the table as okay, because it really, really wasn't.
Ned and Toni had a subversive dynamic that I liked a lot. I haven't read a ton of books centered around D/s couples because I have at times felt like they lack the emotion I look for in romance novels, but I thought it was done well in this book. There was possessiveness and acquiescence, but also so much adoration, care and appreciation. I didn't feel like there was a power imbalance, even when Toni's nails came out (quite literally).
I have to applaud this author for letting Ned and Toni have arguments and problems without the whole extended break up, grand gesture crap we're all so tired of. Sometimes people just need to have a go at each other and then kiss and make up. It doesn't always have to be Over just so it can be Not Over again later. We've been there, done that and have started giving the t-shirts away to charity.
I'm not sure if there are plans to continue this series, but the possibility was definitely there with the unexplained tension between Johnny and Calum. I'm kind of over the whole rock star romance plot, but I'd be willing to make an exception to find out what was going on between them.
Ned and Toni had a subversive dynamic that I liked a lot. I haven't read a ton of books centered around D/s couples because I have at times felt like they lack the emotion I look for in romance novels, but I thought it was done well in this book. There was possessiveness and acquiescence, but also so much adoration, care and appreciation. I didn't feel like there was a power imbalance, even when Toni's nails came out (quite literally).
I have to applaud this author for letting Ned and Toni have arguments and problems without the whole extended break up, grand gesture crap we're all so tired of. Sometimes people just need to have a go at each other and then kiss and make up. It doesn't always have to be Over just so it can be Not Over again later. We've been there, done that and have started giving the t-shirts away to charity.
I'm not sure if there are plans to continue this series, but the possibility was definitely there with the unexplained tension between Johnny and Calum. I'm kind of over the whole rock star romance plot, but I'd be willing to make an exception to find out what was going on between them.
February 11, 2022
Fake boyfriends and rockstar romance? Count me in!
I loved the first book in the series and was really excited to read this book too. The author's writing style is super easy and the story just flows.
Liked reading it but wasn't perfectly to my expectations. It's an easy romance with some hot scenes, a little drama at the end, but HEA nontheless.
Ps. I like the cover's colors but not the model on it. IDK, but this model is overused IMO and I find myself skipping books because of it... (and he doesn't fit for the MC of this book in my head either)
I loved the first book in the series and was really excited to read this book too. The author's writing style is super easy and the story just flows.
Liked reading it but wasn't perfectly to my expectations. It's an easy romance with some hot scenes, a little drama at the end, but HEA nontheless.
Ps. I like the cover's colors but not the model on it. IDK, but this model is overused IMO and I find myself skipping books because of it... (and he doesn't fit for the MC of this book in my head either)
May 20, 2022
This book took a little while for me to become invested and wasn't sure on the characters at first. I fell in love with them along the way though, as reveals more of their stories and who they're in such a beautiful and heartbreaking way.
I adored the banter between Toni & Ned, the fake dating was wonderful and how they decided to make it real while they were together. The attraction between them and how they compliment each other, the d/s aspect is handled really well.
These two have many intense discussions, as they discover each others secrets and learn to open up to each other. Both keep parts of themselves hidden out of fear and its wonderful to see them learn together.
I wasn't sure in some points, mixed messages with how things would go especially in regards to Ned and his relationship with music. How it could consume him and I don't feel like any of the cast ever seemed to understand that, even Toni.
While a large part definitely comes down to Zac and his harmful impact on Ned, as Ned mentions on a number of occasions he fell too far and in too deep with it. So I didn't really understand his change of heart in the end, other then because the others felt he should and kept telling him too.
Still I did enjoy the setting with the concerts and parties, falling in love along the way and they just perfectly balanced. Brought out the best in each other and allowed them to show the parts of themselves they'd been afraid to share.
I loved all of the artwork and music impact in this story, how both were an outlet for these two. The way they're able to share these with those they care about and find a future together, true to themselves.
Overall an entertaining read, following some serious themes and a beautiful romance. With plenty of humor and hurt/comfort from start to finish. A happy ending for Toni & Ned 💕
I adored the banter between Toni & Ned, the fake dating was wonderful and how they decided to make it real while they were together. The attraction between them and how they compliment each other, the d/s aspect is handled really well.
These two have many intense discussions, as they discover each others secrets and learn to open up to each other. Both keep parts of themselves hidden out of fear and its wonderful to see them learn together.
I wasn't sure in some points, mixed messages with how things would go especially in regards to Ned and his relationship with music. How it could consume him and I don't feel like any of the cast ever seemed to understand that, even Toni.
While a large part definitely comes down to Zac and his harmful impact on Ned, as Ned mentions on a number of occasions he fell too far and in too deep with it. So I didn't really understand his change of heart in the end, other then because the others felt he should and kept telling him too.
Still I did enjoy the setting with the concerts and parties, falling in love along the way and they just perfectly balanced. Brought out the best in each other and allowed them to show the parts of themselves they'd been afraid to share.
I loved all of the artwork and music impact in this story, how both were an outlet for these two. The way they're able to share these with those they care about and find a future together, true to themselves.
Overall an entertaining read, following some serious themes and a beautiful romance. With plenty of humor and hurt/comfort from start to finish. A happy ending for Toni & Ned 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2022
I love a good fake dating book so I thought I would give this book a read. I haven't read the first book in the series but it has been in my TBR for ages so I think I will finally be reading it. I don’t mind a little kink in my books so I was glad that it was only light in this one. It can sometimes get too much so I was glad it didn’t overshadow the book. Toni and Ned work together really well and especially in the bedroom. They both have walls up due to past hurts for them both. They have both had bad past relationships so fake dating works in both of their favours. They both get something out of it they need and also end up getting more out of it than they thought they would. As you can guess, fake dating starts to feel more real as time goes on. They work well as a couple and help each other to overcome the Demons of their past. They both deserve to be happy and I’m glad that they find that in each other. Sometimes it takes someone who has been through a dark time too to overcome your own!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
February 5, 2022
I’ve read this author before. This was a MM romance story with Toni with an i and Ned as the main characters. What starts out as a mutual deal for fake boyfriends turns into love. There is someone for everyone and that person is hard to find. Great secondary characters with great stories too. Nice to read about Australia too. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
January 25, 2022
A really engaging story with a number of unexpected twists and turns, two MCs with a lot of damage from their pasts, and a reverse slow-burn romance that will give you all the feels.
You dive right into the story from page 1. There is no unnecessary build up, or extra scenes – you learn about the characters as they learn about each other. And they are deep characters. Each has suffered because of their pasts – one due to some good advice gone wrong, the other to losing himself in a world he wasn’t prepared for. Neither are ready for what they’re about to jump into, but they make it work and, eventually, make it a reality.
Really enjoyed the story, especially because it was an easy read without a lot of unnecessary angst, caused by stupid actions.
You dive right into the story from page 1. There is no unnecessary build up, or extra scenes – you learn about the characters as they learn about each other. And they are deep characters. Each has suffered because of their pasts – one due to some good advice gone wrong, the other to losing himself in a world he wasn’t prepared for. Neither are ready for what they’re about to jump into, but they make it work and, eventually, make it a reality.
Really enjoyed the story, especially because it was an easy read without a lot of unnecessary angst, caused by stupid actions.
January 24, 2022
Toni Fairweather is a lying liar who lies. That’s the premise of Rebecca Raine’s latest M/M romance, Bona Fide Fake, the second book in Ms. Raine’s Experimental Love series. It’s an intriguing, absorbing read, written in Ms. Raine’s usual top-notch prose.
Bona Fide Fake is not just another fake boyfriend trope story. Ms. Raine tackles the complicated question of “What is real?” The oxymoronic title befits the love story of Toni Fairweather and Ned Corbyn because both men are real fakers and fake being real. It’s a head-spinning contradiction that somehow makes perfect sense in Ms. Raine’s skilled hands.
We first meet both Toni and Ned, albeit briefly, in The Experiment. Toni is enlisted to kiss one of the MCs, Patrick, after he loses a bet to his BFF Logan (the other MC). Toni recounts that scene in Bona Fide Fake, so no worries if you haven’t read The Experiment first. (NB: I highly recommend you give The Experiment a read, though; it’s fantastic.) Ned is an up-and-coming rock star, lead singer of the band Fifth Circle, and one of Logan’s closest friends. In The Experiment, Logan scores free tickets from Ned to one of Fifth Circle’s concerts for his first date with Patrick. It gives us a glimpse of Ned in his rock star persona.
When Bona Fide Fake opens, Toni and Ned cross paths for the first time, and the encounter leaves them simultaneously fascinated and irritated by each other. Nevertheless, they both need something that only the other can provide. So despite their instant attraction warring with disdain, they agree to be fake boyfriends for a month. But then also agree they have to be real boyfriends for the duration of their fake relationship.
Throughout the story, Ms. Raine continually juxtaposes fake with real and lies with truth in different contexts and on multiple levels, provoking us to consider whether a person can be both simultaneously. Ms. Raine provides an answer: Yes, because what’s real and true is a matter of perspective, and the perspective that counts is your own.
Only you know your true self, and only you can decide how much of that you are willing to show everyone else. Some people only offer their “true” selves to those they trust, and others are comfortable letting it all hang out.
“I’m human, and every human is real. Even the ‘fakers’ – like me.
We’re just not always brave enough to show it.”
Toni and Ned take this to the extreme, keeping their “real” selves locked up tight, so all anyone sees is a facade. They have reasons … and Ms. Raine provides the subtext for us to understand them. Toni and Ned believe they are either too much or, conversely, not enough. Either way, artifice and pretense protect them.
Toni was bullied, belittled, and berated for his sexuality. His “origin” story, as he’s dubbed it, came when his older brother swooped in to rescue him from high school bullies and counseled that Toni had to go all-in with who he is. So Toni took all the “fabulous” parts of his personality and put them front and center, burying everything else … the uglier moods, the imperfect parts, his authentic self. He embraced being too much to hide (his belief) that he’s not enough.
Conversely, Ned embraced being “not enough” in response to having been “too much”. In his single-minded obsession to become a rock star, he left himself vulnerable and fell into the wrong hands. Ned’s ex-boyfriend, Zac, a highly successful manager for music stars, brainwashed Ned into believing that he couldn’t cut it as a musician. He told him he was worthless for anything but what Zac needed him for. And Ned believed it. Now he doesn’t trust anyone with his true persona – his exuberance, passion, and joy for music – even himself. So he lives as a shell of a person.
Bona Fide Fake is, at times, more thought-provoking than thrilling, but it has Ms. Raine’s usual depth and emotional complexity, which keeps you fully invested. I particularly liked how she expertly created a trajectory for our feelings towards Toni and Ned that mirror Toni and Ned’s feelings for each other. In the early parts of the book, it’s challenging for us to connect with Toni and Ned because they don’t connect well with each other; they don’t want to let anyone in. But as the book progresses, Ms. Raine’s slow, careful development of trust between these men allows them to open up to each other. Their connection strengthens and grows as they do, and so does the reader’s connection with them.
Ms. Raine consistently demonstrates a unique focus within her stories. She knows where she wants to end up, and she knows how she wants to get there. She then leaves a figurative trail of breadcrumbs for her readers to follow. And we do because we’re compelled to by her carefully constructed storylines and her expertly crafted narrative. Then, at the end, we realize that Ms. Raine has remarkably spun out a story that, in retrospect, is much more than the sum of its parts.
Ms. Raine delivers excellent HEAs and Bona Fide Fake is no exception in that department. But the journey is not light-hearted and fluffy. She addresses some heavy subjects and potentially triggering content, particularly in Ned’s relationship with his ex in the form of verbal and emotional abuse, dub-con, stalkerish behavior, and an attempted forced sexual encounter. It’s not pretty stuff, but it’s not gratuitous either. It serves a purpose, as does the dom/sub aspect of Ned’s relationship with Toni, which is integral to our understanding of their characters.
That being said, Bona Fide Fake does contain pretty, romantic, sweet stuff. Plenty of it. There’s also plenty of steam, crisp dialogue, wit, and humor. It’s all packaged within a storyline that’s seamlessly constructed and highly absorbing. I highly recommend this uniquely complex, “contradictory” romance. Bona Fide Fake is the real deal.
Bona Fide Fake is not just another fake boyfriend trope story. Ms. Raine tackles the complicated question of “What is real?” The oxymoronic title befits the love story of Toni Fairweather and Ned Corbyn because both men are real fakers and fake being real. It’s a head-spinning contradiction that somehow makes perfect sense in Ms. Raine’s skilled hands.
We first meet both Toni and Ned, albeit briefly, in The Experiment. Toni is enlisted to kiss one of the MCs, Patrick, after he loses a bet to his BFF Logan (the other MC). Toni recounts that scene in Bona Fide Fake, so no worries if you haven’t read The Experiment first. (NB: I highly recommend you give The Experiment a read, though; it’s fantastic.) Ned is an up-and-coming rock star, lead singer of the band Fifth Circle, and one of Logan’s closest friends. In The Experiment, Logan scores free tickets from Ned to one of Fifth Circle’s concerts for his first date with Patrick. It gives us a glimpse of Ned in his rock star persona.
When Bona Fide Fake opens, Toni and Ned cross paths for the first time, and the encounter leaves them simultaneously fascinated and irritated by each other. Nevertheless, they both need something that only the other can provide. So despite their instant attraction warring with disdain, they agree to be fake boyfriends for a month. But then also agree they have to be real boyfriends for the duration of their fake relationship.
Throughout the story, Ms. Raine continually juxtaposes fake with real and lies with truth in different contexts and on multiple levels, provoking us to consider whether a person can be both simultaneously. Ms. Raine provides an answer: Yes, because what’s real and true is a matter of perspective, and the perspective that counts is your own.
Only you know your true self, and only you can decide how much of that you are willing to show everyone else. Some people only offer their “true” selves to those they trust, and others are comfortable letting it all hang out.
“I’m human, and every human is real. Even the ‘fakers’ – like me.
We’re just not always brave enough to show it.”
Toni and Ned take this to the extreme, keeping their “real” selves locked up tight, so all anyone sees is a facade. They have reasons … and Ms. Raine provides the subtext for us to understand them. Toni and Ned believe they are either too much or, conversely, not enough. Either way, artifice and pretense protect them.
Toni was bullied, belittled, and berated for his sexuality. His “origin” story, as he’s dubbed it, came when his older brother swooped in to rescue him from high school bullies and counseled that Toni had to go all-in with who he is. So Toni took all the “fabulous” parts of his personality and put them front and center, burying everything else … the uglier moods, the imperfect parts, his authentic self. He embraced being too much to hide (his belief) that he’s not enough.
Conversely, Ned embraced being “not enough” in response to having been “too much”. In his single-minded obsession to become a rock star, he left himself vulnerable and fell into the wrong hands. Ned’s ex-boyfriend, Zac, a highly successful manager for music stars, brainwashed Ned into believing that he couldn’t cut it as a musician. He told him he was worthless for anything but what Zac needed him for. And Ned believed it. Now he doesn’t trust anyone with his true persona – his exuberance, passion, and joy for music – even himself. So he lives as a shell of a person.
Bona Fide Fake is, at times, more thought-provoking than thrilling, but it has Ms. Raine’s usual depth and emotional complexity, which keeps you fully invested. I particularly liked how she expertly created a trajectory for our feelings towards Toni and Ned that mirror Toni and Ned’s feelings for each other. In the early parts of the book, it’s challenging for us to connect with Toni and Ned because they don’t connect well with each other; they don’t want to let anyone in. But as the book progresses, Ms. Raine’s slow, careful development of trust between these men allows them to open up to each other. Their connection strengthens and grows as they do, and so does the reader’s connection with them.
Ms. Raine consistently demonstrates a unique focus within her stories. She knows where she wants to end up, and she knows how she wants to get there. She then leaves a figurative trail of breadcrumbs for her readers to follow. And we do because we’re compelled to by her carefully constructed storylines and her expertly crafted narrative. Then, at the end, we realize that Ms. Raine has remarkably spun out a story that, in retrospect, is much more than the sum of its parts.
Ms. Raine delivers excellent HEAs and Bona Fide Fake is no exception in that department. But the journey is not light-hearted and fluffy. She addresses some heavy subjects and potentially triggering content, particularly in Ned’s relationship with his ex in the form of verbal and emotional abuse, dub-con, stalkerish behavior, and an attempted forced sexual encounter. It’s not pretty stuff, but it’s not gratuitous either. It serves a purpose, as does the dom/sub aspect of Ned’s relationship with Toni, which is integral to our understanding of their characters.
That being said, Bona Fide Fake does contain pretty, romantic, sweet stuff. Plenty of it. There’s also plenty of steam, crisp dialogue, wit, and humor. It’s all packaged within a storyline that’s seamlessly constructed and highly absorbing. I highly recommend this uniquely complex, “contradictory” romance. Bona Fide Fake is the real deal.
February 3, 2022
4 Stars 🌟
I Love me a good fake boyfriend story and this one did not disappoint ❤️ Ned and Toni were perfect together. This book had so much to love and nothing to hate....I was sexy, it was sweet, it had light kink, it had sass and snark, it had passion, angst and it had love!!! All in all this was a feel good book, one that makes you warm and fuzzy after finishing. I would defiantly recommend this one.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
I Love me a good fake boyfriend story and this one did not disappoint ❤️ Ned and Toni were perfect together. This book had so much to love and nothing to hate....I was sexy, it was sweet, it had light kink, it had sass and snark, it had passion, angst and it had love!!! All in all this was a feel good book, one that makes you warm and fuzzy after finishing. I would defiantly recommend this one.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
January 24, 2022
Great story!
I loved this! Bona Fide Fake is the second book in the Experimental Love series but you can definitely read it as a standalone. The two MCs from book one are mentioned a few times but you won’t be missing anything essential (other than another great book) if you start with this one.
Fake boyfriends is a popular romance trope but this story felt fresh and a bit different to me. Ned has wanted to be a rock star since he first picked up a guitar but a horrible experience with a would-be manager completely ruined that dream for him and now he only wants to perform for small-ish groups.
Toni is fabulous and he hides behind that fabulous persona; he doesn’t even let family and close friends see the real him behind his mask. When Ned and Toni agree to a mutually beneficial fake relationship neither of them could have guessed how things would turn out.
I loved both of these flawed characters so much. My heart hurt for Ned and the things he went through before retuning back home to hide. Toni is the perfect fit for Ned but it takes both of them a while to realize how good they are for each other and that their fake relationship really isn’t so fake any longer.
I loved the pacing of this story and the writing kept me completely engrossed. All of my emotions got involved and I shed a couple of tears (which means I loved it).
This is only the third book I’ve read by Rebecca Raine but all of them have been 5-stars for me. I will definitely read more books from her and I hope I’ll soon get a chance to catch up and read more from her backlist.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
I loved this! Bona Fide Fake is the second book in the Experimental Love series but you can definitely read it as a standalone. The two MCs from book one are mentioned a few times but you won’t be missing anything essential (other than another great book) if you start with this one.
Fake boyfriends is a popular romance trope but this story felt fresh and a bit different to me. Ned has wanted to be a rock star since he first picked up a guitar but a horrible experience with a would-be manager completely ruined that dream for him and now he only wants to perform for small-ish groups.
Toni is fabulous and he hides behind that fabulous persona; he doesn’t even let family and close friends see the real him behind his mask. When Ned and Toni agree to a mutually beneficial fake relationship neither of them could have guessed how things would turn out.
I loved both of these flawed characters so much. My heart hurt for Ned and the things he went through before retuning back home to hide. Toni is the perfect fit for Ned but it takes both of them a while to realize how good they are for each other and that their fake relationship really isn’t so fake any longer.
I loved the pacing of this story and the writing kept me completely engrossed. All of my emotions got involved and I shed a couple of tears (which means I loved it).
This is only the third book I’ve read by Rebecca Raine but all of them have been 5-stars for me. I will definitely read more books from her and I hope I’ll soon get a chance to catch up and read more from her backlist.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
February 20, 2022
I have been anxiously waiting for Toni's story since we first met him in The Experiment, and his story was so much more than I could have hoped for.
I felt so much for Toni, the way he hides parts of himself, always trying to be who he thinks people want him to be. He is such a complex character with a lot of heart behind the fabulousness. I always love reading characters that don't take the role you might expect of them, and Toni defies every expectation in all the best ways.
Ned was the perfect partner for Toni. Things may have started off strangely between then, but the heat between them was amazing. And Ned saw through Toni's masks, and was patient with him and encouraged him. Toni gave Ned something he needed and helped him overcome the hurts of his past.
I love every single thing about this book. These two are so special, and it was so fun to see Logan and Patrick from the Experiment, and Dante from Finding Grey- really cool to see all those characters make appearances.
Toni and Ned left an impression and I can see them staying with me for a long time. Thank you Rebecca for the beautiful characters that you write and the way they connect and support each other, plus plenty of sexy fun times too.
I felt so much for Toni, the way he hides parts of himself, always trying to be who he thinks people want him to be. He is such a complex character with a lot of heart behind the fabulousness. I always love reading characters that don't take the role you might expect of them, and Toni defies every expectation in all the best ways.
Ned was the perfect partner for Toni. Things may have started off strangely between then, but the heat between them was amazing. And Ned saw through Toni's masks, and was patient with him and encouraged him. Toni gave Ned something he needed and helped him overcome the hurts of his past.
I love every single thing about this book. These two are so special, and it was so fun to see Logan and Patrick from the Experiment, and Dante from Finding Grey- really cool to see all those characters make appearances.
Toni and Ned left an impression and I can see them staying with me for a long time. Thank you Rebecca for the beautiful characters that you write and the way they connect and support each other, plus plenty of sexy fun times too.
July 6, 2023
This was a decent read, definitely more a character-driven story than plotty. We have Ned, an up-and-coming musician with some baggage related to an exploitative ex, and Toni, a razor-sharp graphic designer with a big personality. They end up agreeing to fake-date each other for various reasons but agree that they will make their fake relationship as real as possible for its duration. They like each other, they clearly have chemistry and are sexually very compatible, so this is where they lose me. It just seems pretty absurd to not just date date. But what kind of book would that be? Their dynamic was interesting though, with Ned, the bigger and more masculine of the two, being an absolutely subby bottom. While Toni, slight and twinky, was very much a top. That was pretty hot, but I feel not really explored well. There were aspects of both of their personalities that I enjoyed, but they also made some really stupid decisions and the push-pull felt contrived after a while. So, yeah, an entertaining read, but it's not gonna make my top 10.
January 25, 2022
This turned out to be so much more complicated and messy than I expected. Ned and Toni didn't particularly like each other when they first met, so the book started with a fun enemies vibe. Then these two men began their fake-but-not-really relationship and I was sucked into a whirlwind of emotions. Both Ned and Toni had so many intricate layers, so much hidden behind the personas they showed to the world. Outwardly strong and confident, yet eaten up by low self-confidence and insecurities.
And the beauty of this story was seeing Ned and Toni allowing themselves to show their weaknesses, doubts and struggles, and their hidden needs to one one another. By not being rejected or ridiculed, and instead finding support, understanding and appreciation... by seeing themselves as worthy in the eyes of the other, both started to fully accept and love their true, flawed selves.
I was surprised, charmed and awestruck by each new shade of their personalities they showed me. And they definitely amazed me when, despite their fears, they chose to completely open up to each other. Two imperfect men who were perfect for one another, with desires and needs that matched and an emotional connection that grew to be strong and lasting.
This was such a riveting and fulfilling story. Lots of soul-searching and angst, perfectly balanced by humor and lightness. I loved it!
And the beauty of this story was seeing Ned and Toni allowing themselves to show their weaknesses, doubts and struggles, and their hidden needs to one one another. By not being rejected or ridiculed, and instead finding support, understanding and appreciation... by seeing themselves as worthy in the eyes of the other, both started to fully accept and love their true, flawed selves.
I was surprised, charmed and awestruck by each new shade of their personalities they showed me. And they definitely amazed me when, despite their fears, they chose to completely open up to each other. Two imperfect men who were perfect for one another, with desires and needs that matched and an emotional connection that grew to be strong and lasting.
This was such a riveting and fulfilling story. Lots of soul-searching and angst, perfectly balanced by humor and lightness. I loved it!
January 17, 2022
Ned and Toni! Well, if ever two guys would not seem like a match, it should have been these two! This book is a fun and snarky relationship building! Ned is a bit of a moody Rock Star not really looking for more than what he currently has. He is not chasing fame; he claims he is content. Toni is a fabulous blond who accidentally tells everyone he is dating Rock Star Ned. This leads these two to have a bit of an arrangement and the longer it goes on the Hotter It gets! And I mean Steamy Hot!! But also, it is beautiful to see how these two bring out the best in each other! I received an ARC of this book and recommend if you are looking for some really feel-good fun in your romance!
March 24, 2022
I'll be honest, I picked this book just because of the cover. The summary didn't appeal to me at all and frankly, I hate the title. And on top of that, I almost DNFed the book after one chapter, Toni's persona was too much for me and not in a positive way.
That being said, I freaking LOVED this book. The characters (yes, even Toni, his arrogant fake-ness in the first chapter was a deliberate choice by the author) were compelling, their relationships (not just with each other, but especially with those around them—their friends, their family) developed so naturally, and I loved that the main relationship was not an end goal, more like a catalyst.
Now I want this in paper >.>
That being said, I freaking LOVED this book. The characters (yes, even Toni, his arrogant fake-ness in the first chapter was a deliberate choice by the author) were compelling, their relationships (not just with each other, but especially with those around them—their friends, their family) developed so naturally, and I loved that the main relationship was not an end goal, more like a catalyst.
Now I want this in paper >.>
April 6, 2022
It started off promising, but I lost interest halfway through.
February 17, 2022
Nothing fake here
Rebecca Raine does an amazing job with this multifaceted story of two people who find their truth and end up falling in love. The hot, steamy sex is only an added bonus to this wonderful story.
Rebecca Raine does an amazing job with this multifaceted story of two people who find their truth and end up falling in love. The hot, steamy sex is only an added bonus to this wonderful story.
February 6, 2022
4 “I give you my life, Toni Fairweather. And I accept yours in return.” stars
“I enjoy being possessed by you.” […] “The way you look at me in public, the way you treat me in private. As though I’m everything you’ve ever wanted and all you need me to be is yours. That’s real.”
Fake dating, a lot of steamy scenes a dom/sub relationship? Yes please sign me up, that sounds like everything I want in a book.
Brief summary
Toni and Ned have talked a couple of times and they are attracted to each other. Toni accidently tells his friends that he’s dating Ned so they need to fake that they are dating because of that. After that, Ned needs a date for a music festival that his ex will be at and he doesn’t want to go alone. Thats why he asks Toni to be his date for the event. So they are both using each other as fake boyfriends for different purposes and they agree to make their relationship seem real, so they start having sex with each other and they end up falling in love.
First, I just loved the premise of this. I really like fake dating in books but their mutual fake dating really worked for me. And I liked how they both knew the terms and that they were both into the idea and that they both had the idea, it felt like a dealt that worked for both of them and I really enjoyed that.
Second, Toni was sad at the start of the book because he was alone and lonely and he wanted to find his special someone. Toni broke my heart with how much he just wanted to have someone that would love him for who he is, he was so lonely and thought he would never found someone and I couldn’t help but feel for him.
Third, Toni and Ned have a light dom/sub relationship going on and I absolutely loved the power exchange in this book. And I love when the dom/sub roles are what you would typically see, in this case Toni, which is a flamboyant twink being the dom and Ned, the more dominating rock star being the sub. I really loved the relationship they had, it worked so well for me. I liked how they both seemed so happy with their role in the relationship and how it worked so well for them. The power exchange was done perfectly for me and I absolutely adored it.
Also, the sex scenes in this book was absolutely glorious and I adored them, they were just so good and so damn hot.
Also I was a big fan of the relationship progression in this book, everything about it was just wonderful to me.
Fifth, I was such a fan of how well these two communicated and how they didn’t break up with each other each time they had a small dissagrement. I liked how they talked about everything and how they found solutions, together.
Sixth, there was so much posessiveness in this book and I adored reading every seconds of it. It was just the best and something I love reading about.
Seventh, I loved how much of a focus was put on the fact that you need to open up and let your partner see everything about you in order to be able to have a long lasting relationship. I loved seeing Toni and Ned shed away their protective layers and let each other in, it was such a thing of beauty to see.
Eight, while I understand why it was there and it made sense in the story, I just don’t prefer reading about exes in books and there was a lot of talk about exes in this one, which pulled me out of the story a little, but never enough for me to not keep really enjoying reading the book.
I had such a good time reading this book and I really enjoyed the reading experience.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
“I enjoy being possessed by you.” […] “The way you look at me in public, the way you treat me in private. As though I’m everything you’ve ever wanted and all you need me to be is yours. That’s real.”
Fake dating, a lot of steamy scenes a dom/sub relationship? Yes please sign me up, that sounds like everything I want in a book.
Brief summary
Toni and Ned have talked a couple of times and they are attracted to each other. Toni accidently tells his friends that he’s dating Ned so they need to fake that they are dating because of that. After that, Ned needs a date for a music festival that his ex will be at and he doesn’t want to go alone. Thats why he asks Toni to be his date for the event. So they are both using each other as fake boyfriends for different purposes and they agree to make their relationship seem real, so they start having sex with each other and they end up falling in love.
First, I just loved the premise of this. I really like fake dating in books but their mutual fake dating really worked for me. And I liked how they both knew the terms and that they were both into the idea and that they both had the idea, it felt like a dealt that worked for both of them and I really enjoyed that.
Second, Toni was sad at the start of the book because he was alone and lonely and he wanted to find his special someone. Toni broke my heart with how much he just wanted to have someone that would love him for who he is, he was so lonely and thought he would never found someone and I couldn’t help but feel for him.
Third, Toni and Ned have a light dom/sub relationship going on and I absolutely loved the power exchange in this book. And I love when the dom/sub roles are what you would typically see, in this case Toni, which is a flamboyant twink being the dom and Ned, the more dominating rock star being the sub. I really loved the relationship they had, it worked so well for me. I liked how they both seemed so happy with their role in the relationship and how it worked so well for them. The power exchange was done perfectly for me and I absolutely adored it.
Also, the sex scenes in this book was absolutely glorious and I adored them, they were just so good and so damn hot.
Also I was a big fan of the relationship progression in this book, everything about it was just wonderful to me.
Fifth, I was such a fan of how well these two communicated and how they didn’t break up with each other each time they had a small dissagrement. I liked how they talked about everything and how they found solutions, together.
Sixth, there was so much posessiveness in this book and I adored reading every seconds of it. It was just the best and something I love reading about.
Seventh, I loved how much of a focus was put on the fact that you need to open up and let your partner see everything about you in order to be able to have a long lasting relationship. I loved seeing Toni and Ned shed away their protective layers and let each other in, it was such a thing of beauty to see.
Eight, while I understand why it was there and it made sense in the story, I just don’t prefer reading about exes in books and there was a lot of talk about exes in this one, which pulled me out of the story a little, but never enough for me to not keep really enjoying reading the book.
I had such a good time reading this book and I really enjoyed the reading experience.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
January 31, 2022
Two characters. A fake Relationship. A music festival. But fake Relationship with a real chemistry? This book had a lot of things I love in a book, and it definitely did not disappoint me.
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My Rating : 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
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The book follows our main characters : Ned and Toni who has to Fake date but be in a real relationship for a month. Their meet scene was something I still laugh about, and I really liked their power dynamic change throughout the book. Ned's past and his emotional trauma along with Toni's reluctance to admitting his real feelings makes for a unique personality combination. I loved reading about the power surrender and their 'hate' for each other at the start. And OMG they had explosive chemistry and I absolutely loved their scenes together.
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As for the story and character development, I really liked both the main characters in the book. Nick overcoming his emotional fear of his ex, and Toni accepting feelings.The first half of the book might feel a bit dry and slow paced, but the second half was much more engaging and talked a lot about the characters and their issues. The fact that the characters had arguments and talked about their issues instead of just fighting was good move. And I really really want to know what happened between Johnny and Calum cause something definitely happened and I wanna know. Overall a really wholesome book with a little bit of everything!
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Thank you GayRomanceReviews for the gifted arc!
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Book 19 - January 2022 / Arc / GRR
Tags : MM Contemporary Romance, Fake Relationship, Mild D/S Relationship, Power Exchange, Rock Star Romance
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My Rating : 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
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The book follows our main characters : Ned and Toni who has to Fake date but be in a real relationship for a month. Their meet scene was something I still laugh about, and I really liked their power dynamic change throughout the book. Ned's past and his emotional trauma along with Toni's reluctance to admitting his real feelings makes for a unique personality combination. I loved reading about the power surrender and their 'hate' for each other at the start. And OMG they had explosive chemistry and I absolutely loved their scenes together.
.
As for the story and character development, I really liked both the main characters in the book. Nick overcoming his emotional fear of his ex, and Toni accepting feelings.The first half of the book might feel a bit dry and slow paced, but the second half was much more engaging and talked a lot about the characters and their issues. The fact that the characters had arguments and talked about their issues instead of just fighting was good move. And I really really want to know what happened between Johnny and Calum cause something definitely happened and I wanna know. Overall a really wholesome book with a little bit of everything!
.
Thank you GayRomanceReviews for the gifted arc!
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Book 19 - January 2022 / Arc / GRR
Tags : MM Contemporary Romance, Fake Relationship, Mild D/S Relationship, Power Exchange, Rock Star Romance
January 26, 2022
Missing content warning: fairly long and detailed recounting of past abuse. This was well written for the most part, but the hurt/comfort storyline was resolved too easily. One of the MCs went through months of psychological abuse, and it was solved, with no therapy, by the other MC basically ordering him to let it go???
January 24, 2022
5 very real stars for this masterpiece!
I ADORE the fake relationship trope! It is the best mix of sweet falling in love and angst at making it true!
In Bona Fide Fake (great title by the way) Rebecca brought to us an exciting and unique twist on this trope! Toni any Ned's fake relationship was the realest kind of fake. A real relationship with a pinpointed end date skipping the getting-to-know-you part and jumping headfirst into boyfriend territory. Adding to the meaning of the title is the deceiving exterior both main characters put on to get through life. And let me tell you, there is nothing fake about my absolute love for this book!
Toni is fabulous. He's the friend that always has a smile for you, always gives the best pep talks and never lets you stay sad for long. He's also unreliable sometimes but lets noone see behind the smiles he perfected over the years.
Ned is a musician born to concur the rock industry. But he is broken. He fears exposure, fears fame and is satisfied with being a small club rockstar with his band. Or at least he represses his wild side that put him in a bad place before.
Their meetcute is rather intense then cute and both feel the instant attraction that neither is ready for. Toni is craving a real relationship, a man who will love him for who he is but at the same time he is terrified to show what's behind the fabulous smiles.
Ned hasn't felt safe with anyone to show his submissive nature for a long time. But the tiny, slight, gorgeous blond man has him ready to obey in an instant.
Both of them feared to give themselves as a whole. And I absolutely adored them blossoming in each other's care. Yes, there were a lot of angst and heartbreak, but sometimes tearing down the walls that keep you safe is painful!
I adored both characters and their seperate fears and concerns, I adored how they tried to show the other a way out, a way to be truly themselves. Rebecca does that so well, showing the healing process while making sure it's mostly the own work of the person rather than the credit of the other.
There were some intense emotional scenes, both in the bedroom where the dom/sub elements were suprisingly well balanced and real, and both out in the open where they worked to free each other from the prison they built for themselves.
The story was simple, but the emotional rollercoaster made it a journey worth taking! The characters and their development, their backstories, their real lives had me glued to my e-reader, the supporting characters were sweet, and real! I just couldn't put this book down!
I was already familiar with the author's style and was hesitant to get my heart broken again as she is so spectecularly capable of doing but she's also great at putting you back together after pulling you through the emotional wringer. So I didn't regret reading this book, I am rather grateful for being part of the team who got to see it in advance!
I recommend this book so much! It's the perfect amount of angst and happiness, great story and great emotions. If you love M/M romances with substance than this one's for you!
I ADORE the fake relationship trope! It is the best mix of sweet falling in love and angst at making it true!
In Bona Fide Fake (great title by the way) Rebecca brought to us an exciting and unique twist on this trope! Toni any Ned's fake relationship was the realest kind of fake. A real relationship with a pinpointed end date skipping the getting-to-know-you part and jumping headfirst into boyfriend territory. Adding to the meaning of the title is the deceiving exterior both main characters put on to get through life. And let me tell you, there is nothing fake about my absolute love for this book!
Toni is fabulous. He's the friend that always has a smile for you, always gives the best pep talks and never lets you stay sad for long. He's also unreliable sometimes but lets noone see behind the smiles he perfected over the years.
Ned is a musician born to concur the rock industry. But he is broken. He fears exposure, fears fame and is satisfied with being a small club rockstar with his band. Or at least he represses his wild side that put him in a bad place before.
Their meetcute is rather intense then cute and both feel the instant attraction that neither is ready for. Toni is craving a real relationship, a man who will love him for who he is but at the same time he is terrified to show what's behind the fabulous smiles.
Ned hasn't felt safe with anyone to show his submissive nature for a long time. But the tiny, slight, gorgeous blond man has him ready to obey in an instant.
Both of them feared to give themselves as a whole. And I absolutely adored them blossoming in each other's care. Yes, there were a lot of angst and heartbreak, but sometimes tearing down the walls that keep you safe is painful!
I adored both characters and their seperate fears and concerns, I adored how they tried to show the other a way out, a way to be truly themselves. Rebecca does that so well, showing the healing process while making sure it's mostly the own work of the person rather than the credit of the other.
There were some intense emotional scenes, both in the bedroom where the dom/sub elements were suprisingly well balanced and real, and both out in the open where they worked to free each other from the prison they built for themselves.
The story was simple, but the emotional rollercoaster made it a journey worth taking! The characters and their development, their backstories, their real lives had me glued to my e-reader, the supporting characters were sweet, and real! I just couldn't put this book down!
I was already familiar with the author's style and was hesitant to get my heart broken again as she is so spectecularly capable of doing but she's also great at putting you back together after pulling you through the emotional wringer. So I didn't regret reading this book, I am rather grateful for being part of the team who got to see it in advance!
I recommend this book so much! It's the perfect amount of angst and happiness, great story and great emotions. If you love M/M romances with substance than this one's for you!
January 26, 2022
What an emotional read
Firstly let me say I’ve got this book of gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I’ve Gotta say this book had me going through every emotion, from laughing out loud to screaming at the book and getting very strange looks from my husband. But some of the things that Ned and Toni with an I have gone through really change the person that they should be.
Ned is the lead singer of a band that plays in the local pubs and is getting a name for itself. He loves playing and singing but something happened in his past that made his outlook on being a big name change drastically . And that was one man that basically used and abused a young man who would do anything for his dream.
Then you’ve got Toni with an I who struggles showing people who he really is because of something that happened when he was younger. An offhand comment that changed who he was and how he coped with his frustrations and feelings and who he let people see. Because he was hiding behind a facade of being absolutely fabulous darling.
Ned met Toni when he helped with the graphic design on the bands website. And as a thank you he gave him tickets to one of the shows for him and two of his friends. But Toni struggles with his best friend and his fiance and tries to be something he’s not and ends up making out that him and Ned are in a relationship. But when they asked to meet him what will Ned do?? Ned knew he was attracted to Toni as soon as he saw him but he knew he was bad news for him but when Toni lets it slip that he needs him to pretend to be his boyfriend and he’ll do anything in return Ned is happy because he needs somebody to go with him to a festival. He needs a buffer because his ex is going to be there and Toni has just put himself forward for it.
But instead of being fake boyfriends they agree to being each other’s boyfriend for real but is it gonna end in tears????
There is so much to take on in this book and there were times I was nearly in tears. Tears out of anger and I will admit I once had to put the book down and walk away just to have a breather because it’s disgusting what one person can do, how much pain they can cause. But I got so lost in the story. I really liked Ned, Even with what he had been through to trust somebody again was just amazing to read. To show everything and not hide who he is, always talking about his feeling and his thoughts to Toni who was so strong for Ned. And it seemed that Toni was just the right person for him. Who would’ve thought that.
I have got to say this is the first book that I read from Rebecca Raine and I am so excited to read more books because this is one outstanding read.
Firstly let me say I’ve got this book of gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I’ve Gotta say this book had me going through every emotion, from laughing out loud to screaming at the book and getting very strange looks from my husband. But some of the things that Ned and Toni with an I have gone through really change the person that they should be.
Ned is the lead singer of a band that plays in the local pubs and is getting a name for itself. He loves playing and singing but something happened in his past that made his outlook on being a big name change drastically . And that was one man that basically used and abused a young man who would do anything for his dream.
Then you’ve got Toni with an I who struggles showing people who he really is because of something that happened when he was younger. An offhand comment that changed who he was and how he coped with his frustrations and feelings and who he let people see. Because he was hiding behind a facade of being absolutely fabulous darling.
Ned met Toni when he helped with the graphic design on the bands website. And as a thank you he gave him tickets to one of the shows for him and two of his friends. But Toni struggles with his best friend and his fiance and tries to be something he’s not and ends up making out that him and Ned are in a relationship. But when they asked to meet him what will Ned do?? Ned knew he was attracted to Toni as soon as he saw him but he knew he was bad news for him but when Toni lets it slip that he needs him to pretend to be his boyfriend and he’ll do anything in return Ned is happy because he needs somebody to go with him to a festival. He needs a buffer because his ex is going to be there and Toni has just put himself forward for it.
But instead of being fake boyfriends they agree to being each other’s boyfriend for real but is it gonna end in tears????
There is so much to take on in this book and there were times I was nearly in tears. Tears out of anger and I will admit I once had to put the book down and walk away just to have a breather because it’s disgusting what one person can do, how much pain they can cause. But I got so lost in the story. I really liked Ned, Even with what he had been through to trust somebody again was just amazing to read. To show everything and not hide who he is, always talking about his feeling and his thoughts to Toni who was so strong for Ned. And it seemed that Toni was just the right person for him. Who would’ve thought that.
I have got to say this is the first book that I read from Rebecca Raine and I am so excited to read more books because this is one outstanding read.
January 19, 2022
Fake dating is a trope that I find amusing 99% of the time. Watching two people turn something that is supposed to be fake into something real is always an entertaining venture. Rebecca Raine turned that trope on its head in Bonafide Fake, though, and made it even better.
How did she turn it on its head? Well, when we meet Toni and Ned, they don't get along all that well. Toni rubs Ned the wrong way, coming across as too fake. He also manages to have a commanding vibe that Ned responds to too well, which scares the crap out of Ned. However, when Toni's friends are giving him hell for the fact that he's not seeing anyone, he lies and claims that he's seeing Ned, the lead singer of a relatively well known local band. Ned plays along, with the expectation that Toni come with him to a weekend long music festival where his toxic ex will also be. Ned feels he needs protection, and as you learn what happened between him and Zac, he's not exactly wrong. Toni then requests that Ned go with him to his friends' engagement party in a month.
And for that month, they won't just fake date. They will date, even if its out of order.
The fact that they go in with the expectations that they both treat it as real is a great subversion of the trope and it works really well. But the knowledge of their expiration date and the fact that they are trying to keep their relationship visible prevents it from getting too deep - or at least from them realizing that it has.
I think my favorite thing about this book and what Rebecca Raine does with the story is that most of the issues that Toni and Ned face are external. As a duo, they are communicative and discuss problems as they arise. So instead, its problems with Toni's friends, Ned's band, and their own personal hurdles with trust that cause problems in the relationship. They aren't problems that last half a book that could be solved with a five minute conversation - and this is beautiful to me.
The book is told with a Dual POV, meaning that you get to learn a lot about each of the MCs and you really get to see how they react to one another. There is a decent level of angst for both of the MCs, but it doesn't make the story feel too angsty or weighty. In fact, a lot of the story is actually a pretty light read with a good level of heat. Rebecca Raine is a new to me author, but one I will be reading more of based solely on my enjoyment of this book.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR AND THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW. **
How did she turn it on its head? Well, when we meet Toni and Ned, they don't get along all that well. Toni rubs Ned the wrong way, coming across as too fake. He also manages to have a commanding vibe that Ned responds to too well, which scares the crap out of Ned. However, when Toni's friends are giving him hell for the fact that he's not seeing anyone, he lies and claims that he's seeing Ned, the lead singer of a relatively well known local band. Ned plays along, with the expectation that Toni come with him to a weekend long music festival where his toxic ex will also be. Ned feels he needs protection, and as you learn what happened between him and Zac, he's not exactly wrong. Toni then requests that Ned go with him to his friends' engagement party in a month.
And for that month, they won't just fake date. They will date, even if its out of order.
The fact that they go in with the expectations that they both treat it as real is a great subversion of the trope and it works really well. But the knowledge of their expiration date and the fact that they are trying to keep their relationship visible prevents it from getting too deep - or at least from them realizing that it has.
I think my favorite thing about this book and what Rebecca Raine does with the story is that most of the issues that Toni and Ned face are external. As a duo, they are communicative and discuss problems as they arise. So instead, its problems with Toni's friends, Ned's band, and their own personal hurdles with trust that cause problems in the relationship. They aren't problems that last half a book that could be solved with a five minute conversation - and this is beautiful to me.
The book is told with a Dual POV, meaning that you get to learn a lot about each of the MCs and you really get to see how they react to one another. There is a decent level of angst for both of the MCs, but it doesn't make the story feel too angsty or weighty. In fact, a lot of the story is actually a pretty light read with a good level of heat. Rebecca Raine is a new to me author, but one I will be reading more of based solely on my enjoyment of this book.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR AND THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW. **
January 24, 2022
I love the hurt/comfort trope, and Rebecca Raine does it so well.
In this book, both leads have painful episodes in their past that have caused them to put up walls to protect their hearts. Toni was bullied in school for being gay, so he built up a “fabulous” persona to own all those things that caused students to torment him. The problem is that at some point Toni stopped letting people even glimpse beneath that glittering surface, which has made it impossible for him to connect deeply with others. Ned, in contrast, was too open and giving with his ex-boyfriend, who cruelly took advantage Ned’s submissive nature. Now Ned is unwilling to expose his submissive side to anyone for fear that it might be used to manipulate him.
So, you’ve got two wounded people who need someone to encourage them to take down their defenses, and that’s exactly what happens after Toni and Ned become fake boyfriends. I really liked the way that they supported each other as they fell in love. Toni gives Ned a sense of safety that allows him to be submissive and helps him deal with the trauma caused by his ex. In turn, Ned helps Toni realize that he doesn’t have to be anything other than his true self for others to care for him. Feeling supported and loved allows each of them to change and grow as people, which is really what hurt/comfort romance is all about, in my opinion.
The one sticking point in the story for me involved Ned’s fears about the music industry. Since his ex was also his agent, Ned gave up his dreams of a career in music, because his desire for fame contributed to the toxic stew of their relationship. But once he accepts that his ex is mostly at fault for how events played out, I couldn’t quite understand why Ned would remain so adamantly opposed to trying again under completely different circumstances. Eventually he does change his mind, but it just seemed like it took him a little too long to get there.
The third book in the Experimental Love series will involve one of the other guys in Ned’s band. I can’t wait to read it, because I’m very curious about his story after the hints we get about him and his man in this one.
This review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy; all opinions are my own.
In this book, both leads have painful episodes in their past that have caused them to put up walls to protect their hearts. Toni was bullied in school for being gay, so he built up a “fabulous” persona to own all those things that caused students to torment him. The problem is that at some point Toni stopped letting people even glimpse beneath that glittering surface, which has made it impossible for him to connect deeply with others. Ned, in contrast, was too open and giving with his ex-boyfriend, who cruelly took advantage Ned’s submissive nature. Now Ned is unwilling to expose his submissive side to anyone for fear that it might be used to manipulate him.
So, you’ve got two wounded people who need someone to encourage them to take down their defenses, and that’s exactly what happens after Toni and Ned become fake boyfriends. I really liked the way that they supported each other as they fell in love. Toni gives Ned a sense of safety that allows him to be submissive and helps him deal with the trauma caused by his ex. In turn, Ned helps Toni realize that he doesn’t have to be anything other than his true self for others to care for him. Feeling supported and loved allows each of them to change and grow as people, which is really what hurt/comfort romance is all about, in my opinion.
The one sticking point in the story for me involved Ned’s fears about the music industry. Since his ex was also his agent, Ned gave up his dreams of a career in music, because his desire for fame contributed to the toxic stew of their relationship. But once he accepts that his ex is mostly at fault for how events played out, I couldn’t quite understand why Ned would remain so adamantly opposed to trying again under completely different circumstances. Eventually he does change his mind, but it just seemed like it took him a little too long to get there.
The third book in the Experimental Love series will involve one of the other guys in Ned’s band. I can’t wait to read it, because I’m very curious about his story after the hints we get about him and his man in this one.
This review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy; all opinions are my own.
January 19, 2022
4.5 stars ❤ I jumped at the chance of reading this book after loving book one, The Experiment.
Toni and Ned get their story.
Ned was the leader singer of Fifth Circle and wasn't looking forward to playing at a festival coming up.
Oh a great start as Ned comes face to face with Toni and yah they aren't exactly polite but full of themselves.
Toni was a graphic designer with Logan and kinda tells a porkie pie lie to Rodney to get in the good books.
I liked the dislike between the characters but there's also an attraction happening too. A fake - real arrangement to be boyfriends for about a month was the plan. yah we'll se how that turns out. Poor Toni I thought he need some lessons on how to be even a boyfriend after some of his ideas. Toni might be a twink but he "Controls" Ned just fine.
Scenes play out and Ned’s Ex comes into the scene and Toni steps up to play the dominant. I totally didn't like the Ex for wreaking Ned's conference in himself. I loved their bantering and teasing each other along the way. It not all smooth sailing for these guys as Ned’s belief the band were only good for playing in pubs which causes some arguments. This has time jumps included for days and weeks that are missed to speed the story along.
Written with both povs and the book is set in Brisbane, Australia.
#mmromance #dominant #sexyscenes #emotions #fakeboyfriend #dualpovs #HEA
Toni and Ned get their story.
Ned was the leader singer of Fifth Circle and wasn't looking forward to playing at a festival coming up.
Oh a great start as Ned comes face to face with Toni and yah they aren't exactly polite but full of themselves.
Toni was a graphic designer with Logan and kinda tells a porkie pie lie to Rodney to get in the good books.
I liked the dislike between the characters but there's also an attraction happening too. A fake - real arrangement to be boyfriends for about a month was the plan. yah we'll se how that turns out. Poor Toni I thought he need some lessons on how to be even a boyfriend after some of his ideas. Toni might be a twink but he "Controls" Ned just fine.
Scenes play out and Ned’s Ex comes into the scene and Toni steps up to play the dominant. I totally didn't like the Ex for wreaking Ned's conference in himself. I loved their bantering and teasing each other along the way. It not all smooth sailing for these guys as Ned’s belief the band were only good for playing in pubs which causes some arguments. This has time jumps included for days and weeks that are missed to speed the story along.
Written with both povs and the book is set in Brisbane, Australia.
#mmromance #dominant #sexyscenes #emotions #fakeboyfriend #dualpovs #HEA
January 25, 2022
Ned and Toni have a lot in common: they’re both artists whose art is a fundamental component of who they are– Ned’s music and Toni’s drawings allow each of them a way to connect with their feelings that’s real, powerful, and completely necessary. Both of them also have, when the story starts, a slightly unhealthy relationship with their art– Toni doesn’t let the world see anything but a bright, shiny facade, and hides anything that shows any of his rough edges or more human side. Ned’s previous experiences trying to live for music left him wounded enough that he rations his contact with performing and shies away from the limelight he craves. It’s not great for either of them, until, of course, they crash into each other. I liked how well this story melds some familiar tropes into what felt like a very fresh trajectory: there’s a touch of enemies to lovers (they’re attracted to each other but don’t exactly see the best in each other at first) a touch of fake relationship (only not really, but kinda…it’s complicated, and that’s totally on Toni. And Ned. But also Toni) and plenty of chemistry, both physical and emotional. I wouldn’t say this story is angst free, per se, but it does have exactly the happily ever after you’d want for these two, and it’s quite a rewarding experience watching them get there.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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